Love

Usually I am so behind on our blog that I miss blogging about little moments.  Not today.  The last week I have been filled with all sorts of crazy love for my family.  Do you ever have those moments where you absolutely adore the little ones, and not so little ones, that your live revolves around?  I do!

This week I have been in awe of how grown up and beautiful Reagan is.  How determined and smart she is.  This girl catches on to everything.  She loves to learn.  LOVES to learn.  She had a fit today because I wouldn't teach her times tables 5 minutes before bed.  She left a note to the tooth fairy this week that had Marcus and I laughing out loud.  Something along the lines of "Why do you only leave me one dollar?  I would like two dollars."  She told us all about it the next morning.   

I love how her idea of playing soccer is racing around the field dancing and posing the entire time.  I think the only part she really enjoys of soccer is cheering when her team scores or us cheering for her.  Needless to say, I think she is done with soccer.  

I love watching her perform - like on Sunday when she played the guitar and sang for Grandma and Grandpa Darrington and for Marlie and Amelia.  The joy on her face is priceless.  I must admit that the performing genes are foreign to me and one of my goals right now is to work hard to find her more opportunities to develop her talents and allow her to perform.   She is happiest when she is performing. 

Ainsley has wowed me again with her ability to love others.  Tonight when she and I were chatting in her bed I asked her how she was going to take care of the baby and Will at the same time.  Her response was quick, "I just have to take the baby with me to take care of Will."  Her ability to mother is a gift.  Her patience an example to her mother.

She is the ultimate peacemaker in our home.  At dinner time we have a tradition of telling our "highs" and "lows" of each day.  Ainsley's "highs" are always a success or happiness for someone else and her "lows" are always someone else's low.  She ALWAYS gives in.  She is the first to sacrifice her own wants for someone else's. 

This past week she has been Will's cheerleader for potty training.  She has taken him to the bathroom as many times as I have.  She hung the moon as far as that little boy is concerned. 

Another thing that has been so cool to watch is Ainsley playing soccer.  She loves it!  She is good at it.  Our loving child is totally willing to be in the mix and go after the ball.  She has scored a couple of goals this last session.  The best part is watching her play.  You can see that she really enjoys it.  We have had her in dance classes for awhile and it isn't her favorite but we keep her in because I believe it has made a huge difference in coordination for her.  She is so tall.  Watching her play soccer has reminded me of how different my girls are and how awesome it is to watch them discover their own strengths/loves. 

Will is just... my boy.  The kid is overflowing with affection for me.  He will get angry (we are entering three and I am quickly being reminded of how hard 3 year olds are) and hit me but almost instantly feels bad and apologizes with big hugs.  He gives constant hugs and kisses.  Imagining life without this little guy is suffocating.  Each day he asks me to snuggle him in bed and will try to persuade me by telling me how comfy and cozy his bed is.  If I fall asleep with him he will try to pry my eyes open and tell me it isn't dark outside yet.  Oh how I love this kid.

These are the thoughts I have had the past week.