Truly Listening

As I was sitting and listening to JackE describe an episode of Tale Spin that he had recently seen, it greatly reminded me of just why I love him so much.  It had nothing to do with the show itself, but in how he described what he recollected of this particular episode, and the details in which he told me.  His mannerisms are out of this world and the words he chooses and his emotional expressions are spectacular!  It just continues to remind me of how much I love my little man, how proud of him I am and how extremely smart he already is at 5 years of age.  I do believe his older 15 year old siblings have quite a bit to do with his 'larger than life' personality and wisdom and I love it!!! 

It is a great reminder to me each time I stop and listen to any of my three children's recollections of their day or a story they just want to share, how truly important those moments are.  Had I not taken the time to stop and listen, I would miss out on so many things and details about their individual personalities.  I would not know my daughter's favorite bands or 'hot' guys she's in to.  I would not know just how much my oldest son likes to keep up with basketball of all sports.  Truly, it is only to watch certain teams lose, but he takes an interest none the less.  I love listening to him crack his smarty pants jokes as well.  He's such a quick witted young adult, already!!!  All the great Youtube videos I've laughed at because of them.  I look at those moments as times we shared laughter in our home together because they wanted to share with me and I wanted to listen. 

It is such a wonderful blessings and reminder to me that I have had the opportunity to share these moments with them because I chose to do so.  I am thankful that I slowed my pace and kept my patience even when JackE got overly excited and kept repeating the beginning of his story before finally getting it all out.  Had I got angry or short tempered with him, I would not have heard something that truly made him happy and in doing so, made me so happy.  I am thankful that I truly paid attention and had the opportunity to be able to even sit down with my children at any given time just to hear what they had for lunch.  A lot of times asking them what they ate for the day will lead to another fun story and I love anything I can get from them.  I am mostly thankful that they still want to even talk with me.  That they find it important at some point in the day to tell me something, anything, but just to talk with me.

I don't blog this to try and toot my horn, I blog this because tonight, while listening to JackE, it just reminded me that there have been times I am sure I did not listen when I should have and I wonder, how much have I missed?  Instead of dwelling on those moments, I wanted to be appreciative of the many times I chose to listen and have a moment with my kids.  It's one of the best feelings in the world to know I have been so blessed with three such amazing individuals.  I thank God each and every day for them and for their well being.  I thank Him for my family as a whole and I guess just in listening to my children, I am reminded that God loves me and He has blessed me more than I could ever imagine.  It reminds me that listening to my kids is so important.  Because I listen, I know 'inside scoop' with my kids and I know that a lot of times JackE loves to talk with his hands.  I know that Skyeler has a certain swallow while he's talking fast and I know that when my daughter may not be super comfortable with something, she starts to blush, but continues to talk anyway and will giggle, like her Mommy.  It's just so wonderful knowing that they still like talking with me and telling me things. 

I may not have gotten my point across at all and if anything, just made myself sound like such a self centered ninny, but I am just so glad that I have the opportunity to listen to my children and truly know them.  They may not tell me everything and maybe I don't need to know everything, but I am reminded to continue trying to keep my promise to always be there for them and to truly listen to them.  :0)

March of Dimes is upon us!!!

As a part of a family tradition, we walk every year for the March of Dimes.  We love being able to hit the street for little feet!  As a Mother of three premies, this is an organization that I hold very dear to my heart.  I would love for you to take the time to explore MoD options for yourself, walk with our team or if you are able, donate to such a wonderful and worthy cause.  This year as we walk, we will also be honoring two very special premies to our list. :0)  Two very good friends of mine, had babies born before their EDD (Estimated Due Dates) this year, but both beautiful babies are now home, happy and on their way to long, healthy lives.

http://www.marchforbabies.org/jackEsmom