Having fun

I have read lots of parenting books. I was a teacher for nine years. I really don't think any of that prepares you for *real* parenthood. I don't remember reading about waking up dreaming of nursing your baby and then waking up freaking out because you can't find your baby, only to realize that you weren't nursing him/her and he/she is safely sleeping in their own bed. I was just sleep deprived. I read about children sleeping in their own beds, on their backs. Nobody warned me that sometimes the best sleep with both got was when they were in bed with me. Nobody warned me that I would be so tired that laying on the floor and having kids crawl over me while I took a short cat nap would be just what I needed to get through the rest of the day. I would love to write a real parenting book. You know, realistic!
But, one of the things I want to add is to have fun! Kids are only young for such a short period of time, that I have really had to step back and just enjoy them. Right now, I have a pile of dishes in my sink that could have easily been done last night while the older two kiddos when to church for Clues Club. But, did we rush home and do them? Nope, we took the youngest out to DQ and spent some time with him. It was awesome. I think having fun is such an integral part of life that sometimes gets pushed to the side. I hope my children realize how much fun we have together and that they remember it when they are teenagers :)

Our trip to the store

Goes a little something like this with a two year old:

In the cart. Screaming.
Out of the cart. Running.
In the cart. Screaming.
Out of the cart. Running and laughing.
In the cart. Screaming.
Out of the cart. Running and laughing.
In the cart. Screaming.
Out of the cart. Running and laughing.

Ah, fun times.

Energy!!!

Oh my goodness! The amount of energy that my sons release is absolutely amazing to me! Bailey used to have bouts of energy, but nothing like this! They wake up full of it the second they open their eyes and they normally don't stop until they hit the bed at night. I am in awe everyday and wish I could bottle up just 10% of it to keep up with them.
I remember Bailey getting into her energy bouts and we have her jump up and down. She would jump so fast that we could barely see her. But, once she was done jumping, she was calmer. Not Lex and Nate! Goodness sakes, they slow down (for a bit) but get right back into whatever they were doing. Coffee, bring me coffee!

Survival of the fittest

I have been told that my parenting style, with all three children, is everything from over-bearing to playing favorites. I decided many moons ago that what happens in my four walls is my business and nobody elses. Since then, I have been a much happier person. All three kids are *extremely* different. Well, the boys are not to the extreme, but they do have their differences. All three have to be disciplined in different ways due to the behavior and/or ages. I am not a helicopter parent. Never have been. Kids need to be kids. Kids need to figure out differences on their own. Kids need to handle arguments and disagreements on their own. Now, when things get physical or super mean, I will step in, but it's survival of the fittest here! LOL
Okay, not really, but that's what I say on a daily basis. I think by not stepping in constantly and allowing kids to try to figure out things on their own it makes them stronger and more responsible individuals. Wow, it's quite a concept, eh?

Swearing

I will admit, that since having kids, I have dramatically cut down on swearing. I never used to swear a lot, but when something happened...say stubbing my toe...I never had to worry about who was going to repeat my words.
I never really thought about it much until Bailey was around four years old and Erik said, "what the!" and Bailey finished it up with, "hell." Yea, that was a bit of a shocker for us. Honestly, swearing has really never been an issue for us with her.
Lex, never swore in front of us. However, he did inform me last summer that when he was mad, he would go into the garage and say, "damn-it." I thanked him for saying it privately, but we still had a few conversations about it being not appropriate.
Now Nate....we have a swearer. His favorites seem to be God damn it and shit. We are working on it. The first swear word is from Erik and I admit shit came from me. Now, don't get me wrong, we are not swearers and we actually attend church, but sometimes, well, the words just come out. We are working on it...

Summer catch-up

Well, to say it has been a busy summer for the Leamon family would be an understatement. Every single weekend was busy with something. Most of our weekdays were too! Now, don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining at all. As it was such an awesomely fun summer! We all just seemed to really let loose and have a great time. Now, the warm days have come to an end and school days are here yet again.
Bailey is back home with us and has started fourth grade. So far, so good. She is loving it!
Alexander is back in pre-school as of today for three days a week. He has really grown up so much this summer that it still takes me by surprise.
Nathaniel is such a high spirited child that it keeps me constantly on guard. I have finally learned to just live with it and just enjoy him. Makes a much better day for all of us. :)