Day to Day Happenings

Life with a four year old and a 20 month old can be pretty exhausting, but equally hilarious.

What I love most about my four year old right now:

He has tons of imaginary friends. His current imaginary friend is called, “My Fella.” I haven’t the slightest clue where he came up with that, but it is just the cutest thing.

The other day, I overheard him talking to someone. His voice got really stern and he said, “If that’s how you’re going to behave, I’m not going to play with you.”

I stifled a laugh (I’m pretty certain those exact words in that exact tone came out of my mouth during a rousing game of Chutes and Ladders) and asked him who he was talking to.

“My Fella,” he replied.

What I love most about my 20 month old:

Her obsession with lining things up in rows.

Her names for her baby dolls and stuffed animals. We’ve got Beebee, BayBay, Baby, and Bobo.

What I love most having both a four year old and 20 month old in the house:

There are actually moments in the day when they play together nicely. When they use their creativity and imagination together. When they do something hysterically fun together.

I’ve been beating myself up lately about all the things I do wrong. The house is constantly a mess, except after the kids are in bed. The laundry is often spiraling out of control. Sometimes I yell at my kids for the silliest of things. Sometimes I don’t know exactly how to deal with a tantrum or pouting or not sharing, and I lose my patience. Sometimes I plop them in front of the T.V. so I can have a moment to myself.

When I allow myself to think of all that I’m doing “wrong,” it’s easy to feel defeated. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed and bogged down by the enormous challenge that is life with two little kids.

Then, they do something sweet for each other or for me, and I’m reminded that things really are pretty great. That most days I don’t lose my temper. Most days I discipline in a loving, gentle, yet firm manner. That I spend quality time reading, playing, and engaging with them. That I did fold that one load of laundry. That the house is at least in order from 7:30 p.m. until 6:30 a.m. That I’m incredibly blessed to be the mother of two little miracles.

Living life with joy is constantly choosing to look at the good. It doesn’t mean completely ignoring the bad, but it does mean re-routing our focus to what’s wonderful about our life.

For me, right now, it’s the daily, mundane happenings that make life worthwhile.

What’s it for you?