Summer Loving

I've been on summer vacation now for almost 2 weeks and it really has been a joy to spend time with my kids. During the school year, when things are so hectic, it is hard for me to stop and enjoy the kids for who they are. I mean sometimes when I'm teaching, honestly, the kids are the barrier to me and relaxing. When we get home at the end of the day, the kids are tired from school and I'm tired, and I'm trying to forge ahead to bed time when I know I'll get some guilt free time to myself. Now though, I can relax and see the kids shine. Kiara and I have been spending a lot of time together and I realize what a great age she is at and what an awesome little girl she is. She is so lovable and trusting. The other day when she woke up, I put her in bed with me and I gave her a big kiss and told her I loved her. She looked at me and said, "I love you so much!" and kissed and hugged me. Every night when Brian puts Kiara to bed, right before he closes the door, Kiara tells him, "I love you Daddy!"

Kiara is also a very precocious child. After coming home from swim camp one day Kiara noticed I had left the TV on. She said, "Mommy, you left the TV on!" I told her that I forgot to turn it off before I left. A couple days later I purposely left the TV on to ensure that a show got recorded. Kiara came home and said, "You left the TV on again? Uuhhh." I felt like she was the mother and I the child. I hope that I can take more time next school year to enjoy the kids and their moments. I don't want to be so stressed that I get frustrated and forget to seize the moments that will be fleeting memories in a few years.