All good things must come to an end.

Tonight I had every intention of typing up a new blog post, but then, I found myself at Target, and then found myself at home with 3 new purple baskets and 3 new blue baskets. And what I had intended to be a half hour 'fold-the-kids-clothes-and-put-them-away' project turned into a 3 hour complete closet gutting and reorganizing project. 

A project that was on my 'to do' list the ENTIRE summer break. (Did I mention I start back to school TOMORROW?)

Such the procrastinator I am....

Anyhoo, tonight while surfing FB, enjoying my 'good job me' glass of wine, I found this article posted by my friend, Amber. I read it and just loved it. So much so, that I wanted it to forever be in my kids' blog  books so that they will someday appreciate these Phases and Moments with their own kids, the way I do with them.It's just so...perfect. 

I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. Click the link below to take you to the actual article on the original site. 

Huff Post Parents

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Kara Gebhart Uhl

Blogger, pleiadesbee.com

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Phases and Moments

This week, Sophie and I have had a tough week. Every "no" has been met with a "but." Every request has come out as a demand. "Please" and "thank you" have all been but forgotten. One day she was whining so much I truly wondered if her whine voice was her new normal voice. I posted on Facebook, "Sophie had her moments when she was 2 and 3. But 4. Ohmygoodness 4. No one warned me about 4."

Many people responded to my post. Some were dismayed to learn that it doesn't necessarily get easier. Others warned me that, for them, the so-called difficult years came later. And then there's my friend Aaron. He said, "Someday, we'll get to an age when we look back on when our kids were young and we won't be able to remember the stuff they did that made us age early. Until then, keep on keeping on! This is life."

He's right. Already, in my four short years of parenting, I can tell that it's not years that are difficult. But phases.

Like the I-want-to-nurse-every-hour-and-I-will-scream-bloody-murder-if-I'm-not-attached-to-your-boob phase.

Or the I'm-going-to-pee-on-you-every-time-you-change-me phase.

Or the I'm-going-to-poop-12-times-a-day-in-a-rainbow-of-colors-to-totally-freak-you-out phase.

Or the I'm-not-going-to-poop-for-a-week-to-totally-freak-you-out phase.

Or the I-want-to-be-bounced-until-your-arms-are-burning-with-pain phase.

Or the I-want-to-be-wide-awake-between-2am-and-4am phase.

Or the I'm-going-to-put-everything-in-my-mouth-including-dead-bugs-and-stale-Cheerios-buried-in-my-car seat phase.

Or the I'm-going-to-pull-at-your-shirt-in-public-exposing-your-bra-to-everyone phase.

Or the I'm-going-to-take-away-all-your-"me"-time-by-requiring-your-assistance-for-three-hours-to-go-to-sleep-every-night-for-a-month phase.

Or the I'm-only-going-to-eat-cheese phase.

Or the I-will-totally-and-completely-freak-out-when-you-leave-my-sight phase.

Or the I'm-going-to-insist-on-doing-everything-myself-even-though-I-can't-quite-do-everything-myself-and-I'm-going-to-get-unreasonably-frustrated-when-you-try-to-help-me-or-you-don't-try-to-help-me-and-I-fail phase.

Or the I-will-beg-you-to-read-the-same-book-to-me-12-times-a-day phase.

Or the I-will-beg-you-to-sing-"Old MacDonald Had a Farm"-to-me-12-times-a-day phase.

Or the I-will-run-into-everything-covering-myself-with-bruises-making-you-worry-that-someone-is-going-to-call-Child-Services-on-you phase.

Or the I-will-climb-everything phase.

Or the I-will-refuse-to-hold-your-hand-in-parking-lots phase.

Or the I-will-laugh-and-enjoy-it-when-you-put-me-in-time-out phase.

Or the I-will-draw-on-walls-and-not-paper-but-only-when-you're-not-looking phase.

Or the I-will-draw-all-over-myself-with-non-washable-markers-that-you-can-only-blame-yourself-for-buying phase.

Or the I-will-take-off-my-socks-and-shoes-the-second-you-put-me-in-the-car-seat phase.

Or the I-will-suddenly-for-no-reasonable-explanation-become-terrified-of-the-dark phase.

Or the I-will-insist-on-picking-out-every-item-of-clothing-I-wear-every-day-and-I-will-make-sure-your-eyes-will-hurt-when-you-look-at-me phase.

Or the I-will-ask-"why"-over-and-over-and-over-and-over-and-over phase.

Or the I-will-stand-against-the-wall-screaming-refusing-to-get-in-the-pool-for-any-of-the-expensive-swim-lessons-you-bought phase.

Or the I-will-stick-my-hand-down-my-diaper-even-when-it's-dirty phase.

Or the my-nose-will-run-all-day-for-a-week-straight-requiring-you-to-chase-me-down-and-wipe-it-clean-while-I-scream-72-times-a-day phase.

Or the I-will-open-doors-I'm-not-supposed-to phase.

Or the I-will-push-things-into-the-pantry-so-I-can-climb-on-top-of-them-to-get-treats-I'm-not-supposed-to-have-at-9:30-in-the-morning phase.

Or the-I-will-yell-for-you-to-come-upstairs-threatening-to-wake-up-my-brothers-with-my-screams-22-times-over-two-hours-until-I-finally-fall-asleep phase.

Or the I-will-wake-up-at-6am-demanding-oatmeal-even-though-I-didn't-fall-asleep-until-11pm phase.

Or the I-will-argue-every-time-you-say-no phase, which we are in, now.

And here's the thing. They're just phases. They end. They always end. Even when they feel like they will never end, they always end. And ... a new one comes along.

But if that sounds depressing, here's another thing. Interspersed between all the phases are moments. These incredible make-you-want-to-cry-with-joy-beam-with-pride-thank-God-or-the-universe-or-whatever-that-you-do-or-don't-believe-in-that-you're-alive moments.

Kicks from within.

Birth.

Falling asleep on my chest.

Unprompted smiles.

Unprompted kisses.

Unprompted hugs.

Unprompted I love yous.

A hand-drawn "family portrait."

The first lone trip down the slide.

The first lone scooter ride.

The first walk into preschool.

Concern, for me.

Concern, for others.

Concern, for plants and animals.

A song sung quietly, completely, simply for the joy of it.

Holding hands without a fight.

Snuggles.

Conversations, real conversations.

Firsts. All the firsts.

Lasts. All the lasts.

Seemingly-insignificant-but actually-quite-significant betweens. All those catch-you-off-guard betweens.

And the many, many, many, oh-so many more.

The moments make it all worth it. And in a way, the phases do, too. Because it all intertwines, wraps itself around each other and weaves in and out creating the tapestry we call life. Some of it's good. Really good. Some of it's bad. Really bad. But it is what it is and even though I had a column in my college newspaper called "Beautiful, Isn't It?" I'm not going to lie here and say that it's all beautiful. It's not. In fact, some of it is downright ugly. But then, there are these beautiful, incredible, make-it-totally-worth-it moments. Moments that make us have more children. Moments that make us love when other people have children. Moments that make the human race continue on.

So Sophie and I are in a phase. The two of us sat down and talked about it. I had a glass of wine after she went to bed. We had a better day today. Tonight I got an unprompted I love you.

I hate the phases, while in them. I think, when I'm in a phase, I have to be the only person going through such a phase and I ask, over and over, Why is this so hard? And then I look back at the phases and think,That wasn't so hard. I forget phases. I live for moments. I love moments. I remember moments. I look forward to moments, engrave moments in my brain, wish moments didn't pass by so quickly.

Phases.

Moments.

Moments.

Phases.

It's all just life. All my children will have phases this year, next year, 10 years from now, into adulthood. And yet, they will all have moments. These incredible, life-changing moments this year, next year, 10 years from now, into adulthood.

And I want them. I want the phases. I want the moments. I want them all. Because it's a package deal with kids. You can't pick and choose. The bad makes the good seem better. They're human. I'm human. It's life.

This is life.

And although I may not always be happy in it, I'm happy for it. So happy for it.

"Here is the world. Beautiful and terrible things will happen. Don't be afraid." --Frederick Buechner

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So did ya like it? In case you were wondering, 

Colton is also in the 'I-will-argue-every-time-you-say-no phase.  More accurately described as the 'I-will-yell-NO-louder-at-you-or-shush-you-if-you-tell-me-no' phase.  

Ethan is still in the 'I-will-refuse-to-hold-your-hand-in-parking-lots' phase.

and Hunter is in the ' I-will-ask-"why"-over-and-over-and-over-and-over-and-over phase.

Tonight, I am in the 'I wish we were millionaires so that I didn't have to go to work tomorrow so that I could stay home and watch my kids grow and learn phase'.  :(  I LOVE my job. I love it. But I am in total awe of my children and I really, really enjoy hanging out with them. {Sigh}. 

But, as Hunter said at bedtime tonight, after I gave them the play-by-play for tomorrow, "Don't worry mom, I will TOTALLY see you after work." 

What a good way to end my last night of summer vacation. :)  Thanks for all the memories, kids. I love you to moon and back, you know. 

At the zoo

 

Breaker's Water Park

Brandi Fenton Splash Pad

Purple Heart Park...after our photos with Meridy

Roasting Marshmallows for the first time in our new fire pit.  

Kids-in case you are wondering years from now...you could've cared less about the marshmallows. You ALL just wanted more graham crackers. You can't possibly be related to me. 

Father's Day at Ponka's Pool

Pinetop

Don't get any bigger while I'm at work, okay kids? 

The Pinetop Finale

Play. Pretend. Make Believe. 

It's something I think most of us take for granted. 

It's something we assume all kids just 'do'.

I am beginning my 12th year teaching, in a district that values the inclusion of all students.

And I'll be the first to tell you that there are kids who cannot just 'make believe' or 'pretend' or who do not enjoy 'play'. 

So when I say I am blessed that my kids know how to play, I mean it. 

I am fortunate for that. I hope that someday when they are in school they will seek out those exceptional children who are somehow different, and do their very best to play with them. 

On that note, they did a lot of playing in Pinetop. There were cars and planes and drawing and just general make believe. I elbowed Brian the other day to grab his attention and make him listen to Ethan across the couches who was playing with a scooby doo airplane and and Finn McMissile. "It's okay McMissile! I will rescue you! Vroom Vroom.." I don't know why but it just put a smile on my face to listen to him use his imagination so well. 

And then there's the whole CARS bit. They love em. All of em.

I had found this fun tablecloth while shopping at the Walmart up in Showlow and it was a perfect place for them to be creative without a whole lot of preparation needed!

But don't be fooled...just because you're in the mountains by the lake, doesn't the mean the sun won't melt your crayons if you leave them out! 

And then there's this. I'll give her credit because I didn't think they'd go for it-all of them-quite the way they did. My mom had found this little tea party set in a thrift shop or something and she took care to 'set the table' and invite all her little grandbabies to her tea party. 

They were HILARIOUS! So cute and so serious. They took such great pains to pour their own 'tea' and sprinkle in their sugar. (Some more than others....see the little girl below....) It was just generally so cute watching them pass each other tea and cookies and use their nicest manners. 

The best part is that now, anything that resembles a  party, is to them, a TEA PARTY! Birthday parties, celebrations and even yesterday while back home, I took the kids to school with me for a few hours. While visiting the office, my office manager Mollie surprised the kids with a cupcake each! As she led them out to the picnic table to enjoy their cupcakes, they adiosed me and proclaimed that they were going to a tea party!  Thanks Mollie! They loved it! 

As if a day with tea parties could get any better, we went on a shopping/lunch trip with the kids. My mom and Mary took Hunter and Brinley, and Brian and I took the little boys.

Let me tell you all, and I mean no offense to any of you with one or two children, but going out with 2 kids felt like a walk in the park, piece of cake, a vacation within a vacation! It was a strange feeling and I constantly felt like I was forgetting something, but it was fun. Also a strange feeling to have people pass us by and comment on our 'twins.' It was just...odd. But it was fun for me to hang out with all my boys together.

We had taco bell for lunch....

We went to Big Lots where Colton immediately fell in love with this weighted (and it was HEAVY) dog and chicken. Thankfully there was no love lost when we left there withOUT dog and chicken.

Then on to Walmart where someone had a little too much shopping....luckily for him, his brother picked out a pretty flippin cool airplane for him.

And together they played...and played...and played...

So excited about their new airplanes even that they had to bring them in to show Gigi! (And such a good sport she is at 102, exclaiming, "An airplane? Wow."

And now we interrupt this regularly scheduled play post for a breath of fresh air, the feel of soft green grass beneath your feet...take it all in.....aaaaahhhh. 

And a smile from my cheeky monkey niece.  

And now let's talk about Hunter, who is trying so hard to grow up right before everyone's eyes. For some reason, on this trip, she became absolutely driven to learn how to tie shoelaces. We would find her practicing on any shoes she could find.

Here, she helped herself to Uncle Emilio's shoes.

And a few days later, I found her underneath the table, trying her hardest to tie Aunt Mary's shoelaces. 

STOP TRYING TO GROW UP!! 

And then there's this. 

Let me say first that Hunter is extremely observant. And I mean exTREMEley observant.

At this point in time, if you were to compare her to the boys, (which I don't suggest doing), she is like having a 5 year old, with two 3 year old boys. 

On this particular afternoon, she was preparing to go play tennis with her Aunt Mary, Uncle Emilio, Al and Brinley. She put on her own shoes, probably her own pants and then we momentarily 'lost' her in the house. After just a few moments, she appeared before us just like this....

Without making a fuss, without asking anyone for help, she had watched where Aunt Mary keeps her lipstick (which, by the way, is inside a zipper pouch inside her purse) and she knealt down in the corner  where the purse was, put on her lipstick and then appeared, ready to play tennis, just like all the big girls do. 

My heart was literally hurting at how badly she wants to be big. Prideful that she's so responsible, and cringing that she IS growing up. And if I may say so, she did a pretty splendid job for her first go-round with lipstick! Oh Hunter Olivia, you ARE a big girl. 

Here she is, lovin on her Gigi. 

Hunter was pretty happy about putting bows in everyone's hair, including Gigi's.

What  a photo op! Sure to be treasured photos some day.  

You wear that flower well Gigi! 

And one afternoon, we took Hunter and Colton out for a walk while Ethan spent one on one time with his dad. 

Luckily, we had Mary to take some pictures.  :)

I adore these kids.

Uh, did someone say something about growing up?? Hello poser. 

Then we thought we'd try for that classic 'everybody jumps' photo. But trying to explain to kids to try and kick their own butts is not easy. So we just jumped instead. 

I LOVE COLTON in this photo below!! 

And just a mish mash of photos:

Cousins matching. 

Boys napping.

Fishies a catching.

Aunties Hugging. 

And photos a snapping! 

Mary and Emilio

My mom and my kids.

Mom and Al

Brian and me

Then there was the evening my mom tried to teach the kids how to play poker. hee hee...not really. 

But she did create a fun 'Go Fish' Sorting by colors type game which they greatly enjoyed playing! 

And that's a wrap. The end of the vacation! 

Say Cheese!