Kid Day

One of my biggest challenges lately is prioritizing...deciphering between what's good, better and best.  My weeks seem to fly by while I try to stay on top of my duties around the house, YW preparations and etc. By Thursday, I feel completely guilty for neglecting my kids.  It's a pattern that typically happens every week. 

Don't get me wrong.. we do fun things throughout the week... music class.. workout class.. playing.. chores together.. etc.  But, I'm left craving solo kid time by Thursday.  Just time to play.

So.. I deemed every Thursday my 'kid day'. 

I let my house fall apart, I don't work on anything for YWs, I limit time on the phone and I give my kids my undivided attention. 

I look forward to Thursday all week. We start the day with workout class in the morning and then the rest of my day is all about my kids.  It's kind of exciting.  I feel justified letting everything 'go' while I tend to 'what matters most'.. my little people. 

I can't believe I only have a few more months with my sweet Mylie before she's a kindergartner. Crazy talk.  That's a really hard thought for me.  Thursdays are my way of cherishing the time with my kids when we get to do whatever we want, whenever we want... answer to no one and take on the world.

The kids look forward to it too.  Some Thursdays you'll find us at the aquarium putting our membership to good use.  Some days we'll go get lunch or go to the park.  Last week we headed to Smith's grocery store-- they have the mini shopping carts the kids just love.  We only had a few things to pick up and the kids loved filling their carts and checking themselves out in the self-checkout.  We spend tons of time cuddling on the couch, as well as playing pet shop and trains. 

I wish every day could be a Thursday. 

I've been leaving my camera at home on our Thursday adventures.. because I've wanted to be in the thick of it with Mylie and Luke.  But, today I decided to document some of the fun we've been having.  I knew I'd regret not capturing at least some of our Thursday activities.

Today was another aquarium day.  Mylie and Luke run around like they own the place now.  It's quite hilarious.  I'm just along for the ride.  They tell me where we're going and what we're going to look at next.

I'm in awe of how big these two are and their curiosity.

I'm always taken back as Mylie looks after her younger brother.. she's so good to him.  He knows it and thinks the world of his big sis.  Most of the time.. when he's not in a headlock.

They love learning and asking questions about everything they see.  I love seeing their minds in action.  I also love admiring all of Heavenly Father's creations.

Touching the sting rays.. always a favorite.  Luke's a little more adventurous than Mylie when it comes to touching those slimy things.

Checking out some frogs.  I'm amazed.  This picture reminded me of one I took almost 4 years ago...

My sweet Mylie Anne on her 1st birthday.  Time sure does fly by.

This guy informs me daily that he's not a baby anymore, but he's a big boy.  He repeats daily, 'I'm getting bigger and bigger Mom.  Just like you.  Just like Dad.' It melts my heart, because it's true.  His super powers are in full force at the moment.  Just ask him.  He's climbing and jumping off of everything.. embracing his boyhood to the fullest.  

The same goes for this girl... about the getting bigger part. She's such a tender, thoughtful girl.  She still changes her outfit at least 5x a day.. which drives me batty.  She's constantly primping, and adoring her cute self.  She would rather chat than eat.. which is evident every night at dinner and when I go to pick her up from preschool and she's the last to finish her snack.

Don't get me wrong.. even though I give my all to Mylie and Luke on Thursdays, it's not all fun and games.  They still fight, hit each other, don't listen and etc, just like any other day. 

But I do go to bed knowing that I did my best and gave what I could. I was there to teach, listen and play. 

That's what it's all about.