I’ve heard that same exchange multiple times between children and moms who don’t know each other. It is one of the mysteries of life to me. =o) Children have this uncanny knack for knowing how far they can push you, and yet are somehow incredibly endearing.

I have 37 nieces and nephews and 4 great now (they are all great)! When you measure time by a child’s growth it sure seems to speed by! I have absolutely loved seeing how parenthood has changed and developed my siblings. I love their unique parenting strategies and admire their dedication to their families. I am constantly in awe of the immense love they have for their children. My sister who I have always admired in so many ways says that parenting is the hardest thing she has ever done (she is incredible at it!), and yet the most rewarding.

This school year I have had the most challenging group of students to date (and the faculty knows it!). One day we had a scare in the neighborhood and I was notified that we were locking down. I learned a lot about myself in that seemingly eternity–one thing being how much I love the children that I have been entrusted with…even the one who has given me the biggest run for my money this year.

Children make life better because: They laugh with their entire bodies. They tell ridiculous jokes and think they’re hilarious. They are very quick to forgive and very willing to forget. They are easily awed and exceptionally curious. They tell you exactly what they’re thinking with blatant honesty. They walk with much exuberance that somehow adults can’t get away with. They love openly and with no inhibitions. There is a mischievous gleam in their eyes that usually indicates something very entertaining. They hug your guts out. They are excited to contribute and have an important job. Their prayers are funny, from the heart, and surprisingly deep in their simplicity. They trust. They somehow make me simultaneously want to be very responsible and joyfully spontaneous.

I have the best job in the world, hate to brag. =o) And I am incredibly blessed to be in a big and wonderful family!

Toff

Just yesterday I was with six of my cousin’s kids. The proceeded to tell all the older boys that they were princesses, were wearing dresses, had purple and pink hair, were wearing high heels, etc, etc, etc, and, of course, laffed their heads off at how dang funny they thought they were! It will be fun to tell them these stories later in life.

Life is so much better when there are kids around reminding us not to take life so seriously and that family really is the center of life.

2. My cute little niece wanted to call me the other day but got my answering machine message that said I would be out of the country for a month and a half. She asked my sister where I lived, and my sister said I just kind of lived all over the place. My niece said, “Oh neat, just like Jasmine on her magic carpet ride.”

Also, at some point I want to share here two of the funniest little kid stories from my friend Joey’s niece Liberty.