We all slept really well last night. Brady went in to work this morning, and I took my time getting the kids up. As I approached their rooms, I heard all kinds of happy chatting and playing. That always lifts my heart. Its harder when I come to their rooms to find everyone fighting. Not this morning!
As has become customary for the kids and I, when we have no morning deadline, I take a good few minutes with each kid before we actually get up. Now that they’re older and tougher, I actually flop down on top of them in their beds in a squishy, funny kind of snuggle. I often start with Dekker, because if I don’t, he takes off and starts setting the table. Don’t get me wrong, I really appreciate his efforts, but I don’t want everyone to get snuggled besides him because he was working! So, Dekker first. We chatted about his night and our plans for the day. I eventually released him and headed over to Rowan’s bed. Dekker asked if he could go get the other kids up (forever responsible) and I said I wanted to snuggle Laela first. I OF COURSE snuggle Solly, too, but he’s in a crib so our snuggle is more of a long tickly hug before I change his diaper. Dekker said “On it!” and took off. I was mid-snuggle with Rowan at that point, and didn’t put much thought into what Dekker was “on.” He’s a good kid. I trust him. Figured he was off to set the table. When I freed Rowan and went to the other kids room, Dekker was dutifully laying on top of Laela. They were both laughing hysterically. It was SO funny! I laughed at them and said I’d take it from there. Dekker stumbled off Laela’s bed laughing, and before I could stop him, pulled Solly out of his crib, and they both took off towards the dining room. So Laela got double the snug, thanks to Dekker, and I snagged Solly shortly thereafter. By the time everyone was ready for breakfast, the table was completely set. Thank you, Dekker, for covering all the bases!
While the kids ate breakfast, I did some dishes, got some coffee, and added to my big packing list for Waskesiu. (Doesn’t anyone care whats on that list? I thought about at least doing a photo post of the pack…) The children were discussing the weather over their corn flakes, and the subject of rain came up. Its cloudy. Is rain coming? Did it rain last night? Maybe it tried. The kids started listing off reasons why they loved the rain.
Dekker loves tasting it.
Laela loves that it helps flowers grow, and she loves rainbows.
Rowan likes puddles and that birds come out afterwards.
Solly likes listening to the rain fall.
I told the kids I used to be scared of storms, and that as a child, we were caught in a downpour while camping in tents. I have a fond memory of my older brother going out in the middle of the night, in a rainstorm, in his underwear, to dig trenches around our tent. Something about that was so funny, though I obviously know now was a sacrifice, and an attempt to help his little sister calm the heck down. But it was actually a pivotal part in my not minding storms after all! Funny what memories stick.
Today is a day of breathing. Hanging out with some friends. Making some more lists. Drinking coffee. Picking up a purchase in Saskatoon. Watching the Bachelorette. Rest. Tomorrow is a bigger day! I’ll tell you all about it later 🙂