Mama Bear

Mike and I had our date night last night.

Only, it just consisted of our walk and it was only around our immediate block.

I was barefoot, though, so it totally counted!

Evan really wanted to go on a walk, too.

But, Daddy explained that it was our date night and that date nights are very important in our home.

Here's the thing about our walks, and really most of our conversations, though:

90% of what we talk about is the six children.

Last night:

Jackson: It is hard to be a grown up! It is hard to figure out relationships and future goals! Relationships that don't last are tough, but never ever a failure. They teach us what we are unwilling to compromise on, and what we don't want. We are SO grateful that he is an adult, and yet still just wants to sit with us and talk out his life and seek our advice.

Braxton: Mike expressed how important it is to him that we don't put dinner away in the fridge after we've eaten, before Braxton is home from work. So, he's decided to text him each night to tell him what we are eating and ask if he wants us to put it on a plate for him, or just in the fridge. Mike doesn't want him to feel like he's forgotten.

Kaydon: Kaydon is still eating a TON of food. He was watching South Park, which I don't find appropriate AT ALL. The two little boys were in there. Kaydon kept telling them, in big brother fashion, that it was bedtime. Mike was sneaking peaks at episodes and laughing with KK.

Colton: We want to find friends in the neighborhood for Colton, Evan and Ethan. Colton gets so much anxiety about mornings - still out of routine. He was SUCH a big helper last night and we just love his amazing personality and love.

Evan: Evan is our tough cookie. We love him so much. He's our defiant one. Defiant with everyone. It can be tough, but it is no different than anyone else having a rough day. We love him dearly. Everyday is different and we are all-in with finding a consistent plan.

Ethan: This boy, though. We talked about his rough kindergarten year, and how we are looking forward to him being in first grade. We talked about how he is sleeping better, with fewer night terrors. 

We love our kids.

We love each other.

And, this addiction to validation that I have struggled with for 42 years is easier to wade through with a partner who constantly validates our children. Watching that is a great example to me, and one that I am thankful for everyday.