My wish for my kids....

In this day and times....it seems that most people do not start their families until the age I am now.. but me..I had my first baby when I was 21..and at the end of this year, that first baby will be a legal adult.

I do sometimes tease her that it is possible that her and I could be like "Father of the Bride" 2 and be all prego together..but seeing that I may not be in that situation again..I am thinking about her...and how she will be starting her life...

This is my hope for my kids..and thier kids.I pray that my kids get spouses that embrace parenthood..that my kids can share one of the most beautiful things with someone..not hold the brunt of it all while their spouse carries out their own little world.

I pray that if  my daughters have their own babies, that they will have someone by their side that is complete awe of that little pregnant belly..and will want to share that miracle from the day that little line turns pink.

That will love the sound of that heartbeat, and love when that tummy jumps with baby movements. 

I pray that my sons, if they choose this path will be of support to their wives in this..that they would stop at nothing to be holding her hand when that little cry is heard for the first time. 

To hold this brand new life and kiss his wife's forehead and be so grateful for such a blessing.

I pray that they will understand that their child's heart  is so much more important then the mess their kid just made...or the window they broke playing ball. 

I pray that my kid(and their spouse) will remember that kids are kids...not little adults...that the effort their little ones took trying to take out the trash is worth a million times more than them being too little to lift the bag and having trash scattered all over the floor...or not being able to life the milk carton when pouring milk and having it spill EVERYWHERE.

I pray that no matter how tired they are..they can pick up a baseball and throw it a couple times..because someday...that precious opportunity will not be there.

It is my hope that they can look at the world through their child's eyes..and realize what common sense it is that the goldfish wanted to take a bath in the bath tub with bubble bath.

I pray that they will understand how important it is to play in the play area of chick fil a, since all the other kids are there...and not with a grumpy person that says no all the time.

I hope that every dandelion weed that their kids see as the most beautiful flower can be received with love...from the first to the millionth...and that even though blowing a white one and wishing on it...will result in MORE weeds growing...you do not rob them of this special childhood moment.

I hope they will watch with a smile in their heart when you hear 2 little feet sneaking to see if Santa has come...and just let them. 

Enjoy every little dirty foot print as each is connected with someone who thinks you are their hero.

Say yes..more than no. Respect them...to earn their respect.Praise more than scold.

Go into parenthood as if it were the most amazing thing ever..and it will be. 

Buy them those pointless expensive glow sticks when you go to see the firework display...for that will build a memory for them.

Do not see your child crying to you at night because of a nightmare as sleep lost...but an extra moment to snuggle. Seeing you at their little performances and programs builds their self esteem, and they will know you will always be there for them. 

Make them your life...not the annoying thing next to whatever other goal you have....because in the end...that earthly goal is nothing...and the people that surround to celebrate your life..is EVERYTHING.

I will be the first to say how imperfect of a parent I am...but this is how I raised my kids..and I can guarantee if you asked them in private..they would say they are close to me..and we share a special love...

These are the little things I have learned along the way..and I am sure there will be more to add..

Live life.. do not just sit and watch it...be out in the middle of the action...not just observe..

If someday..my kids can feel the joy I feel now..

I know my life was how it was to be...