20!!!

I have 2 babies that turn 20 on January 11th. Yes babies its a mothers right to forever claim her children at any age as her "babies" Its kind of like declaring a connection no one else can share. It states I have loved you longer than anyone else, I know things about you that you dont even know about yourself. And of greater importance it says this is a gift God gave me and though she has ever evolved and can care for herself I have never forgotten that she is my precious package and I will still protect and cherish her as I did the day he gave her to me.

While some of the journey has been long some memories are so fresh they are in blue ray high definition in my mind. It has been the most rewarding and transforming experience to be Katherine Ariels and Rebecca Erin's mom or mommy as Kate calls me. I decided I would write 20 things I have learned in the past 2 decades as a mother, most I wish I had known before I created tears, and personal suffering.

Year 1- Sunshine literally can dwell in your soul thats why Kates song is Sunshine on my Shoulders and Becca's is You are my sunshine I still get weepy when I hear them.

Year2- Size is not an indicator of capacity. ( I ran my first 5k when I realized they had tipped over the laundry basket to stand on it and unlocked the door and took their floaty

with them)

Year3- When washing that many panties white cotton is a better option than little mermaid

silkies, they hold up better to bleaching.

Year4- A child cannot clean a playroom by themselves its overwhelming, we have to work

with them and then go back when their napping and do it to our standard. ( Sorry girls they are still mad at me for this one, besides Brit and Savannah made the mess not them!)

Year5- Kindergarten is a long play session with friends... only I have to drive both ways ...that aint right.

Year6- It is not the cap on their future if they cant read or count to 100 yet. Find a book they

like that has no Jane ,Dick or Spot in it rather dragons and fairies

Year7 Picture day is a reflection of them not you let them wear their Halloween necklace.

Year8 "And a little child shall lead them." A child will bring home runny nosed, neighbors children for every meal if they can. They dont care if the house is dirty or if there will be less for them, and they will not hesitate to give a Book of Mormon to the unapproachable, then invite them to Home Evening and pause long enough to ask them why their teeth are so yellow

Year9 Being poor does not mean being impovrished .Children prefer to build forts out of

couch cushions and blankets, eat saltines and raw spagetti like its a treat and sleep in

refrigerator boxes... because its fun!

Year10 Rarely will missing a day of school hurt your child. Sometimes there is more to

be gained standing in line with their Dad to see Star Wars for the First Time or

having National Slacker Day at home with mom and having ice cream for breakfast and doing no work . Go on vacation when it works for you.

Year 11 There is alot to be learned from a bad or a "mean" teacher not just for you but your child to. Dont save them from every pain. Refinement happens in a fire. If it gets to hot kick some fanny.

Year12 Want to be a hero joyfully volunteer to do the Christmas Party in their class. Go on the

fieldtrip or be their softball coach.

Year13 Kill them with Kindness the snottyer they get the more lipstick notes they need on

the mirror. ( Trust me on this one there aint no pretty when the pretty leaves ya Stay

cool)

Year14 Friday Friends Breakfast one of the best ideas I ever had. Bring anyone you want to

eat pancakes before school. Their are kids you did not birth that need a pancake and a breakfast prayer. But you wont know that until they are old enough to share what that meant to them.

Year15 Moving is hard on kids but tares a parents heart out to see them sad. Get over it,

their really worthwhile friends follow them anywhere rather by a letter, plane, or email

and... they make new friends.

Year 16 I understand Satans plan and now agree with it!! Please let me make the decisions

and they will all get home safely.

Year17 "Did you just say (do) that!" This is a lesson you will have many times. I know I did and said plenty of things I regret, mostly as a kid but sometimes still as an adult. Truth is the frontal cortex where we reason develops slower, and ..well... the mouth is moving way to fast for it to keep up and monitor very well before the age of 19 or 20 . Just expect dumb things to happen

Year 18 Stop in the name of Love before you break my heart. I say slow down stay little , Ive stood on my tip toes and pushed your shoulders back towards earth. But I also push the concept of growing up and responsibility on you every opportunity I can. I wish I could balance the two better.

Year19 I worry more now than when it was required to do so. If you go to bed tonight and

all of your children are asleep in a room you can walk to and see them, go to

sleep and breath a sigh of joy.

Year 20 I love you forever I will like you for always forever and ever my baby you will be. Happy Birthday Katie Did and Becca Boo