Today I learned...

That sometimes your screaming kid doesn't NEED you to hold them. But sometimes after they stop screaming, they do. And after that, they are "happy now, so it's okay." And when you cry, they kiss you better and tell you it will be okay. They don't dwell on emotions, they experience them, and then move on. I also learned that the best thing you can do for your kids is shut your mouth. We were playing at the park, where there is COLD, dirty water and mud, and two little boys. After a few, "no, don't walk in the water, just throw the rocks in," I shut my mouth and they had a great time, Rowen even walking in the water and sitting down in it. I learned that your child's laughter can heal any pain. I learned that little boys experience great joy in mud. The whole world can be fun, if you let it. Sometimes your camera doesn't turn on. Sometimes you just need to remember the moment, and not capture it with a camera. I remembered that being a mom is the best job in the whole world. It's the hardest most demanding and most amazing and joyful job in the whole world. If you aren't on the way to a wedding, let your kids get dirty. If a bath can fix it, it is probably a great activity to participate in.

I have a little quote book in my room, one of those calendars you turn for each day. One of the quotes was this:

A boy is...a noise with dirt on it.

I couldn't say it better. I love my boys.