They love each other

I was able to take a whole week off and be home with the kids for Christmas break. I am so thankful for this time with the kids. Some of the time David is home with us, and sometimes he is working. But for a good two weeks. I get to be the primary caregiver, the one that plays with them and cares for them. One that gets frustrated and the one that laughs with them. I'm so grateful for this!

Christmas is great! I am blessed by being able to spoil the children. But the best thing about this time this week has been seeing truly how much they really like each other and love each other. Yes, they fight. I think all siblings fight, Or I choose to believe that. But I also see them able to be each other's best friends.

They play together pretty nicely. Of course Ellie likes to be in charge as she is the oldest and take several serious. But with that, she shows how she truly loves her siblings. She's always willing to help them and look out for them and teach them. She is even willing to let Max make rules now and again and some of their make-believe games. I found these lovely note from her to Max telling him how happy she is that he is her brother. It melts my heart!

Today Max and I were sitting on the couch watching Ellie do her magic show. They were laughing and giggling with each other and something or said along the lines of oil she loves you Max. And he looked at me with the most perfect happy innocent and honest eyes and says "I know she does mommy." It's even better that she loves him so much that he is that confident and happy in that love that they share as brother and sister. 

As for Clair, they both love and adore her. Ellie is always willing to jump up and help clear. When she falls, Ellie is usually the first one by her side. If it's not Ellie, there's a good chance it's Max. Clair is also learning to go potty right now, and Ellie has spent large amount of time in the bathroom with her supporting her teaching her, keeping her company, reading to her. If Clair is sad, her siblings are often the one she wants to comfort her. 

Through the daily ups and downs and busyness of life it is truly hard to know if you're doing things right with your kids. When I am able to step back and see how much they care for each other, it's a sign that I feel like we are doing some things right. This is the best Christmas gift of all!!!