Often, I hear my kids in another room and I wince. I can hear some of my own irritations and and frustrations in their voices. The worst parts of myself, they are learning to mimic and it makes me shudder. Several time I've caught Meghan with her hands on her hips asking "What were you thinking when you did that?" - and let's not even go near the swearing, okay?
The other day though, I heard Meghan say to Erin "That dance move was awesome. Do you know how much you rock?". My heart soared and I wanted to drop the dish sponge and run in there to thank her for reminding me that they don't just reflect the worst of me. They also reflect the best.
Kristyn won't stop a job until it's done. If she starts planting a flower bed, she's not stopping until the last begonia is in the ground, the plants are watered and everything is put away. She's the first person to say "Why should we stop now? We're almost there!"
Erin requires no prompting when waking up. You go in, tap her on the shoulder and she's the first one out of bed. She doesn't waste time lazing around and squeezing every last moment of sleep. She knows that the faster she gets up, the faster she can eat and get ready. Often, she's the one I call upon to help with the others because she's ready that much earlier.
Meghan is very competitive. If she's part of a team or involved in anything that requires concentration and agility, she'll give it her all. She might not be the best one out there (but she usually is), but it's guaranteed she's trying her hardest and will do what she needs to do to achieve a goal. She's a team player and give it her all, expecting the same in return.
Alex is highly in tune with what is fair. He wants to be sure that everyone gets an equal chance. He will stand up for himself and everyone around him. He has little tolerance for bullies (even if he can occasionally be a bit of a pain himself) and wants to be sure everyone knows when and injustice has occured. Don't confuse him with a tattle-tale though (but give him a bit of slack there for being a five year old), he's just that passionate about everyone being treated the same.
Most days, I'll tell you that the best characteristics about my kids come from their father. Kristyn and Meghan's patience. Erin and Alex's quick wit and senses of humour. Everyone once in a while though, and not often enough, I'll see parts of me. My intensity, my passion and how I wear my heart right on my sleeve.
It's much easier to accept the not so wonderful traits they inherited from me - did I tell you about the time Alex told a woman not to park her "damn" truck so close to mine? - when I remind myself of all the amazing things I've passed on to them as well.
What are some of the lovely things your kids have gotten from you?
