Evolution

I have had the greatest time lately watching my boys play. The winds of change seem to be blowing around here in the playtime department.

Although he still loves driving his cars and is mesmerized by anything with wheels, Parker is finally starting to notice what the rest of the world is all about. He has taken up great interest, at his own will, in the human body and how things work. He is fascinated by and soaks up every word of the books we've checked out from the library on the body's systems, organs, muscles, skin, hair and skeleton. There are some fun books out there, and one of our favorites is called The Busy Body Book. It's perfect for preschoolers.

Parker has also entered, with full force, into the world of imaginative play. This week we have played doctor, where he gives pretend babies pretend shots (with a medicine dropper), takes their temperatures, and listens to their heartbeats (with his headphones). He's also a big fan of playing astronauts, where the dining room table is our rocket ship, the game board "Blokus" is our destination programmer (he even shouts"execute!" upon entering our destination), and plastic hangers are our helmets. So far we've landed on and explored almost all of the planets in our solar system. We've also encountered the polka-dot planet, the cookie planet, the milky way, shooting stars and meteors. All at his own discovery. We've gone "fishing" from the slide in the backyard, using a jump rope and a football for bait. Right now he is playing playdough, and he just brought me a "meal" of spaghetti, meatballs, tuna and bread, that he's keeping warm in the "oven" for me. It's been so fun, and keeps me looking forward to our next "adventure."

Tyler, on the other hand, is just beginning in his fascination with cars. He is definitely following in his brother's footsteps. I feel a little bit like I've gone back in time, for there are things I had forgotten that Parker did, and then I will see Tyler do them and remember. Tyler loves to drive our little matchbox cars around, preferably on window sills or Parker's bed. He also "drives" remote controls, lotion bottles or anything else that strikes his fancy. The cutest part about it is the little noise he makes when he drives them. It's either a motor noise that he makes by tucking his upper lip under his bottom one, or a simple "mmmmMM, mmmMMMMmmm!" revving noise that he hums. The other day we had great fun as I hid the cars under a pillow and he would lift it up to discover them, then giggle. He likes to have us imitate his little noises, and then he laughs. He can say the words wow, whoa, what's that? (sounds more like wassaaah?), & see? He is taking steps, but not officially walking yet. He just got his first real haircut last week, after we decided he was starting to look like a mad scientist. He's such a fun little guy.

Time goes by so fast, and I've had many little epiphanies lately stressing the importance of my role as a mother to these bold, amazing little people. I've been reminded that the only things we will take with us from this life are the relationships we have, especially with our families. That in the end, the only thing that will bring us lasting happiness are those relationships. I went to our stake Women's Conference last Saturday and the lasting impression made on me was the reminder that it's "the kingdom of God or nothing." We were challenged by my Relief Society president to take a look at our daily activities, and in particular how we are spending our free time, and to ask ourselves at any given moment if what we are working on or doing is something that is building up that kingdom, in one way or another. Also, if that thing is something we will take with us after this life. It has really opened my eyes this week and helped me refocus on what counts the most.

With that said, Parker is now summoning me to play with him...so off I go to build the kingdom.