Caring Children

 Watching old home movies from when Ty was a Toddler we can see how difficult he was to parent. Now he's so sweet. He still has anger and struggles to control it. But he is so kind and thoughtful. He tries so hard to please his teachers and his parents. He tries so hard to be his best self for himself as well. He wants to be proud of who he is. And for the most part he is proud of himself. 

Yesterday our family recorded a musical number Away in A Manger. We practiced for a month. Each of us learning our parts. Each having solos and vocal combinations.
Then when it was time to perform we decided to record it...so we would have more than one chance to get it right. Here are the struggles we faced in this attempt: 

Athena wouldnt look at the camera and the kids wouldn't smile. Luke wouldn't look at the camera. Athena and Luke were yawning and moving around. Despite our forewarning "Look at the camera, smile, don't move around and realize that this is a video and people will be watching us." AND a bribe of a new flavor of Kit Kat for giving us their best performance. They still did terrible. 10 times!

One time I messed up my singing by forgetting when to sing. And one time there was no sound recorded. One time the National Anthem played during the performance (because we live on a military base). The very last recording was the one we used. Our best still included Athena and Luke looking away from the camera most of the time. Athena acted like a distracted and bored little girl. (But  that's what she was)
And Luke still acted like a teenager who just doesn't care. (Which is close to the truth too)

But it was good enough to show to family. 

This morning (Christmas Eve) we did a talent show with the Roundy clan. We played our video instead of performing live.
Athena was bored during the talent show so she played with my hair filling it with hair bows. Then she got my blanket and wrapped me in it. Then she massaged my shoulders! I said "You're spoiling me!"
Ty then chimed in "You're not spoiled but your kids are!" He's so sweet. He realizes how much "spoiling" they get verses me. Although, I do feel spoiled a lot of the time.
And Athena is so nurturing. She spoiled me then she asked "Is anyone else cold? I will go get you your blanky!" She loves taking care of others!

Luke and Ty are close friends as well as brothers. They love hanging out together and playing together. Luke loves teasing and torching Ty just a little. But Ty complains. It's only natural for a big brother to do that especially when Sterling is their daddy! Ster loves to tease and torcher... just a little.