What a beautiful weekend we had.

This weekend went by in a flash, but was totally awesome.  It felt like I was at peace, and the boys have been so behaved I had to pinch myself to see if it was real.  :)

Friday we had a play date with one of my dearest friends, that has the same exact parenting views as me (well, close enough), and actually tolerates me at my worst.  And for that, I will always love her.  :)  Her daughters are also a bit older than Pierce, and a bit younger than Carter, so all 4 kids play really well together.  We played forever, and checked out a few new places on the east side, such as the Farmer's Calfe.  There are pictures of cows all over the wall, and all proceeds support the local dairy farms.  Carter's response when we walked in?  "MOOOOO!  EIEIO!  MOOOOO!"  It was hilarious.

Then once my mom came home, we took off to the mall to tire these children out for the last time.  That would give us a chance to do some wrapping and to hang out as just mother and daughter, once they fell asleep in the car.  HA!  They proved us wrong.  They played in the mall playground, chased each other and marched with their balloons, saw Santa, ate food, and were still going strong when we left the mall at 9:00.  They talked the entire way home, and then proceeded to stay up until 12 AM.  Yes, I saw the clock strike 12 AM.  Yikes!

Saturday Pierce had a date with my mom, and had such a great time.  Spending one on one time with people is going to be key for him in terms of development.  He is a kid who loves to watch old movies of us, look at pictures, and just overall have those deep connections with people.  Carter was a little crabby, but he  just missed Daddy.  That afternoon we went Christmas tree searching at the local tree farm, and Pierce played photographer.  Carter carried Ampy's hat, and it was such a great family experience.  It was one of those that brought a tear of joy to your eyes, knowing that life does and can continue on after such a profound loss.  But, as Pierce reminded my mom and I (out of the blue), Ampy is up in heaven, and even though we cannot see him, he can see us.  Wow.  Out of the mouth of a 2 1/2 year old.

Today I worked in the morning, but they were so happy to have some daddy time.  According to daddy they behaved like angels, and they were so sweet when I came home.  We all had lunch together, took our individual showers, and just took our time getting ready to go searching for our Christmas tree.  We eventually found one (after a few places were sold out already), and it is perfect.  Pierce "helped" chop it down, and he laughed while mommy had to hold the two ends of the rope together in the backseat on the way home, so that the tree would not tumble off the car. Then we had to use a sawsall to get the branches off, and to make daddy's cut straight on the bottom.  It took a little convincing for the tree to stay in the stand and not go horizontal, but it was nothing a sledge hammer and choice words couldn't fix.  :)  And since it was dry, we were even able to hang lights and decorate it today!  We had such a blast, and Pierce went "caroling" around the house.  Not sure where he got that concept from, but he did exactly what he said. Carter was more preoccupied with taking ornaments off the tree.  That was his job.  :)

As I am putting Pierce to bed for the night, and he is brushing his teeth, here is the heartfelt conversation that we had.

Pierce: I need grown up toothpaste. I'm a grown up boy. 
Me: oh yeah? Do you have a job?
P: yup!
M: where do you work?
P: dunkin donuts
M: who do you work with?
P: Tina. (Big smile on his face)
M: do you drive a car?
P: yup!
M: what kind of car?
P: fire trucks! And police cara too!
M: did you pay your bills this month?
P: Yup!
M: how?
P: I put the change in and it went jingle jingle. 

And on that note, I am going to say good night.  I love my children, and I can really say I could never have a life without them.  They are my purpose in life, and that I am starting to see.  Careers will be there when they are grown.  Nothing can replace or be more valuable than me watching them grow into their own.  Nothing.  :)