favorite things

It's high time I post a list of some favorite things about my boys!  It's easy to get bogged down in trying to manage the chaos of three boys aged three and under, but I try to stop and enjoy the moments that make me smile (inside and out).  Here's what's popping into my head, no particular order of importance:

• Listening on the monitor as Levi wakes up in the morning.  He jabbers happily for quite awhile, and he starts playing with his stuffed cow or pig - they play music when you press their belly, sometimes he gets them both going at once and it cracks me up. (And brings back memories of when Caleb and Logan were that age and had those toys in their bed.)
• Seeing how excited Levi is when Caleb, Logan, and I go into his room to get him out of his crib in the morning.  He jumps and squeals with delight at the sight of his big brothers.
• Watching the look on Caleb's face when he's totally into a story that Mike is telling.  This boy doesn't slow down much, so to see him totally engrossed in a story is pretty neat.  
• On the same note, seeing the boys sleep.  After going, going, going all day it's a treat to see them peacefully asleep and at rest.
• Seeing the smile on Logan's face when he's mad about something and I very sternly tell him, "Whatever you do, don't smile!", knowing that I'll get that funny little smile out of him as he tries to keep a serious face.
• Hearing the questions Logan comes up with.  He really thinks about things and comes up with some good questions.  Many times I can't answer the questions or the sheer quantity of questions exhausts me, but I love it that he's so observant and thoughtful.
• Getting an unsolicited "Good meal, Mom" from Caleb after putting almost zero effort into what he's eating.  Someday they'll appreciate that I actually CAN cook.  :)  I also get a "Your pretty, Mom" from him sometimes and it melts my heart.
• Watching Caleb and Logan enjoy time with their cousins, aunts and uncles, and grandparents.  They LOVE spending time with our families, and it's neat to see the unique things they get to do with each family - cottage stuff with Mike's family thanks to H & K, farming stuff with my family, etc.
• Observing the boys play when they are totally focused and concentrating on what they are doing on their own.  It can be rare to see those moments when they are in their own little world, and I just love seeing that look of concentration on their faces!
• Seeing Caleb and Logan stop to look at books WITHOUT ME TELLING THEM TO.  :)  Many times when things are starting to get a little crazy I'll have them go sit on separate couches and look at books for awhile to calm down, and they do good with that, but now sometimes they'll actually choose on their own to go look at books.

These are a few of my favorite things.  I'm sure I'll come up with more during the day - at least I hope we have that kind of a day...  :)  My heart is full, I am feeling blessed, I thank the Lord every day that He chose to give Mike & I these boys - even though there are moments I think I might pull my hair out.  ;)