Relational Giving

Though I was quite happy to give my kids at least ONE educational, fun, AND lead-free gift this year (like the lacing beads shown below), I realized, yet again, that what they really want and need the most is Relationship.

(Well, Optimus Prime might be what my six-year-old says he really wants and neeeeeeds, but nonetheless.)

(And by the looks of the room in this picture, what this Stretch Mark Mama really needs is a housekeeper.)

But I digress.

The kids want relationships with each other, a relationship with Mom and Dad, relationships with friends.

Time to play, time to laugh, time to talk.

Doesn't matter what the toy actually is. Current favorites at our house are the empty wrapping paper tubes. They've been megaphones, swords (of course!), and gross things coming from the south-bound end of a north-bound horse.

Hey! I live with a couple of boys!

[Just keepin' it real.]

But that's what I love this day. My relationship with my kids, and what they teach me about life.