Raising Kids: More like Watering a Seed than Molding Clay

1. I was looking out the front window. It was a new day, a gloomy one, and I was dreading the errands we'd have to run. Rainy days are such a bummer when there are places to go. So honestly I was feeling pretty mopey. Then Tae came up next to me and threw open the curtains with a smile, and after careful examination of the scene, she pronounced, "What a lovely day!" My daughter - the unfailing optimist.

2. One whole hour of raking leaves. I was working hard, hard enough that Keller (in my tummy) was probably wondering what in the world was going on. My kids were being carefully corralled in the front yard, a small reminder here and there to stay out of the street. Then I looked up to see Canon "riding" away on his tiny bicycle down the sidewalk. (He can't use the pedals, so he goes at a snail's pace.) I call to him to stay at our house, but Can-O is bent on freedom. "See ya, Mom. Trick or Treating!" And he begins his quest. My son - the determined independant.