He ain't heavy...

He's my brother.

Sorry. I had to. I don't even really like that song. I liked it even less when American Idol did a version of it a few years back. But, the title is just too appropriate for my story. Here we go...

Target loves me. I feel like I help keep them in business. Facebook has a group titled, "I went into Target to buy toothpaste and I spent 100 dollars." I should join that group. Now add in that our Target has a Starbucks and a Pizza hut and you have perfect family harmony. I have been known to bribe my children with popcorn and slushies so that they will be peaceful during my shopping. Don't judge me.

I had to run to Target last Saturday night to pick up a birthday gift. The boys and I were strolling through the dollar section to see if we could find any little goodies to throw into the package when the boys spotted some foam swords. They were well into the Darth Vader/Anakin Skywalker fight when another little boy walked up to join in on the action. I was half watching when I saw something that brought out the very fire in my heart. The little boy hit Hunter in the face so hard I could hear it from across the aisle. I was horrified.

Now, I know kids will be kids. And maybe my son was asking for it by playing along in the first place. But, I was seriously about to go off on this child. He was much older than Hunter and he took the game too far. I was well on my way to a total freak out when I realized that someone else was doing it for me.

Jackson. He proceeded to lay this child out. He told him that no one hits his brother and that he should know better. He said that Hunter is just a baby and that was totally wrong. He then threw their swords down and (in total Jill fashion I might add) spun on his heels and said, "Come on Hunter, let's get you out of here."

Maybe I should have stepped in, but I didn't. I had seen it. All of the lessons about protecting our family. The times I have explained that Hunter and Jackson should always have each other's back, they were all right there in the middle of Target alive and well. Jackson gets it. Praise God!

I am so glad that I have two boys. I am so glad that they have each other. That's right, Jackson. He ain't heavy, he's your brother.

And in this corner....

Weighing in at 33 pounds we have, Hunter...the roughest, toughest toddler in the east.

Well maybe, lol.

I had dinner with a friend on Monday night and when I came home I saw that Jackson was missing another tooth. I was surprised because it hadn't really been all that loose. When I asked him about it, he told me that Hunter had punched it out.

WHAT?????

I questioned Matt about it and he confirmed that Yep, Hunter had been the culprit.

Apparently the were playing Pirates of the Caribbean (because whose children don't frequently re-enact popular fight scenes from borderline appropriate Disney movies.) Jackson was cast as the part of Elizabeth Swann (again, probably better not to ask) and Hunter said,

"Take that, Elizabeth Swann" and rared back and let him have it.

That was the end of Jackson's tooth. I know there is a lot I could be grateful for..it was a baby tooth, it was already loose, and most of all Jackson was not upset. I know this because when I asked him if Hunter told him he was sorry, he responded...

"No, Mom. I told Hunter thank you! This was the greatest night ever."

Sigh. And I wonder why my hair is turning gray.

Life as we know it...

Someone asked me the other day, "What do you do for a living?"

I quickly responded, "I'm a stay at home Mom."

They kind of laughed and said, "Do you do it because you like it, or because you feel obligated?"

That question got me to thinking. Why do I choose to stay at home? Certainly our budget could be improved if I went back to work full time. And yet, year after year I make the same choice. I officially joined the ranks of SAHM Moms when Jackson was born almost eight years ago. For me, it was never a question. I always knew that was where I wanted to be...I'm so blessed that I married a man who supports me in my quest to be at home with the boys. That is where he and I both feel our family is best served.

But, back to the question. Do I like it, or do I feel a sense of obligation?

Well, let me put it this way.

Everyday, I wake up to a house full of my co-workers and they race to be the first to give me a hug. They fight over who loves me the most. I am surrounded by company opportunities, never mind if some of them are potty training, ABC's and the Golden Rule. Maybe I don't get any sick days, but my co-workers are very generous with their love and sympathy. Instead of collecting a pay check twice a month, I am rewarded daily with hugs and kisses. And in the moments that I am able to witness the bond that Hunter and Jackson share, another deposit is made into my heart. And at the end of the day, my business partner comes home to find a healthy, happy (although sometimes screaming) family.

So, yes. I like what I do. Honestly, it's more than that. I love it. This is my calling.

I have to go, though. We have an important business meeting to discuss the effects of Crayola on slipcovers. Let's hope we experience a breakthrough.