I don’t have any kiddos of my own, unless you count Jessie (OK, I totally count her, she’s my baby!) but I am thankful for children. Sure, they can be irritating and disgusting and annoying, particularly when they aren’t your own (I think if they’re your own, you probably see past all that and only see their beauty, inside and out, right?), but they are also innocent and joyful creatures and they can bring so much joy to those around them. There is only one kiddo that’s in my life on a regular basis, my 6-year-old nephew, Owen, and he is a breath of fresh air in my sometimes stale adult world.
I love the blunt questions Owen asks without any sense that it might be considered rude to ask. He’s too innocent to realize asking everything that he is wondering might not be OK. Which makes it OK. There are only two ages when it’s OK to say anything and everything you think of–either when you’re very young, or very old.
“Why is Jessie SO FAT?!” “Why is your house so small?” “Why don’t you have any kids?”
I’m the worst person to answer children’s questions because I answer them as an adult. I really have no concept of how to kid-ify and answer so they can understand on their level. We’ve ended up discussing things like how Elvis overdosed and died on the toilet. Don’t ask me how–the kid has so many questions and my answers lead to more questions and before you know it, there I am telling him about Elvis, someone he’s never even heard of, dying on a toilet because he overdosed on drugs, which he also has no concept of. (What is wrong with me?!) I really hope he never asks me how babies are made because I’ll surely traumatize him with diagrams, etc. lol
I also love the theoretical questions he asks…constantly. “What if the world was made of rubber?” “What if bugs were the size of a house?” “What if Jessie kept eating and never stopped?”
That last one might have been influenced by my answer to “Why is Jessie SO FAT?!” (Because she’s always hungry.)
FYI, Jessie was on Temaril-P, an allergy medication that increased her thirst and hunger so much and made her gain so much weight that I finally took her off of it and although she’s itching like crazy, she has already lost a lot of weight.
And then there’s just the hilarious questions. After he learned about Noah’s ark and that it was a long time ago, he asked, “Was my mom on the ark?” LOL! I’m sure she’d be flattered he thought her that old. :)
I also love the refreshing interludes I have with friends’ kiddos, like my friend, Jaci’s, brood of four, and the kiddos at church that I have taught in Bible class on and off. I love pasting the artwork of all the kiddos I know on my fridge, which therefore looks like a pack of crayola products attacked it. I love it.
What children do you have in your life that you are thankful for…and why?
Veronica's Cornucopia 
You are so right. Nephews are the best (and nieces and Godchildren)!!!! They truly bless our lives!
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Although mine is grown, I have many friends with children that I enjoy. (And one that I don’t…ha ha ha! ;)). The good part about friend’s kids, you can always return them and go back to your quiet, peaceful house. Soon I’ll be a Granmama but, unfortunately I will be a long distance one. Now that one I would love to be closer, like next door! :)
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Wow What a story and LOVE all the pictures! Thanks for sharing! I am THANKFUL for the 2 God Blessed us with that are grown. My son lives only 5 minutes away and I am THANKFUL I get to keep my 2 grands 3 days a week while their parents work!
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Cute pics! The box/styrofoam picture cracked me up. My son is almost 10 and still loves styrofoam. Mom of course hates the mess!
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awww! I love this post! I am so grateful for my “brood” hahaha! I think you are great with kids! My kids absolutely love y’all! Can’t wait to be able to visit again or have you visit! I miss my nephew and am sad I am not a regular part of his life. I pray that changes eventually.
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Yay–I love these pics and the hilarious questions Owen asks! Especially how you made it all the way to Elvis OD’ing, heehee. My nephew James is definitely the first baby/child I’ve ever loved, and I wasn’t expecting to have such powerful feelings towards him (rushes of hormones when I look at his picture–not to mention when I get to snuggle him in person!!). He’s at the babbling stage, but I’m sure the questions will come soon . . . =)
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I love my little cousin like a lil brother or sister so I know what you mean my friend :)
Such adorable pics!
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
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ahhh those are a lot of cute pictures! He is very lucky to have you :)
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I loved all the pictures and the cute stories. I have two nieces in AZ I see very often and I talk on the phone with my other niece and nephews quite often, they are in PA. I have a hard time talking to them because I always think I will say the wrong thing, but I have gotten better.
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What a lovely tribute to your little guy! I have two children of my own and the youngest just moved out and the oldest gets married in a few weeks and will be leaving our nest. I know it will be strange to have an empty nest. I am so grateful to have loving, caring children – ok young adults. I can’t imagine my life without them.
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Aww your nephew is SO adorable! What a super sweet post. :)
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Seriously who needs kids when you have all those great children to hang out with, besides I have enough for both of us so you don’t need to worry about the population count ;) Great candid shots!
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So…… cute Veronica! I love all these pictures, you can see how much fun you’re having and he is too! I love kids, they definitely make life more fun and bring so many laughs!
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First, you and your nephew are adorable together! Second, I totally relate to your post. Hubby and I have cats, no kiddos. But we do have 3 nieces and 2 nephews that we absolutely adore. I honestly didn’t care for kids all that much until they came into our lives. I love hanging out with them, especially one on one. Great post Veronica!
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What made me laugh about this post is that you said you talked to your nephew like an adult. I haven’t been around little kids for a while, and when I was in Virginia, I decided to let my cousin sleep in while I watched her not yet 2 year old son.
I put him on the couch, turned on cartoons and said “I am going to make a pot of coffee, do you want a bagel? Do you like jelly or butter?” Um, why I thought a child who can’t make a conversation would answer me! I did enjoy him though – and didn’t mind handing him back when his Mom woke up! :D
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Aw man, he’s a handsome fella! Thanks for sharing this with us. It definitely put a smile on my face =D
Twitter @aSquishyMonster
XOXO
TheSquishyMonster
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Such adorable photos. I love little ones. Mine are older now so I need to start borrowing nieces and nephews.
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I know you will protest, but it looks like you are actually very good with children. Owen is a lucky little guy to have you in his life. I hope you have a fabulous weekend. Blessings…Mary
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LOVED this post! I loved pretty much every photo on here. Love the one of Owen in the sink, and w/ the umbrella, and your sister always makes the funniest faces! Love his funny questions he asks too… kids are so blunt and honest! I want some kiddos in my life :)
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