One of my favorite parts of parenting is the completely unfiltered, unplanned things our kids say and do. The kind of moments that make you laugh, pause, and think, Did that really just happen?

We have been keeping notes and writing them down, so I figured this would be the perfect place to share. Because these moments are too good not to remember. You. Are. Welcome!

Here are a few highlights from life lately with the Bryan littles:

1. My birthday card.

The kids proudly handed me a card they made and shouted, “Merry Birthday!” The joys of having a birthday so close to Christmas, you forget what to say. Plus, I like their version better.

Link had scribbled all over the inside, and Naomi had carefully written, “Happy birthday, I love you!” I opened it and immediately said, “Ohhh, I love it!”

And in the quietest little voice from the background, Naomi added,
“He just scribbled.”

I mean.. She isn’t wrong. I still love it though!

2. Naomi & her never-ending commitment to talking.

One day, she truly would not stop talking. And talking. And talking. Mark finally questioned, “Naomi, why do you like to talk so much?”

Without missing a beat, she replied,
“Because I’m a talky girl!”

And honestly? Yes, queen. Never change.

3. Great Cereal Incident.

Link announced, “I want a bowl of cereal.”
Mark agreed.

Naomi followed with, “I would just like a cup of milk.”
Link immediately rushed back in and said, “Actually, I don’t want cereal. Just milk.”

So Dad grabbed a cup.

Link stared at it.
Questioned it.
Then declared, “No… I want the milk in a bowl.”

Not cereal.
Not cereal with milk.
Just… milk. In a bowl.

Parenting keeps you humble.

*See the photo below

4. Amazon delivery day.

I had ordered a new backpack for an upcoming trip and a reading light for Naomi’s bed because she’s been loving reading at night. Link happened to be home when the package arrived.

Later that evening, Mark asked, “What came in that box?”

I said, “Oh, a reading light for Naomi.” Mark was satisfied with that answer!

Of course, Link jumped in and announced,
“And Momma got a backpack because she said her other one stinks! Because there is poop in her other backpack.”

First of all… he snitched. Thanks, kid! 
Second… he fully made that up.

To be clear: yes, my old backpack was a former diaper bag. There was absolutely no poop involved. But apparently, that is now my reputation.

5. Naomi’s honest academic review.

She asked, “Mom is done, can she help me with phonics?”

Mark kindly offered, “I can help you, Naomi!”

She paused…
Looked at him…
And said, “Umm… no. I want Mommy. You’re not very good at phonics.”

Brutal.
Straight to the point.
No notes.

These kids keep us laughing, humble, and constantly reminded that life doesn’t have to be perfect to be beautiful. Sometimes it’s just scribbled cards, talky girls, milk in bowls, questionable backpacks, and very honest feedback.

And honestly? I wouldn’t trade it for anything.