An integral part of any chaotic household is the incorporation of pint-sized human counterparts.  Forever a blessing, temporarily a challenge, our children create regular opportunities for creativity in approaching chaos…sometimes by tackling the chaos themselves, sometimes by creating it.  Either way, we have an opportunity to use these mobile chaos creators to grow ourselves as people, partners, and leaders.  Here is a brief introduction to my chaos kids…

Left to Right Caitlin, Collin, and Kalle

Kalle “curly-top chaos”  is the most recent member of my chaos crew.  In 2006, when Kris and I began dating, Kalle was 18 months old.   Complex.  Mischievous.  Enchanting.  Kalle’s wit makes her an instant charmer and her smile can turn you into ”moosh”  faster than shaved ice can melts in an Alabama summer.  Now five and in her first year of kindergarten, Kalle continues to be the youngest in the household, but her laughter is bigger than life.

Caitlin ”creative chaos” is the oldest girl and the middle child.  Exuberent. Questioning.  Empathetic.  Caitlin in many ways is the most like her mother.  She throws herself into everything with zeal and good intent and has a soft spot for furry creatures (especially horses and dogs).  Caitlin is constantly seeking truth to questions that don’t have clearly defined answers.   She is currently 10 years old and in the fifth grade.  Caitlin is everything I wish I had been at her age.

Collin “charismatic chaos” is the oldest and was my guinea pig.  All those things I “learned” about parenting from books, were tried out on him first…which taught me to put down the books.  Focused.   Confident.  Unexpected.  The older he gets, the more he surprises me.  Every once in a while, I catch a glimpse of what it will feel like to talk to him as an adult…and I am certain that it will be good.  Although his propensity to be active and absent-minded are always present, his thoughtfulness and compassion are always a refreshing reminder of how much fun it is to be a parent.  At 13, Collin is in his first year of Junior High (7th grade) and currently stands a hair taller than me.