parenting

Yeah.  It was one of those days.  Kids.....go in your rooms, think about what you've said/done to your sibling, and write an apology.  Parenting gold.  (not really.  see below.)

raising children

"Do not ask your children to strive for extraordinary lives.
Such striving may seem admirable, but it is a way of foolishness.
Help them instead to find the wonder and the marvel of an ordinary life.
Show them the joy of tasting tomatoes, apples, and pears.
Show them how to cry when pets and people die.
Show them the infinite pleasure in the touch of a hand.
And make the ordinary come alive for them.
The extraordinary will take care of itself."

humbled

Dear Lord,

Thank you for my children's disobedience this morning, for without that I wouldn't have seen your glory.  You know where I'm at and you met me there.  You knew that I have been struggling with feelings of inadequacy and doubt in raising these two children you entrusted me with.  Then, there is the moment.

I'm getting ready for work, something I struggle to do because of a desire to be home with my children, and thinking about a million different things.  The sound of arguing children snaps me back to the present and I find myself feeling exhausted before I even reach their bedroom doors.  One crying and the other looking oh so very innocent.  [If I could make one request it would be for an instant replay button installed on all children.]

In the midst of all the explanations, tears, and blame I feel a calm.  I know that isn't coming from within me, and I thank you for being there.  I know I need to discipline my son.  He knows he did something he shouldn't have and hurt his sister.  He held out his hands as I reminded him they are for serving you and protecting.  Never to hurt.  He received his punishment without even the slightest protest, thank you for the work you've done in his sweet little heart.

After [Noah] asked Ava for forgiveness I knew my attentions needed to turn to her.  I knew, even though I hadn't been there to witness, she had a hand in this as well.  For her part in not trying to work it out, and then walking away if that failed, she needed a time-out.  I had no idea you would use this moment, this seemingly tedious act of parenting, to draw me closer to you.  Noah began walking down the stairs, saying with a clear voice "it's okay mom, I will take it."  [me] Take what Noah?  "I will take Ava's time-out for her."  Humbled.  Speechless and humbled.

Thank you for your undeserved love, patience, grace, and forgiveness.  And thank you for the blessing of my children.  This morning will forever be imprinted on my own heart and I thank you for your continued work in their sweet little hearts.

Your servant,
Sarah

not so all-star mom moments...

There are those days where you feel like an All-Start mom. Things are going well, kids are behaving, you can acutally be in the grocery store and get through your list. People are looking and pointing out what lovely well-behaved children. For just a moment you think this will go on forever. Perfect.
Then...there are the not so All-Star mom moments. Like today.
1. Hmmm, where's Noah? Why do I hear muffled cried coming from the back hall? Great. There he is, his first TP and it's his own house. We have some learning to do here.
2. Never, and I repeat, never take a phone call. That's just a rule I'm learning. Don't even bother. Today, however, I had to take a call in the other room because kids were playing (loud). They were having a good time too...until...thud----scream---thud---more screams----thud thud------a lot of screams. Find Noah at the bottom of the stairs. Ava histerical in the living room. Besides the rug burn on the side of his head he seems to be okay. Nothing a good snack couldn't cure.

3. Again, not my best day. Why I did this I will never know. The kids were sharing a nice snack of dried apple bites and I left the bag on the table, I thought out of reach. You know the fine dust that resides in the bottom of all such packages? Cereal, dried apple bites, etc. When I came out carrying lunch IT was residing all over my children and the floor.

**No pictures, to grusome**