Big boy. . .

So, this is my second baby's alphabet wall.  Every week at preschool last year they did a letter.  They stuck stickers on it that matched the sound. So stickers of a lollipop on the L.  And to make it even more fun, they printed pictures of the kids and put themselves on the letter!  So, for example, on the "S" is a Samuel sticker!  Wow.  Anyway, almost every week we came home on Fridays and put a letter on the wall.  It became a visual representation of our preschool year.  In. So. Many. Ways.  My little boy was growing up.  I have said it before, but for one who so desperately did not like classroom settings as a 1-year old. . . . or a 2-year old. . . . or a 3-year old, at 4, he was ready!!

SO, before the first day of kindergarten we took down the letters.  We moved them to the basket of papers that mommy likes to save.  :)  We prepared ourselves for a new transition.  We got ready, backpacks, supplies, snacks, water, and the appropriate clothing and shoes and headed out the door!  He even had to go on the first day without his brother (who was puking in the back bedroom, another story for another day).  I asked him that morning if he wanted to wait and start with big brother.  He looked back at me confidently and said, "I want to go today."  This mama's heart about lost it. . . where was the baby that wouldn't let go of my neck?  For like four years??? 


When I heard that on the first week of school, he stood, IN FRONT of the whole class and recited the first catechism question all by himself, I knew we were in for great things. 

And look at those cool shoes. . . . thanks Aunt Erin!

* As a side note. . .  for anyone in the midst of babies who won't go anywhere.  Be encouraged.  As miserable as it is in the moment, as difficult as it is to go to church, bible study, preschool, or any other place where other people's children are in a class, this season will pass.  They will grow up.  There is such a peace in my heart that the Lord gave me the grace and wisdom to let him hold on a bit longer.  Because when he was ready. . . he was ready.  And he is so confident in his place at home that he can go out in strength.  Not in fear or worry.  This is our story, but I figure someone else might have some similar experiences. . . .

Parenting Pros and Woes

So I have spent the last week in woes about my parenting and my children.  You know what I mean right??  I'm not alone, am I?????  :)  I know.  It's crazy, like some switch flips in one of my children and everything that I had been doing that was working is no longer working.  Like all of the sudden they are a different child, motivated by different things, and more in touch with the dang sin nature.  Seriously. . . you could not sit and watch my precious, sweet baby girl this past week and tell me there is no innate sin nature.  Anyway, that's actually a different topic for a different day.  But this week I was driven to my knees. 

I think it started here.




I know, she's only just barely 2.  But seriously, she was showing all the signs.  So we did all the whoohaa, got the big girl panties, got the treats, got out the potty, had an awesome potty party (if you ask me!), and began the process.  After about 12 hours (the second day), we weren't any closer and suddenly she began flipping out about all kinds of things.  Throwing any open container she could find on the floor, hitting her brothers, throwing toys, running away from me when called, and CLEARLY not going pee on the potty.  Not for any amount of chocolate.

So, as any clear minded individual would do, I walked outside and declared to my working husband that HIS daughter was back in diapers and I was leaving for a break.  :)

Fortunately, I am married to an amazing man and he gave me a chance to talk to Jesus.  I was so baffled, and couldn't figure out why I was so upset with her.  And in that moment the Lord spoke to me.  He reminded me of who He is.  How he is slow to anger, and abounding in love.

And he passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, "The LORD, the LORD, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness"  Exodus 34:6

And then he taught me about my daughter.  He reminded me of how verbal she is.  Seriously ya'll, she can talk like the boys could at 3.  It's amazing-- and somewhere in my mind I had decided that she was as old as she was verbal.  That if she could tell me as much as she could, then she should definitely be pooping on the potty.  And not spilling drinks.  And not throwing toys.  And not running away when called.

Today, I pulled the toddler seat back to the table, strapped her in for lunch and felt peace reign.  I knew the Lord was kind and gentle in his reminder.  And now I feel like I can be as well.  I can love her with passion and peace.  And in diapers.  ;)

"We will not hide them from their children; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the LORD, his power, and the wonders he has done. . . . so the next generation would know them, even the children yet to be born, and they in turn would tell their children.  Then they would put their trust in God and would not forget his deeds but would keep his commands." Psalm 78:4,6-7