Mommy and me

When the boys are away the girls play! Trying on shoes, dressing up and hugging dolls is my kind of morning.

I really do love you

Despite all the pushes, there is always room for some kisses.  

First day of school

This cutie pie is ready for his first day of school!  He has been to orientation to meet his new teacher and is excited to reunite with old classmates.  So, with new backpack in hand he is ready to go.
I am happy to report that he had a wonderful day and his favorite part was getting to paint!

Chatterbox

Maleah is quite the chatterbox these days. Here is a list of her words:
Thank you, mama, daddy,uh-oh, blankie, bear, nana (banana), shu (shoe), done, pig, and of course NO!
It is amazing at how fast she is picking things up. I'm certain she is absorbing all that brother is doing.

Fruit of our labor

The kids are really enjoying their garden. Right now we have tons of red peppers, cantaloupe and tomatoes. As well as onions, carrots and cucumbers. Some of our cantaloupes are getting huge!

Battle Wounds

WAAAAAAA! Yes, that is me crying, not the baby.  It isn't very often that I write about challenges that I face.  And honestly, I have hesitated a bit.  But, someday my children will be all grown up and reading this and I hope that as they parent their children they will be encouraged. And might even feel the urge to give me a big ole hug for putting up with them!
So, let me mimic what all mothers have been saying for centuries....parenting isn't easy, it hurts me more that it hurts you, and some day you will look back and laugh at this, life is short, and (my favorite) they grow up quick-this too, shall pass.  Phew! Though all of this may be true, it doesn't numb my heart of the growing pains I feel in my journey of parenting.
I understand each phase brings its challenges and thus preparing us for our next season. But I think I missed something in birthing class that said that one day my screaming infant would turn into a three year old that could do every thing himself and frankly, doesn't care what I think.  Ouch.  I don't know if it is the reality that now I have my work cut out for me, or the fact that my screaming infant is three that hurts worse.
So, here I sit writing my heart out and praying for the wisdom I never knew I needed.  I have always heard the comments about how challenging being a parent is (and we all know there are many aspects) but truly this is the subject that plagues my heart.  You reap what you sow.  These are the defining moments in my children's lives that will shape them and give them character, leaving a lasting imprint.  I personally find this to be a very scary task.  Especially in today's world where there is such a mix of emotion about this subject.  It seems to me that there is this generational fad that you shouldn't discipline your child, hence (I believe) the very crowded jails.  So a million parenting books clog our shelves with how to raise a child without "discipline".  Then there are the older generations that had, well, a stern hand.  What to do.
May I dare add another layer to this-personality.  One child is easily disciplined and cooperative and the other pushes and pushes. Not all techniques are equal.  If I look at one of my children wrong she cries, the other sticks out his tongue and runs.  Hmmm.  I am sure I am not alone on this.
So now I have to pull out the big guns, so to speak-get my blankie and curl up in the corner and cry.  Just kidding.  I have a lot of learning, trials and I am sure, many errors.  I should apologize to my children now that I am going to make a lot of mistakes (I know, you are shocked I am only human). So, by the grace of God, I pray for lots of wisdom and strength on this journey called parenthood.  It is a tough one.  One that takes me to my knees numerous times each day.  And, Lord willing, my kids and I will survive with very little battle wounds.

Sucker anyone?

Shhhhh...don't tell her it's really a vitamin c pop!

Maleah's Walking!

Guess whose walking? That's right, my little girl!  At 13 months she is growing up quickly.  Perhaps the biggest step she has taken lately is her little pitter patter.  She loves following Noah around and getting to play with the big kids.  It is so exiting to watch her as she gets more confident walking.  

Just like Adam and Eve

Terrible threes, not twos.  Let me set the record straight.  It is not so much the tantrums that the twos invite as much as the independent nature which brings all the back talk and attitude.  However, with all the attitude comes some very funny conversations for later in life.  Here is a great example:
While attempting to get my very independent three year old ready I (sigh) repeated myself again with "Please get dressed".  As I realized that he was going to ignore me, I sternly stated "Noah, if I have to ask you again, you will be punished".  He quickly turned, looked at me with a very serious expression, and replied with "Like God punished Adam and Eve?" Biting my tongue I further probed with  "What do you mean?" Noah quickly stated "You know mom.  They ate the fruit off the tree that God told them not to and then they got punished.  And that is what you are going to do to me."

Though this conversation is comical.  I am greatly encouraged that both this season of challenge will be over soon and that my child is retaining all that I am teaching him.  Despite the attitude I often receive, I  am in continue encouragement and prayer that my precious little boy is growing  to know his Lord and Savior.