Remembering

Sometimes I forget all the cute/funny things my kids do or say. My parents or in-laws will ask "Did the kids do anything funny lately?" and I'll think yeah they did but I forget. So part of recognizing the simple blessings in my life is taking the time to remember these funny/special sayings or doings of my kids. I hope that I can be better at recording these things in my blog for the enjoyment of my family, myself and for my kids when they are older.

This past weekend Abby and Will did at Valentine scavenger hunt at Mike's cousins. For the last clue they had to go to the bathtub. Abby yells down that they couldn't find the clue(post-it note) in the tub. We asked her if there was anything in the tub and she said yeah there are presents. We laughed so hard, she was so focased on the clues that she didn't realize the prize at the end. I am so glad that Abby is often grateful for the adventure rather than the prize. Will however is all about the presents.

This weekend also Will was laying in my bed with me in the morning. He looks at me and says "Mom, I love you so much. I will never break your heart." I hugged and kissed that kid to pieces. I know that that will probably not be true but now I at least have this written down so I can remind him of his promise.

Thank you Lord for these special moments with my children. They say so much about who they are and who I pray they will become. Please help me be a model of your character Lord so they might model it in their own lives. Today at my church's prayer group for moms we talked about how hard it is to be Christ like for our children but that it is such an important thing to do. Grant me your strength to be the mom you designed me to be so that my kids might know more of you each day.

Wind in their Sails

I read bits here and there out of this book "The Power of a Positive Mom" by Karol Ladd. I tend to read it more while my husband is traveling as I find it harder to be as positive as I would like to be when the day to day activities seem to wear me down.

In reading from her book this week I came across the chapter providing advice on discovering your child'd potential. I am drawn to this topic as Abby has started school now and Will will start next week. As I begin to schedule activities and homework projects are introduced it does make me think about recognizing those areas where my kids really shine. I love in the book where it states "Our challenge is to learn how to be the wind in their sails without blowing them off the course God has set for their lives." I want to be an involved and supportive mom but I don't want to be a controlling mom. Giving thoughtful direction and choosing or controlling the direction are two different things. Of course the Bible provides insight into our parenting duties and specifically how to train them. I really like the author's translation of Proverbs 22:6 "train a child according to his bent."

So it looks like I have some homework as well this school season, according to this book there are four steps to studying your children in order to find their unique skill sets and direction. Step 1: See the potential, this sounds easy enough but I know if feels like some days I have only focased on what they didn't do or say. Step 2: Offer opportunities for Growth, here she empasizes trying a variety of activities for you kids but not rushing. In fact she lists several Olympic athletes who didn't focas on their specific sport until their teenage years!!! Step 3: Set realistic goals, she emphasizes that these be the children's goals and not your goals for them. Lastly Step 4: Support their Endeavors, whether they win or lose, just them knowing you support them no matter what is such an encouragement to them.
So I am excited to really study my kids a little more deeply and find out what makes them truly unique and how I can help them find their bent. Hope you enjoyed this new info as much as I did. Happy Discovering!!!