Every week I like to take a moment to showcase the moments that brought me the most joy. Sometimes they are awesome activities and other times it’s a sweet moment between the kids. There are always moments that can fill us with joy if we choose to see them with a thankful heart.
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It was a tough week. For whatever reason the kids were going a little nuts. Whatever impulse control they have was out the window and basic rules that have been in place for years were being ignored. I was going crazy because I felt like I shouldn’t have needed to repeat myself so many times or ask for simple things like “please keep your feet off your brother’s face” to happen. You get it.
But then those moments happen. Moments that remind us that they are sweet kids and they are learning. Like the three year old answering every devotional question with “Um, Jesus. He died to save our sins,” even if it has nothing to do with the question. And then another kid responding, “No, he died to save us from our sins.” Something is soaking in at least!
1. Big brother story time
Parker really wants to spend time with his siblings and connect with them (which is awesome) but is typical way to do this is by wrestling. Someone always ends up hurt and we have to keep reminding him that it doesn’t work for a nine year old to wrestle a three year old. I suggested reading stories to them this week and he immediately grabbed a book and they hung out in the little boys room listening to Parker read. I think I need to create a reading nook in their room for everyone to cuddle in together!
2. Cinnamon swirl bread
Mmmmm, fresh baked bread! I’m a big fan of Pioneer Woman’s cinnamon swirl bread so I made a double batch last week on kitchen day. We ate one on Friday but the other will get saved for the future. This made the house smell soooo nice plus baking helps keep the house a little warmer 🙂
3. Becoming independent
They are so determined to do things themselves these days. My parents left a bag of Cheetos with us after their visit last weekend and each day the kids get a small handful with lunch. They are so big! They can actually reach the counter and grab their own food sometimes. Soon they won’t need my help at all. Excuse me while I go sob in the corner!
4. Parent-Teacher conferences
When faced with tough parenting days it’s easy to think we are screwing it all up. We feel like we shouldn’t need to repeat the same directions over and over or ask them to be kind one more time. But then we go to parent-teacher conferences and hear what a joy our kids are in class and how kind they are to the other students. Apparently we aren’t totally messing them up! They are learning what we are teaching them! Now the key is getting the behavior to translate to our own house 😉
