Celebrate Your Kid

It has been a fun but challenging summer. The kids have really been pushing my buttons these past few weeks. I've needed reminding of some basic truths about parenting and love.

I just love these "Kathyisms"!! Little nuggets of truth and encouragement to help me be a better mom! Thanks Kathy Koch!


 Kathyism #27- "Raise the Children You Were Given" from Dr. Kathy Koch on Vimeo.

I love my children SO much. But its not always easy to not wish they were different in this way or that way. The challenges they bring to the table for me as a mom are infinitely more than anything I imagined I would have to deal with when I dreamed of being a mom. I am so thankful that my kids are quick to forgive because I have not been my best self lately. Hoping the routine of the school year will help bring about some better habits for me.

Hearts at Home Mom's Weekend!!

Another March... another Hearts at Home conference for this gal! This marks my third Hearts at Home conference and I have loved each and every one. I mean, what is not to like about a weekend away from home with your girlfriends where you basically go to "mommy-classes"?

The theme this year is "Love Your Life". Whew... frankly, not always an easy task around here! But it was refreshing hearing stories from other moms and being reminded that its not always easy for anyone to love their life. But with His help we can love the phase of life we are in no matter what phase that is.

We made goodie bags for the weekend with special treats including shirts that I'd freezer paper stenciled to go with the conference's theme.

 

Hearts at Home is promoting the soon to be released Mom's Night Out movie. Sarah Drew (the lead actress in that movie, and of Grey's Anatomy) shared about her mom's powerful reaction to the movie. I saw a screening a couple of weeks ago.  SO good!!

 

The featured comedian and mc for the weekend was Sally Bauke (pronounced bow-key) was a delight! She was so thoroughly entertaining she kept us laughing the whole time. I thought I might actually need one of the piddle pads she kept referencing.  ;-) 

 

The keynote speakers were Dr. Kathy Koch of Celebrate Kids and Angela Thomas. Each of them has a unique testimony that reached our hearts. God is seriously using these ladies for His glory. What a blessing it was to hear them share this weekend! Such wisdom and heart!

 My girl Lehi and I were pretty excited to meet MoneySavingMom! Her workshops were so great.  She has such practical tips for organizing your life and saving your family money. We're going through her new book Saying Goodbye to Survival Mode together.

 

Once again, this was a weekend to remember that I am thankful to have shared with these lovely ladies! Its a time of learning and fellowship. Its a time of tears and laughter.

 

 Personally... I think Hearts at Home should be quarterly.  ;-)  Waiting a whole year for another Hearts at Home conference is too long!

Intentional Relationships

Some friends of ours recently joined an "intentional community".  What is that, you say? When my dad first heard about it he jokingly called them hippies.  But, when googled this definition comes up:  Intentional Community is an inclusive term for ecovillages, cohousing communities, residential land trusts, communes, student co-ops, urban housing cooperatives, intentional living, alternative communities, cooperative living, and other projects where people strive together with a common vision.

Some communities are a little more on the extreme side of things. But there are some that are just a group of people wanting to purposefully live their lives together.  Our friends' community was founded by David Janzen and inspired by a verse in Acts:  " All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave according to what each one needed." - Acts 2:44-45   In theory, I can hardly see fault in that.  But practically speaking, I know with that lifestyle will come unique challenges.  Natural Life Magazine shares some of the pros and cons of raising children in intentional communities.  But says ultimately: Despite the potential difficulties and the undoubted challenges, being a child or a parent in community brings many rewards, and it is an option well worth considering. And The Offbeat Home shares the benefits and challenges of communal living on their blog.  She ends her post with: In closing let me say that I love this lifestyle and hope to live in community until old age. I don't understand those 90 year olds who want to live alone in their own house until they die. I love living around children and young adults, it keeps me flexible and up to date, it gives me a place to share my stories, my skills, my time and my gifts. It makes me smile to hear the children laughing uproariously as they jump on the trampoline. Life is good!



I certainly am not sharing to say anything either way - for or against intentional communities.  I think that living that kind of lifestyle is a matter for each to decide for them-self.   However, for me personally, I would rather have my focus be on intentional relationships and less on the logistics of actual cohabitation.  I don't like the idea of the politics involved with having shared living space or shared money.  I know a lot of people who make poor financial decisions and it is easy for me to detach from that because its none of my business.  But if we were all using the same piggy bank then I would think it was my business how they spent "our" money and I don't want to be in that position.

True friendship multiplies the good in life and divides its evils. Strive to have friends, for life without friends is like life on a desert island… to find one real friend in a lifetime is good fortune; to keep him is a blessing.

This year I am working on building relationships and that takes a lot of work and I have to be intentional about making playdates and girls night outs,  making phone calls and mailing birthday cards, and taking meals or babysitting to make that happen.  

Fun Cheap or Free is doing a series called Focused in 2014 and made this February - Focus on Relationships Calendar for their readers.  They have suggested activities and things for you to do to build relationships all month long.  I love this!  There are some really helpful suggestions.  Gretchen Rubin of The Happiness Project shared 7 tips for making new friends.  If you think about it there a few key things that should be used to build and strengthen relationships:

be kind - go out of your way to genuinely compliment people and be encouraging.

quality time - be purposeful about planning get togethers with friends and family.  I know we're all busy, but we need to prioritize and make time to spend with those people who are important to us.

communication - find the time to call or email loved ones that don't live close by.  And don't forget that communication is just as much (if not more) about listening as it is talking.

give & take - bring a meal or babysit for someone you know could use the help AND don't be afraid to let people help you in return.

expect ups & downs - its ok to have times when you're disappointed or even angry at one another, we're all human, we will make mistakes.  Forgive and move on.


Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: 10 If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!- Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

Third Thursday Blog Hop - Love Your Dreams/Goals

I am a little excited to be attending Hearts at Home 's National Conference again this year.  It will be my third time attending and each time has been a true blessing. The theme this year is "Love Your Life".  Tying in to that theme will be the monthly Third Thursday Blog Hop themes...  this month is "Love Your Dreams/Goals".  Which is fitting since just a couple weeks ago I posted my New Year's Resolutions for 2014.  And I think that is a good way to start the year off, thinking about goals and dreams for the year ahead.
 
“Don't you find it odd," she continued, "that when you're a kid, everyone, all the world, encourages you to follow your dreams. But when you're older, somehow they act offended if you even try.”  ― Ethan Hawke

I can't even count the number of times I have had conversations with my son about not giving up, and working hard to achieve our goals, etc.  But when it comes down to it I tend to give up on my own goals just as easily as my own child does.  It is often easier to admit defeat than it is to forge ahead in the face of frustration and hard work. Or I end up on the side of fearing failure and neglecting to set goals to work toward at all because I know I'll fall short of my own expectations.

 photo source

“I believe that half the trouble in the world comes from people asking 'What have I achieved?' rather than 'What have I enjoyed?' I've been writing about a subject I love as long as I can remember--horses and the people associated with them, anyplace, anywhere, anytime. I couldn't be happier knowing that young people are reading my books. But even more important to me is that I've enjoyed so much the writing of them.”  ― Walter Farley 

"What have I enjoyed?"  I think I often get so caught up in what I "should" be doing that I forget to do things that I enjoy doing.  There is a common theme throughout my resolutions this year and that is being intentional.  I don't want to take the easy way anymore.  I want to work on my relationships.  I long to spend more time with the people that I love than hiding away in my little bubble at home.  I want to reach out to people even though it requires effort and planning and sometimes can be frustrating... but I want to shine the light of Jesus to those around me and I can't do that effectively if I retreat into my shell and don't get out of my comfort zone.

There have been times in my life when I was going through a really hard time and really needed to have someone reach out to me and encourage me and God put someone in my path to bring a meal or send a note of encouragement.  And it makes all the difference in the world sometimes. Then, there have been other times when no one stepped forward, no one reached out.  I don't want to be that person that chooses not to reach out to other women, especially younger women, new wives and moms who are struggling with their new roles. Maybe they are going through some of the same things that I went through.  Or maybe their situation is totally different but I could be a listening ear.  Its possible that they have no one else in their life to show them the love of Jesus.  I desire to really love my life and encourage other women to love their lives too.

Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.-  Philippians 3:13-14 ESV

If you take responsibility for yourself you will develop a hunger to accomplish your dreams. Les Brown
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/keywords/your_dreams.html#E7tfiMfsO3XIDPzr.99

If you take responsibility for yourself you will develop a hunger to accomplish your dreams. Les Brown
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/keywords/your_dreams.html#E7tfiMfsO3XIDPzr.99

I feel like the theme of Love Your Life was chosen just for me... because I struggle with that sometimes... but I know I am not alone.  Please pray for me (and all the other moms) as I (we) seek to truly love the lives that God has given us.  Check out the other great Blog Hop posts on Jill Savage's blog.

Being Mom...

In case you haven't noticed... I have not been blogging much in the past few months. I just haven't felt like I had anything worth sharing.  I've been in a bit of a mental/emotional slump.  I look at my life, my daily activities, and wonder: "Is this it?".  I truly believe that my value is not in what I do but in Who made me.  I am a daughter of God and that is something that I cling to on the really hard days.  But sometimes its hard to see past all the diapers and dirty laundry and cooking meals that get complained about and half of it ends up on the floor...  sometimes I need reminded that what I am doing is important, that it matters. 

Why Being A Mom is Enough 

“They don’t see you stand in the bathroom and gather your resolve every morning. They don’t see those of you who mother alone without much support. They don’t see the trips to the car back and forth and back and forth. They don’t see you counting to ten a dozen times before noon. They don’t see you look at the bank account and sigh and try to figure out how to make three meals with what’s left in your pantry. They don’t see you walking into the principals office, doctor’s office, friend’s house and defending your child.

They don’t see bandages placed on knees. Kisses on foreheads at night. Pillows pushed just the right way and blankets tucked to the perfect demands. Laundry folded and folded and folded. Tears that sting your eyes as your keep going. Dinners prepped over the stove. Times of laughter over silly things. Hair brushed and pulled back into pony tails. Prayers over wandering teens. Prayers over little babes. Nights spent sleeping in a chair holding a sick child. Days where the house is a wreck but you’re reading books. The brave smile on your face when you’re weary.

Those things matter.”

Our church always does a program called "Bring Your Gifts to Jesus" every year around Christmas-time.  Its always said that it is not meant to be a talent show or pageant, but a forum for sharing the gifts that God has given us and give those gifts back to Him.  But for someone who doesn't sing, dance or play an instrument it can be discouraging sometimes.  Frankly, seeing all those talents can often remind someone of their lack of talent. 

But if you really think about it, does Jesus put value in "talents" over gifts of service?  I think not.  There are so many gifts given every day by people who love Jesus and love His children that cannot be performed on a stage.  So, this year I requested that a video be played to represent all of the gifts that moms and caregivers give on a daily basis.

3 Queens from Matt Bieler on Vimeo.

That video moves me to tears every time I watch it.  Its beautiful.  If truth be told, when you're in the midst of the diapers and sick kids and doctor visits and sticky floors... it doesn't always feel beautiful.  But God sees it that way.  He knows how hard we work just to keep going.  He knows that we struggle with being satisfied with being "just a mom".  He knows that its a choice we made because we felt it was the best thing for our kids, that we could be working in a "real job" with deadlines and coffee breaks and peer validation.  So while right now the rewards might be few (hugs and kisses), someday we will have treasure waiting for us in heaven. 

"As a mother comforts her child, so I will comfort you; and you will be comforted over Jerusalem." -  Isaiah 66:13

"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. "But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." -  Matthew 6:19-21

UnWired Mom Challenge Update...

Well, I've been doing Sarah Mae's UnWired Mom 14-Day Challenge to help me be an active participant in my children's day.  I had gotten into the habit of turning to avoidance when things got hard.  I'd waste hours doing nothing on the computer just to get a bit of respite from the chaos around me.  But I know its not what God intended for me, for our family.  So, I am working on changing my habits.

It is 2013, there are things that I need to do on the computer.  But I am doing my best to limit my computer time to those things and not to disappearing into a cloud of craft blog posts.  ;-)

Frankly, its been hard!  Old habits are hard to break and I find myself slipping often.  I've been doing a pretty good job during the day but as soon as the kids are in bed I plop myself down at the computer and avoid the housework that I should be catching up on or even the reading I could be doing.  I am working on it and will continue to do so.

No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.  1 Corinthians 10:13

UnWired Mom Challenge

Recently Nate told me that he thinks I spend "um, like 70, no 75% of your day on the computer... sigh...".  While  he's clearly exaggerating, as kids often do... I know I've gotten into the bad habit of spending too much time online.  Its easy to have a legitimate reason to get on the computer (quick check of the email, look up a gluten-free recipe, etc) and then get distracted by this or that and end up on the computer for an hour or more.  Obviously, I have many more important things that I should be spending my time on. 

I want to tame the beast and find a balance in how I spend my time.  Part of the reason its a hard habit to kick is because as a SAHM the internet is often my connection to the world.  Frankly sometimes I use it as an escape.  When I'm having a really frustrating day its easier to lose myself in mindless surfing the web than it is to face the chaos around me.  But I know it is not good for me or my family for me to spend so much of my time this way.  I want to be more deliberate about making actual face-to-face connections happen with my friends, catching up on things that have fallen behind (ahem - housework...), reading more books (both to the kids and for myself), and just playing with my kids more.  We will all benefit if I make a few changes.

Its for those reasons that for the next two weeks I am joining Sarah Mae and other moms in a quest to kick our internet habit and be more intentional moms.  She has put together the UnWired Mom 14-Day Challenge to help and encourage moms to not be consumed by the internet.  We're not alone... join with other moms who are struggling too.

“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”
1 Corinthians 10:31 - See more at: http://sarahmae.com/2013/08/join-the-unwired-mom-challenge/#sthash.qUoq8Jjg.dpuf

The UnWired Mom Challenge is not a stay-off-your-computer-for-two-weeks challenge. It’s a challenge to help you try and break some habits and come up with a vision for living free and whole and un-addicted while still enjoying the benefits of the Internet. - See more at: http://sarahmae.com/2013/08/the-unwired-mom-14-day-challenge-begins-today/#sthash.IA693GD9.dpuf

The UnWired Mom Challenge is not a stay-off-your-computer-for-two-weeks challenge. It’s a challenge to help you try and break some habits and come up with a vision for living free and whole and un-addicted while still enjoying the benefits of the Internet.

- See more at: http://sarahmae.com/2013/08/the-unwired-mom-14-day-challenge-begins-today/#sthash.IA693GD9.dpuf

The UnWired Mom Challenge is not a stay-off-your-computer-for-two-weeks challenge. It’s a challenge to help you try and break some habits and come up with a vision for living free and whole and un-addicted while still enjoying the benefits of the Internet.

- See more at: http://sarahmae.com/2013/08/the-unwired-mom-14-day-challenge-begins-today/#sthash.IA693GD9.dpuf

No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.

1 Corinthians 10:13

More Tidbits About Special Needs Parenting

Life with special needs children can be a wonderful learning experience and also an incredibly challenging one.  I often need to reach out for words of encouragement to help me get through the day (or week, or month).  Here are a few quotes that I can relate to.

“Anyone can give up; it’s the easiest thing in the world to do. But to hold it together when everyone else would understand if you fell apart, that’s true strength.” – Christopher Reeves

It is not uncommon for our mealtime to be meltdown time.  Isaac works odd hours and has a 45min drive home so I do dinner with the kids on my own most of the time.  It is a challenge to keep up with both Joe and Christine's not so patient appetites.  I've tried feeding them separately but it doesn't always help.  I think the evening is just the "witching hour" for my kids.  Sometimes all heck breaks loose and I want to run out the door screaming when daddy gets home from work.  But most of the time... I hold it together.  I try to make light of the situation with Nate, who gets so frustrated by the tears (justifiably so).  We will sometimes play music during dinner which sometimes helps calm Joe and Christine, sometimes its just a distraction for Nate and I.


"The only disability in life is a bad attitude.”  - Scott Hamilton

Some times I think I am the one with the disability in our house.  I have times when I am ungrateful, bitter, discouraged and spiteful.  I can't see all the good in my life because I'm so consumed and overwhelmed with the challenges that I feel forced to face on a daily basis.  Sometimes it is really hard to get out of that pit once I'm in it.  Prayer and support from those around me helps a lot.

“Go as far as you can see; when you get there, you’ll be able to see further.” -Thomas Carlyle

So much is uncertain with Joe and Christine not having a definitive diagnosis.  I have very little to give me an idea of what their futures (and mine) will look like.  Its scary to think about the possibilities.  So out of necessity, a day at a time is all that we can do. 

"The central struggle of parenthood is to let our hopes for our children outweigh our fears."
-Ellen Goodman

We have many fears about their future... but we do have hopes too.  But frankly its easy for me to lose sight of those hopes at times.  Over the past few years.  Our hopes have changed.  When Isaac prays with the kids at bedtime he goes around the room and prays for each one of us individually.  He used to pray for Joe to "catch up developmentally"... then he started praying that he'd "get stronger and more mobile", after awhile it changed to "he'll learn to crawl and talk", now he prays for Joe to learn to "walk and to communicate". We may not have the same hopes that we once did... but we do hope for their future and for ours.


Linking up at:

The Lord's Table

If you know me or have followed my blog for awhile you probably know that my weight has been an issue most of my life. I have been anywhere from a size 8 (senior year of high school) to a size 20.  I am an emotional eater and that encompasses sad, stressed, excited, celebratory... any of those emotions could induce unnecessary eating.  I have realized that I have been using food as a band aid to ease my pain during a sad or stressful time. I've probably gained 15-25lbs just in the last year or two.  The first few sneak up on you and you think its no big deal.  But then a few turn into ten which turns into twenty and it feels overwhelming.

When I started the study in mid-March I weighed in at 205lbs.... I hadn't weighed that much since before I had Nate (except for while pregnant - which totally does not count ;-).  Not to mention I was down to only two pairs of pants that fit (barely) and they would not fit for long if I continued on the path I was on.  Not a proud day.  I was munching off and on throughout the day.  Not on apples and healthy things but on chips and chocolate... its clearly not been working for me.

I am thankful that there are resources out there like Setting Captives Free that provide a program to address the heart of my eating issues.  The Lord's Table is 60-Day interactive course will teach you to enjoy a newfound relationship with the Lord. You will find freedom from the sin of gluttony, by learning to follow biblical and practical ways, as you daily proceed through this course. If you binge and or purge or starve or exercise to excess, we recommend the In His Image course.

I have been pretty consistent with the eating plan (with only a couple of slip ups - that Easter candy killed me!).  I have worked out a few times but not yet gotten into a regular exercise routine.  But I am hoping to start walking in the mornings once it gets nice out.  This spring weather has been wonky here in Indiana!  

However, I have not been as consistent with doing the daily devotionals.  I have good intentions when I get up in the morning but my days get away from me quickly and by the time the kids go to bed I don't feel like I have enough energy (physically or mentally) to do it in the evening.  I know that my real issue is with my heart and not with food. I am working at making it a priority to spend time in the Word and in prayer daily.  Frankly its been years since I had a regular quiet time.  Its been hit or miss for a long time now and I know its something that I desperately need in my life.  

Its been about six weeks since I started.  I have lost about 10 lbs.  While part of me wishes it was more, I know that slow and steady wins the weight-loss "race" and I know that for me the important part of this journey right now is not the number on the scale but the state of my heart.  I have a long way to go in both areas.  Its still a work in progress but I know that God is doing a good work in me every day.  

Please say a prayer for me as I continue on this journey toward a healthier life both physically and spiritually.

For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.  -  Philippians 1:6 NASB

Our Family Creed

I have been inspired by different products and projects that feature "family creeds" and I decided to make our own unique family creed.  I think I am going to frame this... what do you think? 
 


OUR FAMILY CREED - We desire our home to be a place where our family, friends, and guests will find faith, hope, love, peace, joy, happiness and acceptance. We will seek to create a comfortable environment that is welcoming to guests of all ages and abilities. We will exercise wisdom in what we choose to eat, read, see, and do in our home. We want to teach others to love, learn, laugh, and to work to develop their unique talents. We will be thankful for what God has blessed us with and what we can share with those that we surround ourselves with.   
"As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." Joshua 24:15

A Few Tidbits About Special Needs Parenting

I like to find quotes on topics that I write about and today I thought I would include several.  Not all of them were written with special needs parents in mind but I have found many of them to be inspiring and encouraging on my difficult days.

“There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.”- Albert Einstein

Frankly, there are times when I flip flop between those two extremes.  Some days I bask in the glow and excitement of the smallest milestone.  And other days I slip into despair over yet another messy meal or temper tantrum.  Obviously, everyone benefits when I see each and every moment as the miracle that it is.



“Do not let the behavior of others destroy your inner peace.” -Dalai Lama

There are times when strangers (or even friends) ask difficult questions or make careless comments.  Its not always easy to let those things roll off my back.  Sometimes I can let things go fairly easily, while other times someone's words stick with me for days or more just eating away at my joy.

“What lies behind us & what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.” -Ralph Waldo Emerson

I don't always take the time to think about it, but I have grown a lot through the experiences that I hated the most while going through them.  I am a more confident person than I was before I became a parent.  I have had to defend my children and my choices on many occasions and in different circumstances.  And it comes down to God working in me that I am able to keep going and keep growing.

 "I thank God for my handicaps, for, through them, I have found myself, my work, and my God." -Helen Keller

While I have not come to a place where I can be thankful for my children's handicaps I do believe that through them I have seen God's work.  He is evident in every step they take, every sign they make, every tiny bit of progress happens because of Him and I am thankful every day that He is watching over us.

The Story of God Book - Giveaway!

We don't have cable so I have not been able to watch the Bible mini-series that is currently on the History Channel but I read online that over 68 MILLION have viewed #TheBible in 15 days making it the #1 cable series of the year!
 A STORY OF GOD AND ALL OF US is a sweeping narrative that dramatizes some of the most important events and characters in the Bible. The young reader's edition of the novel contains abridged action-packed versions of the Bible's most fascinating stories, featuring Moses, David, Daniel, John the Baptist and Jesus.

This edition includes an exclusive introduction by author Roma Downey and a photo insert including images from the companion epic TV miniseries "The Bible."

I am excited to be giving away a copy of A Story of God and All of Us Young Readers Edition.  Enter today to win!  Giveaway will be open through Easter.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Joe's IEP

Just a couple of weeks ago I had Joe's IEP meeting with his teachers and therapists.  I remember how scary the first one was.  I stressed a lot leading up to it, then I cried during and afterward...  Each time it gets less and less overwhelming.  One thing I have appreciated is that he has had the same PT and OT since he started developmental preschool nearly three years ago.  So they really understand how far he has come and they rejoice with us in his progress (both big and small).  A newer therapist or teacher may not have the same appreciation for the work that he is doing if they hadn't seen where he started.

While progress for Joe is slow (sometimes painfully so) it is progress none the less and we are thankful for that.  He is such a sweet boy and he is a blessing to those who know him.  It warmed my heart to hear his teacher and therapists share little stories about things he has done at school.  You can tell that they really care about him and want to help him be the best version of himself that he can.  I am so thankful for all the special people that have been brought into our life to work along side us to help our kids become who God wants them to be.

Psalm 28:7 -The LORD is my strength and my shield; My heart trusts in Him, and I am helped; Therefore my heart exults, And with my song I shall thank Him.

Best Big Brother

  A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.  Proverbs 17:17

Normally I like to end my posts with a bible verse.  But today I am beginning with one.  Recently I have been reminded how awesome Nate is.  Sometimes he can be high energy and asks a lot of crazy questions that make me want to scream... but in his heart of hearts he is a kind and wonderful boy who amazes me daily. 

There are times when Joe and Christine are both being challenging and I just want to withdraw and disengage and hide myself away for awhile... and believe me, Nate feels that way sometimes too. 

 

But sometimes while I am on the verge of freaking out I see Nate go over to his two complicated siblings and embrace them.  Not always literally, but he reaches out to them in a way that I don't always have the patience to do.

 

He talks to them sweetly and tells them its alright and begins to coax them out of their tantrum or funk that they are in.  Nate has a way with Joe and Christine like no one else does.  He doesn't think there is anything "wrong" with them.  He completely accepts them just as they are.  He often says that Joe or Christine is the "best brother/sister ever".
 

I am noticing over time I am learning so much from Nate.  The way he thinks is so different from me and yet there are times when I see myself in him.  I'm not sure if its "nature" or "nurture" but we are clearly very much alike and very much different at the same time.

  

I suppose every parent hopes that their child will gain all of their good traits and none of their bad ones... but we know that never happens.  Nate exhibits both good and bad qualities from both of us.

  

He is so faithful in his prayers.  When we have him pray he never fails to end his prayers with "and thank you for my (X-number of) Lego sets".  He is constantly telling me he loves me and that I am the best mom ever, in the whole universe...

 

 There are so many things that I have to be thankful for and Nate is definitely one of them.  And I truly believe that he is the best big brother ever.  ;-)

 

I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth. 3John 1:4