Yes He Does

So today my girls decided they didn't want to nap. 2 hours of trying and I finally just told them to get up. Whatevs. It happens. But then of course, they WERE tired and they went from one thing to the next... driving me just a bit more towards insanity. Fighting, spilling (aka- intentionally dumping drinks on the floor), screaming, crying, temper-tantruming. You know- normal tired 2 year old stuff. 

And then...

I had a weak moment. 

They broke me with colored bubbles. OhmygoshCrayola. I hate you. My carpet and knees hate you. The grout between my tile hates you. And did I mention- mykneeshateyou. Please take your spill "resistant" bottle & SCREAMIN' GREEN somewhere hot. Also, whoever gave me those- don't ever admit it. I might share them with you. 

::Enter:: Momentary freak out.

As I threw MY threenager tempertantrum... my girls repeatedly told me, "it's OKAY momma!"

I assured them it is definitely "NOT okay"

As I threw out my "not okay's," Malakai pulled out the big gun...

"But Jesus still loves you, Mommy."

Oh man. Kicked in the throat by a 4 year old. 

::deepbreath:: Yes He does.

In the Throws

So today was a rough day for me. I'm not going to totally blame my kids- I mean I was the dummy that stayed up late like a single/childless college student. That being said, some days I am reminded more than ever how hard this season of life is and in NEED of reminding that it really is just a season. More than anything though, when I feel as defeated as I did today, I wonder if I'm doing this parenting thing all wrong. Is my loss of patience going to steer my children away from their savior? Am I doing more damage than good? 

BUT...

When I really sit and consider how loving, steadfast, sovereign and gracious my Heavenly Father is, I realize that he works all things together for good to those that love him and are called according to His purpose. He put my family together just as it is, for my sanctification and HIS glory. He loves my kids more than I ever will and is knitting them together for His purposes. For His glory. For their good.

So tomorrow? 

Tomorrow I receive as a new day. 

New opportunities. 

New mercies. 

New reasons to rejoice in Him. 

New day to rebuke the lies and receive the Truth. 

Some days weeks are hard. I don't know exactly why. They.just.are. May the Lord give me the wisdom and discernment to seek out my children's hearts and point them to their Savior. 

Help me Lord to know you more. Help me to lean not on my own understanding. Fill me to overflowing so that what pours out is not leftover, cold coffee but rather, splashes of fresh brewed Starbucks that never runs out. 

I'm know I'm not alone in this & I have some of the most supportive friends and a husband that is super understanding & always has my back but it is easy as a SAHM to feel secluded and lonely which becomes extremely overwhelming on the rough days. 

Praise God that when I am weak, He is made strong. 

pity party

I'm posting right now, only because of the obligation to the commitment I made for myself this month. Truthfully, I should be going to bed. I don't have much nice to say. I'm not looking forward to this weekend and I'm stewing over that a bit. I'm sure I'll be over it by... Monday? Anyway, I don't really have anything legit to complain about... just a bit of selfishness and disappointment. 

On a happy note, I got TWO free amazon mp3 downloads tonight which was a nice blessing. I was able to get a song I've been meaning to buy for FREE! Yep, awesomeness. If you want to do it, just click this link. It really does work! :) Free Amazon MP3 Download

Also, another happy thing from today (which I sadly didn't have a camera for)... the kids and I checked out a park in town that we'd never been to before. BONUS: it has a merry-go-round. How awesome is that? For some reason this particular playground reminded me of playgrounds from my childhood. Watching my kids gave me a glimpse of what my parents felt when I was as small. Sometimes it doesn't seem like enough time has passed to be watching my own children. Double BONUS: it was super easy to keep an eye on all 3 of my kiddos by myself. The other (super nice) park in town, has LOTS of blind spots and makes me nervous to go there without some help. 

Last but not least, some sweet moments from today... :)

And now, a not so sweet moment... :(

Clearly pissed that I took candy from her.

"How could mama do that?!"

"I was gonna share..."

Oh yes, throwing herself in the floor and making sure someone is watching.

Wordless-ish Wednesday

In September, the kids & I began meeting with a couple other moms/kids for a preschool co-op of sorts. Working on letters, learning to sit and a craft or two. We also decided that once a month we would do a field trip. First up was the firehouse! YAY! Malakai loves it so much and it a never ending source of questions. Seriously, every time he goes, you would think he'd never been before. SO funny!

I managed to capture a few photos of Jerry actually in a truck but unfortunately, the little guy avoided the trucks completely after one of the other 2 boys pushed the horn. In his defense, it scared all of us and Lilly cried. The few that I do have, were when he still (albeit reluctantly) believed us that NO ONE WILL BLOW THE HORN! Sorry, Jerry, we should have known... <3

Folks, I'd like you to meet Will Fireman Ray. He takes his job very seriously :)

photo #1

10 points if you can tell which one is Ava & which one is Lilly in these 2 photos :) 

Photo #2

Ava thought she was big stuff pushing Clara around in the stroller :)

Pushing the adults out of the way,

"I got it! I got it!"

Safety first, of course, as Malakai HAD to buckle his seatbelt! :)

He was proud to be squirting the water from this cool gadget!

These two boys are seriously 2 peas in pod. It's crazy!

A BIG HUGE

THANK YOU 

to Fireman Gordo & 

the Oxford Volunteer Fire Department! 

The kids had such a blast!!!!