Hoo, hoo,....Parents!!!

We are trying desperately to teach Adrianna to listen more when people are talking and not interrupt. Her new thing to get us to pay attention is to say quite loudly, "Hoo, hoo parents, I'm talking to you!". It is very difficult not to laugh and still teach her about respecting other people.

She also has been asking the ever famous "Why" to EVERYTHING! I'm sure all you parents of pre-school age kids understand! It is even to the most mundane things like "Go get dressed", "Why?". Part of it is habit and sometimes she really does want to know "why"!

She is a very thoughtful little girl despite the annoying habits little ones sometimes have! I hurt my back last week and she kept rubbing it and saying "It's okay mama, dry your tears". She even prayed for me on her own before one of our meals! She is always looking out for her sister by making sure the basement door is closed and that Eliza doesn't have anything in her mouth that's not supposed to be there! She is such a great helper. I am so excited to make her aware of her tender heart and someday help lead her to the Lord!

I am learning a lot about walking in the Spirit lately. God is preparing my heart for something, I just don't know what yet! One of the things Beth Moore has said in our study is that sometimes things are caught and something they are taught. I sometimes get so focused on teaching that I forget about how my attitude during the day is affecting my girls. I see my frustration come out with Adrianna towards Eliza. She'll point her finger at Eliza and say "Don't do that sweetie"! When I am in a "down" mood, I see that in my girls and how they act during the day. I really have to pray each day that the Spirit is leading me and not my own self. I also need to live beyond myself! I am so selfish sometimes with my time and my thoughts that I try and live life through my own strength. Living beyond myself is allowing Christ help me do anything! To help me get through the routine of each day with his strength and grace. To not worry about how "I'm" going to handle something or do something. I know this is going to be a lifelong challenge and it has been so humbling to be made more aware of my own weakness without Christ.
I am trying to see things through my girl's eyes and be blessed by their lives instead of frustrated all the time. Parenting is quite a hard thing! It is very hard to sacrifice and give up things but I wouldn't change it for anything!

Eliza is going to be a strong one! She is pretty happy most of the time except when she wants something. She thinks everything is fun and silly and doesn't seem to be affected by the words "no touch"! She will not leave the CD player alone and now she won't leave the blinds alone!
I was standing right next to her when I told her "no touch" to the blinds so she moved farther down the window so she could touch them without me near her!
She also loves to try and stand up in her high chair. We have started strapping her in, but you can imagine how well that goes over! She does not like to be confined!
She is going to be our happy, strong, independent child! She also does not like her sister touching her car seat in the car. She screams the whole time Adrianna has her hand on it!
She does play pretty well by herself, but she also loves books, stacking cups, and babies. When she was a few months old, I remember her being so happy and smiley. She still is, but now we have added the strong will!

I am so enjoying the journey of parenting despite the pain and frustration! It is SO GOOD to know that we have Christ to lead us through our days and help us!