Enjoying the Moment

We worry about what a child will become tomorrow, yet we forget that he is someone today. ~Stacia Tauscher

So much of the time I am focused on my children's future. I often wonder how I am as their parent will directly affect the people they will become. But as I tucked my little angels into bed tonight, I took in the moment. They are little precious people right now, full of questions and requests. Daniel wants to take an empty backpack to school tomorrow because he "doesn't have to carry anything to school but you never know what I will have to bring home." Mann wanted to talk about who he knows that lives in heaven. Emma gave slobbery kisses.

I am so grateful tonight for my little blessings, just as they are today.

Three Different Blessings

Each child is unique. It's funny to see this in your own children. We have three children and although Seth and I made all three together, they could not be more different from each other!

Daniel is sensitive. He doesn't like loud noises or music. Last night as we ate with my dad, Trish and Mackenzie at the Jalapeno Tree, the waitstaff did a VERY loud "Happy Birthday" song at the table next to us. Daniel crawled under our table until it was over. He is quiet and could watch television from morning until night if you let him. Daniel can also play by himself for hours, just talking to himself and making up stories.

Mann is on the far other end of the spectrum. One word to describe Mann....UnPrEdIcTaBlE! One minute he is cuddling in your lap, the next he is throwing a tantrum at your feet and you have no idea what happened! He cannot sit still long enough to watch a single television show, much less a movie. When Seth took him to see Toy Story 3, Seth said there was running commentary from Mann throughout the entire film. He is very articulate and to say he is talkative would be an understatement. Mann loves sports and playing ball with his daddy best of all. If you ask him his name, you would hear, "Daddy's Mann!"

And sweet little Emma Jo. Although she's only 15 months old, you can already see her cute personality coming out. She likes attention and can be LOUD to get it. She loves to cuddle. Stuffed animals are her favorite toys, especially the ones that make noise! She has a little bit of sensitivity like Daniel, but can be bold and stubborn like Mann. She loves being outside and trying to keep up with her big brothers.

We are so blessed to have these three very different blessings!

Children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward. - Psalm 127:3

Trying to raise respectful little monsters :)

Lately, it has become astoundingly clear to me that we have to stay on top of disciplining and teaching our children about respect. I teach 7th grade and I can easily tell whose parents have spent time on this topic and whose have not.

7th grade is a tough year for kids and every single one of my students can act out from time to time. But when I get serious and ask for a student's respect, I get one of two possible answers:

1. "Yes, Ma'am"

or

2. An eye roll with a dramatic sigh and a whiny "But, why? That's not fair!"

I want my kids to use answer #1.

I am not a perfect parent; there's no such thing. But I am doing my best to make sure that my kids act right...no excuses. And when they don't, we will address it.

It would be easier to be a lazy parent...to let my kids do whatever, but I have high expectations for them. They will make mistakes, they will make bad choices, but I am just trying to give them all of the resources I can for them to succeed.

They are just babies now, but everything that I am instilling will hopefully make a difference in the future!