Me: “Anna, what do you want to be when you grow up?”
Anna: “Lots of good stuff.”
She just makes me smile.
Again.
And, again.
If I play my cards right….well, if I do what scripture tells me to do as her mommy, she just might grow up to be and do lots of good stuff.
Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it. Proverbs 22:6
Filed under Motherhood, parenting
While taking John Henry to school yesterday, I told him, “Thank you.”
“For what?” He asked.
“For being John Henry Landreth. I wouldn’t want you to be anyone else but you.”
His blue eyes lit up and a smile raced from ear to ear. “You’re welcome, Mom.”
I so want my children to know that they are wonderful JUST AS THEY ARE. That they are fearfully and wonderfully made.
God makes no mistakes.
He knew us long before we were ever conceived.
I usually don’t give you assignments. But let me encourage you to tell your children today that you are so glad that they are who they are. Who God created them to be.
I bet they smile.
Oh, and I can’t even believe I’m going to say this….
But.
Boomer Sooner!
I love traveling with children. Love it. Love it like I love somebody eating my last Junior Mint or breaking my favorite MAC eye shadow. Our holiday travel to Georgia was A.WALK.IN.THE.PARK. compared to our summer road trip. Memba that? Oh, blessed be the name. I am aware. I AM AWARE. That I am a wee bit spoiled with private travel. So, you need not throw stones in the commentin’ area. Mkay? But, still. My children obviously do not understand how significant the lives of Edward and Bella are with their relentless inquisition and chatter. Um, can’t you see I’m reading? {Still raptured with that dang Twilight Saga. Sorry.}
Then upon descent, Anna initiates a loud, “DAD! DAD! DAD! DAD! DAD!” So much for the FAA requested sterile cockpit.
Anyhoo, we made it to our beloved G-Town. And, nothing says holiday cheer quite like watching the movie “Elf” with my dad.
Here is my favorite clip from the movie.
Luh-huv it.
Are you traveling for the holidays? Are you using duct tape to endure the travel? I kid. You know I do. Ahem.
Filed under parenting, Randomness
Today’s FAVORITE is a favorite kid story. Seriously, Kim. Just one? There is no doubt that in this adventure called parenting, dull moments are rare. And, really you all hear a big-sized portion of my children and their shenanigans. From John Henry peeing on our dog to Anna’s unending artistic expressions, it’s hard to pick just one. So, I thought I’d share an outrageous kid story and the links we went to for Moosie and Mimi.
Bloggy World, meet Moosie.
And, Mimi.
John Henry’s Swedish Uncle Olov gave him Moosie when he was ten months old. Mimi was a gift at a baby shower when I was prego with him. He hasn’t parted with either since. These are what we in parenting land refer to as his “lovies.” Bedtime is not complete without either one. They have traveled near and far with us. And, we neveh EVAH check them in, ‘cause that’s one bag that we just can’t afford to lose.
So on one trip to Cabo San Lucas, Moosie and Mimi were M.I.A. We left our car at the Will Rogers Airport in Oklahoma City. We did the usual TSA check which is always an adventure with children. Because, if Anna isn’t pulling her pants down to walk through the metal detector, then John Henry is up to his own covert operations trying to smuggle in Hot Wheels.
Once we boarded the plane, I took my seat. Then, it happened.
“Where are Moosie and Mimi?” I asked.
“I lost them.” John Henry told me with the saddest looking blue eyes I’ve ever seen.
I rushed up to the head flight attendant and told her my story. A mother herself, she understood my dilemma. At this point, even the Captain was involved. Next thing I hear is the Captain alerting a TSA agent asking if Moosie or Mimi were there. That’s right. He called them by name.
No Moosie or Mimi.
I called Falon, who cared for our kiddos, and asked her if she could drive to Will Rogers and search our Tahoe. Falon, knowing how vital these two bedtime lovies were headed straight for the airport. God bless Falon Barnes Yost. And, then, our plane took off for our connection in Dallas.
In Dallas, Falon informed that Moosie and Mimi were indeed safe and sound in her loving arms. She over-nighted them to my mother in GA, who in turn gave them to Kris’ dad who would be meeting us in Cabo. Whew.
The great Dr. Takle later gave us the “attachment” lecture. We just smiled and nodded. We didn’t really care at this point. Moosie and Mimi were enjoying Piña Coladas with the rest of us south of the border.
And, that’s all that mattered.
What’s your favorite kid story?
Filed under Favorite Things, Kid Stuff, parenting
Friday evening I went out ALONE, Praise Him, to acquire emergency food items such as milk and Sour Patch Kids. When I returned home, this is what I found.
Kris built them this “campfire” and served them up some hot chocolate – which was basically cold milk with Hersey’s Syrup poured in. I later joined the fun and added a few marshmallows to roast. “Gross,” sums up John Henry’s response to the toasted treats. Oh well. More for Anna and me.
Kris flew to the Big 12 Championship on Saturday. “It’s work,” He always defends. Bless his heart. I did a little Christmas shopping and somehow ended up spending more money on those stupid sausages and cheeses at a mall kiosk. They get me every year. The holiday shopping completely took my mind off of Anna’s decision to wear four shirts that day, causing her to resemble an Alabama line backer.
I soon learned of the Crimson Tide’s upset. {Sorry, Mikey Bo Bo.} Then, I geared up to watch my own team. The Oklahoma Sooners. Yes. That’s right. They’ve kind of grown on me this year. I figure if you can’t beat ‘em. Well, you know.
Kris came back home Sunday evening. But, not before I nearly lost my sanity with two children who apparently care more about their own exploits than my peace of mind. After Anna knocked over a huge bin of dog food, I knew it was time to get out of the house. Then, I remembered it’s against the law to leave two young kids at home by themselves, so I went back and got them.
I jest. I would never do such a thing on the Lord’s day.
We all headed to the nearest Sonic and self-medicated with Sonic Blasts and Cream Slushes.
Later in the evening John Henry informed me that Noah was powerful like God. A bible story that we apparently need to work on. And, Anna told me that God was more powerful than Santa. Perhaps, she should start telling God what she wants for Christmas. Because, only He can afford her wish list which is pretty much every single commercial you see on the tube.
That’s it. That’s my weekend. How was yours?
Filed under Motherhood, parenting, Randomness, Shopping
Some smart philosopher once said,
“Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a battle.”
Of all the lessons we teach our children, this is probably numero uno. How we treat people comes up in conversation, in some shape or form, every day with my children {and usually between two siblings}. I try to share Jesus with them, and how He walked out a life of being kind.
As soon as John Henry got into the car the other day, he said, “Mom, there were some kids being mean to Hunter today. So, I went and played with him.”
Oh, how my heart leaped. I could not have been more proud of my son. I can’t imagine how our heavenly Father’s heart leaps every time we are kind to one of His children.
It’s even greater than reading sight words in record time.
Later that evening, I told John Henry again how proud I was of him.
“God is a good friend,” he responded.
I think he’s getting it.
And, motherhood doesn’t get much better than that.
Share a moment when you were proud of your child being kind…..or just doing the right thing.
Filed under Motherhood, parenting
Do you teach your children to say “Yes Ma’am” and “No Sir?”
Kris and I are strong believers in our children responding to adults in this manner. I’m learning rather quickly that this form of respect that I grew up practicing is not shared by all other parents.
One mom told me after hearing me correct John Henry on “Yes Ma’am” that such manners were a southern practice. Are they really? As a matter of fact, most of the students in John Henry’s class use a simple “Yes” and “No” when responding to their teacher…..most, save John Henry.
I feel that when my children use good manners, they not only exhibit courtesy to others, but they also become aware of their own behavior.
“Excuse me.” They have been taught to say this to adults as well as their peers. It is important that they learn to respect other human beings.
“May I be excused?” My children never get down from the table without first asking this question. EVER.
So, am I trying to practice a lost art or are such manners central to various parts of the country?
I just have to know.
What do you teach your children?
“Manners are a sensitive awareness of the feelings of others. If you have that awareness, you have good manners, no matter which fork you use.” – Emily Post
Filed under Motherhood, parenting
Well, our weekend went off spectacularly. John Henry played his first soccer game, and he thought the tumble and roll was the best part of the game. Here he is before the uniform needed a good washing.
We were pretty certain this girl here was our ringer.
Not so much.
Anyhoo, the start of Takle/Landreth sports has begun. And, we couldn’t be more excited or proud.
Anna, much like her momma, kicked it back and soaked it all in.
As I gave John Henry one of his birthday gifts, I told him it was from his Dad.
His response and, no doubt, quote of the weekend, “What kind?”
In other words, which dad?
We all laughed at our not so normal life.
People often ask us how we do what we do. How do Kris and Bryan do dinner together, laugh together, and share the joys of one amazing boy together? I don’t know that I ever explain it all very well. This is what I do know:
– After Bryan and I separated (and I was pregnant with John Henry), I prayed several scriptures over Bryan’s life. (Thank you, Bob and LaRue McDaniel, for your amazing book, “Pray the Word”.)
– I chose forgiveness.
– I married a man who not only loves me, but loves John Henry so much that he loves Bryan, too.
– I took ownership in “my stuff.”
– I thank God every day that His mercies are new every morning.
Because, I need them. We all need them. And, I know that I know that I know, that I am nothing without Him.
What kind of dad? The kind that loves.
Aren’t you glad our heavenly Father loves us no matter what?
I obviously stole this title from Sally Field. What I mean is you love me. And, I love you. Don’t we all appreciate each other more when we are our true, authentic selves? This post on Swerve was a good one on “My Path to Me.” I like how Scott Williams always says “Do YOU!” And, Robin Meadows commented how this is a great lesson to teach our children.
I credit Robin with the idea for this post.
How do we teach our children that they are fearfully and wonderfully made? That God created each of them with different gifts? That they should never feel the pressures to be like someone else?
Because, when they are their true, authentic selves, they can change the world.
It’s a hard lesson to teach when we ourselves struggle in this area. To be fashion forward, I need to wear what she’s wearing. Maybe, if I had his job, I’d be happy. If I could just be the mother she is or the father he is, then I’d get this parenting thing down. Nothing wrong with receiving guidance from someone else. We just can’t be that someone else. Lord knows, I take all the parenting advice I can get!
I remember the first (and only) time I spoke at dad’s church. I’ve listened to and been surrounded by some pretty spectacular ministers – all of whom have imparted to me. But, they did not create me. God did. The day before I stood behind that pulpit, my dad told me to “remember, what comes from the heart, goes to the heart.” In order to make this happen, I couldn’t be my dad, or any other speaker I had ever heard. I had to be me. I probably had some hits and misses here. Some points were all me, others were probably someone else. Maybe that’s why dad hasn’t asked me to speak again. Hmmm. Oh, sidebar.
I’ve also been in the process of discovering my own blogging voice.
Probably the best way to teach our children not to jump off a bridge just because their friends jumped is to model this behavior ourselves.
Be who God created YOU to be. And, just maybe our children will follow.
How do you teach your children to be themselves?
Filed under parenting
It’s been a learning, growing, stretching week. Here are some highlights of things I’ve learned and re-learned:
I am not alone when I struggle.
Of all the voices I hear, nothing compares to His voice.
When we listen and obey His voice, we can’t go wrong.
To forgive is, indeed, divine.
The body of Christ is my family.
The things I think will impress my children, don’t.
Keep walking even when your feet get a little wet.
God is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.
I am the mother. She is the daughter.
If the only thing Christ ever did for me was save me by His grace, that would be enough.
He does more.
When I keep my eyes on my own needs, I take my eyes off of Him.
My Kung Fu skills embarrass my five year old.
There is no substitute for compassion.
My dad is strong, and his heart is full of the love of Jesus Christ.
God loves turtles, too.
His plan is always better than my plan.
Taking the time to communicate with Kris is paramount.
Allowing Anna to mix her plaids and stripes is easier.
I am learning who I am in Christ, and who Christ is in me.
I have a lot to learn.
Filed under parenting, Spiritual Journey
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