Tag Archives: Motherhood

May 7, 2009 · 6:00 am

A Little Mommy Check-Up

Today, I’ll share one thing that’s been buggin’ me about me as Mom.

I nag.

Too much.

I didn’t really think of it as a nag.

But, it is.  Really, it is.

Here of late, I’ve realized that tend to expect too much out of my children.  I fail to choose my battles wisely.  I’m teetering on the edge….maybe, I’ve fallen over the edge of being a bit legalistic as a parent.  I so want them to make the right decisions, that I nag them when they make poor choices.

Do you really think they will want to come to me with their insecurities, their mistakes, and their problems if they are afraid I will nag them?  Or, even worse, make them feel less than the beautiful, child of God they are?

No.

So, I’ve made a commitment to change this.

It doesn’t mean that Anna will get away with cutting up my bedding or John Henry will get away with telling a lie.

But, it does mean that every once in a while, I’ll overlook those shoes left in the living room.  I’ll lighten up when they don’t handle a situation the way I think they should have. 

I will be more careful – more deliberate – in how I respond to them. 

 I want them to know I’m a safe place.  And, that they can come to me with anything.  Without fear.  Because, I love them so, so, so very much.

Anything buggin’ you moms or dads?

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April 16, 2009 · 6:00 am

So far this week….


Anna has insisted on wearing two pairs of underwear so she can “hold my pee longer.”

When John Henry and Anna disobeyed and were awaiting their impending discipline, John Henry said, “I forgot, Mom.  Can’t you please understand,” through his pitiful tears.

I had to discipline still, and it broke my heart.

I’ve had to remind myself of the “We Won’t Always Understand” more than once.

I got a little emotional over Matt’s save on American Idol….even though I text my vote for Kris one or one-hundred times every week.  (Not the husband Kris.  I can hardly encourage his vocals in the shower.)

I’ve watched my warrior of a husband get hit from all sides and still draw back his arrow, aim, and shoot. 

I’ve read “Purplicious” more times than I would have cared to.

And, I’ve thanked God that I am a Christ-follower, a wife, a mother, and an American Idol fan.  So, I didn’t thank God that I’m an American Idol fan.  But, I am pretty excited to watch it every week.

And you?  So far this week?

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April 14, 2009 · 6:00 am

Becoming A Little More Intentional.


As a Christ-follower and mother, my children are my most important mission field.  I do my darndest to disciple them in the day to day life stuff.  However, God is showing me to become more intentional with how I pray and disciple them.

Right now, I am intentionally praying for John Henry to grow in confidence in who He is in Christ and who Christ is in Him.  I am praying that his security will be wrapped up in Him.  I realize that this will enable John Henry to be leader.

Right now, I am intentionally praying for Anna to be a pursuer of Christ and have a heart to always want to worship Him.  I realize that this will enable Anna to always make God a priority.

I’m trying to be more attuned to what area each needs to grow.  And, I’m intentionally discipling and praying for them accordingly.  Sight words and the ability to count money are surely imperative lessons that will make their lives easier.  But, learning who Christ is in them will make their lives full.

What are you intentionally praying over your children?

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April 10, 2009 · 6:00 am

I love to feel how small her hand is in mine.


I love bedtime with my children.  For one, they are going to bed.  Praise all ye heavenly hosts.  And, for two, it often serves as a catalyst for some sweet exchanges. 

A couple of nights ago, I tucked Anna in.  I read her a book of her choice.  And, then we talked about what it means to have Jesus in her heart.  She quickly interjected, “Wait, Mom.  I have Jesus in this heart, God in this heart, and my family in my middle heart.” 

I pressed her tender, rosy cheek to mine.  I brushed her soft, fine hair with my fingertips.  And, I told her I loved her with every single fiber of my being.

I gently closed her door, then thought…  I will miss these moments one day. 

So, I begged for time to please slow down.

anna-sleeping1

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March 9, 2009 · 6:00 am

I think I’m her favorite toy.


Hope everyone had a fabulous weekend.  Bryan came out to visit John Henry.  {That’s John Henry’s dad if you’re just tunin’ in to dusytakledotcom.}  The kids had fun.  Anna was quite certain that Bryan was here to visit her.  One has to love her confidence.  I set aside some time for just us girls on Sunday.  After braiding her hair, she insisted that I braid mine as well.  I tried to get away with just the little Jennifer Aniston braid she sported at The Oscars.  That wasn’t what Anna had in mine. 

“That’s not like mine!” She told me.

Sooooo, I did it. 

anna-mommy-braids-wp

My transparency on this blog has apparently translated to my face as I am letting you see me.  Like this.  No make-up.  Two braids.  Hello, Laura Ingalls. 

Every time I requested to take the braids out, Anna reminded me that the day wasn’t over.  When we went to Wal-mart together, people seemed to smile at me.  It’s as if they were saying, “gurl, you are bringing sexy back.”  Or somethin’.

Dressing and undressing Barbies would consume the rest of our afternoon until Kris and John Henry rescued us for a little time at the park.  It was a nice weekend.  Braids and all.  And, I was reminded of this quote by Vicki Lansky:  “You will always be your child’s favorite toy.”   

Have you ever sacrificed your own personal style to put a smile on your child’s face?  Because, that’s exactly what this felt like J

 

 

 

 

 

 

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March 4, 2009 · 6:00 am

Don’t drink the Kool-aid. Tee-hee.


Every once in a while, I do a little work.  Oh, settle down.   I don’t like get CRAZY with it or anything.  But, I do have a few responsibilities with my husband’s company.  And, sometimes, I do them J

Yesterday morning, Anna was begging to make Kool-aid.  The whole “in a bit” response just wasn’t satisfactory.  So, while I was on the phone with an aircraft financing guy (see? I’m kind of vital to our business) I peek into the kitchen and see this:

anna-koolaid-wp

I tried my darndest not to laugh while discussing biz-ness.  She used a little medicine cup to pour the sugar in.  Cutest evah.

Seriously.  I am in love with this girl.  Head over heels in love with her.  I love her determination.  I love her mad dancing skills.  I love her. 

Thank you, Jesus, for letting me be Anna Takle’s mommy.  You’re the best.

 

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January 30, 2009 · 6:00 am

What am I modeling for my children?


I FINALLY started reading Nancy Beach’s book, Gifted to Lead.  This should make Judy really happy who bought me this book a few months back.  The gurl even signed it!  No.  Not Nancy.  Judy.

There aren’t a ton of revelations that scream at me in the book.  It is still a wonderful read for women called to lead.  But, one thing – one voice – has been gently whispering in my ear while I’ve been reading Nancy’s words. 

“That’s you.  Go lead.”

Over the past several months, I’ve been as careful as I know how to be in listening to those whispers.  Now, the only way I know to answer is to ask Him, “What do You want me to do?”  “Where do You want me to go?”

For a long time, I’ve considered my role as a mother my primary ministry.  And, it is.  But, that is not my “fundamental identity.”  Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend write in their book, Boundaries with Kids, “Parents who do not have a life apart from their kids teach the kids that the universe revolves around them.”  They continue saying, “Meet the child’s needs, then require him to meet his own while you meet yours.”

Throughout my childhood, my parents modeled this same theory.  They nurtured me.  But, they also gave of themselves to so many.  Granted, they were in ministry.  However, seeing them minister in our home, seeing them minister beyond the home – in the church, amongst the broken-hearted, in third world countries – those are things that stay with me.  Those are things that clued me into the fact that the world does not revolve around me.  What a gift my parents gave me. 

This doesn’t mean that a parent must work outside the home to model these things.  Nancy writes, “I believe when a child recognizes that Mom or Dad is crazy about them, but also has some other interests passions, and responsibilities, that child is well served….Rather than assuming Mom and Dad will always be there exclusively for them, kids understand that other people and their needs matter as well.”

Dang.  That’s good stuff.  And, what’s even greater is when our children begin serving along side of us.  Giving WITH us.  For me, I’m going to start by choosing an activity – a service – that my children can do with me.  I hope that in doing so, I will give to them the gift my parents gave to me.  For realz.

Are you asking God what HE wants you to do?

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January 27, 2009 · 6:00 am

One of the many reasons I love being Anna’s Mommy.


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

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December 8, 2008 · 6:00 am

Upsets, Victories & Campfires.

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. 

 

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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?

 

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August 28, 2008 · 6:00 am

My Momma is so smart y’all.


Obsessive.  Sometimes compulsive.   But never obsessive-compulsive.  This is me on occasion. 

I’ve been all consumed with John Henry’s Kindergarten experience.  Not only academically, but how he relates to others, how he feels about himself, and so on and so forth.  He’s adjusting pretty well.  But, he’s also having to learn how to adapt to structure, how to know when not to be funny, and how to know when to say “poop” (and never at a Christian private school….ever).

He is also trying to find his place in this brand new world.  And, we are trying to teach him that he is great just the way he is.  Yet, he has this need to be accepted.  I guess we all do.  But, he uses humor or exaggerated stories to prove to others his self-worth.  It frustrates me.  I worry about his emotional state.  Whatever his teacher tells me, good or bad, affects me.  Is this normal moms? 

I became so emotional and so stressed over what is best for my little boy, I began to question my decisions for him.  Perhaps, I should home-school him.  Maybe he needs me all day every day.  And, while I know that home-schooling is the right option for many, I just don’t think it’s what’s best for John Henry.  At least not for now. 

So I stressed. 

I even cried like the hormonal chick that I am.

To my momma.

You wanna know what my momma told me?  (I don’t know why I’m calling her “momma” when I’ve always called her “mom”, but we’ll just roll with it.)

She said, “Dusty, you have to trust God with John Henry’s life.  You have to trust that God has His hand on him.”

Oh, but here was the kicker.

“Dusty, don’t you know that God loves John Henry more than you do?”

Get back Jack!

I responded like any other girl brought up in faith, hope and love, “Oh!  You’re right!  I forget that stuff!”

I forget that He is in control.  I forget that I am not.

I forget that He who began a good work will be faithful to finish it.

I forget that He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.  Oh, that’ll preach.

You see all things were created by Him.  All things are sustained by Him.  And, He works all things for our good. 

And, He loves my John Henry more than I do.  Sure does.  That’s a big honkin’ love.

Thanks, Mom.

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