A Child's Heart

It seems like the last week and a half the children have really been struggling with getting chores done. They think as soon as school is finished it is time to play. So I have felt like all have done lately is correct and discipline. Attitudes have been very nasty towards each other and I have been feeling very defeated. I know that kids will be kids but the training and discipline has to continue or they will have a rough time when they grow up. Today seemed especially frustrating with three of the girls. The 10 year old, 8 year old, and 6 year old were not listening at all. I told them that they had to do school and then they would have extra chores the rest of the day. I have kept them very busy.

My 8 year old has a very, very free spirit. Does everything she can to stay out of work and thinks that life should only be about having fun. Lately I have been doing a Bible study with her and the 10 year old about Pride. we have been studying what God thinks about Pride and what he thinks about Humility. It has been very eye opening to both of them and I can see their little hearts wanting to do what is pleasing to God, but that Pride just takes over.

So today I had to run to the store real quick and pick up a few groceries. While I was gone I told the older two girls they had to do their chores and then they could go back to working on their school. The oldest had chores from yesterday and today to do. When I got home from the store 8 year old had the mop out and was getting ready to mop the shoe room. I was a little shocked to say the least. I told the oldest these were her chores and she needed to do them, but I was pleasantly surprised to hear that the 8 year old offered to help her. She told her sister she had learned in Bible study that if someone needs help you need to think of others and help them. I can't believe she actually heard what I have been teaching. The Holy Spirit grabbed onto that little heart of hers and she obeyed the prompting to be a servant to her sister. Thank you Lord for this treat of seeing the fruit in my child's life.

Boys

Having a little boy in the house has really changed the dynamics in our home. I really didn't know what it would be like raising a boy with 6 big sisters. I wondered at times if he would be a little feminine or just different. Well I was wrong about that. Levi is 150% boy. He is non stop, loves to be dirty, pretends he is a soldier, likes to play guns, LOVES to be dirty, loves to climb and wrestle, and is always making noises. My husband tells me quiet frequently that Levi is more of a boy than he ever was. I am learning that even when we can't see things through our eyes the Lord always knows best. I really was concerned for a little boy in a houseful of girls but the Lord has taken care of all the details.

I am learning everyday just how different boys and girls really are. Just yesterday we found Levi on top of our 15 passenger van. He was outside playing with his big sisters when one of them came running in to tell us that Levi was on top of the van. We know for sure the girls helped him somehow but I know the girls at 2 years old would never have done that because they would have been too scared. Then last night right before dinner we found him covered front to back in Mentholatum, and was just happy as a kid in a candy store. He couldn't figure out why we were so upset when mommy puts that on him at night before he goes to bed. He looked at us like this is what mommy does.

Wow I can only imagine the dynamics in our home in a couple of years. Never would have thought I would ever have a son and now another one on the way.

6 to 2

This last weekend was pretty interesting. There were some scary situations with the pregnancy but everything turned out to be just fine. Praise the Lord. Today when I was at the doctor making sure things were o.k. with baby I had the opportunity to peak. I really didn't want to at first but I decided it wouldn't hurt to just look this one time. So that is what I did.

I'm sure you would like to know so I will tell you. The answer is in the title. We are all very excited at this new score.

16 weeks 1 Day

Yesterday I had my monthly doctor's appt. I wasn't really nervous because I think I have been feeling the baby move lately. Once the doctor came in and listened to the babies heartbeat I thought I would be relieved but the weird thing is I'm not. I just can't get past this mental block I have of believing that things are o.k. I want to get excited about being pregnant and this new life but i just can't and I don't know why I am allowing myself to stay here. I actually felt a little depressed after the appt. and don't know why. I am hoping that once I start feeling the baby move these feelings I am having will pass.I haven't even gotten the maternity clothes out yet I just am wearing all of my clothes that have elastic. Praying for the Lord to give me peace through this.

Look Who's Two

I can't believe it but our little man is two. It is amazing to me how the dynamics in our house have changed over these past two years. I love my girls but I also love my little boy. Thankful that the Lord has blessed me with this little guy. Excited to see the plans the Lord has for him as he grows.

First Days Of School

We have almost made it through our first full week of school. It started out great the first few days and then we had some bumps in the road. I always forget how time consuming schooling the children is and I sometimes lose focus. I have to remind myself that God called our family to this way of life so he will be the one who guides us through it.
So today is Friday and it is so tempting to tell the children we are taking the day off, but I am not going to do that. We are going tot preserver and get through the day. I am going to push the tired eyes open and give thanks for being blessed to have my children at home with me. We are going to finish our first week of school and look forward to next week.
Thank you Lord for blessing me with this opportunity to teach my children morning, noon, and night. Help me to keep my eyes focused on you and help me to remember to teach them to Love you.

We Have Visitors

My parents came in to town on Sunday afternoon. My sister and her family were with them. They are moving to North Carolina so it was nice to get to spend and evening with all of us together. Nana and Papa stayed here with my Nephew Blane who is 18. They will be here for about a month, so it will be nice for the kids to get to spend that time with their grandparents. My parents always come and stay for an extended period which has helped the children grow very close to them. We start school on Monday which will be interesting since we have always been in the middle of school when my parents are visiting. I will have to be really strict with the children to keep them on schedule. The kids like to sneak over to the guest house to visit Nana and Papa. We are blessed to have family who enjoy and our children.