Monday, August 6, 2007

My Kids Are Awesome

The Lord has been teaching me lately that I need to build and encourage my children. Sometimes I get so caught up in what they're NOT doing that I forget all of the smiles they've brought to my face and what good kids they can be. Walking through a house that is cluttered with toys in EVERY room and constantly having to pick up or clean up something that is spilled gets to me. So, I'm trying to overlook that and come up with creative ways to show them how to take better care of their toys and to appreciate them. I've also been trying to be more encouraging and less nagging :)

Today I just have to share a little bit about what great kids I have. I'm in the middle of stripping the wallpaper in Ashlyn's room. There was even wallpaper on the ceiling - YUCK! So, when I started, Ashlyn decided that she wanted to help me. The little trooper has been in there almost as much as her mom and has made pretty good progress on the walls - at least as far up as she can reach. Yesterday she even told me that she was having FUN! She's also been doing a great job at helping Carter lately. She'll get things for him and tries to be a second mommy in more ways than just bossing him. It's so neat to see the friendship developing between the two of them.

Carter is the one who can make me laugh when I just really don't feel like it. He's also the one who can make me so mad I want to throw him through the wall. Teaching him to clean up or to use the potty takes all the patience I've got most days. But then there's days like today. He was watching VeggieTales and when the silly song with Larry came on, I walked in the room and he was standing in front of the TV dancing his little heart out to the Bellybutton Song. He always asks to hear The Way I Was Made by Chris Tomlin whenever I'm working in the kitchen and have my music on. Once again the dancing shoes come out and he really gets down. But, I love that he wants to listen to that song because it's my prayer for both of my kids. The words are below. I hope you enjoy them as much as Carter does!

Caught in the half-light, I’m caught alone Waking up to the sunrise and the radio Feels like I’m tied-up, what’s holding me? Just praying today will be the day I go free

I want to live like there’s no tomorrow I want to dance like no one’s around I want to sing like nobody’s listening Before I lay my body down I want to give like I have plenty I want to love like I’m not afraid I want to be the man I was meant to be I want to be the way I was made

Made in Your likeness, made with Your hands Made to discover who You are and who I am All I’ve forgotten help me to find All that You’ve promised let it be in my life

I want to live like there’s no tomorrow I want to dance like no one’s around I want to sing like nobody’s listening Before I lay my body down I want to give like I have plenty I want to love like I’m not afraid I want to be the man I was meant to be I want to be the way I was made

ohhhhh The way I was made Ohhhh I want to live like there’s no tomorrow I want to dance like no one’s around I want to sing like nobody’s listening Before I lay my body down I want to give like I have plenty I want to love like I’m not afraid I want to be the man I was meant to be I want to be the way I was made I want to be the way I was made I want to be the way I was made

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

I've always known your kids were awesome. They have great teachers and examples in you and Britney. You're doing a great job - especially keeping them God-focused. It's wonderful to hear how they are growing. ~ Lori Carson

Judy & Marvin said...

Yes, they are awesome, they are precious and they are truly "little blessings". I thank God daily for them and for both of you. You and Britney are just beginning to discover that journey called "parenthood" and I can guarantee you,as you and they grow older, you will discover that you will always be learning. Take time to enjoy them and have fun but train them well. You will make mistakes along the way (the same as I) but the end result will be one filled with love and happy memories. If they grow up to love the Lord, HE will make them into all they can be. My prayers are always with you! Can't wait to see all of you.
I Love you,
Mom

Anonymous said...

Great entry Lara! Thanks for sharing your heart. I tell Scott that most days the extent of my vocabulary is "no sir" and "are you shewy"! So I can relate to the monotony to day-in, day-out living. Something I've started doing regarding the never ending toys, is I tell Max that in order to play w/ the 70 pice Mega Blocks or whatever it is, we have to put all other toys away "for mommy's sanity"! Then putting the toys away is a game. Now I don't know if this would work since you're kids are older, but it's just an idea. Much Love.

Deanna said...

And it doesn't hurt that you have two of the most adorable kids ever. (I have one of the other ones!) I think I've told you this before, but you have left such a wonderful impression on me of how to be a good mother and example to children. I think it's funny that it came at a time that I was still saying there is NO WAY we'll have children...

When I think about it though...I am thankful that God brought you all into our lives when He did...because you planted some great seeds. I'm so glad you're paving the mommyhood trail in front of me. :-) Your phone advice line has been a life saver! (Why! Won't! He! Eat!)

I've been enjoying your blog. Let us know if you get a chance to come back and visit. -Deanna

Anonymous said...

I am just so proud of you that through the everyday clutter of child-rearing you are hearing God's gentle voice guiding you through songs, smiles and His wisdom in raising those very precious grand-children of mine! Thank you for such a special gift.
I send my love to all of you.
Mom

Anonymous said...

Dude!
I love the Belly Button song! If I had been there I would've been rockin it out with Carter, too. = )