Part of being human...

...is that we run into conflict on a daily basis. I don't think three-year-olds are exempt from this predicament. This past week Isaac had a nasty double pink eye infection. His poor eyes were all gooey and goopy. He had a minor cold as well, which meant that he was not his playful, cheery self. During times like these, I have no problem as a mom letting him watch as much television as his heart desires. It's also pretty cute that he wants to snuggle with me more than usual!

As any mom out there knows, whenever we "give in" a bit more to our kiddos, it's often hard to break them of a certain habit. We normally watch a minimal amount of television in this house. We purposely keep it in the basement so we're not tempted to bow down to it. It's a safe guard for all of us and helps us guard our hearts. I like shows and am easily enthralled with stuff that has no lasting value. (Just a little confession time, I guess! Now you know a weakness of mine!)

Isaac got pretty used to having full reign of the television this week. He watched episode after episode of Sid the Science Kid. I kinda like it, too! The characters are a bit fruity and quirky, and who can resist Grandma's laugh?! This afternoon he watched it a few times and wanted to keep watching it!

Matt is now feeling under the weather and decided he needed to simply veg in front of the television for a while. I have no problem with that. It's what you want to do when you're ill. Much to Isaac's dismay, Matt was going to watch television. Period! Isaac sulked and whined his way upstairs to tell me, "Mom, I want to watch my show, and Daddy wants to watch his show." Really? Well, therein lies a problem, right buddy?

It's easy and convenient to get exasperated over our children's selfishness. After all, we train and instruct them to put others first, to do all things without grumbling, to respect others and serve joyfully. Yet as I sat while Isaac told me his problem (and to him it is a big dilemma), I quickly reminded myself that this moment is a teaching moment. I told Isaac that indeed it was a problem since he and Daddy both wanted the same thing at the same time. It simply wouldn't work for them both to watch their shows. I could see the struggle for power, the struggle to exert his will over our will, the struggle to be right, the struggle to persuade me into telling Daddy to let him watch his show, the struggle to give up something to make someone else feel better. It happens to adults and children alike. We are gripped by self-centeredness, and we often need gentle guidance toward "other-mindedness".

Isaac understands that Daddy doesn't feel well. He gets it. I need to always be mindful of helping him recognize how to put others first. In this case, Daddy needed a break. The kind thing to do is allow Daddy to relax and unwind as he wishes. Maybe I made it out to be a bigger deal than it was because Isaac immediately said, "Well, let's pway Reader Rabbit!" Works for me, kiddo!

I guess my point is that teaching and training never end. We consciously make a choice in how to react to our kids' actions and what their hearts reveal. It's my job as Isaac's mom (and Malayna's too!) to gently guide him by the truth into what is best for him. Instead of getting frustrated and unleashing anger, I need to remember that he is trying to make sense of his world. When his stubborn will shows itself, it is my job and calling to lead him to repentance. We're going to face larger mountains than small disagreements in our home. The principle still remains: train him, teach him, gently and lovingly guide him always, and rebuke him in love when needed.

That small moment in our day spoke volumes to me about the kind of mom I desire to be. Do I want to be remembered by my kids as some hot-headed, strong-willed, not-willing-to-listen mom? Or, do I want my kids to share openly with me about their struggles whether they be large or small? I choose the latter.

Conflict in inevitable and is actually a sign of a healthy relationship. Today, I choose to help Isaac when conflict arises in his life. Truthfully I can only do this by abiding in the love of Christ. My impulsive nature rears its ugly head when I'm not remaining in the Vine. Moment by moment, I must choose patience. I pay for it when I don't and so does Isaac.

How about you? What kind of mom do you want to be for your kids? How are you doing in those tough areas? Where have you grown? Let's rejoice in knowing that the Lord guides us into mothering our children. We can rest assured knowing that He lovingly leads us in this amazing yet challenging calling. Let's follow in His steps.

Try this one!

Suzanne posted a new family picture today!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/46676096@N08/5163049724/

Photo link

I'm not sure why the photo link isn't working. I'll talk to Suzanne to see if we can get it up and running!

Oh, Baby!

Malayna Hope wants you to know that she's a very healthy baby girl! She's expected to arrive sometime late March. We can't wait to meet our sweet, sweet baby!

Here is a picture of my small baby bump. One of my best friends from school took some amazing photos for our family. I'm looking forward to seeing all of them!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/46676096@N08/5147400580/

and just one more...

LOVE this picture of Isaac taken shortly after his birth. I still can't believe my sweet lovin' is three!

Happy Birthday, Isaac!

My little boy is growing into a big boy day by day. He is three today, and I couldn't be more thankful for the Lord blessing us and choosing Matt and me to be his parents. His sweet ways melt my heart, and he cracks me up every single day! I think of the verse when David speaks to the Lord with humble gratitude, "Lord, who am I and who is my family that you have brought me this far?" David, I'm with you, brother! Who am I that the Lord would bring me this far? Really!

As many of you know, motherhood in the beginning was no walk in the clouds. I struggled to be content in all circumstances. I griped and moaned and had a bad case of the grumps when my sweet baby was not performing just as expected. I often told the Lord, "Lord I really do love you, and I want to be joyful, but I'm just not right now." Oh, how thankful I am that the Lord can handle all of my hang ups and bang ups! The Lord certainly used Isaac's first year of life to teach me to rely solely upon Him for my every need, to not compare myself (what a scheme of the devil), and to love irrespective of how I feel. Motherhood is no easy feat; we all know it! BUT, what a precious and humbling gift it is to be called Mommy each and every day. I now wake up with joy to be at home serving my family. I'm not always on top of my game, yet I do it so much more gratefully. Knowing that motherhood is my calling and that God equips me and anoints me with everything I need to live a life for Him, makes this vocation all the more delightful and possible.

Happy Birthday, Isaac. The Lord has truly blessed me to be your mama. I love you more than life! I love how you love to learn. I love when you ask me to pray for you. I love watching you sleep so peacefully. I love that we play Duck, Duck, Goose and you chase me all around the house! I love how you care about everyone around you. You never want anyone out of site! I love when you want me to snuggle you. I love watching you fly down the sidewalk on your tricycle. I must say, you're a pro now! I love how you love music and always ask to hear Matt, Melissa, or Olivia on the Apex c.d. I love how you get so excited when Daddy comes home from work. I love having Barnes and Noble dates with you. I love going to the Sunrise Cafe in Yellow Springs with you and Daddy. I love how you kiss the baby and gently pat my belly. I love how you tell me, "But, I'm the big bruver!" I love that you know all of our family and enjoy seeing your cousins. I love when you want to be my big helper. I love when you get me with your shark attack hands. I love watching you trace letters and watching you learn how to hold a pencil. I love when you ask to do your "schoolwork"! I love when speak kindly to others and don't whine to get what you want. (You might be able to talk your way into anything when you're polite!) I love when you give me hugs and kisses. I love when we walk to see the fountains and the weeping willows. I love watching you dance to the Wiggles. I love watching you run into your MOPS and Apex classes with such enthusiasm. I love how you always want to go to Landen's house. You would live there if we let you! I love how you come into Mommy and Daddy's room every morning to greet us. I really love it when you hop into bed to snuggle with us! I love watching you be all boy, all the time! I love being home with you every day. I love your beautiful blue eyes. I love giving you "kissy nudgies" all over your face! I love when you grip onto my index finger when we're walking. I love how excited you get to see the dog at Old Navy! I love how you love to trick me. I love when you ask me to read Dr. Seuss books to you. We really like Solla Sollew right now! I love that you enjoy helping water the plants. I love hearing you play in the living room. I love all of your many questions! I love going to the library with you. I love when you ask me to help you with something. I love when you make your scrunchy face. I love watching you clap. I love when you tackle Daddy. I love when you find the cow at Trader Joe's because you get so excited to ask for a sucker! I love when you run around in your jammies. I love that our house gets messy due to your toys being scattered. I love when you clean up your toys! I love your "tight and loose" squeezes. I really could go on and on and on and on....

Isaac, I love you because you are God's gift of life. I love you through all circumstances... even when you're a rascal! Always remember that you are fearfully and wonderfully made. The Lord has good plans for you; I'm excited to watch them unfold this year. You make me smile, cutie-pie! Have a very Happy Birthday. I love you!

:)) Mommy

His Many Blessings

Today I've been overwhelmed with the Lord's goodness in my life. How often I take for granted things like a home, clean clothing, nourishing food, access to the Internet, a loving spouse, supportive friends, a driver's license, a car (two cars!), rain and wind (LOVE thunderstorms!), and so many, many, many other things.

Matt has been gone this week for an engineering conference. (I wonder if I can find a domestic engineering conference in the area?) tee hee hee! The Lord always uses these times to increase my thanksgiving. It gets a bit lonely around here by the end of the week, yet He shows me that He is my all in all, He is my joy, He is my strength, He is my shelter, He is my strong tower, He is my delight, He is my Prince, He is my True Love, He is my provider, He is my protector, He is my Lord, and I rest in Him.

After a week without my hubby, I'm definitely excited to see him. But, I'm thankful that the Lord uses all things to work for my good. I revere Him more and trust Him more knowing our lives are but a vapor; we're here today and gone tomorrow. It is only by God's grace and His love to have my family in my life. What grace He desires to lavish upon His children!

So, as my week winds down, I humbly thank the Lord for Matt, Isaac, and sweet-pea Baby Nelms. I thank Him for blessing me when I deserved nothing of the sort. I thank Him for allowing me to be wife and mommy in this house. Above all, I thank Him for equipping me for anything I will ever go through and for helping me to hold loosely to the things of this world.

He holds our lives in his hands. Every breath. Every heartbeat. Every movement. Life is a gift, and I cherish it deeply. Thank you, Lord Jesus.