Lessons from an almost 3 year old...

So I’m learning some pretty good lessons from my almost 3 year old. When you want something really bad, throw a tantrum. O.K., just kidding. That’s probably not the best lesson. But there is something to be said for throwing your head back and doing a little pounding and kicking every now and then!

Thankfully, my almost 3 year old doesn’t tantrum very much. Instead she pouts and I was already really good at that one. So let’s get to the good lessons.

Lesson One: When my almost 3 year old see’s the people she loves she gets so excited she either does a little happy dance, or she throws something as she just can’t contain her glee (Again, the throwing maybe not such a great idea…but you get the picture)! And then when that same person disappears for a moment (e.g., a trip to the potty) she says “uh oh, no no”. She not only loves her people inwardly, she displays that love and affection outwardly. Some of us as adults are pretty good at showing people how much we care about them. I must admit, I’m not always so good and need to become better.

Lesson Two: My almost 3 year old laughs, and laughs and laughs. In fact, sometimes she’s the only one in on the joke! But oh, what a precious lesson. When did we as adults become so guarded and cautious? Why is it sometimes so hard for us to just be silly? Yes, I know we have responsibilities and life is sometimes very hard. But we were created to LIVE life, and to live it abundantly! Not to just somehow wander through it. In our break room the other day at work, when asked how her day was going I heard a woman say, “I’m hanging in there, that’s about all we can ask for I guess.” NO! We can ask for more! I know I need to laugh more. I need to throw my head back and laugh until my belly hurts!

Lesson Three: My almost 3 year old loves spiders, lizards and all creepy crawling things. Alright, not really a lesson here either but its FREAKIN’ ME OUT! Maybe there is a lesson here, when did I become such a scare-dy cat?? Come to think of it, my almost 3 year old will try just about anything and everything. Now thankfully, she has a mommy to tell her when she needs to NOT try something (!) but think about it. Remember when the world and all things in it were cool and worth exploring? When did that change? I know for some, it hasn’t changed and those of you who are still out there exploring and trying new things, I am in awe of you!

I'm excited to see what my almost 3 year old will teach me next. Stay tuned...

Parents everywhere....I salute you!

So I’m pretty sure most parents would agree that their children are the most amazing children in the world. And I’m pretty sure each one of those parents is absolutely right. In fact, I think it’s one of the gifts God gives to parents…the ability to see their children the way He sees them. We see the sweet and tender side, we see the goofy, silly side, and at times we see the naughty side. Yet no matter what side our children are displaying at that moment, they never cease to amaze us. And we love them.

I feel as if I’ve been doing this parenting thing for such a short amount of time compared to most who will read this. And many of you may have gone through some pretty tough trials and tribulations with your children. And I would guess there are moments, or days or months that you would like to erase from your memory. Maybe hardships you wish your children didn’t have to go through. Or hardships your children brought into your life due to decisions they made. But whatever has happened, or whatever will happen, you see your children like no one else can, and you love your children like no one else can.

Olivia and I have only been mother and daughter for 10 months and though I know almost nothing about the first two years of her life, I know much about who my daughter is. I know that she loves to laugh and that her laugh is infectious! I know her heart is good and full of empathy and gentleness. I know she is determined to get words out when her little mouth is preventing her from doing so. And I know I am going to do everything in my power as her mom, to help her to continue to grow and experience life and love. What an amazing gift it is to be a parent.



I never knew how hard it would be to be a parent. And I also never knew how your heart just changes when you become a parent. It becomes softer, squishier, and more willing to change for the good of your child. I think I am learning what it means to love unconditionally.

And I salute all parents out there who already know this and live this. YOU are amazing.

I want to leave you with the words to a Michael Card song from one of Olivia’s cd’s. It brings a reminder of those who watch over our children as they sleep and I think it brings peace whether your child is 3 or 23.

”Oh, unseen warriors, brothers, friends. Who for our safety we depend. I ask you now to come defend, this precious little baby.
I know you’ve been here all along. And will remain her whole life long. But with this simple childish song, I ask you, guard this baby.
Sometimes at night she will awaken. Let her not feel fear forsaken. To every saint your visit paid, you always said, 'Don’t be afraid'."