I feel like I threw the poor guy under the bus yesterday with my blog post. I'm not sure he'd have felt the love if he'd read it. My goal here is to never shame or embarass my children. I love to write and I love to learn. Blogging is a great tool for both. And along the way, I feel like I've made some friends that I'd have never crossed paths with otherwise. You all are my therapy. I just never want to gain by hurting my family in any way. I know you know what I mean.
I love sharing where I've been because I learn so much from where other's have been. We can all learn so much from one another. I learn the most from people who don't have it all together and don't pretend to try, but who love God and want to do their very best to honor & serve Him. If there's one thing that bugs me more than just about anything in this whole wide world, it's people who can't be real. And people who don't allow other's to be real. I don't mean that we should just air out our dirty laundry for all to see and roll around in it like a pig in mud. Wisdom and discretion are really important here. I just mean, we need to have grace for one another, and this also means for ourselves and for our children. My walls go up when I'm around "certain people". My walls come down when I'm around other's. The "Wall's down" crowd is where you'll find me.
So, my wall was down yesterday and I shared about our sweet Alex. Yes, he is a very strong-willed child. But this is only one part of his persoanlity. He is also very protective, responsible, wise, and tenderhearted. This sweet young man loves so much. He hugs and kisses me ALL THE TIME. Even in front of his friends. He will not let you leave him without a hug & kiss and an "I love you." And he is without a doubt, 100% smitten by a 2-year-old sista named Averleigh:) (He was also smitten by the other 2 before they grew up;)
We have known from the time he was old enough to talk that we were in for a wild ride and that God was up to something. We just hold on tight and trust that He will show us the way to raise this child without fencing him in too tight or giving him too much freedom. It's a very fine line we walk. And it's a constant, daily tweaking with lots and lots of prayer that takes place.
So when I hear about all of the struggles with older child adoption and the control these kids fight for I think, "Well, we've already got a head start on that!" Time will tell...
As for the picture above; Alex and I went out on a date last night. He took me to the Coldstone Creamery and then we went shopping with his birthday money. It was so nice. We had such a great time. He told me at least twice how much fun he had and that he loved hanging out with me. I need to make time for it more often. His love language is without a doubt "quality time".
When we walked in the door, his defenses were down and he was actually really sweet to Ansley. He even let her come in his room. (awe, gasp)
The moral of this story...
When all else fails...
Take the dragon out on a date!
(JK! He's not really a dragon.)
Blessings,
Rebecca
I'm just getting caught up...great post(s). First, I know what you mean about not wanting to air the undies, but I also think it's good to keep it real. Sometimes I even ask the kids how they feel about something before I post it just to make sure I'm not stepping out of line in their eyes.
ReplyDeleteSecond, I have raised a strong-willed child. Oh my mercy, we can laugh about it now. The best thing (aside from prayer) that put me in check with my daughter was when I read that "you don't want to break the spirit of a strong-willed child, you just want them to learn how to channel that strong will b/c someday it will serve them well". Someday seems to have come. She is very determined, very secure in who she is (did not cave to peer pressure), is not afraid to express herself, etc. Like your son, she has also ALWAYS been the most loving, compassionate person I know. She will be a senior in college majoring in special education. ;)
Well good morning! 1) I didn't see anyone get thrown under the bus!! 2) I've got this thing about blogging - it's not a threat BTW - but it is reality! If you are living your life properly you really have nothing to fear about what anyone might write about you. It's a pretty simple thought really! I know a little bit about strong willed children - I was one - and in my childish moments (we all have them) I still am!! Much to my chagrin, and my families angst I might add!
ReplyDeleteY'all just keep writing - if that post was throwing someone under the bus - well - you are way kinder than I!
hugs - have a great week - these were a couple GREAT posts!
aus and co.
Oh Rebecca, I am so with you on this one! I love reading about real families, the struggles as well as the triumphs! Thank you for being so real! The love you have for your kiddos is very obvious and the relationship that you and Alex have is wonderful! I think he will appreciate reading that post when he is blessed with his own strong willed child - cause ya know it's coming! LOL! I love the fact that my kids are strong, as hard as it can be sometimes. These kids are strong in their convictions as well and that is AWESOME!
ReplyDelete