Last night we had a chance to go to our ECFE “school” and celebrate the start of a new year. Titus was anticipating meeting Clifford (even though he was a little hesitant in person) and Asher was likely anticipating the ice cream =) We saw many of our friends from previous classes and are really looking forward to getting back to it this year.
We are really enjoying our week with some time with friends! Yesterday we had our first official play date with Auntie Alyssa and Cousin Ollie. It is so fun to think of doing that really often now that they are close again…yipee! This morning we got a chance to play with our friend Blake while his mommy went to the doctor. We had a lot of fun and as usual, it was fun to watch how the kids interact. Blake is an only child (for now =) ) and a couple of times he decided that things were a little too active in the living room and so he took a little walk to Titus’ room and shut the door to enjoy the peace and quiet =) Asher really enjoys having someone his age and size and his only disappointment was that Blake didn’t seem interested in his constant barrage of hugs and kisses! Titus took pride in being my “helper” and reading book to both the little boys and yesterday in pulling the little boys around the yard in the wagon. We love our friends!
In my 30 years of life, I have certainly heard numerous sermons about our sinful, flesh nature. Having children has made me realize even more how strong that nature can be, just by seeing how young they begin to do inappropriate things that they have not yet learned or seen others do. Today Titus was washing his hands in the bathroom and I went in and told him it was time to turn off the water (he loves to play in it for a long time). This was not a new or unusual request but something must have triggered because Titus’ first response was to say “You’re naughty Mommy” with a very strong attitude in his voice. I reacted calmly and told him that he is not to say that to anyone. I truly expected that to be the end of the conversation but instead I caught him whispering in a very hushed voice, “you’re naughty, you’re naughty, you’re naughty.” He really did think that I couldn’t hear him and was quite confused when I put him in time out for disobeying. As I thought about the scene, it was almost as if he could not control his actions and just had to say it a few more times. I’m certainly not justifying his actions and I still believe there are consequences but I am somewhat shocked and appalled at why a 3 year old feels such strong need to test and push the limits. I suppose I shouldn’t be so shocked, knowing that even as an adult I find myself making choices that I know are not the right choices and yet I still push the limits. I am so grateful that God has given us free choice but I am saddened at how often I don’t use that in the best way I know how and on top of that, I am often bewildered about the best way to teach and guide my children through what I know is a very normal part of their own development as they grasp concepts like obedience, consequences, limits, decisions, etc.
Huh, not exactly my most light hearted post but definitely what’s on my mind today!
Would you believe that we made it 11 1/2 hours at the State Fair on Saturday?! The boys did absolutely amazing! Titus would say that his favorite part was petting the baby horse, eating the hotdog, riding the skyway, building his helicopter, and anything else he could think of =) He could hardly breath all weekend between the anticipation before and the excitement of it all during and afterwards! Asher took a two hour nap in the stroller (not common for him at all) and loved munching on all the good fair foods everyone shared with him. I’m pretty sure he could eat cheese curds three meals a day if we let him =) Anyhow, it was quite a day and I’m so proud of my boys for doing so great!
It seems like both our boys are at ages where every day they do something new and slightly more indepent. Titus is busy taking his big brother role quite seriously. Just yesterday the two were sharing a snack and when the bag was empty, Titus went to throw it away when he realized that there was still one left. He brought it to his own lips and then noticed Asher standing nearby and immediately said “here, I’ll share the last one with you Asher buddy” and gave away the last bite of snack….what a loving little 3 year old =) He has also been enjoying the new favorite mode of transportation which includes Titus pedaling his tricycle while Asher rides in the wagon that is strapped to the back of the trike. Asher is working on perfecting his walking/running technique, saying new words each day….like saying “no throw” whenever he throws his cup of milk off the high chair, and feeding himself. It’s so fun to watch my kids develop into their own personality and independence!
Have a good weekend all!
