Tag: children

Rocking My Mama-Made World

Posted on May 18, 2016 by Mama

Mam-Made World — All Grown Up! My son’s last day of preschool

Today I dropped off my son for his last day of preschool (and I thought the first day was tough). A quick hug, watering eyes, speedy exit and several tissues later, I finally admitted my comfortable little mama-made world was about to be rocked.

As much as I want to dig my heels into this season of life, only summer separates my son from school; which means the last five glorious, fun-filled, stay-at-home-mom years will quickly become a thing of the past. I made it through Kindergarten Roundup (though I declared it “the beginning of the end”), I made it through the paperwork, and I even made it through the screening, but today I just couldn’t hold it together. . . and yes, I’ve sufficiently soaked, dabbed and blown my way through several Kleenex just writing this little post.

The years between birth and boyhood went by so swiftly. We’re talking Lightning McQueen ka chow quick! I tried my darndest to enjoy the big and little moments, the sadness and the laughter and the sick and silly days, but I still want more. I want to rock my son (all 43 pounds and 43 inches of him) to sleep at night. I want to sing more “pretty songs” before bed. I want to read more silly stories and I want to giggle until our sides are sore. So many people told me it would be a blur, and they were right. But as for this family, I seriously believe we pulled a few Gs on our way to where we are now.

I know each day holds new adventures and the future promises loads of fun, but when you have been blessed with a sensational son, a supportive family and fabulous friends, it’s hard to believe that “Phase Two” will somehow live up to this mom’s thus far amazing life. So tonight I’ll sneak one last kiss from my sleeping child’s cheek and whisper “I love you” in his ear. I think that will be enough; yes, I know that it is plenty.

Concentration Can Wait

Posted on August 4, 2015August 1, 2015 by Mama

I used to think I was a pretty good multi-tasker. . . and then my son was born, carrying a big ol’ dose of reality in his adorable tiny fist. Amid the diaper changes, feeding times, bathing and general baby supervision it quickly became evident that I cannot do two things at once. In fact, the more I try to concentrate, the more he tries to get my attention and both of us just become completely frustrated.

A few weeks ago I had to take my sidekick along to decorate our church for VBS. I knew this would slow me down quite a bit, but what I didn’t foresee was the need to read, understand and execute an entire 11-step creative cardboard project. Yes, I’m apparently into torture.

While I begged and pleaded my little man to occupy himself with one of the many items we brought along, the more he wanted to “help.” Unfortunately it was one of those tasks that little fingers were just not made to conquer and I hardly had a clue what to do myself. The more he talked, fidgeted, and jumped in the middle my project and the more I tried to concentrate, be patient and build something beautiful from a bunch of flappy cardboard pieces, the more frustrated, unfocused and so-not-cool I became. Until finally my son had had enough. He promptly stuffed all his games, colors and paper in his backpack, put his arms through the straps and calmly said, “I’m going.”

When I asked just where he thought he was going, he assertively said, “I’m going home.”

That’s when I realized that losing my cool over this silly project (which would probably go seriously underappreciated) was so not worth it. So I finally apologized to my son, left the project lying in the middle of the church aisle and went home to spend a few dedicated hours with my little guy.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not advocating that moms drop everything, never complete a task and come running at every inquiry from a small child’s voice (although I’ve stopped and started this article no less than 12 times because a certain someone just woke from his nap), but I have learned that the cost of some battles are so not worth the fight, and sometimes a mother’s concentration can wait another day.

VBS Is In the Books

Posted on July 20, 2015 by Mama

Whew! Another wonderful VBS is in the books and I plan to put up my feet and bask in the calmness of life. . . as much as a busy four-year-old boy will allow. I donned a new hat for Vacation Bible School this year — that of coordinator for the whole event. I enjoyed it, but it certainly was a lot of work. Thankfully I had an awesome team and fabulous church support, so the week went off with very few hitches. . . unless you count the day I did the entire closing ceremony with my pants unzipped.

We used Lifeway’s Journey Off the Map theme this year and since there is a store about three miles from home, it was super easy to run in and out as needed. So here’s my shout out to the KC Skyview location, “Thanks for all the help.” If they didn’t have it, they found it. Plus, what we didn’t use, we can return. Awesome!

Our offering this year benefitted the Baptist Global Response organization and the children voted to buy chickens with their money. For $25, the organization will send 10 chickens to those in need and will educate recipients on the best way to raise and sustain a flock for years to come. With a friendly boys v. girls competition, the week’s offering totaled more than $311 as the girls edged out the boys on the very last day.

With 66 children registered, three professions of faith, and a whole lot of fun going on, I would say it was a pretty wonderful week at Park Hill Baptist Church. I (almost) can’t wait for next year!

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