Me v. Them

This week has been a breakthrough for me. I realized that I have been starting every day on opposing teams as my kids, from the time I heard little feet coming down the fall. I felt like I had my agenda and their goal was to mess it up. We were fighting on the front lines everywhere...the bathroom, breakfast choices, clothes, toys. By noon I was defeated and resented the kids. I was NO fun, and they were suffering.

As soon as I really realized my bad attitude, I repented and prayed for the kids. Prayed specifically for each of them and my interactions with them. This is another area I was slacking. This week has been so much better. We actually haven't gotten a lot of school work done this week, for a variety of reasons. However, I think our hearts are in much better shape this week, and thats the most important thing.

Sam has recently been learning the fruits of the Spirit, which is great because I get to learn them too. I missed out on a lot of Bible learning growing up, so now I get to do it with him. We recite the fruits of the Spirit each day, and now when I say them I think of specific ways to show each fruit to my kids.

I am so glad God is forgiving and so are kids. My agenda has been changed to put them first, afterall they are my "job". And I love being home with them each day, even if we still have moments on opposing sides. I think all moms get in a rut now and then, right?

Sam is likely going to ride a horse for future 4-H next year at the fair. A neighbor that loves horses has offered to take him under her wing. He really enjoyed his first ride. He rode a pony named Nickelfritz. Although I must say Cora was the biggest fan and the pony liked her hair.

That brings me to another tale...Cora cut her own hair for the first time. Actually, she evened it up from the time dad cut gum out! Note: Its better to get gum out with butter.

I have lots of cute pictures of the kids, including Eli in a red cowboy hat (he wears it all over the house and brings us boots to put on his feet even though he can't walk in them) and going on his first hay ride. We also got shots playing in leaves, carving pumpkins, and riding horses. However, my computer takes 10 minutes to load one photo...so it'll have to wait!