is full of wonderful moments and pure delight. It is also full of hard moments and hard days. Choosing Homeschool was the best thing I could have done for our family. It works for us! We love it and can't imagine the thought of doing anything different. But we have been known to have some incredibly tough days. Kindergarten is not academically challenging. Holding a six year old's attention span and finding a schedule that works with a four and two year old running around is. Yesterday was one of those days when it felt like every single thing I put effort towards failed.
Our School day started with a Bible lesson on The Sower, Matthew 13. I tried to make the story interesting as Ezekiel went over to the piano and started banging and singing and the other two laughed at him. I tried to ask questions to help them grasp God's Word better and Ava Beth kept saying "God is a super hero and He lives in our hearts." I had pictures to accompany my lesson showing seeds falling on hard ground. Seeds falling on soft ground. Seeds falling among thorns. Everything I did to make it interesting just didn't work.
Math went perfect. Josiah added and subtracted like a mad man. Then it was time for writing and his little mind started thinking about The Empire Strikes Back and how Darth Vader reveals to Luke at the very end "I am your Father." This was a shocking revelation to Josiah. And of course there is Josiah's curiosity regarding Han Solo. Will he be back? Is he dead? So many questions and things for a six year old to ponder. Of course we don't have Return of the Jedi yet so we will have to wait for answers regarding those questions and I sure as heck can't answer them while trying to teach a lesson!
Lunch time came along with the every day battle of food I have with Josiah. He has issues with textures of foods. We have dealt with it since he began eating solids. I told him he had to eat three tator tots. What kid wouldn't want tator tots?! MY KID! He gagged and acted like he was going to throw up. I was frustrated, he was crying.
One of those days.
I snuck into his room last night to pray because I was feeling guilty. My anger got the best of me yesterday and my frustration ruled the day. When I walked into his room, I found him awake. He was just laying there looking up at the top bunk. So I knelt down by his bed and hugged him, kissed him and told him how much I loved him. Then I asked for his forgiveness for my attitude. He of course forgave me. Then I said, "In the morning when you wake up, come straight to my room and let's snuggle." He smiled. "And how about we have a really fun day of school tomorrow? What do you think would make it fun?" He said, "A craft. Let's make some Valentine cards!"
This morning, Josiah was the first one awake as usual. He opened my bedroom door and loudly whispered, "I'm here to snuggle with you." He usually wants breakfast instantly but he knew we had made a snuggle date. He crawled into bed with me and nestled up next to me. It wasn't comfortable but it was just what I needed. Snuggling isn't about comfort, it's about being as close as you can to someone you love and just being still. He never asked for breakfast, he just kept his arms around me and remained silent. As we snuggled, I prayed for Him and for the man God has created Him to someday be. I looked at him and said, "What are you thinking about?" He said, "Snuggling with you." Such a man! Great answer! I asked him again a few minutes later and he said, "I'm thinking about having a good school day today."
It's mornings like these that remind me of the lesson I taught yesterday on The Sower. I pray I am scattering seeds on fertile soil and that they will truly take root in my children's hearts.
Snuggling makes everything better. It can erase a bad day and begin a great one!
I love you Josiah. Thank you for constantly making me a better Mom.
12 comments:
you are totally planting seeds. i am so thankful that even as i fail, He never does, and he continues to grow what i plant (with His help). :)
and just so you know, i resign just about every night only to find myself un-resign the next morning!
I read a blog post yesterday with a tip I thought you might be interested in. For the food issues or picky eater: Make a *punch card* like you get at many stores. He gets a *punch* (or stamp) for each food item he tries. After so many punches (determined ahead of time), he gets a treat. I'll try to find the link and send it to you.
Thank you for the tips! Believe it or not, we have tried everything possible but recently found out that there is an actual disorder some kids have with food textures. It stems from his surgery as a baby, his acid reflux and a few other things. I would give ANYTHING if a reward sytem would work but his issue isn't something like that. I pray for him DAILY about this!!! And constantly remind myself to not panic, he is getting nutrition.
Yes, I have heard of the food texture issues. Sorry. If you ever do want to see these, it is
http://flipflopsandapplesauce.blogspot.com/2009/02/tasty-tasty-club.html
She has a great story about her twin girls and LOTS of crafty tips you might could use for homeschooling!
awesome!!! THANK YOU!!!
I don't know if you know about this, or have already done it, but you need to get that thing that turns your blog into a book. Espcially with Far More than Rubies, and Something Beautifula dn now Mama Sings! If you have no idea what I am talking about let me know and I can get the info for you!
why do you have to make me cry :) what a sweet boy, reminds me of my kyle!
What a precious snapshot of your day. I love blogging for this very reason. Being able to visit that place that is often forgotten in the lives of our children. That broken and tired place where we all go so often. Seeing restoration at the end of the day is such a blessing!
I do the exact same thing ;) Laying there in bed with Sam at the end of the day and realizing that I have offered him little in the way of love or comfort. He always knows how to point me to tomorrow.
Thank you Jesus.
Oh, and by the way ... my Samuel has the exact same issues! I don't know if it is texture related (I have a friend who has a child with that) but he is beyond picky and will gag over the smallest thing (although I do the same thing you did and require at least a bite or two).
You hands will never be more full than they are right now ... You are doing a great job!
Thankfully we have the good days to erase those that aren't so great!
2 things:
1. You are the best Mama! I wish I would have had you as a mom!!! You're honesty and vunerability are definitely planting seeds in them that will last a lifetime.
2. LOVE how everyday is a new day. I am doing the love dare right along with you (only I started a day before you did...) and I am applying some of these things to my relationship with my children as well. It's awesome.
OH! And one more thing. One of my best friend's son has the food texture issue - and yes, it is more than behavioral - there is a real "syndrome" or whatever you want to call it. So you are dead on in praying for guidance in this area and not simply reducing it to a power struggle. Praying for patience and guidance in how to help him through this will help! I will also ask her if she has any resources for you. I know they do food therapy sessions with an OT. I will email you with anything I find out.
Amanda,
They do food texture feeding therapies. we are doing it with Carmyn now. I have asked a lot questions. It eventually can be over come, so therapy may or may not work for Josiah. It may be worth a try. In some ways, kids work better for other people. In this situation, it may. Or may not. Just a suggestion.
I don't mean to give any advice not well taken. Just know it is in love. Much love.
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