dr. seuss said it best

I hate the term "mommy wars."  The thought of it makes me sad and angry at the same time.
Isn't there enough going on with our own kids and in our own lives?  Why should we bring in more drama by comparing our self to others...or comparing others to our self!?

I like to think Dr. Seuss said it best in Oh the Places You'll Go.

(Ok, seriously how cute is this wall art!?  Only $8.00!!)

So take Dr. Seuss' advice and stop the comparing and judging game. 
I'm friends and relatives to mamas who work full time, work part time, work from home, stay at home with kids without getting a paycheck, and mamas who've developed some kind of side business to generate extra income (and in some cases validation for staying at home.)

I honestly believe that God doesn't call all of us to stay at home, He has specially designed some of us to do work that does not involve working cartoon jigsaw puzzles and wiping snotty noses all day.  I also, believe, however, that some moms are called to stay at home, whose time is best spent singing nursery rhymes and potty training.  They are equally important callings.  For real.  It's easy to forget that, isn't it?

So before you start looking down on a mama for doing something different than you, or before you start looking down on yourself for feeling like you're going against the grain, stop and remember that you are in the middle of God's plan for your life.  Pray about where He wants you and know that He's got the whole world in His hands and that "there is no one alive who is youer than you."

reflections of my baby boy

While I sit here next to my man waiting for the football game to finish, I'm thinking about my sweet baby boy during the tail end of his second birthday.  Where did this year go!?  Like, seriously.  I blinked.

I love my sweet Sammy because he loves singing in church.  He belts out his notes without reservation...and on occasion...after observing those around him...puts his tiny hand up in the air to worship with the church.  It is my absolute favorite and brings tears to my eyes every time!!! (...though, since I'm pregnant, that's not hard to do!)

My baby loves to pray...his prayers are usually a little shorter, though, and when he's finished he blurts out a loud "AMEN!" whether we're in a restaurant, in church, or at home.  ...though if he feels like we didn't pray quite enough, or well enough as a group, he holds his hands out, reaching for ours and says amen until we hold his hands, say another quick prayer, and end it with Amen. 

Because of seeing so many mangers during this past Christmas season, Sammy now says "Jesus" whenever he sees pictures of babies.  Eventually we'll work on differentiating between babies, but for now, I'm fine with every baby reminding him of Jesus.

I know these are all tiny little things that only parents cherish, but to me they are also hope.  Hope that we're doing something right to raise our boy in an environment that helps him connect to Jesus and be in a real relationship that he chooses.

He's also got a tender heart that points out people who are sad and offers hugs freely.  When he thinks of his cousins, he blurts out, "Miss you, Ella.  Miss you, Morgan."  (He hasn't quite bonded as much with his boy cousins, yet, I guess!) 
His heart makes mine so happy.

As my little toddler morphs into a person during this coming year, I pray his heart will continue to be shaped into one that resembles Jesus.  I am so thankful to God for his tender little spirit.

Love you, Sammy J.  Happy 2nd birthday.
-Mama