to raise kids.
I had started a post entitled Just When I Thought I Had Lost It.
Well, I've lost it.
Well, I've lost it.
Yes, it's been one of those days. And we've had several {like a week's worth} in a row. I was disciplining all.day.long. From the time they were up until I put them to bed.
I sent Mr. YH a text at lunch time that said, "can u c the white flag waving?" He didn't even answer and it would have made me feel better if he had at least texted "love you" back or something- even a smiley face would have made Mama Grouch happy. It's not that he doesn't care- he told me when he ran in for a snack at dinnertime that he had prayed for me. But then he was off again to a dinner with some officers and the ambassador- la-tee-da-ah. I'm only a tiny bitter because I would probably have enjoyed dinner with them, too, but it wasn't a spouses deal.
So, he left me on my own again to deal with this little stinker who will be 2 in 66 days and she definitely got the memo on that.
Truly, she brought me to tears tonight. I had to put her in her bed and leave the room. I sat in a chair and cried and prayed until I could go back in to finish that discipline session calmly and take care of one with The Boy.
Once we had completed the restoration process, I sat down and reminded the children of the three D's (disobedience, disrespect, and deceit) that would win them a "discussion" every.single.time. I was telling them that Daddy and I would be having a talk about an issue that has been coming right up to the edge of two D's to see how we'd be handling that when Big Girl sat up and began boo-hooing. At first, I had no idea what she was trying to say through the tears, but finally understood this pitiful plea:
"Mama! I haven't been able to listen well because of all the wax in my ears!"
And then I did lose it. I tried not to because she was really quite sincere, but I lost it, and soon we were all giggling. I promised to get the Q-tips out in the morning for all of them (if only it were that simple!). We sang, prayed, hugged and kissed.
It's quiet now.
It'll probably be rough again tomorrow, but for the record, I was only kidding about the white flag.
I love them too much.
I sent Mr. YH a text at lunch time that said, "can u c the white flag waving?" He didn't even answer and it would have made me feel better if he had at least texted "love you" back or something- even a smiley face would have made Mama Grouch happy. It's not that he doesn't care- he told me when he ran in for a snack at dinnertime that he had prayed for me. But then he was off again to a dinner with some officers and the ambassador- la-tee-da-ah. I'm only a tiny bitter because I would probably have enjoyed dinner with them, too, but it wasn't a spouses deal.
So, he left me on my own again to deal with this little stinker who will be 2 in 66 days and she definitely got the memo on that.
Truly, she brought me to tears tonight. I had to put her in her bed and leave the room. I sat in a chair and cried and prayed until I could go back in to finish that discipline session calmly and take care of one with The Boy.
Once we had completed the restoration process, I sat down and reminded the children of the three D's (disobedience, disrespect, and deceit) that would win them a "discussion" every.single.time. I was telling them that Daddy and I would be having a talk about an issue that has been coming right up to the edge of two D's to see how we'd be handling that when Big Girl sat up and began boo-hooing. At first, I had no idea what she was trying to say through the tears, but finally understood this pitiful plea:
"Mama! I haven't been able to listen well because of all the wax in my ears!"
And then I did lose it. I tried not to because she was really quite sincere, but I lost it, and soon we were all giggling. I promised to get the Q-tips out in the morning for all of them (if only it were that simple!). We sang, prayed, hugged and kissed.
It's quiet now.
It'll probably be rough again tomorrow, but for the record, I was only kidding about the white flag.
I love them too much.
Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father? If you are not disciplined (and everyone undergoes discipline), then you are illegitimate children and not true sons. Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of our spirits and live! Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. Hebrews 12:7-11 (NIV)
I'm so sorry things are so rough. It is extra hard when hubby is out and about and not able to help. Hopefully the kiddos have a turnaround and give you a good day today (or tomorrow- which ever the case may be.)
ReplyDeleteOh how I know those days! Sorry you've had a day or even a week of it!! And the verse from Hebrews was a great reminder for me!
ReplyDeleteI totally understand, and I only do daycare and get to send them home at the end of the day! Hope that today is better!
ReplyDeleteSo, you've got a bad case of the terrible two's on your hands??? I've been having trouble with sassy mouths. Really from both the boys, but more so from Bubba. He's actually been a great help around the house, but he just doesn't talk to me the way I want to be talked to. I told him to do something this a.m. and he didn't move. I told him he needed to be obedient and do what I said and he told me he 'wasn't a dog.' Nice.
ReplyDeleteAnyhow, hope it gets better for ya. ;)
I can't tell you how badly I have wanted to be a mother...ever since I was a little girl. As I get older though I find my patience truly tested by these types of disobediences. My 14 yr old niece is living with us this year and she is a huge handful. Not just because she's 14 but because she has serious issues. I lose it way too often with her. Then I sit back and think this is not the kind of mother I wanted to be. It's tough!!! I would still dearly love to be blessed with a little one of my own but I'm also learning to be okay with what God wants for me instead. I'll keep you in my prayers.
ReplyDeleteoh girl, do I feel ya on this one!! Mollie Kate is testing me these days. I have many days where I want to cry and feel like the worst momma ever. I will be praying for you and you are a great mom!! You are doing a great job with those youngin's!! Sending love from the states!
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear this. I've been suffering from an earache and congestion for about a week now. I can tell you that I am not operating at full speed. It takes me ten times longer to process what people are saying to me and I find myself just completely disoriented. Hopefully Big Girl feels like her (well-behaved) self soon!
ReplyDeleteAnd as for the little one, well that's just tough. Because that is just the hardest face to be upset with. =)
Your outlook is so positive and your children are so blessed to have you as a mom. I pray things settle soon!
Oh I feel for you! It's been a week of constant discipline - which is hard to do at a 3-year old's level when you are explaining WHY it is important to obey.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry - and praying that both of us make it through this with our sanity intact!
I'm so sorry. :( I will pray that today will be a better day! You can do it--you are a great Mama! :) Love ya!!!
ReplyDeleteHi Tara! I noticed your post on baby bangs about being scared of hair coloring when there's a language barrier so I thought I'd stop in and say hi being an oversea mom myself. Praying for you today- sounds like you are a great mom and wife!
ReplyDelete