~NotesFromToday~

1. It's just never fun when one of your kids tells you they feel a little lonely. It's even worse when they maturely say, "I mean, it's fine, don't worry, but I'm just saying…that I do."
The Holy Spirit reminds me that:
"By His divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a Godly life." (2 Peter 1:3)
So I say truthfully,
"Focus on who you can bless….someone who may need a friend that you can be a friend to….and pray about this. Tell God how you feel. He knows your needs…every one of them. He made you for fellowship and will meet that need for you. In the meantime, look outward…..BE a blessing to someone."

….see, I fully believe that pity parties happen when you are self-centered and "me focused".
Of course, we need people but:

"And this same God who takes care of me WILL supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:19)

God is the only answer to our needs.
Our need for self worth
for provision
for satisfaction
for joy.
He IS the only lasting answer.

If it's true for me, it's true for my kids.

We Mamas just have to take off the mommy hat that makes us want to scream, pitch a fit, or punch somebody,
and instead,
put on the spiritual mentor hat…
 because after all, these little ones in our homes that we call our children are actually little adults we are stewarding.

2. Tonight my 5 year old gave her friend two, TWO slap bracelets.
Initially, I was SO proud.
(You have to understand the attachment to these coveted bracelets to understand why I was so proud of this unprompted act of generosity)
We get in the car after church and I say,
"Baby, I am so proud that you gave away two of your bracelets!"
"Well, it's fine, because I did not like doze colors anyway, but she loved dem."
(pretty sure you don't get credit for giving something away that you don't really like)
she is, after all, just 5…..so I'm still a little proud.

3. Super Target for groceries is a great idea in theory but in reality, I park on the right side of the store (mistake #1)
I get completely distracted by the $6.99 Emma size shorts, and the shoes, and the picture frames,
that by the time I make it to the grocery side, I'm worn out.
I usually make it to the milk, toilet paper, and produce, and that's it.
I'm o.u.t.

4. I completely lost it with my third grader in math today.
I always think of my mom and how she was always more intense than my Dad when it came to school.
She was never out of line but definitely more "passionate". (I love you, Mama.)
Now I'm sort of glad, and I'm like,
"man. I get it. I totally understand why she was like,"
'NO! THIS IS AN ADVERB!! AN ADVERB ANSWERS HOW, WHEN, WHERE, HOW OFTEN, AND TO WHAT EXTENT!!"
I mean, I feel her pain.
All these years later.
I have nothing but respect for her teaching the four of us knuckle heads all those years.
She will have extra jewels in her crown in heaven for sure.
Back to me, yes, I apologized but brain cramps in your own kids/students are really, really frustrating. (especially when the kid is really rather bright)

5. THESE are my downfall.
Good thing Brad only brings them home once a year.

We are all messes in some degree.
Love your kids.
For heavens' sake, TEACH them.
Don't throw in the towel.
Extend to them the love and grace you want extended to yourself.
Tell them the truth even when it hurts.
Every once in a while, picture your littles as adults. It's an interesting change of perspective.
If you go to Target to buy groceries, park on the FOOD side.
Say you're sorry when you mess up.
DONT eat chocolate covered macadamia nuts. (that way, there's more for me)

"Superman" ice cream.

The reward for showing initiative in the Wall household.

Raindrops are miraculous.

~stacey