~SurroundedByGiants~

Mercy!

I feel like I need to reintroduce myself to cyber space…but I'll spare you.

Instead, I'll just pick right back up like it hasn't really been months since I've written.

Life is busy and so very full in the best sort of way.

I feel like I'm suddenly surrounded by giants. There have been several times recently, while out and about with my kids, that I literally stopped and just stared at them. They were all walking a little ahead of me, talking amongst themselves and I accidentally grinned in disbelief. These precious kids that yesterday, were so small and needy, are quickly getting closer and closer to eye level and 
I. absolutely. love. it.

They are funny, sweet hearted, complex individuals that I am blessed to steward. Really hope I'm doing right by them…and by the God who made them and entrusted them to me for a time. 

I keep waiting for the other shoe to drop but it keeps not dropping and frankly, I don't expect it will. 
Child rearing might really just keep getting better every year.

Yes, they drive me crazy on occasion, but more often than not, their sense of humor, their individuality, their learning to deal with life, their shared love of Tim Hawkins (fostered by their Dad), their tween and pre-tween humor of new under arm hair, and other random awkwardness, has me swooning.

Take heart, sweet Mamas. 
Steward more than you attempt to control.
Don't be afraid to watch them struggle and mess up.
To quote my Mama, who I think was quoting her Mama,
"Every tub has to sit on it's own bottom."
The quicker you can stop owning your kids' every flaw, the better off you'll be. 
Let them be human…but pray like mad for their hearts. 
(this is me, preaching to the choir)
I'm just barely entering "phase 2" of parenting.

pray for me.

It's that phase, 
after the toddler/little kid phase, where relinquishing control, all the while maintaing order, obedience, and expectations, is the task. 
It's just before the "launching phase", which completely freaks me out…so I plan to enjoy this season to the maximum amount possible.  

~stacey