Strength and Balance

Jeremiah climbs, and I look on with concern.

He reaches his peak, and I cringe while I cheer him on, "Good job! Be careful."

Shortly, thereafter, the "Get down" comes out of my mouth.

     As he grows, so do his desires of exploration and pushing the limits. He is testing his strength and balance. In order for him to continue on in that process, I need to release him and trust that he will do well. I can keep track of what he has done and know what he can do. Things that seem out of his ability, I will make sure to be there for extra guidance and direction. To limit him is not my desire; to help him grow is my aim. May God continue to give us grace and protection on this journey of life, love, and climbing!

“The LORD is my strength and my defense; 

He has become my salvation. 

He is my God, and I will praise him. My father's God and I will exalt him."

Exodus 15:2

Reusable Swim Diaper

     

     A must have for your infant and toddler's swim attire: Reusable Swim Diaper by i play (I found this one at Target)! It is easily snapped on and washed/rinsed after each use. For us Floridians, that is exciting news! One reason is that it saves money and time - it takes time to make money and it takes time to go to the store. No longer do we need to go to the store every other week to buy a pack of swim diapers. A second reason is that it saves on space - in the home and in the landfills. 

     Happy swimming!

Paper Towel Rocket

     Isaiah is all about glue these days! He loves how it oozes out of the bottle and makes a big blob of white goo - the bigger the blob, the better! Finding something to put over the glue isn't always easy; some days I have to be creative.

     One day, I was scrounging for something, anything. In the past, I have used old spices from the kitchen cupboard, buttons, yarn, sticks, pasta - basically anything that will stick has been considered and used. This time, I had some rolls of colored, plastic, non-stick tape (that's the best way I can describe it). It is something I had purchased a few years ago for my husband's kites - found at a surplus store to aid in giving his kite a tail. Barely ever used, it was now going to come in handy to help make a glue-lovers day!

     I took strands of the plastic and cut out rectangles, triangles, and squares. He then proceeded to place them on his coloring book pages - great! Mission accomplished!

     For a creative twist, I had just used up a roll of paper towels the night before and decided to save the cardboard tube for Isaiah's creative pleasures. I first had him color the tube, and then with my assistance, I helped him take some of the different sized strips and apply them to the tube.

     Instantly, before his eyes, the tube turned into a fascinating rocket (one of his recent, favorite phenomenons)!

"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, 

as working for the Lord, not for human masters"

Colossians 3:23

Trying Different Hats

Trying different hats is not only fun but it is necessary.

Sometimes a hat just calls out your name 

and you know it will be a good fit without even putting it on.

And sometimes, after trying one on, you realize it isn't for you.

Trying on different hats is part of life; 

trying on different ideas, tastes, and choices is part of life.

As parents, one of the great responsibilities we have, 

is introducing those "hats" to these precious ones 

while guiding them along the path of faith. 

There is plenty of room to move, grow, and discover in a life of freedom.

With that freedom must come humility and the fear of the LORD.

"My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you,

turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding—

indeed, if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding,

and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure,

then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God.

For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.

He holds success in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless,

for he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones.

Then you will understand what is right and just and fair—every good path."

Proverbs 2:1-9

Encouraging Independence

     Isaiah is such a character! It's fun to witness him stepping into his own. Yes, even at the age of two, he is claiming what is his - likes, dislikes, hobbies, words, fashion, etc. I am honored to support him in taking on this adventure - the adventure of independence.

     To the degree of my willingness to release and support and encourage is to the degree of his independence. How far he ventures off into the great unknown is up to me. I can hold him back if I choose to, or I can encourage him to "fear not". 

     His capabilities and talents are waiting to be told, "You've got this! You can do it! I am so proud of you." Many times, as I am laying him down to sleep, I take the opportunity to whisper in his ear, "I speak blessings and life out over you. I love you. I am so proud of you. You are beautiful." (Sometimes he repeats it back to me - ahhhh moments of parental melting).

"Let us who live in the light be clearheaded, protected by the armor of faith and love, 

Wearing as our helmet the confidence of our salvation.

For God chose to save us through our Lord Jesus Christ, not to pour out his anger on us.

Christ died for us so that, whether we are dead or alive when he returns, 

We can live with him forever.

So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing."

1 Thessalonians 5:8-11

Fisher Price Stack & Roll Cups

     Anyone looking for a good teaching tool for colors, hand-eye coordination, and size/shape should check out Fisher Price Stack & Roll Cups. At first it was just a simple, inexpensive gift, and then it became an invaluable tool in the boys' toy bin. It's one of those great toys that is not only a toy but also a learning tool.