Childhood Folly

What a week this has been! Forgive me because I am going to keep you all in suspense about why...annoying, huh? I'm sorry. Don't worry- when it's all figured out I will be writing a post in hopes to possibly help others along on this journey called life. Sometimes it throws some pretty ugly things at us, doesn't it? It doesn't always seem fair, but I am quickly learning it doesn't have to be. I am just beyond thankful for a wonderful husband that can hug me, pray over me, and compliment me right when I need it. 

"He knows just what to say to take a girl's breath away!" -Darla 

I'm also thankful for my kiddos of course. They make the hardest days easier. In fact just yesterday, we were all hanging out in the bathroom. You know, I am momma so I was on my throne and all the kids were just gathered around asking me all those questions that couldn't wait one second longer. D walked past the bathroom door and cut me the strangest look, he doesn't get it. He said to me, "You know, you can close the door." To which I lovingly responded "You know, they can open closed doors." I don't know about you but our toilets have a sensor on the seat. As soon as you sit on it, it's like a dog whistle, only it's for kids. They hear it and they all come running. I'm still trying to figure out how to disable this cool feature...I'll let you know when I know in case you have one at your house too. Anyyywayyy, while we were all chilling there in the bathroom, M girl said "Mommy, you are so awesome. I'm really glad that you are our Mom. You don't yell at us as often as you could." I thought that was sweet, and I was also really glad that she is finally getting to the age where she can understand and appreciate the times I am merciful. I sometimes feel that I should have an "affirming team". You know a group of people to follow me around day to day, affirming me. Telling me simple things like, "Nah, you don't look fat in that!" or "You should eat that cupcake, because if you starve your body from fats it will just hold on to whatever else you eat." and "Way to go!! You held your tongue and didn't freak out!" I may start a sticker chart for myself so that D can see how self-controled I was through out my day...or possibly how much I lacked. Whateve's. I'm trying. All I am saying is that for what I deal with day in and day out- I really should get more recognition for not being bald and completely insane. 

I read a book by (I believe) Dr. Dobson, and in it he talked about "childhood folly". I do my best on a daily basis to try and sort out the situations that arise. You see, he explains that there is a difference between disobedience and childhood folly. For example, if a child has their cup on the edge of the table, they reach for a biscuit and then knock their cup off the table with their elbow- it's a big mess to clean up, but it's childhood folly. They just aren't quite old enough to reason through what could happen to that drink on the edge of the table. So in this instance it's best to not yell (this is Dr. Dobson talking, ok? Don't get all defensive on me! I haven't perfected this by any means.) It's best to have them help you clean up the mess and then explain the importance of asking for someone to pass you something rather then reaching. Now- if siblings are grabbing and horsing at the table, and you have warned them that something may spill and they need to settle yet they continue to act up and the drink is spilled...that's another story! You can freak out! Unleash your inner wild beast!  then discipline them however you see fit. Time out, spanking, whateve's you wanna do. 

Ok...did you get all that? It really was insightful when I read it, because honestly a lot of life's day to day messes are simply because of childhood folly. Sometimes they honestly just have an oops and I don't want to be impatient and merciless with my kids. I want to be loving and understanding, and tell them I make mistakes too. When I keep my cool, it's a bonding moment. 
Don't get me wrong there are sometimes that as cute as they flippin' are- they are just rotten. Like when Lil Pip climbed up on the counter and got in the sugar canister and started tossing sugar over her head by the spoonfuls. NOT COOL, Pip. NOT COOL. She knew better. Wanna know the funny part to that story?? She looked at me dead in the eyes and said "Childhood folly?" I know right?! I made it very clear to her it wasn't folly...and I think she got the picture. Batman came in the room and said "Mommy, you do say childhood folly a lot to yourself." They don't know that by me reciting that over and over again, they are able to live to see another day. One day they will thank me. One day. 

So I guess that's my advice for today...Momma's, when faced with day to day messes ask yourself, is this childhood folly? Do it before you freak out. It's a cool thing when you see the look of relief come across your kids faces when they think for sure you will lose it and you don't! :)

Oh! One more tip for the day. This one is for when you are showering while all your kids are running around your house unattended. If you hear them suddenly all start screaming and yelling and fighting, just yell out and ask if anyone is bleeding. If they aren't- don't rush. Just finish rinsing and take the few extra seconds to be thorough. If for some reason you don't listen to my advice and you get out of the shower quickly and start to brush your hair and find traces of left over conditioner...get back in the shower and try a re-rinse. Dried conditioner flakes, makes your scalp itch, and it makes your husband question your hygiene. Which let's face it...for those of us that stay home all day, it's already in question. We don't need the extra stress. If you don't listen to any of my above advice just make sure you always have a "mom hat" in your closet ready to go. 

Here's a scripture for you too! 
"But now, this is what the Lord says- He who created you and formed you, "Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through fire, you will not be burned, the flames will not set you ablaze."" 
Isaiah 43:1-2
Remember that no matter what you are up against, God created and formed you with His loving hands. You are His, and He will never leave or forsake you. The waters may seem deep but if you are walking with Him, He will not let them overtake you. He does all things well. Trust that. It's hard...I know first hand it is hard. But it's true. 

Lots of Love!