We are STILL without Internet. The story is now so long and full of crazy complications that I have been forced to accept that God just wanted to remove some distractions from my life.
Unfortunately, this has happened at the same time my children have entered the WHINIES. (Which means I am all the more tempted to run away and hide in the comfort of blogging or watching Grey's Anatomy, American Idol & Desperate Housewives.) Since this is not possible in the wilderness, I have been forced to think, pray and talk it out.
I must confess, I really have little patience for whining. The children have terrific verbal skills and know over 200 ASL signs. Why can't they just tell me what they need? I keep reminding myself that this is just a stage and it is age-appropriate, I am also fully aware that my job as their Mother is to help them emerge from this stage as pleasant, polite communicative little people. Some days I allow them to make me far too emotional. As my grandmother (who has mothered 6, grandmothered 14, and great-grandmothered 11) bluntly put it: Motherhood is not for wimps. This is so much more emotionally taxing than I ever dreamed. I feel tired and haggard. Wait...now I think I am whining!
Things are slowly coming together at our new home. I am feeling much more settled emotionally, which has made a big difference in my ability to feel comfortable amidst the chaos. I am continually reminded that the best thing that can often happen to us is to be 'uncomfortable' for a while.
I know the whining will dissipate and that years from now I will really miss this age. My prayer has been that God will make the mere sounds of these lively children at play sweet, sweet music in my ears. There was a time when the possibility of such seemed a distant dream. Forgive me, Lord, for being so quick to forget how very far we have come.
I must choose to embrace the sweet moments (like playing grumpy troll under the bridge on the golf course last night) and let those override the challenging times. You don't get one without the other.
15 comments:
It must be in the air! I just whined about this very thing on my blog, but at least I feel better now. ;) I think I would make a fantastic grumpy old troll.
Thank you sooo much for posting this! It was just what I needed to hear today. My 23 mo old is just beginning to whine and it drives.me.craaaaaaazy! But, just as you said, we must choose to embrace the sweet moments. And you have 3! I need not even complain! Hope you get your internet back soon : )
I am reading a great book right now called "Sacred Parenting" by Gary Thomas. I would really recommend it. It has helped me view parenting in new ways and might be good for you right now because I know very well what that stage is like (although not times 3).
Thanks for this post ... it sounds like I'm not the only one that can relate with the whining stage right now. :)
Those are my favorite shows, too!
"There was a time when the possibility of such seemed a distant dream." It's pretty amazing to think about what we may have missed, huh? BTW, I have 2 boys and a girl, too. They turned 3 months this past Saturday.
Good luck with the new home. I'm glad to hear things are settling a bit.
Yes Sacred Parenting is a wonderful book!!
I have enjoyed you being back, and love the pictures of the parade!! The babies are looking more grown up, they are adorable!! LOL after I just called them babies...
About the whining I just told my 15 year old today, son you are whining...
You are one lucky mommy.
It is always so good to come visit, I just love you all!!!
I would whine about all the whining at my house lately, but you've probably reached your limit for the day. :-)
I am completely with you on the whining! Drives me crazy!! But, I do love these toddler years!!! I love your prayer and your outlook! Thanks for sharing! Your posts are always so uplifting!
I have a magnet on my fridge that says, "If you pray for rain, be prepared to deal with the mud." Today was one of those days.
I have to remind myself a few times a day that I have the son that I prayed for for so long. This climbing, screaming, tantrum-throwing, busy, defiant ball of energy is an answered prayer. He's here! I am tired and there's only one of him (plus Bogey, our new Yorkie...what were we thinking?) so I can only imagine how tired you must be! But these are the best years...I really believe that. It's hard. And truly "isn't for wimps!" Thanks for sharing!
Your outlook is amazing.
I don't know why it always surprises me at how hard this job of parenting can be. Totally worth it, but hard. I admire you for looking at the positive side - you have a wonderful grace about you.
Listen, sister, anybody who has THREE toddlers in her house is entitled to a little whining. You just go on ahead and whine. :)
(And my MIL, who is AMAZING with children, once told me that she wanted to give away her children when they were between the ages of 2-4. That made me feel much better.)
I agree...it must bein the air. As soon as "Flicka" hit her thrid b-day 2 weeks ago, it's been a whine-fest! It's like turning three flipped a switch. And, what's even more loonyis that "Pojke"is just about to start talking and he's already mimicking his big sister's tones of voice! *sigh* He'll whine beforehe talks! LOL Hang in there! We can commiserate!
And, btw, BEE-UUU-T-FULL pics of the kidlets and the parade! So glad that (despite your currently lo-tech lifestyle) your move went so smoothly and (relatively) peacefully! *wink*
Really enjoying coming here, hearing your thoughts and impressions of things! God bless...
You konw what I've really enjoyed about blogging over the last 14 months? Getting to know other moms who go through the same thing! I know that I often feel like I am the only mom out there whose kids whine and fuss and make me want to walk out the door and enjoy the sunshine by MYSELF while they have their pity party inside. Thankfully, the good days start to outnumber the bad days, and I'm able to stop and cherish the sweet moments and enjoy them before they grow too fast.
Thanks for putting your thoughts out there so that we are reminded we are all in this journey together.
I keep looking at that picture of the five of them. And I can't help but to think about all the fun that we are going to have together (and the fun they have already had playing together)! Anna Miles and Davis just love "their" Kate, Ryland, and Parker so much!!!
Take care,
Marianna
I have 8 kids ages 13-1 month and I have to say....They never stop whining...LOL
Just something to look forward to...LOL
BTW Your children are beautiful, your blessed :(
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