Spiritual moments

My heart sings as I share these moments with 'you', whoever you may be that read me. :) About three weeks ago Cade finally started saying his own prayers...real ones. Dear God thank you for that include people, fun things he's done, requests. It is P-R-E-C-I-O-U-S! And a little disconcerting that mom & dad don't always make the list, while Baba, Parker, and the pool seem to be common favorites. Oh well, I guess he figures we're covered, right? Prayer time is an insightful time into what really makes an impact on him; I love it.

Then there was the milestone yesterday. I was completely amazed and full of praise to our Father. Here's the scenario...Cade often fusses about getting his teeth brushed, and yesterday morning was no different. When I finally did the deed, I asked if he wanted anything to drink, and he said now. So I said 'OK', and headed down the stairs. He proceeded to throw a tantrum about wanting a drink, which I then told him to get on his own b/c he's completely competent to do so. 20-25 minutes of 'I can't do it!' fussing and whining, and he finally calms himself down and comes downstairs. We sit on the couch together reading books. It was nice. After a while, he looks at me and says 'Mom, will you forgive me?' Of course you know why he's saying this, but enough time had elapsed that I had to ask 'Cade, for what?' and he answered, "for crying on the stairs." I immediately forgave him, gave him major props for understanding the concept and asking forgiveness. I was in tears of joy!

We've recognized Cade's compassionate heart from an early age, and I feel like this grasping of the lesson of forgiveness simply reinfoces that. He's definitely going to look more like Daddy (both, ha ha!) in this area than mommy. Good for him!

3rd birthday fun

Wow, he's three. Raging three actually. His first response isn't necessarily obedience anymore, which is really causing me to rely on the Lord for wisdom. Which battles are the right ones to pick? What do you do when it's just that he's overtired from not napping (but TOTALLY refuses to rest)? I've tried 'it all' it feels like, and nothing seems to 'work'. I think it's a case-by-case event, which is again why it's so important for me to be partnering with Christ in parenting. I cannot do this on my own.

That said, he's still such a stinkin' cutie! The boy is such a joy in my life. The goodbye kisses, the blowing me kisses, and the 'I love you mommy' I get each day as I drop him off to MDO just make me beam. And then I get to return to a full-run, tackle hug and huge squeezes and 'MOMMY!' when I pick him up each day, as if he hadn't just seen me 4 hours ago or we haven't been doing this for a year. Cade has such a big heart....very compassionate. We've noticed that early on. I wonder how God will choose to have this honor him in Cade's purposing? What an exciting question to contemplate.

Back to being 3, he's also discovered himself, if you know what I mean. Not being a boy myself nor having brothers, a bit disconcerting. Fortunately, I have a friend who has an 8 year old, and we were running partners back when her son was 2-4. I so remember her telling me about this stage. I look forward to when it isn't such a novelty anymore.

His 3rd bday was at Gymboree. The kids & adults had a blast it seemed. I spent 8 hours baking mini train cakes (thanks, mom, for the mold pan!) and then had 4 women come over and help decorate them the night before (only 2 hours for that!). They looked awesome and tasted pretty good too. All in all, a great celebration. Maybe someday Cade will know how much love I put into his parties. Then again, probably not. :)

Easter 09

It's been so long since I've posted. Not for lack of Cade-related fun stuff, but now that I'm officially running a real business for myself, my time is so limited. I choose to use it for son, hubby, and the occasional facebook post. I have a confession to make; we're hypocrites. From the beginning husband and wife agreed that there would be no Santa Claus, because we want to ensure Christmas is about Christ. Easter? 1 year old and gathering eggs. 2 years old and another hunt.

3 years old...in early March mom asks Cade, "What is Easter about?" Cade responds, "Candy!" Insert horrored gasp and dawn of obvious...ooops! Should have nixed the Easter bunny from the get go too. But the family that puts on this annual Easter shin-dig is AWESOME, the people who attend are AWESOME, and it's a wonderful family time....but it also happens to have an Easter egg hunt. Mom dutifully begins regularly reading the story of Easter from the Bible to Cade. Quizzes followed by high praise ensue. And then the golden moment, when he puts it together as much as a near 3-year old can. For the umpteenth time mom asks, "What is Easter about?", and he responds, "It's about when Jesus died on cross, and then SURPRISE! He rose up." The simplicity, accuracy and childlikeness (the 'surprise' slayed me!) just blessed my heart.

Ahhhhh, now on to the annual shin-dig and Easter egg hunt with less guilty feelings. :)