Exhausted Mommy - Determined Baby

I write tonight a very exhausted mommy. One day at Grandma's house and Baby G thinks she has full reign of the house. It was a not so great day for her. She tried to have things her way all day. Now mind you, my mother in law does not spoil the kids or let them get away with anything. So, why Baby G thinks she can come home and get her own way is beyond me. Now, as I sit with the dishwasher running, I do not want to clean up the rest of the mess. My living room looks like G force winds came roaring through - oh wait they did, lol. I have a mess of lunch still needing to be swept up from when she decided that she was not going to eat while sitting at the table and she needed to empty her mouth of her food before she could cry about me telling her otherwise. It was a frustrating and trying day. Filled with the words, "No," and "Obey Mommy," and "Seriously?!?" I could not keep up. She was like a tidal wave leaving destruction in her wake. She even found a pencil so she could draw in a library book - the first time she ever drew in a book. I write this to keep it real. I do not want anyone to think that my kids are perfect or that I have this mommying thing down to a science. I do not have it figured out. I know that today, I could have reacted differently at times, with less exasperation. (Okay, so I was really exasperated and I was biting my tongue a lot today.) I am sure I put an explanation point at the end of her name more than once. I have to remember that her strong and determined personality was instilled in her by the Father in heaven. He created her for great works and the personality she has is needed for what He has planned for her. It isn’t about me having an easy time training her. I need to remember on days like today to just lean into the Lord more and seek His wisdom in training her to put that determination and energy to use in ways that are more constructive.

I do take great delight in her personality most days. She usually makes me smile and even today, as she was in the tub, she made me laugh. I was having her show me where her nose, eyes, ears, teeth, hair... are, and she was being very cute showing me. So, yes even the best of us has long days. Nevertheless, the joy in them can still be found. Here is a picture I took of her the other day. She wanted a book to read in the car and she chose Vegetable Gardening for Dummies. lol - It was so cute as she lugged this large book to the car with her. Then, she started reading it as we were on our way, I looked back at her, and she had the cutest furrow of disappointment as she realized the book had no pictures. Then I turned to the middle where there are a couple pictures and showed her the tomatoes, then she was happy again.

Look at that smile - She is so proud of herself.

Psalm 139:13-15 (English Standard Version)

For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb.

I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth.

Matthew 11:25-30 (English Standard Version)

At that time Jesus declared, "I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and) learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.