The JOYS of reading and having the wind as your friend

Okay so Andrew doesn’t necessarily have the greatest time at the library during preschool story hour. He really does try, but he can’t decide where to sit and he’s always distracted because there are so many kids. And sometimes the bossy girl tells him to “moooove back” and he definitely does not like to be bossed around. But he sure does love being read to at home. When mommy agrees to read some books and spend time in daddy’s big recliner doing it, it’s like the greatest thing since sliced bread. It truly is a delight to witness his enthusiasm and see him jump up and down over a book. To hear is little voice exclaim “We’re going to read a book--WOOHOO--YAY”, well this is the cutest thing ever.

Andrew has finally has settled in to being read to!! “WOOHOO--YAY!” exclaimed mommy. I have been trying and daddy has been trying and Granny has been trying… but it was always very complicated to keep him interested and/or keep him from ripping the pages. Not exactly the most enjoyable activity to do with a bubbly, rambunctious 3 year old. So this makes me very happy that he has finally taken a liking to it. Especially since I am trying to integrate some books that could help with his speech therapy as well as providing pure entertainment.

As far as the joy of having the wind as your friend, this came straight from Andrew’s mouth. “Mommy the wind is my friend.” One day he was outside playing on a particularly breezy day and came running in to tell me this. I was emptying the dishwasher and paused to find out what all the excitement was about. It was too cute to hear him describe it. He convinced me to come outside to feel the wind blowing and to twirl around our back yard. He paused to ask if I could hear the wind? We talked about how we could hear the windchimes and the trees move about. It was a moment to treasure. (And a story that I need to remember when he’s off doing something he’s not supposed to, getting into trouble or fighting with his older brother)

This was one of those stories I’ve been meaning to share, but hadn’t gotten around to it yet. It was so nice to pause for a moment with my son, to listen and really see the world around us. These days I often feel disconnected from the world. I suppose partly because I don’t view the world as a child does. Andrew reminded me that day that I need to do that more often and remember that the wind is my friend.

Ash Wednesday and Lent

For Lutherans (at least LCMS) Lent is kind of a penitential season. Ash Wednesday was yesterday and signifies the official beginning of the Lenten season. Is is a time of prayer, fasting, and reflection leading up to Good Friday and Easter. (No, I don't fast). During this season especially, I try to reflect on how I live and carry out my life as a Christian... looks like it's time to change some of the things that I'm doing. But what do the ashes represent? They "represent repentance, sacrifice and the claim of Christ and the cross as the way to forgiveness and new life". In other words, it is time to get down to the serious business of living in the way that God wants us to.

The thing I remember most about Lent as a child was having to "give something up". The Scriptures themselves do not require this. But my parents focused on this aspect to teach me to remember what Christ gave up for me -- He gave His life on that cross. It is great in theory to personalize it and try giving something up for Lent, but I never truly understood the true meaning of this until I got a bit older.

I found the following information on the net and wanted to share ways that you can teach your kids about Lent (it is from 2008, but the message is the same).

Teaching Children to Make Meaningful Lent Promises
Lent promises are in important and meaningful tradition in the Christian tradition. Children can learn a lot about their faith by making and keeping Lent promises.
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/559003/teaching_children_to_make_meaningful.html

Best wishes on your journey toward the cross on Good Friday and waking up to the joys of the resurrected Christ on Easter Sunday!

Always with good intentions

So, I haven't been able to blog as much as I had anticipated. Mostly because day-to-day duties and activities call me away. Plus I have been spending more time working with Andrew more at home with his speech therapy. The other reason being that Facebook sucked me in. It has been great connecting with friends this way, but it also has some other addicting qualities that I need to steer clear from. Those of you who can and do blog regularly... hats off to you. It takes me too long to put my thoughts into words sometimes.

So back to Andrew's speech therapy... I haven't been completely satisfied with his progress from his twice a week visits to the pathologist(s). But I'm no expert and grateful that he is receiving services. There are just times I can see where the results have been positive and he is doing much better, but then there are those moments where I am baffled because I didn't understand one word of what Andrew just told me. He seems to play alot there, but they all remind me that at this age speech therapy works best through play. He is no way a severe case, so I am grateful for that. Since he is not in preschool it is hard to assess his progress compared to others his age. But when we attend playgroups or are around other kids his age I can notice the difference, he does not articulate as well as others. I suppose that only time will tell and I pray that it all gets worked out.

Tyler will be starting tee-ball in March, so that will be another thing taking up our time. Looking forward to that. I really hope he enjoys it because I played softball in grade school and just had a blast doing it. He continues to excel at school and is showing signs of maturing in many ways. Sometimes it completely floors me at how grown up he is becoming. Other days when he throws a 2 year old tantrum or has decided that hitting a friend is a 'good choice' when angered I remember that he is only a kindergartener and I need to give him a break sometimes (that still doesn't mean hitting is acceptable). He is still finding his way in the world and will be for a long time. I only hope that I can help to guide him and Andrew both to become kind yet strong, well rounded young men. Well of course Daddy will have to be the ultimate example in this department... I'm just the MOMMY.

Hopefully I will have more to blog about soon. It's not that I don't have the content I suppose, it's finding time to do it!! I need to post some pictures sometime. I take lots of phots, but most of the time they don't get published or sent off to the appropriate relatives snd friends until months later. I always have good intentions though. Well, that's all for now