I've been thinking...

So, for any of you who have known me for a while know that I am pretty particular about things being neat and orderly.  Especially around my house.  Everything has a place and everything in its place.  The Deuce has always made fun of me because if he tries to help out around here, by say, folding towels. . .I go right behind him and fold them correctly.  I like the fold to be on the same side and I like them arranged by size and color.  Now, I know you're thinking, 'Sister Sassafrass, The Deuce is only trying to help!' and believe me, Sugar Lump, I know he is!  But it would bother me every time I opened the linen closet and saw towels folded in all different directions, mismatched, and shoved on a shelf.  I feel my blood pressure rising as I even think about it. . .  You might say I have a case of OCD. . .and that doesn't stand for One Cool Diva. 

And as a kid, I never really liked to get dirty, either.  I didn't like to go to the beach because the sand stuck to my wet skin and that bothered me.  Wasn't much of an outside girl (I know, I know, I can hear you all gasping now!) I liked to be inside where the temperature was controlled and I didn't have to worry about dirt or bugs dirtying up my nice clothes. 

So, it should come as no surprise to me when the other day I was enjoying a nice weekday lunch with Sweet Pea, my wonderful, cute, smart, precious, adorable, darling, sweet. . .did I mention cute, 20 month old son.  He was in his high chair and I in my seat at the table.  Now, I've been letting Sweet Pea try to feed himself lately.  This is SUPER hard for me for a few reasons. . .  1. As far as I'm concerned, the baby stage didn't last nearly long enough and I feel like I should still be feeding the child Enfamil from a Playtex Gentle Air bottle.  I loved cradling him and feeding him!  2.  Remember when I said I like things in my house neat and orderly?  Umm-hmm, yeah.  Every time I reluctantly hand the Mickey Mouse fat handled spoon over to Sweet Pea, I also feel like I should put all of the Sunday Indianapolis Star and a few Glad Force Flex garbage bags all over the floor and surrounding furniture.  And finally reason 3. . .I like to be in control of every situation, but that's a whole other post. . .

So, here we are eating when Sweet Pea starts to fuss a bit and begins pointing and saying 'no no.'  I was afraid his lunch might have been too hot.  Me, being Mother of the Year and all, proceeded to blow on his food (like that helps) and tell him that it was cool now.  This was not helping.  Now he's pointing to himself and then to the napkin holder on the table.  I grabbed a napkin and saw he was pointing to where some of his food had landed on his shirt.  I began to wipe it off as Sweet Pea shakes his head yes and says 'yeah.'  He was relieved after I got him cleaned up and he continued to eat his dinner with no other complaints. 

Now, dear little lambs, this was a long story but I wanted to post it because it's my blog and if I want to post about the most perfect child of all time, I can!  Hee hee hee!  No really, it got me to thinking.  What am I passing down to Sweet Pea?  What am I teaching him through my words and actions?  Obviously, he knows I want his clothes to stay nice and clean, but what else is he learning by watching me?  Is he learning to be kind to others?  To serve others?  To trust God?  To love?  Every morning since Sweet Pea was born, I pray with him.  I pray that he will be kind to others, to be an encouragement to others and that he will be obedient to God's will.  At 20 months, I know he doesn't 'get' what I'm praying for, but I hope he will at five years old, 20 years old, and beyond.  I want to be the best mommy I can be.  I want Sweet Pea to see Christ through me. 

"Hear, O Israel:  The LORD our God, the LORD is one.  Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.  These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts.  Impress them on your children.  Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.  Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads.  Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates."  Deuteronomy 6:4-9

What are you teaching your children and the children around you?  Tell them about God's wisdom and love. 

Love you, my little Sugar Lumps!  Keep checkin' back to the blog!  I hope to soon do some PrOdUcT rEvIeWs!  Ohhhh fun! 

xoxoxo,
Sister Sassafrass