My son is, well, my son. I remember once being told as a teenager that I was a "natural born leader". It seems my son has taken my "natural born leader" genes that got mixed together with his daddy's strong leadership skills...and become the only thing that can come from that mixture...a leader.
Kale is strong willed. He is a fighter. He is stubborn. He is persistent. He is always thinking ahead. He wants things his way (who doesn't?) and is relentless about that fact. He wants to be in control. He often brings his strong willed, stubborn, fighter, persistent mommy to her knees. Sometimes his daddy gives up before Kale ever gets started. There comes a time, when as a parent, these little traits stop being cute and start being a mixture of humbling and exhausting. We are past that point. Or, at least we were.
I have been trying to work with Kale on not being so loud (Kale won't need a megaphone to be heard...ever!), not throwing fits to get his way (and I am working on not giving in), being respectful, obeying, and all those other skills and behaviors that result in a good balance between parents and children. I said we are working on it...and I know its going to take a while...oh, say maybe about 20 years.
A few Saturdays ago, my mom and I had taken the kids to Chick-fil-A so Kale could burn off some energy in the play area while Scout and I had a late breakfast. Just after we arrived, a child made a mess in the floor. It was a gross mess. I was trying to keep Kale either in the booth or in the play area to keep him from stepping in the mess (EW!) or slipping in the freshly mopped area. As we were in the booth, Kale gave some kind of command or direction...either to me or the woman mopping, I don't remember which. I immediately started correcting him. Kale, you don't talk to adults that way. Before I could make it to the next sentence, God spoke to me through the woman who was mopping. I don't really remember if her words were "he is going to be a leader" or "he has leadership skills". I was too flabbergasted by the realization. The woman moved on with her mopping and I tried to pick my jaw up off the table. I am pretty sure my mom laughed at me. As a parent, I was failing to see the strength my son was showing because all I could see was frustration, disrespect, and a kid who never keeps his mouth shut. I am constantly reminded that I am raising a mini-me. Kale is me in male form. In case I needed reassurance of that fact, I heard Kale's daddy say this last night in a frustrated voice: You are SUCH your mother's son.
Thank you God for reminding me of the leader my son has the capacity to be. Please help me remember to help him use in a positive manner the traits you have given him. Help me remember that the same traits that are frustrating to experience as a parent from your child are the same traits that will help them become the great individual God created them to be. (Geesh, my mom could write about three books on that one!)
God shows up all the time in our lives. For me, He showed up a few Saturdays ago in the form of a lady who was mopping and made a comment that may have forever changed the way I look at my son's "frustrating behaviors and traits".
Showing posts with label Kale. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Kale. Show all posts
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Sunday, December 4, 2011
God's Rule and God knows
My husband enjoys a nightly bedtime snack of Oreo's and milk. Most times, he waits until Kale has gone to bed before indulging. Tonight, either the snack time came early or God had a point to prove. You choose. I'm going with God having a point.
Kale discovered his daddy indulging in one of his favorite snacks. When I say his, I mean both of them. Kale asked his daddy to share. Knowing that Kale has enjoyed several "snacks" since dinner, he firmly told him no.
Kale did what most four year old boys would do when daddy doesn't share. He told on him. Kale came to me and firmly said, "Daddy isn't sharing. God tells us to share. God says daddy should share." Um, yes son, you are correct. I couldn't help but laugh and told Ep good luck with that one.
Ep laughed as Kale climbed up in his lap and took over the Oreo's and milk.
God knew we needed the laugh.
God has been making us pay for our raising all afternoon with Kale, who has been a hellion on wheels.
God knew I needed the reminder that the sacrifices ($$$$) are worth it for the Christian daycare he attends.
God knew Kale probably needed a relaxing moment in his daddy's lap.
God just knew.
God has rules and God knows....I am reminded of these things because my husband wouldn't share his Oreo cookies.
Funny how God works.
Kale discovered his daddy indulging in one of his favorite snacks. When I say his, I mean both of them. Kale asked his daddy to share. Knowing that Kale has enjoyed several "snacks" since dinner, he firmly told him no.
Kale did what most four year old boys would do when daddy doesn't share. He told on him. Kale came to me and firmly said, "Daddy isn't sharing. God tells us to share. God says daddy should share." Um, yes son, you are correct. I couldn't help but laugh and told Ep good luck with that one.
Ep laughed as Kale climbed up in his lap and took over the Oreo's and milk.
God knew we needed the laugh.
God has been making us pay for our raising all afternoon with Kale, who has been a hellion on wheels.
God knew I needed the reminder that the sacrifices ($$$$) are worth it for the Christian daycare he attends.
God knew Kale probably needed a relaxing moment in his daddy's lap.
God just knew.
God has rules and God knows....I am reminded of these things because my husband wouldn't share his Oreo cookies.
Funny how God works.
Saturday, November 19, 2011
Ages
Its been ages since my last post. I can't even begin to fathom how I will catch up. So....
Kale turned four, had a party at the park, had a great time, he threw a 2 year old fit (twice), he really liked his presents.
Scout started eating cereal around four months...moved on to baby food mixed in around 5.5 months...had an allergic reaction to instant mashed potatoes (can't be outdone by brother) which required an ER visit and now we think maybe she is allergic to milk? She loves sweet potatoes, squash, and bananas. She isn't sure about green beans. The coming weeks will bring carrots and peas to her mouth.
Speaking of eating...its paying off for Scout. She went from 14lbs 5oz to 15lbs 5oz in a matter of a few weeks. Her body weight shifts a lot though: at the ER she weighed 15lbs 10oz....and the NEXT day at the doctor she weighed 15lbs 15oz.
Since she is packing on the weight, Scout has started her own exercise program. Its called the "roll, wiggle, scoot, and rock to get where she wants" program. She really got into it this week. Its a matter of moments or days until she is crawling and then I will be dead. So, if you don't see another post from me, that is why.
Kale is, well, Kale. He loves his little sister to the moon and back. He truly adores her and compliments her daily. Several times a week, he will randomly tell me that "I love my baby sister". Melts my heart. He is lashing out a bit at me and his dad. Don't blame him. The only constant in his life this year has been unexpected change. New houses (twice), new school (twice), and a baby sister. He likes structure and knowing how things are going to be...and he can't figure out his daddy's work schedule at all. Heck, I can't figure out my husband's work schedule most of the time either. Kale is the kind of kid who wants to know who/where/what/when/how ALL the time.
Kale recently spent the night at my parent's house and while he was there, he learned the hard lesson about who is in charge. He thought he was in charge. By the time he came home, he knew my parent's were in charge. I asked him, "Kale, who is in charge at Mema/Papaw's house?" and he replied "Mema and Papaw". I then got hopeful and followed up with "so who is in charge at our house" and the kid didn't miss a beat and said, "I AM!". We are slowly trying to change that. Given that he got a double shot of stubbornness, strong will, persistence, and "I like things my way"....this isn't going to be an easy or quick battle and we know it.
My work keeps me busy. I hit the door running and don't stop all day. My day starts with kid related stuff, moves on to work, goes back to kid stuff, and then ends when everyone else is in bed. I randomly might get to bed before my husband about one night every few weeks. Kale still wants me to lay down with him and its going to be a hard wean to get him away from that addiction. It doesn't help that his mommy enjoys that cuddle time with him. We are just enabling each other.
My husband seems to work all the time these days. Such is life when you are a wildlife officer in the middle of major hunting seasons in a huge hunting state.
We are trying to find the new normal and settle. We will see....
Kale turned four, had a party at the park, had a great time, he threw a 2 year old fit (twice), he really liked his presents.
Scout started eating cereal around four months...moved on to baby food mixed in around 5.5 months...had an allergic reaction to instant mashed potatoes (can't be outdone by brother) which required an ER visit and now we think maybe she is allergic to milk? She loves sweet potatoes, squash, and bananas. She isn't sure about green beans. The coming weeks will bring carrots and peas to her mouth.
Speaking of eating...its paying off for Scout. She went from 14lbs 5oz to 15lbs 5oz in a matter of a few weeks. Her body weight shifts a lot though: at the ER she weighed 15lbs 10oz....and the NEXT day at the doctor she weighed 15lbs 15oz.
Since she is packing on the weight, Scout has started her own exercise program. Its called the "roll, wiggle, scoot, and rock to get where she wants" program. She really got into it this week. Its a matter of moments or days until she is crawling and then I will be dead. So, if you don't see another post from me, that is why.
Kale is, well, Kale. He loves his little sister to the moon and back. He truly adores her and compliments her daily. Several times a week, he will randomly tell me that "I love my baby sister". Melts my heart. He is lashing out a bit at me and his dad. Don't blame him. The only constant in his life this year has been unexpected change. New houses (twice), new school (twice), and a baby sister. He likes structure and knowing how things are going to be...and he can't figure out his daddy's work schedule at all. Heck, I can't figure out my husband's work schedule most of the time either. Kale is the kind of kid who wants to know who/where/what/when/how ALL the time.
Kale recently spent the night at my parent's house and while he was there, he learned the hard lesson about who is in charge. He thought he was in charge. By the time he came home, he knew my parent's were in charge. I asked him, "Kale, who is in charge at Mema/Papaw's house?" and he replied "Mema and Papaw". I then got hopeful and followed up with "so who is in charge at our house" and the kid didn't miss a beat and said, "I AM!". We are slowly trying to change that. Given that he got a double shot of stubbornness, strong will, persistence, and "I like things my way"....this isn't going to be an easy or quick battle and we know it.
My work keeps me busy. I hit the door running and don't stop all day. My day starts with kid related stuff, moves on to work, goes back to kid stuff, and then ends when everyone else is in bed. I randomly might get to bed before my husband about one night every few weeks. Kale still wants me to lay down with him and its going to be a hard wean to get him away from that addiction. It doesn't help that his mommy enjoys that cuddle time with him. We are just enabling each other.
My husband seems to work all the time these days. Such is life when you are a wildlife officer in the middle of major hunting seasons in a huge hunting state.
We are trying to find the new normal and settle. We will see....
Sunday, September 25, 2011
The Notes
Someone must have talked to the kids at Kale's school about notes. All of a sudden, I am getting notes at home from Kale. He will ask for paper, get his marker, and scribble scrabble a note.
Last night his note said this: Dear school, Kale is not allergic to eggs.
God help me. He is writing a note with a blatant lie at age 3 (almost 4). I am scared of where that will lead when he is oh, say 8 years old and forging our names.
His note to me this morning was apparently a combination of a note and prayer: Dear mommy, I want to stay home with you, daddy, and sissy. Amen.
Gotta love him!
Last night his note said this: Dear school, Kale is not allergic to eggs.
God help me. He is writing a note with a blatant lie at age 3 (almost 4). I am scared of where that will lead when he is oh, say 8 years old and forging our names.
His note to me this morning was apparently a combination of a note and prayer: Dear mommy, I want to stay home with you, daddy, and sissy. Amen.
Gotta love him!
Each night
Each night I lay down with Kale as he falls asleep. This started again after we moved. I had once escaped this routine, but moving and him suddenly being on the other side of the house just messed his whole bedtime routine. Since we are moving again soon to another house in the area, I am waiting to "re-train" him until we are moved and settled.
I lay there next to my son and as his sleepiness takes over, he becomes really calm and snuggly. I often end up staying there beside him in bed after his breathing has found steady pace and he is snoozing. It is in those moments that I relive his day with me and wonder how I can sometimes get so frustrated with such a loving and sweet boy. Oh...it would be because while he is awake, he will push all of us to our limits repeatedly. He can't help it, as God just made him that way. It seems he inherited all of the same characteristics that his parents had that drove his grandparents crazy at he time...and then God threw in a few extra just for giggles. Still, he is an amazing, loving, and wonderful boy. I wouldn't want him any other way.
So, when you read a post about Kale and its time stamped after 9pm, you can pretty much bet that it was written on my phone while I am cuddled up next to him. Just wanted to document the origin of those posts...
I lay there next to my son and as his sleepiness takes over, he becomes really calm and snuggly. I often end up staying there beside him in bed after his breathing has found steady pace and he is snoozing. It is in those moments that I relive his day with me and wonder how I can sometimes get so frustrated with such a loving and sweet boy. Oh...it would be because while he is awake, he will push all of us to our limits repeatedly. He can't help it, as God just made him that way. It seems he inherited all of the same characteristics that his parents had that drove his grandparents crazy at he time...and then God threw in a few extra just for giggles. Still, he is an amazing, loving, and wonderful boy. I wouldn't want him any other way.
So, when you read a post about Kale and its time stamped after 9pm, you can pretty much bet that it was written on my phone while I am cuddled up next to him. Just wanted to document the origin of those posts...
Saturday, September 24, 2011
Pant shopping with Kale
Dear Kale,
Once again son, you have run me ragged. Actually, life in general has run me ragged and you are God's reminder of what is important and why I do what I do.
Taking you "pant shopping" today was not what you had in mind as a special surprise. See, you have decided that non school days must include a special surprise. We managed to find some pants that fit and you scored some new John Deere shirts too! Your face literally lit up when you saw those shirts.
Thank you son for giving me the chance to practice my patience while trying to get you to try on pants and for reminding me that you are almost as strong willed as me! My apologies to the people in Kohls who were nearly run over by an almost four year old cart pusher who was running from his Mema and momma. My apologies also go out to those who nearly lost their hearing as you screamed the whole way to the back of the store because you knew you were in trouble.
I love you son. I hope you grow like crazy this next year. If you do, your daddy will be taking you short shopping in the spring!
Love, Mommy
Love, mom
Once again son, you have run me ragged. Actually, life in general has run me ragged and you are God's reminder of what is important and why I do what I do.
Taking you "pant shopping" today was not what you had in mind as a special surprise. See, you have decided that non school days must include a special surprise. We managed to find some pants that fit and you scored some new John Deere shirts too! Your face literally lit up when you saw those shirts.
Thank you son for giving me the chance to practice my patience while trying to get you to try on pants and for reminding me that you are almost as strong willed as me! My apologies to the people in Kohls who were nearly run over by an almost four year old cart pusher who was running from his Mema and momma. My apologies also go out to those who nearly lost their hearing as you screamed the whole way to the back of the store because you knew you were in trouble.
I love you son. I hope you grow like crazy this next year. If you do, your daddy will be taking you short shopping in the spring!
Love, Mommy
Love, mom
Friday, September 16, 2011
The park
I recently dropped Scout off at home with her daddy and
enjoyed some "at the park" time with Kale after work.
He had a blast! Can you tell which slide was his favorite???
This pretty much sums up what he
thought of our adventure to the park!
Friday, July 9, 2010
Colors with Kale
My child made me nervous the other day. I always imagined he would be good at making me nervous, but I always figured he would be a daredevil and never imagined it would be his mouth causing the anxiety. My parents are laughing right now. You can probably hear them rolling in laughter from wherever you are reading this. I soooo had this coming.
I went to Kale's daycare (school) to pick him up early for a dr's appointment. There are two teacher in his room. One of them asked what doctor he was going to see. Without missing a beat, he said "the black doctor". I tried really hard to pick my chin up off the floor while also trying to figure out where that even came from. I should pause here to tell you that it seems that about 95% of the staff at his day care are African American. Both of Kale's teachers are undeniably African American. Can you see where this is going yet?
The teacher teased him and said he couldn't even talk to her anymore. We all know that he wouldn't give three flying monkeys if she said he could talk to her or not, because he would still talk to her anyway. So then she asks him what color am I? This is where I wanted to run from the room or hide under the table or maybe just go throw up in one of the classroom's mini-toilets. Instead, I just stood there alternating between a stutter and silence as I took it all in. My head spun. Surely, at two, he does not yet recognize race. He just looked at the teacher and seemed a little confused. Whew. Or maybe not. She asked him if she was black or white. He answered black. Uh-oh. This is when my efforts to get him out of that room and out the door really kicked into gear.
Then she asked him what color his other teacher was. He looked straight at the other teacher and said "Vivi is orange."
She is very visibly NOT orange. I started to regain some of my dignity and composure and even a little bit of hope that my child is still "race blind". Both teachers tried really hard not to fall out of their chairs laughing. I gathered his little bohiney up and we scooted out the door.
Why is it always ME that is around him when he says this kind of stuff? Doesn't his daddy have at least a little bit of paying for his raising to do in the mouth department? I guess not. Yep, thats all me.
I went to Kale's daycare (school) to pick him up early for a dr's appointment. There are two teacher in his room. One of them asked what doctor he was going to see. Without missing a beat, he said "the black doctor". I tried really hard to pick my chin up off the floor while also trying to figure out where that even came from. I should pause here to tell you that it seems that about 95% of the staff at his day care are African American. Both of Kale's teachers are undeniably African American. Can you see where this is going yet?
The teacher teased him and said he couldn't even talk to her anymore. We all know that he wouldn't give three flying monkeys if she said he could talk to her or not, because he would still talk to her anyway. So then she asks him what color am I? This is where I wanted to run from the room or hide under the table or maybe just go throw up in one of the classroom's mini-toilets. Instead, I just stood there alternating between a stutter and silence as I took it all in. My head spun. Surely, at two, he does not yet recognize race. He just looked at the teacher and seemed a little confused. Whew. Or maybe not. She asked him if she was black or white. He answered black. Uh-oh. This is when my efforts to get him out of that room and out the door really kicked into gear.
Then she asked him what color his other teacher was. He looked straight at the other teacher and said "Vivi is orange."
She is very visibly NOT orange. I started to regain some of my dignity and composure and even a little bit of hope that my child is still "race blind". Both teachers tried really hard not to fall out of their chairs laughing. I gathered his little bohiney up and we scooted out the door.
Why is it always ME that is around him when he says this kind of stuff? Doesn't his daddy have at least a little bit of paying for his raising to do in the mouth department? I guess not. Yep, thats all me.
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