Good times too...

Over the past few weeks and months, I've had several people ask me how things were going with Isaac. And it made me realize that I haven't been quite fair to my son in this blog. I tend to be an emotional writer...that is, when things are tough or super challenging, writing serves as my emotional outlet. When things are going perfectly well, I rarely feel a need to write about it.

So I have painted a rather gloomy picture of my son throughout my writings on here. Do I have challenging days with him? Yes! Can he be a handful? Absolutely! But what toddler isn't from time to time? I am constantly having to remind myself that he is just 3 years old. Sure he has a lot of energy and tests the limits a lot of the time. And as I read books about strong-willed children, he fits into that description quite well. To say I spend most days utterly exhausted with him is an understatement!

HOWEVER. I wouldn't trade him for the world. Why? Because while parenting this little ball of energy can be challenging at times, he also brings me more joy and laughter than I ever knew was possible! He has a WONDERFUL sense of humor and delights in making people laugh. He has THE BEST belly laugh of any kid I've ever met. He is also very sweet-spirited. He's empathic, and when someone is hurting, he is quick to try to help them or bring them comfort. He is keenly aware of other people's emotions and picks up on little things that many adults don't even pick up on.

While he can get on his sister's nerves often, I also have to remind myself that he isn't that way with other kids. He's not aggressive or mean. In fact, in a large group of kids, he tends to be an observer...a bit more timid and shy than the average kid. He studies situations before jumping in. While he enjoys wrestling and being "all boy" he is usually the first to be upset when others get too rough with him. He's sensitive...yet strong.

He's also very loving. He doesn't know a stranger and will open up conversation with anyone he meets. While on vacation recently, we spent about five minutes talking to some elderly folks (there were five of them in their 70-80's) while waiting on Kevin to meet us with the van. When I told the kids to say goodbye to these kind people, Isaac went up and gave each one of them a big hug as he said goodbye. They were delighted in how sweet he was.

And then there was the time when my stepfather's sister was in from out of town meeting the kids for the first time. We spent several hours hanging out over there. And after we left, my mom called to tell me that his sister, who is a teacher and has four children herself, said "Those are two of the sweetest, most well-behaved children I've ever met!" I laughed, and said, "Is she talking about the same kids that I saw over there?!?" :) It just made me realize that sometimes I need to take a step back and realize the gifts that these kiddos are to me. I am with them 24-7, and I'm bound to grow irritated from time to time. And that's okay. There are going to be days in which they drive me absolutely bonkers. But at the end of the day, when I look at the big picture, I really do have some pretty incredible kids.

I want to be real on this blog about my struggles, but to be fair, I also need to be real about the good stuff too! :) Because anyone who is a parent knows that for all of the not-so-fun times, there are plenty of good ones! :) Children really are a blessing...a gift from the Lord. And while this "job" of being their mommy comes filled with trials and challenges, I wouldn't trade it for the world! I LOVE them to pieces!! :)