Early Morning Conversation

Raelyn woke up at 5:15 am to use the potty. Upon putting her back into bed we had this small exchange.

Raelyn: "Look Mommy, I put this pillow here so I won't be scare." (Pointing out extra pillow set up next to her head.)

Me: "Scared of what, honey?"

Raelyn (matter-of-factly): "(Sigh) Things I don't like, Mommy."

Raelyn is FOUR!

Happy 4th Birthday to our sweet, spunky, sporty, and super smart girl! I have a few things I want to say about Raelyn before we get caught up in all the birthday celebrating. In some ways it seems like Raelyn has been 4 for several months now. It might be because she's been practicing "4" since November and really, it's easier to say she is four than three and three-quarters. In other ways I can't believe she isn't "Baby Raelyn" anymore. When she sees her baby photos she even says, "That's when I was Baby Raelyn. But now I am grown up Raelyn!" I quickly remind her that she is not grown up, but "Big Girl Raelyn." She seems content with that... for now.

There is no doubt that she has her own personality. She is outgoing, vocal, persistent, and loves to put on a show. She is rowdy and loves being active. She asks every single morning, "Is it dress day today?" and if the answer is, "it's pants day" she finds a way to put a skirt over the top of the pants to satisfy her girlishness. She prefers tights over leggings and headbands over ponytails. She can sit still for approximately 2.2 seconds unless there is a cartoon on the television. She enjoys painting, making cards, tracing letters (especially "her" R), and completing puzzles (especially our United States map puzzle).

Raelyn is smart and independent. She's also sweet and caring. She has great manners and every night at dinner she says, "Thank you for making us dinner, Mommy." The words come from her mouth in the most genuine way. There are (many) days when I think to myself that she's already outsmarting me and she's going to give me a run for my money!

I'm not sure how else to say that I completely adore this bundle of energy.  I love you, Big Girl Raelyn!! Here's a little interview with the birthday girl at age 4:

2014: New Year, New Verses

You  may, or may not, remember that last year I chose a verse for each child and made a hand print craft for my refrigerator. I prayed their verses over them all year long. Since it's a new year, it's time to pick new verses.

This past year Raelyn started having bad dreams. She sometimes will scream and scream in the middle of the night without waking up. Other times she wakes up crying and tells me, "I scared, mommy." These night time wake ups are getting fewer and farther between but still happen so I've chosen 2 Timothy 1:7 for her verse. I want her to know that God says we do not need to be afraid. I also want her to know that through the Holy Spirit God gives us Power and Love and Self-Control. We are given power to be bold and courageous for the Lord. We are given love so that we can love God and love one another. We are given self-control so that we can become more like Christ. I know that these are big concepts for an almost 4 year old but I also know that as I pray this scripture over her God will show me ways to teach her these truths in a way that is applicable to her life and age.

Max has recently started saying, "I can't!" quite often. We want him to know that he CAN. He can try new things. He can master new skills. He can, he can, he can! I've chosen Philippians 4:13 for his verse. Most importantly, I want him to know not only "he can" but he can BECAUSE of Christ. The power, strength, skill, or motivation he has to do something will not come from within himself but comes from Christ.

I've also chosen a verse for myself, Romans 15:13.

So it seems that I have chosen a theme of power and strength for all of us. Power and strength not by our own means that is. Power and strength that can only come from God. 

As in years past, I'll doodle one word on my January 1st spot in my planner. This year I'm doodling STRENGTH.