YOU'RE NOT IN CHARGE!!!

Ahhhh! The toddler years! You can search Pinterest and it fills your mind with this beautiful picture of spending quality time with your two-year-old. You see yourself casually molding dinosaurs and elephants out of non-toxic, dye-free, machine washable, organic playdough you made from scratch. Visions of dressing up as fairies and dancing to your favorite Disney songs fill your dreams.

Well, of course I will save all of my paper towel tubes so I can design a clever little ball maze upon my wall!!! I didn't know pipe cleaners could do that! What's that you say? I can make it for only 75 cents?! Sounds perfect!

Then this happens........

For my husband's birthday we made a little video for him, which you can watch HERE. (Sidenote: I highly recommend hiring someone to make a video montage of your family. Even if the kids are having a rough day, a good videographer can make it look like all is perfect and add some music, which makes family life seem magical.)

I have told many family members and friends about this current stage we are in with our second born. When I filmed the above portion for the video for my husband, I was actually glad I captured one of her tantrums, so you can see what toddler life is like. If you have children, you already understand. If you don't, here's just a little glimpse into the glories of toddlerhood and your future.

Dont' get me wrong, ages 2 to 4 can be really fun and entertaining. It's a time when they are forming their own opinions. They are learning how to express themselves and what to do with their ranging emotions. There is not a day that goes by, that I don't laugh or smile at the little quirks of this age. They say so many funny things and their individual personalities really begin to bloom.

All of this being said, it is tough! I never thought that I would have so many confrontations in one day. I am an extremely non-confrontational person. Even watching people argue on television stresses me out (The Bachelor nearly kills me every week. I still don't know why I watch it!). I never expected that such a little person could care so much about the underwear they wear or don't wear. I also didn't think I would care so much about how they look when we go out in public.

I sure love being a mommy though! It is so rewarding and my day is always different. I never quite know what to expect from my kiddos, but at least they keep me on my toes.

My oldest is starting to reign in some of his emotions. He is beginning to come out of the toddler years, and I have to admit that I am thankful! It's been kind of rough having two kids in this beligerent and stubborn phase.

I know that every phase and stage of life presents its own challenges. I am doing my best to live in the moment and enjoy this time in their lives. I've heard it said "The days are long, but the years are short." I can already see how that is true. I am really thankful for the babies that were sent to me and know that we were meant for each other.

So what is the purpose of this post? To give you a glance into our lives. It sure isn't perfect, but we are trying very hard to be happy. I pray every day to know how to deal with all of our emotions and the Lord has made up all the difference. As I come to have more peace with myself, I have felt more peace within my home. It's been quite humbling to see that correlation.

I think we can draw many metaphors from parenting. I think a lot of the time I am emphatically pronouncing to my Heavenly Father "You're not in charge!!!" when I am confronted with challenges or temptations. I often belive I can do it "all by myself" or that I know the best way, but in reality He is the ultimate Master. He knows all of the reasons why things are the way they are. He knows exactly why I need to learn different lessons and how to get me to develop into the person He designed me to be.

I am thankful for the opportunity to learn and grow through parenting. It is the most frustrating/rewarding part of my life. I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world and I have my fingers crossed that my kids remember mostly the good points.