Happy Birthday Quincey!

Well, our boy turned the big 4 today. We had a very fun and active day.  He went to pre-school with some treats, then came home and asked a million times about his party.  He kept saying... but the party is a long time away! Finally at 4:00 his party came, and he couldn't have been happier.  We ate cupcakes and ice cream, opened presents, hit down a pinata, and played balloon volleyball.  At 6:45 we gave him a 15 min. warning for bedtime, and instead of whining or complaining he just said, 'okay goodnight' and went and crawled into bed and went to sleep, all by himself! 

I am a little emotional over this birthday, because he is really not a baby anymore.  And I find myself wanting to make sure I remember every little thing, especially the way he gets so excited that he has a hard time getting the words out.  And how he loved watching the other kids try and hit the pinata as much as hitting it, he was giggling and smiling so big the whole time!  Happy Birthday big boy, we love you. 

Growing Up.

It's amazing how looking at old blog posts always inspires me to keep posting on my blog.  I love looking back and seeing how much my children have grown, and how much I have grown as well.  I was looking at old videos of Q talking, and I could hardly understand him! I had forgotten how he used to talk.  (it was so cute).  But it just reminds me how grown up he is now.  He is turning FOUR!!!! next week. 

Sometimes I am out in public or watching him play with other kids and I realize that he does not need any interception on my part! There was a time when I didn't feel like I could take him out in public or especially around other kids because it was just too much darn work, and quite embarrassing too.  He was a biter, and a hitter, and very physical, since about day one! ( I remember a specific experience when he was about 8 months and he crawled over and was mauling one of the other babies.) He has always been so active too!  Just running away from me whenever he got the chance.  

Needless to say I have had my share of judgments tossed my way. It has been one of the hardest things I have had to deal with (even if the intentions were for good).  People telling me that my child is bad, and I need to learn to control him. (when, trust me.... I was already well aware of that fact.)  I know there were many that questioned if he would ever grow out of it, ( I had my moments).  But, he has!  He has come such a long way, and I am so proud of him. 

I know there are many more future obstacles that we will need to learn to overcome, but I find myself just being so thankful for the many promptings that I have had to just be patient, and continue to love him, and calmly be consistent.  I have such a testimony that the Lord really will help parents and give us specific knowledge that pertains to our children.

Through helping and encouraging my children to grow, I realize that I have learned to grow as well.  I have learned to have more confidence in myself and to rely more on the Spirit for how I feel about myself, rather than relying on others.  What a blessing that my kids and I can grow up together.

Puppy kisses