year one, whew!

don't laugh but a one year old birthday party is a lot of work!

not only is this blog a way to showcase my art and decoarting tips, but also a way to document life.  so, as mollie turned one year old last friday i had a chance to relect on how i have changed as a person because of her.  i also thought of a few things that keep replaying in my mind as a new parent; ideas that have stuck this year as a result of reading, observing, and listening to others, and myself for the first time.

1. obviousy, one of my revelations would be that a person under the age of one can teach you more about life than anyone on earth.  from "searching for God knows what" by donald miller i found this quote life changing: "reality is like a fine wine.  it will not appeal to children."  once i grasped that idea, i realized that i am not a child any longer, therefore i am the adult and what it says to me is: A. i like wine, and B. life is difficult but can be enjoyable too.  aging is a beautiful process and a positive part of life.  take responsibility and look at struggles as growth.  pray constantly.

2. also, at a MOPS meeting our speaker said something (not sure what exactly) that stuck, and when i learned to sympathize with my child or any person that is when i connect and form a relationship. however, when i see the crying or complaining as negative, trying to solve the issue myself instead of simply understanding their grief and moving forward, it causes that person/child to hold things inside. basically, there is no perfect child/person and i want to embrace her differences, celebrate unique qualities instead of fitting into a mold. 

3. in the baptism preparation class they talked about how those books for kids that say, " my first bible" and have cute pictures of jesus...they aren't the real thing. when teaching children about the bible and God's word, use the real thing and don't pretend that these other cute books are Holy.


4. i finally realized that i have a new job. at the beginning i was still trying to do too much aside from being a mother. "the mission of motherhood" by sally clarkson might be old-school but gets to the core of the beauty of being a stay-at-home mom.  i feel so blessed to be at home, but i do look at it like a job everyday. maybe my painting has slacked lately, but i am fulfilled by a bright shining face running around me all day long!  "the mission of motherhood is strategic in providing the next generation with whole-hearted, emotionally healthy, and spiritually alive adults. it is not simply a lifestyle choice. it is a divine calling that will indeed affect eternity."

5. and lastly, this first year has brought a few topics up about the future in discipline that i want to address.  after reading the TIME mag article "the case against overparenting," i have concluded that there is a fine line between letting your children learn from mistakes and being their puppet master.  i pray that over the years i can stay grounded in that aspect.  i can't judge the NYC woman who let her 7 year old son on the subway alone.  she is yale-educated and argues that letting her son ride the subway alone is just as dangerous as allowing kids to visit relatives, because as she points out 80% of kids who are molested are victims of friends or relative...or refusing the vaccinate your child for the swine flu as some have died from it.

of course there are still issues to be dealt with over the next year, like the conflict over santa/easter bunny/tooth fairy thing. essentially, my husband agrees with me about being honest, but we need to find a way not to spoil the surprise for the other kids who believe!

promise new art work next month....