I guess Sam's finally had it with the lack of attention around here (as if he doesn't get any). All week he's been difficult and today was no exception. I didn't even want to get up this morning...at 5 am with both boys. So when they went outside with Elton to do chores I had a special prayer and scripture session because I KNEW I wouldn't make it through the day without some extra help.
Then I remembered the scripture in Doctrine and Covenants about reproving with sharpness. You know - the one that says to reprove "betimes" with sharpness if you follow it up with extra love. I opened my scriptures, not knowing where it was and after a couple random page turns I got right to it! D&C 121: 43 (but 41-42 work here, too) spoke right to my heart. I didn't want to get mad any more. And I definitely didn't want to hurt my kids. But this reiterated to me that it's okay to get mad, when needed, if I show an increase of love afterwards.
So, my day went better. I was more positive. I loved my kids all morning. I loved my kids all through lunch time. I layed down with my kids for naptime and 45 minutes later they were still bouncing off the walls.
This is where it REALLY got hard. One flat of flowers was removed from the beds twice, my couch peed on twice (that must be his magic number :), plus other various acts that caused me to cry. I went downstairs and got Elton because I was afraid I wouldn't show much love with my reproving of this behavior. He came and got him, with Sam smiling that his dad was not working, but giving him some attention. I wish I could say that helped and the day got better, but this is real life here and there's no happy ending, yet....
Then I remembered the scripture in Doctrine and Covenants about reproving with sharpness. You know - the one that says to reprove "betimes" with sharpness if you follow it up with extra love. I opened my scriptures, not knowing where it was and after a couple random page turns I got right to it! D&C 121: 43 (but 41-42 work here, too) spoke right to my heart. I didn't want to get mad any more. And I definitely didn't want to hurt my kids. But this reiterated to me that it's okay to get mad, when needed, if I show an increase of love afterwards.
So, my day went better. I was more positive. I loved my kids all morning. I loved my kids all through lunch time. I layed down with my kids for naptime and 45 minutes later they were still bouncing off the walls.
This is where it REALLY got hard. One flat of flowers was removed from the beds twice, my couch peed on twice (that must be his magic number :), plus other various acts that caused me to cry. I went downstairs and got Elton because I was afraid I wouldn't show much love with my reproving of this behavior. He came and got him, with Sam smiling that his dad was not working, but giving him some attention. I wish I could say that helped and the day got better, but this is real life here and there's no happy ending, yet....
I'm so grateful for the guidance I received this morning! I just wish I could have followed it all day. Any ideas? What's worked for you? What do you think might work with 3 kids under 3?!!
2 comments:
This makes me want to smile and cry at the same time. It's "good" to here the even you have moments, or days like these. I know this feeling well, and it's not fun.
You are such a great Mom. I admire you for turning to the the Lord and reading the scriptures for strength. I think that's what we need to do...and then enlist Daddy. :)
I'm sorry I don't have much advice, because I struggle with this much too often. It's so hard some days. Hang in there!
First of all Ruby is darling! Oh I love her cheeks and her smile!
I feel your pain having 3 under 3 must be extremely tough because having 2 so close in age is difficult. I am looking for suggestions too. It has been really tough with Josh since I had Kelsee. The whole lack of attention and getting used to not being the only one is sooo hard for him and I both. Crying always makes me feel better. (They say it releases endorphins too) Love ya and sending positive thoughts your way.
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