Complaining

Yesterday was a "good mom day" for me. Things went smooth, I was patient with the boys, got things done that were on my list and didn't stress about life too much. What made the difference you ask. Attitude, its all about attitude...and a reminder about reality.

I went for a walk with my sister-in-law yesterday morning. We walked a ways together and then split up so I could run down to the stop sign and back. (I didn't go the whole way, not yet, but I'm getting closer and closer.) While we were walking I was complaining about Benson being fussy. She mentioned that he didn't seem that fussy to her and then we got to talking about other things. Well as I ran I started to think about things. Earlier yesterday I had sent an email to my mother-in-law also including some complaining about Benson's fussiness. I sure was complaining a lot. I found myself thinking about my complaining spirit and frustrated attitude. That wasn't helping anyone and it definitely wasn't pleasing the Lord. It needed to change.

Not to mention the fact that my sister-in-law had pointed out Benson wasn't that fussy. It just felt like it from time to time because I have things I am trying to get done and he is needing attention. How old is the kid anyways? He's only 6 months old. He's not Josiah. He can't entertain himself with a car for 20 minutes while you fold laundry. He needs and wants my attention. So when I returned from my walk I decided to make a few changes in my focus for the day and the days to come.

I started with trying to be purposeful about my schedule and what I was doing with Benson and Josiah each day. I am trying to work with Benson on sitting up, having tummy time and rolling over. So I tend to just leave him sitting there. Which works for all of 2 minutes and then he's toppled over or is screaming so loudly I must attend to him. So yesterday I tried to spend at least 5 minutes sitting with him. Encouraging him as he played with various toys and helping him figure out putting the teething toys in his mouth. (he's teething, so that's part of his fussiness.) I also tried to do the same with Josiah. I did get some of my list accomplished, and they did both work on playing on their own, but my focus was more on them, and less on the tasks that needed to be done.

I also tried to work on my attitude and my complaining. I am sure when Joey got home I did my share of whining. I confess I struggle with complaining and whining. I want things easy, uncomplicated and the moment I want them. The Lord says not to complain though and I shouldn't, so I am trying to work on that, really I am. I do have to make an effort to keep my attitude right, it isn't going to happen over night. (ooh, that rhymed!)

The biggest thing with the boys that I need to remember is that they are just kids. They are suppose to fuss, explore and do their best to figure out the world. They aren't going to be perfect, they are going to make messes and keep me busy. But isn't that why I do this? To help them along the way, give them opportunities to learn about life, show them Christ as best I know how and to be blessed with the joy of watching them learn and grow? And it is a blessing! Shoot, I get to be the one fluent in the language of Josiah, I get to watch Benson figure out how to transfer a toy from one hand to the next, I get to laugh with both boys as they look at each other and giggle every morning... wait, why was I complaining again?