A few thoughts...

I'm feeling reflective at the moment and feel the need to write a few words about being a mother.  The little lady in my life has been such a sweet blessing in our lives.  I am so grateful to be her Mother and cannot begin to imagine how many times I'm going to say that throughout the years.  Since the "blessing" turned two she has definitely been testing the limits.  Limits starting with sleep issues, then getting rid of the binkie during the day, to 45 minute temper tantrums 4-5 times daily.  Needless to say there were moments when I was ready to sell her to the gypsies.  Now that things are beginning to settle down, only 2 scheduled tantrums per day, no more sleep issues (I can't believe I've said it out-loud, hope I haven't been jinxed), and binkie, well it's the cause of the scheduled tantrums but we are having a better time with the missy regardless.  I've been thinking a lot about how her personality has developed these two years.  She is hard to categorize into one personality type specifically but I am amazed at how affectionate, thoughtful, and kind-hearted she is.  She is driven and motivated toward her very independent choices.  She is full of energy and enthusiasm.  She definitely does not hide her emotions!  And those small descriptions don't even begin to scratch the surface.  I've been able to gain a lot of patience these past two months and I've realized when I loose it, she looses it even more! As I've tried to be the best example for her in my parenting and attempted to keep my cool, amid the screaming, I've thought time and again what is the best way for Claire to learn this?  I'm thinking about how lucky my little girl is that she has a strong will and the ability to take care of people while not backing down on what she knows to be right for her.  I hope and pray that as I continue this journey, as her mother, that I will be able to teach her the principles she needs in order to follow after the Savior and know that He loves her.  Everything else will fall into place for her, and she will have what she needs to withstand the adversity and temptation that is sure to come her way.  We are expecting another baby to join our family this summer and as I wonder what the Lord has in store for us in the next few months I am overwhelmed and can't help but acknowledge that we have NO idea what we are doing.  And yet, I find comfort in knowing that during those moments when I am not my best, or after I may have lost my cool, I can ask for forgiveness and for added strength beyond my own.  I take full confidence in knowing that the small mind-numbing craziness, that can be my life on occasion, matters to my loving Father in Heaven.  He cares when I have spent hours upon hours trying to get my little one to sleep and will listen as I pour out my heart and frustrations to him.  What a gift my life is! I have such knowledge and support that will help me reach my fullest potential and I promise to anyone who is reading this or cares even a little bit that it is the same for you!