"Bringing Up Boys"

So I have been reading the book "Bringing Up Boys" by Dr. James Dobson......LOVE IT! I am only to the 4th chapter and I am completely enjoying it. There is one paragraph of the book that really lifted my spirits and reaffirmed my calling to be a mother....and, specifically, a stay-at-home mom. Here is the paragraph....

"Seventy percent of black babies and 19 percent of white babies in the United States are born out of wedlock. Most will never know their fathers or experience what it means to be loved by them. Only 34 percent of all children born in America will live with both biological parents through the age of eighteen. This is a recipe for trouble, especially when we consider the fact that 62 percent of mothers with children under 3 are employed. The number was half that in 1975! Fully 72 percent of mothers with children under eighteen currently hold jobs. This busyness of mothers combined with the non involvement of fathers means that too often there is nobody home! No wonder boys are in such a mess today!"

Dr. James Dobson, Bringing Up Boys

After I read this to myself I had to read it aloud to Kirk. We both looked at each other and smiled....THAT is why I choose to stay home and raise Caleb. THAT is why I am so blessed that God has given me a husband that LOVES his boy (and kids to come) and knows how important he is in the life of his children. THAT is why I thank God every day and I have a husband that actually WANTS me to stay home with our kids and is willing to make MANY MANY sacrifices in order to make that happen. I thank God daily for this opportunity and pray He gives me strength to raise Caleb the way God would have him be raised. It is a very HARD job being a stay at home mom but there are MANY rewards.

Don't get me wrong, I am not "bashing" on moms that work and I totally agree that there are moms that NEED to in order to keep their family healthy and strong. I know many kids (including myself) who have/had working mothers that turned out to be God fearing young men and women, and now adults. Staying home is not ideal for everyone. I just know that Kirk and i have made many sacrifices to be able to have me stay home and we are blessed that God has allowed us to do this at this point in our lives.

Anyways, now some pictures to share of our little guy.....he is a character. He got is first tooth last weekend. Enjoy the pictures!

My boys...watching basketball.












His new favorite place to play :)

Milestones...

So, we hit a milestone this past weekend.....Caleb is now MOBILE! :) Yikes. He started rolling from his back to his stomach on Saturday. Now, if you leave him on the floor anywhere, you come back and he is half way across the room. He always ends up on the opposite side of the crib after naps as well :). It is pretty cute. He knows he can move around now and he loves it. He always has a smile on his face.....well, at times he hits is head pretty hard on the way over and cries....we just need to work on the finess. :)

I know there are some that are anxious to see his roll so I put a small video up for their viewing pleasure (until you can see it in person). Caleb is growing SOOO fast! He is full of energy and all around LOUD! He is so much fun and such a blessing! Enjoy the video (there is sound as well if you wish).

Many hats...

I was reminded the other day how many "hats" mothers have to wear. I was remembering the first few months of motherhood and remembering how challenging and difficult they were. You feel as if you are pulling in every direction and everyone wants your attention. Not only do you have a baby that is SOOO dependant on you, but you also need to be attentive to how your husband is feeling as well as refocusing on a job (if you had to return to work). Fortunately, I didn't have to go back to work and I applaude and stand in awe of those mothers who do....what a difficult thing!

In revisiting these feelings of stress and difficulty, I reminded of the song "Your Grace is Enough". I know it is easier said than done, but I wish I would have spent more time in God's Word during those trying times. I find that now, when I am spending time in God's Word is when I am drawn to the truths and promises that He has given me. I remember during those first months, as I was trying desperately to get the hang of nursing and struggling with Caleb's jaundice and cholic, there were times when God just placed a worship song in my head to get the through. Many times it was that song....YOUR GRACE IS ENOUGH!! There are times in my heart that I doubted that, but God would always pull me back and help me to see how blessed and favored I truely am. What wonderful and gentle God!!

Anyways, back to the "hats"...I was thinking of how special women are and how God designed us to wear many "hats"....be honest, do you think MEN could do all that we do???? :) Okay, some could and do, but God designed us to compliment our husbands in many ways and it is so special when we can see how God uniquely designed men and women according to His purposes for our lives.

I have to say that my "hats" as a wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt......and many more, have shaped me into the person I am today. I have to say, this recent "hat" of being a mother has shaped me and molded me more than any other! There have been many times that I have resisted the "molding" process, but God gently draws me back to Him and reminds me of His love, grace, and will for my life. May I be more pliable today and in the days to come!

Here are just a few pictures of my sweet pea...we were trying on some of his HATS for the coming summer :) Enjoy!