On parenting a four year old

Well, almost four year old. I can't believe she is almost four. I know, I know, all parents say that about their children as they approach a birthday. Yet, it is so true. How can my little baby already be a... what? Is she still a toddler, or is she called something else now. The next thing I know we will be looking for clothes in the little girl section instead of the toddler section.

And back to the title, I'm not sure I really have any parenting tips. Most days, I feel like I am flying by the seat of my pants. I'm not sure if I have ever prayed more diligently for anything. Parenting is hard, exhausting, intimidating, infuriating, irritating, and confusing to name a few adjectives. And yet, it is also fulfilling, joyous, exhilarating, laughable, fun, and purposeful. It is one of those things in life that can be two completely different things at the same time.

As Brenna quickly approaches four, I am amazed by how many choice she has to make. Some are so hard, and it is hard for me, the parent, to teach her how to make good choices without crushing her free spirit. I am trying to teach her an obedient spirit and happy heart, while I learn it myself daily. Isn't that the way parenting goes.

We had a good week for the most part. We have spent a lot of time outside. The weather was beautiful most days. We didn't make it to the park during the week, but she and Daddy went to the this afternoon. She had a great time with Daddy and was glad to go with him. We were also able to go take some bluebonnet pictures yesterday. I'll leave you with the most recent pictures.


Jump rope still needs a little practice.



Brenna making a big mess in the dirt.


She was so excited to wear her princess dress in the flowers.

Half way

We are half way through March and I have written almost nothing. How sad is that. I used to write almost every day. Now I am down to once or twice a month. Not a good rate there. Hopefully I will start making the time to write again soon. This past week was spring break for Nathan. It may go down in history as the worse spring break for him. He had his wisdom teeth extracted. Although it was easier than some because three of the for teeth were erupted, it still doesn't feel good. He has spent a lot of time lying around, playing video games, and watching movies. At least he did get rest this week.

While Nathan was recovering, Brenna and I went to Austin to visit a friend who was visiting her parents. Brenna and Krissy had a great time together, and Amy and I had a great time too. Each time I get to see Amy, our girls have more fun together. They play well together and enjoy friendship. It is fun for Amy and I to watch. Unfortunately, this time, I forgot to take my camera, so there are no pictures.

I am busily trying to get this house packed. What a chore. It is easier to move across the street than across the country, but moving is moving. I still have to pack most things in the house. So, packing is what I will be doing for the rest of March. Not a fun chore, but it is for a fun reason this time. We are excited about our new house. Speaking of the new house, all the paper work is coming together. We received a letter of acceptance for the loan application. That is exciting. I think this is really going to happen this time. I can't believe Nathan and I are actually going to be home owners in less than a month.

I'll let the pictures tell what Brenna and I have done with the rest of our spring break week.

Good News

Wow, what a busy month February was. I won't even try to recap what happened all month. I will just say it was the missed blogging month. That happens sometimes.

So what is my good news today? The Texas Jones Family are under contract for our first home. We are very excited even though I am also very anxious. There is so much stress that goes along with buying a home. It is all happening pretty quickly. Our closing date is set for April 16th. Hopefully all the details will fall together and go smoothly. I don't have any pictures yet, but as soon as I do, I will add some here. We have two inspections scheduled for this week, so I should know a little more after that.

Well, that is all my news for now. I will keep everyone informed as we move along.