Skip to main content

Moving Forward - De-Christmasing

pic credit: superstock.com
Today, Babe and I worked diligently to remove each ornament, wrap each one in tissue, gather the tinsel, pack the nativities and sincerely waved goodbye to the baby Jesus as he was tucked away for another year.  I thought I just might cry to see this little boy wave his goodbye, and say, "See you later, Baby Jesus." 

Sometimes, snowy mornings make for great 2 year old activities.

It really does astonish me that Christmas was so quickly here and then gone....as well as ushering in a New Year to boot.  Time is flying.  It always does, and it always amazes me that we somehow get through the month of December with some semblance of sanity.  It's such a crazy month, and it was no different this year.

It was time to either buy more diapers in bulk, thanks Sam's Club, or potty train the little boy for good.  We had talked about using the potty for some time, and December, yes, our craziest month of the year, I just had to add one more task to the mountains of things to do.  Yes, we potty trained our little Babe.  For Christmas, that's all I wanted this year:  the last one of the house using the potty.  And Santa delivered. 

Babe has been dry for several weeks now, and praise God, we are out of diapers in this house.  It only took 10 years, but we are out of diapers.

I tell you, not having to buy diapers or wipes is like a pay raise.  It was a fabulous feeling, and yet, believe it or not, it was tough to put the changing pad away, or pack up the leftover diapers and give them away.  It is such a mixed bag to see your kids grow.  It's such a happy feeling, as though, Yes, I am doing what I am supposed to be doing.....teaching them, forming them, raising them to do it for themselves.  And yet. 

Yet -

Am I less needed now then before?  The anguish of uselessness.

As Babe now insists on dressing himself, refuses sippy cups and is determined to buckle himself into his car seat, I keep telling myself this little fact, and it keeps my sanity in check.  That's my job, woman, allow him to do for himself.  It'll build self confidence.  He's meant to grow up.

I'm so proud of him, this little boy, this little man, is moving forward.  He's such a happy, joyful soul and as we de-Christmas around here, and move forward in the New Year, he is too.  He is moving forward too, actually probably more of leaping forward, but as in all transitions, there is pain in growth.  Not pain for him, mind you, pain for me.  There is a painful realization of moving chapter by chapter in a family life, for I know my grey hairs are telling the tale.  It means you can't freeze time.  It means it moves whether you are ready or not.

Get ready, woman, get on the train, it's moving, stop watching and get on.

Lord, help me to walk that path, surrender to a hopeful future, where you will lead me, Lord, where I am needed, where there is work, yet to be done.
Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular Posts

Domo Arigato Gozaimasu Nihon - Thank You Japan

First, I apologize.  It's almost been a week since my last post, and life certainly has a way to take me over.  Arigato Gozaimasu - Thank You We have many commitments, many places where we have promised our time and energy, and when sickness sets in for me or anyone in our home, life pretty much stops....for little while anyway. Thankfully, the illnesses are down to minor colds, and as of yesterday, I am off the meds to treat a sinus infection.  But that's not all.  It's re-enrollment time at school, and every March we face the same uncertain future in debate...Can we swing yet another year's worth of financial commitment to our Catholic school, for four children. It's a stressful time, it's uncertain, and I have to say, that security is something I thrive on.  Any insecurity, and I tell you, life just isn't right.  With the children unaware of our finessing the budget, we work to keep that calm and peace that assures the children all will be well. 
Post a Comment
Read more

Words Can Hurt

When we first started having children, like most people, we realized quickly how they often work as a mirror to our own actions. Letting a swear word slip here or there was not uncommon in our home, yet, when our first child was about 18 months or so, and hearing my swear word echo in the house for several days from her little lips, well, it was enough to curb my speech, dramatically. And now, swear words are never spoken in front of the children, and we have adopted a few more words that are unacceptable in the house, even though common place in the world. Just another example at how, as parents, we truly are the domestic church. The world may be on the path of negativity, but the home is where we make the difference. My four year old the other day, said, "I hate tomatoes!" Not the worst thing to hear from her mouth, granted, however, the word 'hate' bothers me a lot. 'Hate' is a very strong word, opposite of 'Love'. Think of how strong that word, 
Post a Comment
Read more

Little Guys and Big Things

Sometimes, Veggie Tales stick with you. Even when an 8 year old seems too old for Veggie Tale stories, and reluctantly watches a few, the messages do stick.  Over the weekend, my Knight was to serve Mass.  For the past few Sundays he has been serving, and we keep reminding him of the various ways to show reverence while doing his duties.....a bow to the tabernacle, folding of the hands and so forth. Sunday, I happened to be watching Knight lather his gel in his hair to ready for Mass, and I once again, reminded him to keep his reverent ways about him while serving.  He made a distinct face at me, and said, "Ugh, Mom, those other server boys are bigger than me.  I don't want to do something they aren't doing." "I understand, but you could set the example, because you know, what you are doing is the right thing." He shook his head, looked at himself in the mirror, and seeing his own image reflected, said again, "I'm the youngest one there, Mom
1 comment
Read more