Sometimes we just don't know what to do with our Ali. She is old enough to know not to chew on markers, but that doesn't matter. She continues to make choices that are either not smart or disobedient. The other night we were eating chili for supper and she finished her food early so she asked if she could color with her markers that were already set up on one corner of the table. So, we said yes and were happily eating and chatting. At the end of the meal, Jeremiah started singing his favorite song, Jesus Loves Me, and we all joined in. Daddy turned to Ali, trying to get her to join in on the song and that's when the song died on our lips as we saw, in horror, that Ali was now a blue-mouthed girl! She had bitten the tip off the blue marker and was chewing on it like gum!
As King Jo brushed her teeth a few times and made her swish lots and lots of water, I sighed and said, "Do you think we're going to live through this (meaning: raising Ali)?" He said, "Do you think SHE is going to live through it with the things she tries?" We both chuckled and we imagined what life might be like for her future husband.
It's been a rough week with Ali. There are moments when I love her death and think she is a beautiful and wonderful little girl and then there are moments when I have to fight the temptation to wallop her good. The marker thing wasn't a big deal but there have been times where she's shoved her little friends down as hard as she can onto the concrete in the presence of their shocked mothers or when she has pushed over Jeremiah's high chair, causing him to smack his face on the table on the way down, when he was only 7 months old. (See my blog archives for the horrible pics of a baby with a black eye). Her latest thing has been pinching Justus in his bassinet when I'm not looking. It doesn't happen every day but it is becoming a pattern. I wonder how it is that a girl who is plenty old enough to know better continues to do such naughty things. (Total depravity anyone?)
If I have to leave one kid with Justus when I go to the laundry room I would choose Jeremiah hands-down as he doesn't ever intentionally hurt Justus and he doesn't hover over Justus and bug him. I had this idea that with the age-gap being bigger that Ali would be a big helper and Justus' protector. After all, some kids her age are practically babysitting for their parents! But, that was not to be. She is still our biggest challenge and the biggest threat to Justus' well-being. Maybe by the time we have our fourth she will have learned.....
6 comments:
Kids are so amazing and unique. Every one of my kids has challenged me and taught me so much. Amazing how we can get angry and be full of love all at the same time. I love your reaction to this event. God is using Ali in your life for a special purpose and you are Ali's mom for a divine reason. May God guide you!
Oh my! How long was her mouth blue like that?
Keep hanging in there, Lindsey! Ali's blessed to have godly parents who set boundaries for her.
I feel your pain Lindsey! We could pull a joke on Seth and Ali by betrothing them to each other - if they are anything as adults like they are now, can you imagine that?!
Just kidding. ;)
You and Ali (and the rest of the crew) are in my prayers. May Lord grant both of us wisdom to train up our spirited children, and may he change their little hearts so that they will not only love Him above all else, but that they would love others as they love themselves.
love you,
Natalie
Oh Lindsey, hang in there! You are doing a great job with Ali even though it must be incredibly difficult at times. She'll probably be a big time leader someday and really make things happen!
That marker must have tasted awful! :)
wow that is really really blue! :)
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