Wednesday, July 1, 2009

My Kids Today

Parenting isn't for cowards... I remember that being the title of a book my parents had when I was growing up... I get it now. :) Whew, this week has been a challenging week for me. I've been discouraged. The perfectionist in me gets fooled into thinking that perfect parents somehow exist. And I know I'm far from it, I see myself flop all the time. But thankfully there's grace, lots of good grace, and I will do my best and continue to pray for God's help. :) Do any of you other parents out there feel this way sometimes?

On the upside, Jude is in this totally precious stage where he comes up with these great sentences that melt my heart. He can be bossy and opinionated (have no idea where he gets that, ha, ha) but he can also be so deeply sincere and sweet and I just want to kiss him to pieces. I love you Jude bug. You are an amazing, priceless gift in my life!



Here he is being "up-side-down".




I have a connection with my Selah that I have been surprised by. She loves to be by her mama. I feel like she communicates so much through her eyes and many expressions. You know how girls can tell you what they're thinking by just a look, and most any girl can interpret it? I feel like we've got that goin' on. :) I just love her sweetness. I know the independent toddler phase will be arriving next year, but for now I am just loving her innocence, hugs, and constant delight in life! I love you baby girl. You are a true treasure!

Thank you God for these little lives you've blessed us with.

13 comments:

Jen said...

I totally feel that way, but that's why we wake up the next day and try our best all over again. Every day they melt our hearts just a little bit more than the previous day and it all works out. : )

Shannon said...

Oh, I love Selah's little curls! So cute.

Unknown said...

After a while I realized that I was showing my children how to fail as well as how to succeed. We all fail to do some things. I was famous for failing to hold my tongue. So I got to model saying "I'm sorry" to my children.

Anonymous said...

what a sweet post Bethany.
You are too hard on yourself :)

I love that little mother/daughter bond it is so precious. I know exactly what you mean.
Jude and Selah are such beautiful children!

Pete and Rosie said...

You're a great mom, and thanks for being one for my kids a couple times this week!!!!

Chelsi Ritter said...

trust me, bethany you aren't alone in your sentiments! just when i think i've got this parenting thing under control aspen throws me a curve ball and i have to rethink everything. it's challenging, but i've been learning so much!
i love the photos of your angels; and look at that beautiful green grass!

Leticia said...

Your kids are beautiful and, yes, I totally know how you feel! Great post.

thecorneliusclan said...

Such a fun post to scroll through. I love those pictures. I can practically smell summer as I looked at them! Love you, and of course, I love those kiddos. :D See you guys tomorrow.. yeeeeee!

Jessica Jordan said...

That is why I have you ... to take pictures of my little angel so when he is being a little devil I can look at them and remind myself how sweet he is :) No seriously, we have so been entering the toddler phase ... nothing like vacation to make you realize how tough parenting can really be and how un-childproofed the majority of the world is :). Makes you miss home!!! :) ~ Jess

Eyes_Wide_Open said...

God gives grace...and good times as well.

We're all in it together.

:)

J

Heather Buckwalter said...

I randomly found your blog and check it out from time to time. I love your photography and if you lived closer I would have you take pictures of my kids and maybe even be friends! I appreciated what you wrote and could idenifty with the struggles and perfectionism that rises up within me. I thought I was a pretty patient loving person till I had toddlers then this other person took over. Its like the inner toddler in me arises and it is not pretty. Just wanted to encourage you that you are not alone in your struggle and to bless you as a parent and photographer.
God Bless,
Heather Buckwalter

Melanie Whitaker Photographer said...

Your baby's are so cute, I don't know how you manage to get such cute shots of your own kids...mine just avoid the camera or have to be two inches in front of it at all times :) So sweet!

Missy said...

These are so sweet and I love reading your candid words. You are awesome!