I love every single ounce of you!

My heart is heavy this morning, friends. It's one of those Mom things when you hope you are saying and doing the right thing but I often wonder. This morning on the way to school, my oldest was telling us about running laps around the field in PE and how she had run eleven laps without stopping. I told her that was great and what good exercise running is. I explained how I am not a runner, I wish I were but it's just not my cup of tea. I only run if I'm being chased, ha ha! She went on to tell us how towards the end she started getting a cramp in her side from running so much. I encouraged her to keep at it and if she enjoys it, her body can be conditioned to work through the cramps and build up her endurance. Now, I tell you all this to set the stage as to how we began talking about exercise.

Next, I hear my six year old ask, "Mom, will you let me do a diet?" "Do a diet?" I say. My SIX year old is asking me if she can go on a diet! What is the world coming to when 1st graders are concerned about their body fat. Why is this starting already? I sort of expected to deal with this some when the become teenagers but not at SIX! Well, naturally I began telling her that she did not need to "do a diet" she is perfect just the way she is but she said..."but I'm fat and I need to lose weight". My heart began to ache and the tears filled my eyes! You see, this is not the first time she has mentioned her weight or her body type. She's actually made reference to it several times over the past month. We've talked about it and I've tried to reassure her that she is not fat. Even her sisters, cousin and friends have told her the same. I told her we all come in different shapes and sizes, different colored hair, eyes, skin, different weight and heights etc, and that it doesn't matter what people look like on the outside, it's what's on the inside that counts. But why doesn't she believe me?

Now, I know she's my kid and we all like to brag on our children....but this little girl is the sweetest, most precious little girl. Her heart is bigger than she is! She is so kind and thoughtful and nurturing and she has more friends than I can shake a stick at. So why doesn't she see that little girl in the mirror? What am I doing wrong? I know, I can certainly be a better example. I too, probably concern myself with my waistline far too much. Oh, how I wish I could fix everything but I can't. I've prayed for her but maybe now it is time to pray with her. I pray that I can be a good example to my girls and that God would give me the wisdom to teach them about their most precious attribute.....their heart!

AMW

Hannah Montana doesn't live here!

Hasn't TV just gotten pathetic!? Reality TV that is so far from reality yet we find it entertaining. I'm constantly surprised at what the networks show during prime time and even on commercials. Things I would prefer my kids not see or hear. And their shows are just as bad. I miss the good ole days of Little House on the Prairie, Leave it to Beaver, Happy Days, The Little Rascals....I mean, these were classics when I was a kid. Heck, I even watched Bonanza!
Today, the kids have shows like Hannah Montana, The Suite Life on Deck, The Witches of Waverly Place and iCarly. And because of that... I have three little girls who love to be sassy, want to live in a Hotel, have magic powers and be the coolest kid in school.

I swear if you took the word "like" out of their vocabulary, I don't think they could express themselves. The girls will come home from school and I'll ask, "How was your day?" One will reply with, "Well, today we went to the playground and so and so was like....and I was like....and they were like.....and we were like". "Stop", I say. I know what you are like, I live with you 24/7....just tell me what you did or what happened. I feel like I'm living with valley girls, like!

They have also picked up a few other bad habits. For example, the other morning I said, "Girls, it's kinda chilly outside you might want to grab a light jacket." My oldest replied, "YA THINK?!" Now, fortunately for her the Holy Spirit has really been working in my heart lately. So instead of unleashing my wrath on her sharp tongue with a, "WHAT DID YOU JUST SAY TO ME?!"....I calmly said, "Sweetheart, when you say things like it is very disrespectful, especially to an adult. It is like saying, "Really Mom? Like I couldn't have figured that out on my own." Instead, I would rather you respond with, "Thanks Mom, I've got my coat." Because Hannah Montana doesn't live here.....SNAP, SNAP!