Thanksgiving

This Thanksgiving was extra special to me for many reasons. The first being Harrison. Wow, he has really stolen my heart and completely melted me into mush. I am worthless many days because I just sit and hold or talk to him until he gives me that one priceless grin. He is such a gift. I am enjoying every minute of having an infant again, even those middle of the night feedings (when I can keep my eyes open for them), and occasional periods of crying. It feels good to have a little cry in the house again, they are sweet and easily consoled by warm arms.

Two other things I am thankful for run around my house all day singing, giggling, and pretending. I love their little minds. It is hard to think of Christmas gifts to get them because they pretend all day and make things with chairs, pillow, pieces of fabic, and blankets. Their relationship has become precious to watch as they grow more into friends and wonderful playmates. Just tonight as I was laying Claire down she saw that Payton's door was still open and leaned in to say "Luz you Sissy" and Payton called back "I love you Claire bear." Payton asked her for a big hug and kiss and Claire ran egerly into her room with her little footed pjs on. It was one of those moments I wanted to freeze. I am really enjoying the ages they are at right now.

Claire is silly and very affectionate. She gives hugs and kisses (she replaces k for p though, cute) all day. She repeats everything Payton says and does. She thinks her sissy has hung the moon and follows her around all day. She likes to retreat by herself when sissy is not around and can play with one toy for the longest time. We are enjoying that she still remaines quite a baby at times and that she is not growing up too fast.

Payton is at a wonderful age. She is consumed with learning and is a little sponge. She has been quite the angel lately and very polite, her manners have become second nature. When we do have "moments" we can talk about them and try and understand our motives. It is fun to be at a point where I feel like I can disciple my kids and help them learn about their own hearts. We have been practicing being a servant lately and it is sweet to watch Payton (who understands more) serve her sister and think about Claire's needs first. Trust me not all the time or even most of the time, but we are learning. I am reading a new book I really like called "Don't Make me Count to Three" and it is about reaching the heart of your child through discipline. The author wrote

Today I was able to dust, organize, clean, counsel, and cook. I kissed away the boo-boos and washed away the tears. I praise, rebuked, encouraged, hugged, and tested my patience, all before noon.
Yes, my greatest accomplishment today was nurturing the two (three) precious children God has entrusted into my care. Now let's talk about my greatest challenge today .... and every day. It is raising these two precious children in the ways of the Lord. God does have an important job for me, and it does require much skill. It is my calling, my priority, my struggle, and my goal. I will love, nurture, and train my children the way that God has called me to do.

Wow, when I read this it was like the author stole the words right out of my heart. This is what I feel everyday and what makes the daily tasks of being a mom sooo worth it. I get front seat everyday into their lives to watch them grow . I get the opportunity to mold their hearts the best I can into what God desires. This is the best job, even when it is hard. Being a parent is very humbling which I need regularly and get. I have learned to give my girls the grace to be children and make mistakes, and myself grace to try again when I fail at disciplining. I have had many moments where I have had to ask Payton's forgiveness for not acting kindly on those humbling days. The forgiveness of a child is perfect. Most of the time she will say "It is okay, I already forgave you." Wow, that is a lesson for me. I pray she never changes.

I am also so thankful for my sweet husband who is close to the perfect example of a servant for all of us here at the Gadd house. He delights in serving his family and I learn from him daily. He refreshes me with girls night, mornings to sleep in, and he is always willing to help around the house. I am so blessed to have him as a daily example for my children on how to love like Jesus loves.

I am most thankful for Jesus and my relationship with him. For him being real in my life and walking me through every stage showing me how to love like him (not that I am always good at it).

This has been a sweet Thanksgiving.