Forgive Me

I did something tonight. Something that I promised myself that I would never do. I became my mother tonight. Let me explain. I grew up in a home that was less than perfect. I promised myself and my husband that I would never, ever, EVER become that person in my home. I kept part of my promise. I didn't do anything to the kids. I did it to Charlie, my dog. An innocent animal that didn't deserve that. He had decided to chew on Heidi's homemade book, a few too many Littlest Pet Shop toys, a Wall-E stuffed animal, and a couple of kids shoes. I know he was just trying to get our attention and play, but I had had it. I spanked him one to many times. I saw the look on his face. It was the same face I remember making whenever my mother was angry at me. It was FEAR. I broke down in tears and locked myself in my bathroom for half an hour. Heidi was (and still is) worried about me, and I don't blame her. I scared my kids because they didn't know what was going on. I broke my promise and I'm sorry. Forgive me.

Bedtime Stories

Every night in our house, after family prayer, our children get a bedtime story.  Jacob and I switch nights reading to little Jake. Every third night, Grammy reads them a bedtime story from a DVD she created for her grandchildren as a Christmas present.  Every once in a while, Cherish and Heidi will join Jacob and I while we read.  Tonight I head something that made my heart melt.  I had just finished reading little Jake his bedtime story and was walking out of his room when I head Heidi talking to Cherish.  I almost walked by without paying any further attention since the girls talk to each other every night, but for some reason, I stopped to listen.  I realized that Heidi wasn't talking to Cherish, she was reading her a story.  I listened until she had finished reading Cherish her story, then told her that I was very proud of her.  Her smile lit up the room.  Litttle acts of service show me that my children are taking to heart the lessons of Christ and are trying to live like him.  Thank you, Heavenly Father, for such sweet and loving children.  Thank you for their sweet spirits and for touching my heart today.