Essence of Parenthood ...

Sometimes the essence of parenthood is best seen in our prayers, because night after night, Paul & I speak words to this effect:

Dear Heavenly Father-

We are so thankful for our amazing daughters & how special they are.

Please help Taya to learn obedience .... (most recent plea)

And please help us to learn patience.

......

.........

In Jesus' name, Amen.

A call for help for obedience, and an even greater need - for patience & gentleness, but first and foremost, an expression of gratitude for the gift of these girls.

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No matter the difficulties parenting brings, we find ourselves in amusement, gratitude & awe over our girls every single day (currently we are losing our marbles because Taya is repeatedly coming out from nap & bed time over and over and over and over and over ... again [oh, she's been in a toddler bed for several months already, this is just random :)  - I know this is a small example of kid woes, but it's a bit real at the moment!].  If anyone is ever teetering on having children, or having a 2nd or 3rd child, take the leap!  I've thought many times how I can't imagine anything in the world that gives as much joy, laughter, learning, stretching, growing, perspective, and gratitude as parenting does.  And if there is anyone reading this who is trying & yearning for children or for another child, I would imagine your trial has the opportunity to help you stretch and grow in ways we can't fathom.  I frequently think of those I know & even don't know who so badly want to get pregnant, and every time it reminds me to strengthen my gratitude for my daughters. 
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Oh, and guess who rolled over yesterday!  Dyllan's rollin, rollin, rollin ...