These are scenes from our latest desert hike. We have been on many the past 2 months but the pictures are on our camera phones and as yet, I have been too lazy to upload them to my computer.
Our lives are very full right now and we are glad. When I start to feel overwhelmed, I think, "How bored would I be right now if I didn't have these two rowdy boys, three callings and all the business books to do?
Speaking of rowdy boys.... I had an experience with Kaeleb the other night that I want to share. Those of you who know him well know that I am not being a totally biased mom (just a bit biased maybe) when I say that he is an incredible child. We have often, just between Kwint and I, (and now all of you) likened him unto Mormon, who described himself as a "sober child." He is a serious thinker and communicates well beyond his age, he always has.
So, a few nights ago the boys spent a good hour throwing things at each others heads. Books, toys, balls, pillows, you name it. It was a game they found hilarious and I found infuriating. Kwint was gone on Elder's Quorum visits and I was exhausted. I kept my cool, for the most part but Kaeleb could tell I was tired. So, when I said "That's it! Off to the showers with you!" he became contemplative.
After asking "Are you ready for shampoo?" for the 3rd time, Kaeleb answered, "No. I am sitting on the floor because I feel sad." I said "Well, let's talk about why you feel sad and see what we can do to help you feel better." He said, "It's because I did all those bad things." I talked him through an apology and told him everything was fine.
At that point he launched into a half hour long soliloquy which I will abridge for your sakes, but use his words otherwise. He said, "I am trying to be good. I know Heavenly Father and Jesus want me to be good and they are happy when I am, so are you and Dad, and so am I. And I am doing my best to be good because Brennan wants to do my example and I want him to be good when he is as big as me. And Mom, sometimes when you get tired you are grouchy. So, I have an idea- stop doing that. But I want you to know that you are the best mom in the whole wide universe and world and I love you no matter what." He mentioned many other personal-to-me things and as I had been feeling insecure that day, it gave me a boost and I said, "Well, I guess you are just answering all my prayers tonight."
Then he said, "That's because Heavenly Father is talking to my heart and telling me what to say." That was a heart melter. I held his little face in my hands and told him how proud I am of the person he is and how much I love him.
Our talk continued as we got ready for bed and when we were reading the Book of Mormon he said "Mom, are the scriptures true?" I said, "Yes. I know they are true. Do you want to know why I know? Because when I read them I feel happy and when I pray to ask if they are true my heart feels warm." He got excited and said "Mom! That's how I feel when Heavenly Father talks to my heart! And today when I was looking at my scriptures I felt warm in my heart! So they must be true!" I looked at him and saw that there were tears in his eyes, which amazed me. Then he said, "Now I know why all those people cry when they are up there talking! (testimony meeting :-)) Mom! They're crying tears of joy!"
I am still amazed when I think about it. You parents can understand the joy of those moments when you know they are "getting it" and this was one of those. I am so thankful to know that my 4 year old has a testimony and amazed that he not only recognizes the Spirit, but recognizes the Spirit working through him!! I hope no one feels like I am bragging, because honestly, it's all him. I can't figure out why I was chosen to be his mother. I didn't figure all that out until I was a teenager. Kwint equals my sentiments, though I am sure I know why Kwint was chosen to be his father- he is amazing, too. We really feel like we are the ones being taught.
We are also grateful for friends and family like all of you who are good examples to us and our boys and we love you so much.
BTW, for those of you who are aware of Kwint's mom, she is doing great, recovering from surgery and all her pathologies are clear. Woo Hoo!! We love her tremendously and thank God for his miracles!
6 comments:
That is a really great story, he is so smart and really is thinking beyond his years. Future prophet!
Holy moley, that is one awesome kid. I mean, I already thought so, but WOW. And I know why you are his mother - an amazing spirit like his needs an even more amazing spirit to look up to - he's a lucky boy, he got two of them (you and Kwint)! Seriously, I don't know if I could be a good mama to a child with such "soberness", as you put it. But you can! You are! Way to foster his budding testimony and *also* nurture his childhood.
Man, it's just one more reason why in my perfect world, you guys would live next door. :)
What a beautiful post. It doesn't surprise me that you and Kwint have such a sensitive child. I'm sure he has been taught very well by you two. Thank you for being such a great example and inspiration to me. Someday our little boys will have to meet.
xoxo
I am so glad you chose to write that story down. I told Dan about it after you told me on the phone the other day and he too was amazed at the way Kaeleb expressed all those thoughts and feelings. You've got a real choice little man there.
Your pictures make me miss it so much down there! We will have to come down there and visit sometime! I miss having you as my VT and Kwint as our HT. At least with him we were being HT. We don't have one here. Sad, I know. The boys look great and look like they are having fun!
WOW. He really has always been wise beyond his years. I love those stories. As I watch Ryan and Jackson, I see many things that make me think that these little ones coming now have so much more maturity at such an early age. And yes, little brothers do follow the example set by older brothers. We see that EVERY DAY at our house.
If you have not seen my blog, it is: thepleasantgrovetophams.blogspot.com
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