Saturday, October 1, 2011

Humbled over dinner

Sallie had to work last Saturday which left Maggie and I with a full day to spend together. Normally I'm very excited for this time because it's rare and she is at such a cute age right now. We'll usually do something fun like go to the park and swing, or maybe go to Chick-fil-A for daddy dates, or even go on a run. Those opportunities for quality time are always easy and enjoyable. That was before she started cutting two more teeth on the bottom. I think God in His grace allows us to forget the first two or three years of life because of oral pain alone. Bones shifting daily in a sensitive area I must use frequently for survival? No thanks, I appreciate the selective amnesia.

Let's just say it was a LONG day. We had a full slate of runny noses, gross diapers, and one or two more crying spells than nap breaks. By dinner time I was a little tired/annoyed/ready-for-Sallie-to-get-here-asap-so-I-can-lay-down. Several minutes into dinner, Maggie we hit a wall and had this exchange:

Me: Maggie, I need you to finish your chicken and broccoli.

Maggie: No. (pushing food around on her plate)

Me: Yes. See, it's good. Daddy likes it. Yummy!

Maggie: No! (pushing food onto the floor)

Me: Okay, then. If you don't eat your food, you can't have any dessert. What else do you want?

Maggie: Grapes!

Me: No, not until you finish your chicken. Just finish this last bite, then you can have some grapes. (Notice the desperation? I'm trying to barter with a 17 month old)

Maggie: No!!! (Flipping out, and pushing food away)

Me: FINE! No more dinner! (Also flipping out and hastily clearing her plate and stuffing food in Ziploc bags) WHAT DO YOU WANT??

Maggie: (In the smallest, cutest voice you have ever heard) Patient.

Me: What?

Maggie: Patient. Patient.


Whoa. Her response literally floored me. I was amazed that she could remember the times Sallie and I have asked her to be patient, which usually happens when we have our hands full and she wants to read a book or be held. I was even more amazed that she was able to repeat it to me in context and be 100% right about the situation and my behavior. I hit my knees and the conversation continued:

Me: Maggie, you're right. Daddy needs to be more patient with you. Please forgive me for losing my temper.

Maggie: Grape?

Me: Of course. As many as you want. Daddy loves you.


What a conversation! The power of this moment for me hit home as I realized that God has given us a child for reasons beyond what we expect. He's given us a child, not so we can change her into who we want her to be, but so that He can continue to change us into who He wants us to be. God wants all of us to mirror Christ, and to be transformed into His image. He will continually chip away at the rough edges and identify sin in our lives that's been hidden, overlooked, or tolerated. He might even use our children to it. I am happy that we're not chosen as parents so that we can raise children to be moral and productive in society. We're given the responsibility of raising them to be followers of Jesus and fellow heirs to His kingdom.

We have a Father who is faithful and loves us enough not to leave us unchanged or unmoved. God will continually sharpen and test us until the day comes where he gathers to Himself all of his lost children and perfects them forever.



Matthew 11:25 At that time Jesus said, "I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children.

Sunday, August 7, 2011

Summertime Update

In case you're not from TX, I thought I'd let you know it's extremely hot! Lot of action since our last post, and I'm glad to see that we're being consistent with our blog updates. Averaging about 4 months between posts, but you can take it to the bank!


Maggie's 1st bday was 4/28/2011 but we celebrated pretty much from March to May, and she had no problem finding cake to enjoy!









Check out the sweet new ride she got from our fun neighbors, the Groovers. You can ask her if she wants to go "Beep! Beep!" and she'll run to her car and jump in. So fun.




We had a farewell dinner with a few couples from our community group from church, the Dunns and the Brannens. We were very sad to see them leave (the Dunns to Denver for Preston's job and Brittany's family and the Brannens to Houston for David's job). After spending nearly 2 years living life together as newlyweds in a new city, it's like losing part of our family. Best wishes to our fun friends as they move forward. Check out how excited Maggie was in the pic!



Most recently, we were very blessed to enjoy a dedication service for Maggie at our church on 7/31/11. It was a sweet time with friends and family gathered to support our little girl as she grows in faith. We were able to pray over her and to publicly covenant with the Lord to raise her in a house where she gets to see living examples of how to love God and love others. Thanks to all of our family and friends, both in and out of town, for the love and support. We're so grateful that our sweet girl has so many faithful friends praying for her.



Deut 6:5-9 - Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. 6These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. 7Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. 8Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. 9Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.
Posted by Picasa

Tuesday, April 12, 2011








Brushing all 8 of her teeth!




On the water in Brandon, MS




Spending time w/ mom and Mimi



Yup, it's bluebonnet time in TX.


She's very good at peek-a-boo now!

And, of course, reading at a 9th grade level. Sorry we're such a mess and can't keep the updates coming any faster. It's been a fun, fast, challenging and rewarding year to say the least. We're grateful for all the support and prayers. Maggie's 1st birthday is the 27th and Sallie is busy putting together a fun celebration. We'll be sure to post vids of messy cake soon! Love you all, Tyler & Sallie