The Art of Being Sheltered

I've been trying to process my thoughts on this topic for a couple of weeks, but I'd love to hear your input.

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I shelter my kids. A LOT. And I mean to do it. I do it on purpose.

When we are in the car, the only music we listen to is Christian music (and on very special occasions fun, CLEAN, fast songs that just make us act silly). We typically listen to Seeds Family Worship - which is a fun and uplifting way for all of us to learn and meditate on Bible verses. The Bible verses are set to great music and most songs are sung by children. It's precious to hear my kids' little voices sing along. Melts my heart each time.

At home, we do not watch TV that has "real" people in it. Ella Beth is 3, and Landon is 2. Everything they watch on TV is animated. We let them watch Barney, Strawberry Shortcake (sorry Landon!), Little Bear (a huge favorite for the kiddos and the parents!), The Berenstain Bears, and Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. Our kiddos don't watch TV every day, nor do they watch more than a couple of these a day when the tube is on.

We read uplifting books and magazines together.

We talk in terms of our values and manners. We discuss how we should treat each others and those we love. We talk about how much we love our family and friends.

That's pretty much it.

And we are perfectly OK with that. In fact, that's exactly what we strive for.

Firstly, our kiddos are 3 and 2. They are young, and their spirits are tender.

Secondly, when we surround our children with uplifting Truth, then those are the values they know.

As most of you know, I've really been struggling lately with God and Ella Beth's health. But in all of my struggles...in all of my fightin' words and flying fists...I have known that God loves me. That the God of the universe, the God of creation and life...He loves me and in Him I find salvation.

During these past few months, the darkest in my life in terms of my faith and trust, I have also been sheltering myself. I have only listened to Christian music. Songs like "Lead Me" and "Whatever You're Doing" by Sanctus Real, and "Before the Morning" and "Savior Please" by Josh Wilson, and "Hold My Heart" by Tenth Avenue North...those songs have been my life-blood these past few months. Songs that sing of God's love. His truth. Also the North Point AWAKE cd.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not close-minded and completely set apart from the rest of the world. I love me some country music and fun pop music that causes me to hop out of my seat and dance! And I'm a sucker for a good chick flick. :)

But what I need is Truth in my life.

I've been sheltering my own heart by not allowing it to be invaded by any other influence other than the ONLY influence that I need. I know how vulnerable my heart is, and how easily influenced it can be by this world.

The same is true of my children's hearts. They are the most impressionable and vulnerable little hearts. I want to protect them.

I want to shelter them.

So I do. As much as motherly possible.

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Do you?

A Story of Daffodils

Daddy planted LOTS of daffodils along the edge of our back yard. Daffodils bloom each year. Daffodils are pretty.

 

Two sweet lovely gentle wild children are happy to be outside!

Girl child enjoys the flowers.

Girl child shares flowers with boy child.

 

Girl child takes flowers and poses (completely unprompted) by a tree and asks me to take her picture. Of course, I say yes!

Boy child runs to tree and says "meeeeeeeeeee!" Yes,  you, too!

Flowers are forgotten.

The end.

Good Parenting Reminders

"A Child's 10 Commandments to Parents"

by Dr. Kevin Leman

1.
My hands are small; please don't expect perfection whenever I make a
bed, draw a picture, or throw a ball. My legs are short; please slow
down so that I can keep up with you.

2. My eyes have not seen the world as yours have; please let me explore safely. Don't restrict me unnecessarily.

3.
Housework will always be there. I'm only little for a short time,
please take time to explain things to me about this wonderful world and
do so willingly.

4. My feelings are tender; please be sensitive to
my needs. Don't nag me all day long. (You wouldn't want to be nagged
for your inquisitiveness). Treat me as you would like to be treated.

5.
I am a special gift from God; please treasure me as God intended you to
do, holding me accountable for my actions, giving me guidelines to live
by and disciplining me in a loving manner.

6. I need your encouragement to grow. Please go easy on the criticism.

7.
Please give me the freedom to make decisions concerning myself. Permit
me to fail, so that I can learn from my mistakes. Then someday I'll be
prepared to make the kinds of decisions that life requires of me.

8.
Please don't do things over for me. Somehow that makes me feel that my
efforts didn't quite measure up to your expectations. I know it's hard,
but please don't try to compare me to my brother or sister.

9.
Please don't be afraid to leave for a weekend together. Kids need
vacations from parents, just as parents need vacations from kids.
Besides, it's a great way to show us kids that your marriage is very
special.

10. Please teach me about Jesus and take me to church
regularly, setting a good example for me to follow. I enjoy learning
more about God.

Turning 2!

Landon turned 2 last weekend, and we had a fun-tastic party to celebrate! We don't go overboard for much in the Castleberry household, but for birthdays...we tend to celebrate hard! It's twice a year for us, and we hope that Landon's birthday and Ella Beth's birthday create lasting memories for them.

Landon is very much into Lightning McQueen (and most other toys with 4 wheels!). His cake turned out amazing!

Family portrait.

 

Landon showing off his forced smile. :)

A BIG BOY who blows out his own candles!

For Christmas Landon received this roller coaster from Scott's parents. We had it set up at his party, and it was a HUGE hit among all of the kiddos!

(The basketball goal seen in the background was one of Landon's presents from my mom "Mimi." Also a huge hit at the party!)

Landon received way too many lots of great presents - cars, clothes, cars, a basketball goal, cars...He loved it all! He also had l-o-t-s of help opening his gifts. :)

We were so blessed to celebrate Landon's big day turning 2 with many family and friends.

(Ella Beth and her "favorite friend" Jocelyn. Love these two girls together!)

Ella Beth is already asking how much longer it is until her birthday because she wants a "fun party just like Landon's!"

We loved every minute of it.

Happy Birthday, sweet fella!

Landon

Landon -

Hey, sweet fella! Oh goodness...this day is bitter sweet for your mama. You are TWO! How can time have gone by so fast? How can you really be a big boy?

You have blessed my life in so many ways throughout this year. Your sweet, dimply smile melts my heart - and allows you to get away with much more than you should - on a regular basis. Your kindness is just as sweet. You (usually) like to share with your friends...and your sister, when she asks first.

I have enjoyed getting to know YOU more this year. You are still a snuggle bug, and I will be forever grateful to have so many sweet memories of spending special times just the two of us. Last night was a little difficult for me though. As I rocked you and sang you a song before bed, I simply did not want to lay you down. I just couldn't believe how blessed I have been to have had two wonderful years with you as my son.

You are also very funny! Getting people to laugh at you is one of your favorite "tricks." You will act goofy, and as soon as someone laughs at you, you will put on even more. Your laughter at yourself is contagious, and I love it.

I am looking forward to many, many more memories with you this year. Always know that I will be here for you. You are loved by so many...but no one loves you like your mama.

I love you, Landon.

Love,
Mommy

Here

still blogging <here>

But, uplifting and picture-filled posts coming VERY soon.

Landon's birthday is Saturday! My sweet fella is turning 2!!!

Sabbatical

I'll be hanging out <here> for a while.

I'll try to update with some pictures on this blog soon...after all, my little fella has a big day coming up.

But, for an indefinite amount of time, I need to be <here>. It won't take you long to find out why. Feel free to comment...I'm sure I need whatever you have to say.