This Too Shall Pass

As parents, we find ourselves searching for ways to deal with each new stress that arises. We somehow find what works and we continue on, working through until the next one arises. Some days I wonder how in the world I have made it through. Don't get me wrong, my son is wonderful. My child is truly the joy of my life. But there are days that even the best child can bring about such frustration that you could pull your hairs out one by one. For us, our recent frustration has been with the dog. Camden is so mild tempered and easy going. Lately though, he has had this thing for torturing our poor dog. Titus, our dog, is 9 years old and just sleeps most of the time. Camden doesn't seem to care what it is that Titus is doing. Whatever it maybe, it's something worthy of being hit or stepped on in his eyes. This has brought about a huge frustration for both myself and Mike. We've done all we know how to keep him from continuing this, but yet it is as if this a game to Camden. Each day that this happens, I find myself losing patience. But, some how, some way I find a way to work through it with him and we continue on. I have quickly learned that "this too shall pass". Even in those moments of frustration I remind myself that time goes by so quickly. It's so important to find a way to work through the tough times and focus on making it a glorious, triumphant moment. Each hurdle our children makes we cheer them on to greater heights. In those moments we need to stop and cheer ourselves on as well. We need to take pride, as parents, in our ability to raise our children is a Godly manner with patience and determination. The frustrations are but for a moment in this life time. I want to chose to focus on the triumphs rather than the frustration. I love my son. I look forward to the challenges that will develop his character, as well as ours as his parents.


All of this being said, I love to capture my son's personality when he is simply being carefree and joyous. On Father's Day, we took Camden to the baby pool in Columbiana before heading home from Aunt Kimmy's. On our way home we told him because he had been so nice at the pool and shared his toys with the other kids that he could have a treat. We decided to stop for ice cream for the whole family. Before we had made the stop, Camden called from the back seat of the car, "I eating ice cream guys!". As I turned around to speak to him, there I saw his foot in his mouth. "I licking my ice cream" he said, just as he ran his tongue up is foot. Now I don't make a habit out of letting my son lick himself or put his feet in his mouth but I must say, this was quite funny. Of course, because Mommy and Daddy thought this was funny and could not hide the fact, he continued to entertain us by pretending to enjoy his "ice cream cone". I am pretty sure the real thing was much better. He sure has a way of making us laugh, that is for sure!
There is truly no greater joy than being a parent!!!