Terrible Twos

I'd read about terrible twos.  But, with my older son it didn't set in until three.  Of course much of life with him has been difficult...he's our strong-willed child.  And, much to the delight of his grandparents, he got a double dose, one from Russell and one from me. 

I thought life would be easier with my happy-go-lucky second child.  There were hints of the Terrible Twos at 13 months, but then it passed.  Then, last week, it was back and I was caught off-guard.  I wasn't ready.  My patience was nonexistent.  That happens when your children boycott naps two days in a row.  Everyone in the house was grumpy.  

So, I started racking my brain to recall what Charles was like at 2 1/2.  I didn't remember him being so difficult.  I started going through pictures and discovered this:

This is Charles in January 2009.  Both boys were born in August, so I KNOW he's the same age as Micah is now!

Was he difficult?  Was he acting like a stereotypical two year-old?  Then, I found this:

All the muffins have bites taken out.  So, yes, Micah is exhibiting the same behaviour.  One of the things that made me loose my patience last week was when he left his room when he was supposed to be napping, and took a muffin off the kitchen counter.  Why such a big deal?  The muffins were for Bible study.  The mix only made 12.  I had to make another batch of muffins.  I ran my dishwasher three times that day.  I was spent.  My patience was gone.

So here are my boys.  Both 2 1/2.  Both sitting at our kitchen table.  Both very different. 

The Holy Spirit revealed something else about that time in my life.  More on that later. 

Now my terrible two year-old has a cold and needs to be held.  So I'm off to the rocking chair, and maybe Grandma's house for two more sets of hands and a trip out of the house for the first time since Sunday. 

Christms Reflections

This Christmas I've been a little more reflective.  I've been reading this book:

I bought it about five years ago at the Living Room Bookstore.  I'm embarrassed to admit that this is the first year I've read it (most) every day.  The stories are wonderful reflections on Christmas and the book is designed for family devotions with a verse for each day and an optional longer passage. 

On Day 10 I read the longer suggested passage of Matthew 2:1-15.  A friend of mine has been singing the praises of the Message so I used that version and came across this:

Herod, when he realized that the scholars had tricked him, flew into a rage.  He commanded the murder of every little boy two years old and under who lived in Bethlehem and its surrounding hills.

It hit me...Micah is two years old. If I'd been living in Bethlehem or the surrounding area I would've lost him by command of the government.  The government commanding the execution of children.  I can't imagine.  Then I let my mind wonder...my nephews are 15 months and two years old.  Russ and I both have cousins with two year old little boys.  Our dear friends have a boy that same age.  Micah's Sunday School class would be empty...only one or two little girls left.  YIKES! 

Here's Micah telling me he's two:

I'd miss this little guy.  He brightens my life and makes me laugh every day.  

So, hug your little guys today and thank God for sending His Son to save yours.