Oh, Oh Sam

I have been writing a lot about Gabe lately and need to update about Mr. Energy other wise known as Sam.  This year has been a big one for the little guy.  At first school was a rough start and the crying didn't stop until late October.  Now, Sam has so many good buddies that he jumps out of the car to go to school during drop off.  As mom of a boy, I really want and pray for him to be respectful of people, consider the preciousness of others and be a good boy.  It is hard sometimes when he says that people hit or push at school and I have to tell him to firmly say no and not hit back (even though his mama doesn't always really feel that way)!  He really does a good job of identifying feelings and solving things the right way which warms my heart bc he is still only a little guy.  We do a lot of disciplining at home- redirecting, getting your hear right (time out), and hiney pops, etc.   I figured God made pain for a reason- to know something is wrong-if your throat hurts you know that you are getting sick- so if your behind gets popped you know that you did something wrong and need to get something right with your heart.  We have learned a lot in a parenting class we are taking and that you need to teach your kids that most of their choices are heart issues and you are responsible for how your respond to that- and to stop pointing your finger at others.  Kinda hard to teach that to an almost 3 year old, but each day we add a little and keep plugging away at it and he is getting it-most of the time.  Believe me, we have had many, many "come to Jesus" moments but I figure that I can work hard now and then hopefully as a teen I won't be so stressed worrying about his decision making.  It is hard when you teach your child differently from a friend and there can be issues when Sam plays with other kids because I feel like I am on top of him often for things while he sees others getting away with smacking, pushing or taking toys.  Then I remind myself that God gave me Sam to raise and that is who I am responsible for.  Ok, off the parenting tangent.

Sam is full of life, funny and so random ( just like his mama-the random part!)  He really is a happy guy and loves to help me, daddy and talk to Gabe.  He is a loving big brother.  No issues with moving rooms or seeing his baby toys go to Gabe.  He cried his eyes out when Gabe got shots a few weeks ago-awwww, I know it was so sweet.  He said "they better not hurt Gabey baby again!"  He is pretty verbal and likes to talk and ask LOTS, did I mention LOTS of questions? He thinks I know everyone in the grocery store and wants to know their name and why they are shopping at that time.  Potty training is almost at 100% thanks to jelly beans and some encouragement, just glad he will be done with it before he turns 3! :)  My dad and Sam spend one day a week together and I think it is as good for my dad as it is for Sam.  I know it is important for both of them and Sam really loves the special bond he has with his Papa.

Singing and playing his drums and guitar really make him happy.  He just loves to hear music and sing and bang away on the drums.  He watches the guys at church very intently when the band plays.  I am wondering if we should get him to take some lessons or something just to spark some more interest down the road?  The boy loves ties and loves to get dressed so that is a perfect thing for me!  I was a little worried not having girls that I would not be able to find cute clothes or have kids who liked to dress up, but Sam wears ties to ride his bike or just random ones to school with his tee shirts!

These are busy hands!

                                   Cutting grass is so fun (lets hope so in 10 years!)

                                                  My 3 favorite boys

                                                The little guys growing feet

 It is neat to see what kind of little person he is evolving into.  I want my boy to be the one that others love having over and see respect and kindness in him ( we tell him to show Jesus in his hear to others, maybe something I need to do as well?).  It is an overwhelming thing to think that Sam and Gabe have each other as brothers and I pray for them to be best buddies as they grow up.  Sam's 3rd birthday is coming up and since he is our first, it is uncharted territory, but I am looking forward to going to soccer games and working on little projects as he matures- and work on some joke telling too!