Fire Alarm

As you know from my past posts, I am now limiting my computer time and spending more fun time with the Buckaroos. Not someone to do things half way, I decided that I would not even turn on the computer yesterday. It had become a habit for me to walk by my office and check to see if I had emails or check for blog comments, and then sit for about 10 minutes and look at other sites. Ten minutes here and there was adding up.


We really reaped the rewards yesterday from that choice. While the boys were eating their eggs, I went outside and did this.


O.K., I am not an artist, but they did not care. I drew two houses, one for each Buckaroo. I then ran in the house and started banging a metal bow saying "Fire!" They hurriedly put on their fire outfits laughing the whole time.


Here is Littlest Buckaroo putting out his house fire. Little Buckaroo was on standby to save the people.

After the "fire" was out, Littlest Buckaroo turned the hose on his brother.

He loved it! Look at the joy on his face.

Water, dirt, boys, here is the result.

After playing in the mud, a bath was in order, then we made cookies, read books (Little Buckaroo read one to us too), played cowboys, soldiers, Littlest Buckaroo took a nap, and then back into the mud and another bath all before supper. It was a great day!

Like most moms, I don't like to admit this, but I went through a period a while back that I was so overwhelmed and did not have any interest in playing with the boys. Then, God got to work on me, you know how He just puts things right in front of you that are so obvious that you know He is trying to work in you.

First: I had decided to read one chapter of Proverbs a day. Wow! Proverbs is full of direction on wisdom and knowledge, and then concludes with Proverbs 31 describing the wife of noble character.

Next: I am blessed to have my mentor mom Penny who is a wealth of wisdom, knowledge and patience, she has 3 wonderful children (the proof is in the pudding) and thankfully she has taken me in and helped guide me.

Penny had been doing a Parenting Class at church and as I (with Big Buckaroo by my side, what a wonderful man) sat there listening to her, I kept thinking, "yep, I am doing that, um, yeah, that's a better way to train them in this or that situation, ooh, what a great idea and on and on." It was an extraordinary class, she is an excellent example of following Titus 2 instruction to teach younger women. But, then one day I was listening to her and like a lightening bolt I thought..."you are doing all this but are you enjoying it, relishing in this wonderful season of life?" I regret to say, that no I was not enjoying it.

Then: I read some wonderful books that provided great insight and direction all in line with scripture regarding marriage and children. In one of them, it said, "Parenting is the most accurate test of one's true character." (M. Pearl) WHOA!!!!! Boy, He was really working in me now.

About a month and a half ago, after all these things started coming at me, things changed ~ my attitude changed. The Buckaroos are wonderful kids and Big Buckaroo and I have always diligently trained them (instead of just constantly disciplining them which is very tiring), after my attitude change to one of thankfulness and joy, I have being seeing more fruit from our efforts, not just in their obedience, but in their joyful hearts. Not to mention that a real good marriage is now a GREAT marriage.

The boys are big buddies and we have fun together rather than just trying to make it through the day. I am glad we are at this point especially since we will start homeschooling Little Buckaroo this year (he is 5 now) and I want him to enjoy it.

Good children grow out of good soil, and I am becoming a constant gardener. All praise and glory to God.

The Park Wife