Slow to Become Angry …

I’m having a hard time with that one these days.  If you’ve read my blog then you know that my oldest, Little Buttercup (she’s 7) and I butt heads quite a bit.  And things have been going well, but over the past week, I dunno, I’m so easily frustrated and angry with her.  I see SO much of myself in her, things that I am frustrated with in MYSELF, and when I see those things that I struggle with I guess I become angry … because I see myself.  Did that make sense?

And sometimes I think that maybe I expect too much from her, but then other times I think that most of what I ask of her is perfectly reasonable for a 7-year-old.  I’m at a loss.  Wednesday night I was at a complete loss.  I was on the verge of tears – literally – as the church service was beginning.  But as I sang praises to the Lord that all melted away and I found my self asking forgiveness for wishing she wasn’t so difficult to deal with sometimes.  I guess things could be worse after all.  Still, it’s hard to know just how to handle her, and myself, sometimes.

But I do have to say that things are much, much better than they have ever been … perhaps I am seeking perfection?  Maybe … but I also have a tendency to beat myself up when I get even the slightest bit angry and frustrated, which leads to – you guessed it – more anger and frustration.  *sigh*

I also find myself comparing her with Baby Buttercup (I know, I know …).  You see, Baby Buttercup is so, well, typical.  You know, terrible twos have begun and all that, but it’s all pretty normal stuff.  Little Buttercup has never been “normal” … I mean, she’s healthy in every way, just marches to the beat of her own different drummer.  And that’s good.  But then, it can also be bad.  Like I said, I’m at a loss … *sigh* again …

If you think about us, please pray for her and for me…I would really appreciate it!

Thanks!

Why I Haven’t Been Around Much

Those lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer …

We’re experiencing a drought right now and the only way for the girls to get water is through the Slip ‘n Slide:

Of course, I’m just kidding.  This how they spent the afternoon yesterday.  The top is Little Buttercup and our neighbor and the bottom is Baby Buttercup.

By the way … when I went to get the link for the Slip ‘n Slide (just check out this link) I found multiple (as in 18!) different versions.  Kids today have it way better than we did … remember our slip ‘n slides?  Ouch!

Reflecting on Cuteness

These are just for you Aunt Pam!

Last night at my brother’s 40th birthday party, my sis-in-law was playing with Baby Buttercup’s hair and said I should put it up in little ponytails, so I was inspired this morning … ain’t she cute?  I couldn’t resist …

Awww … I feel so loved …

Christy, at Teach, Live, Love (also Steve’s wife) has given me the Blogger Reflection Award. I like the idea behind this award. If you want to know more, visit the site above. She said:

Heather is someone who has encouraged me to think. To think about what the words of God truly say and why we do the things we do. She has confirmed some ideas that I already have and has opened my eyes to other concepts that I hadn’t thought of before.

… thanks Christy!

And Candace had given me the Rockin’ Girl Blogger Award … here’s what she said:

My next favorite blogger is Heather! Heather may not appreciate me saying this, but I consider Heather to be one of those “kindred hearts” that you run into in this life from time to time, although not too often I may add! I also “met” Heather on the FIAR boards and soon came to LOVE visiting her blog! Oh, and while you are visiting Heather, check out her homeschooling blog and her homemaking blog! If you’ve never quilted before (like me) she just might inspire you to start! But my favorite quality of Heather is her sharing of her faith – and all those REAL questions we have but don’t want to say outloud! — on her blog. She and I have some similar thoughts and I have really enjoyed reading her thoughts and words…she says those things much better than I, and I have learned a lot from her opening up herself to us. Thanks, Heather!

Awwwwwwww … Thanks guys! I feel so loved. And Candace, I appreciate you saying that — I feel a kindred-ness to you as well

I’m super-busy at the moment, so I will get back to my nominations soon …

4th of July Fun

We rented a boat from a guy on Craig’s List for the 4th.  We have been debating on getting our own boat for a while now.  Our decision after Wednesday?  Definitely NOT!  Not right now anyway.  Brandon grew up boating and once we started dating we spent nearly every weekend at Lake Lanier up until we got married (it was his parents’ boat).  We both enjoy it a lot.  But boating with a baby?  Not feasible.  All in all, though, I think we had a good time … if we forget about the end of the evening when Baby Buttercup was so worn out that she screamed the entire way back to the marina.  Poor Brandon … I think he was about to jump overboard between the screaming baby, the late night navigating with obvious drunk folk driving their boats too and the fact that the outdrive on one of the engines went out.  Sounds like fun, huh?  Really, up until that point we were having a decent time.  One of the reasons to go to Lake Lanier for the 4th is the magnificent fireworks display they put on every year.  I’ve honestly never seen a better one … ever.  So here are a few pix to share …

Here is Baby Buttercup “driving” the boat

Here is the plethora of boats gathering and anchoring outside Lake Lanier Islands for the fireworks.  In years past I swear there have been many more boats than this year.

And a couple of fireworks shots … they’re fair considering the digital camera we were using …

Hope you guys had a happy 4th!

~Heather