The Plank in My Eye

So, I've discovered that Nathan doesn't just "like" stuff. He is obsessed with them. This can be an asset and it can be a challenge. I believe it's my job, as his mom, to help him harness this obsessive quality to his benefit. Yes, I agree obsession in itself is not good. Balance is good. Yep, got it. But, for some people this is more challenging than others. For Nathan, his obsessions include: sports, the show "Wipeout," Super Mario Brothers, all video games in general, and a few other things.  Wipeout was eliminated from our house a while ago and my couch is no longer fashioned with an imaginary sweeper arm, and Christian is no longer a sucker punch wall...well, for the most part. The latest obsession to bite the dust was the DS and Super Mario Brothers.

The other night I asked him to shut it off and get ready for bed, and he came unglued. This was not a first time offense and I knew it was time to put it away until he was ready for this privilege. He had long crossed over the "enjoy this activity responsibly" category to "I can't possibly live without my DS and I will punch you if you take it from me" category. I had to act.

Alligator tears ran down his face and bitterness stirred in his heart as I swept him into my arms. Then, it hit me like a ton of bricks.

³ “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? ⁴ How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? ⁵ You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye. Matthew 7: 3-5

I've got a big plank in my own eye - in the form of a mac. A shiny, silver plank. A plank with many facets - facebook, email, pinterest, and the ugly "I'm busy, I'll help you later" side. When we see our sin for what it really is, it stings. It hurts to know that my priorities haven't been straight and that I was being a hypocrite. I apologized to Nathan, told him that I would be putting away my distractions during free time and would be spending that time with him - playing games, reading books, teaching/learning. What I should have been doing all along. His sweet heart softened and I was softened.

We spent our free time yesterday playing games, baking cupcakes, and strengthening relationships. I am so grateful. Does this mean that we are now perfect? ABSOLUTELY NOT. Will I mess up? GUARANTEED. But, once again I have been lovingly directed back to the path set out for me.

I thought I'd add a few pictures too. :)

 Julie makes going to the dentist fun. We love her!

 Makayla's 8th birthday scavenger hunt from Aunt Keri. She had so much fun!

 Our "Elf on a Shelf" - This really makes me giggle.

 I managed to sew my finger. I'm much more careful when I sew now. ;)

 This is how the 'real' pros install motors.

 Studying the sun in Apologia Astronomy class at Co-Op. So fun! We are so blessed to have Jaclyn teach the class!

 "You're my favorite, Trevor Swan" - A note I found that Nathan had written. <3 p="p">

 Christian's favorite part of the pumpkin patch was feeding the goats. 

 He's a fashionable guy.

 Kia's wedding was beautiful. Hope we get a chance to spend more time with them!

 Jason and I spent the weekend in McCall for our 10 year anniversary - zip-lining, jet skiing, hiking, hot pools, fireworks, fun.

 Makayla is now a seasoned dunk tank dunkee. Here she is with some of the sweetest boys we know.

 Nathan braved the dunk tank at the annual 4th of July party this year. 

 Our friends are serious about their tug-of-war games. ;)

 This is the look on a dad's face when he realizes he can go fishing with kids, but, he shouldn't expect to catch anything when you've got two little ones doing this...

When you go camping and Dan Park joins you, you know you are about to have some serious fun.

 The kids enjoyed checking out Great Grandpa Pendlebury's name on the Potato Hall of Fame plaque at the Idaho Potato Museum. Thanks to the hard work of my mom and several other relatives, he was this year's inductee. 

 We LOVED spending track break with Brandi and the kids doing Science Club!

 Good cousins/teammates give mid-game energizing back punches. :)

 I am starting to be convinced that Nathan's facial expressions have a direct correlation to his stellar athletic skills.

 He claims this is his boxing "mustache."

 Chuck-E-Cheese parties rock. period.

 Oh yeah, we got a tramp too.

 See, the facial expression....I think I'm on to something. 

 It might enhance your coaching skills, too.

I guess that was a more than a few...we had a lot of catching up to do. 

"hey"

So, it's been a while and I can't figure out how to keep the "older posts" on the front page...So, if you are just joining the come-back party, please click on the link below that says, "older posts" for a more in-depth catch-up if you'd like. :) It's good to be back.