Monday, January 3, 2011

The Adventure With A Boy

He holds up three fingers because that's what he's used to. He giggles and pops up his pinky to make four. Today it's his birthday and he tells us that he's four but then he'll be five. I don't like the sound of that. Wrapping my mind around the fact that my baby has been on this earth for four whole years makes it seem like life is flying by and I just want time to stand still for awhile. But, I'm proud and thrilled with his growth and his new skills and well, his many questions...
Oliver leans over the arm of the couch and thrusts his fist out and punches the air. "Mommy, are we allowed to hit bad people?" I finish typing an email and turn toward him. Somehow, I don't ever see these types of questions coming (perhaps because I've been a mommy of three daughters for so long?).
I take a deep breath. I know I'm "supposed to" allow him to exercise those masculine desires for heroism but how do I keep from stifling that while discouraging the violence? Hmmm. I slur out something about helping the bad people to learn how to be good and to love God in the end. It feels painfully inadequate.
He stares for a moment then slides down off the couch. He steps toward me and our eyes lock. Then my boy raises those eyebrows and says, "I wish there would be some left-over bad people so we can kill them with our swords!"
Really? I don't get it. Daddy needs to talk with this boy. Swords? We don't even have any... oh yeah, the foam one. Doesn't Dobson say something about this? Note to self: must read the book :) In any case, four is going to be an adventure I'm sure.

Oliver, I'm looking forward to the ride with you, Little Man. Happy Birthday :)
On that note, I'd like to continue my gratitude to the Lord for His bountiful goodness...
571. for a lovable, affectionate, hockey and Hot Wheels-loving four year-old boy
572. for three in the tub (not much longer, I'm sure)
573. for an early winter melting of snow and the toboggans that arrived the next day (now for the wait)
574. for early morning sister phone calls
575. for another sister who works on me hard to convince me to join a group (what are sisters for?)
576. for God's mercy during eight days of sickness this week
577. for the new beginning of January
578. for this new decade
579. for completed puzzles (oooh, I love the joy that comes with this)
580. for comments I've received from new blogger friends (I'm really not writing just for my mom? ha ha!)
581. for my husband's explosive laughter when his team (Toronto Maple Leafs) scores
582. for friends who will always be there no matter what changes in my life
584. for a fresh gift from heaven, Baby Katie (can't wait to meet you!)
585. for a newly painted laundry room
586. for the Christy movies
587. for a truck cake after many pink, Barbie or Polly Pocket cakes :)
588. for the freedom in confession
589. for the constant piano tinkering in our home
590. for fresh, clean sheets on every bed
Praise God from Whom all blessings flow!

8 comments:

sydney ellen said...

Happy Birthday, Oliver!!! I loved your gratitude list! :)

Anonymous said...

Haha!! I LOVE having a 4yr old;) And I can totally relate to the sword comment, except with us it was...dare I say guns *gasp! I was with Samuel and Noah K and I ask Noah what he would like for Christmas, and he said "nothing". My Samuel piped up "Do you want a real gun??" I was speechless since he doesn't own any "toy" guns and he's never seen a show that used guns?? Where they come up with this stuff...
Happy Birthday big boy Oliver! I will never forget watching you play Tim Hortons drive thru at only 2 years old in the nursery - so precious;) xoxo

Hopes Handcrafts said...

We have so much to be grateful for..praise the Lord! Happy 4th birthday to your young man. Out of the mouths of boys, huh? LOL!

Camille said...

Your little man is so precious! Very, very cute!!

And your list ~

#581...yaay for our hockey men! :)

#590...doesn't that feel like a HUGE accomplishment??

Sending love across the miles to you my friend!

Blessings,
Camille

Anna said...

Agh, 4 already! Happy birthday, buddy! I miss seeing you guys.
Go leafs Go!
I love the look on Oliver's face. Too cute!

Heather@Cultivated Lives said...

I :heart: 4 year old boys!!!! :) He would fit in so well in our home. :) And yes, I've been working on those same types of questions...

hmmm, maybe I should re-read Dobson's book?!?!?!? A friend loned that book to me soon after I was married when I was fretting about how DIFFERENT my hubby was from me. Despite being a tomboy of sorts, growing up with only sisters left me pretty much in the dark on how different men/boys are. It helped me relate to my hubby and now my boys. :)

Mouse and Magoo said...

LOOVE that cutie pie.

That sweet gorgous little soul.

That, that boy.

LOVE 'IM!

happy birthday Bubby!
Love,
Pantsy Puzzle

Craig and Bethany said...

Hahaha! I just love his boyishness. Oliver to the rescue!