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

583. for the 100 Day Habit Challenge

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!