The Ups & Downs

I know the old cliche phrase "life is full of ups and downs," but with children, especially mine, that is becoming so true.  We can have so many "downs."  Like yesterday I took the boys to Target, Luke disappeared, the store went on a Code Yellow, blocked the doors, and every employee was in search for my son only to find him sitting within range to hear us eating animal crackers!  I was so frustrated with him for not responding when we called his name.  Shortly after he ran out in the parking lot ready to get himself killed.  Then there is the potty training that is still going on after months and months.  After sitting on the potty several times he managed to poop his pants and not seem to be bothered by it at all.  Then there's Drew.  Between his climbing on everything and also trying to get himself killed and the sleeping issues in which he wakes up about 3-4 times a night I make being a mom sound like a total drag.  But then there are the "ups."  Like when we are outside on the swings and the boys are so happy and laughing together.  Or when Luke says things so politely and takes care of Drew.  Or when he wakes up looking for our new puppy so it will chase him.  Or every time Drew sees me he gets a smile all over his body and runs into my arms.  Or when I pick up a book to read and they both crawl into my lap.  Or when we go to the pond and they could throw rocks in the water forever.  And listening to Drew say "Whoa" every time a rock hits the water.  And when Luke says that my pancakes are the best.  Or when every time I pick up Drew he lays his head on my shoulder.  Yes, I do love all these "ups."  And they always outweigh the "downs."

Terrible Twos??? What about Threes???

It's been a trying winter with Luke.  I love the little guy to death but he's been very defiant and difficult lately.  Not to mention the potty training.  I'm pretty sure we've been working on pooping in the potty for over 6 months.  It definitely didn't take a week like some of my friends.  And it's so frustrating, he has no shame nor does he seem to care.  That part has gotten a little bit better, he doesn't need to go every half hour like before.  And with Drew around, that was a nightmare!  But lately he's gotten bad about the backtalking and bossing.  I try to keep some consistency with time-outs but they don't seem to faze him.  Spanking doesn't seem to faze him either.  However, my dad did seem to have an effect on him.  He got onto him yesterday for backtalking my mom.  Mom said he just stood there and wanted to cry but didn't.  Today he was a little sweeter.  He said "no thank you" when I asked if he wanted something to drink.  And he said "thank you for saying thank you."  But he's so hyper too, he's always moving or jumping and I feel like I'm always nagging him to stop doing something. I hate being a nag.  It's got me questioning my parenting skills and praying constantly.  One thing keeps running through my head though, a speech from a woman at a MOPS meeting last year..."I may not be perfect, but I am the perfect parent for my children."