Tuesday, September 22, 2015

What I'm Learning about my Son (And Me)

We've successfully transitioned into "the school years" over here; "successfully" would be defined as the absence of total meltdown from any persons involved.  Additionally, we've added a smattering of extracurriculars to the schedule:  Dance class for Kendall and AWANA for both kids at church. 

Kendall sprinted for Kindergarten, as expected.  I walked her in to class the first week of school, and now I get daily requests for me to "drop her off."  None of this comes as a surprise- school is an environment that excites her, and we had her "Miss Independence" pegged long ago.  Her brother is an entirely different animal, a species I am unfamiliar with in many ways.

Where Kendall is my stage performer, Carter is my "Mommy, don't watch me" kid.
Where Kendall exhibits an eager, soft spiritual side, Carter leans in (or out) with more trepidation.
Where Kendall thrives on rewards, Carter cannot easily be bought.
Where Kendall needs variety and a platform for creativity, Carter prefers repetition and simplicity.

None of the above characteristics are traits I share with my son.  And, I realize he is only three, and many more personality traits will manifest over time.  But it is quite amazing watching his personality emerge on it's own, without notable influences from me.  It's a testament to the creativity of God- we are all so divinely and frustratingly unique.

There is one pattern of behavior in Carter that resonates strongly with me.  And by strongly, I mean I can often feel his frustrations myself.  Carter likes to get from Point A to Point B with as few obstacles as possible.  Or none.  No obstacles, no detours.  The most obvious way this is playing out these days is leaving the house.  When we leave (for school, church, etc.), I must tell Carter 1) where we are going, 2) what we are doing, and 3) when we will be BACK home.  His eye needs to be on the prize, and the prize is ALWAYS being back home. 

The times you will find Carter in tears at school or AWANA are trips to the music room, or game room, or playground, or ANY OTHER DETOUR that he was not aware of at Point A.  I cannot tell you how true this is of my own personality.  "Detours" in plans can shake me up so badly that I can no longer recognize I'm still moving toward the goal.  If you're thinking that this mentality would make living a faith-filled life difficult, you are right.  It's a struggle every day to lay down my lack of foresight at the feet of Jesus.  In the very broad scope of things, I know where Point B is, and I'm heading in that direction.  The rest of life....all detours.

Mommyhood is teaching me more about myself than I could have ever dreamed.  And here, I thought Mommying was all about knowing your children inside and out.  I'm grateful that many of Carter's unique qualities will serve him well in life.  He is sweet and affectionate, polite and compassionate.  He is organized in thought, analytical and calculated.  I hope I can be a gracious helper when life throws him (us) little (or big) curveballs.

And to help him actually throw those curveballs, I'll leave that to his Daddy. :)

48 comments:

Mel said...

Hi... I've been reading your blog. I have a daughter who is 6 months and has glaucoma. I'd love to email with you. can you email me at melaniejdodge@gmail.com

Thank you!

Unknown said...


شركة كشف تسربات المياه بالقصيم




شركة عزل اسطح بالقصيم

Unknown said...

you can write article so good and improve my skill thank you so much .
Best Candid photographers in Jaipur
Web design company in jaipur
vip escorts service in jaipur

Johnsaib said...

Awesome Post, Thanks for sharing this article.
Boy's Fashion Clothing Online in Pakistan

James Sand said...

hey i loved your site layout and especially the way you wrote everything. I must say that you keep posting this type of information so that we may see the latest news.
Well, don't forget to take part in Kroger feedback survey. Krogerfeedback survey is conducted at the ooficial kroger feedback website which is krogerfeedback.com
krogerfeedback

Winkroger said...

Hey, i really appreciate your site and its content. Your postings are so good and informational. I personally read them out and they are so influencing. I must say that you keep posting this type of information so that we may see the latest news.
krogerfeedback.com fuel survey

Emma watson said...

Well, don't forget to take part in Kroger feedback survey. Krogerfeedback survey is conducted at the ooficial kroger feedback website which is krogerfeedback.com
www.krogerfeedback.com 50 fuel points

Saba said...

Hey Thanks for sharing this valuable information with us. I will come back to your site and keep sharing this information with us. Also, don't forget to read the latest taco bell customer satisfaction survey here.
tellthebell.com

Survey said...

Are you looking for Sbarro customer survey official site and how to take
Sbarro survey online and win rewards then look at this article.
Here I have given all steps and necessary information about Sbarro customer survey feedback .

Jhon Wick said...

To find the best short term rentals in dubai i will suggest you to visit the MEX Short Term Rentals Dubai office if you're looking to plan you vacations soon in Dubai.

Saba said...

The most authentic post ever i read about the topic so far i must say you have cleared all the

required info thank for sharing, keep up the good work and win $100 Gift Cards at talktoregal survey.

Wania Sheikh said...

Thanks for sharing this amazing article.

Regards,
Category Manager E-Com
Bluetooth Handsfree
Bluetooth Headsets
Power Bank Price in Pakistan
Bluetooth Speaker
Mobile Accessories

Food Survey said...

Saved as a favorite, I like your blog!
TellDunkin

CiCi's Pizza

Boots Opticians

ReviewitbySaba said...

Wonderful...
If you want to visit Pakistan.. do Visit Hunza with Hunza Tour Packages we provide the best Tour services in Pakistan

Angelina John said...

Heeey!! Great and inspiring post
Get the best hosting service from Pakistan:
Nice post! Are you looking for premium hosting Get best and cheap web hosting in Pakistan 2019 from the most authentic web hosting companies in Pakistan 2019 for further information, visit Domain Host Web .

Angelina John said...

Heeey!! Great and inspiring post
Get the best hosting service from Pakistan:
Are you looking for premium hosting Get best and cheap web hosting in Pakistan 2019 from the most authentic web hosting companies in Pakistan 2019 for further information, visit Domain Host Web

Wania Sheikh said...

such an amazing writing skills of this writer, this so much informative, kindly write more about Office furniture in karachi and office chair in karachi and more

donate zakat and sadaqah said...

The term donate zakat and sadaqah can be used at the same time because they both are interchangeable. If a person gives zakat so he or she isn’t paying sadaqah same as that if a person pays sadaqah so he or she isn’t paying zakat.

Malik Editors said...

http://closetsongs.blogspot.com/2015/09/what-im-learning-about-my-son-and-me.html

Rent A Car Islamabad.pk said...



I was reading your contents and writing and found a lot of information. Keep posting such contents for us. Car Rental Islamabad

arman Malick said...

Whether you are hiring a car for business or pleasure, or you need a car or van, vip car has the right hire car at Islamabad for you for
more detail please visit rent a car islamabad.

Rick Wilson said...

Click Here
Click Here
Click Here
Click Here
Click Here

Fuel Digital Marketing said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
rent a car islamabad said...



Thanks for sharing such a wonderful article.Rent a car Islamabad

Rent a Prado in Pakistan said...

Positive site, where did u think of the data on this posting? I'm satisfied I found it however, sick be inquiring soon to discover what extra posts you incorporate.Rent a Prado in Islamabad

Muhammad said...

Hey, great blog, but I don’t understand how to add your site in my rss reader. Can you Help me please?Rent a car in Islamabad

Rent a car Islamabad said...

It is really a great and useful piece of info. I’m glad that you shared this helpful info with us. rent a prado in Lahore

Unknown said...

An interesting discussion is worth comment. I think that you should write more on this topic,
it might not be a taboo subject but generally people are not enough to speak on such topics. To the next. Cheers
Rent a in Car Islamabad
Rent a Car
Rent a Car Islamabad Without Driver
Rent a Car Islamabad With Driver

EtsayDaraz said...

Organ Developer In Pakistan

Orthayu Balm In Pakistan

Barret said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Rent a car said...

Nice Blog! Thanks for Sharing the Post.
Rent a Car Islamabad

Rent Luxury Limo said...

Rent Luxury Limo provide you with the best limo service in Washington DC, Maryland, Virginia, California, New York and New Jersey Rent Limo Limo Feet Limo Rate Wedding Limo Service Bachelorette Party Limo Service Prom Limousine Service DC New Year Party Limo Rental DC /Quinceanera Limo Service Corporate Transportation ..

RCI Motors said...

An interesting discussion is worth a comment. I think that you should write more on this topic, it might not be a taboo subject but generally, people are not enough to speak on such topics. To the next. Cheers Rent a Car Service in Islamabad

Zaf said...

Hey, i really appreciate your site. You have posted good content which I personally read and liked so much. I must say that you keep posting this type of information so that we may see the latest news. Rent a Car in Islamabad with driver

aarondevin said...

kroger customer survey is an online questionary , designed specifically to collect customers feedback. after receiving the kroger survey, management will act upon the shortcomings to serve customers better in future visit.

Luxury Car rentals islamabad said...

"""Why Hamdan car rental service?
rent a car islamabad
Hamdan car rental service is providing the best service all over Pakistan Karachi Lahore Islamabad Multan Faisalabad Peshawar Quetta Sukkur Sahiwal Abbottabad Mansehra Haripur Murree Naran Kagan Hunza Gilgit Balochistan Chicha Watani Hyderabad China Border Kashmir Malakand And More Areas. Hamdan Rent Car is available with the largest flat service in Pakistan. Rent a car in islamabad"""

Harry said...

If you are looking for Rent a Car in Islamabad or Rent a Car Rawalpindi then you are on right place.
Pakistan Qureshi Tours offer all types of cars for rent


Rent A Car Islamabad

Home Tutors said...

Very good article thnx for sharing energetic information. i really appreciate u.U work more to promte website.
keep it,blog Upload on regularly. I read the blog on a daily base.
"Get the best home tutor in Karachi At your Doorstep. Best Tutor Academy in Karachi For All Classes and Subject


Jinnah Tutor Academy In Karachi is a trusted tutor academy by parents and children, well-known for its compatibility in a variety of subjects, extensive experienced Home tutor in Karachi to cover loads of curriculum, and determination to guide students on the career-changing path through home tuition.


We are a team of high-qualified, award-winning, top-rated & professional teachers that not just help students study in crucial hours but alsoHome Tutors prepare them for future academic challenges.

royaltaxipk said...

Thanks for this blog. It really provides awesome information to all readers. keep it up and keep posting these types of blogs on digital marketing services, it's really helpful
https://royaltaxi.pk/
Car Rental in Rawalpindi

lcrenovation said...

Thanks for taking the time to discuss this, I feel strongly about it and love learning more on this topic. If possible
https://www.lcrenovation.co.uk/renovations-in-vauxhall/
Renovations in Earlsfield

Winstore.pk said...

This is very useful information. You can also look for some wild products by clicking on the following websites.

laptop on installment in karachi
tcl 50 inch led price in pakistan
rawayat jewellery
mini laptop price in Pakistan

walcottdagley said...

Stainless Steel vs Titanium Apple Watch | TiG
Stainless Steel. Stainless steel versus titanium. infiniti pro rainbow titanium flat iron Stainless steel is titanium price per pound very rare. In addition, stainless steel titanium nipple jewelry is used in many of edc titanium the classic watches. titanium rings

Unknown said...


W offer thes best Hunza valley tour packages

Unknown said...

We offer the best Neelum valley tour packages

Unknown said...

we offer the Best Swat Valley,Neelum Valley tour Packages,Naran Kaghanand hunza valley Tour Packages at tour My Pakistan

Rehan Jam said...

Chunda Valley is a remote valley located in the Skardu District of Gilgit Baltistan, Pakistan. It is situated at an elevation of 2,400 meters above sea level and is surrounded by towering peaks and glaciers, making it one of the most picturesque places in the region.

orbeezgunreview said...

One thing i will love to add here about you thesis and try to recommend you something. Kids should also involve in physical activities and the best one is by playing outdoor games. To make it fun you can gift him Orbeez gun and by playing this game his decision making skills and he will become a fit person.

Karim said...

Sometimes it is best to stop working and give sometime for travelling and one of the best country to explore is Pakistan and Exploria.pk offers best pakistan tour packages so check https://www.exploria.pk/tours/