One of the most fascinating aspects of being a mom has been how DIFFERENT kids are.
I guess you kinda know that in general…of course we’re all different and have different personalities…of course.
But somehow, seeing it play out in my own home is just so intriguing.
Take Henry. A classic introvert. Loves all things science and math. Loves to have big, heady, way older than he is conversations. He often cuddles up with me and says “Mom, what should we talk about?” He’s an old soul. Sensitive. Feels empathy in a way that I see very rarely in even adults.
Lu is an extrovert to the core. Asks me how many days until school starts daily. Wants to know when her friend can come over. Always wants to come with me to the store, even if it’s nowhere exciting. She likes to draw and color and be creative. She is BOLD. I remember when she was a newborn, I could see the feisty independence as early as 6 weeks old and I used to say “If she didn’t need me for sustenance, I’m pretty sure she’d have her own apartment by now.” SIX WEEKS and I could tell. Seriously.
Jill is an almost perfect mix of sweet and silly. She has a goofiness to her that pairs perfectly with a dainty femininity. She loves books and animals. And seems especially pleased with herself when she makes us laugh. Also, sugar. Girlfriend loves sugar. Because cake.
Owen is the resident class clown. Precocious, goofy, and thrives on being the center of attention. Pretty sure I’ll be getting notes home from the principal with this one. And yet, the biggest mama’s boy of them all. #naughtyporkchop and such.
My four kids have four distinct personalities. YET, they all have the same parents. The same upbringing. The same home. The same discipline. The same socio-economic status. The same EVERYTHING ELSE.
And yet, from their very earliest moments, I began to see shimmers of their personality, even as bitty burrito wrapped babies.
AND THIS FREAKS ME OUT.
Because it reminds me, like a smack in the face, that God made them this way.
God created these little tiny, deliciously grunting, arms over the head, legs pulled tight stretching babes.
And here they are. In my care.
The most delicate of packages. Addressed to me and Andy. And hot dang if that isn’t a heavy realization some days.
As a mom, I know that who I am to my children, the expectations I place on them, the way I interact, react, and project will slowly shape them as they grow. Sometimes for the good. Sometimes for the bad.
But always, my goal is to encourage them to be who God created them to be.
To see their strengths and weaknesses and rather than try to put a square peg in a round hole, I want to walk alongside them. Even if it’s not the exact path I would have preferred.
Naturally, one of my all-time favorite quotes is from George Macdonald. I’ve had this quote printed out in a simple Arial font and framed in Henry’s room since before he was born. A simple reminder that this motherhood thing isn’t so much about me and what I want, but about God and what He intended.
When Kristi of Barn Owl Primitives offered to make me a custom sign (and host another giveaway!), I knew I wanted a prettier version of my sign.
And, as you can see, she did not disappoint.
Her work is just perfection.
The color combos. The just-right amount of distressing. Perfection. (Also, this xylophone? I die.)
I love that I’m reminded in such a happy way.
And that my kids might see my heart in these words. That they might think “Yeah, Mom screws up. She could do lots of things better. But you know, I get what she’s trying to do.”
All of that to say that I need visual reminders sometimes. To re-focus what my overall goals are. To give me a sense of Deep Breathe You Can Do This moments. To gently say Hey. Get over yourself. This is bigger than Legos on the floor and broken tea sets.
I love intentional art. I can’t decide if this latest BOP sign or my rainbow one is my favorite. Can you have two favorites?
Kristi is generously offering one of you a $75 credit to her shop!
Just fill in the rafflecopter prompts below and I’ll select a winner on Saturday, March 22!
Please Note: gift certificate is valid towards the purchase of product only. Winner is responsible for any taxes and shipping charges where applicable. This gift certificate cannot be combined with any other offer or discount code.
Disclosure: I was provided a sign for review. All opinions are my own. The usual.
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I could use a little more healthy motiviation on the walls around me, just like this!!
Stacey B.´s last blog post ..Oh, What a Morning….
You are My Sunshine is the cutest sign! I want to win so badly!
Only one favorite? I love the “You are my Sunshine”. But I’m also heavily envying your custom sign. That quote is perfect ! :)
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pretty sure i’m not eligible, but I wanted to say Hi anyway :) I love, love, love that quote. Have a great day.
Mari´s last blog post ..When Introspection Isn’t Pretty
I love that quote! She certainly does amazing work!
I love her signs and your blog! Awesome giveaway!
Lori Linsmeyer´s last blog post ..Gentle Reminders & a giveaway! {barn owl primitives}
I love that quote! But I also love “go into this world and do good” sign.
I like the “We can do hard things” signs!
Love the Thin Mints one. lol Totally describes my thoughts on solicitors.
Simply too hard to pick a favorite, but if i must then I love the “Trouble with Trouble” sign as well as the “You’re adorable Alphabet sign.”
Pick in one fave is ridiculous, but I love the “you are my sunshine” . . . Anand the “be awesome today”!
jenny´s last blog post ..{New}
It’s a toss up between the “there’s no place like home” one and “I’ve found the one whom my soul loves.” I also love your sign and can’t believe I’ve never heard that quote before!!!
Three Little Birds is my favorite. When my son was born, I realized I didn’t really know any nursery rhymes, so I sang that song instead.
And I was just talking with someone about little personalities. My son amazes me everyday how he is the same as he was at months old, but just continues to develop into this social butterfly with a big heart. And best of all, a complete momma’s boy!
I couldn’t agree more. And I love that sign! It’s not about how I want them to be, it’s about how God created them to be.
Three birds is my favorite – I saw it on Instagram and it was love at first sight:))))
I think I’d like one of those ‘come in we’re open’ signs once we finish our living room remodel.
melissa miller´s last blog post ..Country Girls Winner
Oh pick one, ok that’s sooooooo not easy!! …but I have had my eye on the pink twinkle twinkle little star plaque forever now. Well since last fall-ish. Yeah the $100 one that i will never afford but still …it would be presh in my baby’s bedroom, and I’m sure $75 would help that dream!!! And the xylophone – oh my!
I only hope that I can raise them the way He wants me to. Being a mom is a big job I tell you!
Love that quote & the reminder it gives us parents. Also
really drooling over the xylophone too :)
I love the new three little birds sign and the red “I have found the one my soul loves” signs. I’ve had my eye on them forever!!
You don’t know me, but I super appreciate you. No, I love you! Thank you for being here in this online space being an encouragement
HELP! I love them all~ But I’m drawn today to “Do smALL things with great love”~
I want that sign!! I love it! The colors are amazing!
I would choose the one…”I have found the one whom my soul loves…” And I’d happily pay the difference. :)
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love the quote in the boys room but i really love the sign, “we can do hard things”, i think it could be so empowering.
Great quote. Never heard it before. Thanks for sharing.
hmm so many awesome signs – I’ll pick ‘Let it be’ lyrics sign I just love that song.
it is hard to choose! I really do like the Where We Love is HOME – Oliver Wendell Holmes Typography Word Art Hand Painted Sign though.
I love them all! But the “I have found the one that my soul loves…” Is probably my first pick, at least this minute! :)
Of the many I love, I think this time around, I’ll choose the rainbow,”There’s No Place Like Home.”
I love this sign and it would be perfect for my daughter who is in “that” stage of life
Love the Mother Teresa one – such a great message!
Love love love You Are My Sunshine! My girls need that for their room. :)
I LOVE the Grow Beautiful sign. It is so perfect!!
I love the three little birds one
I can only hope they see past all of my mistakes and see His perfection.
Loving the Song of Solomon sign!
Soooo many lovelies! I adore the xylophone! & You are my Sunshine!
xox
Susan @SugarBeans.org´s last blog post ..Another adult in the house
This is an amazing reminder to take time to remember the miracles our children really are!
Thank you, this was such a good reminder for me today! My favorite is You are My Sunshine. I’d hang it in my daughter’s room :)
Faith trust and pixie dust!
This is my favorite!!
Mother Teresa sign is my favorite
I love the George McDonald print above! Definitely something I would love my little girl growing up to read everyday.
I love the xylophone!
Liz´s last blog post ..Gray and Chevron Dresser
Ok, I NEED this McDonald quote for my baby boy’s nursery. It is such a good reminder that I am to help mold him into becoming the man God has designed him to be. Not to mention that the colors are perfect for his nursery. :)
I love this and have the perfect spot for this.
This one is fairly new and I LOVE the simplicity of it!!! https://www.etsy.com/listing/181371623/wooden-wall-art-large-rainbow-xylophone?ref=shop_home_feat_3
One of my dearest friends, who has suffered so many pregnancy losses in her journey to start a family, is now traveling the long and arduous, but patient and faithful path toward adoption. She and her husband are two of the sweetest, kindest people I can think of and it would mean so much to me to be able to send her this sign – I feel it fits this family so perfectly.