http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NyuNO0P5V9o
A few weeks ago, I was having a VERY trying week with Kyra. Her behavior, mood swings, tantrums, impulsiveness...everything had been at an all time high. Living with a child with special needs is not an easy task. It's very draining emotionally and physically. With Kyra, I struggle because her disability isn't an obvious one. It's not one that when you look at her, you think "she's different".
During this time, I was looking for some kind of a web support group and found a cool website. It promotes a book written by 2 sisters who are raising daughters with similar issues to Kyra. The title of the book pretty well sums up how I feel most of the time..."shut up about your perfect kid". Raising an imperfect child in a society where we expect perfection is difficult.
Don't get me wrong, I can talk forever about all of Kyra's positive features. She is so outgoing, friendly and loving. She is a great example of being Christlike. She loves just about anyone (I say "just about" because loving her brother is debatable).
Why am I writing about this now? A couple of reasons: 1) I have only acknowledged to a few close friends and some family that I have an imperfect daughter. I hate labels and judgement. I want people to love her for her. 2) Kyra started a group therapy a few weeks ago on social behaviors. The goal is to learn how to act/react in certain social settings. It's been entertaining watching her role play with the other kids each situation. I have to say that it's been a good experience for her.
I'm not whining (although I do that more than I should). I love my imperfect daughter. I'm not saying, "don't tell me about your perfect kids". I love listening to stories of my nieces and nephews. I love listening to my friends brag about their kids. My real gripe is when I have an opportunity to vent to someone and they say, "my child does that too". Ummmm..you're child is 4...mine is 10. Your child is EXPECTED to behave like that...mine...not so much. I love the quote "I know that God won't give me more than I can handle..I just wish he didn't trust me so much." I know that Heavenly Father knows each of us and helps us when we ask. I know that we will have difficult times, but we will also have times of peace (we have experienced it before) and enjoyment. She may be imperfect, but she's perfectly Kyra!
Tanner has officially outgrown his bunkbed. He's been telling us for awhile that he has wanted a new bed. To prove his point, for a while he would sleep on the floor in an inflatable mattress. Finally, one morning just before Christmas Scott put the bunkbed on KSL to sell. We honestly didn't think it would sell very quickly. By 9:00 that night the bunkbed was disassembled and taken away by a family with 2 small boys who were SOOOOO excited about getting a new bed.
Look at our big boy in his new big boy bed!Ok, I think it's pretty safe to say that I STINK at keeping a blog. I have this overwhelming feeling like I have to be really creative and clever. I'm not a great writer and our lives are anything from exciting (or creative or clever). We just live each day trying to make it through to the next one. We have our trials to deal with (like any other family), but we manage to make it through each one and strive to learn the lesson that was supposed to come with it.
Our kids aren't perfect (shocker, I know) but I love them both with all of my heart. I wouldn't want perfect kids. I love the challenges that they each give me every day. It's what makes my life interesting and NEVER boring. I love that they both are very passionate about certain things. Tanner will never give up soccer (unless he breaks both his legs). He is very passionate about that and will forever be trying to better himself. Kyra loves to use her imagination. She is always walking around the house talking to herself (which really is her friend, her class that she is teaching or her 'daughter' the doll). Kyra loves school and loves to read and is always trying to better herself.
I love being a mom. I'm so grateful for the 2 children that heavenly father entrusted to us. I love doing things with them and for them. I love that they feel comfortable enough to come and talk to me about the good times and the bad. I love sharing one on one time with them. I love being a "soccer mom" and cheering my son on. I love watching Kyra develop her talents in dance and cheer. Everyday is a new adventure and that's what I love about being a mom.
2010 was much better than 2009 by a LONG shot. Here's hoping that 2011 brings even more memories and fun times than ever before. It should be a good year for us. I guess one of my new goals will be to try to update this blog more than every 6 months. :)