Playing Doctor

If you are a mom or dad or have a mom and dad you have heard of the good old past time of 'playing doctor'. Fisher Price even sells a great play kit. I've considered getting one for my son since his dad drives an ambulance sometimes. Bryston has his own very real stethoscope. He'll listen to my heart and his. Innocent fun right?

Today Bryston and I had a play date with my best friend and her sweet kids. We went to McDonalds since it was nasty outside. Bryston and his friends had a great time. They were the only kids there for a while. As our play time was winding down Bryston came to me with his pants unzipped and said "Mommy, my pants are unzipped." (I had just taken him to the bathroom and first thought maybe I forgot to zip them) Nearby a mother was sitting and listening (only one other child was there, a girl about 5 or 6). I asked Bryston how they came unzipped and he said "That girl unzipped them". Oh my. I'm ashamed to say that my first thought was his overactive imagination. (I was a teacher for peets sakes! What was I thinking? Children don't make things like this up.) As I was talking to Bryston and having him explain to me exactly what happened the mother of the girl told me that her daughter is going through this playing doctor phase and that she did believe her daughter did that. She had her daughter apologize to Bryston and promptly left. I'm thankful to that mother for being honest. It's a simple and innocent game BUT I don't want my child to think that is okay.

After they left I told Bryston that no one is to ever touch him around those areas and that if that ever happened again he was to scream for me because I'm never far away. (I didn't see this because it was at the top of the play area's slide/tube contraption). I learned a valuable lesson. I will never doubt my child or second guess myself.
Later my best friends precious and caring daughter felt really bad that she didn't see what had happened so she could stop it.

I watch my child very close, almost to the point of being over protective. But I didn't think to have other children on my radar for that kind of behavior. From now on before we play anywhere I will add this new concern to my preteach before we play. Thank you Jesus for watching out for my child.

10 year reflection

Ten years ago I was a senior preparing for the big bad world. Graduation was finally a reality. After 13 years of school it had come down to one moment...high school graduation. I was living with my parents and driving a paid for GEO Metro. I was working at Interior Outlet and going to school only 1/2 days. College applications were a real fear. Here are some Praises from the past 1o years.

1. I was fresh off a mission trip to Guyana, South America. I had sworn off men after reading a great book by Joshua Harris. My goal was to not date again until God had the right person for me. I was content to serve, be with friends, and go to college. Just 4 months after graduation I met Jason. We dated for nearly 3 years and married in 2002 after purchasing our first home. (No, I didn't live with him until we were married)

2. I completed my Bachelors in Education.

3. I worked for nearly 5 years in 2 schools in the great Fort Smith Public Schools.

4. Jason and I welcomed our son in 2005. He is such a wonderful blessing.

5. Then in 2009 we welcomed a daughter. Never did I think my life would be so full.

6. I've been blessed with the most wonderful Best Friend. We have been inseparable since the 7th grade. Even though we both have families and busy lives (hers more than mine:) we still talk nearly every day. She has been there for the birth of both of my children (with our son she had to travel 3 hours to be there).

7. I'm embarking on a new journey as a stay-at-home mom.

In 10 years I've learned that only God can sustain me. He is teaching me about life everyday. I'm learning how to be a better person. I love my husband and children, I thank God every chance I get. I'm humbled by His forgiveness and blessed by His Grace. My husband and I have been led to a Great Church and are excited to serve the Lord. 10 years has flown by. Has it really been ten years?

I'm excited to see what God has planned for the next ten.