Toddlerhood! The Helpers

So I haven't posted about my child in awhile so I guess I will update my blogging friends about my princess. Right now we are dealing with a little thing I like to call toddlerhood! It's like an alternate universe where my precious little angel turns into a manipulating little devil! Lol, Okay it isn't really that bad. I hear my friends say oh I miss this stage and I look at them like they are crazy. Yes she is smart and learning at an amazing rate. She is curious and sassy, which I guess can be amusing to outsiders. But it is the testing of limits, the tantrums, the teething, the temperatures. Ultimately its about control! Or lack of it.

This is a stage in her life that I was hoping to feel more in control of my daughter. But if there is one thing I am learning about my walk with the Lord also known as my recovery of my sinful nature, that God wants me to surrender control. Control of her life and control of mine. If I could teach her anything I would want it to be that. When I am feeling completely out of control of a situation, God always finds a way to remind me of the wonderful people and tools he has surrounded me with to help. Some of those people are:
Moms! 
Whether they are my blood relatives, or God appointed moms, I couldn't be more grateful for them. My real mom is the best of course! She is amazing and wonderful wrapped up with a side of perfect. She is literally my spiritual mentor. I know that if I have a question about God or the Bible or everyday life, she always has a godly answer. Everyone needs one of those. My MIL=Mother in Law is also amazing. She is sweet and smart and bold. She gives practical advise and she challenges me to do the parenting things that I am afraid to do. She takes Joslyn for overnights and makes John and I have date nights so that we stay sane. My Marcie is a God appointed mom to me. She is my solace. My peace giver, I can go to Marcie and rest in her arms. Something that I would also do with my real mom, if mom were closer. She helps me with the mundane and tiresome things in life. Like laundry and when I am sick she is someone I can always count on. I am so grateful for her help. All of these moms are the best example of God's gifts. They are unique in their perspectives and wisdom. Thank you God for the wise women you have put in mine and Joslyn's lives.

Men!
Okay I know that sometimes they are more trouble then they are a help. But I wouldn't be half the woman I am without the men in my life. My dad and I have had a rough go at this life thing, but I have to give him props. He has taught me a lot about tough love and if it weren't for him I wouldn't have experienced the freedom and wisdom that forgiveness brings. And sometimes he is just plain funny! My husband. Caring, loving, tender are words that none of my friends would use to describe him. On the outside my husband is bold, gruff and sometimes harsh. But when he holds his daughter or deals with me we see the beauty that God gave him, his heart. This world has been tough on my men, burdening them with sorrows and pain. The world lashes at them and makes them carry too much. It is never okay in the world for them to release the pain or drop the burden at someone else's feet. They are content to carry their burdens and ours. I will be forever grateful for their daily sacrifices.

Friends!
How do I describe some of these people? Well I will start with my greatest friend. Her real name is Tanya but  I know her by Greenie. She has been a light in my life that has never wavered. We have known each other for 13 years and I can say for that whole time, not once have I ever questioned our friendship. She is the most intelligent person I know. She has a heart of gold and I can not compare anyone else to her. She is so unique! Beautiful on the outside as well as on the inside. I can clearly say that she is my soul mate. She has always known what I was needing or thinking. We are like twins in the soul. She is Joslyn's godmother and is the one person outside of John or my family that I would trust with Joslyn's well being.  Abby is a friend that I have made through Greenie. She was someone who God brought into my life whom I thought I needed to help, but turns out that she helped me. When she moved to Oklahoma I was glad to have a connection to Greenie through her. But it turned out that we had so much in common, yet we were so different. She made me think about life differently. She has such a passion for life and a sense of adventure. She has helped me come up with many of my adventures on my list. My sister Deb is a true friend in every since of the word. I have fought and struggled, laughed and loved her since she was born. I am older, but she is more street wise. She would have been vote the most likely to survive in my yearbook. She has always been very bold and smart yet she has a tender heart and is a great mom. I love watching her with my nephew and my daughter. Beth is another woman that God has placed in mine and Joslyn's life that is a true wonder. I could never have thought that there would be a perfect person for my brother, or a perfect addition to our family. Beth personifies both. Her humor and outlook on life is so beautiful. She is a wonderful aunt to her nephew and niece and a wonderful wife to my brother. I enjoy her blogs and she made me realize that blogging can be fun and exciting! I am super excited to announce that I am going to be an aunt again. My brother and his lovely wife are expecting!!! So please stop by her blog and send her well wishes!

These are just some of the wonderful people that God has put in my life to help me see the good side of the toddler years! Who has God put into your life, through the difficult times in your life?