Different Languages of Love

This morning, as we almost always end up doing, the three boys and I were cuddled in bed. They trickle in one by one as they wake up in the morning. I do love laid back mornings like this.

Anyway, as I was lying on my side, James, who was behind me, started to give me a back massage. And geez, did it feel great after our long day yesterday! Had high tea for breakfast with friends in Dural and was out of the house before 7am; came back, got the kids ready and went to Taronga zoo and stayed there until close at 5pm; then, off to my sister's in Newtown for a yummy Thai dinner, great cake and hot drinks at a cafe and then some shopping; home by 11.15pm but not in bed until all kids were cleaned up enough for bed and I've had my shower at midnight! - well, that's another beautiful day to be thankful for!

Back to my story...I was telling James how good his massage felt when David asked James if he could have a turn massaging me. James wouldn't let him and David started to tear up because he said all he gives me are love notes and "they're just words. They don't make you as happy as massages." My poor son...I reassured him that I loved his ways of showing me his love just as much.

While I napped this afternoon, he made me a necklace out of a string and a few beads from our craft box. He also made me a ring which he put in a case he also made. They were so cute and I tried them on very proudly. I could tell he was happy with my reaction.

I have to be conscious about my boys' language of love. They're all pretty different and I do try my best to communicate to them in their own language. Parenting can certainly be tricky. Thank goodness for the books we can read, the family and friends we can share experiences and words of wisdom with, and for us, the boys' school which has given us more friends, resources and opportunities to learn how to become better parents.

James and His First Confession

James has just recently completed his sacramental programme classes to prepare him for his first reconciliation. On December 1, he made his first confession.

In an attempt to prepare him for it, I typed up the Act of Contrition for him because he lost the copy that was given in class. Then, I decided to type up some of the other prayers on the same sheet and left a few blank lines where James can write the sins he wanted to confess.

When I gave James the sheet, he asked if I could type up his sins as he called them out. I said, "That means I will know what you are going to confess." James replied, "That's ok with me, mum." So, we ended up doing examination of conscience as well.

The trust of my child in me is pretty precious. When he was making his confession, I watched him from my seat and I felt so proud that my oldest son is making this important step in his faith journey and I am so grateful that I can be with him through this amazing process.

At last night's mass, Fr Henry mentioned there will be confession on Christmas Eve and James heard this. He whispered to me that he'd like to go again. Wow! What a way to prepare his heart (and mine as I may as well go!) for the birth of our Lord Jesus.

Coincidentally, James' sac programme teacher is a young man who happened to be in the first sacramental programme class I ever taught when i was 18!

"I Love You Sooo Much, Mum!'

Can mums ever tire hearing of this? I know I never will and little Adam is showering me with variations of this statement so many times a day. It's funny how he's become so affectionate when not long ago, he wouldn't even let me put an arm around him when he would sleep. He would push my arm down with his hands and then, as if that wasn't enough, he would follow it with a kick with both legs...just to make sure I'm not in his space.

A couple of nights ago, Adam, half asleep, said, "I need hug, mum." Music to my ears. We hugged until he and I were both fast asleep.

Who's the Maid?

Last week, David forgot to put away his bowl and cup after eating.

In an exasperated voice, I called for him to come to the table and said, "David, why did you leave your bowl on the table? Do you think you have a maid or something?"

Quick as always, David says innocently, "I have a mum."

Celebrating Another Year to Be Thankful For!

Birthdays are excellent reminders to look back on one's life (or at least, the past year), to see how much one has grown, how far one has come to achieving one's goals and dreams, and to appreciate all the people and events that have contributed to the richness of our lives.

Of course, some people may have worse experiences than others and I admit, I often feel more blessed than others but I also naturally prefer to see the goodness that God has filled my life with.

From my last birthday, we've enjoyed so many blessings:

- our first ever camping trip as a family

- four out-of-town trips to beautiful places: Flynns Beach, Hunter Valley, Nowra and Berry

- the timely completion of our new home

- moving into our home that we absolutely love, and the satisfaction that all the hard work has paid off

- the company of family and friends (old and new)

- the surprise of a new baby

- good health

What more can I ask for? Thank you, God!