Monday, August 18, 2008

TIME FOR AN EXORCISM?

This morning, I was combing Maggie's hair in the bathroom, and Aleita kept running into Maggie's room and messing with her toys. Maggie had already asked her twice to stay out, and I too finally told her to head back to her own room. As is usually the case with Aleita, it then took me raising my voice to her to garner enough attention from her to actually listen to me. "Aleita!" I commanded, "Get back to your own room NOW!"

Out of the corner of my eye, I watched as she sulkily dragged her feet out of Maggie's room and past the bathroom. I started to turn around to the side to get Maggie's hair, then for some reason chose to look back at Aleita to see if she was indeed heading to her own room. Just as I turned to look at her, I caught the surprised look on her face just as she was walking by the bathroom door, tongue stuck out fully at me. And she knew she was in for it.

"Oh no you didn't..." I said as I pursued her as she ran into her room in a futile attempt to hide. She immediately began yelling, "I'm sorry! I'm sorry!" as I entered the room. Two spanks and a time out later, she vowed to ne'er disrespect me again in such a manner. (I am not holding my breath, of course.) Five minutes later, she was downstairs, in trouble with her dad, for pulling on the puppy's tail.

Yesterday at church, our minister preached from the book of Matthew. She talked about a Canaanite woman who approached Jesus, begging for his help, because her daughter was suffering from demon-possesssion. I leaned over to Chris and whispered, "I know how she feels." I am joking, of course...(sort of.)

Somedays it just seems that way as we at times struggle with our very headstrong four year old. Aleita is about as independent as the day is long. I know that some day, this trait will serve her well. In fact, I have had many people tell me, "well, at least you won't have to worry about her being a follower!" Damn tootin'. I have had many people say that it is good that she is so "high spirited." I agree --- but there is a very fine line between "high spirited" and "brat."

Help me, Jesus. Help me.

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

Sometimes I think I'M the one that needs an exorcism! At times, when I get angry with the kids, my voice can take on an unearthly tone and I'm sure my eyes turn into glowing green orbs. I'm such a good mama.

Becky said...

I hear ya, girl. There's time I think that my head must spin around!

Anonymous said...

We had 3 Priest, a Rabi, and 2 Baptist Preachers on call 24-7 with our 3 'Little Angels', did it help? I don't think so. We did finally realize that, #1, always maintain your sense of humor, #2, try not to let them see you laugh, #3, above all, remember, this too will pass. Oh, and continuing to pray doesn't seem to hurt anything either.