Wildcats

Most nights as we are getting the kids ready for bed, we read a family devotion or bible story. Right now we are reading through a devotion book that talks about different animals and relates their qualities or lifestyles back to the kids and how they can apply that to their lives. We recently read about wildcats and how they act when they are angry. The devotion explained to the child that it's ok to be angry, but that we shouldn't let ourselves get out of control like wildcats. So, Trip and I took that one to heart and agreed to stop acting like wildcats when we get angry. As part of that agreement, we promised to tell each other when the other one is acting like a wildcat. For the most part this has been working pretty well. Usually when I tell Trip he is starting to act like a wildcat he laughs and settles down. And, for me, well, there is nothing more convicting than having your 4 year old tell you that you are acting wild and crazy!

This time change has really thrown the kids for a loop this week and Trip has been tired and acting out a little more than usual. Last night, even though he'd had a nap, he was acting like a wildcat...throwing fits and not listening. So, we had to take away some books that TJ was going to read to him before bed. This made Trip incredibly angry, so without saying anything, he left the bonus room where we'd been reading our devotion and went into our room to cool off and have some "alone time." As soon as he left, Mady looked at TJ and I and said, "Trip?" I asked if she wanted to go check on him and she jumped off my lap and headed into my room. The following is the conversation we heard between these two precious children:
(Mady) "Trip?"
(Trip) "What Mady?"
(Mady) "I wuv you, Trip."
(Trip) "thanks Mady, I just need some alone time"
(Mady) "Ok, Trip" "Right back"
(Trip) "You're coming right back?'
(Mady) "Right back!"
Then Mady leaves the room, shuts the door and comes to tell TJ and I, "Trip alone time, mommy daddy room." After a few more minutes, we all go in to get him and talk through his anger. But, most importantly, we tell them how proud we are of how sweet and caring they were to each other. Moments like these are the best. I almost starting crying they were just so sweet.