Counting Blessings

 The life of a toddler is a busy one. They quickly move from one activity to another. They find interesting activities at every turn and keep us constantly on our toes. All flowers are in danger, anything delicate is sure to be destroyed.

One moment they may be quietly coloring at a table. The next minute they may be quietly painting the dog. After all, if it is pretty on paper it is sure to be pretty on the dog. Whoever invented washable paints and markers is a genius and should be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. What else in this world has created more peace in a family then knowing the grand artwork on Grandpa's favorite tee-shirt will wash out.

 Toddlers enjoy helping the adults around them. This is sometimes a good thing, this quite often is not. Helping to clean Grandpa's fish tank by using the magnetic cleaner thingy, a good thing. Helping Grandpa by watering his plant with a can of Pepsi, not so much. Getting Grandpa the TV remote, helpful. Changing the TV to Spanish on the way, could be a little less helpful.

The toddlers' enthusiasm for cleaning can also be good and bad. Cleaning the table with a paper towel after super, good. Cleaning Grandpa's shoes with the same sticky paper towel, not good.

 The constant movement, the volatile mood swings, and the general stickiness of the toddler can exhaust, exasperate, and befuddle even the most patient person. The habit of the young to stop and drop when they suddenly decide they don't want to hold hands while walking anymore can make you want to tear your hair out.

 All of these little things that make you crazy are little blessings. Yes, I said blessings. Kahlen and I went to WalMart today, and at the door were the Shriners. They were collecting for their charities, which of course benefit children with disabilities. The fact that my granddaughter can run from me, can stop and drop on a walk, and even throw a temper tantrum, means she is healthy and active and able to do all these things.

I have been very blessed in my life. My kids were all happy, healthy, and grew up to be great adults. They all drove me crazy at one point or another, but again, it just meant they were healthy enough to be able to. Now, my first grandchild is able to drive me a little nutty, and I wouldn't change a second of it! Thank God, she can!