Here we are at the beginning of a brand new year. Last year’s triumphs and trials are history. This is a chance for us to start with a clean slate. For most of us, it will be life as usual. For some, it will mean big changes. Maybe you have a new baby or are pregnant. Maybe you or your husband have a new job. Maybe one of your children starts preschool or school this year. Whatever changes or stays the same, remember to trust it all to the Lord. Over and over again this holiday season I have been hearing how important it is to trust God when things are going well and when things don’t go well. Remember that our God is the God of the valleys as well as the God of the mountains. He didn’t take many of the saints of God out of their troubles, but rather was glorified in how they walked through the valley of weeping. I don’t mean this to be a downer, but I do want you to grow in your trust of your Heavenly Father, your Comforter, your Friend.

We want to face 2011 with a smile on our faces. Every so often someone sends me some recent ‘tricks’ or ‘stories’ from their toddlers. I thought I’d share a few I’ve seen or heard recently. From Barbara, mom of a 14 month old boy:
We have nicknamed him “MacGyver’ due to his ability to get into EVERYTHING!!!  He has discovered how to open the cabinets (even with the safety latches on). He uses a spatula to pry it open…
Some of his recent shenanigans include:
1.        Trying to lick the toilet plunger while no one is looking (ewwwww)
2.        Unrolling 8 rolls of toilet paper all over the house while unsupervised (In my defense, I was making supper..haha)
3.       Eating a hidden hairball from our cat (ewwww)
4.       Pulling his shorts down and pulling his diaper off so he can play with his poop (nasty)…
5.       Climbing into the dryer while I was putting away clothes and making me panic because I couldn’t find him

From Nutty Mom, my niece:
“I finished giving the kids a bath earlier, wrapped them in their towels and sent them to their rooms to wait for jammies. I came in the girls’ room to get Donut’s clothes on and sent Peanut to use the potty. Mr Nut came in after putting Wingnut to bed and sat down to help with the girls. Peanut came running back into her room (still nude from her bath), and jumped in her daddy’s lap.
Mr Nut: “Did you go potty?”
Peanut: “Yeah.”
Mr Nut: “Did you poop?”
Peanut: “What?”
Mr Nut: ” Did you poop?”
Peanut: “Yeah, I’ll go wipe.”
Glad she wasn’t sitting on ME!

In early December, while staying with our son and family, my husband got up early and sat in their breakfast room. Our 4 1/2 year old grandson came down and sat on his lap.
Papa: “It’s really cold outside.”
D:       “I hope it snows.”
Papa: “Oh I don’t want it to snow yet.”
D:       “Oh Papa, I’m bursting with anticipation for snow!”If you would like your child’s antics shared with others who will totally understand, send them in and I’ll put them in future letters.

Please remember to recommend First Steps monthly bulletins to your friends and family with babies and small children. All they need to do is send an email and ask to be added to the list. I’ll correspond with them from there to get the information necessary to send the correct bulletin each month.

Blessings to you and your family in 2011!
Diane