Evyn has always been a thinking child. And a verbal one. And a dramatic one. She is going through some phase that resembles puberty – grumpy, wired, happy one minute, totally ticked the next, witty, logical, argumentative, loving…you know. Miss Rollercoaster of Emotions.
This week on the way home from Cubbies she seemed upset. Well, she didn't seem upset – she made sure she told me.
"I'm upset. I'm irritating [she meant "irritatED"). Irritating means upset. Everybody hurts my feelings and that makes me irritating."
I asked her what happened. A friend at school earlier that day told her she didn't want to be her best friend. And just a few minutes prior I had to get on her about being more obedient and following instructions. You know – hurt feelings and being disciplined wind up in the same basket of "irritation." In the simplest way possible I told her sometimes we can't control how others feel about us, and that when we disobey and have to be disciplined it might make us angry. But we have a choice about how to react to it all. And maybe she should ask God to help her through how she's feeling.
Pause.
"Mommy, when you go to bed tonight, make sure you pray for me. And tell Daddy when he goes to bed he should pray for me, too. So that my feelings won't get hurt." I promised I would. And she repeated her request to Daddy as soon as we got home.
Cut to the next morning. She woke up somewhat grumpy and was mad about having to eat oatmeal. Then, on top of it all, I made her get dressed for preschool before I let her play. The horror.
"Grrrrrrrrrrrrruuuhhhhh!" she growled as she stomped back to her bedroom. "I know you and Daddy didn't pray for me because I'm still upset!"
I just can't imagine this kid as a twelve year old.
Penny says
awwww, how endearing! And you captured this story in a photo. Perfect! I love it! I would have been tempted to laugh when she said that about not praying for her, but probably dare not for fear of more grumpiness!
Melissa from Pittsburgh says
Good luck with that one as a teen … I have one at home just like it.
Yay us!
Jenny Gardner says
Crystal, we totally need to talk and compare notes and offer each other support b/c it sounds like we have VERY similar daughters! Grace is the same way! Thinks about things that are way beyond her years(always has), emotional, dramatic, up and down and everywhere. Kindergarten has been especially emotional for Grace. We should talk sometime.
Jenny
Sarah Byrum says
Ha Ha! Too cute, I love those expressive eye brows. Do we ever really learn how to control our emotions…I know I am still working on it. 🙂
Erin Beck says
Oh I forgot to add Jack’s in cubbies too, Jack really likes AWANA’s.
Erin Beck says
I had to read that out loud to Andy, so funny because the things Jack says are so similar. Love that photo of her!!! Gotta love our witty 4 1/2 year olds. 12 scares me too.
Becky says
Bless her heart (and yours)! BUT… you have lots more post about her GOOD qualities than the negative. ALSO, I’m proud she knows where the help comes from…God!!
Misty.Creek says
Crystal,
I love to read your blog and see your beautiful girls and your crafty-ness. And I really love your photography! (I’m not a stalker, promise.) I wanna ask–what lens do you usually use for your photos? What camera settings? I’ve got a new camera but my shots look more like snap shots and not beautiful and composed like yours. Thanks!
Margot says
Did you tell her that God doesn’t always answer our prayers in the timing WE want!? LOL!
Army Duck says
Haha I’m sure you have some fun filled years ahead of you 🙂
Amory says
Your picture is the epitome of oxymoron! Such a scowl and her shirt reads “Sunshine and Happiness!” Love it!
Olivia Jean says
By difficult I mean:
Creative, independent, outspoken, all qualities that I love about myself now 😉
(just wanted to clarify!)
Olivia Jean says
She may be like I was….
Difficult at a young age…but at about 12 I was over it! Maybe she is getting it all out now….*crossing my fingers*
Olivia
The NON-Superwoman says
Hey! We have one of those–but in the boy version 🙂
Amber says
yep – those girls and their emotions! I have a 3 year old that I’m sure will be exactly like this (if not worse) when she gets a little older…drama!