Holding tight onto Jesus

Somewhere along the line, Chris and I messed up.
I remember when Fletcher was born, we were on a strict schedule. Fletch slept in his own bed from day one. He slept through the night at about 6 weeks. Our bedtime routine was simple - book, kiss, good-night - I was out the door. He was asleep by 7!!!

Then over the years - well things changed. We were so tired for a few years that we would do anything to get kids to sleep. Lay down with you? Sure. Want to sleep in my bed? OK, just be quiet. We even wondered why we had been so strict, when there is something so sweet about laying down with a little one as they are trying to go to sleep. And those times when you snuggle together and then they whisper a secret to you - they are priceless.

But let me tell you what else is priceless - getting some alone or adult time after the kids go to bed. And with the sun staying up later and so many fun things to do during summer - bed time keeps getting pushed back further and further. And alone time (especially if Chris is out of town and I am doing it by myself) has diminished. So tonight I decided that Ms. Piper (the main culprit) was 3 and ready to grow up.

I explained it all to her - Mommy was not going to lay down with her tonight. I praised her for being a big girl. I promised her candy in the morning. I hugged her and tucked her in. I prayed with her.
She cried - and got out of her room. I put her back.
She got out. I put her back.
She got out. I put her back.
I felt like I was on "Super Nanny".

Finally she said, "Mommy, will you pray with me again." Of course, little one.

Her crying stopped abruptly - she looked at me and said, "Mommy, I am not going to be scared anymore - because Jesus is going to lay down with me."

And then she went to sleep.

Good night little Piper!