16

Unfortunately I need to start with a tale of parents behaving badly. Why, because I am committed to story telling and the truth. If I was only to record the sweet happy memories, Bronte and Capri might not remember the reality, that some times there is conflict, but it is not the end of the world. I want the girls to remember that Paul and I keep short accounts. 

I took the above photo on a whim, pulled out my phone and pressed the button. But between what you see and the next 100th of a second Paul was cut. "Why was I taking a photo when we were already late." Late in his mind only, might I add. We were not meeting anyone!!

That's when I behaved badly, rather than let it slide I chose to be mad. Not awesome behaviour when you are trying to celebrate your daughters birthday. The tension between us was pretty eveident. I need to take a short walk to clear my mind at one stage. 

Bottom line we messed up what should have been a very enjoyable moment. Sorry Bronte.

These moments are pretty rare for Paul and I, but the truth is sometimes we do behave badly.

I was reactive.

Timely reminder to take the 'c' out of reactive and put Christ at the beginning and be 

'C'reative in my response.

Letting Christ direct my response.

Doesn't matter how long you are married there is always stuff to be working on and doing better. 

Paul, I am so glad that we are on the same page about purposefully building a better marriage and family. 

 Bronte, thanks for being so grown up in your response to us. Please don't let this short incident colour your memory of a great day. I hope you remember a surprise visit to breakfast from Auntie Merre, an awesome school party that included honey joys, peanut butter cups, and muffins made by those that love you, getting your L's, and birthday cake and spiders at Grow Team with church friends.
Love that purple hair, pity it is hard to see against your uniform :)