Little Moments

 “For to this end we toil and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people...” I Tim. 4:10

 These pictures capture a special moment.  Noelani has not let me read to her since she has been home.  Of course, I understand that partly that is due to not understanding English.  Yet, I believe the biggest reason is that sitting and reading together is an “intimate” and special time with a mommy and daddy.  She has seen us read to the others, but never wanted it.  In fact, she usually leaves the room and acts busy somewhere else.  

On this night though, she picked up the book I am reading to Landon and Kiana and asked me to read it to her.  My mind quickly reeled as I weighed the fact that the book had no pictures, and there is no way she would understand it.  I quickly grabbed a Dr. Seuss book and hoped that she would like it.  She did and Clive enjoyed sitting beside me looking at a “First Words” Book.  It was a tender moment which I was thankful for.  
On a funny note, I am teaching her to read from Teach Your Child To Read In 100 Easy Lessons.   She was sounding out the sounds “E a T”.  And then she excited said “hungry”!!  I laughed because it showed that she had the comprehension, in other words, she knew what the word meant to her...”I’m hungry, we eat.”  She also signed the word “eat”.  
Eating is also a strong incentive for her.  She had been very negative and complaining about EVERYTHING.  I finally had enough and told her she would get no more snacks until she learned to answer us with respect and nicely.  She continued her negative attitudes and I went a step further - early bedtime.  This really upset her!!!  The next day, no snack until the birthday party that night.  She was respectful and polite all day and showed me how smart she is.  She has spent several days now continuing with her respectful answers to us.  
So, I am encouraged as our days seem to have fewer battles and bad attitudes.  Yet, even as I say that I also know we will still have “days”.  Non the less, a few steps forward is always encouraging.