Sad, But Sweet

We have been having a difficult time with Jackson and family prayers, lately. He likes to be in the room, but will not voluntarily join us on our knees. We have tried putting him on his knees and holding his hands while he screams and flails all around...very conducive to the spirit. So tonight I stood up in the middle of the prayer and took him to his crib and informed him that he lost the privilege of being a part of family prayers and hugs and kisses afterward because of the choice he made. He instantly started folding his arms and telling me he was ready to pray, and I just told him that it was too late, but he was welcome to try again tomorrow. It broke his little heart. He cried (and not a fake cry, either) for the next 20 minutes and then Jack went in to tell him goodnight and I'm sure get hismind off the crying, but as soon as he got in there Jackson began signing and saying "please, pray" and folding his arms. How can you say no to that? So he told him he was too late for family prayer, but could have a prayer with dad. Thinking about it, it almost seems like he got special treatment getting a special Dad prayer, but hopefully, he just recognizes mercy and has still learned a lesson. We'll see tomorrow, I guess. I think he just doesn't like knowing that bedtime is after prayer because he never fights morning prayers. Anyway, he's such a sweet little boy! And he's been so tired the last two days. Yesterday we were in the pool for 4 1/2 hours. Different friends came over at different times to swim, and we're always out there anyway, so hemissed a nap and swam for five hours. He was pretty tuckered out and he fell asleep at six and didn't wake up til 7:30 this morning. It was awesome!