Always wondering...

As a parent, it is a constant question in the back of my mind: Are we raising our children right? Everyone knows that the three pieces of my heart wondering around on this planet did not come with an instruction manual. My children are rambunctious. My children are ornery. My children seem to be always looking for a new way to irritate one another. And my children are absolutely the most beautiful people on this planet. My children are proof, although there has never been any doubt, that God does exist and that He loves me unconditionally.
At times, I worry that maybe we are just a little strict. Other times, I worry that we are not strict enough. Why shouldn't I just let him have one more piece of candy?...because he just had two cavities filled, that's why. She wants to buy that dress, too...but she already has three just like it, so maybe not this time. Why shouldn't we just go ahead and let him run a few laps in the house?...because he runs over someone or something and tears are shed. I could go on and on about the inner battles I have, but I have to tell myself that I AM making the right decision, and saying no is a necessary evil in parenthood.
We lead our children by example. We help others and treat them as we want to be treated. We have fun. We love eachother and our children, and not one of them would ever doubt that fact for a second. We are a strong family unit, and we protect one another.
It is evident to me that we are doing an okay job with our kids. Today, our oldest was at baseball practice. They were doing their conditioning by running down to a certain spot on a private road and then returning to the starting point. Our little man was one of the kids in the front of the pack. As he turned, he saw one of the coach's little girl following her older brother on the team. She was behind by quite a ways, and as Cade realized that she was being left behind, he stopped. He ran back and leaned over to say something to her. She shook her head up and down in agreement with whatever he had said, and he jogged, or rather walked at a fast pace, with her so she would not be alone. The Coach was encouraging him to hurry up, because he knew he could run faster, but Cade said, "But this baby girl was all by herself!" He didn't care that he finished last, because in his eyes, he got her back safely. I guess what I am most proud of is that behind all the back-talking is a little boy that cares about others and will put aside his pride and competitiveness to help someone else.