The second week of Growing Kids focused on the husband/wife relationship and how important this relationship is in parenting children.
-In a marriage, the woman completes the man and the man completes the woman. Children do not make the family, the expand the family. You can not be a better parent than you are spouse. (*wow* - interesting to think about!)
-The husband-wife relationship should be viewed as the priority relationship in the family. This helps the children feel secure and loved. Knowing that Mom and Dad love one another allows a child to enjoy being a child.
-Child centered parenting too often produces a "me-ism" attitude. (i.e. selfish)
-Healthy families produce children with a "we-ism" attitude. (i.e. others centered - we are a team and we play for the success of the team.
-There are 3 basic emotional needs of early childhood.
- A child has a need to know that he is loved by Mom and Dad - a sense of belonging.
- Every child has a need to know where he fits in Mom and Dad's world.
- A child has a need to know that Mom and Dad love each other. Children learn through concrete visual illustrations of love, not abstract words - Mommy loves Daddy.
Which brings me to "couch time". In this lesson, they stress the importance of children getting a visual sense of your togetherness. They give a practical tool "couch time" to help illustrate it. For example, when Daddy walks through the door in the evening, he says hello to the children, but makes it a priority to sit down with Mommy and talk alone on the couch while the kids play around them, not on them. This tells the children that Mommy is important to Daddy and that they love each other. THEN, Dad can go play outside, or play with the children.
If you have never heard of this concept before, I dare you to try it. Children DEFINITELY notice and sometimes they have curious little reactions. This has also been proven to aid in helping with behavior issues such as not sleeping through the night - older children of course. (The idea that the child keeps waking up to get in bed with Mom and Dad because that's the only time the child sees them together). And I have personally known "couch time" to be successful with several parents who are having children with sleep issues!
It's also great to just sit with the hubby and catch up on things and "get on the same page" as I like to say.
While Robert and I are not great at couch time - it's hard to commit 15 minutes a day alone on the couch with no distractions! We do it occasionally, and it's nice.
So, I think I can say that not everyone will agree with what I'm putting out there - I'm certainly not here to stir the pot or say this is the ONLY way to raise a child. This is a total "cliff's notes" version of the course. They manual is filled with many references and notes and scripture to back up their teachings. It also gives tips on how to be successful with some of the ideas that they give. But I'm not here to plagiarize the whole book. :)
I have just found many principles from this material that when we've applied correctly, have had a very positive influence on our family and marriage. And I hope it will encourage anyone out there!
BUT, if you do have any other thoughts or questions on what I've said, please feel free to email me! :)
Showing posts with label parenting. Show all posts
Showing posts with label parenting. Show all posts
Monday, October 10, 2011
Growing Kids 1
Let's see if I can keep this up. I've been meaning to recap each week, but we are heading into week 5 so I will try and catch up. Writing is not a forte of mine, so let's see if I can summarize each week and see if anyone can get any little parenting "nuggets" from this. :)
Robert and I are leading a Growing Kids God's Way through our church. It's good foundational material and we have seen it work well in our family. We went through the class several years ago but wanted to lead it too. We also thought we could use a little boost seeing that we have more kids and at different ages.
I'm going to pull out my favorite ideas or thoughts from each lesson. Here we go...
Week 1: How to Raise a Moral Child
-Basically, we hold the Bible as our standard to which we raise our kids. We don't lower or raise the standard based on the child's personality or temperament. Though we take all those things into consideration in how to parent each child.
-Moral training begins with Mom and Dad - who are hopefully living out the standard day and night.
-Some of the greatest periods of moral training take place in periods of NON-CONFLICT. I love this one. Non-conflict training. I'll give you a few examples. You cannot expect your child to sit still at a table at a restaurant if you do not practice sitting at the table at home. Another example takes place at our school on a daily basis. The principal will line up students and practice saying hello and shaking hands. He teaches to speak loudly and make eye contact and talk to adults with respect. How often has someone spoken to your child and your child hides behind you or doesn't speak? It's happened to me. But lately, I've really seen some improvement. Lillian get's compliments on her dresses quite often and she's been SO good at speaking clearly and looking at the person and saying 'thank you'. Practice with your kids at home - it's fun and I sometimes make it into a game. Sit times are also very helpful for parents with young children. Teach them to sit where you tell them at home and when you are somewhere and you need them to sit still, you will have a tool to help you. I've also been reinforcing the "interrupt rule". Where the child puts their hand on me to let me know they have to talk to me. Then I can stop and turn to them. Even Lillian "gets" this one!
-Giving the moral reason why. Parental instruction too often lacks moral reason. We tell our children "what" to do, but do not tell them "why" they should do it. I always try and give the "why" but sometimes "because Mommy said so" is OK.
The example they give in the book is a little boy wanted to run around the church patio. The father asked him not to do that. Then he pointed out mothers with babies, senior citizens, people with hot coffee and helped him to see the potential danger and how running around out here is not morally acceptable. Hopefully next time, the little boy can watch his behavior on his own because the moral princple was placed into his heart.
Key Principle for this chapter: Without moral principle placed within the heart, the heart will not be stirred.
So anyway, those are the little nuggets I pulled away from the first lesson. Any thoughts??
Robert and I are leading a Growing Kids God's Way through our church. It's good foundational material and we have seen it work well in our family. We went through the class several years ago but wanted to lead it too. We also thought we could use a little boost seeing that we have more kids and at different ages.
I'm going to pull out my favorite ideas or thoughts from each lesson. Here we go...
Week 1: How to Raise a Moral Child
-Basically, we hold the Bible as our standard to which we raise our kids. We don't lower or raise the standard based on the child's personality or temperament. Though we take all those things into consideration in how to parent each child.
-Moral training begins with Mom and Dad - who are hopefully living out the standard day and night.
-Some of the greatest periods of moral training take place in periods of NON-CONFLICT. I love this one. Non-conflict training. I'll give you a few examples. You cannot expect your child to sit still at a table at a restaurant if you do not practice sitting at the table at home. Another example takes place at our school on a daily basis. The principal will line up students and practice saying hello and shaking hands. He teaches to speak loudly and make eye contact and talk to adults with respect. How often has someone spoken to your child and your child hides behind you or doesn't speak? It's happened to me. But lately, I've really seen some improvement. Lillian get's compliments on her dresses quite often and she's been SO good at speaking clearly and looking at the person and saying 'thank you'. Practice with your kids at home - it's fun and I sometimes make it into a game. Sit times are also very helpful for parents with young children. Teach them to sit where you tell them at home and when you are somewhere and you need them to sit still, you will have a tool to help you. I've also been reinforcing the "interrupt rule". Where the child puts their hand on me to let me know they have to talk to me. Then I can stop and turn to them. Even Lillian "gets" this one!
-Giving the moral reason why. Parental instruction too often lacks moral reason. We tell our children "what" to do, but do not tell them "why" they should do it. I always try and give the "why" but sometimes "because Mommy said so" is OK.
The example they give in the book is a little boy wanted to run around the church patio. The father asked him not to do that. Then he pointed out mothers with babies, senior citizens, people with hot coffee and helped him to see the potential danger and how running around out here is not morally acceptable. Hopefully next time, the little boy can watch his behavior on his own because the moral princple was placed into his heart.
Key Principle for this chapter: Without moral principle placed within the heart, the heart will not be stirred.
So anyway, those are the little nuggets I pulled away from the first lesson. Any thoughts??
Friday, August 19, 2011
A Boy and a Hose
A couple of weeks ago Robert was out washing cars with the boys. Well, give Rhodes and hose, and he is happy as can be. Shocking right?
He went to town!!
Love his face here....gonna get Daddy!
He stayed well entertained for quite a while.
You may have notice the big boy underwear. NO, I am NOT potty training. Will Rhodes go in the potty and stay dry for a while. YES. Will he poop in the potty? YES. Is he probably ready to be fairly well potty trained? Probably. Is Mommy ready to make lots of bathroom stops out and about right now and clean up accidents?? Big.Fat.No.
My personal preference to potty training is to wait it out. Wait til they are SUPER ready and then it's SUPER fast to potty train. I pushed Olivia when she was two and it was just a drawn out process and made for lots of cleaning up accidents. I waited with Landon until he was 3 and then he was done in a couple days. Can't remember quite potty training Lillian, but I waited and she was also pretty independent and was done pretty quickly. I've never had a child WANT to go so early, but I'm gonna wait it out a bit longer. And if my experience proves right, he'll be trained quickly and fully!
Every so often we let him run around with underwear on and sometimes find him on the potty. It's more just for fun.
Even though I look forward to being diaper free (don't even know what that's like!!!) I'm in no rush. And with couponing, I can get them so cheap, it's not a huge expense. In fact, today, I will be getting a jumbo pack of Huggies from CVS for $2.99 (on sale for $8.99) with 2 $3.00 coupons. Once CVS coupon and one manufacturer coupon. SCORE!!!
He went to town!!
Love his face here....gonna get Daddy!
He stayed well entertained for quite a while.
You may have notice the big boy underwear. NO, I am NOT potty training. Will Rhodes go in the potty and stay dry for a while. YES. Will he poop in the potty? YES. Is he probably ready to be fairly well potty trained? Probably. Is Mommy ready to make lots of bathroom stops out and about right now and clean up accidents?? Big.Fat.No.
My personal preference to potty training is to wait it out. Wait til they are SUPER ready and then it's SUPER fast to potty train. I pushed Olivia when she was two and it was just a drawn out process and made for lots of cleaning up accidents. I waited with Landon until he was 3 and then he was done in a couple days. Can't remember quite potty training Lillian, but I waited and she was also pretty independent and was done pretty quickly. I've never had a child WANT to go so early, but I'm gonna wait it out a bit longer. And if my experience proves right, he'll be trained quickly and fully!
Every so often we let him run around with underwear on and sometimes find him on the potty. It's more just for fun.
Even though I look forward to being diaper free (don't even know what that's like!!!) I'm in no rush. And with couponing, I can get them so cheap, it's not a huge expense. In fact, today, I will be getting a jumbo pack of Huggies from CVS for $2.99 (on sale for $8.99) with 2 $3.00 coupons. Once CVS coupon and one manufacturer coupon. SCORE!!!
Friday, February 11, 2011
Bringin' Back Sittin' Time
I know I've talked about this before, but it still amazes me every time!
I was recently rudely awakened to the fact that I was slacking in the training of Lillian and Rhodes. Specifically, training them to sit still when I tell them to. I'm a true believer that you can't expect a behavior from a child out in public if it is not something that you PRACTICE and expect at HOME!
When we were at Olivia's birthday blessing at school followed soon by her baptism up at the church, Lillian thought it was just A okay to wander around up and down the aisles of the theater. I have to admit I was slightly embarrassed that I couldn't quite get her under the control I wanted. She wasn't making a spectacle or throwing a fit, she was just resisting me (and testing me) more that I wanted. Robert had Rhodes and he was just a typical 17 month old wanting to run around.
Anyways, the next day it was BACK TO SIT TIMES! Oh yeah!
I pulled out the trusty ole blankets, spread some books and toys and set the timer. Lillian knew exactly what was going on. She knows about sit times...I had just slacked off with her in being consistent! But this was Rhodes' first time. He sat great for the first several minutes. Then decided to wander off to get another toy. One swift swat to the bottom, quickly returning him to the blanket, making eye contact with him and explaining 'why' we aren't getting off the blanket - we were back on track.
And y'all, he got it. He cried a little bit, but he wasn't.going.anywhere.
It always amazed me how much that actually DO understand!
Then immediately after the timer goes off, I go went over to him and praised him for sitting still with lots of hugs, kisses and at-a-boys!
Sooooo, this past Wednesday I got a chance to practice in public what we'd been working on at home. My main focus was Lillian because she is definitely old enough to hear, understand, and obey.
We went into school for Landon's birthday blessing. I pulled up a little chair next to me and said, "Lillian, we are going to do a sit time here just like we do at home. You are going to stay in this chair like a big girl until this is over. Yes ma'am?" "Yes ma'am."
And y'all, she DID it! The whole time. That little bottom didn't come off that chair.
I didn't sit Rhodes in a chair this time. I believe he needs some more training at home before I expect it out in public. BUT, he did settle a little better than the time before and I didn't have to get up and chase him or walk around with him.
Progress people! Such a huge payoff for such a simple task!
Do y'all have any little training tips or techniques that you like???
I was recently rudely awakened to the fact that I was slacking in the training of Lillian and Rhodes. Specifically, training them to sit still when I tell them to. I'm a true believer that you can't expect a behavior from a child out in public if it is not something that you PRACTICE and expect at HOME!
When we were at Olivia's birthday blessing at school followed soon by her baptism up at the church, Lillian thought it was just A okay to wander around up and down the aisles of the theater. I have to admit I was slightly embarrassed that I couldn't quite get her under the control I wanted. She wasn't making a spectacle or throwing a fit, she was just resisting me (and testing me) more that I wanted. Robert had Rhodes and he was just a typical 17 month old wanting to run around.
Anyways, the next day it was BACK TO SIT TIMES! Oh yeah!
I pulled out the trusty ole blankets, spread some books and toys and set the timer. Lillian knew exactly what was going on. She knows about sit times...I had just slacked off with her in being consistent! But this was Rhodes' first time. He sat great for the first several minutes. Then decided to wander off to get another toy. One swift swat to the bottom, quickly returning him to the blanket, making eye contact with him and explaining 'why' we aren't getting off the blanket - we were back on track.
And y'all, he got it. He cried a little bit, but he wasn't.going.anywhere.
It always amazed me how much that actually DO understand!
Then immediately after the timer goes off, I go went over to him and praised him for sitting still with lots of hugs, kisses and at-a-boys!
Sooooo, this past Wednesday I got a chance to practice in public what we'd been working on at home. My main focus was Lillian because she is definitely old enough to hear, understand, and obey.
We went into school for Landon's birthday blessing. I pulled up a little chair next to me and said, "Lillian, we are going to do a sit time here just like we do at home. You are going to stay in this chair like a big girl until this is over. Yes ma'am?" "Yes ma'am."
And y'all, she DID it! The whole time. That little bottom didn't come off that chair.
I didn't sit Rhodes in a chair this time. I believe he needs some more training at home before I expect it out in public. BUT, he did settle a little better than the time before and I didn't have to get up and chase him or walk around with him.
Progress people! Such a huge payoff for such a simple task!
Do y'all have any little training tips or techniques that you like???
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Balance
Notice the post below is untitled! THAT is how busy we've been. I always thought it was funny if someone forgot to title a post. Well, now I understand!
I love the go-go-go days of summer. Relaxing the routine a bit. (Relax...not completely throw out the window!) Being a little more flexible and spontaneous.
But I try and equally balance those days out with ones where we're home, in routine, and catching up sleep. Because, take my word, the kids will lose their heads if I don't. And I'd prefer not to reap those consequences.
So this morning, instead of rushing out of the house to they gym, we're going to lay low and get some things done around here.
A few little updates on everyone:
Olivia - she's in summer piano lessons right now. She just started and is taking to it just like her mutha! Flying through songs, looking ahead to teach herself. Her teacher has been very impressed with how easy it comes to her! Very proud mommy!!!
Landon - well, he's still being Landon. We're working very hard on teaching him to be gentle with his sisters. To protect them! There's been a little blood drawn lately, but I felt like we really had a breakthrough the other day. Usually after the incident, consequences, and talk, he would still be really angry. I felt like I wasn't getting through to him. Well, finally, after the fiasco, he came out of his room with a changed heart. Apologized to me and his sister, and then chose to move on with a happy heart!!! PROGRESS!!! But probably one of those "2 steps forward, one step back" type of things. But it was a small victory in my world.
Lillian - weighs 24 lbs. Light as a feather I tell ya. The doc said she was less than 5%. But as we all know, she's quite far developmentally! At church last Sunday, we found that she was put with the kindergarden and up room. They said she was upset in her 3 year old room, so instead of calling us out, they put her with Landon. And she probably fit in better there than the 3 year old room!!! I also heard her singing, "Alejandro, alajandro...." in her sweet little girl voice the other day. But that's another story.
Rhodes - is another little squirt. He weighs 16lbs 4 oz. Another less than 5% baby, but the doc isn't concerned! He's about to be full on walking. Definitely before his 1st birthday! I can't believe he is almost ONE!!! He's quite the squealing happy baby these days. But those squeals can be SO LOUD. Happy, but LOUD! And as I type this he is desperately trying to get to the dog food. We find him with full cheeks every once in while! ;-)
And last, but not least some pics. The kids came home with one of these a couple of weeks ago!
And toys are SOOOO overrated! Pots and pans much cooler.
I love the go-go-go days of summer. Relaxing the routine a bit. (Relax...not completely throw out the window!) Being a little more flexible and spontaneous.
But I try and equally balance those days out with ones where we're home, in routine, and catching up sleep. Because, take my word, the kids will lose their heads if I don't. And I'd prefer not to reap those consequences.
So this morning, instead of rushing out of the house to they gym, we're going to lay low and get some things done around here.
A few little updates on everyone:
Olivia - she's in summer piano lessons right now. She just started and is taking to it just like her mutha! Flying through songs, looking ahead to teach herself. Her teacher has been very impressed with how easy it comes to her! Very proud mommy!!!
Landon - well, he's still being Landon. We're working very hard on teaching him to be gentle with his sisters. To protect them! There's been a little blood drawn lately, but I felt like we really had a breakthrough the other day. Usually after the incident, consequences, and talk, he would still be really angry. I felt like I wasn't getting through to him. Well, finally, after the fiasco, he came out of his room with a changed heart. Apologized to me and his sister, and then chose to move on with a happy heart!!! PROGRESS!!! But probably one of those "2 steps forward, one step back" type of things. But it was a small victory in my world.
Lillian - weighs 24 lbs. Light as a feather I tell ya. The doc said she was less than 5%. But as we all know, she's quite far developmentally! At church last Sunday, we found that she was put with the kindergarden and up room. They said she was upset in her 3 year old room, so instead of calling us out, they put her with Landon. And she probably fit in better there than the 3 year old room!!! I also heard her singing, "Alejandro, alajandro...." in her sweet little girl voice the other day. But that's another story.
Rhodes - is another little squirt. He weighs 16lbs 4 oz. Another less than 5% baby, but the doc isn't concerned! He's about to be full on walking. Definitely before his 1st birthday! I can't believe he is almost ONE!!! He's quite the squealing happy baby these days. But those squeals can be SO LOUD. Happy, but LOUD! And as I type this he is desperately trying to get to the dog food. We find him with full cheeks every once in while! ;-)
And last, but not least some pics. The kids came home with one of these a couple of weeks ago!
And toys are SOOOO overrated! Pots and pans much cooler.
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Staggering
Sometimes, just sometimes, when I'm home alone and putting the kids to bed.....there's bound to be one that falls asleep before I can get to them.
I think this has been one of the hardest parts of having 4 children. Learning to stagger. Because obviously you can't simultaneously put 4 kids down. (I know, rocket science). And since there are 2 in each bedroom, staggering has been super helpful in order to have a peaceful bedtime routine. Letting one settle down before we put the other one down has been the smartest thing we've started doing!
So how it usually goes down is Olivia is first to bed - since she has the longest day and doesn't get to rest. She doesn't like it, but I know she's tired because she is usually the last to rise in the morning.
Then I put Rhodes down in Landon's room. Let him settle in and find his perfect little curled up spot with his blanket in his crib - he sleeps in the cutest positions.
Then it's Lillian and Landon's turn. They usually get at least a rest time (Lillian still sleeps at least 2 hours a day if not more during the afternoon) during the day so they can stay up just a little longer.
The whole routine from dinner to bed takes close 2 hours - including bath, sips, teeth brushing, reading, prayers, bathroom breaks, etc. Usually we can sneak a little "horsey" time in there too. ;-)
All of this is followed by a pretty sleepy momma crawling in bed around 8:30 p.m. I know, it's sad. But sleep is precious and if I'm going to get any, it has to begin then!
So that's a little glimpse into our weeknight evenings! Sounds fun, huh!
I think this has been one of the hardest parts of having 4 children. Learning to stagger. Because obviously you can't simultaneously put 4 kids down. (I know, rocket science). And since there are 2 in each bedroom, staggering has been super helpful in order to have a peaceful bedtime routine. Letting one settle down before we put the other one down has been the smartest thing we've started doing!
So how it usually goes down is Olivia is first to bed - since she has the longest day and doesn't get to rest. She doesn't like it, but I know she's tired because she is usually the last to rise in the morning.
Then I put Rhodes down in Landon's room. Let him settle in and find his perfect little curled up spot with his blanket in his crib - he sleeps in the cutest positions.
Then it's Lillian and Landon's turn. They usually get at least a rest time (Lillian still sleeps at least 2 hours a day if not more during the afternoon) during the day so they can stay up just a little longer.
The whole routine from dinner to bed takes close 2 hours - including bath, sips, teeth brushing, reading, prayers, bathroom breaks, etc. Usually we can sneak a little "horsey" time in there too. ;-)
All of this is followed by a pretty sleepy momma crawling in bed around 8:30 p.m. I know, it's sad. But sleep is precious and if I'm going to get any, it has to begin then!
So that's a little glimpse into our weeknight evenings! Sounds fun, huh!
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Spotted
Sleeping soundly....in his pack n play.
With big sister peeking over quietly.
Startled by the camera. Confused. Disoriented.
Happy! Delighted to see us!
I think I'm going to "crate train", I mean "pack n play train" Rhodes. :-) I've never really needed to do that type of training before, but something tells me once he's mobile, I'm gonna need somewhere to put him that's safe and that he likes.
And actually, so far, he seems to enjoy his "alone" time. Go figure. Life is so "stimulating" for him, it's almost like he enjoys the simplicity of him and a few toys sitting alone in the crib. Most of the time he dozes off. Which is GREAT! He does NOT like me to rock him or hold him until he goes to sleep - he's a "do it on his own" kind of boy!
On another note, I'm feeling kind of guilty lately. About the content of my blog. It seems that most of my posts are about Lillian and Rhodes. And sadly it's because they're my two most photogenic subjects right now. Olivia can't stand when I get the camera out. And Landon, well, he won't sit still long enough for me to take pics. But I guess they had a lot of time on the blog before. Rhodes is just playing catch up!
With big sister peeking over quietly.
Startled by the camera. Confused. Disoriented.
Happy! Delighted to see us!
I think I'm going to "crate train", I mean "pack n play train" Rhodes. :-) I've never really needed to do that type of training before, but something tells me once he's mobile, I'm gonna need somewhere to put him that's safe and that he likes.
And actually, so far, he seems to enjoy his "alone" time. Go figure. Life is so "stimulating" for him, it's almost like he enjoys the simplicity of him and a few toys sitting alone in the crib. Most of the time he dozes off. Which is GREAT! He does NOT like me to rock him or hold him until he goes to sleep - he's a "do it on his own" kind of boy!
On another note, I'm feeling kind of guilty lately. About the content of my blog. It seems that most of my posts are about Lillian and Rhodes. And sadly it's because they're my two most photogenic subjects right now. Olivia can't stand when I get the camera out. And Landon, well, he won't sit still long enough for me to take pics. But I guess they had a lot of time on the blog before. Rhodes is just playing catch up!
Monday, March 29, 2010
Imperfect
Nobody's perfect. We all know that. And though most of the posts on this blog center around happy moments with my kids, there are definitely unhappy ones too.
I am not supermom. And do not want to convey that at ALL through this blog. I mean, would you all still read if I posted all the rough days and not happy ones?
Let me tell you about some of my days. Some days, I don't make it out of my pjs. I ride through the carpool line in fuzzy slippers, pjs, glasses, and makeup from the day before. I have forgotten to sign report cards. (Well ONE report card). I have forgotten lunches and water bottles for my kids for school. Sometimes dinner is STILL on the table the next morning. Rarely, but it happens. I forget to brush my kids teeth sometimes. (!yeah.true!) I forget to brush MY teeth sometimes.
My kids bite. Hit. Yank things out of each other hands. Lock each other out of rooms. And hide each others toys. And I'm guilty of raising my voice at them. Some days there is a child crying all.day.long. Or so it seems.
The other day, Landon threw an exercise ball at Lillian's head and it cut her eye. There was discipline and tears. (And secretly I would have loved to have seen that happen - like how much air it got leaving her face)
They call each other names. Lately it's "poo poo" and usually Lillian doing the name calling.
I won't even tell you how long my sometimes bathrooms go without a GOOD scrub down. Or how sometimes, I choose sleep or a couch break over laundry and mopping. My sinks are rarely "toothpaste-glob" free.
I promise...I can't and don't "do it all".
BUT, I will say that I've seen changes in me. I've seen my patience grow over the years. My perspective shift a little. I feel a less entitled to "my own time" and am OK if I don't get to leave the house and do something every.single.day. I'll have ALL day to myself before I know it. I know that on my deathbed, I'm not going to say, "Goodness, I wish I had had more time to myself when my kids were younger!"
I guess you would call it contentment with my life right now. And hope to keep growing and learning.
We ALL get overwhelmed sometimes. But you just have to pick yourself up, brush yourself off, and KEEP GOING!
So to all mommies out there:
You are doing a GREAT JOB!
You are valuable and blessed and your hard work does not go unnoticed!!
I am not supermom. And do not want to convey that at ALL through this blog. I mean, would you all still read if I posted all the rough days and not happy ones?
Let me tell you about some of my days. Some days, I don't make it out of my pjs. I ride through the carpool line in fuzzy slippers, pjs, glasses, and makeup from the day before. I have forgotten to sign report cards. (Well ONE report card). I have forgotten lunches and water bottles for my kids for school. Sometimes dinner is STILL on the table the next morning. Rarely, but it happens. I forget to brush my kids teeth sometimes. (!yeah.true!) I forget to brush MY teeth sometimes.
My kids bite. Hit. Yank things out of each other hands. Lock each other out of rooms. And hide each others toys. And I'm guilty of raising my voice at them. Some days there is a child crying all.day.long. Or so it seems.
The other day, Landon threw an exercise ball at Lillian's head and it cut her eye. There was discipline and tears. (And secretly I would have loved to have seen that happen - like how much air it got leaving her face)
They call each other names. Lately it's "poo poo" and usually Lillian doing the name calling.
I won't even tell you how long my sometimes bathrooms go without a GOOD scrub down. Or how sometimes, I choose sleep or a couch break over laundry and mopping. My sinks are rarely "toothpaste-glob" free.
I promise...I can't and don't "do it all".
BUT, I will say that I've seen changes in me. I've seen my patience grow over the years. My perspective shift a little. I feel a less entitled to "my own time" and am OK if I don't get to leave the house and do something every.single.day. I'll have ALL day to myself before I know it. I know that on my deathbed, I'm not going to say, "Goodness, I wish I had had more time to myself when my kids were younger!"
I guess you would call it contentment with my life right now. And hope to keep growing and learning.
We ALL get overwhelmed sometimes. But you just have to pick yourself up, brush yourself off, and KEEP GOING!
So to all mommies out there:
You are doing a GREAT JOB!
You are valuable and blessed and your hard work does not go unnoticed!!
"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. "
Matthew 6:19-21
Matthew 6:19-21
Monday, February 1, 2010
If You're Wondering...
....how I get anything done around here, this is how I do it.
I wait until 2 of the kids are at school. Which is only for a few hours 3 days a week.
Then, I decide if I want to shower, sleep, or clean.
And about every other day, showering wins. And I do this with the other two.
One takes his morning nap while the other one watches Sesame Street with a baggie of graham crackers - in my bed. And yes, there are crumbs. But that's a trade off!! ;-)
Hey, a mom's gotta do, what a mom's gotta do.
I'm also VERY grateful for a go-with-the-flow baby that is just happy wherever he is!!!
I wait until 2 of the kids are at school. Which is only for a few hours 3 days a week.
Then, I decide if I want to shower, sleep, or clean.
And about every other day, showering wins. And I do this with the other two.
One takes his morning nap while the other one watches Sesame Street with a baggie of graham crackers - in my bed. And yes, there are crumbs. But that's a trade off!! ;-)
Hey, a mom's gotta do, what a mom's gotta do.
I'm also VERY grateful for a go-with-the-flow baby that is just happy wherever he is!!!
Monday, December 14, 2009
Top 5 Things Not to Do. EVER.
1. Take 4 small kids to the mall with your husband.
2. Take 4 small kids to the mall with your husband on a Saturday.
3. Take 4 small kids to the mall with your husband, on a Saturday, after a 4 hour car ride.
4. Take 4 small kids to the mall with your husband, on a Saturday, after 4 hour car ride with no naps.
5. Take 4 small kids the the mall with your husband, on a Saturday, after 4 hour car ride with no naps, IN DECEMBER!!!!!
Seriously, I don't know what we were thinking. The kids were not too bad except trying to keep them out of the mens clothing racks while bouncing a hungry baby, keeping the stroller moving so the 2 year old wouldn't get out while your husband asks back and forth (several times) between which sports coat you like better, is not my ideal scenario for shopping at the mall.
Not to mention navigating the kiosk vendors. DON'T. MAKE. EYE. CONTACT. They practically grab you! And it's so crowded you're bound to have to go really close to them.
We pretty much wasted an hour of our lives braving The Galleria.
And we'll never get it back.
Our marriage DID survive though! ;-)
On another note, we had ALL the kids first sit down with Santa. And this is our best picture!
That's as close as we could get Lillian. And Landon looks thrilled!
2. Take 4 small kids to the mall with your husband on a Saturday.
3. Take 4 small kids to the mall with your husband, on a Saturday, after a 4 hour car ride.
4. Take 4 small kids to the mall with your husband, on a Saturday, after 4 hour car ride with no naps.
5. Take 4 small kids the the mall with your husband, on a Saturday, after 4 hour car ride with no naps, IN DECEMBER!!!!!
Seriously, I don't know what we were thinking. The kids were not too bad except trying to keep them out of the mens clothing racks while bouncing a hungry baby, keeping the stroller moving so the 2 year old wouldn't get out while your husband asks back and forth (several times) between which sports coat you like better, is not my ideal scenario for shopping at the mall.
Not to mention navigating the kiosk vendors. DON'T. MAKE. EYE. CONTACT. They practically grab you! And it's so crowded you're bound to have to go really close to them.
We pretty much wasted an hour of our lives braving The Galleria.
And we'll never get it back.
Our marriage DID survive though! ;-)
On another note, we had ALL the kids first sit down with Santa. And this is our best picture!
That's as close as we could get Lillian. And Landon looks thrilled!
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
This Is How He Rolls
I'm happy to report that bootcamp has been a HUGE success....so far at least! And last night he slept from 9:00 to 6:30 a.m.! Of course, it probably didn't help that I (gently) shook him to make sure he was still breathing after I got up. It's so nice to find a happily sleeping baby just the way you left him 9.5 hours ago!!
The only downside is all these naps (that he easily goes down for). This is how he has to take his first morning nap...during carpool.
You see, I had already swaddled him and put him in his crib. Then at 8:15 for carpool, quietly transferred him to his car seat and buckled him in all swaddled up. And he slept right through carpool!!
And in about 30 minutes, I'll start it all over again with his feeding! Things are going so much better around here now! A well rested mama is a much happier mama!
Oh, I could just go on and on about babywise right now. I'm thrilled at the positive feedback I received about it. Especially since it gets a lot of heat out there in the baby world. But it's nice to know that it's working so well for so many out there!!!
I will say I'm curious about a couple of another books - "The Happiest Baby on the Block" and "Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child". I would be interested in comparing philosophies from the three books. Anybody read these before??
The only downside is all these naps (that he easily goes down for). This is how he has to take his first morning nap...during carpool.
You see, I had already swaddled him and put him in his crib. Then at 8:15 for carpool, quietly transferred him to his car seat and buckled him in all swaddled up. And he slept right through carpool!!
And in about 30 minutes, I'll start it all over again with his feeding! Things are going so much better around here now! A well rested mama is a much happier mama!
Oh, I could just go on and on about babywise right now. I'm thrilled at the positive feedback I received about it. Especially since it gets a lot of heat out there in the baby world. But it's nice to know that it's working so well for so many out there!!!
I will say I'm curious about a couple of another books - "The Happiest Baby on the Block" and "Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child". I would be interested in comparing philosophies from the three books. Anybody read these before??
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Insight
If this doesn't tell you a little bit about my family, then I don't know what does.
These are the items I have pulled from the washer/dryer in the past 7 days.
Oh...if I only had pics of previous items that have graced my washer/dryer. Seriously, it could be an entire series of blog posts in itself.
But alas, I will only supply you with the most recent items that I have discovered.
Ok, so in case you cannot tell what they are, that would be a cell phone, a shotgun shell, lip gloss, chapstick, and last (but not least) a golf ball.
Don't ask me how these got past me when I was actually doing the laundry. Oops.
Oh...if I only had pics of previous items that have graced my washer/dryer. Seriously, it could be an entire series of blog posts in itself.
But alas, I will only supply you with the most recent items that I have discovered.
Ok, so in case you cannot tell what they are, that would be a cell phone, a shotgun shell, lip gloss, chapstick, and last (but not least) a golf ball.
Don't ask me how these got past me when I was actually doing the laundry. Oops.
Monday, October 5, 2009
Monday Schmonday
I'm still here. We are just really tired....
The biggest challenge right now is sleep. You see, when I had Landon and Lillian, the other kids were still really small and took REALLY good naps still. AND they weren't in school. So there were days we could sleep until 9:00 or so! And I could always count on that LONG afternoon nap.
(you see...this is how tired I am - she doesn't have her hair done!!! and we always have our hair done!)
Oh, and at our last doctor's visit, this little man weight 8 lbs 10 oz and was 20" long! Little man, you better slow down on that whole "growing" thing! Time doesn't need to go by any faster!!!
The biggest challenge right now is sleep. You see, when I had Landon and Lillian, the other kids were still really small and took REALLY good naps still. AND they weren't in school. So there were days we could sleep until 9:00 or so! And I could always count on that LONG afternoon nap.
But you see now, we have carpool, school, homework, lunch packing, etc. And if I DON'T get up and start our day around 6:00 or 6:30, well, quite frankly, no one would make it anywhere!
(you see...this is how tired I am - she doesn't have her hair done!!! and we always have our hair done!)
So, on days that Rhodes wakes up around 4:30 or 5:00 am to eat again, there is pretty much no point in me going back to bed for 30 minutes....because you know that as soon as my head hits the pillow, someone is going to need me for some juice, breakfast, diaper change, etc. And starting some of my mornings that early, lead to some really.long.days. Thank goodness not every day is like that.
So even though I go to bed between 8:00 and 9:00 pm, there are days I'm still running on fumes by early afternoon. But at least I have this cute little boy to snuggle with in the middle of the night...because it makes those wee hours of the morning just a little sweeter!
Oh, and at our last doctor's visit, this little man weight 8 lbs 10 oz and was 20" long! Little man, you better slow down on that whole "growing" thing! Time doesn't need to go by any faster!!!
Friday, September 18, 2009
I Thought Today Was Saturday
So my days are running together a bit. Understandable. But I have a pretty cute excuse!
So this was my first week SOLO with the kids! It went very well!
Monday, I told Olivia that we could take Rhodes up to circle time at school and introduce him to everyone. She was so proud and it was fun to show him off! ;-) They also gave him a baby blessing! It was so sweet to hear these sweet children pray over Rhodes! Then Olivia's teacher (who is also a long time friend) spoke a wonderful blessing over him. I loved it so much that I told Robert I wished she had written it down! The next day, the blessing appeared in Olivia's folder - thanks to Robert mentioning it to her!
Here it is:
"Rhodes - May his road be easily traveled! He will not look to the left or the right but will hear a voice behind him saying "This is the way, walk in it!"
I just love it!
Tuesday I was brave and ventured out with 3 of them to the library for story time. It went well. Though we were rushing back in order to get everyone fed!!
I have managed to get a nap every day but one since his birth! Even though my nights are going surprisingly well, it's still rough to not get more than 3-4 hour chunks at a time.
People seemed so shocked to see me up and out this week. I don't really understand. You see, I feel better NOW than I did the last month of my pregnancy! With each baby, the transition seems easier and easier! I have 3 other kids to care for. I can't lay in bed for 2 weeks nor do I want to! It's not like I'm at the gym yet - though I am itchin' to get there! I had an easy, quick delivery and therefore recovery is not nearly like it was after Olivia's birth! Things go back much quicker and with less pain by the 4th time around!
My mom has also been able to help and take kids when needed! I'm not so much fun right now and the days we don't leave I think they get pretty bored! Plus, taking just one child makes such a huge difference around the house!
On the agenda this weekend - set the crib up in Landon's room! With Rhodes doing so well at night, we are going to try to move them together sooner than we moved the girls! I'm also sewing a blue baby sling! I've been carrying him in the pink one that I used for Lillian and everyone thinks he's a girl. I'm also looking forward to getting a NICE, LONG, uninterrupted, nap with my awesome husband's help!!
Last but not least, Robert's parents are coming in town this weekend to meet Rhodes! We are looking forward to some nice quality time with them and the kids!
HAPPY WEEKEND!!!
So this was my first week SOLO with the kids! It went very well!
Monday, I told Olivia that we could take Rhodes up to circle time at school and introduce him to everyone. She was so proud and it was fun to show him off! ;-) They also gave him a baby blessing! It was so sweet to hear these sweet children pray over Rhodes! Then Olivia's teacher (who is also a long time friend) spoke a wonderful blessing over him. I loved it so much that I told Robert I wished she had written it down! The next day, the blessing appeared in Olivia's folder - thanks to Robert mentioning it to her!
Here it is:
"Rhodes - May his road be easily traveled! He will not look to the left or the right but will hear a voice behind him saying "This is the way, walk in it!"
I just love it!
Tuesday I was brave and ventured out with 3 of them to the library for story time. It went well. Though we were rushing back in order to get everyone fed!!
I have managed to get a nap every day but one since his birth! Even though my nights are going surprisingly well, it's still rough to not get more than 3-4 hour chunks at a time.
People seemed so shocked to see me up and out this week. I don't really understand. You see, I feel better NOW than I did the last month of my pregnancy! With each baby, the transition seems easier and easier! I have 3 other kids to care for. I can't lay in bed for 2 weeks nor do I want to! It's not like I'm at the gym yet - though I am itchin' to get there! I had an easy, quick delivery and therefore recovery is not nearly like it was after Olivia's birth! Things go back much quicker and with less pain by the 4th time around!
My mom has also been able to help and take kids when needed! I'm not so much fun right now and the days we don't leave I think they get pretty bored! Plus, taking just one child makes such a huge difference around the house!
On the agenda this weekend - set the crib up in Landon's room! With Rhodes doing so well at night, we are going to try to move them together sooner than we moved the girls! I'm also sewing a blue baby sling! I've been carrying him in the pink one that I used for Lillian and everyone thinks he's a girl. I'm also looking forward to getting a NICE, LONG, uninterrupted, nap with my awesome husband's help!!
Last but not least, Robert's parents are coming in town this weekend to meet Rhodes! We are looking forward to some nice quality time with them and the kids!
HAPPY WEEKEND!!!
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Launching...
Operation Get Rid Of Papi
Don't let those pretty eyes make you cave. But somehow I have to get this pacifier away from the adorable little girl.
But there's one catch. I'm terrified. You see, Olivia never used a paci. We forgot Landon's paci on a trip one time when he was about 1, told him we didn't have one for him, and that was the end of that. It was a complete non-issue with him.
Lillian, well, she's slightly deafening without it. I fear losing my hearing if we give it up. Or at least the rest of my 5 braincells that cause me to function {somewhat} properly in this world.
And then there's the "baby factor". Which means that she could totally revert back or get worse after the baby's born. She'll probably steal any pacis that she sees around the baby anyway.
So what should I do? Take it away now and hope we don't have a relapse? Or just wait. 'Cause we all know she ain't going to walk down the aisle with it. Or even into Kindergarten, for that matter. I'm treading in new territory with this "pacifier at 2 years old" thing!
Thoughts?!
Don't let those pretty eyes make you cave. But somehow I have to get this pacifier away from the adorable little girl.
But there's one catch. I'm terrified. You see, Olivia never used a paci. We forgot Landon's paci on a trip one time when he was about 1, told him we didn't have one for him, and that was the end of that. It was a complete non-issue with him.
Lillian, well, she's slightly deafening without it. I fear losing my hearing if we give it up. Or at least the rest of my 5 braincells that cause me to function {somewhat} properly in this world.
And then there's the "baby factor". Which means that she could totally revert back or get worse after the baby's born. She'll probably steal any pacis that she sees around the baby anyway.
So what should I do? Take it away now and hope we don't have a relapse? Or just wait. 'Cause we all know she ain't going to walk down the aisle with it. Or even into Kindergarten, for that matter. I'm treading in new territory with this "pacifier at 2 years old" thing!
Thoughts?!
Monday, August 10, 2009
Parenting Tip #135
You can read about parenting tip #132 HERE and #133 and #134 HERE
DO NOT...
i repeat.
DO NOT...
Under any circumstances throw the baby in the bath with you and "accidentally" wash her hair with Oil of Olay Body Body Butter Ribbons Body Washbecause the soap was already in her hair and you might as well not waste it.
Because......
After re-washing it in the sink with soap,
AND.
After at least 10 minutes of attempting to dry her hair, you will realize it's hopelessly greasy and start to play with it.
Which means:
combing it all back for the "Wet John-Travolta-in-Grease" look.
"Alien-Cone-Heads" look.
"Alfalfa-from-Little-Rugrats" look.
Which leads to the "Straight-Up-Scaring-Your-Child-To-Tears" look.
I couldn't help it. Her hair was just so plyable and fun to play with. I realized there was nothing more I could do. And I wasn't going to try and wash it out again! That stuff is tough! She woke up the next morning and it still looked like she had wet hair.
So....no more body butter ribbons "shampooing" again.
*She looks a little beat up in a couple of pics. But no, she's quite well loved on here at home. She just did a little concrete face plant earlier that day. But we're A-Okay!
DO NOT...
i repeat.
DO NOT...
Under any circumstances throw the baby in the bath with you and "accidentally" wash her hair with Oil of Olay Body Body Butter Ribbons Body Wash
Because......
After re-washing it in the sink with soap,
AND.
After at least 10 minutes of attempting to dry her hair, you will realize it's hopelessly greasy and start to play with it.
Which means:
combing it all back for the "Wet John-Travolta-in-Grease" look.
"Alien-Cone-Heads" look.
"Alfalfa-from-Little-Rugrats" look.
Which leads to the "Straight-Up-Scaring-Your-Child-To-Tears" look.
I couldn't help it. Her hair was just so plyable and fun to play with. I realized there was nothing more I could do. And I wasn't going to try and wash it out again! That stuff is tough! She woke up the next morning and it still looked like she had wet hair.
So....no more body butter ribbons "shampooing" again.
*She looks a little beat up in a couple of pics. But no, she's quite well loved on here at home. She just did a little concrete face plant earlier that day. But we're A-Okay!
Friday, March 6, 2009
Parenting Tip #133 and #134
#133 - Don't let a baby (who you knows loves lipstick) find a bag full of red tubes of lipstick.
#134 - WD-40 has special powers.
We all know how much Lillian just loves lipstick. So I can't say I was shocked when she found a bag of lipsticks (given as a gift) and play Leonardo da Vinici in her room.
I found about 20-30 red lipstick stains all over the girls' (semi-white) carpet in their room. Now, I did not freak out too much because the carpet was a bargain carpet from an outlet store and I spent the little $$ I spent on it knowing that I could part with it one day because it was nice and "loved" on. :-)
BUT, I also didn't want to leave the stains there.
So I summoned my stain fighting weapon of choice - WD-40.
The first try:
Oh my goodness, I think it worked. But that wasn't a big one.
Try #2 - this one was a doozy - nice and dark:
OMG....it came clear out!
One more try - I cannot believe my eyes!
Ah, WD-40, you will stay a dear, close friend. You're many talents are multiplying through the years! And to that mother at chick-fil-a who made fun of me when I said WD-40 was going to take the lipstick stains out - well, you should really think before you speak next time!
Now the million dollar question is how to get nail polish out of Lillian's dress. Because she tried to paint her toenails yesterday. (And yes, I already tried the WD-40 AND Goof off!)
#134 - WD-40 has special powers.
We all know how much Lillian just loves lipstick. So I can't say I was shocked when she found a bag of lipsticks (given as a gift) and play Leonardo da Vinici in her room.
I found about 20-30 red lipstick stains all over the girls' (semi-white) carpet in their room. Now, I did not freak out too much because the carpet was a bargain carpet from an outlet store and I spent the little $$ I spent on it knowing that I could part with it one day because it was nice and "loved" on. :-)
BUT, I also didn't want to leave the stains there.
So I summoned my stain fighting weapon of choice - WD-40.
The first try:
Oh my goodness, I think it worked. But that wasn't a big one.
Try #2 - this one was a doozy - nice and dark:
OMG....it came clear out!
One more try - I cannot believe my eyes!
Ah, WD-40, you will stay a dear, close friend. You're many talents are multiplying through the years! And to that mother at chick-fil-a who made fun of me when I said WD-40 was going to take the lipstick stains out - well, you should really think before you speak next time!
Now the million dollar question is how to get nail polish out of Lillian's dress. Because she tried to paint her toenails yesterday. (And yes, I already tried the WD-40 AND Goof off!)
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