Planting

We have been in our house for about 9 years and are FINALLY making some much needed renovations.  We're getting ready to do some major things to the house (this summer and then in the next year or so).  I'm so excited.  I like this house but it has been in desperate need of some work. 

Last year I worked on the flower bed in front of the house and this year I finally got to the other flower bed in the front.  The old, dead bushes had been removed last year (thanks to our neighbor for helping us out) and this year I was able to plant some new things. 

Everything I planted is now small but will grow in time.  I want to see how big this all gets before planting anything else.  I don't like having a flower bed that's too cluttered. 

This is my dwarf pine tree.  Right now it's so tiny and adorable but eventually it will be as tall as 5 ft.  I've been watering it every day but it looks like the heat and sun have still dried out part of it. 

Here are a few hydrangeas and a dwarf bush in the middle.  Again, so very small.  I can't wait until next spring when the hydrangeas will show their beautiful flowers. 

My sister-in-law gave us a few lilac shoots and I just planted them in the side of the house.  They will eventually have white flowers on them. 

The next major outdoor project I have for myself is planting a garden in the backyard.  I can't wait to have my own fresh vegetables.  Have you noticed how expensive fruits and vegetables are at the store?  Ridiculous!  I remember the gardens my dad had when I was little.  He spent hours planting and maintaining them but in the end we always had delicious veggies to enjoy. 

Oh and I also planted some sunflower seeds my dad gave us.  The kids even got their hands a little dirty with me. 

I also use red rubber mulch in my flower beds.  It costs more than real mulch but it lasts longer and you don't have to worry about replacing it every year. 

"If You Want Me To"

I have been listening to this song on repeat today.  The lyrics remind me that no matter how tough life gets and whatever trials and tests are put in my path I'm not going to be walking through it alone. 

God never promised us an easy life but He promised He would always be there to help us along the way.  It also reminds me that no matter how bad my life gets Jesus is the One who made the ultimate sacrifice on the cross.  Nothing I will ever go through can compare to the sufferings He faced ... and He did it for me, for all of us.

Last week was a tough one for me but with God's help (and my husband's) I got through.  My dad had to have surgery on his shoulder and also on his hand.  With his left arm in a sling and the right hand  bandaged he couldn't do much around the house and he also couldn't take care of my mother who has been pretty helpless since her stroke two years ago.  Since I'm the only other family member in this state I had to help out.  From Thursday until yesterday I stayed with them.  I cooked, cleaned, helped my mother to and from the bathroom, helped her shower and dress and also gave her insulin she needs because of having diabetes.  Whew.  I don't know how my dad does all of that but he's willing to.  We thought we were going to lose my mother after the stroke but God graced her with a second chance and we are all so thankful for that. 

On top of taking care of my parents my daughter had (and still has) a bad case of diarrhea.  Thanks to the stomach bug that hit our home that started a few weeks ago.  Luckily my husband was willing to come by and help when he could and even took the kids home when they had enough of being at Gandma and Grandpa's house.  I know it wasn't easy for my husband, since he's still trying to fully recover from his hip surgeries a few months ago but it was only temporary. 

You know, I never would have guessed that I would someday have to help my mother to get a shower or go to the bathroom.  That's not something any kid usually thinks about.  We've also received news that the clot that caused her stroke is back and all we can do now is watch and hope that no signs of a stroke progresses.  I can't help but ask why she has to go through this but I know God has the answers and He's getting us all through it. 

I also remember back at the age of 13 when my parents said they wanted to move out of New York because the stress of trying to pay the bills was weighing on them financially and emotionally.  It was a hard move and I went through so much for so long.  Back then I questioned the reason why it all happened and felt how unfair it was that my brother and sisters were old enough to stay on Long Island but I wasn't.  There were times after I turned 18 that I wanted to go back to NY but it never worked out that way.  Now I can see the big picture and the reason why God had me stay.  My parents need me.  They may not have needed me back then but they sure need me now and they will need me more and more as the years go on.  I have a better understanding of all this now and it makes me feel thankful. 

"It may not be the way I would have chosen.  When you lead me through a world that's not my home.  But you never said it would be easy.  You only said I'd never go alone ..."

I'm certainly not going through this life alone.  I can feel God's presence with me every step of the way and even though I still don't understand a lot of things I can be certain it's all part of God's miraculous plan. 

My Happily Ever After

I decided to give my blog a new name.  Happily Ever After.  Now that I have a little girl I've been reading many Disney princess books.  They all seem to end the same "... and they lived happily ever after."  As a child I read some of those same books and, like most little girls, dreamed of the day I would grow up and find my own prince.  I can't exactly say my husband carried me on a horse to his castle but our story is still pretty romantic. 

We met in college, fell in love, got married, bought a house, had two children ... and lived happily ever after! 

Splishing And Splashing

When the sweat starts pouring down my face the minute I step outside I know that it's summer.  Okay, so according to the calendar the summer solstice doesn't start for another five days but let's face it -- summer weather is HERE!  I normally do not complain about the heat.  I've always loved it.  However this morning at the park I thought I was going to pass out.  The humidity here is awful.

So it only makes sense that when it's 90 degrees you should spend some time splashing around in the pool.  I wish we had a bigger pool in our backyard but since we don't we have settle for the plastic baby pool.  Hey, the kids love it.  Just make sure you don't splash B in the face ... she hates that.

 

 

Happy summer y'all!

Summer Bucket List for 2014

Summer is right around the corner and my son is finishing his last week of school so I thought it would be a good time to write up a Summer Bucket List.  I've seen this on other blogs so I decided to give it a try as well.  Then once summer ends I can see how many of these things have been done.  If I can find the time I may blog about each of them as they are completed.

• Complete the library's Summer Reading Club reading minutes.  Go to as many of their events as possible/complete as much of the scavenger hunt they have set up as we can.
• Visit the beach
• Attend nephew's wedding in NY
• Take the kids to Gettysburg 
• Find a park/playground we haven't been to yet
• Visit at least one new place
• Go to the local amusement park as much as possible (thankfully we have season passes again).
• Finish repairing/staining the back deck
• Playdates with friends
• Kitchen renovation
• Do craft projects with the kids
• Visit the pool
• Teach M how to tie his shoes
• Teach M how to ride a bike without training wheels
• Get B fully potty trained
• Move B into a big girl bed

I will add more as I think of it.  I can't wait to start crossing off the things on this list off and let's hope for a safe and wonderful summer!

Parenting A Strong-Willed Child

The definition of a strong-willed person is someone who is stubborn, tough, not willing to listen to others and always wanting their way.  If you looked up the definition in the dictionary my daughter's name should be written in bold lettering.  She is strong-willed and parenting a strong-willed child is never an easy task.

My son, the eldest of the two, was such an easy baby and toddler.  He seldom threw a tantrum and when he did all I had to do was walk away and it was over.  He was very laid back and never demanded much.  My daughter, on the other hand, is entirely different.  She fits the description of the term strong-willed to a tee.  It becomes a challenge and at times I want to scream and pull my hair out.  If you're the parent of a strong-willed child you know exactly what I mean.

B always knows what she wants and will fight until she gets her way.  As a parent it's my job to teach my children that they can't always get what they want and I can't back down or give in to their demands.  I have seen so many children who think they own the parents and can do whatever they want and the parents let them.  I refuse to be the parent who lets her child get away with everything.  I have to put my foot down.  Let's face it, it's much easier said than done, isn't it?

There have been moments when I've felt defeated.  Arguing with a two year old doesn't work and isn't the right way to approach the matter.  Removing a child from the situation may be a better suggestion, however for B that doesn't always work.  For example when she asks for a snack (and forgot to say please) and it's moments before dinner I will tell her no.  "No snack right now.  It's almost dinnertime and if you eat a snack you won't be hungry for dinner."

"I want a snack.  Get me a snack," -- B says.

"I don't like that tone.  You have to ask nicely and say please ... but I already said no.  No snack.  You'll be eating dinner soon," -- me

B starts throwing a fit and yelling," I want a snack!" Then she proceeds to walk to the pantry and opens the door before picking out what snack she wants.

I pull her way and the screaming fit worsens.

It's at this moment when I feel defeated.  She won't stop screaming and she'll find her way to that pantry even if I've pulled her away or said no several times. Sometimes it works to distract her and sometimes her big brother is there to help with that.  Other times nothing we say or do helps.  Sometimes my husband and I raise our voices and yes I know yelling at a child isn't recommended.  Well, sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do and there comes a point when we can only take so much.  My children have to know who the bosses are.  When my daughter refuses to listen and demands her way I can't give in and I can't let her think this is acceptable behavior.  I just have to learn how to better handle these situations when they come.  If she's going to be tough I have to be tougher.  If she's going to be challenging I have to learn how to better handle the challenges ... and yes I know I need to learn how to handle it without yelling back at her.  We're only human and it's so easy to lose our cool when put in a situation that we feel helpless.  I've learned to just stop, take a few deep breaths and call on God for strength and wisdom.

And even though I have to put my foot down and not allow her to think she can get her way I've also come to realize that being a strong-willed person isn't necessarily a bad thing.  Strong-willed children generally grow up to be self sufficient and independent adults.  They are also known to be the ones who are leaders instead of followers and that's exactly what I want my children to be.  However, there still needs to be boundaries and they have to learn what is acceptable and what is not.

And before you start judging I will add that my daughter isn't entirely hard to deal with.  I do indeed love her to pieces and wouldn't want her any other way.  She does have so many good qualities.  She loves to dance, sing and even with her strong-willed personality she can also be very sweet and kind.  She's energetic and outgoing.  B loves people and isn't afraid to talk to others and make new friends.  In fact, during my son's baseball games she would always surround herself with other little girls that were there.

Regardless of how challenging it is to raise her at times I know God has big plans for her.  It's not always easy being her mother but for the most part it's definitely worth it.

So if you're a parent of a strong-willed child I ask that you just hang in there.  Don't give into their demands but embrace their personality.  I recommend you read this article I came across that gives 10 helpful suggestions on how to handle a strong-willed child.  http://www.ahaparenting.com/parenting-tools/positive-discipline/Parenting-Strong-Willed-Child

Happy Homemaker Monday - 6/2/14

Is it June already?  I can't believe it!  My son has two more weeks of school and then it's summer vacation.  He would have been done this week but because of all the snow we had this winter he needs to make it up.  I have a busy summer planned so I'm not so sure how often I'll be able to blog and do these HHM. 

Hosted by Diary of A Stay At Home Mom

As I look outside my window:
Beautiful, clear and sunny skies.  It's in the 80's with warm air and sunshine.  I love it! 

Right now I am:
Just laid my daughter down for a nap so I'm taking a few minutes to relax while watching 7th Heaven and typing this up.

Thinking and pondering:
About my mom.  She had a stroke a few years ago and the clot that caused the stroke was 50% clogged at the time.  Now tests show that it's 80% clogged.  We thought she was doing better but it doesn't look so great.  In a few weeks she goes to the doctor to talk about a procedure that may need done, which is life threatening.  This isn't good.  I'm not ready to lose my mother.  I know I'll never be ready but she's still so young. 

On my bedside table:
My Bible

On my tv this week:
America's Got Talent, the season finale of 19 Kids and Counting, The Little Couple and Breaking Amish. 

Listening to:
Birds chirping outside.  Sounds like there are so many of them.

On the menu for this week:
Monday - Parmesan Chicken with a side of rice and veggies
Tuesday - Tacos
Wednesday - Ham and mashed potatoes
Thursday -
Friday - pizza

On my to do list:
Mow lawn/ yard work
Laundry (isn't that always the case?)
Clean the master bedroom

Happening this week:
Taking my son to his last tball practice on Tuesday
Last game on Thursday

What I am creating:
Nothing

My simple pleasure:
Taking pictures

Looking around the house:
What a mess!  Toys, toys, toys!  Everywhere!

From the camera:

 

We had a family picnic at the lake on Saturday.  It was a great time.  

Prayer list:

My mother's health issues

Strength for my father

My husband's continued healing from his hip surgery

Bible verse/devotional:

"So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal." - 2 Corinthians 4:16-18