My Ballerina's First Recital

Last Saturday was my little girl's first dance recital.  I always wanted to have a girl who took dance classes so it excites me that my wish has come true and that she enjoys it so much.  The entire show was great.  It was titled "Night At The Art Museum" which is a story that takes place in Paris with two girls who are artists and get some inspiration from a famous artist.  They view different art pieces which come to life.  My daughter was in the youngest class so when they walked onto the stage there were a lot of "awwww" coming from the audience.  She did great and I was so proud.

 

 

 

 She's eager to continue with classes after summer vacation.  I'm so excited for her.  I took ballet when I was younger but only lasted 5 1/2 years.  I was bored with it but now as I look back I wish I would have continued.  I will not pressure my daughter to continue if she decides to no longer pursue dance but I really, really hope she keeps going.  

 Here I am before my first ballet recital as a "butterfly." 

School's Out For Summer

I have been fighting a cold for exactly a week.  I don't think I've ever been sick this long and I don't know why it won't go away.  It seems to be worse at night time.  I haven't slept well at all this week.  This is why it's passed midnight and I'm sitting here on the couch trying to stop this continuous cough.  I can feel the mucus draining down my throat.  Gross!  I just don't know what to do to get rid of this annoyance and I'm trying hard to avoid seeing the doctor.  I just want sleep!  Last night I slept on the couch because my coughing was driving my husband insane and kept him from sleeping as well. So, I sat on the computer and did some writing.  I have always wanted to be an author and have been working on the same novel for many years, struggling to get through the first chapter.  It's mainly because I lack the time to get it accomplished.  Someday my dream will happen.  Someday.

In other news, today my son finished his last day as a second grader.  I can't believe it.  He has done so well thus far in school.  He is above grade level in math and reading.  He does need to work on spelling and handwriting but he will get it eventually.  I truly do believe that the English language is hard and not everything is spelled as it sounds.  It's so tricky.  As for handwriting he's a lefty, as am I, and I never seemed to be able to write eligible.  These things that he has trouble with I plan on working with him during the summer in preparation for third grade.  I cannot believe he is now entering the third grade.

My experience in third grade was horrible.  My teacher was the meanest person I had ever met in my life.  She called me stupid and told me I would never amount to anything.  I wasn't the only student she treated this way but it did hit me hard.  I believed it and from that point on I came to hate school and didn't see a point in trying.  It's a shame I allowed one ignorant teacher to effect my entire outlook of school and learning but unfortunately I did.  Now my son is entering the third grade, a year I hated so much.  I'm sure he will not have a teacher like mine.  Oh, I won't allow it!  But academically speaking he is going to be faced with more challenges.  I believe in him.  He's very smart.  I still worry.  Doesn't every good mother?

Now summer vacation has started for both of my children and I have many, many plans to keep them busy. 

Preschool Graduation

Well, our youngest has graduated from preschool last week.  It was definitely an emotional time for me and she didn't take it so well either.  She loved going to school and loved her teachers and classmates.  She made lots of friends and most of them she probably won't see ever again.  The year went by so fast.  Sending both our kids to preschool was the best decision we could have made.  She went from knowing so little to knowing so many things.  She has learned how to write the alphabet and numbers.  She knows the days of the week and the months of the year.  She can spell her name and also spell MOM and DAD.  She also knows how to spell her brother's name.  This summer I plan to work more with her before entering kindergarten.  Kindergarten?  Ugh.  I am not ready to see my baby enter the world of public school.  Time goes by so fast and it's not fair.  In our district kindergarten is full-day and I know it's going to be long and exhausting for her but she's a social butterfly and will do well.

I am so proud of her and how far she's come since the beginning.

Aside from learning she also went on many field trips and I was able to join her for each one.

The fire station where she learned about fire safety and had the chance to see the different equipment used during a fire and a tour through one of the trucks. 

Story time and a tour of the library.

 

A hike through a local park getting educated about different animals and trees by a tour guide.

 

A tour at the dairy where we learned how milk is made and even got to meet a few cows and goats.

There were also a few concerts.  Halloween, Christmas and graduation.

 

 This milestone really hit me hard.  I was in tears throughout her last day of school.  I'm an emotional person and can't handle change very well.  I am also struggling with the fact that my kids are growing.  Of course, the growing is going to happen and I am very proud of both my children.  I want to be able to keep my children little forever but also can't wait to see them grow up too.  

So, we have another graduate from preschool.  I am so proud.  

A Day At The Dairy

I now know what the term "It seems like only yesterday ..." really means.  As I escorted my daughter on the preschool field trip to Rutter's Dairy today I could remember walking through the same building and around the path leading through the farms with my son as if it were only yesterday ... but that was about three years ago.

My daughter was only a baby when my son was in preschool.  I would carry her against my hip every day I had to pick him up or drop him off to school and she would accompany us on most, but not all, of the field trips.  Now I'm doing all of this for her as she isn't a baby but a student of the same class.  Every paper she brings home and everything she learns is the same as my son.  Next month she will graduate and be on her way to the public school system.  I will no longer have any preschoolers or any little toddlers about to become preschoolers.  It's sad, actually.

Can we find a way to slow down time?

The field trip was a lot of fun.  The kids had a chance to learn where the milk comes from and how it goes from the cow and every step until it goes to the stores.  We even had a chance to meet some cows and a few goats too.

When my husband got home our daughter said, "That field trip was really great!"

I love these bonding moments I have with her. 

Briannaisms

I wish I would have kept a book with all the funny things both my children have said since they first learned how to speak.  My son has said a lot of funny things but unfortunately most have been forgotten.  My daughter has now been coming up with some funny things and I jotted a few down on Facebook but I really should start a written journal.  She's quite a character.

A few months ago we were in the front yard playing and she walked away from me and then stopped, turned toward me and said, "You are ruining my life!"  I had no idea where she got that from or why she said it.  It left me shocked but I also couldn't help but laugh.

Last week she asked, "When is Daddy's birthday?"  I answered, "In 4 days."  Her response was, "Ugh!  That's like a million days away."

Another last week was during her big brother's baseball game.  We sat on top of the grassy hill next to the other parents and grandparents when she loudly asked me, "When I'm bigger will I be a mom?" and then she added, "and have boobs?"

I wish I can remember all that she's said in the last year or two.  It's never a dull moment with her. 

Thoughts For Mothers Day

We're just a few days away from celebrating Mother's Day.  I don't expect much on this day but I must brag my husband and kids spoil me.  I'm so grateful and so blessed.  Becoming a mother was the best thing that ever happened to me.  It's challenging most of the time and quite frustrating but it's also amazing and filled with a lot of heartfelt moments.  I can't believe I brought these two into the world and I'm always thankful to God for allowing me to be their mother.  I don't take it for granted.

 

Mothers Day 2013

Mothers Day 2014

I'm definitely one lucky lady but I never forget those who aren't so fortunate.  In previous years I've heard women complain because their husbands forgot to get them flowers, a gift or even a simple inexpensive card.  My husband has yet to forget; however, if he did it wouldn't bother me so much.  No gift can compare to those two little ones.  They made me a mother and that is enough for me. The cards and gifts are nice and very much appreciated, of course, but I just don't understand why so many women complain when they don't receive those materialistic things.  Just focus on how lucky we are that we are mothers.  

Also, if you're going to complain about a gift you didn't receive just stop and think about the women in this world who are trying so desperately to conceive but can't.  Those women yearn to be parents but can't for one reason or another.  Think of those who had children but lost them suddenly because of a car accident, disease, whatever.  Think of the daughters whose mothers have passed away.  You may not receive a card or some flowers but why is that so important to anyone?  Of course, we mothers work hard and would like some recognition, I totally get that.  A gift is a nice way of saying, "THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU DO."  But is it really what's most important?  I don't think so.  I believe what's most important is the little ones who gave us the title of Mother.  Nothing in this world is more precious.  

Apple Picking

Since our son was a baby we started the tradition every October to go pumpkin picking.  I have been wanting to go apple picking and we finally made it happen.  This was the first for us and it was a lot of fun.  Hopefully this is something we can do every year from now on.  Another awesome fall tradition to add to the list. 

We went to a well known orchard in our area.  My husband helped the kids pick the apples from the trees while I spent most of the time snapping pictures with my camera.  Next time I'll enjoy the apple picking experience for myself but since it was our first time I wanted to capture the moments in photographs.  That's just how I am. 

My 6 year old is pretty good with the camera, I must admit.  He snapped this one of us:

 

It was a great day and we brought home a lot of apples.  Even picked some for my parents.  

I took a picture of part of the orchard.  Gotta love the country life!   I do like it here in the Keystone State. 

 

Treat Others With Kindess

 "Do to others as you would like them to do to you" -- Luke 6:31

That was one of my son's memory verses from Vacation Bible School this summer.  He repeats this verse often, especially to his little sister when she's not so nice to him.  Recently after she had smacked him he said, "Treat others as you would want to be treated so that means if you hit me I have to hit you."

Okay, so he may not completely understand what that verse means entirely but we're working on it ... and no he didn't hit his sister back, I made sure of it.

 

I certainly want my children to understand that in order to receive kindness from others, as well as love, honesty and respect, then they have to give it first.  Even if others aren't so kind to them I would love for them to understand the importance of being kind anyway.  This is something that has been laying on my heart a lot recently.  As I thought about what I want to see in my children something hit me hard.  What I'm asking my children to be is something I have failed at many times for myself.  Have I always been kind to others?  No.  Have I always shown others respect?  No.  Have I always been honest?  Certainly not.   So how can I expect my children to be what I haven't been?  What kind of example have I been setting for them?  

I do not believe in the do as I say and not as I do approach to parenting.  I believe that children will become a reflection of how they were raised.  Give a kid junk food all the time and lots of television watching and that's the life they grow accustomed to.  Give them healthy food and make sure they are active and that's how they will grow up to be.  Talk badly about others and show disrespect and that's how they will treat others.  Show them kindness and love throughout everything and they will learn to be the same.  Hillary Clinton once said, "It takes a village to raise a child."  I certainly disagree.  It takes parenting ... proper parenting.  Yes, the people who our children grow up with or spend time with will have a huge influence on their lives but it starts at home and how we handle every situation our children are faced with is what matters the most.  

Last week after getting my son and his neighbor friend off of the school bus I sat on the front step with them and we started talking about different things.  We watched as the new girl in our neighborhood also got off the bus and walked to her house.  I haven't met the parents of this new girl yet but I had already spoken to her.  She's a second grader and the family moved here from another state.  The girl is shy and doesn't say very much, at least not to us.  Our friend had said, "I think she has a problem with herself."  I asked what he meant and he said, "You know, I think she has a problem with herself."  My son was watching and listening so I made sure I used this moment as a great opportunity to teach kindness to the both of them.  I responded by saying, "Well, she just moved here from another state and she's probably scared and lonely and I noticed she's shy.  So the best thing we can do is to be nice to her and let her know she is welcomed into our neighborhood.  Let's be a friend to her."  

Again, he said, "I think she has a problem with herself."  

I couldn't seem to change his point of view but I made sure I handled the situation as best as I could and I wanted my son, especially, to learn that being a friend to someone is the best thing we can do.  Throughout or conversation my son seemed to be listening, understanding and nodding his head.  At least I'm getting through to him.  

As I mentioned I certainly haven't been living up to being the kindest person in the world.  In fact, I am known to be pretty outspoken but in a not-so-friendly kind of way.  I've never been one to keep opinions to myself and unfortunately I am not one to speak so nicely at times.  I'm working on it.  I see who I am and know what I need to be.  I know the changes I need to make for myself and not just for myself but for my children.  They are watching and learning.  Showing kindness and love to others is also the best way we can be as Christians and it's exactly how God wants us to be.

Just yesterday I was watching Joyce Meyer and she talked about the topic of being kind towards others.  It was hard for me to listen since my three year old was playing and being loud but the bits and pieces I caught really spoke to my heart and made so much sense.  She said we always need to show kindness towards others and even when we are correcting them we need to do it nicely.  Recently my niece was talking about something that irritated me but instead of biting my tongue or correcting her gently I was abrupt and rude.  My comments left her and my sister feeling hurt.  I wasn't kind at all and even if I believed my viewpoints were true I should have worded myself better and shown more compassion and kindness.  I've since apologized and am working on making sure I handle each and every situation more kindly and appropriately.  I thank God for always giving me these lessons that help me grow wiser.  I just wish I hadn't hurt anyone in the process.  

"A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare." --Proverbs 15:1

1st Grade

First off, let me just add that I found this awesome sign here while doing a Google search.  It's free and doesn't need to be downloaded.  Genius.  I wish I would have seen this last year when my son was starting kindergarten.  Of course, taking pictures on the first day of every year is what most of us proud mothers do, right?  This adds a little something to it.

After what seemed like an extremely fast summer vacation my oldest child is back at school for another year of growing, learning and exploring.  He had learned so much last year in kindergarten and I can't wait to see what first grade teaches him.  I have contemplated home schooling my children since the moment I found out I was pregnant but so far we've decided to stick with sending them to public school. My son seems to be doing well and that very shy personality he's had since toddlerhood seems to be improving.  He also seems to learn better from someone else and likes being around kids his age.  So, at least for now, we'll continue to send him on the bus and off to a school that seems to have a great reputation and has already done wonders for my child.  He's already reading.  When I was in kindergarten I remember painting pictures and taking naps ... now they read?  Amazing!

He was so full of energy after his first day of school and had so many things to say.  It seems he likes his teacher and the students he will be sharing the classroom with.  I believe he wore himself out with all the energy he possessed because this morning it was tough getting him out of bed and moving.  But he had his breakfast, got dressed and made it to the bus stop without a fuss.

As for me and my little one, we are enjoying our "girl time" as we call it.  I will be doing more educational stuff for her here at home and next year, hopefully, we will send her to preschool.  These years are going by so fast and I'm doing everything I can do to enjoy the time I have with them.  It won't be long before that "I'm a 1st Grader" sign will be replaced with "I'm a 12th Grader."  Ugh. 

Our "Princess" Turns 3

I remember finding out we were expecting our second child as if it happened yesterday.  Then I blinked.  Now she's 3.  No longer a baby.  No longer a toddler.  But a little girl.  A "princess" as she seems to think she is.

At age 3 our little girl has grown and learned so much.  She can say her A, B, C's and recognizes the letter B and says, "Be for me" since that is the first letter in her name.  She also recognizes M as the first letter in her brother's name and G is for Grandpa and Grandma.  She also speaks very well and that has always been her strong point, even at age one.  She knows the colors and her favorite is pink.  Her favorite show is The Fresh Beat Band and has also taken a recent interest in watching Sam and Cat, Victorious and iCarly.  She seems to be outgrowing her obsession for Yo Gabba Gabba, thankfully.  She's loves Disney Princesses, wearing dresses and everything girly ... but she also doesn't mind getting dirty and playing superheros (it comes from having a big brother).  She loves to dance and is always spinning and twirling and kicking her feet up in the air.  She keeps saying, "I wanna do ballet," but we decided against it this year and will hope to sign her up next year due to financial reasons and also since she still refuses to potty train.  Yes, getting her to use the potty has been the biggest challenge with her.  The underwear method and reward system just doesn't cut it.  She doesn't care.  I feel a three year old in diapers is unnecessary but I also know it will happen when she's ready (just hope it's long before she starts preschool next year). 

She can be very stubborn and knows what she wants and insists on having what she wants (which brings on a big challenge when it comes to disciplining).  However, most of the time, she is a real joy and always seems to care if we're happy.  Constantly throughout the day, especially when I seem down or frustrated she will ask, "Mom are you happy?"  If she knows someone is hurt she will repeatedly ask if they are feeling better, like after my husband's hip surgery or after my dad's shoulder surgery.  She already seems to care for others.  It's great.  She also loves to laugh and if she does something that makes us laugh she'll keep doing it over and over again so we can keep laughing. 

On the day of her birthday she requested we go to her favorite place, an amusement park nearby where we go to quite often.  We rode some rides and allowed both kids to ride ponies.  This was her first pony ride and she LOVED it.  I was anticipating some tears and fear but she smiled and laughed the entire time.  Then we went home so she could open her presents from us.

The following day we had a small party in the backyard with family.  We also included both grandfathers since their birthdays are close to the date as well.  My sister and her family came all the way from NY to attend and we appreciated that so much.

She definitely lived up to the title "Terrible Twos" and showed us that term DOES exist.  However, it's been great so far.  We love our little girl so much and can't wait to see what age 3 brings us. 

Big Girl Bed!

I'm not quite sure what my daughter is doing in this picture but she put her hands on her face and said, "Mommy take a picture of me!"  Silly girl.

As you can see she's sitting on a bed in her room.  I have been thinking of making the switch from crib to bed for quite some time but we haven't been ones to rush on getting either of our children into a bed for a few reasons:

1. Our kids are both small for their age and still fit comfortably in the crib passed the age of 2.  
2. Neither of them had ever tried climbing out.
3. They were happy in the crib.  There were never any issues with getting them to sleep.
4. I don't believe in rushing to get my kids started on anything they are not ready for just because they turn a certain age.

However, yes, I knew with her third birthday quickly approaching it was time.  I was apprehensive and scared to say the least but so far she's been doing well. 

The transition really wasn't so bad.  In the days leading up to this big moment I had kept telling her we were getting rid of the crib and giving her a "big girl" bed so she would be prepared.  At first she said no.  Then I allowed her to pick out her own sheets and blanket and of course she picked out Disney Princesses.  Her favorite!  You should have seen the excitement when they arrived.  Then we decided it would be best to make the switch on the weekend when my husband wouldn't have to get up early for work (in case the first night was disastrous).  We picked the date and my husband took the crib apart and set up the bed.  We decided to go with a toddler bed.  It's small and she can get in and out very easily.  In a year or two we'll make the switch to a normal size twin bed but for now this helps her to get used to having a bed.

She loves it ... and oh my ... seeing her in a bed instead of a crib has instantly made her look so much older.  Shortly after laying her down on the first night she got up and walked into the living room.  Then I put her back to bed.  This happened 4 times but once I gave her the little pink blanket she had slept with in her crib she was out like a light and stayed that way until the morning.  Whew!  Most nights have been going well, except the one night we had rain.  She HATES sleeping when it's raining.  I don't know why.  She woke up about 3am and didn't go back to sleep until 5am.  So the next night, again fighting that sleep, we had to put a gate by her door.  She shouted, screamed and cried but eventually she crawled into bed and fell asleep.  So far we've only had to use that gate once ... I guess she learned her mommy and daddy mean business.  I also feared her naps would stop once she made the transfer but so far that's remained the same as well, in fact she's napping right now.

 It's another one of those bittersweet moments as a parent!

Perfect Weather For A Hike

One of the things I've wanted to do with the kids this summer was to find a new park/playground we haven't been to yet.  There are so many parks in our area but it seems we only ever stick to the same few.  I actually didn't realize just how many parks there were until I signed the kids up for the summer reading club program at the library.  Aside from reading books and logging in the minutes for prizes they also offer a "scavenger hunt" as my son calls it in many different parks around the county.  You follow the directions on the booklet that was given to us with lots of clues that will lead you to the post.

Like this.

 

The walk to find this rubbing post was about .50 miles.  Not so bad, right?  Ha!  Most of the way had us walking up a very narrow hill.  Here I was with a heavy backpack (with diapers, water and lunch) strapped to my back while pushing my 20+ lb daughter in the stroller.  Okay, it really wasn't so bad and I do enjoy the exercise.  My son handled it great.  No complaining at all.  We found the post, my daughter wanted out of the stroller and I posed them for a picture.  Then we put the sheet that was given to us over top of the post and rubbed in the picture.  

Of course, after we completed our mission we took some time to play at the playground  It was a small, but really nice playground on top of a hill that overlooks a baseball field and basketball court.  In the distance you can see so many beautiful mountains.  I guess that's one of the good things about living in Pennsylvania.  The beautiful mountain scenery ... and farms, depending on where you go.  

Aside from adding my watermark I assure you I didn't photoshop the quality of these pictures.  The sky is that blue and the clouds are that white today.  The weather is also low in the 70's.  Perfect!  I can't believe in the middle of July we are not sweating and dying from the heat.  It was an incredibly perfect afternoon.  If only my husband could have joined us on this trip.  He's working.

Hopefully next week the kids and I can venture to another park for more fun, hiking for those rubbing posts and playtime. 

It Won't Be Like This For Long

 Former Hootie And The Blowfish singer Darius Rucker has a song titled It Won't Be Like This For Long, which explains how quickly each phase of our child's life goes by so fast.  I always try to keep this thought in mind.  No matter how wonderful or how frustrating any moment with my children may be I always remind myself that it isn't going to last forever. 

 There seems to be one question I keep hearing over and over again this summer.

"Mommy, can you push us on the swings?"

They only like being pushed by me holding on to the seat part, pulling them as far back and as high as I can reach and then letting them go.  They swing back and forth a few times, still high in the air, when they again ask ...

"Mommy, can you push me again?"

Rarely do I have a chance to respond before they immediately continue to beg, "push me!  Push me!"

As much as I enjoy every moment I spend with my children there are sometimes other things that call for my attention.  Like housework.  Or sometimes I crave some alone time.  Then I keep reminding myself ... the housework WILL get done eventually and yes the housework will always need done anyway.  I can get my alone time at some point.  More importantly than anything, my kids need me.  They need the time with me.  They need to have my full attention when they ask for it.  It may seem like such a tedious thing to constantly push both children on the swings over and over ... and over again but I constantly remind myself that these moments aren't going to last for long.

Like the moment I found out I was pregnant.  Or getting through each stage of pregnancy.  The long nights of trying to get the newborn to go to sleep only for him to wake up two hours later demanding another feeding.  These things don't last long.  In fact, the days seem to quickly turn into months and before we know it another year has passed.  The newborns we once held for the first time in our arms are now running around the yard, jumping on the swings and yelling, "Mommy push me!"  It won't be long before these two find themselves to be too old for swinging or needing my help to push them -- or simply needing my help with much of anything.

So my dear children, would you like me to push you on the swings?  Why, of course!

I know there will come a time when my children will be grown and out of the house.  I will sit on my porch and look at the old empty swings and look back on the days (that are going on right now) when we would spend hours on the swings just swinging and singing songs and I'll say to myself ... wow that didn't last long.  

So when your kids ask you to do something or spend time with them ... DO it and CHERISH it.  Because just as Mr. Rucker says ... It Won't Be Like This For Long. 

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!

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

Season Opener 2014

One of the many joys of being a parent is watching your child as they play in a sport (or a dance recital, music recital, whatever.)  This is my son's second year in teeball and he's been doing a lot better this time around.  I'm so proud of him.

It's amazing to see how awesome he is at hitting the ball off that tee.  This particular shot went far and he rushed towards first base without anyone stopping him.

I miss seeing my husband out there as a coach and I know he misses it too.  He had to sit along the side with the rest of us parents and I know it was hard on him.  He wanted so badly to get onto that field and help the kids out.  I'd say maybe next year but our son has no intention of playing baseball again after this season.

And then there was our daughter having no interest in the game but enjoyed taking a walk, looking at the nearby horses and picking dandelions with good ol' grandpa.  Yes that's right, I said horses.  One of the houses had two horses in the backyard which was beside the field. 

I'm not sure what the score was at the end.  Was anyone even keeping score?  Oh yeah, it's teeball.  They don't care about that in teeball!  The kids had fun and that's all that matters.

Praying For Their Future Spouses

Before I had children I was already praying for them.  I didn't know for sure if I'd end up having children and I didn't know how many or who they would turn out to be but I knew one thing for sure; God had those answers.  He knew my children and had a purpose for them long before they were forming in my womb.  Now I have two kids and I continue to pray for them.  I pray for their health, for their happiness, for their relationship with God, I pray that the Lord would direct me to be the kind of mother He wants me to be so I can raise them to be exactly what He wants them to be.  I have prayed so much over the years on so many topics involving my children but recently I have come to realize that I have failed at something.

I haven't been praying for the relationships they will have with friends and future significant others.

I'm not sure why it hasn't dawned on me until now with just how important it is to pray for the people who will be influences in their lives.  I want my kids to have friends but I want them to have the right kind of friends.  The ones who will build them up, help them succeed, accept them for who they are instead of trying to make them into something they're not and, overall, just be good influences.

I also want the same for the person they marry someday.  I'd love to see them marry someone who is godly; who strives to be a person after God's own heart.  Someone loving, faithful, and devoted to my child in every way possible.  Someone who will have my children's best interest at heart.  Someone who would be a great parent to my grandchildren.  So I've come to the conclusion that praying for my children's future spouses is just as important as praying for my children. 

“Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?” (2 Corinthians 6:14).

Progress

I love when I get on Facebook or a blog and read a mother sharing something that her child(ren) has done.  Some may call it bragging and some may get annoyed at hearing it.  I actually love it!  When a baby rolls over or walks for the first time, when a toddler uses the potty, when a preschooler can recite the alphabet, when a child starts to read and write ... those are huge milestones and achievements that are worth bragging feeling proud about. 

Parenting is never an easy thing.  In fact, lately, it seems I've been dealing with one struggle after another with my children.  So when they do something great I can't help but feel joyful about it and I want to share it with others.

My son is in kindergarten and has been learning to read.  Before starting school I helped him learn the alphabet and how to recognize and write each letter.  I also helped him to learn how to write his name.  He has always caught onto learning things quite easily and it hardly takes any effort on my part.  Will he always be that way?  I'm not sure but for now I'm just going to be thankful for his amazing memory.  Now he is learning how to read and although he has been struggling a little bit with how to pronounce words and sound things out I was so amazed when he picked up a book the other day and read almost all of it.  Last night when I tucked him into bed he picked another book from his book shelf, one I can't remember ever reading to him, and he read it word for word perfectly.  I was nearly brought to tears by it.

 

One subject he seems to excel at is math.  So far he's managed to teach himself addition and subtraction and has needed very little help from me or his father.  A few years ago, out of the blue, he asked me, "Mom does 5 and 5 make 10?" and he would just keep asking with different numbers and continuously getting them right.  Now math is not my subject.  Never was.  Never will be.  For some reason I just can't seem to get the hang of it.  My husband is the math genius.  He is an accountant after all.  I call him a human calculator and it seems, thankfully, that my son has inherited it from his dad.  

My sister-in-law gave Matthew a 1st grade math book for Christmas and last night he sat down with it by himself and started filling out one of the pages.  I was amazed at how quickly he went from one problem to the other.  I never saw him hesitate or use his fingers to count (like I had to do with some of them).  

It's been so amazing watching as both of my children learn new things.  They both seem to pick up on things so quickly.  It may not matter to some but for me it's a huge deal.  In school I had to take some special education classes because I just couldn't get the hang of what I was learning.  Focusing was hard and I did try.  I would learn something and then quickly forget.  Test taking was a nightmare.  I'm truly surprised I managed to graduate.  I don't usually talk about it.  It's embarrassing.  But that's why I am so amazed and so grateful to see how well my children are doing when it comes to learning.  

My kids are awesome and I'm so thankful that God has chosen me to be their mother.  Now I hope I don't do anything that will screw anything up and ruin their potential.  So far so good (I think). 

 

The Tedious Journey Through Potty Training

I certainly do not want to be one of those mothers who feel it's necessary to rush my children into potty training.  I believe the little ones will figure it out in their own time and it doesn't have to be the minute they reach the age of two. 

My son was only one month shy of turning three when he was potty trained and that did not include night time training.  I was in no hurry and I knew he'd start using the potty when he was good and ready and I wanted him to be comfortable with the process.  At age two we bought a cute little frog potty and also a Cars themed potty seat for our regular toilet.  I introduced them both to him by telling him what it was for and having him try it out here and there.  My son has always been pretty smart and never gave me an issue with anything so I'm sure he would have trained a lot sooner if I had pushed him.  But I didn't.  Not until he was close to turning three did I realize I had to make a better effort at getting him to use the potty regularly.  A friend of mine said that she had her son wear underwear and stopped using diapers.  That worked out well so I decided to give it a try.  Little ones are used to going in their diapers and it becomes a habit.  Also, I don't like pullups.  They are the same as diapers except it's easier to pull them up and down.  They are also expensive.  So I decided to buy some underwear and give that a try.  It worked like a charm. 

He wore his underwear and I had him sit on the potty every fifteen minutes or so.  He got the hang of it rather quickly.  Only one wet accident, which had him very upset with himself, and he was trained immediately.  We could even take the 40 minute trip to my parents' house without any accidents.  By his third birthday he was trained. 

I have a feeling my daughter's experience with the potty will be quite different.  At some point around the start of turning two she did go a few times and we clapped and cheered for her.  I really thought she was going to be consistent and be trained early but she gave up rather quickly.  Again, I didn't want to push her or force her.  She'll also get it when she's ready and willing. 

She's 29 months old and still not interested nor willing.  That's okay, right?  They say girls are easier to train then boys.  (Insert laughter here) That's certainly not the case in this house. 

My daughter is very indecisive.  She'll tell me she wants to use the potty but as soon as I take her into the bathroom she says "No, go in my diaper!"  Then I take her out of the bathroom and she points to the bathroom and cries for the potty.  Then again it's "no potty, in my diaper."  She's also very strong-willed and wants to fight me over everything.  It's okay though.  She's not quite two and a half yet.  As much as I'd like to say bye-bye to diapers I know my daughter will be potty trained in her own time. 

I did buy underwear for her.  Size 2T Disney princess underwear that I thought she would love and be willing to wear.  I slipped a pair of Rapunzel undies on this morning and she did well for awhile.  She refused to sit on the potty and I had hoped she would at least tell me if she had to go.  After a few hours she did tell me.  She held her legs together and said "go potty."  I grabbed her and we ran to the bathroom and I sat her on the potty.  At first she fought with me but then she sat down and I clapped for her.  She didn't do anything but I wanted her to see my excitement in regards to her effort.  She gave up after a few minutes and left nothing in the potty.  Well, then I came to find she had already peed ... on the floor in the living room.  Ugh.  Underwear trick = Fail!

I'm not willing to get frustrated over this.  Potty training comes easy for some little ones but not others.  Like I said, it will happen when she's ready and I'm okay with waiting.