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

May Fun

May is usually a busy month for us.  With our wedding anniversary and lots of birthdays to celebrate it definitely keeps us on our toes.  One birthday in particular is my husband's.  He turned 35 this year.  After the not-so-good year he had I wanted to make it special.  I can't afford to go all out but I did manage to get him some simple inexpensive gifts and baked him a Banana Pudding Poke Cake (his request).  That same evening we went to see our local minor league baseball team play and they WON!  Both kids enjoyed the game.  Our daughter loved the mascot (this girl isn't afraid of anything) and wanted so badly to give him a hug but he never made it close enough to us for her to do so.

Over the weekend our son went with my parents to Long Island to visit family and attend my niece's baby shower.  He is having so much fun with his cousins and will be back sometime today.  I know he will miss it there but we all plan to go the end of August for my nephew's wedding. 

We also have been having beautiful weather.  It's in the mid 80's right now.  Perfect weather for bringing out the baby pool and letting our little girl splash around and have some fun.  She hates bath time but loves the pool.

 In just a few weeks our son will be finished with school and we can kick off summer.  I have so many fun plans in the works.  I cannot believe this month is almost over and the summer season will be here soon.  I love this time of year. 

Happy Homemaker Monday - 5/19/14

Linking up with Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom.

As I look outside my window:
Beautiful clear sky, bright and sunny.  The trees are blowing from the breeze.  Mid 60's.  Loving it!

Right now I am:
Taking a little break from housework and watching an episode of True Tori.  It's a recent reality show about Tori Spelling talking about her issues and problems after her husband Dean McDermitt cheated on her.  I used to watch the Tori & Dean: Home Sweet Hollywood so I thought I'd watch this just for curiosity.  Although it's hard for me to feel sorry for this couple.  Tori and Dean both met on the set of a movie they were making together in Canada; both were married to others and cheated on them with each other.  So this was to be expected, wasn't it?  Although I know I shouldn't judge others.  Yet at the same time, it's no surprise.  I'm also in the midst of doing the laundry and other housework ... surprise, surprise.

Thinking and pondering:
About how busy life has become.  It's nice to have these moments where I can plop down on the couch and take a few minute breather.  I'm also thinking of my husband who will be celebrating his 35th birthday at the end of this week.  It's been a rough year for him so I want to make it a special day.  Yesterday we celebrated 12 years of marriage.  I love him!

On my bedside table:
Remember months ago when I said my children's baby books were sitting on my end table in the bedroom needing to be updated?  They are still there and still need to be updated.  I should probably get on that while the baby memories are still fresh in my mind.

On my TV this week:
Tuesdays I like watching 19 Kids and Counting and The Little Couple.  That's probably the only shows we watch that I completely enjoy.  The other times are shows my husband and kids pick.

Listening to:
The TV and also the dryer downstairs.

On the menu:
I usually keep this blank and only write what I'm making on Mondays since I'm not a good weekly planner.  I dream of being able to plan my meals for the entire week.  It's easier that way; however, I don't.  Not always.  Tonight we are having corn on the cob and I'm going to have to decide what I want to make with it ... chicken or pork chops?

On my to do list:
Laundry - wash/fold/put away
Wash bedding
Spring cleaning in all the bedrooms
Order tickets to Friday's ball game

Happening this week:
Taking my son to tball practice tomorrow and a game on Thursday
Taking hubby to the doctor for a follow up appt on Wednesday
 My husband's birthday Friday
My son is going to Long Island with my parents this weekend
Have to check on the neighbor's cat here and there while they are away on vacation this week.

What I am creating:
Again, still too busy but I'd love to start a craft with the kids sometime soon.

My simple pleasure:
Listening to music

Looking around the house:
Toys are stacked in one corner of the room.  I moved the bird cage to that side of the room as well since our cockatiel was making too much of a mess where he was before.  I just swept the floor so that's free of crumbs and dirt.  I also vacuumed the area rug in the living room so that looks spotless.  I'm sure once the kids come around with their snacks that will change.

From the camera:

Our son is doing phenomenal in tball this year.

Prayer list:
For myself - That my relationship with God grows stronger.  That I improve on being a better wife and mother each day.
My husband - For the physical healing he needs.  That he also grows stronger as a Christian.
My son - That he isn't influenced wrongly by the world and his surroundings.  Now that he's in school and making several friends he so easily falls into doing what others are doing.
My daughter - That she continues to be healthy as she grows.  Also have been working on potty training and it's been tough.
My parents
Others

Bible verse/Devotional:
"Sing praises to the Lord, O you his saints, and give thanks to his holy name" -- Psalm 30:4

12 Years

Today my best friend and I celebrate 12 years of marriage.  I can't believe how quickly these years are moving along.  The best moments of my life were shared with this man.  We've had our ups and of course, downs but through it all I know he is my soul mate.