Learning So Much

Two books and one workshop later, I'm beginning to learn how much I have to learn about being a parent. How have I made it this long without realizing it, I don't know. Maybe because I was working full time or because Haylie is just getting to THAT age or maybe I just wasn't able or willing to accept the responsibility. Not only am I learning about parenting, I'm learning that I am as strong willed, selfish and disobedient as my 3 year old. All this knowledge makes a person really look at what they are doing themselves that is reflected in their children. I AM a spoiled brat. For years I thought I escaped the stereotypical "only child" rap, but I haven't. Everything was catered around me growing up. Not to my parents fault, there simply was no competition. Ah, I know I turned out OK and I know my children will too, all credited to God's mercy and grace of course.
Side note...someone said to me that mercy is what we receive while waiting for grace. Kind of makes sense, but I think I will have to ponder that one a little more.

As far as the family goes...Daddy is busy with work and for some crazy reason has decided that taking on all these side jobs will some how give him more time to be with family in the long run. If Tommy wasn't burning the candle at both ends already, this should pretty much burn the whole thing up at once and then some.
Brady is happy and healthy. His one year percentiles have really slowed down which puts him more in the 50's. Fine by me, my back really can't take any more.
Haylie's school year will be ending soon and we'll have to form some kind of a summer routine to keep the sanity. I do see some improvement in her behavior, but she's still bucking strong. Even through the struggles she manages to say and do the cutest things. Oh, the things she picks up on.
I'm still looking for a job, kind of. Have fully thrown myself into the job at hand, my home and my family. I will say it again, this is the most challenging job I have ever had in my life but I'm adjusting to it and beginning to really enjoy it and almost look forward to it everyday.
I'll be sure to post more pictures soon.

I Am Mommy, Hear Me Roar

I'm reading a book called How to Have a New Kid by Friday (in 5 days). It's filled with some basic principles about parenting. The main theme...You're the parent, DUH! Take charge. Don't let them grow up dysfunctional because you spent their childhood trying to make them happy. The author takes about how many parents today try to create a "Disneyland Experience" for their children. I know that I haven't a clue how to be a parent. I know that there are physical needs that need to be met and that they need to be loved, but how do I shape them to be responsible adults with a sense of self-worth? WOW, that's pretty deep! Anyhoo...it's been a great read and things have been going well. I have not really yelled or spanked in several days. (Haylie was getting spanked AT LEAST once a day there for a while because I didn't know what else to do.) This book is awesome, totally recommend it. It's relevant for kids of all ages and it's written by a Christian (though there really is no mention of God other than once or twice, it's more of a practical guide with a firm foundation in common sense.)
Thanks also to the people who passed on advise.
The last chapter of the book (the whole thing is a short read) is called Fun Day (Friday) where you implement everything and watch the looks of confusion on the kids faces. Got to love that!

He Has Risen! Happy Easter! (V)

The Thrill Of the Chase

What is the deal with always having to chase kids? I'm constantly chasing after Haylie. To get her into her pajamas, to get her out of her pajamas, to get her into the car, to get her out of the car, to put her into her "time-out" after pummeling her brother... Some might see it as good exercise and I would have to agree IF it also didn't include the exercise of my patience. ARG!! What should I do? For instance...the park. Last night we went to the park. Miss Haylie did not want to get into the car. I could have done(and have done) the chase which sometimes ends in punishment. I've tried psyching her out and getting in the car and starting to drive away. Last night I had time so I just sat in the car until she got bored of it and finally came to my side of the car and said she was ready. PLEASE HELP!! All of these ways seem to let her win. If I chase her then she gets chased, which I'm pretty sure is what she wants. If I wait in the car then she gets more time doing whatever it is she's doing. If I pull the car away then I'm afraid I'm raising the bar and it could get worse and worse as she learns I won't really leave (and I won't, I promise ;o). Are there other options I'm not thinking of? Let me know what you think, anything is welcome.

It's Me Birthday

Love inspires. When I feel really loved I feel like I could do anything. My cup over flows. The warm fuzzies, as I used to call it. I know I'm loved every day, it's just that some days I don't feel it or don't stop to realize it. This is my birthday prayer...may we all remember our warm fuzzy moments and let them inspire us to love others whether they are lovable or not.

1 John 4:19
We love because he first loved us.

I Can Hardly Handle it

I drove two hours tonight to my parents house without the kids. It's been over three years since I've been here without a child in tow. It's weird! I don't have to be quiet, I didn't have to have to chase anyone to get them into PJs, and I don't have to worry about a little person getting me up in the middle of the night. This will only be the second night since Brady was born that I have not had kids. As I drove off tonight I felt guilty. If I had let Tommy know how guilty, he probably would have run with it. ;o) I miss them but am so glad for this time away. I remember my first big trip away from Haylie. She was about 16 months old and I was gone on a business trip for two days. She was asleep when she and Tommy picked me up at the airport. When we got home I took her out of the car seat and brought her to the changing table in her room. I remember the dazed look of confusion on her face that eventually became a very happy smile. I can't wait to see that same smile on Brady's face.