Yay! It's time for crib time!

When it comes to kids (and having them or raising them) I have gotten two solid pieces of advice.

*(as it relates to having just had a baby)- Make sure you get a shower each day. No matter when.. at some point, no matter how tired you are.. it WILL make you feel so much better and halfway normal.

*(as it relates to raising children)- Make sure you establish crib time.

Oh how much I love the wisdom of both. Therefore, today I will show you crib time. It starts at the time a baby can sit up unassisted and has enough motor skills to grab a toy and/or crawl: generally by 8 months. sometimes before: depending on the child.

You take the precious lamb and place them in their crib with some fun toys that are obviously baby appropriate. And you build up time. If the first time you do it, it only lasts five minutes before baby is yelling at you: stretch it another five the next day. As with anything: consistency is the key. Here let me show you..

Jorge was my first one to test it out on. He LOVED crib time (as you can see). He would actually stay in there for an hour.. an HOUR people, happily playing with his toys and listening to music. Lots got done: a shower, laundry (dare I say: a rest on the couch while growing human baby #2.. gasp). It was heavenly.

Next was Alex (as shown in the, also handy, pack n play) for that social baby that just can NOT handle being by themselves no matter WHAT toy you put in there with them. I think Alex was good for about 40 minutes and then he was d.o.n.e. And be warned. If an older sibling is old enough to climb in there too, you WILL have to maintain a constant visual to make sure everything is safe. Eh hem.

Next we have "baby girl," aka Eva. Not surprisingly, she was less interested in "crib time" as her brothers were. Likely because she is a girl and we are just diva's that way. I think her top time was 20 minutes. But hey.. I'll take it.

And here we have numero quatro, Isaac. Who enjoyed his very first (of many) crib times today. Contrary to his facial expression in this picture, he very much enjoyed his crib time. But when I came in to take his picture, he was very much ready for me to pick him up. His first total time: 20 minutes. Not bad.

*it is also important to note that crib time is a great way to help a child (with many older siblings) to get some down time when he/she is way over-stimulated, but isn't sleepy. it gives them a great, contained place to play, without all the hoopin' and hollerin' going on around them.

well, that's it. I hope you've enjoyed my tutorial of sorts. Now.. lemme go see about crib time for my five and four year olds. ;-)

Guilt Ridden Momma?

* I am the one who wanted: all these kids, them so close, to stay home, to home school (etc.). Therefore, I need to "deal."

*Me time is selfish.

*My husband is too tired for me to ask for help.

*This is "my" job.

*I need to find the joy and not focus on the facts: *I am tired, I am overwhelmed, I feel like I'm drowning (etc.).

*Other mommas have: more kids than me, a smaller house, a harder time than me, an absent husband (etc).. so I need to buck up and "deal."

*My kids need me. All the time.

*My husband needs me. All the time.

*My house needs me. All the time.

________________________________________________

If you've hand ONE of those thoughts (or are like me and had all of them..every.day).. then guess what? you are a guilt ridden momma. And guess what: Guilt, is not from God. It's lies. All lies. And sadly, it's there to bring you to a slow, painful destruction.

Here is what I am learning. the TRUTH IS:

*I need to ask for help. God is the one who gave me *all these kids* and their spacing. but that does not mean that I can not take breaks. "Oh but the women of the Bible had 13 kids.." Yeah, and they also had servants. YOU do NOT have to be all, do all and serve all... TO THE DETRIMENT of yourself. I do not have to "buck up" and "suffer through." God's goal is not for coping. It's for healing. If you feel tired, overwhelmed and like you are drowning take that as a cue, RED FLAG that you need some "(insert name your here) Time." Not dropping your kids off at a friends so you can clean your house time, fold the laundry time, grocery shopping time.. some YOU TIME. The enemy (and even the Church, at times, or those in it) have sold a bag of lies that you are selfish to ask for time away. Time to have no responsibility but to sit/walk/fall asleep or whatever suits your fancy.

Your family will survive. Better yet, they will thrive because you are taking that time to regroup, recharge, re-energize. Coping means distraction: facebook, my friends, is coping. that is not YOU time. You time is defined as something that re-energizes you. Re-fuels you. What is that thing (apart from serving others) that you enjoy? That isn't part of a job. Part of a "responsibility," that you get excited about? If you are like me, it may take a while to think of what excites you.

You need to give yourself permission to WANT a break. Then you need to give yourself permission to MAKE it happen. Your family needs you to be at your best. And if you are hitting a brick wall.. that's not your best. You have to pray and ask God to show you what breaks you need. How many. Once a week for an hour or four hours. I don't know. That's between you and God.

Please know that God's plan is for you to get rest, comfort and peace EVEN NOW when you are in your season. NOT suffer through it. He came to give you life, and life abundantly. If you aren't feeling too abundant.. it's time to re-evaluate. And friends.. please do this before it's too late.

adios.

If I've told you ONCE..I've told you 1,000 times..

Listen up mommies.

Have those days, nay, years where you think, "seriously, how many times do we have to go over this??"

Well, take heart. Eventually it (apparently) sinks in.

With my boys I am constantly saying, "Open the door for girls (for mommy), and then let them go first." Our practical application is attempted every time I open the van door to let the kids in. Eva will be attempting to climb up (she's 2, so that can be a slow process) and the boys will trample her trying to bypass her. INSTEAD of waiting patiently. So generally, in my best ladylike voice I gently say (ehem.. read here YELL), "LADIES FIRST!"

I don't know how many times we go over this in a day.

We are already trying to master gentleness with the female species while playing, with, "boys, God made you strong to protect girls. NOT hurt them."

So today, while eating at CFA, the Sprite had gotten low. So Jorge (5) volunteered to go get the refill. You know, he's a half grown man now, right?

So off he goes, chest pushed out, head held high.

Then he returns. With Alex and Eva waiting at the playroom door ready for a giant gulp. As soon as Jorge opens the door Alex, being faster and stronger than Eva, gets the first spot in front of the cup. And with a very manly voice you hear Jorge bellow, very kindly, "No No, LADIES FIRST." And he walks over to Eva and lets her have the first gulp.

Melt.my.heart.

Well everyone. It seems my job is done.

haha. I wish. But I sure am proud of that there gentleman.

Im a social zero.

So I got a great opportunity the other day.  I got to make a real life connection with a web friend. I don't know how many of your Internet acquaintances have turned into real life friends but it truly is a fun experience.  

Lindsay mentioned on Facebook that she was heading to the zoo.. and funny as it was, we had already decided that we were going that morning too.  So I mentioned to her that we might actually get to go and therefore could meet! Fun!  

When we got there it was as if we already "knew" each other because we follow each other on each others' blogs.  It's neat.  But after the fact I felt I had to apologize to her because I was sure I made a horrible "real life" first impression.  Why? 

Because having kids has made me inept in the social interaction department.  Actually, having three very young kids, that is.  My good friends that I see all the time could tell you that I just don't do very many play dates because I just don't get the opportunity to finish a thought, much less a sentence.  

I am okay with this season of my life, mind you, but I know it has to come across and my being rude or, worse, uninterested in others.. But nothing could be further from the truth.  In fact, at this particular event I had "lost" the boys a couple of times.  By that I mean.. they went from the sprinklers to the "playground area" like little CIA undercover operatives (aka.. without my knowing it).  I am sure I seemed like I was the most absent minded parent but the truth is that I can only focus on one thing at a time.. conversation or my children.  I can't do both. 

I know moms understand.. but i just feel better not doing a play date because then I don't have to keep apologizing for the lack of focus on the conversation.  At least, until my youngest child is four.. and at the rate we are going with kiddos that could be a while.  

Moral of the story:  take the opportunity to meet "Internet friends" you will be blessed.  Also, don't volunteer to take my kids to the zoo.  :-P

Like little drops of .. EVA

My husband has been known to give his sons little spoonfulls of his coffee.  To which he always says, "mmmm.. like little drops of heaven."  One day Jorgito said, "No daddy, it's like little drops of Eva."  Awwwww.. so now that is what we say when we want to describe something that is just heavenly.  ;-)  Thus these photos.. 

She is a ham for her mommy.. 

It is important to keep your babies hydrated. 

Also important to let them fall asleep on their own.. even if means they do it sitting up.  (don't worry she could breathe just fine.  And after the quick photo shoot, I placed her in a much more comfortable position). 

Again with the hydration, babies will pour water from a cup right into their mouth.. and not know how to swallow it correctly.  Note to self: don't give Eva the cup ever again. 

Now for a cute story in pictures. 

Alex found a new "friend," the rock.  He loved this rock.  He liked to play hide and seek with the rock.. 

First, hide the rock in an undisclosed location.. 

Search, discretely for the rock.. 

Really, now, where is that rock?? 

Should be able to get it now for sure.. 

A little progress.

I had Bible study this morning.   Last week this same event prompted this post and full fledged "war" in my house.  Alex was having a rough morning (last week) and I ended up having a conversation with the director of the nursery that, for her benefit and that of my son, they don't have to worry with the "naughty chair" (yes, my son got sent to the naughty chair because he refused to share the trains with other kids, well and he was throwing them too I might add).  So I told the wonderful workers in the nursery that I would rather save them the trouble of having to "contain" him when he does this.. and just come get me out of the class and let me deal with it in the bathroom (if you get my drift..).   They said that would be fine.  And were very appreciative.  

So fast forward to today.  I drop the boys off in their rooms.   then I get down the hall in time to hear Alex screaming (mad) and decide to head back down to his room.  Long story short.  They were trying time out and of course he was giving the response you might expect.  Anger.  Read here: NOT BROKENNESS.  Which is why time out does NOT work in this instance with a two year old.  But for nursery workers with no other option.. I completely understand.  So when I got to the door they told me what the problem was and then she asked what I wanted to do, time out or bathroom.  I voted bathroom.  So then we went to bathroom had our event (explanation, spank, prayer) and then came back out in the room.  He walked over and then yelled when another child came near "his" trains.  So right back in the bathroom we went for round 2.   He was sad and still upset when I left.  

So... when I came back from Bible study (I did notice they never came and got me again) one of the teachers was gleaming when she said "Oh Alex did wonderful.  We never had another problem after you left."  I was so happy to hear that.  Then we joked that maybe I should just do that as soon as I drop him off.   But seriously.. Alex has had a rough few weeks.  But as I was telling the women at the church.. PRAY.  Please pray.  God is so good and if I will just stay focused and know that diligence will pay off we will get through this.. me and my sweet blue eyed two year old.  

Investigate ALL laughter..

If any of you happen to ever babysit my boys you will need this bit of information: 

Investigate all laughter.  

You will think they are playfully enjoying each other's company in their rooms.  But once you decide.. "you know, that is some pretty ferocious laughter... what is so funny?"  You will head down the hall towards their room.  Only to notice the bathroom door is open.  And the ferocious laughter is coming from there.  And to your horror you will see the three year old, with his underwear around his ankles from having just peed in the toilet, splashing the water back and forth with his brother. The two year old, you will see, is not only splashing but then sticking his hand in his mouth.  

People, you can't make this stuff up.   Which is why you will always want to investigate all laughter.  

Funnies and babbling..

At the church picking up Alex from his room: 

Jorge: (calling for Alex) "Hey Awex.. you mommy is here."

Today during "nap time" both boys are cutting up while in their beds. then I hear Alex making "zerberts" on his arm and Jorge laughing hysterically. Followed by: 

"Awex.. do it again.  Awex do it again pweese."

_______________________________________

I love those boys.  They are fun to watch as they interact together.  I'm seeing the advantages of them being so close in age.  But also seeing that this time next year (or even in the next 6 months) its going to get pretty ugly.   Alex will probably be as big or bigger than Jorge (in weight) and then the battle is on!  You mom's of boys are going to have to help me work through the boundaries with the wrestling.   ;-) And how to explain that to a three and two year old. 

Alex is turning 2 at the end of this month (29th) and I am excited.  He is understanding so much more and becoming better voice operated.  Although, he is still disobedient and not always obeying the first time we tell him to do something.  He really struggles with the whole : delayed obedience is NO obedience thing.  But he is also early enough in the game that if he just sees the "rod" he corrects his behavior.   

I have also been out several times with all three kiddos and I must say that moms are right, its a much easier transition with the third than it was with the second.  I dunno why, but it is.   We still don't stay out as long because I end up having to deal with discipline issues, but we do get out.  I must say, I am really enjoying it so far.  

well I'll talk at 'cha later!  

adios. 

Tagged for Baby tips

Way back in April of this year I was tagged in a blog by Rachel C. to do baby tips.  Of course I never saw that blog post until tonight and I am just now getting to it.  Of course you have to check out Rachel's post to understand the idea.. or you may catch on as you read here..

Baby Tips (in case you're interested, or not) from Rachel Garcia: 

Try not to give your toddler too much to drink before bedtime as this can cause them to pee more while they sleep. 

NEVER put a baby on their belly to sleep: 

                                         Alex
                                        Jorge
                                        Eva

Its best not to give "junk foods" to kids at an early age. Especially sweets. 

It is too dangerous to allow children to play in the rain. 

Furniture is not for play. 

When buying maternity wear.. stick with shirts that cover the entire circumference area of the belly. 
Never allow children to use play equipment without following the instructions of said equipment.
Don't be like Britney.. use child safety seats. 
Teach siblings how to play without being rough. 
Don't allow children to enter the ocean without being right by their side in case they could be knocked down by fast water. 
Teach your children the value of modesty..

I am going to tag: -C, Page, Abbey and Sarah.  Get to it women! and anyone else who wants to do this fun post.  

Daddy Daycare

My awesome husband took an extra week off of work so that I could heal some more.  Which means he is taking care of the boys all on his own.  Which also means that daddy runs his show differently...

In his show going to the park at high noon still in your Pj's and cowboy boots is cool.

he is teaching the boys to share (cute)

And also teaching them how to hang on (or not)

and also teaching the art of daddy's outdoor potty training!

Good times.

BRING IT ON! I don't care.....

gimmie your best shot.. because at the end of the day (well actually tomorrow) Im headed to the beach. 

Well, I didn't want to say it out loud until I had actually booked the trip, which happened last night.  We are leaving tomorrow evening and coming back on Monday night.  Its short but it will be oh so sweet!  I have been trying to get to the beach all summer and it just wasn't happening.  My great friend Christina W., who doesn't read my blog btw (what's up with that?) is throwing a baby shower for me tomorrow at her house.  I am so excited I can hardly contain my excitement.  For the first time I have a shower that is color specific (PINK) and its for a GIRL!  How fun.  My day will only get better as we will head off for the beach after the shower.  

What fun.  But you know, there has to be some build up to having such a fantastical day.  I mean, your kids need to keep you frazzled, or at least attempt it.  Its Murphy's law, right?   Well, Jorgito started the process today.  I went into the boys room this morning and its spelled like pee.  Alex had a "big" diaper so I changed it and thought all was well...that is until I stepped in front of the dresser.  My feet stepped into a nice puddle of urine that Jorge deposited.  Of course I cleaned it up, disciplined my child and went about my day.  It wasn't until I asked Jorge to get dressed by picking out some shorts and a shirt, that I got more info on the earlier pee extravaganza.  He brought out a pair of shorts and said, "mommy I not wear these.. they got pee on dem."  Of course I asked how his shorts out of his drawer could get pee on them and grabbed them only to see that they didn't just have pee on them.. I could have wrung the shorts in a cup and won a prize, they were drenched.  

Ever have a light bulb moment?   One where you walked into a room, everything looked normal, but then something happens and you remember seeing something in the room that looked out of place but didn't know until later at that exact moment.  Well that was what happened.  I ran back to Jorge's room and noticed the shorts/pants drawer of his dresser (second from the bottom) was pulled out slightly.  As soon as my hand touched the clothes my skin turned red and steam started to shoot from my ears.  Jorge had, earlier, when I thought he just peed on the floor, actually stood in his dresser drawer and peed on his clothes AND on the floor.  For all those concerned, this is why every piece of furniture in our house is bolted to the wall.  Anyway, my son got his just "reward" for that, again.  And now I have another load of laundry for today.   

But that's okay.. im going to be opening lots of pretty gifts tomorrow and eating crab legs by Sunday!  I hope my kids can come... if they make it to then!  lol. 

Whew!  

Haven't we done this before?

I am not sure if you read this post back in May, but it seems we were doomed to repeat history. 

My thursday morning was off to a great start with both boys playing happily in their rooms while I took a shower.  I always give Alex some toys in his crib, turn some music on for him, give him a sippy cup of milk and he's good for at least the 30-45 minutes it takes for me to take a shower and start breakfast.  Most of the time he only stays about 25 minutes in his crib and then I let him run around the house.  

Anyhoo. . I had big plans for the morning of running several errands and had even contacted a friend to let her know that I would probably show up somewhere around 10 a.m to pick up some things she had for me.   

Well, then I went into Alex's room to get him out.  He happily handed me his toys and I happily put them back in the toy box.  He handed me his sippy cup and I set it on the dresser.  Then I looked at my sweet angel and said, "Alex, you want up?  Okay honey, say 'up'."  To which he responded with "No."  But its a no that is raised in pitch as it reaches the "o" sound.  

Time: 7:45 a.m.  

I tell him, "okay, little guy, then you can stay in here.  I'll check on you in a little bit."  I go in and out every 10 minutes or so and I get the same response.  He refuses to say "up."  

Time 9:00 a.m.  Its been an hour and 15 mintues.  And this is his little self in the bed.

I'm sure you can't tell without the "mother of this child's" eye, but he is giving me a look that reaks of "I ain't budging lady."  And he didn't. I had to call my friend and tell her not to expect us anytime soon.  and I had to come to terms  with the fact that we may not be going ANYWHERE that morning.  At one point right before the THREE hour mark, I went in and said, "Alex, just say up."  And folks, I kid you not, he mouthed the word three times but would not say it.  I actually told him, "honey, mommy can't hear you say it loud for me." Then he said, "Uuuuu" the beginning sound of up, about two times before I said, "fine. see you in a little bit."  

Well at 10:50 a.m I noticed that it had gotten really quiet.  Now he never really cried during the time he was in there.  In fact I would hear him laughing and playfully kicking the walls.  But when it got quiet I went in to check and this is what I found: 

That little booger WENT TO SLEEP and slept for TWO HOURS.  Well as you can imagine, I was quite shocked. Everyone kept asking me if he said up when he woke up.  Let's just say I compromised.  When I went in there I said, "Alex, do you want to get up?" and he said "Yeah." So I took that.  Now let me say, it is not the standard that he is supposed to say "up" before I get him out of the bed.  I just simply thought that morning, "hey, lets test the obedience of my toddler."  Well, boy did I get a test.  

Run AWAY!

This morning seemed like an ordinary day.  Although my Jorgito didn't eat much for breakfast and whined a good bit.  But by 9:45 we headed off to the library to rent some movies for the boys.  We were there for four minutes when Jorge said he needed to go pee-pee.  But he was still very whinny.  He set his movies down on a chair and started to hold "himself."  I asked him to hold on a sec so I could put on Alex's shoes, but as I bent down to put on his shoes Jorge started to wail.  I looked at him and said, "you gotta go NOW?"  He said yes.  So I picked up Alex and off we ran for the bathroom. We got into a stall and I sat Alex down right as Jorge starts to throw up all over himself and the floor.  

I guess I was a little shocked because I didn't pick him up and hold him over the toilet, I just focused on keeping Alex, who was still barefoot, from stepping in it.  All the while telling Jorge "your okay baby."  I think the last "thrust" I did get him over the toilet while I grabbed some paper towels to wipe him down.  

I came out of the bathroom, with the boys, throw up still on the floor in the bathroom and had Jorge sit down in front of the counter.  Why?  Because I knew that if we were going to be at home all day then I needed to still check out those movies.  How sad is that?  Two minutes later we were in the car and headed home.  I made the mistake of caving in when he asked for water (20 minutes after the first event) so he threw that up too.   

So stay away, far away.  Hopefully this only lasts today and doesn't migrate to very, very pregnant women who can not imagine throwing up while carrying a massive belly (baby).  

that's all folks. 

It's 9 o'clock ..what are you doing?

Me? Im working on 35 minutes of sitting in the bathroom with my 3 year old who won't poop on the potty. He hasn't gone all day so I know he has to and as soon as I let him go to bed he will poop in his underwear.. so here we sit.

Hopefully not for long. I can definately see where those clips on America's Funniest Videos come from of the kids falling asleep on the toilet. this may be my chance at $10,000.

Missing my man.

I woke up this morning in a funk. I was depressed. Im better now. I just really miss my husband. And not just for the extra help with the kids. I only have two, they are fine and I am able to manage (sure the extra relief is nice) but I miss my man. And yes I am remembering there are military wives and single mothers who go way longer than I do without their man, but I still miss him. It does help with perspective.. but for the here and now.. im sad. Well until I get to talk to him on the phone.

Jorgito misses him too. He has been extra clingy this week. He is not a clingy kid. And everytime he gets upset he cries for daddy. It's so sad. Four more days.

VBS is going well. Each day passes quicker and quicker. I love that I get to experience other little children and see what their behaviors are like. You truly can tell the difference in a child who gets consistent training at home and the ones who don't. Not for lack of trying on the mom's part, rather the ones who have older siblings and get away with alot more because mom is exhausted or the one whose mom just had a baby so they are taking their proverbial "two steps forward one step back" because mom is exhausted. ;-)

It really helps me empathize with the moms but I also try to encourage them when they come to pick up their child. Im that worker that (if you ask "how did they do today.") will tell you if there were any issues or awesome behaviors. One of our more strong willed children had some issues pushing so I let the mom know. She has an an older child and assured me that he she is working on it at home and she was gushing about how strong willed he was. I felt bad for her because I hoped she didn't think I was saying she was doing a bad job. In fact, I shared with her that my second born is the same way and told her the story of his ordeal in the chair after dinner (click here for that story). I don't want in any way to communicate that my children have arrived or that I know it all, Im just in that moment too where she is and hoped to encourage her while also letting her know he was still struggling with that behavior outside of the home.

anyway... Other than that.. the boys and I are doing well. Gun is still loaded. Only four more days. ;-) In honor of missing my man here are some pics that remind me why he is so great! (i tried to post more than two but my computer started acting up).


He has a sick sense of humor (here he thought it was funny to have the big fish stand next to the whale-my words not his)

He is very patient..even if there are a zillion kids jumping on him.

My Jorgito!

Jorge: Hep me daddy (trying to get the spagehetti on his fork)

Daddy: (grabs a fork other than the one Jorge was using and starts to help)

Jorge: NO DADDY.. STOP.. DIS ONE.. DIS ONE (as he tries to give daddy the correct fork)

Daddy is not listening...apparently...

Jorge: NO DADDY.. DIS ONE.. NO DADDY...... .... DADDY OBEY!


Priceless.. we all started dying laughing..even Jorgito! Too funny.

No Soup For YOU!

Okay so this boy is the pickiest eater ever. I mean he went to bed without dinner the other night because he was throwing the cheese quisedilla out of his mouth and onto the floor. Then the poor kid refused to drink the milk because I switched to whole milk (yes my kids had 2%). So how could you send this precious angel to bed without dinner? Because I can name on one hand the foods that he will ACTUALLY EAT! And I am not a pushover. I have the "kitchen is closed" policy. If you don't like it you don't have to eat it, but Im not making something else. But I will (for the baby) hold off on serving for a while and see if he likes it later. But seriously.. this kid is BAD! he turns his nose up at everything. It could be a brownie you are trying to give him and he will have to look at it to check it out first. That is what he is doing in this picture. You can tell by the food on his face that he liked the pasta, but when I put before him a piece of garlic bread.. he stopped the press and had to check it out. Which he spit out of his mouth by the way. So if you see my kid and he looks thin.. know that I do try to feed the boy..

On a funny note. After two years I changed my voicemail message. I had the idea to wait until both the boys were crying their heads off and in the middle of that record, "Obviously I can't talk right now. So please leave your message and I'll try to call you back when babies stop crying. Thanks." Well today was the day when both of my boys were crying as we were trying to head out the door. So the voicemail opportunity had arrived. It was perfect. Jorge even kept crying after as i was trying to press the stop record button. It was priceless. Sooo.. as we are all down for naps my husband calls and gets sent to voicemail. He was taking a small break from a surgery and was still in the OR room trying to be quiet.. as he hears me on the phone he thinks its really me on the phone and the kids crying.. so in his mind I answer the phone saying (with two kids crying) "obviously I can't talk right now...." he starts saying, "okay, okay babe I'll call you later" and then it keeps going. ..and then he says (more sternly) "Okay rachel, i'll call back." then he hears me say leave a message and he starts dying laughing. so his voicemail message to me was very funny because he had just figured it out and was laughing that it was not out of the realm of possibilities for me to answer the phone with the kids crying. anyway.. i thought it was funny.. but hard to type. fun times.

Ahh..sweet sleep!

wea·ry
1 : exhausted in strength, endurance, vigor, or freshness
2 : expressing or characteristic of weariness
3 : having one's patience, tolerance, or pleasure exhausted -- used with of


Well it had been one of those days. Sadly it was beyond a day of instruction, it was a day of discipline. My two year old has moved from the cute, "no..i go bye bye" when I tell him to do or not do something. He has stepped right into the defiant, "NO!" I noticed that the day before I was not as quick to discipline as I should, so I was resolute on this day. I went before the Lord about it during my focused, alone time of prayer (aka, in the shower) and was determined to meet my son with grace, yet consistancy. At the end of the day I was weary. Every use of the word, above, described me. I was desperate for a Word from the Lord. So after the little ones were in bed I opened my Bible and asked God to speak. I did the ol' fashioned concordance look up for the word describing how I felt.: weary. After a few verses that just made me laugh, "The weary find rest in the grave," Job 3:17, I found some very comforting verses. Most I have read before, but i had new eyes to see and was thinking of my current situation with dealing with my disobedient son, yet knowing that this is what the Lord has for me.

"He gives strength to the WEARY and to him who lacks might He increases power." Isaiah 40:29

"Yet those who wait for the Lord will gain new strength. They will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get TIRED, they will walk and not become WEARY." Isaiah 40:31

"For I (God) satisfy the WEARY ones and REFRESH everyone who languishes. At this I (Jeremiah) awoke and looked and my sleep was pleasant to me." Jeremiah 31:25-26

"But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary in doing good." 2 Thessalonians 3:13

God is good. I love those words: Strength, might, mount up, run, walk, satisfied, refresh and pleasant sleep! That is what I need during this time. However, I must: wait for the Lord! I will trust His timing through this season of "rebellion" with my son. I know that God has this child in the palm of his hand. Not only will I pray for me, but I will resolve to pray for this little fella as well. Ahh.. sweet dreams.

Our first STANDOFF..I WON!!!!

we had our first food standoff today. It was quite humorous. I wanted him to eat one more bite of chicken before he could get down and he said, "no." That was it.. game on. He lasted 20 minutes before he finally caved. The sad thing is that he put that piece of chicken in his mouth three different times and then he would spit it out onto the table. So when he finally ate it... it was quite disgusting. What finally broke him, you ask? He wanted to see himself in the camera, which I told him he could if he would just eat his chicken. Fun times.

the beginning of the standoff


still waiting...

he is standing his ground

FINALLY.. he did it..all done!

The 10 Child Commandments

I found these on someone elses blog (a complete stranger) so I had to share them, I liked them so much.

1. My hands are small; please don't expect perfection whenever
I make a bed, draw a picture or throw a ball. My legs are short;
Please slow down so that I can keep up with you.

2. I need your encouragement to grow. Please go easy on the criticism;
Remember, you can criticize the things I do without criticizing me.

3. My eyes have not seen the world as yours have; please let
Me explore safely. Don't restrict me unnecessarily.

4. My feelings are tender; please be sensitive to my needs. Don't
Nag me all day long.Treat me as you would like to be treated.

5. Housework will always be there. I'm only little for a short time,
Please take time to explain things to me about this wonderful world
And do so willingly.

6. Please don't do things over for me. Somehow that makes me feel
That my efforts didn't quite measure up to your expectations. I
Know it's hard, but please don't try to compare me to my brother
Or sister.

7. I am a special gift from God; please treasure me as God intended
You to do, holding me accountable for my actions, giving me
Guidelines to live by and disciplining me in a loving manner.

8. Please don't be afraid to leave for a weekend together. Kids need
Vacations from parents, just as parents need vacations from kids.
It's a great way to show us kids that your marriage is very special.

9. Please give me the freedom to make decisions concerning
Myself. Permit me to fail, so that I can learn from my mistakes.
Then someday I'll be prepared to make the kinds of decisions
That life requires of me.

10. Please take me to Sunday School and church
Regularly, setting a good example for me to follow.
I enjoy learning more about God.