The One About Painting
The Medium: Watercolors
The Canvas: The Bathtub
The Result: Occupyed 2 & 5 y/os for a whole hour & 2 very, very messy kiddos!!!
Thank you Rachael for reminding me that I used to let my kids paint the tub! I had completely forgotten about it!!!
The One About Laughter
Alyssa has been pretty fussy lately. It’s frustrating on some days. Yesterday evening was particularly rough. I sat in the rocking chair for 20 minutes w/ her just screaming. She didn’t want to nurse, she didn’t want to snuggle, she didn’t want to suck, she just wanted to scream. After about 20 minutes James (6) came over and started talking to her. She stopped screaming. So then we both kept talking to her and she started smiling. We continued talking to her and playing with her and she laughed!!! Not just a little gigle, but real baby laughs! Over and over! IT was so cute and definitely made up for the fussiness….
The One About Changes
This year I have actually set goals and want to make some changes in my life. I usually throw the idea of resolutions right out the window, but I felt like setting some realistic goals for myself this year. These are MY personal goals. We also have family goals set.
Devotions at least a few times/week
Loose 25 lbs or more
Read 40 books
All of these are do-able and definitely worth it.
Another change I’ve made goes along the lines of my previous chore post. I’ve thrown most of our scheduling out the window and have put the children in charge of their day in a way. Meals/Snacks are still at the same time & I do have to dictate when we do school… but I’ve let them take control of when they do their chores & play times. IF they want computer/ TV time they must complete their chores for the day before they can do that. If they don’t want those times, the only stipulation on chores is that it’s done by bed time. OR if I ask them to put their clothes away or unload the dishwasher cause i need to load it, etc. SO far so good. Even James, who I struggle so much with, is excelling at it and I think it’s because he feels like he is in charge… and he is. He’s learning that if he wants to do the fun stuff, he needs to work first, which is what we all need to learn, right? 
I also had a big epiphany about parenting. This has come through conversations with friends over the past few weeks. I know it may not seem like a big deal and many may disagree with me… but I am feeling so strongly lately that where your heart is is the most important thing in parenting. Each family needs to choose what works best for them & what their belief system is. As long as you are seeking the Lord and following what He has given in your heart you are doing the right thing. (Short of abuse, of course… but if you are abusing you aren’t following the Lord’s heart) I think that you can use punitive discipline in a loving manner w/ the right heart. You can also use positive discipline in a loving manner w/ the right heart. What matters most is the heart behind it.
The One With the Fussy Baby
Someone needs to remind me that these days don’t last forever!!
For the past 2 days Alyssa will NOT let me put her down!! It’s driving me batty. She’ll be completely asleep and as soon as I lay her down her eyes pop open and she starts screaming.*sigh* It’s aggravating and makes it so much harder to get things done around the house! I’m very thankful for Beth though. If Alyssa is awake and happy Beth can keep her occupied quite easily. They seem to have that sister bond already.
The One About Being Tired
I’m exhuasted. Two nights ago I just couldn’t sleep. My mind was racing with all sorts of different topics. My usual prayer or singing in my head didn’t help me fall asleep either… so I just layed there. I really detest nights like that. Last night Samuel kept getting up… I think just twice, but still very frustrating! Especially since he was 1/2 asleep and couldn’t tell us what he wanted. Then Alyssa kept waking to grunt and fart. Yes.. I had dairy. I am grateful that she’s not screaming in the middle of the night and only wakes for 3-4 nursings, but the grunting thing is annoying & I can’t sleep through.
Tis the life of a mother, I guess.
livingwithahandful