This is a random blog for the random person that I am.
My mother broke her arm. And had to have surgery on it. And a couple of weeks ago, she finally came back to my house to hang out while she took some time off from school. And I’m not sure she’ll ever come back after the day we had. See, I have two small kids who always seem to be screaming. I’m not sure where they get that from, but this house is loud, and we are only seconds away (at any time) from any number of times where screaming is appropriate (or not). I’m looking (or maybe not looking) for thoughts/prayers/advice/home visits/interventions on how to deal with toddler tantrums. Without going to any more detail, we have our hands FULL with a very strong-willed child. Adam and I have prayed and thought a lot about it. I am rereading Shepherding a Child's Heart and Mission of Motherhood. And reading Loving the Little Years. Among other parenting books. And now, we're doing a lot of praying with our little one. I’m also watching the foods and drinks she takes in - knowing that those can deeply affect their moods and behaviors. We’re also memorizing scripture related to her behavior. I have a little stack of index cards with about 20 scriptures and the Children’s Catechism, one on each card. I keep it out at the dinner table and on the counter, and we are seeing some fruit from this effort. There is constant talk in our household of what behaviors do and don't honor God. Our main memory verses right now are these:
“Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” 1 Cor. 10:31
“Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.” Eph. 6:1
“Do everything without complaining or arguing.” Phil. 2:14
I have to laugh because last week, at bedtime and after prayers, Kate said, “Mommy, today I did everything without complaining or arguing. Say how proud you are of me! I’m pretty proud of myself, Mommy!”
Is she getting it? Who knows. But, we're trying. Baby steps.
Moving on...
I read a lot in 2011. I stopped doing book review posts because I just forgot. But, recent reads include The Age of Innocence, Little Women, The Hunger Games, Catching Fire, Mockingjay, Susanna Wesley's Biography, and Laura Bush’s Biography. We’re doing a study of 1 and 2 Peter in Bible Study, too. What are y’all reading?
We’re gearing up for some work in our house later this week. The end result will be really nice, but the process could kill us all. We are not home renovators. I do not deal well with mess and chaos. I hope it’s worth it.
My new year’s goal to spend less and simplify is half-way working. Notice I just mentioned work in our house - okay, will be spending a “little” there for sure. BUT, our monthly budget/goals are progressing - Wal-Mart once a week for groceries. Less eating out. Budget outings for the kids. No new clothes for me. I only visited Target once this month - and that was for one of my weekly grocery trips. And I only bought groceries! A huge WIN for me! I keep telling myself I can do it. That I can live on less. That budgeting and spending less NOW will have big impacts down the road for our family. I’m having to pray about this one - went to the mall for some FREE playground time (and a FREE meal at CFA thanks to gift cards), and yet, I only walked past 100 things I wanted to buy - note to self, go to the other Chick-fil-a in town :-) The world whispers my name constantly and tells me that I need all the latest and greatest of everything. I worked for many years, and we were diligent to save that income. Easier to do on two incomes. But now, we’re one income, and I’m a stay at home mom who needs nothing. Nothing! So, we are taking it month by month and looking to the future when our diligence pays off!
One thing I am being intentional on is to meal plan. I have done this for years but not to the extent I’m doing it now. I try and sit down on Friday and write out the meals and ingredients we need for the following week. Buy. Bring home. Stick to it. We live about 3 min from a Wal-Mart and a Publix, and we were frequently those places WAY too often. So, one trip per week. For food. If we don’t have an ingredient, it’s going to be eggs or freezer meals or sandwiches at our house. Thanks to my friend, Karli, I tried out a new meal last week that made enough for DAYS. It’s Giada’s Lentil Soup. I know, I know, I was very skeptical. What the heck is a lentil anyway? But, it passed Adam’s taste test, and we’ll put it on the regular winter rotation. It’s a very cheap meal, too. And healthy. Try it out - you might be surprised! Other favorites which seem to be less costly include homemade breads (meatball subs, paninis) and pizzas (any toppings) and any kind of baked pasta. We did homemade chicken pesto pizza the other night and could have eaten in for three meals! The funny thing is, I am only planning for about four dinner meals a week, and I am finding that we can’t eat all of those due to leftovers or other reasons. So, I think I can whittle my spending down even further with a little tweaking!
**Also, I added some peeled/diced white potatoes to my soup to give it a little heart. It’s very stew-like with the addition.
My mother broke her arm. And had to have surgery on it. And a couple of weeks ago, she finally came back to my house to hang out while she took some time off from school. And I’m not sure she’ll ever come back after the day we had. See, I have two small kids who always seem to be screaming. I’m not sure where they get that from, but this house is loud, and we are only seconds away (at any time) from any number of times where screaming is appropriate (or not). I’m looking (or maybe not looking) for thoughts/prayers/advice/home visits/interventions on how to deal with toddler tantrums. Without going to any more detail, we have our hands FULL with a very strong-willed child. Adam and I have prayed and thought a lot about it. I am rereading Shepherding a Child's Heart and Mission of Motherhood. And reading Loving the Little Years. Among other parenting books. And now, we're doing a lot of praying with our little one. I’m also watching the foods and drinks she takes in - knowing that those can deeply affect their moods and behaviors. We’re also memorizing scripture related to her behavior. I have a little stack of index cards with about 20 scriptures and the Children’s Catechism, one on each card. I keep it out at the dinner table and on the counter, and we are seeing some fruit from this effort. There is constant talk in our household of what behaviors do and don't honor God. Our main memory verses right now are these:
“Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” 1 Cor. 10:31
“Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.” Eph. 6:1
“Do everything without complaining or arguing.” Phil. 2:14
I have to laugh because last week, at bedtime and after prayers, Kate said, “Mommy, today I did everything without complaining or arguing. Say how proud you are of me! I’m pretty proud of myself, Mommy!”
Is she getting it? Who knows. But, we're trying. Baby steps.
Moving on...
I read a lot in 2011. I stopped doing book review posts because I just forgot. But, recent reads include The Age of Innocence, Little Women, The Hunger Games, Catching Fire, Mockingjay, Susanna Wesley's Biography, and Laura Bush’s Biography. We’re doing a study of 1 and 2 Peter in Bible Study, too. What are y’all reading?
We’re gearing up for some work in our house later this week. The end result will be really nice, but the process could kill us all. We are not home renovators. I do not deal well with mess and chaos. I hope it’s worth it.
My new year’s goal to spend less and simplify is half-way working. Notice I just mentioned work in our house - okay, will be spending a “little” there for sure. BUT, our monthly budget/goals are progressing - Wal-Mart once a week for groceries. Less eating out. Budget outings for the kids. No new clothes for me. I only visited Target once this month - and that was for one of my weekly grocery trips. And I only bought groceries! A huge WIN for me! I keep telling myself I can do it. That I can live on less. That budgeting and spending less NOW will have big impacts down the road for our family. I’m having to pray about this one - went to the mall for some FREE playground time (and a FREE meal at CFA thanks to gift cards), and yet, I only walked past 100 things I wanted to buy - note to self, go to the other Chick-fil-a in town :-) The world whispers my name constantly and tells me that I need all the latest and greatest of everything. I worked for many years, and we were diligent to save that income. Easier to do on two incomes. But now, we’re one income, and I’m a stay at home mom who needs nothing. Nothing! So, we are taking it month by month and looking to the future when our diligence pays off!
One thing I am being intentional on is to meal plan. I have done this for years but not to the extent I’m doing it now. I try and sit down on Friday and write out the meals and ingredients we need for the following week. Buy. Bring home. Stick to it. We live about 3 min from a Wal-Mart and a Publix, and we were frequently those places WAY too often. So, one trip per week. For food. If we don’t have an ingredient, it’s going to be eggs or freezer meals or sandwiches at our house. Thanks to my friend, Karli, I tried out a new meal last week that made enough for DAYS. It’s Giada’s Lentil Soup. I know, I know, I was very skeptical. What the heck is a lentil anyway? But, it passed Adam’s taste test, and we’ll put it on the regular winter rotation. It’s a very cheap meal, too. And healthy. Try it out - you might be surprised! Other favorites which seem to be less costly include homemade breads (meatball subs, paninis) and pizzas (any toppings) and any kind of baked pasta. We did homemade chicken pesto pizza the other night and could have eaten in for three meals! The funny thing is, I am only planning for about four dinner meals a week, and I am finding that we can’t eat all of those due to leftovers or other reasons. So, I think I can whittle my spending down even further with a little tweaking!
**Also, I added some peeled/diced white potatoes to my soup to give it a little heart. It’s very stew-like with the addition.
4 comments:
I like your posts... feels like I just caught up with you. I tell ya, I think my chest gets a little tight when I read about the "strong-willed" struggles you are going through right now. I can remember going through the very same thing with Kaylen and Tripp didn't exist yet so I can only imagine how that exponentially changes things. I cried so much when she was that age. She was very difficult. I say all that to say, take courage, it is a stage and Kaylen has turned into a wonderful little girl that brings me much joy and little strife. You are so doing all the right things and your efforts will be rewarded. Hang in there!!! It was nice to catch up with you this morning. ;)
Hey Ashley!
Congrats on # 3! I appreciated your post b/c we have been struggling with the same problems. Last night I was trying to carry r to the car from the drug store and the screaming and kicking were so bad that by the time I got to the car I was almost carrying him by the neck. Not on purpose:). Anyway, my mom gave me the book "dare to discipline" by James Dobson for Christmas (gentle hint) I have found it very useful and encouraging so far and it even carries you through adolescence.
Hope you are well other than the tantrums! :)
Ahh no advice for you. I'm sure this is a stage. We were at Jason's deli the other night and the kid next to us (about K's age) was kicking in the highchair and throwing food off the table. They got their meal and picked him up and left. Will just sat their quiet and perfect as usual and I just thought, oh dear I better enjoy this now :)
Great points, all! Dawn, welcome back - where the heck have you been?!
Caroline, trust me, I know EXACTLY what you are talking about. Oh my soul at the physical toll these fits will take on a mother. I want to video tape these things and show her how RIDICULOUS she looks. Ah!!! I have heard of that book as well - might have to pick it up!!!
A, yes, have seen that "scene" many times. And yes, enjoy your stage now...although, every kid is different, and you may not have a tantrum thrower!!! If so, I will say - lucky you!!! HA!
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