Sunday, November 25, 2007

Strong-willed

All right all you mothers out there...I need some advice. ESPECIALLY if you happen to be a mother of a strong-willed child. Because as it turns out, my child is becoming more assertive and strong-willed by the minute.
When Bennett wants something and I tell him "no," sometimes he smiles at me or stares at me with a knowing look, then turns around and does what he wants anyway. He gets a swat when this happens. This was pretty standard for a while, but now it's getting to where he throws mini tantrums (throwing his head back and crying or screaming) when he doesn't get what he wants right away, like going outside. He's gotten to where he whines a lot when he's not instantly gratified, too. I would say this is just a phase and he'll grow out of it, but it's been a few weeks and it persists, so my question to all of you expert, veteran mommies is, "What do I do?" Do I give him swats for whining or fit throwing? Do I ignore it? Do I put him in his bed? Some of all of it? I'd REALLY like to know what you guys have done and what has worked well in your families. I didn't realize that the older your child gets, the more complicated things get discipline wise (naive, I know). This stuff may seem like no big deal, but my fear is that he'll be two or three years old before I know it and become a child who doesn't obey or is disrespectful because I didn't begin implementing basic discipline standards at an early age. As a Kindergarten teacher, I prided myself on my consistency and high standards in classroom management and discipline, but when it comes to my own one year old, I feel uncertain. I've always been a "trust my instincts" kind of gal, but I'm finding my instincts are falling short this time around! Input would be greatly appreciated.
Oh, and if you have any suggestions for good books to read on the subject, I'd love that, too.

Saturday, November 10, 2007

God breathed

I've been keeping a little book/mini-journal of scriptures that pertain to my current experiences, struggles, and delights in life so that I can work on memorizing them and applying them to situations where I find I need a sword. It's small enough that I can carry it around with me and add to it when I come across new ones at church or bible study or in my own personal study. I thought I'd share because I've struggled for years with a good system for committing scripture to memory and I never seemed to have the right scripture for the right time when I needed it. This is working out really well for me and God is using it to richly bless me. I thought I'd share a few more scriptures I've recently written down that have served to lift up my head, give me courage, convict me, or bring me comfort...hope some of you can use them.

"So humble yourselves under the might power of God, and at the right time He will lift you up in honor. Give all your worries and cares to God, for He cares about you."
-1 Peter 5:6-7

"Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine. When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not destroy you."
-Isaiah 43:1-2

"And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them."
-Romans 8:28

"So if you are suffering in a manner that pleases God, keep on doing what is right, and trust your lives to the God who created you, for He will never fail you."
-1 Peter 4:19

"'For I know the plans I have for you,' says the Lord. 'They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me.'"
-Jeremiah 29:11-13

"Don't be afraid, for you are very precious to God. Peace! Be encouraged! Be strong!"
-Daniel 10:19

Gobble Gobble

More thankfulness:

16. loyal friends

17. Holy Spirit to guide, give peace and wisdom, protect, and seal my salvation

18. beautiful music

19. disposable diapers

20. white hot chocolate at Star Bucks

21. falling leaves (as long as I don't have to rake them)

22. having the freedom to own, read, and share a Bible

23. my job

24. having a reliable car

25. taste buds

26. my Nandy's cooking on Thanksgiving

27. good sales in the stores since Christmas came 2 months early this year

28. the innocence of children

29. the ability to stay home with Bennett this year

30. cold weather

31. heavy coats, hats and mittens

HAPPY THANKSGIVING, EVERYONE!!
(and remember not to hop/lumber onto the scale for a few days, as this may only lead to tears)

Monday, November 5, 2007

Gobble

I'm putting on my thankful pants. Here goes:

I am thankful for....

1. Antibiotics (me and mine have been sick on and off for two weeks, but we're all better now :))
2. hair dryer (my hair is nappy without it)
3. my Bennett-Buster
4. my perfect, fun part-time job at YCW that lets me get out of the house and have a break and feel professional, but not for too long, or I'd miss my little buddy.
5. Target (a.k.a. the Wal-mart upgrade)
6. brownies
7. milk to drink with brownies
8. having a gym membership to apply myself to after eating brownies with milk
9. Fall feeling like Fall this year
10.Beth Moore
11.my parents
12.my church
13.technology: cell phones, digital cameras, laptops...beautiful things
14.TEXAS (although when prompted, I couldn't say specifically why - darn that TX. pride!)
15.pretty flowers

That's enough for today. More some other day.

Saturday, November 3, 2007

Trick or Treat

Bennett's first Halloween was short and sweet. He handled his rooster costume better than I thought he might (he doesn't appreciate having things on his head), although he drew the line at my attempt to paint his nose orange (ended up smeared all over his face and hands). We took him to Fall Fest at RHCC and mostly pushed him around in the stroller, greeting other friends we knew. Bennett seemed to be in shock (maybe from all the people combined with the constrictive costume) most of the evening, just staring and sucking his fingers. The highlight of the evening was the petting zoo, where he greeted his fellow roosters and hung out with his friend, Cason.

Rooster on the stairs.


Getting ready to go.


Watching the big kids in the bounce house.


Rooster meets roosters.


Bennett kept yanking on Cason's mane.
_________________________

Side note: Today is Nov.3rd. I went to Garden Ridge, and what did I see? CHRISTMAS STUFF EVERYWHERE! Not only that, but the music playing throughout the store was a Christmas-country song called "I sure do love those Christmas cookies, sugar." This is stinkin' annoying. What happened to Thanksgiving?? What happened to continuing to use/decorate in fall motif and colors until AFTER Thanksgiving?? I'm feeling quite Scrooge-ish about the whole Christmas season right now...why, you ask? Because it's NOT the Christmas season yet!!! Am I right, or am I right?? Christmas is my favorite time of year, but this is getting ridiculous. I want time to ponder my thankfulness and the things I am thankful for (which will most likely be my next post). I want to see leaves and turkeys and cornucopias! I want to procrastinate my Christmas shopping as long as possible and scramble with only 2-3 weeks left to go (because it's more fun that way!), rather than be reminded at every turn the day after Halloween that it's time to drink eggnog and put up the red and green lights. Yuck. End side note.