Success in Parenting

The summer is really hard for me around here.  Although we had fun at the pool and getting to travel some, I still miss all the activities we are a part of during the school year.  I miss the consistency and the women who are constantly bringing me up and holding me accountable.  

Yesterday, I started a quick book before Bible studies and fall activities started back up. It's in the Women of Faith series and called Managing Your Mood.  Hmm.  The exact thing I need right now.  Maybe some of you can relate?  I think we would all like to assume that once our children outgrow the toddler/preschool stage, there will be no more fits going on in our house, but then something deep inside me laughs at that thought.

So, this morning I was reading and here is what it said.  Geez.  This is SOOOOO true for me, and I am now realizing how sad it is...

And though numerous emotions flit through our hearts every day, one feeling is esteemed more than all the others -- happiness.  We really don't mind what God has planned for us, so long as we are guaranteed happiness in the midst of it.  We want to live happily ever after.  And what keeps us happy?  When things go our way.  When everything runs smoothly in the direction we had hoped it would go, we are able to maintain a pleasant frame of mind.  No bumps.  No interruptions.  No inconveniences.

This speaks to me so much as a parent.  Geez!  The days I view as successful (which I translate currently to a happy day, a day where God was obviously in control of our house and our emotions) are the days where nothing goes wrong.  The schedule runs as planned, the kids don't fight (as much), and there are no challenges.  If things don't go as planned, I often toss that day up as a loss.  "Well, there is always tomorrow, right?"

Hmmm.  No challenges?  No growing?  No testing?  No need to show patience?  No need to display the character of God to my children?

Wow.  I have so much to work on!

Here is to all those bad days -- the days we are about to lose it, the days that are truly from God to provide us the chance to cultivate a heart of Christ in our children.  Those days are really what being a parent is all about!

Day 17: No tears.

As much as I absolutely adore this little boy, the past 11 months have been a little rough.  He just cries so much.  We are to the point that I don't care what mess he is making, as long as tears aren't being shed.  Those are blissful moments!

Day 14: Best friends

You know, a life without a best friend is a hard one.  Seriously.  I lived it and it brought me to my knees.    I was surrounded by an awesome group of mothers in NC and the move back to Texas was a rough transition.  We got involved in some things, but I wasn't finding anyone to become fast friends with.  I prayed.  And cried.  And prayed some more.  Then the Lord placed the coolest person in my life.

Jenni is another homeschooling mom in my area.  She sent out an email to the neighborhood mother's group looking for other homeschooling families about a year and a half ago, right in the midst of my deep prayers.  What are the chances, right?  She has the sweetest 4 year old son, Joshua, and a little girly girl of a 2 year old, Gracie.  We have the best conversations and I always fulfill my laughter quota with her.  Did I mention she is way cool?  Our children have a soft spot for each other, as well...

Day 8: Our backyard swing set

The first year and a half we lived in this house, I didn't think anything of our backyard.  It was blah and I didn't think there was much we could do to help it.  We slowly started replacing some of the previous owners decor out there, added some potted plants, and built a swing set.  I have been amazed at the little sanctuary it has become.  We have so much fun playing out back now and we are out there multiple times every day.  I am so thankful for the great memories that are being built and the sweet pictures opportunities it provides!

Day 4: Sweet Baby James

Oh, sweet baby James.  How I love this boy!  Every day I stare at him in awe because I truly didn't think we would ever have any boys.  I prayed for this little boy for over two years and, sure enough, the Lord gave me what I asked.  10+ months in, and I still can't believe he is actually mine!  He has been such a blessing to this family and I cannot wait to see him become a stronger part of it.  And he definitely has a sweet spot for his mommy -- he loves my kisses and just resting his head against me.  I am very much enjoying having a little cuddler.  Plus, it is nice to bring in some cars and dinosaurs and lots of the color blue.


I need to start praying diligently, again, for a brother!

Day 3: Crafts!

My two girls LOVE craft time.  I was always immersed in some craft project growing up and I love that they take interest in this, as well.  I am definitely in my element with them.

I am not quite sure how to play with trains and cars, but I am guessing I will learn.

30 Days of Thankfulness

First, I had this brilliant idea.

When I got sick of taking pictures of food with a new baby squealing in the background, I started this current blog, which began as a way to keep our family up-to-date on our adventures in North Carolina.

Then remember when this turned into a homeschooling blog for about 4 weeks?  Ha!  I soon realized I was missing out on enjoying the adventure that is homeschooling because I was trying to snap pictures of everything we did.

Well, the new latest and greatest consists of me trying my hand at photography.  Now, I am just starting out and there is a lot of room for growth, but I am excited to see where this goes.

I know the best way to grow is to play, play, play.  Although I am a day late, I wanted to jump in on 30 Days of Thankfulness series that is floating around on the Internet.

Day 2 - I am thankful for the privilege of being my children's teacher.

After church the other day, Emily informed me that she didn't like learning at church.  After inquiring as to why, she said, "Because I like learning more at home."