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Jul. 12, 2008 - Building Modesty in a Girl Begins Early
Posted in Mothering in Grace
I believe it is very important to build modesty into girls even at a young age. Underdog and I have emphasized modesty with both of our girls since they were very little. Most of it started by simply buying them only dresses to wear. Now, we don't have a problem with wearing pants. But in order to express our femininity we feel it's important that dresses play a major roll in our wardrobe. We wear dresses only to church and we try to wear them when we are out unless our destination warrants pants or modest swimsuits.
Although I totally believe that modesty is a matter of the heart, I honestly don't believe that young girls (at least most of them) truly grasp the meaning of modesty beginning in the heart. I guess I believe that because I struggle with that even as an adult walking with the Lord. Of course, I didn't grow up in a home that emphasized modesty as a means of honoring the Lord. Modesty was important but only because our bodies and s*x were taught as being shameful (of course, the core of that was that they were shameful outside of the marriage but the later wasn't taught. It was all shameful and it's taken me years to break free of that lie within my marriage.) But all children are tangible need something solid to put their hands on. When they are young, little girls just simply need the practical parts of modesty to be taught to them. Eventually, as they accept Christ and grow in relationship with Him, I believe that conviction about the specifics for each individual young girl will come.
I am beginning to witness this in my own 9 yod. She is quite a mature young lady for her age. But she's is only now beginning to develop a "style" of her own. She's probably more modest than I am as an adult. She's very picky about her dress length (it's often longer than daddy requires) and she wouldn't be caught dead in a pair of shorts. These are her "rules" no necessarily ours. But she's also beginning to ask those important question that will grow her into a godly young woman and this will eventually lead to her questioning the standards that we've put in place for modesty. I welcome this questioning. I awnt her to make them her own or she will not be walking in freedom with Christ leading her.
We must start young, mothers. We can't expect them to dress in slinky little outfits when they have no curves and then expect them to accept that they can't wear them anymore when they do start to get curves. And for those of you with very young just out of babyhood girls, they grow FAST!!! I have been shocked at some of the physical and bodily changes my 9 yod has already started to go through. She's seem so little and yet. . . . They do mature fast when they hit what is common called the 'tween ages. It's important that we be prepared ahead of time for things to begin changing early. We must be prepared to give them a very positive imagine of these changes taking place. I am not talking positive self-esteem. While I admire Dove's campaign to reach the average girls and give them a higher self-concept, that is missing the point. Self-esteem isn't the issue. As sinner as have enough self-esteem. We must first have an understanding of our utter depravity before God and our intense need for the Savior. As that concept is understood, then we need to give a positive image of who God created them be as a woman. That comes from giving them a positive view of their bodies. Most little girls were created for a special young man. He's has ordained that. She must view her womanhood as being a positive change in her life. For those of us who grew up thinking that our monthly cycles were a literal curse, we must rethink this. We must see it as a positive thing for without that monthly cycle you wouldn't have that precious daughter that you've been called to lead. But long before this message comes the need to teach them to guard their bodies and honor the men in the their lives by not causing them to stumble due to their immodest clothing choices. Not only that but it's a protection of her future relationship with her husband. It's a protection of her purity. It must begin early or they will be sucked in by our society in thinking that they are only worth anything if they dress in all the current styles and look a certain way like a certain Hollywood star. We see this everyday when we see young girls as young as 5 and 6 wearing immodest clothing.
Raising young girls to appreciate their womanhood and practice modesty is a passion of mine. I don't hesitate to help my girls see the immodesty around them and why it is wrong. I am careful not to judge. For must women who are dressed extremely immodestly have no relationship with Christ or concept of their depravity. They need our prayers and in some ways our godly example. And there so Christian woman who have just never been shown they are being immodest. They need godly older women to take them aside gently and help them to see this. The older woman in the lives of your little girl is YOU!!!
I pray that this will reach the heart of a young mom struggling with teaching modesty in a world that doesn't accept it. As the world (and unfortunately, church at times) turn more and more from godly living there will more and more pressure to compromise. This is a call to set your standard based on the Word of God and your relationship with Him (and you husbands) and stand strong. Do not waver because you are uncomfortable. Be strong and courageous. Protect those girls of yours. Protect yourself. Honor the men in your life. Seek modesty for your sake, your daughters sake, the men in your life and church. But most importantly, see modesty because we are encouraged in scripture to be modest and discreet and we are command, as the older women, to teach this to the younger. (Titus 2 and 1 Timothy 2:9-10)
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Jul. 7, 2008 - The Finale
Posted in Mothering in Grace
It's rare for me to write about the specifics of my day but it's been a very blessed day for our family and I just had to write about it this evening.
I knew today would be busy. But I had one of those sleeps that left me saying "Where am I? What day is it? What am I doing today? Oh yeah!" I was so dazed when I woke up. Finally I remembered the order of events and hopped out of bed. Today was going to full and I needed to spend time at the feet of Jesus preparing for it. I had such great intentions for that time. . .until I discovered I left my Bible in the car.  Being the modest person that I am and uncomfortable with walking outside in the PJs, I just spent time praying. Finally it was time to get up and get ready. I wasn't moving too fast despite the fact that I needed to get out of the house at 8:15am. For some reason my body and mind were about 30 minutes behind. I hate when I get like that.
When it was nearly 8am I sent my oldest down to make bowls of Cheerios for everyone so we could eat fast and run. You see, my children started swim lessons for the first time today. God was so gracious to provide some extra money a few months ago and then gracious opened up FOUR spots for summer swim lessons with the city for just the amount that I had to pay. I was praising God because we have so many people asking us to swim this summer and I just hate turning people down on fellowship because I am a basketcase around water. But I forgot one key figure in this whole process. Little Man was going to have to sit for 2 hours and watch everyone swim while he was tied down in his stroller. So I had to run to the grocery store to find food that would occupy him for 2 hours (YES, I do, in fact, occupy my children with food on occasion. Bad mother!!!!!) My brain finally caught up with the clock and I managed to run into the grocery store (while illegally leaving my children in the car. It was 8:20am. I also got out in the 5 minutes. JB timed me.) I got enough snacks for today AND tomorrow. Then we were off to swim lessons and got there with 10 minutes to spare. Finally, I could sit and relax.
Swim lessons went well. BroncoFan was so proud of being moved to a higher skill level than his sisters. Hmm, no pride there or anything.  JB and Schmoo ended up in the same class. I hated to tell BroncosFan that I think he was moved up simply because he's a daredevil and pretty much attempts to teach himself everything he wants to know. I have yet to convince Schmoo that she does in fact have to put her face under water when she swims. She trying though. And poor JB. She's doing her best to keep up with all this as she's not feeling well these days (more on that later.) The Linebacker Starter Kit (LBSK) had to wait 45 minutes before his class started. They told me they would split the class in to those that had put their head under water and those that hadn't. I asked if that was putting their head under on purpose or by accident. hehehe!!! He's good at the accident side of that. They put him the class that put their heads underwater easily. I was shocked. I didn't honestly think he would do it. He's the only little guy that's never been swimming before. I hope I get my money's worth. He did learn that he's not supposed to drink the water because it's yucky water. Good boy but suspect that I will need the cleanse the chlorine from his sister at the end of the summer. Bleech!!!! At least he left with something new today. (I admire thees kids that spend their summers teaching small children to do the impossible. They amaze me.)
After swim lessons we rushed home to get laundry started for the day and eat lunch so we could rush out and do our grocery shopping before my sonogram this afternoon. Again, I was running about 1 hour behind in my head. I was seeing the clock as noon but it was 1pm. URGH!!! I had to go to the bank and drive all the way to Whole Foods. I needed drops from my naturopath for JB so I decided to do the shopping so Underdog didn't have to worry about it. You know, there is something to be said for bribes. Either that or my children have their stomach as their god. HAHA!! I promised them a roll from the bakery at WF if they would help me get in and out of WF in 30 minutes. We were done shopping in 20 and in the car leaving in 30 minutes. My kids rock!!!!!
We arrived home hot and sweaty. That got worse after we brought the groceries in. The LBSK found the lock on the garage door to the house and decide it would be funny to lock everyone in the garage but himself. Oh, did I mentioned that I left my keys on the kitchen table when I walked in. That took 5 minutes of major threats before he opened it. (Hmmm, I never did discipline that little booger.) We got all the groceries in and sat down to finally breath and we got a phone call that the technician running the sonogram had 3 cancellation and that we could come in a hour early. I don't think I have ever seen my children move faster. Even Underdog had a little bounce in his step.
We all voted on the way there. 6 for a girl, 1 for a another boy (I voted for Little Man. The LBSK wanted a purple "gril" but I am not sure I can produce the purple part.) We got there and got right in to start things up. This baby is so healthy. The head is perfect. Spine is closed. Placenta is low but that is normal for me. Cord is well attached and will make a good belly button. Everything else is functioning right. Then it was time to "look." Wouldn't you know, the feet were in the way. Smart technician. He sent me on a walk to see if the baby would change positions. So I went on my walk in the blazing heat while the girls talked to the baby as we walked. "Move, baby, move" was their plea. I prayed silently. We went back in and got back on the table.
Can I just say that technology has come along way since Underdog and I found out that JB was a girl. We haven't found out again until now. We usually wait until the end. I really wanted to do that this time but my planners instinct took over this time and the sonogram won out. I needed to know so if we needed two boys rooms I could begin prepping for it. He was able to tell me that the baby had moved just right but there was still a little foot in the way. That was so awesome to see that little foot up against the little bum. And now for the Finale. . .the tech was 95% sure that we will be finishing our little family out with. . . . . . .
So did I share just how much I love technology and what it can do for us. LOL!!!! Just kidding. (I am trying to drive my brother crazy and he's reading and waiting to find out. That is unless mom already called him. Darn!! I am 34 and still love to bother my brother. Is that sinful? hehehe!!!)
The tech is 95% sure that we will have a BABY GIRL in November of 2008. I almost cried. I had really wanted a girl. I knew my girls had wanted a little sister to share their room with as well. I think wanted to cry for my girls. This is going to be one exciting time for them. I had been praying for weeks that God would prepare my heart to love and accept whomever He would bless me with. I fully expected another boy. So I felt overwhelmed at God giving me such a blessing as my heart's desires.
My little boys didn't care. Little Man still has no clue what is going on. LBSK, well, he wants a "gril" (BTW, he calls girls "grils" but get very offended if you outright correct him. The subtle corrections don't seem to be working though.) BroncosFan wasn't too happy. He was such a scowl on his face when we left that office. He finally came to talk to me after we arrived home. He confessed that he was upset because they weren't going to have even teams when they played football (apparently Dad doesn't count.) I had to feel for the little guy. He was also struggling a bit with the fact that he had been praying for a baby brother. Don't we all struggle to understand at times why God doesn't always answer our praer as we want them. He really had his heart set on this one. Underdog so carefully reminded him that although they wouldn't have even teams when they played football in the backyard, they would indeed have a foursome for a golf game. Ah, leave it to dad to help him find the bright side of all this.
But Underdog also reminded Bronco Fan that when we question this baby and it's value, we are question the Creator Himself. It is God who is knitting this baby together. It is God who decided that this baby would be a little girl. It is God that has willed that Bronco Fan will be a big protector brother to this little princess just as he is protector to JB and Schmoo. But I think this will be a special bonding for him.
He and I went to SAMs and Walmart to finish out the grocery shopping after dinner. I allowed him to pick the first little outfit out for his little sister to wear. Unfortunately, she'll have to wait until next summer since there were no fall and winter clothes out that he liked. We had a good bonding time and he's quickly coming around to being protector of this baby. I knew he would.
(WARNING!!!! Any guy reading this might want to skip the next paragraph. . .Uncle, that would be you.)
Our next journey will come at the end of this pregnancy when my older children will witness for the first time a baby enter the world. If all works out well, I will birth in the tub again so there will still be a mystery to birth. But I have dreamed for years that I would have children old enough to experience was I consider to real birth. This is my gift to my two older daughters. And hopefully, if JB or Schmoo are comfortable enough, they will be able to allow their baby sister the privilege to experience a birth done well. There is no better way to prepare a young lady for the beauty of her womanhood. If birth is done right (barring any complications.) Without the cycle that we women experience, there would be no babies. I have always hated my monthly friend. But I know realize that it is truly a blessing. It is that aspect of womanhood that literally nourishes our babies before there is a placenta in place to feed them. And the fact that there is only ONE time a month for life to take place, that is a miracle. Every woman every month gets one chance. All I can say that simple scientific fact is proof that there is a Creator God. He opens and closes the womb. That doesn't just happen by chance. And although many women are learning the value of fertility awareness and how their bodies truly work, only God makes that baby happen. I want my girls to see their womanhood in a positive light. (I would love to someday have a Bible study for my girls and their friends around this very idea. I have been blessed to find a wonderful curriculum around this topic. I plan to use it with my girls when we go on our weekend trip alone at around age 11.) Not only do I want them embrace being keepers at home, submissive to their husbands, loving their children, being pure, chaste, disciplined, etc. I want them to embrace the way God made them physically. To deny the physical beauty and value of our bodies to deny who God created us to be. To hate it defies His very Creation and calls into question His wisdom. We are nurturers by our very nature. Just look at our womb and how it works in the very beginning of life. It's just so amazing. Life is amazing.
So baby #6 is our Finale. That is her nickname until I can convince Underdog to have a serious conversation about names and he;s will stop coming up with Jefferky and Phillys (oh, wait, that one was from my BIL.) This has always been a running joke in our family. Underdog can only concentrate for about 10 minutes on serious baby names and then I lose him to "Darth Vader" and "Jezebel" type names. I have learned to save my most favorite and important names when he's in a serious mood and I only introduce 2-3 ideas at a time. That way if I lose him to silly name I at least know he heard my favorites. And sadly he's bringing his oldest ds into this. I feel so sorry my future daughters-in-law. I will have to sit down and have a serious talk about how to deal with these silly men. I have learned well to ignore Underdog. (But I secretly get a good laugh out of his nature. God has blessed me no only with an intelligent and serious man but he's given me on that truly makes me laugh. We get to go out tomorrow and celebrate 12 years together. I am excited.
One final thing. I know this is getting long. I wanted to ask those reading if they might pray for my oldest daughter. She's affectionately known on my blog as JB. She's been sick for almost 2 weeks now. She's gone through 3 different infections and has been having nightly fevers for nearly 10 days now. She waking with headaches and nausea that will only go away with drinking water. But I was doing her hair this morning and thought she's was really going to lose it right there. She's not eating much. . .even turning down special Grandma banana pudding. When her fevers spike she just looks like a wilted flower. I am desperately fighting my imagination and not letting it run wild. But I fear I have lost that fight. Mostly I am praying that God will give me wisdom and direct me down the right path for answers. . .and in the meantime, trusting my little girl in His hands. Would you please pray for her healing and/or answers to come to us this Friday as I take her to the dr. My pediatrician is so awesome. She allows me room to use my natural medicine at home and trusts me to come see her when I need help. I need help now but Friday is the earliest I can get there. In the meantime, we are bombing her body with stuff to kill viruses and all sorts of other nice pathogens that seem to have taking over her body. They are working on the infections but the fevers linger. And my worry over her grows. :(
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Mar. 31, 2008 - Burning the House Down, Tornadoes, & Newborn Babies
Posted in Mothering in Grace
This is an update to my previous post. The day only got more interesting!!!
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Today has been a very typical Monday for us. We haven't done "school" in over 4 weeks so it was time to get back into it. My dh and I have been reading alot about Charlotte Mason's ideas so we've made some drastic changes to our school. Everything this morning was fairly new. Not the curriculum but the way we did things. Our day started off well until I discovered that my children had decided the standards for chores changed since Nana and Gramps were here. So I made them redo their chores this morning as a reminder that the standards haven't changed.
Before I called everyone back upstairs, one of my children decided that he/she were going to help me get our oatmeal started for the morning. I will let the older ones measure the oatmeal and water but never turn it on. It's been a long running rule that no one turns on the stove or oven on unless I say so. I definitely did not say to turn it on. After I called the children back to redo their chores, I noticed this one particular child go racing downstairs. I was smelling something "funny" by this time but my nose smells many "funny" things right now with the pregnancy so I didn't think anything of it. Then the child returned. . .devastated.
You have to understand that this child is very sensitive in his/her spirit. There isn't too much discipline required on the big stuff because they KNOW when they are wrong and NEVER make that type of mistake again. So when this child came into the room with tears running down his/her face I knew it was bad. And then I remember what the smell was. I didn't say anything I just ran. What I found when I got downstairs was worse than I thought. A burned pot of oatmeal I can handle. Oatmeal cooked to the surface of my stove can be scraped off. But this child didn't know that when you move a pot off the stove that you either move it to a cold burner OR you put a pot holder under it. There is now a forever reminder of the burn oatmeal incident BURNED into my kitchen cabinet. I always wandered what would happen if you put a really hot pot of food on the cabinet without a pot holder. I got to find out this morning.
Ah, Monday!! After my child burned breakfast (and ruined the only pot I had left to make anything in) we had no breakfast. Tomorrow is shopping day so the cupboards are bare. I ended up having to shuffle everyone into the car and run to Chick Fil A for hashbrowns. God seemed to know something was going to happen because I found an extra $15 in my purse that I didn't know I had this morning.
This morning provided me with the opportunity to remind my child of the gospel. And I got a great reminder. I remembered all the big mistakes I made as a child and wasn't shown much grace and mercy. And the other times when I was shown grace and mercy. Underdog hasn't seen the burned spot. And this child definitely went out of his/her own and created the mess in the first place. I don't know if there will be an earthly consequence for these actions. Nonetheless, I am not mad or upset. I never was. I was scared that wouldn't show grace and mercy. I was scared of my tendency NOT to be merciful. But God was merciful toward me and my family deserves nothing less. So I held myself back and showed as mercy and grace as I could.
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Later in my day I had plans to make a great lentil and rice casserole and fold laundry. That changed suddenly when I got a massive headache and remembered we had a dry line headed our way. A dry line always means severe weather in Texas. So I checked the radar on the computer and notice that our area had a red box around it. Then the radar refreshed on it's own. Suddenly there was a purple box. I thought purple meant hail so I called my dh to see if he wanted me to try to pull the car into the garage so we didn't get anymore hail damage. He said yes so we headed to the garage to move things around so I could pull the car in. When I got back in, I sat down to check radar again. Then it struck me. Purples boxes don't mean hail. .. . . .THEY MEAN TORNADO WARNING!!!!!!!!!!!!!
My first though was don't panic and turn on the TV. Sure enough, we had a cell headed our way and it was "scheduled" to arrive in 20 minutes. The baby was still napping and both of my little boys were in cloth diapers and nothing else. I got the closet cleaned out and put some food and the first aid kit in there. The kids quickly caught on and panic set in. I asked JB to change her baby brother but she was so scared she could hardly think straight. I changed him and did convince her to help her other borhter get a new pull up on and some clothes on. Then the sirens went off. HELLO!!!!! It did not look that bad outside but I shuffled everyone into the closet anyway. I stayed out watching the weather on the TV and trying to convince one of our dogs that she needed to get in the closet. As I watched the TV the cell just kept getting smaller and smaller. By the time the most serious purple part of the cell got to us it was only rain. I don't think the funnel cloud ever touched the ground. Nonetheless, I was a little scared. I am now convinced that it would be a good idea to put together an emergency box even if we never use it. I just wasn't prepared for anything to happen. We prayed before the sirens went off that God would protect us. It was about that time that the cell began to fall apart. My children immediately recognized that and it was fun to watch their faith increase.
On a lighter note, I was invited to attend the home birth of a friend of mine. i have never seen a live birth besides my own, so she welcomed me to come. She wasn't getting started very fast so I assumed that I would miss it tonight. Then her water broke. He dh called me to come quick. I missed it by 3 minutes. She had the most beautiful petite little girl I have ever seen. They don't have a name for her yet. But little girl will be well loved in the family of 5 sisters and one big brother. I felt privileged to be apart of the family sharing in that miracle.
Although this day had ups and downs, it ended very well. I wander what tomorrow will hold?
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Mar. 21, 2008 - I am SOOOOOO Sick!!!!!
Posted in Mothering in Grace
It's 6:20am and I haven't done my quiet time. I am getting off in a moment to do that. I woke up this morning so sick to my stomach. It's been coming on gradually for the past 2 weeks. Today I hit the mark. The morning sickness has begun!!!!!!! (Yes that was my official announcement!!) I have had varying degrees of morning sickness with all of my babies. I think this one will match my first pregnancy though. I can remember literally running out of my classroom when I pregnant with m first. I was 3 doors from the teachers lounge and the English teacher on my team was pregnant. She understood so if she saw me run by she would step into the hall way to listen to my classroom.
This could be a rough pregnancy. Not only do I have morning sickness this time around, but there could be complication from the neglect of my previous midwife. She recommended last time that I not receive my Rhogam because I didn't tear during the birthing process. I found out much later, of course, that she wasn't licensed and I assume was trying to cover her trail of lies. Blood doesn't mix on the outside where a woman might tear, it mixes on the inside when the placenta separates. She was good enough to know that. She just had a crumby character. I am waiting to get my blood work done next week to find out if I have antibodies or not. I am not sure where we will go from there. I have to make it through my first trimester first. That could be the first (and last) problem with the possible antibodies and the potential for this baby to have A+ blood. (Although my biggest prayer is that God will allow us to have one more little girl. If He hears my heart's desire and she has A- blood like her sisters, then all will be well regardless of the antibodies.) The fact that my symptoms are growing is a good sign so far. But I am not out of the woods yet.
This baby will be our last. Our quiver is full now. I have had people tell me you just know. I knew!! So did Underdog. :) We love our little "big" family but we always felt something was missing. This one was missing. If it's in God's will for this baby to be born healthy at home, we will deliver our last baby sometime in November. And I was praising God for the reprieve from early winter babies. Three winter birthdays within 4 weeks of each other (not including my own) is stressful. It's my pleasure to celebrate my children but it's stressful nonetheless. Now I will have 3 snow (in TX?) babies, 1 spring chicken (she prefers chicken over pig - HA!), and two little pumpkins.
We will find out the sex of the baby this time around. We'll either do it through sonogram OR if there are antibodies, we will need to know the blood type of the baby (I think) to see if there will be any need for further monitoring in the womb. That will mean an amniocentesis. That is a big step for a woman that runs from intervention in pregnancy. But I will do what it takes to protest my baby. I have a tremendous amount of peace about all this right now. My prayers are simple - no antibodies and/or A- blood type for the baby.
I am off to do my quiet time. I finished my apple and my stomach is settled. . . at least until the apple wears off.
Oh, my in-laws are coming to visit today. I am really excited. It's been over a year since we've seen them. They've only seen PeePooh once and they've never met Little Bear. Everyone is excited. JB, BroncoFan, and Schmoo all made welcome signs of some sort to hang up before they get here. We have just a little cleaning to do left in the house. They land at 11:30am this morning.
God Bless and have a wonderful day!!!!!
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Mar. 12, 2008 - Shutting Some Things Down
Posted in Mothering in Grace
One of these days I am going to learn what I can and can't handle in my life. I deleted my last post from a few days ago indicating that I was working more on another blog. I decided not to do that anymore. I am keeping my blog up but I just not going to add to it right now. I am really not sure I have much to offer right now. While alot of that blog is intended to encourage women toward natural living, there is more to my life than just that. And I have forgotten about it.
I have been interviewing midwifes recently because I refuse to use an ObGyn anymore (unless it's absolutely necessary.) Midwives are gentle and more personal. I think that is what women need when it comes to their intimate issues. But as I have interviewed these midwives my passion for natural living had begun to grow again. My desire to someday be a midwife has also begun to grow again. But it's distracting me.
If fact, I have become very distracted by many things that aren't important. I have forgot my calling to be wife to Underdog and mother to the pups. I have been complaining recently that we have way too much junk in the house and that things are way too disorganized. I have begun to realize that I am responsible for that. I have allowed the junk because I have fallen back into being a pack rat. I haven't truly been training my children to put things away when they are finished with them. And then I gripe at them when they don't. I just simply haven't been doing that. I think I had fooled myself into believe that I hadn't allowed the computer to take over but it has. Hence the reason I am shutting down that other blog.
I greatly desire to be a wise woman but I am not right now. I have been praying that God would move me toward spending more time memorizing and studying His word. I can't do that when I am dsitracted by so much. I am not happy with school and I believe that we are out of God's will with what we've been doing. So I am praying for a new direction with school. But I can't discovered that direction when I have no time to pray, study scripture, or read.
I have lost joy. I want my joy back. But I want to find my joy where God has placed me. That means that I must die to all other desires in my life. Being a midwife is a dream of mine that won't come to fruition until my children are much older (or maybe even gone.) By that time the dream may have died. Having a blog that is running well and enjoyed by others is also a dream of mine. But how can I have anything to share that is worthwhile when I don't practice much that is worthwhile in my life.
Besides, there is a growing burden on my heart to begin focusing on my daughters training as young women. I read a blog recently on how most young women today just are not compelled to believe that being a wife and mother is a worthy calling. If they do, many believe that having a career is the priority and then they can pursue marriage and children. I have even struggled to embrace this calling and understand the value that I have. It's a thankless job. And then I think of my girls. If there is anything I don't want for my girls it is for them to struggle to believe and obey the truth that God gives them. God created them to be a helpmeet for someone (unless of course they are called to be single. That is a whole different ball game that we won't know for many years.) I want them to be prepared to faithfully embrace their calling when they do marry. It is my dream that they meet strong godly men who value family and value the role of their women. And I don't want them to feel ashamed to WANT to be wives and mothers and to be ONLY wives and mothers. I am in the position right now where I am having to remind myself daily that this is my calling and it's a noble one but if I can instill in them that Truth then being counter cultural won't be so difficult for them.
I will continue to blog on here at homeschool blogger. I don't have many readers though. That is probably good. If I had too many my pride would begin to take over. I also reserve the right not to blog everyday. I am a busy momma and it's only going to get busier around here. With the grace of God giving me strength, I will be focusing more on my dh, my children, my home, and my school.
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Jan. 18, 2008 - Birth Story Entry #1
Posted in Mothering in Grace
Well I promised my birth stories and this is as good as time as any to start posting them. I hope you will enjoy. I hope you might find encouragement in them. God Bless!!
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January 18, 2001 started out very early for me. I was 37 weeks pregnant with my 2nd child. With my 1st child, I delivered her 4 week early. In my mind I should have had my baby by this time. My OB wanted to induce two weeks early because my daughter had been so big at 4 weeks early (7lb 14oz) and had supposedly got stuck on my pelvis. She didn't get stuck but that is a story for another time. But I did wake up out of a good sleep around 4am with contractions. They were very regular. I got out of bed to get a drink and decided to just stay up. I didn't know what it was like to be in labor. I have a fully medicated birth before my contractions ever got started last time. I didn't know what to expect. But I was kind of excited. After about an hour I decided to start timing them. That meant writing the times down, right? So I did. And then they stopped. I am not kidding. I wrote down the first time on my trusty Steno pad and never had another contraction. To be honest, I went to bed kind of mad. I really wanted all this to be over. I didn't want to be induced either.
When my alarm went off at 7am I went to the potty because that is what pregnant women do when they wake up. LOL!!!! When I was finished I discovered what I thought to be my mucus plug. I don't have confirmation on that but I could swear that's what it was. There was a lot of it. I woke my dh and ask asked if he could work from home that day. I was going to a MOPS meeting so he would have the house to himself all morning. He agreed.
One thing I remember about that morning was that it was deary. We were expecting a major cold front and possibly a freeze overnight. It doesn't snow is Texas. It only ices. But I got JenniBear up and got her ready for our MOPS meeting. She was ready to go play and I was ready to sit for a break.
I was having a really good time at my MOPS meeting but my back was killing me. We had a speaker that day so I got my seat ready to listen to her. But I just couldn't sit still. My back hurt really bad. If I had known then what I know now I would have immediately thought labor. I labor in my back regardless of the position of my babies. I even have all my menstrual cramps in my back (when I have them.) I finally decided to get up and go to the back to stand and stretch my back out some. I started pacing because I was so restless. It just occurred to me that all that pacing is probably what intensified the back pain. It finally occurred to me after 30 minutes that the pain was coming of going. I was having regular contractions. I decided to go home.
When I arrived home my dh was there. I called my OB because I didn't know what to do. My doctor had scheduled a weeks vacation during this time because I was the only patient he had due in early February and he was going to induce labor anyway. When I called the office I was transferred to the nurse. I can't remember the name of funny Southern lady that does all the baking. She's been on Oprah a few times. That is what the nurse looked and talked like. Now imagine her saying to me "Well, honey, he just took of fon a plain to Florida." I laugh about it now but I wasn't then. I knew he was leaving that day. I didn't mind though. I had grown to despise that man but I didn't know at the time that I could change doctors when my despise started. She told me to go to the L&D floor to be monitored.
If I had known then what I know now, I would have waited. But I didn't. And when they had me hooked up to monitors for an hour they declared me NOT in labor and sent me home. My cervix wasn't changing. They sent me home with a sleeping pill though.
Underdog and I stopped off at Blockbuster for a few movies to pass the time away. My contractions started up pretty intense at this point. I kept having to lean over move stands there in the store. He rented a few that I was interested in but didn't care if I saw them or not. I distinctly remember him watching "X-men" but don't remember a thing about the movie. When we finally watched it again years later is was a whole new movie to me. But I would remember some parts of it. Then 10 minutes later I wouldn't recognize the movie. That pattern continued through out the movie. I can only think that the points I didn't recognize were points I was having a contractions.
Finally about 5pm I wanted to go back to the hospital. I thought for sure I was in good labor. But when I got there I hadn't change at all. Talk about frustrating. This wasn't the prodromal labor I had with my later babies. It had been going on all day. I was in labor!!!!! The nurse told me she would give me an hour to see a change. I started praying right them and there that I would be in labor. Sure enough, when she returned I had changed half a centimeter and she declared me officially in labor. I was then admitted to the hospital.
I had every intention of having a natural childbirth. And I probably could have done it too if not for the well trained nurse. These are the nurses who are trained to come in a scare you into thinking that something might happen and so you might need an epidural. After all, you wouldn't want to have to be put out and miss the birth of your baby. URGH!!! So I got an epidural. I suppose it was best. By this time it was 10pm at night and I was tired. I went to sleep once I was "comfortable."
About 4am I hear a commotion in my room. Nurses were everywhere moving stuff. My bed was being taken apart. One of the nurses came up to me and said that I was complete and it was time to push. Talk about an easy labor. I slept through most of it. LOL!!!! By 4:30 I was pushing and the dr wasn't there yet. the dr on call finally walked in and said "Let's get this baby out of there." If I had known then what I know now I would closed my legs immediately. He pulled out the forceps. Only I didn't know it. I was a VBAC patient. I don't know if he knew that or not. Whatever it was, he was in a hurry. BroncoFan was born at 4:40am on the morning of January 19, 2001 via VBAC using forceps. But I got my VBAC and it set the stage for my future births.
One things I most remember about that early morning was the look on Underdogs face we they announced we had a boy. Pride. He was so proud of his son. I think he even had tears in his eyes but he'd never admit that. :) I kept thinking to myself that I did it. I conquered the statistics. I had my VBAC and I won. My dr did not get to take me under the knife. I found out through a newspaper article in the Dallas Morning News that he has the highest rate of elective c-section in the city. He's proud of it too. His willingness to give a trial of labor was just a way of putting me off. My prayer had been for a VBAC. God heard my prayers and took my dr out of town when BroncoFan's appointed time for birth had come. What a great God we serve.
BroncoFan is growing up so fast. He's a smart kid who is way beyond many of his peers. He taught himself to read and just keeps going at that pace. I remember how quiet he was as a little boy. After his younger sister was born I was so sure he'd learn to read at the same time she did. She was a bright little baby who seems to have slowed down and learns vastly different than I expected her to. BroncoFan proved me wrong. He continues to blow me away with his giftedness. I didn't get to mention that I was in a car accident during my 6th month of pregnancy with him. My air bag went off and left bruises all up and down my abdomen. I didn't feel him move for a couple of hours afterward. I was scared. Those kicks that he gave me in the ER were the most precious kicks to me. I knew then that God had something very special planned for him. I finally told him that before he turned 6. It made him cry. He would love to be a pastor or a missionary. Truth be told, I think he will probably be an artsy football player who plays the guitar in the church band and then goes to the pulput to preach to his congregation and then on the side serves as a missionary. He's that ambitions. LOL!!!!!! The most important thing is that he has a heart for Jesus. When he prays, he prays intentionally and he prays big. I am just amazed at this boy and love him dearly.
I didn't get to nurse him. I tried but he fought me all the way. Of course, I learned certain things about my anatomy that probably kept him from wanting to nurse. I also suffered pretty bad post partum depression after he was born. It was from the lingering effects of my car accident. It took me years to finally overcome the fears that were associated with my accident and the depression that followed. God set me free. But I felt for a long time that we just didn't have a connection as mother and son. I would get so irritated with him while I would love on his sisters. I didn't like that at all. So I began to pray that God would mend our relationship and bring us closer together. I believe God has answered that prayer. I have a very special relationship with him now.
While I am a strong advocate of home birthing now, I can't say this was necessarily a bad experience. I have great memories of my labor and delivery with him. And we have a special tradition every birthday that I tell that persons birth story. They love it. I am considering in the future taking these stories and turning them into a personalized book for each one of them. I don't do scrapbooks right now (no time) but that would be a fun project to make a scrapbook and tell their story in each one.
Next week I will be publishing my birth story for my youngest, Si-Bay, who is about to turn one next Saturday. I can't believe time has flown by so quickly.
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Dec. 17, 2007 - Christmas Faux Pas
Posted in Mothering in Grace
My children are still young enough and never on the computer for me to write about this before the actual day. My inlaws sent the children gift certificates to Walmart this year. Instead of making a mad rush the day after Christmas to spend those gift cards (can you imagine dragging 5 small children to a Walmart on the December 26th?) we put all of them together and bought them a trampoline for the backyard. They have been asking for one and I finally broke down. So I ordered it a few weeks ago.
Last Friday my two oldest had piano lessons. We did some running around and then got home around 4:30pm. My oldest stops on her way to the door and her mouth drops open. Next, my oldest ds does the same thing. My youngest dd gets to the crowd and says "Woaw!!!!!!!" By this time I had to see for myself. Sitting on our porch were two huge boxes with the word "TRAMPOLINE" written on the side. I played dumb. This was supposed to be a surprise. I acted like I didn't know what it was and made a big deal out of needing to talk to daddy. I even made myself look worried.
We finally got into the house and my brain was moving a mile a minute. How do I spin this so I don't ruin the surprise? I finally decided that sinning was the best thing. I called Underdog and told him that he needed to come home and remind me that I had ordered those boxes for a family at church so they could surprise their children. That was the sin. I LIED!!!! They went for it and haven't said anything since. Although JB did ask me which family it was at church. I told her she couldn't know because I didn't want her to tell the other children. I think she's on to me though. Oh well.
Gone are the days when I can buy Christmas present right under their nose. Well, sort of. I did take them to a craft store and bought their new blocks of Sculpey with them right there. They even helped me pick the colors. I told them it was for a project I was planning to work on in the future. That wasn't a lie. My project is to teach my children how to work with polymer clay. hehehehe!!!! Oh yeah. I did buy their candy canes right under their noses last week. I guess I still have the touch.
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Nov. 28, 2007 - Boy Noises
Posted in Mothering in Grace
When I was an 8th grade teachers I heard some pretty gross stuff out of the mouths of the boys in my classroom. My brother and his friends could contribute to those noses as well. Since my oldest ds is only 6 I figured I had a few years before boy noises began. Nope!!!! Not only have they begun earlier, but they skipped a child. My 6 year has not found the oh so fun boy noises that he can make. The Linebacker Starter Kit (LSK) found them. He can drink his water and burp with the rest of those silly boys I had in my 8th grade classes. He's good too. He's not as loud. . .yet. He's work on that.
I have to admit that I am torn. For one thing, I think it's kind of cute. Now I would never tell him that. Why would I encourage such gross behavior? But there was a time in my life when I thought noises that our bodies made were funny. I supposed they are though. I think God was using His sense of humor when He made our bodies to make funny noises. It's also very likely that most of the noises our bodies make are a result of fall. I mean, it's usually our poor diet that causes a vast majority of the gas that causes such noises. But still, they can be funny at times. I find it so hard sometimes not to giggle when someone in our family who will remain nameless let's one go (accidently, of course,) But I don't. I usually look appalled that they would even consider making such a noise.
So now I am back to what to do with the LSK. I supposed I won't laugh at him. . . at least not to his face. But there will always be a part of me that will giggle in my heart as I watch my little boy become a man. And certainly, there will be plenty of time to train him that a proper gentleman doesn't just "let fly" wherever he stands. He'll learn how to conduct himself as a gentleman in due time. That will take training. It begins with me not laughing at his antics.
Oh, the LSK wants in to get a drink of water. Hmmm, I wander why?
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Sep. 11, 2007 - How to Know You are Maturing
Posted in Mothering in Grace
Well, I am on again tonight despite my previous post about living without the computer. It's been a rough day. I just got back from grocery shopping that should have been done this morning. But, I woke up to tummy sick kid and there was no way I was going to chance grocery shopping with her. So we stayed home and I decided to go tonight. Did you know that everyone in the world does their grocery shopping after 7pm on a week night (except for all the other working class people that shop on Saturday and Sunday.)
Ok, so I want to get to point of my blog tonight. I am discovering that by God's grace I am maturing. I used to be one of those people (used to be?) that would blow up if something didn't go my way. Ok, maybe blow up is a bit of an exaggeration. But still, I would get upset over pretty much nothing. In the past 24 hours, God has allowed me to see the distance He's brought me. (I will claim no credit for any of this. I am a bonehead most of the time and pretty selfish.)
Incident #1: I went to pick up my organic produce this morning and discovered that I had only the extra veggie share (which consisted of beets, red cabbage, green beans, and ONE head of lettuce.) I planned my whole menu for the next two weeks around the contents of my basic share every two weeks. This really messed things up. The lady that I order from had removed me off the regular share when she misinterpretted my email stating I only wanted an extra veggie share versus both an extra fruit AND veggie share. She thought I meant that I only wanted the veggie share and nothing else. I paniced. But I didn't get mad. I thought about getting mad. I could feel myself trying to figure out how to control the situation and potentially becoming angry. But the Holy Spirit showed me where I was wrong and helped me correct my thinking. All ended well.
Incident #2: I don't like going to the doctor and I am VERY fond of using alternative medicine to heal our bodies. So I brought out my homeopathic and herbal nausea tinctures (drops) that I get from my naturopath for my youngest dd who is sick. All you do is drop about 7 drops of each in a small amount of water and then drink it down. She spilled it. A year ago I would have really given her a bad time about that. It's irritating and those drops are expensive. But I didn't do that. She looked at me with her big blue eyes. I just smiled, said "oops", and poured her some more (while she graciously cleaned up her mess. What a great kid I have.)
Incident #3: This particilar incident would have sent me into hysterics, yelling and screaming, then talking under my breath as I complained about how irresponsible my children can be. Not this time. This one brought out the camera and a good laugh from the whole family.
Just in case you are wandering, that is Desitin diaper cream that I left on the floor of the Little Linebacker's bedroom. Duh mom!!!!!!! And yes, he did get it on the carpet. Underdog came to my rescue in that area and got it off the floor with soap and water. I was sort of upset but what can you do? My little Linebacker is in just such a cute stage right now. He came to me all worried about what he had done. How can you yell at such repentence? He got a special bath just with mommy before dinner last night.
I can only give glory to the Lord for His work in my life. He's really brought me so far. And I completely believe that I will be tested again tomorrow. I just pray that God's grace will rest on me then so I will pass the test. But I am bonehead and usually end up messing things up. But for the grace of God go I.
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Sep. 6, 2007 - Bad Mother of the Year. . . .AGAIN
Posted in Mothering in Grace
I have officially been named the bad mother of the year. . .again. I have received this award not two years in a row but twice in one year. Now, many might be saying "Oh. she's just feeling sorry for herself. We all make mistakes." Granted. But this one is really quite unforgivable.
My oldest ds lost another tooth last night. He was so proud. He walks around with a slight lisp now. It's cute (in a manly sort of way.) He proudly came to me and asked if I would make sure that he gets the state quarters so he can add them to his collection book. I PROMISED he would.
I feel like I need to explain something here. Two days ago I made the huge mistake of drinking some organic type coffee that contained caffiene in it. Why is that a problem? Because I haven't had caffiene in over 4 years. I stopped drinking caffienated anything. Now, I do drink decaf but that doesn't count. So when I had this particular cup of coffee it was at 4pm in the afternoon. I was really tired that day and didn't realize that this special coffee contained any caffiene at all. So by 1am I was desperate for sleep. Josiah hasn't been sleeping well and I have been foolish enough to think I could go to bed at 11pm and still get up at 5am. In desperation, I took to chewable Benedryl. Another side bar is needed. Benedryl makes a special fastmelt tablet that I discovered doesn't cause me to have mood swings. Regular Benedryl does. And that is what I took. Then I got up the next morning (still early) in a haze of allergies and took another half dose. (Josiah slept really well that morning. HA!!) So by the end of day yesterday I was really ready for bed. I even planned to go to bed at 9:30pm, which I almost did.
Fast forward to this morning. My darling little boy comes downstairs very humble and says "Mommy, you forgot."
"I forgot what, son?" says me.
"You forgot my quarters." says my son.
I think I should probably add that I was reading a book called "Humility: True Greatness" by CJ Mahaney this morning. I didn't feel so great at that point. I humbly asked my ds if he would like his quarters now OR if he wanted to try again in the morning. He choose to wait. Hopefully I will remember.
I was very humbled this morning. I have had some things on my mind recently that relate specifically to my family. But these are issues that need to be left in the hands of my dh AND they are issues that are revealing some discontentment in my heart. I have forget the children that are before me. My pride was revealed to me this morning and I am can only say "thank you" to the Lord for opening my eyes. There have been others areas where my pride has shown strong and bright. Why am I always seeking my own? Why am I always wanting that attention and recognition? Why am I always trying to place myself above the supremacy of God (which is CJ Mahaney definition of pride, by the way?) Oh sinner that I am. I have such a sense of God's grace on me right now. If not for Christ, I would get what I do deserve because of my pride. I would receive death. But Christ took that death for me. For that, I am grateful.
I am only in chapter 2 of "Humility: True Greatness". I am reading it for my care group which meets this Friday. Humility is actually something I have been praying for myself. My prayer has been centered around Philippians 2 where we see Christ's humility demonstrated to us through Paul's words. It's one of my favorite chapters. Obviously, I need so much more work.
Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus,who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant,being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Philipians 2:3-11
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Jul. 16, 2007 - Hard news about the broken collar bone!!!
Posted in Mothering in Grace
This morning I took Joshua to get his 4 week xray on the broken collar bone. It wasn't good news. It's still not healed. There is evidence of new bone growing (yea!!) but he's still not ready to come out of the sling. In fact, our ped thought it might be best to put him in a figure 8 splint for 6 more weeks. Woaw!!! Six more weeks!!!! I am not happy about that. I did find out last week from my naturopath that there are certain essential oils that are really good for healing broken bones. So we're going to step that up and I am going to do everything I can to encourage him body toward healing. He's been sick alot lately (this is the kid that is never sick) so obviously his body is working overtime. He's frustrated with not being able to do much. The worst part of all is that our family camp is coming up at Baylor two weekends from now. He's not going to be able to participate in hardly any of the recreation.
I am going to take him tomorrow to be fitted for his splint. But I am also going to request another x-ray in 3 weeks versus the 6 weeks by dr mentioned just to see if he's come along better. Everywhere I have read about the broken collar bone I have read it takes 3-6 weeks for someone Joshua's age to heal. So I am going with that. If I request another xray in 3 weeks that will put him at the 7 weeks mark.
I got the call about this this afternoon. Joshua was upstairs cleaning the playroom. That was a really hard climb up the stairs. I knew this news was going to crush him. He cried but he actually took it really well. I was proud. Now I am back to finding things for him to do during the day to pass time. At least he will have his arm free to write or paint or build. The sling will be gone.
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Jul. 12, 2007 - There is nothing better. . . .
Posted in Mothering in Grace
Mother and Child by William Bouguereau
. . .than nursing a baby to sleep. Their beautiful soft little head fit so perfectly in the crook of the arm (wasn't God creative?) It's the perfect position to brush a hand over their soft downy head. With a small infant they simply lie there, eyes closed, drinking in the warm milk and soft comfort of the mommy they've only know a short while. Sleep often overtakes them quickly. With an older baby, they may have their eyes closed to go to sleep, but there is still one little arm waving in an attempt not to sleep. Finally, they nestle in and fall asleep. They rest peacefully in the arms of their mommy whom they love so dearly.
Imagine this scene taking place in the glow of a full moon. This is one of those precious blessings of motherhood. No mother will ever forget the midnight rendezvous with their little one. And sadly, this is the one complaint you hear most from mother's of infants. Many will do all that they can to eliminate this meeting. Mother's who work too hard to eliminate these trist are missing a precious memory. This is especially true if you have more than one child. One year of interrupted sleep is nothing compared to the missed moments of snuggling you can have and treasure for a lifetime. There is plenty of life left to catch up on sleep. That is especially true when that downy little head baby grows into a teenager that may treasure their sleep more than time with mom. . .just like you once felt about your uninterupted sleep.
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Jun. 25, 2007 - The Toddler Coffee Cup
Posted in Mothering in Grace
I have been on a search to find a sippy cup for my 2 yod to use in the back of the car when we are on the road for errands or for longer trips. He drinks with a normal cup at home and sippy cup in his bed at night. Well, my search ended this weekend. Target had "Playtex Insulated & Spill-Proof Cup, Coolster Tumbler" and they had it in Drew's assigned family color, green. He loves it. Take a look at cool this cup is.
This purchase hasn't been without problems though. First of all, I have discovered that if anyone touches this cup it sends Drew into major fits. That isn't too surprising considering his age. But the most shocking problem is what Drew calls HIS cup. Drew has affectionate named this his "coffee cup". I was a bit taken back by his name for it. The more I looked at it though the more I noticed that it does, in fact, look like one of those Starbuck's coffee cups you can purchase for home use. Underdog and I have several of them at home. I think this is definately a revelation of just how addicted to coffee his parent's really are.
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Jun. 13, 2007 - Invitation to a Party on February 14, 2023
Posted in Mothering in Grace
Invitation to Party
Theme: Survival
When: February 14, 2023
Occasion: We are celebrating the survival of our middle son, Drew. He will have made it to his 18th birthday.
Contingency: He must actually survive!!
Please bring lots of gifts. Mom and dad prefer coupons and gift certificates for cruise lines. We are going to party hard on this day.
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I am planning a party. This isn't just any party. It's a celebration. It will take place on the day my 2 yod turns 18 yods. That is on February 14, 2023. I will celebrate the fact that he survived. Yes, that's right, the theme is survival. I just had to call poison control AGAIN. I have called poison control more with him than all three of my older children COMBINED!!!! He came to me while I was talking to on older child and said "Mmmm, good." Considering we're upstairs he couldn't have been in the kitchen. I thought that maybe daddy left a coffee in his study. NOPE!!!! My older children failed to put away the bottle of floride rinse. He had at least two caps full of that stuff. FYI. . .if you're child ODs on floride rinse, give them something with calcium. I guess it soaks for the floride. Guess what my child are having for breakfast this morning - unplanned. And I really hate that he did this. I don't use floridated toothpaste. I feel that they get enough elsewhere. I only have that rinse around for my oldest dd who has born with a deficiency in enamel on her permanent teeth. I can't remember what that is called. It happens to alot of premature babies and babies whose mommies had complications in pregnancy. While she wasn't premature as needing NICU, she was 4 weeks early AND she had a mommy with severe complications in pregnancy. So, until I learn how to strengthen her teeth with diet and we know the extent of the definiciency, I keep the rinse around for a once a week swish. Last night was the night. But we all forgot to put it away. I am not buying anymore of that stuff when it's gone. I don't like the idea that I putting artificial floride in her body. And now that my 2 yod has tried to kill himself enjoying a stiff drink of it, I think it's time that it goes. Back to my original point. Everyone will be invited to the celebration. While I will always celebrate their lives on their birthdays, this one will be a special celebration. I am celebrating that Drew survived. And, of course, this invitation has a contigency with it. . .he has to survive.  (If he's this bad right now, what in the world will he be like in a few years. My dh wants to buy the boys the book "Backyard Ballistics." I think he needs to think long and hard about that one. Drew might actually blow up the yard. . .or the neighbors house. LOL!!!) I love my Drewpy. Life just wouldn't be fun and exciting without him.
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Jun. 7, 2007 - Is it me or is my discipline off?
Posted in Mothering in Grace
I am beginning to wander if there is something in my blogging that is giving the impression that I have no control over my children. In the past several weeks I have had two people send me personal messages asking if i have read a specific discipline book and if not could they send me a copy of it. They have each read my blog at one point or another. It's not a big deal. I just think it's kind of funny. I won't mention the books. I own both of them. I prefer one's teachings over another. But I can't honestly say that I follow either one that closely. I have read both of them all the way through several times. I have every intension of reading one of these books through again simply because it comes highly recommended by our associate pastor. But I don't have alot of time to read these days. At least not these books.
Discipline has been a hard area for me. It's taken me a long time to realize that I am in charge. I stand in God's place as the mother of my children. They need boundaries. To be honest, I didn't start my motherhood out on a very good note. I was addicted to parenting magazines and I subscribed to all the "best". There is still alot of psycho-babble in my head and heart that I have to weed through. I also read alot of Christian discipline books that I would no longer recommend to others to read. There is alot of psycho-babble is those as well. So my beginnings as a mom weren't too grand. When I began researching home birth several years ago I ran into alot of different people and their views of discipline. My midwife was always very critical and anything that was to punative (one of those being the book that I do tend to follow most of all. Her reputation with me was shot when I found that out so I didn't pay attention to her. I also see her children and definately see that she has NO CLUE what she's talking about.)
I have grown up alot since then though. My children don't always mind me. But we discipline for that. I lose me temper. . .alot. I am probably the most humble mother on the block when it comes to apologizing for my mistakes (um, did I just contradict that statement by calling my humble while I bragged about being humble? LOL!!!) I am not the most perfect mother in the world. But I have a great relationship with all my children. And when I begin to see problems in that relationship, I go directly to the Creator of my children to find the solution to the problem. Most often it's me.
This discussion of discipline between my two new friends has left me thinking about discipline and all the books that are out there. Some books are completely worthless in there "advice". They give secular psychobabble ideas for discipline. Some books are WAY too punative in their approach. Everything deserves a spanking. I am just not so sure that everything is a spankable offense.
I think we must be VERY careful when it comes to advice regarding discipline. NONE of these books on the market are the Holy Scriptures and none of these authors are God. God created our children. Doesn't He, and only He, know our children personally? Take a look at Psalm 139.
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May. 31, 2007 - I HATE pulling Teeth!!!!!!!
Posted in Mothering in Grace
My ds is currently eating an apple with the command to use the loose tooth in his mouth to bite with. We’re hoping to knock it more lose so mom can pull it. It’s not working very well. <> Normally I am not so eager to pull teeth. In fact, I hate it with a purple passion. I get the heebie jeebies very time I look at the tooth wiggling in his mouth. But this has been a very bizarre turn of event for him. Last week I was reading “Franklin and the Tooth fairy” to my 2yod when Joshua suddenly remembered he has not started losing teeth yet. He had me wiggle every one of his front teeth. Most of them didn’t budge. He had one that had a hard wiggle though. Next thing I know he’s coming to me yesterday showing me the tooth dangling out of his mouth. WHAT???? He says he’s been working on wiggling it. I don’t know what I think about that. Now his gums are sore and the tooth in officially dying (it’s turning grey and black – gross!!!) I called the dentist and they said to just keep trying to pull it. He’s got an appointment next week anyway. If it’s not out by then I am hoping they will have mercy on both of us and just pull the stubborn tooth. In the meantime, I have a feeling that Joshua will be eating lots of apples. I’ll share pictures once it’s finally out. (He’s allergic to pain so eating this apple the way he has been is very brave on his part.)
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I love having a place on the web to simply write out my thoughts. I am a wife and mother to 5 very special blessings ages 6 months to 8 yod. As I am growing through this season of my life, I hope to share how the Lord is teaching me to live by His daily grace and not by my own strength.
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