In It For The Long Haul

A few months ago we were having lots of discipline issues relating to my two littlest love muffins at the ripe old age of 15 months.  So me, being the resourceful mother that I am, had Steve bring up the Pack-N-Play (PNP) from the basement to use as an area where, if needed, they could calm down without hurting themselves or others.

This brilliant idea lasted for exactly one morning because instead of the intended use - I got this instead.  I put one of them inside and then...

Everyone wanted to play in it together.  At one point all three girls were in it having a grand old time.  I spent most of my morning taking people in and out of the PNP.  Needless to say the PNP went right back downstairs.

This past month has once again proven to be challenging in the parenting arena.  I must admit that I have failed to be consistent, been easily angered/annoyed, not made the most of teaching opportunities, and have been trying to parent from afar vs. taking the time to stop what I am doing to instruct their hearts.

Recently, I have been reading lots of the B-I-B-L-E along with some parenting books and have been so encouraged that I can start fresh again with the things I know to be right.  Somehow, I had gotten off-track without intending to or even realizing it until I saw the behavior challenges that were being displayed in my girls.  I am in it for the long haul with these chickies - This momma is praying for each of you and herself too!  Isn't it so good to know that God doesn't give up on us even when we fail?

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.  “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in him.” 
Lamentations 3:22-24

Corrected Vision

Please check out our Adoption Story at the top of the page to see how God has adjusted our view of who He wants us to be as a family in response to how great He is!

“Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.  When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.

For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior...

Because you are precious in my eyes, and honored, and I love you...
Fear not, for I am with you...”

Isaiah 43:1-7

Stay Tuned!

We are so excited to begin the process of adopting a baby boy or girl from Ethiopia and are looking forward to keeping everyone updated on our adventures via the blog!  Stay tuned for additional posts on how God moved in our hearts to adopt, FAQ's, etc.

As you can see our girls love their Saturday evening tradition of homemade pizza and a movie (Veggie Tales being the movie of choice currently)!  We can't wait to add another little munchkin to this wild and crazy group - We LOVE our family!

The Little Ballerina

Kate's chosen reward for potty-training was ballet classes at the local rec center (much to Steve's chagrin).  She just completed her second (and final) session this week.

Her first day she wore pigtails which I found out afterward were a hindrance to her participation in class.  She flat out refused to do some of the things Miss Julia asked her to do - lay down on her back and do leg lifts, wear a princess crown, etc.

Afterward we had the following conversation:

Me:  "Why didn't you want to do some of the things Miss Julia had the class do?"

Kate:  "Because I was wearing pigtails."  (Duh, Mom?)

Me:  "Would you be able to do them if you wore a ponytail?"

Kate:  "Yep!"

Practicing a Curtsy

Who Knew??  The class has been so good for her to learn to listen to instructions, take turns (also a struggle on the first day), dance around like a mouse, and have fun with other little girls her age.

Steve took her on the last day and had to admit it was amusing to watch although I am pretty sure her dancing days are over.  Kate always chose a sucker as her treat at the end of class - that made Miss Julia top notch in Kate's book.