Bethel stayed up with me until 9:30 tonight. She’s a night owl, and lately, she’s been begging for some mom time. OF course, I didn’t know that’s what she’s been wanting. I tend to be a little dense, sometimes. She’s been irritating and obnoxious, hitting the dog, and begging for a “just with me” tea [...]
Filed under: Emotions, Potty Training
I feel rather foolish posting that I’m still finding the whining and screaming a challenge. I’ve been stopping their whining and then requiring them to say what they want in a sweet tone, but that hasn’t seemed to diminish the actual amount of whining that happens. Part of the problem with both Bethel and Laurel [...]
Filed under: Emotions
I’ve forgotten to mention something we’ve talked about recently with our children at odd moments when talking about selfishness and anger. It’s a response that even Laurel (age 2) can understand. “Are you happy right now?” I’ve found that, unlike other probing questions I might try, this question they understand and know the answer for. [...]
I’ve noticed sometimes when Bethel is in trouble, she starts to laugh. Sometimes, for example, she has laughed when I’m telling her that what she’s doing makes her mommy sad, and God sad. This is somewhat disconcerting. My first reaction is irritation. It’s obviously rebellious behavior, right? I’ve responded somewhat harshly, “This is not funny. [...]
Filed under: Emotions
On Saturday Laurel fell off a tall slide ladder and broke her left arm and leg. They weren’t severe breaks, and she’s not in a lot of pain, but the cast and sling are uncomfortable. We’ve managed to keep her occupied with playdough and other amusements, but she does make a pretty sad sight. Last [...]
Filed under: Emotions
The other day when I was at the commissary with my three children, I realized that they needed sleep more than a trip to the park. I told the children we would go home, explaining that my decision was based on their difficulty with whining and complaining. Now, we all know that a lack of [...]
Every day my children hear me talk about Lee’s deployment with someone. I suppose they’re getting a heaping dose of learning something about God. Here is what they’ve been hearing the last few days. Mary was a teenager when Gabriel first came to her and told her that she was highly favored and chosen to [...]
Tags: deployment
Filed under: Emotions, Fear
Yesterday Bethel wanted to bring a book in the car on the way to church. I told her no, and she started to cry. Now, our evening services are early, so they basically have to wake up a little earlier and faster than they would with a later service. I say this because sometimes Bethel [...]
Today was a really hard day. I’ve been fighting a cold of some sort, and even with the vernors and ice cream my husband brought home I am still feeling draggy. It doesn’t help that I’m at a “low point” hormonally. My kids are probably not feeling well either, because they’re easily distressed this morning. [...]
Filed under: Emotions
I’ve long been aware of my tendency to become impatient with my children throughout the day. It’s not a weekly occurrence; it’s daily and some days, hourly! Now, if I had a problem with screaming and throwing books and spoons, then I’d think “Wow. I have a sin problem.” But impatience is so common and [...]
Filed under: Emotions
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