Sunday, July 24, 2011

Books

I just finished reading an amazing book, called "To Train Up A Child" by Michael and Debi Pearl. Most of what I read in this book was common sense stuff that I should have been doing anyway. The rest was some great advice, encouragement, and Bible references that I am now putting into action. Just the thought of having children that do what I ask the first time I ask is incredible.

I have always had some pet peeves with the way some children behave. One major one, is when they respond to their name being called with "What?" My kids were doing this, and I didn't like it. I think it's rather rude. My children are learning to respond with "Yes Mommy" "Yes Daddy" "I'm coming" or something similar. They are catching on to this very quickly.

That is all that I have really accomplished with training so far. I am still working on:

Whining and fussing
Obeying the first time
Sitting still in church
Being grateful / No complaining
No arguing / No talking back
Volume control

That last one is another pet peev of mine. I know my kids did not come with remote controls (though sometimes I really wish they did). I just can't figure out how they go from whispering and playing so nice and quite, to yelling and screaming and running wild. The only explanation I have, is that they are boys. This volume control thing is more of a wish than a training opportunity. I really don't think there is much, if anything, that will change it.

I loved this book.

I am planning on reading "Created To Be His Help Meet" by Debi Pearl. I am told that this is a book that you have to read in parts. Meaning, that you read one chapter and take a while to ponder it. Then you read the next chapter and take a while to ponder that. I guess it isn't a good idea to just read right through this book.

I am working on changing, or training, myself. I have found that there are certain things in my life that I don't like. One of them is that I am not the best wife. I know you are all reading this thinking "Wow, she is an awsome wife and mother. How could she ever think that?" It's true though. I am not perfect. I want to honor God in everything I do, and that all starts with following his command to let my husband lead our family. I need to be his help meet, his helper.

I am really excited to read this book. I will let everyone know what I think when I am done. If I can't wait that long, I will update you along the way.

During all my reading of these great books, I am also reading the best book ever written. The Bible. I am currently reading and studying in Acts and Hebrews. I am in no way educated enough on anything in the Bible to be able to teach anyone, but I will hopefully be posting some things that stand out to me while reading the Lord's Word.

Let me know if any of you are reading anything interesting. I will need more to read soon. I am anticipating some available reading time in about a month when I will be nursing my baby.

Saturday, July 23, 2011

Too Much?

There is too much going on right now.

We are preparing our home for another child, due in just a few weeks. There is cleaning to be done, clothes to be washed, a bag to be packed, a class to take, and more.

We decided not to deliver this baby at the hospital. We really wanted to do a home delivery, but decided to deliver at a birthing center instead. Maybe next time we'll do a home delivery.

Because I have never given birth outside a hospital, I am required to take a Childbirth Class. What?!?! You have got to be kidding me. I have given birth three times, and now I have to take a class. I also have to see a specific doctor just in case I have to be transferred to a hospital. Let me tell you this. If I do have to be transferred to a hospital due to complications, I don't think I will care what doctor I see.

Well, the appointment with the doctor, and the class are both set for Monday.

At the last appointment with the midwife, I was told that my baby is already head down. That was great news to hear, but I kinda figured he was because I have to push his feet away from my ribs quite often. He is however still sitting very high. That's okay though. I am only 34 weeks pregnant right now. He can wait a little longer.

I need to get either a bouncy seat or a swing. If anyone knows of one that is available for extra cheap, let me know. I am hoping to find one before I give birth. I also need to buy a breast pump. I know it is not necessary to get one, but I found it really helpful with all my other kids, that I just don't think I could do without this time. The old one doesn't work anymore and I have my heart set on the Lansinoh Affinity Dual Electric Breast Pump. The only problem is that it's a little out of my price range.

I have to pack a bag to bring with to the birth center. I am working on getting a CD made with my favorite songs. I also need to make sure I bring my Bible. I still haven't picked out an outfit for him to wear home.

I have to clean the house, which isn't different from any other day, but it does feel like it. I do however need to do a little extra laundry. I haven't even opened the bin of baby clothes to sort through. That I am planning on doing tomorrow, we'll see if it gets done.

I have been having a lot of sciatic nerve pain. There isn't much I can do about it, except sit on a heating pad for a little while. After I do that, I am able to get up and walk for about an hour. Then it's back to the heating pad. Some days are better than others, but it is getting worse. Sleeping is also a problem. I am up about 4-5 times a night just to pee. I am also not sleeping well because of the sciatic nerve.

I look forward to seeing the face of my newest little boy. We feel so blessed to be able to welcome him into our lives. Thank you Lord for another blessing.

Wednesday, July 6, 2011

It's been a while

It has been a while since I have written anything. I have been a little busy. There is a lot going on in my life. I will try to give you a little of everything in one post. Here goes....

My sister and her husband are adopting a little boy from Russia. They have five children now, and are very excited to add another. I personally can't wait. Lots of prayers are requested for all the final approvals, that everything will go smooth. Check out her blog, Abide in me, and I in you, to get more information, and see some pictures of her family, and the little boy they are adopting.

A family in my church is also adopting. This family is adoptin two teenage girls from Columbia. They are currently in Columbia picking up their daughters. Prayers are requested for communication, because the girls speak Spanish, and the parents are learning Spanish. Check out their blog, Adopting Older Children, for more information, and pictures.

I have started homeschooling my boys now instead of waiting until the fall. I decided to do it this way, because I am having a baby in August, and I don't want to fall too far behind. Jameson and Teagen are pretty happy about it too. They love doing school stuff. I don't have that much planned for this year as it's just Kindergarten for Jameson, and Preschool for Teagen.

The subjects we are doing are;

Bible - I am combining this with a little History. We are starting at the beginning. Genesis.

Reading - Jameson is learning how to read, and Teagen is learning his letters and sounds.

Math - Both are learning to recognize and write numbers.

Art & Science - Anatomy. We will learn about the body parts and make life size posters of ourselves.

Physical Education - We live in Florida. We will be outside daily. I will be teaching the boys different excersizes. We are also looking into swimming lessons.

Gavin has learned so much in the last couple of months. He is playing peek-a-boo. It is adorable. He is also getting into everything. He opens cupboards and pulls things out. He opens the garbage can and pulls things out. He also sneaks things into the garbage. I have pulled quite a few toys out of the garbage.

All of my boys have been sick with colds lately, but Teagen has been the worst. He has been up every night for the last week coughing. I thought it was just the cold at first, but then it was a croupy cough. I decided to make an appointment with the doctor and bring him in. We'll see what happens now. I fear he may have asthma. Will they even diagnose that at three years old?

Jameson is learning to obey the first time. He is having some difficulty with this. He is doing a lot of whining and complaining. We are working on that too. Mommy has been slacking on lots of stuff. Time to get moving.

I am planning on making meals and freezing them. This will hopefully get rid of lots of stress for that first week after the baby comes. Now I just need to figure out what I am gonna want to eat that week. ;)