Thursday, April 29, 2010

Guilty.

I'm feeling slightly guilty for tonight's "dinner". I ordered pizza... which wouldn't be so bad.

Except.

I went out to brunch, too.

Oops.

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

House Rulls

This year, I've really been working on our "Family Rules". I grew up in a loving home, and we had set boundaries- and that's something I want for my kids too!

Some (basic) rules we have are:

1. Sit together for dinner as often as possible.
2. Respect each other (no yelling, back talking, don't be demanding)
3. Use a kind loving tone, even when disciplining (I admit, this isn't always easy... but I'm working on it)
4. ABSOLUTELY no hitting. Hands are for hugging!
5. Help clean up our messes.


Well, tonight I learned a tough lesson on follow through. My husband and I have laid out some consequences for breaking the rules.... and tonight Logan hit his sister. The consequence for hitting in our house is: no TV, no treats, go to bed 30 minutes early.

After he hit her, I sat him down, and got eye to eye with him. I lowered my voice and spoke in very clear three to five word sentences (this tecnique is called "low and slow"; it's very useful for children with sensory issues). "Logan, (pause) we don't hit. (pause) Hands are for hugging. (pause) When we hit (pause) then there is a consequence. (pause)" I repeated that phrase about three times. He was very upset and I hugged him and told him that he needed to cool off in his room for 4 minutes.

I SO badly wanted to run in there and tell him "no big deal blah blah blah" and then give him cookies and pretend nothing happened- but that wouldn't be very responsible of me {poo}.

Luckily for me, this incident happened around 6.30pm ANYWAY, so I didn't have too much back lash- I just started my bedtime routine right then! But when I laid him down at 7.30, and he begged me to let him watch TV, and he told me how sorry he was, and how he wanted to talk to sister and tell her he was wrong- I REALLY wanted to give in... but I didn't. I lovingly told him "that phrase" hugged him and told him that I love him very much.


And now??

He's asleep. And it's not even 8 yet... I guess there is something to be said about following through. Who knew?

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Five

In honor of our

FIFTH wedding anniversary

(nine years together)

we've decided to go on a kid free weekend getaway to the beach!

I can't wait to get some much needed rest and relaxation with my hubby ;)

Out Grown

We have a beautiful home, on a quiet street, in a gated community... but some days I feel overwhelmed by the clutter, and lack of storage. The truth is, we've out grown this house and are in the market for a new one!

We've lived here for (almost) six years, and honestly it will be hard to move from the home where we brought our children home. Where they BOTH took their first steps. Where we built a life...

BUT

We found a beautiful piece of property about 20 miles south of where we live now. It's about 1/2 an acre on a river (that opens up to the mouth of the Gulf)- and honestly it's a steal! Once we buy the land, we'll have two years to build a home.

I'm REALLY looking forward to designing a home that fits our needs. I'm praying that it all works out and we're able to sell our home and build our DREAM home :)

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

I'm Back!

I'm sorry I've taken such a long hiatus from this blog- I've just been trying to catch my breath here!

Sometimes I find it hard to find the balance between mom, wife, lover, and friend.

I'll give you the Cliff Notes version of what's been going on:

1. My husband searched for a new job.
2. Walks in the door and says "let's go on a cruise." We book it, and leave a week later (um... seriously people I didn't even have Lily's birth certificate, let alone sun screen!)
3. He quit his job at the bank and moved to a completely different field.
4. Lily's Birthday! She's one- how fast did that go?!?
5. We celebrated Easter (He's Alive!).
6. I take the kids (with my mom) to NYC to visit my sister. Loved the city, but so glad I live in suburbia.
7. Beth Moore Conference.

That's it for now! Off to Bible study. Oh! and check back later- I have pictures to put up :)