Today’s Love Dare Challenge

Back to the regular scheduled programming…..

My dare today is to give up on an area of disagreement that is really not that important.  I have thought of what I am going to give in to, if you will, for my little one, but am still working on my oldest. 

This is really valuable to evaluate what it is that there is conflict about and if it’s important.  So many times the conflict really isn’t going to matter in the long run.  So why is it then that it is so protected??  Ahhh, PRIDE, I forgot 🙂

Is there anything you could “give in” to?

Have a “Willing” Day!

 

The ‘D’ and ‘A’ Words!

It’s been so sad to not post like I hoped to.  I am still working on the Love Dare with my kids, and I wish I would have done regular updates however it’s been so crazy around here.  I am also doing a study at church on parenting teens (oldest is a pre-teen).  But this study is really for all parents.  Terrific!!!!

One of the thoughts that has struck me while doing both of these things is that, as Christian Parents, we are not to be ‘A’shamed or ‘D’issapointed with our childrens behavior. 

Now here me out if this sounds wrong to you.  God is not disappointed with us.  He disciplines us to get us where he wants us to be but He is never shocked, dissapointed, ashamed, etc!  So if we take on His traits as a Christian, shouldn’t we be the same way?

I always thought that a certain amount of shame, like a Moms look, you know “The Look”, was ok.; we joke about it don’t we?  Really it’s not part of building a child up with unconditional love (agape love).  That doesn’t mean that we won’t discipline a child or let them experience natural consequences, but that there is no shame in screwing up.  And if we all think about it, haven’t we screwed up a time or two ourselves?  So why would we be surprised they do?  Disappointed and shame is just a way of saying I am shocked that you did that cause I never have or would.

Have a “Shockless” Day!

 

Love Dare Days ????

Yesterday I couldn’t decide if I should go back and try to get missing assignments done or keep going.  I read the days assignment and felt God telling me to do today’s and catch up when I can.  How do I know it was from God?  Because it was hard for me to do it.

The assignment was to have a warm greeting in the morning.  How hard is that?  Well considering my oldest went to bed without even saying goodnight and my little one refuses to use the toilet (this is not a standard bed wetting issue).  I knew that I could get up and greet but do it warmly???

I really tried and it is amazing how much that effort really pays off.  At least for a little while.  My oldest is really struggling in his pre-teen years and is easily set off lately.  I helped him with his math and we were doing great and then he hit a roadblock and that was it for much of the day.  For awhile I was really struggling with my frustration level but God’s peace came over and we just went about our day no matter what he was doing.

My little one seemed to respond with a better gretting.  He is so closed off with his thoughts that you never know.  He is a serious people watcher and doesn’t share much.  I do try to encourage him as he has so many burdens (you can see from his actions) but he isn’t ready. 

Today I am to do a random act for both of them.  I usually make them fold their own laundry because of how they treat it after I fold it, but I did theirs today.  I don’t think they much notice but it changes my heart to do something unexpected with agape love.

Have a “Unconditional Loved” Day!

 

Love Dare Day 4 and 5

Yesterday I needed to ask 3 things that I do to irritate the other person.  In this case, my children.  We had company all day so I tried to figure a time for this and really wasn’t able to without it being awkward.  I am going to wait until there is a better time for this one.  And since I am doing both my children I have reduced the request to two each since I don’t wanna be depressed with 6 items about me this is annoying to them.

Today I move on to reacting to challenges in a loving manner.  So far, my oldest had a melt down, in school work, and I didn’t handle it the best.  I get worn out from his quick dissapointment and lack of resilance that I feel annoyed.  I need to work harder on this I see!!!!

I have been assigned to write down a list of areas in which I can add margin in my life (get the book to understand more).  Then I need to list any wrong motivations.  I might need extra paper 🙂

Have a “Work in Progress” Day!

 

Day 2

There will be 40 of these????  Ok, so I realized we are not the movie!  First two days just ask you to be patient and kind.  No problem.  Well as I discovered, harder than it appears when you are with them ALL DAY LONG!!!! 

I feel like I am realizing just how much I need to shut up.  That’s from Day 1. 

Today is to combine the patience from Day 1 and display kindness for Day 2.  Easy as pie!

My oldest is actually the one I am working harder on right now then my little one.  I guess it’s good I am just doing this across the board.  But GOD GIVE ME STRENGTH!  He has had an extra special personality for me lately. 

This morning though I think he knew he was really just making his own life problematic.  We all were moving on.  He got with the program a little while the little one had messy pants before bed and wet sheets and jammies for me this morning.  Now this is not that he can’t get up.  This is the same kid stealing from us at night every chance so it’s a choice.  My house is constantly smelling and it’s a battle. 

For the kindness we went out to lunch.  I don’t think they felt like it was any big deal.  We did have a good time but I don’t think it was like WOW! 

I have noticed that I struggle with conditional treats/activity syndrome.  I don’t want to encourage misappropriate behavior so I withhold treats/activities and such but there is a time where they just need to get them no matter if they are good or not.  We get blessings from our Heavenly Father even when we are not.

This is a great process as I know the Lord is making me into what He needs me to be.  That doesn’t mean it isn’t painful though.

Have a “Painful” Day!  (It just may make you into something beautiful!)

 

It is Finished!

I have a confession to make, I love to finish off the bottle!  There is a great feeling when you have the last of it in there, in the evening after the kids are asleep, and you finish it right off. 

What is it you ask?  Anything.  I love finishing it.  Now I am not talking hard booze here.  I am actually talking about lotions, shampoo, chap-stick, deodorant, oil, salad dressing, ETC. 

I hate having these containers around when they have this minuscule amount of product in it.  It takes up room and is just plain annoying.  When I finally get to finish it off, it’s a sigh of relief.  I have finally succeeded.  It is gone! Kaput!  Time for a celebration dance (ok, too much information).

Am I the only one in this strange ritual?  Do you also share in this feeling of accomplishment?

Have a “Finisher Off” Day

 

More Skin and Bones Please!

Please tell me you don’t fall for the scam, do you?  You know the over priced chicken at the store labeled boneless skinless chicken breasts.  High way robbery!  I know, I know, you found a sale.  But I have to tell you keep that skin and bones. 

You want proof:

1) Bake the whole chicken or just the chicken breasts with skin and bones and you will save cash first and formost.  For great fall off the bone chicken, take them and throw them in a casserole dish, cover with broth-homemade and covered in foil,  bake at 325 degrees for about 2 hours or until the temp gets to about 175.  YUMMY!

2) Now you will have bones to make our own chicken broth.  EASY!  Take parts of veggies that were gonna go (tops of washed carrots and celery, etc), throw in the bones and such, fill with seasonings and water and tada you have your own broth.  The broth is perfect in the freezer for when you need it.

3) Finally, you have better tasting chicken and you saved some cashola!  The skin helps protect you from the dredded dry chicken dinners we all know about.

So, just say no to boneless, skinless chicken and reach for the cheap pack.  I guarantee, money back, that this is super easy!

Have a “Skin and Bones” Day!

Don’t try to return the chicken breasts that you already have in the fridge.  Supermarkets don’t do well with returns 🙂 hahahaha.  Use them up and say goodbye!

 

Mid-Life Crisis

I am 38; is that when your mid-life crisis begins? 

Ok, actually I haven’t done anything drastic, but I have noticed a change in my thinking lately.  My oldest is going to be 13 this year.  My hubby turns 40.  We will celebrate our 15th year wedding anniversary. 

As my children grow, as well as other events, I start to realize just how important it is to enjoy the “Season of Life” I am in.  Kids coming over to play, cooking meals for a family, even being busy.  I say that not to encourage busyness but to enjoy being able to go around like crazy and burning a few calories while doing so. 

If this is 38, who knows what I am going to be doing in the next few years as the Seasons begin to change.

What season of life are you in?  Are you enjoying it?

Have a “Seasoned” Day!

 

Ants

My “Little One”, who is in 2nd grade, wrote this, and I just have to share it.  I must warn you; it’s super cute!  And also not up for publication.  This is copyrighted!

ANTS

I like Ants.

Ants crawl on my pants.

Ants are fun.

Ants can run.

I like to play with ants.

Sometimes I see them dance.

Doesn’t that make you just want to squeeze the stuffing’s out of him?

Have a “Poetic” Day!

 

Happy Feb. 2nd!!!

OK, before I knew it was Ground Hog’s Day I got up feeling like I really wanted to share a happy morning with the kids.  Now I always want this, but you know how Monday’s can start off.

I gave my son a hug and said Happy Monday.  Today is Feb 2nd, 2009 and it’s the only one you will ever have in your life.  He shot back, “I guess everyday is a holiday then, huh Mom.”  Well I guess it is.

Have a “Celebrating” Day!