I love my boys...

There are times when Cade is cranky or Brant and I don't agree on something, but God's love never fails. We always come back together to understand each other because we love each other enough to care about why the crankiness or the misunderstanding. Sometimes it seems like understanding Cade is easier than Brant...but we are all learning. And if I give up in the hard times then it doesn't get any easier. I have noticed that through our growing together we have strengthened each other so much and helped each other follow after Christ more. Now it is our turn to sharpen our baby boy. He is learning so much and growing so fast that sometimes it is hard to keep up, but like I said before if we give up when it gets hard it doesn't get any easier. Last night was a "spare the rod" evening. Cade decided he was going to protest going to sleep. It was not very easy and was not over quickly...he was reprimanded for getting up and told to lay back down. We had to physically lay him down many times after his correction. But you know...It worked. This morning I thought he was cranky because he was tired only to find out he wasn't tired at all, but he did not scream when I laid him down (I think he remembered last night)...he laid there for a few minutes (about 5) and then he crawled over to his music box (that is on the side of his crib) and pushed the button (which I usually do for him to fall asleep to). He was just sitting there playing with the music box...making it start and stop and touching all of the new textures. At that point I knew he was not sleepy and knew that he just wanted to play with toys... so... I brought him out to play for another hour. After that the crankiness arose again...it was nap time. I laid him down and he is out for the count!
I write all of this to say...never give up on your spouse or your children...if you are consistent with your children they become secure in that and know you love them (even if you swat them). If you are consistent with your spouse they know you care about their feelings and want to love and respect them with all you have...in turn they will do the same for you! Love with the Love of the Lord!! Be a Blessing today!!
~Meg~

Spare the Rod...

The bible tells us, "Those who spare the rod hate their children, but those who love them are careful to discipline them." (Proverbs 13:24)
I don't want to hate my baby Cade, but others think that he is to young to be disciplined (8 1/2 months) but I read the other day.."If he is old enough to throw a fit he is old enough to take a swat."(To Train Up a Child - Mike and Debbi Pearl)
SO...I have been giving him a swat every time he has thrown a fit, or even started...not hard only enough to teach him that he needs to obey mommy or else there will be counter productive consequences. Brant and I have both been talking him through why he has been getting swats (even though he is only 8.5 months). He will often stop crying a lot sooner when the second fit happens. What I have noticed is that we have a strong willed young boy. He wants things to happen when he wants them and there is no stopping his mentality. (He will literally scream at me for 45 minutes if I let him...but we are trying to practice self control). I have also noticed that he responds to my tones and attitude. It is so much harder to calm a fussy baby while you are frustrated...but talking to him and loving him with "careful" discipline helps me to stay calm and in control the entire time. He is learning to listen to me without me yelling at him and he is also learning that mommy is in control. We are also already talking to him about practicing self control...he can cry out his frustrations but we are not going to make it a LONG drawn out drama. It is not ok to struggle with self control....and I know of 3 year olds who have been practicing self control and now when mommy says ok...practice self control they dry up their tears give her a hug and go play. (of course she gives them a few minutes to express they are mad or sad or in pain, etc.)
As a Bible Major at Abilene Christian I read a lot of the Bible...I spent a lot of time in it because of my classes, homework and personal studies, but until now (that I have Baby Cade) I haven't realized how much of the Word is actually instruction for parents. (A handbook in descise if I may) A wise woman I know has always said, "the only person you can change is yourself." (Debbie Greathouse) And that is exactly what the Word of God calls you to do...work on yourself so that you can bless others. If you practice patience you can be gentle with your children, if you love them you will be careful to discipline, if you listen to your children as God listens to us you will be blessed, show your children the fruits of the spirit (teach them) and they will grow in the spirit and have abundant fruit to share with others!!! This is what we are working on....this is what we desire for our family...Be a Blessing!!

Easter Bunny Visits!!

Baby Cade and I went to Houston this last Thursday to spend Easter with the grand'rents and the uncles and we had a BLAST!!! Cade went to get his picture taken with the Easter Bunny on Saturday. I showed him the Easter bunny before I made him sit with the bunny so he wouldn't be scared...then I finally took him to sit with the bunny. At that time he realized that the bunny was actually real and moving. He was so intrigued he couldn't figure things out so he decided to stare at the bunny the whole time! He looked at the camera, but his lil face looks very thought provoked. He was also able to do his first egg hunt...which there was not much "hunting" involved...we basically put him in the middle of a table full of eggs while other kids did the hunting. He was shaking all of the eggs that would make noise while his grandpa put the eggs down his shirt and up his pant leg. He had fun!
While we were away the Easter Bunny decided to visit me! Brant was such a hard worker this weekend...He tore a hole (for a door) in the wall in order for us to expand our little 1 bed 1 bath into 3 bed 1 bath with a living area!!! He had our entire room set up including my closet!! He set up an office area (with bunk bed) and he started setting up our dining area. It still needs a little help putting away canned goods and stuff, but it is awesome!!! I absolutely love it!!! He also bought me a very pretty necklace (he hid it in my jewelry box) I could not believe him! I have the greatest hubby ever!!! Thank you Brant!!! I hope you all have a great day!!