I tried - letting my kid watch Disney {Beauty and The Beast}

My wonderful husband, Jeremiah, sent me an article about the new 2017 Beauty and the Beast.  It was titled: Disney Movies' First Ever 'Exclusively Gay Moment' in New 'Beauty and the Beast'

Oh awesome, I enjoy reading articles.  He sent the article to me because our oldest, who is turning 5 soon, wants to take one of his best girl friends to the movies and out to eat.  A date. 

Yes, I am encouraging my son to take his friend on a date.  Because if I don't teach him how to be a gentleman at a young age (while he's impressionable) than what am I teaching him?
Not to mention, his mom, Emily (one of my best friends) and I want to see the movie too, so we can conveniently chaperon the event.

Once I looked at the article on my phone I quickly went to my dear friend, Google.  There were several news article with similar head lines.  

The first thing that caught my attention was the word "moment." What's a moment?  Seriously.  Can a moment be 10 seconds.  So are we not talking about a full fledged gay-sex-scene?  Is this 'moment' something that only adults would understand as more than a moment?     You know, Disney with their sneaky subtle innuendos. Was this announcement of a gay moment just another way to spark public's interest or concern?

I started texting Jeremiah and Emily about it.  Should we still take our kids to this?

My husband and I's conversation went something along the lines of: this is our world, we don't want to shelter Gideon but educate him with a Christian foundation - meaning, if he does catch this 'moment' that we can have an open dialogue about gay people and how we are still meant to love them.  Gideon would say, "because we love people" and "we do good to all people."   Jeremiah actually believes that Gideon will be more scared of the Beast and not catch anything else.

We decided that our son could still go.

A little later Emily started talking about the article and her first response was "this is the world we live in." as I was typing something similar about helping our younger ones understand the world without being drowned in the world.  She talked about how their family has watched the classic cartoon version numerous times.

She decided that her daughter can still go.

In Emily and I's conversation I mentioned how every movie has something "wrong" with it.  People were upset about Zootopia at one point; complaining that it was racist.  She then brought up all the other negative attitudes and characters within the Disney movie Beauty and the Beast.

I started to look more into Disney movies and at what age is it appropriate for young children to be exposed to the variety of issues that Disney challenges.  Below are some crude and maybe slightly exaggerated examples:

and 

When we think of movies though, they can be a teaching tool.  Any form of media can be a teaching tool.   I am almost positive we were more successful potty training Gideon because of Daniel Tiger's episode with the catchy potty tune. Mother Goose was a political satire - just leave that right here.

Growing up I didn't not watch many Disney movies or really any movies.  I have never asked my parents why. This year my Dad  took their 4 and 3 year old grandson's to go see Star Wars - full of violence and all sorts of other scenes.  So either they changed, or we just didn't watch movies.

I was not a princess girl.  Although I did adore Belle and remember seeing the Lion King for the first time.  I don't remember ever trying to live their life.  I was never in a fantasy world. Could I be a different person if I watched more Disney (or any movies) as a child?  We only know.

Here's my bottom thought: as a parent you have to know your boundaries and your child's mental and emotional ability. We have always carried out open and honest conversations with Gideon (at an appropriate age level).  I can't protect him from everything, we live in a broken world.  But I can help guide him through rough obstacles and thoughts.

I remember being in junior high and asked my dad about a Stephen King R-rated movie.  His response was something along the lines, "You have read the book, your imagination is much more dangerous than that of a movie you will see."

If Gideon gets scared in the New Beauty and the Beast, it will be an opportunity to talk about attitude, contentment, loving people regardless of their outward appearance.  It might also bring questions about the gay couple or other deeper issues.  I will pray that I will have the right words to help guide his curiosity where he can have a better understanding, without being hurt.

I wore a red-X on my hand the other day.  February 23, 2017.   Gideon asked what it was for.  He understands that there are people living on the streets, that there are people hurting.  He now knows what a slave is.  But he does not need to know what sex is, he's five.  Just like that red-X, this movie will be an opportunity for Gideon to learn about others so he can love them better.

This is the world we live in.  Disney is being culturally relevant.

Do you have a certain age that kids can watch certain movies?

I tried - saving money {diapers}

First - as usual - I am on my phone.  So any major spelling/grammatical errors are probably my fault but let's just say it's the phone.  

Soren is two months old today!  

He's is doing great!  I am trying not to be emotional, but if I said I wasn't, it would be a lie.   With Gideon I got almost 6 months being at home with him.  Not 5.5 weeks. But he is so loved; not just by me but by Gideon, daddy, grandparents, friends, family, community, and coworkers.   He is a pretty good sleeper at night (jinxing myself) with only waking up once, if that. He is still learning how to be friends with naps.  His best friend - other than his brother - are ceiling fans.   It's cute.  

Anyyyyy wayyyy ... In the last two months we have changed a lot.  A lot of diapers!   Some yellow.  Some neon green.  Some off daddy at a baseball game and some out of the bath.   He's been changed in laps, on an airplane, back of vans, and pretty much any where.  A lot of diapers. 

But before we started changing diapers I started buying. 

When we first found out our blessing I started to debate between cloth and disposable.  This blog is not to say which is better or to start any mommy wars. I am just sharing how my family saved money doing what was best for us. 

Because Soren might be our last, my mom watches him full time four days a week, I do all of our laundry once a week (that's for another post on homemade laundry detergent) and don't care to do more, we decided to go with disposable.  

I have several friends who have had great success with cloth, and I do support the fact that in the long run they can be sold back for a bit of money back.  But if you are wanting cloth info - this is not the blog for you. 

My average, for my stockpile size 1 -3 is $0.115 that's less than 12 cents a diaper.   Pampers can run as high as 33 cents a diaper!!!! 

With Gideon we had about 6 months of diapers given to us. And then luckily we switched to walmarts brand - parents choice - and only had to buy a case a month for the next two years.  Gideon was potties trained at 2.25 years.    

In March I started researching diaper stock piling and coupons.  Having never couponed before, I was up for the challenge.  

I decided on my buying range and stuck with it.   In the picture below you have what I paid for in size three, my total pile size 1-3, what I believe i need based off other parents, followed by the buying range.  

Based off of other parents I am only about 500 shy of a years worth of diapers.  And based my on my numbers that's a years worth of diapers for roughly $325.   Not the couple thousands other sites make you believe.  

Now as baby grows diapers get more expensive.  However, you tend to use less.  Soren sleeps through the night and we are down to 5-7 diaper changes a day.  Give or take.  That's only about 2555 diapers a year (less than other parents claim to use).   

So.  

How do I do it? 

My phone number and my husbands phone number.   

---> I HAVE YET TO CUT OUT A COUPON <--- 

I started with walgreens. I have their app.   You can look at their add, "clip" digital coupons, and save up reward points.   I was doing pretty good with them - BUT I was mainly buying their store brand - well beings.   

I then discovered dollar general had an app.   Although very similar to walgreens (except no rewards) they had better starting prices, making "clipped" digital coupons go further.   I started buying Huggies and pampers from DG.   

NOW, we are very fortunate in the fact that Soren doesn't break out or leak out of any particular brand.  I personally don't care, as long as he is clean and happy.    If you have to have a particular brand, stock piling might be more difficult.    

****side tip - any diapers opened at the hospital have to go home with you.  So take them.  They are yours!**** 

Here are my starting prices.  Meaning I have researched and these are the typical non-sale prices at the store.   Now be careful, not all sizes have the same numbered packaged.   

As you can see, walgreens is expensive. Even the off brand is pricier than huggies.

ITS LIKE HUNTING. YOU MUSR WAIT FOR YOUR PREY.  ok, another lame metaphor. But seriously, don't just buy to buy.   Hint the name says stock pile - so you are ready, not rushing.  

So here is a sample of one of my buys.  

Dollar general does $5 off $25 (after other coupons).  But they also do, usually week days, $2 off $10 - which if you don't need anything else, a better buy so you aren't spending extra money on pointless items.   

If you pair that with a receipt coupon 

And a digital (what you see in the paper that you didn't buy) manufactur (the brand) coupon. 

Or wait for a sale on the item. 

You can start saving money.    

Now.  

You have to play by the stores rules.  So make sure you know them.  Or ask when you go in.     

Other great deals and hints. 

Target - they will give you gift cards when you buy two cases. If you time it right with their digital coupons and cart wheel you can get a good buy.  Also, if you put them on your registry, use a registry 15% off and a 5% off red card you can get a super buy.  

Notice my comment on my start prices that eventually a box at Walmart becomes the best buy.   But if your child is sensitive to different brands - then you might have to buy bigger sizes longer. 

Don't buy too many size 2.   The overlap with 1 and 3 only misses about 2-4 pounds between each other.  However, you get more diapers with two - so buy them longer.  

Don't open them!!!!  If you find an allergy or your child is a different size, you can take them back or at least exchange them for a bigger size.  Or you can always find a good home for them.  

Brand points.  Because I am buying huggies and pampers, each package comes with a code.   Every so often I will log in and update a bunch of codes for points.   

So. That's how I am saving our one income four person family money.   

Tell me about your success? Do you have any questions.  

Ok. It's bed time. Good night. 

I tried parenting.....Our Family Rules, Consequences, Tips, and Timing to raising successful Godly children.

~I apologize for any typos, if you have a question, comment below.  I also apologize for the length - I tend to be wordy about things I am passionate about. 

Discipline is Latin for 'to teach' or 'pupil.' For us to be semi-successful parents we must discipline.   

I know and have seen several parents who refrain from discipline - because they only see it as punishment or "not loving" 

For us to follow Jesus we must be disciplined in our ways.  For Jesus to teach us we must be disciplined.  We, as parents, are disciplining our children to follow Jesus, so they too must learn how to follow Jesus. 


** Please note:  discipline is to teach - and to teach  about Jesus we must also act like him, be loving, our actions show our hearts.   I do not believe in truly punishing a child.  The action has a reaction in everything we do.   As a teacher and parent  there are lines that can be crossed.  If it is emotionally, physically, spiritually or sexually abusive - THAT IS NOT DISCIPLINE OR OUT OF LOVE. 


OUR RULES:
1)  Listen and Obey
2)  Be Gentle
3)  Have a good attitude
And we do these because we....LOVE PEOPLE


1) Listen and Obey   - Ephesians 6: 1-3  -   This is my favorite.  It can cover anything. The bottom line is the child must trust that parents wants the best for them.  I will sometimes dialogue with Gideon:   "Do you trust mommy (daddy, grandma, papa)? .......      Do you love mommy (other person)?   ........    Does mommy love you?........ If you trust and love mommy you need to listen and obey so that you can be safe and have fun."      A child wants to please their parents/authority.  A child wants to have structure and rules (it is like a security blanket, the sense that someone cares).   So asking a child to listen and obey reminds them that we love and care about them and their actions.  one of our son's favorite bible stories is Jonah and the big fish - great example of obedience.  One day this will transition well for our child listening and obeying his heavenly father. 


2) Be Gentle - Titus 3:2, James 1:19-20 and Galatians 5:25  - The bible is so full of the word gentle, my mom likes to say being nice.   Being gentle doesn't mean we are door matts and anyone can take advantage of us.  Being gentle is showing others love and compassion, what God calls us to do.  The meak will inherit the earth.    Like listen and obey, this rule can not only cover physical gentleness but other ways to be gentle via words or volume control.

3) Have a good attitude - Hebrews 13:5 and Luke 12:22 - 27 - we started this rule of with be content.  But to a small child content is an abstract idea.  With the word attitude and knows we can see an attitude.  Sometimes he will tell us he has a good attitude by fake smiling and tell him we want to see his real good attitude.    For us to be followers of Christ he asks us to die to ourselves.   Matthew 6:24 talks about serving money and God and how we can only serve one.    Have a good attitude goes a long way when it comes to birthday parties or sharing.    You can not get what you want by throwing a fit is what this boils down to.


We have these rules because we love people - John 13:34-35 - that people will know that we are a Christian by the love we give to each other.    Being content, having a good attitude, being gentle, while we listen and obey are the ways that we have asked our family to show others love. 


CONSEQUENCES:
When you hear the word consequence you typically think of punishment.  When you hear the word discipline, you think of the word punishment.   A  consequence can be positive and negative.    Every action has a reaction. 

I truly believe that every parent will have to determine what consequences work best for them and their child.

1) Spanking - we are not against spanking.  However around 1.5 our child would hit me if I spanked him (not if daddy spanked him).  He was not learning what rule he broke by not being loving.    We have finally learned that our child does not do well with spanking.  And keep this thought in  your brain - I want to teach my children Gentleness. Most children follow what they see and hear.  If I spank, am I being gentle and loving towards my child?     We now only use spanking as a major consequence.   We will sometimes tap is bottom to get his attention, but tell him, "mommy spanked your bottom because you are not being loving and obeying"
2) Flicking - this really helped us teaching Gideon at a young age.   It's quick and can be used in a variety of areas.  Flick on the hand when they are touching something they shouldn't (trash can, wall outlet, daddy's books).  flick on the cheek for sitting, biting, yelling, etc.   
3) Time outs - there are so many great articles about time  outs.   For our oldest who's very social, making him sit in his room until he has a good attitude and will listen and obey is HUGE - he hates it.  He will come out of his room ready to do what he's been asked and without complaining.   He's almost 3. 
4) We always ask Gideon to say sorry and for what he did, taking ownership.  This has only worked lately as his vocabulary as developed for it. 
5) Constant praise - high fives, fist bumps, hugs, kisses, excitement...... stickers, ALL praise.  It says in the bible to build up one another.  To encourage one another.  I try to praise Gideon any time he is doing something extremely well without being told.   "Thank you for sharing"  if we didn't have to talk about sharing 2 minutes before playing with that friend.    If you over praise for what is already expected, it will no longer feel good for the extraordinary stuff.   Find other ways to praise than "good job"




Successful Tips:
1) Talk to them as adults  -  children understand a lot more than we tend to give them credit.  Make sure it isn't too far above their heads.  A 3 year old does not need to know the whole birds and bees.... but they should know what their private part is called and that it's not a toy.
2) Children are curious - give them the answer to the why without them asking it.  If you flick a child in the hand for touching an outlet and just say "no-no" the will not understand.   Flicking a child's hand and saying "do not touch the outlet for it could hurt you.  I love you and want to keep you safe, that is no-no"  it gives the flick meaning and explanation of why.
3) Allow for children to correct you - anytime my husband and I are not following the rules we try to use it as a teaching moment.  daddy might say, "Gideon, mommy does not have a good attitude, she needs to spend some time alone right now."
4) Forgiveness - in the bible it says that we should ask for forgiveness.  When we repent God does not say "it's okay" he says "do better, but I love you and forgive you."  We must do the same for our children.  When Gideon says sorry we do not say "it's okay" for that gives him permission to do it again.  When he apologizes we tell him "thank you for saying sorry, we forgive you and love you."
5) Don't do for them what they can do for themselves.   We live in a culture where laziness is rapidly increasing.  We want instant gratification.  If a child comes to me with something to do for them I ask them to do it for themselves.  If they continue to struggle I GUIDE THEM  and do not do it for them.  The old parable teach a man to fish is very true. 
6) Don't help them if they can't and shouldn't do it for themselves.  False reality.  This is big for the park.  We have a climber/daring son.  At the park we would watch him, if he asked for help we would tell him that he needs to do it on his own.  Instead of a 1.5 year old thinking he could climb a ladder, but not really, is much better than having a safety accident later on.  We do try to encourage them to their level (instead of ladder, use the stairs to get to the top).  We want independence, but we also want our children to make good choices. 
7) Children are good, not bad.   You will not hear us ever tell our sons they are bad boys.  We are made in the image of God. and God is good.  We as humans make mistakes daily.  Our mistakes might be bad but we are still good.  We will remind Gideon that his choices are good or bad. 




So when did we start doing all of this??
Children will rise to your expectations.  When trained with love a child can surpass your expectations.  I do know all children are different, but there are times when you have to BE THE PARENT AND TAKE CHARGE.   Whether it comes to sleeping habits, breastfeeding, potty training, eating with a fork, cleaning their room..... you have to discipline.   To say that "the child will do _________ when they are ready" does not apply to our family.  We educate ourselves by reading, talking to other parents, consulting their doctors, trial and error, perseverance.    Some children will not do ____________when ready because sometimes the unknown is scary.   Unless you have someone there to disciple you and teach you with love and remove the scariness.  We teach and it's called tough love.    I look at parents who their 30 year old still lives with them.....that is not love, who's the parent?   For a parent to never tell a child no, and have them run in the street..... is that love?  Disciplined love provides reassurance and safety

We started basic discipline with our oldest when he was 6 months old.  He knew his name and was starting to eat solids.  We would flick his hand for touching things he shouldn't.  We have flicked his cheek for spitting foods. 
We started spanking around 1 years of age for major defiance.  But slowly it became only daddy spanked to the  point where we no longer spank unless it's a huge defiance. 
NO MATTER WHAT AGE YOU SHOULD EXPLAIN WHY THEY ARE GETTING A NEGATIVE CONSEQUNCE, FOR WHICH RULE THEY BROKE. 


Ask yourself these questions:
Who are you?
What outcomes would you like to see for your family?
Are your expectations too high or too low?
What consequences are you willing to use, positive and negative?


The bible is so full of wonderful scripture.  It is sometimes hard to pick the best versus or the best rules to follow.    Some of my personal favorite books are:   James, Ephesians, Romans and the gospels.  But in every scripture you will find love and obedience (or lack of).   If you struggle as a parent there is no shame in asking for help. 

This blog became much longer than anticipated - please remember that we are not perfect parents.  My child is no where near perfect (but I love him like he is).  Daily I struggle as a Christian, parent, spouse, daughter, teacher, and friend...... but God is perfect and Good and is there through all struggles. 

If you have questions or comments I would love to know or explain in more details.   All of this blog is my opinion and experience as a parent and educator.  I know parents do different things in different cultures, societies, economical classes.    I am in no way trying to discourage you or destroy your beliefs as a parent.  So please, talk to me and keep the communication open. 

Week eight of summer

 Monday - NO ACCIDENTS - told us when to potty all day long!   I think he's finally getting it figured out! 

Tuesday - wet morning, wet nap but no accidents.  He almost had one when he drank three cups of water after the park - he told me had to go and wet a little in undies as we were taking them off.  Good day. Gx hung out at my parents in the evening.  No accidents! 

Wednesday - woke up dry.  Went to the movies. Went potty at the movies, old navy, the mall. Dry nap. Great night at parents. ACCIDENT FREE! 

Thursday - woke up wet, dry nap, one pee accident with my mom - she gets distracted with other people, he was on his way to the bathroom. Other than that he had a greet day. 

Friday - woke up dry, had a poop accident. I wasn't paying attention and didn't make him go.  Other wise no other accidents with mom/dad.  

Saturday - woke up dry, had friends over for breakfast than went to the farmers market and a side walk sale, and took out our recycling. No accidents.  He peed in a pull up while we were in the car for over two hours. 

Sunday - I was/am sick so we didn't make it to church.  But no accidents !!  

Week seven - summer almost over

Monday - no accidents!!  Had a great day at the park and playing with daddy.  Wet night.

Tuesday- dry night went to see family. He wet his pull up on the 2.5 hour drive there. But had no accidents all day!  Or coming home. 

Fun with cousins!! 

Wednesday - woke up dry after a long day of fun yesterday.   Peed in our little kiddie pool but napping getting ready to drive 1.25 hours to see my grandpa.  No accidents unless you count the night time drive home tinkle ity bitty bit ;) 

Thursday - after library hour we went to my moms where we shucked corn for EVER! He only had an accident after his nap, but it was in a strange place and we were outside.   

Friday - no accidents. In the evening we went to a BBQ for a family friend who was back from service.  Gideon fell and got two skinned knees. We had fun. 

Saturday - we had a fun morning with watching two kiddos for an old friend.  Little e is the same age as Gideon and is so adorable!  My parents came over so Jeremiah and I could go to a beautiful wedding.  At night my dad took Jeremiah and Gideon to the movies. I wasn't feeling well.  NO ACCIDENTS AGAIN!! 

Sunday - church were Gideon went twice.  At home he kept telling us when he needed to potty. :) another accident free day. 

How do you define potty training? 

Week six - dive into July

Monday - no accidents!  We babysat two other kiddos for a few hours, that was a lot of fun.  Walked to the park and hung out with daddy after dinner.  Day 3 no accidents!   So proud 

Tuesday - woke up dry.  Had a poop accident and a small pee (in pull-up coming home from dollar movies) than a small pee accident at moms.  

Wednesday - woke up dry, had a semi poo (he finished in potty) and than flat out peed at the table at dinner. Sad. It was a rough day in general for emotions too.  Tomorrow's a new day.     I think I might try bottomless again. 

Thursday - woke up dry!  No accidents! We went to library hour. Then to my moms for lunch - when we were driving he asked to go potty and he held it.   We also went to the fair where he ASKED to go with daddy. 

Friday - woke up in the middle of the night, took him potty.  He woke up dry!  Did great all day.  I had a women's bible group to attend while they had boys night. No accidents!  

Saturday - Gideon wet the bed at 4 this morning. But came and told and HELPED ME change sheets!   My dad took him out for guys morning (hair cut, breakfast, farmers market, play with cousin Seth's dogs) and had no accidents.  Tonight before dinner he said potty - but Jeremiah didn't rush him to the potty so he had a semi accident while taking off undies.  But still great he told us.  

Sunday / no accidents.  His pull up after church was wet, but he did try for them, just held it too long.  But that's okay.  Different environment. 

I  so blessed with our little family. 

Love watching them love and bond with each other over books! 

Week five Potty training

I like being able to track progress - not matter what it is, if I can attach a number to it or graph it - I will. 

Start of week five for Gideon's potty training. 
Yesterday (Sunday) was the first sunday he didn't have an accident at church!  He even went potty for them!  I was so excited.  Although he didn't want to nap and when I was about to put him back in bed for the upteenth time, he grabbed his bottom and told me "poop"  he went a little, but made a majority in the potty.

Monday - he had a "semi" poo accident this morning.  I was using the potty, and he was really quiet in his room.  When I went to check on him, he was holding his bottom.  He went poo a little, but than went the rest in the toliet.  I feel like we are digressing in the poo department.  The last four weeks he would tell us when he needed to go poo.   He stayed dry while we WALKED to the park! He's currently in nap.  =]  Me personally, my workout is done!  =]  

He had two nap pee accidents.  But had a ton to drink after the park.  

So working on him telling us. 

Tuesday - no accidents. Told us when he needed to potty a few times (including twice at the dollar movies).  We were thrilled. 

Wednesday - no accidents at home. Went to grandmas and had two accidents in five hours  :/

Thursday - two accidents. But we were in the car on our way to visit with family/vacation; and he told us - just didn't make it to a potty in time. 

Friday - one accident, didn't go at the park but on the way home with my mom. He loved the fireworks. 

Saturday - no accidents. Went to a plane museum and a cool pub restraunt.  It was busy and he went potty. We've also enjoyed the pool, golf, disc golf, and time with family. 

 

Sunday - we went to church with my great aunt sherry. Gideon asked and went potty.  What an improvement!!  So far no accidents :)  we will be going back home later today. 

I can't believe tomorrow is the start of July! GRAH  That means my summer is closer to being over than it is to starting.  I look forward to going back to teaching end the.  I look forward to not having such a short fuse with Gideon (being with him all day, sometimes his complaining gets to my nerve). 

God is so good.  I am so blessed for what summer I have enjoyed. 

It's almost July!

Gideon and I have had a blessed summer. I am trying to remember to cherish it with him and pamper myself knowing that next summer it probably won't be as relaxing.   

Updates on potty training: 

Week four - 

Monday - only one accident at night. Was so excited during play. 

Tuesday - no accidents.  Asked to go pee and pooh by himself. Held his pee for four hours while at the mall.  So excited! 

Wednesday - only one accident - outside playing frisbee golf with daddy. 

Thursday - no accidents, even went potty at the library with momma!!  

Friday - an accident in the morning. As I was cleaning up, his " potty alarm" went off.   :(  but was dry when we went to the park and went potty at Aylas.  Currently in nap. Stayed the night at my parents and was accident free. 

Saturday - no accidents!   Picked Gideon up at mom/dads and then has brunch and went to a park.  Enjoyed reading in the cool summer, napped during a summer storm, read with Gideon and finished with making cookies for Jeremiah and going for a jog. 

I am so excited with his progress. Waking up dry both night and naps.  Very few poop accidents (he usually goes in the morning) and verbally tells us when he needs to go.  

Our biggest thing we need to work on is asking mom and daddy to go. That will be next months "challenges". 

We have also started using pull ups when we go out more.   He knows what it's like to have accidents but it is so much nicer on everyone - when we don't smell like pee.   We still take him potty, but it releases stress on my part.  

Also. "Bonus" to accidents is that it gives us a reason to clean.  Clean our floors. The couch. The kitchen chairs, almost all of them.  The bed. The rocking chair.  The toilet.  Haha. It's very clean in our home now ;) 

Family related. 

We are starting to support a family going on a mission to North Africa.  We pray that our small contribution will bless them and that the serving Jesus in those difficult areas will also be blessed.  

We still sponsor melkamu - our compassion child who is living in Ethiopia. 

Jeremiah received a blessing that he will no longer be serving with the 4-6th graders on Sundays but will be leading worship Thursday nights for a group for addicts going through recovery. I  excited to see how this mission will go.  

I personally have been feeling overwhelmingly blessed.  There is a peace in my heart about my identity in Jesus.  I am so loved and continue to feel his love through several people.  It is true - the more you sow the more you reap.  It's not about me, and what I get out of a relationship - but what I can give to others.  It had taken so much time learning this - buts blessing for sure. I am trying to be humble and continue to do kingdom work.   I am a work in progress - but his arms around me are so tight.  

I look forward to some family time over the holiday that is coming up.  It will be a nice get away for sure.     

God is so amazing.  I am just so in love with life right now.   Just have a lot of people to pray for - always.   

Back to reading, laundry, relaxing. :) 

Some pictures from the past week: 

Feeding animals at the zoo. 

Picking blueberries! We have gone twice.  Not to forget the blackberries I have picked in our backyard! 

On our way home from the library.  I got maze runner - never read it. 

He made an airplane train.  So smart. 

With love and blessings. 

Potty training!!

We are in the middle of the fourth week of training - and it's going well. 

Week one - we started out with bottomless days. Had several accidents but slowly became more successful.   

Week two - we removed his potty chair to get use to the potty ring on the big boy toilet.  We also started going to grandmas in the am while I went to vbs.  went three days without accidents!!! 

Week three - had one to two accidents a day.  Luckily in three weeks we have only had about five pooppy accidents (two were with Gma).   Most naps and mornings waking up dry. :) 

Week four - 

Monday - only one accident at night. Was so excited during play. 

Tuesday - no accidents.  Asked to go pee and pooh by himself. Held his pee for four hours while at the mall.  So excited! 

Wednesday - so far dry.  Asleep at nap. 

Tips: 

1) I am lucky that we started on my summer vacation so I had a lot of time to pay attention. 

2) our son has never been clingy.  He loves challenges, solving problems, and being independent. 

3) he has watched us potty for his whole life. 

4) we started with the three day naked.  It was a great start. 

5) first week we watched Daniel tiger episode about princess Wednesday going potty. He likes and even watched it today.  Great theme song that I've heard him sing in bed.  :) 

6) we rewarded with stickers, m&ms, fist bumps, hugs, dances, kisses, and flushing the toilet.  

7) we wear pull-ups at night (can be reused if dry). We sometimes where them out in places that don't have good potties. Or easy place to change. 

8) bought a foldable potty to carry with us and it works great. We also have disinfect wipes to wipe it off before going back in the bag. 

9) breathe!  

10) pray and praise. 

11) when getting frustrated leave.  My husband has rescued me two times where I was having a bad mommy day.  He would take over and I would remove myself from the situation. 

12) apologize for being an upset mommy - even if they don't know - it makes them feel grown up.  Tell them you'll do better tomorrow. 

13) talk about it to everyone when they go!  

14) talk about underwear.  Gx likes them because they are like "daddies"

15) pray 

16) remind them they are in control. They get to decide that they are big kids. 

17) track their progress. I found a free potty app that would set reminders and track how they are doing.  It helps remind everyone when they need to go. 

18) pray. 

19) love on them no matter what! 

20) remember this takes time. 

A little bit of everything.

Good afternoon!  At least it is in our home. 
I am sorry for not being able to post as frequently as I would like.  When I do post I have to use my work's laptop and I usually don't have that out at will.   I am not for sure why I have a need to tell you this - who are you anyhow?  Who's really reading this... haha.

So, for some updates: 
POTTY TRAINING - GX is almost done with week two of potty training!  I honestly wanted to give up on the first day - I didn't think I WAS READY.... GX was for sure ready - totally.    But we stuck with it and it seems to be going well.  I am such a "researcher" and "data driven" type of person that it's hard for me to do something new without details before hand.   How often should he go?  How much should he go?  When should he go?  Where should he go? This and that?  and Whom and What and When and WHHHYYY is he peeing in the kitchen - again!?!   =]  But seriously.
I need to look at the small achievements he has made in the last two weeks.
He has not had a wet nap - wakes up from his 3 hour nap coma dry.
The last four nights he has woken up dry.
I've only had to change three or four poopy accidents - the rest our successess.
We can tell when he has to go now - he holds his peepee. 
This morning he asked to go potty when he woke up!

We are getting there!    He's just so big.  Although I get frustrated - he never stops amazing me.  His creativity, his quickness, and his compassion is amazing.   I pray that God does something great with him. 

FAMILY UPDATES - Jacob graduated high school.  That is my brother in law who has been living with us the last year and a half to finish high school.  We are so happy and proud of him.  He's becoming an adult!   Jeremiah is enjoying his job for the most part.  It's great to have a little extra income over the summer (yeah new kitchen table that can sit three times as many as our small one)!!    Matthew, our summer college student, has also been a joy in our household - he is working and keeping busy but enjoys grilling with the family. 

VBS - yes.  Vacation Bible School.  Growing up I had loving parents who took me to a small country missionary baptist church.  But it wasn't until about two years ago that my husband and I started going to a larger christian church.   It's truly changed me, and in a good way.  I am always transforming and trying to become better. Although I never grew up going to camps, Wednesday nigh programs, VBS - these past two summers serving has been wonderful.  I do wish I had those opportunities as a kid, but it's good to know that I am getting to help others learn more about Jesus and what our mission is on earth.    Know the MASTER, know the MISSION.  
Mission 1 - be loyal to our KING
Mission 2 - be humble and serve others
Mission 3 - perserve and don't give up
Mission 4 - recruit others and spread the good news. 

MY PERSONAL SPIRTUAL GROWTH - I struggled, a lot last night, about the kitchen.  YES, the kitchen.  DISHES - GAH... DISHES!!    Now that there is another adult in the house dishes are more apparent.  Are there any other adults who feel like they are they only ones doing something in the house?  The laundry, the sweeping, the mopping, the vaccumming, the dish (un)loading, the dishes by hand, the cooking, the buy food, the cleaning table, the... the...  the "the's" never end!  I felt so bad about myself that I eneded up hurting my husband - never my intentions - just frustrated with potty training and living with four boys in general.    But while at VBS we are learning to be humble, serve others and that we are to do things for those in need.    So my question is - is it wrong for me to be upset that I feel so alone serving those in our house instead of others in need?
 
A few girls and I are working on a few books this summer.  The meetings HAVE BEEN wonderful.   I have never been as into my bible as I have had this summer.  I hope to create a loving office habit with Jesus that by the time crazy school starts I will CRAVE having time with the word and Jesus.  Our church, as mentioned before is a larger christian church, does a wonderful job helping us learn what it means to live and love like Jesus.    Through VBS, serving in Jr. High sunday school classes, or having women meet - it's been awesome!   I look at my husband, and our house, and just can't imagaine us living without God in our lives.  Even our rules for Gideon are based around the bible. 


OUR FAMILY RULES:
1) Listen and Obey (do as you should)
2) Be Gentle (with our words and hands)
3) Have a good attitude (no whinning/complaining/throwing fits/be content)
I personally love them - they cover everyhing!  Our 27 month old knows to even say "yes, ma'am!"  YUEAH!!   

More updates:

HEALTH - I am trying so hard to lose weight this summer.  I need to stay focus (part of our girls group is discussing our issues with food).    I just want to be fit!  Do things!  MOVE MORE.    with that we are trying to eat out less and cook more vegetbales.  Jeremiah got a new grill for father's day and so that's been an awesome treat.   

So, that's us.