Lessons of parenting

Parenting has taught me many lessons about myself and my relationship with Christ. Yesterday, I was taking the puppy outside but didn't realize Brenna wanted to come too. Sophie finished outside before Brenna had a chance to get out there with us. As we were coming inside she was screaming at me because she was so frusterated and mad that she wasn't getting her way. I tried to explain that she could go next time and that it was a quick trip, but she wouldn't listen. She screamed at me so loud that I'm sure the neighbors could have heard. She has been told that she can't talk to mom like that so she was disciplined for her actions.

Later we were talking about why she got in trouble. I was sure to explain that it is okay to get mad a Mommy but it is not okay to yell at me like that. She needs to use her words and tell me why she is mad. I gave her an example and we went on to the next subject. I hope she learned that she can be angry when she doesn't get her way, but she can't be disrespectful or disobedient. Big lesson for a little girl.

Big lesson for a big girl. How often do I throw my hands in the air and scream at God with my actions when I am angry and don't get my way? I throw my own adult style temper tantrum. Not the appropriate reaction. It is okay for me to be angry and tell God what I am feeling, but it is not okay for me to disobey or become hard and disrespectful. I wonder if I will ever learn this lesson. Anger has always been an issue with me. I deal with it better today than last year or the years before, but it is still a struggle. I hope that one day I will really know and believe that God is big enough to hold my anger and other emotions. He made me an emotional being and doesn't want me to hide my feelings from him or myself. I cheat both of us when I do that.

The best entertainment... DADDY!

First notice the devious face of Brenna. What is she planning?


Brenna looks at Sophie


Next Sophie sees Brenna. Brenna gets a kiss.


Everyone jumps ship.

Bath Day

Today was Sophie's first bath since we have brought her home. Baths tend to freek puppies out a little, but she did okay. It is the noisy dryer that she really doesn't like. Hopefully she will get better as time goes by. What I really enjoyed was Brenna's help. Sometimes having little hands help doesn't really make the chore easier. Today it did. She was so willing to work with me. In the words of my mother, "it made my heart go pitter patter." Brenna helped with shampoo and conditioner. Then when Sophie was trying to run from the blow dryer and I had one hand on Sophie and the other holding the dryer, Brenna brushed. What a treat it was for me to watch her grow up today.

It was a big day of helpful hands. After the bath, we baked some cookies. Brenna does enjoy baking with me. I put my apron on and she put hers on. She gleefully pointed out that we matched. I could just see how proud she was of herself. Although she does like the baking process, what she really likes is getting to lick all the dough. I know some out there say I shouldn't let her eat all those raw ingredients, but what do you remember from your childhood. It was the licking that I lived for. I love to see her huge smile covered in cookie dough. How could I say no to that image?

Back to Normal Life

I guess it has taken me awhile to get back to that "normal" life. We did have a wonderful Christmas. We brought back our sweet and very active dog. That is saying a lot since we also own Annie. Today, I was actually wondering which one is dominant. Again, that is saying a lot for those of you who know Annie. Everyone is adjusting, even Westin. Although, Westin does still believe that she is going back to Mimi's house. He will keep hoping. At least until the puppy stage is over. How long does that last? A year or two?

Brenna is really developing her sense of humor now. She is quite cute as she works hard to make us laugh all the time. She dances around the house. She shakes her little tushy as she "widdle, waddles" about. Hopefully we won't still be thinking that is cute and laughing when she is 16. She tells jokes over and over if she got a good laugh the first time. She laughs at herself all the time which cracks Nathan and I up. Again, she repeats for our laughter.

What a precious jewel we have. I wouldn't trade this time with her for anything.