I should be in bed, but I haven't blogged in awhile (having trouble getting blogger to attach my pictures) and I wanted to update a little.
I've finally lost my baby weight! It took 9 months and a lot of turbo jam, but it's finally gone...all 42 pounds of it. I have to admit that I have not been too consistent with my workouts since we moved here at the end of May. However, I've started up again with plans to lose another 10 pounds in the next 10 weeks. I've worked out for the last three days and am trying something new by adding a sculpting workout (turbo sculpt) every other day. It's funny to think that 3 days after having Ashton I was back in my jeans and only 8 pounds from pre-pregnancy weight! It was depressing me this time, but I can't compare myself at 23 to myself 5 kids and 7 years later. Not to mention my post pardum injuries that keep me from even standing much the first six weeks! Things are different now and that's OK. It means I have more beautiful children to love...who cares that I don't get skinny as quickly!
We've started school this week and we're slowly getting used to it. I had a schedule planned and it seems to be working out very well so far. Both the girls and the boys get "school time" and they really seem to enjoy it and look forward to it. I'm easing into "seat work" with the boys and we're just doing science, bible, history and art right now. Next week we'll add math, the week after that spelling and the week after that language. While the girls are having their preschool time, the boys have three 20 minute activities to keep them busy. Today they painted for 20 minutes, played bored games from 20 minutes and then built with legos for 20 minutes. Other days they have done independent reading and I plan to add in more activities as we go along. I just have to do some research!
My biggest challenge so far seems to be from one of my children that just wants to have a terrible attitude. This child also will be mean to brothers and sisters and I feel as if I am continually correcting or refereeing this child. It's exhausting and disheartening as I don't know why their behavior is this way. Sometimes I think it is a middle child thing or it could have something to do with the fact that this child is different than the others and possibly feels misunderstood? This child is also very smart in a mechanical way and I'm going to guess that they don't feel challenged and are often bored it leads to them causing trouble with others. I want this child to *want* to do the right thing instead of constantly trying to do the wrong thing to get attention or show how unhappy said child is feeling about having to do what they are asked. It is going to take a lot of prayer and time to figure this one out. (Mrs. Doughman do you have any ideas??) However, there are times when this child will act the sweetest ever and do exactly what I've asked with a happy heart...and said child is such a delight to watch when filled with creativity!
I'm enjoying school now. The first day I was about the throw in the towel and run after the big yellow school bus to come back to our house, but I'm over it now. I'm doing my best to throw myself into this awesome role as mother, teacher and wife. Trying hard not to exhaust myself by fighting my role as a keeper at home and embracing it instead. And of course, praying hard for guidance and for the hearts of my children.
1 comment:
Hi Elizabeth,
Patsy and I always enjoy your blog. We were out with Amy and Benjamin last night for a belated birthday dinner, and Amy mentioned how much she enjoys your blog.
She said it is so real and honest. I guess some of the others she watches come off more like the annual Christmas Card update. As I read your latest, I know what she means.
You may notice you have a new follower, with a fine picture. She said she really misses the "puppies" (grandchildren) and can't wait until you guys come for Christmas.
Sorry to hear you are having challenges with a child. The older sibs have the emotional maturity to be able to push him around, and it could be he just hasn't figured out how to deal with that yet. He may be feeling squeezed between fighting back physically or sneakily, which he may see as his only recourse since emotionally they have the upper hand, and being the loving compliant child he knows you want him to be. You have my sympithy, but he will have to work it out.
You could talk to Lillian since she was a middle child and had Patsy to deal with. She might have some insight. You can protect him as much as you can when they are using their maturity to take advantage of him . . . let them all know you know what is going on and you will protect him when you can, but in the end, you can't be there all the time and he will have to work it out himself. There may be some bruises and blood involved. Sorry. If it seems to be self defense, I wouldn't discipline him; I would try to be neutral. I know that is not easy for a Mom.
We watched the first episode of Chuck, season 3 last night. What a great series. It seems they were doing a lot of set up for the next episodes. I am looking forward to enjoying them with patsy and I sitting on the couch and Loretta (your new follower) on her bed at our feet. Hope you can picture it. Thank you for sending the present. Love, Dad
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