Back Talkin'

What is it about back talk that can cause one to throw every good parenting skill she knows right out the window? Why is such a very typical childish act so dang frustrating for a parent?  Holy cow!!

My oldest is turning into quite the pro at talking back.  He's 11 and I swear to you that he's convinced he's in control of everything...everything except his mouth and his attitude.  I'm not saying he does it all the time but, man, when it happens, he really goes all the way with it. 

So, how are we supposed to handle this kind of thing? Getting mad and "talking with intense emotion" definitely doesn't help.  Ignoring it only sends the message its okay.  Grounding him from all things electronic or with a screen has lost its meaning and value. He doesn't really play with toys anymore and since we've moved, he doesn't even have a lot of friends that we can ground him from.  I've talked to him about God's directives for him, as a child.  I know he gets it and I know he understands it...I just wonder if its really settling in his heart. Its times like this when he's no fun to be around and I get mad at myself because I let the disrespect of the arguing and talking back get to me.

Oh, and did I mention the other 3 kids are right there, watching all of this unfold?  I dread the day I get it from all four angles. 

He'll be 12 in six months...and then, a full-fledged teenager. Puberty and hormones are going to set in and I'm betting middle school will not help this situation get any better. 

Parenting is tough and there are times when we just don't know what to do.  Kids will be kids, I know, and I know they learn how to behave from us, so we have to really model what we want from them.  There are times, though, when even parents turn into children and behave childishly.  What do we do then?  How do we overcome these obstacles? 

Its a question almost as big as "What's the meaning of life?"

Do you know the answer?

My Princess

Tomorrow is my oldest daughter's 8th birthday.  Chloe Michelle is a dramatic, energetic, dynamic, animal loving little girl with a big heart.  Her arrival into our family was one of joy and excitement for me. After having two boys, I was very excited to have a little "princess" in my midst. Little did I know that a "princess" she would not be.  This girl is no girly-girl. She refuses to wear a dress or a skirt and would rather wear pants and cowgirl boots.  She never really wants me to do her hair, denies that her ears are even pierced and I'm sure she'll probably avoid make-up like its the plague.  Chloe is definitely her own person but already struggles with self-esteem and confidence, which I pray will not be a life-long struggle for her.  Chloe fights to go to gymnastics every week but has a ball once she's there. She loves to draw and recently enjoyed putting together her first scrapbook.  Chloe can be very assertive, which will come in handy as she gets older, I'm sure...if only we can help her reign it in when needed. 

As she turns 8 years old, my prayer is that God will continue to show her just how amazing she is and that she will continue to love Jesus and animals as much as she does today.  I pray that she will have a zest for life always and that she will have a strong faith in the plans God has for her life.  I pray that she grows into a confident and strong young woman who can be excited about every new day.  I pray that she will recognize she is and always a be a princess...because her Father is King of Kings!  (pictures by my awesomely talented friend, Jessica Lindsey)

I am so proud of her and I love that she is just the way she is...girly or not...she's still my princess.

12 Dreams for 2012

1) Grow closer to God.
2) Grow closer to my Sweetie and remember why I love him each and every day...even during intense fellowships.
3) Grow closer to each of my amazing kiddos and tell them every day just how special and amazing God made each of them.
4) Grow old friendships deeper, despite any distance.
5) Grow new friendships.
6) Grow a beautiful flower/bush garden this spring to make the front of our home more welcoming.
7) Grow my blog.
8) Grow my book.
9) Grow as a social worker through connections, training, and enhanced passion for the field of child welfare.
10) Grow myself as a public speaker
11) "Grow" a little smaller through finally doing what needs to be done.
12) Grow in the kitchen by trying to be a more creative and healthy cook.

What are your 12 dreams for 2012?  I'd love to encourage you along the way!