Advice Would Be Greatly Appreciated

My lovely baby girl Ashley is sometimes not so lovely. I will be very honest here and say she is a brat. I love her to death, but don't know what to do. She talks back, hits her brother, screams etc... I discipline, I spank and they don't seem to have an affect on her. Has anyone else experienced a problem with their child like this. I don't want her acting like this. I don't want her being the type of child that misbehaves and people don't want to be around her. I've seen children like that and it's awful. I know this is my responsibility and that is why I'm reaching out and asking for help. I would appreciate any type of advice or direction you could provide. Thanks and God bless!

7 Days and Counting

7 days until my lovely baby girl turns 2. I can't believe she is going to be 2, how fast the time has gone. I'm pretty excited for her party. I will be attempting a butterfly cake, which I've never done before. Here is a picture of the cake. I'll post a picture of the cake after I do it, I guess we'll see if it looks anything like the picture.








It is also 7 days until this wonderful little family comes to visit me. I am so excited! It has been over a year since I've seen my sister, brother-in-law, and niece. And now I get to see my new little niece! It's very exciting stuff.

This brings up new points I want to share though. I wonder if everybody feels this way. My sister coming makes me a little nervous because I'm worried that my house won't be clean or my kids won't behave well or the dinner I make will be gross. Not that my sister will judge me, but I'm worried for some reason. Does everybody worry about this kind of stuff? Isn't funny how we want to look in front of people? I guess it is all pride. Because a lot of the time my house looks cluttered with socks that my kids randomly take off and toys they like to play with and dog hair. Oh the dog hair! Sometimes my dinners don't turn out and sometimes my kids throw tantrums and yell. In the mornings I give them "frosting cookies" and fruit snacks, which in my defense in followed by oatmeal and fruit. I just want to appear my best I guess and now that I've written this down it appears silly.

Anyway, I'm ecstatic! Now that I've gotten my weird hang-up out of my head I can relax. Have a good Saturday everyone!

Video of Asher

Sorry this is so dark, but the main reason I took this video is because of the noises Asher was making. He just started this new thing where he makes noises that sound like a puppy or something. It's pretty comical, have your sound up so you can hear him. By the way Oscar (my dog) got in the way of the camera and that is who I am telling to go lay down (just in case you couldn't see him and didn't know who I was talking to).

A Day Late

Even though I wasn't born yet 32 years ago my life changed. My husband was born, May 23, 1976. I thank God everyday that He chose to bless me with this man. We have the most wonderful marriage, more than I ever thought I would have. Growing up with divorced parents I was always afraid that history was doomed to repeat itself (don't feel bad, Mom). I thought I would end up marrying a guy like my father, but when we put our trust and hearts in God's hands He makes sure history doesn't repeat itself.

When I was a teenager I used to list the qualities I wanted in my husband to God. I listed the normal teenage stuff-good looks, romantic, sensitive...etc. What I didn't realize was that God had him picked out. Even then God knew who he was and was cultivating him to be my husband and a father to our children. I laugh as I look back at that time. The qualities I listed were so superficial. God not only gave me what I wanted for a husband he gave me what I needed. Sometimes Derek is a little too pushy (at least I think so), but I need that. I'm a procrastinator and if Derek didn't push I wouldn't get things done. So pushiness wasn't on the list of husband qualities I desired, but God knew what I needed. I love reflecting days, they make me appreciate what I have.

A Heart and Attitude Adjustment

On May 16th I received 3 books that I know are going to change my life. Derek bought me "A Woman After God's Own Heart, A Wife After God's Own Heart, and A Mother After God's Own Heart" in a box set for my birthday. I started reading "A Mother After God's Own Heart" first because if you couldn't tell from last post, I've been struggling.

The first 4 chapters or so that I've read have been amazing. God is changing my heart and attitude through this book. I feel energized, hopeful, and determined. I haven't felt that way in awhile. Praise God! He is always faithful to show us the Way.

I want to thank you wonderful woman who read my blog. You were all so supportive and I could feel your prayers. I'm praying for all of you. God bless!

I Know It's Been A While

I've been struggling lately. The funny thing is that I can't exactly pin point what I'm struggling with.

I feel inadequate when it comes to motherhood and being a wife. I've been so irritable. That isn't like me. I truly enjoy being home with my children, but lately everything they do gets on my nerves. I find myself yelling at them and just writing this makes me want to cry. My precious children trust me and love me. I've been so selfish. I think that's part of the reason I haven't posted in so long-I'm embarrassed.

I truly don't know what is wrong. I try to pray and read, but I feel like I'm talking to a wall. It is so difficult. I just thought I'd share my struggles from the past few weeks.