Disciplining other Childern

While I was cleaning the basement this morning I started thinking about the issue of disciplining other children. I guess because my basement was a complete disgusting disaster and partly because we just let ALL the kids go down and have a free for all. Anytime you do that you are going to have a DISASTER!! It's not a huge deal because we don't spend a lot of time down there. There isn't a lot to destroy.

This has been a recent discussion of the family. Everyone seems to have a different opinion on the matter. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion and I respect that. I guess the reason I differ in opinions is partly because my job is to "discipline" each and everyday. I feel there is a right and wrong way to approach it and if you get rules established from the moment they walk in the door it makes it a whole lot easier. I've never had any problems in my classroom with discipline. My students know exactly what I expect and generally they don't cross the boundry. However, if they do they know there are going to be consequences.

I believe this needs to be the case in our parenting. Halle is not a perfect child. I'm sure there are times when people have thought, "Why doesn't she do something with that kid?" It's a constant battle but one that I ALWAYS win!! LOL!! The parent should ALWAYS win the battle!

Back to my thoughts...I feel like if other kids are in my house and I see something that I disapprove of (ex: jumping on the couch, running in the house, throwing balls, etc.) I should be able to ask them to stop. I would expect anybody to do the same with my child. This is a matter of respect in my opinion.

Just curious what everyone else thinks on the matter. I know everyone probably differs in opinion and that is totally o.k. I respect everyone's opinion. Just know that when you are in my house...and I see something that makes my skin crawl...I'm probably going to say something! That's just me! We are getting ready to go on vacation with three of my nieces/nephews. I just want opinions before I attack (maybe not such a good word in this case) the task!! LOL!!

Such Bravery...and it scares me to death

I've always known that Halle is fearless when it comes to the water. It started last summer, she had just turned 2. She was very brave and would get in the water with just her arm floaties. I always stayed nearby because I was a nervous wreck.

Now, this summer she does great with just the arm floaties on. I feel comfortable enough to just sit outside the pool and watch. But, yesterday she decided she wanted to take them off and "try" swimming. She really wanted to go to the bottom and get the dive sticks because that is what the big kids were doing. We told her that she had to learn to swim before she could go to the bottom. So, I took her floaties off and Amber and I would stand about 3 feet away and she would go back and forth between us. It wasn't pretty but she held her breath and would kick and move her arms. I was pretty impressed.

Anyway, so I stood her on the steps and was just talking. Three adults were in the pool and two were right outside. All of a sudden I look down and it is Halle grabbing me from under the water. I about had a heart attack. She just took off on her own and didn't tell anybody that she was swimming to us. It really scared her too! She wanted to get out and go tell "Nina" that mommy didn't catch her.

Needless to say, I have to watch this child like a hawk. She is NOT scared of anything. If you all are on my facebook you probably saw her holding the cicadas. I don't know where she gets her bravery but is scares me to death. I just pray that God protects her and watches over her when I'm not!!

"What's for dinner?"

"What's for dinner?" I don't know about you other women out there. But, this question literally makes me want to scream! I'm serious!! I don't have good dinner ideas. Amber, my sister-in-law, ALWAYS has good ideas. She is the type that plans her menu a week in advance. She goes grocery shopping for all of her items and each day she has a meal cooked for her family. This is the type of person my husband should have married!! LOL!!

Now that I am a "stay at home" mom...I feel that I need to do a better job with this whole food thing. We have both been trying to eat healthy. Coming up with food ideas was hard enough before...now when you throw in the "health" thing it makes it that much harder!

UGH! I don't know what the solution is. But, I hate the fact that I dread 4:00 everyday because I know my phone is going to ring and when I answer, the voice asks, "What's for dinner?"

SHOOT ME NOW!!!