Parenting: a touchy subject

"If I had my child to raise all over again, I’d build self-esteem first, and the house later. I’d finger-paint more, and point the finger less. I would do less correcting and more connecting. I’d take my eyes off my watch, and watch with my eyes. I’d take more hikes and fly more kites. I’d stop playing serious, and seriously play. I would run through more fields and gaze at more stars. I’d do more hugging and less tugging."- Diane Loomans

When my children grow up I want them to talk about how I always made time for them, played games with them, let them bake cookies, colored and read books to them, jumped on the trampoline with them, etc... I am realistic and know that I will always have something I need to do. This is a hard one for me. I am OCD and have a constant  to-do list in my head. I am working hard to turn this off when at home and just enjoy the moment. I am guilty of sending the kids to their play-room while I clean the kitchen or fold laundry. Yes, I could clean the kitchen when they go to bed but then it cuts into my "grown-up time". So do my kids win or am I selfish because I want my " grown-up time" longer??  I think the main thing I have learned is that parents need a balance. We should spend time everyday, even if it is only a few minutes of good non-distracted quality time. I don't think parents have to spend every waking moment with their kids. Children need to learn to entertain themselves. They need to learn to take care of themselves. Children need to learn independence. And parents equally need some "adult time". Everyone needs a balance.  However, I do think there is a fine line between spending time with your kids and spending non-distracted quality time with your kids.

I know too many parents who consider being in the same room as their kids spending time with them. I know some who think sitting on the couch to watch tv everyday is spending time with them. Yes to an extent is it, but to me a "special movie night" or going to the movies is spending time. If this is an everyday occurrence, then no I don't think it counts. Most of the time the parent ends up playing on their phone or a computer while the kid watches tv. I know some who consider going out to eat spending time with their kids. Once again it could be but.... Are you engaging your kids in conversation about their day? Or are you constantly getting on to them and making them be quiet?

Kids need to feel loved. They need affirming words. They want to feel needed. I ask my 4 year old to help me do things I could easily do by myself. He loves it. He has a look of pure delight when he finishes the task mommy needs help with. It makes me feel good to see him so happy. I try my best to set aside mommy and me dates. I try to spend special one on one time with each of my children. I would much rather go grocery shopping by myself but occasionally I take Grant. We walk down aisles and look at the toys.  We take our time and I let him pick out a few snacks. Simple things make kids happy!!

Too many parents think they can buy love. " It's okay if I don't spend time with them, I will just buy them a new ipod" This breaks my heart. Of course, kids would love the new ipod or video game, but they would love your TIME more.

" Adults spell love L-O-V-E, kids spell love T-I-M-E"
"To be in your children’s memories tomorrow, you have to be in their lives today”

I also get very frustrated at the pretend parents. Lets post pictures on FB and pretend we are happy. Let's post pictures and pretend we spend time together. Young children may not understand just yet but soon the day will come when they wonder why they have to pretend. Don't be that parent who has to pretend. Be the parent who spends time and is truly HAPPY!!

 I am not perfect. I have flaws and I sin. I make mistakes. And sometimes I repeat the same mistakes. I get frustrated. And sometimes I want to give up. However, I am working on these things. I am praying about them. I am trying to change. I am also trying to be the best parent I can. I know all kids are different and all parenting styles are different. But it just absolutely breaks my heart to see what kids go through these days. People are mean! One day soon our children will have to deal with bullying and self-esteem issues. I want to be the parent who has built my child so far up, other kids can't tear them down. I want my kids to feel like they can come to me with anything they want to talk about or have issues with. I just want to be in their lives in a big way.... Not just my presence but with my heart and soul.

"Life affords no greater responsibility, no greater privilege, than the raising of the next generation.” - C. Everett Koop

Fun in the Sun

This past weekend we broke out the kiddie pool and slide. Both boys loved it. Here are a few pictures of our fun afternoon. Only two more weeks and then we can have some real fun in the sun at the beach!!

pictures, pictures and more pictures...

I have definitely fallen short with my New Year's hope of blogging more. I don't make New Year's resolutions because I can't keep them. In this case, I guess it didn't really matter what I called it.  I hope to pick back up and fill in some gaps since my last post in January. Wow, four whole months have passed .... time really does fly when you are having fun. It will probably take a few posts to catch up.

Our boys are truly blessed to live on the same road as their cousins Maddie (5) and Jeremiah (4). They spend the night all the time. We have fun no matter what we are doing. They love to jump on the trampoline, help me cook, finger paint, play games, or just play with Grant and Bryce's toys. I love my niece and nephew to pieces. They are like my other children.

"Cousins by blood- friends by choice" Darlene Shaw



In March we went to Mobile for a few days to visit MiMi and Pepaw. We also got the great pleasure of meeting my niece Audrey. My brother and his wife live in California so I don't get to see them often. We took the kids to the park, hung out around the house, dyed Easter Egg's and had a small family gathering. It was a great time and I can't wait to see them again.

I have the wonderful privilege of teaching a great Sunday School class at church. They kids range from ages 3-6. They are so cute and incredibly goofy. They like to go outside, blow bubbles, race, paint pictures, and play games.

"They may forget what you say but they will never forget the way you make them feel"  Carol Buchner

This is only a little of what the Davis family has been up too. We also went to several birthday parties, Maddie and Jeremiah's T-ball games, our first family trip to a waterpark, Grant's 4th birthday, doctor check-ups, and attended VBS. Too say we are busy would be a huge understatement. I am glad things are starting to slow down but I wouldn't trade my life for anything. We are truly blessed by the Lord.

"Be greatful for small things, big things, and everything in between. Count your blessings, not your problems" Unknown

Father's Day- picture post

Daddy and his boys

Andrew and I

Andrew and his dad

Andrew, Dad, and Jeremy

3 generations

sister-in-law's with Mr. Bobby

Random thoughts

This past weekend was very rainy. While a lot of people probably were upset, I thoroughly enjoyed it. Usually we are super busy and don't have time to rest. Since the weather was no good this weekend..... I laid around in my PJ's watching movies and reading my Nook.  Andrew and I watched The Vow and Act of Valor. Both movies made me cry but I equally enjoyed them. I finished my last book of the Stephanie Plum series by Janet Evanovich. I also started Fifty Shades of Grey. I wasn't sure if I would actually read this book because it very descriptive and not reserved. That part of the book is new to me as a reader. It is quite different then anything I have ever read but I can't seem to put it down. There are three books in this series and i'm sure I will have them all read very soon.

When I started reading it was because of Nicholas Sparks. I had one of his books as my summer reading in high school. I have since read all of his books and added a few authors to my list. I'm not sure what direction I will go with my reading after the Fifty Shades series. Any suggestions on good authors?? Reading seems to relax me. I especially like to read before bed.

I received a very nice suprise from my hubby last week. He sent flowers to my work for no reason. Usually I don't like him to buy my flowers because they just die. However, I did enjoy this nice suprise. It was a very sweet thought. Brownie points for Andrew.

Here are a few pictures we took before church on Sunday. Usually I don't have any with me in them but I managed to get one this weekend. Now if we can only get someone to take on of Andrew and I.

I love my men. I know I mention my wonderful children a lot and I love to post pictures because they are so cute. My family truly is my world. Andrew is a great father and husband. I just hope I make him as happy as he makes me. Aww, i'm so sweet.....I know.  Until next time I hope everyone has a great week.

Memorial weekend fun

This past weekend was Memorial weekend. We had a wonderful long holiday. We went swimming several times. We went to a cook out at church and even had our own cookout yesterday. Andrew grilled hamburgers and hotdogs for our family. He blew up his inflatable waterslide and we had a blast. Here are a ton of pictures from the weekend.

Bryce's 1st time swimming

Bryce after his 1st time swimming

Grant sliding

 Daddy and Grant sliding

 I love my boys

 Bryce is such a happy baby

Maddie loved the slide

Aunt Heather and Grant

G driving his truck

My sweet boys....I love this picture

Cheesy faces!!