Training idea help...

Child Training is an ongoing task that I often feel like needs to have a higher priority in my life.  Training times can feel like a lot of work or we can make them fun.  I am not always so good at figuring out how to make things fun, but I am working on breaking out of my rule based mentality to a more colorful world of fun : )

This week I have been asking myself if I have put forth my best effort to train H in different areas or if we just laid out expectations for him without training him how to accomplish it.  We often tell our kids what to do or not do, but are we taking the time to walk them through, to show them what we are asking of them?

So we did potty training over 2 years ago.  Now we need to do retraining of some bad habits.  One area that needs some training for H is how to NOT pee on the bathroom floor.  Seriously, I am over stepping in puddles when I walk in the bathroom.  Also to WASH his grubby little hands after he is done.  Ahh, I won't go into detail on this one, but just know that some reminder training will be happening here.

The real area that I am aiming (ha, aiming would be for the first area of training.... but I digress) to work on training for H is the Golden Rule.   A few days ago, H bit his sister's finger and then hours later dropped a stroller on her.  Both of which seemed totally out of character for him.  When I asked him how he would like it if I dropped a stroller on him, he said, "I wouldn't like it very much!"  Not that I would ever show him what that would be like.  But asking the question really helped him realize what he had just done.  So how do I get him to ask himself the question BEFORE the offense happens?  I realized that we have not really trained him on what it means to consider others better than himself (which I feel like is one step beyond the Golden Rule).  H is usually a kind kid, thoughtful of others, but truly thinking of others first is not at the forefront of his mind.

I have some ideas for our training time, but I would love to hear if you have any ideas, book recommendations, games and such to drive this point home.  I will gather all resources and will post soon on our training plan.

Would love your help : )

Thai Sauce

Here is a yummy Thai peanut sauce.  Tonight we had it over salmon.  It is also really good on chicken and veggies.  I even use it as a dipping sauce for raw veggies.

Love me some peanut sauce : )


Ingredients:
1/2 C. Peanut Butter
1/2 C. Italian Dressing
4 T. Soy Sauce
4 T. Honey
1/2 tsp. Chyanne Pepper
1/2 tsp. Red Pepper Flakes

Mix it all together!  

Thai Salmon:
Put salmon filets on a tin boat
Mix up sauce
Pour sauce over salmon
Grill until salmon is fully cooked

Serve with veggies, and rice or rice noodles.
Sorry, no pics of the salmon cooked.  We were scrambling to get it on the table while it was still hot : )

Mommy Brain

Tonight at church someone was admiring Baby Bro and asked me his name.
Without thinking, I said, "H."
About 10 seconds latter, I started laughing as it dawned on me that I told her the wrong name.
I turned back around and said, "That is my oldest's name.  This little guy is Baby Bro."

I remember being called my sisters name (and at times my brother's name) all of my life.  I told myself that I would never do that to my kids.  Well, never say never : )

If it is redeeming at all, Baby Bro does look a lot like H did as a baby.

Jana Alayra

If you are a mom of little people, and you don't know about Jana Alayra, you really should...
She is an amazing singer/ song writer and performer.  Her songs talk about God's love, loving and serving others, shining like stars, digging into who God is.

We were first introduced to Jana through MOPS when she came and spoke to our group.  I bought my kids a DVD and 2 of her CD's.  It was an INSTANT hit, especially with H!  He memorized all of the songs... for that matter so did I... the CD's were on constant repeat in my car for over a month.  H loved to watch the DVD and learned the moves that go with all the songs.

Here is a Jana's website if you want to learn more.  You can also order her CD's on Amazon here and here.

My sweet friend Dena told me about a concert that was in our area.  So we made plans to go with Dena and her little girl.  Truth be told Dena brought the big kids and I met her there 1/2 way through the concert : )  It was a really fun night.

On her DVD's and at the concerts she is such a great performer, totally getting the kids involved, they even got to go up on stage. 

H, loved it! And I love what he is learning from each of the songs : )

What kids music do you like?  I am always looking for more tunes to add to our play lists!

1 Month Old

Baby Bro is 1 month old.  It is honestly so hard to believe!  This last month has flown by, I feel like we are living life in fast forward.  I really hope life slows down a little, I am afraid to blink.

Baby Bro, has been truly a delight to all of us.   He is such an easy going little guy; not much upsets him... other than being hungry.  Most nights he is sleeping like a champ, giving me at least one 5 hour stretch.   Last night was an awful exception and I don't think I slept more than 45 minutes at a time... (let's not repeat that little buddy).  He is having more awake time during the day, man I love his little peepers.  I love all of the little faces he makes, especially his pooping face.  (funny to say, but it is hilarious)!  He is growing a little each day, I can't believe how quickly he is changing!  I know this next month ahead there are going to be even more changes.

Don't grow up too fast my littlest kiddo!  I am trying to soak in every last inch of you!

Busy last month

Baby Bro is a month old and we have done so much in the last few weeks.  We hardly left the house when H was a newborn... I don't think we have had very many days when we haven't left the house since Baby Bro was born.

We have been to the beach (at least 8 times)

Gone out to eat (at sit down restaurants with 3 kids... something I thought we would be impossible to do)

Shopped/ run errands

Gone to the Pool

Went to a 4th of July party (Bug was there, she was just sleeping by the time I pulled out the camera)

And had lots of time with Nanny and Grammy

It has been a full and fun month!  Good thing Baby Bro rolls with life!  He spends more naps in the front carrier or his carseat than he does in his bed.  The life of #3!

Pics that didn't make the cut

 Some of these are just too funny that I had to share.

When we were looking through these on the computer, H said to me, "Mama, I was leaning to the side because that helps me smile."  Well of course, why didn't I think of that.

Bug cleaning out Baby Bro's ear

Now that it is clean, Bug is trying to eat Baby Bro's ear 

Pose that just wouldn't work, but still funny

And for my favorite funny pics... yes, this is typical behavior for Bug.  She has the perfect personality for being the only girl with 2 brothers... a little wild and pretty darn tough.

What made her think it would be a good idea to sit on H's head, we don't know.

Hands Full

I can't tell you how many people have said to me recently, "Wow, you have your hands full."  I usually respond, "Yes, I do."  When I was flying with H and Bug a few months ago, I had at least 15  people say a version of "Your hands are full, and it looks like they are getting even more full," referring to my bulging belly.  And all of the comments have actually come when my kids are being pretty well behaved.

Even today, we went for a walk around the block and a man was walking with his little boy.  He looked at me, and my kiddos (H on his bike, Bug in the stroller and Baby Bro in the front carrier).  Then he said the infamous, "Boy, you sure have your hands full."  I said, "Yes, I do," in agreement with him. 

But as I walked away, I paused, wondering what my kids think of my response.  The statement in and of itself is not bad, my hands are full.  It is the negative connotation with which it is usually said.  Is my response showing my kids that I delight in them, or that they are a burden to me?  Yes, having 3 kids feels busy and at times overwhelming.  Yes, my 2 hands are full, and it would be helpful if I had 2 more.  But, truth be told, I wouldn't have it any other way. 

So maybe that is my new response, "I wouldn't have it any other way."

I was processing this with Mr. Steady this evening, and it was just convicting.  I want to live my life in that same posture.  On days when it does feel overwhelming having 3 little ones, I want to remind myself of the blessing that they are and that I really wouldn't want life any other way.

2 Weeks Old

We had a day with no agenda... so we took full advantage of the time and did a little photo shoot with the kiddos.  We wanted to get some newborn pictures of Baby Bro taken.  He is already 2 weeks old and I desperately wanted pictures to capture him at this itty-bitty stage.  Thanks to Mr. Steady being awesome behind the camera, and 3 kids that cooperated pretty darn well... I was really pleased with the pictures we got. 

... our mini photo-shoot...

And our favorite one, I can't share yet because it is on the birth announcement that we will be sending out.  More cuteness to come : )

Man, I sure love these three!!!