Worth 5000 Words

More on Teaching Self Control

Well since the last post, I have recieved some comments asking if I could share how we teach self-control to our babies. So I will attempt in this post to share with you some of the things that have worked for us.

As I mentioned before, self-control is a very valuable character trait and is used throughout a life time. And God must have thought it was pretty important too because it is listed in the Bible as one of the fruits of the Spirit.

So how to teach your child self-control.

Let's start with when to start teaching it. Really you can start teaching it as early as they begin to explore. I don't mean get on the ground crawling, exploring, but rather with their hands. Have you ever had a baby pull your hair? This is something that I have never seen as cute and never allowed to go on without correction. Now of course I am not talking about the little tiny baby getting his hand stuck in your hair and hanging on just because they always like to grasp whatever is in their hand. I am talking about the deliberate pulling of hair. All some babies need is a pushing away of the hand and saying something like, "Be gentle".  But some babies are a little more determined and need a firm squeeze of their hand or a little flick on the hand. You will be able to tell if this had any effect by their response. If there is no response then it didn't phase them and you need to move on to something that does. This method is beneficial for the many things that a baby will explore but that is not appropriate to touch or if it hurts others. Remember, if baby is allowed to pull hair, bite, pinch.....what is to stop them from doing it when they are older. That pattern will have already been set. So why would you be surprised if they do it to their siblings or other children. If you deal with things when they first come up, you won't have to deal with them as often later, and in some cases, not at all.

So let's move on to the high chair. You have your baby in the chair and you keep everything out of reach right? WRONG! This is a perfect opportunity to teach self-control. And really the same methods apply. If they touch the bowl or spoon, just a little firm grasp or flick will usually deter them from touching. Not that they will never try it again, kids like to test their boundaries, and some over and over again. Just to see if you are still on top of your game plan :) And what about throwing food on the floor? Well babies are babies, so it's ok, right? WRONG. Why do you want them to do something now that you will have to retrain later? Nip this thing in the bud BEFORE it gets to be a problem. You will thank yourself someday. Same deal. Baby throws food on the floor, squeeze, flick or slap their hand. And firmly but lovingly say, "No throwing food on the floor." or something like that.

Staying in the theme of the high chair and moving to when baby is a little older. What if for some reason they are being loud, not just happy loud, but upset or angry about something? If we find they will just not settle down, we will either remove them from their high chair and put them in their bed or playpen until they settle down, or we will turn their high chair around, away from the family until they stop crying. We will use the latter more often as we find it is the most effective because you can immediately turn them around when they settle down. This has worked for us really well and we have used it many times. Simple, don't you think? And if they begin to cry again, turn it around again. They willl get the point after awhile. And you will have a much more peaceful meal.

Let's now move on to when baby is crawling around or walking. Now that he is mobile he is exploring his world....and boy does he have LOTS to explore. But in his exploring, he still needs to have boundaries. There will be boundaries all through his life, why not start to teach them now. Don't get into the habit of moving the things that you don't want your baby to touch out of his reach. Use this as a training tool. Take time to watch him as he crawls around and train him. Same deal, he touches, you say 'don't touch'. he gives you that look and touches. Probably by this time he will need more than a squeeze, it might move up to a little more. And you might even have to swat his little bottom (gasp.....yes, we do use this method :) But in doing this, you are again teaching your precious little one self-control. Think about how nice it will be to go to family or a friend's house and know that they don't have to rearrange their things for your little one. Because he is trained not to touch. And you won't have to anxiously follow him all around concerned that he is going to break something. But it starts in your home. Don't try to do this training at someone else's house. It will be exhausting for you and awkward for your family or friends.

So another question that we have been asked many times and I might as well address here is how to get your baby to sit still in church. This is another issue that, the more babies we have the more we found out how young they are capable of sitting for long periods of time. But once again, it begins at home. How can you train a child in church when you and him have to be quiet? Hard, right. So instead practice at home. Have your baby sit on your lap for 15 min. or so every day. No toys, no entertainment, just sitting. What do you do when he wiggles and cries? Well, for sure don't let him down! And if he wiggles so much that he is almost escaping, a firm squeeze on the leg and say, "It's time to sit now." After you find your baby is able to sit 15 min. quietly, up it to 20, 25, 30 minutes. We find that usually after they learn to sit about 30 minutes that they can sit for an hour or more with no issues. Again, train them young, and then when they are older, they will know how to sit. Of course once they are on their own chair it seems a little further training is sometimes needed.We have chosen not to bring snacks, coloring or toys to church. We found they caused more problems and hassle than they solved and it just wasn't worth it. And we also found that when children  have nothing else to occupy them they will actually pay attention to whatever they are sitting through :)

Well this has become an incredibly LONG post, but I hope in sharing some of our experiences it will be helpful to you. We don't at all claim to be experts at this, as parenting is a journey and we are still learning daily and daily relying on God's wisdom in raising our children. But I want to encourage you to think about what your goal is in raising your children and with God's help work towards it. Our personal goal is to raise Godly children that honor Him in their actions and that love Him with all their heart, soul, mind and strength, children that are pleasant to be around and who show God's light to the world. And please let's pray for each other as we know too well that our adversary definitely does not want us to raise Godly children and so we are in a battle. But be encouraged to press on, for one day you will reap the rewards.

Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.

For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.

And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

Galatians 6: 7-9

I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

Phillipians 3:14

It Begins In The High Chair

Believe it or not a lot of training can be done in the high chair.

Lessons of self control abound here.

In our family, we like to use high chair time as a training time.

Here are some examples:

We don't put plastic under the baby's chair to catch the food they throw off...instead we teach them not to through their food on the floor.

We don't let them whine and  cry for their food.....instead we teach them simple signs like 'please' 'more' 'all done'

And with Josiah we have taken it a step further and chosen not to keep his bowl far away from him....but instead keep it in front of him, right on his tray and train him not to touch it.

Every time we have another baby we are again amazed at how young they understand things and how little we give them credit for. We also realize how much easier it is to curb bad habits while they are young. Catch it now and you will have less issues to deal with later.

Take self-control for example. How many times in life do you need self-control? And how much better is it to learn it earlier on in life. Babies can and will learn self-control.

Of course parenting is a process and you will not have a perfect baby overnight, and there will be issues that you will feel like you deal with over and over again. But the earlier you start to train the easier it will be later on. We know, we have experienced it, we have done it both ways, and found that one way works better than the other.

But everytime, I struggle with the 'how much does he really understand' conflict. And when I test the waters I realize it's always way more than I give them credit for.

Take the game pat-a-cake-pat-a-cake. Have you ever done that with your child? I think I have with all of ours and it takes no time at all for them to repeat the actions....even as early as 6 months...so why then do I think they are not capable of learning sign language? Is there a difference?

I think not!

So today look at your child in a different light. Figure out how much they really can understand and start your training there. And as your child grows...you will be glad you did!

Here is a glimpse of what Josiah does when he really wants to do something but knows that he shouldn't.

Sometimes he will crawl along the floor and see something he shouldn't have and shakes his head and crawls on. Of course he is still in training.....so he doesn't always resist the temptation.

But this morning he did well as you will see!

How Could It Get Any Better Than This

Being a Mom is the greatest.

And being a Grammy is AMAZING.

Tonight we visited our little grandson, Andrew (AJ as Grammy and Gramps like to call him)

We are in Winnipeg visiting Josh and Rebecca so of course we visited little AJ too.

As I looked at his sweet little face I was overcome with such love for this little man, a little person that we hadn't even met a few weeks ago.

It's expected. When we have babies of our own we fall in love immediately, even as we carry them in our womb, the love flows.

I wondered how it would be having a grandchild.

I knew I would love him/her. But what would I feel?

Would it be different than the love you have for your own children?

What I found out to be true?

I love this little guy to bits! In a different sort of way he has become a part of me.

After we visit AJ and we go back home I find myself thinking of him often throughout the day. Who knew that he would consume so many of my thoughts? Who knew I would fall so in love with the little guy who is called my grandson.

When people ask me how I am enjoying being a Grammy, I tell them it's great to have another little person to love on.

My role as Grammy will be a little different than many in that I still have lots of little people in my own home to love on. I don't have to fill my 'baby kick', so to speak. And in fact I was a little concerned what kind of a Grammy I would be. Would I be so used to little ones that this wouldn't be such a big deal to me?

I needn't have been concerned. He is a big deal to me. He is very special to me. He is my grandson. And I love him immensely.

Being a mom is the greatest
And being a Grammy is AMAZING!

How could it get any better than this?

Homeschool Worksheet Link

This year I found a link to a great site that allows you to print up your own worksheets for free.

So far I have only used their printing and cursive writing worksheets and have really enjoyed them.

To practice their printing and cursive writing I have the kids write out scripture verses. With these
worksheets you can put in your own sentences and print them out...tracing....printing...writing....
big....small..... basically whatever you want. So when I want to print up a verse, I go to Bible Gateway and copy the verses I want them to write out and then paste them on the WorkSheet Works site and then print them out. Simple....fast. I like it. Here's a sample.

And here's the kids doing some Christmas coloring that was also printed off the internet.

The recent snow has helped to get everyone thinking more about Christmas.

Weird how it seems Canadians seem to need snow before they really get into the Christmas mood.

I am wondering how it works for ya'll who don't get snow.

What gets you in the Christmas mood?

For cheap family entertainment....

Give a two year old a wig and glasses.....

And get ready for TONS of laughs!!

WE LOVE YOU MIKAYA!

Converstation Between 2 Brothers

Caleb: (picking up his baby brother) Oh my baby...my baby!

Nathan:  He's not your baby, he's mom's baby. She laid him!

Guess that's what happens when you have laying hens :)

Mikaya's rendition of "Sing, Sing, Sing"...

*CLICK ON THE BOTTOM LEFT HAND CORNER
TO VIEW VIDEO *

Thoughts I Had While Cleaning the Fridge

*I wonder how sour cream can go bad?

*I wonder why sour cream doesn't turn out the same as sour cream :-)
*Syrup spilled in the fridge makes for a sticky mess.
*If you would combine jars containing the same ingredients, there would be more room for other things
*Labelling doesn't always work
*I would not be a good scientist, mold does not intrigue me
*When you have too many left overs, make soup
*Some of our kids must have no depth perception, they can't tell when a container is empty
*I wonder if you push the little button that turns off the light while the door is still open, does the food think you can't see it?
*Celery that's not wrapped gets really gimpy
*10 month old babies like to crawl in a fridge while its open
* I wonder how a humidity controlled crisper works.....maybe I should be a scientist!
*Some things are entirely too tall for the shelf they are labeled to be on
*A clean fridge makes me feel like I have accomplished something :-O

How about you? Any random cleaning thoughts?!?

Footage of Our New Grandson

This past weekend we were once again privelaged to spend some time with Josh and Rebecca and see our sweet little grandson Andrew who is now 1 week and 5 days old. Although he would only be 32 weeks gestation as of Sunday.

He is doing well and when we visited this morning I was able to take some video of him in all of his sweetness. So I will let the video speak for itself....for as the saying goes...a picture is worth a thousand words. So I guess a video must be worth at least 10 x that. This could be the longest post yet :)

*CLICK ON THE BOTTOM LEFT HAND CORNER TO VIEW VIDEO *

Gramps and Grammy Update #2

Many of you have been asking how little Andrew is doing (AJ as Gramps affectionately likes to call him) so I thought it was about time for an update. Rebecca just updated their blog and instead of me trying to give you details I thought it might be better to direct you there.

But I did want to say that words really cannot express our gratitude for the many times we have heard that you are praying for them. We know it is because of your prayers that things are going so well. It's especially in times like these that we really appreciate the larger Church body.

If you are wondering how to pray for them?

~Continued strength, grace and health for Josh and Rebecca.

~Blessings on the missionary couple that have opened up their home to Josh and Rebecca, given them a key to their home so they can come and go as they please. This was a huge answer to prayer. Again....the body of Christ.....a blessing.

~ I don't know how many times around our table the prayer has went up...."Help Andrew to get big." I told Rebecca that he is probably going to be huge because of all the prayers of his uncles and aunts :) So please join us in praying that he continues to grow big and strong so he can come home with Daddy and Mommy.

~That little Andrew would not forget to breath :)

~ That his grandparents who are just longing to be able to scoop him up and hug him, would be able to soon.....and I think his aunts and uncles feel the same :)

Thanks again for praying!

Wordess Wednesday

Grammy and Gramps Report

Thought it was about time for an update on little Andrew.

First off thank you for all your congratulations and prayers. It means so much to hear that people all over the world are praying for little Andrew.

He seems to be doing well. He was taken off the ventilator yesterday morning which was great news. He had to have blood given to him almost right away as his hemoglobbin was quite low. He has to have a couple of tests and app'ts, some routine, some things they are a little concerned about. We should know the results of those some time today.

We were able to see him when he was just a few hours old so that was exciting. He is a little sweetie. But so tiny. It's hard to believe they grow so much in the last 10 weeks.

Rebecca is doing well. She is hoping to be discharged today. I think she likes hospitals just about as much as I do :-) Joshua is a little sleep deprived but doing well too.

Grammy and Gramps are enjoying this new roll even though it didn't turn out quite like we expected it to! But we are so thankful that God loves our little grandchild so much more than we do and He has a perfect plan for him.

Thanks for tunning in to the GRAMMY AND GRAMPS REPORT. Oh ya, and by the way, I think I am getting a gray hair....YEAH!

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Jeremiah 29:11

The Baby Has Arrived!

At 5:10 this evening Andrew Joshua has made his appearance!

He is 3 lbs 2.5 oz 15 inches.

We love you Andy!

More details to come soon

Soon To Be Grandpa's

Mom sent us this picture and I thought it was to

cute not to share with you:)

Still waiting...

Another Update

Hi again....still from the big city.

We had another day of sticking around the hospital and having good visits with Joshua and Rebecca.

Just to update you......Rebecca's contractions are still quieted right down. The baby will get his/her last shot of steroids tonight and then it's wait and see.

So really....not sure what to say except thanks again for your prayers (have I mentioned that already :) and please continue to pray for Josh, Rebecca and their baby (our sweet little grandbaby)

GRANDPA'S IN WAITING:)

Oh and please pray for our families back at home.,..for the girls decided to make donuts at 9:45 at night :) But seriously...they have been doing a great job at holding down the fort and allowing us to be here with their brother, sister and neice/nephew. Bless them Lord :)

THE AUNTS AND UNCLES IN WAITING

I hope to update you again tomorrow so check in again if you would like :)

Update

Hi from the big city.

First of all thank you so much for all your prayers. We really appreciate them and know that God has honored them.

Last evening we went to visit Josh and Rebecca. We were thankful to find out that the contractions had slowed a lot. Right now the goal is to give the baby steroids to help develop the baby's lungs. They were hoping to be able to hold off labor for 48 hours. This morning (not sure what time) will be 24. So far she is still on the meds to slow down the contractions.

She also had an ultra sound and everything looks fine. Baby is doing well so we are very thankful for that.

We want to visit them again today so we will update when possible.

Josh and Rebecca are doing great and are trusting in God's plan for their baby. We are so thankful for their faith in Him.

Please continue to pray for Rebecca and baby's health and that God's will be done in their lives.

Here are a couple of pictures from last nights visit.

THEY ARE IN A REALLY TINY ROOM BEHIND THE NURSES STATION.

THEY WERE HOPING TO MOVE TO A BIGGER ROOM BUT THE DR. WANTS THEM TO STAY CLOSE TO THE NURSES.

REBECCA ALL HOOKED UP.

ISN'T SHE GLOWING :)

Please Pray!

I thought of calling many of you and ask you this in person...but time doesn't allow so I will ask you this way.

We got a phone call this morning that we weren't expecting. Rebecca called and said that she had been in labor all night and they were heading to the hospital.

After a couple of hours they told us that they were bringing Rebecca to a bigger hospital (over 2 hours from us). She definitely is in labor and they are now trying to slow things down for at least 24 hours and are giving the baby steroids to develop the lungs.

So I am asking you to please pray. The baby is only due at the beginning of January so this is really early. We are praying that the labor will stop... and if it comes to the baby being born we ask that you pray for the baby and it's health.

Josh and Rebecca are doing very well...they know that God has a plan and are trusting in that plan. But it is still hard I am sure.

Thank you for your prayers....we appreciate all of our blogger friends :)

We are going to leave in a few minutes with Rebecca's parents and head to the city where we will stay overnight. We want to be there for them. I will try to keep you updated.

AND THE WINNER IS.....

Two families got it right......the Cooper's and the Mayo's.

So we had to draw and The Cooper's win!

Thanks for all your guesses....they were very good and some were even entertaining :)

As you can tell by the pictures Jen got a ride from the cement truck chute.

Glad she didn't get stuck in there...who would milk the cows?