Haylee and Hannah have been with us almost nine months now. Wow, at the changes we have seen!! They have grown so much physically and mentally. They still struggle in many ways and we struggle daily with how to parent them. We mess up sometimes, just as they do.
It was in the 60's and sunny here yesterday, so we went to the Rails to Trails in our town. It is a five mile paved walk through the woods, by the lake, over the old railroad trussel, by the schools and to the park. The kids all rode their scooters and my husband and I road our bicycles. I was amazed thinking about the first time we took the girls to the Rails to Trails. The first time we went, Hannah was terrified because next to the paved walk was a slope, then a retaining wall and then the lake. We had to encourage her to walk/ride past. She didn't want to go over the bridge either. She was afraid of the smallest incline. Well, this time she had no fear!!! She went flying on her scooter by the lake and didn't appear to even think about the lake. She went over the bridge with no hesitation. I was so proud of her!! We went about three miles on this journey. They did great!! We had such a pleasant time. We finished there and picked up lunch and went to the playgroud for a picnic. It was a great way to end our year!!
They have come so far, but we continue to help mold them in to all God has planned for them.
2010 brought many changes in our family. We added a puppy and then two precious girls. We are thankful to God for our many blessings in 2010!!
Thanks to all of my readers that continue to encourage us on our journey of adoption!!
We too are struggling with testing. Just little things. Nothing big but it is still deliberate disobedience and it is driving me nuts. Jackson has just decided he is going to do whatever he wants to do, no matter if I just told him no or if it is something he knows he isn't supposed to do.
ReplyDeleteHis thing is that he has figured out if he listens (or acts like he is listening) and says he is sorry and he understands then most of the time that is it. Well, I decided yesterday that was over and I let him know that in our house if you deliberately disobey then you get a spanking. Well, he got one tonight. He looked me right in the eye and told me he didn't care about dumb spankings... until he got one and then he decided he didn't want anymore. I really hope I got his attention.
We too are seeing so many positives it is hard to get upset about the little stuff. I guess we could both look at it like this: They are feeling more comfortable because they know we will still love them and keep them even if they don't obey.
But we still must stay vigilant so we don't break the trust with them. They have to know we will do what we say, even if it is something they wish we wouldn't do.
Happy New Year!!