tidbits....

I don't really have anything exciting to share so I will just give you a few updates about what's going on in our lives these days.

We have a lot going on.

In addition to all of our normal activities church, basketball, dance, etc. for some reason the school crams all the big projects into one month.  We had Ashlyn's California Mission report, both of the kids' multicultural projects, the art auction project AND science project all this month.  I'm pretty sure there are nine other months in the school year and I really don't think they would mind sharing some of the load.  I know I would appreciate it!

The busy schedule hasn't given me much of a chance to use my new lens.  I actually haven't even picked up my camera since Landon's basketball game.  I was able to get this picture of Basil's cute little face.  She thought I was going to give her a treat when I asked her to sit.  Such a dork.


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Sometimes I wonder if the things I say are getting through to my kids.  Half the time I feel like the teacher on Charlie Brown because I am pretty sure that when I start talking my kids only hear, "Wah-wah, wah-wah-wah-wah..."   So many times as a mom I am trying my hardest to say and do the right things so that I can teach my kids and can only pray that God causes those messages to get through.

Recently, we have had to discipline Landon a lot for his behavior.  He has been throwing tantrums whenever he doesn't get what he wants and overall has just been disobedient, ignoring our instructions. I generally try to explain to him, before he is disciplined, why he is being punished.  I think it is important for him to understand that God commands me to bring up my children in the discipline and instruction of the Lord and that if I don't discipline I am not loving him and then I am being disobedient to God.   I want both of my kids to know that I'm not just disciplining them when I don't get my way.

A few nights ago we had another incident where Landon was not following our instructions and I had to spank him.  A little while later, Chris went into Landon's room to prayed with him before bed.

When Chris came out of Landon's room he said, "You will never guess what Landon just said.  He was praying and said, 'Dear God, thank you for giving me parents who spank me when I need to be spanked.'"

I can't help but smile.  Thank You, God, for helping him to understand that we discipline them because we love them and because we are being obedient to You.

That's about all for our crazy life.  Have a wonderful weekend!  Happy Friday!