Who's in Charge?

To say that today was a difficult day as a parent would be a HUGE understatement. I felt so NOT in control and frustrated that I went in our bedroom, closed the door and said to myself, "I quit." This all happened before church of course. Adela had gotten up at 5:30am, whined all morning, asked to watch TV a million times, would not come when called to get dressed, brush teeth, etc. The final straw came when it was time to leave for church and I was trying to comb her hair ( a constant battle in our house). She squealed at the slightest pull and by then I'd had enough.

Later this afternoon I discussed all of this with my Dad. I tried hard to be objective and not say, "But, I've done that..." He said, "One thing you need to eliminate from your vocabulary is "Okay?" I honestly didn't think that was a big deal because I was thinking that my "okay?" meant "Is that clear?" I got to thinking about it and realized that he's probably got a good point. AND to confirm his wise advise, I had received this week's Home Training Lesson from Bible Study Fellowship International http://www.bsfinternational.org/ (This is my 2nd year and I absolutely LOVE it! Adela attends a class as well.) and decided to read it especially since it was titled "Who's In Charge - You or Your Child?"

Well, Daddy had hit the nail and I was sure to tell him! :) To paraphrase:

Adults often give up control in their home when they say, "It's time for bed. All right? Okay?" This kind of question at the end of a direction gives the impression that the child can choose to obey or not.

So, tonight I put this new idea into practice. I couldn't believe how many times I caught myself before ending the direction with "Okay?" She did seem to obey better though, so we'll see what tomorrow brings!

Lord, I pray that you would open my eyes that I might see areas where I can be a better parent. Help me to be objective and see ways that I can train my child to be more like you.

Nora the Chair Conqueror

She isn't walking at all yet, BUT she can climb this chair with the greatest of ease! She gets to the top, and yells, "Look at me, World! I did it!" Okay, she doesn't really say that but she has this giant grin on her face as if she is ready to take over the world. She also climbs to the top level of Adela's dollhouse, supervised of course. She is definitely becoming more vocal and can loudly let you know even in the middle of the night that she is NOT happy about something. Sweet Angel Baby is now called Night Time Terror - just kidding. :)

Adela is learning not to talk back (very exciting times in our house :). She is also very into knock-knock jokes, so if you know any good ones, please pass them along. She tries to make up her own and they go something like this:

"Knock-knock.

Who's there?

Banana

Banana who?

Monkey ate a banana."

Then she laughs. She's still learning about play on words obviously!

Merry Christmas/ Veselé vánoce 2009

How many photos does it take to get just the right one of an almost 4 year old and a 10 month old? An awful lot! Here are just a few of the almost 50 we took. It was a lot of fun being silly together under the Christmas tree. I'm so thankful for my precious girls and awesome husband. These truly are special times. We have been playing Christmas music all the time and it warms my heart to hear Adela singing about our Savior's birth. We truly rejoice that we can share with our girls the true meaning of Christmas.

S'mores Anyone?

We had some friends over to roast hotdogs and marshmallows over our mini firepit. My dad has done a great job making a play area for the girls. It is now complete with a swing set - thanks Uncle Sammy! Maybe I can actually help pull some weeds in the garden while Adela swings. :)

Nora enjoyed the fun from her exersaucer

Would you like S'more?

Little Peeper and Giant Bugs

"While we try to teach our children all about life,

Our children teach us what life is all about."

Angela Schwindt

Look who I found peeking over the crib railing!

We had a great time at the Natural Science Center with some good friends. Elise, Emily and Adela had lots of fun chasing each other through the zoo and play area. We sure miss having Hope, Emily and Elijah around!

Hope with Nora and Elijah. They are only one day apart in age! Nora has a few pounds and maybe an inch on Elijah though. :)

Addy gone buggy

Phillip and Elise as bugs

Day Trip to Charlotte

Today we said goodbye at the airport to our good friends, the Evans. They are returning to the Czech Republic. We stopped at a mall on the way back and Nora had her first carousel ride. She also got to sit in a high chair at Arby's. You can see that she LOVES to eat - she is a true Havlen! :) She's already reaching for the spoon and trying to feed herself. Adela adores her and is so loving. She plays peek-a-boo with her and sings songs for her. Nora has started responding more to Adela and lights up when she comes into the room. Everyday I am more and more thankful that I have two girls that can be best buddies. I think it would be wonderful to have a sister.

8 Months Old Today

My how time truly flies. I was just bringing this sweet baby girl home from the hospital yesterday. She is back to being my sweet angel baby. She LOVES food and has eaten everything I've prepared for her. I know that will all change as soon as she turns two, but I'm enjoying it for now! She peeks her head up in the crib after naps and melts your heart with her toothless grin. Come on over, I'll let you hold her, but just for a minute or two.