Just What I Needed

This past week I was really struggling with my headstrong-Saylor Mia. I felt like I was losing all control of my wild three-year-old. The super hot days limited our options for outdoor play and I didn't have my second pair of hands (Nana) to help me wrangle the little curmudgeon. My sister lent me a book entitled "Discipline without Shouting or Spanking". This is probably one of the hardest things to do. I find myself loosing my cool after about the 10,000th time of asking her stay in bed. The book explains how to handle specific scenarios step by step. I found myself, mid-battle, running to the book to look for answers. I've tried hard to stay consistent with my discipline and our routine. Bedtime was particularly difficult this week since I took away Saylor's pacifier. The reading suggested regardless of what time we started the bedtime routine, the order should remain the same. We have implemented this idea along with nightly scripture reading.

In addition to all of this trial-and-error-parenting, I have desperately prayed to my Heavenly Father to give me patience and to help me be a better mother each day. On Friday my sweet sister, Brittanie, took the girls and I to the Boise River with her family. As I reflected on the day I realized that it was an answer to my prayers. We played in the sparkling water, soaked up the sun and just let time float away. Saylor dug in the sand and wandered in the trees with her cousins. The freedom and easy-going spirit of the day was exactly what this stressed-out mama needed.                   

I felt a conformation that this was truly a blessing. My heart was lifted by the happy adventure. I was renewed by the simple pleasures of Summer fun. I was reminded that this life is meant to be enjoyed. Yes, we have a duty to teach, protect and discipline our children, but if we do not let our hair down once in a while we will most certainly be miserable.

I felt pure joy as I watched Saylor totally content explore the beach with no restrictions. It was one of those moments that I found the now. The hours passed, we chatted, relaxed with our babies and watched the other people float the river.

Nursing shot of Aunt Britty and Uncle Jayson taking a crack at nursing Sylvia. Sorry, she prefers "chest hair-free", milk.

Saylor and Rev

After swimming we topped the day off with ice cream from Powell's Sweet Shoppe. The kids had coupons from the summer reading program. The only thing better than ice cream is free ice cream.

I'm so grateful for a loving Heavenly Father. He knows me personally and cares about my happiness. When we endure and include him in our daily lives, he will guide us to something better and brighter.