Fun While It Last!!

Who would have ever thought that two years ago when I sat next to Ashley in Tori's Sing & Sign class that we would be best friends to this day?

We instantly clicked and had so much in common! I ran home and told Chris all about her.....you know, like back in the day when you would call your girlfriend to tell her all about your new crush! We have the same parenting style, beliefs, values, and we are both SAHMs......it was fate!! We get together several times a week, and I don't know what I would have done without her these past two years. Her oldest son is strong-willed so she has really advised me well with Colby. I just love our friendship!!

Through Ashley and bible study I also met another great friend, Sara! She now joins us for playgroups weekly and breakfast on Wednesday mornings! Let me just tell you she is one fab momma and Colby loves her little girl, Eden!!

What we have is OH SO GREAT, but unfortunately has to come to an end soon. Both their husbands are residents and will be taking my besties far away from Mississippi as soon as they finish Med school...boo! I really am happy for them since they don't have any family here to help.....I can't even imagine! I will miss them dearly and will keep in touch forever!!

We all three took the kiddos to the Zoo this morning!

Well, we are going to have fun while it last!!

Thank goodness God is having mercy on me and Kevin took a job at UMC, therefore not taking my Kim away too!! Kim is also fabulous and just became a SHAM a few short months ago, but she is out of commission at this time......baby #3 just arrived!

Hurry up Kim......I'm missing you and the Kosek clan!!

Discipline a Boy's Heart

I read this today and loved it......had to share it!!

Discipline and a Boy's heart

Boys will get into trouble; it's just a part of growing up. When they do, what they need is discipline that is clear and consistent (not shaming and aggressive). This discipline must come from a framework of maturity, wisdom, and love.

We must use discipline to build character and conscience, not merely to manufacture compliant behavior and obedience. True obedience is a by-product of love, not fear. For obedience to be authentic, it must be grounded in trust and loyalty, as a response to trust, not as a reaction to the threat of harm. When a boy believes that we have his best interests in mind, he is more likely to obey than if he is motivated by fear. Discipline through manipulation or fear will ultimately bury a boy's heart in shame, and eventually he will feel that he has no choice but to rebel in order to be himself.

Boys need the strong hand of love and the tender hand of discipline. The best discipline combines both tenderness and strength. For a boy to become a man of courage and sensitivity, he must must be disciplined with love and respect. If he is shamed, punitively demeaned, frightened, or raged at, he will learn to distrust authority, deny his sensitive nature, rest in passivity, or dissent.

Discipline is more closely related to teaching than it is to punishment. Think of Jesus and his disciples. He taught them mostly by example, action, and gentle correction. Only occasionally did he rebuke them. To discipline the boys we love, we need to lead them by modeling truth, justice, love, honor, mercy, compassion, passion, risk, hope, and faith.

The book of Proverbs says, "direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it."

Nurturing boys  requires that our discipline be geared toward lovingly unveiling their strength and courage according to their own characteristics. Whenever we discipline boys, we must do so in a way that addresses then as the unique, noble creatures they truly are-- in ways that honor them and their masculinity. By disciplining our boys in ways that do not shame them, we honor their desire for strength, reinforce their sensitivity, and encourage them toward valor. If our boys are to stand a chance at life, they need to enter manhood believing that they are good men. If they don't, they will be starting out behind the eight ball.

Stephen James, M.A. and David Thomas M.S.S.W

You Make Me Smile :)

If you saw me today then you probably saw a huge smile on my face.....I sure had a lot to smile about!!

Chase's surgery follow-up went great today, he is healing perfectly......I just had to smile!

Colby went to play with his buddy, and when I returned to pick him up I got an excellent report for obedience......WOW, I just had to smile!!

I met Ty, I love me some newborn babies!! I was so happy for Mark & Ashley.....I just had to smile!!!

The weather was fabulous, perfect for strolling around the hood!! Colby was so pumped about his new bike.......I just had to smile!

The fact that he is obsessed with his helmet and refused to part with it at bath time......I just had to smile!!

Do you see the sucker in his mouth? He didn't won't his dad to take it away so his solution to the problem......

Hide and maybe Dad won't notice.....I just had to smile!

Watching Chris try to read while Chase was more interested in banging on his head instead of listening to the story......I just had to smile!!

Last but not least, Chase belly laughing during tickle time............I just had to smile until my cheeks hurt!!

Oh, I love my life!!




Until Next Time................

Judge Not!

I love everything about blogging!! I love the fact that it's a place I can release all my thoughts, use as an outlet, record special moments that I always want to remember....it's basically my journal, but open to the public.

I'm delighted when someone says,

I love your blog

it's so helpful

it's nice to know that I'm not the only mom going through ......

I never thought of it that way until I read your post

Your stories of Colby crack me up

It makes me happy to know I have helped someone or let another mommy know she isn't alone in this crazy world of motherhood!! It also really bothers me to know that I offended someone or made a mommy feel judged or less than perfect......I'm far from perfect!

No matter how many positive comments I receive concerning my posts, it's the two negative messages that are so disheartening to me. I received a message yesterday where another mom felt judged by a comment that I made in my blog. I don't know this person and I'm not sure what comment she is referring to but I'm assuming it's one of the controversial topics....

Positive Discipline (anti-spanking) or Crying It Out (abusive or not)

I'm not sure why anyone would read my blog and feel offended because if you read my blog then you probably already know I promote Attachment Parenting, so you kinda know what to expect. I'm very passionate about it, it feels right in my heart, I believe it creates a much more compassionate child/ world, and the research is unbelievable!!

I am an opinionated person and I'm going to stand up for what I believe in, even if I stand alone!!

I would not be pleased if someone stood up at my funeral and said, "she never offended anyone" because that would imply that I never stood for anything.....I just went along with the crowd my entire life!

Do you think Martin Luther King never offended anyone? There was a time when people thought it was okay to make a person use a separate restroom due to their race.
What if no one ever stood up and voiced their opinions and spread the knowledge.............CHANGE WOULD NEVER HAPPEN!!!


Do you think Jesus Christ never offended anyone??? He offended someone every day with his teachings....... to the death. I don't believe he was concerned about offending anyone, he was consumed with spreading the TRUTH!

What good is knowledge if you keep it bottled up so you won't offend someone! I was so thankful when someone shared the knowledge with  me concerning "spare the rod".  I might would have believed the crowd and said, "the bible says spank your kids" and I never would have rebuked the idea.

Rod verses - what they really mean. The following are the biblical verses which have caused the greatest confusion:




"Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline will drive it far from him." (Prov. 22:15)



"He who spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is careful to discipline him." (Prov. 13:24)



"Do not withhold discipline from a child; if you punish him with the rod, he will not die. Punish him with the rod and save his soul from death." (Prov. 23:13-14)



"The rod of correction imparts wisdom, but a child left to itself disgraces his mother." (Prov. 29:15)



At first glance these verses may sound pro-spanking. But you might consider a different interpretation of these teachings. "Rod" (shebet) means different things in different parts of the Bible. The Hebrew dictionary gives this word various meanings: a stick (for punishment, writing, fighting, ruling, walking, etc.). While the rod could be used for hitting, it was more frequently used for guiding wandering sheep. Shepherds didn't use the rod to beat their sheep - and children are certainly more valuable than sheep. As shepherd-author Philip Keller teaches so well in A Shepherd Looks At Psalm 23, the shepherd's rod was used to fight off prey and the staff was used to gently guide sheep along the right path. ("Your rod and your staff, they comfort me." – Psalm 23:4).




In the New Testament, Christ modified the traditional eye-for-an-eye system of justice with His turn-the-other-cheek approach. Christ preached gentleness, love, and understanding, and seemed against any harsh use of the rod, as stated by Paul in 1 Cor. 4:21: "Shall I come to you with the whip (rod), or in love and with a gentle spirit?" Paul went on to teach fathers about the importance of not provoking anger in their children (which is what spanking usually does): "Fathers, do not exasperate your children" (Eph. 6:4), and "Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will be discouraged" (Col. 3:21).




In my opinion, nowhere in the Bible does it say you must spank your child to be a godly parent.

I don't judge parents that spank, but I was relieved to know that I don't have to spank my children to be Godly and I like to spread the message so other Christian parents don't feel pressured to go against something they feel in their heart isn't right for their child.


I never write a post intending to tell someone their way is wrong, but rather this is the way I believe and this is another way if your looking for other options.

I never feel judged when people give me their opinion. There are people that tell me I need to spank Colby.....I don't feel judged, I respect their opinion.

When someone told me my breastfeeding problems was a  result of my own doings......I didn't feel judged. I listened, took it all in, and made the necessary changes.

When my speech pathologist friend told me Colby was too old for a sippy cup and it could cause speech problems........I didn't feel judged. I put up all the sippy cups.

Maybe I word my opinions in the wrong way since I don't think from the judged frame of mind. I apologize to anyone that I have ever offended, it was never my intention!!!

Many of my friends have different parenting styles and I don't judge them at all......I love them! I might not believe in spanking, but I will never judge a parent who believes that's what best for their child. 

I post my point of view and my beliefs not to judge, but to give options!!!

God Bless


Until Next Time........................

Phil 4:8 Worthy of Praise

I got another dreaded call from Colby's MMO teacher on Tuesday.

He threw dirt on another little boy

Pulled his pants down on the playground

Tells his teacher, "no, I don't want to!"

I went to pick him up where I found him sitting on the fence during play time. It breaks my heart because he really has a heart of gold but has energy literally exploding out of his ears that gets him into trouble. When I try to discuss his misbehavior...he literally can't focus for two seconds. He just says, I'm so sorry, I not mean to, I won't do that  ever again.......like a broken record!! He dosen't even know what our conversation is even about since his little brain is too busy thinking about whats next on his agenda.

I'm so on the fence trying to decide if a structured program is helping him or hindering him at this point....he is only 2 1/2 after all. They put him in the three year old room because he is big for his age and mature in the intellectual department but he isn't mature in his behavior (at all)....hence, thinking he is a comedian by showing his weewee on the playground!

He is a typical boy that flourishes and learns through tactile play, not too much structure! I think he might adjust better if I wait until next August and maybe find something that is more than just 2 days a week...something more consistent!

With all that said.....I've been a little down in the dumps trying to figure all this out! I want his experience of school to be positive not somewhere he associates with negativity. He told me, " I not obey at tool, but I try!" "I pay with my friends but I go time-out." "I not eat my friend's pood and not get up, I want to weally bad." It's extremely hard for him to sit still during lunch.....bless his heart!

It's been on my mind constantly, and I keep praying for answers. During nap time today, I prayed and asked for guidance as I turned to God's word and you won't believe what scripture He led me to.............

"Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things"    PHIL 4:8

God always shows up and shows out if we ask for answers. I was focusing on all the negative and losing sight of all the amazing things about my son.

Maybe he can't focus, control his impulses, and adjust to structure but he always tells me thank you and please, he loves and cares for his brother like no other, he tells me he loves me to the moon and back, and he gives the best kisses in the whole world!!!

These things are worthy of praise and I choose to think of these!!!

What are you trying to do baby?

Chase ty (cried) and I make him feel bedda, I give him milk

Oh, baby! You don't have milk.

Yea I do, I have milk in my tatas

Nooooo, you sure don't

God only gives mommies milk to feed their baby

Oh, daddy not have milk in his tatas, he a boy

That's right! Daddy is a boy so he doesn't have milk in his tatas

I a boy too mommy!! I not have milk.

That was sweet of you to try and help Chase but next time just give him a hug!

Otay!!


Until Next Time...............

Pullups....HELP!!

Pullups at night.....Yes or No is the question?????

Okay moms, I need some advice!! Give me your thoughts  ASAP!!

I did  Early Start Potty Training so Colby has been potty trained for over a year now. He has had bowel control since 15 months and hasn't worn a diaper since 22 months old.

I've always heard once the diapers go they should go for good, even at night! So, that's what I did and it worked for the most part. He would go several weeks with dry nights and have sporadic wet nights. It didn't bother me in the least to change the sheets, after all he has a plastic cover on the mattress that I just wipe down...no biggie!! In the past when he wet the bed, he wouldn't wake up until morning but now he is waking up immediately and it's more frequent. Waking still isn't a big deal...I wake up several times with Chase so what's one more time, right?  The stinker is.....he doesn't know how to come in my room and wake me up quietly. Chase's crib is right next to my bed so Colby wakes him up every time he comes to get me for a A CLEAN UP ON AISLE 4.

I decided this was all just too much...........A sista needs a little bit of sleep!

I introduced Colby to a pullup and he wasn't digging it AT ALL!! Remember now.....he never remembers wearing a diaper! He said, "I not like pullup, I wear my unawear, I a big boy not a baby!" I convinced him that it would be great because he wouldn't get all wet at night and he could take it off as soon as he woke up. I thought we were good to go and I assumed he was already snoozing........ummmm no, he decides to take it off and throw it down the hall and proceed to put his underwear back on! After lots of coaching and bargaining, he was compliant...thank the Lord!

Yes, he slept all night!!

Chris was not on board with this decision. His idea was to put a mattress cover, sheet, mattress cover, sheet..........so when he had an accident during the night, we can just remove the soiled sheets and mattress cover and VIOLA, another set is ready to go!

It's a good idea but it doesn't solve the big problem......Colby would still disturb Chase.

I need some feedback!! Is this a big mistake?

Am I a mean mommy for making him wear a pullup against his will?

Will he regress and just wet the pullup every night since he knows he can?

Will this create a habit that will cause him to be a bed wetter for years to come?

I would love to hear any tips, suggestions, and other experiences PLEASE!!

Enjoy The Journey

Our day started early since Colby had a dentist appointment at 9:00 am, and the drive is 40 minutes. Mornings like this I have to hit the ground running..........

Once the boys are fed, dressed, and buckled into their car seats......it's a ahhhhhhh moment! Not only do I feel accomplished but it's a break since I actually get to sit down for longer than 5 minutes! On the drive over, I was jamming out to KLove for a blissful change......we have had The Wheels On The Bus on repeat for some time now, courtesy of Colby!

Let me just say I love me some KLove, I mean really loooooooove! It's so encouraging and can always turn a bad day around! This particular morning there was a mommy describing her morning of getting her three young boys in the car. One was screaming, one was in the road, and the third had disappeared. She described how everyday tasks can be emotionally overwhelming, but when she feels these emotions about to erupt in rage, she repeats to herself.....

ENJOY THE JOURNEY, ENJOY THE JOURNEY, ENJOY THE JOURNEY!!!!


What great advice! After she shared her story, a father called in and said he had a vivid flashback of her crazy scenario that had played out many times when his boys were tots. His youngest son is now 18 and about to be deployed and he said....

I agree, enjoy the journey while you can!!

So, I'm taking the advice and putting it to good use!! When Colby dumps all the goldfish on the floor or unrolls all the toilet paper to see if it will all flush down the potty.......it's not going to ruffle my feathers, I'm going to

Enjoy The Journey!

Chase's journey at this moment consist of jabbering all the time and trying to walk at 7 months......yes, I produce very busy boys!! Don't turn me into DHS when you see Colby tackle Chase in the end.....it was an accident!!

I hope Chase Enjoys The Journey with his wild brother!!!

Until next Time................

It's Been 10 Years!

It's been ten years since I last cheered at a pep-rally....

dug my heels into the football field on Homecoming night.....

played hookie on senior skip-day

danced at prom....

played a high school sport.....

felt the nerves of beauty & Beau....

threw my cap in the air....

watched the sunrise on senior night....

partied it up in Cancun

Yes, we had on bikinis in the club...No, not sure what we were thinking??

Man.....Now I know why people always said, "enjoy these days, they are the best days of your life!"  And they sure weren't fabricating the truth when they said, "these days will go by so fast and you will be in the real world and want these days back!"

I do want those days back, but only for about a week! I would love to be care-free with no responsibility and my hard decisions to consist of....

do we hang out at City Limits or Texaco?

do I wear my hair up or down to prom?

How can I get $10 more dollars from dad?

How in the world  am I'm going to tell my parents I just had another wreck?

I have to say that I had the BEST high school experience ever...

BEST TIMES

BEST FRIENDS

AND THE BEST MEMORIES!!

But, now I have the best life with the best little family that is truly a gift from God!

So, If I had to choose.....I definitely choose these days over those days!!


CLASS OF 2000 TEN YEAR REUNION

Best friends since 2nd grade :)

                                                 Oh yea, he's a stud!

I was rummaging through the flashback table...

and look what I found.......my senior sonnet about Chris!

His mind isn't made up yet, I told my mom.
I pray every night that he will not go, but
soon I found out over the intercom
it gave me a bad feeling in my gut.

It was shocking information to hear
I will think of him and wish he could stay.
I can't imagine him not being near.
For I will miss him when he is away.

I don't know the exact departure date
It's going to be hard to watch him go,
but soon he will be on his way to Delta State.
God will watch over him for that I know.

I desperately dread when the day arrives
and I will really have to say goodbye.