Before you feminist-types come after me for labeling myself as 'just a mom', wait! I'm more than that, I know. I'm a dancer, an artist, someone who loves to read and learn, blah, blah, blah. But for now, in this phase of life, most everything I do is for the sake of my kids, my family. So, most of my thoughts center around them. And you know what? I'm cool with that! Really, I am. Sometimes, I want to run away, hide on some deserted island and drink martinis while getting a back rub from a topless island man, but then I remember I'd probably spend the whole time missing and worrying about my kids...
So anyway, that's what this blog is...just my life, OUR life together, the good, the bad, and the ugly. There is so much to tell, hopefully I will keep this up and update it on a somewhat regular basis. Something you need to know about me is I have (self-diagnosed) adult ADD so I often start a project/craft/idea and never come back to it. I'm cool with that too. I used to get down on myself about it, because I felt it meant I lacked 'follow-through' you know that character trait that is oh-so-important to be successful now a days. But then I got to talking to my good friend T and found she has it too. And I think she's pretty darn cool, so...
Ok, so before my tirade about ADD, I was gonna tell you all about our life, well here it goes. Alan and I have two awesome kids, Abby 3.5 and Ella 8 months. We practice AP (more on that later) and are planning to home school them. We strive to model love, kindness, and respect and trust that by showing our kids those traits, they will learn and apply them as well. No need to punish, coerce or manipulate them into it, (well, unless it's been a long day and daddy is out of town and mama needs a break...then I might just say go to bed or we wont go to the park in the morning...that is not how we generally do things, but I slip sometimes...) and we feel the same goes for learning. They learn in their own time.
It's hard, this trust your kid thing, because it seems no one these days does that. Instead it's us against them, parents must exert some sort of control lest those little buggers manipulate you into staying up late or having cupcakes for breakfast (thanks T!)
No, really though, not using punishments, allowing your kid the same freedoms we all as adults enjoy (you know, freedom of thought, speech, and choice) means you'll be the parent whose kid gets nekkid in the park and pees in the grass. It means you'll be the parent who gets the evil eye from other parents when your 3 year old asks to nurse when she's fallen down...and you LET her! It means your family and probably most of your friends will not understand why you still sleep with your 2 year old, why you dont spank, and why you carry your infant 90% of the time. It sucks some times, when everyone is telling you (either directly or implied) that you are somehow screwing up your kid.
Let me tell you also, how great it is...lest this become a cynical and negative blog. Parenting from the heart has been one of the most incredible experiences of my life. Knowing that God has allowed me to take care of these precious souls for a short time keeps me humble. I'm in awe that I've been chosen to be their guardian and their protector. And it is a position I take seriously. That is the driving force behind all my crazy parenting ideas, the countless hours of research on everything involving the children, and the drive to be the absolute best example of Jesus to my kids. These kids are not my own. They are in my life by the grace of God. And it is an awesome responsibility. I must answer to Him for everything I do.
So, knowing all that, it is only natural to parent this way. Does it come naturally? No, not all the time. If it did, I wouldn't see the great work God is doing in me every day. He is constantly testing my patience, humbling me, teaching me. He is constantly showing me the limitless love and grace He extends to me. Without Him, I am but a fallen creature, hopeless in light of eternity.
Ah, you see, my ADD has taken hold. I intended this to be an introduction and it spiraled into waaay more. Well, that is me, so I guess get used to it!
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