Grateful Acres

Mommy does always win! ...if that's the approach she takes. I've been working to refresh my resolve to always win, to expect and nurture towards high standards, even in little ways. {I'm also making an effort to be sure I'm not working to be nagging, picky, or set unrealistic expectations...} I had heard the phrase "creating a monster", and always thought I wasn't doing that- however, when my 2nd little boy came along, I began to make some consistent exceptions to my own rules. I thought I was doing that to protect my sanity {life has been in the fast lane!}, but recently I have come to a screeching halt, realizing that I was encouraging bad habits in my little boys- making my job harder! Most of the changes I've made are in their sleeping habits. Jonathan always went down well, but would play in his bed for upwards of an hour each night. Henry went down after much rocking, and liked to have a fan, be in his own bed, in his own room. I'm sure you&#

{Nearly three years have gone by! I clicked on this old blog of mine today, and as I looked at it's single post I was flooded by what has come, gone, and stayed with me over the last [nearly] three years! A few dear loved ones have gone, Jonathan and Henry [my wild, sweet sons!] have come, and my gentle, funny husband has stayed wholeheartedly by my side. What rich blessing I have experienced! {I want to change as time goes by. Change means growth, learning, and hopefully wisdom! In 2008 I experienced intensely the parallel between God & us, and me and my first son, Jonathan. I understood, in a small way, why God chose to throw all of life in existence out of balance and order, just to love us! ...I would do the same for my children, in a heartbeat. In 2008 I felt joy, grace, and blessing. {Change doesn't always come by feeling happy feelings, though. 2009 has brought growth by a different means. I was challenged and stretched in that year. My husband and I gave up our liv