When You Know What to Do, But Then Blow It

That seems to be the theme for the past several weeks. And although it has run through more than one aspect of my life lately, I will only write about a single topic that it seems to be pervasive with, the discipline machine and Jack.

Before all of my supportive friends and family start giving sweet "hang in there", "it's just a phase" and "it gets easier" comments; let me just say...don't want to hear them. I already know. I repeat these mantras to myself daily, actually, hourly. Unfortunately, it's the actual "hanging in there" I am having an issue with.

I have seemed to make a small breakthrough with the child and a bit of headway. He is acting upon my direction more quickly. I'm more patient in letting him get to the ultimate conclusion that I want him to make instead of speeding him toward what I want him to do. This avoids the formerly inevitable meltdown followed by demon possession that we had been experiencing. Hooray for me, right? Well, I got there by way of a method I had hoped to avoid - "popping his bottom". And up until tonite, it was used sparingly, because after the first two episodes, all I had to do was tell him if he didn't do what I'd asked he would get his bottom popped. And it actually worked. Unfortunately, when you make a slight change in that methodology it can back fire on you. Badly.

Tonight, another round of bedtime battles. Things on the weekend are relatively easy, the kid is exhausted after playing outside all day and I keep his nap short. But during the week, he naps or has quiet time for 2 hours and the activity level isn't quite that high. So although he needs to be in bed and asleep by 8pm, in my opinion, he is just restless. And it's not that he's overtired, honestly, he just hasn't gotten to the point of sleepy yet. However, this mama is ready for no kid time at 8pm and so there's got to be a compromise.

Back to tonite, he's in bed at 8pm, lights out and told I will check on him in 5 minutes. New attempt at avoiding the screaming fest that happens whenever I leave his room. That works...and I wait, a bit longer than 5 minutes, but I have to go back in or I'm toast with my promise. So I do, and he seems fine, until I leave. Then it's an hour long screaming, throwing, crying, attempting to negotiate, mess. And after being in and out of the room several times, loosing my patience and close to my sanity, I do the unthinkable...I ASK him if he wants his bottom popped. And he says Yes. Brilliant move.

Well, he got it popped, I felt horrible (and still do) and he wins tonite's round. I went back in 15 minutes later and picked him up and sat in the chair with him until he was nearly asleep and the feelings of being the worst mother in the world abated for the time being.

I believe future popping will be left to Daddy. Mommy just can't manage the guilt.

Weather...Schmeather!

We hosted our 2nd Memorial Day Party in the Countryside on Sunday this weekend. And although the weather had been forecasted to be miserable...and in many places in Birmingham, it was...we couldn't have asked for a more perfect day!

Last year was going to be tough to beat, with fantastic sun and skies. We were certainly hoping for that to duplicate this year, with having the lake as an added attraction that we prepared with extra kayaks and a water trampoline. All week we watched as a tropical depression hung over Florida and the gulf coast and prayed it might miraculously disappear. And although the morning was miserable with rain and we moved the tables into the garage/barn just in case, at noon the skies parted and by 2pm it was sunny, hot and beautiful, perfect weather for fun in the lake and with friends. And apparently our place was in the minority, since just a few miles up the road it poured cats and dogs all day! I guess we had angels looking over us after all!

Thanks to all of you that stuck it out and took the chance - we were so glad to have you out to our place and enjoyed every minute of you being here! You all brought wonderful food to share, and it's always great to see how all the kids are growing. From the big kids who are kayaking and catching more frogs and toads than I would have thought possible, to the little ones that are making new creations in the sandbox. It's so great to get out of the normal routine of life and take a day to spend with all our friends, old and new, as well as their extended family and friends. And a big thanks to Aunt Kay, Crystal, and all of you that played "Hey, keep eyes on my kid(s) a minute!" for me while I ran inside to grab this that or the other needed item. And Angela for helping me do a little clean up at the last call of the night.

Here are some photos, again, I wish I'd have snapped more, guess there's always next year!

Lake Pics

Apparently I have a great memory, with the exception of things requested by my husband . So, for those of you that have been awaiting the pics of the lake that have not seen them on facebook...behold...Sterling Creek Lake!

This image was after the first full rain that took the lake level all the way up.

The following is a little more recent pic, taken closer to shore. For those of you coming to the party this Sunday - bring your suits - the water is GORGEOUS (Sterling Creek well named)!

Clare's Story

Quick post. Clare (my sister) is being featured today on the Live in our Skinz blog written by another survivor of melanoma. For those of you that are fans of Grey's Anatomy, you know how deadly melanoma can be. Click HERE for the interview and Clare's Cancer Story.

Mother's Day

I think this says it all!

Duke and Mae are Smiling!

That's my Grandfather Duke & Grandmother Mae Dickert. Because today, their grandson, John Dickert, my cousin, just was elected to serve the city of Racine, WI as Mayor for the next 18 months. The reasons for the special election are not something I wish to share, but suffice to say, John will finally have the opportunity to do what God made him for. To lead and inspire through public service. Congratulations John! Racine is a better place with you leading the way!

YaYa's Visit

After listening for the past 4 months of all the extras my Dad has been able to do to help my sisters in their daily lives since semi-retiring, I decided it was my turn and flew him down to Birmingham for 5 days to experience this phenomenon. I may claim swine flu status and move his flight home back about 2 weeks!

Since his arrival on Wednesday night, he's helped me complete this year's round of landscaping, stained two end tables that I've wanted done for at least 5 years, got a few holes drilled in my redwing crocks and spent an entire day at the zoo with me and the boys (drenching rain at the start and all!). It has been an absolutely fantastic time having him here...and he even gets to have his own "man cave" at night in our office which doubles as our guest suite. I don't think it could have resulted in any more perfect a trip (other than of course his staying over for about two weeks!)

Here are some photos of the weekend so far. Tomorrow we have church, followed by a little more landscaping and probably capped off by another cookout with the neighbors and some time in the lake, this time in the form of a leisurely dip rather than a sudden drenching (Dad got a bit too close to the edge of the dock while helping Cory put the new water trampoline in on Friday!).

It's not going to be easy putting him back on a plane on Monday. Hmmmm, Clare and Ali, maybe you need to start bribing me now. I've got LOTS of frequent flyer miles still saved up!