Encouragement!

It is quiet at my house this morning. Tanner stayed the night with his Meme and Grampy and My hubby went for a long run and to football practice. We had a nice kid free evening last night. We went out for frozen yogurt and then watched a movie at home. I had a week that was a little overwhelming in the begining. Tanner was regressing with his potty training. He was having tons of accidents. That by itself would have been fine to deal with but we are preparing the house to switch three rooms around, coming back from being out of town, and dealing with a toddler who was peeing everywhere. (it felt like) Monday rained all day so no going outside, my house has been in complete disarray waiting for Tanner's Big Boy furniture to get here, and Billy stays late in Gainesville every 4th Monday of the month. So for me it was a very overwhelming day. Did I mention I am 28 weeks pregnant aka 7 months? I was exhausted. I think that is a time when are defenses are down and life seems so hard. I finally got Tanner to bed and my mom and some friends were the ones who lifted me up and gave me lots of encouragement! My mom knows alot about preschool age children! Not only did she raise me and my five brothers and sister but she worked at a daycare for over 20 years. She now stays home and takes care of my two year old nephew while my sister is in school. She was very encouraging and reminded me lots of children regress. For me I was feeling like I was failing at my job. I am thankful for my mom. I am also very thankful for my father-in-law and mother-in-law. They love Tanner and graciously keep him and are very hands on grandparents. It is true what they say it takes a village to raise a child. This week God has comforted me a lot. I spoke with Ashlee, Aimee, and Katie all this week too. All with different age children and all with different challenges going on. Each age brings new challenges and new adventures and blessings but when I rely on God it doesn't seem as tough or overwhleming. Our week got better. Some friends gave us a few sugestions. Cheerios in the toilet and rewarding with m&ms so we are back to guiding and teaching. The biggest challenge for Billy and I is to remain patient and consistent. I want to raise strong boys but I want to be a gentle mommy. I want to not crush my kids spirit in the process of guiding and teaching. Tanner is such a joy to my heart!! I could not be more proud to be his mommy. As you know I am pregnant and all along Tanner has always said he was going to have a little brother. We can wait to meet our son Holden. I am grateful that we have such a wonderful home and able to close in our garage for more space.(We are going to need it) Yesterday's sermon was all about parenting. This new series on Modern family is teaching me alot. Billy and I are asking God to help us in specific areas of parenting. The five points we are praying on right now are: !) Start disciplining early 2) Provide a predictable environment 3) Balance high standards with lots of acceptance 4)Don't let anger be part of the process 5) Let ALWAYS be keeping the heart of your child be the goal. God is a God who loves and helps me. Thank you Father for your unfailing love this week. 2 Samuel 7:18 "Who am I, O Sovereign Lord, and what is my family, that you have brought me this far?" Picture is me at 28 weeks pregnant with our little blessing HOLDEN!