I may have won the battle, but I think I'm losing the war.
Remember my first post? I thought I was being a sensitive mother who decided to love my kid rather than the "thing" (her wall). She had drawn all over it, and being the sensitive mother that I was, I didn't chastise her for her "creativity". Instead I chose to overlook an offense, and talk to her about it later.
Well, I did that and felt very good at the time. Unfortunately, I don't think I made that much of an impression on her.
Since then she has drawn on her dresser, her sister's bed and the back of her door. So I take away all forms of writing implements and I think I've won.
Not in the least! The next time I caught her in her closet with a jar full of honey. The day after, it was a bottle of baby powder (I didn't even know we had baby powder).
I have tried every approach I can think of to get her to stop being destructive. I have tried loving, chastising, lecturing, hugging, even a techniques I have heard called "tomato staking" (long story).
Nothing!
She seems bent on living "wild and free" as it were. Then when I finally think I got through to her, littlest one started. We are still in the midst of trying to reign in all the artistic creativity in this house...
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Friday, February 13, 2009
The End of a Nation
I know it's been a while, but I wanted to give everybody a chance to enter in my book giveaway.
I will also say that I never intended this blog to be political and, therefore, I will try to keep my political commentary short here. Here is a wonderful quote that a friend of mine posted on his Facebook page. It bears thinking about.
I say this because I have been watching CNN on occasion (I was forced), and saw how hypocritical many members of congress are being. For instance:
I watched as a female congress woman (don't know who) called the executives on Wall Street "Idiots" (those were her exact words) that couldn't handle money and didn't have any character with the funds that were given to them.
This is the same congress that voted themselves raises this year, despite the massive economic slow down.
I also watched a bit of the congressional hearing where a question was posed to the bank execs, asking them which companies owned or leased private planes. All hands went up except for one.
Let it be known by all that Nancy Pelosi has her own private jet.
Hypocrisy is acting in a manner contradictory to one's professed beliefs and feelings, or conversely, expressing false beliefs and opinions in order to conceal one's real feelings or motives.
And by the way, does it not bother anyone that the President's appointees all evade their taxes?
Am I alone in being concerned about this?
One last thought. Here is an excellent and timely article written in a biography about Davey Crockett when he served in congress. A very good read.
I will also say that I never intended this blog to be political and, therefore, I will try to keep my political commentary short here. Here is a wonderful quote that a friend of mine posted on his Facebook page. It bears thinking about.
"You cannot legislate the poor into freedom by legislating the wealthy out of freedom. What one person receives without working for, another person must work for without receiving. The government cannot give to anybody anything that the government does not first take from somebody else. When half of the people get the idea that they do not have to work because the other half is going to take care of them, and when the other half gets the idea that it does no good to work because somebody else is going to get what they work for, that my dear friend, is about the end of any nation.If "con" is the opposite of "pro", then is congress the opposite of progress?
"You cannot multiply wealth by dividing it."
~~~ The late Dr. Adrian Rogers , 1931 to 2005 ~~~
I say this because I have been watching CNN on occasion (I was forced), and saw how hypocritical many members of congress are being. For instance:
I watched as a female congress woman (don't know who) called the executives on Wall Street "Idiots" (those were her exact words) that couldn't handle money and didn't have any character with the funds that were given to them.
This is the same congress that voted themselves raises this year, despite the massive economic slow down.
I also watched a bit of the congressional hearing where a question was posed to the bank execs, asking them which companies owned or leased private planes. All hands went up except for one.
Let it be known by all that Nancy Pelosi has her own private jet.
Hypocrisy is acting in a manner contradictory to one's professed beliefs and feelings, or conversely, expressing false beliefs and opinions in order to conceal one's real feelings or motives.
And by the way, does it not bother anyone that the President's appointees all evade their taxes?
Am I alone in being concerned about this?
One last thought. Here is an excellent and timely article written in a biography about Davey Crockett when he served in congress. A very good read.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Mid-Winter Blues and Book Giveaway Reminder
Just a reminder that if you want to receive a free copy of my new book, you have one week left to enter the drawing. If you refer someone to the site and they tell me you referred them, you'll be entered twice!
Now, who out there is having the mid-year winter blues? I'm not talking about the emotional condition that is commonly associated with the season we are in. I am talking about the "it's too cold to send the kids outside to play and they're jumping off the walls" kind of attitude.
Now, I live in Georgia. Many of the wonderful nature readers and storybooks we read to the kids refer to my state as the "Sunny Southland".
Yes, it was sunny this morning.
19 degrees.
A few flakes of snow.
My apologies to all you Yankees, I know it's a bit frigid up there. But it's not supposed to be here!!
It's supposed to be cold, but glory be! People from up North move down here to get away from the cold! Not drive into it!!
...Sigh...
The real reason I'm tired of the cold is I want to send the children outside. But as we wimpy homeschoolers down South have no parkas, they cannot go outside. I have no desire to see my children turn blue from the cold. Strange, I know.
Two more months. I can do this!
In the meantime, make sure you get signed up for the giveaway!
God Bless,
Brandie
Now, who out there is having the mid-year winter blues? I'm not talking about the emotional condition that is commonly associated with the season we are in. I am talking about the "it's too cold to send the kids outside to play and they're jumping off the walls" kind of attitude.
Now, I live in Georgia. Many of the wonderful nature readers and storybooks we read to the kids refer to my state as the "Sunny Southland".
Yes, it was sunny this morning.
19 degrees.
A few flakes of snow.
My apologies to all you Yankees, I know it's a bit frigid up there. But it's not supposed to be here!!
It's supposed to be cold, but glory be! People from up North move down here to get away from the cold! Not drive into it!!
...Sigh...
The real reason I'm tired of the cold is I want to send the children outside. But as we wimpy homeschoolers down South have no parkas, they cannot go outside. I have no desire to see my children turn blue from the cold. Strange, I know.
Two more months. I can do this!
In the meantime, make sure you get signed up for the giveaway!
God Bless,
Brandie
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
OK. Time for a giveaway! Blogging is all about readership, and I want to increase mine, as well as get the word out about my new historical fiction novella, "The Time Has Come." You want to know more? Setting? Plot? Aha! Read on...
I have posted the first chapter in my other blog, where I am holding the giveaway. I want to hear what you think about it. If you post a comment on the other blog, you will be automatically entered into a drawing to receive a PDF copy of the whole book.
Increase your chances of winning by referring someone! (Reader must also post a comment and site your name to be eligible).
The deadline to enter will be February 13th at midnight. The winner will be chosen at random by monkey ninjas and announced on February 23rd.
Here's the link. Thanks!
I have posted the first chapter in my other blog, where I am holding the giveaway. I want to hear what you think about it. If you post a comment on the other blog, you will be automatically entered into a drawing to receive a PDF copy of the whole book.
Increase your chances of winning by referring someone! (Reader must also post a comment and site your name to be eligible).
The deadline to enter will be February 13th at midnight. The winner will be chosen at random by monkey ninjas and announced on February 23rd.
Here's the link. Thanks!
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Yes, Jesus Loves Me...
This has been a hard weekend.
Hubby got laid off on Friday, and though I know in my head everything will be alright, it's been easy to be a bit nervous.
But as I was in church today, I was reminded a passage from one of one of my favorite books, "The Basket of Flowers."
Things like a job.
Then at dinner, I was tidying and watching Lady bug, who is almost two, play after getting down from the table. She started singing:
Hubby's work is not my anchor or my security.
You are.
Thank you.
Hubby got laid off on Friday, and though I know in my head everything will be alright, it's been easy to be a bit nervous.
But as I was in church today, I was reminded a passage from one of one of my favorite books, "The Basket of Flowers."
"But God, who chastens even is best-loved children, will not suffer them to become too deeply attached to the things of earth. Afflictions (troubles) are sent to remind them that this world is not their rest-to wean their affections from earth, and fix them securely above."In other words, God in His mercy allows to be taken away from us things that may distract us from depending on Him.
Things like a job.
Then at dinner, I was tidying and watching Lady bug, who is almost two, play after getting down from the table. She started singing:
"Yes, Jesus loves me. The bible tells me so."Yes, Lord, I hear You. These words from my toddler hit home and I remember that You are in control.
Hubby's work is not my anchor or my security.
You are.
Thank you.
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Good Things Come in Small Packages
Superhero is an enigma.
On one hand, he is a super-kinetic ball of energy that tends to use the walls in the house to change his trajectory, rather than slowing down.
The other day I was trimming his nails, and he wouldn't quit moving. I cautioned him several times to hold still or he was going to get hurt, but he just couldn't do it. Finally I raised my voice so he knew I was very serious, and he managed to keep his body still.
However, all his energy went out his mouth. He babbled almost incomprehensibly the entire time he was still. As soon as I gave him the OK to move, his mouth closed and the never-ending movement started again.
But that's not what I came here to tell you.
On the other hand, there is another side to him that frankly freaks me out a bit. I've been told it's a boy thing, and I hope so.
Superhero is completely obsessed with all things villain. The only acceptable hero for him at the moment is the dark knight, and he doesn't even know what that is!! He's never seen the movie, heck I've never seen the movie, but it's dark and therefore somehow cool!!!
But that's not what I came here to tell you either.
On the other hand (yes, that's 3 hands), Superhero is the most generous, sweet and thoughtful person you could ever meet.
Tonight we were in the car and Princess asked what "shiny" meant. So we talked about the different things that were shiny, like metal, glass, gold, silver, the moon, sun, God, and then Superhero said, "Ponygirl's eyes are shiny. They light up when she smiles."
Well, that made more than Ponygirls's night. I was so touched, I just had to soak in the moment. It's so easy to get overwhelmed in day-to-day details of raising children that it's nice to experience a true heart exposure.
In reality, even though Superhero is rough, gruff and sometimes spiteful, he treasures his sisters. All of them. When he wants someone to play with, the first one he seeks out is Princess. He can be so gentle with Ladybug, and he dotes over her. He gets the "protection of sisters" thing with her.
And he adores his older sister. Truly.
One of my favorite songs has a chorus that says:
"I will look at You (God) and say it's gonna be worth it, it's gonna be worth it all."
It's worth it. It really is.
On one hand, he is a super-kinetic ball of energy that tends to use the walls in the house to change his trajectory, rather than slowing down.
The other day I was trimming his nails, and he wouldn't quit moving. I cautioned him several times to hold still or he was going to get hurt, but he just couldn't do it. Finally I raised my voice so he knew I was very serious, and he managed to keep his body still.
However, all his energy went out his mouth. He babbled almost incomprehensibly the entire time he was still. As soon as I gave him the OK to move, his mouth closed and the never-ending movement started again.
But that's not what I came here to tell you.
On the other hand, there is another side to him that frankly freaks me out a bit. I've been told it's a boy thing, and I hope so.
Superhero is completely obsessed with all things villain. The only acceptable hero for him at the moment is the dark knight, and he doesn't even know what that is!! He's never seen the movie, heck I've never seen the movie, but it's dark and therefore somehow cool!!!
But that's not what I came here to tell you either.
On the other hand (yes, that's 3 hands), Superhero is the most generous, sweet and thoughtful person you could ever meet.
Tonight we were in the car and Princess asked what "shiny" meant. So we talked about the different things that were shiny, like metal, glass, gold, silver, the moon, sun, God, and then Superhero said, "Ponygirl's eyes are shiny. They light up when she smiles."
Well, that made more than Ponygirls's night. I was so touched, I just had to soak in the moment. It's so easy to get overwhelmed in day-to-day details of raising children that it's nice to experience a true heart exposure.
In reality, even though Superhero is rough, gruff and sometimes spiteful, he treasures his sisters. All of them. When he wants someone to play with, the first one he seeks out is Princess. He can be so gentle with Ladybug, and he dotes over her. He gets the "protection of sisters" thing with her.
And he adores his older sister. Truly.
One of my favorite songs has a chorus that says:
"I will look at You (God) and say it's gonna be worth it, it's gonna be worth it all."
It's worth it. It really is.
Monday, December 22, 2008
Open Letter to the President-Elect
Dear Mr. Obama,
I understand your desire for young women to not to have to suffer the consequences of sometimes horrible mistakes or, even worse, acts of violence. I am thankful to know that you care deeply about American women.
Having said that, please stop supporting FOCA. This legislation is not about protecting the rights of women; it is about worshiping the gods of convenience and fear.
You yourself have said that you did not support "anti abortion" legislation in Illinois because there was already good legislation on record. If it is good legislation, don't change it by making federal laws that supersede state laws. Let the states decide for themselves what is best.
Besides, if you truly look at what the procedure entails, you would see that abortion is ripping living beings apart limb by limb into small pieces. These living beings have beating hearts, brain waves and can feel pain and fear. In some horrible circumstances, these living beings are killed after being partially born, their skulls imploded.
If this happened to puppies, the nation would be outraged! Why then, is it OK to do this to innocent children?
The day babies are born, everyone knows they are alive. What about the day before that? Or the day before that? How far back do you go before they are no longer alive? I mean the heart beats at 7 weeks.
If you use "being able to breath on their own" as a sign of life, what about the born babies, children and even adults that are on respirators? Are they not alive, even after they are born?
Why then is there such a discrepancy between when they are alive or not? I believe it is whether or not they are wanted by their mother.
Mr. Obama, these children have the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness just as much as someone who who has been born but cannot breath, walk, talk or feed themselves.
I implore you to follow the logic of those who support FOCA. The logical conclusion is that it will eventually be OK to murder someone because you do not like them.
I know that you consider yourself a Christian, and I plead with you to read the book of Judges. All through the book, the history of the new nation of Israel (about our age, actually) states how they kept turning away from God. One of the things they kept doing was worshiping other gods and sacrificing their children to them. Are we not doing the same thing?
God removed His blessing from Israel, and so He has been removing His hand of blessing from us. The good news, however, is that they kept turning back to Him, and so can we.
I beg you to see the signs, the things happening right in front of you. You are an extremely intelligent man, and I know you can see it if you look.
Please look.
Everything hinges on what you do. The lives of thousands of children depend on you.
May God bless you and give you His wisdom,
Brandie Longoria
I understand your desire for young women to not to have to suffer the consequences of sometimes horrible mistakes or, even worse, acts of violence. I am thankful to know that you care deeply about American women.
Having said that, please stop supporting FOCA. This legislation is not about protecting the rights of women; it is about worshiping the gods of convenience and fear.
You yourself have said that you did not support "anti abortion" legislation in Illinois because there was already good legislation on record. If it is good legislation, don't change it by making federal laws that supersede state laws. Let the states decide for themselves what is best.
Besides, if you truly look at what the procedure entails, you would see that abortion is ripping living beings apart limb by limb into small pieces. These living beings have beating hearts, brain waves and can feel pain and fear. In some horrible circumstances, these living beings are killed after being partially born, their skulls imploded.
If this happened to puppies, the nation would be outraged! Why then, is it OK to do this to innocent children?
The day babies are born, everyone knows they are alive. What about the day before that? Or the day before that? How far back do you go before they are no longer alive? I mean the heart beats at 7 weeks.
If you use "being able to breath on their own" as a sign of life, what about the born babies, children and even adults that are on respirators? Are they not alive, even after they are born?
Why then is there such a discrepancy between when they are alive or not? I believe it is whether or not they are wanted by their mother.
Mr. Obama, these children have the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness just as much as someone who who has been born but cannot breath, walk, talk or feed themselves.
I implore you to follow the logic of those who support FOCA. The logical conclusion is that it will eventually be OK to murder someone because you do not like them.
I know that you consider yourself a Christian, and I plead with you to read the book of Judges. All through the book, the history of the new nation of Israel (about our age, actually) states how they kept turning away from God. One of the things they kept doing was worshiping other gods and sacrificing their children to them. Are we not doing the same thing?
God removed His blessing from Israel, and so He has been removing His hand of blessing from us. The good news, however, is that they kept turning back to Him, and so can we.
I beg you to see the signs, the things happening right in front of you. You are an extremely intelligent man, and I know you can see it if you look.
Please look.
Everything hinges on what you do. The lives of thousands of children depend on you.
May God bless you and give you His wisdom,
Brandie Longoria
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