We finally got some much needed rain today so Kristofer had to go play in it. (6/24/07)

He was making hand and foot prints and decided to make a head print.

Such a boy! Had to drive his truck through the puddle.

Throwing rocks in the puddle.

Parenting Stuggles

She opens her mouth in wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.

–Proverbs 31:26

This past week, in the job of parenting, it has been pretty rough. Kristofer has been really testing me when I tell him not to do something. Instead of making him have a time out for his offence I have been letting it slide and then getting so upset I start yelling. With Kristofer, if you yell, it just makes him more out of control.

After talking to my mom and sister, and crying my eyes out last night, I have learned that if it gets to the point that I am yelling then I have not done my job in disciplining my son and it IS my fault. I don’t feel alone anymore or like I am a “failing” parent. I just have to buckle down and work a little harder this week.

Today is a new day and I am starting over. We have already had a few instances where he did not listen and had to take a time out. It is amazing how much smother the day goes when we are all calm. I am also remembering that I do not have to be a “perfect” parent just a “good” parent.

To anyone else who may be struggling: Stay strong! It won’t last forever!

Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.

-Proverbs 22:6

They like the Airplane ride.

Kristofer and Noah LOVED the race cars. Kristofer got off and chatted non-stop about it.

Riding the Swings.

The gang with Bugs Bunny.

Riding the Fire Truck.

Josh and Noah are ready!!

Getting ready to take off on the roller coaster.

Kristofer's first roller coaster ride did not end well. He was terrified!

We spent Father's Day at Six Flags KY Kingdom and had a great time. Mom, Dad and the Olson's came with us. Kristofer liked all the rides except the roller coaster.
We also met the characters of Looney Tunes. I think Kristofer was a little amazed to see them in person. He was not scared at all. (6/17/07)

Blueberry picking with Grandma K. (6/15/2007)

Another great day at the Zoo. (6/9/2007)

He had to stop and throw some rocks in the creek.

Grinding corn.

Playing with old toys (a top/spinner.)

Kristofer was cranking an old music box.

Kristofer was so tired from all the hiking he sat down on the trail and refused to walk any further.

Memorial Day Weekend

On Saturday we went to Spring Mill Park where they were having reenactments of the Civil War, and we did a lot of hiking.

On Monday we grilled out and had smores. Kristofer really enjoyed them.

Awesome kick!!

Kristofer with his trophy.

Taking a watermelon break.

Kristofer played his first season of soccer. In the beginning he had a hard time understanding that everyone played with the same ball. On the first game he got mad at another kid and went after him pinching his cheeks. By the last game he understood how it worked and had a really good time. He even scored a goal! (5/22/07)

Kristofer got a play shaving set and Kelly was teaching how to shave. He loves it. (5/18/07)

Swimming at the YMCA (5/14/07)

We get together a few times a year with the other two families we adopted with. This was our spring get together. (4/29/07)

Lovin on Alex

Easter Day was spent at our house with an Easter Egg Hunt of course! (4/7/07)

We got together to coloring Easter eggs at mom and dad's house. After coloring the eggs everyone looked at I spy books while mom made us waffles and bacon. (4/4/07)