I need to have no worries.

Children and their terrible tantrums.

The very popular subject of handling tantrums was brought up on a forum, today, that I frequent.  I always love seeing the different opinions of parents and the different ways that people may handle the same situation.  The subject carried deeper, into the idea of how it would be handled if you were in public, versus the privacy of your own home.

My tactic is usually the same, whether we're in public, or at our house.  In my opinion, if your child isn't disciplined at home, they will not act disciplined in public.  I also believe that consistency is the Golden Rule to parenting.  No one can defend the argument, that a disobedient child in public, is no fun.  Especially - when it's your child.

There were many arguments placed in our friendly debate.  For Ex:

Giving the child something to distract them. (A sucker, snack, toy, etc.)
Stopping what you're doing, dropping what you're goal is and leaving, and then explaining to your child how their behavior was inappropriate and unappreciated.
Giving them a swat on the behind and reminding them that they are not in control.
and a few others..

I take claim to that last one, while also adding that I am usually prepared with a snack, juice, or small toy, for my toddler son, who sometimes gets bored with shopping.  I will also state that if my son is acting a fool, I will never try to quiet him with a bribe.  In my opinion, that only shows him that if he acts like a nut, I'll reward him with a snack or a toy.

I am a huge fan of a pop on the behind or the thigh and a time out.  That's usually my plan of action, if I've already asked for the situation to be resolved, and I'm being battled.  I don't think that a child should ever be under the impression that they may win an argument with a parent.  I don't really think that a child should ever even imagine that it's appropriate for them to enter an argument with a parent.

I don't know why my opinion is so different from so many others.  I guess it's all about where we are raised and how our parents parented.  I just always want my children to understand that I am the boss, period.  I shouldn't have to re-iterate that throughout their childhood and I think that consistency and firmness holds that point, solidly.

:) Krysta

Our bed has finally arrived!! (last night any way)

While I'm making pancakes for my little crew to enjoy, I wanted to share our bed with you.  That sounds like an invite, but it's not, haha - because trust me.. even a king sized bed isn't enough for me, my husband, and our two munchkins - which they proved while crashing our dream time this morning.  =D It's always nice to see their faces in the morning though, so I have no complaints.  The bed sleeps like a dream and our sheets, which are Egyptian cotton, by demand of the husband, are equally amazing.  Here's our new present to ourselves:

Because a phone camera is always with you...

I've decided to to randomly (literally, randomly pick pictures by shaking my phone) post pictures that are in my phone. Maybe once or twice a week, or if something that I just have to post comes up. =D Here's my first one:

This is Emily, Braelyn's 2nd American Girl doll.  She got her first one, Sara, who I'm sure you'll see eventually, from my dad, for Christmas.  The one pictured above, is from her Grandma Dena (Cody's mom). She is absolutely in love with these dolls. She has a hair curling kit for them and asks me to curl their hair, constantly.  I told her I would today... so maybe this is my random picture as a subtle reminder? :) Any way, the dolls are adorable, and ridiculously expensive.. and though I never got one as a child, I'm glad my daughter gets to experience them.

The American Widow Project [rips my heart out].

http://www.americanwidowproject.org/

I've spent some time lately reading over and learning the stories of our generation of military widows.  I have had goosebumps for a couple of hours now... I don't think they're going away any time soon.  So often we take for granted what we're blessed with.  My husband has been on a MEU deployment and a disaster relief deployment.  He'll soon be leaving for his next deployment, which is fortunately another MEU.  I have friends who have husbands who have been or are deployed in combat zones and I see their fear.  I've heard their fear.  I'm so sorry for the fear that they have to live through.  Even more so, though, I am sorry for those who are facing the reality of those fears.  I just cannot imagine.  I am going to try to not write too much, because I fear I may say something completely stupid, because like I said, I just cannot imagine.  I just don't know.  But I am so sorry.  I thank your SO's for their service and will continue to think of them and remember them.  I am so thankful for a project like the AWP, which brings stories of those lost to light.  They deserve at least that.

Our gift to ourselves, shall arrive TOMORROW!

My husband and I have wanted new mattresses for as long as we can remember. Lately, it's become our biggest "want." After having my mattresses for about 12 years, you can imagine, they're in rough shape.  So we decided to spoil ourselves and go for a king! New bed, new mattresses, new spot for us to make OUR OWN memories.  I am soooo thrilled.

This will be brough to us tomorrow:

**Happyyyy dance!!**

What are you and your SO getting for yourselves with your tax money this year?

I'm getting him a new grill. =D Can't wait.

We all know I'm terrible at blogging.

But there is something about it that I can't drag myself away from. Considering that my dear husband deploys soon though, I figured, "What the HAY!"  When he's gone, I get bored a lot, and when the kids go to bed, I'm usually left up, trying to figure out what to do with myself.  I have so much to say, soooo, I'm trying again.