June 29th 2013 Update

So much for sleeping in today... I had a very anxious lil boy who was excited to get his toys back... I told him to go sleep for another hour then come back... Never tell your child to come back in an hour... For one he doesn't know how long an hour is, lol... Well I wasn't fully awake when I told him that... So every 5 minutes has an hour past yet? No! It hasn't. I ended up getting up & just adjusting to the light... So we got up made breakfast while listening to some positive encouraging music the fish. After breakfast I brought all his toys back & put them in his room... He beamed from ear to ear... I love seeing that! Finally I asked him "now what happens if you don't pick up your toys?" His reply "I lose them in your room & I get to very bored..." My reply "Exactly!!! So what are you going to do so that doesn't happen?" His reply "Oh mommy I am going to pick up my toys and not make a mess..." My reply "good, I am glad to hear that..." So we will see if he decides to test this again..

Avery has learned at an early age that some words have power. Mommy is learning to not react to everything he says. His counselor said to not put any energy into anything bad that he is saying... Well that isn't easy... So he was very disrespectful earlier & I about had it at that point so he got to stand in the corner for 5 minutes & his time started over if he said any words... So after about 15 minutes in the corner he was let out because he finally stopped saying anything. How can you just not have any emotions in what your child is saying if it's negative & disrespectful??? I think if he thinks he's big enough to talk like that & be disrespectful then he is big enough to have a consequence for his behavior... So after I let him get out, he came over told me he was sorry & that he loved me. I told him that when he say's negative things & acts disrespectful towards me he will stand in the corner for 5 minutes without talking. I also told him that the things he said wasn't very nice & that I am not going to accept that kind of behavior from him. I also let him know that I love him & that I forgive him. I refuse to let him grow up to be one of those spoiled rotten brats who run over everyone & everything & have no respect for anything... He will be a polite, respectful gentleman....

Okay I gotta brag on my Avery!!! He was in his room for a good 20 minutes & I heard all kinds of toys being taken out of his toy totes. So I went to investigate... Yep toys everywhere!!!! So I told him I was going to make lunch and that these toys all need to be picked by the time I'm done.... He said "Okay mommy!!!" So was making us a cold lunch & he comes out and says "Mommy!!!! Come check!!! Come see that I've picked up my toys!!!!" So I went and saw and he had everyone of them picked up!!! So I made a huge deal out of it... We did a lil dancing, high fived it,& then went to go eat our lunches... I am sooo proud of my Avery!!!!!!!!

So for the rest of the day, there was no more disrespectful words... He actually thought before he spoke... For me that was amazing, if a 4 3/4 year old can think before speaking then so can adults! He went outside to play for awhile with his sword, shield, and belt, lol.... Then later on he went back into his bedroom to play with some toys. About an hour later I checked to see what kind of mess there was. Note between the hour he kept coming out every so often to chat with me a bit and then went back to his room. So we had dinner and then we brushed our teeth. We had another race and Avery won again... He still winces at the sight of the toothpaste but he was a trooper and brushed his teeth anyway. So before he went to bed I asked him to go clean up the mess he made in his room, his reply "okay mom, I am!" He cleaned up his room and did a marvelous just I must say. I didn't have to tell him to pick up anything, it was already done! After that we did our prayers together and I tucked him into bed. The words that come to mind are inexpressible to voice. I feel like I am finally getting somewhere with Avery!!! That he is actually grasping what I ask him to do and thinking before he speaks, it's just amazing!!!! All the glory goes to God though, I am just a willing vessel carrying out what He has given me to do!!!! I love you Lord!!!! 

June 28th 2013 Update

Well I am almost there... Tomorrow morning Avery gets his toys back & I get my room back, yay!!! It's a win-win situation, lol.... It's been a scorcher here today, thank the good Lord I got a cool apartment.... Just got done eating dinner... Avery had a mini pizza & would you believe it, he ate the whole thing!!! That's a first for him. But it's like I told him, this is what's for dinner if you don't like it you won't be eating dinner tonight... Some people might think I'm hard core but he needs to be thankful for having something to eat for dinner... I told him their are kids in other countries who would love to have a mini pizza instead of digging through garbage cans... He agreed... What can I say... Except I'm gonna make sure I raise him the best that I can & let God do the rest... So I don't really care what people think... It's what God thinks that matters....

So today Avery asks me "so when do I get my toys?" I asked him "what have I been telling you for the past two days about when you get your toys?" His reply "On Saturday... Is it Saturday yet?" I asked him "what day did I tell you it was earlier?" His reply "oh it's still Friday... Can I have my toys tonight instead of tomorrow?" My reply "I think you know the answer to that question Avery." His reply "oh well at least I only have to be bored tonight and then I get my toys." My reply "That is only true if you do not test me again." His reply "What is a test?" My reply "there are many different tests and the one I'm talking about is this... If I ask you to pick up your toys & you tell me no then your toys will be taken away again. What I mean by test is if you don't believe that I will take them away, look at what happened last time." His reply "oh I get it... Can I just have one toy mommy?" My reply "no not until tomorrow." His reply "Mommy you don't love me." My reply "yes I do & I will not let you grow up with no humility, respect, & honor! You will do as you are told or you will have no privileges. I am doing this because I do love you!" His reply "Oh, okay... I love you too mommy!"

Also tonight for brushing our teeth we played copy cat... He loved it! He did say "mommy when do I get some different toothpaste?" I told him when I get money, he said okay... But there was no power struggle or anything... He really liked the copy cat game... That's right you have a child who hates brushing their teeth make it fun....

June 27th 2013 Update

Hey all, pray your day is bright & wonderful! Mine is going good, I have gotten some much needed cleaning done! I was able to sweep & mop Avery's bedroom floor because his toys were not in there so I definitely took advantage of getting his floor cleaned... Also this morning first thing Avery said is "is it Saturday yet?" I said "no..." He said "oh so I don't get my toys today?" I said "no not until Saturday which is in 2 days..." His reply "oh that's too long..." I replied with "well maybe next time you will pick up your toys when asked or will we need to go through this again..." His reply "oh mommy it seems like it's been forever since I've had my toys. I won't be leaving any toys on the floor again.." My reply "well I hope you have learned your lesson & that you will know that what I say I will do & stick to it..." His reply " I get it... I believe you... I don't want to be bored, I will pick up my toys..." I couldn't help but chuckle in my head... I am gonna make a respectful young lad out of him, with God's help that is....

Avery just had the cutest conversation with his cat "Buddy"... He was holding Buddy telling him "when mommy asks you to pick up your toys because if you don't you will be bored like me... And you will have nothing to play with. So make sure you listen to mommy because she said she would take away my toys if I didn't pick them up. And I didn't pick them up... Boy am I sad Buddy, I have no toys right now...." I was in my room when he was having this conversation with his cat... I laughed when I heard this... How could you not? I'm still wondering if I will ever have to do this again or did he truly learn his lesson? I guess we will find out.....

 We just finished dinner & Avery said he wanted to say the prayer... Here's his prayer.... "Dear Lord, thank you for this food. In Jesus name Amen." Then he says "Can I eat?" Lol... I complimented him for saying grace... Then I asked him if it would be okay to thank God for more than just the food next time? His reply okay mommy, I was just so hungry & I wanted to eat my food." Gotta love you kids & what they come up with!!! At least he's learning how to say grace before he eats....

 Well we just brushed our teeth, no problem with it tonight! He is excited about getting some bubble gum toothpaste on payday! I brushed my teeth & he brushed his with a lil bit of help. Gonna transition him for bed then it's me time!!!!

I'm gonna go spend some time with my best friend (God). Gnite, sweet dreams, & God bless you & yours... Where do I go when I feel sad, emotional, lonely, discouraged, thankful, happy, & maybe I just want to have a conversation with my best friend. He has never failed me, betrayed me, &/or left me.... Matter of fact He sent His Only son to die for me... Yep He's my best friend!!!! TTYTM......

June 26th 2013 Update

Well Avery is taking a nap right now due to it's very boring at our apartment right now. Why you may be asking, well he decided not to pick up his toys, so now they are ALL in my room until Saturday... Also no dvds today AT ALL!!! Also no playing outside... There were many incidents that brought on these consequences... So he has been looking at his books, sitting on the couch, & well now sleeping on his bed... MAYBE he will take me seriously this time.... Also we brushed our teeth together & there was no problem... Except I really think the issue is that the mint toothpaste might be a bit much for him. So as soon as I get paid, I am going to try the bubble gum kids toothpaste & see if that helps....

I find it interesting that they have all of these churches that do VBS & some churches charge you to have your children learn about Jesus... I remember growing up where they had VBS & they were all FREE... What is our world coming to? I got a flyer in the mail that is charging $12 per child to attend & learn about Jesus... I'm sorry but what a disgrace to Jesus... He said "Let the little children come unto me." He didn't charge them admission...

 So I woke Avery up from his nap so he could have a mini snack... First words out of his mouth were "can I play with my toys now?" I said "sorry son but you wouldn't pick up your toys earlier so you can't have them until Saturday morning." He said "well how many days is that mommy?" I said "well today is pretty much over so you have 2 more days." His response "Oh wow I get 2 more days to do nothing, how boring." I said "yep pretty much." Then he said "well can I watch a dvd now?" I said "well I told you earlier there would be no dvds today." But mommy I turned my attitude around." I said "yes you did but when I asked you earlier to stop doing what you were doing & you defied me, I told you what the consequence was." His response "oh so I guess I'm really gonna be bored tonight." My response "yes son but now maybe you understand that when I say something, I am going to follow through with it." His response "ok momma you the boss."

 

June 25th 2013 Update

Well so far today has been another good day... After the episode of Avery not picking up his toys & me going in there & filling up a box to give away he has decided today that he wants to keep the rest of his toys so he has picked up every mess that he has made! I think I got my point a crossed to him. I asked him why he was picking up his messes & he said "because I made them & I don't want my toys to go in your room for a day. I would be really bored..." I said "thank you for picking up your toys & you got that right... You decide not to pick up your toys & they will go in my room for the day." FOLLOWING THROUGH is KEY!!! SO I will continue to follow through...

I didn't get to any unpacking, putting any pictures up, or cleaning... My son needed some mommy time so the hours I had with him were spent worthwhile!!! We made a cardboard shield only to run out of tape.... Needless he was a tad disappointed, but is happy I am letting him play with it even though it isn't completely finished. The edges aren't all taped... Then we put together a puzzle of the avengers... He had some fun & I just enjoyed being & spending time with him as well... All that other stuff can wait until later... I should checkout Walmart & see if they have any decent prices on a shield... Also Avery has been without a pull-up for over 2 weeks!!!

It's always got to be something.... Yesterday it was not picking up his toys, tonight it's not wanting his teeth brushed, urg.... I mean seriously why the screaming???? It's just a toothbrush with toothpaste!!!! Will I ever get to a point where I can just hide my emotions & not let it bother me? His counselor said don't put any energy or emotion into anything when he acts out.... Easier said than done. I keep telling him if he doesn't brush his teeth they will will get cavities & fall out... He doesn't care, he would rather throw the biggest fit ever.... grrrrrrrr... I tried telling him that his buddies brush their teeth, did that work nope... I have had trouble in this area but I thought we overcame it, well I guess not... Now he doesn't get his sword for the whole day tomorrow, that really made him mad....Other than that it has been a very peaceful day! Now for some me time... I think I'll put on the radio & listen to the fish while I cool off from being frazzled..... Breath in & out.......

Today for the most part has been a good day regardless of my venting earlier... I got to spend some much needed time with Avery & we got to talk & he gave me tons of questions that he had about everything... Lots of questions about daddy as well... For me those are the hard ones because sooo much is unknown... So I just do my best to reassure him that God knows what's best & that He will get us through this... This separation isn't easy on him either... I guess I try to keep moving forward & keep thinking everything is okay & honky dory & then my son asks a question that brings me back to the realization that everything isn't as okay as try to make it... I guess I am having one of those nights where I just wanna cry myself to sleep. There is pain in the night but JOY comes in the Morning... Sooo many emotions through all of this... I guess it is normal to miss the one who hurt you. After all we've been married over 8 years... You don't just stop feeling for your spouse when that's all you've known for soo long... I know God has this, I just need to continue to stay strong & rely on the Lord... Well gnite all, sweet dreams, & God bless you & yours...

  

June 24th 2013 Update

I don't know about you but I have just wanted to hibernate all day, it has to have something to do with the weather... It's been rainy & windy here in Salem, OR... It's suppose to be like this for the next couple of days... Nice way to start the summer off, don't you think?!? To top that off I got a headache coming on & it's not a nice one... Other than that everything is peachy, lol... Just lovin life & spending lots of time with My son who is growing up sooo fast...

 I just registered to win a $10,000 scholarship for school... I figure if it's God's will for me to win then so be it & if not then He has another way... Please keep me in your prayers about this scholarship, more than anything I want what God wants!!! 

I am taking a mini break but so far I have gotten stuff cleared, I found my classic hurricane from PartyLiite so I replaced my nice fake flowers in that hurricane & put up the thumbprint one. I thought I had the classic one but I searched everything so I thought, lol... I forgot to look above the linen closet, lol... I love the look! Everything is coming along so nicely!!! I am gonna have to have a housewarming party after I'm finished... I still have some pictures to put up, some more boxes to unpack, & to get rid of the boxes of stuff that I don't need so it's not cluttering my living room...

Well I got some more stuff done... I was able to hang up some pictures & I ended up going through Avery's toys... What a day, I am now officially tired... Every time I walk in a room & see the walls with pictures, I get good goose bumps! I have lots of positive sayings, Bible verses, crosses, family pictures, & beautiful nature pictures. I am overwhelmed with God's goodness that He has poured out on Avery & I!!!! If it wasn't for God we would not be in this beautiful place.... It was all God!!!!!! Thank you Lord!!!!

Question... If your child(ren) don't pick up there toys what do you do? I asked Avery to pick up his mess of toys earlier & he said no. So I told him to stay in his room until he does. Well that didn't work... He stayed in his room but dumped out ALL his toys... So I gave him 15 minutes to start picking up his toys & he didn't do it, so I brought a box in and filled it up of toys he doesn't play with to give away. I told him if he EVER dumped out all his toys &/or made a mess & wouldn't clean it up, ALL his toys will be put in my room for a whole day. I don't know if it will work but it's worth a try... So what do you or would you do? 

 

June 22nd 2013 Update

Well what's on the agenda today? Some grocery shopping, maybe some fun at the park, & definitely some more unpacking and cleaning... Although that's my agenda... So Lord what is on your agenda for me today!!! Thanks for the sunshine Lord, it's beautiful!!!!! Have a blessed weekend all... Count them blessings....

 Just got back a lil while ago from grocery shopping with my friend & her lovely grand daughter! Thanks so much Jean & Stephanie!!!! We tried using a calculator and messed up a couple of times, lol. I was sharing with them that sometimes when I go to the store, God tells me in my heart to put it away. So were waiting for the total.. We got $71 & some change & we wanted to see how close we were, lol... The total was $79 & some change. The goal was to not go over $81... Isn't God amazing!?! All in all it was a great time, catching up on each others life's & sharing tips & just plain conversation with ladies! Time well spent!!!!

 Well I just finished writing out all the invites for Avery's party... That was a lotta writing... Listening to the fish... Getting ready for bed... I got to get up early, I got praise team rehearsal at 8am! Seems like it's been awhile... It's been a good break though with moving & getting settled. I'm ready to be on the mountain praising God!!!! That's how I feel when I'm up there... It's amazing!!!!!

June 21st 2013 Update

Taking a mini break then it's back to unpacking some more & finding a place for it or giving it a new home... Went to pick Avery up at VBS & they were singing, I thought I saw Avery doing the hand motions & moving around I was super excited. But when it was time to get the kids Avery was sitting on the other side. Go figure... Well I know someday he'll start doing the motions to songs, lol... They had a BBQ afterwards of hotdogs and chips... Now were home, he's watching Narnia Prince Caspian & I'm getting stuff organized and cleaned up... It's been a really good day!

 Well I'm back & I got a lot done! I emptied 3 boxes and 1 clothes basket, put up some pictures, & swept my bedroom floor!!! My room looks like a bedroom, yay! Also I got out some of my Partylite items: my thumbprint hurricane, I put some beautiful fake flowers in it with some white sand in the bottom... I also have my water fountain going... I just love the sound of water trickling down on the rocks... It sounds like a creek... So a very productive day!!!!

I think I just found something that will get my cat to sleep at night! Can you guess what it is? A box... I am a genius, lol... Who knew..... Sure wish I would've thought of that one earlier, lol.... All kidding aside this momma is tired & headed to bed... Gnite all, sweet dreams, & God bless you & yours....

June 20th 2013 Update

Well it has been one productive day! Avery went to VBS & then to an appointment, I got some cleaning done , & some much needed quiet time with the Lord today! We just got back so I am one tired momma... As I continue to take one step at a time in Faith, God is blessing Avery & I in so many ways. I am soooo overwhelmed at His goodness, compassion, & love! I mean that in a good way...

June 19th 2013 Update

Hello pray your day was a good one! It was a very productive day & Avery got blessed with a backless booster seat!!!! Thank you Lord!!!!! I'm so overwhelmed with thankfulness to God for everything that He has helped me overcome!!! All the glory, honor, praise, and worship belong to you oh God!!!!!! Have a blessed night all....

June 18th 2013 Update

Hey all, pray you all had a good nite's sleep! Today has been another wonderful day!!! Avery got to go to VBS with his girl pal Brooklyn & got got to fellowship with my friend! After we got back from VBS, we got the mail & I got a surprise!!!! I got a receipt from my rent management company & the grant that I got paid for June's rent. They just got their funds & wanted me to know. So the rent I paid for on June 4th is being pro-rated to July!!!! Yes you guessed it, July's rent is paid!!!! I just love how God works!!! I have been praying for some extra money & God blessed me with some!!! Now I can get my Avery a birthday present or two!!! Thank you God!!!!!

June 17th 2013 Update

Well I had quite the adventure today... I took Avery to his first VBS today and then I decided to get to my to do list... So I caught the bus & headed towards the Library... Silly me forgot that the Library is closed on Mondays... So I walked all the way to the bus station... I guess God had other plans & another to do list for me today, lol... So I caught another bus & waited for it to leave the station... God pressed upon me people to pray for so I did... I got to pray for all kinds of people today! So I decided on my adventure I was going to get something accomplished so I headed out to the DMV & got the drivers manual to study for my permit!!! So after that I headed home... So I thought I waited a whole 45 minutes for the bus... Really not what I wanted to do but during that time I sang praise & worship songs, did some more praying & just talked to God like He was standing right by me.. Well I know He is with me where ever I go, but you know what I mean... Anyways what an AWESOME day!!!! I was filled up on SUNDAY & SENT OUT on MONDAY!!!! I also got to lend a helping hand to a women & her child today!!!! Love love love that is what our world needs Jesus' LOVE!

It's quite interesting how God works!!! A year ago I would never have thought I would utter let alone think of getting my drivers permit.... God has done sooo much changing in my life where I'm walking down the road today looking at all the cars driving by asking God so what kind of car do you have for me? Lol.... I actually caught myself & said what are you thinking!?! Permit first!!! One step at a time.... Still a bit frazzled about driving but this is something I need to do for Avery as well as for me... With Christ I can do ALL things!!!!!



 

June 14th 2013 update

I got my new shoes today!!!!! I forgot that when you get a new pair of shoes & you put them on they retrain your feet... All I can say is OUCH!!! So now I'm breaking in the shoes... Happy for the shoes & sad for my feet for the next couple of days...

Well we went to the park only to find that they had the play equipment blocked off due to adding more gravel it looks like. But they had a wide open field and a bark trail so we walked the trail. It felt good to be out in the sun & feel the nice cool breeze! I walked the trail for 2 miles in my new shoes!!! It felt great to have a new pair of shoes walking, I definitely felt the difference!!! Now back at our place Avery is having fun in our backyard! I thought he got enough running around at the park, but I guess I was wrong... I don't think he will ever run out of energy...

Tomorrow is Fathers day and it's my 3rd Fathers Day without my dad. We lost him to cancer, but he is in a better place with no more pain and he is Free!!! Here is a picture of my dad, whom I miss soo much... But I am happy for him that he is in a better place and that place is in Heaven with Jesus...

!!!!!!!!HAPPY FATHERS DAY DAD, YOU WILL ALWAYS BE IN MY HEART!!!!!!!!

 

June 13th 2013 update

Well today has been a very productive day! The walls are starting to come together!!! Slowly but surely the pictures are coming together!!! One thing I noticed is that I need some new pictures of Avery & I with some frames... It would be nice to set up a session and get some taken... Once I get my financial aid, that will be one of the items on my list... Also I need to get some huge picture frames for 3 big pictures. They are scenic pictures & I think they would look wonderful in frames.

June 12th 2013 Update

Hello all, pray your day is going good... Mine is going great! Avery is doing great on potty training! Another night & morning of a dry bed!!! He is doing really well & he is soo happy!!!! Well actually were both really happy!!!! We really love our new place!!!! Fathers Day is coming up this weekend & I really miss my Dad who passed away 2 years & 4 months ago of cancer. I know where my dad is & he has no pain in heaven! Also Avery is missing his papa & I am too but I know that there is a season for everything. For everyone out there who still has their dad around spend as much time with him as you can because when he's gone, that's it... Also for those that have had dads pass away, it doesn't matter how time you spent with him. You always wish you would've spent even more time together... Happy Early Fathers Day to all Fathers out there!!!!!

 I just signed up for fall classes!!! It's going to be a very busy fall... So what's in store for the summer? Well I plan on studying & going for my permit!!! Loads of fun & memories with my lil man Avery!!! This going to be the best summer ever!!!! And I am going to have tons of pics!!!!!!

June 11th 2013 Update

Hello all, I over did it yesterday with all the errands so now I am feeling all the pain... I guess that's my body's response saying "I'm not use to this!" So I am laying low & going to try some of this epson salt mixture with rubbing alcohol and see if it will take away some of the pain. All I know is that I am completely exhausted & ready for a nap... Too bad Avery won't go down for one, lol... On the flip side Avery is n night #3 with waking up with a dry bed!!! And is completely pull-up free! I would say he is potty trained!!!! No accidents in the last 2 days!!!! I still remind him every 30 minutes that it's potty time, he goes to potty & usually goes!!! So I am gonna go kick back & relax.....

 I have been praying that God would direct me in whether or not to go to summer term because my financial award letter might not be here in time. So I go to my Chemeketa and check my status & my emails. I got a notice saying that a 3 credit class I was signed up for was cancelled because there wasn't enough students signed up for it. So I kept searching online for another 3 credit class to add in it's place. Well guess what, there isn't any... So I just sat there for a moment & prayed and got my answer. So I get to spend the summer with Avery & make lots of good memories before we both go to school for the fall! God is soooooo Awesome!!!!!

I believe it's sure enough to say that my baby is fully potty trained!!!! He went into the bathroom to go potty and comes out and tells me "mommy I went both come & see!!!" Sure enough he did... This is a huge milestone & I feel like crying because I'm happy & wondered if this day would ever come but I also realize he's not a baby anymore & he's needing me less & less.... I know his 1st day of Kindergarten I'm gonna cry.... I'm trying to hold back the tears as I write this... He's growing up too quick.... Also got the confirmation that my new shoes shipped and estimated delivery date is this Friday!!!! All I can say is YEAH PRAISE THE LORD!!!! Bring me them shoes, because the ones I am wearing are shot.... Avery & I got haircuts, below are some pictures...

 

June 10th 2013 update.

Well today was quite the day, we left at 12:30pm to go register Avery for Kindergarten! Then we caught the bus to go to the bank to make a deposit. Then we caught another bus to go to Walmart to get some things. After that we caught another bus to get home. Came home dropped off everything & put what needed to be put away, checked the mail & we were off again catching another bus.... Lol... Went downtown to go order a pair of shoes for myself because the ones I have are shot & they are killing my back to walk in them on the cement. So I should get them in about a week or so! Then we caught another bus to get home & stay home, lol... Needless to say I am tired & I even think Avery is tired a bit.... Also Avery wore big boy underwear the whole entire trip & not one accident so far today!!!! What a wonderful day, the sun was shining & I was with one of my favorite people's!!!! With Avery Klampe.....