October 2008
Question for the mentor moms: There are just some days where everything is difficult. I am frustrated with the kids, my clean house is never clean, and I spent the day yelling, correcting and disciplining. Am I alone? Do you know any tricks to combat frustrations - besides timeouts. I keep a mothers journal, but is there something I can do to make an instant smile? The problem is once the kids are in bed, I am exhausted. I just feel so sad. I can only explain it like - raising kids is suppose to be fun, and it wasn't.
No, dear sister, you are not alone!!! Every mom feels like this from time to time. First you need to realize that what every your occupation, nurse, accountant, plummer, banker, waitress or teacher, you will always have days where you wonder why you ever got into this situation. I think it is normal. But I don't feel that parenting is supposed to be fun. It is often fun but the reality is it is a big responsibility and a lot of work that is many times thankless. You are a steward of your kids, for a time, and the diligent work you do now with them will pay off in their lives in the long run. If you are exhausted, catch a 20 minute nap and get you and the kids outside and move around a lot! It will be good for all of you. Worry less about keeping the house clean and spend more time directly involved with your little ones. Remember your attitude sets the tone in your home. So, combat sadness by embracing it when it comes and then move on past it. Grab the baby and dance to songs that make you cry and appreciate what you have more. (Crying is good) Remember, discipline is not punishment. Punishment is a form of discipline. Focus more on positive reinforcement of good behavior if time-outs and yelling are depressing you and becoming ineffective. Discipline means training and teaching and must come from love and must be done over and over again. Make time for God. He knows our tears and frustrations. Isiah 40:11 tells us He gently leads those with young. Go to Him. I remind you of all these things because we all need to remember what is true. Don't give up, you are doing a good job, and no one could do it better than you. Love from Laurie

From the 2007-2008 Season
Who is the author of the book "A Mother's Heart"? (This was the book Laurie drew from during her talk).
The author of the book is Jean Fleming, Navpress, 1992, 12th printing. Navpress: 1-800-366-7788. I read this when I was pregnant with my first child, and it helped contribute to shaping my attitudes as a Mom. ~Laurie DeValve

What are some way's you made your child feel special on his birthday?
MOMS, When we celebrated my Son's birthdays when they were young (we still do) we would be sure to have a special meal and cake and gift on the real day even if the party was the weekend before or after. We have a "You are special today" plate that the birthday boy always is served on. For kids parties we tried to fashion games that were centered around the birthday boy. Like, indoor baseball with questions ( single, double, triple or home run) all about him. Let the birthday person help plan the party and the guest list. Only invite people your child wants to party with and ones they play nice with, and don't invite too many. I made the mistake on Caleb's third birthday of inviting My friends and their kids, which was a minor disaster. After that we waited to have "kids parties" untill they were older. For little ones take a family trip to the fire station or the fire museum or the park or the play ground or the petting farm or what ever your kids love, for a special birthday excursion. Record what you did for these birthdays in their baby book and read about then through out the years. Take pictures and just have a blast. Blessings, Laurie DeValve