reading...

I've shared here a bit that I have been struggling with one of my kids, and that it has been affecting our entire household immensely. Last week was sort of my bottom. Couldn't deal with all of it anymore. By Friday I resorted to leaving home the moment Matt got home from work. I needed out of my house, out of the chaos, I needed to spend some time quiet with God. So, I did. I prayed. I breathed. I at McDonald's french fries (better than going out and doing drugs!) I prayed for peace. I desperately needed that for our home, our family, my soul. I went home that evening, and crawled into bed... got up Saturday and went to work, the next day we went to church as a family. I was still praying for some direction on how to break the terrible cycle we had gotten into.

I had remembered a book I had seen at the Bible book store one day when I was there. I had judged the title, thinking what a horrible name of a book. I still sort of feel that way. It kind of is a terrible name. I didn't want a new kid, I wanted my kid to be the best she could be, and I needed some help to find her inside of her attitude and fits, and temper. I needed help how to not meet her attitude with my own. How to learn how to respond instead of react. (a really hard one for me!)

So, out of my desperation I bought the book. The book I judged, but must have somehow remembered because I went and walked in to the Bible book store and bought it.

I am here to tell you, what a difference a week makes. Whoa. There is peacefulness in our household again. I have taken back the reins... and while everything isn't perfect (let's not be unrealistic here) things are improving beyond my expectations.

Each night Matt and I are reading this, and implementing Dr. Kevin Leman's strategies into our parenting, and our kids are blossoming because of it.

I just wanted to share this with you. Maybe you too are having a hard time?! What I love about his book is it's for kids from 2- 30! So helpful, and right to the point. I like that a lot. No beating around the bush. He calls a spade a spade. He starts with the parents, and then we work on the kids. We're working on the relationship with our kids, and for the first time in a while I can honestly say I am enjoying my kids again. I am finding Joy in them. We are laughing, and talking. There is no more yelling... ahhhh, yes I do believe there is PEACE! We still have a few days to go.... I'll keep you posted!