How's the Rocking Going...........

 First a word about Joanna....for those of you who think she is sooo cute and innocent......take a look.....

 Hello- Guilty! 

 But how do you even begin to say no to a face like

 THIS!!!!!!!!  :)  You don't - you scoop her up.....put the chips away find a different place for them, close the closet doors, block them, and snuggle because she is tooo CUTE!!!!!!  :)

 Just thought this was too funny not to share.  Evidently Rascal thought he would check out Joanna's seat...

Silly kitty :)

So how is the rocking going.  If you don't know what I mean....it was a challenge put out there to rock in a rocking chair- or just spend 10-15 minutes a day cuddling with your child that needs more love :)

Now before you jump to conclusions on anything, know that in our experience we have really worked hard on making changes in our home- looking into eyes, remaining calm, not letting it get to us, trying not to take it personally, making adjustments in how we react and talk with our loved child.  BUT being honest.  When you have gone through the ringer.....it is hard....it is tiring....you want to quit....you want to throw in the towel...and there are days- YOU DON'T DO WELL.  Yep, it's true.  BUT you get back up and you start over and try MORE!

So the rocking for me has really not been about my beloved child- it is really about me.  MY attitude.  MY need to change my heart.  MY need to make sure that I am reminded daily that I LOVE HIM/HER with my whole being.  MY desire to fall in love with them again and again.

If that is the desired effect of this exercise- IT IS WORKING!!!  Now let me be EXTREMELY CLEAR- I HAVE AND ALWAYS WILL LOVE EVERY TREASURE IN OUR HOME!!!!!!  There has never been doubt of that- EVER.  But sometimes our hearts get ripped out while trying to heal the hearts of our little ones.  We need healing too.  For me, this has helped me in ways I really can't quite describe.

Our times together are beyond value.  Simple.  My child has thoroughly enjoyed it as well....conversations ....sometimes silly, but sometimes really honest.  Reading together....or just snuggling and cuddling.  It has been worth it- even on the days I haven't had "the time".

The crazy part is - we have set times and activities we do with our children all the time.  We homeschool.  We love listening and spending time with our kiddos.  So why is this different?  I don't know - it just has been.  I think it has to do with my attitude.

You ask- has it helped my child?  I think it has....probably more because it has helped me.  For the first time in a LOOONNNGGG time- TRUTH was told!  Now for anyone out there can I get an AMEN?  This was huge!!!!  She realized it too.  I seriously almost threw a party- believe me there was great rejoicing going on!!!  My child has also shared some feelings with me that weren't fake- HUGE!!!!  My child looks forward to cuddle time!  My child has looked into my eyes more than any other time.

So praying that God continues to change me for HIM!  To help us all love each other better :)

***Would appreciate some prayers- Joanna is sick right now.  Her first fever :(  sad days......
****There is also something big going on in our lives and I SOO want to share but can't for at least another week.  Sorry, but we NEED PRAYERS over this as well.  - it is not a child this time, but huge for our family.