Teaching and Guiding our Children

Brighten Up a Dreary Rainy Day with These Fun Online Activities

Published: 4 March 2019
Written by Lil Dino Mommy
1 Comment
Categories: Marriage, Pregnancy and Parenthood

Before your child even gets a chance to utter those annoying “I’m so bored” rants on rainy summer days, be sure to prepare yourself with some options. Visiting local children’s museums, indoor trampoline parks, or your local library to join the summer reading club are all great options, but you can also create plenty of fun right in your dry, cozy home. Try tapping into your child’s love of technology, and use a tablet or computer to enjoy these great online activities.

Make a Personalized Recipe Book

Pick up a colorful three-ring view binder. View binders have a pocket on the front that can display artwork, so you can use the computer together to create a personalized cover. Next, search together for kid-friendly recipes that your child likes. Cooking with your child is a wonderful way to work on both reading and math skills. You can read the recipes together, teach counting, weighing, measuring, and even fractions when you show children how to half a recipe, for example. Teaching children to cook also has lots of other benefits, like family bonding time, enhanced communication skills, nutritional eating, and the art of patience.

Introduce Your Child To The Cat In The Hat

No one can turn rainy days into fun (with a side of mayhem) quite like Dr. Seuss. Check out the online Cat in the Hat book video and introduce your child to the creative genius of one of the greatest children’s authors of all time. They’ll enjoy seeing just how crafty one crazy cat can get on a rainy day. There are also plenty of other Dr. Seuss classics online for viewing.

Take Online Music Lessons

Introducing your children to musicology on a rainy day is a great way to turn idle time into something fun and productive. Do you have an old woodwind stashed in the attic or basement that could use a little love? Order a batch of reeds online to breathe new life into that old instrument, one that your kids can quickly learn and enjoy with some patience and a little help from YouTube. According to Parenting magazine, learning an instrument can help children in numerous ways, such as developing social skills, boosting self-esteem, learning discipline and patience, improving academic performance, and honing physical skills.

Get Scientific

Most children love hands-on learning. If your child enjoys building things, there are lots of projects that will teach math and science skills to kids of all ages in a fun way. If your child is curious about the natural world, take a concept like volcanoes and teach your child how to gather information online. Read details together about how volcanoes form and erupt. Find and view recent news stories and images from a volcanic eruption. Next, amp up the fun by making a cup of lava, and finish off the project with some volcano coloring sheets.

Do a Fun Workout Together

One of the most powerful things you can do for your child’s health is to be a role model for good physical health. One way to go about that is by introducing them to exercise. Exercise for children doesn’t have to be the old humdrum of sit-ups and jumping jacks, though. Head online together and find some fun online routines that include activities like dance and yoga.

Teach Your Child the Value of Volunteering

When children learn to volunteer, they’re also learning valuable skills. They learn what it’s like to have less, and the immense privilege of having everything they do. They can learn new life skills. They can understand the emotions that arise out of volunteerism like feeling appreciated and making a difference for someone. It’s also a great chance for children to develop valuable communication skills. Common Sense Media lists a range of apps and websites that children and parents can visit to find a volunteer project that would be meaningful for them.

Rainy days can provide excellent parent/child quality time. They allow time for you to talk and share, and give you wonderful opportunities to serve as a good role model. You get a close-up look at what strengths and weaknesses your child has so you can offer help. And best of all, you’ll become closer to your child, and they’ll feel your love and support.

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My Two Year Old’s 1st Dentist Visit

Published: 25 February 2019
Written by Lil Dino Mommy
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Categories: Marriage, Pregnancy and Parenthood, Parenthood

First Official Dentist Appointment

Well, today was a big day here for us in the Lil’ Dino household. All three of us, (Lil’ Dino, Lil’ Dino Daddy, and myself) had dentist appointments.

Now technically my son has been to the dentist twice before. Once to have his lip and tongue ties revised and once soon after his first birthday for what we thought was a tartar problem (it wasn’t…we just needed to brush his teeth. duh! *rolls eyes* Apparently, the rule is if one has teeth, brush them. Haha!).

Ever since we went to that pediatric dentist and started brushing his teeth, it’s been a daily battle to brush his teeth.

Picture this: our Lil’ Dino family is getting the little one ready for bed. “Ok, son. Let’s brush your teeth.”

“Noooooo!” Lil’ Dino exclaims as he runs wildly in the opposite direction adorned in naught but his adorable cloth diaper.

Dino Daddy and Dino Mommy smile wearily at one another as one of them holds the tooth brush and both follow in hot pursuit of the resistant toddler.

Dino Daddy wrestles him into his arms and onto the changing table and holds his arms while Dino Mommy smiles and sings happy teeth-brushing songs and tries to get Lil’ Dino to open his mouth.

“Say ahh,” Mommy prods.

Toddler then shuts mouth tightly with a most serious face.

“Please son, it’s time to brush your teeth,” Mommy assures. “Mommy will be very gentle.”

Toddler still refuses and begins (or continues) to squirm.

Mommy uses a freshly washed pinky to create an entry into toddler’s mouth followed by the tooth brush. Toddler seems to comply for a moment before quickly sucking off the strawberry flavored toothpaste, then closing his mouth tightly again.

Mommy wiggles the toothbrush into Toddler’s mouth and begins to scrub gently. Toddler whimpers. Both Daddy and Mommy feel terrible and pray he’ll still trust them when this is all over. Mommy keeps brushing softly and Toddler wails (which admittedly and horribly makes it easier to get the whole thing over with because now his mouth is at least open).

“It’s ok son,” we reassure. “We’re almost done.” “We’re doing this because we love you and we don’t want your teeth to fall out!”

Then it’s over. Whew! (Now were all ready for bed!)

End scene.

This has been every evening for nearly a year, with very few exceptions.

Needless to say, Lil’ Dino Daddy and I were skeptical about how this trip to the dentist would go. However, both of us felt it necessary since teeth-brushing is such a struggle and because Lil’ Dino chipped one of his teeth chomping a rock and we wanted our family dentist to check it. (*another eye roll and a big sigh* Boys will be boys?)

Scared Little Boy

So we arrive at the dentist and I fill out the “new patient” paperwork for my son which is kind of exciting.

Soon two dental hygienists arrive to take back my husband and my son (with me). One of them tells Lil’ Dino, “Can you believe your Daddy was your age when he started coming here?” Pretty neat, right? We really like our dentist.

So, my husband heads back with the hygienist who spoke and my son continues to play with legos and completely ignore that he’s being spoken to. (My son is actually very friendly and polite for a two year old. We had just woken him up from his nap and he was a little shy and moody.)

So, I illicit Lil’ Dino’s help in picking up the legos and then I pick him up and we walk back to whatever the dentist equivalent is to an exam room. We talk to the hygienist. Let’s call her Ms. Hattie. She’s so sweet and friendly.

She shows my son the “special cushion just for him” and I go to set him in it. He raises his legs into the air, refusing to sit, and clings to me as tight as he can. He was terrified! My son is typically fairly fearless. He has a wonderful sense of exploration that sometimes borders getting into mischief. He’s not really afraid of new people or new things.

We talk up the chair, as well as the movie he can watch while he sits in it. No go. In fact, I told my husband I’m pretty sure he suspected trickery once we offered the TV freely and he didn’t have to request it.

The more Ms. Hattie speaks to him – the more I try to convince him – the more his grip tightens around me and his head buries into me. Soon he begins to sob that panic sob I so rarely witness. It’s not only heartbreaking but I know it means he’s had enough. He’s scared.

I tell him, “Oh honey, it’s ok. You don’t have to do anything today.” I smile at Ms. Hattie and take my son into the lobby. As I carry my frightened son, I notice the warm colors of the lobby contrast greatly with the cool colors, bright lights, and shiny instruments of the exam room. He immediately relaxes but continues to cling to me. The sobbing stops.

I remind him he is safe. That no one will hurt him. Everything is ok.

It dawns on me, that although he was a baby and it had been a year since he’d had a bad experience at a different dentist’s office, he probably remembers it. At that time, and at the time of the lip and tongue tie revision at three weeks old, it was a forced situation. Both times he cried and was held down. It truly breaks my heart to write about it. Something triggered a panic response for him.

All this time we’d been brushing his teeth almost the same way because, well, we had to. We had to take care of his teeth. The only time he doesn’t mind his teeth being brushed is when he does it himself. Of course, he doesn’t do it very thoroughly which is why we have kept doing it for him.

Our story continues, and my son soon crawls off my lap to go back to the legos. I have told him that soon we will go back into the room, “but it will be to help Ms. Hattie clean Mommy’s teeth. Won’t that be fun?”

Ms. Hattie comes out and kindly hands me the paperwork I hadn’t quite finished. As I scribble down the requested information, she kneels down and asks if Lil’ Dino wants to play legos with her. He was so excited. He laughed and joined her in playing. They chat a while about colors and block sizes and how high they can stack them.

I complete the stack of papers and walk it up to the office assistant. I return to Ms. Hattie and Lil’ Dino and ask him if he wants to go see Daddy get his teeth cleaned. He agrees and we go to his exam room.

Let’s Watch Daddy…and Help Mommy

My husband’s dental hygienist was a hoot and also friendly. She was wearing specially designed glasses that had a light on them and commented first thing that she was a robot. My son loves robots, so we chatted about that for a bit and she showed him the tools that were cleaning Daddy’s teeth. “Daddy’s teeth are so shiny now,” she explained. His curiosity was sparked but he remained solemn.

We headed back to my exam room with Ms. Hattie, and I sat down on the special chair with my son on my lap. I pointed out the TV and the current scene playing in “Finding Nemo”. Ms. Hattie brought him a Lil’ Dino sized chair and he giggled and sat in it joyfully.

Becoming comfortable in this new environment, he exclaimed, “Daddy is?” and stole out of the room and down the hall to check on his Daddy. Thirty seconds later he was back with Daddy right behind him, and wanted up on my lap. I encouraged Lil’ Dino Daddy to stay and to let Lil’ Dino watch so he’d become more comfortable.

With Lil’ Dino on my lap, Ms. Hattie told us we were going for a ride, and I excitedly exclaimed “Whee!” as the chair moved back at a snails pace. Lil’ Dino giggled. Maybe this place wasn’t so bad after all.

I have to admit, as someone who has had a chipped tooth, braces, and headgear, and a retainer, I’ve had many experiences with people working inside my mouth. Nothing was more eventful than this simple cleaning I had today!

Lil’ Dino stayed on my lap the entire cleaning. He “helped” and bounced, and exclaimed, “Ah-uh-uh-uh!” as he did so. He smile and laughed and talked about “Mommy mouth” “Mommy teeth”. He watched and then wanted to touch the tools (but only did so with permission from Ms. Hattie which was impressive I thought). She handed him his first dental tool. He held the circular mirror up to his face and scrutinized it thoroughly. He grabbed the “sucky tube” that was in my mouth and tried to push it further into my mouth and down my throat. (Ok, that one wasn’t with permission.) “Touch it,” he said and then touched the green paste that was polishing my teeth.

What a Turn Around

He continued to watch in fascination, get excited, then lay on my tummy and hug me tightly. He even told me “tank tou, Mommy” a few times for getting to do something with my teeth. He was so distracting and truly very sweet. What a turnaround from the terrified little person thirty minutes previous in this very room. It was certainly the most fun dental cleaning I’ve ever had.

Ms. Hattie was able to get him to smile here and there and check out the chipped tooth. They use a really neat camera tool with a light on the end that goes in or near the mouth and he tolerated that a bit so she could get a good picture for the Doctor. Lil’ Dino was positioned just right that he could see the screen that showcased him as she took the pictures. He liked that too!

Ms. Hattie was even able to polish Lil’ Dino’s teeth with a toothbrush by letting him do it and rubbing his teeth with her blue-gloved hand where she wanted him to brush.

Lil’ Dino even let the Doctor look at his chipped tooth for about a nanosecond, but it was just long enough to know that everything was ok.

When it was all said and done, we all three were given a clean bill of dental health and Lil’ Dino left with a bright smile and a prize from the toy chest.

He said thank you and bye bye to everyone, including the doctor. He said a special goodbye to sweet Ms. Hattie and reached out to her to hold him. He really liked her. 🙂

Before we left, our favorite office assistant from the front desk came around to take Lil Dino’s picture with a big white camera that prints the photos instantly. His photo was placed on the “No Cavity Kids” board, of which I took a picture to send to his “Nama” and “Nana”.

When I showed my husband the picture of the picture I took, I warned him beforehand that if we weren’t his parents, we wouldn’t know this was a two year old. He saw the picture and agreed. He looked like an older child. A big kid. And for the moment, that suited him well, because he did a big, brave, big-kid thing today and overcame a fear that we didn’t realize he had.

Now that we know our son has a healthy mouth, we are going to take a couple weeks to change his teeth-brushing routine. We’re going to let him do it all by himself, with direction. We’re going to take our cue from Ms. Hattie and show him where to brush by rubbing his teeth. He’ll be standing like a big boy over the sink. Maybe Lil’ Dino Daddy will teach him to spit like a man. (Ew, what am I saying?)

Grandparent Pride

Upon receiving the picture I sent of our very own “No Cavity Kid”, my mother-in-law admitted that she is resisting the desire to go to the dentist’s office tomorrow just to talk to them about how cute her grandson is. “Grandparent pride is a real thing!” she explained proudly.

What about you?

 

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6 Tips for Teaching Children to Listen

Published: 8 January 2019
Written by Lil Dino Mommy
No comments
Categories: Marriage, Pregnancy and Parenthood

How many times do we wonder, “Is this kid even listening to me?” When my first child was on the brink turning two, I was asking myself this question. It wasn’t until he was nearly three that I finally found a solution that worked!

I’ve read and searched and studied the answer to this question and it didn’t take me long to realize, that it starts with me. I have to “train my child in the way he should go”. This includes teaching him how to listen, and how to respond to my expectations of him.

It also is something I need to be modeling for him, which brings up another question…”Am I listening to my husband?” Definite food for thought there…

If you’re finding parenting a challenge, you’re not alone, but don’t let yourself fall into a “victim” mentality. Take action!

God has created a perfect model of what parenting should look like. Training is really all about teaching consequences to our children. What better way to set a young person up for the “real world” than to teach them from their little bitty youth, that every single action has a consequence?

1. Set Expectations. When it comes to teaching young children to listen (the first time!), we parents have to enforce the rules accordingly. If you have said or requested something of your child and they are not responding, enforce the consequence of breaking that rule.

2. Start Early. It is easier to train a young child before bad habits are formed, than to retrain old and bad habits. However, don’t lose heart if your child is older. You might explain to your child that things are going to be different now. You didn’t understand before, but now that you know better, you’ll do better and it’s all because you love them dearly.

3. Act Swiftly! Don’t let it fester. If you are to the point of frustration or anger, you have waited much too long to act. God rebukes and chastens us in love. We are to guide our children in the same loving way. We want to respond, not react, to our children’s behavior.

4. Be Consistent. This is the key to having peace in your home as quickly as possible. It is confusing for a child to “get away with it” the first three times you said it, and then get a swat on the fourth time. Now you’ve trained your child to obey on the fourth request, rather than the first.

5. Keep Trying. Don’t let failures set you back or keep you from trying again. Ask for advice from godly friends and take it all with a grain of salt against what God outlines in His word. It was a friend who recommended a book to me that helped tremendously. Her children are older than mine and they are all loving, respectful, and smart. I wanted that for my children.

6. Diligently Seek Wisdom and Discernment. Pray about your parenting. None of us are perfect, but when we allow God to lead us by studying His word, we gain knowledge and a better understanding of how we are to behave.

If you have questions or comments, please share below!

“Train up a child in the way he should go, Even when he is old he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6

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These Hobbies Can Help Your Kids Put Down Those Screens

Published: 2 November 2018
Written by Lil Dino Mommy
1 Comment
Categories: Parenthood

Here’s another great article from our guest poster Maria Cannon. To read more from Maria, go check out her website here. It’s “Your Place for Hobbies”!

Do your kids spend their weekends staring at screens?

Well, you may be surprised to know that too much screen time can actually be bad for their health. That’s one of the reasons it is so important for children to spend time discovering new hobbies. More than just a way to burn time, hobbies can provide stress relief, help little minds develop and even be beneficial for their health. Need some ideas to get your kids started? Here are some hobbies guaranteed to get them away from those screens and having actual fun instead.

Make New Friends With Play and Sports

If your children are glued to the couch too much, it could have a major impact on their overall health. Studies show that teenagers these days tend to be less active than seniors, and that means more instances of obesity and related health issues. Keeping your children active, whether it’s by encouraging them to play or try a new sport, can help prevent some of those problems from becoming major issues. Play is also a great way for your kids to connect with other children their age, so try to schedule some play dates with friends or other families that you know. You can also encourage your child to get involved with organized sports. Basketball is a great sport for kids to try and keeps them moving the entire game. Before your kid hits the court, look online for the best basketball shoes that offer comfort while staying affordable.

 Connect with Nature and the Outdoors

Want to improve your child’s self-esteem and help them relieve stress? Get them to take their hobbies outside. Spending time outdoors can help children in several key ways. Kids who spend more time outside tend to have improved vision quality, better social skills, and more focus than those who do not. Exposure to sunlight can also increase vitamin D production, as well as decrease stress and feelings of depression. Wondering what hobbies you can do outside with your children? The possibilities are endless. You can start simple by planning some backyard bird watching, or you can teach them how to garden. If you are feeling adventurous, you could even take your family for some hikes or other excursions into nature. There are also scouting groups that can help your children develop a love of nature, as well as other essential life skills.

Unleash Their Creativity on Arts and Crafts

Did you know that the arts can aid development in your children? By practicing arts and crafts as a hobby, your kids are enhancing their fine motor skills, learning to make decisions and developing visual-spatial skills. The arts are also a fun and creative way for kids to explore other cultures. So encourage your children to put down their tablets and pick up a paintbrush or some clay instead. Visit a local arts and crafts store to pick up some basic art supplies, or look online for budget-friendly starter kits that have all budding Bob Rosses’ need. Children benefit the most from art when they have the space to create freely, so let them have fun and keep the experience positive from start to finish for everyone.

Boost Self-Esteem by Baking for Others

When you think of hobbies your kids might enjoy, you may not consider cooking and baking. Studies show, however, that baking for others can have some very positive impacts on self-esteem and mental health. Putting together a meal or baking a cake can help your children practice creative expression, an important element in nurturing positive mental health. You can get your children started by planning a family baking session. Select a kid-friendly recipe and try to keep things simple at first. Depending on your children’s ages and abilities, you may even want to pick up some kitchen equipment that can make the experience safer for little hands.

Kids need hobbies to keep them healthy. So, give your kids a break from those screens and encourage them to explore a new passion. Their bodies, minds, and health will thank you!

Photo Credit: Pixabay

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Getting Stuff Done With (Not Despite) Your Child

Published: 9 April 2018
Written by Lil Dino Mommy
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Categories: Marriage, Pregnancy and Parenthood

I Didn’t Enter Into Motherhood Gracefully

It finally happened. 15 months. I had time. Not long. Just a few minutes where I could do whatever I wanted.

And you know what happened? I hadn’t a clue what to do with myself!

If I’ve learned anything since my son was brought into this world, it’s that I have to give myself a lot of grace. I’m not very good at that. I want to be SuperMom and somehow anything short of that makes me feel guilty.

I want to keep a perfectly neat and tidy home. (The true disillusion is thinking I really did this even BEFORE beginning my parenthood journey!)

I want to have energy to do the 272 projects on my list, including sewing, and crafting, and learning new skills.

I want to invest in all my family and friendships and have a freezer meal prepped for every occasion and be able to give my time. The saying, “It’s the thought that counts” has never meant more to me than it does in this phase of life.

The truth is, my house is a mess. The dogs don’t get the same attention they did before my son was born, granted now that he’s old enough, they get love from my son too. I am not the greatest or most present friend these days. I’m not as helpful at get-togethers as I used to be. I feel tired and unmotivated often, especially in the evenings after my baby boy is asleep.

It IS Getting Easier

All this to say, I can look back to this time last year or even six months ago and realize that it is getting easier. Putting it all in perspective, this is just a phase, and chances are I will be able to accomplish more this time next year than I can right now…just as I can do more now than I could with a three month old.

However, the fact remains, I can never go back, so trying to accomplish things in the same way I used to probably isn’t a realistic approach. How I get things accomplished is definitely morphing and, from what I can tell by observing my friends with multiple children, a skill to be learned and perfected over time.

My Little Helper

I’m trying to have the attitude of doing things with my son, rather than despite him being around.

Here is one example. Instead of waiting for him to go to sleep to switch out a load of laundry, I simply include him in the task. Sure it takes longer, but it’s actually made the task much more enjoyable, and the bonus is I get to teach my son life skills, which is as important to his development as learning his colors and shapes.

It’s actually really cute. I open the dryer and washer doors and hand him the clean, damp laundry a few at a time and he puts them in the dryer for me. Then he closes the doors to both and to the laundry room (sometimes not before pushing all the dinging buttons) as well.

Still Figuring it Out

Other tasks are more difficult, like doing dishes. I haven’t figured that one out yet, although now when I am prepping the food for dinner, I put him on a step-stool so he can watch. He also has taken on the role of taste-tester while doing this. I got this idea from a friend (who is such a graceful mother) and it has changed how soon I can get dinner on.

So, that’s where we’re at 15 months. As always, our ever-changing family is a beautiful work in progress.

What about you?

How has parenthood changed how you do things?

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Dear Stranger…Please Don’t Touch My Baby!

Published: 2 April 2018
Written by Lil Dino Mommy
No comments
Categories: Marriage, Pregnancy and Parenthood, Parenthood

We’ve All Been There…

You’re in a public place with your little one and a kindly stranger approaches to express adoration over your baby. Whether you’re carrying a newborn just days old, or a giggling toddler, you probably don’t want a stranger to touch your child.

I had been warned about this from seasoned mothers, but still I wasn’t truly prepared for how I should react to this situation. This letter was written in response to this very situation. I’m not going to lie, I was a little fired up about this when I originally wrote it. Needless to say I sat on it a while before posting in the hopes that I could mellow it out. I don’t know how successful I was, but I’ve come to the conclusion, it’s ok to protect my child. It’s with that thought that I write this letter. (Keep in mind, my son was 12 months at the time of this scene, and I was still able to wear him.)

Don’t Touch My Baby!

First things, first!  A little humor:

“Dear Stranger,

I hope this letter finds you well. We’ve not met before today, but I was compelled to write to you because of something that bothered me about our encounter earlier.

Today, my sister and I went to the grocery store together to do some shopping. I was carrying my son as I always do in his infantino carrier facing towards me. I find that wearing him helps to keep him from getting antsy in the cart seat. Also, we’re learning that he’s a bit shy and he feels more safe and secure close to Mommy.  Let’s face it, all the people in the store can be a little overwhelming for us grown-ups, not to mention little ones.

I saw you smiling at us in the checkout line today, and I smiled in return. It’s always nice to see a friendly face, as that is so rare these days. Moments later, I was looking the other direction to say something to my sister. Within a few more seconds, I was facing forward again, and taken aback, when I suddenly realized that you had approached us and had your hand on my son’s face. Shocked, I immediately turned my body to move my son away from your touch.

Please understand, I am not trying to be rude. I think that if you were in my place, you might feel as dismayed as I did. You see ma’am, it’s flu season and although you seem nice, I don’t know you. I don’t know what germs you may carry. I’m not saying you’re dirty – you certainly seem nice enough, but not even you are aware of all the germs that may be on your hands after all the grocery items you handled just now. I also have been handling groceries, which is why I refrain from stroking my son’s cheek until after we return home and I have washed my hands. I realize some may consider this overprotective, and while I’m all about kids building immunity, I prefer them to do it playing in the dirt or petting our animals.

We grown-ups also have to realize that although he is small, (and absolutely adorable, I agree!), he is still a person. Let me explain what I am getting at. You and I, being strangers, would never imagine walking up and stroking each other’s faces, would we? I think it’s important for us to remember that these little ones still need the respect of personal space. He is young and cannot speak for himself just yet, but he is his own person. It’s my job to protect him and to be his voice while he is learning how to find his own and can communicate that he doesn’t like a stranger being so close to us. Stroking his cheek or his hair, or really any touching in general without permission, just isn’t appropriate.

I must admit, I was upset with you, although I didn’t say anything. Truth be told, I was more upset with myself because I didn’t say anything. So I’ve made up my mind that in the future, I’m going to allow myself to speak up, even at the cost of seeming rude.  This isn’t the first time a stranger has approached us this way, and in my opinion, I have erred on the side of “grin and bear it” too many times. It’s not fair to my son for me to do nothing and for you to think that this is ok.

In the future, I encourage you to refrain from touching children and babies you do not know. I don’t know of a any parent who doesn’t have a problem with this on some level, and you are putting people in a really awkward position of having to be direct with you, which may put yourself in a potentially unpleasant situation.

In closing, if you would like to chat with me and my child in the store, I am more than happy to do so. I actually love talking to strangers! And my son loves to smile at you too. We welcome the conversation. Just please. Please don’t touch my kid.

Sincerely,

Lil’ Dino Mommy a.k.a. Momma Bear”

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Happy New Year, 2018!

Published: 1 January 2018
Written by Lil Dino Mommy
1 Comment
Categories: Marriage, Parenthood, Pregnancy

I Think I Say This Every Year…

“WOW! I can’t believe another year has passed already.” 2017 seemed to go by double quick with our little one around. Our son has changed and grown before our very eyes these 14 months. I wonder what this fresh, new year will hold for the 3 of us! I’m excited to find out!

New Year Resolutions

It’s traditional when entering into a new year to think of some goals you would like to accomplish. I have been thinking about mine a lot, so I thought I’d share them with you all.

My Top Three Goals for 2018!

Here they are folks!

  1. Be healthier and lose weight! I know, I know, typical. But seriously this is important to me, especially as my son is becoming more and more mobile. I want to be more than be able to keep up. Truly the goal is to be healthier, by eating a good diet and staying active. One of the best ways to be healthier is simply to cut out sugar, so I’m saying, “No sugar in 2018!”
    • Foods that spike your blood sugar cause your body to store excess sugars in fat cells. I have been reading Trim Healthy Mama and it is an incredible guide to live by to be healthy. It’s wonderful because it’s something you can ease into just by tweaking your own recipes, and your family will barely notice and will be eating healthy as well!
    • I’ve also been learning more about the immune system. (A journey that began as Lil’ Dino Daddy and I decided we would not be vaccinating our son. This begs the question, what will protect us all from illness?) Coupled with adding immunity boosting supplements to our diet such as Vitamin C, Elderberry Syrup, and Colloidial Silver, we are both very serious about removing sugar from our diet, for one very simple reason that sugar FEEDS bacteria. Gross! So essentially, when you are sick and eat sugar, you are making it more difficult for your body to heal. Our family will be switching permanently to a stevia blend. Does this mean we won’t touch sugar at all this next year? Realistically no, when we are out and about. However, I will not be purchasing sugar, white flour or white rice this year, (and that includes reading labels). so all my cooking and baking will be done without these two items.
  2. Continue to find areas to be more frugal in so that we can save as much money as possible and make our dream of farm living a reality. one way I’d like to do this is by getting really serious about meal planning with the items already in our pantry and freezer, and significantly limit eating out.
  3. Read through the Bible in chronological order. What better way to stay focused on the right things than to be in the Word consistently? This was actually a project I started back in November, but the app I use only starts at the beginning of the Bible in January, so it has now morphed into a New Year’s Resolution.

What about you?

What goals are you setting this year for you and your family?

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Relishing the Quiet Moments

Published: 11 December 2017
Written by Lil Dino Mommy
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Categories: Marriage, Marriage, Pregnancy and Parenthood, Parenthood

My Husband Rocks!

I’m so grateful for my husband. If it weren’t for him, raising my little son would be so much more difficult.

I was really able to appreciate the partnership we have today. He was busy cleaning up our place after the holiday frenzy.

We were quite a team and Daddy was the MVP. I cooked breakfast and he fed our hangry son. I did the dishes; he took care of some laundry. I sat down to nurse our son, he vacuumed the living room. Then our lil’ dino decided he wanted to help Daddy vacuum. He waddled over to him, humming the pitch of the vacuum (hilarious!), and my husband picked him up and kept about the task.

Coffee or Bust

At this moment, I could have finished the dishes, or dusted, or cleaned bathrooms (all on today’s list), but I didn’t. Instead I longingly set my gaze on my still hot cup of coffee. Usually, I get my coffee going and sneak a couple sips in while I’m spooning oatmeal into my son’s mouth. Then he finishes eating and it’s not too much time before he’s ready for a nap. By the time I get him settled, and go back to my coffee, it’s cold. Sometimes I microwave it, or top it off, but there’s just something about the first, fresh cup that’s better than all the others.

With my husband rocking all the house chores (without even realizing the night before I had written out in a list everything he was doing and it was blessing my socks off!), I didn’t want to just sit down and drink my coffee. That was just too unproductive, (though he would have let me do it).

Then with angelic voices singing in my head, an idea struck me. I need a shower…badly. So I meandered on over towards our bedroom, grabbing my steaming coffee mug off the table as I passed.

Needless to say I thought I was brilliant! I even thought about lighting a candle, but decided not to push this too far up the expectation scale. I mean, what are the chances I’ll get to shower uninterrupted? Just the other day, I had to end my shower prematurely with one leg half shaved and the other…well, not.

This is the Life

I turned the water on HOT, and set my mug on the ledge, and just stood there and relished in the quiet moment I was blessed with.

Thank you, Lord, for this peaceful moment.

Guess what happened then? Nothing! I was able to enjoy my shower, and my coffee, AND get dressed (completely shocking, that one) without interruption. What a refreshing event. Now, I’m ready for anything! Including the massively poopy diaper 5 minutes later. But hey, that was going to happen with or without a shower…or coffee…or clothes… 😉

“You gave abundant showers, O God; you refreshed your weary inheritance.”
Psalm 68:8 NIV

What about you?

What has your spouse done to bless your socks off? What can you do to be a blessing in return?

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Train Up a Child…

Published: 28 November 2017
Written by Lil Dino Mommy
No comments
Categories: Marriage, Pregnancy and Parenthood, Parenthood

Let’s Get Real.

I am seriously thinking about deleting all the game apps from my phone and iPad.

My sister and I were recently discussing all the things we could accomplish and all the things we could learn, if we just put down our phones. We have very different lives as I have a husband and son and she is currently single and scratching the itch to travel. So, while I have been working on teaching myself to crochet better, she is learning a 2nd language in her spare time. Putting down the phones and partaking in these worthwhile hobbies is something that we both can benefit from. These are hobbies that will still hold some value tomorrow.

These games that are time wasters hold no value at any time (except for the game developer if you purchase the in-game currency…500 magic beans anyone?). While I think of these games as something I do when I’m relaxing and just “veggin out”, what they are actually doing is stealing my joy.

While they are sucking the time in my life away, I am missing out on something much more fulfilling. Even watching TV with my husband would be a step up. That sounds pretty sad, but it’s true.

How Much is a Picture Worth?

Let me paint a picture. After the baby has gone to sleep and I’m exhausted. All I want to do is put my feet up and relax. I don’t want to think about anything. I don’t want to use my brain. I want to shut down for a bit. I know I should do the dishes or write an article, but I plop down on the couch, pull the handle to prop up my feet, and reach for the iPad. It takes my eyes and both hands to play a silly game, and sometimes even a little concentration. My husband sits one seat away on the couch. We aren’t touching. I don’t talk much, listen well, or respond as I should. This picture is embarrassing…but it has been me many an evening.

Now let me paint a slightly different picture. It’s not the most ideal, but it’s much better, in my opinion.

After our son is in bed, my husband and I sit down on the couch and flip on the television. We get comfortable, leaning into each other or holding hands, or rubbing each other’s feet. We have some light conversation, share some laughter in the show we are watching.

That’s better right? Ok, so we didn’t clean the house from top to bottom… Ok, so we didn’t have an intellectual discussion about the Bible… And definitely we need to do these things as well, however, just one step in the right direction paints an entirely different picture, doesn’t it?

I need to put down the game. Period.

Now imagine we turn the television off and play a game, or read, or pray together. Now that’s quality time!

Didn’t Have or Didn’t Make

I can’t tell you how many times I have said, “I just didn’t have time for…(fill in the blank).” But if I am honest with myself, I don’t have to dig that deep to realize the reality is, I didn’t make time.

Good time management overcomes the problem of “there aren’t enough hours in the day”. Oftentimes, I get to the end of the day and haven’t spent my time doing the things I should have been. I think, “What did I all day?” Now during the day, I’m not sitting down and playing app games all day, but I do find that I don’t push myself to accomplish simple tasks. I let the combination of all the items on my To Do list overwhelm me.

However, my concern goes beyond washing laundry and doing dishes…especially now that I am a mother. The questions that plague me at the end of the day are Did I spend enough quality time with my son? Did I play with him enough? Sing to him enough? Read to him enough? And when I can answer immediately no, I really didn’t, I am very saddened. Sure, I have a million-and-one excuses that nobody would question, but I know in my heart that I can do better.

Train Up a Child in the Way He Should Go…

I have a unique opportunity in our western culture to be a stay-at-home mother. That means I have the privilege as well as the responsibility to “teach my son in the way he should go…” I am realizing every day, that teaching began the moment he was born.

…And He Will Not Depart from It

My son is watching my every move and although he may not remember what I did or didn’t do today, what I do and say and how I do and say it (joyfully or with a bad attitude) will still impress upon him in the days to come. He can still learn from what happens today, even if he has no memory of it 5 years from now… Or 50 years from now…

That’s a humbling thought, isn’t it? How many of us see a child acting wild in public and think “The parents should do something. Where are they?” Anyone’s hands raised? Now how many of us blame the parents when we see a grown person doing something they shouldn’t? Obviously, as adults we are responsible for our own actions, but there is much to be said for helping children to form good routines and healthy habits early on. If I can get it together now, while he is young, I can be setting up my son for success later in life.

No pointless screen time today is worth not helping my son achieve his goals in the future.

Turn Away My Eyes from Worthless Things…

Another verse that convicted me this week about my screen addiction:

“Turn away my eyes from looking at worthless things, And revive me in Your way.”

Psalm 119:37

I need to allow God to work in my heart and in my life. I need to allow Him to revive me in HIS way. How do we allow God to do this? Well, we follow the commands in His Word. We seek His truth and wisdom written there. If we aren’t reading, we aren’t seeking.

The Bible speaks of being disciplined. Disciple is important for a functional life and God knows this. He did create us after all.

I need to do better, but I don’t have to do it alone because God is my helper and He provides peace and joy and love when we obey Him and rest in His lovingkindness.

What about you?

What’s keeping you from accomplishing the things on your list? Is there anything in your life you’re allowing to steal your joy or keep you from obeying God’s will?

“Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it.”

Proverbs 22:6

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6 Reasons I Am Thankful

Published: 20 November 2017
Written by Lil Dino Mommy
No comments
Categories: Marriage, Marriage, Pregnancy and Parenthood, Parenthood, Pregnancy

Thanksgiving is Quickly Approaching

I began this evening writing out a different post. I paused to put my son to bed. (He had been playing hard and giggling lots with his Daddy.) As he nursed quietly in the dark, I felt him relax and I knew he was asleep. That relaxing has become so familiar to me now, but it wasn’t always.

Before reading tonight’s Bible passages, I opened up the Prime Photo App on my phone. Every day, the app will feature all the pictures from prior years. This has become something my husband and I do daily, and then we chat about it. “Hey, did you see this picture from 2009?”

Hard Times

I browsed through the pictures quickly, really noting the ones from this day last year. It was a really difficult time for our new, little family.

My son was not gaining weight, but growing in length, and was looking….well, he looked like a starving baby. He didn’t have the precious, chunky baby fat that most full-term babies have. He was very thin. These pictures are so hard to look back at, but still I scrolled through them. This day last year is definitely the worst my son ever looked…

At the time, I didn’t recognize by looking at him that he wasn’t well. He was just my beautiful baby boy whom I love so, so, so much.

Come Before His Presence with Thanksgiving

After looking over these pictures, I opened up the Bible app on my phone and saw the featured verse:

“Oh come, let us sing to the LORD! Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving; Let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms. For the LORD is the great God, And the great King above all gods.”
Psalm 95: 1-2

That’s when I decided my post for this evening needed to be different.

I am so thankful for my son. I’m thankful for his health. Today, I watched him eat porridge and blueberries for breakfast, eggs with cheese, and apple for lunch, and squash and peas for dinner, not to mention he still breastfeeds throughout the day and night like a champ. I’m so thankful that we don’t have to watch him struggle to eat…struggle to live. I’m thankful for his smile and his laugh and for the awesome privilege of watching him learn something new almost every single day.

After I finished my Bible reading for the night, I set my phone down, and lifted my sleeping son onto my shoulder and hugged him as I do every night. I’ll admit, I hugged him a little closer and a little longer than I do most nights. I’m just so glad he’s in my life. I’m so thankful I have the privilege of being his Mommy, and getting to share this journey of life at the side of my husband.

6 Reasons I Am Thankful

We all have many things to be grateful for, but it can be easy to lose sight of our blessings, when we lose perspective on what our hope is. Our hope is in the Lord.

Although, it is not exhaustive, here is a list of 6 reasons I am thankful.

  1. I am thankful for my husband. This man is incredible. He was incredible before I could call him “mine”. He’s extremely intelligent and loves to dig for the truth in God’s Word. He loves the Lord. He is a wonderful father. It is such a joy to see him guide our son, even at such a young stage of life. He is an amazing husband, a true leader in our home, and the love of my life. He is an encourager. He is a visionary, who makes our dreams into plans so they can become a reality. I am thankful for his love.
  2. I am thankful for my son. I know I already wrote this, but truly, this child is so precious to me. He brings me such joy, and forces me to be a better person just in the very fact that I have to be a good example for him in everything I do and say because he is watching and learning. He is smart. He is healthy. He is strong. He is willful. He is cuddly and learning to be affectionate. I can already see signs of empathy in him as he is sensitive to how other babies feel. I am so thankful I get to watch him grow up!
  3. I am thankful for our health. Although, I don’t always do what I need to do to take care of my body as God would have me to, I have been blessed with good health. My husband and son have too. I am doing what I can to learn about keeping our bodies strong and healthy, so that we can honor God with what he has given us. Our bodies are a gift and we need to take care of them, rather than abuse them.
  4. I am thankful for our home. This one can be difficult for me sometimes because I have to catch myself when I begin to complain about it. Since moving to the apartment this past summer, I have really missed our house. I have missed the giant sink that actually held all my dirty dishes. I have missed our backyard, and the space, and our neighbors. But I am thankful for this home. It is more than sufficient as a safe, comfortable roof over our head. We have a lot more in this apartment than many other people, and we need to be thankful for it, even when it lacks what our larger home did. This apartment has encouraged us to do so much we needed to do, to include purging STUFF. We have so much stuff we do NOT need, and living in a smaller space has helped us let go of a lot of extra, unneeded, and truly unwanted stuff. It has forced us to be creative in our gardening. We wasted a lot of good soil in our yard and working with a small space has helped us appreciate what we will do when we have more land again. Most importantly, it pushes us to work towards our goals – the very reason we moved here in the first place: to save more money than we could have in our house.
  5. I am thankful for time with my family. Living closer to my husband’s work cut my husband’s commute by over an hour. This helps us save money on gas and car maintenance, but most importantly, it has enabled us to spend more time together. Not only is my husband home longer in the mornings before he leaves for work, but he also is home much earlier. AND as a bonus, a couple times a week, he comes home for lunch, which is such a sweet treat for both my son and me.
  6. I am thankful for God’s gift of salvation and His Word. God has blessed me with all of the above, and so much more than I can mention. Even if I had none of the aforementioned blessings, I would still be abundantly blessed in the Lord. To know God and be covered by His grace is a gift more incredible than anything. God loves me. Wow! Jesus sacrificed His very life so that I may live forever with Him one day in His kingdom. All my wrongdoings have been forgiven. In Christ, I find my joy, and the “peace that passes all understanding” – a peace that cannot be found apart from him. This is what I am most thankful for. It is a privilege to be able to study the scriptures with my husband, and pass this knowledge on to my son as we guide him through life. This is what I consider our greatest responsibility.

So, what about you?

Have you been taking the blessings of life for granted? What are you most thankful for?

“Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.”
1 Chronicles 16:34

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