This and That

Wall of Gratitude: A while back I put a marker board on the frig for people to write what they are thankful for. The kids were all writing on it often even Bear who generally is not aware of his blessings. They have stopped. I am the only one writing on it. They are both going through tough times. I think this is a good indicator of how they are feeling on the inside. I think I'll know when they are feeling better when they start writing again. Love the Wall of Gratitude.

Taz is regressing to some toddler behavior, movements and ways of talking. That means I need to during those moments give him what a toddler needs. He needs comfort, gentleness, snuggling and in general being accepted as a toddler. It tells me he is dealing with whatever upset him so much. I think it is a combination of several things actually.

Bear is still pushing back hard and strong after almost 10 years. 10 years of rejection is tough. It will be worth it. I am going to try a more BC approach with his negative comments though. I am going to work on myself as far as assuming when he makes a comment he really meant nothing by it. I am going to work on trying to look at things through his eyes. How does he view me? How does he view Taz? It may be a very warped view but it is his picture. Then I'm going to ask myself "If this is how I see her what do I need?" I'm going to really give this some thought and try some different approaches and get back to you.

Last of all, Halloween is fast approaching. Costumes, tons of candy and snacks are everywhere. We need to protect our kids with RAD from the scary movies, haunted houses and the mountains of sugar. None of those things make them stronger or feel safer.

Wall of Gratitude

I read an idea in a magazine that I am going to try. It suggested a Wall of Gratitude. We are having a variation of this. I bought a medium size plain white dry erase board. I put it on the refrigerator. We are each supposed to each write something we are thankful for on it each day. When it gets too full we will erase it and start over. It has to be something that is not on there currently. We will see how this goes. There is so much to be thankful for in this life. It is sad that is so hard for our kids with RAD to think of even one on many days. Maybe practice will help.

Attitude of Gratitude

There are many days I wake up with the wrong attitude. I have the wrong attitude towards my child with RAD. I'm not in the mood to deal with it. So today I am going to have an attitude of gratitude.

I am thankful for the strength I get from trusting in an all knowing all powerful God.
I am thankful for a husband who supports and gives.
I am thankful for my children and each relationship I have with them.
I am thankful for whatever healing my children with RAD receive.
I am thankful for friends who love me as I am.
I am thankful for beautiful summer days (and air conditioning)
I am thankful I have been able to stay home with our children.
I am thankful I am able to go back to school.
I am thankful for the time I've had raising children.
I am thankful for the future God has called me too.

I hope you can come up with your own list and not fall into "stinkin thinkin" instead!!