The Calm Before the Storm

I guess we're in for a doozey of a storm tomorrow.  Fortunately my parents made it out of town, and arrived safely in Florida, just in the nick of time.  School has already been canceled for Dave, which will mean a relaxing day for all of us tomorrow-something we are over due for.  The past few days here have been anything but.  We bid on a HUD home in Freeland over the weekend and have spent the last 24 hours agonizing over the decision that, although it was a phenomenal deal (the home sold for $296,000 only a year ago and we were going to pay a little over half of that), it is just too much for us right now. 

We have had some other things going on besides the house hunting:  a sleep-over at Grandma and Grandpa's house, lots of play dates with friends, music class, and lots of movie watching.  Grace has fallen in love with the movie Annie.  I can still remember when I watched it as a little girl and loved it, too.  I'll take Annie any day over Thomas the Train or Curious George.

On the parenting front, I have been really challenged by Grace lately.  Whining, tantrums, defiance, and naps that seem to be getting shorter and shorter, have me wanting to pull my hair out most days.  I get so tired of asking her to do the same things, what seems like a hundred times.  Discipline is becoming a real issue, and I struggle with what to do when time-outs don't seem to phase her.   Maybe I haven't been as consistent as I need to be.  Maybe I need to come up more creative ways to say, "no."  It really does take a lot of effort to be a good mom.  I know I fall short-way short-on most days. 

And as I type this, Grace just sneaked downstairs (something we are allowing, apparently), away from Papa, to wish me "happy birthday" and to serenade me with her birthday song.  Oh, how I do love her!

Some photos from the past week:

Watching Annie

A must-have movie, in my opinion

Watching Papa shave, something Grace loves to do

Sunrise at Grandma and Grampa's

Bogs-the first boots that have ever kept my feet warm

Sledding on the sidewalk-apparently it's a good time

Warming up with hot cocoa

Reaching in for a marshmallow

Stay safe, everyone!  We are getting ready to hunker down.