Parenting delimas

Justin and I experience our first real parenting delima of deciding between what our two year old daughter wanted and what we, as parents, thought was best for her.  Last week we took Morganne to an evening vacation bible school that had a two year old class.  Her best friend Curtis was going and we thought it would be a good experience for her socially as well as our thought that learning about Jesus is never a bad thing, right? We took her in on Monday and being the timid child that she is, she was very excited to see Curtis and walked into their classroom holding his hand and seemed very interested in what was going on.  So, Brittany and I left.  I will admit it was very difficult leaving my two year old somewhere when I didn't know the adults involved at all.  It wasn't our church, but Brit and Bryant go there, Curtis was in her class and as it turned out so was another of her daycare friends.  So, I felt it was ok and a fairly good/safe situation.  Justin ended up picking her up that night and she returned home happy and telling us all about what she had done.  It wasn't until Tuesday night that we discovered her anxiety.  We pulled into the parking lot and she began crying saying she didn't want to go to bible school.  Thinking it was just some cold feet we waited for Curtis and they once again walked in together but once we got to their classroom she litterally began trying to climb me saying that she didn't want to stay.  So here's the delima- do you force your two year old to stay, knowing that most likely once distracted she will have a good time, or do you not traumatize your child by not making them stay when they obviously don't want too!?!?!?  I asked her teachers how she was the night before and they said "well....once we got her distracted she was better".  Hearing the hesitancy and sugar coating in their voice, I knew Morganne most likely cried off and on most of the night before.  So, our decision: I ended up staying with her for the evening and joined in on the class.  She was perfectly fine as long as I was there and she could check in with me every once in a while.  I was glad I stayed.  I can remember from my childhood that I was a very timid, uncourageous child and could not stay over night anywhere, even with closest friends, until I was in middle school.  I remember how those attempts felt too, when my parents would then be called in the middle of the night to come get me.  So, how can I expect my child to do more, especially at 2.   We did not send her back the rest of the week.  We are hoping with another year under her belt, next year she will enjoy it much better.  I can only hope and pray that I make good "because I know what's best for you" parenting decisions in the many years to come. 

Great Aunt, Great Dog, Great Find, Great Gift, Great Guy, Great Weekend

"Great" Aunt

This last weekend was our annual get together/agility trial weekend with my Aunt Becky, Morganne and Kaelynn's Great-Aunt Becky.  It's always a good time hanging out with her since we only get to see her about once a year.  This year was a bit different as I didn't get to spend the whole weekend with them, but nonetheless we love seeing her and wished so much that she and Ken lived closer. 

Great Dog

I entered only one day at the agility trial due to the fact that I had to work on Friday and had the girls alone on Saturday, but more so because Ripken and I haven't done ANY agility or exercise for that matter since last July.  I entered Ripken back into a Novice class (technically, before we stopped last year, he was ready for Excellent) more just for fun and for something to do.  It was incredibly hot and humid and I am incredibly out of shape.  I really don't think I could have lasted 3 days.  Unbelievably, Ripken actually did very well in his Standard class and won first place in his height division.  He totally blew off his Jumpers run, but since I was really only doing it for fun, I didn't care.  It was a fun afternoon.

Great Find

Before heading out to the agility trial Sat. morning to watch Becky, the girls and I ran out to a garage sale.  I found a brand new men's mountain bike 18 speed listed for $35.  I had $26 on me and she took it!  Justin was in desparate need of a new mountain bike since his last $3 garage sale big bearly had brakes anymore.  It was a great deal!  Also, last week Justin was given two other bikes (my size!!!) by one of his lawn mowing customers.  She was going to give them to Goodwill.  So now we both have new, better, bikes to ride!

Great Gift

We've been having computer issues on and off for the past couple years and desparately want to get a laptop in order to get the computer out of the "dog room" as the dust and dirt are a huge part of the problem, however we just haven't had the money.  Yesterday at church a friend of ours came up and asked Justin if we could use a laptop!!!  He said well, yes, and told him that we've been wanting one. Supposedly his laptop had been having issues so he went out and bought a new one.  Turned out, after taking it to a repair shop the only thing wrong with his original one was the virus software. So, after cleaning it off it runs great now!  Since he had already boughten the new one, he gave us his old (4 years) one and all the accessories!!! 

Great Guy

I have to brag on my husband a bit.  Yesterday he had a store meeting and received 2 Homer Awards.  These are given by department heads and store managers to people they seeing doing a great job and working hard.  He received a lot of nice compliments about being reliable to get a job done- even when it's not his responsibility, and having great customer service.  A wonderful testiment to his awesome work ethic and personality.  It was nice someone finally noticed his hard work.  I am very proud of him!!!  This also sets him up for a small bonus with every 3 awards they receive.  He has received a couple in the past too. 

Great Weekend

As you can see it really was a great weekend for us.  With Becky in town we also had a family dinner yesterday and got to see the entire Ufkes family, something that hasn't happened for a couple years now.  So, Morganne and Kaelynn got to see their Great-Grandparents too.  Here are the Great-Grandparents with their granddaughters and great-granddaughters: 

God is so good!