Monday Menus

Joe is out of town this week, and I am working extra. Kid friendly meals prevail!

Monday
Amy's meal
Sausage amd mac and cheese
Apples

Tuesday
Chicken strips
Salad
strawberries

Wednesday
Soups
bread
fruit

Thursday
Leftovers, and clean out the fridge and freezer meals.

Friday
Leave for Hilton Head Island!

Lessons...

Another lesson we have learned is to always be a student.

Be a student of your children.

Learn what their "Love Language" is and/or just what they like and dislike. Learn what they are good at, and what frustrates them. Learning these things helps you know when something is bothering them, or has gone awry.
I always thought this would be easy, I live with them, right? It isn't that easy. It actually takes being a student of them, lots of time and questions.

Be a student of parenting. Read books about what you are struggling with. Pray and read what the bible has to say about parenting. Memorize those scriptures.

Be a student of parents you respect. We try and "watch" and learn from those parents whom we respect. Seeing first hand how other parents handle conflict etc. can be very helpful.

Be a student of yourself. Know where you are lacking and work on it. Areas like, patience, anger, and conflict management cause me to read, watch and learn. They don't come natural for me. A constant prayer that comes from my lips for these things.

Parenting lessons we have learned....

I am starting a new series on parenting. For the 3 of you who read this!haha
We are not perfect parents(just ask our kids:). This is just some lessons we have learned along the way.
1.Be active

Be active in the kids life. Sometimes just by being present, sometimes being intentional and sacrificial.

Being active in their school and education is crucial. Our kids go to a very large school system. Especially, compared to where we went to school. We make a point to volunteer, attend field trips etc., so that our teachers and administrators know us personally. When asked to be on boards, focus groups etc, do it. We feel the more our face and name is "in there", for good, the better. Teachers love knowing who a parent is. It gets harder the older they get, but still there are ways. I volunteer on hospitality committees, bringing in food and lunches for the staff at all three schools our kids go to. PTO, focus groups, and classroom help are other ways. Teachers rarely say no to help! Kids behavior improves too, if they know you are on a first name basis with their teacher, or that mom may walk by any minute!

Being there for concerts, games, competitions. Kids love to see you there, even when they say they don't care if you come. My boys even ask, "how did I play Mom?" "how did I do?" Just begging for the affirmation.

Being there at home. Just being present, is all that is needed sometimes. Andrew stayed home from school yesterday, sick. I think the one on one time was needed as much as anything. What I struggle with is not JUST being present, but available too. I am always busy doing things. Laundry, meals, cleaning etc.
Example:
Tuesday is laundry day at the Bennett house. Aaron came home from school and then piano grouchy. He was even borderline disrespectful to the piano teacher. All very uncharacteristic for Aaron. He got out of the van and went to shoot baskets. I really needed to fold laundry and get dinner going. Instead I went and rebounded for him. He was quite shocked, which speaks poorly of me. We talked and played for 30 minutes and his mood lifted. He never told me what or if something was bothering him, but the quality time was worth it.

One on one dates are another great way to be active in our kids life and speaks value to them. The more kids you have the harder it gets. Amy and I had fun going to Kroger the other night. It was only 30 minutes, but we laughed and joked and was good for both of us.
Ann likes doing crafts with me and now going to goodwill with me too.
Andrew loves games and puzzles, especially if he can beat me! Each kid is so different!
These things are sacrificial of our time, and are not always fun for us, but the kids need it. It also takes being intentional and not just "getting by", planning and doing is so important.

Parenting is a process and we are learning as we go.

Monday Menus

Monday- Amy's meal
Tortellini with marinara
breadsticks
green beans

Tuesday
Baked chicken breasts
baked potato
cauliflower
apples

Wednesday
Beef tips
mashed potatoes

Thursday
Crock pot chicken- new recipe
rice
fruit

Friday
pizza

Saturday
chili

Sunday
Small group at our house

A low grade fever of sadness

That is what(Pastor)Dave Rod calls it.

You know, where we stay in tune with what grieves God. Thinking of others and not just our own selfish needs.

I am not a good writer. Never have been, never will be. But I had an experience today that begs me to write about.

I went out to pick up the kids and saw an ambulance in our neighborhood. For those that know our neighborhood, know that we get little to no traffic. I followed the ambulance to our elderly neighbors house, and followed the EMT's into the house.

The couple that lives there is 80 years old and have been married for 55 years never having any children of their own.

He has Parkinson's and various other age related ailments along with severe back pain.

The Mrs. was standing in the corner crying as they asked the Mr. some questions. He had taken too many sleeping pills last night, and she had a hard time waking him up.

Upon further questioning, it sounds like he did it on purpose. He just kept saying, "the pain doesn't let up" , "I can't get a break", "I didn't want to wake up". His speech was slurred and his head bounced as he talked, as only someone with Parkinson's can.

My heart broke.

I stood with the poor Mrs. and hugged her and helped her answer questions to the fire and police officers at the house.

She wouldn't let me drive her to the hospital, choosing to drive herself, she is independent like that.

My heart is still so heavy for them. The hopelessness and desperation he had to feel last night. The hurt and helplessness she has to feel for him.

My point is; I had no idea it had gotten that bad. He calls for medical advice frequently, we take food down, shovel for them etc. He always calls me "kid". But I didn't know it had gotten that bad.

Sometimes I am so "busy" being "busy" that I forget the pain around me.

"Father God, help me to be aware of those around me who are hurting. To think of others before myself, to be a blessing. I pray for healing, peace, and comfort for Mr. and Mrs..They are so precious in your sight, Lord. Amen."

Menus

Monday
Amy cooks-
Tacos

Tuesday
Pizza with Andrew's Basketball team-woohoo!

Wednesday
Chicken Parmagianna
Salad
Bread

Thursday
Quiche
fruit
bread
salad

Friday
yoyo
Weekend
Fort Wayne Basketball Tourney with Aaron's team