Parenting Woes

I have this little boy with big blue eyes, a contagious laugh, and a sweet spirit.  He is loving, creative, imaginative, and smart.  He is also independent, energetic, and stubborn.  He is my Asher.

Asher started kindergarten this year.  He has struggled with the daily structure and requirements.  I did not expect this, and I am not sure what to do.

More often than not, Asher brings home bad reports.  He struggles to complete his work, follow instructions, or listen to his teachers.  He is considered by his teacher to be "the most misbehaved" in the class.  We have counseled, disciplined, and grounded him to no avail.  We started a reward program to encourage positive behavior; it has helped at home but not at school.

I don't know what I'm doing wrong.  My heart breaks to think he is struggling.  Are we not conveying the importance of school?  Are we not teaching him to be a kind and respectful little boy?  I just don't understand.

Today we discussed his behavior, and why he didn't want to do his work.  He said he couldn't do it;  he didn't understand it.  I can understand if he is frustrated at times and doesn't want to complete it, but I find it hard to believe that is the case every day.  But maybe I'm wrong.

I really don't have an answer, but I need one.  Where do I go from here? 

 

My Little Sunbeams

Today was the big day.  Cole and Caden are no longer nursery buddies, but have moved on to primary.  They are big boys now.  Prior to the official day I spoke with the primary leaders, and had asked that they be in separate classes.  It seems that my twins are a little rambunctious together (not my babies! ha), so I felt for the sake of the teachers, it would be better this way.

I stayed home with their sick big brother, so I did not get to watch them from afar (as the proper mother hen would do).  When they came home from church, they were all smiles.  Truly excited and happy they went today.  Daddy gave full report.  They did great!  Daddy picked Caden up first; the first thing he said was "Where's Cole?"  When they went to pick Cole up from his classroom, Cole said "Hi Dad" then, "Caden!!!"  They gave each other the biggest hug.  

What sweet brothers.  It is amazing to see how much they mean to each other.  How they play together, work together (to drive mom crazy), and fight together.  They have a unique bond, and I love that about them.  I love that they missed each other.  How great is it to have a best friend when you are three?  I truly hope that they will always have this relationship.  That they will always be close, no matter where they are in life.  Love you my little sunbeams.

2013

I always get a little sad when December turns into January.  I love seeing the Christmas lights around town, and the feel of the holiday season.  I don't think it lasts quite long enough.  But, I do love that with the New Year comes new beginnings.  I do not know what 2013 will bring us, but I'm ready.

As many of us do, the Guillory family sets goals at the start of a new year.  A friend of mine said we should set goals, and make steps to lead up to completing that goal.  That way you can "track" your progress, and are more likely to finish what you started.  I think that is a great idea.

For Trevor, this is the year of doing.  No longer procrastinating what could be done today.  For me, I would like to be nicer, happier, and in good shape.  I can't have fun with my kids if I can't keep up with them.

So, we started our new year on the right foot.  Trevor and I went hunting!  In the 12 years that we have been married, I've only been one other time.  It wasn't that fun, and he didn't get a deer.  This year, however, we had a good time.  We sat in a small deer blind, in the cold, for two hours, whispering to each other.  At dusk, the view from the blind was quite beautiful.  

And that's when we saw deer!  I didn't realize what a mac daddy my husband was, but he's an excellent shot.  Once he had a good sight on her, he was able to take her down with one clean hit.  Then we waited. After about 15 min it seemed like we wouldn't get another chance, so I started taking pictures.

The cute hunting couple in the deer blind

Trevor pretending to aim his gun.  

Actually, his "pretending" ended up being something else.  As I was taking the picture, Trevor said "Holy crap, there's a deer in my sight!"  In a split second Trevor took aim and shot.  

 Two shots, two kills.  

The last kill weighed over 100 lbs.  She was the biggest one the ranch owner had seen on his land!  It was an awesome hunt.  Great job babe!  Here's to 2013.

(I'll spare you the cleaning pics!)

All things in between

It's been forever since I last used the blog. Chalk that up to having four kids under 4. So many things have happened over the last year, but most of you already know all of them.

Today I wanted to post just because. Because I've been feeling sentimental about my life, and what has become. I am so grateful for all our blessings. To finally be at a point in our lives where things aren't so complicated. Where I can think about me for a little while, and not feel guilty.

I truly love Texas. I love the people, the area, the activities (not that I've done a whole lot yet), my home, our church, everything. I remember coming here to look for house with Trevor and having that feeling of home. I didn't want to leave; I wanted to send for the kids and just stay... even with the 100+ degree weather they were having.

When we found our home, I knew it at once. It was exactly what I wanted, and thankfully within our budget. We have parks, a pool, and an excellent elementary school within walking distance. I even joined a gym, for my sanity and for the kids. I love it... it's my time to take care of me.

Now I'm not bragging about our new found joy. The last 3 1/2 years were a huge struggle for us. Many days I didn't think I could make it through another. Putting Trevor through school, having 3 more kids within 18 months of each other, and working full time an hour away from home. Seriously, a trial I hated. But we chose it. We chose to send Trevor back to school knowing it would be worth it. But sometimes it is so hard to see the worth through the pain.

I would like to say we handled it with grace... not so much. Trevor and I were holding on to threads by the time it was over. That's why I spent my entire bonus on a trip to Maui... because we needed it. And it was worth it.

Now we are here enjoying the fruits of our labor. I'm so grateful for all of it. I'm thankful we had the gospel to help us through it, and the wonderful people in the Marysville ward who cared for our entire family. We are blessed beyond measure.

Easton Ray

Easton Ray Guillory, 9-29-10 at 4 pm, 6 lbs 15 oz 19 inches

He's here... little Easton Ray couldn't wait any longer and arrived a month early! I wonder what is so important that this little angel had to come the way he did. Whatever it may be, we are so glad he is here. He is such a sweet little boy. Asher and the twins already love him (well, the twins don't really seem to care either way). Thankfully he has been pretty easy to care for, but what single kid isn't after having twins? I'm just grateful everything went well and Easton was able to come home with us without any extra help. He is growing fast (already 7 lbs 11 oz at 2 weeks) and getting used to his new home outside the womb. We love him tons. Welcome little one.

See his little dimpled chin - so cute. None of my other boys have it.

Easton looks exactly like Asher when he was born (well minus the huge cowlick in the front)

Beautiful Boys

Handsome little Cole

My 3 sons! Caden, Asher, and Cole

Caden is all smiles

I'm still amazed they sat still for this picture (Caden, Asher, Cole)

Thank you so much Rebecca for taking these beautiful pictures. You made the experience easy and fun.

Photo shoot disaster

Little Rascals

Cole

Caden

I took the boys to have their pictures taken on Saturday. All three were dressed up in outfits Trevor's Aunt sent them. They were so cute, and I was really excited to finally have some professional pics done. What was I thinking? You would think I was a first time mom or something. For one, I went alone (big mistake). On top of that, I had to wake them up early from their nap in order to get them there on time. Although they were in good spirits, their energy far exceeds their ability to listen and sit still.

The photo shoot became a wrestling match. The twins wouldn't sit still for anything, and of course Asher saw it as a time to encourage them. We tried everything from toys, snacks, to holding them down or dog piling them on top of one another. The girl took two pictures, neither of which turned out. I was so upset and bummed out. The girl asked me if I wanted to re-schedule, ha "no thanks." I guess I'll have to wait for our fall family photo shoot when the 4th baby Guillory has arrived.

Oh well. I brought them home and was able to take a couple of pictures of the twins. Granted, they wouldn't sit still for me either. Unfortunately Asher was taking a nap. Oh well, you do your best with what you are given.