To Spank or Not to Spank...

Is that the question?  In our house, it's more about when and how much.

I know everyone has a different opinion on spanking and they are usually strong opinions at that.  I've always felt that spanking is just a part of raising children.  However, only if it truly motivates your child.  If it isn't a punishment that works, well, than why use it?

Lydie is a bit young for a spanking, but poor little Sophie has had her fair share.  I prefer to only spank her through her clothes.  I don't want to really hurt her, I just want her to understand the severity of the choice she made or the lie she told. 

For example:  Sophie would get a spanking if she tells me she hates me and wants me to die.  I think a spanking is the appropriate punishment here.

But...I really don't want to be spanking her for every little thing or for a bad attitude.  So...any suggestions?  Time outs don't really work.  I have been sending her to her room when she cries or throws a fit for no reason.  Taking toys or TV away really doesn't work for her, since we don't watch that much TV.

Curious to know what y'all think, whether you spank or not! :)

Love,
Michelle

SURPRISE!!!!

Friday night I received a fabulous surprise!

An early birthday party!  You see my birthday isn't for 3 weeks and my sneaky, little friends really surprised me.

Katie was the organizer and she had flowers, balloons and cupcakes from RJ Goodies adorning the table and my chair when I arrived at Lupe Tortilla with Lisha, the other planner.  Waiting for me, besides Kaite, was Amada, Danielle, Kelsey and Vivian.
 















So, this is not the best picture of me, but... you can see how surprised I look and how happy Lisha is that she surprised me.

I don't know the lady with the daquiris, but it would have been a nice surprise if they'd been for us!



My lovely friends waiting for me.

Amanda, Kelsey Vivan and Danielle

What an absolutely fabulous evening.

In fact, I think we overstayed our welcome at the restaurant because a waiter came by long after we had paid our checks and asked if we had parked in front of the Urgent Care next door, saying they had called complaining about cars.

Ok, so maybe they called, but I thought it was pretty clear they wanted our table on a busy Friday night! :)

I felt so special that night (and still do!) to have friends that love me so much to throw me a party and a surprise one at that.  They even threw in a generous gift certificate to a spa near my home!

I have only been surprised one other time and it wasn't a party.  And it wasn't all that fun.  My friends in high school kidnapped me the morning of my birthday.  I was dressed like a crazy person and they made me wear a sign that said, "It's my birthday.  Ask me to sing 'I'm a Little Teapot.'"  And I sang that song way too many times!

I have to include one more picture of the evil, genius mastermind (said in the most reverent of tones) behind the whole evening.  She even got there around 6pm to make sure we had a table by 7pm.  Love her! 


Love to all my friends who were able to come and those who were not.

Thank you!  Thank you!  Thank you!

(And love all the hubbies who gave up their evenings to watch kids!)












Love,
Michelle

Great Results

After the many mammograms, ultrasounds and needle biopsies, the results are in.

No precancerous cells!  YEAH!  Just fribroids.  I can handle that.

Just wanted to post this for posterity sake.

The doctor called on Friday, which made it a good day.

Then I went to dinner with a friend and was greeted with an early, surprise birthday!  I'll post on this once I get the pictures from a friend!

What a great day with great results!

I am reminded of God's sovreignty through all of this.  Without Him I would not have been able to handle the waiting.  Or the poking of needles, for that matter!

"But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much."  Eph. 2:4(NLT)
And He loves us still, thank goodness!

Love,
Michelle