Parenting

Parenting.  Who knew it could be so challenging?

I'm not going to lie to you.  It's SO VERY hard having 4 kids 4 and under and expecting in 6 weeks.  People often ask me or say to me, "I don't know how you do it."  Honestly...I ask myself that at the end of most days.  God has graced me with a ton of energy , and I'm thankful for that.  I require very little sleep (outside of normal pregnancy stuff) to make it through the day.

I want so badly to be the perfect wife and mother that stays at home and delightfully prances around her house with a duster in hand and baby on her hip.  BUT...THAT'S NOT REALITY, and the kids help remind me of that EVERY day!

I am struggling SO MUCH right now with MANY areas of parenting.  I feel a lot of pressure (part of nesting I've decided) that I want to get a few things in line or have the kids learned by the time the new baby arrives. As the children get older and gain more confidence I've noticed they ALL have different ways that they need to be parented and guided.  That in itself will stress a woman out. 

So the last few weeks, I've been seeking advice, and reading some books on parenting.  I've started reading and trying to apply some principles taught in a book by Kevin Leman called, "Have a new kid by Friday." It's an ok book so far and has some good ideas but I've found myself being more harsh and more frustrated with the kids that I think I need to be.  I find that I have been ignoring them instead of guiding them along the way.  I've put that book down for now and have picked up a couple of books from a well loved and favorite author of mine, Dr. James Dobson.  I started reading Dare to Discipline today and LOVE IT.  I"m not even through with chapter one and already can tell a difference in MY ATTITUDE.

I'm so thankful that the Lord is forgiving and faithful to remind us where we need the most work.  I pray that no matter how uncomfortable the "stretching of myself" may get, the Lord is there with me the entire way.

Please if you would be so kind as to pray for the Dupree Family over the next few weeks, we would greatly appreciate it.  For those of you who prefer a list, here are a couple of specific ways you can pray.

1. That I (Misty) would have the patience to gently, yet authoritatively, parent and discipline throughout the day without being so harsh,  Pray that I will have reasonable expectations from my toddlers and not expect adult like conduct without the years of training behind them.

2.  Pray for Jonathan as he will be taking number 3 of 7 of his Architectural Registration Exams on Saturday morning, July 3rd.

3.  Pray for baby number 5 growing inside.  The baby is still breech and has shown no indication of turning anytime soon...and my tummy is running out of room!  I am scheduled to go in on July 22nd for my cerclage (stitch) removal.  If they baby hasn't turned by then, the Dr. will attempt to turn the baby externally by pushing on my belly...ouch...I hear that's no fun!  If he is successful...the cerclage will then come out and I will be allowed to go into natural labor and delivery.  If the baby hasn't turned or will not turn that day, a c-section will be scheduled and the cerclage will remain intact for my next pregnancy! (can you believe it...my Dr. suggested that...he said it would save me a trip to the OR next time!  Wow...finally someone important realized that unless the Lord wills, this will not be our last pregnancy!)

Thanks again for your love and support.  It is because of you all that I can stay a bit sane and get a few things off my chest from time to time!  I've been spending most of my time on Facebook these days, but this was WAY TO LONG to post on there...they wouldn't let me. That being said, if you would like to keep up with our daily sagas/joys/or quotes, you can find me on Facebook (Misty Rosinbaum Dupree), otherwise, you'll just have to wait until I can't hold it in any longer...which seems to be every 4-6 months or so!