Week 2 - Read To Them

Ever since I can remember, reading has been my absolute favorite pastime (besides bowling, of course!) I used to have an endless supply of books that I would read over and over, and I frequently asked my grandparents to take me to the library to get more. I remember one library in particular; it seemed so huge when we walked in. There were aisles upon aisles of books, and I stood in awe as I tried to decide where to begin.

The excitement of knowing that I was one book away from a new adventure gave me goosebumps!

As a full-time working Mom, I don’t get much time to read for pleasure these days. While I used to read a book in a day or two, it now takes a month or more. That’s why I love reading children’s books. I can read TONS of those in a day! And the best part is, 

I get to spend quality time with my kids while doing so.

My boys love to read, and they love hearing me read to them. I try to read them a story each night before bed, and sometimes have them read the story to me. It’s a great way to bond with them AND get some reading time in. Plus, I am fostering their love of reading, which will help them in every aspect of their lives.

This week:

Read a story to your children. It can be anything (Bible stories, Disney, Dr. Seuss, etc). Take your time and enjoy the moment. If your children are old enough, let them participate in the reading. If you really want to make it fun, try using a different voice for each character in the story. My boys LOVE when I do this!

Once you’re done, leave a comment below and let the rest of us know what book you read. Happy Reading! :)

Blessed By Him, 

Adrienne

Week 1 - Play Games With Them

One of the fondest memories I have of my childhood was when my Grandpa and I played Checkers together. He taught me the game at a very young age, and I quickly fell in love with it. When I was bored, having a bad day, or just wanted time with Grandpa, he would get the game out and play it with me. Now that I’m older, I still love Checkers. In fact, it is my favorite game. I have attempted to pass this love down to my own children, but they seem to prefer Skip-Bo and Yahtzee. Fine with me, as long as it’s not video games! J I just want to be able to spend time with them, doing time-honored traditions like playing card or board games.

Where do we find the time???

 With our fast-paced society, I know it can be hard to find time to squeeze in a good game, especially if you work outside the home full-time. By the time you get home for the day, you’re ready to eat dinner and go to bed. Been there, done that! But believe me, it is well worth it if you will make it a priority to set aside thirty to sixty minutes, a couple days a week, to play a game with your children. Luckily I have been off work the past couple weeks for Christmas break, so my husband and I have gotten to play a game with them each day. When I go back to work Monday, though, that will probably dwindle down to two or three days per week. As long as you are consistent (once a week or more), you will see your bond with your children grow stronger. Just make sure to spice it up a little. Playing the same game over and over can quickly become a tedious chore rather than a favorite pastime. Take it from a Momma whose boys have gotten tired of Checkers! L

This week:

Play a game with your children at least one day this week. It can be a board or card game. NO VIDEO GAMES! Then come back to this post and leave a comment with the game you played and any thoughts you have.

Blessed by Him,

Adrienne

10 Ways to Form a Greater Bond With Your Kids

I have two sons who live with me, ages 8 and 6. When my oldest was first born, I was a stay-at-home Mom, which allowed me many chances to form a tight bond with him. I am thankful for that because now, even though I now work, I still have that solid foundation to stand on. Unfortunately, my full-time job and school do not allow for much time with my boys. Weekends are about the only chance I really get to have quality time with them, and even then, sometimes our schedules are so full that time is limited. 

I have had the privilege of being off work the past couple weeks for Christmas break. During that time, I came up with a list of ten ways that I can make more time for my children and strengthen our bond. I figured others could benefit from these also, so each Saturday for ten weeks, I will be sharing one way that you can form a greater bond with your kids. I hope you all will enjoy these and take them to heart. Each one holds special meaning for me and my children, and I hope they do the same for you and your kids as well.

Blessed by Him, 

Adrienne

Death By Parent

I have heard so many stories over the years of parents killing their children, and some of them even get away with it. 

In July of this year, Casey Anthony of Orlando, Florida, was suspected of killing her 2-year-old daughter, Caylee. Her daughter "disappeared" in May, yet Casey did not report it until 30 days later. A few days after the disappearance, she was out partying with friends. Even with all the evidence, she was only charged with providing false information to police officers. She was acquitted of all murder charges. 
Casey Anthony Case

Another woman, Betsy Dalton of Clarksville, Indiana, gave birth to twins back in July, a boy and girl. The girl was placed on top of a boy, in a toilet, and left to die. Police officers found the girl alive, but the boy died. The girl was placed in protective custody. The Mom was found to have "low mental ability" and walked away with no charges.
Betsy Dalton Case

In July 2007, Sametta Heyward of Charleston, South Carolina, left her children in a car in 88 degree weather while she was at work. When she got done, the children weren't responding. She took them home, bathed them, and stuck them in trash bags under the kitchen sink. The next day, she called 9-1-1. She was charged with 2 counts of homicide.
Sametta Heyward Case

In 1991, Kristine Cushing of Seattle, Washington, murdered her 2 children (4 & 8-year old girls), while her husband was serving in the military. By reason of insanity, she was not charged, but they did place her in a mental institution for four years.
Kristine Cushing Case

There are so many more, but frankly, I get too upset reading them all. I don't understand how a parent can get to this point. It is our job to love and protect our children. I understand that many parents may not feel up the challenge of parenting. That's why we have adoption agencies and foster care programs. Give that child a chance! It's really sad that parents feel the need to resort to this when there are other options out there.

Please, if you are a parent who just can't handle the task of parenting, and you're thinking of harming your children, contact your local adoption agency or child protective agency. They will find your child a loving home. You can also contact me privately at AdrienneLich@gmail.com, and I will try my best to help you.