Positive Teaching and Parenting

Even though I'm not a mom yet, I get so excited for that time in our lives. Being a teacher, I often think about how to "raise" children in my classroom in a supportive and encouraging, yet firm and consistent, environment. I have so much respect for people who are able to find the balance between training in discipline, and understanding/empathizing with the mind of a child. This balance takes tons energy on the front end, when it's tough to be patient and consistent, and even tougher to think quickly and react calmly, yet firmly.

For the past almost ten years (what?!), I've had the opportunity to witness Matt's Nanna (she's my Nanna too ;) ) exhibit this consistent, loving, and firm demeanor with her grandchildren, Matt's youngest cousins. There have been times when I have found myself in the middle of a tricky "parenting" situation with my students or my nephews, wondering, "What would Nanna do?". Honestly! It's sounds a bit ridiculous when I see it written out, but it is 100% true. I love the way she loves and "trains" (which is actually what the word discipline means) her grandchildren.  She is an excellent writer and published author, and has recently started a blog called Colored with a Positive Crayon. Her daughter, Matt's Aunt Jan, is just like Nanna. The grandchildren I'm referring to are her kids. :) Both she and Nanna have a refreshing approach to problem solving and modeling positive, respectful behavior with their kids/grandkids. Jan is also a writer and published author, and also has a great blog called Everyday Learning in Early Childhood. If you are a parent or teacher, you may find some helpful tactics/new philosophies to ponder on either of their sites.

One of Nanna's recent books, Gently into Sleep is a perfect example of her positive approach to raising children. Check it out! Teachers and parents, you might also like a series that I really enjoy by Jane Nelsen Ed.D. (unrelated to our family) called Positive Discipline. They are GREAT!
     

Tanner and Caroline's Wedding Weekend

This past weekend, friends of ours from Furman got married at the Brasstown Valley Resort in North Georgia. It was BEAUTIFUL!!! We had a great time catching up with old friends and meeting some sweet new friends too.  Getting home at 1 a.m. Sunday (technically Monday I guess) made for a slow start to the week (a.k.a snooze x 4), but we didn't care! We're so glad we got to be there for everything.

The view from our house

Gorgeous!

I so want to do this in our backyard!! . . .okay, back to the wedding

Getting the bride ready!

Father/daughter dance warm-up :)

Precious

Caroline with her mama

Matt and Tanner

Furman friends :)

Prayers for Caden

Matt and I have known Adam and Becca Stanley since high school. This past week, they welcomed their second baby, Caden Thomas, into the world. About an hour after delivery, the doctors realized something was wrong with Caden's heart. They soon learned that Caden would need Open Heart Surgery to survive. Adam, Becca, and all of Caden's doctors did not want to waste any time. Caden received a successful surgery Monday morning (praise Jesus!), but still needs our constant prayers as he recovers in the CICU. Please pray for him, for Adam and Becca, and their sweet little girl, Jayci. Jayci is almost three and has been praying herself that he little brother would "feel better soon". Their family's faith throughout this entire process has been absolutely amazing. They love the Lord with every ounce of their bodies, and believe that God is 100% in control of this situation. Even Becca's recent post shows that they're seeing God's faithfulness in spite of their current fears.

Here is a picture of Jayci participating in a prayer vigil for her brother. She is the one sitting up tall in the middle.

And here is baby Caden.

Both Adam and Becca work in ministry (see episode 3) in the inner city of Atlanta.  They recently (as in closed two weeks ago) bought a house in the heart of where they do ministry so that they could fully be a part of the lives they want to reach. In fact, right after they closed on their house, Becca felt the Lord calling them to offer up their spare bedroom to a 14-year old pregnant girl who they met through their ministry. She wrote so honestly about her fears and doubts, but knew that God's calling for them was clear. Their blog is a weekly challenge to my own faith, to trust the Lord in the smallest and largest areas of my life.

From a monetary standpoint, ministry is not exactly a high-paying job. And as you can imagine, the hospital bills associated with Caden's surgery and recovery are far more than what they can handle on their own. Aside from our prayers, there is an opportunity for us to help their family financially during this time. If you are in a position to contribute financially, please follow the link here.

Thanks for letting me share about this sweet, sweet family. And thank you for praying!

Surprise Party

Our friends, Caitlyn and Chris, just got home from a month-long mission trip in Asia. Chris's birthday was the Sunday after they arrived back home, so Cait wanted to celebrate with a big surprise at Figo Pasta. After a delicious pasta dinner, we headed to Cafe Intermezzo for coffee and some extra catch-up time.  It was a great night!

Steph, Cait, and Dustin

Love this :)

Chris and Cait

Steph, me, and Andrea

While in Asia, Chris found this Clemson hat! He is said it was the only college hat he saw the whole time they were there- so on his birthday, he brings a gift for Dustin- very Chris. :)

A random, fun, and FREE night involving Keith Urban

Here's how it happened:

• Matt called me at work and said, "Keith Urban's playing tonight and I wanted to know if you wanted to go with me?" . . .love him :)
• I said yes, my calendar happens to be open, and I would love to go with you.
• Matt searched for tickets on Craig's List, but didn't have much luck finding good seats at a good price.
• We decided to just drive down there and see if we can find people selling tickets outside- if we ended up not being able to get tickets, we would go to a movie or putt-putting in Gwinnett since we don't have putt-putt courses near us, and we both happen to love some friendly competition. :)
• Driving up there, we both craved Firehouse (promise this is relevant) and decided to try to find one close to the venue.
• A mile from the venue, we found a Firehouse.
• Inside, I saw a teacher from my school, Tami- quite random in my mind since our school was a good 20 miles away.
• Turns out Tami and her friend lived in the area and were just given four tickets to the concert.
• Also turns out that they weren't able to find two other people to give the extra tickets to.
• Insert us, eating at the same place, and planning on scalping tickets at the venue. SCORE!
• So Matt and I end up going to see Keith Urban, for FREE, with a teacher I work with and her friend- hence to the title of this post.

Tami and her friend, Robin

If you didn't believe that this was a last-minute plan, my sweater should convince you that I came straight from school. . . if only I thought about fashion BEFORE I arrived at a place.

I quote Matt: "Gotta love when a plan comes together".

Agreed.