Why I Am Smiling These Days?

'Cause this girl has taught me how.

Let's Get Peppy!

Apparently  my child doesn't get the whole "pep rally" notion.

Note the look of concern on her face in EVERY picture.

I don't know about you, but if  6 foot bulldog with big teeth and a permanent grin walked up to me,

I'd be a little concerned myself.

Failure

I am not accustomed to this word. Through out my life, I would set a goal, make a plan, work towards the goal, accomplish the goal, win the prize, get the sticker, make the A, get the award, and succeed. I did not win everything and I was not the best at everything, buh-lieve me...but I worked very hard and it paid off 99% of the time.

Failure was not an option. I hate the word.

I am experiencing failure right now and it is not pleasant. It is stressing me out. I feel pretty bad about it...and I guess all first time moms go through this failure phase. I know the Lord is teaching me something, so I will sit in Failureville and pray that it passes.

I feel like I am a failure as a mother right now.

My kid has lost it. She is bullying. She is screaming her head off. She outright refuses to use the toilet. She throws things. She is acting like she is outside of her mind.

And then there are days when she is the absolute sweetest, most loving, polite, and precious little person you have ever met.

In response, I have disciplined, prayed, disciplined, prayed, bribed, cajoled, persuaded, disciplined, prayed, CRIED, and then prayed.

I have read books. I have read scripture. I have watched documentaries. I have talked to my friends. I have done EVERY tip offered to me. I do not know what else to do.

I  know she is strong-willed. I know she has an amazing destiny and will serve God.

But, I keep thinking, "What am I doing wrong?"