For those of you who know me, you know I'm a people-pleaser. I don't like confrontation, I don't like contention with anyone and according to my mom I was the easiest child in the world to raise. I was obedient and rarely required spankings and when I did, I think I cried harder due to the fact that I knew I had dissapointed my parents then fear of the pain of the spanking. I always knew I wanted to be a mom - it was my dream from a very young age to get married, have children and stay at home with them. Now that dream is fulfilled and I am so very blessed.

Having said ALL of that - I'm tired! I feel like some days my strong willed children chew me up and spit me out. Rauly is nearly stronger than me already (and she's only 1)...she's recently been throwing the worst fits...arching her back, banging her head on the floor and kicking her legs at anyone who's within reach. It's amazing to me that at times, it truly seems as if her spirit is stronger than mine - she's just a little baby...is that possible?!! Although Shepherd is also strong willed, he is surprisingly becoming the more compliant child - he seems to need my approval more than Rauly does and is already more concerned with being in my good graces. Don't get me wrong - I'm thankful that Rauly is strong willed - I truly believe that having a strong will is a blessing. Strong willed children typically grow up to be leaders among their peers, confident in their endeavors and unafraid of obstacles... I have just got to find a way to mold her feisty little spirit into what God wants her to be...which is obedient to her parents! My mom recently bought me the new Strong Willed Child by Dobson which is great - but if anyone out there has a strong willed child and has any other tools to share with me - I'd greatly appreciate it!