1.16.2012

Photo a Day 2012-Week 2

I am sometimes surprised at how difficult it can be take a photo every day.  I ask myself, how hard should it be?  But sometimes, it just is.  Well, I should qualify that by saying its hard in part because I am a perfectionist.  I should probably get over that shouldn't I.

I'm going to start by giving a warning.  There is one photo that may be difficult for you to understand.  I'm going to request that you don't share parenting advice with me unless you also have a child who is Reactive Attachment Disordered and you have experienced what it means to parent such a child.  I am sharing today because this IS my daily life.  But I'm not looking for advice.

The fact is, I have a child who is very disturbed emotionally and she requires parenting that is very different from what many children need. While she is physically 16, emotionally, she is more like 8 or 9 and even that is being generous sometimes.  Her cognition on matters of conscience is nearly non-existent.  So, before you feel that I am a mean mom, either don't keep reading this post, or understand that it's very difficult to parent such a child and that her needs are VERY different from your children's needs. (yes, I am defensive about this because I answer these questions constantly and sometimes I get a little techy about it.)

So, without further ado......

Sunday Jan 8 -- Cody looks a bit skeptical as Dad Jeremy tries to convince him to pose for the camera.



Monday Jan 9 -- Chelsea(who is just over 7 months pregnant) and I tried for an impromptu belly shoot this afternoon but Olivia stole the show. Here she made us think she was going to eat that foot!



Tuesday Jan 10 -- Hunter and I had to go grocery shopping after school today. I had yet to get a photo for the day but when I saw the sky, I knew what I had to do. I was only sad I didn't have my big girl camera. I do hope my poor kids don't hate photography as a result of my antics.



Wednesday Jan 11 -- Today was a routine Dental visit for Hunter and Madison. I have to admit I felt really frustrated when Maddie had 5 new cavities and Hunter had 2. I want so much for them to have healthy teeth so they don't have to go through all I've been through with my teeth but it's not to be.



Thursday Jan 12 -- It's sometimes hard for me to accept that this is the only way Madison can/will stop long enough to consider her actions and work on willingness to change them. I know its for her best but it's hard to make this happen. She's been pretty angry since we returned from Mexico and the result has been some pretty nasty behavior. I pray every day that she'll find peace and joy.



Friday, Jan 13 -- We had to go to the Dentist in Nogales today. A little trip looking for cheese found us in front of this church.




Saturday, Jan 14 -- Coffee at Starbucks with Summer. This is week two of our mentoring relationship. What a blessing it is to share life with a godly person.



I have to admit this past week was a tough one for me. We've really been IN it with Madison.   I don't believe I shared before, but Hunter accepted Christ while we were in Mexico.  Since then, he has been a changed young man.  I don't think I can express just how changed. But the biggest thing I see is a difference in pride vs. humility.  His rebellion seems to have melted away which really has been amazing to see.

However, Madison is mad as a hornet because of it.  She was much more comfortable when she could say that Hunter was the troublemaker.  Now that he is changing and growing in Christ she hardly knows what to do. So, she's been mean and nasty.  She's spiteful and using her words to attack both Hunter and I continually. That gets to be exhausting after a while.  If you're the praying sort, please pray that my poor daughter can find peace and joy.

With any luck, I'll have a little something crafty to share tomorrow.  Until then, have a great day!

16 comments:

  1. Thanks for sharing Ursula! Your pictures are wonderful!

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  2. Thank you for sharing such honest and beautiful photos!

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  3. Thank you for being so open about your life. I would never think to judge you. I can only imagine how difficult the constant turmoil must be. Sending you a big hug...

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  4. Weak people judge others. I commend you for being so open and honest about your life. I'll place your family in my prayers. I adore that baby pic!

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  5. Thanks for sharing. I don't know that I would be upset about the way you parent, time outs are part of life, she may be older but it is what works for you. I don't know how I would feel about it if she was emotionally at her age and then you posted it. Do you know what I mean? She is who she is, and you are dealing with it the best way you know how. She is not "normal" in the sense that a "normal" aged child this would not be appropriate or work for. I hope that came out right. I can understand being defensive, because sometimes with a picture you don't get the full story. Hugs to you, you are doing a great job:)

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  6. Ursula - you are a gift in those childrens' lives. No judgement here - only admiration for giving those kids are safe and loving home.

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  7. beautiful photos... and yes I'll be praying for your family and your daughter. You are a wonderful mom and u love your children.. that I know... We all parent differently and u are doing what works for your family.. bravo! I will pray Madison finds her peace and calm and begins to feel the love you all have for her. xo hugs

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  8. I have several things
    1. I want to see Hunter and experience the change for myself! Hopefully I'll get to this summer!
    2. I didn't know you were mentoring Summer. How nice! :)
    3. I see that you are the proud owner of a plastic Starbucks cup. So am I! They were on sale for $7 and I couldn't resist. I use it all the time. Only...not for Starbucks :(

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  9. I love your pictures. And I love your honesty and how you share the "real life" that is going on. So many blogs don't. I will be praying for your family. One of the reasons I love your blog (besides your amazing scrapbooking/crafting ability) is that you are a sister in Christ. I was thrilled to find your blog!

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  10. Amazing for you to share a little of your life. Your photos are just wonderful, even if some are not as happy as we want them to be...it's real life...and it's amazing. Congratulations to Hunter in accepting Christ! Blessings to you all!

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  11. big hugs to you ursula. i will definitely keep your daughter in my thoughts.

    i can relate in a sense that i too have a daughter that is 16, but developmentally/emotionally she is much younger. i have to remember how to parent her and my 9 year old on a daily basis. each one is so different. i commend you for sharing something that is so near and dear to your heart.

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  12. I meant to comment this morning on this! Who is anyone to judge really. Awesome that you are capturing "real" moments no matter what! Stay strong!

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  13. committing to pray for you and your family, ursula! i know how extremely hard it is to deal with a troubled teen.

    i am also rejoicing with you that your son now knows the LORD. may he never stray from the path the LORD has chosen for him.

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  14. Wow...your pictures are wonderful! You are capturing your own daily life...not others. I do know what RAD is and bless you for loving this young lady.

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  15. I thought it was an artistic pose until I began reading the meaning behind the photo. I think your photos are great. I appreciate your honesty and sharing a snippet of your life. I will keep you and your family lifted in prayer~

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  16. Thanks for being so open and honest about your life! It's so nice to be able to discover a bit more about you :)

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I really enjoy your feedback, so thanks a bundle for taking the time to leave it.

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