Sophia, never having lived in a house with four other children before, had the time of her life. But it was also a trying time. She had to learn how to cope with some joking and teasing that was all in fun. How did she do? She spit. She hit. She cried. She threw fits. We had to remain consistent in discipline and training ALL THE TIME. Watching my sis' family was just hands on learning. Their kids have a real air of obedience and respect. They are not perfect but in general the 'air is there.' They got compliments at every restaurant we went to. We learned so much from this:
a. Stay consistent in training and discipline at a very young age, no matter where you are. we already knew this but to see it practiced well was helpful and to see results of all the labor was great.
b. Chill out. Travis and Julie are very laid back, but they are intentional in all they do in parenting. David and I realized we needed to chill in some areas and be more intentional in others.
c. Morning devotions. We completely changed how we do family devos after watching the Williams. We were always 'before bed' kind of folks. Always tired, always rushing. Now we start our day with them and they are simple but focused.
d. I just have to give props to my hubby. David spent a lot of his time in the US researching and looking up great teaching materials for our family time and things to really focus our life on the Cross. He also collected and put into booklets the hymns and songs we will sing and got all the music needed for him to learn to play them on the piano. We are so enjoying the piano and our times in the word have been very meaningful, and though they are geared for little ones, I am always challenged by them.
