Who's idea was that?

It is interesting to me how the more kids I have, the newer I feel at this whole parenting business.     Literally, I feel like I am regressing.    I remember thinking that "one day" I would be an AWESOME mom. 

But that was before the kids came.   

I often think of some advice I was given a few years back,  that I have really tried to take to heart.   I apply it to my marriage, even some friendships, but mostly, I implement this advice as a parent.

CHOOSE YOUR BATTLES! 

I'm sure everybody has been given the same council, and I have always considered it wise. 

Lately though, I'm wondering if I have perhaps become too accustomed with the practice of "choosing my battles."      What if this has just become my excuse or justification for poor parenting. 


Take Wednesday afternoon for example.

When I looked out the window and saw Sam and Jess playing something wreckless and dangerous on top of our vehicle I had two choices.  

a)  turn a blind eye and pray that neither of them experience any life threatening injury as a result. 

or

b)  Go out there like I wanted to, tear them off the truck, and teach them about the importance of caring for our vehicles.  Which we do.   (Just not this one.)   


I am ashamed to admit it - but negligence won.   (Hence the photo) 

But hey, I'm just chosing my battles, right?


Then there was the time this week when Jessica wanted to play with my make up, and I wouldn't let her.  Putting a make-up brush in her hands is like giving her a loaded paintbrush.  And the walls, couch and carpet become her canvas.

However, despite my NO, a few short minutes later,  I noticed that Jessica was no where in sight.   And my make up was also coveniently missing.   She was very obviously tucked in some corner of the house up to no good.   And I knew it.  Again, I had two choices.

a)  Hunt her down and make her put everything away before she made too much of a mess.

or

b)  Let her have her fun, and get a little peace to myself in the meantime. 


Again.   Just "choosing my battles,"  because I've been under the impression that that is the mark of a good parent.

It was at this moment, when I found Jessica looking like a nightmare personified,   that I wondered if my current method of parenting is really, perhaps,  not all it is cracked up to be.  

Whoever first said, "Choose your battles,"  obviously never had to look this in the eye.

And really.  I have nobody to blame for it, but myself. 

On another note.  Me and the "Nightmare" went for a drive this morning to look at the ELK.  Today the Elk seemed especially willing to have their photos taken. 

We  love our trips to Waterton! .