At It Again

She never ceases to amaze me, this child of mine. Whether it be positive or otherwise, it seems that there's something going on daily that forces me to be the firm parent, that has me doubled over in laughter or that has me popping open with pride.

One such occasion occurred one day last week when she came pouncing in the house with this huge plush reindeer with a big green nose that she had won for meeting her AR goal. She was so excited telling me about it, I honestly couldn't understand a word she was saying. She had set her goals earlier in the year on that trophy that they give the top readers at the end of every year and even though I don't think she's going to make that particular goal; I, naturally, couldn't have been more proud. She's been a bit behind in reading since she started into the first grade but this year? The child has pulled her level up to 4.7 (so far). She's in the third grade. I'm so very proud of her and she's very proud of herself. Encouragement from me and JD, along with her hard work has paid off for her once again.

She's named this one Lilly Pad because
"her nose is green like a lilly pad," she said.

As hard as she works, though, to accomplish goals and plans; we seem to have begun a rather consistent battle of wills in our home in the last month and let me just be the first to tell y'all, she's really got the sass down to a 'T' ...

Sadly, I'm afraid to report, the war rages on and the battles have pushed me to the edge of the front lines and she's forced my hand for the last time. To put it simply - The Momma Has Had It! I'm told this is just a phase she's going through and that she'll outgrow it during the learning process (which I hope is true).

I won't go into all the details except to say that I am no longer the "nice" mom (in her eyes) for I have decided that I must do whatever it takes to see her through. It will be my persistence to win the battle that leads us BOTH to victory. I will, undoubtedly, be the one who wins all the battles but in the end, she will be the one who's won the war because she'll be a better person for it.

This is USS Retired signing off ...