Better Eating = Better Life?

Ok. So Matt is a handful! We have tried EVERYTHING to settle him down. Alas, we have come up with nothing! I started researching hyperactivity in children and how to curb it. I was directed, of course, to ADHD websites. Now, I do believe that there are many kids with this disorder, but I also think that it is over diagnosed. From my research, I am finding diet has a lot do do with "Hyperactivity". The processed foods and dyes are not very good for us~SURPRISE!!! I looked at the "warning signs" for ADHD and the only one that Matt exhibits right now is hyperactivity. So maybe it is true...you are what you eat?!

So...now what...While I am relieved that it appears he does not fall into that category, I am still at a loss. My plan is to start weeing ALL of us off of MOST of processed food~not going crazy but making a big change.  Ok, at first it didn't seem hard. Then it seemed impossible! If anyone has seen a school lunch menu, you have probably see your fair share of overly processed food on it. Now, I not only have to think about breakfast and dinner, but lunch also.  I have realized that I am not a millionaire so we do have to eat up the bad food in the house...hurt me! ;)  I have been slowly compiling recipes for homemade lunchables and better alternatives for snacks and breakfasts. I have also been slowly making healthier changes during grocery shopping.

Here is what I have found so far....Eating healthy = VERY EXPENSIVE!!!!! So, I am picking and choosing right now the best natural, whole foods, organics, ect bang for the buck. Also, I am challenging myself to buy only what is on my shopping list. This is hard due to the fact that I ALWAYS forget something! Tomorrow will be the test...Wish me luck! :) Happy Eating Everyone.

War of Wills

For six weeks, we have been fighting an upwards battle with Matthew getting out of bed ALL hours of the night. Most often complaining of missing one of us (they differ depending on the night) tucking him in. Well, he gets tucked in every night before we go to bed. Guess what?!? We tuck him in but he is SLEEPING! Now, this is my cranky retelling of the story after being up for over an hour last night dealing with this.

1 am~Matthew woke up crying that Daddy didn't tuck him in~he did. I, in a stern voice, send him back to his bed, absolutely tired of dealing with this issue. Then I proceed to hear him moving around and getting out of bed numerous times. Me, being stealthy and sneaky, decide to go wait on the stairs to catch him. After 15 minutes, I am confident he fell back to sleep. At this point I sneak into his room to kiss his head and tuck him in. Imagine my surprise~he is not in his bed! Now, I don't have my glasses on so I am essentially blind, so I am fumbling around in his room trying to see where he is laying. NOWHERE!!! So I head back downstairs, grab my glasses, and start looking through the downstairs. Again, NOWHERE! I dawns on me to check beside Paul's side of the bed. Guess who is trying to hide in the dark with his hiney in the air? Matthew. Really?!?!?

This is the point in time where I pick him up and carry him upstairs. I am totally livid right now and slightly cranky that I spent 15 minutes on the stairs and he wasn't even in his room!!! ARG! I will spare you all the details of the next 3o minutes and sum it up to a war of wills. Me with my spoon in hand, putting him in bed and shutting his door~him proceeding to get out of bed and opening his door. Finally, I win this battle.

Fast forward the clock to 4.30 am. I hear Paul get after him while he is getting ready for work. I am not sure of the details due to the fact I was too tired to get out of bed. So one would believe we are done now, right? He has seen his Daddy, right? Nope.

5:55 am~Matthew is still getting out of bed thumping around. See, this is one of the parts I just do not understand. He was quiet enough to sneak downstairs and into my room with me in it and not knowing~why is he so loud upstairs?!?! So, at this point I am beyond furious and frustrated! What is a mommy to do when the spoon, repetitive placing back in bed, taking away privileges (TV time~Wii time), many reassurances (previous nights), and scolding don't work?

A light bulb turns on in my head. Well, Matthew, if you don't want to stay in bed, then you may come down and stick your nose in the corner! Hah~that'll get him. After 25 minutes he was whining that his legs were tired. I then made him a deal that he was to go potty and essentially 'glue' his butt to his bed. This is where we are at this moment in time. Who knows if this tactic will work...

To some reading this, it might seem mean or drastic. I assure you that all punishments, big and small, are done with an even mind. There is no worse feeling as a parent to, not only discipline our child, but to have to do it at night time. It is an awful feeling to be waging war with your baby in the middle of the night.

Needless to say, I am constantly tired and dread every night because it is the same thing over and over again. Another 'Groundhogs Day' if you will. So, if this does not work, I feel that I have tried everything and am totally out of options. The one thing going for me is that I WILL NOT let him win this war. So on that note, I would like to say a few words to my son...

Dear Matthew, My precious boy. I love you with all of my heart. WITH THAT BEING SAID~this household is not currently a Democracy~your father and I are the enforcers, rulers, and all out Supreme Beings of this household. You do not currently have freedom of speech at 1 am to wake the house as you please. When you get older, have a house and children of your own, THEN you may do what you want! I am the mommy and my will is stronger than yours. You can test me all you may, but, I believe that God will give me the strength to teach you right and wrong, respect for others, and instill in you the qualities you need to someday be a good parent yourself. I love you and will always be here for you, but you will lose this war. Love, mommy.

We shall see who wins the upcoming battles and the ultimate war. Any strategies?