Day 14...Love Takes Delight

Today's task was to neglect an activity I would normally do to spend some time with Juniper. Something she'd love to do. Just spend time together.

When I woke up this morning, everyone was still asleep, so I showered and Juniper woke up. So she and I went shopping for school supplies. It was so much fun! Just an hour and 1/2 chatting, picking out supplies, choosing a first day of school outfit, etc. I know it doesn't sound like something she'd like to do, but she is so excited about starting 2nd grade. I was so glad I spent that time with her instead of waking up and getting straight to housework.

This evening, I helped her straighten her room up (at her request) and we got to giggling about things. She actually wanted to spend time with me!!! I am just soaring right now!!!

Day 13...Love Fights Fair

If a house is divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand. Mark 3:25

This task was about establishing healthy rules of engagement. I was supposed to discuss with Juniper about fighting fairly.

Okay. I'll be honest with you. I didn't do this task. This is another one of those tasks that works better with a spouse. Juniper knows name calling and/or aggressiveness is not allowed. Yes, she occasionally yells, "You're the worst mother!" or "I don't like you!". Most days I handle this well. Though recently, when she told me I wasn't a good mother, I (without much detail) told her she had no idea what a bad mom was and she should be thankful for the one she has. I understand these words are out of anger and she doesn't mean them. I mean, hey, I have my moments, why can't she?

I, of course, try always to fight fair. I don't insult her or belittle her. I try not to yell. If I find I'm about to get out of control, I take a time out. I just pray we continue behaving this way as she gets older.

On an *AWESOME* note, yesterday I was up at 5am with some bad sinus pain. I moved out into the living room and ended up falling back asleep. I woke up at 8am to Juniper in the kitchen. I just figured, she was getting her breakfast like she usually does. Instead, she was getting me a bowl of cereal and brought it to me in the living room. This made me feel so special! I'm continually amazed at the transformation of our relationship.

Just Keeps Getting Better

We are back from our vacation now. Time to get back on track. Although I did not start any new tasks while we were at the beach, I just continued the ones I have already done.

Juniper and I got to spend some time alone together at the beach. We even went out, got her a hair wrap and I got a henna tattoo. Even since we've been back, she's almost become my shadow. I really love her company and actually look forward to her time off this summer.

The Lord has blessed us with a renewed relationship. I was so worried that it was too late. Luckily, it's not.

Day 12...Love Lets the Other Win

Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. Philippians 2:4

This task was to give into an area of disagreement. While this is hard to do with a child, I found just trying not to say "No" as much, did the trick. It was fairly easy to do.

Friday, the night before we left for the beach, Keaton went to bed early. After I finished packing, I let Juniper stay up with us in the living room to watch a new episode of iCarly and Victorious, 2 of her favorite shows. She popped popcorn for us and got drinks for David, herself and I. Then, she and I cuddled on the couch. It was awesome. I loved being able to spend time with her without Keaton. She seemed to really appreciate it.

I need to do more of this. She's a night owl and Keaton isn't. It's the perfect time to get in a little Juniper time! :)

Day 11...Love Cherishes

This task was about meeting a need, choosing a gesture that says "I cherish you."

Today was such a great day, even though Juniper woke me up at 6:30am because of a nightmare. The boys slept in late, so Juniper and I took our time getting her ready for school. No fussing! We even had time to play a game before we went out to wait on the bus. No fussing! When we got to the bus stop, we were joking and having fun. Did I mention there was no fussing?

She got out an hour early today because it's Wednesday (won't miss that next year!). David and Keaton picked her up from school and he took them to visit his mom in Burlington. Juniper called me right before they were about to leave. She told me she missed me so much, that she wished they didn't have a long ride back because she wanted to be home NOW to see me.

For those of you who don't know, Grammie (David's mom), is one of Juniper's favorite people. She doesn't get to see Grammie much, so when she does, it's all about Grammie! For Juniper to call me before they even left Grammie's house, just to tell me she really missed me, was HUGE!!!

Then, when Juniper got home, she ran straight to me to give me a hug and kiss. Usually, it's one of the cats or the dog that gets the first greeting. Tonight, it was my turn to be first! My heart is soaring right now! I'm so excited I could burst!

Random

I know that I am not doing this Love Dare on an everyday basis. At first, I started to feel guilty about this. Then I realized, just because I am not blogging every night, I am still changing the way I treat Juniper or handle certain situations, etc. There are changes being made. In me and in our relationship.

We spent a little one on one time today. I offered to play cards with her but she wanted to do Bible Trivia flash cards instead. Juniper's knowledge of the bible so far amazes me. I am learning things through her. Things I never knew. Jesus had a brother named James? The oldest person in the bible was Methuselah? I always thought that was just a saying and now I know he was a real person. Abraham was 100 when he had a son? How did that play out? Was he extra patient with his son because he waited so long or had he used up all his patience waiting for the Lord to give him the son He promised? (By the way, in looking up how old Methuselah actually was, I learned he was 969 years old AND he was Noah's grandfather. Can't wait to share this trivia with Junie!)

I am looking forward to tomorrow. Juniper and I are going with my mom, my sister and my niece to get pedicures in preparation for our annual beach trip. We have really been looking forward to this girl time. Makes me feel good that she is excited about spending this time with me. Of course, getting pampered in definitely a plus!

Day 10...Love is Unconditional

God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8

Today's task was to do something out of the ordinary to demonstrate the joy of having Juniper in my life. It's been a few days since I've written because life happens. In response to this, I tried to do something everyday for the last few days.

The things I did for her weren't huge things. Mostly little things that I know mean SO MUCH to her. We went to her Meet the Teacher st school tonight to meet her teacher for next year. I left Keaton with my dad so Juniper would have this special time with just us. I let her help make dinner one night. She did everything while I instructed and supervised. I downloaded some songs she's been wanting and put them on her ipod Shuffle. Seeing her face light up made my heart soar! I've also tried to be especially sweet with her. It's not always easy. Especially when she hits one of her moods when she is nothing but disagreeable.

In return, I've noticed she seems more appreciative towards me. Doesn't scoff as much when I ask her to do things, such as take the dog out or cleaning her room. Juniper has actually been doing a good job cleaning up her room! These small transformations will help bring together the big gap we have between us.