Parenting Question

If there was a neighborhood kid that your child was friends with, but at times this child was mean or manipulative to your child, but your child still wanted to play with this kid, would you allow him/her too?
At times this child seems to be Matthew's best friend, but then his mood will switch about what seems to be nothing and he's not his friend anymore, until he gets bored and wants to play again. I've explained to Matthew that he needs to ask for an apology and tell this kid to either be his friend all the time or not at all, but Matthew says this kid gets mad easily and it won't solve anything. He also wants to keep a friendship with this kid as they are neighbors. I don't feel like talking with his parent would be good, but it's getting really exhausting. I really care about the neighborhood kids, especially this one, but I'm really at my whits end with the drama this is bringing and the constant rejection my son is receiving. I know that my son is not perfect and am sure at times he may be the one that causes the problems, but I think on majority it seems this kid will just be having a bad day and letting it out on my kid.
What would you do?

Hunting Island, SC

Friday Matthew and I and a group of great friends went to Hunting Island, SC for a camp trip. I have never been here before. It is such a beautiful island. I hope to someday return.

Matthew caught at least 7 crabs and name them all Larry. Not quite sure why.











The light house was beautiful! We walked the 175 steps to the top, and it was so worth it!!


The beach was pretty cold with the wind blowing, but Matthew still wanted to walk in the water... he's such a boy!
I LOVE palm trees and this island was covered in them!!

Here is Matthew eating up the sunshine at the marshlands.
Here is some beautiful church ruins we stopped at on our way home.
I probably took over 300 pictures on this 3 day trip, but it was just so beautiful and fun. It was so hard to put together this post because I wanted to post them all.

Just Stopping By

Hi Friends, I'm going on a short vacation, and am so looking forward to the rest, relaxation, and rejuvenation.
Me, Matthew, and some friends are heading to Hunting Island, SC for some fun in the sun and some camping.
I'll post some pictures when I return.
Thanks for all your prayers and words of encouragement regarding my last post. God is good, and I truly believe He is going to use this weekend to bless me and Matthew and give us some much needed good times together.

Singletonville 'The Hard Days'

Okay, 3 times I have typed something. 3 times I have deleted what I typed. All times I tried to type something that maybe could sound intelligent, or balanced, or spiritual, and I'm not there today. Today was hard. Yesterday was hard. Lately, I've really felt like I just need some help, I don't know what exactly that would look like, but that has been my hearts cry: 'God will you please help me?' Parenting is hard! Parenting alone is hard! I feel like I can't catch up to where my son is at. He's 9 going on 20, and the responsibility is on me. Right now I don't know what I'm doing.
Can I just confess that I worry that I will become one of those woman with a constant scowl on her face, with frown marks, and a constant harsh voice; one of those woman that people say-- yeah, you can really tell that she's had a hard life.
I want to be light and happy, one of those woman that brings light into a room when she enters, but right now I have to be the disciplinary. I have to be the strong independent woman... when I've honestly been okay with being the house wife, that was vulnerable, and in need of a big strong man, but today I have to wear the pants, and I'm sorry, but I'm not happy with that. Today, I'm mad at the evil in this world, and the expectations that it tries to place on me. I don't want to be defined as a 'single mom' and I know that I am so much more then that, and that God has been so good to me, but today, I just need a little extra grace, and maybe to be carried just for a little bit, and then I'll walk it out............ Promise.

The Diary Of Our Cat Luke

Day 983 of my captivity...

My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects.
They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while the other inmates and I are fed hash or some sort of dry nugget. Although I make my contempt for the rations perfectly clear, I nevertheless must eat something in order to keep up my strength. The only thing that keeps me going is my dream of escape.
In an attempt to disgust them, I once again vomit on the carpet.
Today I decapitated a mouse and dropped its headless body at their feet. I had hoped this would strike fear into their hearts, since it clearly demonstrates what I am capable of. However, they merely made condescending comments about what a 'good little hunter' I am.
There was some sort of assembly of their accomplices tonight. I was placed in solitary confinement for the duration of the event. However, I could hear the noises and smell the food. I overheard that my confinement was due to the power of 'allergies.' I must learn what this means and how to use it to my advantage.
Today I was almost successful in an attempt to assassinate one of my tormentors by weaving around his feet as he was walking. I must try this again tomorrow -- but at the top of the stairs.
I am convinced that the other prisoners here are flunkies and snitches.The dog receives special privileges. He is regularly released - and seems to be more than willing to return. He is obviously retarded.
The bird has got to be an informant. I observe him communicating with the guards regularly. I am certain that he reports my every move. My captors have arranged protective custody for him in an elevated cell, so he is safe. For now.................

(This was sent to me from my friend Jennifer Benson, I'm not sure who 'really' wrote this, but I know I will never look at my cat the same again!)

What's Been on My Mind This Week?

This question was asked in another blog that I read, and really helped me to digest my thoughts. So I decided to copy those here.

My List:
-teaching this Thursday about Self Confidence vs. God Confidence

-my upcoming camping trip to Hunting Island, SC

-my trip with my Mom out West in May

-taking my thoughts captive, and not being consumed with wanting a husband

-the way the Lord loves me

-being positive and not thinking negatively

-the beautiful weather, and how thankful I am for Spring!!

-wanting to be free to teach the way God wants me to even though I don't fit a mold, well, I guess I fit His and that's all that matters!.. FREEDOM!

-getting my son the Superheroes Bible, and a book light

Let me know what's been on your mind this week, and feel free to go over to Theresa and tell her too.

By His Side

Today I choose to not strive, but to rest in the Lord. I'm tired of fighting against this season when there's so much beauty here if I'll only look up. He's here and He's all I need.

He is truly right by my side, and there's no better place to be.