The 4 Temperaments

I became intrigued again with the temperaments after posting on mine and after some comments to me about my post. So, while little man is napping ( after he wakes we are going to join the rest of the family at the lake, Yea!) I decided to get my notes out. There is 4 basic temperaments and you can have strentghs and weaknesses form all 4 or mainly be made up of one temperament. The 4 are Melancholy - Phlegmatic - Choleric - Sanguine I am almost completely Melancholy with a hint of Phlegmatic. Self-diagnosis here. HA! But once you see the characteristics of each one of these, then certain people come to mind and they just make more sense to you and how they respond or behave in everyday life or to situations. It also helps to know these types to help you interact with others. Yes, you can get crazy "labeling" others and shouldn't get obsessed with that, all I am saying is you notice things more clearly and understand where a person may be coming from just by their temperament. So, let's begin with the Melancholy ...............

Melancholy : introvert

Motto : Let's do it the right way!

Satan's Lie : You must be perfect

What friends say: Let's cheer up the melancholy.

Strengths: Weaknesses : I cannot get these to separate so weakness are in red

artistic moody and gloomy

• rich, sensitive nature rigid and unbending
• analytical ability pessimistic - critical
• emotionally responsive martyr; likes to suffer
• deep, reflective thinker introspective
• dependable friend prone to depression
• self-sacrificing prideful
• loyal fears the opinions of others
• perfectionist unreasonable expectations of others
• self-disciplined carries a grudge
• gifted - genius-prone too sensitive
• conscientious and thorough seething anger
• knows limitations hard to get along with
• dislikes those in opposition
• indecisive - impractical
• easily discouraged - hypochondriac

Melancholies are very hard on themselves thorugh constant self-examination. They are naturally gloomy, dark, and pessimistic, yet still very gifted and genius-prone. They are perfectionists. Their exceptionally high standards for others are only exceeded by the demands they make on themselves. They are intelligent with a very sensitive nature, deeply emotional, and controlled by their wide variety of moods. When they are up, they can appear quite sanguine, but when they are down, they will become depressed, withdrawn, introspective and antagonistic.

Melancholies can be your most faithful freinds, but they do not make friends easily, since theya re cautious. They have a strong desire to be loved by others but disappointing experiences can make them suspicious and defensive, and a low self-esteem can prevent them from reaching out. They love deeply - no ohter temperament would be so willing and able to give.

Greatest strentgh is their deep, reflective, and sensitive nature. Their loyalty and devotion will prompt them to make great sacrificesfor those they love.

Greatest weakness is their unmercifully high standards for themselves and others. They should accept their own limitations as well as those of others and break free from unrealisitc pressures they have imposed on themselves and others, and strive to accept people as they are.

Wow! That looks like it would be a hard life to live as a melancholy but aren't we glad that the Lord can use even us melancholys for His purposes. Romans 12:1-2 says We must be transformed by the renewing of our minds, which takes an act of the will, a conscious effort. I am so glad the Lord can transform me and renew me every day. It is something to sit back and look at youself, and when you start to see some of these traits taking form in your life. I personally have always had a hard time with forgiveness and could carry a grudge longer than necessary, but I know in the depths of my soul that I am commanded to forgive and must do it. It can still be an issue in my life and it will always be a battle for me with my temperament, but only thorugh God's grace and mercy can I overcome. I laugh some when reading over these b/c certian traits jump right out at me, like someone has followed me around and wrote down things they have observed. I can be very mood but even my husband has said that has gotten alot better. When problems arise in my life, my immediate response is to "shut down" and "withdraw" either from that person or problem. I am very good at cutting people off if I feel I have been "hurt" or "my trust was broken" But thank God He chose me over my sinful-nature, b/c left to myself I would be destined for Hell with no hope for rescue. I pray that He continute to mold me and make me after His will so I can better serve and become more Christ-like.

Next up: Phlegmatic (another introvert)

Sat. evening

Brock found the lighter and seemed to think it was a toy. He did not want to give this up. That's all I need is for him to develop a fascination with fire.

The neighbor kids whom Keira loves. She invited them over for smores and was such a good little hostess, giving them graham crackers and chocolate and making sure they had napkins. Here again, Brock with his new "toy"

Swinging with Mamaw while Papaw helped daddy with the fire.

Frozen Head State Park

My grandmother with baby Caroline (she is a doll), 1 of her many, many, many great-grandchildren. So many I have lost count at this point. Caroline is a little fashion diva, always dressed like a princess. I love the big bows, it makes me miss that stage when I see her. We attended my Uncle Danny's wedding and then had a surprise 40th wedding anniversary party for my Aunt Pat and Uncle Estel. It was a wonderful afternoon at the park and the kids had an awesome day playing.

I planned ahead and brought towels and lots of extra clothes when I remembered a creek was close by. Glad I did! My two water dogs end up in water no matter what. Brock was thrilled splashing around and throwing rocks.

Keira

Brandon learned last night from our neighbor (her daughter-in-law is Keira's teacher at Morrison Hill) that on Tuesday they had a breakthrough at school and everyone was thrilled. I didn't know what to think b/c the teacher always said Keira was doing well and had good days, and liked to help her with the other kids ( I took that as she likes to boss), but she really is a good helper. My neighbor assumed Ms.Kim had told me at school, but she didn't. Not that she is a disruptive or trouble making child but this is what she told Brandon. I just get so cracked up............ Keira finally smiled Tuesday, at some point during the day, and it caused quite a scene. All the other kids noticed she had smiled and one of them said "Look, Keira is happy" and they all went to give her hugs. Now, for 3yr olds to observe and take notice of her behavior and demeanor, then it must have been pretty unpleasant the past couple weeks. HA!! However, Keira did not hug them back, although the teacher observed that she seemed happy about it. Everyone was thrilled!! We also learned that they stopped using the words - nap, sleep, or rest- b/c this upset Keira and she cried, so now instead of rest (nap) time they sit and look at books queitly. All b/c Keira got so upset over thinking she had to rest w/o me. It got to the point she wouldn't eat lunch, sine nap time was not long after that. Brandon told our neighbor that Keira has a different personality than the typical toddler, but she said they just assumed she was comfortable at home and not at school, yet. HA! If they only knew how long it took her to get "comfortable" at church with her teachers and kids. So this entire time she has been going I guess she has not should any emotion much or even talked much. But Praise the Lord this morning she actually said she wanted to go to school, so my mom and I dropped her off, and she never cried or whined the first time, gave us kisses and we left. Now, ny mother thinks it is b/c she went with us, whatever............:) Keira is a melancholy temperment and is just like me in this regard. If you have ever studied the 4 temperments then you understand what I am talking about. I may have to do some posts on these, it is very interesting and it helps to understand some people when you see what their temperment is. I understand Keira and how she thinks, until I get comfortable in a new surrounding or around new people, I am not that crazy about the situation either. And most people think I am snobby b/c I am quiet and am not outgoing. I am an introvert and have a hard time striking up conversation with new people. I am not the type, for example, that can sit in a waiting room and just begin a conversation and talk and talk. However, I am working on that. It is completely out of my comfort zone. I would rather go in, do my thing, and leave and not be noticed. I don't like the limelight, so to speak. I could be invisible and be happy :) I also am happy with my inner circle of family and a few close friends, and feel content with that. I am not one who seeks approval from others. That doesn't mean I don't enjoy meeting new friends or talking to people, I just am comfortable with whom I know at the current time. Yes, this may sound mixed up but once you look at the characteristics of the temperments it all makes sense. I may look for my notes on these and post some on it. I just know God made me this way for a reason and I am learning to trust Him and pray that I can open up my comfort zone to be a better witness for Him.

Fun Times

Both kids love to shoot basketball ( it does run in their blood, ya know), but I promise Keira did not learn to shoot like this from me.

This was so sweet! Keira took a chair and sat down and then Brock went and got him one and tried to carry it over to where she was, I helped him and then he sat down beside her. It was one of those precious moments that I wish I could freeze forever in my memory. They both sat still for such a long time and just watched the neighborhood activity.

My little monkey. He is climbing anything he can now. Nothing is out of his reach in his mind.

Tuesday Morning

Today is "school" day for Keira and when she woke up this morning, first words out of her mouth was, "I don't want to go to school." Just kept repeating this and then the tears came. I talked to her, but it did not help at all. I started getting "Will you stay with me all day" and "I want to stay home," so I dressed her anyways and somehow got her in the car. She had calmed down a little by this point. I told her I put a surprise in the lunchhbox (I made the letter K shaped sandwich for her) and would bring her a treat when I pick her up. My heart was breaking by this point and I wanted to give in and keep her home. In the car, she was not to bad, but started complaining of a bellyache, I am thinking surely she hasn't already figured out the "I'm sick and don't feel like going" phrase, but sure enough she has. I didn't say too much about that and continued to drive. We arrive and she puts on her raincoat and no crying. We get to the classroom and it starts again, clinging to me, crying, making the worst sad face I have ever seen and I am about to cry with her this time. Ms. Kim talks to her and reassures her I will come back. Meanwhile, Brock is pointing at a giraffe and looking around at all the fun things to destroy. If only he could get out of my arms, I imagine this is what must be running through his little mind. Keira finally kisses me and lets go, and she really wasn't crying anymore. I leave and I cannot stop the tears from coming. I hurry to the car, since 3 mthers were talking at the entrance of the building and I did not want anyone to see me crying. Silly, isn't it? But my heart is breaking and I began questioning whether or not I have made a good choice in this matter, I feel terrible about leaving her, but realize if I had given in to her, it would only be worse each school day. I loaded Brock and paused and prayed for my little girl, that the Lord would comfort her and help her throught the day.

Beauty Shop

Keira and I played beauty shop while Brock was asleep yesterday morning. Although the first pic looks like she was miserable, she really enjoyed this. It was her idea - okay, not rolling her hair, that was my deal. She was worried they would be too hot, so I only warmed them up and then she wouldn't let them stay in long enough. Then, I got the bright idea to use a curling iron on her. She actually sit for a few minutes, but not long enough for me to finish the job. She was more determined to be the hairstylist and fix my hair. Needless to say, I sat in the floor while she "curled" my hair. She then rubbed my feet with foot cream and put lotion all over me. What a girl - she loves to put clips in my hair and spray stuff in it, much to my dismay. She doesn't realize when I tell enough spray - she wants it her way. Imagine that!! She is at school right now and I have to go pick her up in about 30 minutes, it is only 5 minutes from the house. I really struggled this morning leaving her b/c she was crying so hard and clinging to me. It broke my heart and I just wanted to give in and say forget it, she is coming home. I even thought maybe I made a mistake sending her this year, she did just turn 3. It was all I could do not to break down myself and cry. The teacher took her and was holding her as I left. Funny thing is, Brock would love to stay. I couldn't put him down because then I would have 2 kids crying. One to stay and one to go. I know down deep this will be good for her, but I cannot bear the thought of her being so upset over leaving her, even though she has a wonderful time and is great all day after I leave. Homeschool crosses my mind at times, but being a PE teacher throws that out the window. I would have trouble being still and teaching at home all day. I would rather be playing with them and besides my academic skills in certain subjects are not that great. Just ask my husband about my grammer and certain vocabulary words. HA!!

Wed morning

Brock woke this morning at 6:30, but was still sleepy. I tried to put him in bed with Keira and I, but he wouldn't go back to sleep. So around 7 I took him to Brandon so I could get Keira back asleep. Brandon (who was so proud he accomplished this) got him to sleep in about 10 minutes. After I got Keira down, I layed beside Brock since he was not in his bed, but I could not sleep, so I eventually got up. I came back to check on him and found him like this. It was so funny how he was sleeping, he had kicked or thrown his lovey towards the end of the bed. He slept till 9:30 which never happens.

We went to Chuck E Cheese today and while I went to change, Keira decided to put his on. I finished dressing and came back to the living room and found her like this. She wouldn't even wear the hat at Easter, but wanted it on today, along with a princess purse, her artwork from school, and binoculars she made at school.

Little man got in on the action I wish I had a picture of this - Keira insisted on taking all this stuff with us and when we arrived at Chuck E, she wanted her hat. She puts it on and Mamaw and I could not help but laugh, it was so funny......... We must have embarrased her b/c once we got to the door, she saw our reflections and took the hat off.

1st day of "school"

I wasn't sure she was happy about going this morning.

Brother was thrilled to get rid of sissy for the day. Just kidding! They got silly when I was loading them up to leave. Sissy was doing stuff to make him laugh.

My Baby Girl She was actually happy once we pulled in and she realized what was going to happen. She is so proud of her lunchbox, showing it to anyone who has been at the house this past week.

I thought I would have a hard time this morning letting go of Keira and giving her to someone else for guidance, but I shed no tears, although my heart was aching. I felt kinda of down this morning and once I got home, I kept wondering what she was doing and how she was acting. I would look at her schedule every so often to try and picture what activity she might be doing. They have a busy little day and I am excited for her as she will be making new friends, learning to share, learning to follow other authority besides us, learning Bible stories, verses, and learning everything else academic wise. She is attending Morrison Hill Church program and I love her teacher, Ms. Kim. I trust that the Lord will watch over her and protect her when she is away from home, but it was still hard to let go. I can only imagine how hard kindergarten will be. This is only 2x a week and once it goes to 5 days, I might just have to volunteer alot. Ha!

More Pics

Part of the classroom

This is just a few moments after we first arrived. Surprisingly, Keira asked if she could play with the play-dough since the other girls where already at the table, I said ask your teacher, and she did. After she sat down, Brock and I slipped out unnooticed. She only asked for me at rest time, which didn't surprise me b/c she always wants me at nap times or bedtime.

Keira's first artwork at school. Kinda abstract....just kidding :)

Binoculars she made today. I am assuming this went along with the theme for this month - Birds.

Alzheimers Walk

As most of you know my grandmother has been battling alzheimers for 11-12 yrs now. This is such a terrible disease to watch a loved go through. It is not only physically challenging but emotionally also on family, especially if a spouse is the primary caregiver. My family always participates in the Memory Walk each year and this year I have decided to help raise money. I did this several years ago and then slacked off once my babies arrived. But, I am taking this opportunity to help teach Keira about giving and helping others, and also try to explain to her what is going on with her great-grandmother. I will be encouraging her to ask for donations in person and this is something our family does to honor our sweet grandmother. Please pray for my grandmother as she is entering the final stages of this disease and also my grandfather who has stood beside his wife of 60 plus yrs, taking care of her and loving her more everyday. Oh the love I have witnessed between these two people is more than words can describe, I can't even imagine how this weighs on my papaw emotionally to watch the love of your life endure this awful disease and then come to a point where she doesn't even recognize him anymore. But I always like to think deep down she does and that will never change, you can tell when she looks at him, or at least I can. Below is the link to Keira (and Brock) webpage. Please check it out and we would greatly appreciate any amount of donations if you can. Thanks! Click on Find A Walker and enter Keira Leffew https://www.kintera.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=260149&lis=0&kntae260149=03AFF2DB2C1B4FBDAE5D770343ABAF03

Brock's Blunders

Brock really has me on the go and lookout most of the day. He is so different than Keira was about getting into everything, I never had to worry about her doing things, but boys seem to be more curious about stuff and how they work. So here are some of Brock's Blunders : * Breakfast food he would rather tear apart, grind it up, and rub into the rug or all over the floor. Yes, he shoud be in the chair, but he screams loudly, and Keira is still in the bed, so......... * New found love of the toilet - caught several times playing in the water (gross, but he does get a scrubbing of the hands). Throws Keira's Dora panties in the toilet, thought it was funny! * Unrolling the toilet paper roll should be a new speed sport alongside cup stacking. Watching mommy pick up toilet paper and try to re-roll it - another sport in itself. * Dumping out the make-up drawer and getting mad when try to take away bottles of foundation he has almost opened to obviously coat my walls and floor with a new color. I don't think buff beige is your color little man. * Crawling into the shower while mommy is trying to get ready. I guess he thinks the shower is similar to a waterpark. * Dumping Laundry detergent all over the place, thought it was sand.........maybe? Had to find a new storage place. * Love to throw books out of the shelves downstairs and then go to mommy's folders and sling them across the room. They are empty folders and my fault here for having them sit out but I just haven't gotten around to putting them somwhere yet. * Pushing the buttons on the satellite and any other button on the entertainment system to make sissy mad, which causes a stir if Noggin is being watched or her music is playing. * Go to sissy's room and get into her things when she is not in the mood. * Getting into every cabinet and now learning to open the drawers int he kitchen. Got to keep these locked better. * Still love to empty Lucky's cat food (though not as often) I could go on and on but it would take along time, and who has that much time to spare? I never would have imagined the difference in boys and girls to be so vast, but it has been to this point. But I love the differences and I thak God for allowing me to experience 2 completely opposite children who will teach me more than I ever could imagined.

Family

We had a family cookout/swim party at my cousin Michelle's house. The kids had a blast! We didn't leave until 9:30 and they both passed out in the car. Brock was up way past bedtime, but it was worth the fun with family.

Keira with Michelle. She will not wear a swim vest or water wings but will go around with the duck. She got braver as time went on and was jumping off the side with the duck with no one catching her.

Then she loved the diving board. Poor Brandon had to tread water quite awile till she decided she was finished.

Baby Caroline ( 7 weeks) had her first swim. Brock was in awe of her. Please pray for Caroline and her parents as they rushed her to Children's later Sat. night with a high fever and sickness. She had to endure a spinal tap and other testing to rule out some things. They are keeping her tonight also (3rd night) so please pray for her and mom and dad, as we all know how it is when our babies are sick, and especially that first time as a new parent ( and at 7 weeks old) for them to get through this quickly.

Fishing Rodeo

Papaw and Daddy took Keira to her very first fishing rodeo this morning. She didn't get a fish, only a few nibbles.