Savannah's Bedtime Chart

We just finished a month using the bedtime chart and it was a success! The whole reason behind the chart was to start getting her used to going to bed at a certain time, since school will be starting soon. We started by just telling her to go to bed at 8:30, that did not go over well, I was stressed out. I knew there had to be a better way. I started talking with other moms and researched charts on the Internet. There were a ton of options and this is what I choose to do. It is just a white piece of poster board and I let Savannah decorate the top and then I spilt the bottom part into 6 months. I figured at the end of 6 months, I could cut the top part off and attach another 6 months to the bottom. She gets a sticker each night she gets into bed on time and stays till morning. I let her pick her stickers for each month. This past month was Barbie, August she has picked Strawberry Shortcake. The chart has worked so well, there is no hassles, crying, etc. She just was telling me how much she liked getting the stickers. I know it has worked well with us, it may not for others, but I wanted to share what is working for us. I think the main thing is making it fun, not a battle. She had a hard time at first, because she thought she was missing out on something. I know I have enjoyed it, I can read some, or just relax before I go to bed. She is very excited about starting Kindergarten. I know I have been saying alot of prayers for her and me as well. This is definitely a whole new season we soon will be starting. I just pray for each of us and our children as we prepare to send them off to school. I pray for there safety, teachers, and the whole learning experience. I know for me personally I have alot of mixed emotions about her starting school. I am spending alot of time in the word, prayer and talking with other mothers. God has given us a special calling as mothers that is summed up this way: Our calling is to honor Christ in raising our families and building our homes. This sentence sums up the many hats we were as moms. I know my child is not perfect now and never will be, I want to instill in them the knowledge and love for the Lord foremost. To do this I need to stay in the word, increase my knowledge, prayer and set a good example for them. I know I have regrets as a mom, I know I could have done things differently, not yelled at the kids, nagged my husband, the list could go on and on. I know I am starting to realize that we all make mistakes, we must forgive ourselves and move on. That has been a hard thing for me to do and I continually work on it. I want to be the best wife, mom, etc. that I can be and the only way to do that is through Christ. Dear Heavenly Father, you are the creator of the universe, the King of Kings. I am so thankful that You are willing to help me every minute of every day in my home! Thank you for helping me with this incredible journey of motherhood. Amen