New Look!

As you can see, I've been doing a little redecorating here on my blog.  It is still under construction at the moment.  I'm trying to get all my resources together for my menu bar.  I will do a complete separate post in the coming days on how this make over came to be, but, just know that I am very happy with how it has turned out!

On this Tuesday morning, I wanted to share with you a blog post that I read this morning.  It touched my heart greatly.  Sometimes, I can feel overwhelmed with all that's going on in my life.  At times, I'm so frustrated that I forget to be thankful for all the blessings that God has given me.  I think this can be sinful.  Either way, I was encouraged by this blog post and wanted to share this encouragement with you.  I beg you to take a few minutes to read this post.  It's short and sweet, and to the point.

I want to thank Kelly from the Complete Guide to Imperfect Homemaking for posting this.  It changed my life today.  Click HERE to read!

FAIL!

I flew off the handle tonight at Olivia!  I blew the situation way out of proportion.  I yelled, needlessly.  I popped her on the behind, sent her to her room and then....if you can believe it....I demanded an apology from HER!

What is wrong with me?  Do you ever have days where you feel like you are the worst parent in the world?  Do you ever have days where you feel like God made a huge mistake in allowing you to cooperate with Him and bring forth life?  Do you ever feel like your children would be better off with someone else as their mother?  Or, am I the only one?

On second thought.....don't answer that.

I was too tired and too lazy to make dinner when I got home from work today.  I had an attitude because Dan got home much earlier than me...and he didn't plan dinner.  When I got home, he sauntered off to a meeting at church.  Who the heck has a meeting for the spring talent show on December 21st?????  I get tired of being the only one who clearly has two working hands.  It really ticks me off.  So, instead of sacrificing my own wants and needs for my family (like normal moms do everyday)....my kids fended for themselves.  They had sliced cheddar cheese and crackers....a cereal bar and a frozen waffle (one plain, one with butter and sugar, and the other with peanut butter).  They had water to drink! 

Yup!  That's "mother of the year" material, don't you think? 

Epic FAIL!

A most EXCELLENT post!

You have GOT to read this post:  14 Ways to Be More Joyful!  I'm going to be working on #8 this week!
What about you?

Happy Sunday to you!

Book Giveaway!

My friend Judy from Benmakesten and Homeschool Faith and Family Life is hosting a wonderful book giveaway! The book is The Handbook for Catholic Moms - Nurturing Your Heart, Mind, Body and Soul by Lisa Hendey.

As a Catholic mom, striving to live my faith and help my children get to heaven, I can use all the help I can get! Lisa includes topics like...Spirituality, Finances, Parenting and Women's Health. This is right up my alley.

I've entered this giveaway, and so should you! If you want to enter, click HERE for the entry form! Good luck!

Daily Frustrations

A couple of times a month, I receive an emailed newsletter from Heart of the Matter. One of the articles that came today is called...."Cutting Down on Frustrations". Although I don't homeschool (at least not yet), I am definitely guilty of some of the things mentioned. The example that the writer used really hit home for me. My kids have been "overlooked" or shewed away so that I could finish something...like an email or a phone conversation or...cleaning out the pantry. Sometimes, my priorities get out of whack, and that is surely my fault. I need to work on this.

Please take a few minutes to read this article...especially if you're a homeschooling or stay at home mom.

P.S. Thank you for all of your prayers for my latest physical ailment! I'm still moving really s.l.o.w. today! I think this is just one of those things that's going to take time!

You've Got to Read......

this most excellent column from Danielle Bean! My morning offering had a new meaning today! Thank you Danielle for this....thank you Blessed Mother for being the most perfect example of motherhood.....thank you God for letting me borrow these three beautiful souls!

Before I was a mom....

I received this in an email today from a friend. I thought it was too good (and true) to keep it to myself. Enjoy....

Before I was a Mom,

I never tripped over toys or forgot words to a lullaby.

I didn't worry whether or not my plants were poisonous.

I never thought about immunizations.

Before I was a Mom,

I had never been puked on.

Pooped on.

Chewed on.

Peed on.

I had complete control of my mind and my thoughts.

I slept all night.

Before I was a Mom,

I never held down a screaming child

so doctors could do tests.

Or give shots.

I never looked into teary eyes and cried.

I never got gloriously happy over a simple grin.

I never sat up late hours at night watching a baby sleep.

Before I was a Mom,

I never held a sleeping baby just

because I didn't want to put her down.

I never felt my heart break into a million pieces

when I couldn't stop the hurt.

I never knew that something so small could affect my life so much.

I never knew that I could love someone so much.

I never knew I would love being a Mom.

Before I was a Mom,

I didn't know the feeling

of having my heart outside my body.

I didn't know how special it could feel to feed a hungry baby.

I didn't know that bond between a mother and her child.

I didn't know that something so small could make me feel so

important and happy.

Before I was a Mom,

I had never gotten up in the middle of the night

every 10 minutes to make sure all was okay.

I had never known the warmth, the joy,

the love, the heartache, the wonderment or the satisfaction

of being a Mom.

I didn't know I was capable of feeling so much,

before I was a Mom .

Guess Who???

Guess who has gone for over a week with big girl panties on during the day????? She's still wearing pull-ups at night....but over half of the time she's been dry when she wakes up!!!!
I can't believe it....I'm almost there! It is so exciting and yet sad at the same time. I will be happy to not have to buy diapers anymore (about $150 a month, don't ya know), but, it's proof that my baby days are over! I guess I just need to look forward to the next stage of motherhood and be ever so thankful that God has allowed me to borrow three of the most beautiful souls I know!!! Here's to a life without diapers!!!!

Saying "yes" more than "no"

This subject has been on my mind for some time. After reading Toni's post over at Happy To Be At Home, I was ever more determined to work on saying "yes" instead of "no" all the time. She's right...most of the time it's selfishness on my part. Read her post and let me know what you think.

Well Said

If you read nothing else today....please read this post by Kim over at Starry Sky Ranch! You will not be disappointed! I am thankful for mothers like her. They give me courage and a boldness that I might not otherwise have. Enjoy!