doing really well...

aside from the outburst with Eli the other day, I am doing quite well.  Times when I used to yell still come up, but I am responding instead of reacting and that helps so much!  I feel so much more calm and cool in almost every situation.   I think the kids sense it too.  I am grateful for this challenge!

starting over....

so I yelled today. I went 11 days, but today I yelled.  I was painting and Eli was "helping" and I yelled at him.  So I am starting over...

I can do this.

Orange Rhino Update

It has been 4 days since I started my challenge.  I have had times where I wanted to yell but chose not to.  I find myself having to go to my kids to talk to them instead of just yelling for them to come to me.  I like that.  I am more patient, not just with them, but with myself.  I haven't even yelled at the cat, but I have talked sternly to him.  Stupid cat....

It's amazing what one decision can do to make a world of difference!

The Orange Rhino Challenge

I have really let this blog go dormant.  this is fine with me.  My life has had some trials and so I keep my journaling to myself in a private hand written journal.  I don't write this here to get attention or for people to ask "what's up"  just stating facts.  The reason I decided to start writing here is because I have decided to take the "Orange Rhino Challenge".  See the icon on the right?  This challenge is to help me stop yelling.  I am going to try to stop yelling for 365 days, and hopefully forever!

I am not a monster.  I don't constantly yell at my kids.  But there are times when I do and it makes me and them feel terrible.  I don't want to do that anymore.  So hopefully this challenge will help me. Here are the rules of the challenge.

My kids deserve to be spoken to with kindness, even if I am having a bad day.  I get to choose how I react to any given situation, and now I am choosing not to yell anymore!

Wish me luck!!

I will use this blog to document how things go.  It may just be a number, or it may be a rant, or a success story.  This is all for me, but if you choose to follow, that's fine too!  Here's to day 1...

Crocheted creations

I have been crocheting for as long as I can remember.  I remember making barbie clothes when I was still in primary!  I love doing it.  It is relaxing to me.

Right now I have really been into making hats.  I started posting pictures of my kids in their hats on facebook and my friends started asking me to make hats for them and their kids.

Some of my friends aren't on facebook (get on facebook you silly people!!).  So for those of you who aren't here ya go!

Here is a link to one of my photo albums.    I will take orders until Dec. 1.  I will still take orders after that date, but the price will increase.  If you don't live nearby, I will gladly mail them to you if you pay shipping.  Just contact me in the comments if you'd like me to make something for you.  If you show me a picture of something else, I can usually figure it out and can quote you a price.

if you'd like something for winter, and not for a  Christmas gift, wait until after Christmas to tell me and it will be the original price.

It doesn't matter what other people think of you

I read this in an article about dating, but it applies to everyone, not just those who are dating.

You think what other people think of you matters. It doesn’t. You are the same you no matter what anyone else thinks. Their opinions can’t change you or diminish you in any way, unless you let them. You must not give this destructive fear any power over you anymore.

I just wanted to remember it, so I thought I would put it here for future reference.  The article was a good one, again, not just for people dating, but for people who just have to be around other people!  You are read it here.

Time Flies

To My Sweet Baby on His Second Birthday,

I cannot believe that two years have already passed since you were born.  I am so glad you finally joined our family.  I am so happy to be your mom.

I just wanted to write you this letter so we can remember all the great things you can do.  I love watching you learn new things and figure out the world around you.

You are finally starting to talk more.  The things you choose to say make everyone around you laugh!  Here are some of your words:

Neva. Neva, eva.  (Never, never ever) you says this instead of no now.  Cracks me up every single time.

Holla! (when I am in a parking lot looking for a spot, I tell the kids to hollar when they see one.  So now every time we are in a parking lot, you says this!)

Mama, Daddy (Dad dee), Anna, Tristan (sorta), Conno, Grampa

Come on (with hand motions)

UP! (when you wants to be carried)

One more? (when you want more)

Two (anything that is more than one)

There are many more other words you say of course, but these are my favorites.  You have been using signs for a long time and are very good to say "more" "out" "milk" "thank you" "bath"

You know lots of animal sounds and get very excited when you see (or hear!) an animal or even a picture of an animal.  Usually you will say the noise they make and then wave at it!

Your favorite TV show is "Curious George".  You will point to the TV and make a monkey sound.

You love reading books.  You like Curious George, Little Critter, Arthur and Dr. Seuss books the best.

Your favorite (and almost only) food: Bean and Bacon soup, Macaroni and Cheese, most fruits.  You also like string cheese and saltines with butter.  You would probably eat a whole stick of butter if I would let you.  You still won't even try meat. Even if I make it a very small piece and I hide it, you find it.  You also don't like bread of any kind.  You used to eat peanut butter toast, but now you won't.  Hopefully you will be brave and try more kinds of food soon!

You are a very happy baby.  You love to be around your siblings.  You love riding your wiggle car, jumping on the trampoline, and chasing the cat.  You love your Mommy and Daddy so much!  You have been going to Nursery at church for 6 months now and you really like it.  There were a few weeks when you would cry, but now you are such a big boy and have so much fun!

Your brothers and your sister just started back to school this week and I know that you will miss them, but I am so happy to be able to spend time with just you.  This will be a big year for you.  You will learn so much!  You are going to be speaking in complete sentences soon.  You will learn letters and numbers.  You will learn more about colors.  Maybe even learn how to use the potty!  I am so happy to be your mom and experience all of this with you.

I hope you know how much you are loved.  I cant imagine my life without you.

Love,
Mommy