20:52 Motivational Monday

I don't know what the big deal is about old age. Old people who shine from the inside look 10 to 20 years younger.

-Dolly Parton

This photo is an oldie. I've realized I'm a little shy in taking photos of strangers.

Last summer when my grandma was visiting, Nolan asked her how old she was and if she was 18. Boy were we chuckling!

  I cherish this time spent with grandma. She is a wealth of good advise and can speak from experience in so many areas. Wish these miles between us were not so many.

I'm really looking forward to being able to visit with her in a couple months!

Linking up to Gloria again this week. 

19:52 Motivational Monday

Most of all the other beautiful things in life come by two and threes,

by dozens and hundreds.

 Plenty of roses, stars, sunsets, rainbows, brothers and sisters, aunts and cousins,

 but only one mother in the whole world.

-Kate Douglas Wiggin

 Yesterday was just what the doctor ordered. We meet Ryan's parents and siblings at the park. The afternoon was spent visiting, relaxing and enjoying the sunshine.  

Us mothers even got a little pampering!

Head Gloria's way next!

18:52 Motivational Monday

The glory is not in never failing, but in rising every time you fail.

-Chinese Proverb

Last week this child decided she was done with diapers and wanted to wear undies. 

Keep in mind that I've told the hubby and a few friends she is one child that I'd PAY someone else to potty train.

So I went along with it and figured one day of accidents to clean up and we'd be back to diapers at bedtime. Well, this determined and strong willed girl had a different idea. It has been a week now that she's been in underwear. We've survived running errands and outings. We've one accident per day for the first four and now she has the hang of it. A few of the days I feel like the accidents were my fault, but I'm going to blame it on the weather. Ha.

She got to pick out her very first Barbie as a prize. Even Barbie goes potty too.

I guess if there is a will there is a way. It doesn't matter if your 2 1/2 or 82. She wasn't going to let her mom and a little accident put her back in diapers.  

We are switching up who we are linking to again. Head over Gloria's way next. 



17:52 Motivational Monday

When you have nothing to laugh about,

laugh anyway.

Soon you'll feel the healing power of joy and laughter bringing new energy and life to your weary, frustrating day.

-Thelma Wells 

Head over and see what Rachael might be laughing about.

16:52 Motivational Monday

Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time.

-Thomas A. Edison

Evelynn just couldn't seem to figure out how to blow the bubbles. She would give up and say "I caw-knot!" I even showed her how to hold it closer to her mouth. She ended up tasting the bubbles and gave up completely.   

 

Naomi on the other hand, picked it right up.

Some times the wind would pop it before she could blow. 

 

It was a lot of fun to watch all her expressions as she tried again and again to blow more bubbles.

Head Rachael's way next.

15:52 Motivational Monday

When someone cares

It is easier to speak

It is easier to listen

It is easier to play

It is easier to work

When someone cares it is easier to laugh.

-Susan Polis Schutz

I'm linking up to Rachael again this week.



14:52 Motivational Monday

Always do your best. What you plant now, you will harvest later.

-Og Mandino

Just this past weekend we were visiting with some friends and we were talking about our kids. (This is an area that I really feel like I fall short.) One of the topics that we visited about was investing time into our kids for the long term. Today's quote really sums it up well. 

Instead of becoming impatient or frustrated with our stubborn child, I sometime have to take a deep breath and count to ten. I've realized my actions is how I'm teaching our child it's okay to act. I've also observed that our 'difficult' child is responding the way she is, because she doesn't know another way to communicate how to. It has taken more thought and effort to teach her than our other kids. But she, like the others, is worth all the effort.  

Now, when I get to share moments that she communicated with me, they seem extra special. 

We are switching up our linking order so head over Rachael's way next.