MONDAY NIGHT MUSINGS

Tuesday November 8th - Monday November 14th

- I think we have a nail-biter on our hands. I went to trim Mattie's nails and they were already down to nubs! I've seen her with her fingers in her mouth, but I haven't noticed her actually biting nails. Guess I'm going to have to keep a better eye on her...

- Speaking of nails, Powell's grow so fast, I swear I'm trimming them every few days. One thing I can't stand is dirty fingernails, or on guys I can't stand even remotely long nails. My kids are probably going to grow up with some sort of issue because I'm always telling them how gross their nails are whenever I see gunk under them, and probably cutting their nails too short (as in, no white left), but it's got to be done. Sorry kiddos. 

- We voted today. I've decided that it's kind of irresponsible to vote on issues or for people that I don't know much about. But I also think it's my duty and privilege to vote, so basically, I voted today, but only for one office and not all of the issues. Hopefully next time I'll make it more of a priority to be more informed.

- I finally got Powell's birth announcement sent. It was about a month later than I wanted to send them, but I'm just happy that I got them out before he turned 1 :). Plus, sending out about 60 announcements is more time-consuming than you think!

- Mattie is totally potty-trained with #1. She sleeps through the night and wakes up dry without any problems. We go places and she can hold it longer than CJ. And really, she only goes pee a handful of times a day (she must have her Momma's bladder). But we canNOT figure out how to get her to go #2 on the toilet! We've tried everything: rewards, motivation, punishments, games, silly songs, stories...ugh, it is SO frustrating!!

- So for first time since I had Powell, I saw the numbers on the scale actually go up this week! But it was a swift reality check (more like punch) that I need to be actively trying to lose these last 15 pounds and not just wishing them away. It actually got me out of bed exercising. Hopefully the motivation sticks through the holidays.

- Is it  bad to work on something for someone else, but because you worked so dang hard on it you want to keep it for yourself? I've been painting my mother-in-law's china cabinet so I was just wondering... :)

- The kids have been sick for 5 days and I think their brains have probably melted due to watching so much tv. But what else do you do with kids who are home bound and not up for much. Reading? Yes. Maybe some board games? If they're feeling ok. And as awful as it may sound, it's been kind of nice for me to be able to get things done around here. But I hope they're getting over it  now. No amount of extra time to get things done is worth my babies being sick.

- In Sunday School yesterday one thing really thing really stuck out to me about my parenting skills - or lack thereof - I really need to work harder to be "slow to wrath." I don't want to be a parent who yells or who is easily frustrated and upset. I don't want my kids to be scared of me, and I know the key to that is to be slow to wrath. It's something I really need to work on and it was so nice to have that reminder in Sunday School and to renew my conviction.  

- CJ hit a girl with a book today at preschool. Yup. Apparently they were fighting over the book and when he got it he whopped her with it...in the face. I was shocked (but I probably shouldn't have been because he does things like that every once in awhile with Mattie), and totally embarrassed. As a consequence, CJ didn't get to go on play date that he was so excited about. And it was heartbreaking to tell him that because I knew how much he wanted to go, but we thought it was an appropriate consequence for his behavior. I don't necessarily think that CJ has learned to hit from us - hitting seems to be a natural reaction for most kids - but when Bryce and I choose to spank sometimes as a form of discipline, it can't sure doesn't help send the right message. So we've committed ourselves to changing how we parent. It's a lot of work, this parenting thing, but we want to be better for our kids...they deserve it.

Happy Monday!