Good Day

Today has been a great day. I cleaned my house today which usually makes me happy and I rearranged my family room furniture. I have preschool and book group at my house on Thursday (we read "Nation" though I wouldn't recommend it). Being in a clean house always makes me feel good but today I feel especially on top of things. I spent some time reading and playing a game with Julia and then we both helped Brigham with his homework. I have done a much better job being patient with my kids the last couple of days (something I usually struggle with), and I think it is because of some good advice I have received.


Advice is usually worth about what you pay for it but sometimes you come across something that makes a difference. I am ignoring my kid’s tantrums much better. I have always known that you don't give in but sometimes I do the opposite and try to discipline them into stopping. (I have deleted this paragraph over and over trying to figure out what I am saying and I am not sure I can convey my thoughts very well.) I have also found my solution to Julia's telling lies. It was suggested that she isn't really doing it to lie. When she is asked a question, the easiest answer just pops out. Now, when I ask her if her room is cleaned and she says yes, I say, "Let’s go check." Then we check together and when I find something that isn't done, I say, "Oh, it looks like you left out such and such." And if they go out to play after saying their room is clean, I don't get mad, I just call them home to finish. They are learning, without me telling them, that they won't get yelled at but they will have to come fix it. It is much easier this way and I am feeling good.

Anywho, this blog entry is REALLY sounding like a journal, which I have started keeping as one of my new years resolutions. I have been doing rather well with it. Perhaps that is why I have lagged in my blogging. I have been doing OK with my scripture reading but need to recommit. After all, it is the end of January. I have also started back on Weight Watchers to keep me eating well. This is a goal that I know I will keep as I have made a bet with my neighbor that I can stick to it longer than he can. Peter and I are still exercising Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. It is great; so far I have gained over 5 pounds. Lastly, I have almost finished my non-fiction book for the month. I am listening to a book on tape called, "Let Me Go." It is an odd book that I am not sure I would recommend. It is about a girl whose mom left her when she was seven to work for the Nazis in the concentration camps and she is seeing her for the second time in fifty something years. It is interesting but weird.
I have a video of Brigham’s school culminating event and Julia has a talent show on Thursday that I will film and post. For now, I am considering myself caught up in all aspects. :)