a new quote, more excuses, and a question

“You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face…You must do the thing you think you cannot do.” — Eleanor Roosevelt

I just love this new quote I came across and wanted everyone to see it (it's also on my sidebar list).  Now, as far as new posting.  Here's the deal: it seems like almost every time I get enough 'on-top' of things around here that I don't feel too guilty spending a lot of time updating the blog, something happens that throws things out of wack again-- someone(s) get sick, we go on a trip, we have company, etc.  So, this morning I should be doing all the last minue things I ran out of time for last night for our weekend getaway to Provo, but instead I am giving you all some more excuses.  My goal for October is 5 posts (real ones where you can actually read about what we've been up to these days).

One more thing... people keep talking about Pinterest on my facebook page.  I looked into it briefly, and what I saw seemed to be a place to create a never-ending collection of wishes and wants, a huge time-sucker with no benefit.  (I totally admit Blogger and Facebook can also be huge time-suckers, but they have the redeeming quality of helping people stay connected).  HOWEVER, people I know and trust really seem to love Pinterest.  So, I am still curious-- do any of you use Pinterest?  Why?  What do you use it for?  How has it been helpful for you?

And now, I really must finish packing!

New posts

I have finally added a couple new posts!  Of course they're outdated, but better than nothing!

Projects

First Day of School

Just some more excuses

It's pretty sad that I have pictures of the first day of school on the same card with pictures from the last weeks of the last school year.  I finally got motivated enough (because Jake will start 'preschool' tomorrow and I have no more room on my memory card), to download this summer's pics onto my computer, the first step to getting them on the blog.

Unfortunately, the camera battery died before I could finish, so I've only downloaded pics for May and June.  And my computer and my external hard drive (where I store all the pictures), are having some communication problems.  But, I wanted those of you who still are holding out hope for this blog to know that I am trying.  Hopefully my hardware will reconcile (camera battery is charging tonight), and I'll be able to post something worthwhile soon.

ps- RE: the parenting aricle I posted a link to a few weeks ago-  I don't actually think any moms (or dads) should be truly mean.  My kids don't call me "Mean" when I actually am being mean (it's been known to happen, I'm not perfect).  My kids only call me 'Mean' when I stand firm on rules and expectations, instead of giving in to their whining and/or negotiation tactics (which also has been know to happen on occasion, again, I'm not perfect).  The article basically says it is healthy for our kids to experience challenges, disappointments, sadness and other 'negative' feelings, so that they can handle those experiences as adults.  We do them a disservice when we try to protect them too much.

Just in case...

...you are wondering why there is still nothing worthwhile (ie. pictures from the last several months) on this blog, I refer you here, it's a pretty accurate description of my current condition.

First Day of School! First Day of School!

Be a Mean Mom!

...OK, maybe not all the time. ;)  But, for any of you who may feel guilt when your kids call you "the meanest mom ever", or "evil" (I've been called both, and a whole lot more), read this article.  Being 'mean' sometimes is probably good for your kids.  Recently, I realized I often feel a sense of satisfaction when my kids call me 'mean' (and felt a little guilt about that instead of guilt about being mean).  It's nice to have some validation.

How To Land Your Kid in Therapy

Arriving January 2012

One little reason I haven't kept up on the blog lately...



....Although honestly, I've been mostly over the 'morning sickness' for a little while now, and still haven't kept up on the blog. As of right now, the kids are united in hoping it's a girl. We'll see how long that lasts.