Small Successes Vol. 4

1. We got out of the house yesterday and I took Gustin and Clara to the park. We've had a very cold winter (for Houston) this year and we've been cooped up way too much. It only took us about an hour to get ready for a trip to the park that only lasted about 30 minutes, but we did it!

2. I finally decided on my Lenten fast. I'm giving up sweets/desserts again. I do every year but that doesn't mean its an easy or unfruitful fast. I love, love, love cake, cookies, ice cream, chocolate... the list goes on and on and I need Lent to help me keep my appetites in check.

3. I also made another Lenten resolution, something that I would do rather than give up. I thought about the usual suspects, more prayer time, spiritual reading, exercise or less TV or internet. But, the more I thought about the more I realized that God was calling me to do something a little different this year. I'm going to make a point of being more affectionate toward my husband. Husbands can feel a little neglected when a newborn demands so much of the wife, so I'm going to make an effort to give him a few extra back scratchings and hugs and kisses, to sit next to him on the couch instead of alone in the recliner and to hold hands more. Since physical touch is one of Eric's love languages, I know he will appreciate it.

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Small Successes Vol. 3

1. I went with the family on a cub scout camp out this weekend and survived! I slept on the ground in a tent and everything (well, on an air mattress on the ground in a tent). The weather was gorgeous and we were at a lovely state park and it was actually an awesome weekend. And, since it's difficult for my 28+ week pregnant self to bend over and do things on the ground (like changing diapers), Eric took over diaper duty for the entire weekend. Nice!

2. I got a bit more organizing done! The time I tackled my wrapping paper. Here's my old storage method:


An old, holey, plastic shopping bag shoved in the back of a closet. This has been how I've organized my gift wrapping supplies for years!

And, here's the new and improved version:


I think I spent a total of $15 at the Container Store and it was worth every penny.

3. I've been making it a priority to take the time to enjoy the moment with each of my kids, especially before the arrival of the new baby. Here's how Elizabeth and I spent part of the glorious (and chilly!) Saturday morning at the camp out.


Playing with our shadows!


Be sure to go to Faith & Family Live to read more Small Successes! Enjoy your Thursday!

Small Successes Vol. 2

1. Well, I haven't actually completed this success yet, but it's on the to-do list today and will definitely happen. I'm going to buy Gustin his first set of underwear. We're going to give potty training one good go before the baby comes. If it doesn't happen, no big deal. But, he'll probably be three years old before we try again!

2. I've been fighting a cold this week and when I've been feeling particularly exhausted, I've stopped what I've been doing and sat and put my feet up without feeling guilty about it.

3. I bought a few simple, organizational items for the house this week. They are nothing particularly exciting, but now my bathroom cleaning products and Elizabeth's dress up clothes have a place where they belong and it feels so good!

Be sure to head over to Faith and Family Live to read other mom's inspiring Small Successes!

Small Successes Vol. 1

It's my first time to participate in Small Successes. It's kind of sad that this is one of the first times that I actually have some small successes to post about!

1. Remember those portraits I took of the kids weeks ago? Well, today I finally ordered the prints! I can't wait to see them hanging on my wall. Of course, that means I need to go buy some frames. I wonder how long it will be before I'll be able to post a small success that they are actually framed and hung on the walls? :)

2. I took my camera out today and tried to take some pictures. I'm so out of the groove with my photography hobby and I think it is showing in my stress levels. I tried to capture some shots of some hummingbirds in our backyard. They are so fast that I don't think I really got any good shots, but at least I tried!

3. We got through homework time yesterday without anyone getting sent to their rooms. That's a big success! It's been hard for the kids (mainly Jonathan) to stay focused on his homework and actually complete the little he has in a reasonable amount of time and without having a bad attitude. But, we've got a good homework routine going and hopefully from now on it will be a much less frustrating part of my day!

Head over to Faith & Family Live! to find more moms posting their Small Successes! Also, while you're there, check out Blair's featured article!