Saturday Skinny

Hope you had a nice week! Ours was much better than last!!

I've been trying to take things a little more slowly and not stress out about getting things done around the house. I've decided that it's maybe not entirely "nesting", but just normal spring cleaning type stuff that I want to get done. Whew! That's a relief. Kidding. Does it matter what the reason is for my being a cranky butt? Umm, no. I don't think so.

I've also been making a point to pray more. It's always amazing to me how this never quite sinks in. I mean, it would be nice if I looked around at my life and thought, "Hmm. Things are not going as smoothly as I would like.... I should pray about it!".

But I don't do that.

I think, "I can fix this! I'll just try harder!!" Strangely enough this never works. Weird.

"I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength."
Philipians 4:13

Another thing that I really feel has been helping is being consistent. Every time my little punkin throws a fit, I address it. This sounds easy peasy, but after the 456th time I start to sort of feel like a ... well... like... you might as well stick a swastika on my arm! "Heil, Mama!"

But, at the advice of my bosom friend, Amy, if we are firm with our children now, we (hopefully) won't have to be as firm later. Or if nothing else, we've set the foundation for the rest of their childhood. It's tough!

The truth is the more consistent I am, the more Gilly feels secure and knows what to expect. And I can't leave out that along with training, I'm constantly (trying) to encourage her, "Good job!" and build her up. "Thank you so much for waiting!" <--we've really been working on this one. :)

If our children don't feel encouraged and loved and respected by us, they won't care what we say when we are training them. Guaranteed. Speaking from experience here.

All of that said, here are some post I've thoroughly enjoyed from last week! Starting out is a post regarding discipline! Very good and very convicting!

Enjoy and have a FABULOUS weekend!!

~Raising Abel : Renaissance - make sure you read Parts 1 through 8!!

~Loving Someone When You Don't Feel Like It : Penelope Loves Lists - If only every married couple thought this way!

~Refreshed Motherhood: Why To Take A Yearly Retreat : Inspired To Action - I have a few friends (myself included that I thought of while reading this post. ;)

~Having Your Life Edited By Your Parents : SCL - THIS IS HILARIOUS.

~Aaaassss Yoooouuuuuuu Wiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiish : A Spirited Mind - Really, really like this girl. Really, really, really like this girl for taking something from The Princess Bride and turning it into a life lesson. We can all learn a little something from The Princess Bride, I think.

~How To Hang Plates On Your Wall : The Nester

~Why Didn't Anyone Tell Me : The Finer Things - She's looking for advice for new moms! Needless to say, I had a few things to add! :)
~Craigslist Photo Tip : Small Notebook

~It's Easy To Impress Your Kids : Impress Your Kids - This is so beautiful.

~Weekly Docket : Clean Mama - I really loved this! May have to try to do a weekly docket instead of daily...

Check out It's Come 2 This for more Link Love and to add yours!! :)