calling on my 'inner' domestic diva

Now, I have been trying to become a domestic diva for some time now.  And while I mastered 'her' when we lived in Massachusetts (first years of marriage, went back to school, no babies!), I cannot seem to grab hold of 'her' since moving back (um, 5 years ago!!).


I do cook, but rarely have a plan.  I love to cook/bake, but usually want to go all out (find the best Ina recipe) and try to remain childless while I prep.   This way of cooking is not realistic!  So, I have been working on my approach.   I still don't menu plan, but vow to try... soon!  


However, I do 'dump down' recipes.


On Thanksgiving, I made my good friend (ha!) Tyler Florence's candied yams.  Well, on any given day, I combine some simple ingredients and make sweet potatoes LL will actually eat & mash some plan ones for  Little L!


Exhibits a, b, and c:

 My rendition does not look as fancy as Tyler's, but will next year!  YUMMY though, nonetheless!

 Quick look in the pantry and no time to let them simmer, but good use of those left over cinnamon sticks!

Little L does not know what she is missing...

Also, I have enlisted a sous chef!  

He always lets me know when the flour is "stuck to the side!!"

Here are some long time favorite recipes and new favorites:

• Easiest banana bread EVER! - Food Network
• Ina's Grown Up Mac and Cheese - I prepare this ahead of time in individual crocks and one with simple cheese (cheddar) for LL.  When my bub is on his way home, I pop them in the oven & prepare a salad!  EZ PZ  Oh, see I posted about it already!
• Rachel Ray's Italian Mac-n-Cheese - Perfect for a large crowd, pot luck, or caring ministry dish.  I make two for a large gathering.  I use ground turkey for a healthy version (sometimes!).
• Orzo Salad from one of my favorite cookbooks - and how excited was I when I googled the recipe and a wonderful blog already had it typed out.   Thank you "The Domestication Project", clearly I need to spend some additional time on your blog!
• Ina's Lemon Yogurt Cake - Delicious and so easy.  And I love all things Ina!
• Reluctant Entertainer's Cranberry Lemon Pull-Aparts - I have made these so many times, for several different people and boy are they a hit!  So good!

so tell me what's an easy way to start this menu planning???

oh, and what's for dinner?

backwards is better than nothing, right?

Remember our stationary girl! Well, little miss seems to be wiggling backwards when she was on her belly! I must say, that even though we are totally guilty of holding her all the time (she is just so darn cute!), we have been doing her "exercises" every day! Little progress was being made on movement and honestly little l is so content with sitting a playing not moving around, but two things sparked a little excitement - a totally messy office and LEGOs.   Of course, LEGOs -- total choke hazard! -- but she so tried to wiggle her body to get them.  In the attempt, she managed to moved backwards, which frustrated her, but made me so happy.   And as we were finishing our taxes (hey at least we finished before April this year!!) I placed her on the floor in the office with some toys.  Well sure, she was surrounded with a paper mess explosion and before we knew it she was headed (well backwards headed??) under the daybed.   So I must know -- backwards is progress right?  Its better than nothing, right??  




**reference fact: our little princess is 10 months and at her 9 month appt. her doctor was not at all impressed with her lack of movement.  we were told (and I love my children's doctor) to start seriously working on her gross motor skills!!**

Local Mamas: Cradles to Crayons Mom's Night Out Bingo

Another wonderful local fundraiser!   This event supports Cradles to Crayon's.

Mom's Night Out & Bingo
Friday, April 8th from 7:30-10:30 pm at the Swarthmore Community
Center.

We will be collecting new & gently used children's supplies.
Cost of this event is $5 and includes light apps, bingo & soft
drinks.  The event is a BYO so bring a bottle of wine & a friend!

There will be additional bingo cards & (hopefully, if we get enough
prizes) raffle items as well.

multigenerational households

Here I am reading the March Parenting (early years) magazine and a flood of wonderful memories are coming back to me.   The article, I am reading, is about multigenerational households (pgs. 52-54).   While, my husband and I don't share our household with either set of parents, this was a way of life for my father's family.   While my father was a child, him, his parents and siblings moved in with his mother's sister (who I lovingly referred to as 'nanny').   Nanny's husband had just past and her children were grown and busy with their own lives.   Unfortunately, and for reasons I never was privy to, her children were never around or spent much time with her.  I only met her sons once.  Sad, I know.   But I digress...

My father's family is Irish.  Grandparents were right off the boat and I have been told that multigenerational homes were the "norm" (at least at the time) over in Ireland.   Awhile after my father's family moved in, his forever-a-bachelor uncle joined the clan.   Here was a home, about the size of mine (bigger kitchen, but only one bath) with four adults and six children (five boys and one girl).   I am sure they had challenging moments, but what I saw was a family that cherished and loved one another's company.   I am told my grandmother and nanny would sit in the kitchen for hours in the evening (my grandfather retired to bed early) and chatted while splitting a beer!  Extra hands and most importantly extra pitching arms were available to play with and care for six children.

Looking back, this multigenerational home was truly a blessing.   My grandmother died suddenly in her early 40s of a brain aneurysm.  While my father was set to marry my mother in a few months following her death, his other siblings were still teenagers (with his sister only 12).  My nanny stepped in and even though she must have been dealing with her own grief, she took on the pain of those children and my grandfather.   From that moment on, she was their living mother, who would become like a grandmother to me.  While some husbands may never really get to know their sister-in-law, my grandfather became best friends with his and regarded her highly until the day he passed.  And for my nanny, she formed unbreakable bonds with my father and his siblings.  Many say, they were just as strong as my grandmother's with them and definitely stronger than with nanny's own children.  And more tragedy followed with the early deaths of my father and his sister.  But they, especially my grandfather who lived through the untimely deaths of his children and wife, always had a homestead, a place that was open to all of them and their growing families.

Even though its hard for me to imagine my mom and stepdad moving in or my brother moving in after he is married with children, I cannot say I would mind it.   Personally for me as a child (my nanny watched me while my parents worked), I loved having hot water and honey with my great-uncle and nanny in the morning (while they sipped tea) and having my aunt and uncle running in & out of the house.  Why wouldn't I want that always available, unconditional, everlasting, over-abundance of love for my children...

As I stated above, I witnessed a family that truly cherished one another and respected each other completely.   These memories will be with me forever.

I love those Macs (nickname given from my maiden name) and miss those who are not here with us any longer (my dad, nanny, uncle francis, grandmom eleanor, poppy and aunt colleen).

like father, like son!

Double L wearing his daddy's t-shirt from when he was about four! Many thanks to my mother-in-law for saving it! Love it!

overdue

Our day started off gray and raining, but I must say after the last few days of sickness, everyone felt so much better.   Everyone slept well and even though some (insert little l) had a running nose, all spirits were lifted (even my bub's).   After their daddy headed to work, breakfast was finished, and little l woke up from her morning nap, we headed out for a long overdue adventure.   We headed to the library!  I know, so sad that with double l three and half, I am finally taking him to the local library.   Now understand, he has been many times.  Gigi (my mom) got him a card to her library years ago (seriously, but sounds so funny... ha!) and he goes weekly at school.   But his own mama rather take him to bookstores (I love bookstores--obsessed), read in the corner and pay way too much $$ for books!  He has his own library at home.   Our bookcases are filled with books for him, me, everyone!  Still there is something about the library!  I love it.  Double L loves it.  And I must say, little l enjoyed herself as well.   We got him another library card and he was happy this one is so close to him.  Now, he is up to 3 cards!  Too cute.  Even mommie got a book.   I have never read the Jane Austen books.   I know, I cannot believe it either.   And those babies are expensive.  Even on Amazon.   So, I took out "Emma" and I am looking forward to starting it this evening.

Even though this little adventure was long overdue (pun intended!), my little man and I are looking forward to weekly dates at our very own local library!   His Gigi surrounded me with books while I was growing up, and even though I think I have done a good job, there is just something about trips to the library that makes] you even more excited about reading!

Some pics of our day:

check out the latest

We are having such a better day today!  Even my bub woke up and felt better.

Wanted to let ya know the latest on 'mommie reviews' (my review and giveaway blog --which gets little love!)

• Imagination Movers Family 4PK Concert Tickets Giveaway (um, total mouth full!)
• Mommie's 5 Baby/Toddler Must Haves

This is the sick house.  After a sick LL this week, little L has fell ill and her daddy too!  Needless to say, I am behind on so many posts and look forward to a fresh start this week.  Praying for health restored and for some productive days ahead.

I am thankful for my health!  Praying that remains the case!

Hope everyone enjoyed their weekend!

Fashion Friday: Friends & Family Sales!

Its fun friday and I am lovin' the 'fashion friday' posts!  Join in here!

I am a sucker for a friends & family sale and there are two sales going on now - Gap (which includes Banana and Old Navy) and Janie & Jack!!

Here are some items I have been admiring...

Gap:

I love everything about this outfit!  The soft shirt is so versatile.  I am so into skinny belts as well.  I wear them with my pants, over cardis and dresses!  And everyone needs a good pair of khaki pants!

I love these 'always skinny' cuffed jeans.  Yes, I know I am short and anything cuffed and cropped is a no-no (according to some...), but I rock my AGs all the time and love them!  So mama needs a new pair!

Which brings me to this old navy outfit!  HA!  This is totally me.  Honestly, I need that cardi and those sandals.  And with 30% off, that's a complete steal!!!  I would wear this EVERY morning (you know spring mornings are chilly, but quickly warm up!)

Now for my sweets...

Janie & Jack:

I have been admiring this swimsuit and coverup for some time now.   How adore is it?   Perfect little L and for our summer adventures!

LL would look adorable in these cuffed pants and linen shirt.  Meanwhile, it would be a total fight getting this outfit on!  I would have better luck with cargo shorts and a tee.

Will you be taking part in any of the friends & family sales?

What I Wore: and little l wore...

I love The Pleated Poppy's 'What I Wore Wednesday' posts and thought this week I would join in.  But honestly, we have no good mirrors in this old house, so I only have a half descent one below.   So, let's fill in the blanks with little l!!!

Little L: All Dressed Up

(LL: J&J button down, Children's Place cords)

(Little L: BabyGap Dress and Cardi, J&J tights, Pediped MaryJane's)

**LL's clothes no longer on their websites as its from the Fall and Little L's dress is in-store only**

Little L: Play Clothes

(Old Navy Top; BabyGap sweatpants; Robeez shoes)

Mommie's Uniform:

(boyfriend cropped AGs;UO's tank;JCrew tissue tee; Anthro's scarf, old charles David flats)

**Urban no longer has these awesome layering tees.  I love them and have them in every color.  They are long, cotton and so comfy**

This is totally my uniform - jeans, layering tank, tee and scarf!!!

Go check out our hostess...

Local Mamas: All Children's Sale in Wayne, Pa

Are you looking for a great selection of quality outgrown clothing, toys, books and even maternity wear?  Baby gear too!!

Head over to the Heritage School (located on Church of the Saviour's Campus) on North Wayne Ave and find terrific deals!   This sale supports the Heritage School (which is near and dear to my heart!!).

Details:
Sale begins Friday, March 18th (6pm-8pm) and continues on Saturday, March 19th (9am to noon).

leftovers

I love the leftovers after we entertain.  And I'm talking about just the food,  but the clean house and the flowers.   I adore the flowers.   After everyone leaves, my bub and I clean up.  I mean clean up real good.  The kitchen is spotless and the dining room, well it's never looked as good!  

***************

We had a small gathering (v. small!) after little L's baptism and I just love the flowers and cupcakes still left on the table!

baptism

Little L was baptized today!  It was such a special day that was celebrated by both set of grandparents and her uncle!  Her big brother was right by her side. As we stood up in front of our church community, I could not help but remember LL's baptism!


My dearest baby girl, my most precious prayer is that you will look to the cross and remember always the grace that God will give you.  Your daddy and I commit to nurture you in a Christian home.  I love you my sweet and will teach all I can about the Lord's grace and mercy.  After that, it is up to you!  


My bub read the following scripture today:

And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ - to the glory of God.

{Philippians 1:9-11}

Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.  These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts.  Impress them on your children.  Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.  Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads.  Write them on your doorframes of your houses and on your gates.

{Deuteronomy 6:5-9}

40 days...

Lent began on Wednesday and in the past I would be contemplating what I was going to give up!  And I do plan on giving up *things*,  but I really wanted to think about what I wanted to GAIN!   Almost every week during my women's bible study, I ask the ladies to pray for me.   To pray I don't get easily distracted away from God, away from His Word and away from my devotions.   Every day following that request, I find myself easily distracted!  The biggest distraction is of course my little children!  But unfortunately, a close second, is my obsession with cleaning and trying to organize.   I think August Fields explains the desire to make more your God so well...

Ya know what?  I just need to clean up and out all the STUFF we have and make more room and time for God.   When Sarah mentioned she was doing her 40 bags in 40 days again, I so wanted to join in.   And I will, but I am going to take a more laid back approach.   As I mentioned I have an issue with jumping into cleaning and organizing, so I don't want to become overcome with the challenge that I lose sight on my goal -- less distraction more time for the Word!!   I also found the steps within Tsh Oxenreider's book, Organized Simplicity, very helpful.   I am not even finished the book, but completely consumed with the thought of simple living!!

Here is what has been tackled this week:

• Dining Room Closet (coat closet)
• 2 donation bags for LL's school (they are hosting an all children's sale - more to come...)
• May Yard Sale box filling up from me just walking around the house!

Here is the list:

Closet Pics:

MESS!

I have a little thing for bags!  And these are just my carry-alls!

And I found stuff I totally forgot about -- cute gray jacket & cozy CAbi fleece

All cleaned out & able to close the door! Um, yes you see stairs.  Its our secret staircase (since been close off).  Tons of fun finds in this old house!

How is your cleaning up and out going???

Fashion Friday: Nordstrom's Spring Catalog

Oh boy, I just got a chance to check out Nordstrom's latest catalog.   Several cute items were found.

So, here is mommie's wishlist ~

I love these heels!  Love them and want them!  Ahem, someone's birthday is coming up in April!  These maybe my gift to myself.   Are they not adorable???

Now, my bub is totally not a fan of bermuda shorts, but I think these ones in white are adorable.  Especially, with heels or wedges (I am a shortie!).  

Honestly, I would probably wear these Sam Edelman sandals every other day this summer.   How awesome are these....

Okay, I had to add two items for my babes.   How cute would little L look in these TOMS??  

Double L is totally into superheroes now, especially Batman!   I am thinking he needs a pair of Batman Havaianas.   Mommie loves Havaianas, so its fitting to buy a pair for my little man.

Have you seen the catalog?   What would be on your wishlist?   I loved their take on business casual!  

for more fashion friday, check out our hostess!

its been a tough week....

This week has been tough!   As I posted our weekend was a tough one, and unfortunately little l has gotten worse and I have had little time to deal with anything else.   I took her to the doctor's on Monday as her fever was steady at 104.5 each time the Tylenol wore off with no cold symptoms.   After the doctor ruled out ear infection, chest congestion, etc...  They told me they had to test for an UTI.  As I asked the question, I knew the answer and my heart started sinking... "How do you test for that", I said.   And what the nurse said next made me tear up!  "catheter".   I felt awful for my little princess.  As I tried to distract her, comfort her, she screamed more and more.  When they were done, I just held her and cried myself.   They tested for the UTI immediately and it came back positive.   My poor little girl!  The doctor proceeded to inform me that because little l is so young, they need to check her kidneys via ultrasound which will be accompanied by a reverse catheter so they can inject dye into her kidneys and bladder.   Needless to say, I am a little beside myself thinking about all this.   But I know she is fine, I just hate for her to go through anything like her brother.   LL was poked, needled, biopsied, stitched up, you name it and continued to be a soldier through it all.   Little l on the other hand gives you the business.   When the nurses left the room, she kept looking at me and yelling.   It was like she was saying "why in the world did you let them do that!!!"   Little l continued to have very high fevers (ranging from 103.7-104.5).  Late this afternoon and evening was the first time where her fever seems to be remaining lower than 103.  We are trying to push fluids, but little bugger is not having it.   The nurse told us to try popsicles, so that's on the menu for tomorrow.   Double l can't wait!


Remember last week, I mentioned a great spring cleaning challenge.  Well, I did manage to plan and begin my take on Sarah's 40 bags in 40 days.   Stay tuned for more on that...  But definitely check out her tips and outline of her process on her blog, Clover Lane!  Like you mentioned last week, its an awesome idea!


For now, I am headed upstairs to read in bed and get to bed early.   We have had several long nights!


...good night!

update on LL

I am praising God for the wonderful doctor's appointment this mommie prayed for...   Double L passed his breathing test with flying colors.   After a month of treatments, he regained much better lung function and "sounds great" (stated by his specialist).   I am so overjoyed.   His doctor did advise to continue the treatments through March since its still a tricky month, but he should be treatment free for the Spring and Summer.

Also, LL is so into cooking and baking.  I love it!  He is my assistant in the kitchen.  Or maybe I am his...

what a weekend...

I certainly had high hopes for this past weekend!  It started off so well, but than "things" took a wrong turn!

Here is a quick recap as I try and put the pieces back together!!

• Sunday morning - I am making breakfast, bub is in the shower, babes are patiently at the table.  Oh and water is streaming down the ceiling fan!  YIKES -- we have a leek.   Will be calling our plumber today!   Bub cut the electricity for the kitchen lights.   Thankfully the stove and refrigerator are on a separate circuit!
• Cable and Internet go out.   Not the end of the world, but what in the world caused it.  Fast forward to 9:00 PM and this strange beep in the basement.   Apparently our cable box in the basement was plugged into an outlet that shares the same circuit as the kitchen lights?? huh!  Gotta love this old house!  Actually, we needed a good laugh.  Cable and Internet - Fixed!  Our spirits uplifted!
• Bub and double l take a fun trip to Home Depot!   
• Little L develops a fever (late afternoon) and by 3:00AM it reaches 104.  We push fluids and our sweet princess remains in wonderful spirits.  I will be monitoring her today per the doctor.   

**We already started pricing floors, tubs, etc...   Right when I put an end to the home projects (house fund = empty! NO CASH!), something else breaks!!!

Hoping to publish updates on LL (great news from his Asthma appointment!) and an Little L turning 9 months!....

Stay tuned as for now I have some things left over and added to my "To-Do list"

ah the weekend is here...

Our Friday started off very early.   I mean very early and very frustrated.  But with two cutie-pies, stress and exhaustion doesn't fit well in our schedule.   So...  we headed out on a little adventure.   There really is no better way to kick off our weekend then a brisk walk around the neighborhood.   Even though its still a little chilly around these parts, we bundled up and headed out for a morning walk.   Boy o'boy, it was quite the walk!  Long -- one and half hours!!! And packed with fun -- lots of cracks to jump, doggies all around and COUNT 'EM -- THREE DIGGERS.  Oh yes a little boy's dream!

Hope your weekend is full of dreams come true!

What I will be doing...

• Fun play date!  Getting together with a good friend and her son after not seeing each other for way too long!  Our boys are a day apart!
• Working on organizing some blog posts!  I have so many started and I just really need to get organized.  Then headed over to your blogs.  My reader is full.   This week has been so crazy busy!
• Making a plan to create my own personal version of Clover Lane's 40 bags in 40 days.  Go over and read about it.   Its brilliant.   I told my mom about it today as she claimed she needed a project.  Well, so do I! 
• Relaxing!  Yes, after I clean this messy house and run to the store, but most definitely after church on Sunday!  I have been craving my slow Sundays back.  Church, lunch, and no plans!!!  

 Jumping over the cracks!

Talking to the "digger" operators!

Gotta love The Movers!

Do your children like the Imagination Movers?   LL certainly will shake what his mama gave him (ha!) to their songs.   Well, the Movers' prime time concert special is debuting on Sunday, March 6 @ 6PM on the Disney Channel.  Rich, Scott, Dave and Smitty play their most popular songs and leave a huge arena crowd on it's feet and wanting more. Special guests include Nina, Knit Knots, Warehouse Mouse, and Eddie the Monster, plus celebrity guests Joey Fatone ('NSYNC and Dancing with the Stars) and Duff Goldman (Ace of Cakes).


And for all the local Mamas (and Papas) -- The Movers are coming to town!! 

Come on down to the Tower Theatre and see the Movers’ LIVE IN CONCERT on Sunday, April 10^th! Performances as 1:30pm & 4:30pm!

Your kids and even you can learn some moves prior to the concert.  How fun is that!  Check it out on Disney Junior's Join the Band!

For tickets, info & fan reviews for the Imagination Movers - click here!



*** Updated Disney Channel Showtimes!


•      1PM (ET/PT)            Tuesday, March 8, 2011
•      6 AM (ET/PT)            Wednesday, March 9, 2011
•      1PM (ET/PT)            Thursday, March 10, 2011
•      12:30PM (ET/PT)    Friday, March 11, 2011
•      7AM (ET/PT)            Saturday, March 12, 2011  

discipline!

In Monday's posts, I alluded to a challenging time that we went through... S.C.M left a sweet comment that made me want to address her question in a blog post. I never really explained the challenging time with LL and most importantly what we (bub and I) learned from it.

Little L was born in May, Double L turned 3 in July! Enough said, right? (ha!) We breezed through 2. I have no idea why anyone calls it the "terrible twos". It was awesome. LL was so sweet and lovable. His rare tantrums were actually cute and adorable. His desire to explore was fostered by both my bub and I. However, turning THREE was really difficult. Apparently normal and apparently a complete secret to me!!! So, here we were -- new baby rocking his world, independence and total selfishness so desired in his little mind, potty training in full force and oh that binkie -- yeah that's gotta go too. Looking back, why in the world was I SOOOOO shocked by his behavior. Well, there is no need to relive the behavior -- it was the normal -- tantrums, screaming, tears, kicking, biting, peeing on the floor (oh yes!), and the worst -- bedtime refusals. I'd rather focus on how we got through it!

At first, we were completely clueless, the normal time-outs that worked like a charm before did not anymore. Shamefully and out of total frustration/exhaustion, yelling was the next step. Surprise! That did not work. We spanked LL a total of four times as a result of him peeing on the floor next to the toilet out of protest(and on me). Um, DID NOT WORK either. We were at a loss. Totally spent. Tears flowed from my eyes as much as his... We needed answered prayer and that's exactly what we got! It was such a process, but boy it worked!

Here you go...

1.) Prayer - There is no way I can parent on my own.   I don't have enough wisdom, strength, patience, you name it -- to shape another life in a positive way!  So I went to the Lord and as always He listened.  I asked for so much and He answered first with a memory verse from my bible study.   The verse - Galatians 5:22,23 The fruits of the Spirit.  All of which is needed to parent!  Then wonderful people and books found there way to me.  I stopped praying and asking for God to help LL to behave better and started asking for patience and the wisdom to be a good explain for him.  I asked Him for the tools needed to reshape his life and the ability to embrace the challenges!

2.) Consistence -  One of our early mistakes was we gave up too quickly, which completely confused LL.   We thought time-out did not work anymore because it use to work like a charm - we would give him a warning, then if he did the behavior again, we would place him time-out and he stayed.  Once he started running out of time-out, we gave up.   So we spoke with his pediatrician.   I love our pediatrician.  She is not only a doctor out of one of the best if not the best children's hospital, she has SIX children!  She gave us the best advice ever and it WORKED!

• First - STOP TAKING THE BEHAVIOR PERSONALLY!  Um, total breakthrough for me.  Acknowledging the behavior was normal and we actually had more control than we thought was a complete breakthrough!
• Second - REMAIN CALM.  Yes, yes -- easier said than done, but once I stopped taking it PERSONALLY, I was surprisingly calm.   Yelling always made the situation worse, but remaining calm eventually lead to a calmer incident.  Let me explain -- At first putting LL in time-out was full of screaming, crying, kicking, biting, us having to hold him in time-out.  Then the kicking and biting went away, then he sat on his own, etc...   Now understand, there is usually tears I mean time-outs aren't fun, but all the out of control behavior has ceased.  
• Third - THE TECHNIC - Unwanted behavior happens, warning is given, unwanted behavior happens again after warning - time-out given!  Now, my warnings are usually followed by a 1-2-3 and I am telling you it works for us!   And we needed to be consistent with this -- every time.  Exhausted and all!  After a week, we saw a difference and after 3 months it was like the challenging time was long behind us.  

3.) SOAK UP RESOURCES 

• Books were my main resource and one stands out as the most influential.  "Sacred Parenting" by Gary Thomas!  Now this book is NOT a "how-to".  I did not need that as I had a great doctor to guide us in that department.   This book highlights "how raising children shapes our souls"!  With chapters like: Xerox R Us and Sacrifice, I started to really understand how my behavior, myself, my sin, my love really is going and IS shaping my child's life.   When I read the back of book and it stated that this book will "demonstrate how God uses our kids to change us" I totally embraced the concept and remain focused on that logic EVERYDAY!  Another good book is "Attached at the Heart"  I would not say my parenting is attachment parenting as traditionally defined, but I would say I adopt a lot if not all the principles in some way.
• Blogs, friends, teachers -  I think just talking NOT COMPLAINING about our struggles as parents opens positive and helpful dialogue.  Remember I told you in the begin (boy this is a long post, I am sorry!) that I always thought the two's were difficult and never knew the three's were challenging... well, once I started asking for help, suggestions, I found out what I was going through was so normal and we were not alone.   Hearing from his teachers that his behavior did not change at all, was so eye opening to me.  First, he obviously wasn't having a "behavioral issue".  Secondly, the answers and solutions really did lie with us (his parents!).  So many blogs were inspirational, informative, and just plain entertaining due a pretty stressful time.  This post on Clover Lane stands out as such a source of inspiration and simple parenting advise at a time I most needed it!  The night I read it, I so needed it and remember reading it aloud to bub.   

4.) Parents UNITE - plain and simple!  Discuss, agree upon and remain consistent with your discipline!  It will never work if there are mixed messages, good cop/bad cop, etc...

So, there you have it, I have a perfectly behaved young man!  HA!!!  Its an ongoing process.   Yes, I find myself raising my voice at times, bickering with bub, to "tired" to fight with LL and giving in to not-so-nice behavior!  But now, I quickly realize MY behavior and get back on track.  Where we spent most of the days in time-out, we are going days with NO time-outs.  There hasn't been a bite, kick, or thankfully drop of pee-pee on the floor (well, purposely) for months!   This is what worked for us and may not work for you, but I wanted to share and certainly hope it helped!

Anything to add...  What you find helpful?  Books, blogs that we can explore???