Lesson learned tonight

When drawing on the chalkboard, I should smudge each layer as I go. When I do, it makes a better picture.

Too bad I figured this out after I completed tonight's picture....but I'll remember for next time. (I still smudged it...looks a lot better than before I did...I just know if I did each layer, it would look better. Hey. I'm learning to draw...cut me some slack.)

I'll post pictures later this week.

Joy

The consultant I've been working with told me to declare this month to be the Month of Joy, rather than the name on the calendar. I've recently realized that....I don't know how to have fun with my kids. I know of people who have fun with their kids, so I'm familiar with the concept...but  actual practice in my life? Not so much. And I don't want to continue to be a stressed out, busy, joyless Mama.

So I'm trying to go through my day looking for the Joy. Which is hard for me to find in the moment.

But I can however look for the Joy at then end of the day to remind myself that Joy does happen....and to keep looking for more.

So, Today's Joy.

• Baby kisses
• Ike dressed up
• little girl snuggles
• a chocolate chip cookie
• Laughter of three kids playing togther
• Splashes of water from the tub
• Three naked bodies covered in glitter glue (the clean up was not a joy, but the picture in my head is)
• a ball hitting the fence with a happy dog chasing it
• Storytime
• Singing my babies to sleep
• an unasked for hug to make me feel better (Ike really is empathetic, it just shuts off when he's in manic mode)
• Joe coming home
• Joe kisses
• Baby giggles
• a nursing baby at my breast
• a sleeping baby in my arms
• Ike climbing a tree all by himself (I LOVE the fact that they can climb the trees at Ike's school. Its encouraged even.)
• My mother cheering me up
• Unconditional Love and support from my Mom
• A beautiful Red Rose