First of all, wow, thanks for all the “dog” info! This is my conclusion (if Dave agrees): we will 1) have the kids do a bunch of their own research with help from those great comments and from the internet, 2) have them write up a proposal for the best kind of dog they think our family should have, 3) have a “review board” (comprised of Dave and myself) look it over, 4) see if the kids really stick with it and get to that point. Then we’ll go from there. I’ll let you know what happens.
On to my thoughts for today. I just found this quote:
A mother’s happiness is like a beacon, lighting up the future but reflected also on the past in the guise of fond memories. ~Honoré de Balzac
I love it because it’s so true. As the Mother of my family I set the stage for the happiness of my children through my attitude. If I’m stressed-out and sleep-deprived (which I have been much too much lately), I’m a completely different mother than I am when I have a great attitude and I go about my daily tasks cheerfully and with thankfulness. I know my kids (and husband) can feel the change because it really does set the tone in our home. Scary to have that much responsibility, but true.
This month my “focus” is on my attitude. I know that as much as I try to “keep it real” on this blog I sometimes tend to make it look like it’s all smooth-sailing around here. But I’m here to say that man alive life can be tough sometimes. Sometimes I feel like one of those little stretchy figurines and everyone is pulling me in different directions and some of my limbs (or sanity) just may break right off from all the pressure. And at that almost-breaking-point my attitude is awful. I rant and rave. I huff and I puff, and I’m a horrible example of dealing with stress for my poor kids.
I realize that if I plan out my time a little better I’m so much happier.
So in order to keep my “happiness like a beacon” for my kids this month I’m working on personal prayer to keep me on track to stick to doing what’s most important when I have extra minutes to fill, and planning out my days the night before (that’s a huge deal).
I think it will change my life.
Here’s to hoping…
Love it! Love you!
Beautiful.
I am on a quest to be a more patient, fun, kind, organised Mother as we speak. I have 4 boys. If I am tired or grumpy, my whole home feels the shift. It is scary, your right.
Last February we welcomed two border Collie puppy's into our home. Chaos reigned sumpreme, but my lord I love "My Girls".
I mean truly love. They fill our home to the brim with more love. Plus it gets us all out into the open more often(very energetic doggy's).
It took me 5 years to talk the husband into it. Now he is probably the most smitten. We had an old dog-Jed, that we had for 15 years, it was hard to bring another into the house.
Anyway,
Lots of Kids+Dog=JOY.FUN.LOVE.WORK.
Niki
love it! you will do great with this!!
I am excited for your kids! I have to agree with the people who do not recommend a beagle – they really do howl and try to sniff everything out. We have a charming little chihuahua, they girls love her – and my daughter got a Pomeranian while she was in town last December. She loves that dog.
You are such an awesome mom, Shawni! Your kids are lucky!
FIRST, BOXERS ARE THE BEST WITH CHILDREN. I THINK THAT A BOXER WOULD BE ESPECIALLY GOOD FOR LUCY. 99% OF BOXERS HAVE SOME SORT OF GIFT THAT ALLOWS THEM TO BE PULLED ON, TEETH CHECKED, POKED IN THE EYES, JUMPED ON RIDDEN, CHASED, FEED WAY TOO MUCH JUNK FOOD, AND HUGGED WAAAAY TO TIGHTLY BUT THEY KEEP COMING BACK FOR MORE AND MORE AND MORE…… THEY ARE PROTECTIVE, PLAYFUL AND PATIENT BEYOND WORDS. PLUS THEY ARE SO DARN UGLY THEY ARE CUTE!
FOR FITNESS PEEPS, THEY ARE AWESOME RUNNERS. FOR THE ONES THAT LOVE SUNGGLERS… BOXERS THINK THEY ARE PEOPLE AND BELIEVE THEY ARE LITTLE SO THEY WILL ALWAYS THINK THEY ARE A LAP PUPPY.. EVEN AT 85 POUNDS. AND THEY ARE PROTECTIVE …EXTREMELY PROTECTIVE… ESPECIALLY OF LITTLE ONES!!!
I HONESTLY BELIEVE THAT THERE IS NO GREATER LOVE THAN THAT OF A CHILD AND THEIR DOG. I WILL FOREVER BELIEVE THIS!!!! AND THEY WILL ALL LEARN RESPONSIBILITY BEYOND WORDS… BOTH KIDS AND THE DOG!!!
AND DON'T BE SURPRISED IF I COMMENT TWICE. I ONLY READ ABOUT THE DOG IN THE FIRST SENTENCE AND WENT STRAIGHT TO THE PREVIOUS POST….
you're a good girl. xox
Shawni,
Elder Bednards Talk "Pray Always" Is such a great outline for your focus this month. It is worth rereading.
I completely agree with your analogy of the stretchy figure. I feel the same as well. I agree with you 100% on having intentional prayer time. Focusing the day in the morning. Giving the day and the day's challenges/upcoming blessings to God. I dont' do that every morning like I want to. I notice when I don't. Mama is more rushed, hurried and inwardly focused. Not pretty. Love this post.
Loved this post. I totally hear you. We started baseball this week and I was totally unprepared. I took out my frazzled feelings one the people who didn't deserve it. I too need to "focus" on preparation, patience, and prioritizing.
Great quote and thoughts and can I be Lucy's research assistant on the dog issue?
DeAnna is right, boxers ARE the best kid dogs. My kids love them.
Please let me know if you find anyway to get dinners on the table during soccer season. I am struggling!