Small Successes-It's THURSDAY-yipeeeeee!

Small Successes ~~~ at Faith and Family LIVE!

LITTLE THINGS COUNT BIG!

What are yours for the week?

Mine are:

1.  Read to my children the books I have wanted to read for a over a week!

2.  The children and I have been faithfully praying for Little Chrissie-their family website HERE

3.  I did not have a melt down last night while I was up for 2 hours with a sick little baby and up walking around with the 3 yr old-they both have croup! so scary.

God bless,
Mary

Small Successes-It's Thursday!

I'm baaaaaaaack~!  It's been a few weeks since I have posted on

Faith and Family LIVE - Small Successes. 

Glad to be back :)

Here we go...

1.  God has slowed me down to appreciate what I think are small blessings, but really they are huge blessings!- family, children, reading time, cuddle time.

2.  I've been working on stopping and looking at any one of my 6 children when he or she asks me something or needs me (which is almost all the time!!!).  Putting aside my wants and desires to actually finish something that I started is really hard!  (like right now-my baby is crying b/c his big brother (3 yrd old) just took his sandal...hold on, I'll be back...)

3.  Ok, I am back!  My 3rd small success is  (uh, hold on...)

See?  I'm a much needed person around here-I just settled a fight, braided some hair, praised my son for reading to his brothers (from the Bible nonetheless!!!), vacuumed the living room, gave attention to my 2 girls caring for their baby dolls, soothed a crying baby and now I am back yet again for my 3rd success...which is letting go.  I've been bombarded with having to re-direct my homeschool (home + school) atmosphere.  I have to let go of the perfectly clean house and perfectly matched and groomed children.  I have learned to let go of my children mastering English diagrams of sentences (for now anyway).  I had to let go of teaching them all what I think they would like to learn and instead go with the flow and explore what they want to explore and let them lead a little bit. (of course I have my list that has what is necessary to learn right now but they are still young and having lots of little toddlers and preschool aged children gives a totally different dynamic to learning in our house.)  I had to learn to be flexible in learning if we want to end this school year on a good note.  That is my 3rd success:  Let Go and Let God!

Go see more small successes HERE.

God bless,
Mary

Small Successes-it's Thursday!

Wooooohooooo! It's Thursday and only 2 more days till Saturday (in case you lose count like I do! Small steps...I can't wait b/c I am going to get some really sweet deals at a new grocery store I found out about-good sales, good prices always makes a momma happy!)

It's also Small Successes at Faith and Family Live!

1. I escaped.....uhm, I mean WENT to the library (see here for my funny -real -life -experience at our town library.) and I did not get upset that it was not out a night for me.

2. I have accepted help. Real practical help. And I love it! Here is my post on that one ;)

3. Last night, I took my oldest to a home school astronomy class. It has been wonderful for him-he looks forward to it and he loves learning. It is a diverse group of kids ranging from a kindergartner all the way up to a 9th grader! Of course the biggest perk is that they get to use this astronomers very very very large telescope. Last night he saw Mars and the Moon. Now, that is something he gets to brag about to his friends, huh!?!? So you are wondering....okay, so what is the small success? While the children are in class, some of the parents (moms usually) gather and talk. And talk. And talk. And talk. It is a fun time to finally talk with other adults, other moms. But, last night I had some great chances to hold my tongue, to practice patience and practice when to say the right thing at the right time or just say nothing at all. I am learning there is a fine line between idle talk, gossip and evangelization. I am reminded that I may be the only Bible that someone reads. Heavy stuff.

So, what are yours? Want to read some others? Check it out!

God bless,
Mary

Small Successes for this week

Small Successes over at Faith & Family LIVE. Click HERE to see more-they are so inspiring!

1. JUST got some of my kids to into their beds (it is 9pm)and did it without loosing my temper. Hopefully they'll be asleep soon-b/c I am about to be!!! LOL! My hubby is at a basketball game with my 9 and 6 year old boys and the boys club they belong to.

2. I did not complain to my hubby how tired I really am and how much I wished he did not go to the game tonight...instead, I held fast to my tongue and knew my 'older' boys needed this bonding time with their Daddy and their friends and their Daddies.

3. 2 nights this week, I was in no shape to make a dinner but alas...it came to me-thank You Holy Spirit! so, I made 2 dinners totally last minute-within the hour of eating dinner and my family liked both of them! Yay, it's a win-win situation :) The dinners were: tuna noodle casserole & Mexican beans and rice.

God bless,
Mary

Small Successes and STUFF!

WOW! I just realized that I am very close to a landmark number for blogs! I am 10 posts away from post #500! Wow! That is incredible! Hope you are enjoying it as much as I am.

Okay, back to the show... (heeee heee)

I have to post this b/c it struck me so very funny.

You will find my 4 year old daughter and my almost (about a month and a half from being 3!) 3 year old son playing together. Sometimes not so nice- siblings! - and other times wonderfully- so good together that it would knock your socks off! Yesterday was one of those days.

The afternoon after nap time can bring a very crabby (that is being nice) almost 3 year old or can bring a very rested and fun loving 3 year old. One never knows. In fact, I am bit overwhelmed with anxiety sometimes as I walk down the hall to get this munchkin up, not knowing which I will encounter. Ya know, typical 3 year olds.

Yesterday was a terrific day-in the morning we went out with some friends for a 'school field trip' to a museum to view creches and nativities from around the world. Getting ready for Christmas plus a beautiful sunny, but cold, day (meaning roads were clear!) and a day that I just knew was necessary for us to get out and about to learn. It was just the 'get outside of the house' type of day. So, we went.

Apparently, that was a superb idea b/c this particular child has a need to be with the people. Really. He is a real people person. (More on that another day, another post). It was just what this little guy needed b/c when he woke up, it was as if he won a million dollars! This kid was so full of joy and happiness! I loved it! He went off to play with his 'bigger' sister (by age, not by weight or height!). They played so lovely together for a ridiculous hour and a half. They had their little family they were taking care of: a stuffed elephant and a stuffed bear. It warmed my heart to see them together, talking, playing, enjoying each other's company so very much.

Then I had to laugh and could not stop, as I heard him say to his 4 year old sister "C'mon, girl! Let's go!" It cracked me up and I was hysterical! Just thought you'd laugh too.

On to the real reason I wanted to post but was sidetracked by my funny kidos...

Good Job Moms!

...over at Faith & Family Live- click HERE.

1. I committed and actually made the attendance for my oldest son (and I) at an astronomy class! Sounds sophisticated, huh?! Heee heee! Another local homeschooling Dad is offering an astronomy class and about 8-10 kids are involved in it. It was great, my son absolutely loved it. He is quite a student and loves a good challenge and loves to learn. I am so glad that we can help and provide him with this! Thanks be to God that this is happening for him!

2. I am trying to be ahead of the game and plan the children's outfits for Christmas. So not to leave the decision making and finding clean clothes on Christmas Eve. So far, I have only 1 outfit picked out but I am getting to the rest -5 more- hopefully today!

3. Success is having time....uhm, rather, making time to talk with my hubby. We both know and believe it as such a priority in marriage and making it a point to be united in everything we are doing. this requires hard work and I am so grateful we had some great talks this week....albeit at 5:30am...but nonetheless, they happened!

So, what are yours? check out more at the link above.

God bless,
Mary

Small Successes- Be Real!

Small Successes for this week:

1. I have been fairly consistent with wearing my skirts I told you about HERE. To my surprise, it seems to be going well! I have found that I can still do all I used to do and I feel much more girl-y too :).

2. Being the solo parent this week has tested me and I would like to think that I have loosened up and chilled out about a lot of small stuff. Yep, don't sweat the small stuff!

3. I had friends over, totally last minute-which means the laundry was still piles and piles high and toys strewn throughout my house. But guess what? I didn't care and she didn't either! We laughed, we bonded, we talked. It was worth all this messy house had to offer and I'd do it again in a pinch.

'Being real' is my new motto. I can keep striving for perfection daily and acknowledge my busy reality along the way. Easy as that. Real is real.

Go check out HERE for more successes from other moms

God bless!

Mary

Small Successes- It's Thursday!

How about that? It's Thursday already! Here are my small successes:

1. I started (again!) reading "The Family Manager takes Charge" by Kathy Peel (BTW, great book chock full of practical ideas) and made a list of things that I can do on my cleaning day (Fridays usually). This is huge for me b/c now I can really have a plan instead of saying to one child "Here, take this Windex and clean the windows" or to another "Please vacuum the rug"-not that those are not helpful, but now I have a list that entails much more and I am excited to see the outcome;)

2. I worked really hard on biting my tongue and holding back my words to my loved ones, when I was tempted to lash out and defend myself or get that last word in. Now that I am writing this, I am not sure that my loved ones would agree that I tried... but I did!!! ;) I wish I could do this more often but I'm a work in progress!

3. I encouraged my hubby to go on an all day Catholic men's conference in our state last Saturday. That would mean that I would have all 6 kids to my complete parental control once again, making it 6 days without a break. But I would not want it any other way. Not only did he have an amazing time and over 1,000 men went...he came back rejuvenated and full of zeal to continue to be that strong head of our household-our provider and protector of our family!

God bless,

Mary

Small Successes- It's Thursday!

"It’s important for moms to recognize that all the small successes in our days can add up to one big triumph. So on Thursday of each week, we do exactly that. "

1. Trying to be flexible with school this week-TRYING-to allow them to not only Do their school work but ENJOY it too! Laying off the 'check lists'.

2. Vacuumed under my dishwasher. Yuck! It is a good thing I only do that nasty job every once in a while.

3. Let one of my children use markers in bed coloring. I trusted he would ONLY color on the book and he made me proud! Only on the coloring book!

Go and check out the other successes!!! C'mon and celebrate with us other moms!
God bless, Mary

Small Successes- It's Thursday!

1. Being sort of ...actually ...thankful for my kids successfully (heee heee)catching the Chicken Pox!

2. Finding a lost Christmas gift-perfect timing for them to play moonsand inside :)

3. Being calm and cool with the kids lately-not quick to jump in and be critical or harsh to them. I count this as a huge success! Wouldn't you?! :) Thanks be to God for my hubby and I reading this and praying more together. Hey- Another success!

So....what are your successes???

God bless, Mary

Small Successes- It's Thursday!

Way to Go, Moms!

1. We had a little family reunion this past Saturday at my house. It was a great day. Lots of fun, lots of laughs, lots of memories. It took us close to 2 years to have 10 of the grandchildren together under one roof. Lots of sadness saying good bye too. Small success was that I had everyone here and I did not freak out! I cleaned and organized only as much as a momma with 6 little ones could and I did not fret. Good for me!

2. I called Daddy home when I was sick. I try not to disturb him at work but the other day, I could not go on. It was an allergy attack like no other. I could not function. Could not think. Could not keep my eyes open. Poor me and Daddy came to my rescue. He is a trooper~! Then the following day- I got hit with mastitis! ouch! I did not call him home that day. Instead, my 8 year old made spaghetti and meatballs for dinner. Amazing when the children step up and kick it up a notch with what they can do. What a crazy health week it has been for me.

3.This morning was a bit unsettling with the kids acting up in all sorts of ways. My father in law was on his way over when I even threatened to call him and tell him not to come. I did call but he came anyway. Sweet talker that he is. Actually I am glad he did. The kids acted better and it's a rainy day so it was good to have him here. Small success here is being flexible with finding out God's will and being okay with God's will.

God bless,

Mary

Good Job Mom!

It’s important for moms to recognize that all the small successes in our days can add up to one big triumph. So on Thursday of each week, we do exactly that.

1...To start, a small success is remembering to do THIS today! and not one day too late!

2...Pathetic, I know but I finally got curtains and actually hung them up in my boys' room! We've only been living here oh, almost 10 months!

3...I finally got around to putting my lesson plans from Seton for my 3rd grader. It was sitting on my kitchen counter for a month!

So...what did you do this week? Go tell Faith and Family Live!

God bless,
Mary

Small Successes- It's Thursday!

Here we go again! :)

It’s important for moms to recognize that all the small successes in our days can add up to one big triumph. So on Thursday of each week, we do exactly that. Go and check it out!

For me, this week:

1. Yesterday, I decided not to do the dishes and do the fast and furry clean up while my little ones napped. Instead, I sat on the rug with my older ones and played Legos. We played and played and it was really fun! So fun, we played right through snack time- for a whole hour! Thank You God for reminding me that these moments are fleeting and to take time to sit and enjoy them :)

2. I was able to get to my Bible study last night. I have not gone in a very long time due to sick children and busy summer schedules but last night I made it and now I am energized for tackling the rest of the week!

3. Ya know, it drives me nuts that I have to sit here and think about what I can write down for a small success. You too?

Reality is, every day is a success--every little thing I do...I woke up, drank coffee, said my morning offering and prayed, took a shower (uninterrupted, thank you), packed my hubby's lunch, changed 2 diapers, picked out an air conditioner for my hubby to buy at lunchtime today...

-that is my morning so far today!

So, yippee for me :)

God bless,
Mary

Persistence & Small Sucesses for the week

I have a son who just loves to talk. Really loves to talk. Really. About anything. Do you have one of these types of personalities in your family? Okay, enough said.

So, when he wanted to tell me something this morning, he would not let up on getting my attention. I was in the bathroom changing a diaper (oooh-nothing new here!), he was in the adjacent room unable to move so he called my name. Repeatedly. Many times. So many times, I began to count. I thought to myself...hum, I wonder how many times he will keep calling me until I respond.

So, I began to count and we're off...1, 2, 3, 4...8...12...16. Yes, 16 times he called my name! Man, is he persistent or what? I bet you are wondering why he needed me so much. I finally caved in at the 16th "Mom?" by quietly answering "Yes? What do you need?" (that is a big success for me not to have answered the way I was feeling at that moment!---Small Success #1)

The poor thing has a pulled chest muscle and has to put on a heating pad off/on throughout the day. He was sitting there reading a book "Around the World in 80 days" and he just had to tell me something about the story. Oh, these personalities are so bittersweet (but aren't we all?)- he loves to talk-I love to talk- and he is so likable and enjoyable to talk with and be around talking about stuff-all kinds of stuff....like why the clouds look like that; and is the squid actually a fish?; and can you really travel the world in 80 days?; and what kind of rifles did they use in the civil war? (do you get my drift yet?-he LOVES to talk!) I have been trying to channel his energy not only to talking but other things as well-boy energy! I have learned never to underestimate the energy of a boy-they will amaze us-and he did! (Small Success #2) A good idea that I will try to implement his love of talking is into writing-any other ideas anyone?

I wonder if anyone else had days and children that sound like this?

ANYWAY, our sweet baby is down for an early nap so I am going to get my prayers in and maybe even squeeze in 5 minutes of reading my new book that I am enjoying soooooo much :) Thank you, lovey, for surprising me with this book along with a new vacuum~! I have to say I don't know which one I love more! Yes! I absolutely do love to vacuum! Why, you wonder? B/c it is a small instant gratification in this life of formation in our house and it is one this I actually enjoy to do :) Laundry, on the other hand, well...anyone interested in helping me out? My awesome husband has been my life saver of folding laundry this week-thank you! (Finding out my strengths-"Know thyself" and asking for help for those weaknesses-this surely would be Small Success #3)

Folks, have a grand day. Oh, BTW, we're all feeling well now -thanks be to God :)

Go see more small successes (even if a day late!) here!

God bless u,
Mary

Small Sacrifices today, not small successes!

It's Thursday again! So soon!
I am thinking over my past week...I mean, I really have to think...and although I am sure that I did some small successes, what I am really feeling inspired is to call it "Small Sacrifices" and with that thought, I can only think of my husband. My wonderful, amazing, cool, energy filled husband of almost 10 years! I can't help but think of the things he does for me, not because he wants to do them necessarily but b/c he knows how much they mean to me. SO....folks...for today I am going to list my husband's SMALL SACRIFICES" and I do hope that Faith and Family LIVE won't mind a bit!!!

1. Right now, my husband took all but one child to a Boy's club meeting. I tried talking him out of it b/c at last minute he was called on to be a leader for one of the groups. I asked him how he was going to possibly do this?! He has an 8, 7, 5, 2, and 8 month old with him. ( I have the 3 year old Chickie who is VERY tired so she will be off to sleep very soon). It's awards night and he told me that he knows I've had 3 straight RAINY days and a break was much needed. I mean, c'mon...is this man serious?!?! I SO do not deserve him! See what I mean? Wait...there's more...

2. I had to go to a very important meeting yesterday morning to discuss some schooling issues. I mean the whole morning. I could have opted out of it...somehow...but to my husband, it was well worth going to. He supported me going to it by working from home. How he did it is beyond me. I guess the TV and movies were a hit around here but, he did it! Do you see what I mean yet? Okay, one more...

3. My baby is co-sleeping with us (don't ask--not my cup of tea....but anyway....) and has been keeping me up quite a bit lately throughout the night, especially from about 4am on. So, once again my husband put me ahead of his own desires and opted out of running early in the morning (he is training for a marathon and does ridiculously long runs ridiculously early in the morning. I am no morning person so this is TOTALLY not my cup of tea...but anyway...) he took the baby from me when he woke up and let me go back to sleep till 7:15am.

OKAY NOW- DO YOU SEE WHAT I MEAN?!?!?

So, hats off to my hubby- I love you soooooooooo much! Thank you for seeing my needs and tending to them ahead of your own.

I guess I have lots to work on!!!
Till next time...
God bless,
Mary

Small Successes- It's Thursday!

1. I have been more consistent with esp. Kid #1 to get his schooling done and all his tests done. We're almost done with 2nd grade-wow! I've been homeschooling for 4 years!

2. I've finally sent in the check for the live bait of caterpillars so that we can watch them grow into a butterfly from InsectLore.

3. I am not getting upset that it was last Saturday that I bought my little plants for my to-be garden. I bought: 2 tomato plants, 1 zucchini, 1 squash and 1 green beans. I really want to get them planted but I am being patient till I can!!!

Click HERE for more small successes :)

God bless,
Mary

Small Successes- It's Thursday!

Small things done with great love mean a lot!

For this week:

1. For one, I am finally back to jotting down my small successes for Thursdays! I have been neglecting them a bit lately...partly b/c I forget and partly b/c I just can't seem to THINK that much lately! But, here is it for this week :)

2. I have consciously been trying to hug my children more and telling them how proud I am of them and pointing out all the great things they do many times every day. Too many days, I find myself harping on them waaaaay too much. I am working on it...I am such a work in progress.

3. Last night I met up with friends for a Holy Hour. I was a tad bit late -20 mins.!-so it was more like a "Holy 40 minutes"! ha ha! After the Holy Hour we were having a Bible study that I was sooooo ready for. I called to check in w/ my wonderful man and he asked me to just come home. What, you ask, is my small success? Well, I did not freak out at him but simply obliged. Maybe this counts as a huge success! (heee heee) It was not that he actually needed me home to help out (although it surely does not hurt to have Momma home to snuggle with before bedtime) but he was thinking of me b/c I had to get out early this morning. What a sweetheart!

Well, that's it folks. God is good!

Go check out some more at this website, Faith and Family Live!

God bless and good night,
Mary

Small Successes- It's Thursday!

It's that time again- Small Successes for the week:

1. A small success that I consider a big success is that I took the time to pray and LISTEN to what God wanted to tell me and that I needed to listen to. Did I mention that I listened?! Too many times I go to pray and I ask, I beg, and I ask and I beg, ask and beg, ask and beg. You get the drift. I call on God to pour His graces on me. Not that these are not good to do but I need to remember to LISTEN to Him too. He has great advice! I was so excited of what He told me, I immediately ran out to tell my husband. His response? "Wow, you haven't had a good insight in a looooooooong time!" Well, it goes to show that he knows me too well, huh!? :)

2. Yesterday I seized the moment and took a nap instead of cleaning up the house or making dinner early. That is huge for me. In fact, right now, I should be seizing 'that moment' again!

3. Made some yummy meals this week. Not the frozen leftovers. Not the frozen pizzas. Not the spaghetti o's. Any mom knows when a real meal is made, that is one big success.

Hum...I am seeing a theme here with the small vs. big successes. I wonder if I should write in to Faith and Family Live and ask them to change the term small successes to BIG SUCCESSES!

Any 'small success' in the world's eyes is a BIG SUCCESS for us Moms, don't you think?
God bless,
Mary

Small Successes- It's Thursday!

It's Thursday! That means Small Successes with Faith and Family Live! (and I am not 'one-day- late!!!-that counts for an extra small success this week-yay for me!)

1. Instead of just vacuuming the den rug, I actually brought it outside and we pounded it with a broom! What a difference- this spring cleaning has officially begun! It may take me all spring, heck, maybe all summer....but it has begun!

2. Learning to be flexible with schooling was a bit easier for me this past week. Being a check-list type of person, it is very hard for me to accept that some things did not get done. But do you know what? What got done was what was supposed to be done! As I said, I am learning...

3. I got creative with making dinners according to what was ALREADY in my pantry! How about that?! Saving some $ and being frugal. Love it. Now if my kids would just eat it. Hum...

God bless,
Mary

Small Successes- It's Thursday! (One day late!)

Small Successes for this past week: (ONE DAY LATE!)

*Update: If you noted, I did color my hair- one day later than expected. So, that small success for what I thought I could do last Thursday, counts for this week!

1. Colored my hair. It did not turn green-thank You God! It did have hints of red- but then changed to the color blonde I was hoping for. Yahoo! And it only cost me $7.99 on sale compared to $50 at the salon. I just love good deals :)

2. With my post yesterday on cabin fever remedy, a small success was for me to let down my walls of frustration and allow the kids to go wild in a snow filled park. AND I did not get upset about it! This may count for a Big Success, don't you think? (BTW, thanks to Denn Mom for reminding me of this!)

3. My 6 year old daughter (who has this thing for cleaning -which I LOVE!) and I mopped the kitchen floor. But, it did not stop there. It continued to the hallway and today it will be the living room too! This little gem inspired me to let go of thinking that mopping the floor at the nasty hour of 4:45pm would not be a thing to do before Daddy got home to surprise him. And do you know what? It was a good thing to do. She was so right. Completely right. I have so much to learn from these little ones.

Hope you are noting your Small Successes with Faith & Family Live!

So, go ahead and celebrate the small stuff!

God bless,
Mary

Small Successes- It's Thursday!

How come as my week unfolds and when I accomplish these little things, I think to myself this will be a great one to jot down for small successes on Thursday...then I forget what it was!?!? Does this happen to you too???

Well, here I go...I am trying to remember...

1. I made my Lenten sacrifices:

Pray: Pray a decade of the Rosary nightly RIGHT after dinner. I mean RIGHT AFTER DINNER! Once we leave those seats, its over. Any possibility to say a family prayer is just so not going to happen. Of course, this is not the perfect way to say the rosary, over our finished plates of food but...nonetheless- we are praying. As a family. "The family that prays together, stays together" as Fr. Peyton once said. Aim high, my friends.

Fast: I am fasting from using face book- that thing is so very addictive! I said "Adios amigos" yesterday and it won't go on for another 39 days. Oh, dear, this will be a hard one.
Oh, and I am also fasting from...ICE CREAM! If anyone knows me, this is equally as hard. But what joy it will be on Easter Sunday with my Sundae!! yum!

Give Alms: We are collecting canned goods for a food box for either the local seminary or going to a family in need or the food pantry. This one we are doing as a family. we are also collecting money to give to our friends who are struggling right now.

2. I got to evening 7pm mass then off to my Bible Study. With baby in hands. This is a really good thing-this winter isn't ending soon enough for me!

3. And if today counts in the "week" for the small successes then...I will add in that I am going to color my hair today! I bought the box about 2 weeks ago and have yet to find the time to do it. I am a bit reluctant, I must say...I have never done this by the box before. I hope it doesn't turn green!!! This is one way of me dealing with the lack of sun and outdoors so I am bringing the (so unnatural) shades of blonde back to my hair.

Have a great day!
God bless,
Mary