Wednesday, November 14, 2012

The Art of Marriage


"The Art Of Marriage"
by Wilferd A. Peterson 
Happiness in marriage is not something that just happens.
A good marriage must be created.
In the art of marriage the little things are the big things...
It is never being too old to hold hands.
It is remembering to say "I love you" at least once a day.
It is never going to sleep angry.
It is at no time taking the other for granted;
the courtship should not end with the honeymoon,
it should continue through all the years.
It is having a mutual sense of values and common objectives.
It is standing together facing the world.
It is forming a circle of love that gathers in the whole family.
It is doing things for each other, not in the attitude
of duty or sacrifice, but in the spirit of joy.
It is speaking words of appreciation
and demonstrating gratitude in thoughtful ways.
It is not looking for perfection in each other.
It is cultivating flexibility, patience,
understanding and a sense of humour.
It is having the capacity to forgive and forget.
It is giving each other an atmosphere in which each can grow.
It is finding room for the things of the spirit.
It is a common search for the good and the beautiful.
It is establishing a relationship in which the independence is equal,
dependence is mutual and the obligation is reciprocal.
It is not only marrying the right partner, it is being the right partner.
It is discovering what marriage can be, at its best.


Beautiful words that are a good reminder that marriage is work and a work of art. So grateful to have a wonderful husband who is also my best friend! 

Friday, November 2, 2012

Potty Training

Potty training- my biggest parental fear.
I had been putting it off because my little one is very strong willed. Would I say he is a typical 3 year old? Yes, but with a little bit more spirit. On the other hand, I am a laid back parent. I know what you're thinking - he must walk all over me. He doesn't. I pick my battles carefully with him. Potty training was one battle I was putting off. But one day I decided that I was just going to get the job done!
My sweet friend sent me an ebook called, "The Three Day Potty Training Method." I read it and got freaked out! It sounded like a lot more work than I was ever wanting to do. (I just sounded super lazy just then, didn't I?) But, it had to be done. If you're not familiar with the method, here it is in a nutshell. Your little one wears nothing but undies. You are focused on him at all times, just waiting to catch him having an accident. No doing housework, "me" time or anything. You are attached at the hip to your child. When they do have an accident, you rush him to the potty. They eventually get the idea.
So on Monday, I began! Things were a little rocky at the beginning. Harrison did not want to put on the big boy undies. I had to show him that Spongebob wears tighty whities. That really sold him. I finally got him in them. Then we put all his animal friends in some.  There were accidents, but he was getting the idea. When Brian got home, he put some goldfish crackers in the potty. Harrison learned to pee standing up! He just needed his dad to teach him. Since then, things have been easy breezy.
He has done so good! I am amazed at how it has gone for him. I am so proud of my little guy. I sometimes still think of him as a baby. But I need to remember that he is 3 now and can do it! He hasn't had an accident since day 2! I also need to remember that I am pretty strong willed myself! I can do this. Heavenly Father has given us moms the patience, strength and love we need to raise our little ones. We practically have superpowers, am I right? Yes, yes, I am.
I am so thankful I get to be the mommy to this wonderful little person. He lights up my life. I look forward to all of the lessons we'll teach one another in the years to come.

Here he is with all his friends, in big boy undies!