Potty Party

After several months of failed potty training attempts, we were about ready to let Jayden stay in diapers for life. As a last resort, I decided to steal this idea from Cakes Likes a Party: a Potty Party! We told Jayden a week before the party that his diaper days were quickly coming to an end, and that as of Saturday he would be wearing only big boy underwear.

I bought him some super cool undies and stocked up on lots of small gifts {cars, play doh, games, etc} for the party. Every time he went in the big boy potty he got to unwrap a new gift and get a little treat. He spent the day in his skivvies, and we spent the day persistently asking him "Do you have to go?"

I was honestly skeptical that this method would work on my "strong willed" child, but it totally did! He has {as expected} had a few accidents, but overall it was a huge success. So for all you parents out there struggling with this transition, I highly recommend the potty party!

Blessings

We pray for blessings
We pray for peace
Comfort for family, protection while we sleep
We pray for healing, for prosperity
We pray for Your mighty hand to ease our suffering
All the while, You hear each spoken need
Yet love us way too much to give us lesser things

'Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
What if a thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You’re near
What if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise

We pray for wisdom
Your voice to hear
And we cry in anger when we cannot feel You near
We doubt Your goodness, we doubt Your love
As if every promise from Your Word is not enough
All the while, You hear each desperate plea
And long that we'd have faith to believe

'Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
What if a thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You’re near
And what if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise

When friends betray us
When darkness seems to win
We know that pain reminds this heart
That this is not our home

'Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
And what if a thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You’re near
What if my greatest disappointments
Or the aching of this life
Is the revealing of a greater thirst this world can’t satisfy
And what if trials of this life
The rain, the storms, the hardest nights
Are Your mercies in disguise

Baby It's Cold Outside

And rainy. And I love it. Because I got to spend the day in my PJ's, sip salted caramel hot cocoa, cuddle with my babies, and light a fire in the fireplace! What is it about a fire that makes the house feel so cozy?

Today was the perfect day to stay inside since both the kiddos were wide awake at 5am this morning {Jayden woke up with a nasty cough, poor guy!}, so plenty of napping and lounging around was in order!

Here are some pics from our weekend...hope everyone had a great one!

Bathing Beauty

Gracie is so snuggly {and happy!} after bath time all bundled up in her hooded towel. How pinchable are those cheeks? 

And if I Fail, then I Fail

I have always struggled with fear. Not "afraid of the dark or spiders" kind of fear. The kind of fear that causes insecurities and keeps me from trying new things or meeting new people. Because what if I fail? Or worse, face rejection? Or what if people see my flaws and think less of me?

Anyone notice the recurring theme here? God didn't give me this timid spirit, but rather it's my inward focus that is holding me back. And as many insecurities as I have, the worry that people would even notice my flaws is a form of vanity. Can I shift my focus outward and stop dwelling on what people will think of me?

Lately my fears have been around failure. What if I can't live up to the expectations in my new job? What if I am not being the perfect mother to my children? What if my relationships fail?

And then I am reminded of the story of Esther. She had the courage to face death in order to save her people from it. "...And if I perish, I perish" {Esther 4:16}. And if I fail, I fail. And if I am rejected, then God will comfort me. And if I _____, then _____.

What's the worst that can happen? When you are weak, He is strong. Let's take some risks!

Sweet Voice

Gracie recently found her voice & it is the sweetest thing I've ever heard! And it's a good thing because she goes on and on and on...I think she takes after her daddy :) Love coming home to this after a long day at the office!

(You will probably have to mute the music at the bottom of the page to hear her)

The Night Is Young

Both of the rugrats are asleep for the night, which means I'm gearing up for a full 8 hours of sleep tonight. And then I'll wake up fully rested in the morning, get in a quick workout, and take my time getting ready for work. Before jumping in the car, I'll take a few minutes to savor the sunrise and spend some quiet time reflecting on my day ahead.

And then I'll wake up from the dream...at 2am, because someone's hungry :)