Carlyn

last night in the middle of family worship pearl, wearing her pink princess pj's with her crazy hair flying everywhere, stood up in her chair, threw her hands up in the air and yelled "HALLELUJAH, DADGUMMIT".    luther and pearl were eating bananas on the deck and luther came in and reported that pearl dipped her banana in his pee-pee and then ate it. i went out to see what was going on and pearl was playing in a puddle on the deck. when i asked luther what is was, he admitted he peed on the deck. pearl says to me  "you feel better mommy? i give you hugs and kiss. that make you happy!!" i love my sweet girl. luther is playing with trucks. pearl wanted to play too, but none of the trucks fancied her girly taste. so, she has one covered with a pink blanket and is pushing it around saying "this is my pink one!!" pearl(very distraught from the back seat): i dropped my baby's bottle and passy. me: i'...

I had really got myself in a bad rut a few weeks ago.  I was discouraged and not really enjoying my life.  I was just over everything, especially house work, disciplining the kids, and James's long hours.   I spent a week (probably more) doing nothing productive and complaining a lot, but then God was very gracious and pulled me out.  He used several things to encourage and change me.  First, two (older and wiser than me) ladies at my church who I talked to the Sunday after my "bad week" and asked for advice and prayers.  Second, I read a few books to help me get back on track-  Loving the Little Years: Motherhood in the Trenches   and  Miss Minimalist .   I ordered the kindle versions of them both and read them last week (both quick reads).  And third, two studies I was already doing:  30 Days to Encourage Your Husband   and  Knowing God .    I got some great tips and...