no complaints: day 8

It is 10:45pm.

I spent most of the day at the computer today updating and adding things to the new webpage I am moving Love, Elijah too, so I really didn't have too much to complain about.

But this afternoon was a challenge.

The house I wanted turned out to be a house I didn't need. I was slightly disappointed, but I really didn't find myself devastated.

The guy showing it was super nice, and the house was super cute, but there was a one bedroom apartment attached to the back yard, and I was just worried about the kids disturbing the people who lived in the apartment...and that would be a constant stressing point for me. Plus, even though it was in a really great neighborhood, if I were to pay at the top of my price range, I would hope that we would get to enjoy our backyard as a family--by ourselves sometimes--well most of the time.

So, it was not for us.

No biggie...we just keep looking.

The hardest part of no complaining came from my time with the kids this afternoon.

They were acting out pretty bad.

I found that I had to change what I say to them to avoid complaining. I have to be more directive towards the attitude I want, more so than pointing out the attitude they have--the attitude that is not so pleasant.

Today there was a lot of the "not so pleasant."

But if we are focusing on the good, I am really proud of Alex and Julien in their new MMA classes. They are both doing rather well for two classes in.

Gabriel has started too, but these are his first classes in anything, and it will be a big adjustment. Tonight he spent a lot of the time off the mats sulking and sitting by me.

We will get him there though. He is certainly strong enough for it. He just has to learn how to handle directions and listen. MMA seems like a good place to start learning these things. And thank God for patient coaches ;)

But no matter the struggles, we got through today...and in the last 5 months or so, that is a huge accomplishment.

Before I go, I wanted to share one more quote out of the book I am still reading. (I tend to read at a rather leisurely pace):

"Knowing others is intelligence;
        knowing the self is enlightenment.
Conquering others is power;
        conquering the self is strength.

Know what is enough, and you'll be rich.
Persevere, and you'll develop a will.
Remain in the center, and you'll always
       be at home.
Die without dying, and you'll endure forever."

Hi little sunflower.

Hi sweet boy.

Hi my Elijah.

I miss you so so so so so so so so much.

I guess maybe you know that.

I love you so much more.

I hope you know that too.

Sweet dreams my angel.

Shine down on me 

<3