Elnora's birthday party

I can't believe Elnora turned one year old last week. I haven't down load my pictures yet. Maybe I'll post some picture tomorrow. I'm just so grateful for my family. Life is beautiful and yet I'm still worry. Maybe I'm just a worrier. Sometimes I am afraid whenever the thought came that anything could happen, that this beautiful life of mine could change/disturb by something. I then realized that the adversary is instilling fear in me. I need to increase my faith and look forward for more beautiful things to come, the blessing that we still and will enjoy in the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Good Things to Come

I was in the need of some good advice. Life seems to go on without me thinking much of it. Summer is here and I haven't researched on what activities I might like to do for Tanner. We have piano and library so far. I need to sign him up for swimming and soccer or baseball. I went to lds.org and found this message. I have watched it three times and it still makes me cry toward the end.
We need to keep going and look forward for good things to come for we have the Gospel of Jesus Christ. How true that is! I often worry about what kind of future I could give to my children. I got discouraged whenever I thought of the darkness and filthiness of the world. I needed to be aware that this thought of discouragement is from the adversary. Of course Satan wants us to believe that there is no hope. However, we can't live in fear since fear and faith can't go together. Faith in Jesus Christ is the answer and I need to hold on it and believe in all the blessings that come having faith in Jesus Christ.

Good Things to Come

Best advice for today!

I got the best advice for today: "You can have compassion for yourself!" (especially when you are angry and frustrated). So, I told myself: "SELF, I have compassion for you. You are still a good person and making progress working on YOU!."
This advice really make me feel better. Thanks to a good sister and friend who loves me for me, unassuming and not judging! Don't know what I'd do without her. She is truly my real life guardian angel! I could be more like her!

Beautiful people in my life

We went to celebrate Martin's birthday yesterday at Lucille. We had wonderful dinner and dessert. We sang happy birthday to Daddy. We celebrated early because we don't know if Martin will get a day off on his birthday. I went home exhausted. I don't know why. Maybe it's the weekend thing. I am so happy to have a wonderful evening spent with the beautiful people in my life. Of course I forgot my camera!

Lullaby

The cutest thing happened between Elnora and Tanner last night. They are in the same room now (they have no choice) so we could actually have a living room. Elnora was so tired but refusing to go to sleep. I am getting tired of holding her so I just put her in her crib/play pen. Tanner started singing his lullaby from rock a bye baby, keep the commandments, to lullaby said good night. Elnora started to pick up some tune and singing herself. I thought I heard some harmonious melody. Some ten minutes later, I didn't hear anything. They both fell a sleep singing each other lullaby.

Dealing with a four year old

Does anybody have some tips to deal with a four year old?
Tanner has grown so much not only physically. I started doing hook on phonic (Kindergarten) with him. He already read 14 little story books contained three letter words and helper words. I didn't expect him much at first but he was ready. He's also learning how to read music and finding C and A on the piano. He also memorized his favorite book (Julius - Only in dreams).
However, he seems to like doing things that drive his mom crazy. He found enjoyment (or maybe craving attention) when mommy got upset. It's hard to put aside emotion when you discipline your child. I'll have to remind myself that discipline is part of teaching (it doesn't mean punishment).
Elnora started crawling and getting into things. She still likes mommy holding her a lot. I just have to remind myself to laugh more with them instead of getting upset over certain things like marker drawing on the wall, spilling water/juices, stalling bath time or bedtime, etc.

No movie before bed time!

Mischiefs before bed time.


Partners in making a mess.

So Tanner begged me to watch happy feet tonight. I thought it was still early (why not). I seem to forget what come to follow after that (learning from some experiences). Yes, tired unhappy toddler who is stimulated and out of control. I wonder who to blame? We did our routine after bath: reading books, doing fishie mask (his asthma treatment), brushing teeth, reading more books, reading scripture (we're on Mosiah 29), reading one more book and say our prayer.
We didn't get to reading scriptures. The process is taking me almost two hours and it's almost 10:30 pm because of time outs, some yelling and crying. What a night. I couldn't take it anymore and turned off the lights. The crying is getting louder and I told Tanner I am the one who needed a time out. I close my door and put Elnora to bed. Five minutes passed and I didn't hear anymore crying. The tired toddler is finally OUT, exhausted. And me too. I felt really bad about the whole thing. I pray for patient everyday yet I'm lacking of it everyday.