I'm trying

Lots is going on in my life right now. I'm currently in California, living with my parents for the month while Bryce stays home and works on our kitchen remodel. We felt that, for the kids' well-being and his and my sanity, I needed to take the boys on a little trip. So life has been crazy, busy, and a little stressful. And on top of that, it's DECEMBER. My most favorite time of the year...one of the busiest times of the year.

In the midst of all that is going on, I am looking forward to the potential "break" from the daily grind at home. The constant nagging feeling that dishes need to be done, something needs to be cleaned or organized, someone needs to be somewhere, is gone. At the same time, the very real challenge exists - that I am basically single-handedly parenting my children for almost a month. Yes, Grammy and Gramps are here to help (when not at work or on their trip next week) and I am so grateful to them for the help that they can offer, but you can't argue that it's not quite the same as daddy when it comes to certain matters of parenting.

So, in an effort to truly enjoy this crazy month for my family, I'm trying to stay positive. I'm trying to do lots of things, like...

• be patient with my kids when they are overtired and refuse to nap or go to bed right way
• not fly off the handle in sheer frustration when both boys are upset about something completely different than the other and want my immediate attention when I only have one mind and body to take care of their issues
• recognize that while I may be stressed with my two kids here, my husband is in a lonely quiet house, missing us (and yes, I know he misses us ;-))
• be thankful to my parents for letting us, their grown daughter and her two crazy little guys, move in on their peaceful home 
• stay active and productive while I'm here so as not to be bored out of my mind when I'm home alone with the kids
• find reasons to be joyful
• spend some time with the Lord, praying and reading my Bible
• help my mom prepare for Christmas
• prepare myself for Christmas
• finish reading RLAM (I'm still loving it)
• start reading Choosing to See (can't wait to start this one)
• run some hills (there are an abundance of them here), even though I HATE them
• catch up on my blogging
• eat as healthy as possible considering the season...

I think if I keep these things in mind and have a positive perspective, this month will be pretty great. Bryce will join me in a few weeks' time and soon we'll be celebrating our Savior's birth together.