But that doesn't mean today was great. It started out o.k., but then one child complains about having to do work, the other child complains because I baked without her, and they both complain because they have to shovel the snow. All that added up, means it started out o.k., but went downhill pretty fast. I am happy that I didn't yell like I can do sometimes, but I did get frustrated and exasperated, and I showed it quite often. I don't mind them not wanting to do things, who really wants to, but the looks on the face, the complaining words and the dropped shoulders in a pouting sense, really get to me. Actually, Paulie will be facing dad when he gets home tonight. Paulie has been warned repeatedly about some of his actions, and what the consequences will be. And he had those actions today. Paul has set these consequences up and he is working with Paulie on this. So when he heard how today has gone, he said he would take care of things when he got home. That is such an encouragement to me. I'm not slack on punishment, actually, to my shame, I punish either too much, or not consistently. But it's hard when the kids are one way when dads gone, not listening, not obeying, grumbling and complaining, but when dad is around they are great. So Paul has let them both know he will not tolerate that. Plus they know that I tell dad everything. Paul always knows how our days are, and how the kids did in school and behaved (or didn't behave). He can't be here to see it, but he likes to be involved in our days. And I am truly blessed by a husband like that. That he backs me up, in a sense. It's just so refreshing on days like this. All the frustration is over, lessons that have been dragged on almost all day, have finally be completed, and things are starting to calm down.
It's been snowing outside all day. And the shoveling that the kids did, they will have to go out and do again pretty soon. It is a pretty falling snow, light a fluffy. But we are all pretty tired of it, even the kids. But up here we have another 2 - 3 months, at least, of winter, so no reason to complain about it. It's here for a while.
My throat got scratchy again, and I've been coughing all day. Other than that, I'm doing o.k. I did bake my muffins again today, and I actually have a picture of them in my oven. So you can see the two pans side by side.
Now, I was going to crop this photo, because of how dirty my oven is. I will say real quick, it doesn't look that bad in real life. For some reason this photo has enhanced the dirt. But, like I said, I was going to crop the photo so you couldn't see the dirty oven. The perfectionist in me doesn't want you to see it, because I need to come across as perfect to everyone (yes, I know how goofy that sounds). But I am showing it, for just that reason. To show that I don't keep things perfect, and yes, my oven is dirty. But regardless of that, the muffins turned out great.
Paul and I are going to try to get Paulie in for an eye exam soon. Neither of our kids have had thorough eye exams, so they will probably both be getting them. But with the move and such, I have to find a new doctor, and I'm really praying we can find one that believes the same way we do. It's always hard when you are first trying to find a doctor. I asked the leader of our homeschool group, and she emailed everyone in the group asking if they knew of any good doctors. I haven't heard from them yet, but it was just emailed yesterday, so hopefully I'll hear something soon.
I have wondered before if part of his reading issues has to do with his vision, but a part of me doesn't think it's that. I do see him rubbing his eyes, and yesterday he said that his eyes were scratchy when he was reading. He says it only happens once and a while, but that was enough for us to agree to try and find a doctor and get their eyes looked at. But, like I said, I'm not sure that is it. He knows all his sounds, he just keeps saying he 'forgets' what the sounds are when he's reading. I'm really not sure what to do with that. But he is reading better, not age level, but better. So I'm blessed with that.
Oh, and I wanted to thank everyone for their pencil ideas. It's funny, I didn't think anyone would have much to say about it, but you all came through for me. I have a good idea on pencils now, and I went through all our pencils, kept the good #2 ones, threw out the rest. I sharpened all of them today, and I'm getting the kids in the habit of sharpening them before they start their copy work. Plus a few of us gals got on the subject of pencil sharpeners, which was interesting. I really would like to get a manual one again, like we had in school. We had one before, but we left it in the old house. Maybe I should just have them bring that one out. But the issue is where to hang it. I don't want to hang it on any walls here, and I don't think there is any room on our desk. But I got some ideas on battery operated ones, so we'll see. I have one battery operated one, and it works o.k, but I was just seeing if there was one 'good' one. Thanks again for all your input, it really helped.
I should be getting dinner started, though with all the coughing I've been doing, parts of my body are starting to ache a little, and I really don't feel like getting up and doing anything. But I have picked an easy dinner, so it shouldn't be too bad. I hope you've all had a great day.
I am glad you showed us your dirt, JoAnn. I need to clean my oven too. I was spoiled before. I had a self-cleaning one! Now I need to figure out how to do it the old fashioned way. I enjoyed reading this post. I can relate to the complaining spirits of children. One of mine had a royal fit today and had to spend a lot of time on a chair (a big comfy wing back though). And I hope you are not trying to do too much and relapse.
Jenn
Oh No, I hope you aren't getting sick - but it sure sounds like it. That is so nice that your husband will help take care of discipline problems - every once in a while, an attitude check is in order. And your muffins look great - they will be a great comfort food if you are not feeling well. That is good of you to show your oven as it is - I am too much the perfectionist - I'd have to take the muffins out, pose them in the perfect basket, and tell them to smile. lol I hope you find a good eye doctor. And we have a manual pencil sharpener mounted in our entry-way closet, but it only worked for a short while (and we STILL haven't taken it down yet - better put that on my honey do list), so we ended up getting an electric one that has been serving us well for about 3 years or so now.
Take care of yourself dear!
sounds like a standard day around here. Starts off good and fades quick.
I pray that the Lord will show me how to change that someday. I hope your day gets better and when you lay to rest tonight you will feel that all is well.
Sorry for all of the snow falling your way. Your muffins look so tempting! They are chock full of goodness too. Glad that you are feeling a little better.
Mama Karen
This blog is so I can share my journey with the Lord, my journey as a wife and mother, and my journey as a homeschool mom. I pray that you will see the Lord in my life through happy and sad times, and that this blog glorifies the Lord.
This is an award and tag free zone, thank you.
All that added up, means it started out o.k., but went downhill pretty fast. I am happy that I didn't yell like I can do sometimes, but I did get frustrated and exasperated, and I showed it quite often. 
I don't mind them not wanting to do things, who really wants to, but the looks on the face, the complaining words and the dropped shoulders in a pouting sense, really get to me. Actually, Paulie will be facing dad when he gets home tonight. Paulie has been warned repeatedly about some of his actions, and what the consequences will be. And he had those actions today. Paul has set these consequences up and he is working with Paulie on this. So when he heard how today has gone, he said he would take care of things when he got home. That is such an encouragement to me. I'm not slack on punishment, actually, to my shame, I punish either too much, or not consistently. But it's hard when the kids are one way when dads gone, not listening, not obeying, grumbling and complaining, but when dad is around they are great. 
So Paul has let them both know he will not tolerate that. Plus they know that I tell dad everything. Paul always knows how our days are, and how the kids did in school and behaved (or didn't behave). He can't be here to see it, but he likes to be involved in our days. And I am truly blessed by a husband like that. That he backs me up, in a sense. It's just so refreshing on days like this. All the frustration is over, lessons that have been dragged on almost all day, have finally be completed, and things are starting to calm down.
