Choosing happiness.

Choosing your attitude. I'm trying to teach Carmen and Lilah that their attitude is their decision. 

A few nights ago, I was trying to get Carmen to read a picture book for class. I asked her to turn the tv off and WWIII started in my house. A huge open mouthed cry.  I've been trying to figure out how to teach her that we don't have to have a huge reaction to tiny things. If she always cries like she is going to die, I'll never know if something is really wrong. It's all about choosing your own reaction.

Along the same lines, I am trying to teach her that she needs to empathize with others and understand social cues. Maybe I am pushing too hard but I want her to understand that everyone has feelings, even the person who takes her order when we are out. Taking a little extra time to say please and thank you when ordering are small things that can make a huge difference in the way someone perceives you. I always make it a point to say "have a great day" to the barista or ask the person fixing my phone how their day is.

As parents we put a lot of pressure on our selves to raise perfect children. I know I am not perfect and my children won't be, but I'd love to give her the backing to be as perfect as she wants to be.

James is getting so big!

Matching outfits from grammy.

This girl makes me laugh ... often!