The Murphy Family

Well, I definitely have triggers, that is for sure.  I was really aware today of what made me feel like getting angry.  When I am doing something and am interrupted, I get annoyed.  When I have had too much social for one day (yep, you introverts know what I'm talking about), I am irritable.  When I am rushing, I am irritable.  When I have a lot to do and the kids want something, anything really, even if it is just really basic things like food, I am irritable.  So, now I will make a plan for how I can reduce those things.  I realized today that the introvert thing is probably the biggest trigger.  If we have been away from home or had a lot of chaos at our house for too long, I snap so easily.  I was able to keep cool today, but inside, I was a raging ball of irritatedness.  Yep, irritatedness.  I think one of the most important things about being a mother, or really a person in general, is knowing yourself.  I am obsessed wit...

So, the interruption thingy is working great for us.  The hubby totally agrees that it's a great idea and the kids like doing it. I do need more time to get used to it because today a few times, I forgot about it, and I just kind of got irritated that they were holding my wrist (I need my space).  Then I realized, wait, they are trying to do this right.  It made me laugh.  I had to apologize that I had forgotten.  So, I need some time to get used to it, but they really loved it and it was way helpful.  We will definitely keep that one going.  As for Challenge #1 and #2, they went pretty darn well, but today was hard.  I have been so focused on the 4 yr. old, who is doing awesome, that I think I have neglected the 6 yr. old.  He tested me today.  He tested me big.  I handed out A LOT of consequences today.  I definitely wasn't as up beat today in general.  I kind of woke up grumpy, but was still able to mostly keep my cool....

Today went really well.  I am wondering if the residual from our great day yesterday is to blame for it, but my kids didn't really put me to the test today.  But, I was really up beat and always kind when I talked to them.  So interesting.  A few times when my 4 yr. old shrieked (he can really shriek and it drives me bonkers) at his brother, my first emotion was annoyance.  But, it is getting easier to just put that aside because it isn't an option.  So, I tried really hard to keep it light.  "What's up Logey?"  Let him talk.  "oh, well, I think there is a better way to deal with it, don't you." and a hug.  It changed him.  He just lightens up and giggles.  I am loving seeing his true self come through.  I am a lover of the Child Whisperer.  If you haven't read it, I think you should.  It has changed how I see people and relationships completely.  I love it!  So, I know my Type 1 child needs l...

First, let me say that I loved Challenge #1. I loved that I didn't have to decide what to do when I felt the anger coming. I just called the child I was feeling bugged with over and hugged them and talked calmly. They usually ended up giggling and the situation just diffused. It was such a happy day today! I loved it. I am totally keeping up with Challenge #1 and adding it to Challenge #2. Here are a few things I remembered by trying to be a better mom today. #1- My kids’ behavior is directly correlated to my behavior-  Today, I had to wake my kids  for swimming lessons.  Days of swimming lessons usually begin with me hurrying them along to make it on time.  They are not typically happy mornings.  My kids don’t like to be rushed.  Today was different.  I was so afraid to fail at my challenge today that I woke up knowing I had to pull out all of the stops.  My very volatile 4 year old is fun and silly and loves to play....