Approved Fightin' Words

 

 

 My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this:

Everyone should be quick to listen,

slow to speak and slow to become angry

James 1:19

Mr. Awesome had to endure some of my cranky not-so-awesomeness yesterday.  In hindsight I was way to quick to speak, and I really didn't give two craps if I was listening to anything he had to say- because after he ticked me off, I had already made up my mind that it was my way or the highway.   I'll spare you the details and just sum up our yesterday afternoon in one word, "unpleasant". 

Thankfully once I got some food in me my mood leveled out and I was able to think a little clearer.  I felt like real poo for not practicing what I preach!  So here are some phrases I SHOULD HAVE used, and I suggest you to use these if you find yourself in a "fight", "bickering", or just having some "intense fellowshipping" as us Lutheran's like to call it. ;)  We learned some of these at the amazing Weekend to Remember Conference we attended in Minneapolis a few years ago.  If you eeeeevvveerrr get the chance to go to one of their conferences, take it!  The weekend away is wonderful, but the content they provide to you is even better! 

 

First thing to remember is this: WE ARE ON THE SAME TEAM. Repeat that in your head or out loud as many times as you need to, so you don't soon forget it.  I cannot emphasize this one enough.  This doesn't just apply in marriage but in all area's of life.  I've used this line with another mom and I think it made us both change our perspectives and get over ourselves for the sake of our children.

• I am NOT throwing in the towel on us, how can we compromise on this so neither one of us feels put out?
• I am too upset right now, but this is important to me. Can I take some time to cool off and we talk about this tomorrow at 3 o'clock? -set a specific time and stick to it.
• Let's take turns sharing our sides.

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths,

but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

Ephesians 4:29

• Can you clarify?- Sometimes there is just a misunderstanding and asking your partner to clarify can bring much peace.
• Tell me more about why you feel that way.

Remember to speak with encouragement.  The goal here is not to win. The goal is to understand each other and work together to build harmony.

The more talk, the less truth;

    the wise measure their words

Proverbs 10:19

Fireworks Arcade App

A couple years ago it was steamy hot out, I was sweaty and pregnant and by the end of the day the last thing I wanted to do was load up the family to go see the fireworks. Boo for being a lame mommy, I know.  Usually I love them and look forward to them for a month or better. After all, my birthday is the 5th and those town fireworks are put on just.for.me.  It's the only time I'd ever missed the big show.  Thankfully we managed to celebrate anyway.  Yay! 

This app called Fireworks Arcade saved the day! Well, night!

I downloaded it on my Kindle (it works on phones too).  I set it up on the dresser in the bedroom & we all gathered on the bed with the lights out and watched the fireworks show. We giggled, ooooh-ed and ahhh-ed and played the show a few times before calling it a night (a couple hours before the regular fireworks would've even started). 
If you aren't up for taking the kids out this 4th of July, for whatever reason, give this app a try!
Tip: Touch the screen as the show plays to add your own flare!
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bigduckgames.fireworksarcade

Adding Social Media Buttons to Blogger

You guys, I spent the last two days trying to learn how to add Social Media buttons to my blog. I'm not even kidding.. we're talking HOURS of wasted time at the computer.

If you aren't tech savvy (like myself) save yourself the headache and follow these SIMPLE steps. How to add social media buttons to your blog:
I found free buttons here.
If you don’t like those you can do a google search for free buttons. Or copy/paste button images to Paint and save them to use as buttons.

Then use this video here to learn how to get them working on your blog: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H4hI5WmqpBw#t=53

Thank you to these awesome bloggers for creating great resources that helped this momma out! 

 

Dyson DC28 Hose Replacement

For over a year now {maybe two, I have lost track} I have been duct taping, and re-duct taping the hose on my Dyson dc28.
Dyson's are great vacuums, the problem was I tried to stretch the hose all the way down the basement stairs while someone stood at the top holding in the vacuum in place for me.  It tore a little and a little tape fixed it fine... but I kept doing it.  

Yeah...  I know.. Slow learner, I suppose. ;)
After several layers of tape, and feeling frustrated every time I used it I decided it was time for a new hose.

I picked this new one up on Amazon for about $20. It's a generic but works perfect!  Installing it was a breeze!  Just disconnect the original hose the way you would put another attachment on. Then at the base of the hose is a little tab you pull out and force the hose up & off.
Reverse that to add the new hose.
Voila!
What repairs have you been putting off? More importantly, what are you going to do about it?

  

Ps. Want a  challenge? Type the word hose 1000 times and see how many times your phone wants you to use house, hosed, hoses instead! Bahaha.

A Slightly Better Wife's Homeschool Organization Room Tour

I'd you're needing a little help with how to organize your homeschooling tools, check out this video of our Homeschool Room Tour: