Painting

Today, I painted our kitchen and it looks fabulous! It was a very bold red and now it is a pale olive-ish green. It is such a breath of fresh air and I am hoping it will help my kids stay calm...Or maybe just keep me calm.

My oh-so-fabulous husband took the boys to church, while I painted, and it was nice being in the quiet (as of in no little voices saying, 'mommy"), playing some soft music with my calm paint color. I did a lot of praying and thinking and it was just nice!

I reflected on this past year and it was a tough year, but I have to say I am thankful for every little situation because it caused me to do something to better myself.

January 2010
*My brother-in-law had a "chat" with my hubby that rocked our world. It started out that he was concerned because he knew I was a frustrated mom, but then it turned into a bunch of ugliness. He even went so far as to threaten CPS, said we don't love our son, and said I had Munchausen by proxy. Our families have been estranged ever since, but I hope to have another chat with he and his wife and resolve this in 2011


*We started therapy at The Attachment and Bonding Center of Ohio with Arleta James. Yes, we travel 6 hours to see her and it is worth the drive. She has taught us how to parent our children correctly and help them with their grief. We have already made a lot of progress and I hope we make so much more in 2011.


May 2010
*My grandmother died
AND
*My mother was diagnosed with stage 4 liver cancer. Since May, her health has gone down hill to the point I was preparing myself to lose her shortly after Thanksgiving. 2 weeks prior to Thanksgiving all she could keep down was rice milk. Not a whole lot of nutrients there. 
HOWEVER, on November 23rd she went to be prayed for at her church and  MIRACLE HAPPENED! The next day she could eat and she has been on the upswing ever since. I am so grateful for every moment I have left with my mom. This has caused me to rely on God even more and be more motivated to take care of my health. I do not want to follow in my mother's footsteps. 


August 2010
*I started seeing a therapist and after 4 sessions I got to the root of my biggest trigger that made me react to my kids behaviors. It is LIBERATING to be free of that.


So, in retrospect of 2010, I am thankful and so grateful for every "bad" moment because they have shaped me into who I am today.


P.S. I'll post my kitchen pics after I do a second coat of paint and get it put back together.