Why small success? Because that’s the only kind I know! Even the big ones come in small steps. Here’s my paltry offering for the week:
- School Uniforms Ready – School starts for my kids in less than two weeks , so I sorted through all the old stuff, had them try it on, and made a list of what was needed. The school uniform exchange was a disappointment as we went in with a bag of outgrown clothes and walked out with one blouse. On to the uniform store, where I dropped a bundle of money. Luckily the young lady who helped us (and gently tried to up-sell us) moved us through quickly so that the little ones didn’t do too much damage as, for reasons unknown to me, is their wont in that particular store.
Some of our take from the uniform store.
- School Supplies – I did a thorough inventory of the unused and underused supplies from previous years, then armed with a highlighter, pen, and four pages of needs and requirements, went to Staples. It was fairly painless, and we had a 20 percent off coupon. Sorting, labeling, and packing supplies into freshly-washed backpacks consumed most of the rest of the day.
- Potty Training – With a child about to begin preschool at the end of the month, I figured I ought to give the whole potty training business another whirl. I am possibly the laziest parent on planet Earth when it comes to potty training. I’m waiting to discover if I have one of those children who will spontaneously train all by herself in one day. So far, the answer is a definitive no. Our potty training experiment began with the ominous event caught in this photo almost two years ago:
Potty Fail
As you can see, in her excitement to “use” the potty, she did not even comprehend how to properly sit on it, let alone realize that clothing must be removed. We’ve had a long row to hoe. After buying several packs of fun, new panties and consistent (constant?) trips to the bathroom, we’ve had some success. In fact, no “accidents” occurred yesterday. On the flip side, I’m now scouring Pinterest for high fiber brownie recipes and ways to administer prune juice.
- Summer Clothes Switchover Complete – You say summer’s almost over? Hush. We’ve got at least a month or more to wear newly-discovered shorts and t-shirts. I spent most of the summer skating by on clothes that were handy for the little ones. Now things are well-sorted and ready for me to procrastinate making the fall/winter switch.
- I “Get” Periscope – I’d been hearing more and more about the Periscope app, so with only a dozen other social media accounts to keep up with, adding another seemed like a jolly good idea! In browsing the streaming videos for the first time, I came across one entitled “Pooping.” Less than impressed, I considered deleting the app. I’ve given it another shot, however, and have found some interesting and fun uses. So far, I’ve mainly watched scopes from Jennifer Fulwiler, Pittsburgh Dad, and Michael Hyatt. (Michael Hyatt has blogged about what he loves and hates about Periscope. If you’re new to it, you may find it helpful.) On a short day trip, my son and I even tried streaming our own video. Sad story: no viewers. If you’re on Periscope, post your handle, and I’ll follow you. Mine is @CMAstfalk.
That’s all I’ve got. Celebrate more small successes over at CatholicMom.com.
Have you had any small successes this week?
I have yet to try Periscope, but I’m not much of an A/V person. I only have about 3 podcasts I’m willing to listen to. Would much rather read!
I’m dreading the look at uniforms. I know The Kid’s summer uniform will fit him, but will the long pants that I only bought this February? The thought of investing in another set of long pants just to get through 8th grade…I’m almost willing to take the chance on buying pants that don’t have that little F&O’H tag on the back and save $20 per pair.
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