Top 10 things I've learned the hard way while raising my kids

#10 child locks are not child proof

#9 poop stains

#8 crayons are not tools of self expression rather they are a clever miniature torture device who's only purpose is to drive parents insane. I vote we change there name from crayon to #@%*^!

#7 Never leave your tooth brush unattended on the bathroom counter

#6 to prevent bugger's from being wiped on walls, furniture and siblings always keep plenty of Kleenex on hand

#5 remembering to cover your cough is impossible for those under 4ft

#4 hide a roll fo toilet paper it will come in handy

#3 kids can sniff out sweets no matter where you put them

#2 there's no such thing as privacy

#1 I should have bought stock in Walmart!
(I'm practicly a half owner anyway with how much I spend there!)

1 Year Strong! (almost)

So next week on the 23rd it will be 1 year since Mark left! What a thought.... It's been quite the year. From broken bones, broken appliances to head lice oh my. We have plodded on steadily. Never looking back, always looking forward. Overall it has been an adventure to remember! We've laughed we've cried we've survived! Just another short 3 months and this chapter will close. Only to open on another! What have we learned you ask? Well......where do I begin ? How much time do you have? First I've learned that each of us have within us the strength to overcome all. We only need to allow the Lord to lead us through the refiners fire and unlock the strength we have within. Don't be afraid to leap! I've learned that the Lord knows our needs down to the smallest detail. I've learned in a very personal way what a loving and caring Heavenly Father we have. I've learned that all prayers are answered. I've learned that by taking the Lord as my partner I can not fail. I've learned that doing service for others on a continuing basis will lead you to find gifts you didn't know you had, help you to expand your abilities, help you through your trials and bring you an inner joy worth the effort. I will never regret the things I have learned the strength I have gained or the peace I have been given during this year that Mark has been away.