Find the Calm in the Storm

With the kids being home from school on summer break there are many times already I feel like I'm going to lose it! All the crying, whining, fighting.....so when I saw these tips on the email newsletter I receive from Love & Logic I thought I should share!!!

Staying Calm: Some Love and Logic Tips

Avoiding frustration, anger, lectures, and other ineffective parenting practices is no simple task in today's hectic world. Fortunately, the following steps can help us "brainwash" ourselves into staying cool in hot situations:

Step #1: Create one calming self-statement.

Everyone needs a calming thought to carry with them as they navigate this not-so-calm world. Listed below are some examples:
Anger makes it worse.

- Anger and frustration feed misbehavior.

- Frustration fuels the fire.

- Empathy instead of anger.

- My kids will someday select my nursing home. (I love this one!)

Step #2: Post your statement where you'll see it often.

The more often you see your statement, the more likely it will pop into your head when your kids are getting on your last nerve. It's great for them to see them it too!

Step #3: Visualize yourself staying calm and using your statement.

Each night as you are falling asleep, imagine yourself in a tough parenting situation with your children…and handling it without breaking a sweat!

Thanks for reading!
Dr. Charles Fay

We had a great turnout for a trip to a dairy farm. Lots of fun tasting the different flavored milks they make (banana, orange, strawberry, rootbeer, and of course chocolate)and a mini ice cream cone. The kids were able to pet the new calves, milk a cow and watch how the machines milk the cows. They even got a few squirts of milk at them. After the tour we had a picnic lunch near the pasture of cows. A fun day for all!

Saint Theresa is known as the Saint of the Little Ways, meaning she believed in doing the little things in life well and with great love. She is represented by roses.

Saint Theresa's Prayer
May today there be peace within.
May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be.
May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith.
May you use those gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you.
May you be confident knowing you are a child of God. Let this presence settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love.
It is there for each and every one of us.

Dear God:
The lady reading this
Is beautiful, classy and strong,
and I love her.
Help her live her life to the fullest.
Please promote her and cause her to excel above her expectations.
Help her shine in the darkest places where it is impossible to love.

Protect her at all times,
lift her up when she needs you the most,
and let her know when she walks with you,
She will always be safe.