Any Success Yet

Well as Adam say's, we have been working on becoming complaint free for one month now.  My question is, has anyone been able to go even one whole day yet?  I must admit that this is harder than I thought it would be.  I find myself wondering what the ratio is between my complaints and my possitive comments.  I have a feeling the latter is very much lacking.  Why do we focus so much time on the negative which only brings more of the same rather than having a possitive outlook on life?  I met the nicest man yesterday in the fabric store where I work.  He told me how happy he was and how wonderful his life had been and that he wouldn't change a thing.  He said, "when people ask me how I am, I tell them I am happy".  He then told me that it wasn't without it's challenges, for instance, he worked as a janitor for 17 years and for 7 of them straight he never had a day off.  During that time he dealt with some major family illnesses, including himself and other major setbacks but that he was grateful to have had the work.   As I visited with him I found myself wondering why I couldn't be more like him.  I lack for nothing and have everything to live for.  Best of all, we chatted about our posterity and he really lit up  saying that his 45 great grandchildren were the light of his life and how he and the missis loved spending time with them.  Not once did he complain about anything.  He just couldn't say anything but what a great world this was and what good people there are in it.  It just goes to show you that we can either choose to see the bad or the good, the choice really is ours.  All I can say is that I choose to be like him.  I just need the Lord's help to do it.  Come on everyone.  Let's put our shoulder to the wheel.  Even one day is an accomplishment and a beginning.  Who will be first?

1 month in

so.......

1 month into the challenge, and i have yet to complete 1 day of not complaining, gossiping, or criticizing! Lol, lots harder than I anticipated. Had tons of days that I only messed up once, but haven't hit the one day mark yet. Oh well, it will only get easier the more you work on it....

So here are some before and after pics of Dad's first job with the new ride!

Name That Truck

So here are pictures of the newest member of our family. We are very happy to welcome it to our home but have not yet been able to come up with a name for it. We are asking everyone to help us out by suggesting some names you think will fit our new family member. We are looking predominantly for male names but will certainly entertain anything that is given us. Thank you in advance for your help. Remember, keep it positive.

Dads Knee in Photograph

Funny that all of you are asking about Dad's knee.  What's even funnier is that he was asking the same thing himself. What the heck is that on my knee!! I personally think it sort of looks like a big eyeball staring at you.  I know there is some dirt there but I sure can't make out the rest of it.  It's kind of creepy looking.  Isn't it great that we have this wonderful picture showing all these darling Grandchildren dressed so cute, and what everyone comments on is Dad's knee.  Go figure.

It's great to see more of the family getting on our blog and commenting.  Tamsen, I am sorry about your unfortunate episode of trying to read the book.  It really conjures up a rather comical picture in ones mind though.  Saturday, I hope to see everyone report on how they are doing so far and how many days you have gone.  I was wondering if on our birthdays we could have a free day.  That would certainly make my report look a little better for the week. 

Hey everyone!

I made it on here! I think I'm a little behind everyone on this. I haven't been able to finish the book yet, but I'm trying! Problem is I tend to open it up to read at night, when I'm already dressed for and sitting in bed. And then my head tends to plop to the side and then I wake up with the book giving me papercuts on my nose.... I will try to read elsewhere and earlier in the day if I possibly can. It doesn't have any pictures so I can't interest Audrey in reading with me.

BUT - I am looking forward to the challenge (sorta). I do have one question though - what the heck happened to Dads knee in that picture with all the kids?!

Toad

Day 1 accomplished

Well, I had one oop's yesterday, (that I am aware of) but I have since gone a full 24 hours.  It is true that the less you talk the easier it is, however, that is not the point here.  It is a matter of learning to change the way we talk and think.  This could take some time but I am committed.  Dad and I were over at Adam and Kristy's yesterday playing some Wii with the family.  Adam has asked for another bracelet as his has broken already.  I was a little worried that the bracelets would end up not lasting long but Adam assured me that he started wearing his a week ago because he felt he needed a head start on everyone else.  He said, " I changed it over so many times that it finally just snapped".  I do have a few more if anyone else is in need.  The men will have to be careful rotating theirs because of their somewhat larger wrists. 

MST or EST??

Okay so last night was a bust.  Midnight hit, and we were still on and on with Clint about all the crazy stuff that has been going down her lately.  Are we playing by mountain standard time or eastern standard time, cause if it is MST, we were in be before midnight.  (tee hee hee)  Hopefully we will do better today.  I have been awake for 40 minuites and haven't switched it yet :)  (Although Jacob is at the hospital rounding, and the kids are watching a movie, so not having any one to talk to does make it a little easier :)