Optimism Month

I love to read magazines. I don't think that I will ever really get into blog surfing, just because I love reading magazines too much. Some of my favorites are Ladies Home Journal and Family Circle. I used to be a big fan of Better Homes and Gardens, but each month started to seem like I was reading the same thing. I love that these two magazines often highlight stories of service, mostly from women, but also organizations that are founded by kids! Plus I can find good recipes, and all sorts of advice.
Anyways, one of my favorite parts of Ladies Home Journal is tucked away right at the back. Its a page dedicated to things that are good (don't we need to hear a little more of this these days?) Well, I read in March's issue of Ladies Home Journal that March is Optimism Month. Did you know there was such a thing? Heaven knows I could be a little more optimistic! They also give their readers a challenge: Do one nice little thing to make someone else smile, every day in March. So, I would like to issue that challenge to those of you who want to spread optimism, which, in my book, is a synonym of Hope. You can go to LHJ.com/dogood for ideas if you find that a challenge.

Just when I think I've got things figured out . . .

William comes along and shows me that I have no clue. No clue whatsoever. William has, by far, been my little challenging child. He's so stubborn, but can be so loving. He often tells me he loves me and will nuzzle my nose and say "Oh, mommy's my cute pup." So, he gets away with maybe a little too much sometimes. But now he's brought on a whole new challenge. Toilet training.

This is a picture of William, crying on the toilet. He is extremely afraid of the toilet. He's fine to stand up and use the toilet for #1, but when it comes to #2, he just breaks down and cries. He's always had some tummy troubles, so this is a whole different arena for me. But I thought to myself, "if I just stand firm and tell him he's not getting off the toilet until he goes, that should work."

This is picture #2, where William was falling asleep on the toilet. Yes, it makes me feel and look like a horrible mother. You know how in school we were always taught to write about what we know? Well, I've always joked with myself that I would end up writing a book about poop. Obviously, I don't know that much about that, either. Any suggestions?