remembering we are on the same team

Yep, today my little Ava wore panties for the third day in a row.  I am overjoyed.  Relaxed.  Really.

The experience with Annabelle, 2 years ago, was trying, to say the least. 

We started too early, we were easily frustrated, annoyed and our expectations were too high, unrealistic.

This time around, I am all smiles.  I am realistic.  I expect dirty wet panties, but my goal is a happy child who has sister and mommy on her side.  Who wouldn't want to please a mommy ready to smile and encourage for dry panties and simply trying?  A smile is magical.  It is God's grace flowing through me. 

We all get candy, whenever she has success, and we all act like we just met Cinderella.
All of us. 

Living as a family, a team, even when potty training. 

And guess what?  We are happy.  I am not stressed.  I have carpet cleaner ready and a hamper waiting for occupants, but mostly, we are waiting with lifesavers in hand and smiles.  When we mess, oh well.  Back to life.  My expectations are realistic.  She is learning.
Loving Ava.  Being on her team.  She is all smiles. 

It isn't me versus her.  We are working together, confident in her.
Joyful, peaceful potty training.  Who knew?

Joyful, peaceful parenting....I am learning.  slowly.

Lord, please show me how to parent and love with a smile, encouraging in all things.  Show me how encouragement breeds joy and peace.  We all need a team.  When arms are flailing, tears falling, words cutting like swords and emotions running high, remind me they need training.  Disappointment isn't necessary.  We are in this together.  Help me foster a community of encouragers within these four walls.  Gracefully, learning together how to love and forgive.

Thanking God for this team, my team and His grace for each day....

just a few from #505-575...nuzzling noses, picnics, dishwasher box made into house,  a tree for neighbor kids to climb on over, 3 am feedings, girls begging daddy to wrestle, reciting Sound of Music verbatim, twirling, holding hands, running in the wind, this book and the book club, carrot sticks and ranch, handprints on stainless steel, crumb covered floor, laughing till we cry...