A quick fix would be nice.

As I am running around cleaning the house/taking care of toddler requests such as juice and snacks etc.... I sometimes stop dead in my tracks to locate a tiny irritating thing. A hair on my arm. One of the really long hairs from my head. (I just realized a week or so ago that my hair is now about an inch from my waistline in length, though I never really intended it to get that long) My hairs are everywhere in this house but I think it is kinda funny that if I get one wrapped around or stuck to my arm it bothers me to no end, I have to find it and detach it before going on my way.

I was just thinking that I wish it were that way with other things in life. If there was something amiss in my daily routine or my parenting skills, if only I would know it immediately and be able to fix it before it caused any trouble.

I guess I thought of it that way because I am at one of those stages with my almost 4 year old where I wonder how much damage I have caused to his habits and personality already in my parenting. He has a lot of angry moments and I can only think that it is directly related to my temper. I do not really have much of a temper, but when he repeatedly disobeys I do let my frustration show. In theory I believe in disciplining with a quiet spirit and that it is better to simply apply the punishment without any sign of aggravation. This is what my husband and I strive to do. But what really happens is we are constantly reacting to his behavior with irritation.

I have always been a big fan of the Duggars. When we were without tv for a year and a half recently I missed seeing the tv specials about them on Discovery Health. We have had television back now for a month or two and I was just watching an episode where they celebrated Michelle's birthday. (she's the mom of 18 kids and one on the way in case you didn't know) Something happened which I took note of. Her sister said to her on camera that she had never seen Michelle upset and was still waiting to see it some day.

I know that the Duggar children are well-behaved and well-disciplined. I know that it hasn't been that simple to make them that way, but I bet a lot is owed to Michelle's temperment. I would like to be exactly like that. To never get my feathers ruffled and to always have a smile on my face throughout all parenting situations. I wonder if that is possible. Maybe if I got up every morning and prayed to that end. I keep wondering if it is too late already with Micah and if it is too late with Allie simply because she will be getting the bad habits from him.

Anyway, I know we all have areas we need work, I guess it is at least good that I know where I am lacking and want to work on it.
Good luck with all of your struggles too.