Book Clutter and a Giveaway!

Shannon has made today's Works-For-Me Wednesday: The Backwards Edition. This means that instead of me offering a tip, I am posting a question that has stumped me, so I am asking for your advice.

After seeing the pictures you must realize my problem. How do we keep the books organized in the kid's rooms? I try to stand them up neatly, but it only looks nice for a couple of days and I do not have the energy to fix them everyday! Please offer me any ideas that you have to keep the books tidy around here. I am willing to purchase whatever I need to get their books under control!!! As you can tell this situation drives me C-R-A-Z-Y, so I am doing a giveaway as an incentive to get lots of suggestions! :o)

If you offer a creative solution, you will be entered into a drawing for a $15.00 Gift Card to Amazon - that way you can add more book clutter to your shelves! ;o) The contest will close on Thursday, March 6th @ 3:00 PM (central time). I will put the names in a hat and have my boys draw the winner. Thanks so much for helping me with my dilemma!

To help others out, go to Rocks In My Dryer for the list.

98% There

Four days ago I was ready to report that he was 100% potty trained. I was so confident that he was wearing his undies at nap time and I thought he was ready to save the rest of his pull ups for his younger brother. But after a couple of nights of wet pj's and bedsheets, I think the pull ups need to hang around for bedtime a little longer. We are so proud of him because this was a long road for him (and us). Those of you who were not here to read my despair during these dark days may want to go here, here or here!

So for those of you in this season - I would like to encourage you. Hopefully you will not have to make the same mistakes I did!

1. Do not compare your kiddo to other kids their age. Remember you are not in control, all you can do is bribe.

2. Buy lots of books - read them to your child over and over again. We have several books in our repertoire, but both boys loved Lift the Lid, Use the Potty! .

3. Lean on friends who have been through this for tips, inspiration and encouragement.

4. Take a week and eat, breath and sleep PT!! You and your little one may have to hibernate in your home for this week to see significant progress.

5. During the hibernation week, set a timer for every 30 minutes. Take them every time the timer goes off to sit on the potty. While they are sitting try to stay positive and make it fun (you will get tired of this FAST!).

6. Make a date with your little one - take them to the store and let them pick their favorite undies out all by themselves. Make a big deal out of their purchase and they will not want to defile their new big kid undies!

7. I am not against offering whatever it takes to get the job done. Mini M&M's were the key to get the ball rolling at our house.

8. If you are like us #1 was not the big issue. I was sure I would never see #2 anywhere but in a diaper or a pull up. We made a chart and every time he "produced" in the potty he got to put a sticker on the chart. He was working towards a goal to get a BIG prize - that kept him motivated!

9. Look for the humor in the situation and learn to laugh (to avoid crying)!

10. Soon this trial will be a distant memory - so do not stress yourself (or the little one) out - before you know it you will be worried about dating and driving!

Please remind me of these tips when it is time to potty train child #3! ;o) For more WFMW tips go to Shannon's blog.

Praying for Friends...

This is my first WFMW to participate in, if you are not aware of what this is, you can learn more at Rocks in my Dryer. Since Shannon is in Uganda this week, Melanie at Don't Try this at Home is guest hosting.
Not sure what to do with these after Christmas? Here is an idea that I received from a friend several years ago.

After the holidays are over take the Christmas cards you received and put them in a basket (she keeps her basket in the kitchen). Each week have your children draw one or two cards out of the basket and then put the card(s) on your refrigerator. During the week pray as a family (they do it at breakfast) for the family. What a great way to teach your children to pray for others! Then at the end of the week, my friend would send a card to the family letting them know that her family prayed for them all week. Let me tell you the first time I received a card in the mail from them it made my day. What an unexpected treat to know that you are being lifted up in prayer.

For more of today's WFMW stop by Don't Try this at Home.

I thank my God every time I remember you. Philippians 1:3