“It is our choices…that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities.” – Albus Dumbledore of the Harry Potter series of books.

I firmly believe that a person’s success is directly related to their choices in life. So what about people who are unsuccessful in their endeavors? No, people who feel unsuccessful in life didn’t choose to have bad things happen to them. But bad things happen to everyone. Death, disaster and hardship are all around us and are part of life. There’s no way life could be absolutely perfect every minute of every day. But I believe successful people choose to react differently to challenges and trials than unsuccessful people do.

I believe I am successful because of the choices I make on a daily basis. I choose to save money instead of spending. I choose to love instead of hate. I choose to ignore instead of dramatize. My choices are positive, thoughtful, and generally good for my family and those close to me. I even strive to make choices that benefit the greater good, sometimes choosing to work on a project for free or helping a friend or family member with their computer.

Choosing to hold myself to a high standard and refusing to make choices that hurt others is the foundation of my life. Choosing how I react to a situation can make or break my success. As 2010 nears the midway point, I feel I’ve made the best possible effort to be a better person this year.

I always feel fortunate (luck/blessed/whatever you want to call it) that I have such a wonderful and full life. But I can’t help but be proud of the decisions I’ve made in life and where they’ve led me…especially my most recent choices – those I made just this morning. I make the choice every day to show my family how much I love them, to take trials as they come, but not let them overwhelm my life, and to be as joyful as possible in the work that I do.

Sometimes it really sucks being a mom.

Yep, I said it, and anyone with a three year old will tell you the same thing. But sometimes they sit next to me and quietly play, without screaming, without fighting me, without begging for anything, just being children. Sometimes they hug me and kiss me for no reason other than because they love me. That’s when motherhood is beautiful and I remember why I love my life so much. That’s when all the suckiness melts away and gives me positive experiences to draw upon when things aren’t calm, quiet, and beautiful.

When it sucks being a mom, remember the beauty of being a mother. It will help pull you through.

Since having children, I step back every December and reflect on the things I learned in the previous 12 months.  Thinking or writing about the experiences I had and how I connected (or didn’t connect) with my children helps me understand exactly how I grew and/or changed over the year.

In 2009, my second precious child was born. If anyone tells you that having two kids is easy, they’re lying. It’s a lot of work and sacrifice. Those who have more than two kiddos – you’re just downright brave.

The experiences of her birth and watching my oldest learn to cope with the fact that she’s no longer the only child have taught me a great deal about patience – and so much more.

So what did I learn this year about raising two small kids?

1. Don’t fret about germs. My husband believes his immune system is strong because he was allowed exposure to more germs. I’ve relaxed my germophobic tendencies and I must say – it seems like my kids are sick much less. My youngest has never been sick in her whole 7-month-old life.

2. There’s no shame in bribery. Can’t get a 3-year-old to eat her (relatively) healthy dinner? Bribe her with a frosted animal cookie. Works like a charm.

3. It’s ok to ask for help. This is one I struggled with after my oldest was born. I felt like asking for help made me weak. Not so. Asking for help when you feel overwhelmed is smart. It keeps you sane.

4. Don’t take on too much. Working from home and raising kids can be, by nature, a bit overwhelming. Being unavailable can affect your children negatively. Learn how to say no to projects or clients that are potentially draining. Working for yourself gives you the freedom to choose your clients. Take advantage of that by only working with people you enjoy, and only taking on projects that make you feel fulfilled. If you already have too much on your plate, it may be time to fire some clients or cut back your projects to a more realistic level. You aren’t Superwoman, despite what you may think!

5. Set aside special time with your kids. Designate the first two hours of the day or some other time to staying off the computer and away from work. The goal is to help your children feel special and loved by dedicating some of your time to them (and only them). No iPhone allowed – unless it’s made out of Play Doh.

…is covered in baby spit-up. For whatever odd reason, (maybe it’s the bouncy, up-and-down movement?) my 6-month-old barfs on the stairs every time we come down from her room. This happens regardless of whether or not she’s just eaten. Every time. Barf. All over the carpet on my stairs.

I try, ever-so-carefully, to keep her still as we’re going down the stairs. Still, she barfs. Is this an indication that she’ll have motion sickness later in life? Her Gram certainly has motion sickness. Is it hereditary? I have no idea. I just know that the carpet on my stairs will have to be replaced once my child has had her way with it. Ugh.