Alex and Joseph were the only Wetzels to have Nuks. We have a picture of Alex with three in his mouth….we inadvertently lost them (truly). But when Andy found them in his jacket pocket a day or two later…they had already been given up!

Your post reminded me of a post our friend Mrs. Metaphor posted…about choosing the good during Lent. If only I could be quick to listen and slow to speak more often.

I continue to enjoy your posts and rejoice in the ways God is working in your family.

I remember hearing one directive more than any other from my mother & that was “If you can’t say anyhting nice, don’t say anything at all”. What does that tell you about me & my mouth? (Don’t answer that!)

Through the years I have had to own up to my sassy side. Part of me likes to have the last word or at least compete for it. But speaking “the truth in love” is a better way to go, even if the truth is just what I know at the moment. I like the check you give yourself & that is to remember the love you have for the other person as well as the trust he or she has in you.

Holding you & yours close, always!

We are self-centered beings which is important for our very survival, but often doesn’t bode well for our relationships and has to be consciously overcome.

I have found that one of the best remedies for curbing the quick to speak mishaps is to name the emotion instead of ‘acting’ it out.

People are often far less offended when I say, “I’m feeling crabby,” then when I sneer at them and sigh heavily with utter contempt at their general ineptitude at life…can’t they see that I’m WAITING?!?

good luck.

As for being “Slow to speak”: I got that scripture tattooed on my wrist when I was 30 for many of the same reasons you list for using a pa. It didn’t really work as the reminder I wanted it to be, but it did start a lot of good conversations at bars and check-out counters!

Was it in Little Women where the dad makes the mom count to ten when she starts to get angry? One advantage of a patriarchical society…

Sorry for my obsession with Ramona’s clothes but can Phare have that one too!!!??? :) She is the most stylish baby ever. Anytime Phare is wearing anything of hers people never fail to comment, and of course I go on and on about her cousin Ramona and her Auntie Jane!

I love your honesty in this post. I think the world would simply be a better place if everyone was willing to talk as openly as you are.

Seeing Ramona’s pa brought back sweet memories of the few nights I spent with her after her surgery. I remember getting the pas all in place around the room so that when she woke up I wouldn’t have to go looking! I can’t wait to see her again!