Crazy Little Thing Called . . . Us

You know, one day about 10 years ago I was sitting on my sister's front porch.  We were having cocktails with a good friend of my sister's and were talking the typical girl talk.  Her friend looked at me and said something I will never forget.  It was something to the effect of "You've done it.  Awhile back we were all sitting here wondering when we would meet "that" guy.  And now here you are, engaged and so happy."

I had that same thought sitting at the breakfast table with my sweeties this morning.  I looked at all their sweet faces (literally, due to the syrupy waffles) and thought "I've done it".  There was a time when I thought I would never have all this and now here I am, years later and I have it.

Now I must temper all this happiness with reality.  I still get mad, frustrated and overwhelmed.  But that is part of life too.  And the "good times" wouldn't be as good without the "hard times".  The hard times are what mold and shape us into who we are today.  And they make life just that much sweeter.

Thanks for all the good times & hard times, honey!!!  I love you as much today as I did 9 years ago today.  Thank you for all the blessings you have given me.  We are rich in love & blessings!!!

Odd Man Out

So there is this phenomenon that I have noticed, along with many of my other mommy friends.  I have dubbed it the odd-man-out syndrome.  This is the inevitable chaos that ensues when you have an odd number of children.

You see I have 3 children and they are constantly fighting in a sort of tug-of-war fashion.  No matter what the game or activity, with 3 kids, one always feels left out.  I used to think this was just me, but I have other mommy friends that have noticed this with their own kids and during playdates.  I have even had 6 kids together, but it was 3 boys & 3 girls.  And guess what, 2 of the boys hung together and the 3rd was odd-man-out.

Now I am sure that this phenomenon is also facilitated by the individual children's personalities.  My oldest doesn't usually suffer in the left out role, but she is very good at entertaining herself so she will just go do her own thing.

This week my oldest is off with her grandmother for a few days and my other 2 children having been getting along better than ever.  They have even been almost sweet to each other & my house has been just a little quieter.

*WHEW*  It's been a nice break.

Guess I should have pointed this issue out to my hubby when trying to convince him we needed one more baby?!?!  I'm still not sure that would have worked though.

Anyone else out there noticed this???

Sweet Lala

Today we are celebrating Laura's 4th birthday.  She is such a funny little girl.  She's a mix of shy & bold, tomboy & princess, sassy & sweet.  

Back in May her teacher told me, she's never known anyone to talk as much as Laura (apparently, she hasn't spent much time around me or my husband :-0).  She noted though that while many 3-yr-olds tell the same stories over and over, Laura's stories are different every time.  

The other day she actually fell out of my suburban and bloodied both of her knees.  By the time I got to her, within seconds, she was brushing me off and telling me she was fine while running off to play. 

She's my full-of-life, full-of-energy, full-of-smiles, full-of-laughter girl.  She brings light to all of our lives for her cup always runs over with joy. 

   

My prayer for her is that she always remains the way she is now and that she continues to enjoy her life to the fullest.  And that in every challenge she may face, she is able to jump up (bloody knees and all) and run back into life with a smile.  

Happy Birthday my sweet Lala!!!

A few days old.

Decked out in her new princess bling yesterday.

Camp Fear

I rarely post these days, but today is a day worthy of some of my thoughts.  As I type, Scott and I are taking our oldest daughter to summer camp.  What makes this such a momentous occasion is that this will be her first time to go to stay-away camp, for a whole week.  She is very excited, but also very apprehensive.  She asked me the other day what she would do if she misses me.  I explained that she probably would miss us, but that is just part of the camp experience.  I told her that when I missed my parents I always found that writing them a letter helped.  So, she is all ready with her special stationary and stamped, addressed envvelopes.

I, however, am not going to hold my breath waiting for a letter.  I know that she is going to be so busy she probably won't have time to write.  And that's okay too.

My husband and I both attended this same camp when we were kids so there is a lot of nostalgia here.  

So after her bed is made up and all her labeled things are in order in her cabin, and pictures are taken here's to hoping this Mommy isn't the one crying when it's time to leave her there.

Motivation

A wise person once said "If Momma ain't happy, ain't nobody happy!!"  We have all laughed at this statement, it's been cross-stitched on a few pillows, hung on a few walls and probably even been used as a threat by "momma" herself.  However, on the serious side of it, at it's heart it speaks the truth.  It's a Mom's role in the family to run the house, whether she works at home or outside of the home.  A home is made by Momma.  

As an extension of that Momma also sets the tone for the whole family.  Recently, I heard this in a bible study and have indeed found it to be true in my own life.  Last week I posted some pictures on Facebook of my children's beds & rooms after they were off to school.  It was a proud Momma moment to find their beds made and their rooms picked up before they left for school.  And again this morning, the same clean rooms and made beds.  They are not perfect and there are a few odds and ends lying around.  But I stopped and said to myself, they are being conscious of their surroundings and trying to take pride in them.  That's really all I want.  And it occurs to me that last week I finally pulled myself out of a 2-3 month long slump.  I am back to watching my diet, exercising, and working to keep the house clean.  

"Hmmmm," my brain says.  Could there be a correlation between my new attitude and my children's????  I think yes.  

It's a tough role, this being a parent.  Having someone watch you 24/7 and do exactly what you do is a lot of responsibility.  I can harp at my kids all day long about keeping their rooms clean and their beds made, but until they see me doing it, it's not going to sink in.  Now I know this is not some earth-shattering discovery I have made.  It's just the sinking realization of knowing something deep down vs. seeing it first-hand.  And it's also a self-perpetuating thing.  I see my kids nice clean rooms and it makes me want to work harder.  

So, hang in there all you parents and remember that growing kids is not a 1-2-3 all done job.  It's a long, hard road that takes persistence and a never-give-up attitude, with sweet moments along the way and such a beautiful reward in the end.  And right now this Momma is happy.  

Here's wishing you all a Happy Monday and a blessed week!!

My Julia Jo

Saturday we celebrated our firstborn turning . . . wait for it, let me sit down . . . 7!!!  I can't believe it has been 7 years since Scott and I got on this roller coaster also known as parenting.  My little baby is becoming a young lady and daily I have to remind myself not to mourn the baby I am losing, but to celebrate the beautiful, insightful young lady she is becoming.

Each year brings a new milestone.  This year she decided to get her ears pierced. She was nervous and excited all at the same time. Once again I was so proud of the fact that she made a decision to overcome her fears and go after what she wanted.  Way to go Julia!!  Daddy and I love you bunches!!!

Birthday Breakfast

Then piercing

Next ice skating, which she loved!

What better way to end the day than with cake!!

My Little Man . . . and his kindred soul

Over the past weekend we had a nice, long, drawn out weekend celebrating my little man turning 5.

He's getting to be such a big boy and told me last night before he went to bed, that he really felt older.  Our final celebration was yesterday, on his actual birthday, at my parent's house.  It was a small family party with a bit of bittersweet.  

You see Sean was born on March 10th which already held a special place in our hearts, because it was my grandmother's birthday.  In fact, he was born on her 80th birthday.  I remember telling her that I was sorry we couldn't make it to her big party, but I had the best present for her.  She loved sharing her birthday with Sean.  You know it's funny Sean seemed to always have a bit of a special bond with Gram Gram.  His favorite thing was to spend the day with her, by himself.  I would ask her what they did that was so exciting.  She told me, nothing.  They would just sit and play, eat & watch TV.  He just loved being at her house with her.  

2 weeks ago, today, Grammy ended a week-long fight after having a bad fall.  She was the strongest person I knew and lived a long, fruitful, beautiful life, leaving a legacy of children, grandchildren & great grandchildren who all treasured her.  Although we miss her tremendously we know that she is in a better place, dancing with Papa.  

Happy Birthday Grammy!  We love and miss you!!

  

Thankfulness Day 18: My Appliances

Okay I know it sounds silly, but I am.  I have been having trouble with my oven, my dryer doesn't dry very well, my dishwasher sticks through the cycle and leaves the dishes soaking wet.

However, it makes me think of what my days, especially while getting ready for Thanksgiving, would be like without these machines.  Everything I accomplished today would have taken me at lease twice as long as it did.

So, today I will try to stop complaining about some of these mild annoyances and try to remember how very helpful these appliances still are, even with all their flaws!

Happy Baking/Cooking to everyone!!!

Thankfulness Day 17: Godparents

Today I am thankful for my children's Godparents.  My husband and I followed in my parents footsteps on this one and chose 2 sets of Godparents for each of our children, one set family and another set friends.  The idea here being we knew our brothers & sisters would play a big role in our children's lives.  However, we firmly believe the old adage "it takes a village".  There will be so many people that come in and out of children's lives who will make impressions, good & bad.  It is this collective of parents, grandparents, aunts & uncles, Godparents, friends, neighbors & acquaintances that will help to mold our children.

We chose 5 wonderful friends from our church to be our children's non family Godparents.  Now I know that these are potentially people that we will not know our whole lives.  Things change, people move, etc.  Even if for only a season though, these are special people whom my children dearly love and look up to.  Besides our family, these are the people we turn to when we need help, these are the people whom we confide in.  Basically, these Godparents are our family & our children absolutely adore them.  So thanks to you all!!  We cherish you and thank God for the wonderful richness you bring to our lives.

Thankfulness Day 16: Cooking

Today I am thankful that I do love to cook.  Just spent the afternoon cooking/baking for something tomorrow & I feel so accomplished.  It's not always easy with 3 small children and the crockpot and I have become such good friends lately.  However, it's most always worth the effort.

When I cook,
-we all sit down together, around the table
-we talk
-we pray
-my children are learning how to set a table & clean up after themselves
-they are learning table manners
-they are learning to be more adventurous eaters because they at least have to taste everything (courtesy bite, thanks for the idea Kelly) & are discovering that they like more than they dislike
-they are learning the art of conversation
-we share our joys & disappointments for the day
-we give each other our undivided attention, even if only for 20 minutes
-the kids get excited because they love family dinner

I still have days that I don't feel like being in the kitchen, but most of the time it's my favorite place to be.
   

Thankfulness Day 15: Understanding

Today I am thankful that my husband realizes how important it is for me to have time with my girlfriends to just be girls.  Nothing can replace that time just sitting and talking with the girls.

Now my husband and I are very close and I share everything with him. However, even he knows that I need time to just be with my friend chatting over a bottle of wine.

Thanks Dede and Brenda!!  That was just what I needed.  I haven't had that much of that kind of fun in a while.

Thankfulness Day 14: School

Today I am thankful for the school that my children attend.  All 3 of my kids absolutely LOVE going to school and love their teachers.  I am constantly amazed by what they are learning.  But they are not just learning their ABC's and 123's, they are being taught how to be responsible caring people by teachers that are just that.  It warms my heart to know that my children are deeply cared for by their teachers and makes it so much easier for me to be able to leave them every day.

Thank you for all that you do!!
 

Thankfulness Day 13: My Husband

Today I am thankful for my wonderful husband, Scott and following are just a few of the reasons why.

He:
1) makes me call when I get home and we are not together
2) opens doors for me
3) brings bring me flowers
4) makes me smile
5) has always done whatever work was necessary to support us, which allows me to stay home with the kids
6) makes responsible decisions for our family
7) plays with our children
8) still makes me blush
9) reads to our children
10) puts up with my moods
11) makes our lives exciting
12) always puts my fears to rest
13) is a strong faithful Christian man who is an example for our children
14) gives hugs & kisses daily
15) can fix just about anything
16) helps the kids with their homework
17) puts his family first
18) makes me feel beautiful
19) is always there when we need him
20) makes me fall in love with him all over again each and every day

Happy Anniversary honey and here's to 8 years of love, laughter & fun!!!

Thankfulness Day 12: My Running Buddy

My father was a runner for many years until his knees just couldn't take it anymore.  He used to tell me 3 important things about running:

1) running is easy because the only equipment you need is shoes and you can do it anywhere
2) you need a buddy to keep you motivated
3) "Most people don't like to run.  I hate to run, but I like to drink beer, so I run to balance it out"

Now, I am sure there are plenty of people out there that would argue with the third point, but maybe just as many that would agree.  :-)  We all have our own reasons and motivations for exercising.  I actually do like to run, a lot!!  I like the way it makes me feel and the fact of the matter is that I am a bit of a lazy person.  By running in the mornings I feel much more accomplished for the day and I, in turn, usually accomplish more on the days I run.

I will admit, though, that I am a sporadic runner.  I started running in college, have trained for and run a half marathon, & done numerous 5 & 10Ks.  However, it's taken to this point in my life to discover that even though I can run long distances, I have no desire to do so.  I am 2-4 miles, 3-4 days a week and I'm happy kind of runner.

Recently, I was on one of my 3 to 4 month hiatuses when a good friend pushed me to start up again.  So, we did and now I'm back on again.  And my dad was definitely right about that second point, it's best to have someone else to help keep you motivated.  So, be it a virtual buddy or someone you actually run with, if you want to get out and get started, that is the way to do it!!!

Thanks to my running buddies (you know who you are), today I am thankful for you!!!

Thankfulness Day 11: Veterans

Today I am thankful for all those who serve valiantly to secure and protect our freedoms.  It is a thankless & difficult job, but America would not be what it is today without your service.  I don't have uniform photos of all of them, but these are some very special men in my life who have served and or still do.  Thanks and I love you!!

 Papa, we miss you!!

Grampa, we miss you!!

My older brother in the Navy & my younger brother in the Army!f

Love both you guys!!

Thankfulness Day 9: Time Away

So I know this is out of order, but that's okay.  Isn't life supposed to be full of little surprises and quirks??  So this is mine for the day.  And this is based on something I did on the 9th, so still valid.

Today I am thankful for time away.  I do love my children more than life itself, but sometimes Mommies & Daddies just need adult time away.  I'm not talking about a couple of hours at dinner.  I'm talking someone else is in charge for at least 12 hours and a small amount of the weight of responsibility  can be lifted from your shoulders.  I hear some people say "Oh I don't need that, I love being with my kids"  Well so do I!!  And I don't NEED it, but it is GOOD for my soul.  It actually makes me a better mommy, because guess what I do when I'm gone??  I miss them and I think about what they are doing. And that's okay.  The point is not to forget your kids, but to remember just how much you appreciate them.

Sometimes that is hard to do when you are in the trenches 24/7.

So I am thankful that my hubby took me away for the night, and that my sister and a some very dear friends took care of my angels for me.  And it . . . was . . . WONDERFUL . . .

Just to be a married couple like we used to be when we focused all our attention on each other.  I do believe everyone should have that, occasionally.  And you know what???  I wasn't sad when it was time to come home.  I couldn't wait to see my babies again, renewed & refreshed!!!

Headed to Dinner

This was waiting in our hotel room when we came back from dinner.

Room Service for Breakfast

Just had to add this one cause my breakfast was SO yummy!!!

Thankfulness Day 10: Aggies Win

Okay, this is a no brainer today.  WHOOP WHOOP!!!!!  My Aggies beat number 1 Alabama!!!!

This is for all my Aggie buddies out there.

"Some may boast of prowess bold, of the school they think so grand
But there's a spirit can ne'r be told, it's the Spirit of Aggieland.
We are the Aggies, the Aggies are we!!!!
True to each other, as Aggies can be
We've got to fight boys, we've got to fight
We've got to fight for maroon and white

After they've boosted all the rest, they will come and join the best
Cause we are the Aggies, the Aggies are we
We're from Texas AMC!!"

Thankfulness Day 8: Coffee

Yes, that is correct I am thankful for coffee.  I know it's a vice, but I give into this one happily.  Yes, it gets me going in the morning, but I truly love the stuff.  I like to drink it out of a tall mug, not a big fat one because the opening is too large and it cools down too quickly.  And for me it has to be HOT HOT HOT!  I also like a fun or inspirational mug.  It increases the joy and satisfaction.  These are currently my favorite mugs and (selfishly, I know) I don't share them well.

So, thanks to whomever that was that took that little bean they had dropped into the fire (I'm sure this is not how it happened, but let's just imagine), ground it up and steeped it in water.

If you are really interested you can read the whole story here:
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/coffee/ax/frame.html

So, for all of you coffee lovers out there, have another cup today and Happy Drinking . . . coffee that is!!

Thankfulness Day 7: Variety of People

I am struggling with today's thankfulness post because I have not been having lots of happy thoughts today.  Through this process though, I am finding that is all the more reason to keep writing about thankfulness.  It's forcing me to look at everything from a positive angle.

So, today I am thankful for the variety of people that are in my life.  How boring would life be if I was constantly surrounded by people who did nothing but agree with me and tell me that I am always right.  I think for sure I would have a severe, false sense of self & reality.

The truth is that I may not always agree with everyone in my life.  However, having a variety of opinions on differing subjects helps me to see situations from different vantage points.  It also helps me to really try and look into people's hearts, because that is who they really are.  Fact of the matter is that just because I disagree with someone doesn't mean I don't like them.  We may have to agree to disagree but something we all owe each other is respect.

Thankfulness Day 6: The Right to Vote

Okay, I am going to be obvious today and say that I am thankful for the right to vote.  I may not always just love the candidates or the winner.  However, having the ability to have a say in choosing who runs this country is so important.  For after all, I am choosing the person who will be spending my money & watching out for my family's welfare.

On a side note, I just want to say how impressed I am with my children's school.  They have been focusing on the election and voting process for about a week now.  Julia is very interested and even asked at dinner last night if she could watch for the results tonight.