For All the Moms

So this weekend (and a few other things) really got me thinking about motherhood and my kids, etc. Don't get me wrong, I love my kids and would not my life any other way, but I always wonder if I'm doing things right and if I'm raising my kids to fulfill their missions in life. I quite often feel guilt, exhaustion, frustration, etc. I found an article at CNN.com titled '8 Ways to be a Happier Mom'(http://www.cnn.com/2008/HEALTH/family/05/28/par.happy.mom/) and I have to say it has some good points and ideas. I was really happy to see that my feelings are okay and I'm not the only one who feels this way at times. For you moms, and even those of you who aren't moms, I suggest taking time to read this article and the supporting articles linked to it. It really made me feel better about myself.

Our Weekend

Do you ever have those weekends when your kids seem to forget all the rules of the house? Or, is it just at our house? This weekend was one of those weekends for us. Saturday we got up bright and early. Jim went out to finish leveling our dirt. For those of you who don't know, we put in a beautiful stamped cement patio in our backyard. While we were doing it, we decided to redo our sprinkler system since it never worked right and we always had dead spots. We had the yard trenched and then put in the new pipe (when I say we, I really mean Jim). The trenches have been all covered up but needed to be leveled for the sprinkler heads and new seed. While Jim was working in the back yard I cleaned the house. After our crazy week, it was in need, big time. After cleaning the house, I went out front to work on the yard there. Since the back yard was torn up, I used it as an excuse for the front yard to get a little out of control. After mowing, I went inside for a drink. The kids had torn every cushion off the couches, our fan was on high and Ally was sitting in the middle of it all with an entire pack of gum in her mouth. After 'forcing' them to pick up the cushions, I went back out front to weed. I came back in to find the kids floors covered with toys. I had to 'force' them to clean up their rooms I had already cleaned that morning. Sunday morning came. I reminded the kids it was Fathers' Day and they needed to be good and nice for Dad. They went downstairs to play in the toy room (or so we thought). As I was getting out of the shower Andrew told me that Ally had dumped two boxes of cereal on the floor of our storage room. Once again, we were 'forcing' them to clean up. They both struggled that day with listening to us and doing what they were told and they fought non-stop. I'm really hoping this weekend was a little phase and not how things are going to be for a while. I don't think we will survive.

Our Little Performer

So last night we were hanging out after dinner (waiting for bed time) when Ally started singing songs. We sang a few songs and then she started dancing. I just had to pull out the camera. I was laughing so hard I was crying. She loves singing (we're not quite sure what this song is) and dancing. Enjoy! (I don't know how to get the video to turn so it's right side up. Sorry!)

My 32nd

Well, yesterday was my 32nd birthday. It was more like a birthday weekend instead of just a birthday day. Jim went to Orlando for work on Thursday so some of my greatest friends took me out on Friday night. A night out without kids, good steak, shopping (because me being the klutz I am splashed steak sauce on the white shirt I was wearing) and a hilarious movie (What Happens in Vegas). It was a fabulous night. Saturday was my niece Ele's birthday but she wasn't feeling well so the kids and I just stopped by their house for a few minutes to drop off the gift. My parents took us out to dinner for my favorite, pasta after that. It was nice to spend time with my mom and dad with just me and the kids. It doesn't happen very often so I treasure it when it does. All day Saturday the kids kept reminding me that my birthday was the next day. Sunday morning Ally woke up on the wrong side of the bed. She was a grumpy guts. Andrew and I could do not do anything right. We had to pick Jim up at the airport at 10:30 so I made them get in the bathtub earlier than they wanted. While they were fighting in the tub I reminded them it was my birthday so they should be good for me. They then proceeded to sing "Happy Birthday" to me. It made my day. We went and picked up Jim, who being the sweet, wonderful husband he is, got up at 3 a.m. to get on an early flight so he could be with me on my birthday. That was the best present!! He was also standing there with flowers when we picked him up and he gave me sessions with a personal trainer (my idea). I am spoiled! It was a wonderful birthday! I am so grateful for the wonderful friends and family I have that remembered me on my day and took the time to be with me or call and let me know they were thinking of me because they couldn't be with me (my sweet sisters Tricia and Melanie). It's so nice to feel loved!

Crazy Hair Day

Our daycare had a crazy hair day today. Here's what we came up with...


It's hard to tell from the pictures but Andrew's hair had blue gel in and Ally's had pony tails all over. The kids had a lot of fun with it. Ally told everybody how 'cute' she looked.

Andrew's Birthday

Yesterday was Andrew's birthday. I can't believe he is already six. Time goes way too fast. He is such an amazing boy. He loves life and is so good to his little sister who loves him very much. He has a great imagination and just loves to play. He had a fun birthday with his grandmas, grandpas, Aunt Meg, Aunt Kelly, Ellee, Ellison and Dad, Mom and Ally. He is so loved!

Andrew's Friend Party

Since his birthday fell on a Tuesday this year, I decided to have his friend party the Saturday before his birthday (mainly because Jim will be in Orlando this weekend). We had a water party and all the kids had a blast. The weather was, thankfully, perfect. He and his friends enjoyed the pool, silly hose, slip 'n slide and cake and ice cream.

Andrew's First Game

Andrew had his first tee ball game and had a blast! I think he has found his sport. Every day he asks me if it is Wednesday or Friday so he can play. It is fun to watch him and all the boys as they learn more and more about the game.