Ramblings of a Stay at Home Mother

Balancing Life As A SAHM

2009-07-29T07:49:00.000-04:00

Looking around I see that there are so many pressures that are placed upon SAHM. Some of the pressures are ones that we put on ourselves, but others are "expected" of us.

I am a perfectionist, so everything I do has to be done perfectly. I know with children that is not a reality, however I also know that working hard is important and that sometimes I am just not perfect, no matter how much I want to be perfect.

One of the goals I have set for myself is not a unrealistic one, but it is one that I often need help with. This is the goal that I want to go to bed and have a clean house. It is hard sometimes to get up before going to bed, expecially since there are many days that I am completely exhausted, to clean my house and still be in bed by a good time.

I rely on help from DH... the biggest problem with that, is the fact that it is never done completely. I know that it will not be done the same way, but there is always something that is left out and not taken care of. Because of this I usually will just get up and stay up as long as I need to, and make sure that I am getting everything done.

The other problem with this is the fact, that I get up at 5 am to go run. I have been struggling with my weight and I decided that by going to the gym first thing in the morning I feel so much better, and I actually go, and not make excuses.

By getting up so early in the morning, I want to go to bed early, but this just never seems to happen. I will sit down on my computer and not realise how much time I have spent sitting there. Or I will get into a TV show and that will keep me up. But the worst is when I end up so staying up late to clean.

I do not expect that my house will be clean all the time, and I know that there are going to be times that I just have to go to bed with out cleaning it. The problem is that doing it in the moring is rough on me and I feel rushed, and it puts me in a bad room.

I have asked my DH to help and there are times that he does, and other times he is too busy, but most of the time when he helps, there is a big piece that is just not completed. That is so frustrating to me to think that it is not a difficult task, but it is one that never quite gets done unless I take care of it.

I have been trying to find balance, and I can tell you I do not know how working mothers are able to accomplish anything. I am so tired by the end of the day, and I spread out my cleaning, laundry and other little things throughout the day. I just do not understand why this happens.

I just wish that eventually things will change and I will finally be able to get a full nights sleep, and have a house that is clean in the morning. It does not have to be perfect but it needs to be clean.

Knowing When To Let Kids Help

2009-06-22T08:49:00.000-04:00

Being a mother is a great feeling, sometimes. I look at my children and I am amazed. Like today, my oldest got up and made his bed ( yes he is 4 1/2 and it is not the way I like it but I have to let him do it...and yes it took me saying go make your bed but he did it and that is all that matters). Then he got himself dressed. I am so proud of him and being able to do that.

My son's version of making his bed

My little guy helped me clean up the living room so that I could vaccum. It tripled the time it would have taken me to do it myself, but I let him help. I have learned while it is so much quicker, and neater to do things myself, allowing my children to have a part in what I am doing is so important.

Seeing the sense of pride and accomplishment when they finish a small task that I ask them to do is such a good feeling. Now to go along with that - learning how to give up control is a different story. I have only 24 hours in a day, the same as everyone else and finding the time to do everything is impossible. Now I can do the cleaning and everything myself, and it would save me time, but what am I teaching my children?

I also have realised that, as the sign that my son gave me from preschool for mother's day said - If my house was any cleaner I would be neglecting my children, and that is true. I do the essentials, and a little more but my focus is on my children. I do what I can, and I am proud to say my house is pretty clean for 2 boys. I know I can do more, but the fact is if I were to do more then I would not have any time to play with my children, or any time for me!

Vacation

2009-06-13T09:48:00.000-04:00

I remember going on vacation before children. Packing was easy, just take what you needed. Travel time was quick. The trip was relaxing and wonderful. I loved going on vacations growing up with my family and even as a young adult with my husband. Sleeping in. Going to wonderful new places. Experiencing the sights. Taking your time and not rushings. Laying out by the pool. It was a much needed break.

Now I am a stay at home mother, a job I always wanted and feel truely blessed to have. I still get the same excitement and feeling when we are going on vacation, until I start getting ready. Now I have to get not only myself packed, but also 2 other people. I have to take into consideration accidents, and extra clothes, and other items. Oh yea don't forget toys, favorite stuffed animals, and blankets that they just can not live without. I find that I have to plan out everything so I don't forget anything. Not to mention that I am stressed even before leaving.

Now getting in the car used to be fine, and packing the car was easy. Now you have to strategicly place different bags throughout the car. Keep the blankets close and toys to play with. Don't forget drinks and food so when a little voice from the backseat says that they are hungry or thirsty you can help them with that. Now that DVD players are a must on any vacation, making sure that the favorite DVD's are packed is very important. Getting the car settled takes almost as much time as packing the bags.

Driving takes twice as long because it seems every five minutes you hear a little voice say "Mommy I have to go to the bathroom" which means find the next rest stop. That adds so much time onto your traveling that it is crazy. Knowing that one easy way to eliminate the problem is to eliminate drinks, but that will then cause another problem, the repeated phrase "Mommy I'm Thirsty." Adding additional time to your trip makes everything so much more tiring than before.

Then you finally arrive. Check into your hotel room, and unpack the car, now what? The first thing you think of is, now it is time to relax. A much needed break, to sit and read a book or go lay by the pool. Then you realize that this is not going to happen, you have to be a Mommy first. You have to watch and entertain your children just as you would at home. Except for now you are not in a familiar setting and you have to watch every move that much closer than before so that nothing breaks or no one gets hurt.

Time to sit and relax is just not something that will happen. By the end of the day, when the wonderful bedtime arrives, you see that it is not so wonderful this time. They don't want to sleep. Someone is scared because it is new. It takes twice as long, and you are already late going to bed because, well you are on vacation and strict bedtimes are not as important as at home. Remember you can relax and have fun, well not so much.

So after looking around and realizing that vacations are no longer, relaxing and calm as they used to be, there is a whole new level of fun and excitement on vacation that was never there before, your children. They are amazed at just about everything. When they have fun the laughter and smiles make your heart melt. The wonderful and amazing words "thank you mommy" makes all of the stress just seem so insignificant. Somehow you experience everything just a little differently when you take the time to look at it through the eyes of a child.

Looking at vacations a little differently, makes the difference. Seeing that vacations are not just for you anymore and seeing that vacations are for your family, makes them so special, and a wonderful feeling!

They Grow Up Too Fast

2009-05-28T07:05:00.000-04:00

So I have been thinking... and for me that is often something that is scary... kids grow up too fast. Yea I know, this is something that you have told me for years... right. But as a new parent you never really believe it until you can look back at a ton of memories and think, where has the time gone.

I remember like it was yesterday when I first got the news that I was pregnant. I say got the news because I when to have a blood test done and had to call in for the results. I was on the way to go swimming with a friend when I called. I could not believe whe the voice on the other end of the phone said "congratulations you are pregnant."

Oh and the morning my water broke and I went into labor. That day is still vivid in my head. I can see myself running around the house, and still feel the excitement and feeling so nervous on the way to the hospital. I can remember holding him in my arms for the first time. What an amazing feeling.

Now that he is 4 1/2 and going to finish up his first day of preschool... OMG what happened. I look back and think where has the time gone. Where is my little boy that would cling to mommy's leg and would not go do anything. You know the kid that you were afraid to drop off at school because you thought that you were going to have to go in with him so that he would stop crying.

This is the little boy that was so cute because he had so much little baby fat on him, and now I look at his picture or at him running around in my back yard and think who is this tall and skinny boy that is sitting there.

I would love to figure out how to stop him from growing, but I am also excited to see what the future holds. I know that every year and new experience is so amazing, that next year is going to be amazing too!

I need more water

2009-02-03T09:55:00.000-05:00

I have to say with working out and getting things going , everything is going great. I am proud of my self 13 lbs lost so far, which is more than I could have hoped for. The problem is I keep getting migraines... I know why too.

I get the migraine because of the fact that I am so busy that I keep forgetting to drink water. When I remember I start chugging my water, and then I have the problem of it not really doing anything except for sending me to the bathroom.

I am trying to find a way to drink more water during the day, but running after the boys makes everything difficult.

The Sickies

2009-01-06T09:14:00.000-05:00

I love my children, but I am so sick and tired of the sickies!

My poor 4 year old has a stuffy nose. Nothing bad, just having a hard time breathing. I know it is just a matter of time before it spreads to the 1 year old.

I feel bad because they are both crabby because they don't feel good. I try to be patient, but that is just so difficult, when all day long they are whining.

With my new eating habits and the fact that I am starting to work out I am hoping that it will boost my resistance to these germs.

I think that the phrase of the day is "Tyler go wash your hands" It is now being used more than "Back up from the TV" I am trying everything I can to contain this quickly.

I have been disenfecting the toys an the house a couple of times a day. I am hoping that I can help keep everyone from getting worse, and keep me from getting it since I have surgery in 10 days, and I want to make sure that I am not going to be sick before the surgery.

I am looking for every way to finally take care of the sickies!

Waking Up Early

2009-01-05T07:57:00.000-05:00

I have decided that getting up before my children so that I can start functioning is a great idea. I love my kids, but somehow when they are up, I never get a warm cup of coffee, LOL. Now I am looking to find a way to get a warm cup of coffee in the morning.

Some how today the boys decided getting up earlier is better, so we are up, but not functioning, LOL. They are good, but have their moments of getting into everything. I know one thing today - they are going to need to take a nap, for mom's sanity.

I have to laugh I have so many friends who's children sleep in. In return they stay up late. My children may get up early, but they go to bed early, 8:00 p.m. which gives me time at night to get somethings done. I don't mind getting up early, so it is nice to know that at night when I want a break they will be in bed and I will get my break.

I also know that this is going to be a blessing once they start school. I will not have to wake up my children, they will already be awake. I will just have to change up the mornings, and start moving instead of waiting before having to feed the boys breakfast.

Anyways, I know that I don't mind my children waking up early, but I would like to get up 15 minutes before them and enjoy my coffee and wake up, because they wake up and are ready to run.

Finding Balance from being a Mother and Finding Myself

2009-01-03T07:25:00.000-05:00

I have noticed that as a mother there is so many things that I love, but there is so many things that I wish were like they were before I had kids. I love my kids so much, but I long for mommy time. I have started to believe that it is a thing of the past, something that I once knew, but no longer would see.

I have decided, while I cherish sleep, that I am changing my sleeping patterns. I am starting with getting up at 6:30 every morning and start drinking my coffee and wake up, in quiet. It helps me function and deal with talkative boys.

I have also decided to make sure that after they go to bed that I sit down and read a chapter from a book. I am not sure what books I am going to read, even though right now I have joined the Twilight hype and started on those books, but only 1 chapter I will read. That will give me time to sit with Brian and spend time with him as well.

I am looking for a way to be a happy mommy, so that my family is happy as well. I know that this is something that I need to do, I know that I need to change some things, not only for me, but for all of us. I love being a Stay at Home Mother, but in the same breath, I miss being me. I know that there has to be a balance, and I am working this year to find it!

Wonderful Day

2009-01-02T22:05:00.000-05:00

Today has been a wonderful day. I think that the biggest help is that I got up before the boys and got to drink some coffee in peace.

We went to Amazone. I don't think I ever want to do that when the kids are off of school, I think if it was not so crowded it would be a wonderful place to go because the kids can play and there is so much room to run.

Here is to another great day!!!!!

Christmas 2008

2008-12-27T10:25:00.000-05:00

This year Christmas was a big hit. We are so blessed which is a good thing, but in the same breath my children are so spoiled. I am just not sure where I am going to put all of their toys!

That was at my parents house Christmas Eve

This was my grandmother's house on Christmas Day . I forgot to take pictures at our house on Christmas morning.

This is my Mother in Laws - I for got pictures at my Father in Laws

So as you can see, we had 4 straight days of presents, which is a lot. I know my children love everything that they have, but we are going to put together some of their toys that they do not play with and give them away, I plan on doing that soon.

Merry Christmas all

Polar Express

2008-12-20T22:35:00.000-05:00

I am so excited because we were able to take Ty on the Polar Express. This year he really got into the movie and so taking him on a train ride and seeing the amazement in his eyes as we reached the North Pole was just simply amazing.

We were waiting to go on the train. He was just so excited. It was so much fun, I don't remember ever being on a Train, so this was a unique, and fun experience for both of us.

We got on the train, and they had the music from the movie playing in the background. We waited for everyone to board, then the train started to move. You could feel the excitement in the air from everyone. We were so excited when the elf started to read the story of the Polar express to all of us.

Then true to the story we were all served Hot Chocolate and a cookie. It was perfect. Soon after we arrived at the North Pole.

At the North Pole there was so many wonderful sites. You had snow men that were playing, and reindeer that were together. There were beautiful homes, and the famous North Pole Post office, where you could see all of the busy workers getting ready for the big day.

Looking around, you could see and feel the Magic of Christmas, which is a blessing, since most of the time, finding the magic of Christmas anywhere is impossible. Then as the excitement started to build, here came Santa!!

The best part of the train ride, was to watch the joy when Santa got on the Train, and gave all of the Children bells.

What a wonderful experience. I am looking forward to experiencing this again next year.

zoo

2008-11-07T12:32:00.000-05:00

We decided to go to the zoo today for T's Birthday(which is tomorrow). He loves going to the zoo so we though that it would be fun.

The whole family went, so it make it even more special.

I decided to get him a zoo key. He loved listening about the different animals.

Walking around this moring was a nice morning. We had a great time. It is special to do something with the boys as a family for their birthdays.

Tomorrow - The party

Visiting Faith

2008-11-05T23:59:00.000-05:00

I went to the hospital today to visit Faith. While I was gone my sister decided that she was going to watch my two boys and her daughter. I know that is a crazy time to have all of the kids. I also know that it is fun to watch them all play together.

I love the fact that my boys love their cousin so much. Knowing that they want to be around her, and play with her so well is a great feeling. I try to make sure that they get together and can spend time together.

I feel lucky. My family is so big. My grandfather has 25 grand and great grand children. I feel blessed because of the five boy, I have two of them.

Crazy Kids

2008-11-04T08:28:00.000-05:00

Going to the lake is wonderful - accept for the fact that the boys get crazy. Not only do they not sleep. They also have the problem of listening. They know that other people will override mom.

T has been crazy and is just not listening. He loves having the one on one attention, but there are times that he has to learn. We are planning on taking them to the zoo today and I am just hoping that they will be good at the zoo. I know that this is not going to be easy, but something needs to be done!

Relaxing At The Lake

2008-11-03T22:01:00.000-05:00

I love being up at the lake. It is so nice for me because I have time to relax. It is wonderful for the children because they have new toys to play with, and they have so much fun playing with the different toys.

Today they were runing around the house giggling and chasing each other. What a wonderful sound, hearing my children running and giggling around the house.

I am looking forward to tomorrow. We are going to go to the Zoo. Both boys love the zoo, and being there will be a blast for them. This is a zoo that we all are going to visit for the first time so it will be a great time to explore.

Quiet Night To Myself

2008-11-02T12:42:00.000-05:00

Last night was a quiet night. I had the house to myself, N was asleep. It was a great feeling. I love being productive.

N must be going through a growth spirt because he was tired and wanted to sleep most of the day.

T was at Nana's house. He was so excited to be able to go spend the night with Nana.

Brian went to his grandmother's house to help start clean out the garage. This left me to have some quiet time to myself.

Having quiet time to myself, has me think. So I decided out of the blue to dye my hair again. This time Burgandy. I needed to do something for myself. Dying my hair is a stress relief for me. It makes mee feel good, and fun to have different colored hair, that is why I do it.

Halloween

2008-11-01T10:38:00.000-04:00

I have decided that I need to get back to bloging - at least for myself again. So here I go. My goal is to do one blog entry every day of November!

Yesterday was Halloween. This was the first Halloween that T got into the idea of trick or treating. It was so wonderful to watch him run up to the different homes and say trick or treat.
I love the fact that he said thank you at every house.

Here are my two wonderful boys that love going trick or treating!!!!!

Happy Halloween 2008

Join Me As A Twitter Mom

2008-09-24T08:32:00.001-04:00

This is a great community. It is nice to find other moms just like me.

View my page on twitter moms

Loving my Artwork

2008-09-23T14:29:00.002-04:00

I am so proud of my son. This is a moon that he did at school for me. I am so proud of him.

First piece of artwork - A Flag

2008-09-11T14:37:00.001-04:00

I am such a proud mother. Tyler had his first piece of artwork sent home today. It is a flag. He got to use glue. I was so excited to see the first piece of artwork come home.

Waiting to go into school

2008-09-11T12:19:00.001-04:00

We got to school a little early today so Tyler was being cute. I started taking some cute pictures of him.

I had to laugh when the teacher came to the car to get him, she told me that he is just so cute. She loves it when he sings in the bathroom.

I am so proud he is doing so well at school.

First Day of Preschool

2008-09-04T22:21:00.000-04:00

Well it is official I have a pre-schooler! I was so excited and nervous to drop him off. He did not even look back as I drove away.

I had 2 hours of quiet because Nate slept the entier time Ty was gone, so what did I do.... Paint. I was so nervous...

I go there and was told that he did not want to share. He thought that a toy that he was playing with befre was his forever. Normal 3 year old behavior. I was so embarrased as his mom.

I thougth that he would go in do well and the teacher would say how well he did. I need to work on sharing I guess!

Preschool Open house

2008-09-02T22:16:00.000-04:00

My baby is growing up. We had his Preschool Open house. He is so excited to go to school.

My men. Getting ready for Tyler's first day.

Here is me and my boy. I am so proud fo him. He is getting so big

Preschool Countdown

2008-08-27T23:41:00.000-04:00

I am getting excited. My oldest is going to be starting preschool next week. I can't believe that he is going to start school.

It seems like just yesterday that we were bringing him home from the hospital. Now he will be in preschool two days a week for two hours. I hate it when he is away from mommy. I want to protect him. I know that I need to let him experience this on his own.

I am so excited because this is opening up a whole new chapter in his life. He is going to make some new friends. He is going to start going to birthday parties. He is going to have play dates. It is going to be so much fun for him.

I am such a proud mother. We went shopping for school clothes today. It make everything so much more real. I look forward to taking pictures on the front step with his back pack on the first day. that is going to be so exciting.

My tattoo

2008-08-22T17:42:00.001-04:00

I just love my tattoo. I took alot of time to decide on one. I have had this one for 10 years now, and it is so perfect.

Lets Go Browns

2008-08-21T23:17:00.000-04:00

It is football season again!!! Lets Go Brownies!! You can do it!
Yes we love the Browns!

Here is My little browns fan. I love how cute he looks in his Jersey.

I am looking forward to a great season!

Preschool

2008-08-21T15:45:00.002-04:00

I am realising that in 12 days my oldest will be starting preschool. I can't beleive it. I was excited thinking about it but now it is a reality. Here comes school shopping. Play dates with friends. Birthday Parties. Becoming more independant.

I don't know if I am ready for this change. I know that there is so much to think about. We got a letter in the mail from his teacher. I know that he will love going to school, once he realises that he will be ok and mommy will be there to pick him up.

I am excited about the art work he will bring home. All of the new things he will learn. This is going to open up an amazing chapter in my life, and his.

Boys and using the potty

2008-08-17T23:56:00.000-04:00

Today was the first day I wished I had girls! Cleaning up after boys is gross
I am so sick and tired of my bathroom smelling so bad. Yes I know it is not going to smell pretty, but it has a strong smell of urine.
I have been cleaning and cleaning it and nothing seems to get rid of the odor. I finally convinced my husband to help me take off the toilet seat.
He swore to me that it was not the problem. That it did not smell bad in there. That it was all in my head.
Well he took off the screws, and I was right, there was pee there. It was not only dried on but it dripped out. I know gross... and let me tell you it was. So I scrubbed, and scrubbed. I "flossed" a wipe under the bowl and the seat of the toilet. I scrubbed everything so and made sure that I got everything.
It is amazing how much better it smells in there. It is not perfect, but better. I just can not figure out where else he hit. I have scrubbed the entire bathroom. The only thing I have not done is drained the toilet and taken it apart to clean it. But that just might be next.

Zoo

2008-08-14T23:51:00.000-04:00

We met a friend a the zoo today. It was so cute watching Tyler play with a little girl that is his age. They were running up the hill. They listened so well while running and stopped when we asked them to. Nate loved watching as we walked. He also enjoyed eating his puffs.

Watching kids interact is so much fun. They were telling each other about the animals, and found them so interesting and funny.

Tyler did not want to leave because he was having so much fun that he refused to say good bye

Stop the whining!!!

2008-08-13T22:23:00.000-04:00

I can not handle the whining any more!!! It seems that by early afternoon all the kids do is whine. I am going to start pulling out my hair. It is driving me absolutely nuts.

I think I was going to lose my mind today. Tomorrow I am going to re-evaluate how I do this. I am going to see if I change our day up if that will help. I hope so. I am going to go crazy if it doesn't.

Potty Training - Blessing or curse

2008-08-12T09:20:00.000-04:00

Potty training boys is so difficult. It takes forever before they are willing to be potty trained.

Once you have finished potty training them then you have the problem with aim.

I swear that Tyler loves to see how far he can hit. I have to clean my bathroom 3 or 4 times a day and it still just does not seem to get the smell out.

I have cleaned on the floor, in cracks, the toilet, the bolts. It is just amazing.

How do you get that terrible smell out?

I just don't know. This really sucks. I wanted to take a warm bath the other day and it smelled so bad I couldn't.

I will find a way to make my bathroom smell better.

I am happy that we don't use diapers but come on I can't stand having this odor every time I go into the bathroom.

Nice walk in the metro parks

2008-08-11T21:43:00.000-04:00

Kristen, and I took the kids for a walk in the metro parks today. It was a beautiful day for a walk because it was not too hot. Just beautiful. I did however learn my lesson because I wore my brand new crocks for the walk, and I ended up with 2 blisters on each foot. So next time - Tennis Shoes is the way to go!!!

Tyler did so well he walked most of the way, then he got tired:

Then we had to put him to work doing some push ups.

But after all of that work we decided that he could go swing on the swings.

This was a great day for all of us. I had so much fun walking and talking with my sister and playing with the boys.

Mr attitude

2008-08-06T15:40:00.002-04:00

Here is my little sassy guy. He has started giving me attitude. I forgot that attitude can start so early in children. It has started early for him.

Nathan being sassy

2008-08-06T15:38:00.001-04:00

He took the home phone then he walked away from me and sat down and
gave me this look.

Potty Training

2008-08-05T23:46:00.000-04:00

I feel blessed because potty training Tyler was much easier than I ever imagined. He is doing so well.

He started off having to sit on the potty. Now all of a sudden he has to stand. He is so proud of himself when he stands to pee.

I am proud to, but I have to laugh. He has terrible aim, he hits everything in my bathroom. So when he is done I have to go in there and clean it up.

At least we don't have diapers anymore, LOL

Beautiful Pictures

2008-08-04T08:36:00.000-04:00

Here are so me of the pictures I took of my boys while on vacation...

Here is my Tyler. He looks so cute in this picture

Here is my Nathan. Again I am very impressed with these pictures.

I love taking pictures, and I am impressed how well I did with taking these. I hope to continue looking for new places to take pictures of my boys.

Happy to be Home

2008-08-04T07:38:00.000-04:00

I am so glad to be home. I love my family, I love going on vacation. But it is so nice to come home. I slept so well back in my bed. I feel wonderful being home.

Yes I loved being on vacation. It was nice to see the lake when I woke up. It was wonderful that Tyler had someone to go play with every morning.

I never got to see Tyler. He was always running and playing with everyone else. I know that he had fun and it is nice to see him bond with his grandparents. I started to miss him because he did not want mommy at all.

I know that it is just a matter of time before Nathan will be running like that with his grandparents and I will not see him too.

But now I am home, I have to start cleaning, putting things away and feeling back into the grove of things.

Oh yea and go grocery shopping, stop at the post office and I am sure that there is more to do. Wish me luck.

Respect

2008-08-03T10:17:00.000-04:00

Being a mother is hard work. Trying to get children to listen and respect you is hard. But it is ten times harder when people feel that they have to help you out.

I understand that everyone feels they know best, but as a parent you need to set the tone of what you expect from your children. It is so important for others in there lives to work with you and not against you.

With that being said how do you do that?

We have been on vacation for the past week. Tyler has been with everyone by mommy for the most part all week. When he has been with mommy and the need for disapline has arose everyone feels that they need to step in.

I know that the next week is going to be terrible for mommy. He is not going to listen and he is going to push because people have stepped in everytime he is being disaplined.

I am not looking forward to next week. Having respect from children is hard, but it is ten time harder when people have to step in.

Day with my Children

2008-07-31T22:33:00.000-04:00

We have been on vacation for a week know. I was very lucky that the first part of the vacation was with my parents. I did not have to do much with my children, it was a break.

In the process of my "break" I did nothing with my parents. I wish I would have taken some more time to spend with them. But I am so glad that I had my break. I don't know what I would have done with out it.

This morning was the first morning that they were not here. My father-in-law is with us now. It is a different relationship between my children and my inlaws. They have a good relationship, but it is a different one. I had to actually get up and spend time with my children. Today was the first time I played with Tyler. I had so much fun running and chasing after him. We even got to play in the water together.

I am so glad that I go that time. Tomorrow my father-in-law is leaving. My husband and his mother are going golfing. (My husband's parents are divorced and re-married). I will have a couple of hours with my children alone. I am so excited. It will be a great time.

Vacation

2008-07-29T23:14:00.000-04:00

I am having a great time on vacation. I never thought that having all of these people with us would make for such a relaxing trip, and now I hope that we have it like this every year. Mom and Dad seem so relaxed. They have been so much fun to be around I feel so blessed to be so close to my parents.

Being able to spend some of the time with my grandmother is wonderful. I am so glad that I have the opportunity to do that.

I wish my sister and brother in law could have stayed longer but I understand why they needed to go home.

The boys are having a blast.

Here is Tyler with his first fish. He was so proud of it. I am so proud of him, but I will not go near the fish touch the fish or anything like that.

Nathan was having a blast on the boat. He was trying so hard to walk. Yes he was having some issues, but he eventually got his sea legs.

Dad and Tyler were having a blast. My father is so tired but is having so much fun. I have not seen him so relaxed in a long time

Kristen and Juliana were just chillin. they were having so much fun up here.

Even the boys loved playing together.

I have never had a better vacation in my life!

Daddy and Nathan

2008-07-29T19:24:00.001-04:00

Brian and Nathan on the boat. Nate enjoying sitting with daddy.

We had a great time. It was so nice to go out on the lake with Brian, the boys, mom, dad and grandma. Relaxing.

Potty Time

2008-07-26T09:37:00.000-04:00

My son is just not right. He had to use the potty, so instead of coming in and going potty he decided to go to the garage to get his potty seat. We keep a potty seat in our car when we travel. He put it on the back deck and decided to sit down and go.

Thankfully he is 3 and can get away with it. He makes me laugh.

FIshing

2008-07-26T07:20:00.000-04:00

Uncle Larry is teaching Tyler how to fish. He loves it. Just sitting on the end of the dock having a great time. Nothing caught yet, but they did have fun!!!

Always forgetting something.

2008-07-26T07:09:00.000-04:00

What a wonderful day yesterday. Watching the kids play was so much fun. Tyler got very brave and was running and playing in the lake. Everyone was having a great time. I am so glad that we all got to come up here.

In our poor planning my husband gave the wrong key to the woman watching our cat, so he had to run home and give her the correct key. So he was gone all day. Oh well, at least Simba was taken care of.

Traveling

2008-07-25T06:48:00.004-04:00

After a long day of packing, and traveling I had big dreams of sleeping in and starting off today sleeping in. I remember the days of coming up to the lake and being able to sleep in. When I woke up the sun was up and shining, and we could eat breakfast and head down to the water. You always felt refreshed.

Now with kids just another story.

Our trip is extended, because we are potty training. I thought how great Tyler will be potty trained and we don't have to worry about diapers any more. While that is true (for the most part, except for night - another blog, another day) now we have a new issue on our hands - I have to go potty... So we had to stop a bunch of times so that he could go potty. Thankfully I keep a potty chair in my car so that he could go with out having to worry about finding a place to go.

Then we get here and I have to unpack so that I can find everything we need. You know the blankets, pillows, and PJ's... And because we were stuck in a car the kids want to run around. Then putting the kids to bed.... which went very well, to my surprise.

But this morning - 5:30 and we are up. Nathan got up at 5:30 and would not go back down. So, here is to hoping that I will be able to get some more sleep during nap time.

Lake - What a way to wake up

2008-07-25T06:06:00.001-04:00

My First Garden Picks

2008-07-24T09:24:00.001-04:00

I decided that this year I would grow a garden. I have never grown a garden before. I am so happy because here are my first two peppers that I picked from my garden. I love the fact that I was able to grow these. There are so many more that are ready to come in.

Spillproof??? Not with Nate

2008-07-24T07:22:00.001-04:00

Since Tyler loves to eat in the car, and more and more Nathan wants to have food too I decided to get a spill proof snack cup. I filled it up this morning for Nathan to be able to enjoy some food and play. Well as soon as I gave him the cup he figured out how to use it and how to open it up and spill everything everywhere. I had to laugh.

So while I am sure that these are spill proof for most children, but not mine. So now we have food all over my living room floor. Thankfully I am planning on vacuuming today!

Shoes

2008-07-23T22:27:00.000-04:00

My Sister and I took Nathan to get new shoes today! He did not want to get his feet measured. But he finally did. He is in a size 5 extra wide. That does not suprise me one bit since Tyler has big and wide feet too.

I have to go to Stride Rite to purchase my children's shoes. Because they have both extra wide feet. I wish we could go to a store like Payless or Target for shoes. They would be less expensive. But we have to go to Stride Rite and pay $50.00 for a pair of shoes. Expecially shoes that they will only wear for a few months. Oh well.

He looks so funny in shoes. I am just not used to him in them. And the funnier part is that he keeps trying to take off the shoes in the car. But he did not get them off.

Mouth Boy???

2008-07-23T16:02:00.000-04:00

Both of my children like to put things in there mouth. Tyler did at a young age, and I thought he was bad. But I am realising that he was not bad at all. Nate can't do anything with out something in his mouth. He put anything he can get his hands on in his mouth. Cups, bugs, rocks, toys, paper, ect... You name it he will put it in his mouth.

He has been known on more than one occasion to crawl around with a sock in his mouth. I am constantly on the look out to see what he will put in his mouth next.

Las Vegas - Not for adults anymore.

2008-07-23T10:49:00.000-04:00

In the recent months I have been looking for different family friendly places to travel with my children. Some vacation spot that my husband and I can have fun, and so can the kids. So off to the internet I went and I found NineBlue. I never thought of so many of the places that they have listed that would be friendly for children. The one that interested me the most was Las Vegas.

When I think of Las Vegas I think of casinos, gambling, marriage chapels all of the place. I think of sitting by the pool at the hotel, drinking and laying out before going in to see a show. Oh yea and don't forget the all you can eat buffets, and the beautiful lights all over the city. What I don't think of when I see Las Vegas is children

I was amazed because they have some great guides to what to pack, which is helpful for people like me who have never been there, family hotels, where to go, what to do, child friendly dinning and so much more. I love the fact that they give you realistic things to expect while on vacation there. This as a mother is great because I can be prepared and have things I need on hand. It is wonderful, expecially if it is a place you have never personally traveled.

I know that I want to go to Las Vegas, but I always thought that I would have to do it when my children got older or when we could find a babysitter. I love the fact that I found this site becuase now I can plan our trip, and start saving money so we can go as a family.

Teaching Cutting

2008-07-22T12:59:00.001-04:00

Since Tyler is going ot be starting school in the fall, I decided to start having him learn how to use scissors. Here is his first try with scissors.

He did pretty good. I can't complain!!!

We even put together an e-how video on how to teach children to cut. Check it out.

Forms

2008-07-22T10:27:00.000-04:00

Tyler starts preschool in the fall, so I decided I should get the paperwork completed so that we can send it in. I don't beleive how much paperwork is needed to send your kid to preschool... Come on. I understand that the need to know all of this information, but this seems like alot.

I think that these types of forms should be up with the times - be able to be mailed to you. You fill them out on the computer, print, sign and send in. That way addresses can be automatically filled in once you do it one time.

Have you ever noticed that the spaces they give you are so small. I know that I have big hand writing so that could be part of the problem. But I can't believe how hard it is to fit everything in the little spaces.

I am so glad that everything is done and I can send it in today. That will be one thing off of my shoulders to make room for something else - Laundry!!

Colds Stink

2008-07-22T08:41:00.002-04:00

My Poor little guy. This is how he looked on his birthday. He was just not into doing anything. We still have our cold. He hates getting his nose wiped, but it has to be done. The poor kid has red under because it is chapped. That looks like it hurts.

My older one was so tired after a long day of running and playing with his cousins, he just sat there in his car. How cute. He is not feeling well either.

Now my poor hubby is not feeling well, so I am sure when they all start feeling better, mommy will be the next one to get it. Hopefully not

Doctors Appointment

2008-07-21T22:39:00.000-04:00

Nathan had his 12 month doctors appointment today. He did wonderfully with his shots. I am so proud of him. He is right on track with everything. What a blessing. I feel so blessed. He is doing so well.

He is exactly 1 lb lighter than his brother at this age and 1/4 inch shorter. His head is smaller, but that does not suprise me, his brother alway had a big head, LOL.

I am just testing Jott...

2008-07-20T12:28:00.001-04:00

I am just testing Jott to see if it will allow me to blog from it. This is just a test. listen

Powered by Jott

It's Over!

2008-07-19T22:59:00.000-04:00

After a very long, hot and tiring day it is over. I am able to sit down, in quite, Brian, Vickie and Andy are out side relaxing, the boys are in bed. We had a great time, it is so nice to BBQ out, and I think that everyone had a good time, or at least I hope that they did. Tyler played so rough, but it was cute. He was chasing after his cousins, playing in the pool. I think that the highlight of his day was helping Nathan open his presents.

Nate would not touch his cake, he went for the fruit instead... How cute! He had fun playing with his toys. I am so glad the he is feeling better. Still has a stuffed up nose, but he is sleeping in his bed so that is all that matters.

Brutis was running in and out of the house. He had a blast with everyone here, I am so thankful we have invisable fence now. It is a good thing. I am not worried about him running away.

Yes that is a picture of my cute little puppy.

I am so glad that today is over. My little men are growing up so quickly. They played hard, and hopefully they will sleep hard tonight!

Dreaming...

2008-07-19T12:32:00.000-04:00

We are getting ready for my baby's birthday party. I am so un-organized today. I don't know what I was thinking. Maybe that everything would magically get done on its own. I wish I had magical powers like Harry Potter. That would be nice. I could wave my wand and my house would magically be clean.

Then I could have all of the house elves to make all of the food

And then when all of the guests got here we could have fun, and play in the pool.

Now that would be nice....

But I don't live in a world with magic, so back to work I go. Time to get my house clean and get the food ready...

Feeling Better

2008-07-19T09:02:00.000-04:00

What a difference a day makes. My little guy's fever has broken. He is playing with his brother again. It is nice to see. The sparkle is back in his eyes.

Yesterday he looked so sad. I felt so bad for him. I am so glad that he is doing better today.

Reading level

2008-07-18T20:54:00.001-04:00

Movie Reviews

Happy Birthday Little Boy

2008-07-18T09:29:00.001-04:00

One year ago today I was recovering from my c-section. Holding my little guy. Excited to announce that my 9 lb 7 oz baby boy came into the world healthy.

Now a year later, I have a 21 lb little guy with 5 teeth. He says MaMa and More. He loves fruit and loves to cuddle and play with his brother. He is starting to walk around, but is still more efficient at crawling so has not completely switched over to walking.

I can't believe a year has gone by. It has been too fast. My boys are growing up too quickly.

And for his birthday - the poor kid has woke up with a 101.5 fever. Just wants to cuddle. Coughing and sneezing. Our trip to the zoo has been post-poned until he is feeling better.

Happy Birthday Little guy... Mommy Loves you so much!

Hide the phone

2008-07-17T11:25:00.000-04:00

My little guy loves to crawl around and get into things he shouldn't . I think that all kids do. Well he got my cell phone like always., so I said give that phone to mommy. Usually he will smile and hand it over. Well today, he put the phone under his butt and sat down on it. He was so proud of himself. I could not stop laughing. he would not give it to me until I picked him up.

What did he say?

2008-07-15T20:01:00.001-04:00

We are getting ready to put my oldest to bed, and he came up with the ultimate excuse...

I can't I'm rubbing my apples

Yup that is what he said. He calls his nipples his apples...

Sleeping...

2008-07-15T08:18:00.000-04:00

I wonder what it will take to get my children to start sleeping through the night. I am so luck y because my hubby got up last night and dealt with them. The lack of sleep is starting to set in and is really becoming a problem.

My goal, after vacation is to get this fixed, and get the kids to sleep all night, with out waking up so mommy can.... oh yea to get them both in bed before 10 p.m.

I need sleep

Look out World

2008-07-13T22:12:00.000-04:00

Well I am so proud- my youngest started taking steps today. He did well. He was walking, he took 6 steps in a row.

I did not even see when he started off walking. He walked to his brother first. T was so excited that N walked to him. What a cute look to have on his face.

I forgot how cute it is to watch them walk when they are first learning how. They look like drunken sailors... How cute!

I am sure that he will shortly perfect this new task, and be running after his brother.

Now Sling

2008-07-09T13:18:00.001-04:00

My wonderful Sister in Law has decided to start making slings. I love wearing Nathan, it makes life so much easier. I love the new sling. He is great in it, and I can do so much. It is even fall proof, lol. This weekend when I was wearing it I fell on some chocolate pudding and he was safe and sound in it. I know she is looking into selling them, and when that is ready to go I will let you know. These are highly recommended! Very comfortable and easy to put on.

Listening with Others Around

2008-07-06T15:51:00.000-04:00

We have been out of town for the weekend and I have noticed forget listening to mommy at all. It is driving me nuts. It is almost like the frequency that mommy talks in is one that he can not hear.
It does not help that others try to help you out and parent your child. The combination of both causes big problems.
The question of the hour is how to get a three year old to listen to mommy when other people are around. How to get him to respect mommy and daddy.
Most of the issue is we are up by the lake and I am afraid that he is going to run and fall in and no one is going to be around.

Teething

2008-07-02T09:57:00.000-04:00

OMG! 6 teeth at once. N is super crabby. I can't believe how crabby he is. I am going to run away. Nothing is going to make him happy. I can't wait until these teeth make there appearance.

Mommy I love you

2008-07-02T09:54:00.000-04:00

I have to laugh at my children. I was having a bad morning and T looked at me and said, mommy you need to be happy. How cute. He smiled and said that I love you! Kids just know what to say when you need it!

What were we doing?

2008-06-29T09:05:00.002-04:00

Well I wonder can my children help me clean? Why is it that when you start to clean up they do well, then get distracted? How can you keep them on track? Is it that much to ask for to pick up your toys? I guess it is.

I love you mommy

2008-06-27T09:52:00.003-04:00

My favorite words in the world... I love you mommy! Hearing that makes everything worth while. Knowing that my children love no matter what mistakes I make. They know that i am doing my best and all of everything it does not matter at the end of the day.

I can get angry, I can be sad, I can be happy. It just does not matter because at the end of the day they still love me. How wonderful. What I gift I have. They love me for me. I feel so blessed!

Good Morning Mommy...

2008-06-27T07:49:00.002-04:00

I would love to know why children come with a built in response to get up so early in the morning? Why do adults want to sleep in? Where is a happy medium? Can't my children sleep in, just until 8:00 am? A small compromise?

We get up between 6:00 am and 7:00 am every morning. A few wonderful minutes of cuddling, then watch out. We have energy that come from left field. We get up and run around. Start demanding things. Even N starts to hit and bit mommy when he does not get his way.

I wish I could get it all together and start moving earlier in the morning, but I just don't see that happening. Sleep is so important, and it is impossible to get around here

What did he say?

2008-06-26T09:31:00.001-04:00

T is walking around in my socks, one is white one is blue, in my sandles and comes up to me and says ...

I Look Pretty, Don't you like me?

What did he say?

2008-06-26T08:39:00.003-04:00

My father has taught T to say.... I am the boss and you are the applesauce... he has changed it to be I am the boss and you are the pineapple, like the pie...

Sleep?

2008-06-26T08:26:00.002-04:00

Just wondering... Do kids sleep? Really do they? T just has never slept through the night! How to get him to do this is a mystery to me. There are days I want to find a way to velcro him to his bed and let him up after 7 am. But I feel that won't even work.

Don't even get me started on N.... He has been doing better *Knock on wood here* but still. I am a very tired mommy that could use one good night sleep. My children believe that between 6 and 7 is a great time to wake up. That would be fine, if mommy could get things done to be in bed before say midnight.

Naps, well yes we take naps, but can we do it at the same time, I don't think so. Does mommy get a nap... well do I want my house to fall apart?

So When moms talk about sleeping through the night, I am just wondering when does that happen?

What did he say?

2008-06-25T14:55:00.001-04:00

I had to stop and get gas... Captain T said.... Mommy why do you need ass?

Nap Time

2008-06-25T14:53:00.002-04:00

The best part of the day - Nap Time!!! It is my favorite time of the day. Well maybe. T does well and sleeps in his bed. N on the other hand is a pita! He won't go in his crib so he falls asleep on me. O.K. so no big deal there. But OMG that boy can sweat! I feel like I need another shower after holding him while he naps.

I thought nap time was a time for mommy to get things done... wrong. I don't get anything done during nap time.

Shopping

2008-06-25T12:26:00.003-04:00

Today we had to run to Toys R Us to get diapers and socks. I know fun. Well it so crazy.

First of all why does Toys are Us have a big section of the trains, with a play table set up right down the main aisle? We have to stop and play with the train. Did I mention we have the exact same train table at home. We don't want to leave.... I have to bribe T with a train to get him to leave, but does that work, nope.

Now when we finally leave than we want to play hide and seek in the racks of clothes. But here is the problem with that. T is a big boy and does not fit in the racks of clothes.

In the mean time N has to yell at me because we are not moving. He has to stand up and try to get out of the shopping cart, because we want to crawl around and get into trouble with brother.

Finally it is time to leave, and we see the bikes and motorized cars.... Yep another stop.

Why does going to the store mean stress when you are going for two simple things?

Why?

2008-06-24T18:49:00.003-04:00

I have to say I understand the reasoning behind the why stage, but OMG! I dread saying anything to T. I just know that the next word out of his mouth is going to be why.... and that will go on and on and on. I am getting sick of answer the question, and he just doesn't let up.

And please tell me why because I said so is not a good answer to the question, or just do as mommy says.

Every time I hear the word why come out of his mouth I just want to yell, don't ever say that word again. I think that why is now considered a 4 letter word in this house.

Attitude with at capital A

2008-06-24T18:41:00.002-04:00

I thought that 3 year olds had attitude, but I have to say I have been put in my place. I am wrong! I have learned that 1 year olds have attitude! Captain N has such a little attitude. I can't believe the hitting, the crying and the little temper tantrums. It just amazes me. He has learned that he can take a toy away from Captain T and then cry when Captain T takes it away from him, and I will yell at T to give it back. Well I have just learned what is really going on. So now I have "yelled at" N to give it back.

He gets so angry when he does not get his way. He has a little tantrum where he will fall flat on the ground and just cry. I know that T did it at his age, but N seems to have it down. His newest trick is to hit when he gets angry. This boy needs to learn to control his temper and control his attitude, and PDQ!