Mommy-dom Part 1

             So many people have written about the phenomenon of Mommy-dom. It may seem over done. But, I am going to do it too. I can't help it. It is my life. I have so much fodder for this subject. It is probably going to take on a life of it's own and be more then one post. Maybe a series. It already has a life of it's own because I was writing notes on it during church. And it was a great sermon. Not a sleepy, I wish I had slept in kind of sermon either. I just couldn't stop myself. The notes came even after we got home. I don't usually write notes for my blog. It just happens. Much of what happens in Mommy-dom just happens.
             It all started with a card I bought for my niece's baby shower. It was super cute. The kind you are totally proud of finding. You want to write on it, "I didn't just grab the first baby shower card I could find. I found a good one." It had a globe on it and named all of the places you will be going in Motherhood. Laundry mountain, that kind of thing. It made me giggle because it is true. Motherhood, parenthood, Mommy-dom all are words for this place we seem to go once we give birth to our little darlings. You say it won't change you, your marriage, anything. But, it does. It always does. If it didn't, well I guess you wouldn't be parenting. Not all changes are the same for everyone, But, there are many changes that everyone experiences.
              I will pick one at a time and tell you how it changes for so many of us. If you have never had a baby or are about to have your first, I am giving you a rare look into the secrets behind the curtain. The secrets that we really don't share readily with soon to be parents. Why? I'm not sure. Many reasons really. Mostly, you wouldn't listen anyway and you would think we were just trying to burst your happy bubble. That isn't the case. It isn't all bad things that change. We really change as people, not just our routines, but sometimes even our values and beliefs. Sometimes you actually realize you have beliefs and values. You never thought about it intentionally before, but, you do have them.
              Let's start with the obvious one. This one cannot be hidden. It is the changes in our bodies. Remember how cute your belly was in high school or in your early 20's. Yea, sorry. I do have one bizarre friend (she will know who she is), mom of 4 and has always had a flat stomach. Mine wasn't that flat when I was 10. What is worse, she loves chocolate and coffee and other nasty food we aren't supposed to love. ( We all know those things are what keep us slightly sane).  People with those spectacular genes are (I am going to say it ) FREAKS!! It is not normal. I still love her though. The rest of us, well... It is really hard to get your body back to any kind of shape you had before. Especially after multiple children. Great advice if you want several children and you love your body; either adopt, or wait a good 3 years between each kid. It gives your body time to find it's shape again and your little one to stop nursing. We all know nursing is best. Not only for our little ones but, for mom. The anti-cancer claims have been very vocal on this point. I know many can't nurse or choose not to. But, I am a Boob Nazi, so I can't apologize for feeling that the breast is best advice should always be given.  Boobs... will never be the same.
                 There is other changes in your body that you didn't expect happen as well. We all have heard the whispering of things like hemies and stretch marks. Come on, we almost expect that stuff. Here are some things that no one remembers to tell you. Your skin, it will oscillate between being very dry and flaky to getting Mount St. Zito on your chin. Some ladies have even reported growing hair our of their chin. I mean big, black icky hair. The kind you pluck.
                 Oh and your hair. Did anyone mention the fact that it seems to all fall out at once after the baby is here? Yea, think bald spots in visible places. The amount that came out all day was scary, the amount that came out in the shower, WOW! it looked like a mans hair rug. I could have made an entire wig about once every 2 weeks with the amount that fell out. Eventually it does come back but, until then it is really weird. 
                 All of this and more is a natural progression. Look at the pictures of Grandmas and pictures of moms, then look at pictures of teenagers. There is a changing that is natural. Sure we all know the grandmas with the hard bodies. We have seen them. Even applaud them. But, do you think a kid really wants to snuggle up on the couch with Grandma Hard Body or squishy comfy Grandma. No one wants to be known as squishy but, it does make a more comfy cuddle option. Besides how many teenagers really want their mom in a skimpy hot bikini when their friends come over. Yes, I know about the mom's that are "hot". The ones that are cool and beautiful but, REALLY? I seriously doubt many kids really want that to be their mom.
                Which will bring us to the next topic, clothing, and more.

Dog Training Vs. Kid Training

            Am I the only person who notices that people that are very into training their dogs, I mean really training them, have really chaotic kids? Why is that? I mean Dog Whisperer trained dogs. You know the ones that take their dogs out for runs 2 times a day? Their kids are wild and unruly. I have seen them scream and wear pull-ups until they are 5, but the dog would hold it's potty until the cows come home. Just an obnoxious observation today. We have so many dog walking people in out neighborhood. We have much time to observe this phenomenon. Sad really.

A Visit From the Binky Fairy

          

           Son number three is having a birthday this next week. Since he is turning 4 I thought it would be a great idea to start talking about the Binky Fairy. All of my children have used one. I am not sure if you know what  a binky is but, in our house it is the pacifier. Well, my son seemed skeptical about giving it up. Even for a prize in it's place. And honestly, my husband did the whole, "Are you sure about this? He sleeps so good. He is a good napper." In my experience letting go of the binky can totally ruin a good napper. So after his talk, I was a little hesitant to push the Fairy visit. Well, my darling little boy tells me at bedtime that he is ready to do it. I promptly start talking him out of it. I mean, maybe it would be fine if he had it a little longer. I love nap time. It also means, as my husband put it, that we have one less baby in the house. Yes, we know he isn't a baby but, there are milestones (we've talked about these before) that choke us parents up as much as if not more than the first tooth and haircut. There are so many more things that mean your child is moving towards being an independent being. They are good things. In fact they are great. Just milestones worth taking pause over. Well, the night came and he had trouble going to sleep. So much so, I forgot to change out the Binky Box with the prize. Thankfully, my husband checked when he woke up and reminded me. I'm just glad it was a morning that the little guy ended up sleeping in. Late night and all. So the gift was exchanged (CARS Guys of course). Son wakes up and is so thrilled. He said these were special ones that the fairy must have gotten at the Fairy factory (oh there is a Fairy factory?) because he had never seen these before. I had stashed them for his birthday. Oh well, I will get him something else. The fairy gets credit for these.

                                               Elvis and Marco are their names they are cool.

Just thought I would share one of those special milestones in our family. For the record, it has been two days. He got out of bed 2 times last night and couldn't sleep for nap yesterday. Then he didn't want to fall asleep in the car today without the binky. He finally did. Not very long yet. I think I might miss the binky more than he does.

Spending Time With Each Other

           We are going to the aquarium tomorrow. My youngest son is very excited. Well, they all are. I mean, it's a field trip right? Who doesn't like a field trip. And one big enough there isn't much of a chance of being able to get home in time to do school work.
            We never really did many field trips before. I guess I mean, before things started to change for us financially. It always seemed like we could do it another day. My husband needed to work, I needed to do laundry. Whatever it was, there were other things to do. We could do those neat field trips later. I guess.  While my husband was out of work we spent a lot of time together as a family. Everyday really. It was strange but, kind of wonderful too. We all actually like each other. I did laugh that my husband and I were turning into my mom and dad. You know, always together. He would drop me off for my haircut appointments and come back to get me. Not to save money. Just because we were always together. All of that together time did something to us though. Something strange that you wouldn't have expected. It made us appreciate each other and the time we spend together. My husband was there to see everything we do all day and even was a part of it. Yes, we were freaked out that he wasn't working and that we might have to move into a cardboard box. But, we clung to each other more. Truth moment- I was scared.  I was so scared that I could cry now thinking about it. We aren't out of the clear. We are still struggling but, God is providing for us our daily bread. That is what he has promised. We really learned to look to each other for strength and comfort. I know many couples break up or fight tremendously during financial disaster. We didn't. Don't get me wrong, our life wasn't sunshine and rainbows. We were both scared. We had just had  baby number 4 and everything collapsed. What do you do?
              Back to field trips. Why are they so important now? Because it occurred to us both in that time of hardship and togetherness that we don't know what is around the next bend. We don't know how much time we have. We may plan for the next 5 years but, who says God is going to give us 5 years?  And (as our pastor said a couple of weeks ago) what are you going to do with them, worthwhile to deserve them? Are you spending your time always assuming you have plenty of time to do whatever? Or do you live to serve Him and love those people God has blessed you with? If it is a picnic in the park, a walk in the harbor, even a trip to the aquarium. Make the time you have here count. Don't make God sad he gave it to you. Also, speak up for Him. The neighbor you see everyday getting the mail, does he know Christ? What, are you keeping salvation a secret? Do you think God wants to have a secret society? I don't think so. I once read a mad, ranting letter from a step-daughter to her parents. She said she didn't believe in God. Also, if they did, and believed that she and everyone else that didn't give their life to Christ was going to Hell, why are we Christians so placid about it? Why don't we scream from the mountain tops? Are we so selfish we want to keep Heaven for ourselves? Whoa. what?  This girl really said, that if we truly looked around us with our Christian eyes on, and thought that these people are going to burn in hell for eternity, how can we live with ourselves? Isn't saving someone from burning in hell for eternity worth a period of uncomfortable awkwardness? This really freaked me out. Try it. Look around you and who is it that says they don't believe there is a God and you think, they're entitled to their opinion. Really? Do you really believe it is an opinion? Or is it the Truth? Yes, this is a night time rant, but, this is what is in my brain tonight.
                In short (too late), spend time with the ones you love. They and you won't always have each other. It could be you in the IHOP eating dinner alone, watching the other younger families eating together. Wishing you had one more day to visit with your husband, wife, kids, whoever. Don't you want to have wonderful memories of your darling ones? Better yet, hopefully they will ask you to dinner. Then, live for God. He died for you. Who would you die for?
               God loves you and wants to spend time with you. So  does your family. Who is it you need to spend time with? Your Grandma? Your spouse? Your kids?
               End of nighttime rant. Now go love on the family God blessed you with. I'll be petting sharks tomorrow. Bye.

In The Comfort Zone

            I went and got a haircut today. Woo Hoo!! I haven't gotten one in far too long to admit. The best part about going, is that I took my husbands truck that is so nice. I drive the Land yacht (an old Suburban). He drives a beautiful truck with leather seats, an air conditioner that works all of the time. Not just sometimes and satellite radio. Yes, that is the part I love. No static, no kids listening in and talking and I can listen to the total 80's station. I just dated myself but, that is O.K.
            So, there I am listening to Prince, the Bangles, Huey Lewis and the News, and Prince. I am belting the songs out and dancing in my seat without any concern of embarrassing someone (mainly the newly teen) else in the car. You know, someone might see me and that is awful to even think about. I don't really listen to a whole lot of radio and 80's music with my kids in the car because, well, ... you know. The lyrics. They aren't really um, appropriate not only for my kids but, for a Christian to be singing. I mean, I don't think AC/DC's "You Shook Me All Night Long", is really hymn friendly. But, man, it rocks. Well, I started thinking about this little dilemma. Why do I love to listen and sing these songs, even though I know there isn't an ounce of goodness in them. It's the comfort and familiarity. When I hear the opening few notes, I am sent into another time and place. I can remember racing down the Pacific Coast Highway with all of the windows open, my hair flying, and the music blasting. I am not wanting to go back to that time. It just feels so familiar. So comfortable. I realized, that is how Satan gets us so many times. We feel like it isn't that bad. I'm just ,______, (you plug in what it is). It is a comfortable place. It is so easy to fall into the pattern of comfort. When someone tries to break a habit, usually because it is comfortable, they want to fall back into it. Maybe you always smoke a cigarette right after dinner, or have a drink of wine after a hard day, that turns into a bottle. Maybe it is more subtle then that. Maybe, you want to start a new habit. You want to read your bible every morning, or get up and go to church on Sunday. But, in both instances, the bed is really warm and comfortable. And we make excuses. But, the truth is that the Devil knows our weak spots. He knows our comforts. He knows that if he can make us feel comfort that we don't really want to break that habit.
              Comfort. From the very beginning our Mothers try to bring us comfort. She holds a special way, rocks us, maybe sings to us. All to bring us comfort. But, what so often brings us happiness can cause us to get stuck in a rut. It can make me say, I don't want to serve at church right now because it will make my Tuesday nights too busy and crazy. I don't want to help out with the Motels Ministry because it will interfere with my time I like to go to church. I don't want to go to Rwanda because it is scary and I might catch something. All of those excuses are about my comfort. Not what someone else might need. Not what God might be wanting me to do.
             Matthew 8:20 and Luke 9:58   both say,
Jesus replied, "Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head."

         If Jesus wasn't in comfort, why do I think I should be? Comfort versus Radical actions. HMM. I am far from being someone that is a radical. But, is that what I am called to do? I never thought of comfort and radical as being words that were necessarily opposites. But, stop and think. They are. If you are a radical are you really ever comfortable? 

        My family has been through so much discomfort this last year or two that I have to say, it's O.K. to be uncomfortable. It didn't kill me. I am still here. I am definitely not the same person I was before. But, I think I am a better person because of it. Does that mean that discomfort or radicalness can cause me to grow and change. That would be a YES. IF it is radicalness for Jesus and to further our Lord's kingdom then I would have to say YES. Most definitely. 

        So, now I have to ask myself, what am I willing to do that is Radical for God? I'm not sure. I guess, I am a little stumped there. Truth, I'm not ready for Rwanda. But, I am ready to serve more where I am needed at church. I might be ready to serve in our community. A motel ministry? O.K. That is a distinct possibility. 

         The biggest change has to be for me to say,"Lord, what do you want me to do? I am ready and willing to serve you in the fashion that you see best. " O.K. more truth. That is scary. With all He has done so far in our lives, what has he got in store for us now??? 

         Also, I think I better stick to driving my Land Yacht so I don't want to listen to the 80's. 

The Bad Word.

            Well, a bad word has made its way into my families lives. It is a little ridiculous and ... O.K. funny. It's not like we allow them to say it or any of the bad words for that matter. For goodness sakes, Stupid, is still on the list of don't say.
            You are going to need a little back history. We were learning about the animals that live on the Savannah. Besides lions and zebras, there are the wild asses that roam free. PEALS of laughter. Yes, I read it. I wasn't paying attention but, I guess if that is what they are called I can't argue. I didn't name them.
            Flash forward. We went to the zoo and they have a new section and there are wild donkeys. No, my boys yelled out. "Those aren't wild donkeys. They are wild asses. Dad says they are called Jack Asses. " O.K. true but, can we not yell it?
            Flash forward again. The kids on the street like to do this terrible game where they do UFC fighting. These are little boys. 6-13 years old. I know what you are thinking but, the 6 year old is the worst instigator of them all. My boys are not allowed to participate in this activity. These boys get violent. I have seen neighbors that don't have kids put their heads out their windows, telling the boys to stop beating up on each other. It looks bad. Well, the 6 year old is the worst offender of this activity of them all. He doesn't get that he can't antagonize my boys into doing it anyway. So he starts kicking my 10 year old in the shins. I'm not kidding. Kicking him in the shins! O.K. I would have kicked him back. My darling son, who is not known for his self control, got mad and screamed (you see it coming don't you???!!!) , " Knock it off, you JACKASS!"
               6 year old clicks into 6 year old world and yells, " I'm going to tell your mom!" And takes off running. All the other kids yelling after him not to. Well I can hear the commotion because I live in the corner house that can hear and see all. Like a watchtower.
               Truth is I had a hard time when I heard what happened not saying, " Well, I guess you call them like you see them son." What do you do in this instance? What can you say? Of course I told him he couldn't use language like that (even if it were true). Well, what would you have said?
               So now my children have a new "bad word" in their vocabulary, that they are not supposed to use. Yea, sure. Now I feel like the Jack Ass.

Mississippi Mud Cake

            My husbands family got together for the Labor Day holiday to eat dinner. I brought "a little something sweet" (as my Grandma always says). It is probably a little mean of me to bring it because both of my in-laws have to take extra insulin just to have a little. Sorry. But, it was good. I didn't bring much home after. The recipe was new to me. I think it is a bit like a Texas Sheet Cake (which I LOVE!!) but, with marshmallows. I also think it would be way good with pecans on top but, my family hates nuts in cakes so. If you put nuts in it will you tell me if it was good? Thanks.

I should have taken a picture of a cut piece. The cake is a cross between cake and brownie texture.

Mississippi Mud Cake

• 2 cups plain flour
• 2 cups sugar
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1 tsp. baking soda
• 1 stick butter
• 1/2 cup oil
• 4 TBL unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 cup plus 1 tsp. cold water, divided
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1-10 oz. bag mini marshmallows

1. Sift flour, sugar, salt, and baking soda together (I just stirred them). 
2. Bring butter, oil, cocoa, and one cup of water to a boil.
3. Add eggs, one teaspoon cold water and buttermilk. Mix well.

Pour into greased and floured 9 x 13 pan and bake at 37 for 25 to 30 minutes. Top with Marshmallows while still hot and pour icing (recipe below) over the top. 

You will want have the icing finishing right as the cake comes out of the oven. 

Icing

• 1 stick of butter
• 3 TBL Cocoa
• 6 TBL milk
• 1 -16 oz. box confectioner's sugar
• 1 tsp. vanilla

1.  Combine butter, cocoa and milk in a pan.
2. Bring to a boil.
3. Add sugar and mix well.
4. Add vanilla.
5. Pour over hot cake as soon as it comes out of the oven.

Optional: chopped pecans sprinkled on would be so good. If you like nuts...

First Day of School and Chili

            So we had our first day of school yesterday. It was mostly like an orientation to the year and what to look forward to. We went through our notebooks, our subjects we will be doing, our weekly schedule, and then did a couple of worksheets.  I usually take a picture of everyone for their notebook but, I didn't get there. It is definitely different with the 2 Little's (4 and 2yos).  It was also cold and dreary. Not like our usual beautiful sky first day of school. Everyone was up but, not all ready for the day.

The view from our balcony on the first day of school. Dreary.

I did make an interesting dinner for them. They wanted Chile Cheese fries the other day (they saw it on a picture) and I told them I would make some. Well, I made the best chili I've ever made and then put them on top of tater tots and sprinkled cheese on top. They loved it. Me... not so much. The chili was good but, I'd rather eat it with chips or nothing. I'm not much of a tater tot fan. Here is a picture and the chili recipe I used.

Chile

2 lbs ground beef

2-15 oz. can Kidney beans

1-15 oz. can pinto beans

1- 15 oz. can tomato sauce

1-10 oz. can Rotel Original (we don't usually have that here

in So Cal but, I found it at Target)

1-14.5 oz can diced tomatoes

1-small onion diced 

1- stock of celery diced

3/4 tsp black pepper

1 1/4 tsp. salt

3/4 TBL chili powder (add more to you taste)

2/3 tsp cumin

1. Saute onions and celery in a little olive oil until clearish.
2. Brown ground beef, then drain off fat.
3. Dump all ingredients into the crock-pot. Stir to combine.

Cook on Low 7-8 hours or on High 3-4 hours. You really can cook it as long as you like. It just blends the flavors more. Also, my family got antsy so I dumped it in a pot and cooked it for 2-3 hours on the stove, stirring every 15 minutes or so.

          If you want to, dump it on oven baked fries or tater tots. You could then top with cheese and even a little sour cream. They loved it. 

Hope you enjoy it. 

When Husbands Aren't Funny.... O.K. It Was Funny.

            I love my husband, he is a funny man. He lightens most situations and can make me laugh often. Really, it is one of the biggest reasons I married him. However, as you know when you are with someone funny, there are times you don't see the humor... until later.  Today is one of those days.
           After church today we were going to take care of two things I really enjoy. Going to Target (THE Happiest place on earth) and buy the substance that makes my "liquid gold", Loose Leaf Lipton Tea. I informed my dear husband that we had to drive an extra 10 minutes to the great big Target. He wasn't too excited but, it is the only place that I can find my beloved Lipton loose leaf tea. No one else here seems to carry it.

            When we got there we split up kids. He takes the boys and I take Girlie. I have the list, he browses. The store is remodeling and when I get to the grocery section to find the tea.... There was no loose leaf tea box. Not even a space on the shelf for it to go. I am very anxious. I am seriously irritated and frustrated. I made my dear husband drive further to go to this Target because of the tea. I set off to find the rest of the items on my list. This is where funny husband starts to make me grouchy. Yes, I see the humor now but, at the time it was like a gnat buzzing in your ear.
              He starts to text me on my phone. (This Target is so big that we have been known to loose each other in here before. So we always bring our phones). Here are the texts as they came in. I was looking to fill my list mind you and I had girlie who was getting very grabby of things on the shelves.

Him text: Where r u

Him: Where r u

Him: Where r u
(I wasn't ignoring him. My phone was on quiet still from church).

Him: Help Me! Target is draining the life blood from my soul. The lights are making me have hallucinations.
(this is a lie in case you are worried).

Him: Call the national guard! Send reinforcements- I went to my mega church and now am lost in Satan's lair---mega Target... It is full of sin and lies of the world.

Me: What kind of razor blades do u want?

Him: I need to engage my GPS on my phone to find a way out of this place!

Him: Oh my Lord! I can c the sun! I am going towards the light of day! Run Kids! Follow me to the light!

Me: What kind of blades do you want?

Him: Help! Read prior text!

Me: Come around to Health and Beauty. Please!

Him: Set off yellow smoke bomb to mark location!

Him: Set off yellow smoke bomb to mark location!

Him: Set off yellow smoke bomb to mark location!!

Him: My heart is racing as we approach the check out. I can already smell plastic of my debit card melting as we pass it thru the  "Finemaster's" machine!
( I asked what is the Finemaster? he said it is the cashier. He makes us pay a Fine for all of the sin we bought. ???)

Him: Help us oh God as we try to find comfort in the material things of this world. We know that happiness cannot be found at Target!
(I beg to differ  on that one. I buy loose leaf tea there. At least I have in the past!)

Him: (this gets adolescent now sorry) I think the check out guy is looking @ your boobs! I'm gonna smack him right in the nose. Punky Target Guy!

Then we sent my oldest back to get a new can of tomato sauce because the one I had was dented. And I also threw a package of paper towels at to my husband (to make him stop texting) to put in his cart.

Him: Tomato paste!?  Incoming- Duck! Paper towels! Help me Yaway!
Then I sent him out to the car with the cart because Girlie started yelling she had to pee. (really it was BIG potty which is delightful in public restrooms.

Him: Thank God we made it back outside alive!

Him: Love U!

O.K. yes, I see the humor now but, all I could think at the time is where am I going to go and find my tea. And, why doesn't he stop playing with his phone and come get his blades??

            So, living with a funny husband and a jovial guy is great most of the time. But, no I don't always see the humor until later when I can look at it from afar.
Kind of funny when I got to the car with Girlie, I asked him what the deal was with his texting today. He said he didn't know. Maybe I could blog it later. (He was being funny.)

          Sad thing that happened later. Son number 2 asked if he could have a sip of my tea while I was doing dishes. I said, "No. Please leave it alone. I want to drink it when I'm done with everything." I turned around the last of my tea in my glass ( I think I can make 2 more pitchers with what I have left), was gone. My husband drank it. He said he didn't think I would drink it. I was a little peeved. All evening.. O.K. until I sat down and read all of the texts. I give in, it was a funny yet sad ending to my not finding my tea.

This is my favorite cup to drink my tea in.

                                                      
  

I Miss Cool Jeans.

            I remember always being the youngest wherever I went. I am not sure why. I guess I married young (21), and my husband was 6 years older. He had older friends. Also, where I worked, it was full of older ladies all of the time. Both when I flew as a flight attendant and when I taught preschool.  Well, I knew it couldn't always be that way and now, it has happened. I went to a meeting  at church and we were sitting at tables. They did one of those ice breaker things where you go around and tell your birthday. I was the oldest. It was such a strange sensation. Everyone else was at least 3 years younger than me. And of course I had the most kids.
             I also have gray hair creeping out more and more. I know this last year was hard on my body. I am totally feeling the effects of the stress but, gray hair? I am going to have to give in and color my hair. I thought I would be one of the cool ones that didn't color my hair. But, the other day when I looked in the mirror I couldn't believe the lady looking back was me. It was kind of comical. Is that really the face and body of a girl that shouts songs at the top of her lungs and dances in the car when I am alone? Well, the songs are 20 years old. WOW! 20 years? That is so long ago. Don't you remember thinking how old your parents were? I'm there age now. I don't get the, "Can I help you Miss?" anymore. It's always Ma'am.  Well, that's O.K. It doesn't bother me that much.
              I guess I have traded the cat calls and long lingering stares as I walk down the beach for a chubby hand in mine, a teen that tells me I'm the best, embarrassing my kids in public (usually in my car dancing), and a wonderful man that doesn't seem to mind my "soft" and droopy body. He loves me for so many other reasons at this point. Although, I think there are days I truly miss that little hard body I used to have. But, I guess it really wasn't all that comfortable for a little one to snuggle with and fall asleep on. The pillow shaped curves of my body are now much more conducive to cuddling and getting warm in the night after a bad dream. I suppose God knows what he is doing when he makes everything just more... comfy as we get older. Too bad it doesn't look so good in a pair of cool jeans.

Pogo-Sticks and Boogie Boards

            Funny, the summer break is just about over and I think I am sadder than the kids. Usually I am so ready to get back to schedules and learning. I would have gotten the curriculum all set out and categorized weeks ago. I would be doing little starter lessons already. Not this year. I know part of it is the new house and the difficult move but, I'm liking the rhythm of nothingness. I know it isn't really nothingness. My boys read daily and we do other activities. But isn't the summer so fun? Remember eating breakfast and then going outside to play. Just play. No  play dates. No schedule. No plan. Just play. Ride your bike. Play sardines. Have a race. Or have a pogo stick contest. What about going to the beach and riding a boogie board all day. Come home with sand in your swimsuit and a rash on your belly. I am really enjoying watching my older 2 play.  I know it is back to the iron mill for us all and I feel the inevitable change in the air of my children growing up. They will not always want to hop on a pogo stick.  I am sure I will miss watching that. Maybe that is what this is mostly about. So with school books showing up by the U.P.S. man daily and the notebooks being brought out to be put in order, I guess I have to be ready for school. I just wish I could have "just one more day, Mom. Please!!"