School's Out for Summer!

Mothers Day 2009

Summer has begun at our house! And I can say that I'm not ready! I always envision these easy transitions in an organized way - for example I want to leave for vacation with the house clean, I want to start the new school year with everything in order and the same goes for Summer. But the reality is that this transition is in no way organized! And I think that's adding to my feelings of my not being ready! Shouldn't your house be clean, all your laundry put away and your car be spotless before Summer starts? It did not work out that way over here. Yesterday was the most overwhelming feeling as the clock was ticking to the end of the school day! My car is a wreck full of artwork sent home, random shoes and school bags....my house is a wreck full of laundry (always!), Easter decorations yet to be put in the attic and random toys everywhere! I already feel behind on my organized summer!

At least in my mind I see how these perfect organizational systems CAN BE! And I strive everyday to achieve them! I also have told the kids we are going to have some chores this summer! And if numero uno doesn't quickly learn some patience - I'm going to lose mine! He thinks I work for him demanding whatever it is he wants RIGHT NOW!

little man with his teachers

I don't want these days to be remembered as crazy! I want my children to remember these days as carefree and laidback - where mom came up with last minute adventures that made memories for a lifetime! Days where they enjoyed the sun and were cooled off by popsicles, days where they enjoyed their time with their siblings and didn't need other friends to entertain them, days that don't have to be filled with an organized activity but an imagination to create a new world in the backyard complete with light sabers, army bases and pirate ships!

little man at his end of the year party

These are the best days of my life (so I've been told) when my children are little. I pray that I can enjoy every moment of it because they are fleeting FAST! I pray that I won't let the laundry get me down or tie me to cleaning the house all the time. I pray that I won't get upset when playdough is EVERYWHERE or their artwork gets messy! I pray that I will realize every second how fast this time with my little children is going by and to not take it for granted. I pray for a funfilled summer where I grow closer to my children every day.

So with these words let Summer begin! Only 86 days to spend with my numero uno until he gets on the school bus! Wow!

What do I want for Mothers Day?

What do I want for Mothers Day is the question my husband asked me -

I really don't want to be selfish but I'd like them to just let me be!

I'd love to sleep in, drink coffee in my pj's and read a good mag

It's not really about a new outfit or the most perfect new bag!

I'd love to have all my laundry washed & put away-

I'd love to see no fingerprints....just for today!

My carpets would be clean with not one goldfish anywhere

My couch would not have pen mark scribbled everywhere!





I'd have designer curtains and fancy things and such

and I wouldn't have to holler "no touch, no touch, NO TOUCH!"

I'd even go exercise by myself which isn't any fun

but it would be so glorious that I might even RUN!



I'd snuggle in my bed and take a nap or two

I'd celebrate all the things that I don't have to do!

But none of these things are realistic - it is what it is

but we have something new to celebrate - a new baby sis!





I couldn't be more thankful for all that I've been given

Could life get any better? Not the one I'm living!

On Mother's day please surround me with the ones that I love best!

and know that this is all I want and not one little thing less!

Road Trip to See My Carolina Girls!

So our family of five took a road trip this weekend to see my sister ("aunt mine") and her family. It was baby girl's first road trip and all the kids did great!!! Everyone did great in the car and slept great at her house - two of our biggest worries when traveling.

I've been having this overwhelming feeling that my kids are just growing up too fast and seeing my niece off to prom this weekend just reiterated that fact. I remember when she was born just like it was yesterday and now here she is, 16 and going to PROM! Is that how it's going to feel with my own daughter? Will I literally wake up and they'll all be grown? Numero Uno is riding the bus in the Fall, little man is pooping in the potty like a champ and baby girl is rolling over and laughing! My babies are growing up.

We had such a great time this weekend. It's so nice to be with my sister - we are so close and so alike in so many ways. Someone asked us if we were twins!!! We are 12 years apart people! That just shows you how great she looks and how fast I'm declining! We are so much alike in our mannerisms and looks and over the years have grown closer and closer. Her kids are alot older than mine so I see what lies ahead with my own children in their future teenage years...although I feel like some days I'd trade her my toddlers for her teens!

We took my niece to the mall to get her makeup done and I've never seen so many highschool girls getting their makeup done for prom! EVERY stool at every makeup counter was completely full - I know I'm old but is that new? whatever. I got my makeup done for my wedding and that was a huge deal!!! But MAC did her makeup and it was beautiful! She is definitely a natural beauty.

We went to a neighbor's shindig down the street and I couldn't get there fast enough! We tried to leave three times and little man starting crying then baby girl woke up. I thought we weren't going to be able to go (and with free babysitting too!) When we finally arrived, I was so happy to get there and have a margarita. Let me just tell you that my husband makes the best margarita I've ever had!!! I've yet to find anyone (including restaurants) that can make a better one! And I saw the funniest saying on a cocktail napkin - it said " Wine is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy." Isn't that funny?

Then Sunday we went to church and saw my nephew sing in his church musical "Parableloosa" - it was like watching my childhood all over again.....seriously. I can't even begin to tell you how many musicals I was in just like that one! At one point, I found myself laughing out loud thinking of myself long ago doing the exact same thing!

I just hate they don't live closer.