I am...

I am brave because I took a 3 year old son and a tired 8 month old daughter to the store with ONLY 15 minutes to shop until I had to pick up my oldest from preschool.

I am patient after CALMLY telling my 3 year old son to sit down in the cart about 25 times. And, I was still smiling.

I am fast because after picking out all my items my 3 year old son had to pee. Hence, the RUSH to the restroom.

I am strong because I held my 3 year old boy up to pee in the "too-high" toilet WHILE also holding my 8 month old daughter. I also held them both up for hand washing (ouch my back!)

I am entertained by the fact that my 3 year old could not aim that pee INTO the "too-high" toilet - only all around it and (of course) on the seat, which an old lady outside the stall was waiting to SIT ON.

I am grateful that there was toilet paper to wipe down the seat so that old lady did not have to experience a "nice surprise." And, my good friend was SO kind to pick up my oldest son and hold onto him until I arrived a few minutes late to pick him up (not sure what made me late? - haha).

Matthew is turning 3 years old!

Mischievious
Loving
Kind-hearted
Cuddly
Affectionate
Sociable
Quiet
Full of life
Full of zest
A blessing to the world
Matthew, my son

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BBQ Time

We had some friends over today for a steak dinner and some adult conversation, BUT it seems as though I couldn't partake in much of the conversation due to the constant distraction of my children. Does that sound bad? My kids are a "distraction?" All I wanted was to chat with my friends, and enjoy the day WITHOUT having to yell at/discipline my oldest child for mistreating his little brother, WITHOUT having to change my younger son's pants because he peed in them, WITHOUT having to tell my oldest son not to talk back to me, WITHOUT having to change 3 poopy diapers within 1 hour, WITHOUT having to clean poop off the bathroom floor and give my younger son a shower to clean off his "accident"...hey - at least there was wine :) Thanks for coming over (and witnessing the madness - hope it didn't scare you), guys!

Bedtime battles

Being the fantastic mother I am, I threatened to put Joseph outside to sleep last night after the boys would not settle down and go to sleep (hope no permanant damage was done). Needless to say, there was a lot of disrespect from my oldest son leading up to my "rage." Well parents, for your information, this tactic DOES NOT work on strong willed children like my own. Tonight at bedtime, they continued to be as wild as possible (every night is a sleepover in their room) until I just asked "what do I need to do to get you to listen to me?" The response shocked me..."Mom, you need to put me outside to sleep," exclaimed Joseph. I told him to get his blankie and pillow. He responded with something even MORE shocking..."Mom, you need to take me there kicking and screaming." WTH?! Calling his bluff, I had him calmly follow me outside, put his blankie and pillow on the ground, and I closed all the doors, thinking to myself "This'll do the trick." Ummmm....No it didn't. I looked outside and he was riding his scooter around. So, I took the scooter away and closed the door again, thinking "Ok, now he'll decide he wants to go to bed." Ummmm....NOPE...I looked outside and he was making faces at his little brother in the bedroom window up above. Uh oh...I felt the "mommy rage" coming back. I lead him back upstairs for some more "bedtime fun." It all ended with me calling "the birthday fairy" (AKA Grandpa) to convince them to go to sleep in order to get great presents on their upcoming birthdays. I am just praying that they will become extremely successful and driven men with those strong wills.

Happy Mother's Day!

Never have I been so BLESSED...I pray that all of you experience the same intensity of love that a mother feels for her children.






























My mom deserves ALL the credit for my mothering skills. She was and still is an AMAZING mom! Happy Mother's Day, mom!

Brought to tears

Mother's Day is approaching, and Joseph's preschool had a little celebration for us moms today. I was able to go ALL BY MYSELF (minus the 2 littlest ones) to share special time with my first born baby. He was so excited to see me walking up to his classroom. I couldn't hold back the tears as he hugged me so tight, brought me a snack, sang to me "I love my mommy" song while looking into my eyes, and gave me a self-made gift. What a blessing it is to be a mom! I have joked about wanting "time away" from my children this Mother's Day, but in reality I simply cannot exist without the presence of my children. When I am getting much needed time away, an integral part of me misses them deeply. There is no greater love than that of a mother and her child.

Joyous smile

Takes my breath away
Sweet soft skin against mine
Smile from ear to ear
Share that joy precious baby girl
Beaming a light that shines upon all

So big yet so small

Often times I look at my boys as being so "big" because they are maturing and developing new skills and language, but when I look at pictures from the day they are so small. Especially when they are finally wearing "big boy underwear" like little Matthew is - yay for potty training! (see below) Nothing cuter than a little booty ;)

Brotherly love

Joseph picking up Matthew (they almost weight the same) :)