Last week of summer

To escape the heatwave, we headed out to Del Taco (a little ghetto, I know) for some lunch and play. This fantastic picture of my precious children came out great.

As I was looking at this picture, I realized that this may be one of the last "free"moments to all go out together and enjoy the day during the week. Joseph starts kindergarten next week. Matthew starts preschool next week. They are growing up, and it breaks my heart to let go of "my babies." Although my boys fight A LOT, they truly love each other and enjoy playing with each other. This time is coming to an end. They will go to SEPARATE schools with SEPARATE friends - how weird! Oh, how I have thoroughly enjoyed our moments together! I wish I could bottle up these feelings.

THIS makes all the suffering disappear

(Wo)man Down, (wo)man down!

First, let me tell you just how much I LOVE breastfeeding. Obviously I do because I do it even when it makes me TERRIBLY SICK. This past weekend, after a fun-filled night with my hubby, my breast started to hurt like it was engorged, so I woke up baby for an extra feeding. Then, throughout the night I started getting feverish, achy, nauseous, and down right ill. My first thought was that I had a breast infection, so I rushed to the ER at 4:30 in the morning. I'm now on antibiotics, but OMG did I go through a lot after my trip to the ER. I was SOOOOOOO sick! THANK GOD FOR MY AWESOME HUSBAND, who took over everything!!!! I definitely chose well for my partner and father of my children. The doctor told me that I "can stop nursing now. You've done more than enough," but I disagree. Although this was a difficult experience to have, I would do ANYTHING to give my daughter the BEST. I will continue to breastfeed her until her and I are ready to stop. You fellow BFing moms understand ;)

She's got him wrapped <3

Sense of style?

Joseph is going through a phase (when is he not?) of wearing a clip-on tie with EVERY shirt. This gets a few "looks" from others, but what the heck, it shows off his unique personality. However, he insists upon buttoning his "handsome" shirts ALL THE WAY up to the top - can we say conservative? I'm so curious to see what's next. I just love his confidence as he walks around with his clip-on tie...only he could get away with that :)

New found independence

He just turned 5. Such a "big boy!" But today, he became an even "bigger boy." He got breakfast (cereal) on the table for him and his brother while I slept in an extra 10 minutes - ahhhh nice. Then, tonight, my oldest child, my first born baby took a shower ALL BY HIMSELF. This may not seem like a big deal to any of you, but it's HUGE to a mother. It marks a whole new independence. I feel like I'm losing "my baby." He is growing up so fast. On top of that, after I left with his little brother to go on a "date," he brushed his teeth, went potty, tucked himself into bed (daddy fell asleep on the couch), and called me on my cell phone to say goodnight (he learned how to call before I left). WOW - now that is a day of accomplishment! It is a day that makes me feel elated and heartbroken at the same time. But if I get 10 minutes more of sleep in the morning tomorrow, I may not feel so heartbroken over his new skills :)

Double duty date

The boys have "chore charts" on which they earn stickers if they've completed their "chore" at the end of the day. So, tonight I decided I would take them out late (6:30 pm - woohoo!) for a date to the candy store to reward them for all the stickers on their charts this past week. I've always taken them out individually on dates, but never together, so I was looking forward to being with my little men. They were so excited to pick out Willy Wonka bars to win a "golden ticket." After they ate some chocolate, I took them to Walmart to put toys on their wish lists. I should have known to drive on home when they needed to be reminded a few times to behave BEFORE we got in the store. By the end of our time there, my blood pressure rose and both boys were crying because I cut our time short (due to not listening). They certainly influence each other to misbehave sometimes. FUN TIMES! At least I tried, right? I think I'll stick to one-on-one dates from now on.

Anyone seen "Zoolander?"

blogging inspiration

I follow a few blogs that are truly inspirational. However, I can't seem to express my thoughts so eloquently and effortlessly on here. My home is quiet, the perfect opportunity to share my thoughts. Yet, my mind is blank. It seems as though summer just began, and now it is half way over. We spend our time having fun in the pool or relaxing inside the air conditioning. I have been "under the weather" for a few days now. There is nothing worse than caring for others while suffering. My mom'll tell you that I am NOT a good patient. I think I've become stronger with each child I have. Enduring nausea and discomfort in pregnancy while caring for small children made me stronger (even though I moaned through it all). Enough randomness, I am off to have a good day (optimistically thinking)...