Links I Love...a little late!

What a Good Mother Does..... by Well Grounded Life

This one is for my mother-in-law!  An Amy Butler video - inspires, even those that don't love fabric.  Enjoy Charlie!  I found this on Elisa Lou's blog


I follow Kelle Hampton's blog because she is an amazing mom with an amazing outlook on life.  If you haven't read Nella's birth story, you are missing out. It will sit with you. forever.   I also LOVE the music that she plays.  She changes her playlist around a little from day to day.  A while back I wrote to her and told her I love her music and shared a few songs I thought she would like...and today she has one playing that I suggested.  I have NO idea if she got the song idea from me or if she came across it some other way...but still...so fun to think that I might have shared something with her that she liked because I find so much that inspires me from her blog and music choices.

Ed, you are a great daddy.  You give this to Charley - nightly.    Love this blog called Boy Crazy and here are her thoughts On Being Heard.  And her thoughts on the Silhouettes of bedtime - a reminder for a mama who has been with them All. Day. Long.  The moments before dreams settle in - I need to cherish them a little more.

Friday Thoughts...

Feeling a little out of sorts.

Trying to get the house cleaned up from letting it go during the REALLY hot days without air.

Windows are open again - because it makes me happy.

Too tired at night to read, comment, or write blogs.

Our grass grows too fast...mowing constantly.

Henry had his last class today.

Charley has one more week or so.

I am ready for summer.

Lazy mornings.  No where to be.

We were overscheduled last summer - we will live opposite this summer.

We will let the days unfold.

Spur of the moment fun.

Enjoying water with a lemon floating in it.

I am adjusting Henry's nap schedule. It seems if I keep it under 2 hours he goes to bed at night like a dream.

It is hitting me that Charley will be a kindergartener next year. UNBELIEVABLE!

I am terrible at keeping secrets.

Today Charley asked, "When are you going to make gravy, again?"

Not sure when I actually made gravy...that is my mom's thing at Thanksgiving.

He wasn't sure what he would eat the gravy with...hmmm....

I call my mom and pester her way too much during the day.

Emailing my sister is a highlight of my day.

The dollar store has these huge pencil like water shooter things that my boys LOVE.  They have spent hours spraying things all around the house.  I will go get more...since they only last for awhile and the stores are out of them mid summer.

We need a new backyard kiddie pool....the one we had (a blow up elephant thingy) popped...it lasted 4 summers.  Do we go blow up or the hard blue plastic...need advice!  We will not do anything that has to stay up for longer than a day or two.

The world is a small place...my brother-in-law's little girl might go to the same daycare as a childhood friend's little guy....too weird.  But very cool!

I need some new shorts.

A friend blogger did a post recently answering questions that her readers had for her.  I LOVED hearing about the little things in her life that I always wonder.  If you are wondering about something ...about me....send your question (email or comment) my way and I can see about getting a post of answers. 

I have a recipe or two to share...but I want to make it and take a picture first.  Too hot - lazy. 

Okay, enough rambling.  Just letting you all know that we are alive and living full lives here.  Just too whipped by the summer temps in spring to do much more than drink a glass of Simply Lemonade and gaze at my boys playing wildly with their water shooters. 

Summer.  

I. Am. READY.

Ice Cream Cone Reflections

Who can stand to eat like this...with the gooey melting ice cream slowly drip dropping down the side of your hand? 

A TWO YEAR OLD. 

My two year old, Henry.

And as a mama - I could easily have said, "Nope, let's not go there.  It will be Waaaay too messy." 

But by saying yes, I am given a moment to watch him totally enthralled and enjoying this summer treat.

My own ice cream cone tasted 10 times better enjoying it beside this little man. 

He is joy.  

He is ready for a fun summer of sticky fingers and a sticky belly.

And he has a mama who is vowing to say YES to a lot of summer adventures that might be too sticky or sandy or muddy or silly.  

YES!   

And once in a while I am so proud of the moment I capture with my camera. 

So let's reflect...

Say yes to a summer treat and smile!

This post is linked to Tuesday's Unwrapped and Steady Mom's 30 Minute Blog Challenge.

Unexpected summer weather...

May in Minnesota can typically bring some beautiful summer-like days. However, today and even yesterday the temperatures reached record highs. I think at one point it was 93 degrees outside!

We decided it was time to turn on our almost new air conditioner (last summer was our first). Of course, on an uncomfortably hot day it doesn't work. So Sunday night the family went to the library for awhile and then out to dinner. No one slept great but we survived. When we called for repair they informed us they would not get to us until Tuesday.

Inside our house we were dealing with temps of 85. I left things closed up hoping this was the right choice - not sure if the chance of a breeze was the better choice.

The thing I realized was - friendship. I had friends offer me their house, even when they weren't going to be home, just so we could hang out somewhere cool. I had a friend have us over spur of the moment to play in the pool bright and early. I had a friend take Charley so he could run and play but find refuge in their cool house (they also offered for Henry and I to come to). I had friends offer fans (which we are using full blast tonight). And I had two invites to come over for the night and sleep in their cool basements.

Now, the weather today probably wasn't even all that bad compared to what is coming for summer...but I think the first hot days are always hard - we aren't ready, we aren't adjusted. Pools aren't open. We are just not ready. It never got as humid as they had predicted. Lucky.

But I didn't feel well today and I was so thankful for the friends that were so thoughtful. Thank you! And if you ever find yourself in a similar predicament - know that you are always welcome at our house.

4 Kids and what I learned...

I have a friend that has four kids and she is the most amazing mom. I would describe her as laid back, at ease, sure of herself, and fun! I can tell that she gives herself wholeheartedly to her kids. She thoroughly enjoys being home with them. Mothering Inspiration.


This weekend I offered to take a friend's two girls so they could get away! So this weekend I had four kids ages 8, 5, 5, and 2. The first 20 minutes were quiet but then the squealing, yelling, and excitement began.

I got four to bed by 9:20pm. The energy was high each night, with it being Charley's first sleepover (maybe Elly's too). But everyone slept through the nights without any issues.....including me.

EVERYONE (under the age of 30) was up and ready to play at 6:13am.


Things I have learned:


Take it ONE. AT. A. TIME.
While I got the beds situated upstairs I called them up one at a time. They each got their pj's on individually. I know what happens when I have two dropping their drawers - they bolt, spin, and get this burst of energy that no parent can fight. So by breaking it down there was no burst of energy! WOO HOO! This worked for getting dressed in the morning too. Since we all had to be out of the house by 8:40!


PIZZA CUTTERS BRING SANITY!
Pancakes all around with various toppings for breakfast on Saturday morning...syrup and powdered sugar, butter and jam, syrup, butter. And the pizza cutter is key! You want to cut up pancakes FAST? So that you can serve all four at relatively the same time...PIZZA CUTTER it is!



YOU ONLY HAVE YOURSELF TO COUNT ON!
Ed got a surprise opportunity to go see the Twin vs. Brewers game. With the new stadium and the good old Brewers as the team to watch....I couldn't let him miss out on the opportunity. So he ditched me around lunch and left me for the rest of the day to fend for myself. We managed quite well but having another adult around does lower ones anxiety.


QUIET TIME IS KEY!
Both nights I had the kids come in from running around outside like looney birds. I offered many quiet activity options - and sadly said no to things like hide and seek and "spies". The quiet activity brought everyone's bodies to a slower pace, everyone's voices seemed to soften, and bedtime was anticipated instead of dreaded.


SHOWERS WORK.
Washing off one's body from the days sweat, sand, and fun is really helpful in settling in for a goodnight of sleep. I could tell my boys were sticky and icky on Saturday night and they love to take showers. So I threw them in the shower while the girls colored. They came out refreshed. Then Elly opted to take one...and 45 minutes after I put them to bed Emma wandered down ready to cool herself down. I know that it sometimes adds a good 15 minutes to the bedtime routine, but I think it settles them that much faster.


No need to plan activities!When you have four kids you notice how they will bounce from one thing to the next. Four little imaginations ROCK! It is hilarious to see what they come up with, who takes the lead, and how they can include everyone, even the little 2 year old who marches around in so much proud glory. I can see the benefit to having more than 2 kids...when they tire of the one playmate they can find play with the third or fourth.


The man with the Red hair and Red shoes saved my sanity...and it is okay.
I had planned to have the kids make their own pizzas on Saturday night for dinner dough was ready to go...but with Ed gone, a successful and long park excursion, and the idea of messing up the kitchen AGAIN - convinced me that running through McDonalds would be fun and super easy. I try to avoid that place, and still my boys chant it when they see it, but from time to time, a busy mom can't not admit to the convenience of Ronald's cooking! Best 11 dollars I have spent in a long time!

Having Girls stay for the weekend means I get to do a few girl things...Like comb hair. After their showers they let me spray with detangler and comb their hair. Something I don't get to do to my boys. They are more "shuffle it with a towel and hope for the best" kind of hair do guys. I know that many little girls fuss about getting their hair combed and styled...but for a mama of two boys - it sure was a treat!


I was honored to be trusted with these two little girls for the weekend. It was a fun weekend! And 4, I did okay with....which makes 3 ....something to ponder.

Even a 2 year old knows who to cheer for!

This weekend we are enjoying the company of some friends while their parents get away for a little anniversary celebration. Tonight during their quiet time activity this is what I overheard.

Background info:
Ed went to a Twins vs. Brewers game today at the new Twins Stadium. As the kids were quietly working on designing zoos with animal stickers, large pieces of white paper, and crayons & markers...I heard this conversation:

Charley (age 5): When do we get to see daddy?

Emma (age8): Not for a while. Baseball games are really long. So are football games.

Charley: I have been to a Packer game!

Emma: Cool!

Emma: I have been to a Viking game!

HENRY (age 2): Why? (with a puzzled look)

We have raised our boys well. Go! PACK! Go!

Happiness, Memory, Lust, and Yes

This week I participated in Momalom's Five for Ten the last two weeks. 

 

Here are a few of my favorite posts, one for each topic/theme, that I wandered upon during my time connecting with other bloggers. 

Could not have said it better:  Happiness

Totally relate:  Memory

Read the whole thing...especially new mommies:  Lust

Am I done having kids?:  YES

and one other that hit me, as a parent of a soon to be kindergartner!

Happy Weekending!

P.S.  Don't forget to enter my $50 giveaway to an online CSN Store.

Friday thoughts w/ pictures!

*Don't be blinded by the white bread...I accidentally grabbed the wrong loaf this week.

Welcome New Friend Friday and Friday Follow Visitors!

Organically Grown Review

Recently I was given the opportunity to try an review an outfit for Henry from the Organically Grown Company.  Typically, I will not do reviews without some benefit to you, my readers - but I couldn't pass up the opportunity to try a cute outfit for my little second child that always gets the "hand me downs".  And I am always trying to learn more about the "organic" choices we can make. 

Why Organic cotton?  Taken from Organically Grown's About page:  "According to the Organic Exchange, as estimated 170 million pounds of pesticides, and 25% of the world's insecticides are used in the production of conventional, non-organic cotton. 7 out of 10 of these pesticides are on the EPA's "known" list of "likely" or "probable" carcinogens. These chemicals result in the work-force illnesses, water contamination, and the devastation of farmland. All of the problems are eliminated through organic farming practices. Organically Grown is proud to be a part of the solution."

The outfit arrived and then we waited....we waited and waited and waited...for the warm summer temps.  Too bad Organically Grown Company couldn't send some California temps too.  But, they have arrived!  We might even hit 80 these next few days.  Henry put on the outfit, after I washed it, and it fit almost perfect.  They sent me a 3T just in case.  Henry is an average sized 2T child...and the 3T is verging on small.  So just like all the unique special brands of clothes out there - they typically run small. 

The design says Nature Boy and it is so subtle and cute.  I love that it isn't a bright in your face design.  Classy.  The fabric is soft and thick.  It was quality material...not thin and cheap.  It was comfy with an elastic waist that was snug enough to stay up...without buttons or snaps to mess with.  He had no complaints all day!  The pants included little pockets for the many treasures that little fingers uncover during the day.

Organically Grown also sells packs of onesies or bodysuits for $20.  The item though that intrigues me...because I will be honest that the price of $28 for Henry's outfit is pretty steep for me...especially during garage sale season, and to me garage sales is one way I promote green living.  The thing I am most tempted to order from them are these vintage t-shirts for women.  $14 you can't go wrong!  They look super soft and very affordable!  I might have to order me one or two of those. 

We will enjoy this outfit all summer!  

Things Whipping Through My Mind on Wednesday!

It is Wednesday and I have several things going through my mind...

1. Happy Birthday Lynelle! A great friend who I don't see too much these days because our darn kids are on opposite schedules. But I am looking forward to watching over your little gals this weekend so you can have a little time with your husband!

2. I added some new songs to my playlist below (I think my mom and dad will love song number 2).

3. I have so many friends who are wrapping up the school year - as educators. It is a time of mixed emotions, anticipation, and excitement. Take in the moments. Enjoy that your profession gives you an end and a fresh start next fall. Breathe!

4. I have a giveaway going on and it only has 22 entries so far! A great chance to win $50 to spend at one of 200 stores associated with CSN Stores. Go here and just get in the game! The winner will be announced on Saturday!

5. I am at the point where Henry can get around on a public playground without me following extremely close. This means going to the park with friends allows for a little chat time...one eye always on my little man of course!

6. Henry and I walked to a park this morning to meet Charley after his preschool class. After a good 25 minute walk we arrived and then Henry had to greet the park by filling his pants. I of course didn't bring a diaper or wipes. Thank good for fellow moms-- Always there for each other. I owe a gal named Ann a diaper!

7. It is summer - well it feels like it at least. And my boys in barefeet turning their swingset slide into a waterslide is delightful!

8. Henry is finally loving his swimming lessons and is kicking and scooping. Charley is attempting some new swim skills. So proud of my boys. And very proud of myself for getting in my suit and hopping in the pool twice a week this time of year.

9. Sorry for all the little blogs today. I had stolen moments and random thoughts or pictures to share.

Who remembers this?

Yes!

Wordless Wednesday - FORE!

Charley's first golf lesson!

For more Wordless Wednesdays go here!

Henry works with one hammer

Henry works with one hammer

One hammer

One hammer

Henry works with one hammer

Charley does too!

When both our boys were born we tossed around many names.  I knew in my heart though that I wanted them to have names that....you would buy a hammer from.  Nothing against any of the names that don't fit this description...but my heart, for my boys, leaned towards the names that sounded trustworthy, traditional, and sturdy.  

The kind of name you would find on a name tag at a kindhearted helpful man in a hardware store (Hardware Hank!).  After much consideration we decided on Charley and Henry.  We are so happy with their names - just as all parents are. 

Recently, we were working on cleaning up our basement, organizing it, getting rid of the junk (it is an unfinished basement with lots of potential).  Ed and I have worked hard down there...and right beside us were our little helpers, Chuck and Hank.  To keep them busy I pulled out some large Styrofoam type pieces of garbage and grabbed a handful of golf tees and they got their hammers and went to work.  Charley loved the more real hammering experience.  Give it a try!

Boys in the Bath!

My sister and husband and their little Eli came to visit this past weekend.  They arrived at 9:30 pm on Friday and left by 9 am on Sunday but it didn't feel like just one night.  We did so many perfect things on Saturday that it kind of felt like they were here for more than one day. 

More to come!

"Not Me" Monday

 

It has been awhile since I have posted a "not me" Monday post...lacking inspiration.  However, recently some hilarious inspiration fell into my lap.  And this really is a "NOT ME" Monday - it actually is my sister...who gave me permission to share. 

So last week she had a full work day at her hospital and also had to squeeze a big, important, doctor appointment in for her son.  The appointment was on the medical campus so she didn't have to leave her work in a car or anything.  The full day of work, beginning at 7am and the big appointment were huge on her mind. 

My sister doesn't get to work at 7am... nope not her.  And she doesn't park her car and head in.  She doesn't get through her full work day and important doctor appointment with flying colors. 

On her way out of the office at 4pm...to head home to be a fabulous mommy and wife to her family she didn't realize she couldn't find her keys.  Since the walk to the car is long she didn't decide to call her friend in the office to have her look for the keys.  Nope.  So she didn't call her other office.  Nope.  At this point she is coming upon where her car should be and thinking that she locked them in her car.

No, my sister didn't walk up to her car and find it RUNNING and ready to go.  NOT MY SISTER.  the doors weren't unlocked for easy departure.  Nope, my sister did not leave her car running from 7am until 4 pm....with the doors unlocked.  Nope, not my little sister.

And to be honest, I didn't leave my automatic sliding van door wide open for Charley's golf lesson on Friday, just two days after my sister's silly mistake.  Nope, not me!....but at least the car wasn't running.

Thanks little sister for the inspiration.  When you told me this story I had tears from laughing so hard.

Head here for more Not Me Monday posts.

A Thank You to My Readers! GIVEAWAY!

I am excited to announce my second real giveaway.

CSN Stores has over 200 online stores where you can find tv stands, furniture, toys, home decor, and so much more!  You can find a listing of all of their online stores here.  They contacted me and are giving me a $50 gift card to giveaway to one of you.  My fabulous readers.   Go here to participate.

I Blog for my Memory

Memory... is the diary that we all carry about with us.  ~Oscar Wilde, "The Importance of Being Earnest"

Those mothers who have gone before me and raised their miracles 

know that it passes too quickly.  

Those mothers who have gone before me know that someday I will wish I remember more.

Those mothers who have gone before me know that motherhood is about balancing the feelings of enjoying the "right now" stage and the feelings of anticipation for the next stage.

Those mothers that have gone before me and stop me in the grocery store and tell me that these are the best days of my life - and someday I will REALLY understand this...Thank you!

I blog. 

I blog for the memories. 

I want them to be there when my heart swells and is overwhelmed that this time of raising little ones has passed. 

Memory.

Friday Thoughts

Next week I am going to host a giveaway for a $50 giftcard to any of CSN's online stores. CSN Stores has over 200 online stores where you can find tv stands, furniture, toys, home decor, and so much more! Stay tuned!

My sister and family are coming to visit this weekend.  YAHOOO!  Little Eli will roam amongst the big boys toys.  My sister and I will get in a little garage sale-ing.  Charley will have fans at his second soccer game.  It will be a fabulously fun but also furiously fast weekend.

Proud of my mom and dad for taking care of themselves in life. 

I just spent an hour and a half mowing our lawn.  I love mowing our lawn.  I love our newly fresh cut lawn at dusk in the spring time.  This time of year our lawn could compete with any lawn on our street...by mid summer when the temps rise and it is dry, our lawn can't compete with the fabulous sprinkler systems that go off daily all around us.

My boys love to garage sale. They hop in and out of the car.  They rarely beg for toys.  They are gentle.  Holding hands crossing the streets and staying close to me come natural.  We love this season.

I found a smaller bike for Charley today at a garage sale.  I have a feeling we will have a two wheel biker on our hands sooner than we think.  The fancy bike we bought him last year is just too big for him to learn on and the other little bike we have seems too small.  This one should be just right!

Henry is still not saying the letter sound F.  So when he hears sirens he says "Ire truck!  Ire Ighter!"  He can't wait to go "ishing" with grandpa Bob.  And there are so many more that make my heart swell.

The sun is finally shining today.  All week it has been rainy and dreary.  I actually love rainy days...but then realize how much more I like the sunny days when they return. 


Happy Friday friends!  I appreciate all the comments and emails lately.  They really do make my day.  I have been putting more time in with the boys and haven't been as good at returning comments (which I still can't do for so many of you who don't link your email!). 

Happy weekending!



This is linked to Trendy Treehouse's Friday Follow

A Mother's Happiness

The second topic for Momalom's Five for Ten is Happiness.




Happiness. 

Pressure.

When I think about happiness I tend to get anxious because when I look too hard I only see the big picture....and it is the smaller picture that is full of the things that work together to make my life extremely happy.

Even when I am racing around with the kids, late for kindergarten testing (or whatever it was called), I can pause and realize that even though I hate how stressed and unorganized I am - I. AM. HAPPY. to have these two boys to race around with, in this minivan with 30 cupholders that gets us there, with a husband working hard and calling to see how things are all going, and a mom who answers her cell phone to hear her daughter (me) panic.

When you try to analyze your life to find the happiness I think you can tend to get lost in looking at what isn't working, what you don't have, what you can't wait for etc. Instead of realizing the grace in the moments that are right there under your feet, in your arms, standing next to you, a phone call away, and sitting at your kitchen table.

“We tend to forget that happiness doesn't come as a result of getting something we don't have, but rather of recognizing and appreciating what we do have.”  Frederick Keonig

Lately, I have been so glad that I have taken moments to pause and notice the things that make me feel so content and filled with joy. A lot of time it is when I am in the kitchen...

-sipping my coffee with vanilla creamer has COMPLETELY changed my mornings. I look forward to the little treat, I don't gulp it like orange juice, it warms me when our house is 65 degrees, and I have to stop to drink it because otherwise the hot liquid will splatter all over.

-when I feed my boys breakfast and lunch I rarely sit down. I know I should. But instead I usually clean up, unload and load the dishwasher, and cater to their little desires (more water, more milk, more of this and more of that). But it is when I am not sitting there that their silly little conversations spark and I am allowed to hear the two of them converse - and oh, how they converse. When I sit there the conversation is more structured or even quiet. I love hearing the two of them dine together.

-when I am preparing dinner the boys are usually at their "wild" stage of the day.  We have finally cleaned up one half of the basement enough for them to run around and kick balls in. So for the last few evenings I have kept this as our dinner prep time activity. Listening to them giggle, play, cry and soothe each other, and squeal with happiness is pure joy.  Especially when I can whip up something that makes me feel like I accomplished something "adult" while sipping a small glass of wine.

Other times it is the quiet moments that I know will soon not be possible:

-quiet afternoons with just Charley and I...playing Super Mario Brothers, baking banana bread, doing a "project", competing with games like Sorry, Trouble, and Go Fish.

-rocking Henry to sleep at nap time. I know he is getting way to big for this and the habit isn't a wise one. But the fact that I can read him two books, flip his music on, and snuggle him in my lap, close my eyes, take in his little 2 year old scent, and let my eyes close...while listening to his breathing slowly relax and his nuk (yes, I know, I know) plop in my lap telling me that I can place him in his crib.

But some of my most secret happiness, comes in the moments when I can share in the realizations of grand little moments.

-looking over at my husband when we witness moments together as parents. Our boys are full of crack up moments these days and the smiles that appear on my husbands face, showing that we both caught the little things our boys do and say - especially when in the car - bring pure happiness.

-the comments I catch that aren't even meant for me to hear from the random strangers that pass us at the park or in the grocery store saying how cute or well behaved etc. my boys are. They can transform a hurried grocery shop or a park stop that I am anxious to end into an outing that slows down and is enjoyed.

Happiness is there. You just have to have the perspective and pause to see it. Yes, sure it can be found in the big moments (vacations,  family holidays, births, weekend plans). But I think of this quote...and I am not sure where I read it recently:

"What you do every day matters more than

what you do once in a while."

My challenge for myself is to find as many moments that make my heart swell within my day to day life. It is there that I find the happiness that keeps me going, and going, and going.   It isn't the big exciting NEW YEARS night that is built up and never lives up to expectation...happiness is best found in the other 364 nights of the year when you are racing to swim lessons, battling bedtime, snuggled in watching a movie, sitting around the kitchen table for family dinner, enjoying a mom's night out, or a date with your husband. 

Find your happiness in the every day.

What have you accomplished by 7:30 am!

Every household is different. Some moms work full time outside of the home. Some work partime. Some stay at home all day and that is hard work too. Each scenerio includes enormous amounts of energy.

I remember when Charley was ages 4 months until almost three I would have to juggle my full time job as a teacher plus my full time job as a mom. I had to turn off one job and concentrate on the other at different times of the day...even though my job as a mom was near impossible to turn off. I had to fit in making meals, laundry, keeping house, enjoying my child, running errands, taking care of myself, my husband, my marriage, etc. And I did it. I didn't know any different. I had the energy. The drive. I felt balanced...most of the time. And I was proud to be a woman doing it all...

I have friends that work part-time and I give them a ton of credit. Often times working part-time means doing a full time job in the hours of a part time employee. During their time off they try and squeeze everything in that a stay at home mom does and when working they put in the effort that a full time working mom does. It almost seems like the hardest of the three scenerios that I am describing.

Now, I experience the stay at home mom lifestyle. And though I am not prepping and getting out the door each morning to work, I find different challenges during my day. Finding motivation to get up and showered...because if you are going to "just be home" why do I need to wear anything but comfy pants. Managing to stay sane and happy for these two little boys that are at times so full of energy or are so crabby that it is hard to find patience. Days where I don't leave the house - or talk to another adult. There is no promotions, raises, customers that say "good job". Although, if you are a stay at home mom you know there are tons of little things daily that can give you the boost...you just have to slow down and notice them.

Anyways, each of these types of mommy lifestyles is hard in it's own way. And there are even more mommy lifestyles that add more challenges... being a single parent, relatives living with you, travelling spouses, illness, and loss of jobs. All of these things draw different energy from a mother's soul.

So this morning it was 7:00 and my boys were miraculously still sleeping. So I grabbed my laptop to browse some blogs and emails. I got lost in reading and was pulled out of my online trance to Henry calling "MAMA! Downstairs!" So I typed an email to my sister in a panic. It was now 7:30 and we had to be out the door at 8:20 and I needed to be showered today because I had a doc appointment at 9:45. She emailed me and said:

GET UP!
i'm showered.
ate breakfast.
got eli's food ready.
got my lunch ready.
checked email.
checked facebook.
checkedy your blog
loaded the dishwasher
drove to work
did inpatient organization.
walked to outpatient clinic.
put my lunch away.
ate toast for breakfast.
talked to husband on the phone.
checked email at work.
opened a diet coke.
got ice.
look how much i've got accomplished.

My sister is still considered a "new mom" in my eyes .. her little miracle is turning one in June. She works full time and wears the white coat in the hospital that means she is important. I am in awe of her when I see her in her work place. Walking through the waiting room I have seen the many beautiful patients with gorgeous scarves wrapped around their heads. She is important. She should know that her job matters, both at home and at the hospital.

I know many days when she feels so torn to be working. But looking into her patient's eyes I hope she sees the importance in her insight. And while she is doing her job as a working mom she has a little bean napping and getting into trouble and waiting for mama to walk in the door so he can reach out and smile big!

I think that is one of the moments that stay at home moms miss out on. The reunion on a day to day basis that is such a natural high that it keeps you going day in day out.

I did bounce out of bed. The boys had pancakes and apples with peanut butter on. I showered, did my hair, got dressed, and we were ALL out the door in plenty of time. Raina you inspired me to get my day started with vigor.

To each mom out there - Your day to day story varies but when it all comes down to it, we are all women, making choices for what works best for our families, our personalities, and our happiness. We are doing what we have to do and trying to find the balance that will give us a full life.

What did you get done by 7:30 am?

And to my sister, you better be sleeping by 7:30 pm! So that you can have some fun with me this weekend!

Wordless Wednesday - Seattle

Wordless Wednesday is linked up here.