A little peek into how my mornings generally go:
6:30 - alarm goes off, but I need time to 'wake up', so I lay in bed, watch morning news, and check my email and Facebook.
7:00 - go wake the kids up, head downstairs, get their breakfast going. Make lunches. I make their lunches every day. I let Wyatt put some money in the hot lunch account this year, grudgingly, because those lunches are just, blech!, but I make their lunches. Today it was hot ramen, carrots, fruit and veggie strips (100% no preservatives), a fruit cup, and an Honest Kids drink pouch. I usually send water bottles with them, but I had an extra box of juice pouches from when we were snack parents.
7:30 - get the kids out the door - they have been riding their bikes to school, so they head up and move out!
7:40 - make coffee, watch morning news, or watch a DVR show or two.
But today, it went like this:
Make coffee (I have a Keurig). Throw laundry that I started this morning into dryer, add another load to washer. Decide to scoop litter box. Break out vacuum to clean up litter all over the place from the cats kicking it around. Look around and decide to vacuum the downstairs. Vacuum the kitchen (I don't sweep, it's extraneous). Decide to vacuum the couch. Put the vacuum away. Clean the table. Clean the kitchen counters. Look over and see that your coffee that you made 45 minutes ago is still sitting there. Laugh.
Isn't it funny how we just decide to 'do one thing really quick' and it turns into an hour of chores?
Such is the life of a mom!
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Sunday, May 13, 2012
Mothers Day 2012
It is amazing to me where my life is today. 17 months ago we brought home two wonderful, precious, beautiful children who needed us as much as we needed them. At the time, they were 7 and 9, and now they are 8 and 11goingon21.
They came to us scared, unsure, and cautious. Today they are brave, confident, and curious.
I've watched my baby girl spread her wings and take root in her generous spirit. She's learning how to be a good friend without being taken advantage of. She's discovering the drama that accompanies the fifth grade hormones. She's learned that she is a rock star softball player, and the confidence boost has done wonders for her self-esteem. She's learned that sometimes, things don't work out like you want them to, and you take away the lesson and move on.
I've watched my baby boy become a funny, sassy, self-assured little man. I've seen him find a way to overcome his trepidation on certain things. I've watched his anxiety level go way down. I've learned to deal with his penchant for always seeing things in black and white, constrained in a neat little box. I've worked with him on his quick anger, trying to teach him that we must be quick to think, slow to speak, and slow to Anger. He's learned that you can't always get what you want, and he has learned to graciously respond to the word 'no'.
I've seen my older son hit several milestones that I realized I was dreading. He turned 18. He went to prom. He got his first job. He got a car. He's going to graduate high school in a little over a week. I've been cautiously navigating this relationship twist. I'm still his parent, but I've taken a more advisory role, rather than a teaching role. It's been a journey for me.
As a mother who has come to motherhood both biologically and through adoption, I am so very thankful for this day. For the day that reminds me to be thankful for my blessings. To be thankful that I have a husband who loves our children, and sets an example for them by loving me. Who provides for his family without complaint, and who is someone that I can trust beyond a shadow of a doubt to be my partner in parenting. I am thankful that he is not someone that I have to ask 'to watch the kids', but rather a willing participant in their growth, learning, and life. Someone who doesn't feel that his family is 'something to be dealt with', but something he willingly helped grow.
To all of you mothers out there, happy Mother's Day. I hope you are as blessed this day as I am.
They came to us scared, unsure, and cautious. Today they are brave, confident, and curious.
I've watched my baby girl spread her wings and take root in her generous spirit. She's learning how to be a good friend without being taken advantage of. She's discovering the drama that accompanies the fifth grade hormones. She's learned that she is a rock star softball player, and the confidence boost has done wonders for her self-esteem. She's learned that sometimes, things don't work out like you want them to, and you take away the lesson and move on.
I've watched my baby boy become a funny, sassy, self-assured little man. I've seen him find a way to overcome his trepidation on certain things. I've watched his anxiety level go way down. I've learned to deal with his penchant for always seeing things in black and white, constrained in a neat little box. I've worked with him on his quick anger, trying to teach him that we must be quick to think, slow to speak, and slow to Anger. He's learned that you can't always get what you want, and he has learned to graciously respond to the word 'no'.
I've seen my older son hit several milestones that I realized I was dreading. He turned 18. He went to prom. He got his first job. He got a car. He's going to graduate high school in a little over a week. I've been cautiously navigating this relationship twist. I'm still his parent, but I've taken a more advisory role, rather than a teaching role. It's been a journey for me.
As a mother who has come to motherhood both biologically and through adoption, I am so very thankful for this day. For the day that reminds me to be thankful for my blessings. To be thankful that I have a husband who loves our children, and sets an example for them by loving me. Who provides for his family without complaint, and who is someone that I can trust beyond a shadow of a doubt to be my partner in parenting. I am thankful that he is not someone that I have to ask 'to watch the kids', but rather a willing participant in their growth, learning, and life. Someone who doesn't feel that his family is 'something to be dealt with', but something he willingly helped grow.
To all of you mothers out there, happy Mother's Day. I hope you are as blessed this day as I am.
Friday, May 11, 2012
Looks Like She Made IT!!
Jordan tried out for our All-Star Tournament Ball softball team on Sunday, May 6th. We've been anxiously awaiting word on whether or not she made it, and it finally came on Wednesday night! She's ON! We're so very proud of her for trying out, for giving her all, and for making it.
She's my All Star!
She's my All Star!
Monday, May 07, 2012
Super Proud Mama!
Jordan is in our local softball league. She plays first base primarily, with her backup position being catcher. It's her first year really playing, and she's doing exceptionally well. Her team just took the playoffs and has been sent on to the championships.
Due to all of the rain we had at the beginning of the season, the girls had a lot of makeup games to play, and the playoffs and the championship games were all pushed forward. I did not know the final dates until about three weeks ago, and because of this last-minute decision, had to cancel on attending my cousin's wedding in NYC this weekend. I'm sad about that, but I'm attending my daughter's first championship game. It's caused some hurt feelings, and for that I'm sorry, but as a parent, you do what you have to do. It's just too bad that those without children can't understand that our children's schedules do not fall into neat little rows all of the time.
Moving on, this Sunday Jordan also tried out for the Travel Ball Tournament Team. We're breathlessly awaiting the results. 23 girls tried out, and I know that there were a couple of more that had asked for accommodations due to a soccer tournament, and they only take max 15 for the roster! It's nail-biting, especially since you could tell that the girls who went out gave it their all and really wanted it!
Wyatt's soccer team is plugging along. They haven't won a game yet, but they did tie one! Poor guys! I feel bad for them, they just play their little hearts out.
It's hot today, and my kids will be walking in the door any minute. They've been riding their bikes back and forth to school, saving me gas and time. I bought them little mango and cream fruit bars from Trader Joe's as an after-school snack. They'll love me for it!!
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Something to Think About
Sometimes in the hectic rush and routine of our daily lives, we often forget to stop and be thankful.
I'm a Pinterest addict, and I 'pinned' a saying the other day. It says
I'm a Pinterest addict, and I 'pinned' a saying the other day. It says
'I urge you to please notice when you are happy,
and exclaim or murmur or think at some point
"If this isn't nice, I don't know what is"' ~ Kurt Vonnegut
I read this and it really resonated with me. I AM happy. Happy with my life, happy with my husband, happy with my children. Happy that we can give them this life of carefree days, no worries, the opportunity for world travel, never needing for anything (although the wanting part - that's what gets them!), always feeling loved, and secure. I look into those faces, and I see that they are relaxed, and solid.
We've been through a lot of changes since October. Changes that, without this solid foundation of our family unit and sticking together, could have easily torn us apart. Changes that might make someone anxious, yet because we have our cocoon, we were able to endure.
And it's not over. Far be it for me to say that our lives will now continue in this same routine, no. That's not the way our family works. We enjoy the restless wanderlust that we are faced with. We enjoy that feeling of having connections all over this earth. We are secure in the fact that no matter where we go, no matter where we end up, we are together.
Our children have been bitten by that bug. They are both itching to go somewhere, especially Wy. His common question on Thursdays is now: "Are we going to go anywhere this weekend?" When I tell him no, he answers with "I love our adventures."
I'm happy. And if this isn't nice, I don't know what is.
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Summer Lovin!
I know, I know, we just left Spring Break and I'm already focused on making summer plans!!!! YAY!
Two things we have set in stone: A vacation to Puerto Vallarta in July; and the kids are going away for a week at Memaw and Papaw Camp in Arizona! Today Jordan told us that she was invited to go to Indiana with one of her BFF's for a week this summer so we're going to try and make that happen. What a great opportunity.
In addition, I want to get back to New Jersey for a week so I can show the kids where mama grew up, point out the guidos and explain to them that if they bring home a 'Snooki' or a 'Situation', there will be the mother of ALL situations at our house.
I also want to take them to the City.
I'm headed to NYC next month for my cousin Michael's wedding. It's only for a quick weekend, and Chris and the kids aren't going, so I want to go back when the kids are out of school to take them. Jordan was born in February 2001 and Wyatt in October 2003, so for all intents and purposes, they've always lived in a world without the Twin Towers. I would love to take them to Ground Zero, get them a Sabrett hot dog, and ride them around on the subway. Additionally, I want to take them to FAO Schwarz and watch their heads explode.
We're also going to try and get to St. Louis to see the family again. We all love going there, and we've been twice now, and the kids LOVE that side of the family.
However, that's not the whole entire summer. So today, I came up with an idea, after perusing some websites. I told the kids today that they have three goals for the summer:
Two things we have set in stone: A vacation to Puerto Vallarta in July; and the kids are going away for a week at Memaw and Papaw Camp in Arizona! Today Jordan told us that she was invited to go to Indiana with one of her BFF's for a week this summer so we're going to try and make that happen. What a great opportunity.
In addition, I want to get back to New Jersey for a week so I can show the kids where mama grew up, point out the guidos and explain to them that if they bring home a 'Snooki' or a 'Situation', there will be the mother of ALL situations at our house.
I also want to take them to the City.
I'm headed to NYC next month for my cousin Michael's wedding. It's only for a quick weekend, and Chris and the kids aren't going, so I want to go back when the kids are out of school to take them. Jordan was born in February 2001 and Wyatt in October 2003, so for all intents and purposes, they've always lived in a world without the Twin Towers. I would love to take them to Ground Zero, get them a Sabrett hot dog, and ride them around on the subway. Additionally, I want to take them to FAO Schwarz and watch their heads explode.
We're also going to try and get to St. Louis to see the family again. We all love going there, and we've been twice now, and the kids LOVE that side of the family.
However, that's not the whole entire summer. So today, I came up with an idea, after perusing some websites. I told the kids today that they have three goals for the summer:
1. Learn something new. This can be a new skill, a new language, or whatever.
2. Read a great book. I'm not really worried about Jordan, she's my voracious reader, but I did tell Wyatt he has to get a book that has no pictures, and he has to read the whole thing. I know this will require a trip to the bookstore as opposed to the library.
3. Complete a project. This will involve them creating, designing, and completing a project of their choosing.
I'm pretty excited about the summer, and the possibilities it holds! School's out on June 14th! We're leaving on a surprise trip for the kids on the 15th! Can't wait!
I am the mother of an adult...
Yesterday marked a major milestone in my life. My eldest son turned 18. For the last 18 years I have dreaded this day, wishing it to stay away a few more days, a few more moments.
I remember SO vividly the feeling of utter fear as my water broke 8 weeks earlier than expected. I remember the panic rising in my throat and whispering to my baby 'not yet! It's too soon, too sudden!' I remember the car ride to the hospital and praying, begging God to PLEASE, let him be ok, let my baby live through this.
36 hours later, my son made his entrance into this world, screaming to my relief, showing us that indeed, his lungs were ready for this life.
Those first 12 days were stressful, sleepless, panicked, prayerful, and hopeful. My baby made it, and he grew, and he learned, and he loved and was loved.
And now he's 18.
He's a great son. A great brother. A great friend. And a great young man. I'm so proud of the person he's become and of the things he accomplished. I know he will be successful in all that he does, and I am excited to see what the next 18 years hold for him.
I remember SO vividly the feeling of utter fear as my water broke 8 weeks earlier than expected. I remember the panic rising in my throat and whispering to my baby 'not yet! It's too soon, too sudden!' I remember the car ride to the hospital and praying, begging God to PLEASE, let him be ok, let my baby live through this.
36 hours later, my son made his entrance into this world, screaming to my relief, showing us that indeed, his lungs were ready for this life.
Those first 12 days were stressful, sleepless, panicked, prayerful, and hopeful. My baby made it, and he grew, and he learned, and he loved and was loved.
He's a great son. A great brother. A great friend. And a great young man. I'm so proud of the person he's become and of the things he accomplished. I know he will be successful in all that he does, and I am excited to see what the next 18 years hold for him.
Monday, March 26, 2012
March 26...Almost Spring Break!
Wow!! I can't believe that the first quarter of 2012 is almost over. I also can't believe how much I've 'neglected' this blog. One would think that being a SAHM leaves me tons of time to blog, but sadly, no.
So...what's happened since my last bloggity.
I have a daughter who likes to brag about her mom playing softball in high school and college, and that landed me a free guilt trip to help coach her softball team. So I'm doing that.
I signed up to volunteer at the school for an hour two days a week during the lunch period. I handle Wyatt's lunch period on Mondays and Jordan's on Thursdays. The jury is still out on which group is harder work - 2nd or 5th graders.
Wyatt is super busy with soccer on Mondays and Wednesdays, and Tae Kwon Do on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Games are about to begin and those will be on Sundays. Jordan has had a couple of games but some have been rained out.
In addition, I've gotten back on the health wagon. I've been alternating between running 1.5 miles, doing the elliptical for 4 miles, biking for 6 miles, and Zumba! I've also been using the My Fitness Pal app to keep track of my calories, fat, etc., and my cardio. I'm not doing too bad!
My eldest son turns 18 in 15 days. I'm refusing to deal with that right now, and putting it in a little corner. I'm not going to be able to do that for long, seeing as it's happening in 15 days, though. He also graduates high school in 58 days. And then can I breathe a sigh of relief? He's had a lot of support in getting to where he is today, and I couldn't be more proud of the young man he has become. He amazes me in his quiet gentleness, his thoughtful wisdom, and his sense of humor.
We're leaving Thursday evening to go to AZ for a little Spring Break visit. I'm excited to see our good friends - and they are all excited we're coming for a little visit. I wish we could stay longer, but we're saving our vacation funds for a little visit to Puerto Vallarta we have planned the first week of July.
And as I now look at the clock, it's 2:35, and I need to go pick up my children from school. I will then rush home, get them through homework, get them changed, get one to soccer practice at 4, drop the other at softball at 4:30. Wyatt has soccer practice until 5:30 and then Jordan has a game at 5:30. Looks like snack shack hot dogs for dinner! Cheap, but tasty.
How's your world?
So...what's happened since my last bloggity.
I have a daughter who likes to brag about her mom playing softball in high school and college, and that landed me a free guilt trip to help coach her softball team. So I'm doing that.
I signed up to volunteer at the school for an hour two days a week during the lunch period. I handle Wyatt's lunch period on Mondays and Jordan's on Thursdays. The jury is still out on which group is harder work - 2nd or 5th graders.
Wyatt is super busy with soccer on Mondays and Wednesdays, and Tae Kwon Do on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Games are about to begin and those will be on Sundays. Jordan has had a couple of games but some have been rained out.
In addition, I've gotten back on the health wagon. I've been alternating between running 1.5 miles, doing the elliptical for 4 miles, biking for 6 miles, and Zumba! I've also been using the My Fitness Pal app to keep track of my calories, fat, etc., and my cardio. I'm not doing too bad!
My eldest son turns 18 in 15 days. I'm refusing to deal with that right now, and putting it in a little corner. I'm not going to be able to do that for long, seeing as it's happening in 15 days, though. He also graduates high school in 58 days. And then can I breathe a sigh of relief? He's had a lot of support in getting to where he is today, and I couldn't be more proud of the young man he has become. He amazes me in his quiet gentleness, his thoughtful wisdom, and his sense of humor.
We're leaving Thursday evening to go to AZ for a little Spring Break visit. I'm excited to see our good friends - and they are all excited we're coming for a little visit. I wish we could stay longer, but we're saving our vacation funds for a little visit to Puerto Vallarta we have planned the first week of July.
And as I now look at the clock, it's 2:35, and I need to go pick up my children from school. I will then rush home, get them through homework, get them changed, get one to soccer practice at 4, drop the other at softball at 4:30. Wyatt has soccer practice until 5:30 and then Jordan has a game at 5:30. Looks like snack shack hot dogs for dinner! Cheap, but tasty.
How's your world?
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