WW: Pure, Unfiltered Happiness

The result of their first ever convertible ride.

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Not worth the fight

Jacob decided he did not need a booster seat for the booth at the restaurant last night.

Drew wore just jean shorts and slippers to bed (the house was 80 degrees).

Jacob wanted cheez-its for a snack immediately following breakfast this morning.

We went to the library yesterday and my 3 year old son Jacob picked out Ben 10- Alien Force as the book he wanted to check out. Drew asked me why I let Jacob check out a book that was obviously too old for him.

"Because, honey," I told him. "Some things aren't worth arguing over."

After all, that night Drew wanted to stay up past 10pm to watch a show and Jacob wanted to jump headfirst off of the couch. Those decisions did merit a discussion.

What do you let your kids do because it's not worth an argument? Share it with me. I also let them have chocolate milk when we go out to eat sometimes (the horror).

Tuesday's True Confession

Here's my attempt at starting a weekly meme. Don't worry, I will probably tire of it after three weeks.

Let me be the first to tell you-- I don't give a damn about Kim Kardashian's wedding. I don't care what she wore, what she registered for, or who was invited to (what I'm sure was) a glorious shindig. I only cared about Kate Middleton's gown for the royal wedding and that's it.

I will tell you what I do love, though-- looking through friends of friends wedding photos on Facebook.

I know, I know- it's terribly stalkerish, weird, creepy, but I just love seeing what complete strangers did for their weddings. I guess it's the same reason that I peer into houses that have their lights on when we pass by in the car... I want to know how others with my same means live. I don't need to or want to know how amazingly wonderful millionaire's lives are, I want to know how you make your life wonderful. What are your secrets? I have a million ideas and no follow through. I keep hoping enough inspiration will help me complete the task of fixing up our house.

Oh, and in case you are wondering....

From our wedding. My flowers were so beautiful. Also: they were too expensive. Maybe less roses. See? Helpful information.

Hope

I spent all of Saturday cleaning and spending time with the kids alone (again- for the 5th weekend in a row). As hard as certain moments were, I enjoyed most of Saturday. I enjoyed being home and actually getting to spend one-on-one time alone with the kids. It gave me hope that I can tackle this, that if I end up at home, I will not lose my mind. I'm trying to remember my happy, get back there to the time when I felt like a good Mom.... and I am getting there. Hopefully I can stay there.

Craptastic Movies and the kids who love them

Recently I saw Zookeeper with my children. Yes, you heard me right. That was the most painfully unfunny and ridiculous movie with the thinnest plot ever. The boys giggled through the whole thing, and they are still talking about it. I wanted to see Winnie the Pooh. Obviously I relented because it's a little young for my oldest, but I can't help wondering why my children only ever want to see and enjoy really terrible movies.

I mean, they have great movies out for kids. Most of Pixar's (obviously not including Cars 2) and Disney's offerings  are entertaining and enjoyable for all ages. Kung Fu Panda, How to Train your Dragon and Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs? Awesome. I could watch those through a couple repeated viewings. Why can't they want to watch thosemovies? My boys will have nothing to do with them. Jacob loves him a Veggie tales Movie, and Drew's #1 movie all time? Yogi Bear, followed closely by Alvin and the Chipmunks, The Squeakquel. Not even the original. These computer anim-obiminations make you long for the days of the cartoons.

Honestly, it's tough for a Mom to take. I want to enjoy a show with them, but their choices are godawful. How do I instill some sense of taste in them? Also, why are there so many movies that talk down to kids? I just watched the end of The Dark Crystal. That is some scary kids movie shit. Nightmarishly so- no really I had tons of nightmares about this movie growing up. Now, I'm not saying we should have that dark of a movie for kids, but come on, lets not treat children like they have no mind at all.

-----Seriously- this puppet is where nightmares come from.

I know, I know, it's my fault for letting them watch these terrible movies in the first place.... but a Mom's got to have some alone time, and Pixar's thoughtful movies just aren't keeping them entertained.

So- any suggestions for ridiculously silly movies that a parent can enjoy, are there some gems I am overlooking?

Also- what's the worst movie you saw for the sake of your kids?

And finally- how am I going to get the kids to see The Muppets with them in the fall? I might have to bribe them with candy... oh wait, of course I am going to have to bribe them with candy.

Excess Baggage

Part of my whole process of trying to find my balance in my life is eliminating all of the clutter in my house. After all, if my house feels unbearably small, the best way to change that, short of moving, is to get rid of stuff. I cannot believe how much stuff we have. It's definitely turned into "baggage".


First of all, I am finally removing all of the baby stuff from our house that I have been holding onto. Yes, we may or may not have another baby, but most of that stuff is gross after sitting in the basement or garage for 4 years, not to mention probably recalled. So I am letting go of that worry. Que sera, right?

Also-- holding onto my larger clothes is not an incentive to keep the weight off. It also doesn't make me feel better about my self and the state of my will power.

So maybe once I remove some of the excess, I will feel better about my state of the house.

What is some of your excess "baggage"?

Also- I cannot forget how the happy meal toys are going to magically disappear....shhhh....It's our little secret right?

"We have everything"

Lately.... it's been tough. There is no way around it. My life is in chaos. I don't know what next year will bring and there isn't even any time to discuss what will happen come October 1st when I will no longer be employed (I think.... I don't even know yet). I have been feeling incredibly stressed.

Today I realized something.

My stress doesn't excuse my temper, anger or actions. I can be a better person.

I don't have to live this life where I am hurting. I can choose to overlook it. I can count my blessings instead of moaning in misery.

The dog is totally crazy.... but he is the sweetest, loving dog.

The kids fight all of the time, but they really do love each other.

Jacob is tough on me, so tough.... but today out of the blue he said "you're the best".

Mr. B works constantly and I miss him so much, but that money will be very helpful soon.

My job is ending, my life is unplanned, but maybe this will lead to something good. Maybe this is what I need.


I want to get back there, get back to being content. Life is hard sometimes, but I think I'm making it harder. I need to feel good about myself, and that might mean letting go.

---

Today on the way home from the Science Museum, I saw a woman on the corner. She was unkempt and sitting on the sidewalk, surrounded by many bags.

"Boys, do you see that woman on the corner?"

"Yes."

"That woman is homeless. She doesn't have a home."

"That's sad," Drew said.

"Yes it is. Just remember that when you can't get something you want, that we are very lucky and have a lot."

---

Sometimes life feels so unfair, and then I realize we have everything. I just have to be willing to accept that it might not be the way I always wanted it, but we are very lucky and we have a lot.

Prefense Hand Sanitizer Giveaway Winner!

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