Am I Scarring My Kids for Life?

Yesterday I took both kids, in a thunderstorm, with me to do my drug test. Which means I got to, uh, fill the cup with two kids watching, all the while trying my best to explain to Little A just what I was doing and why she SHOULD NOT try to do the same thing.

We're all about major life changes over here

Big changes ahead for us: I'm going back to work. Full time. Gulp.

I start sometime the week of May 11th, so I have two more weeks in my current career of SAHM. I'm feeling nervous. Excited. Guilty. Anxious.

I've had about a year and a half as a stay-hom mom. Before that I worked part-time for a couple of years. This is my first foray into the 5 day work week since becoming a mom.

I'm wondering how the kids will do in full time day care. I'm hoping my brain will still work. I'm thrilled to have a steady income.

I'm not going to say which company I'm working for, but if it ever comes out on my blog, know that things said on this blog are my opinion and not sanctioned by any company.

If you give Little A a camera...

Weekly Menu:April 20

Monday: La Bamba Casserole with fruit
Tuesday: Mushroom Orzo with Rolls
Wednesday: Husband's night with the kids - likely spaghetti and sauce
Thursday: Breakfast Burritos (scrambled eggs, tortillas, beans and cheese) with fruit
Friday: Pizza with Vegetables (usually onions, mushrooms and peppers)

The Good Days

Sometimes mundane moments become heart-breakingly sweet.

Picking up my sleeping baby out of the car and having him fall back asleep on my shoulder. The gentle smacking of his lips as he sucks his fingers.

Seeing that my dear girl dressed herself, put her clothes in the laundry and cleaned her room, all on her own.

Coming into the living room to see the two of them laughing and playing, lost in their carefree world.

The times when only my touch, my hugs, my words can comfort.

Seeing my girl have manners and treat other kids kindly and realizing that maybe I have taught her something.

The smiles, oh the smiles. There is nothing like a child's smile. So full of joy. No restraint. No motives. Just pure happiness.

My Attempt At Being Artsy

Clip to enjoy

If you haven't seen this yet, enjoy! One of Husband's and my first dates was seeing Les Miserables, so this song brings back good memories.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lp0IWv8QZY

Happy Easter

I like to maximize all holidays. Especially ones that involve candy. So, Little A had four egg hunts (five if you count her school hunt). The candy is now on a bag on top of the fridge, saved for 'napping candy.' Which means that she'll get a piece about every two weeks unless she decides to start napping more frequently. It also means I'll get a piece every day while she is in room time. Sometimes I love being the mom.

Frugal Friday - Exploit the Easter Egg!

Most stores are running great deals on eggs this week. I'm going to stock up on a couple of dozen and plan to use them for meals for the next couple of weeks. We'll probably do the following:

• a dinner of scrambled eggs, toast and roasted potatoes.
• Breakfast Burritos for dinner (tortillas, eggs, refried beans and salsa)
• An egg casserole like this

Happy Things

• Sharing a popsicle with Little Mister - his first
• My new ferns
• Jelly Beans (and they'll taste even better when they are half off next week)
• Today's Bible study talk on timing and waiting
• Eating lunch outside with my girl as Little Mister slept
• Pandora.com
• Listening to my kids laugh and play as I write this
• This picture

Seven and Counting

Happy Anniversary to my wonderful man!

I still feel the same way....

Inspiration

Do yourself a favor. Make a cup of tea and spend some time reading this blog. I'm so glad I did.

http://audreycaroline.blogspot.com/

Happy Birthday Little Mister!

A year ago today:





Today (picture taken by his big sister):

Dear Little Mister,
Today you are one. You have officially been with us for one whole year.

What did we ever do without you?

You came a week late and spent your first few months being as mellow and content as any baby I've ever known. We proclaimed you to be the world's easiest baby. You spent most of the first month in a sling or baby carrier, close to my heart.

You started crawling around 6 months and, while still a content little guy, your curiosity became apparent. The world become yours to explore. Now that you're walking, there is no stopping you. You have little interest in toys and playing quietly in one spot. You want to be everywhere your sister or I am, touching whatever we are touching, doing whatever we are doing. Everything in this house has been in your mouth at least once. Daily I fish out leaves, big sister's stickers and wrappers.

You love bananas, kiwi, strawberries, pasta and yogurt. You quickly spit out eggs, milk and cooked carrots. You carry around your sister's markers or a set of metal measuring spoons wherever you go. I actually enjoy the odd spots around the house that I find markers and spoons, knowing you've been there. You love being outside, but don't love it when I don't let you eat fistfuls of dirt. You actually get quite angry when I take you away from eating dirt or mulch. You love to swing and to swing high. No baby pushes for you.

You're smile lights up our world. It has since the first time it graced your face. Slow and easy, knowing beyond your years, it is often the best part of my day. It's only been improved with the addition of baby teeth.

You are quite the charmer. Several folks in the church nursery have proclaimed you to be their favorite baby. It is a rare outing that a cashier or store clerk doesn't comment on your smile, eyes or all around cuteness.

I am so lucky to be your mama. Thanks for being our sweet buddy boy.

We love you!