Happiness

What do I want for Mother's Day??? I always think about this... some years I want quiet, others I want to do something together, with my kids... and still other years I wanted to sleep late (those early years of being a mother to twins). Having the house clean, without asking, would be great. As would, someone picking up all the stray socks that roam my house on a daily basis.

I love the cards, I don't need gifts... the hugs in the morning from Luke are wonderful, and I don't even have to wait for Mother's Day for them. Watching the big boys grow into young men, makes my heart ache, but prideful too. The emotions of being a Mom are everywhere. I want so much to tell my boys... about being good, thoughtful human beings. Treating each other with respect is just as important as treating their teachers with respect. I want them to love one another.

Having 4 boys fills me with love to spare... but it doesn't seem to flow between them. I worry that because they are boys they won't seek each other out like sisters do. I worry, when I am gone, will they meet for holidays, birthdays or dinners together?? Will their families be connected, without the help of Mom.

I have sisters, I call them a lot. I call my Mom a a lot. I call my Dad too. I don't see my husband doing that?? He calls his brother when the Mets are doing good (really good) or bad... really bad. That's it really. Maybe they will exchange email, or a phone call if an important matter comes up, but otherwise... they don't call just to chat. Do men do that?? I try to let them see me calling and talking to my family or my husbands family. We have them call Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles... but will that carry through?? A Mother's worry.

As my children grow, all the Mother's Day past, and the ones to come... I just want happiness, mine, my husbands, my children, and my extended family!!! Isn't that what we Mother's work towards on a daily basis... making everyone Happy??

Baseball

Baseball Season is upon us!! When you are the Mom of 4 boys, it is inevitable that at least 1 of them will be a baseball enthusiast... well, I have 3!! And the youngest has entered the ranks of Team Player!! They love it. We have baseball bags everywhere, cleats in every size imaginable (gotta save them for the younger one!!), random baseball gloves found in my closet, and kids hitting, throwing, and running all over my house (inside I might add!!).

Our schedule is hectic... 3 kids in 3 different age leagues, 3 different fields, 3 different teams and uniforms, but for some reason... practice is never at 3 different times!!! We always have to be in 3 places at once. Then add the Karate Kid in there and you can just imagine the chaos that ensues trying to get everyone where they need to be. And this is only practice... no games yet. That is when it really gets interesting... who gets to go where and when!!!

All that being said... I love it!! Seeing my boys, whether it is playing baseball or karate, doing something they love, is an unbelievable feeling. Rooting for the teams and their teammates, helping them celebrate a victory or grieve a defeat, it is all what being a Mom (or Dad for that matter) is all about!! Yeah, the nagging and fighting to get ready, to eat before you go, to get your homework done... all that comes with the territory. It is the Pride I feel watching those boys, my boys, out there learning to work as a team. Encouraging a teammate, learning that it ISN'T all about them, finding out there are people out there you just got to deal with (even though you don't want to), and not only surviving it, but excelling!! Those are my boys!! Huh, I am a very proud Momma (at least until they break a window playing ball in the house!! :) )

Growing Up... Letting Go

Today my baby took a tour of a Kindergarten classroom. MY BABY!!! As long as I can remember I wanted to be a Mom. Since I was a little girl playing with my babies, barbies, and then babysitting, I wanted to be the Mom. In college I saw my sisters having babies, 1, then 2, then 3, then 4... I was dating, but he was slow to make the Marriage Move. I held them, spoiled them, and dreamed of the day I would be holding my own. When I finally got pregnant God gave me twins, 1 for me and 1 for my Mother in-law. She waited way to long for a grandchild and I waited a long time to have a baby, so the only fair thing was to give us 2. I thank Him everyday for that act of genius!!! Fast forward... 2 more children later and my baby is getting ready for Kindergarten!!!

We went to visit a friends classroom (a Daycare Mom) and he sat at the back in a little chair watching everything. All I could imagine was him sitting on the rug, raising his hands and participating like these BIG kids were. Am I going through Empty Nest already?? It's only just beginning. I mean Jack and Cal will be going off to Middle School next year. We will be entering the teen years before I know it. We all know how morose teenage boys can be :)

Ryan wasn't a planned baby... not an accident exactly, but definitely a surprise. A heavenly surprise for me. I drank him in. Even though we thought our family was complete, he fit right in. We can't imagine life without him. We moved to NC when he was just a year old and we haven't separated since. He has been home with me since birth. No daycare, no playgroups, no nursery school, and no preschool. I opened my Family Home Childcare and he has stayed with me throughout. I am glad. Watching him today... he has just enough trepidation, just enough confidence, and a whole lot of humor. Watching my boy navigate his way through a new situation was eye opening... That what I am doing is alright. He is learning and is happy.

So, I have my Baby (who, as I know being the Baby of my family, will ALWAYS be my baby) for a few more months. A time I will drink in, savor, and count as a Blessing. I will watch him grow even more, learn new things, and get even more excited about Kindergarten. During this time I will continue the process of letting go... A process I have been having a problem with since the birth of my children.

Monster Jam

Make a Smilebox digital slideshow

We had a great time at the Monster Jam Rally in Charlotte. The big boys really enjoyed the loudness and fast pace, but Ryan really didn't like it so much. He lasted until the intermission and then was ready to go. So he and I went out to the hall and hung out. We walked around, bought some drinks, and then waited for the rest of the family. Thankfully Glenn came out and relieved me so I could see the end of it. After we went to Monster Jam we went to a interesting little set of stores and had some ice cream at Cold Stone Creamery!! Yum!!! I always have room for ice cream!!!

You always have expectations for family outings like this, at least I know I usually do. I try not to, but you can't help it. You buy the tickets, everyone is soooo excited and then the day comes. That is when the whining starts... "What we have to get dressed NOW??!!" "I don't want to brush my hair, why do I have to, I look fine!!" "I can't find my shoes, money, etc..." So, it starts off tense. Glenn and I try to stay calm, we know they will be fine and calm down enough to enjoy themselves. Which happens... we get to the pizza place and we have a lot of fun laughing and enjoying each others company. We get into the arena and someones ear plugs won't fit right, and we have to pout and stomp, someone else got soda and the other didn't, and we can't forget the trips to the bathroom... then AHHHH... it starts... we can relax and watch right??? NO!!! Another trip to the bathroom, it's too noisy, I want that... it goes on and on!!!

But, you see it wasn't just us. It was a lot of people there that day. That's how it is with kids. They are little human beings with likes, dislikes, wants and needs same as me. They just don't have to self control yet like we (at least most of us anyway) do. I keep saying to myself, the joys out weigh the negatives. They do... the hugs, the smiles, the "Thanks DAD!!! That was the BEST!!" the look of chocolate all over someones mouth as he smiles huge!! These are why we did it, this is why having these Wonderful, Bright, Sassy, Spunky, Bratty, Whiny, Energetic, Happy, Healthy boys is all about!!! I am glad we did it, and believe it or not... We will put ourselves through it again. Over and Over and Over Again. We can't stop ourselves, those Smiles are addicting :)

A Dogs Day

It is snowing here right now... I wanted to take a picture of it but when I went to take it my battery was blinking. I knew I had enough battery for 1 photo, so I got up to go outside for my picture. Well, this is what I saw as I stood up. How cute is that!! They are all curled up and comfy together. I am finding the small things everyday to make me smile. This is what I want to remember about today. Those 3 miracles in my life... and I think those dogs think they are people too.

Happiness

A Rainbow

This photo was taken when we were traveling to NY to see family. Rainbows hold so much potential. It gives us hope, makes us smile. You stop what your doing, no matter what it is, and look up to see it. You will run out of the house to catch a glimpse. You wonder, what really is at the end of that Rainbow?

God gives us so much beauty. He opens up my heart each time I see a Rainbow to the possibilities of the world. Reminds me that I am just a small piece of the puzzle... but an important piece. It gives me hope that He is working in our world, in ways we can't always see or understand. That we are in His hands.

Project 365

I haven't been getting my photos on the blog lately!! I hate that!!! This is Shea she is looking at me with her gorgeous brown eyes and hoping I will feed her something. She loves to eat and thinks that she should be fed whenever we eat, or when it is getting dark outside, or if we look at her (that must mean we should give her food) You get it... but she is such a great dog I just wanted to capture that face!!

You will see this face a lot during this project. I can't help it but this is my baby... who is growing up soooo fast. He has lost that babyness to him but I can't help capturing that smile as much as I can.

Here is the Coca-Cola wall at The World of Coke... I wanted to include it here because it is a trip I don't want to forget!! We had such a great time and just allowed ourselves to enjoy each other without trying to DO to much!!!

So, I have been taking my camera with me everywhere... and I am trying to get photos that capture the moment, but it seems like they don't really make the grade when I put them up. I want to fiddle with them, but my program doesn't really allow me to do much. I think I need to invest in photoshop or something...

Project 365

I know I have this photo on my other blog, Kozy Kids Family Daycare but I couldn't help using it for my Project 365 photo!! I am so excited to get so many great books for more than 1/2 off the regular retail price!! I got books that would normally go for $20 or $30 for less than $10... I don't think any book cost me more than $10. I have been eyeing the Totally Two's book from The Mailbox for a long time now and it was there and I got it for 1/2 off the sticker price... which was about $10 less than it was in the store!!! So I think I actually got that one for around $9.50... can you imagine!! 2 months ago I contemplated buying it for almost $30!!! I am glad I didn't :) Anyway... it was a good day.

Project 365

Here is my girl Ruby... she was a stray we found on the side of the road when she was a wee little thing. She is such a good girl, the only "bad" thing she does is dig in the yard. I can live with that for all the little gifts she gives me. She follows me all the time, she sleeps at my feet whenever she can (though she does prefer sleeping on a nice big pillow at my feet), and she doesn't run. When we leave the house she listens to me and stays pretty close. My other dog, Shea, runs as soon as she gets a chance... every time!!

Today, we spent a TV watching marathon!! We watched a show I never knew existed... Being Erica. Cute, it hooked me and Ruby sat with me most of the evening watching it with me. Though of course I could have been busy getting my lessons ready... but I have a day off tomorrow... YEAH!!! So, I will get things together than!!

Project 365

I stumbled upon this post in my journey in finding some lessons on the letter P and I think I would like to try to do it. Project 365 is a photo journal of your everyday life. It is more for your own personal way of remembering what your doing in your life... it could be fun. If you go to their forum page you can find a lot of idea's to help if you get bored or even just run out of ideas. I always find something each day that inspires me... a child's hand, smile or sleeping self... the mess in the sensory table, or food on the table. Sometimes I think that my life is one of routine and chaos... but when I think of it in little bits of photos I think that my life is very rich indeed :)

So I will post the photo that I like best from yesterday... since today I sat on the couch all day as I have a cold... now wouldn't that be a photo op :)

Here is Ryan finally getting to play outside... what a beautiful day we had outside. It has been cold, but it finally got to be in the 50's and we basked in the warmth :) He called me over to take this picture... He has a small cut above his eye... I don't know where it came from. It showed up one day and he couldn't tell me from where... huh???

From now on I will post a picture I took from the actual day...

It's Wednesday!!

So far this year... 2010... I have slowed down a bit. That week off after the Christmas Holiday took me by surprise. I got to sit and just be in my home with just my family for the first time in a long time. I have always had daycare going on or I was traveling to visit people or people were here. So, I have realized that I need to slow down. My boys and family come first. I need to stop putting the needs of others before the needs of my own.

I have decided that my after school adventures need to be curtailed... I realize that some of these kids would do better in different situations. I can't be all things to all kids. I always think I can do better than others, but I just wasn't able to meet all the needs of the bigger kid. So, as Parents found different care for them while I was going through my licensing process, I have come to realize that that is okay and maybe I shouldn't fill those spots.

Also, I have been not running so much. I have been reading, bring Cal to Karate, and hopefully being a little more present with my own children instead of being "done" with kids at 5:30 each night. I am realizing that doing for yourself and your family isn't a bad thing, it doesn't make you a bad Childcare Provider... in the end it makes you better.

I read the book Precious, by Sapphire... Wow. I thought it was a young adult book, but it was pretty intense. I am not sure I would let my teenager read it, but then again it is about a teenager and maybe it would be good for them to see a different view point on life. On how a Parent's choice can affect a child in such profound ways. It was an intense read, not for the weak stomachs out there, but I couldn't put it down and read it through in a day. Don't get me wrong, I loved the book... it gave me something to think about, and I like that.

So, my next book to read will be Please Stop Laughing At Me, by Jodee Blanco. It is about bullying, from a someone who lived it and came out on the other end. I think it will be interesting. I hope so.

That's what I am up to... I am still trying to get on the eating healthier bandwagon :) not doing so great on that front... not sure why... but I am talking to myself about it all the time. Well, maybe not when I am thinking of eating those Girl Scout Cookies that I ordered.... ARGHHH!!! Will power!!! Have a Great Wednesday!! I am looking forward to my Date Night with the Twins!! We are seeing Mall Cop at their school, who is hosting this Take Your Mom On A Date thingy... it should prove to be a wonderful memorable night!!!

No Snow

The weather report yesterday said that our part of NC would be getting some snow last night. The kids were so excited... it's been cold enough for snow... now we just needed some precipitation. They thought we would finally get it. The wore their pj's backward and inside out (Thanks Dana).... they put the spoon in the freezer?????? (what's up with that??) We went to bed...

Ok... as the title states... NO SNOW!!! We did have a 2 HOUR DELAY though!!! Why??? Not a clue!! Here, at least, we got no rain or snow. The roads didn't even look like they were wet at all all night. No mud in the yard... I mean it was cold, but not any colder than most mornings lately. So why we ask ourselves. We can speculate... the buses wouldn't start, the schools wouldn't heat up (never stopped them before) or maybe someone, who lives in the far reaches of the county, had some ice on his/her driveway.

So the boys didn't get their snow day, but they did get a delay. Not what they wanted exactly... but they'd take it. They lounged around watching cartoons, slept late, and laughed about the delay.

Living in NC has it's perks... not much snow, warmer (mostly), sunny and school delays and closings for the least bit of snow, ice or even the non-existent snow and ice :) What more could we want. I could do with the cold to go away.... I know it could be colder... but I like the warmer weather... So, cold weather go away... warm weather come our way!!!

An Ordinary Day

Life is normal. Boys went back to school, they are waiting for a snow day... that I expect won't come anytime soon. They are trying to complete a Social Studies Project about European Countries... answering questions about imports/exports, population, weather... that sort of thing. It is a huge project and I can't wait for it to be done. They watch TV, do homework, and I try to push them outside.

Speaking of outside... I can't believe we have hit the plateau of 50 degrees is cold. I mean, it has been in the 20's and 30's lately... and yes, that's cold. But, they boys were complaining that 50 was cold. When we first moved here from NY... the boys wouldn't come inside at all in 50 degree weather. Now I can't bribe them to go out. I should have enrolled them in basketball of something... they are getting at that age where sitting and vegging is more fun then actually using their body or mind.

On the week off I had we did spend time playing boardgames and such... but I wasn't to keen on going outside either... so I guess I need to be part of the solution and not the problem. Another resolution I guess... be more active. Goes a long with the losing weight part I guess, so it shouldn't be to hard. HaHaHa!!! We'll see!!!

Atlanta Trip

We went to Atlanta this past weekend. I wanted to take a little trip over the break since I didn't have to work and my son, Jack, loves everything Coca-Cola. He loves to drink it of course, but he also loves to collect things about Coke. He likes old, new, cute or odd, it doesn't matter... he just likes it. I like that he has something that is his own. Being a twin can sometimes be a little overwhelming. So to Atlanta we went... The World of Coca-Cola was our destination.

I researched hotels, did a AAA Trip Tik, got a friend to look after the dogs and off we went. We stayed at a very nice Fairfield Marriot that included breakfast, parking... and had an indoor pool (a must with 4 energetic boys). We went straight to the hotel that night and planned our trip to Coca-Cola World for the next day. We swam and watched TV and had a really great family night together. In this fast paced world of ours we don't always get to have time that is just the 6 of us.

We wake up in the morning, have a nice breakfast, and with 4 excited guys off to Coca-Cola World we go. It was a windy, cold day... we were happy the tour was inside. We bought our tickets and we waited in the lobby before we go into the opening/introduction movie... a great little movie about what goes on inside a coke machine :) Worth it!! Then off to a self guided tour of the rest of the building. We went into a hall of history, a bottle works hall, Pop Culture Art kind of place... that was really nice because people would write about what Coke meant to them or the memories that they had that involved Coke... Some of the letters were really touching and funny. Cal even wrote one... soooo cute!!! Then I talked all the boys into going into the room where you get to see the all the Coke commercials ever made. Funny.

Then the best part of the tour... the Tasting Room!!! Over 60 different soda's from around the world. Oh... they had so much fun. They ran around that room tasting all those soda's, running back to me or Glenn telling us what they liked or pulling us to a fountain to taste the Best or Worst soda they had ever tasted. I mean what could be better than having a whole room of soda to taste WITH your parents permission :)

We were finally done with tasting and decided to pick up our free bottle of coke and go into the gift store for our treasure to take home. Let's see... Ryan picked out a Coke Baseball, Luke a Coke Mini-Baseball Bat & Coke Playing Cards, Jack picked out an Aluminum Bottle & A Coke Style Dog Tag Necklace, and Calvin chose the Bat & Ball and a bottle of Coke with a Sleeve that he picked out and they shrink wrapped it on the bottle. Oh... Luke did that too.

So, that was our trip to Atlanta... we picked up our friends daughter and started our trek homeward. It wasn't a terribly long road trip home, but just long enough that you are happy to get out of the car when you get home. I have decided a 3 hour or less road trip is perfect for a short trip. Just when your getting tired of the car, your done. Next time we decide to go on a short family trip... it will be a little closer to home. We loved Coca-Cola World and I am really glad we went... memories were made!!