Things You Should Say (To Your Partner)

by motherofwonder

I was looking at my other “Things You Should Say…” posts (you can read them here and here) while I was listening to the Brad Paisley/Carrie Underwood song, Remind Me, and it got me thinking. I’m sure in no small part due to last week’s visit to the place where I met hubbyman (and where we shared our first kiss – 14 years ago!), that I was thinking about our relationship all those years ago in comparison to where it is now. Don’t get me wrong, I have no desire to have our relationship to be what it was when we were teenagers, and I’m thankful for the relationship we have now. But after 14 years of…us, almost 7 years of marriage, and 3 children… maybe we could use some reminders.

Remember our first year of marriage, and you gave me flowers every month (Starting with 11 daisies -my favorite- and one rose, then 10 daisies and 2 roses, etc. as the months continued. Ending with all roses on our one year anniversary.)? Remind me that you still think I’m special.
Remember when you used to spend hours MAKING me a card that would look like a piece of art? Remind me that I’m still worth the energy of making the extra effort.
Remember when you worked nights and I worked days and I would go to sleep at 7 so that I could wake up at 1am just to watch an hour of TV with you on the couch. Remind me that I’m worth your time.
Remember when you filled every vase and glass in the house with daisies, just because. Remind me that you’re still thinking of me.
Remember when I’d be waiting at the door when you came home from work (without a baby in arms)? Remind me of when we used to be so excited to see each other we’d be counting down the minutes.
Remember when we moved into the townhouse and the Navy hadn’t delivered our stuff yet (and we had nothing!) so we’d have movie nights in the computer room (on the computer) while sitting in our camping chairs. Remind me that you just want to spend time with me, no matter what we’re doing.
Remember when Big E was a baby and you’d rush home and insist on taking him and holding him? Remind me that you enjoy co-parenting with me.
Remember when you used to take the Big Es to the park so I could get some things done in peace and quiet. Remind me of when we used to value each other’s alone time.
Remember when we’d always go to bed together, at the same time?! Remind me of when I was worth staying awake for.
Remember when we used to get dressed up and go on dates that I didn’t have to plan? Remind me that I’m still the one you’d choose if you were choosing again today.

I think the longer you are with someone, and children only triple that number, the easier it becomes to get complacent in our relationships. You get in a routine and a rhythm and you forget the energy and excitement of when you were consistently keeping your other half in the forefront of your thoughts. It doesn’t mean that your relationship is going down the drain (and I certainly don’t think that/feel that way about mine!!), but every relationship worth having, is worth maintaining!

Family Life According To Me Marriage Things You Should Say

Thankful on A Monday?

by motherofwonder

This last week I have successfully: gone to family camp with my little brother (15+ years younger) and my 3 children…without hubbyman. And we survived! And had a good time to boot! While I would have loved to have been there the whole time (We went for 3 of the 6 days), I think it was the perfect amount for us. Long enough to feel like we really got to enjoy ourselves and all the friends that we primarily only get to see at this yearly event, but short enough that I managed to survive the sleep exhaustion you incur when you sleep on bunk beds (that were old when I was my kids’ ages) that have been pushed together to accommodate all of us, along with the late nights and early mornings. I’m pretty sure that whoever set the schedule for camp, did not have children. There are morning sessions and evening sessions. The evening being much like a regular Sunday morning church session. Starting at 7:15 and lasting (well this year it lasted) until 9:30. Breakfast is at 8:15 and morning sessions start at 9:15. Oh, and did I mention that after the service is what is referred to as “afterglow” where they serve refreshments and everyone visits. Needless to say, for FAMILY camp, that part of it, is really not very family friendly. But, we love it anyway. I have been going for 20 years, and I love that it’s become a place my children love and look forward to going to as well.

This has been a bit of an emotional weekend for me. I would assume that’s half due to the very small amount of sleep I actually got while camping (and sleeping) with my three small children. Accompanied with the age old question of, Do you think you’ll have any more children? And then when I respond, No, I think we’re done. It seemed to always be followed with, You just seem so natural with your children, like one of those people who would have like a bunch of children. Yes, thank you for rubbing in the fact that I ~~would have wanted to have more children~~ ~~want more children~~ am done having children. (If you are someone I care about, I don’t feel aggravated in telling my story to you. So if you asked me those questions and you’re reading this, don’t assume I’m having negative feelings towards you- I’m not.) This weekend also was the “reinstatement” of something I haven’t had in 2 years. (Which probably is reason enough for all this mood swing-y-ness.) The last time was when I miscarried before getting pregnant with Littlest E. So I had a few good cries. I’m sure it’s coupled with the fact that Littlest E is now over a year old and typically by this point (or shortly thereafter) I’m pregnant again. So Saturday was also the first time I’m had “the baby pang” and it made my heart ache. I tried to fill the void by adopting a new puppy at a Homeward Bound event, that I attended with a friend who was getting an animal… but couldn’t convince hubby. (*eyeroll*) He just loves to be the reasonable one. Somehow I see this becoming an ongoing battle. Eventually he’ll give in. Next time I’ll just bring him to the event. Let him look into their sad little eyes and tell them we don’t have room! (haha! *insert wicked witch laughter, and a sense of irony over the fact that I’m using wicked witch laughter when trying to save an animal.)

I know that we have three happy, healthy children, and I am so thankful for them. And I know that hubbyman is more than content with three kids. But I can’t help the fact that the knowledge of never being able to have more children, feels like a deep, open wound. It’s not that my children aren’t enough, but that they are. I am just one of those women that really loves being a mother, and I really love the young ages. (Not that I won’t enjoy them all along the way, I’m just a baby person!) It’s just something I’m going through, and will probably continue to go through. Maybe someday we’ll talk adoption, or foster care… or something. But for today, I’m trying to understand that the big picture may not be seen by me, and isn’t controlled by me.

Since I wasn’t home on Friday, and didn’t plan ahead enough to do it ahead of time, I missed my Thankful Friday post. Since I think I need the reminder today, I’ll finish with that today. Today’s list may be pretty simple and basic, but sometimes we need that reminder- that the “little” things (like food and shelter) are actually pretty important (who knew, right?!)

I’m thankful for a home to live in
I’m thankful for a place like family camp to have so many memories in (I met hubbyman there!! We shared our first kiss there 14 years ago!!) and a place to make so many more memories in with my children!! And the lifelong friends I’ve made there!! Or maintained there!
I’m thankful that Miss E had a lovely birthday. It was a beautiful day and we enjoyed it as a family.
I am thankful for my very cozy bed to sleep in.
For my hardworking hubby. He works hard so I can stay home with our babies. And I appreciate that so much.
I’m thankful for my husband in general! He is a good man and one of few people that I’ve always been able to depend upon for love and support in my life- for half of my life!!
I am very thankful for this cooler weather. I needed a reprieve! It’s been gorgeous! Where you’re perfectly warm (and not an inch cold!) but you’re not all hot and sweaty and the kids aren’t miserable.
I am hugely thankful for 3 healthy children, who consistently tell me they love me the most and will forever. And tell me they’re going to kiss me all day long.
I am thankful that all my children really love to cuddle.
I’m thankful that my dog is a big baby. Seriously. You’ve never seen a more docile lab.
I’m thankful that Littlest E still is pretty good about taking good naps. At least one. Not terribly long, but long enough that I can usually do something, even if just to give some extra attention to the bigger kids. (not that that’s a little thing!)
I’m so thankful that my tomato plants are producing after all!
And lastly, I am uber (I can’t stress this enough!!) thankful that the train bunk bed that my husband built, and is now finishing the paint work on, is just a few hours away from being done!!!

Happy Birthday to my very own Miss E!

Family Life According To Me Marriage Thankful Fridays

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Things You Should Say (To Girls)

by motherofwonder

This is part two of the “things you should say” series. I don’t know why I’m calling it a series, it’s really just two lists (that I intended to write closer together) of things I want my boys to learn, and things I want my girl to learn, or know. Or maybe I’ll do a “things you should say” (to husbands) too.. hmm… maybe it will end up as a series. Anyhow, I’m going to ~~stop thinking aloud~~ start typing thoughts that are relative to the subject at hand. This weekend we had a mini birthday party at the in-laws for my MissE. She is turning 3 and is quite the girl! There are so many attributes to her that took us by surprise, and so many reasons to love this attitude-filled, tiny-bodied, little peach of a girl. When her grandma told her she could open presents, she said, “Yay! I really hope it’s a beautiful, pink puppy!” As she skipped down the hall after her grandma. Thankfully, she was not disappointed that she got a princess crown, wand, and 2 outfits. (which she promptly changed into) I don’t know if all 3 year old girls are as impressed with clothing and shoes as Miss E, but she sure is.

Growing up with all brothers, while I never thought I didn’t want a daughter, I didn’t really have feelings of “I will be so disappointed if I don’t have a daughter.” Or things along those lines. While I obviously love every inch of my girl, I’ve found that I actually enjoy having a daughter, much more than I would have imagined, and I enjoy it more and more as she grows. That child is a talker. And I love it, at least most of the time. She loves to sit in the bathroom while I take a shower and just talk. Or go shopping with me, and just talk…the. whole. time. And for a 3 year old (well, in 6 days she’ll be 3) she is very articulate. So as we’re having more and more conversations, I’m thinking more and more about all the things I’ll want to say to her as she grows too. Yes, some may be similar to things I want to tell her brothers, because let’s face it, the basis of how we live and treat people (or the ways we should), don’t change depending on which gender you are.

The most beautiful people in the world are not movie or rock stars, but the people that are true to who they are and the things they believe.
While you are a beautiful girl, you should not look for validation through your looks. You will never find it, and it will leave you unfulfilled.
It is more important that you attain inner beauty than outer.
The way you treat people is much more important than the way you look. (Yes, I know these first ones are all similar, but in today’s society everyone comments on how cute or pretty or well dressed little girls are, instead of focusing on how polite or well-mannered they are.)
All that said, I hope you always know how beautiful you are, inside and out.
You cannot find validation through others. That is between you and God.
Never talk to anyone like you are better than they are (no matter what their circumstances are)- because you are not.
Talk to people in a way that shows that you are listening and that their thoughts are worth hearing.
When you have a difference of opinion with someone, consider their side.
Treat men the way you would treat a child. Kidding! Just wanted to see if you were paying attention! Treat men the way you would your father- with honesty, respect, and a little bit of fear. (ha!)
Don’t let anyone (man or woman) tell you that you are not good enough. You are. Always.
Don’t let someone treat you as though you are disposable. If they do, dispose of them. And quickly.
Embrace your feelings and emotions- but don’t let them run/control you.
Be a take charge person! Don’t follow anyone else who’s path does not lead to your desired destination.
Be responsible! And take responsibility for your words and your actions.
When you are dating, try and behave in a manner you wouldn’t be embarrassed/ashamed to recount to your future husband. Or your mother for that matter.
Think twice before you speak. Think three times before you act. And then go ahead and run it by your mother first.
Know that you are EXACTLY who you were made to be- and be proud of that.
Know that life really isn’t all about you, don’t expect others to act like it is.
A woman of faith is a lot stronger than a woman with no beliefs.
Family is a blessing, even when it doesn’t feel like it! Where else will you find people who will love and support you, no matter how crazy your ideas are?! (you are your father’s child)
You will never regret reaching out a helping hand, whenever you can.
Be secure in who you are and be the best YOU you can be because I will always support you. Maybe not without voicing my opinions, but I will still support you in your journey.
Don’t be afraid to dream your dreams (and follow them), wish your wishes (and turn them into reality), and love your loves (with your whole heart). No matter what anyone else says or thinks. Except for maybe your mother.
No matter what else you do in life, what you wear, who you know, how much money you make or have, or even where you live… remember that your mommy loves you. And I’d really prefer if you lived close by.

Family Life According To Me

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Simply Impressive

by motherofwonder

Yesterday, my hair dresser/brother-in-law came over to #1) Give hubbyman a haircut! (He’s in a wedding this weekend, and we’d like a little less shaggydoo for it) and #2) To have me make him a wonderful vegan meal! So I am made stuffed peppers! I found hundreds of recipes, so I did my usual (look hundreds of recipes over, decide I only like one ingredient from each recipe) and combined them all…

So, here is today’s version of stuffed peppers, which in my opinion ALWAYS look impressive- no matter what you’ve put into them. And the more you put into them, the more impressive they sound!

Take 3 large, red, sweet peppers (you can use any kind, I love the flavor of red and orange, personally), cut the top off and take seeds out.

You can cook this in a 5qt slow cooker (mine is too big!), so I just did them in a 2 1/2 qt dish. Basically you want it big enough that everything fits and you can still get a lid on, but small enough that they don’t move or slide around. So whatever size that may be for you (which will of course depend on how many peppers you make as well. I’d of made more, but we’re leaving for out of town tomorrow and worried they’d go bad… and then I found out they’re great to freeze, so now I wish I would have made a couple more!!). Anyways, put peppers in dish, and set aside.

1 cup cooked rice (or quinoa)

1/2 onion

1/2 yellow zucchini, sliced

1 1/2 cups spinach

1 cup mushrooms

3 cloves garlic

1 tsp salt

1 tsp pepper

3/4 cup spaghetti sauce (meatless)

1/2 cup of water

*While I had the rice cooking, I threw the spinach, onion, garlic, and mushrooms in some olive oil and sauteed. This next step you probably don’t have to do, but for consistency’s sake I threw it all in my food processor (just so it was more uniform, not to puree it).

Next mix rice, sauteed veggies, salt, pepper, and any other herbs you’d like to throw in (I threw in a pinch of oregano and basil) in a large bowl. This is what the kids had for dinner- it was so, so, so very yummy. I added in a pinch of cheese thinking it would need it, (don’t get me wrong, it was fantastic with it) but it was really good even without the cheese. Seriously, like it would be a terrific side in any meal, not just stuffed in peppers. So good. (Can you tell that I liked it, and was very impressed with my creation?)

Stuff rice mixture in the peppers. You don’t have to pack it in, but fill it. Next mix the water and spaghetti sauce, pouring half into the bottom of the dish and the rest over/in the peppers.I topped with quarters of the squash and threw some into the sauce in the bottom as well. For color and taste! I cooked covered at 375 for 30 minutes and then uncovered at 350 for 10 minutes.

So good! Hubbyman declared it the best began meal he’d ever had! If not making it vegan, I probably would have thrown cheese into the rice mixture. This would be a great option for a Meatless Monday meal! Have to have meat in it? I think it would go really well with a shredded chicken.

Gluten Free Impressively Simple Life According To Me Recipes

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Young & Fun VS Old & Cranky

by motherofwonder

I am young and fun! Ha! I may look younger than my age, and for that I’m grateful. Most of the time. It’s this weird contradiction where I’m sad and slightly offended if I’m not carded for my glass of wine at dinner, but I’m also slightly offended when people insinuate I’m not old enough to have children, or at least don’t look old enough to have children. Such is the story I encountered today.

We live a little less than a half mile form our local chain grocery store (or grocery shop as my children call it), and about 3/4 of a mile from our local natural health food store- therefore we walk to them, probably about once a week. Well, hubbyman and I have decided we want to add more raw foods into our diet, and what better time to start than summer?! So I loaded up the kids and headed out.

I’ve talked about people’s thoughtlessness before (and outright rudeness as well), and thankfully today I had my wits about me, and was ready to turn this woman’s pettiness into my own form of amusement. To start with, as we wandered around the store, I was asked twice (by employees), are they all yours?! (No, I like to pick up children along my route and take them grocery shopping, just to see if I can survive it.) Then I was given the run down on why was I buying gluten free, and how people shouldn’t go gluten free just as a fad diet. I insisted that my daughter had to eat gluten free, and it was likely our whole family has gluten intolerances, as we all feel so much better from the change, can notice a difference when we do have it, and Celiac runs in both sides of the family. Ok, so I didn’t say all of that, but I did tell him that I really beneficial for our whole family. And this man just kept going! At least he was a customer and not part of the store (for the store’s sake). But he just kept going on about how “young people today just glom onto whatever latest fad and food trend there is without thinking or researching anything out for themselves.” I’ve never been berated over buying candy for the kids,but gluten free, apparently that really gets people riled… And then as I stood in the checkout line, the Bigger E children were standing with their arms wrapped around my legs, due to the ridiculous amount of strangers talking to us, the last dose of ageism occurred.

The lady who was working the check out counter, had obviously had a rough morning (or a rough life, I’m not sure). You could see it in her face as much as in her demeanor. She was not going to be the highlight of my day, or at least so I thought! As I waddled to the register with the kids clinging to my legs, and littlest E in the cart, clinging to my shirt, the lady gave me one of those wide-eyed-with-arched-brows kinda looks, where you just know some lovely comment is about to spew out of her mouth.

Aren’t you a little young to have a baby?

At first I’m appropriately taken aback, quickly followed by thinking up a hundred different “Aren’t you a little old to…” zingers. I had to bite back the words when I thought to myself, I’d rather be young and fun than old and cranky! But what I did say, with a laugh, was this: I am. Don’t tell my husband, or my other two kids. She looked a little shocked and a little horrified, and completely speechless. Biggest E began to protest at this point (which I think only led to more shock on her part, judging by the look on her face. Which was either due to Biggest E’s age or maybe she actually realized how offensive what she said was. That’s what I’m hoping.), he loudly declared, “You ARE old enough to have a baby!” At this point I grabbed my groceries, and said with a smile and a chuckle (and possibly an eye roll), “Well, have a good day!”

As we left the store, Miss E asked, “Why did that lady say that you are not big enough to be *LittlestE’s* mommy?” I really wanted to respond with, Well, she’s not young and fun like your mommy, she’s just old and cranky. But I knew that wasn’t the road I wanted to go down with her (or she’d probably be saying those words to me tomorrow!). So I told my girl what I believe to be the truth: “I don’t think she was having a very good day, and sometimes people say things that aren’t very nice when they’re feeling cranky.” Biggest E pipes up with, “Like when you’re grumpy?” I nod, yes. At which point he starts singing, “Shake, shake your grumps away, shake, shake your grumps away…” And Miss E (who’s shaking her grumps away along with Biggest E) adds, “We should show the lady how to shake her grumps away. You know, with shaking her booty.” I’m pretty sure had that lady witnessed this conversation, her grumps would have been shaken away. I know mine were.

Family Life According To Me

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TGIF

by motherofwonder

Today’s Thankful Friday is all about the kiddos. Some days it’s easy to forget just what a privilege it is to be their mama. With all the heat we’ve been having, we’ve done lots of fun activities to keep ourselves entertained and cool! And everywhere we’ve gone I’ve had people (strangers even!) come up to tell me how well behaved the E children are. And they really are. But just like most people probably think I’m well behaved… sometimes I lose my cool too. And it’s just so easy to sometimes equate busy with naughty. My kids are very busy. Always on the move, always talking, and always playing… and sometimes when they’re not moving or playing in the way I want or the place I want, or with more toys than I would want, it’s easy to feel like they’re being naughty, when in fact, they aren’t, they’re just energetic vocal children! So today I’m thankful for the fun we’ve had during these hot, hot days; the friends we’ve gotten to visit with; and the little people in my life who make it all worthwhile. And I am so thankful for them each individually. I know some people say that they don’t have a favorite, and some of them say they do… I never could. They are each so different and bring joys in different ways.

Biggest E is my sweet boy. He is the one to tell me that he loves me more than anybody he’s ever known. Loooves bear hugs (he’s not happy until he’s practically knocked you over) And gives kisses for days. (tonight he asked if he could also share his kisses with his daddy. After careful consideration, I gave him permission, just this once. He told me not to worry, because he was willing to give me kisses for all the dark times and all the sun times.)

Miss E is just a wonder to behold. Not only is she beautiful, she is smart, and she is sassy. And I’m fairly certain she’ll have her parents outsmarted in no time. But she is my girl. She wants to sit and paint our toenails together. She likes to sit in the bathroom while I shower and talk to me. She’s always a willing partner to go shopping with. And while the red in her hair may show signs of her temper, she is growing more compassionate and thoughtful as she grows. Even last summer, at just under 2, as soon as she’d wake up in the morning, throw her arms around me, and declare, “Oh, Mommy, I was missing you!”

And my youngest E, well not only is he my medical miracle, he is such a happy, good natured boy. He makes the funniest faces, and has the silliest laugh. And even by 6 months, he was already a hugger. He loves to throw his hands around my neck. He’s also into kisses, especially if he sees his siblings getting in on the action, he’s quick to push them out of his way to lay one on me. And he’s such a cuddler (really, they all are), he’s always willing to get a quick snuggle in before going off to play.

I wouldn’t change any of them, and I love them all dearly… through and through.

Family Life According To Me Thankful Fridays

The Good, The Bad, and The Hot

by motherofwonder

So the worst day in like…ever, was this last Sunday. We had over 85% humidity. The only other place in the western hemisphere to suffer through that, was the Amazon Jungle. Blech. Actually, the day itself was not the worst day ever. While the morning (it was 90 degrees by 9 am. And 100 degrees by noon.) was a hot, sticky, whine-inducing one, we escaped the heat by going to the Science Museum (and finally putting our membership to work!) with friends, followed by burger grilling and enjoying the cool of their air conditioned home (along with their sweet little baby girl- you know me, I’m always down for some baby time. Especially newborn babies!). The days since then have been hot, hot, hot. The kids are all running around sans clothing (and I can’t say I blame them, so I’ve given up -for this week- trying to convince them to do otherwise), they’re all red-faced, and hot, and whiny… so basically they’re just smaller versions of myself. I’ve thought about, and even sat down to, write a post…but I was just so whiny, I was sure nothing good would come out of it. That’s basically been my attitude towards these last 5ish days of extreme heat- that nothing good will come out of it.

Most days I’m a glass is half full kinda girl, but these last days… I’m pretty sure my glass is empty, because everything evaporated in this heat. That’s how I’m feeling. That said, I feel like I should make a small disclaimer: I do not dislike heat. I love summer (like love summer), love the sun, enjoy being out in the sun. What I do not like is the fact that I don’t have a place to go to escape the heat, or cool down! We have no air conditioning. There I said it. (*insert pity here, I know, it’s awful*) If the house were somewhere I could go to cool down, enjoy a cold glass of water, or sleep without waking up in a pool of my own sweat, I would totally feel differently about this weeks’ weather. In fact, I might even go out enjoy more of it. But when you just get miserably hot, only to come home to the same amount of heat without relief… can you see how one would start to feel like nothing good can come out of this weather? Especially because littlest E does NOT like to be hot. At all. Not even a little. He gets really cranky, and refuses to take naps (even in the coolest places you can find, if it’s a little hot, he just gets mad!). And the biggest E is not a whole lot better. So they’re whiny and every time we return to the house (after a cool-off outing), Biggest E cries, “I don’t want to go back to this hot house!” And I don’t blame him. Not in the least. .The only one not really complaining is Miss E. She’s such a peach. But she’s the only one, hubbyman and I wake up all hot and cranky, so our interactions are not the highlights of each other’s days either. That said, all that gross, sweaty, miserably hotness…some good has come out of it.

The kids and I enjoyed a festival that I enjoyed as a kid, with my dad and brother. We spent the afternoon with my parents; Biggest E spent the afternoon with his arms wrapped around his grandma’s neck. We spent a day (even hubbyman! He attempted to work on a project, but it was just too hot to continue!) with friends. We ran errands as a family. I know it sounds mundane, and I know it won’t have been the highlight of hubbyman’s week, but as the person who ends up usually having to do those things all by myself (missing out on precious family time) or as the only adult with all three of the children. Neither option is really my preference, so for me, I loved going as a family and enjoying our time together as we escaped the heat. The kids and I also got to enjoy yesterday going on rides and escaping the heat at the mall, with my dad and my brother! I’d had a ticket for rides that I got almost a year ago, and it turns out they don’t expire! So if I don’t count the fact that I’d previously purchased it, it was like it was free! And then last night, we all hunkered down, downstairs (where it’s possibly ten degrees cooler), with about ten fans. The kids played together famously, and hubby, baby, and I laid in bed and watched a movie. We don’t get much quiet time together like that! So all in all, there were good things to be had. And for that, I am grateful. I will also be grateful when we install the cooling unit (not this summer, but before next)!

*I’ll post pictures of some of the fun, as soon as I find my charger. I know, I can never find anything!

Family Life According To Me

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Thankfully Friday

by motherofwonder

So I forgot all about yesterday being Thursday and failed to do an “Impressively Simple” post…boo on me. I actually had forgotten about today being Friday… so when I remembered that, I remembered what I should’ve done yesterday. But what I did do yesterday was get the whole upstairs of my house deep cleaned, organized, and even rearranged! Yay me! Which is very impressive, and not at all simple! : )

The things I’m thankful for this week…

Uncles who take the big ones on a movie date (how else could I have gotten it clean?!)
A sweet little boy who was happy to just play near me while I cleaned!
A husband who believes in living as organically as I do (maybe even more!)
living so close to the farmer’s market!
impromptu visits with like-minded friends
A garden that is chalk full of growing peppers!! (mmm, just think of all the yummy salsa!)
A bowl full of raspberries picked from my very own yard
Rain! (you won’t hear me say that very often) It’s keeping the imminent heat wave at bay!
A gray day that is encouraging us to cuddle up together and just have a day of snuggling and play!
While there are dishes to do, and toys to pick up… upstairs is organized! I am SO thankful for that! Seriously, feng shui for sure! I feel so much better to have that done!!
that I have friends to make plans with! (friends I have made plans with this week and for next)
The fact that it’s Friday and hubbyman will be home for the weekend!!!

And my littlest boy turned ONE!! (I'm not really sure I'm thankful that my last baby is growing up... no, no, I am... just... waah! *sobs*)

Life According To Me Thankful Fridays

Things You Should Say (To Boys)

by motherofwonder

So as we had some quiet family time together on the couch tonight, we were doing our infant massage techniques on our kids who are no longer infants, while the actual infant (who, waah!, is no longer an infant either, but now a toddler) watched from the sidelines with interest. We began to just talk, and the big Es are currently obsessed with telling you their favorites and so their lists came bubbling out. Then they talked about things like when they get married, and when they are grown ups, and asked questions like, Will we be huuuge grown ups? And would it be ok to wait 90 years before becoming a daddy? And as we told them that it wasn’t necessary to wait 90 years, but preferred to wait until they were really grown ups and were married. I couldn’t help but think about all the things I wanted to tell them, and teach them. There are so many things, about so many different topics, but I’ll try to limit myself… And so today will be part one: The things you should say to boys (or things I want to say to my boys).

Be respectful. To everyone. Everywhere. People have hurts that sometimes aren’t visible, treat them accordingly.
Talk to others in a way that wouldn’t leave you embarrassed if you found out your mama was listening.
Learn to listen (for most men this is an acquired skill, I’m pretty sure). Really listen, not just hear someone making sounds, but the words that they’re saying.
Treat all women in the manner you should treat your mother: polite, respectful, helpful.
Be courteous- even if you think it’s not appreciated or deserved. Maybe especially then.
Be honest.
Violence (against anyone) is never really the answer.
Never look down on someone for the way they dress, how they look, or what they believe.
Be compassionate.
Never treat people as disposable. They’re not. Even if you date her for a week and find out she’s suuuuper annoying (even if I agree)… you will still treat her as an individual with feelings. Just not an individual you’ll marry.
When you are dating, try and behave in a manner you won’t be embarrassed to recount to your wife. Or your mother for that matter.
Never make fun of tears. No matter if they’re from a girl or a boy. Pain is pain. (Compassion my sons!)
A strong man is someone who knows and accepts his weaknesses (or tries to strengthen himself in those areas).
Feelings are not a weakness in a man. Embrace them.
Don’t be run by emotions (or hormones), think things through.
Think before you speak.
Don’t let anyone push you around. Be your own man.
Learn to take charge and to be responsible for things. It’s ok to know what you want- and to go for it.
Don’t just follow ANYONE just for the sake of a) trying to look cool or fit in, or b) not having to make an actual decision yourself. Neither reason will suit you in the long run.
Know that you were made to be EXACTLY who you are.
Know that life really isn’t all about you.
Reach out a helping hand, whenever you possibly can.
A man of faith is a lot stronger than a man with no beliefs.
You’ll stand a lot taller, the more time you spend on your knees.
Family is a blessing. (Whether you like it or not!)
Dream dreams, wish wishes, and love your loves. No matter what others may say or think. (Except for your mother, of course.)
Be secure in who you are, because you will always have people that will support you.
No matter what else you do in life, what you wear, who your friends are, what your job is, how much money you make, or where you live… remember that your mama loves you. And please always live nearby.

Family Life According To Me

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Times a Million

by motherofwonder

Last night something happened that makes everything I do worth while. Times like a million.

Most nights hubbyman is in charge of putting the bigger 2 to bed. Which usually entails these rituals: put jammies on, brush teeth, each pick out a book, take turns with whose book gets read first (listen to the argument over who’s book was read first last time), read said books, say prayers, turn lights off.

Well, last night, when they’d finally reached the bedtime prayer time, Miss E asked if she could pray for mommy being home. (*feel free to insert your “awww” here*) Which is sweet enough in itself, but coupled with the fact that she normally says she wants to pray, but doesn’t usually actually do it -at least outloud- makes the next part especially tear-jerking. She prayed, and thanked God for a mommy who stays at home with her.

And it’s the little moments like these that confirms why we’ve chosen to have me home with the kids, reaffirms the benefits to having a parent at home, and makes all the thanklessness of the daily routines all worth while. Times a million. And three.