Patrick told Tommy he couldn't wear a Redskins shirt to Mass this morning. The reason?
"It's not God-ish."

It's Happened

I guess it's my own fault. I mean, I married him. I'm the one who fell in love with this tall (6'3"), dark and handsome man. I married into a family who is at least a foot taller than mine. I had hoped I could avoid the problem for a few more years, at least. Alas, it was not meant to be.

My kids are growing.

I can't keep up. Every time I turn around, Emma's dresses get shorter and shorter. I keep blaming the dryer, but I know it is not so. Patrick's pants, while they may be the perfect fit in the waist, are expecting a flood in the length. I know that All Saints has had trouble with a leaky roof, but I'm pretty sure it has been fixed, so he really can't wear them to church anymore.

They are growing like weeds, and I can't seem to find a happy medium. Emma's legs AND feet seem to gain an inch every night. Patrick's getting so tall that I don't have to bend down as low to kiss his head (aaah!). I used to be able to go into a store and pick up the appropriate size for the age (4T, 5T, etc), but I can't do that now. They are in an in-between size. The bigger sizes, are just too big, and the smaller sizes are too short. We have to *gulp* try things on in the store! I have a hard enough time doing that for me, it's time to do that for the kids!?!?

Who told these kids they could grow?

William and Reflux

*Warning: this is long, and a bit whiny. I wanted to put this down so I don't forget what happened. Sorry if this is boring, but I need to get this out.*

It sounds so easy when you are sitting there. Feed him 5-6 times a day. Figure out when he spits up. Medicine 3 times a day. Keep him upright for an hour after eating. Of course. Should be so easy. Nodding head in agreement, mentally taking notes. You leave with the best of intentions, knowing that it sounds so easy. Of course we can do it.

Then you get home. Life starts up again. Snacks for this kid, lunches for both, drinks, please clear your place, please clean up your toys, laundry needs to be transferred, put away, dinner plans, please can you clean up those toys, feed the baby, take foreign object OUT of baby's mouth, dishes to be loaded, unloaded, kitchen to be tidied-whole house to be tidied, don't forget food for mommy.......I could go on and on, as you moms know. It just never turns out as simply as you think.

We went to the doctor's today. William has been more fussy lately and spits up so much that it has been a concern of ours. Tommy asked me to "get a plan" and find out what we can do about it. It is hard to watch all the food you just gave him come right back out. All those lovely baby food colors are all over my carpet as well as his clothes. I am nervous to feed him. He had medicine for an ear infection and that would come up too. I was afraid to feed him too much, so I may have been giving him too little. He has lost weight(ohmygoodnessIamaterriblemommyhowcouldIbe NOTfeedinghimenough). Half a pound in 2 weeks. I need to feed him more. I need to feed him more. Not that he's small, but he is losing weight, and for me that is not okay. Does he have reflux? Yes. Does he have food allergies? I don't know. My kids have always spit up. But about 7-8 months when they start sitting/standing, it tapers off and goes away. His seems to be continuing with a vengeance, or maybe it's just because it's the solid food color.

In the small exam room there were 5 of us, including a stroller. It seemed like we were all arms and legs, since the kids were sitting on the floor, and it all was a bit overwhelming. The doctor may have been feeling that too, because as we talked about everything, she pointed to the kids and said "you do have a lot on your plate." Let me tell you, was I ever feeling it at that moment.

(I have to add that this is NOT the doctor I see regularly. She is not my, shall we say favorite in this practice. Our personalities are SOO different that sometimes I think that the communication goes awry for that reason alone. Each time I think it will be better, and each time I leave feeling upset and that I am not listened to. Tommy knows this, and tells me that I need to just avoid her. He hates getting phone calls at work from me when I am all upset; read: crying and/or yelling.)

Anyhow, we have a plan, and we will see where it goes from here. I will try not to beat myself up about this, and just move on. Do what I need to do. As with anything, I have to "just keep swimming, just keep swimming."

The "No Cavity" Club

Emma had her first visit to the Dentist today. I took them both since it was time for Patrick, and they both did great! In and out in less than 20 minutes, and no cavities! Hooray! I told Emma that we were going to the Dentist, and I asked Patrick to tell her about it. His explanation? "You go see the Dentist, and you get a new toothbrush." LOL I tried to explain there was more than that, but she seemed quite satisfied.

I arranged it so that I could see both kids at the same time. I knew that Patrick had been there before, and I knew he would do well. I thought maybe Emma would like to have me there, but she told me that she would tell me if she wanted me there. She is so grown up and independent sometimes, it amazes me. They did get new toothbrushes, floss and toothpaste, and on the way home I heard Emma ask "How do you get the string back in?"

Do you trust me?

As I was walking in Target the other day (oh man, how many times I could say that in month) I was struck, as I am very often, by how trusting my children are. My kids will just reach up their hand, and know that mine is there to hold theirs without even looking. They look up to me (well, not for very long, especially if they keep growing at this rate) and just know that I will be there to answer questions, give them meals, and take care of them. Before I had kids of my own, I loved to walk behind a child and the parent, holding hands crossing the street, or that little face looking up to the parents. It was always so special to see that, and I knew it would be amazing to have that as a mom. Now that I am a mom, I am overwhelmed by it. I always knew that the "parents are the first teachers" of their children, but when I think about how much I need to teach, whether by example or by showing, it is so much. Emma has a question she asks, and very often I feel that she is asking the same of me. "Why doesn't he know everything?" Such an innocent question, but with such big meaning. I always tell her that we are all learning, every day, and there is so much to be learned. Before I answer, I always pause for a moment, because that has such a big meaning to me. Being a parent is such an awesome job, but is anyone ever ready? Have I taught them good habits? Do I have good habits? (oh my, no!) Am I doing my best to help them to love God, love their siblings, and be good children? Am I a good teacher?

If I sit here and go through everything that makes me feel inadequate, I will start to get depressed and overwhelmed at the unknown and the long road ahead. I have to stop and I have to remember that God is in charge. He gave me Tommy to help (how good he is!), our family and community. I have to keep going, keep praying and just trust God in the same way a little child trusts. He is my Father, my parent and I need to be like the little child, trusting that He will hold my hand, take care of all my needs, and guide me and my family to Heaven to be with Him.

Run, Do NOT Walk....

...to this website and make this cake. Or just the icing. You will be amazed at the results.

If someone is mad at you, you will instantly be forgiven (think Amelia Bedelia).
If you need to get your Honey-Do list done, make.this.cake.
I made this to celebrate my Tommy's promotion. I think think he was impressed!

Oh.my.goodness.

(wish my picture would come out as good as hers. Mine does look amazing, you should come over and see it before it's all gone.....)

Father's Day Outing

Tommy decided he wanted to spend Father's Day in Old Town Manassas, at the Wine and Jazz Festival (or Festi-full as Emma kept calling it.) We invited everyone to join us, and the Iveys, my Mom, and Mr. Matt (who came later) enjoyed the day with us.

There were so many Virginia Winerys there, and you could go all around and do a tasting - just like if you went to the Winery. Tommy is a big fan of Virginia, and loves to see all there is to offer.

The moms and babies (big and small) set up an area under a tree and took turns with the Dads to go tasting. We were near the caboose and the kids did some climbing and made some new friends. The sky was overcast and threatened to rain, but it never did. We had a lovely breeze that kept us cool and the shade of the tree made it perfect.

I loved Lauren's shirt!

We got this shot before Mr. Matt arrived. Notice all the guys are in similar shirts? I did that for my family and Father's day, it was just a coincidence that Mike had his on too! What's the saying about "great minds..."?
(Mr. Matt with Emma trying to cover up the "good times" pose.)

We were having such a fun time together and the weather was so nice that we wanted to find a place to have dinner outside. We tried for Okra's, which was full, and across the way is Carmello's. Mike saw an empty table and got us all around the table, even the 2 strollers. The meal was delicious, and even though we were outside, the kids still behaved themselves and were very patient. I didn't think I will ever be able to say that I took my kids to Carmello's!

Tommy and I are so blessed to have such great friends and family nearby (I know I have said this before, but I really mean it!) and we love that we can enjoy time together. I think the day was just perfect!

Present for Tommy

The kids and I were really excited this year for Father's Day. We decided on a fun project to give to Daddy for his garden: a stepping stone.

I had all the materials ready to go outside, knowing it would be messy. It was a lovely sunny afternoon, and we started doing the handprints. I am all set to do the baby's and it starts to rain! We had to gather up all the materials (and the baby) and get inside.

Do you have any idea how hard it is to get a baby's handprint in cement? All he wanted to do was grab the wet cement. It took a lot of smoothing and reworking, and I finally decided to do his foot. Way easier. Sort of. It turned out really well, and even though Tommy spotted it before we could actually give it to him, it looks really nice in the garden.
We love you, Daddy! Happy Father's Day!

Tommy's Favorite

Father's Day is on Sunday and I wanted to post one of Tommy's all-time favorite recipes. I have his gift all ready to go (yay me!) and I am looking forward to sharing that with you all. I hope he likes it!

The Pampered Chef ®
Blackened Fish Tacos:
Slaw:
¼ cup sliced green onions with tops
2 tbsp snipped fresh cilantro
1 tbsp fresh lime juice
1 tbsp vegetable oil
1 garlic clove, pressed
1 tsp sugar
½ tsp Cajun or blackened fish seasoning
2 cups broccoli slaw mix
Fish:
1 lb tilapia (or catfish) fish fillets
1 tbsp Cajun or blackened seasoning
1 avocado, seeded and sliced
8 (6-inch) corn tortillas, warmed (I use flour, for taste and warm in the microwave)
3 medium radishes (I don't usually do)
Additional cilantro (optional)

1. For slaw, in a small bowl, combine green onions, cilantro, lime juice, oil, garlic, sugar and seasoning; whisk until blended. Add slaw, toss to coat. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
2. Heat Grill Pan over med heat. Moisten fillets with water and sprinkle with seasoning. Lightly spray oil on the pan. Cook fillets until fish flakes easily with fork (10-12 minutes). Remove from heat.
3. Cut avocado into slices lengthwise. Warm tortillas. Top with slaw mixture, avocado, fish and grate radishes over fish. Top with additional cilantro, if desired.

From The Pampered Chef: It's Good for You Cookbook

"Comfortably untidy"

We made a trip to the library and came out with about 17 books, including some on tape/cd. The first one we are listening to is Ramona's World. In it there was a descriptive phrase that I loved: "comfortably untidy."

I wonder: if I use the phrase to describe MY house instead of "mess", will I feel any better about it?

Emma's logic

On this rainy morning, we are headed out to Mass. I send Emma to the car and tell her to get in quickly so she can stay as dry as possible. I am helping put the baby's jacket on, and I see her standing outside of the van with the door to the van still closed. I tell her to get in. She says that she doesn't want to touch the door because it is going to get her hands wet! I didn't think I needed to tell her to come in out of the rain, but I guess a wet head is better than wet hands in her opinion.

Guess what his favorite part...

..of this video is? I was laughing so hard I could barely take a picture!

My "impress-the-company" recipe

As I have mentioned, I love it when people come over. Love to feed them, chat with them, and just have a great time with people. I have an easy recipe that I make when they are here, and it is always a great hit!

Pull Apart Bread

1 apple (I will use whatever I have in the house)
1 pkg Grands Biscuits (8 count)
1 tsp Cinnamon (or cinnamon plus)
1/4-1/2 cup sugar, depending on your sweet tooth or how much you have in the house)
1/2-1 stick butter (Do you feel like Paula Deen or not?)

Melt butter (in microwave, or in a small Saute Pan). Wedge apple and chop into small pieces (I use my Pampered Chef items for this: my wedger and Food Chopper, which I probably didn't need to tell you, but I will anyhow! :). Slice Biscuits into quarters (or eighths). Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix well.

Preheat oven to 350. Bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until all biscuits are cooked and it is nicely browned on top.

Tip from the Consultant (that's me): You can make this in your oven safe Saute pan, or your stoneware and it will come out great. I've made this as a breakfast treat or dessert. This is DELICIOUS with vanilla ice cream.

Weekend doings

We had a busy weekend! Saturday we attended a picnic for my high school at Burke Lake Park, which included an outdoor Mass and play time for the kids. There were quite a few people there, but only one other person from my graduating class. The kids played on the playground and slept on the way home. Our next stop was the Reynolds-tribe home, where the kids got to spend time with Grandma, Grandpa, and the Pattersons: Uncle Barry, Aunt Chrissy, Lynsey and Mac. Steak, crabs, my yummy salad, and family time. It was a great end to a beautiful day! (wished I'd brought my camera)

Sundays are a wonderful family day for us. We almost always get to see both sets of grandparents, as well as my sister and her family at 10:3o Mass. It is usually followed by a delicious lunch at Tony's, but more important than the food is the company. My kids love to spend time with their cousins and I love that we live so close to family. We are so blessed!

Today was an extra special day for Tommy. He was asked by our pastor to be an extraordinary minister of the Eucharist, and today he was being officially instituted as such. Our family time was increased by a visit from our Alexandria family: Hayley, Alex and Uncle Jimmy. They joined us for a lunch and were even able to come over for a time to play. It always makes Emma happy to have some girl cousins come over, since there are mostly boys on my side of the family.

We took this opportunity to take a family photo (thanks, Dave!) and my favorite didn't quite fit the header.

Hello, Sweet William!

My view as I went to get him from his nap. I just love this sweet boy!

She's like her Daddy

She can fall asleep anywhere!

For those of you who were wondering...

...it was a hit!

(definitely not professional, but not Cake Wrecks-worthy, right? RIGHT?)

Letter to the visitors who have taken residence in my home

Dear Visitors,

Hello! You have arrived. Every year I expect you about this time, since I know you must be so hot and uncomfortable crawling around in the grass, and those rocks can be so tough on your feet. Is the house cool enough for you? Oh, and I see you have found the stash of food my kids have dropped during their meals. Hope you enjoyed it. And you shared some with the family outside, good. Oh, and Miss? Up in the bedroom corner? I realize that you have made your bed up there, but I am afraid to tell you that meals aren't allowed in the bedrooms, or on the ceilings. You are VERY big, and I worry you may go hungry.

In the basement there are some new guests. I am not familiar with your name, but you have quite the leaping ability. Perhaps I missed your reservation? I do need to tell you that the guests are not permitted in the laundry room, as the staff does not enjoy being watched from the wall while she works. That you may leap on her back is a very uncomfortable feeling.

I hope you enjoyed your stay, but I regret that it will be a short one. Our home has decided not to allow any more visitors this year, or in the future. If you would be so kind as to clean up after yourselves and take all your belongings, you can depart at your earliest convenience.

Thank your for your understanding,

The Management

Conversation with Emma

At church this morning, I tell Emma to pray Michael on his birthday. She leans over, nods her head and says something to me. This is how I thought the conversation went:

Her (in a whispered tone): Yep, he's dead.
Me: What? It's his birthday, pray for him.
Her: He's dead.
Me: What? No he's not.
Her: (holding up 10 fingers) He's ten.
Me: (muffling giggles) Yes, you're right. Now pray for him on his big day.

It's going to be a long night

It's calling me.

Beckoning.

I can't see it, but I KNOW it's there. HELP!

I am out of chocolate chips. Well, not exactly. There was less than a quarter of a bag of chips left. I am making a cookie cake for my Godson's birthday tomorrow. There aren't enough chips in the house to FINISH the recipe.......

I can't hear you! *plugging ears*

The dough is IN THE FRIDGE! I had a little taste. I had to. Just to make sure it was okay. Had to finish off what was on the licker. And the spatula. Oh, and I had to see if the chips were good too. Oh, and make sure the chips IN the batter went well together.......oh dear.

Maybe he will be happy with a very small cake tomorrow?

Can I be honest? I mean, really? Course I can.

The nerves are kicking in.

I mean, seriously, why? I love to write about my cute kids, their antics, and all, but I am getting nervous to write now. I was in a bubble for a while, thinking just "a few" people were reading (although, c'mon, my family? NOT a few!) and being sweet and telling me they enjoyed it. But now? My DH has been telling all these people about it, my sister linked to me the other day, and I got a few more comments (Hello to all you readers out there! Thanks for stopping in.) and I got nervous. LOL Why?? Isn't that silly? Did anyone else get this feeling? I know, I know. I should just pretend that it's still just me in my bubble. It seems to be smaller.

Don't get me wrong. I love that there are others out there reading. (Thank you!) I have been a blog lurker and follower on some of these blogs for F.O.R.E.V.E.R. it seems. To be honest, I just don't want to bore anybody. So if you are still reading, have I said "thank you" yet?

All you other bloggers, please tell me I am not alone in this feeling?!

The Kitchen Prayer

For as long as I can remember, my mom had a special prayer above her sink. I always noticed it, but never really thought too much about the prayer until I was married and had my own kitchen to take care of. As I tried to keep up with everything, I wished I had this prayer in my own kitchen. I would try to remember it, but never could get past the first line. (what does that tell you about how often I used to do dishes? Don't answer that!) My sister Jennifer found this at our parish's white elephant sale, and I was thrilled when she shared it with me! The plaque is now above my sink, and though the picture is different than my mom's, I love that she could be praying this at the same time..

Kitchen Prayer

Lord of all pots and pans and things, since I've not time to be

A saint by doing lovely things or watching late with Thee

Or dreaming in the dawn light or storming Heaven's gates

Make me a saint by getting meals and washing up up the plates.

Although I must have Martha's hands, I have a Mary mind

And when I black the boots and shoes Thy sandals, Lord, I find.

I think of how they trod the earth, what time I scrub the floor

Accept this meditation, Lord, I haven't time for more.

Warm all the kitchen with Thy love, and light it with Thy peace

Forgive me all my worrying and make my grumbling cease.

Thou who didst love to give men food, in room or by the sea

Accept this service that I do, I do it unto Thee.

--Klara Munkres

Now, if only there was a prayer to put around the commode to encourage me while I am cleaning...

Homeschooling lesson in Nutrition

Patrick wass reading the Very Hungry Caterpillar to William and Emma. After reading all the food that was eaten, Patrick declares to me: "He didn't eat lots of protein."

Dancing with........the seniors

My sweet husband decided it was time for a date night. I was thrilled when he said we were to go Dancing!! I LOVE to dance. Love it. I used to tear up the floor at every wedding, school dance, and every Knights of Columbus function there was. My body just moves to the music, and "I got rhythm, I got music...." Tommy told me he had dance lessons when he was about 18, and secretly I was hoping he would sweep me around the room and impress me with all he remembered. We haven't danced much: kids and a big pregnant belly usually interrupt things, so needless to say my hopes were really high.

We went to Old Town at the Center for the Arts and there was a 30 minute Cha-cha lesson before something called "open dance" and there were about 10 couples there, learning the steps. These couples? Well, it should have been our first clue about the rest of the evening. We were the youngest group there. And not by like 10 years. By like 20-25 or MORE. I didn't think much of it, but we kept dancing. As the lesson concluded, I kept seeing these couples come in the doors-same age group, of course. Each would do the same thing: sit down right away and change their shoes. Hmm.

About 30 couples later, the room is full and the music starts. Not a cha-cha, but something else.....and let me tell you that you do NOT want to get in the way of these dancers. They were some serious dancers! Twirling, kicking, shimmying, sliding, scooting...you name it, they were doing it. One couple had their water bottles on the shelf with a towel to mop their brow. Whoa. We are soo out of our league. At least, that is what I am thinking. I kept hoping Tommy would just start dancing, and I would follow his lead. I'm pretty good at that. Each time a new song would come on, the dance instructor would announce some dance (Jefferson Swing!) and the couples would go at it, and I would expectantly look at Tommy. He would lead me gently to the floor and we would stand on the floor, and.....and....nothing. We would attempt something, but inevitably we would need to get out of the way for Fred and Ginger from the senior center. We couldn't even manage the waltz, or if we did, it was just in one spot. At one point, a couple stopped and asked us if they could show us the basic step! I thought we knew how to waltz, so I said no. I was reduced to giggles more than once, because we would move (very quickly) out of the way, and our seat ended up being in the corner which made me feel like a wallflower, which is SOO not me at a dance! Oh, I wished I had my camera to take pictures! I did take some on my new phone, but have not figured out how to download them.

"Open Dance" lasted about 2 hours. We left after about 35 minutes. We did manage to do the Electric Slide. I am good at that one. (Jess, I did a Mrs. F. just for you!) But when it was over, Tommy looked at me and said we should just go do dinner. I wholeheartedly agreed, and we walked to Okra's and enjoyed each other's company. Maybe we will take a broader dance lesson than just the cha-cha, and go back and wow those other couples!

Basketball camp

It was a hit! Patrick has finished his first camp ever, and he really enjoyed it. 5 days of drills and skills, bouncing and shooting balls with 5-8 year old boys sounds like fun for any little boy. I tried to go and watch a few times, but I noticed that he did better when he couldn't see me. It was a whole new experience for him to actually go and try to do all these things. He has been to many George Mason basketball games and knows how to follow all that's going on. But to go on the court, dribble a ball, even 2? That can be tough. I know he has a little of his mommy in him, and some days I could tell he just wanted to do it right. If he couldn't, I know it would frustrate him and he would give up a little easily, but Coach VW was so great, and the boys he had helping him assured me that Patrick did well and wasn't disrespectful (thankfully), but just didn't want to try sometimes. I know we will try again next year!

I do know he had a good week. How do I know? Because he talked about it non-stop, and he was playing it all the time: while he was getting dressed, brushing his teeth, in the basement-all pretending. We did pull out the basketball hoop in the basement (much to mommy's "no balls in the house" rules' chagrin) and let him play. He could tell me all the names of the drills and how to do them. My mother told me that Patrick talked her ear off about the camp, so that makes me feel better too. My nephew was also there (it's his second time - he's really good out there!) and he was helpful to Patrick during the drills.

Tommy's game was soccer in school, and I think come the fall we will try that sport. Hopefully, Patrick will be ready for some more "skills and drills" come soccer season.

Queen of the Universe

I like to have reminders. I NEED reminders. I need reminders to shop for groceries, pay bills, do household chores, etc. I especially need reminders of God's love. I need reminders to thank him, and pray more. The moon is one of my reminders.

Growing up, I always heard about the "man in the moon" and to be honest, I could NEVER see it. I would try and try, but I just didn't see it. Still can't. But I never asked anyone about it. I guess I felt kind of silly. I enjoyed looking at it, loved the brightness it gave to the nighttime, and all the different phases, but still never could see THE face. There was one day when I was a teenager (maybe 13-14) that I had the opportunity to spend the day with one of our parish priests and some school children. We finished and were outside admiring the moon, and Father said something that has stayed with me to this day.

"If you look at the moon and tilt your head to the right, it looks like the outline of Our Lady, holding Jesus."

Of course! I could totally see that! It was perfect, and made so much sense. Something so beautiful could be made into a simple prayer. I loved it!

As I was driving home tonight, admiring the moon and it's beauty, and I tried to see "the face" again, and I just couldn't. I much prefer seeing Our Lady, and thinking of her as MY mother. It's a small thing, but knowing that Mary went through so much of what I go through as a mom comforts me. Granted, she was the Mother of God, who is perfect, but the teaching, the love, the cooking and cleaning; she did it all. Such a beautiful example!

I am so glad Father Riley pointed out the moon to me that night. I needed that reminder.

Can anyone else see it?

"You've reached Tommy's phone. You can now leave a message after the beep!"

It's that time. Every 2 years or so, one of our cell phones starts acting up. Usually Tommy's. (wonder why that is?) This time? His phone wouldn't tell him he had a voice mail. He would have to periodically check to see if someone called him. Heaven forbid it's an emergency! Time to go in and make the dreaded trip to the cell phone store. With the kids. (!!!) I usually prepare myself for a LONG trip there, with kids getting antsy, mommy getting frustrated with all the choices, and Tommy tuning out all the noise the kids are making. We have a new cell phone store nearby, that should be quieter, I think, so we try that one.

We storm in with the baby almost sleeping in my arms, Emma sleeping (or pretending to sleep) in the big stroller, and Patrick just ready to push all the buttons and read all the features to me. Thankfully, there was nobody but the 2 workers there. You can tell right away that one of them knows his stuff and the other isn't quite as, um, what's the word? informative, shall we say. Boy, did this guy "inform" us. We learned about EVERYTHING in the store. I think I could have a new job now. We pick our phones, and this is where it gets interesting. Salesman A now has to leave. Salesman B is going to help us finish up. Now, we all know that this part takes the longest. Right about this time, Emma is up and ready to go. Now it's HER turn to pull, push and tug at all the phones. Poor B. He needed help. It took him a REALLY long time to set up the phones. I think he was new-ish. I think Tommy actually fell asleep while he was working on setting up the phones. We've done pretty well up to this point. Now it's climb the walls time. Even William is out of the stroller, crawling, pulling and getting into stuff. I start taking at least 2 kids to the car, one is a little more reluctant to leave. (to put it mildly) It's finally finished, and I say I am heading to the shoe store. Well, why not? I get my phone and try to call Tommy. Get some funky message thing. Try again. No go. We realize the guy has given us the wrong phone numbers to the wrong phones. Tommy takes it back to the store and tells them. B's answer?
"You can call the company and tell them."!!!!!

We're home now, with the correct phones and numbers, and I am trying out a sleek new slide phone that is red! The screen has this vibrate function that works when you touch the buttons. Yes, yes, I know that has probably been around for a while, but I have not had anything like this. I think Patrick is more excited about my phone than I am. Actually, BOTH the kids asked me for a cell phone today. Whoa. Waaay too early for that.

Too funny

I thoroughly enjoyed this video. My favorite is the second song guy that comes out, and about the 2:30 minute mark. (No idea how to load a youtube video on here. Mike? ETA: Thank you! My FIRST commenter!)

Shoulda, woulda, coulda

My kids have been telling me the same thing over and over lately. Each sentence starts with the phrase "you should/shouldn't have...." fill in the blank here.
"Mommy, next time you should make it this way"
"Next time we go here, we should go on this ride"
"You shouldn't have ordered/made me this"
"Mommy, you shouldn't have taken that toy away"
etc, etc.
I have to admit, it is really frustrating. On one hand, they may have a good point about something. You learn from your experiences and make different decisions. Great. On the other hand, it feels like I am costantly being told what to do, how to do it, and how many things I have done wrong in their opinion. I especially get this phrase when I make dinner/lunch/breakfast and it may not be to their liking, though I haven't made anything unfamiliar lately.

I do not have a very high self confidence or esteem (shocker, I know). Those words coming from my children hurt my feelings, even at ages 4 and 5, and I KNOW they don't mean it in the way I am taking offense to. I second guess myself all day long, and this is tough for me. I know God is giving me this to help and humble me. Being a mom isn't an easy job, and I know that there are so many things I need to learn. Kids can teach me a lot (patience being the one I am working on soo hard) and I need to be more willing to listen. Do I say that phrase often? Is that where they are getting it? Do I live my life with a ton of regrets or "should haves"?

I would like to be able to fix this, but I am unsure how. Right now, all I do it try to get them not to say it. That usually involves a bit of fussing, since I am getting my defenses up, but I can't get them NOT to do it. They are very detirmined, and will keep trying to tell me how to do it, not to do it, should do it this way....Sigh. Don't get me wrong. I love being a mom, and my kids are so wonderful and sweet with many things. This, I guess, is my own thing I need to deal with, and how to deal will involve some more prayers. I know this won't be the ONLY thing that the kids will have an opinion about. How much longer until teenage years?

Pink morning!

Emma is a girly-girl, through and through. Just like her mommy. :) She is so excited for dress up, painting (toes, paper), coloring, make-up and just about anything else you think of when you think "girl". I decided we would do a little girly time this morning (with the baby) and go get our toenails painted. I didn't tell Emma, and hoped she would enjoy it.

We arrived at the shop before it opened, and waited until the workers came, late (20 minutes). As we walked in, I asked Emma what she thought we could do here. She asked "can we get our toes painted?" I nodded and showed her to the polish colors. She was so excited by all of it! I hoped we would pick the same one, but the ladies showed her a bubble gum pink color, and she was sold. I wasn't, so I picked something a tad more mature. I could tell by her face that she was happy, and she didn't ask as many questions as I thought she would, so I think she was enjoying it.

William was a bit fussy, so it was a little harder for me to enjoy at the end. There was a lady getting a pedicure (oh how I LOVE those) and Emma was a bit skeptical about her choice of color. In the end, we had a good time, and our toes are pretty (well, hers are) and we feel summer ready!


It was really nice to have time with Emma.

She kind of gets swept aside being in the middle of the boys in our family as well as with all the cousins that live around us. She is such a great helper, and knows where everything is/goes. There is a stubborn streak that needs to be directed, but when she makes up her mind to do something (with or without permission) she is detirmined and will do it well. I LOVE hearing her sing; she does it all day long. She asks such inquisitive questions and is so perceptive about people (and their size, hair color, clothes, toys, etc.). When we are at a playground, she will come back to me in the first 5 minutes knowing everyone's names and ages. I wish I was as sociable and friendly to people I don't know (what's that line from Pride and Prejudice? "I have not that talent of coversing easily with others"). I hope we have many more girly days together!

First day of camp

Today is Patrick's first day of camp. Ever. He is attending Coach VW's basketball camp, and he was so excited. He insisted on wearing his George Mason jersey (Dre Smith) and was so excited to bring his ball and snack bag today. As I left him, he was joining up with some other kids his age to "shoot hoops" and play. My sister has her son in the camp as well, and she arrived after I left. She told me as she was there, Patrick ran over to Coach and made a comment like "I can't get this in there!" Meaning the ball into the hoop. Coach's response? "We'll just have to work on that!"

I hope he has a good week!