Parenting Moments

You know those moments when one of your children does something that makes you so boiling mad that you physically need to take a step back or you will say all of these juvenile mean things to your child that you really want to? I just had one of those moments.

THANK GOODNESS I was able to take a deep breath and realize that my daughter's self esteem and her learning moment was more important than taking the verbal cheap shot I SOOOO felt like doing. I need to be the parent, material things are not as important as my relationship with my daughter. (I kept saying that to myself over and over and over again.) And you know what? We were able to calmly talk about why you DON'T paint your toenails with BRIGHT red nail polish on the carpet. Because it spills, and can spill for a while before you notice it. It can spill long enough to dump almost the whole thing so it seeps into the carpet pad.

And THANK GOODNESS that I have a mother who answers her phone when I call at any time to give me the sanity, calmness that I needed, and tips on how to get nail polish out of carpet. I call today a success. Addie knows that I love her and where exactly to paint her nails next time.

Here is a picture of our Mother-Daughter Activity Days lunch date. Each daughter was supposed to pick a piece of their Mother's clothing to wear in a fashion show. And we did their makeup and made face scrub. It was really so much fun - I can't believe my first baby is at this point.

See her fashion face pose? She wanted to look serious.

My cute Emma with her Dad at my work's pool and hot tub. That girl is a riot... Thanks cassie for the ponytail advice - I actually got it into pigtails in the back No more mullet!

During spring break we had an animal theme somehow. The aquarium, Farm at Thanksgiving point and the Zoo. At Thanksgiving point they had a small jail for kids to play in... Look at which of my kids wandered in there - Go figure.

BTW, Gray had his first true golfing experience today in a polo shirt and all. He, of course, insisted on having his shirt collar turned up, to keep the sun out, why else? He also liked to dive out of the moving golf cart, again, not surprised!

Spring Soccer has arrived! Jax is playing with the 7 and 8 year olds and having a blast, scoring around 3-4 goals a game. He LOVES it out there.

I just feel completely and overwhelmingly proud of my children right now. Our lives feel hectic and I worried that I would lose touch with them with how much time I am out of the home now... They are fantastic kids and I adore them - even when things are frustrating....

I do not think that word means what you think it means.... (Princess Bride anyone?)

Last night we had a hair playing party. One of my kids sat on the couch behind me as I sat on the floor and brushed my hair. The other two of the olders laid down in my lap so I could brush their hair. Not that the boys have any hair to be brushed but still. We rotated spots at each commercial. It was so much fun. As I am "brushing" Gray's hair he sighed and said, "That feels soooo good, it feels like a wedgie." Hm......

Running, and running, and running

Running. That is the best word to describe my life lately. Both literally and figuratively. Since I went back to work, the only way I can get some exercise in is on the treadmill. I am very PROUD to say that I am now running 7-8 miles a day. 5 days a week. 8-ish minute miles. That is an accomplishment I didn't think would ever be possible. I love to run - but only after I get going.
This is how I feel when I'm done though.... Here's to training for a half-marathon - my next goal.

My life? Just as crazy. This week I have worked full-time, completed 2 childrens' homework and reading, done 20 loads of laundry, cooked all of the meals, gone to a soccer practice, two soccer games, one preschool field trip, one parent-table helptime at kindergarden, and one preschool reading time. That's at least what I can remember. Life is crazy. Good, but crazy.

I need a nap.