Thursday, May 28, 2009

Happy Birthday Sammy!




I can't believe we're celebrating 6 years of your life! Our third and final addition to our family. Daddy didn't believe that we were pregnant as I spoke through laughter-a side effect of the shock. I couldn't fathom #3 coming before #2 reached age two! What! We can't deny that we secretly hoped you would be a girl. The day I laid on the noisy, paper covered table for the ultrasound, cold jelly, clicking computer keys, I looked at the technician and my mommy senses(kind of like Spidey-Senses, without the webs) took over and I stated "It's a boy, right?" "Yes, it's a boy". Knowing that we had two boys already she asked "Are you okay?" ....."Of course I'm okay, I'm having a healthy baby." Although after having 2 little men and agonizing over the perfect names for them as well, we had read, discussed and dismissed every boy name except one....Samuel. The meaning of your name will differ slightly depending on the text. "God Listens" is the one that glued your title to our hearts. We weren't planning or even thinking about conception but the moment you were placed in my womb, we understood that you were a desire that we didn't realize we had, but God knew. He knew that you would complete our family. That you would have the sweetest, perfectly spaced tooth, smile that sometimes makes it difficult to discipline you. You would be such a pleasant baby, sometimes one would ask "Where's Sam?" when you were right next to me, quiet as a mouse. You would grow into an entertaining toddler with his mom's gift/curse of always having the last word and a face as handsome as your daddy. You love mac & cheese, muscle shirts, "long" pants, turtles, Gnaden Park, your puppy, Aunt Tam's house, sticks and snake hunting. You had your final round of immunizations that will thrust you into the approaching world of school...you buried you head into Daddy's chest, tears were few and you were brave. You are an amazing young man with a heart for adventure, friendships and kisses. I joke about the freedom I will have as you move into the next adventure but the truth is I will miss the sewing lessons you give me, the aliens we destroy with the help of our alien dog, and the presence of you feet running up the hallway in the morning to kiss my cheek(because you have to brush your teeth first) and ALL the countless ways you brighten my day. I am so thankful for the one on one time we have been given together the past two years with "the brothers" in school. I hope they will reside in your soul like they do in mine. I love you my beautiful boy. Happy Birthday Samuel.

Monday, May 18, 2009

10 Reason to love being a SAHM

Today in the midst of trying to tackle my to-do list, I get a call from the school. Mind you, I had just taken the oldest to school at 10 am because he had a "belly ache". I know, I shouldn't fall for it, but what is worse keeping him home for a couple of hours or not believing him and him throwing up on the school bus? I hate making that call, I'm never sure ...send them or not send them. Anyway, the call. Miss Sherry calls and informs me that said child ripped out his pants in gym class and needed a change of pants. So 2 trips to the school in 2 hours. Yea. But on the way home the second time, I had an epiphany, I was so thankful that I am a "Stay at Home Mom". Amid the monotony and laundry, one who is available to bring my son the pants that will shield him from further embarrassment. Sharing a giggle with him at the sight of his pants. I thought of some of the other reasons during my drive and I had to make a post out of it.
10(there are more)Reason I love being a SAHM
  • When my child is sick I am the one caring for them.
  • Ripped pants? no problem, Mom to the rescue.
  • When I explain to my youngest what happened to Tanner's pants, he asks "Who's Jim"(Gym) and I was there to hear it.
  • the negotiating and mult-tasking skills I have acquired will aid me when I monopolize the purse industry.
  • I can rearrange my kitchen cupboards as many times as I want, all in the name of "keeping" my home.
  • I can make my family healthy meals from my kitchen.(I'm not sure if I worked outside the home, that would be a priority to me, convenience would trump)
  • I have Tuesday Morning coffee with friends every two weeks.
  • My boys anticipate seeing my face when they walk through the door after school. If my husband happens to be standing in my place, they ask "Where's Mom?"
  • My husband appreciates what I do.
  • I may not have time for a pedicure but I have played "This little piggy" more times than I can count.
  • I may not get as many books read as I would like, but the library is one of my kids' favorite places to go, and I make time to read to them.

Ok, I know that's 11 but I couldn't help it, I'm not great with limits.

If your a working momma, please know that I am not under minding your mothering skills. Sometimes it's just the "little things" that remind me why I chose to stay at home full time and today was one of those days. Now, go kiss your kiddos and make YOUR list!

Sunday, May 3, 2009

Me and My Shadow


I'm walking. 5 miles a day, at least 5 days a week. My mom bought me a pedometer after she had weight loss, lowered cholesterol and increased energy making 10,000 steps everyday, the recommended amount. Today though, I walked 10 miles and I noticed something.....my shadow and my motivation to keep walking. Have you noticed when your walking with the sun to your back your shadow looks long and lean? Well I have... And though I'm 5'2" my goal is to achieve at least, the lean part. For me and my body type, carrying 3 boys in 4 years and caring for those little guys at home full time ever since, the weight has stuck with me since the birth of #3. If you follow me, you know that as my older two are now in elementary school, and my youngest approaching that age TOO QUICKLY, I have remembered there is another person who needs cared for......myself. It has given me the drive to start my own business and now I have this goal I also hope to achieve successfully. I've been doing this routine for about a month now, not wanting to publish it for fear of putting the cart before the horse. But as I am writing this, I realize it also gives me accountability.........something I need in all areas of my life. So there it is, my shadow is my goal and when I look in the mirror I hope to see a similar image.......someday.