Our two boys are currently play in Danny's room together. I am downstairs, sipping coffee, playing on the computer. I can hear exactly what's going on through the monitor.
I even had time to read my bible this morning, all without the use of television to entertain my boys.
They are actually playing together
....upstairs
....by choice
....without me.
This is amazing!
Can we keep this going?
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Thursday, September 24, 2009
maybe I shouldn't have said that?
"Bye, see you later"
I know I am not the only mom who has said this to your child when you are trying to get them to leave one place and go to another. Of course, you know you are not going to really leave them, but maybe you have run out of options. Or maybe it is just a part of the process of trying to motivate them to follow you. Deep down, maybe it is a little test to see if they will follow?
ok, when I look at it that way, I am motivated to never say that again to any of them. I do not like to encourage lying or play games when I am really asking for obedience. But when we were headed out of the ChickfilA play area yesterday, I was trying to get Joshie to join us. Danny was all ready to hop in the stroller. I love being able to walk to many restaurants and shops with in 2 miles of our house....but that is a story for another post. Josh was lingering and giving me that "come in here and get me" look.
I was ready to go.
I said those words and then started to close the door and turn away.
And the next moment surprised me.
It was not Josh that got upset, though he did head my way, but Danny. Danny started to cry and beg for me to not leave his brother behind. "Please mommy, noooooo, do NOT leave my brother!" As I reassured him that I would not REALLY do that, I made a guilty glance around for any onlookers. I really didn't want an audience as I tried to explain to my 3 year old that Mommy was kidding...uh, teasing....well, yes it was a lie, BUT I..uh...yeah.
I am sorry.
I will never leave your brother behind.
And I will definitely stop using that tactic to get them to follow me.
I guess that calls for a little brother love photo sharing!
I know I am not the only mom who has said this to your child when you are trying to get them to leave one place and go to another. Of course, you know you are not going to really leave them, but maybe you have run out of options. Or maybe it is just a part of the process of trying to motivate them to follow you. Deep down, maybe it is a little test to see if they will follow?
ok, when I look at it that way, I am motivated to never say that again to any of them. I do not like to encourage lying or play games when I am really asking for obedience. But when we were headed out of the ChickfilA play area yesterday, I was trying to get Joshie to join us. Danny was all ready to hop in the stroller. I love being able to walk to many restaurants and shops with in 2 miles of our house....but that is a story for another post. Josh was lingering and giving me that "come in here and get me" look.
I was ready to go.
I said those words and then started to close the door and turn away.
And the next moment surprised me.
It was not Josh that got upset, though he did head my way, but Danny. Danny started to cry and beg for me to not leave his brother behind. "Please mommy, noooooo, do NOT leave my brother!" As I reassured him that I would not REALLY do that, I made a guilty glance around for any onlookers. I really didn't want an audience as I tried to explain to my 3 year old that Mommy was kidding...uh, teasing....well, yes it was a lie, BUT I..uh...yeah.
I am sorry.
I will never leave your brother behind.
And I will definitely stop using that tactic to get them to follow me.
I guess that calls for a little brother love photo sharing!
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Family Photo Time
It happened. We finally took the perfect family photo. No, not the perfect posed photo, but the picture that best captures our personalities.
I will set the scene.
Scott- annoyed at the fact he is having to stop enjoying whatever event we are attending to take a photo. This is reflected in his failure to commit to a positive photo taking experience and a half attempt at a smile.
Danny- REALLY annoyed at the fact that he is having to stop running around and being a wild man. He is usually being held down by a parent and being bribed with whatever we can think of to get him to smile.
Josh- not sure where the camera is and doesn't really care. He is already planning his escape from this picture prison and searching for the food table.
Anne- working hard to figure out the best way to hide double chins, squinty eyes, stomach rolls, fat arms, and whatever else makes my photos not look like the person I see in the mirror. I really have a positive self image, but I think it is my picture image that needs work.
Imagine that all wrapped up in a family photo. Our perfect family photo.
Add Pollack and this should be our Christmas photo!
I will set the scene.
Scott- annoyed at the fact he is having to stop enjoying whatever event we are attending to take a photo. This is reflected in his failure to commit to a positive photo taking experience and a half attempt at a smile.
Danny- REALLY annoyed at the fact that he is having to stop running around and being a wild man. He is usually being held down by a parent and being bribed with whatever we can think of to get him to smile.
Josh- not sure where the camera is and doesn't really care. He is already planning his escape from this picture prison and searching for the food table.
Anne- working hard to figure out the best way to hide double chins, squinty eyes, stomach rolls, fat arms, and whatever else makes my photos not look like the person I see in the mirror. I really have a positive self image, but I think it is my picture image that needs work.
Imagine that all wrapped up in a family photo. Our perfect family photo.
Add Pollack and this should be our Christmas photo!
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
I'm going to dance and wear a tie.
And he did just that! Danny kept telling everybody for weeks that he was going to go to Ohio and dance wearing a tie. We had a great time at cousin Lee and Kerry's wedding. Seeing family is always fun and we have pictures to post soon.
Here is a few pics of Danny busting a move on the dance floor. He even got asked to dance by a college girl!
Here is a few pics of Danny busting a move on the dance floor. He even got asked to dance by a college girl!
Monday, September 14, 2009
Twins?
Time for a cute photo of the boys!
Scott is not a fan of the arm reach photo. Never turns out well! But I think this one is kind of cute. Maybe it is the fact that our boys are stinkin' cute no matter what angle to take the photo.
I have had many recent comments from strangers at the grocery store and other outings asking if our boys are twins! really? They look alike, but the 2T versus 4T size kind of sets them apart.
Scott is not a fan of the arm reach photo. Never turns out well! But I think this one is kind of cute. Maybe it is the fact that our boys are stinkin' cute no matter what angle to take the photo.
I have had many recent comments from strangers at the grocery store and other outings asking if our boys are twins! really? They look alike, but the 2T versus 4T size kind of sets them apart.
Friday, September 11, 2009
I know it is a blessing, but sometimes....
You know those moments when you think to yourself: "I know ____ is a blessing, but sometimes I wish ____." I have regretfully been thinking that a lot more than I want to admit. I am so glad I chose to stay home with our children and I know it is a blessing, but sometimes I wish I had a place to go and feel like I contribute more than just feed, play, bath, repeat.
I know, you are probably mentally making a list right now of all the reasons why it is good to stay home with your children if you have the financial means.
I definitely know that list. And I agree, completely.
But sometimes it would be nice to talk to adults. I have plenty of outlets for conversations with people over 3 years old, but what I find is that so many times it is with other moms. We are distracted by our kids and so our communication never really gets to the next level. Being interrupted 50 times with "excuse me mommy" can be exhausting(at least he is polite, right?)
But I need to feel like I have an "end" to my job. As a teacher, I had a hard time turning off my mind from work at the end of the day. But at least there was a point when the bell rang and the kids left. I have a supportive husband. He is awesome, but sometimes I feel guilty when he does the parenting in the evening to try and give me a little break. Like someone is trying to do my job. And I hate asking for help. A moms job ever "ends".
But sometimes it is nice to dress up and have an important place to go. I was always one of those teachers who was miserable during the summer. I loved the break, but I needed some direction and a reason to get off the couch and take a shower. Now that I stay home, there isn't much stopping me from staying in my pjs all day. I am sure that will change in a few years as school and after school stuff picks up, but right now I have lazy days. I need a reason to get a shower!
But it would be nice to do a job and be rewarded for the hard work. Sounds selfish, huh? But I truly enjoy doing something well and being recognized for my hard work. Don't we all seek approval in many ways? "Mommy, this turkey sandwich is amazing. Great job on lunch." or "Mom, I think we all agree you come up with the most fun activities to do during the day. Josh and I have decided to give you a raise." That would be nice.
So, with all that said, I do feel like that it is a blessing to be home with my boys. Those difficult moments when all the children are crying and I want to pull out my hair are worth the satisfaction of knowing I am able to be a big part of my children's daily life. It really is a blessing.
I think I have some new bullet points to add to my resume:
Fluent in baby talk and able to communicate with two young children.
Able to buckle two children in car seats in under two minutes.
Skilled at diaper changes regardless of content or amount of movement from screaming 1 year old.
Time for bed......work starts at 6:30AM.
I know, you are probably mentally making a list right now of all the reasons why it is good to stay home with your children if you have the financial means.
I definitely know that list. And I agree, completely.
But sometimes it would be nice to talk to adults. I have plenty of outlets for conversations with people over 3 years old, but what I find is that so many times it is with other moms. We are distracted by our kids and so our communication never really gets to the next level. Being interrupted 50 times with "excuse me mommy" can be exhausting(at least he is polite, right?)
But I need to feel like I have an "end" to my job. As a teacher, I had a hard time turning off my mind from work at the end of the day. But at least there was a point when the bell rang and the kids left. I have a supportive husband. He is awesome, but sometimes I feel guilty when he does the parenting in the evening to try and give me a little break. Like someone is trying to do my job. And I hate asking for help. A moms job ever "ends".
But sometimes it is nice to dress up and have an important place to go. I was always one of those teachers who was miserable during the summer. I loved the break, but I needed some direction and a reason to get off the couch and take a shower. Now that I stay home, there isn't much stopping me from staying in my pjs all day. I am sure that will change in a few years as school and after school stuff picks up, but right now I have lazy days. I need a reason to get a shower!
But it would be nice to do a job and be rewarded for the hard work. Sounds selfish, huh? But I truly enjoy doing something well and being recognized for my hard work. Don't we all seek approval in many ways? "Mommy, this turkey sandwich is amazing. Great job on lunch." or "Mom, I think we all agree you come up with the most fun activities to do during the day. Josh and I have decided to give you a raise." That would be nice.
So, with all that said, I do feel like that it is a blessing to be home with my boys. Those difficult moments when all the children are crying and I want to pull out my hair are worth the satisfaction of knowing I am able to be a big part of my children's daily life. It really is a blessing.
I think I have some new bullet points to add to my resume:
Fluent in baby talk and able to communicate with two young children.
Able to buckle two children in car seats in under two minutes.
Skilled at diaper changes regardless of content or amount of movement from screaming 1 year old.
Time for bed......work starts at 6:30AM.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
August was busy!
Do we have some future golfers?
So, clearly you can tell we have been very busy this month by our lack of posting. Our weekends were Atlanta, Maryland, Maryland, Atlanta with a week stop in MD in the middle. I think our boys are recovering slowly...but mommy and daddy are taking even longer. I need a vacation! I have gotten used to the grandparent help lately. Time for the routine to start again.
I am really pumped about fall and a continuation of the amazing weather we have had lately. Richmond is full of breezes that make me love playing outside. I can't wait for football, leaves falling, pumpkins, brisk weather, trip to the mountains to pick apples. I think that I enjoy fall, but more than anything I am always ready for the start of a new season. It seems like as each season comes to a close, I am anticipating the next one.
But there is something special about fall. I wish I had a reason to go buy school supplies and a new backpack. Scott does though, since he will be starting his MBA at Virginia Tech next weekend. Don't worry, we still love our Dawgs. And living in ACC territory has renewed a passion for Georgia Tech too. I think it has more to do with my husband enjoying a good football argument, though.
Another new favorite activity for Scott? Ruining a picture! I love taking pictures, but I have a family of boys who can't stand being in pictures. Ironic right? Here is one of his latest attempts.
It's too bad. He is a hottie and I love having great pictures of him....Maybe posting this photo will make him stop?
We have lots of great-nonruined photos of our family and recent photo shoots at our smugmug site. Take a few minutes to check out all the new galleries!
So, clearly you can tell we have been very busy this month by our lack of posting. Our weekends were Atlanta, Maryland, Maryland, Atlanta with a week stop in MD in the middle. I think our boys are recovering slowly...but mommy and daddy are taking even longer. I need a vacation! I have gotten used to the grandparent help lately. Time for the routine to start again.
I am really pumped about fall and a continuation of the amazing weather we have had lately. Richmond is full of breezes that make me love playing outside. I can't wait for football, leaves falling, pumpkins, brisk weather, trip to the mountains to pick apples. I think that I enjoy fall, but more than anything I am always ready for the start of a new season. It seems like as each season comes to a close, I am anticipating the next one.
But there is something special about fall. I wish I had a reason to go buy school supplies and a new backpack. Scott does though, since he will be starting his MBA at Virginia Tech next weekend. Don't worry, we still love our Dawgs. And living in ACC territory has renewed a passion for Georgia Tech too. I think it has more to do with my husband enjoying a good football argument, though.
Another new favorite activity for Scott? Ruining a picture! I love taking pictures, but I have a family of boys who can't stand being in pictures. Ironic right? Here is one of his latest attempts.
It's too bad. He is a hottie and I love having great pictures of him....Maybe posting this photo will make him stop?
We have lots of great-nonruined photos of our family and recent photo shoots at our smugmug site. Take a few minutes to check out all the new galleries!
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