I am who I am

I was doing my hair today and I realized that I will never be a *cool* or *hip* mom.  I don't like the bangs that I had cut in.  I don't care for layers because pony tails are too difficult to put in.  The bangs are too short to slip behind my ears and always are in my face.  So I am constantly on the hunt for bobby pins to get them out of my way.  I like jeans and tee shirts and hoodies.  I will never have the body to wear the *in style* skinnies that other people can wear.  I would like to be fitter and trimmer... I'm working on that.  I cannot change my style so I will be happy with who I am.

Monday Musings

• Arianna learned to tie her shoes today.
• Sarah is talking more and more.
• Joshua and Andrea are getting along incredibly well.
• I am tired of the cooler weather and rain (it IS still August).
• I have a new printer that prints amazing quality photos.
• I am getting ready to start school this week (or maybe next).
• I love my kids and each of their unique personalities that makes them who they are.
• I wonder what I will do on the two days of the week that the kids are at school.
• Today I was told by Joshua that I was the best mom in the world. *smile*
• I was nursing Sarah this morning and when she was done, she says to me with a grin: "Yum!".
• I truly believe my purpose in life is to serve God, be a wife and a mom. 

Arianna...

What can I say about this spirited 6 year old?  She is almost in grade one.  I am having a tough time with that since she is one of my "babies".  I don't want to believe that my soft hearted, quiet, introverted daughter is ready to face the world of school.  Good thing it's only part time.  Today she mastered tying her shoes... a big accomplishment for her.  She also had a hair cut (done by me) which makes her look even older! 
She is charming.
She is free.
She loves her friends.
She is testing her limits.
She fits perfectly in our family and in my heart.

Comment Moderation...

To my regular readers and commenters... I'm sorry I've had to make commenting more secure.  I've had a few *spam-like* comments left and I've decided that I don't want that any more.  Thank you for continuing to read, enjoy and comment on my blog! 
Have a great day!

Back to School Pictures...

So the kids don't go back until next Thursday and since I'm homeschooling, it doesn't matter when I take their pictures!  Here's just a few... it wasn't a great photo shoot but it's ok.... for now.

It's August!

It is barely the middle of August and my four kids are wearing jeans and long sleeved shirts outside!  I can't believe how the weather has turned so cool already.  I'm not ready for fall when we've hardly had a summer...

It's still green now, but I have a feeling it won't be for long...

Mom Agenda Giveaway!

I've bought some cloth diapers from Snugs Boutique and on their BLOG, they are giving away a cool desktop planner!  I would love one in pink!!

So quiet...

Joshua, Andrea & Arianna are at VBS this week for 3 hours per day.  When I got home with Sarah, it was amazingly quiet and still.  She just puttered around as she *helped* me organize the pantry, and I happily listened to her chatter.  It gave me a glimpse of what my Tuesdays and Thursdays will look like when the kids go back to "school" in a few weeks.

Thursday Musings

*Borrowed this idea from Kelly*

• Three weeks from today my three oldest will be in school.
•  I think we've had more rain and thunderstorms this year than in a long time.
• Sarah is talking up a storm and is so much fun these days.
• Arianna is sporting a 6 year old attitude that frequently needs adjusting.
• Andrea is a wonderful sister who loves caring for Sarah.
• Joshua is growing and changing before my eyes.
• Doug and I went on our first evening date, leaving all four kids home alone (Joshua and Andrea were our babysitters).
• Thinking of all the back to school shopping I need to do.
• Looking forward to three being in VBS next week to do the previously stated shopping.
• Missing my sister who is camping this week.
• Desperately missing my nice camera lens which is at the Nikon "doctor".

Life...

I have come to the realization that I am at a very different stage of life than many of the friends I had when the kids were younger. 
I have chosen to keep my kids at home for their education while many of them have gone back to work full time as soon as their youngest was in school..
I had a baby when everyone was *done* having kids 7 or 8 years ago. 
I am struggling as I find myself drift away from the people who used to be closest to me.
I look forward to park days when I can visit with other homeschooling moms and share stories and ideas.
I am loving what I do and try hard not to let the friendship distances that have been created affect me too much. 
Unfortunately, I miss those people.  They were my support in my tough days and shared in my joys.
I thought we'd be friends for life...

Treadmill

Got on the treadmill on Monday... it was an easy 30 minutes on the pre programmed "Fat Burn" setting.  Felt good and missed doing it yesterday.  Went back on this morning and it was tough.  I only managed 20 minutes and my legs were really sore.  Maybe I'll try later during Sarah's nap...

Happy Anniversary

13 years ago, I married my best friend. 
The man who loves me the most.  The one who cares about me and likes me for who I am.  No one said marriage would be an easy road but Doug has made my past 13 years fun and exciting. 
We have had our ups and downs like any other couple but our personalities make us so perfect for each other.  I find it great that we can say we've never fought.  Sure, we've had disagreements, misunderstandings and even the odd quarrel, but we are both peacemakers and look for the best way to resolve the issue as soon as we can.  I love that about us.  I want us to be an example for our kids.  One where they see the love and respect we have for one another and the determination we have to make it work.
I'm generally pessimistic, he is my eternal optimist (I love him for that).
Raising our four kids... definitely requires a team effort.
Three miscarriages... so thankful I had his strength to lean on when I thought I couldn't go on.
The excitement of moving into a new house last November... I'm glad I shared that fun with him.
Family trips to zoos, parks, camping...
The list could go on but 13 years is a long time to cram into a blog. 

Happy anniversary Doug.  I love you lots!