good enough

One of my kids goes to the beat of his own drum and I love how I sort of captured that on my camera. He's kind of off doing his own business while everyone else is hanging out...like pushing a stroller like a crazy man all around the field. For us this field is sort of magical because whenever we go on walks the kids get out and have to pick the dandelions or just run around chasing each other and it is a great time to stop and observe these sweet children in action. I will forever have images of their laughs, happiness, and sunshine on their little bodies ingrained upon my memory all courtesy of this field.

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I went to parent teacher conference yesterday to talk with the girls teacher. Right after I walked in I apologized to the teacher for getting the times mixed up and subsequently arriving a little late. She just looked at me and said, "I just don't know how you even do it". I almost started to cry because on the way over my heart felt heavy with the thoughts that I wasn't doing a good enough job. I maintained but told Mrs. Stradling that I could certainly be doing things to improve. She just looked at me and said, "Don't beat yourself up because you are doing a great job". I wonder why that is such a constant battle with so many Moms. What is good enough anyway?

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Today I decided that good enough would mean that even though the house was a mess that I would take the time to at least go for a walk with the boys while the girls were away. No errands, no naps but just some good old fashioned play time. I then decided that I am good enough at something and that something was liking to be with my kids. Sometimes that is what matters most...your kids knowing that you like to be with them. From here on out I mostly focusing on the things that I am good at and hoping that only those quick glances at what I am not good enough at will be just enough to make me want to keep getting better without being so darn hard on myself.

NOTE: Lately the boys have been obsessed with their boots and they are not taking their mattress off their bed as much as they used to.

get on with your bad self

Well then there is Wells..

He came a titch on the stubborn side.

Some may call him a whiner.

But I can tolerate him more than others during his rough moments.

Bless his heart.

Yesterday Wells was not a very happy young man and wanted to make that fact known. As we finally got in the car to pick up the girls from school he fell asleep so I took the opportunity to call "Eliza Sissy Girl". We hadn't got too far when he woke up. The conversation went as followed:

"Wellsie do you want some chicken nuggets?"

Reached back and handed him the box.

"Don't throw them Wellsie."

"No-ooo"

"Don't you throw them."

"Aarr"

Then under my breath forgetting I was on the phone I continued with, "Okay I am just going to pick these up and then get on with my bad self."

Eliza laughed and then I laughed because I realized how I probably must have just sounded. The thing about is was I was serious. You see I promised myself that morning I would not loose my cool. I prayed for extra patience. I actually pray for that many times a day. Sometimes it works and sometimes not so much. Always happy for another chance and another day.

Today when Wellsie was a wailing, I busted the camera out and took a picture of him in action. It made him wail some more but I didn't want to forget that moment so I continued to take more photos. One thing led to another and the next thing I found was a little boy in my arms after he said, "Hold me Momma".

We then had ourselves a little photo shoot.

We were friends again.

I love that little boy in all of his whiney glory.

soggy cooking

Today Maile said in a very serious voice, "Mom I still like your cooking even if it is good & soggy"...referring to the cookies.

Hopefully there is still hope for my cooking @ dinnertime tonight.