Anatomy Of My Evening

Mama (me) has a migraine with nausea, The Husband is working until 9, the kids became unruly around 5:00 so I sent them into the backyard while I made dinner, they covered themselves with dirt (I kid you not, they didn't even look Caucasian), I put them into a bath before dinner, one of them pooped into the tub, I picked up the poop while fishing around for the washcloth, they both pitched a screaming fit (remember migraine) when I had to give them a shower, then they lost ice cream dessert privileges due to repeatedly not listening, cue another screaming fit. I presently gave them a dose of Benadyrl (for mosquito bites, not to sedate them, I would never, never sedate my angels) and am starting bedtime at 6:50. Goodnight to all.

Swim Lessons

We signed LM up for swimming lessons this summer. His first week was during the very first week of summer vacation, and he did so well! Before the lessons, he would sit on the pool steps, and that was about it. If his daddy or I tried to get him into the water he would almost have a panic attack, even though he wanted to be in the water so much. So during the first week of lessons he learned how to jump off the side of the pool all by himself, go underwater, safely reach for a toy in the pool, float in his back with assistance, and swim a few feet with his head underwater. We've had lots of opportunities for swimming since then and he's enjoyed the practice.

During this second week, his teacher, Ms. Holly said she just expands on the skills they already learned. For example, now they jump into the deep end and swim all the way to the shallow end. I can't wait to see LM do this!

LM is a little bit shy and reserved (I wonder where in the world he got that from?), and he likes me to stay at the lessons while he's there. Parents are persona non grata, however, we even have to drop the kids off at the curb and wait in the car when it's time to pick them up. Every day, LM asks me the same thing, "Will you stay parked in the car on the street while I'm at swimming?" Every day I say, "Yes," even though I have no intention of doing such a thing. His lesson lasts an hour and it's only 10 minutes from home, so I either run an errand or two or even go home (as I am now). He's caught on to my tricks a few times after he gets back in the car and sees a Starbucks cup or a few grocery bags. He's never happy about it. So today as I was dropping him off he said, "Mommy, just wait on the street, don't go for a walk or go to a store or anything. Just stay in the car. You can even turn on the radio if you want." LOL!! So sweet and so innocent. I love my LM, one day when he's a parent he'll understand and forgive my little white lie.

Cake Pictures

I haven't added any cake pictures lately, here are a few:

Little Man's Fourth Birthday. He wanted a tractor theme, at the last minute he asked for a Thomas the Train cake, so we put Thomas around the cake base. :)

Cupcakes for one of my best friend's little boy, his first birthday.

The cake, cupcakes, and smash cake.

Wedding shower cake for a close friend. It was supposed to be a two layer cake, but I had was also hosting the shower and I had a horrible cold with fever. I decided this would do.

Petit Fours, yum!

One of my very first cakes, mom's birthday cake.

Christmas Eve Tiramisu Layer Cake, oh so good!

I also made a two layer Blue's Clues cake for Baby Girl's second birthday, but it has her name in huge pink letters up the side, so I'm not posting it. It was pretty!

Pushing the Limits

How did I get two children who don't know how to listen? I was such a good kid, so afraid to get in trouble and disappoint my parents. My two, wonderful and sweet as they are, test the limits throughout the day, each and every day. You know the expression "give an inch and they'll take a mile?" Well, with mine, you don't have to give an inch and they'll still take a mile. I guess this means they feel secure with me? Can I put that positive spin on it? I'm guessing their strong wills will do them good when they're older, they'll be a bit bold, think for themselves, and hopefully stand up for themselves. Right now, though, when they're both little and in need of rules and structure, it's driving their mama nuts.

Love you BG and LM.

The Lake!

Nana and Pawpaw bought a lake house!!

It's a four bedroom house, with a pier and dock, a pontoon boat and jet ski, and it's own lake front, and only 45 minutes from our front door to theirs. It's absolutely beautiful.

We went this weekend, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday for sun, water, and family fun.

Today (Monday), LM asked why we weren't going back today!

BG got on the jet ski, she said she loved it, that "Pawpaw go fast!" We tumped into the water, she didn't care, she's such a little daredevil.

LM swam in the water several times, we are so thankful that he had swimming lessons a few weeks ago so he was accustomed to the water. He and Daddy helped to fix the pier and dock, it's needs a little TLC, and they swam under the dock and checked all the wood and looked at the boats. We had cookouts and watched the sun set every night. There's a beautiful green lawn behind the house where the kids can play. It is such a wonderful retreat, all weekend I kept thinking how I was enjoying the feel of the warm sun, the sound of water lapping, children laughing, family time, good food, the wind on the water - how blessed am I?

When I asked the children what was their favorite part, LM said "Everything!" and BG said "The jet ski!"

Here are a few photos:

The view from the pier and dock.

A bit of the house and the gorgeous yard.

One of the older kids jumping off the pier into the water.

The dogs love it, too.

A view of the pier from the yard.

Fear

I always feel a tightness in my chest and just a twinge of fear whenever my three most loved people in the world climb into a car together and drive off. Even if it is only for a quick trip to The Home Depot, as it is tonight. I pray that God keeps them safe and protected while they are away. Sometimes I wonder if that fear that I have makes me strange in any way, but somehow I don't think it does.

Money

Baby Girl is definitely a walking, talking tornado today. I haven't done much but follow behind her to clean up her messes. It's amazing how fast she can destroy a room. :)

I found a twenty dollar bill in her piggy bank today. I have a few ideas about how it might have gotten in there, but I can't be sure. Either Monger put it in there or the ladies who gave me her baby shower (VM, SH, and CW) did it. I wonder how long it's been in there??

The Husband was home for five days straight while we had some tree work done. It was heavenly. He's back at work today and we miss him lots.

Well, off to do the mom thing!