Mini Milestones

One of the best things about being a mother is watching my children learn. Max was so excited to start kindergarten this year. I, however was nervous. He's the only kid in his class going 1/2 day, so I thought he'd have trouble keeping up. Turns out, he was ready to learn and has no problem keeping up with the rest of the class.
Recently his teacher has been sending home writing assignments. Parents are instructed NOT to help kids spell words. The kids are supposed to sound them out phonetically or remember the word from their "sight word" list.

This stresses me out. But Max has no problem with it. He had to write a sentence using the sight word: do.

He came up with "I do like candy". The only word he spelled wrong was candy. And he still came pretty close. I was impressed that he remembered how to spell "like".
Great job, Max!

Now, if I could only get you to remember to wear underwear...

Higher Ground

A while ago, Anniepants did a post about her love of high heels. At the time, the feeling I could most identify with high heels was PAIN. I have since seen the light.

A year ago, I would've never purchased something like the red heels at the top of the page. However, one night a few months ago Tiffany and I were at Dillards end-of-the-season shoe sale and she talked me into those. I believe they were $14.00. And I still thought of taking them back atleast 10 times. I don't own anything red, they are really high and more froo-froo then I usually like to go. But let me tell you when I put those suckers on, magic happens. My legs look longer, skinnier and sexier (not to toot my own horn). And I get compliments every time I wear them. Every time.

I needed a brown shoe for church and I found these on sale at Kohls. I love that I can wear them with jeans or with a skirt. I used to make fun of girls who wore high heels with jeans. It turns out, they were (are) much smarter than me. Wearing heels with jeans elevates and enhances your butt. So my ghetto booty doesn't look so ghettoish. And they lengthen my legs. I don't wear heels with jeans alot, but when I do I feel put together. You know?

I had to post this last pair. Jill had to talk me into these at DSW. They were on clearance for $12.00. She looked at me like I was insane when I told her I didn't think I was going to get them. They don't match anything I have. I am all about matching. Tiffany is trying to break me of this. But old habits die hard. Once I put these on, I knew they were (still are) my favorite. They are artsy, fun and high enough to make me look good. And they are comfortable. Enough said.

I have learned that the pain of the heel is way worth the benefits you get in return.

Do you have a favorite shoe?

Happy

Ever since I was little I knew I wanted to be a mother. I admit it, I mostly thought about having little girls whom I could dress up and pamper. But in no way am I disappointed with my 4 healthy boys. They complete my life. And make life worth living (btw, remind me of that when I am dealing with a sick, screaming baby and a disoriented, tired 5 year old who had a bad dream at 3 am)

I love that my boys can play together. When Xander started school I was introduced to the world of "playdates". Since he always had cousins he could play with, I never felt the need to invite other kids over. But once he hit kindergarten I found myself dropping him off at other kids houses (praying the whole time that the parents weren't mass murderers) and entertaining the kids he invited over. I found myself obsessing (just a little) about whether he was getting invited over to others houses enough - was he a good kid? Did other kids like him? I went through the same thing (although on a lesser scale) with Ben.

I was always "encouraging" my boys to invite kids over. When the reality is that they didn't need to. Or really want to. Most of the time they are happy just to be together. Sometimes Xander gets restless, but luckily Michael lives 2 doors down and Joe comes over quite a bit.

I think we've only had a couple of kids over this school year. Because I don't make the effort unless they ask at least twice. And that rarely happens.

Of course they fight. And annoy each other. But mostly they play. This morning I eavesdropped as Xander, Ben and Max took turns telling each other jokes while Evan played trucks on the carpet.

A lot of things make me stressed, worried or sad but nothing makes me happier than having a family.

Sometimes...

Photo by Dallin

when I'm running really fast I yell, "Run, Forest, RUN!" but only in my head.

I think about taking my children to Disneyland instead of school.

I make up scenarios in my head. Sometimes they involve famous people.

I think about writing a book. All about Max.

I want to find a place to crawl in and hide.

when I hear "Mom!" too many times I scream, "WHAT???" at the top of my lungs.

I am a sucker for Evan.

I wish that chocolate consumed in large quantities was as good for me as broccoli.

I check on my kids 10 times at night.

I am scared of the dark.

I want to move somewhere where no one knows me.

I have the best kids in the world.

I wish I worked at Target. Or the movie theater.

I want to have an all-night dance party. But only if I get to pick the music.

Un-caring

Lately I've been in a bad mood. Like for over a week. If you see me I might bite your head off. Or start crying. Either one - so watch out. So today when Max wanted to wear a t-shirt and shorts to school, I didn't argue. I just told him he'd be cold. And he said he didn't care. End of conversation. Because you know what? He's old enough to know he'll be cold and if he doesn't care then why should I waste my breathe arguing with him about it? Answer me that! I spend most of my day arguing with Max. I've learned to pick my battles.

Anyhow, when we got to his school I did make him put his hoodie on. And for some reason he thinks if he's wearing the hoodie he has to wear the hood. So he put it on - hood and all. When we got to his class he quickly took off the hoodie and handed it to me. "How's my hair look?" he asked. (Grandpa gave him a haircut yesterday and he is extremely proud of it). "Looks handsome" I replied (btw, do NOT make the mistake of calling Max cute - EVER. I did once and my ears are still ringing). He ran into his class.

And then his teacher turns to me and says, "You know, the kids have PE today and don't you think Max will be cold without his jacket?" I like his teacher. I really do. She's awesome. Great. Stupendous, even. But boy did she say the wrong thing at the wrong time. "If he doesn't care, then I don't" I replied. Then I left. And didn't look back.

And do you know what? I really don't care.

What the world needs

I played Rock Band for the first time on New Year's Eve. Rock Band, where have you been all my life???? Seriously.I did try guitar, but liked vocals much better. I think that has something to do with me having no pride. And not caring how horribe I sounded. Because dude, I got to sing Drain You (Nirvana), The Middle (Jimmy Eat World), Today (Smashing Pumpkins) and Whatcha, Whatcha Want (Beastie Boys). I even won an award. A good one (I think). I was so bad, but man I felt like a rock star.

Brian took over after a while - Evan and Rowan were getting into too much trouble unsupervised. I think Brian was in heaven singing all those Pearl Jam songs.

Jared and his friend Taylor rocked!!! They did expert with no problem. They are my idols. I'm thinking about asking Jared for Rock Band lessons. (We had it set up downstairs and upstairs so lots of people could play at the same time.)

That was one of the funnest New Year's Eves EVER. Even though I went home early with the little kids, I still had a blast. And I owe it all to Rock Band. I'm saving up to buy it. Because a family that plays Rock Band together, stays together.

Or didn't you know?

Happy Birthday

One of my favorite days of the year is Dec. 31st. The biggest reason is because it's my sister Kim's birthday. Kim and I are only 14 months apart - and because of that we were really close growing up. Mostly I think she tolerated me. And was my conscience when I wanted to do some crazy things.

Kim has always been one of my favorite people (I think most people feel this way). She's talented at everything she does. She's an artist - both in photography and drawing. Because of that Ian and her get along really well (that and she loves The Cure). Growing up we shared clothes and music. Whenever I hear Creedence Clearwater Revival or Queen I think of Kim. She's definitely expanded my taste in music. For the better.

One of the best things about Kim is her love of children. Specifically my children. If anything ever happens to me the kids are going to her. And she knows it. She is the "fun" aunt. Max is constantly begging to go over and play with her :). She loves them unconditionally and they feel the same.

I love you Kimmy, Happy Birthday!

Dear Grandma & Grandpa,

Thank you so much for my garbage truck. It is one of my favorite Christmas presents. I love to play with it and hear all the sounds that it makes. Sometimes I like to sit on it and ride it around the house.

I can go fast. You should come over and see.

Soon I will be too big to ride it. But that's o.k.

I can still use it as a chair.

Love,

Evan (#15)