A Reason for Everything, As Explained by a (Near) 4-Year-Old!

 Myla randomly explained to me today the difference between boys and girls... and why we have mommies and daddies! (How intuitive!) Her theory is that daddies are alive to cook food for their girls, and mommies are here to clean up all the dishes!! Gotta love it! I also happened to read a forwarded email that contained the following... Very cute. Must share:

WHY GOD MADE MOMS.....

Answers given by 2nd grade school children to the following questions:

Why did God make mothers?
1.  She's the only one who knows where the scotch tape is. 2..  Mostly to clean the house.
3.  To help us out of there when we were getting born.

How did God make mothers?
1.  He used dirt, just like for the rest of us.
2.  Magic plus super powers and a lot of stirring.
3.  God made my mom just the same like he made me.  He just used bigger  parts.

What ingredients are mothers made of?
1.  God makes mothers out of clouds and angel hair and everything nice in  the world and one dab of mean.
2.  They had to get their start from men's bones.  Then they mostly use  string, I think.

Why did God give you your mother and not some other mom? 1.  We're related.
2.  God knew she likes me a lot more than other people's mom like me.

What kind of a little girl was your mom?
1.  My mom has always been my mom and none of that other stuff. 2.  I don't know because I wasn't there, but my guess would be pretty bossy. 3.  They say she used to be nice.

What did mom need to know about dad before she married him? 1.  His last name.
2.  She had to know his background.  Like is he a crook?  Does he get drunk  on beer?
3.  Does he make at least $800 a year?  Did he say NO to drugs and YES to  chores?

Why did your mom marry your dad?
1..  My dad makes the best spaghetti in the world.  And my mom eats a lot. 2.  She got too old to do anything else with him.
3.  My grandma says that mom didn't have her thinking cap on.

Who's the boss at your house?
1.  Mom doesn't want to be boss, but she has to because dad's such a goof  ball.
2.  Mom.  You can tell by room inspection.  She sees the stuff under the  bed.
3.  I guess mom is, but only because she has a lot more to do than dad.

What's the difference between moms and dads ?
1.  Moms work at work and work at home and dads just go to work at work. 2.  Moms know how to talk to teachers without scaring them.. 3.  Dads are taller and stronger, but moms have all the real power 'cause  that's who you got to ask if you want to sleep over at your friends. 4.  Moms have magic, they make you feel better without medicine.

What does your mom do in her spare time?
1.  Mothers don't do spare time.
2.  To hear her tell it, she pays bills all day long.

What would it take to make your mom perfect?
1.  On the inside she's already perfect.  Outside, I think some kind of  plastic surgery.
2.  Diet.  You know, her hair.  I'd diet, maybe blue.

If you could change one thing about your mom, what would it be? 1.  She has this weird thing about me keeping my room clean.  I'd get rid of  that.
2.  I'd make my mom smarter..  Then she would know it was my sister who did  it not me.
3.  I would like for her to get rid of those invisible eyes on the back of  her head.

TIP: Children learn what they live. [Now there are some words to live by!]

A QUOTE: Your children will become what you are; so be what you want them to be. ~David Bly

WHIDFML: Went to bed a little earlier.... Fighting my night-owl instincts is hard - but I feel much better the next A.M. when dual twinkle-toes find their way about my bed-side. ;) 

"Pe--- What??"

Two-year-olds: Funniest folk on the planet!
Joel says - "Hey, listen to your daughter..."
At this point, I'm already thinking, "Uh oh - must not be too good, since she is officially MY daughter..."
Addie: "PENIS!" 
Me: "Hmmmmmm. Ooo-Kaaaaaaaay????" 
Joel: "Peanuts"
Addie: "PENIS!"
Joel: "Hahahahaha! See... Peanuts."
Addie: "PENIS!"
Me: "OH! PEANUTS! Okay!!! Much betta." 

Me: "But wait a minute - how would she know how to pronounce EITHER ONE??? She's WAY too little for peanuts! What the??"
Addie: "PENIS!"
Joel: [shrug]


Brings me back to Myla's past version of "Truck" - Replace both the 't' and the 'r' with an 'f' - and you have Myla's baby-version of "truck"! 
At least we don't have one running around yelling "penis" and one yelling "fuck", all at the same juncture! Hahahahahaahah! 
Gotta love the kiddo-lauguage~


TIP: Keep snacks (NO peanuts 'til much older! Ask your doc.) stashed in little Tupperware bowls in the vehicle, where the sun won't beat on them.... We carry cheerios, crackers, and the organic pop-tarts at all times. Then, when you're on the go, and you have an emergency hunger strike, you are prepared. 

A QUOTE: "The great thing about human language is that it prevents us from sticking to the matter at hand."  ~Lewis Thomas

WHIDFML: Sat out in the sun next to the brook and read a magazine during Addie's nap, while Myla played in her sandbox. (ohm)

Ah - Wabi Sabi!

No - it's not something the girls made up...  nor is it something that I made up! I have, however, found that I fall into the beliefs behind this concept about life - and have for many many moons. But reading about it recently in an article made me realize some things: A) There are others out there who embrace this approach to life as well! B) There is an actual name for it, and C) The article brought me to a newer, heightened sense of enlightenment about the whole concept. 

Wabi Sabi, per Diane Durston (Auther of Wabi Sabi: The Art of Everyday Life) as found in Woman's Day, Ap 2010: 
"The concept originated in 16th-century Japan with the tea ceremony, a ritual that provided a way to step out of the chaos of daily life and reconnect with that which was simple and tranquil. Through the centuries, wabi sabi came to mean an approach to life and art that is in harmony with nature, one that values the handmade and rustic, and recognizes the impermanence of life. It encourages us to be respectful of age, both in things and in ourselves, and it counsels us to be content with what we have rather than always striving for more. Wabi sabi has a hint of wistfulness about it."  


The article later details that it isn't about settling for less than we deserve, or avoiding working to improve our situation. Rather, it's about balance and contentment, acceptance of imperfection in life, and of being one with nature and it's lack of perfection. 


I could really register what the article writer (Lori Erickson) concluded in her final lines as she confided: "I know that my moments of joy will pass, but so will my pains and sorrows. I will try to live them, learn their lessons and let them go. And in the meantime, a few laugh lines are my proof that I've enjoyed the journey along the way." 


WABI SABI !!!! (My new "Cheers"!)

TIP: Perfection is impossible. It's in the eye of the beholder anyway - and there's no pleasing everyone! wabi sabi!

A QUOTE: To escape criticism - do nothing, say nothing, be nothing.  ~Elbert Hubbard

WHIDFML: Played with my sweet-peas (aka: little daughters)! We also all painted our nails :)

Another FAB Moment!

 Whoohoo!

Today, I had one of those "Now THIS is what I've always envisioned for motherhood" moments! It's been really happening; The girls are adjusting to the new means of teaching, and seem to be not only understanding the approaches and routines in the day-to-day, but also accepting and even embracing it all. I've moved past some more recently-emerging emotional set-backs, and Joel and I are connecting like we've known one another since birth (feels like we have!) Mind clarity has returned, along with my typically optimistic disposition. Seems like we're all new and improved versions of ourselves!

Prior to this - I had been still feeling a little bit unsure, and not like myself. I was beginning to place too much on myself again, and too much importance on things that - well - simply weren't.  

I started to talk it through with Joel (the best ear in the world now!) Truly my best friend, he and I are able to talk about and figure out anything together! We had our trials, and I realized that the reason we kept coming back to one another is because we've always maintained a deep, sincere, knowledge and understanding of one another. We have trust. We've shared everything with each other, and what has brought us to the place we are now - aiding in that development of who we are today. And, we have shared many experiences over the years as well. We were very young when we met, and we had to do a lot of growing as individuals, before we could adequately and confidently grow as a couple. There's something about truly knowing someone - and not feeling a need to 'hide' anything from them... and having them love and accept you fully in spite of that openness. It's SO rare! We really have something worth celebrating. But you have to fully know and accept and love yourself first :) We've done that - and now, our bond with one another is inexplicably amazing!

I had also been feeling a bit frustrated about the fact that so few people in the world find it applicable to truly BE themselves/ be REAL. While I find it exceptionally freeing to not worry about what others think/ how I'm being judged, and can be open and be myself, without the fear of someone "finding out" something about me... it's still difficult to truly connect with people on that level when they won't fully open up in return. I wish more people could realize - hey - people will judge you no matter what. So why not let them judge you for who you really are??? That way - the people who choose to stay in your life and connect with you - are TRUE friends/ real connections. Who wants to maintain a bunch of relationships based solely on your perception of their false perceptions of you? OR, worse yet, on what you can "get out of them"? 

An ex-friend has that exact approach to her relationships. It's sad to realize that. Even worse was the hurt I felt upon learning that it also applied to me - I wasn't immune to her ways. Over the years - growing up together and sharing in so much - I really didn't think that her nuances (particularly her self-esteem issues) would get in the way of our friendship. I believed we had more. I believed we had something deep, something true. I was accepting of her 'faults' - as she had been/ seemed to be of mine. There were other 'friends' in my past who had come and gone - and without a sense of loss. I had seen it coming/ saw things for what they were - and even felt relief when they chose to move on when I would confront them about how they were making me feel. But this was different. I had invested much more into this - and felt that there was more to it than there really had been. She played her game well over the years. But it occurred to me that I hadn't fully let go. I couldn't figure out why - until I realized I had been going through the stages of grief. At first - denial - and continuing to give her the benefit of the doubt. Then, anger... (What a bitch!) Finally - acceptance: It really hurt that I felt there was more to our friendship, and she totally took advantage of that. But, now I see it for what it is, have dealt with my emotions, and can completely let it all go! Yep, a weight was removed :) And I move forward knowing that I am a real person - comfortable in my skin, and strong enough to overcome the greed, jealousy, immaturity, selfishness, and insecurities that others try to hide, (and put onto those around them to deny to themselves as well.)

I used to think this friend had the "epitemy of a happy relationship" with her then-bf. Now, I realize that they are in those "amorous" stages still - because they haven't really opened up and shared with one another, on many levels. This - in an attempt to avoid possible hurt and possible controversy, is ultimately damning - because their relationship is based on only part of what true couple-hood is about. Couple-hood comes with inevitable trials, differences and challenges. Overcoming them is a large part of the happiness behind couple-hood, as well as the strength you find in that process and the closeness you continue to develop by wanting to continue to move forward with that person who knows and loves you for you. I'll take the trials that Joel and I have had to overcome, coupled with our deep connection - over a partial trust and less hardship as we grew, any day! 

Joel and I are beyond connected. The girls are responding miraculously to our new parenting approach - which puts Joel and I on the same page as well... And, to top it off, I'm done grieving (now that I realized that was part of my problem!) Besides that - I'm not feeling like I have to be apologetic for being me - when the real problem lies within other people who can't be true to themselves... All a big weight-off? You bet! Feeling like the mom and wife, and the individual that I've always known myself to be - can only lead to further triumphs as we attend to all of the matters, decisions, ups & downs, and other curves in life. The tension is gone, my ability to see what's truly important has returned to the forefront of my mind's eye, and the true connections with the people who are really IN my life, are what matter most! Embracing that!!

TIP: BE true to yourself. It's the only way to really be true to others. If that pushes people away - those weren't real friendships to begin with.

A QUOTE (or3!): “Society exists only as a mental concept; in the real world there are only individuals.” ~Oscar Wilde

 “A man who does not think for himself does not think at all.” ~Oscar Wilde
And the best for last! “I would much rather have regrets about not doing what people said, than regretting not doing what my heart led me to and wondering what life had been like if I'd just been myself.” ~Brittany Renée 
WHIDFML: Joel and I and the girls spent our Sunday picking out organic goods and wine half-barrels in which to plant a couple of "Salsa Gardens"! It never felt rushed or frustrating - the girls were gems, and we all had a fantastic day in the sun!

What a MOMENT!

I just had an "Oh my gosh - it's only 3:00!!"-moment  :)  That was a nice moment.

All too frequently - my "days off" (while void of whining, whimpering, force-feeding sessions, cleaning up after toddlers, and a general inability to finish a thought or complete a task) were filled with running from errand to errand, trying to multitask, inevitably over-thinking my actions as I try to best strategize for maximum list-whittling, general-craziness (only of a different nature). In as much, I'm usually glancing at the clock throughout the day, agonizing over how little time remains to check off what's left on my big list of "what to accomplish sans-children today"... Normally, I'm anxiously realizing to myself, "Oh man, it's already __ o'clock?!"   Not today!

Today was the start of new and improved mommy-days; Mommy-days as they were intended to be. Not solely functioning as opportunity for chore-achievement, but rather, as a means (primarily) of winding-down and recharging my mommy-batteries, and embracing the day! [And now, I do so with zero apologies... also as it should be!]

I finished the book "An Introduction to Love and Logic" by Jim Fay. It was a quick read, and an enjoyable one at that. (LOL!) I sat by the fire, sipping wine, low music in the background, candles flickering, rain trickling outside, and read - giggling all the while. It felt great. It felt - beyond great! It was so........ (deep breath) relaaaaxing. (Ohm.) While my camera batteries are plugged into the wall, gathering a charge ~ I've been plugged into my inner-soul, recharging as well. (Ohm.)


We can't do it all. Even as stay-at-home-moms, our time is valuable, and limited. It's a fact. If others around you perceive your non-40-hour-per-week schedule as "open" and filled with bon-bons and long, hot bubble-baths, they can have their perceptions! Only someone without children would dare to perceive it. So - throw away any of those creeping thoughts about how little you may be contributing to society. You are contributing - by raising future adolescents and adults who will also contribute in their own invaluable ways. On the days where you actually get a break - don't apologize, and don't feel guilty for "not getting it all done while you can." That's not realistic anyway (take it from me!) When the worker-bees leave their work behind and go home, they get to ultimately "have a break" from said work. 40 hours a week is nothin'! Moms and dads (particularly those who stay at home) - put in 24 hours a day, 7 days a week! Breaks are minimal at best. Eat it up when you get one! That is my advice to you :)

TIP: Un.Be.Lieve.Able, tangible, down-to-earth parenting techniques - found here:
Love & Logic Info
A QUOTE: Having a family is like having a bowling alley installed in your brain. ~Martin Mull
WHIDFML: Um - this entire post is all about doing something good (and necessary) for me! Find what works for you and implement that for yourself. It's important. And remember, you are teaching in your example as well.

The Power of....

What force could possibly enable me to maintain logic (well, sort of) and react without a second-thought, while not only facing my greatest fear - but grabbing hold of it by it's creepy, furry, legs-the-length-of-my-own-fingers??? Only LOVE. The love one feels for that little person whom they have created, through the correspondence of God, and their chosen mate.

Yep. Believe it or not - I man-handled (and then abruptly located for destruction!) - the spider that DARED to crawl upon the outer layers that cover the flesh of my own sweet, little child. Oh no no noooo... THAT, my friends, is where I draw the line!

I will continue to do my best to keep satin (and its spawn - aka: spiders) far away from my baby girls!!!! ARGH! Do NOT cross mama-bear. Tell your friends. Oh yeah, you can't... 'cause you're DEAD!

I will also be forever thankful that I happened to have on a pair of special gloves used for the purpose of rock-moving and yard maintenance at the time of this occurrence. Guess God knew satin was going to make an appearance that afternoon, eh? [Now I don't have to obsess over which finger would have certainly been bitten as a result of this situation otherwise. Cheers to that, and the nightmares that would have otherwise plagued me forEVER.]

TIP: Somehow, in the midst of the fear you feel when threatened by danger - if your child is threatened, know that with faith, you will be able to persevere. [That's ALL I can possibly chalk this up to!!]
A QUOTE: “Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the judgement that something else is more important than fear.” ~Ambrose Redmoon
WHIDFML: Fixing to build a fire after my late-lunch, and read, sip something warm (maybe room-temp wine??) and just BE. Ahhhhhh. 

Green & Cheap - Just the Way I Like It!

 For all of my Green-initiatives. I wish to share. The more who make little changes - the greater the overall good! The more eyes who see things like this - the more opportunity to initiate those little changes through expanded knowledge~ Cheers!

Green & Cheap Tips - from Oprah.com

The Age of Innocence

I've come to the conclusion that my favorite age of children is probably ages 2-3. 
Addie is 2 - and she is probably the cutest damn thing I've ever experienced :) She's spunky, needs some reassurance at times, but is otherwise independent and curious to try things and see what comes of it. She's still so innocent, but gathering info and processing it like a sponge - learning and developing. Each time she learns something new - it's just too cute! She's able to communicate her needs pretty effectively, but still hasn't quite got the hang of speaking outside of phrases. This is the most fun time to interact with them - during this phase. While she does occasionally let her frustration get the better of her - and often becomes distraught over her sister's insistence upon doing things her way - she's sweet, and thoughtful, and likes to just have fun! This is what is meant by the term "she's 2." When struggling to convey a desire/ refrain from losing favored toys, etc, to the bigger sis, she is merely trying to express herself thoroughly, and proclaim her new-found independence. She won't let her sister walk all over her just because she's littler. (I have to actually say I'm proud of that spirit within her!)
Terrible-two's?? Nah. Not unless we're referring to terribly-cute, terribly-funny, or terribly-sweet!

TIP: Stop hurrying, and do less worrying; Revel in all of the little moments, and smile :) 

A QUOTE: “A babe in the house is a well-spring of pleasure, a messenger of peace and love, a resting place for innocence on earth, a link between angels and men” ~Martin Fraquhar Tupper

WHIDFML:  Opened-up my upcoming mommy-day for whatever appeals to me at the time... A nap? Sure! Some tube? Maybe (...if it continues to be a soaker!) Some reading? For sure! Some home-made hot-chocolate? I'm thinking YES! A fire in the fireplace? This is a serious probability! All of the above?? Quite possibly!

Happy Birthday to All the Mommies?

'Twas the first year that Myla actually understood some of the meaning behind the celebration surrounding Mother's Day... We met up with the fam for food, drink, laughter, dessert, and gift-exchange. When the DQ cake was unveiled, Myla did whisper in my ear inquiring, "Mommy - when are we going to sing happy birthday??"

However, the highlight of my day was receiving a very special hand-made card from my sweet girl! It is pink (no doubt), and came adorned with darker-pink hearts and flowers. She had carefully selected their location, and glued them on all by herself. She even drew the stems and leaves, and completed the look with a few sparkly 'diamonds' affixed to the card's interior. My sis had thought to write the words I (heart) U Mommy in pencil, and then Myla traced over the pencil with a (you guessed it, Pink!) marker. Adorable!! I had to fight back a few tears, especially with how excited and proud she was to show me her work of art. (Rather impressive, too, I might add!)

So Happy birthday Mother's Day to all of you fellow-mommies out there! Hope it was special :)

TIP: 3-year olds have a hard time keeping secrets. ;) She did mention before mother's day that she had a 'surprise' for me - and that it had a pink flower glued to it... But alas, I still could not have been prepared for such a beautiful and heart-felt gift! And she didn't give away all of the details!
A QUOTE: “Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up.” ~Pablo Picasso
WHIDFML: Re-potted all house-plants in GOOD soil, and moved the herb-garden pots to the living-room bay window... (SOUTH-facing! Further research alerted us to the fact that herbs need lots more light than they'd have received facing Nort~) 

Sometimes... Seeing is Believing

Okay - So I've made mention of my "silver lining" (think hair) in a previous post or two now... And actually - it never bothered me much. But it's spreading, and one particular "patch" is now of greater concern since learning from my beloved that it "ages me by about 10 years". Say whaaaaat???????

Turns out, he didn't really believe me when I told him it was under there... He thought I was exaggerating to make a point about my need for greater balance again (read: serious stress). I've noticed other things over that time-frame; A more frequent migraine pattern, some minor belly-bulge (only place there is something remaining from child-bearing) still just hanging on 'round there, some mood-swings, more regular difficulty with sleeping solidly, higher blood pressure at the doc at last visit, and more frequent patterns of fatigue. Evidently, my mood and general demeanor weren't tipping him off - which says that it wasn't outwardly as prevalent as I had been feeling inside. That's a good thing!

The sun hit my shimmering natural highlights just right during one ripe afternoon spent outdoors. He brought it to my attention as though I'd never even hinted about its presence previously. I looked at him with my "d'oh" face - saying, "Yeaaaaah... That's the 'grey hair' I was referring to when I once expressed that our kids are expediting the aging process..." "There's kind of a lot there!" Came his response. "Thanks for finally noticing!" I said with a smile. At this point, I began to wonder if the shock in his expression was because it was not exactly eye-candy - or whether he was really just that tuned-out when I expressed concern over my body's stress-responses some many-months prior. And, it still hadn't really bothered me... until~ that comment about how many years it added to my face.

Of course, NOW I'm thinking the look on his face is mortification! REALLY? "So - does it look that horrible???" I inquired, "Your face says it's pretty much freaking you out. I thought maybe I looked more my age, rather than 10 years younger?!" (Still feeling okay about it - but somewhat more uneasy...) "No no - It does make you look older than you are though... But I'm actually more concerned about your stress level. Is that legit, that it turns hair grey - or is that one of those myths?" I honestly didn't know for sure - but it would seem a rather sizable coincidence that I had a patch while working at the job I hated most... that later disappeared, only to reappear again after baby number two's arrival... I'm no scientist, but I'm thinking there's a direct link here.

Isn't it funny - that I'm not only an open book, but a big-time communicator, and yet - even amongst my attempts at direct-dialogue about such issues, he didn't catch on until he could visibly SEE the signs for himself?? 

Well, needless to say it brought about very healthy, motivating, and forward-thinking discussion regarding how to best tackle the remaining problems with my lacking balance. I was able to reassure him - about all of the things that I'm grateful for every day; Two healthy, amazing little girls/ our own health/ his job - with it's flexibility and his natural instincts for it - as well as his growing rapport with the awesome company he's with/ our supportive and loving families/ our friendship and amazingly strong connection/ our ability to get back on track financially after an unpredictable blow/ Our home - and it's location - amidst the tranquil woods and water/ my drive for life/ my passion for what I do and my ability to work for myself in the process - and be home with our daughters/ our new-found parenting techniques that have been working wonders/ the fact that we know ourselves well, and have established priorities at a time in our lives when we needed to most.... I'm not sure I could compile a list that would adequately portray the depth of my gratitude. 

In spite of all of the good in our lives, and my positive attitude and determination to find the good in all things ~ there is still a lack of true balance. He thought of one brilliant little adjustment that will work wonders in that department! (Two minds = always better!) We will from now on, do any necessary errand-running, etc - together as a family in the evening hours during the week. That will free up lots of time on my Wednesdays (Grandbaby-Days with the retired in-laws) - allowing more time on those days for me! FAB. I also needed, as it turns out, a bit of reassurance that I'm handling things the way I should be during the day while at home with the girls - in order to maintain all of the goings-on: child-rearing/ interaction, house-upkeep, the photography work (namely photoshop hours and client-interaction), as well as incorporating couple time and family time when Joel is home. [Keep in mind, Myla doesn't nap any longer. Combine that with the inevitable, ever-changing shifts to every-day life that accompany growing children, and you have a requirement to regularly re-think your current routine(s) to effectively maintain (or re-instate) a sense of balance!]

All-in-all - I've never felt lighter, or more eager to push forward again. And, I've taken to a cheap DIY means of adding some auburn undertones in the form of spontaneous low-lights to cover those age-distorting greys. Hey, I don't know about you - but time already moves too quickly. And now that I'm feeling more like I'm 'recovering', and my efforts to maintain a true sense of balance are beginning to pay-off with higher yields - for $3 a box - why the heck not? :)

TIP: Did you know that adding half-cup of liquid hand soap to a gallon of water, poured over the tops of them, will rid your yard of ant hills and their inhabitants without the toxic chemical residue that sprays will leave behind?? 'Tis the season!

A QUOTE (or 2): "Just as your car runs more smoothly and requires less energy to go faster and farther when the wheels are in perfect alignment, you perform better when your thoughts, feelings, emotions, goals, and values are in balance." ~Brian Tracy

"I'm not suggesting you deny or suppress your emotions, but just discover for yourself what it takes for you to handle your emotions and stay balanced." ~Wendy Hearn,

WHIDFML: Joel and I really figured out a few things that we could do differently to tilt the scales a bit closer to balanced again... including some long-term, and short-term, goals & trips that we've been longing to accomplish!! No more, "We'll figure that out [later]..." giving things time to build-up... Nope. Now, we tend to the regularly-evolving needs as they occur. 

Word of the Day

The word of the day is.... "Stinky"!
Girls - both alternating silly "stinky-descriptions"... (ie: stinky-car! or stinky-tree! or stinky-birdie!)
Mommy: "I think you are being a couple of silly little stink-butts!"
Addie: "NO! My not stinky! DAD-DY is stink-ing...."
Mommy & Daddy "Hahahahahahahahahahaha!"
Addie: "Sowwy Dad-dy..." 


Can't get much cuter than that ;)


TIP: Record these moments... photos, video, typing a blog, baby-books - whatever you want to use - just record it! (We'll probably need these memories when they're sixteen!)
A QUOTE: "Children are the living messages we send to a time we will not see."  ~Neil Postman

WHIDFML: A new (awesome) local restaurant with my fam!

The Truth Be Known!

Myla has been looking forward to "going fishing with Daddy and Uncle Danny in the boat" this season. The other day, my bro and Jenni were over - helping out with vehicle maintenance, and hanging out. She and Jenni are good friends these days. Jenni was a great sport - playing all sorts of make-believe with her while she practiced "driving" daddy's car. During their play time, Myla expressed her excitement about the approaching fishing season to Jenni. "I'm going to go in the boat and go fishing with Daddy and Uncle Danny..." She continued some more after a few questions from Jenni, assuredly stating the stats, "Daddy catches the big fishies... and Uncle Danny catches all the little fishies." (All with a knowing nod of the head and a crinkled up grin!) That produced some laughter amongst the crowd! The funny part is, Danny is the big winner in her eyes - as she is really quite fond of the "little fishies". She prefers them, actually. This one really blossomed into the girly-girl of the fam. Maybe Addie will join Daddy in pursuing those 'big fishies' someday soon! In the meantime, Danny is busted! ;)

TIP: When you've let the kids play in the car, make sure they didn't turn on the dome-lights... You won't notice until A) It's dark, and you happen to walk past the vehicle - or B) your battery is dead! Luckily, we found out via option "A", with enough time to re-charge overnight. 

A QUOTE: "...of all the liars among mankind, the fisherman is the most trustworthy."  ~William Sherwood Fox

WHIDFML: 2 Words: Chocolate Milk... (Made with Midnight Moo - Trader Joe's - all natural/ real ingredients, and really the only "bad" thing in there is a bit of sugar. But that's in the eye of the beholder...) ;) 

"She Couldn't Handle it..."

 [photo by Joel]

 

Kids pick up on the funniest things. The other day while outside with the girls, there was a freshly spun spider-web coveting the interior of the little foot-pedal toy car. Myla was quick to point out the obvious - knowing that I might react with slight panic, followed by cringe, followed by carefully-executed-strategic-planning for exercising the demons. (Spiders = Satan's spawn in my book.) 

I did, without much under-breath cursing, successfully remove the web using a stick. With no demon actually present, I quickly removed any remnants of its home before the girls could commence care-free play. 

However, within about 5 minutes of this occurrence, Myla witnessed some other under-breath mumbling-to-self as I expressed that I "can't handle this today" - while breaking up a very unwarranted and unnecessary screaming-fit between the two young ladies. So much for muttering...

Upon daddy's return home from work, she explained to him that there had been a "big spider web" in her car today. Daddy asked her, "Uh-Oh... Did mommy get it out for you?" To which she replied, "Nah. She couldn't handle it." 
"WHAT?!" I chimed-in, laughing... "I DID TOO take it out - and ya'all should be proud of me for that feat." I proceeded to explain to Joel where she got that from - and we shared a great belly-laugh over it. I still giggle when I think about her matter-of-fact response, (and her weird meshing of the memory of what actually happened.)  

TIP: Keep your cool :) [Parenting with Love & Logic - from a previous post - working awesomely... Myla still outwits us occasionally - but we're working on that! Actually - she wore a HALO for a solid WEEK! A.MAZ.ING. Somehow, my sister seems to bring out the rebel in her... At least she exploded in her presence twice in one week, which would seem like quite the coincidence. Hmmmm.... Gonna have to give that some more thought.]
A QUOTE: “There are things known and there are things unknown, and in between are the doors of perception” ~Aldous Huxley
WHIDFML: Cleared some air about perception, in fact.