Motherhood: A new relationship with Gravity.

Sometimes my life seems a bit unappreciated, unglamorous, unending. Becoming a mother is like learning how to share in a whole new way. My body, my time, my thoughts, my side of the bed, and most of all my heart. These things no longer belong solely to you once these perfect little creatures enter your life. Stretch marks, perma bulge, it's a packaged deal. I'm coming to accept the fact that without professional help and a fairy godmother, parts of me will never look the same again. I congradulate those mothers who view these new developments as endearing tattoos, proclaiming their nobility to motherhood. I'm always telling my aging mother that "wrinkles and grandbabies go hand in hand, embrace it". So, here's to embracing my new relationship with gravity, and all the other little things that come along with the priveledge of having these beautiful babies!

Scrapbooking: An old hobby REVisted

So, I got so tired of scrapbooking a few years ago. It just seemed so overwhelming. All the papers, ribbons, tapes, glues, tools, organizers, brads, eyelets, stickers, plastics, and on and on. And, if that wasn't overwhelming enough, lets throw in, I don't know... about 600 unscrapped photos, and 100s of untold stories. It was too much work and not enough fun, so I decided to hang up my decorative scissors.
But then I met Cathy Z. Well, technically I read her book, kind of like meeting her. Anyhow, there was this great chapter called, "Permission Granted". It said things like, "Permission granted to scrap non chronologically, to put most photos in a boring photo album and only scrap the ones you love, permission granted to throw away photos, permission granted to scrapbook in whatever form is fun to you." Now why I couldn't just give myself permission to do these things years ago....who knows.
But, when I read this, the stress and neg feelings I previously associated with 80 cent paper and acid free glue sticks, vanished. Not only did I decide I would only scrapbook a few photos, ones that I loved for one reason or another, but I would no longer focus on how cute the page was or even the photo. Instead I now focus on the stories I have to tell. Sometimes it's just a random story about one of the kids and I just pick any photo, other times it's just something in the background like a piece of furniture that's special to me.
Scrapbooking to me is now all about remembering our family, life, odd moments, experiences, what we love, what we don't, funny quirky things, and anything else I feel so inclined to write about. I love it. It's so wide open, so creative.

Journaling Ideas:
Add a verbatim conversation, a list of favorite things, a to do list from your planner, a letter from your mom, a comparison chart, family daily schedule, why you love your Hoover x22, emails, pet peaves, how to's,what I know at..., recipe for.., things you might hear around our home, ect.) Be creative and let others get to know you through your photos and *your writing about real, ordinary, Life.

In the words of a small child: "Ky-nan"

Undressing a Store Mannequin & pointing between the biceps: "Baby's Milk!"

Doing bills, I sighed and said to myself, "awhh...we need money."
Kyanne so sweetly said, "It's okay mom, I better go buy you money."

Kyanne: "What does the cow say?"
Mom: "Moo"
Kyanne: "What does the cat say?"
Mom: :"Meow"
Kyanne: "What does Jesus say?"
Kyanne: "He says, 'Hellllooo- Friend."

Ky quoting 'Nachooo'
"Dad, get me 'strechy pants'."
"Bridge, when you a man..."

Brushing her hair: "Don't brush my bum"
In the words of Papa. "See ya Bee ya!"
in a sqeaky voice"...don touch my tuff mom
or you go corner"

"You Tinker...You Tinker...You Tinker..."

I bumped Ky she said, "It's okay sweetie"
Man, she's cute!

A Toddler-less Weekend

Mommy was having a melt down Thursday night. Jess was in Texas and helpless, so he called my mom, who then innocently called offering to render her motherly and grandmotherly services in any and every way possible. It was sweet, and she ended up meeting me in Milk River to pick up Kyanne. I was really excited for the free time weekend, but when they drove away I had a surprising ache in my stomach. It dulled and I had fun scrapbooking all day Friday and Saturday. But, by Saturday evening, it started to seem too quiet. I began to miss waking up at 6 am to a smiling face saying, "I watch Teehouse, mum" or "I want Cherrios mom" or "Mom, get up..." followed by excessive arm tugging. I picked her up today, and even though she has had no nap today, a cheesy chip face, and was very grouchy, I realized how much I missed her -all of her, the charming and not so charming two year old self, alike. At the same time I cherish that awesome weekend, my mom gave me. I love having Nanna so close! :)

Mommy's Gilmore Watching Buddy

Every night after Bridgey and I put Kyanne to bed, we snuggle up on the couch and watch Gilmore Girls together. It's great. I often miss quite a bit, as he is his happiest self at this hour. It is by far his chattiest time of day. He smiles, giggles, gurgles, and snuggles with his mom. I love this time of day!

The "Closet Poo-er"

Kyanne wants to please her parents, and so when she is asked to use the potty instead of her 'Dora the Explorer' pull-up, she says "okay" or "sure" (which by the way is very funny to hear out of a 2 year old's mouth.) But, when that time comes, and it inevitably comes, she runs to the closet. Not just any closet either, my closet. Why mine, I'm not sure, but I'm going to guess it's the clothes that hide her little body so well. It's like a game this week to find her in the closet befor she actually goes and run her to the potty. I'm batting 50/50 average. She must have wise'end up to my game, because today she hid in 'her' closet...very tricky. When I found her, I ran her to the bathroom where she yell "get oooouuutt".

My little girl is learning privacy. Today I scolded her in front of Aunt Keshia and Uncle Nick and she hid in my shoulder like she was embarrassed. It was adorable and I felt like scolding myself, 'Bad Mommy...bad'. I really need to remember that she is a person now, no longer that cute little busy baby. She understands when I talk to her and about her. I'll have to be more careful. Tonight we danced in the kitchen with the lights down low, just like her dad and I use to dance in my kitchen on Rimvale, pre- marriage and cute children. We still dance sometimes, I wish it was more. Well, I love that little girl.

My Life is being Sucked Away...