Haven't posted a pic of me and my sweet big boy for a while. Can't believe he's almost 3 1/2. He is always making us laugh and smile...our joy boy. Love him!
"But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." ~Isaiah 40:31~
17 June, 2013
Happy Father's Day, Daddy!
We had such a fun day celebrating Mike yesterday. His Father's Day gift was a fire pit and all the makings for s'mores...Joshua couldn't wait to try it out! He kept asking when we were going to cook the marshmallows. :-)
We had a great night sitting by the fire, eating, and watching the fireflies. I could definitely get used to this!
NUM!
Proud papa and his boys. Mike, we are so thankful for you and everything you do for our family. We are blessed!
08 June, 2013
23 Tips for Maintaining Your Sanity While Living with Children
Recently I had the mother of one of my son’s friends ask if I ever get mad or yell. You seem so calm and peaceful all the time,
she had said. I laughed. My children laughed even harder. It was a
great illustration of how we all think everyone else has it more
together than we do. I yell. We are a loud family. We talk loudly.
We make grand gestures with our hands, occasionally smacking someone by
mistake, which results in more yelling. My kids run and bounce through
the house like balls in a pinball machine. Yet somehow, I have managed
not to run screaming from the house dressed only in my birthday suit.
At least, not yet.
Here are my tips:
1. Lower your standards for cleanliness and order.
2. Did that? Lower them even more.
3. Your house will never look like a magazine spread, period. Embrace that.
4. No matter how many baskets you buy to contain toys, they will always be visible. Embrace the Toys ‘R Us/ frat house-chic decor.
5. You can never have too many popsicles in the freezer. How many bad moods have been fixed by a simple popsicle?
6. If you can’t change them, change your perspective. For example I read recently– probably on Satan’s website Pinterest– that toothpaste is great for cleaning things like faucets. So now when I go into the bathroom every day and see toothpaste splatter all over the bathroom faucet I think about how my children have done half the chore of cleaning for me. How considerate of them! Then I wipe it off while cursing.
7. Those chores that no one ever wants to do. Decide if you would rather do it yourself, badger your child to it, or let it go. If you are confused about what to do, see Number 1 on this list.
8. No one cares what is stuffed under your child’s bed, why should you. Unless it is old food. In that case, you should get a dog.
9. If you have boys, your bathroom will always faintly stink like pee. Invest in some Febreeze and count down the days until they move out and you can go visit them and pee on their bathroom floor.
10. Don’t buy white furniture. Unless you enjoy screaming at your children every time they go near it.
11. However bad a situation might seem, one day it will be funny. I have a few for which I am eagerly awaiting for the funny to kick in. Any time now….
12. When your child is a young teen there will be nothing more embarrassing than your very existence. Use this to your advantage. Start planning early.
13. Do not paint any walls in your house with flat paint.
14. Be okay with letting your kids stumble sometimes. Whether that is turning in an assignment late because they didn’t do it or wearing an outfit so hideous you have trouble looking at them without laughing.
15. Noise cancelling headphones are great for blocking out whining, bickering and the endless episodes of Sponge Bob.
16. Socks do not have to match. Every day is Crazy Sock Day at my house, which is infinitely better than Crazy Mom Day.
17. The crayons will break and it is okay to throw them away rather then save them to make some sort of craft that involves the hair dryer. In fact, I give you permission to not feel guilty about all the crafts you know you will never do.
18. Your children will not die from eating the occasional hot dog or frozen pizza. And by occasional I mean more than you are really willing to admit.
19. If your children are driving you crazy arguing with each other, start an argument with them. Then your children will bond over their mutual hatred of you and be quiet.
20. Children do not appreciate top sheets or high thread counts. Buy neither.
21. Homework time is the worst time of the day. Help your kids and yourself by having a designated time and a quiet place to do homework. Preferably in a neighbor’s home.
22. Just say No to ironing.
23. Last, but not least, a glass of wine and some really bad TV makes everything seem a little better.
2. Did that? Lower them even more.
3. Your house will never look like a magazine spread, period. Embrace that.
4. No matter how many baskets you buy to contain toys, they will always be visible. Embrace the Toys ‘R Us/ frat house-chic decor.
5. You can never have too many popsicles in the freezer. How many bad moods have been fixed by a simple popsicle?
6. If you can’t change them, change your perspective. For example I read recently– probably on Satan’s website Pinterest– that toothpaste is great for cleaning things like faucets. So now when I go into the bathroom every day and see toothpaste splatter all over the bathroom faucet I think about how my children have done half the chore of cleaning for me. How considerate of them! Then I wipe it off while cursing.
7. Those chores that no one ever wants to do. Decide if you would rather do it yourself, badger your child to it, or let it go. If you are confused about what to do, see Number 1 on this list.
8. No one cares what is stuffed under your child’s bed, why should you. Unless it is old food. In that case, you should get a dog.
9. If you have boys, your bathroom will always faintly stink like pee. Invest in some Febreeze and count down the days until they move out and you can go visit them and pee on their bathroom floor.
10. Don’t buy white furniture. Unless you enjoy screaming at your children every time they go near it.
11. However bad a situation might seem, one day it will be funny. I have a few for which I am eagerly awaiting for the funny to kick in. Any time now….
12. When your child is a young teen there will be nothing more embarrassing than your very existence. Use this to your advantage. Start planning early.
13. Do not paint any walls in your house with flat paint.
14. Be okay with letting your kids stumble sometimes. Whether that is turning in an assignment late because they didn’t do it or wearing an outfit so hideous you have trouble looking at them without laughing.
15. Noise cancelling headphones are great for blocking out whining, bickering and the endless episodes of Sponge Bob.
16. Socks do not have to match. Every day is Crazy Sock Day at my house, which is infinitely better than Crazy Mom Day.
17. The crayons will break and it is okay to throw them away rather then save them to make some sort of craft that involves the hair dryer. In fact, I give you permission to not feel guilty about all the crafts you know you will never do.
18. Your children will not die from eating the occasional hot dog or frozen pizza. And by occasional I mean more than you are really willing to admit.
19. If your children are driving you crazy arguing with each other, start an argument with them. Then your children will bond over their mutual hatred of you and be quiet.
20. Children do not appreciate top sheets or high thread counts. Buy neither.
21. Homework time is the worst time of the day. Help your kids and yourself by having a designated time and a quiet place to do homework. Preferably in a neighbor’s home.
22. Just say No to ironing.
23. Last, but not least, a glass of wine and some really bad TV makes everything seem a little better.
What tips do you have for staying sane while raising children?
Zoo Day
Yesterday, my friend Brandi & I took the 4 of our boys to the Peoria Zoo. It was a gorgeous day, and we had a blast!
What a fun day!
06 June, 2013
24 Weeks
24 weeks! Baby is the size of an ear of corn and weighs a little over a pound. I am still feeling great. Have my next check-up next week, so we'll see what the doctor says.
Can't believe we have less than 4 months to go until we meet the little guy! His brothers have such opposite personalities and I find myself wondering what his personality will be like. He is very active, so many more of a wild man like Joshua? Haha. So thankful for this precious gift!
04 June, 2013
Daddy/Daughter Dance
Elmwood's Mom Squad is hosting a Daddy/Daughter Dance on June 15. Tell your friends! Hope to see you there!
03 June, 2013
Thankful
The weather here in Fairview has been rather chilly and damp recently, so we are very thankful for this beautiful June day we've been blessed with! Oh, and JUNE?!?! How is that even possible? I have a feeling this summer is just going to fly by...better take lots of pictures! :-)
Nothing new here at Hacienda Holleman...so enjoy these photos of my two favorite little guys enjoying the nice weather! Happy Monday!
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