Perspective

When you're a parent you need to appreciate breaks from the kids when you get them. Sometimes I find myself wishing way too hard for some time away from the kids. I want to sit, by myself, with no one needing anything and nothing that needs to be done ( not because I'm neglecting it but because it actually doesn't need to be done) for some indeterminate long stretch of time. 

Then I wake up with three kids, a house,and a never ending to do list and I get annoyed and resentful when there is no break in sight. Ever. Since Jefferson was born four months ago we've had a total of about three hours without any kids. If our only time to relax was once every four months I think I would die. But, thankfully, there are lots of little breaks along the way. It's so important to recognize them. Last week I went to the grocery store sans kids. Afterward I got a diet coke at mcdonalds and 'had' to sit through a fifteen minute drive thru line. Bliss. Two days ago I went to the store again with just the baby. Yippeeee!! Right now I'm sitting in the car with three quiet kidlings in the back. Amazing. And then when Harrison is at school and little j takes a nap and carter is outside putting rocks and leaves into every bowl we own. So much better than a spa weekend, right?? 

Mom tip for the day- big rocks first

Rather than blogging cute baby pictures or talking about things we are doing i'd rather get some of these thoughts out of my head . So here's a tip for moms, myself, and carter someday when she has kids (and for the boys too). 

I think some people are awesome stay at home moms who are super amazing at playing with their kids. That's not me . I am a much better housekeeper. Frankly, I should pay someone to watch them and start a housecleaning business because it would be a more effective use of my skills :) ok not really... Lately when it comes to trying to keep the house in a decent state with three kids around I've realized that the lesson from young women's is still true. Do the most important thing first!!! If I have dirty dishes and a dirty floor but I want to get the bathroom cleaned I need to clean that bathroom first thing or it won't happen. Same thing with trying to get stains out of the couch, dusting baseboards, vacuuming, or anything else I don't do a million times a day. There will always be more dishes and more crumbs on the floor. I take a lot of satisfaction in clean walls or cabinets or an organized closet amidst the other chaos. So stop sweeping, amber, and go organize the pantry. You know you're going to sweep five more times today anyway :) 

Carter isms

Carter is simultaneously so adorable I could melt and so frustrating I could scream..when she is in a good mood (and not screaming because I pushed the button to close the garage..for example.. Not that she's doing that right now..) she has the cutest personality and we are constantly amused by the things that come out of her mouth. Before I forget them here are some of our favorites: 

Scoopy me in (scoot me in)

Poc ci cle (Popsicle)

Can you do me a favorite? (Can you do me a favor?)

Open in it (open it)

Copping chart (shopping cart)

Bwing Bwing (her blanket)

All wight (all right)

Ott (off) 

Docker (doctor) 

Cubbers ( covers) 

Cue me (excuse me)

Natos (tomatoes)

Boon (spoon) 

Lossit (lots of it)

Wong ( long) 

Nuggly blanket (snugly blanket)

Water pop ( otter pop) 

Jeppers (Jefferson)