a rare moment alone

Believe it or not, I am writing from my bed at 10 PM feeling totally refreshed. My kitchen is clean, my baby is sleeping soundly in her bed, I was able to soak in a hot bubble bath for an hour and now I am sitting here, watching The Help in the background and enjoying a quiet night.

Where are my boys, you ask? They are miniature golfing. We were supposed to go as a family on Saturday night, but postponed it until today because no one was feeling well. And then when it came time to go tonight, I just didn't wanna. Aaron said we could wait until the weekend, but I said I would rather put the baby down and have some alone time. He quickly packed the boys in his car and sped away. It's been several hours and I am sure they are out getting slurpies or ice cream cones & having a grand time. I hope they take a picture or two! Aaron has to work tomorrow, so I would imagine they will be home any moment. I better type fast!

I am struggling. I feel silly saying that because I realize that others have "real" trials and obstacles in their life, but I am struggling in my own way. Summer is almost over and I get teary-eyed just thinking about sending my kids to school. Everywhere I turn I hear mothers talking about how excited they are to send their kids back and I get a pit in my stomach when I think about it. If I had everything my way, summer would last all year long. We have had the best time together and I am not ready for it to be over. Luckily we have two more weeks, so I am trying my best to spend that time wisely. August 27th is going to be here before I know it. I absolutely love being with my kids. So I guess in retrospect, I am grateful I struggle with having the best kids ever.

Getting back from vacation and then spending a week sick in bed has done wonders for our house and laundry room. I woke up Monday morning with a resolve to get caught up on everything and I worked hard all day. Laundry, bedrooms, bathrooms, and a long time in the kitchen cooking dinner. But just before Aaron came home, everything fell apart. I burned the spaghetti sauce (hard to do, but I managed) and overcooked the noodles. I hate soggy noodles. And the fresh corn on the cob wasn't so fresh... since when does corn on the cob turn out terrible. Everyone cleared their plates and got bowls for Cherrios but we had to ration the milk because Ben accidentally spilled half a gallon on the floor earlier. What a night!

This morning we woke up early grocery shopped and hit the splash pad with friends to make homemade ice cream. I love being outside and I love my friends. But it's so bloody hot here the ice cream never formed. The kids poured it in cups and drank sugar flavored milk. We came home just in time for naps. We read a couple chapters of Catching Fire and I tried to relax, but I was just too hot. This heat is something else. I wanted so badly to turned the AC to 50 degrees and blast some Christmas music... these 110 degree temps have got to go away. Enough already.

My biggest obstacle lately (always) is making time for myself... out of all the things I do during the day, I don't exercise or shower or shave my legs or do anything just for me and it's so frustrating. I know what I NEED to do, but I just don't do it. I suck. I am great at setting big goals and getting excited about something new, but I am terrible at doing the little things and making small attainable habits. And I know it's the little things that will make the biggest difference in my life.

Before Aaron left with kids, I was telling him how Simon came downstairs today with green hands and told me he painted the door to my bedroom. I reluctantly went upstairs to find my door, several walls and my carpet coated with slimy green paint. Luckily I have a carpet cleaner and much experience in this area. Did you know water and vinegar will get paint out of carpet? It's amazing, that wonderful white vinegar.

Anyway, I was telling Aaron about my adventures in cleaning up carpet and explaining that I love being a mom and I love being home all day, but I don't want to clean anymore. I want and need a maid. And a butler, chauffeur and a personal trainer. And a masseuse. That's all I need before I can be truly happy.

Hey--- pictures and a text just came to my phone. He is the perfect husband! They are their way home...

I should dry my hair and pretend to be productive when they get here. Aaron will roll his eyes at me if he thinks I've been blogging the whole time..... Until next time.