That's so sweet....

Ben was sitting on my lap during church and whispered in my ear, "Mom, your arms are really soft and stretchy and squishy."

What can I possibly say to that? "Oh Ben, somehow you know exactly what to say to make me feel good about myself!"

Our Spiritual Son

Zack is obsessed with praying. All day long, and especially when food is present, he folds his arms and bows his head (or rather puts a scowl on his face.) At the pool last weekend, the music was blasting and everyone was having a good time. Then someone got on a microphone and welcomed everyone to the first day at the pool... The minute the music stopped and the woman started talking, Zack folded his arms. He stood there in the pool just like this for a couple of minutes until he decided the prayer was over.

my big dilemma...

My kids don't want to have any fun. I am constantly talking them into going somewhere new or doing something exciting... and the truth is, they don't want to do it. The typical response is, "I think it would be more fun to stay home." What is the problem here? Why do I constantly have to convince them to do anything, especially when it usually costs money and is exhausting for me?



My solution: Never do anything or go anywhere. That's right, I can't fight it anymore. This afternoon, we took the boys to see Pirates of the Caribbean. Why? Because we thought they would like it. Not the case. Luke fell asleep in the first 20 minutes. Zack couldn't stay in his seat (or stroller) for anything, and Ben had more fun chasing Zack around the theater and making him laugh. Thank goodness no one else was in there, yeah for Friday matinées. Never again will I do anything remotely fun or exciting. My kids are such poor sports!

Aaron and I had a long discussion about this dilemma on our trip to California. While planning the vacation, I was trying to get my kids excited about going to Disneyland.. the problem? They didn't care to go. They had been to Disney a couple of times and would rather go somewhere with animals. I tried to convince them that Dumbo and the Jungle Safari ride should be enough... but they weren't buying it. Finally, Aaron announced we would be going to the LA zoo rather than Disneyland.. and the kids were thrilled. I was mad for a couple of days because I wanted to see Cinderella! Boys are so boring! I need a girl so we can paint nails and go shopping.. all boys want to do is sit around and talk about bugs and guts..

Did anyone watch the Miss Universe pagent?

Miss USA fell down in the evening gown competition. I know, it's sad, but we watched it like 10 times (thanks to satellite tv) She ended up making it to the top 5, but the Mexican crowd was booing her. So sad... and yet, so funny.

makes it ALL worth it...

Just as I was falling asleep last night, Luke came to my bed. Since Aaron was still out playing volleyball, I let him crawl in with me under these circumstances.. no talking, moving or making any weird noises. (Luke is a beat-boxer and is always making some crazy sound.) About a minute later, I hear, "But mom, I really need to tell you something."

Me: "Okay, what?"

Luke: "I've loved you ever since I was a baby." (Now playing with my hair)

Me: "Wow! How can you remember THAT long ago?"

Luke: "When I was little I didn't know how to smile, but you teached me how to."

Motherhood is exhausting, emotional and really hard some days... but the paydays most definitely come!