My Horrible Morning

So, I got up this morning and was so excited! I had some new granola that I had just got from Trader Joes yesterday. It was high up on the shelf and I was pleasantly surprised that no one else had discovered it yet. I opened the new crisp package and poured myself a generous portion in a big bowl. I took my time to evenly slice bananas covering the surface of the yummy granola. And then it happened... I opened the fridge and realized we were out of milk. I could blame and punish the three milk drinkers who drink gallons hourly but decided it wouldn't do any good. I had to come up with a solution fast. I couldn't put the cereal back in the box as it was already covered with fruit. I couldn't run to the store because by the time I got the kids ready and went there and back my once perfectly sliced bananas would be brown and slimy. And then it hit me. For years I have known about a solution my father in law uses when there is no milk. And so I did something I swore I would never do. I held my big bowl up to the water dispenser on our fridge... I walked to the table determined that it would still be a good breakfast. I sat down, closed by eyes and took a bite... Hey, not bad, but I was regretting the decision to get the lowfat granola. Now was not the time to skimp on taste. And if you're using water to pour over it, who cares about the extra fat? So, after the first couple of bites I was beginning to think that maybe my father in law wasn't so crazy after all. But then my four year old checked me back into reality when he said, "Mom, is that water in your cereal?" Trying not to falter in my attempt to salvage my breakfast, I said confidently, "Yes, it is." and shoved another bite in my mouth. To which he replied, "Sounds gross" then looking closer and saying with more gusto, "EWWW!." Still munching on the watery, lowfat bite, I realized he was right and my breakfast dream was shattered...

I may start wearing makeup in my late twenties...

So, I have never been a person who wears make-up. Sure there have been special occasions like prom, wedding, boredom... But as a general rule I have been pretty much naked faced for almost 27 years. The main reason is because I always felt make-up holds you back. What if I want to sweat, or cry, or go in a waterfall? You can't do this if you are wearing makeup without looking like some kind of kindergarten art project. It hinders spontaneity. The other reason I didn't is because I didn't want the real me to be the slightly less prettier version. You know those people (like Oprah) that when you see them with their makeup off it's scary. Wearing makeup then becomes a must because then if you don't have time to put it on you scare everybody with the duller version of yourself. (the real you) I just have never been able to handle that kind of commitment! The last reason was that I was fine with my natural look. And then I had kids... Now granted, having three children in three years did not change the look of my face. But it surely has changed everything else! There are things (two things to be exact) that are supposed to be perky that aren't anymore, the skin on my stomach looks like a road map with all my stretch marks, and I am pretty sure I use to have a belly button. But I can't change any of those things outside of some major surgery. But I can buy some make-up and start to look like a care a little about my appearance. My sweat pants and sporty clothes are no longer a statement of my interests but the sloppy look of a tired mother. So, I bought myself some mascara. It's a small step I realize. But in putting it on I feel prettier in my sweatpants with my stretch marks and flabby stomach. It's kind of like repainting the outside of your messy house. Buy some make-up, a new shirt, suck it in, and voila a new woman!

Our Summer- Camping trip

Hello, it's been a crazy summer around here! We have been having fun though and the kids have for sure. We just got back from a camping trip with some good friends of ours, the Reed Family. It was a great time besides the nightly attacks from skunks while we sat around the campfire. We would all of the sudden hear something and they would come from all sides and we had to quickly and quietly move away so they wouldn't spray us. Freaky! The Reeds have two boys and the kids had a blast! Kylin loved to eat the dirt, she is definitely an outdoor girl. When we are at home she cries at the door and says, "Outside!" We just got this massive tent to camp in and it was so nice to have room and not have to sleep next to a kicker and a teeth grinder. I still have to sleep next to Brett though ( : Dason is a lot of fun and he asks really deep questions for a four year old like, " Do we eat in heaven? What if I don't like the spices up there do I have to eat it? Are God and Jesus the same? How do you know? He definitely is a thinker. Caden is a jokester and he has been getting in trouble for telling Dason he is going to pee and poop on him. He thinks he's funny, too. (he is) Kylin definately has a mind of her own and knows exactly what she wants, she also is sensitive and I love her little pouty lip. Me and Brett have been doing projects around the house and trying to stay active with bball, bike riding, and running. He really enjoys doing taxes and it's fun to watch him be able to do new things and feel a sense of accomplishment. I have been substitute teaching a little and it feels good to have a break from the kids, even though I love 'em.

Our Family

Our family is a little crazy at times. I think having the kids so close was something we didn't really think through all the way... Oh, well, we are here now and feel so blessed by our kids. It's funny how before you have kids there are so many different layers of who you are and how you define yourself. Then, you have kids and they consume your whole life and the only hat you seem to be able to wear is the mom hat 24 hours a day. Even when I am away from kids they are all I think about. If I meet somebody new I tell them my kids and their ages. (as if this is just the most interesting news ever) If I am talking to an old friend I tell them stories about what my kids are doing. At times being a parent can be a bit claustrophobic. But then I realize the reason it consumes you is because it is where your heart is. The moment you first feel your baby kick inside you, you are hooked, and they have not moved since without your caring. You want them to learn what really matters in life; God and living for Him and glorifying Him. So, I am fine being a mom instead of all the other various things I use to define myself as. Because this is better. Harder for sure, but so much more rewarding. I am really learning how to love unselfishly, never knew how selfish I was before kids. But at the end of the day, it's liberating to realize that you have spent most of the day caring for the needs of others instead of yourself.