Dear me,

Dear me,
There have been a few things that I want to talk to you about lately. First of all, I know you are under a lot of stress but how bout not taking it out on the ice cream...I mean, it never did anything to you but love and comfort you. Also, vegetables can be good. TRY ONE! :) Also, I miss the treadmill. Once a week isn't enough.
I know you love your kids but homework is important. Make them do it...before it is late. School will be out soon and you can play all you want at that time.
Jason is no longer a baby, he needs a big boy bed. None of your other kids slept in a crib this long. Sure, it's easy. He doesn't get out by himself and will go straight to sleep, but you can train him to stay in a bed.
The only reason to make a special trip to Maverick is for milk. You don't need to go there for a fountain drink even though they taste better. For 11 years, cans of diet coke were fine. And if you do stop there, skip the candy isle!
When you find yourself watching Dora the Explorer....STOP IT! Read a book, do a dish, take a shower. (which BTW is NOT optional)
Get out of your jammies even if you have no where to go. It will make you feel better. And I don't mean shower and put your jammies back on. (sweats are jammies immediate relative)
Don't worry so much about things out of your control. I know this is easier said than done but could you try...for me?
When you are struggling for patience with your children just remember that everyone of them are acting their age. You are the one who isn't. They aren't going to learn all of life's great lessons today, it's a process. Give them a chance to make mistakes and learn the lessons from them. In the process, try to learn something yourself.
Each day, just try to do a little better than the day before. When you feel alone, remember you have great friends and Heavenly Father who loves you in spite of you. Rely on Him for strength and courage.
Finally, it's okay to be nice to yourself. Seriously, would you let anyone talk to your kids the way you talk to yourself? No, so knock it off.
Love,
Me

conversations with boys

mom to Ty: "How was your day at school?"
Ty: "good"
mom: "What did you learn?"
Ty:" I don't know.....or care...."

Really? Do you think he realized that he said that out loud? At least fake it until you are a teenager! Nice...

jazz game and my bro.

Tonight my little bro John called us again with last minute Jazz tickets. I decided to let Jared go with Brent because he had a free night. Well it turns out that my other little bro from Texas was in town and taking clients to the game. I made Brent take a picture and send it to me, I'll admit it, I miss my brother. He was only here for a day and didn't have time to get together. :(
I love all of my siblings, they are the best! Nate is my only brother who lives out of state and I really miss his family. Thanks again for the tickets John!! I'll take them off your hands anytime!

getting back to normal....

Normal....hmmm maybe that isn't the right word.

This morning Brent started a new job. He was off of work for about 2 months during which I became used to having him around. Sure work is good, I guess, (lol) but for two months I had incredible freedom (without any cash). Throughout the baseball season Jared has needed to be picked up from school every. It is right in the middle of Jason's nap so it was great to have a driver. Also, Jared goes to school early 3 times a week for Jazz Band and Brent would drive to that too. Since Brent would get a little stir crazy he was always willing to run errands or watch kids if I needed to go out. He also would take the boys with him while he would run around. To say it mildly, I have become spoiled. Yesterday, I realized I would have to do the morning drive for school when Jared said there would be no band this week. (see the blessings keep coming) This is the last official week of the baseball season so hopefully Jason won't fully give up his naps.

Unemployment thankfully didn't last too long, although some days it seemed like it. Last week after weeks of no jobs prospects, Brent got two interviews with great companies. The job he wants most wouldn't start for a few weeks so rather than take any chances, he started with his second choice. It seems like a good company. Brent is impressed with many aspects of how they run their business.

All I know, is if Brent could be home 24/7 I would like it (most days) :)
The boys will miss having an all access pass to daddy, I'll miss having my best friend to hang out with all day, and I will certainly miss the perks of having him around. But, I will enjoy paying bills again and possibly having a little extra spending money. So I guess you take the good with the bad..... er somethin'...

For all the extra time we had together I find it surprising how little we accomplished on home projects. (sigh) Maybe someday our to do list will get done. (I am laughing)