Awwww....

Today A looked me right in the eye and out of nowhere said, "Mom, you just make my heart happy."

Seriously, what could be better then that?

It's the Small Stuff

Sometimes it is the small moments and milestones in life that remind me just how fleeting childhood is. Today J was struggling to try to tie her own shoes, for some unknown reason she had it in her head that this was a skill she had to learn today. Before leaving for a friend's house, we spent twenty tearful minutes attempting to tie with no avail. Then, finally, when we were leaving the friend's she struck gold, she tied her shoe by herself. While I was giving her a big hug I started become teary eyed, it hit me, she is growing up.

I have no idea why tying a shoe was a trigger for me. All of a sudden I thought, "If my baby can tie her shoes she is that much more independent, soon she won't need me to do anything for her anymore." In that moment it seemed to me as if the act of tying shoes was a catalyst to adulthood.

Logically I know J is not going to wake up as a sixteen year old tomorrow because she can tie her own sneakers, but the small moments and triumphs in my children's lives are steps to their becoming adults. Tying shoes is a small step in the staircase, but it is a step. I was so proud of J for accomplishing a goal, but I was selfishly sad for myself. There are times, like tonight, when I just want to hold them tight to keep them from changing. In those moments I need to take a deep breath and remind myself that I have only enjoyed J, A, and S more as they have grown. If the pattern holds true, the new milestones will lead to good things and new ways for me to appreciate my kids. My children are growing up and while sometimes it is sad for me, I thank God that I am here to watch, and enjoy, them walking up their staircase.

Momdar

I believe that when my children were born they came equipped with their own radar system. This "momdar" beeps when ever I am doing something that could be considered "on my own time". Think going to the bathroom, trying to make dinner, taking a bath, etc. When J, A, or S hear this beep they automatically need me that very instant. What ever my task may be it immediately pales in comparison to the intensity of what ever they happen to want at that very moment.

Lately my children's momdar has been beeping the minute I put my head on my pillow, snuggle down into my bed and give a sigh of comfort and relief that the day is done. Right after my sigh, there is inevitably a cry of "Mooooom!" (Of course there is never a cry of Daaad). No matter what time of night the momdar inevitably beeps. Don't get me wrong I love my children. I don't mind taking care of their need even if it is at two in the morning, can you feel the sarcasm in my typing?

Occiasionally I would just like the momdar to break or at least turn into some sort of daddar. There are times when I just want to scream, "Seriously people! If you want a happy mom in the morning you need to let me get some sleep! I'm a much more fun mom when I'm not sleep deprived!" Obviously I don't scream, I just suck it up and go to which ever child needs me. Or, my husbanddar starts beeping and I roll over give R a gentle push and say, "Your child needs you."

Can You See Me?

S has found a favorite new hiding spot....my kitchen pantry. Now, those of you who have never been to my house might think this is an excellent choice for a one year old hang out, don't fool yourselves it is not. There are a few thing wrong with his hiding location. First, it isn't really a pantry, it is more like a large cupboard. This means he can't actually fit into the cabinet and shut the door. He basically wedges himself in between the door and the shelves, hoping we won't see his feet or the little hand holding the door shut. Secondly, because everyone in the vicinity can still see his feet and hands it is really not the best spot to discreetly hide.

The pros of his spot of choice are: He can grab and possibly eat treats off the snack shelf without me knowing and since I'm generally in the kitchen I can say "Where is S?" and he can burst out of the cabinet with a giant smile on his face. This game can entertain for hours.

The benefit for me is he looks so darn cute jumping out his hiding spot that I can't help but smile.

Banana Bread

I made a loaf of this wonderful bread less than twenty four hours ago and it is now gone. According to my family this is the "best banana bread EVER!" Try it and let me know.

Banana Bread

2 bananas mashed (over ripe works best)
2 eggs
1 3/4 c flour
1 1/2 c sugar
1/2 c oil
1/3 c buttermilk (if you don't have any buttermilk use 1/3 c milk with a splash of vinegar)
1t baking soda
1t vanilla
1 scant teaspoon of salt

Preheat oven to 325 degree. Mix all the ingredients together until smooth. Pour into an oiled loaf pan and bake for 80 min. or until a tooth pick inserted in the middle comes out clean. I find it only take 70 min. in my oven and the bread is better slightly under done then over done. Enjoy!

I have to give a shout-out to my mom because it is her recipe. She would definitely put Martha Stewart to shame in the baking department!

I'm Smart and I Know It!

As I have eluded to in past posts, my daughter A has attitude to spare. Her inner sassiness came out this weekend, here is how it all went down:

We were driving to our friends house, bear in mind that we probably drive to their at least house once a week. No one in the car was worried about R knowing how to get to our destination, or so I thought....

We were just pulling onto the highway when from the back comes, "Good job Dad, you're goin' the right way. " I looked back and A said with assurance in her voice, "I know where we're goin' and how to get there." Okay.... R and I just took this in stride and didn't really think anything of it.

We get to our exit. Again a little voice pipes up from the back, "Daaad...You're supposed to turn here!"

At this point R says, "Thanks A, what would I do without you." The sarcasm is complete lost on A who answers, "I don't know!"

Finally we turn on to our friend's street, low and behold there is another comment from the back, "Good job Dad! You got us here!"

In a very dry sarcastic voice R says, "I'm so glad you were in the back to show me the way, good thing you are so smart..."

A returns with, "I know I'm smart, I know the directions!"

A, my sassy little backstreet driver at age 3...

My Name is La and I'm a Holiday-aholic...

Why is it that your house looks bare and boring after all of your holiday finery is put away? I was perfectly happy with my home before I decked the halls but now that Christmas is over it definitely seems to be lacking. I am suffering from a massive holiday hangover, detox is rough!