My Reward

I just needed to get some work done on the computer. I planned to have my kids do some mandatory quiet time today (and every day -- serious, I am going to start this), however, when I looked at my watch and it was already almost 5:30 pm I knew there was no chance mandatory quiet time would work to my favor (I do count on the kids going to sleep in the evenings and quiet time at 5:30 would send 2/3 of my family off to slumber land for sure, which would mean I am up all night trying to get them to go to bed later).

So, I just left 'em, ALL of 'em.

OK, I don't have that many kids, but I really did just quietly slip away back to my cave where I hoped to get some paperwork done for my 'other' job. Besides hearing shouts of "C is in the treat bowl . . ", I thought all was going well enough out there.

Then the girls came to visit me (in case you are wondering, I did get my paperwork done - thanks for asking). This was my "Hello":

Look carefully, the marker is across forehead and just for the record, it is all over her legs too, but that is from the other day

I do love 'em.

City Slickers Through and Through

What a great Saturday!

I can't wait for you to see my picture today because -- drum roll please -- I am in the picture! And, it wasn't taken by a stranger, the picture was taken by the father in my home, my husband :-). Knowing what lies ahead (big summer trip where I'll be doing many, many activities with the kids by myself), I really appreciate having both parents around. Plus, he is just so much fun.

I ran a race today and after the race was kids' activities including: pony rides and cake walks and face painting. It was sort of like a "small-town celebration" in a big city.

So here's what you've been waiting for: 

So, who wouldn't smile at that? I love being a family at a family event and this summer I will really miss the other part of my family that stays in WA. So, here is to being happy today (as well as recognizing my kids and I are as city slicker as they come -- I mean, c'mon, look at us paying to ride an animal . . ).


I couldn't believe she allowed herself to be put on this little pony




No Fear, no smile





The last time she rode a pony, she was VERY frightened



Sunset

Seeing evidence of a sunset, let alone evidence of the sun here is pretty remarkable. Tonight I got to go to the temple in Bellevue and on my way home, there was such a beautiful sunset hitting the tall buildings at all the right angles. Of course, I was driving and didn't have my camera anyway, so just picture it please.


Bellevue skyline



Here is another look, but in your imaginings, know that Seattle is much bigger than Bellevue.



Seattle Sunset



I love sunsets and my memories of Utah sunsets are the best. Anyway, this (along with actually being in the temple) made my heart happy today.

The Little Things

Just a quick post about two family members that boosted my spirits in the last few days. I didn't even realize my spirits needed boosting until they were boosted (should I say boost again just for effect?). Anyway, Janie made me laugh on a morning when laughing was truly the best medicine and then last night I got an email from Curt that was short and sweet and filled a space in my heart that was hurting just a little.

I tell my kids there are happy tears and sad tears, so this post is kind of like that. There can be happy, make-you-laugh posts/memories and there can be happy, appreciative posts.

I am thankful for love shown in different ways.


Janie is just so-darn cute and I love this memory



Curt has a way with each of my kids to make them smile and talk, I just love it.

You know you are a Mom when . .

This has been one of those days. It started out like this:

This girl does not go here

So, I figured I might as well climb back in bed and stage this:

I don't do so well with her feet in my eyes. So, I got up to take a jog. It felt so good. I just kept on going, but when I returned home, it was as though havoc wreaked while I was gone. Everyone was mad and everything was my fault. Happy Monday!

These little things that remind me of my privilege to be a mother, like the water bottle. We can have 3 or 4 different bottles, and they all can be in the fridge

and still the one I claim and proclaim to be mine, somehow becomes the family communal drinking fountain.

Or, as I tidy up (never-ending) and come upon this

and realize my decor has become the newest play toy to add to the mix.That elephant is supposed to be here:

In spite of it all, my heart still melts when I see 

Horses probably need diapers and hair bows - they've definitely got the hair.

 or ask my son, "So, do you think you match today?" when he looks like this:

His answer: "Yes, my shirt is totally stripes and m y shorts are totally boxes (plaid-- he has always called these shorts his box shorts and I just figured out his reasoning today).

This was all today. Good night.