How the time flies

Today, my youngest is three years old. Not that long ago, I was 4 months pregnant, taking care of a six month old and working full time (yes, all at the same time). I felt like I was taking care of everybody all the time and nobody was taking care of me. Sleep was the most important thing in my life. Now, things have changed drastically. There's a three and almost four year old and no job. The girls want to take care of themselves. I get to sleep in too, now that the girls have a TV in their room. Their health, self-confidence and education are the most important things to me. Time really flies. I am so grateful for the opportunity to slow down and enjoy it.

Homemade Books

Children have very active imaginations. Of course mine are no exception. So, I think I'm going to start writing down some of their made up stories. We'll turn them into homemade books. They'll draw their own pictures. For the sake of legibility, I will write the words. Then they can read their own very special books. In fact, I just may turn some of their stories into books for publication. How cool would that be for your child to go to the library and see a book that he or she wrote sitting on a shelf. Better yet, how proud would they be to see other kids reading them? That's going to be one of our "it's too hot/cold/rainy to go outside" projects. Guess I should stock up on craft supplies. I think I'll use those gift cards I've been carrying around for the past five years.

Reading...Part 2

A few months ago, I wrote a post about being anxious regarding my children's reading skills. Here is an update: A couple of days ago, my youngest read the word "cat". It may not sound like much to some of you. For parents, it's one of the greatest moments ever. She read to me. Yes, I know it's only one word. But that's because it was the only one on the refrigerator at that moment. I'm sure she knows a few more. Now that I've gotten a little positive reinforcement, I'm going to renew my literacy encouragement efforts. The refrigerator will be like an open book, covered with words. Yes, the refrigerator. I can't get them to stay off of it anyway. This will also be a great opportunity to redecorate their room. Currently, the walls are pretty bare. I think I'll add a few of their favorite things in word form. Numbers will be up there, too. They like to count. In the next few weeks, we're going to "try" adding, subtracting and penmanship. I'll keep you posted.

Traveling Light

This year, instead of our parents coming down to see us, we're going up to Philly to see them. It's been a couple of years since we've been there. Everyone is looking forward to being able to see how much the the kids have grown. I don't really enjoy traveling with kids but this time it won't be so bad. This time will be the first time we'll be traveling without diapers or training pants. I don't have to carry a diaper bag. I don' have to carry them. The girls can walk and wear themselves out instead of me. WOOHOO!

Wordless Wednesday: Girls Rule!

I believe this was taken either late 2006 or early 2007.

I'm glad they're still friends... usually.

Rants

It's two days before my birthday and I'm sick.
My 2 yr old has a "goose egg" on her forehead.
I'm behind on my writing.
I'm home alone with a teenager and three children who can't sit still no matter how much I tell them that their life depends on it.
I'm sick and it's two days before my birthday.
People and clothes both still need to be washed.
I forgot about my dentist appointment.
My two year old refrigerator is making a weird noise.
Did I mention that it's two days before my birthday and I'M SICK!

Well that about sums up my Friday so far. How's yours?

Jealous

Last night my husband and stepson were talking to each other about spending time. They discussed going to indoor basketball games versus outdoor football games. I started to feel a little jealous. My husband, the non-sports guy, never offered to take me to a game. He knows I love football. Whenever I would mention the two of us going, the most I would get from him is a noncommittal "It's not my thing". So when I noticed my husband's excitement, I immediately felt sad. I honestly don't remember the last time he was excited about something I was passionate about, let alone offer to participate. Oh well. I'm curious to see what the girls have in store for DH. They're getting older now and really enjoy hanging with their dad. Maybe it's time to have an official daddy and daughters day. The girls are potty trained. (Well, they're about as potty trained as an almost 3 and an almost 4 year old can be.) As long as those two don't start running around in circles and chasing each other while pretending to be dinosaurs, he'll be fine (giggling).This is going to be fun