The Crafts

Many moons ago when we attempted  to potty train CJ we gave up. That's not much of a story, right? So we gave up and then one Sunday morning as we were dressing for church CJ announces that today was the day she was going to wear underwear. Really? Can't you do it when we are actually going to be home? But whatever...she wanted to do it and how could I say no. I briefly debated packing a plastic tarp to cover the church pew and instead pulled undies out of her drawer. And that is how CJ became potty trained. The girl has a mind of her own and will only do things when she says the time is right. Well to continue the potty talk, CJ never washes her hands after using the bathroom without a fight. Too much info, huh. We always win. She does wash her hands...eventually. For her to go the bathroom is a 15 minutes endeavor because you have to bark at her. "Walk to the sink. No, to the sink. Turn on the water. Well then use the hot water if you don't like cold. Please don'

1, 2, 3... 3 of my favorite things.

I am blessed beyond imagination with these three little girls but man alive is it hard work some days. I often don't get any time to myself until after Natalie goes to bed which is around 9 p.m. and by that point I just want to crash on the couch and spend some time with Matt. Even now as Natalie naps I tried to sneak away from CJ but she found me and immediately gave me her list of demands. Go get me tape, cut this with my scissors, play dollhouse, find my toy... I continually remind myself that kids are selfish by nature and mothers cannot be. We give up a lot for our children but whining about our sacrifices to our kids does nothing. I can be exhausted and up to my eyeballs in laundry but if I say to my child, "When will mom get a chance to nap?!" it doesn't affect her in the slightest. She is thinking of her needs; the fact that her tummy is rumbling or that mom forgot to wash pants and she must again fish dirty ones out of the hamper. She is more concerned with t

It is really quite easy to lose yourself in motherhood. Sure you become absorbed in all things concerning your children but if you're not careful you can also lose your own identity. I not only woke up to the idea that I am fully submerged in my children but that I also care too much about what others might think. And the reality is that everyone is really more concerned about themselves to notice me or you so why am I trying so hard to please everyone. So I started to reach out to all of those things that make me, me.  We stayed in a hotel last weekend with Matt's parents. It was Natalie's first time in a pool. I think she is Olympics bound. For example, I really dislike having long hair. I feigned long hair love for years but finally decided to liberate myself for the only thing I truly enjoy about long hair is putting into a ponytail. So I chopped it off. I feel like a 1920's flapper minus the swingy skirt, sparkly headband and booze. Kate doesn't