{this moment}

Inspired by Soule Mama - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see.

Priorities

Ever since Brooklyn was born just over five years ago, my priorities in life have changed very drastically. I was 21 years old when Brooke was born. Up until I got pregnant, my idea of a fun weekend was going out (wearing a brand new outfit bought just for the occasion) to a bar, club, or house party to drink, dance and act carefree. Money wasn't an issue; neither was sleep. I could easily stay up until the wee hours, get 3-4 hours of sleep and get up and go to work. I worked full-time at daycare center, part-time as a manager at McDonald's, and went to school two evenings a week. My energy was endless. Even with little sleep, I excelled at each of my jobs and at school. I have no idea how I did it, but I did. And yeah, it was a lot of fun. And I have no regrets whatsoever.

But now, my priorities are so different. My idea of a fun weekend is spending time with my family. Playing board games, doing puzzles, building Lego creations with the girls. Running around in the back yard, taking the girls for bike rides, going on hikes, or to the park. Eating dinner together around our tiny kitchen table. Having pajama dance parties in the living room. Turning on Hockey Night in Canada and cheering for the Leafs even though we know they'll probably lose. Watching a movie and maybe probably having a drink or two with Chris after the girls have gone to bed. Passing out half-way through the movie and never having a clue how it ends. Sure, I still go out on occasion to let loose with my friends... but not very often, probably only a few times a year. I am entitled to that. About 6 years ago, I really never would have imagined how much my life would change after having kids. But it is a lot of fun. And I have no regrets whatsoever.

When pregnant with Brooklyn, I told myself I wouldn't let being a Mom define me. I would keep the same friends, I would still go out on the weekends when I could. That first little while as a Mom I probably spent more time going out with friends on the weekend than I should have, and I regret it a little bit. But that's okay. You live, you learn. Soon I realized that I would much rather stay home and hang out with my beautiful baby and her Daddy, and get lots more sleep! After that I learned pretty quickly that when you have kids and your friends don't (or, sometimes they do), and you start turning down invitations to the bar, often times you drift apart and talk much less. Some may stop talking to you entirely. This used to keep me awake at night but I have come to realize that many people are not meant to be in your life forever; friendships come and go. Some last a long time, and many don't. And that's okay too. The important and meaningful ones are usually the ones that last.

As much as I told myself it would never happen, having kids has entirely changed my life. But I am so, so happy with how it has changed. Some people I know that have kids are still going out nearly every weekend, drinking, dancing, doing appalling and shameful things that a grown adult really shouldn't be doing... but whatever. It doesn't really make sense to me, but who am I to judge how others waste spend their time? I just do my best to separate myself and my family from people that are obviously negative influences. 


All I know is this: Chris is out of the house for 11 hours a day five days (and sometimes six days) a week; our time together is precious. Never, ever in our lives will we regret spending too much time with each other or with our kids. We absolutely love spending time together as family. It is so fulfilling and so satisfying... I can't even describe how happy it makes us. Yes, sometimes I feel like I need a break from my kids - I am with them nearly all day every day, and it can be really hard on me (and them!). Usually even just going out for a half hour to pick up milk and bread is enough to get myself out of a funk... especially when I walk in the door and two brown-haired, blue-eyed beauties come running to greet me with toothy grins and open arms. It makes it all worth it.

My family is my number one priority. I am so, so thankful for the life I have. I may not have a huge house or lots of expensive things. I may be able to count the friends I can depend on and trust with one hand. I may only spend my time and energy on a few people who return that same compassion, caring and honesty with me. But all of this is a trade-off because I am so rich in love. And I wouldn't have it any other way.

hump day nuggets: hello summer

hump day nuggets: little bits of the season in photos and words about the last week

The weekend was warm, and this week has been hot and sticky. It has given us plenty of reason to crank the air conditioning, bust out the sprinkler, hand out freezies, and we've burned through almost an entire bottle of sunscreen in less than two weeks. I stare at my back yard and daydream about buying a pool, and picture myself sitting beside it 30lbs thinner, listening to the kids laugh and play, while I am sprawled out on a sun chair and sipping on Bud Light Lime. Good-bye spring, hello summer!


nuggets.


:: What do you think of the new header/background?


:: As I was leaving the house one day last week to run errands Brie says, "Bye Mommy! Buy me some candy!". Kid needs a candy intervention, and I'm leaving it up to her father since he created the monster.

:: Brooke had dance pictures on the weekend and got to wear make-up for it, and this prompted the girls to ask if they could play with their make-up they got for Christmas. They had fun and the results were more than slightly amusing.

:: Little Miss Reese loves the sprinkler just a bit.

:: I think these kids are all going to have a blast in the back yard this summer. Between the sprinkler, the kiddie pool, and the new swing set - they are all set!

:: Best friend dollhouse fun makes me smile.

:: We're only two weeks in, but I'm thinking this t-ball season is going to be pretty awesome. The big kids are having a blast, the little kids are playing together somewhat nicely, and the parents are relaxing and chatting. Hoping it stays this great all season!

:: Brianna has been making me slightly nutty lately. She sure is lucky she's a cute kid.

:: I've been making it a habit lately of slipping into bed with the girls after they are asleep, after I have forgotten how they drove me crazy all day long. I listen to them breathe, stroke their hair, kiss their cheeks, and will them to stay little forever and ever. I stare at Brooklyn's long, slender legs and wonder when she got so big, grown up. I study at Brie's hands and memorize the last little bits of chubbiness on her fingers, and wonder if I will notice the very day those chunky toddler hands turn to thin preschooler hands. Stay little. Stay little. Stay little.

:: Brooklyn's buddy Zoe has been coming over once a week after school. These girls are funny and cute together.

:: The other day Brianna struts out of the bathroom after using it, and I tell her to go back in and wash her hands. She looks at me and says, "I did wash my hands!". And I'm like, "No, you didn't". She once again insists she did, and I again tell her that she didn't. She thinks about this for a minute and says, "I did wash my hands! I washed my hands yesterday!". Got me there, I guess.




Enjoy the rest of your week. Hello summer!