Refueling

      I rarely leave the kids at home and almost never if it does not involve going out with my  husband but last night it was time. I had reached my empty. That place where you begin to feel as if you have nothing else to give. The kids, the house, the everything. So I did what any wise woman would do- I  had myself some girl time. I put on my make-up and my smell good stuff. I slipped on some cute shoes and headed out the door ( after giving the kids showers/ baths, fixing them a nutritious meal of frozen pizza, and putting the baby to bed).  I met up with my life-line and we went out for Mexican and margaritas. 

         My life-line is just what she sounds like. The person who I can call whenever I need to vent, to celebrate with, to cry with. Her son is a part of my heart and my kids a part of hers. There is a bond that forms between women that I think men have a hard time understanding. It is not more or less than the bond between spouses but unique in its own way. It gives life a different dimension. Kind of like men and hunting, or fast cars, or sports, whatever odd hobby they are so drawn to.

        So we went and we talked, and talked until the restaurant closed down and they kicked us out.  I felt myself soaking in the good stuff and letting the stress of the daily grind melt away. I was able to forget for a few hours the mountain of laundry, the kitchen floor that always needs a good scrubbing, the kids' homework. All the things are done everyday, over and over. After dinner we stretched out in our comfy clothes and watched New Moon. I saw the movies earlier this month for the first time and was nice enough to get her hooked. We watched the movie, making little comments all the way through (something my husband cannot stand!) .

     When I finally headed home and laid down it was with the knowledge I would be woken up in a few very short hours but I would be better for it. I woke with  a renewed sense of patience, and stronger love of what I have. My soul is full, my slate wiped clean for a little while longer. I am grateful for all the blessings God has given me and the knowing of when it is time to push forward and when it is time to step back, let go, and refuel.

Dancing in Candyland

  

Queen Bee

 The school had their second annual Daddy-Daughter Dance.

Mine

 The theme this year was Candy Land. The school did a great job of decorating the lunchroom for these lovely little girls. This will be the last year for my oldest. She will move on to middle school this fall and forget all about dancing with her daddy. Or maybe not. She certainly adores him and not to mention they are mirror images of each other. The Divas' cousin came over and fixed their hair. She did fabulous and made them both very glamorous. They learned most of their ' Diva-ness' from her :) Of course the Destructor had to crash the party. How could he not?

 Here we are in another year and already I am behind. I think that may be the story of my life... Literally. I am know to be late for most things everything except for getting the kids to school. 

I am trying to think of something clever to write while my girls run through the house like they licked the sugar tree and take turns screaming the words momma she....I feel the twitch below my right eye (always the right one) kicking on and my shoulder muscles tightening. 
                                     So I will quickly highlight the new year-

The oldest Diva has started Baton lessons and has yet to break any objects in the house. She is doing well in school but frustrates me with her ' little as possible' and 'the rest of the class...' approach to school. I want her to want more than good grades. I want her to rise up and go above that. However I am realistic and accept that this approach will only get worse as she begins 5th (mom takes deep breath) grade this fall. But I refuse to go there now and will enjoy my little tween for a few more months.

Her younger sister also know as Diva II or my own Drama Queen is also doing well in school. She is playing chess in school and is mastering it. This did not come from me and I am very proud of her. She has gotten braces on her top teeth and will get the bottom ones in a couple months. Yes- I know she is young but these are not for cosmetic purposes. Her teeth are to crowded and unless we stretch them out some she will require multiple extractions to give her adult teeth room to come in. So we chose this path and she will get them off this fall. Unfortunately she will get them again when she hits her teen years to fix some other issues. This did come from me and I am sorry for that. She is being a trooper about it and is faithfully keeping them cleaned and flossed.

The Destructor.Where do I begin? He is growing like a weed and weighs in at a whooping 29lbs. Not sure how tall he is but he can open the doors and work the deadbolt locks so... He knows how to plug things in, like the curling iron he found on the kitchen counter. He also knows how to turn them on. Luckily we realized that before it got too hot. He jumps off the couch without pillows and tries to eat toothpaste- the  whole tube. We caught that one just in time, too. He crashes his cars and gives the best hugs. He says 'NO' a lot and 'love you' in the sweetest voice ever. We are cautiously approaching the terrible twos.  

Oh, and not to forget the dog, cause where would I be without the small mountain of dog hair to clean up and pick off the baby's food. :)   It's OK, I have nothing else to do...