One HOT Day

Some people say that once you've had kids its hard to imagine life before them.

I don't have that problem.

I remember late nights.

I remember going to movies and splurging on popcorn and candy.

I remember a spotless house.

I remember clean clothes, folded, and put away.

I remember vacations. Real vacations.

I remember restaurants.

I remember car rides with the windows down and music blaring.

I remember shopping trips for clothes and shoes and jewelry.

I remember having the time (and creativity) to plan birthdays, anniversaries, housewarming parties and other important events.

And while I really do miss those things (let's be honest, who wouldn't???) this is better. It really is.

I've been home two days since school's over for the summer.

I'd forgotten.

I'm busier now than when I was working and coming home to the kids. It's ridiculous.

I was so proud that I was able to clean the kitchen today...you know, with chemicals and everything; not just wipe whatever I saw and hope the rest was relatively unnoticeable. I was so ashamed of my fridge and floor!

The kids are amazing. We've read a dozen books today. They keep coming over to me, "Book? Book?" The phenomenal thing is that they do actually want to sit and read with you. For the most part, they play very well by themselves (and by themselves, I mean together without an adult). They do argue and cry and steal toys from each other, but when I compare this summer to last summer? WHEW.... whole different ball game.

We did try to go swimming at Steve's parent's house today. Umm...disaster. Despite an uncharacteristic 2 hour morning nap (in which I participated) they were extremely cranky and defiant (welcome self-independence). Lilly kept drinking the pool water, enough to drown herself, Josiah fell in the pool, and I kept chasing after them, sweaty and irritated. Not the experience I imagined. After an hour and a half I called it quits and went home. C'est la vie!

Random picture from my phone over the last couple days

Pulling Sissy in the cooler

Playing with the hose

Exhausted after Grannie's house

Loved this outfit on her.

Such a big kid.

Playing with the cookie cooling rack

Resting on mommy's leg

Kisses for brother because he was sad.