oooh to be a baby again

Look what I found Ellison doing! The new babies in the house have reminder her of a simpler time.

Conversations with a Younger Version of Myself

The Scene- A local Mexican restaurant where a group of 9 is receiving their orders. My youngest sister is the last one waiting and not happy about it.

I think to myself to help dissolve the situation I should tell her that her meal is 'special' and that is why it is taking longer. I decide not to say anything and help myself to another chip and a dip of salsa. As the chip is entering my mouth Taylor says "Lexi yours is so special it takes them longer to make it"

The Scene- I have picked Taylor up from school and have missed my exit. I obv decide to take the next exit, we pass a gas station that's sign says "we pump your gas"

My first reactions is "THEY PUMP YOUR GAS, I wish I would of known that all winter!"
Taylor from the back seat "what does that mean?"
After my explanation she responds with "does it cost extra?"
I tell her that it probably does and she says "well, that's silly why don't you just do it yourself and save the money"
I chuckle to myself and think she's been listening to too much Dave Ramsey with her dad and say "You're right Taylor you have to decide what extra costs are worth to you"
Taylor-"I guess if you don't know how to pump your own gas it would be worth it" then after a fraction of a second delay she says "But, if you don't know how to pump gas you shouldn't be driving"

I often think she's just like me yet, so different in all the right ways.

February is a BIG Birthday Month for this Family

Averie turned 4 on February 1st. Her birthday was full of everything PINK, her first movie at the theater, and a very special visit from Grandma Rhonda.


Ellison celebrated her first birthday on February 12th. This is what a one year old looks like on the morning of her birthdayShe had a pretty exciting day for a one year old but most importantly her big day ended with a BIG CAKE.

This was not the end of their birthday fun or month, lucky for our girls they have lots of Grandparents that love birthdays too. Everyone was able to stay a weekend in February to help us CELEBRATE!!

Thought of the Day

If someone hurts you, betrays you, or breaks your heart, forgive them. For they have helped you learn about trust and the importance of being cautious to who you open your heart to.

Reading Chain

Here is a little bit of Averie's preschool March newsletter, it made me sad.

"During the month of March, we will be doing a special event to encourage parents to read to their preschoolers. Reading to your child is a good habit to get into on a daily/weekly basis. It helps your child to develop his/her vocabulary, plus your child will appreciate the time with you. "

Quotes

Some parenting quotes

"Where parents do too much for their children, the children will not do much for themselves."
-- Elbert Hubbard

"The best inheritance a parent can give his children is a few minutes of his time each day."
-- Orlando A. Battista

"To understand your parents' love you must raise children yourself."
-- Chinese Proverb

"Discipline is a symbol of caring to a child. He needs guidance. If there is love, there is no such thing as being too tough with a child. A parent must also not be afraid to hang himself. If you have never been hated by your child, you have never been a parent."
-- Bette Davis

"If you raise your children to feel that they can accomplish any goal or task they decide upon, you will have succeeded as a parent and you will have given your children the greatest of all blessings."
-- Brian Tracy

reblogged 'scenes from my hood'

sometimes you have to make hard choices about people, between people.

this is something i firmly believe.

it has to do with loyalty.

yesterday meg and i discussed this.

even as adults, there are occasional complications

one friend will hurt another.

betrayal still happens.

we were discussing the impact that others’ unwillingness to take a position can have on a friendship.

i have, in the last year, minimized my contact with a few people who, when the going got tough, tried to play both sides.

as meg said yesterday “it’s not realistic to treat all friendships the same. you have to prioritize.”

this is exactly right.

the way i see it, you can’t walk down the middle your whole life

because it will keep you at a calculated distance from the people on either path.