House Rules

I feel like getting crafty this weekend, and have decided I need to make something to hang on an empty wall I have. After searching blogland for some inspiration, I have decided I need a plaque of house rules. Here's what I got so far.

House Rules
Grow to know Jesus
Love each other
Obey Mom & Dad
Always say “please” and “thank you”
Laugh a lot
Wash your hands
Say your prayers
Be kind
Clean up your messes
Dream big

Am I leaving anything out?

Well, we did it.

Grant, Brei, Kenzie, Alisha @ Nashville Country Music 1/2 Marathon

But I hated every second of it, especially the running part. That being said, I am considering doing it again. My stupid, uh...I mean, loving sisters are peer pressuring me into it.

Chicago in August???? Virginia Beach in September???? We'll see.

I will make a little list to weigh the pros/cons. I really like lists. I wish I could make a chart or graph. Anyway.

Pros

Miles 1-3
New running gear
Free babysitting
Nashville
Burning a few calories
Free t-shirt
My parents, sons, brother-in-law, and nephews cheering us on
A new medal for Jagger to play with
Being able to say I did it

Cons

Running
Miles 4-13
Blisters
Port-a-potties
Running
Waking up at 4:30 AM
85 degrees
Sore/Tight calves
Running
Hills
Kenzie yelling at me

All in all, it was a great experience and I am really glad I decided to get off the couch and do it. Kenzie decided to run with Alisha and me, even though she is faster than us. She ran circles around us though. She tried to be encouraging, but we just viewed her as a Nazi and didn't like her very much for those 2 hours and 44 minutes. Grant, of course, finished way before us, but was still disappointed with his time. Dear, maybe that's because you only ran like 4 times since January. You think that had something to do with it? Anyway. One of the best parts was seeing our family sporadically throughout the race. They were there at mile 6, mile 7, and right before the finish line. It was great to see and hear them. Very motivating.

On another note, I gained a pound this week. Can someone explain that one to me?

On being a Mom

What I love now, and want to remember always:

1. I love the resourcefulness and the (limited) creativity that they have instilled in me. Whether it be creating a meal out of virtually nothing, a Halloween costume out of odds and ends we have around, or the fact that I can doing many things one-armed (while Cash occupies the other.) I am forced to be prepared and think a little more. I love doing that for their sake.

2. Although I do not love it when my kiddos are sick I do love being the one who helps them feel better. I love being able to hold them tight and give them the sweet kisses that only a mommy can. This is also one of the few times where they will let me hold them extendedly anymore.

3. I love being able to watch them grow and learn from the day they were born. I love approaching new milestones, and to see their little minds turn, is fascinating. I learn a lot about keeping it simple from them.

4. I love seeing their relationship grow. The boys are becoming the best of friends. I love listening in on their conversations (as one-sided as they may be at this point.) I love their sharing and their teamwork, and the sweet hugs they give each other.

5. And most importantly, being a mom hass allowed me to see how much Jesus truly loves us. My love for my boys never grows weak, even when we are in meltdown-mode. I do not love them any less no matter what they do. Because I love in this way, I better understand the love and forgiveness given to me by Jesus, and the fact that I will always have a home in Him.

Happy Easter Friends!

Pop Quiz

Which of the following makes me an unfit mother?

a) the nose piercing

b) the fact that when Cash requested milk at 6AM this morning, I drowsily/accidentally fixed a bottle of coffee for him instead

c) I used cash out of Jagger's piggy bank to go garage-saling.

The Great Hair-do Dilemma

This is Jagger now.

I love his long hair. Do I dare cut it?

Some days I feel compelled to. The bedhead can be terrible, the double cowlicks can be rebellious, and he is an active boy that gets hot and sweaty. Those don't make for good hairdays.

But on the good hair days, it's so darn cute. I love his luscious locks. What's a mother to do?