We're all a little Nutty

I was deep in thought last week over what motherhood means to me.  I worried that maybe I wasn't a worthy mother if I couldn't put my feelings about motherhood into eloquent, sugary words.  I feel blessed that I have never felt that I gave up on "life" to be a mother, because despite the fact that I would be great in the workforce, I always wanted to be a mother and knew it was the right thing for me.  Yet, I can't put a finger on "why" I do it, plugging along day after day with little thanks and encouragement.  This video touched my heart because it reminded me of all the important things that I do when I am available for my kids.  I especially liked the reminder that "life doesn't come with a manual...it comes with a mother."  So, if all I am able to do is be that "users' guide to life" for my kids, than I have succeeded in giving them a great start. And maybe, just maybe, they won't have to make the same mistakes that I...

Isn't the prom court the group of girls who are the finalists for prom queen?  For the sake of this post, we'll just pretend it is our favorite girls, regardless of whether they'd been nominated or not.  Well, we held a remedial promenade today on our front steps to celebrate our neighbor being chosen as Prom Queen for the Seniors at prom last night.  (That was real, not part of our pretend scenario.)  We requested that the girls wear their dresses from the dance and we even had them escorted by various mostly-willing male family members in attendance.  Then, after we laughed and cheered, we stuffed ourselves with mini cheesecakes and brownies.  Too bad you couldn't be there.  Here's a court photo... And here's the real thing last night before they left.  She is gorgeous! And here's the real promenade last night.  I waited 60 minutes for this photo and then, despite me having it on indoor, low-light settings, it didn't work out.  I...

Dillon just finished his soccer season, possibly his last as he doesn't want to play league soccer.  I LOVE watching him play.  He was the only kid on his team that preferred defense, so he played almost every minute of every game.  He runs so fast that he almost always succeeded in catching up with and cutting off the offense.  He even managed to score twice -- once as a defender looking for an open teammate and once as a midfielder.  Here's a typical shot of him chasing someone down.  (I realized this was a unique photo because of the 8 running feet pictured, only 1 is touching the ground!) The other night, we watched the movie Won't Back Down , which was about an inner city single mom trying to fight for the best education for her dyslexic daughter.  Maybe I connected with this mom because she was feisty and outspoken like me? Whatever the case, it reminded me once again how grateful I am to live in a place where my kids get a great educati...