Paint Yourself Happy

It started out quite sweetly. 

"Can we go paint outside so we don't get the house messy?" 
"We will take off our shirts so you don't have extra laundry."

See the nice paper?  The new paints?

I think this is where it may have started to spin out of control...

But they managed to re-frame it:  "Let's make some nice handprints for Mommy."

See how pretty? 

"We are making memories."

Or maybe this is where I let them be a little too free in their self expression?

with the Jackson Pollock technique?

But regardless of the starting point, THIS is where the wheels came off...

And pretty soon, everyone looked like this:

It was a crazy, painting-in-the-grass kind of day. 

And "memories" were definitely made.

Just not on paper.

Check out more Photo Story Fridays here:

                                                         Hosted by Cecily and Momma

Spring "Break"

Ah, Spring Break.  No school.  Read some books, take it easy, relax, have fun....

if you are a teacher or a child. 

If you are a parent however....well it is a bit more complicated. 

The scene above is deceiving.  This was yesterday in the yard.  

 I read one page before I was decorated with grass and begged for fudgesicles.

(the dog can hardly stand it!)

And then the fun began...

It is almost like he is sitting there thinking....

hmmm, what can I get into...?

and the answer is...

and this...

that was yesterday.

Today we went to the zoo...

Cute, huh?

Only, I once again confirmed that taking three children out in public, by myself, is a BAD idea. 

 It makes me feel like an inadequate shepherd to a flock of deaf sheep.

But I can't say that I'm not learning anything. 

This Spring "Break" is turning out to be quite educational.

Lesson #1  If you don't add milk or water to oatmeal before you put it in the microwave,

IT CATCHES ON FIRE. 

My four-year-old taught me this one.

Lesson #2:  If you hang out with the muddy, 

it is only a matter of time

Before you join them.

(My two-year-old taught me this one).

So much for reading my book in the grass...*sigh*

:)

I Was Wrong...

My middle son was the last to walk.  It took him 15 months before he took his first steps.  I thought perhaps he would be less coordinated than the others, or less physically active.  Perhaps a thoughtful bookworm, I projected.  An academic.  Evidently, my logic was completely flawed. 

He loves this.  I DON'T.  But he is actually really good at it, and very coordinated. 

So I let him.  

For now. 

At least he wears his helmet.

EVERYWHERE

Even while eating orange cupcakes

and standing next to cool, light blue, random gates.

My late bloomer, my daredevil child.   Who coulda guessed it?

Rainy Day Schedule

Rainy days don't come very often in Arizona. When they do come, you must take advantage. 

Who can resist a good mud puddle?

(He really likes his helmet....)

While we were out, we noticed the first signs of spring.  It comes early around here.

(My boys picked all of my daffodils to "give me flowers." Sweet...but now they are all gone... sniff.)

And then it was bathtime!

It was a good day.

I Am An Awesome Mom...

...when the kids are asleep.

I never scream. I don't make empty threats. I don't wonder what crazy lady has invaded my body.  I don't lose it. I don't freak out.

Spilt milk is seen for the trivial accident that it is.  Lost shoes are obviously unintentional misplacements.  The gum in the carpet....well, okay, that one still drives me bonkers. 

But I realize how precious, how kind, how beautiful they are.

I realize how quickly time passes and I promise to do better tomorrow....

I wish I could say that I am an "awesome" mom when the three monkeys are awake. 

Guess I'll settle for "doing the best I can without going nuts,"... and getting them to bed as early as possible.