My Day in Numbers

Today was one of those days. You know? The kind that become insanely busy without your permission.

 Months ago, I agreed to feed the high school teachers for parent teacher conferences. I was prepared for that. Everything else just so happened to fall into the calendar today. So here's my day in numbers:

120 teachers fed
21 teacher conferences
3 schools visited
7 items on my agenda
5 kids shuffled back and forth
10 minutes at home
18 minutes cheering for son
2 class parties planned
4 loads of laundry
2 children's homework 
5 papers signed
22 little teeth brushed and flossed
1 bedtime story
1 tired momma

Nighty night.

Back in the Saddle

Last spring when Tyler broke his leg, people were surprised at Tyler’s answer when they asked if he’d ever go snowboarding again. Those people have never raised a boy. By nature, they don’t sit around. And they certainly don’t have fear. Tyler may be quiet, but he is 100% boy.

I am proud to report that Tyler has returned to the world of snowboarding. Not the least bit hesitant, he was excited to hit the slopes this season. The weather hasn’t provided the best powder conditions this season….until recently.

His first time back, he went with a friend. Tyler was sad when his friend, Jason, moved across the country. But his mom promised they’d be back to visit. She made good on that promise and they came for a ski trip a couple weeks ago. Tyler was in heaven as they spent the day snowboarding and sledding together. He came back soaked to the bone, but with a grin so big- he couldn’t stop!

And then yesterday, the kids got out of school early for parent teacher conferences. Another friend invited him to take off in the afternoon to carve up the mountain once again.  Does this look like a kid afraid to get back in the saddle?

 

 

I think not.

Out with the Old

Here it is, 2012. I sit here in my quiet house. All the kids have gone back to school and Emma remains asleep in my bed. It gives me time to reflect. Not without it's challenges, 2011 was a good year. I was absent from my blog most of the year, but it was for a good reason. I needed a break from the old me. Last year, I spent more time focusing on the most important things in my life.  Sure, I still have a long way to go, but I feel really good about the past year. I made some changes in my life and I have never been happier than I am now.

The old me worried about when I'd get a break from my busy life. The new me still needs them, but it's not my focus. When it happens, it happens. Sure, the kids are older and more independent,  but at the same time, they are far more demanding of my time than when they were little. Our life is hectic and busy, but we are a team, and we work together.

The old me craved time with 'friends'. The new me realizes they've been right in my own home all along. My very best friend is always by my side. He is amazingly patient and will never turn his back on me. Each one of my kids makes me smile every day. They are such amazing individuals. I'm still their mom, but they are my best friends, too. We are together forever- no matter what. And there is no better feeling in the world.

Bon Appetit

As a mom of six spirited children, I've learned to tune out most of the chaos that fills our home on a full-time basis. This includes, but is not limited to: smoke detectors' low battery alarms, door knocking, crying kids, phones ringing, and children fighting.

For this reason, I'd like to ask all the members of my household to please remember this: when the oven timer buzzes, please either turn it off and remove the contents, or come find me and tell me the baked goods are done.

Whatever you do, please don't assume that I heard it and turn it off.

Mayday

A few years back, I came to the realization that December has been outdone. Everyone always talks about how busy December is. Don’t get me wrong, I agree with it being a doozy- we even have a birthday thrown in there. But May trumps it by far.

This year, I have had the luxury of no PTA duties and STILL have a full month. Every time I turn around, money is needed for a fieldtrip, someone needs a ride, and I need to be in 4 places at once. Throw into that: TWO birthdays, Stake Girls Camp to plan, end of year school projects, concerts to attend, and a busy as ever husband, and I desperately need that elusive maid.

We even cancelled all sports three years ago after this:


In anticipation for our busy night tonight, I thought ahead. As in, last night Randy and I talked about the events happening tonight. We talked (OK, more like I talked while he tried to brush his teeth) about different scenarios and the best plan of action.

I had my day planned out, and things were looking good. It was time to take Hailey to the school for her choir concert. She needed to be there early and I took Tyler and Hannah along to save seats with me. Casey stayed home with Nathan and Emma and I told them Randy would be home soon to bring them to the concert.

I felt great about the 10 seats we snagged on the third row and waited for the gang to arrive. Grandma and Grandpa got there not long after I did. The director stood up to begin the concert just as Randy walked in. Without any kids in tow. A brief exchanged of words revealed the mix-up: out of all the possible you-go-here-I’ll-go-theres, neither of us could remember what we actually decided on.

No harm done. But I’m ready for June.

Mom Slash Maid

I had a great Mother’s Day. Randy and the kids spoiled me with homemade meals, cards, flowers, and love.

We sat around most of the morning watching the Brady Bunch. My kids get a kick out of the opening credits and identify with which one they are….Casey is Greg, Hailey is Marsha, Tyler is Peter, Hannah is Jan, Nathan is Bobby, and Emma is Cindy. So of course, I am Carol, and Randy is Mike.

Emma was quick to point out that we don’t have anybody to fill Alice’s middle square, “Who will be the maid?”

She pauses, “I know, you can be the maid slash mom slash!”

She’s also quick to point out my role in the family.

Hard Headed

Yesterday I took Nathan with me to the store. It is nice to take the kids one-on-one. I enjoy the time and I learn a lot about their day they might not share otherwise.

As I got into the car, my elbow bumped Nathan’s head, “I’m sorry, bud.”

”That’s OK. I have the strongest head in my class.” he assured me.

“You do? How do do you know? Did you test it?” I sarcastically replied.

“Yeah.”

In disbelief I answered, “Really? Like how?”

“We bumped our heads against each other, ” he said matter-of-factly.

“And you won?” I was in total awe at this point.

“Yep. One by one, they all lost to me,” he was proud of his status.

Without skipping a beat, he proceeded to show me the two BandAids on his arm. “I fell off the slide today.”

“I’m sorry, did it hurt?” I asked.

He looked out the window, “Yeah….it was fun.”

I was confused now. “I thought you said it hurt.”

“The falling was fun, but not the landing.”

All boy, that kid of mine.