At ease

It is a lovely feeling to be content on a quiet Saturday afternoon.  Overall, the boys' battles are few and far between.  My busy little daughter is happily tackling puzzle after puzzle.  We are moving through the day easily and without extra drama.  I have a feeling that the birthday feel good fairy is practicing her magic here today.  Fifteen years ago, I was blessed to begin my wonderfully rewarding and sometimes challenging vocation of motherhood.  My son is 15 today!!  At this time, 15 years ago, I was gripping onto the sides of the hospital bed (sort of watching The Cosby Show reruns) and wondering about the pushing challenge ahead.  3 hours later, my son decided to make his debut.  Once again, I must say that it's lovely to feel content with how my life unfolds each day with my family at my side.

Memories, memories

I can't keep back these memorable one liners from my past. Can you guess what event was happening at the time? If I get too cryptic, I'll give an explanation for each one.

"Why are you nudging me?"

"The window of opportunity has passed."

"He'll probably have big ears and get stuck."

"I don't care what Mr. Huxtable has to say right now."

Any guesses? Alright, here comes the answer key.

"Why are you nudging me?" said by my groggy husband 14 years ago. I said, "Baby time."

"The window of opportunity has passed," said by the labor and delivery nurse. She followed with "Sorry, but we didn't think you would get to 9 cm in 3 hours. No pain meds now."

"He'll probably have big ears and get stuck," said by my husband during 3 hours of pushing.

"I don't care what Mr. Huxtable has to say right now," said by me through clenched teeth. My husband loved to give me the Cosby show commentary at the wrong contracting moment.

You guessed it! I officially became a mama 14 years ago. Happy Birthday to my biggest boy! He enjoys being taller than me :)

FYI - I got picked to be a juror and the trial is underway, so my visits to all of you may be sporadic. I will be coming by this weekend to say hello.

Write With Pictures note: If you get the chance, please drop by WWP to say hello to our new contributing photographer, Amy from A Nest for All Seasons. She is an amazing photographer and I invite you to check out her debut photograph for your inspiration over at Write With Pictures.

Thanks everyone! By the way, does anyone know if there is a Cosby show rerun on tonight??

My little musician

Today, I had a six year old boy bark like a dog for me. Today, I had a six year old girl share her secret password for her club with me. Today, I followed four rambunctious first graders as they zigzagged through hallways on our quest to deliver mini cupcakes to hungry teachers.

Today is my sweet Joe's 7th birthday!! I enjoyed visiting his classroom today to celebrate his birthday. All those happy faces welcomed me into their world for a little while. I even got to read a silly pirate book to the kids. I tried to do my best pirate voice for some of the dialogue. Gratefully, the audience was quite receptive to my attempts at humor. No hecklers in that group. It would be a different story with my oldest son's 7th grade class. I can just see the eye rolling.

As many of you know, Joe has been having a tough year emotionally. I think we may have reached a turning point for him. Guess what he wanted as a present? A guitar. He is thrilled to own a guitar. He idolizes Chris Daughtry. I think he would shave his little head if I let him :) You should see him trying so hard to play songs. He actually wrote a few lyrics today. I took guitar lessons when I was little. With a smile in his eyes, he looks forward to sitting down with me to learn some chords. I think we'll look into getting him some formal lessons.

I'm so happy to think that I have my happy little boy back. Music turns out to be the answer for him. I guess music will have a special place in his heart too. I'm going to do all I can to encourage this interest in music. It turns out that I got a present on his birthday too.

What should I do today?

Happy Labor Day everyone! We survived the soccer tournament. At one point, I almost got a ball in the face. Gratefully, a little angel must have been watching over me and I moved away just in time. I would probably have a nose like Marcia Brady after her "football accident".

I need you guys to help me prioritize my to-do list today. What do you think I should definitely get done on this Labor Day?

1. Have my sons pick up 41 little cars in their toy room?
2. Hope my daughter doesn't drop 41 cheerios on the floor?
3. Should I read for 41 minutes straight without interruption?
4. Can I manage 41 jumping jacks?
5. Try to fit 41 candles on my pink birthday cake?
   

By typing "41" 5 times, I'm trying to get over this whole "age thing" :)

I told my 6 year old that I was 23 today. He scrunched up his little face and said, "Really?, Mom I thought you were like 50!" Geez, I guess I can't even fool that young man :)

Birthday cake is on my approved list of indulgences today! Love those treats! Hopefully, birthday calories just fade away...

My son's birthday

With a smile on his face, my oldest son admired his new football jersey in the mirror this morning. Turning twelve today is a big deal to him. He is officially becoming a big kid, or should I say a young man. As his mom, I feel more emotional about this birthday for some reason. I'm so happy to have such a nice, creative, smart and thoughtful young man for a son. He tries hard to help his two brothers and sister in so many ways. I know that they get on his nerves like most younger kids tend to do. On the whole, he always comes around to try and be their big buddy. When he came into our lives, my whole world opened up being a first time mom. I will always cherish those memories of the two of us spending our special time together when he was a little guy. We both had a lot to learn about how this whole mom/kid relationship works. I remember our little games and walks around the park. It was a sweet time for the two of us. After my other little ones started arriving, we didn't have as many of those one on one days together. But we still find time to watch a TV show together or have a good conversation. I get a kick out of watching him play his video games or looking at a great picture that he drew. I'm so proud of how hard he works as a student and his sense of teamwork when he gives his all on the soccer field. We will always be good buddies. Time to get his brownies out of the oven. His big guy face will light up when he sees them : ) I love my birthday boy!