NO!

Ashlyn has been pretty busy, always on the go, and always into something that she shouldn't be into.

I feel like I have been using the word "No" a lot lately.

"NO, Ashlyn, you can't..."
*put Q-tips in your mouth
*eat magnets
*turn the tv on and off
*crawl all the way down the driveway into the road
*drink liquid soap
*drink salad dressing
*suck on the cooking spray
*play with the China tea set
*eat toilet paper
*drink toilet water
*suck on shoes
*eat cotton balls

We try to use the "art of distraction," rather than say "no" all the time but Ashlyn is figuring out our "art of distraction" and doesn't fall for it much anymore. Darn.

We have been busy chasing the little stinker lately.

Cherish

This is a rare moment, but I will take a sleepy head on my shoulder any day.

School Shmool

Mariah started second grade last week. She wasn't very thrilled. (And to tell you the truth, I was bummed that summer was over too). Mariah does well in school, excels academically and socially, but nonetheless, she expresses her dislike for it. Getting up in the morning, getting dressed for school, and doing homework are like pulling teeth each day. A battle. Ugh.

I have already heard Mariah say things like this:
*I don't like teachers because they make you do stuff
*I'm not going to school
*I'm not excited (this was on Day 2)
*School is boring
*Can I be an early dismissal? (this was on Day 3)

IT IS ONLY DAY 5!! 175 more days to go...I think I can, I think I can, I think I can.


Here is a picture of Mariah on the first day of school. It was a forced smile. (She actually was pretty excited for the first day, but she wasn't thrilled about taking pictures).

The Routine

As a stay at home mom, it is easy for me to get 'stuck in a rut' of the daily routine, the day in day out of life. You know: get up, breakfast, get ready for the day, play, lunch, nap, play, dinner, bath, tv, bed. That is our day. (And for the 'play' portion of the day, insert any various activities like going to the pool, playing outside, going for a hike, crafts, etc.)

Fun, yes. Routine-ish, yes.

Sometimes as a mother, I just get caught up in the schedule and/or routine. I feel like I just 'go through the motions,' and I get through the day.

I like a schedule and the kids do best when they know the schedule for the day as well, but I just, well, I don't know...

I am feeling a little uninspired.

Don't get me wrong, I LOVE being able to be a stay at home mom. It is a HUGE blessing and I am very grateful, but as with any 'job' I just feel, well, I don't know...

Anyone else know what I mean??