The importance of today

"Cleaning your house while your kids are still growing up is like shoveling the walk before it stops snowing." -Phyllis Diller
Every few weeks I set out to "organize the toys."  Ava always happily responds "I want to oberganize the toys too!"  My version and her version are clearly different from the outset.  Lately I find myself frustrated at the end of the day with my lack of ability to tackle my neverending to do list.  I am reminding myself that these days of Ava saying "hold me" 362 times a day, stickers and crayons all over the table and Bella wanting to eat every 10 minutes (slight exaggeration) are going to fly right by me.  One day I am going to find myself saying how much I miss rocking my babies.  So especially during this time of year I am determined to focus not on my neverending to do list or my messy house but on my kids and my family.  I am thankful for so much this year more than ever... for spending time with family, healing, healthy and happy children, laughter, heat, pumpkin pie, Christmas music, getting to know someone who changes my life, compassion, knowledge, creativity, long weekends, Christmas trees, optimism, Ava's sense of humor, time to rest, and all the blessings God has given me!  Oh and I almost forgot...I am thankful for my little laundry helper...

Laughter (continued)

Ava's laughter is amazing...
(this is from June 2009)

Laughter

Laughter is one of the greatest things about life and when it comes from your kids there is nothing better!!
Some of Bella's first laughs

An Eye in My Mind

I have really been in my own little world lately...adjusting to the new dynamics of our family. As I adjust I mentally make to do lists in my head...people to call, cards to write, books to read, events to attend, emails to send, pictures to take, blogs to post, movies to watch, coupons to cut and on and on. These things are all so important to me and have all been pushed to the side to focus on faith and family. Over the last week I have started to find great balance. As a stay at home mom of two sweet and adorable little girls I find myself putting everything else last. I do this because I know that my babies will only be babies for a very short time and that my list will be there waiting patiently for me forever. Balance is so important though...important because you begin to feel like you are in your own little world and your participation in the world around you is tugging at your ankle asking you to pay attention.
One of the most important on my "lists" is this blog. So, when I finally sat down to write tonight I had so many ideas in my head. I wanted to tell you about my weekend, the funny things my daughter says, the art of couponing, a book I just read, what I learned at church today and on and on. So instead of overwhelming you with a plethera of my random thoughts I will mention a few things that have made me smile this week.
Ava-isms of the week - "Walking is running gently", "Wine is for drinking", "Are you seeing this???!!!" --this was said very loudly as she escaped and ran around the house naked before we could get her pajamas on for bed.
I have been looking for a part time job to help with my need for balance. Today I received an opportunity and have an interview tommorrow. It is something I have never done before but am so excited to particpate in and I think I will learn a great deal. Wish me luck! :)
Oh and I promise to write more :)