It seems every time we turn around there is some house repair, car expense, or some bill that arrives that we weren't expecting. Just when we feel we are getting ahead then BAM! Something happens.

And then there are the ordinary expenses of holidays, birthdays, Boy scouts, gymnastics, baseball, violin lessons, and the change of seasons requiring new clothing purchases.

What about those little inconveniences in life like spilled milk, crumbled up Cheese-its on the carpet, dog hair, Nathan throwing up in my lap right before Ryan pitches for the first time, permanent marker on clothes, fingernail polish on the couch, discovering gum in the washer after it was left in a pocket or the ants that made their way into the house and into the dog's dish.

Some might complain that their child climbs into their bed night after night no matter how many times you put them back in their own bed or the radio is too loud or the bikes and helmets and bases and balls are strewn all over the yard.

Some say things like, "Why does this always happen to us?" or "We will never get ahead in life!" These are the people who choose to look at life through that glass-half-empty lens and who refuse to see life on the other end of the spectrum. How unhappy and hopeless life must feel.

I admit I have my moments where the stress gets to be a little too much and I might have a fleeting thought of "I wish my life was different". But it doesn't take long for me to realize that if I didn't have a car repair that means I don't have a car. And if I didn't have to pay for things like lessons, sports, clothes...that would mean my children wouldn't have these experiences. How sad I would be if there was never spilled milk or throw up or gum or messes of any kind...that would mean I don't have children. Someday, my house will be quiet. I will not have a child climbing into my bed. No one will have the radio up too loud. Bikes, baseball and bases will be a thing of the past. And I will miss them!


"Life is not the way it's supposed to be. It is the way it is. The way you cope with it is what makes the difference." ~ Virginia Satir

Obviously, Ryan is playing baseball again this year. He is in the third grade so this is the first year of "kid pitch". These pictures are a little out of order. I still cannot figure out how to post the pictures where I want them! Anyway, prior to his game, he wanted me to take some "action shots" of him in the front yard. The first picture is actually at the game...his first time on the mound! He pitched a no-hitter in the three innings he was allowed to pitch.

These pictures are of Grace and a few of her friends. Grace has the most fun having pictures taken of her making a silly face or doing something off the wall If I was her age, I would definitely want to hang out with her!

When I was putting Grace to bed the other night, I took the book she was holding and started to put it away. She said, "Mom, you know I like to snuggle up with a book!" I didn't realize she took this saying so literally. :)

My children have chores but since Nathan is so young, his aren't well defined. This day he was "helping" me fold laundry. He was so proud...he found a hat!

Car Rides and Qs

Here is a typical conversation with Ryan during a car ride:

Ryan: Mom, I have a question.
Me: What's your Q? (Ryan used to call all questions "Q"s so this is how I answer him now.)
Ryan: Is marble heavier than concrete?
Me: Yes
Ryan: Well, which is stronger?
Me: I believe marble would be stronger.
Ryan: What about steel? Is marble stronger than steel?
Me: I guess that would depend on the size and thickness of each.
Ryan: Well, what if they were both the size of a car?
Me: (How I am I supposed to know this stuff?) Uh...I'm not really sure.
Ryan: What about silk? My teacher said that silk is really strong...could it be stronger than steel.
Me: (Really??? Silk???) Hmmm...I guess if the silk was compounded together, layer upon layer, then I guess it would be possible but it would also depend on the thickness of the steel. (Geez...I have no idea)
Ryan: Mom, if Marius Pudzianowski had to lift marble and there was a clone of Marius Pudzianowski who had to lift steel, who would win?
Me: I guess that would depend on the weight of each?
Ryan: Well, like if it was the same size but one was heavier than the other, who would win?
Me: (My head is hurting) Not really sure...I know nothing about body builders, Ryan.
After a brief pause...
Ryan: Mom. How fast do you think a fighter jet goes?
Me: I have no clue.
Ryan: Which is bigger, a mammoth or a mastadon?
Me: Ummm...
Ryan: How far do you think it is to the center of the Earth?
Me: (eeeeeeek...my head is spinning)
Ryan: Mom...do you think Bill Gates is in debt?
Me: I don't know, Ryan...why don't you call him yourself and ask.
Ryan: What about NBA players? Do you think they have debt?
Me: (Ughhhh!)
Ryan: Can a rocket ship go 25,000 miles an hour?
Me: (Are we home yet????)
Ryan: How tall is the tallest building in the world?
Me: (I need a nap!!!)

FYI

I recently shared a story about Grace...something that happened around Christmas time involving the assembly of a gingerbread house and the "fun" that followed. Although it was written recently, I assigned it a date in December. If you would like to read it, you will have to go back to my December posts. :)