It is one of my favorite times of day. All kiddos are tucked in and snoozin' away and I can escape for a moment to enjoy my favorite hobby - photography! It is an infrequent opportunity for me to sit in front of my computer, listen to music and take a look at all of the pictures I've taken recently without any interruption and I have to admit that right now, it is soooo nice. Of course, I have a trade-off to make in that I'll likely be exhausted tomorrow for staying up too late tonight (it is now in the early am), but at the moment, it is worth it. It is funny to me that it is not only our boys that thrive on a schedule, but mommy and daddy do too and if we don't get to bed at our bedtime, we will wake up cranky in the morning just as they would . . .
Getting the chance to look at the photos I've shot over the past month reminds me how busy we have been. The "busy-ness" has been good and although I have definitely felt exhausted (in fact, not sure if I'll ever be completely restored to "pre-kids" energy levels), I know that we've been having lots of family fun which makes it all worth it. I know that a lull will come eventually (for which I will graciously accept), but for now everything is great because I know that I can stop what I'm doing a hundred times a day in exhange for something simply wonderful. A hearty belly laugh from baby Evan, a new expression from Drew bear that we've not heard before, a loud vocal concert from our performer Owen . . . who knows? I just love these three little boys and I suppose that love alone for them is what gives me the energy to approach each day with a renewed sense of excitement. This role of motherhood has taught me and stretched me in ways unimaginable. How much I've learned and stretched and grown in this role and how it has gifted me with joy like none other.
Over Memorial Day, we took our vacation for the year. We packed everyone in our "awesome" mini-van (yeah, I said awesome, does that make me totally "uncool?") and headed out for a nine hour car ride to Ohio for a bridal shower. Dan's brother is getting married this summer and although an intimidating trip for us with three little ones, we wanted to support Bill for all that he has done for us and our kiddos over the years so we were happy to do it!
Given the length of the trip, the kids did pretty well and we had a great time (thank goodness for our mini-van, thank goodness for the DVD player, thank goodness for headphones for said DVD player, thank goodness for "Monsters vs. Aliens" and its ability to maintain our boys' interest such that they wanted to watch it 5 times over the course of the weekend . . . )
In addition to the bridal shower, we were able to see the NFL Football Hall of Fame (one of Dan's dreams), a Pottery Barn outlet store (didn't even know these existed - hello, new bedding, new towels and new bathroom decor for the boys:) and go to Holiday World in Santa Claus, Indiana. It was all so much fun. The fun that we had at the amusement park is still resonating with me a month later. I was amazed at how much there was for little people to do (and what a nice, clean park this was)! Drew and Owen both went on several "real" rides and they were just thrilled with the waterpark. They both went down a HUGE waterslide several times - I just couldn't believe that my little babies were already ready for this! It was so enjoyable that I'm already wondering if we could pull off another trip to Santa Claus before this summer is over. What do you think, Dan?
Since Memorial Day, we've kept busy with a variety of things, but playing at the pool and in our backyard are my favorites.
And although we're not visiting Disney World this year and don't have any significant trips planned, I'm reminded of the happiness we create at home all the time and that is enough for me.
To Drew, happiness is walking around outside in only his pull-up with his butt hanging out (this picture makes me smile . . . :)
Or sitting outside, wearing just a pull-up, eating a banana . . . .
Or wearing BIG sunglasses . . .
Or driving our cadillac like crazy maniacs . . .
Or playing golf . . .
And while there are some frustrating moments too (thanks to a certain 2-year-old's insistent whining/tantrums) . . .
the happy times are the ones that I choose to remember.
I thank God for giving me the perfect family. A husband I love and three healthy, beautiful children that we adore. My definition of perfect is not flawless or "Leave it to Beaver" style, but simply one of happiness. Happiness with all of its messiness is, for me, knowing that life is short and the moments we choose to participate in should be purposeful and colorful. And that's perfection.
