So Confused

I had this desire to write until it took me 5 minutes to get logged into our blog. Now I am just frustrated that it took me so long to log in that I can't even remember the topic that I wanted to write about.

I have to say that this school year is going pretty well because we finally figured out a good work schedule which makes it work with the family. I get up early (which I enjoy) and get into work by 730am so I can leave by 4pm and pick up Blake. Blake and I then sit down and work on his homework while I fix dinner.  Billy is then behind me with the little ones and it is such a blessing to have dinner ready for them the minute they walk in the door.

The kids are much happier getting to play and hang out with us and the stress level had reduced dramatically. While we have some other things going on and maybe one day I will post about it.

As most of you know, I am fairly private person however an open book when asked. I am terrible liar and I am who I am. I care way more than I will ever let to friends and family. I recently texted one of my dear friends and asked if I could vent. She was immediately right there on the other side of my phone letting me tell her about my "terrible Tuesday". The day started and ended on a crappy note but my friend made me feel better. I have guilt about being a working mom and often blame our issues and concerns with the kids based on the fact that I work. My friend who stays home with her kids reassured me that they are going through the same things with their kids and that it has nothing to do with me working.

I was so lucky to be able to talk to this dear friend because she put things in perspective and made me feel guilt free which is hard to do. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!

9/11/2012

Well here I am again after a long break!  Shocking, right.

Grayson turned 4 over the summer and spent a week in NC all by himself for the very first time. I had faith that Grayson would make it the entire week but others didn't have the same faith. I swear he grew up while being gone that entire week. Don't get me wrong because Grayson is still Grayson!

Our baby Lacie turned 2 yesterday and it is hard to believe! Even Lacie still calls herself the baby mainly because she thinks that Billy and I will cave and give back the pacie.  We cold turkeyed the paci but she still will ask for it about once a day. Lacie's hair is growing but it is still very blond.

I remember when Lacie was born two years ago and I was over the moon but then a friend texted me and said how glad she was that she wasn't born on September 11th. I never really thought it until she pointed it out but I am glad that we get to celebrate her birthday before the anniversary of such a sad day in history.

I am just like everyone and can you exactly where I was and what I doing when I saw news. I won't bore everyone with the story but I can tell you that Billy and I sat on the phone (sweet dating days) and watched the 2nd plane hit NYC in complete silence and shock. Working for a local police department back then makes you love and hug your loved ones a little bit more since that day.

While I am not a super overtly religious person, I do believe in God and I find comfort in him or her (sometimes I think both) on days like today. While we never understand the exact meaning at the time but there is a greater plan for all of us.

"I am not Blake"

So the other morning - Lacie was awake with Billy and I while we were getting ready for work. But during the night - Blake has decided to climb into bed with us (he sleeps at the bottom of our bed for some strange reason) and the Grayson came in a few hours later. We don't typically have anyone sleeping with us anymore but I swear they can sense when one has woken up.

Anyhow - I told Lacie to go get Blake up and pointed to him in our bed. So Lacie started yelling and I do mean yelling "Bake" over and over. Well she was over on the side saying "Bake" numerous times but was looking at Grayson. Well we all know that Grayson and Blake look a lot so she was confusing them or just didn't care who she was looking it when she was yelling.

Well Grayson finally grew tired of listening to Lacie so he sat up and said " I am not Blake".

Billy and I were cracking up because cranky pants has zero patience especially when it comes to be called Blake.

I have a backpack like my brothers!

Lacie has a new backpack instead of a diaper bag. Our pottery barn outlet was closing so I was able to get it for a great deal. Lacie decided that she needed to try it on just like her big brothers.

Lacie has a lot of spirit and keeps us busy. She loves to climb chairs, barstools, dressers, and anything dangerous pretty much. I love Lacie Loo but she is busy just trying to keep us. She talks up a storm but is a happy kid. She wakes up and goes to sleep happy. Who could ask for me!

Happy 6th Birthday Blake

Blake turned 6 this year! He finally got the party at Pump it Up and it worked out great. They make the party very easy on the parents and I was able to just enjoy the time with the kids. We had about 20 kids show up which was a great number. Blake has very sweet friends from school, neighborhood, cousins, etc. Lacie loved her first experience at Pump It Up. She is a dare-devil just like her parents.

Blake then went to his favorite restaurant on his actual birthday. Blake loves going to Japanese restaurants (aka - Volcano Place) and he eats a ton. Billy and I took Blake and enjoyed having special time with just him. My parents kept Grayson and Lacie for dinner that night. I would have loved if everyone could have gone but Grayson is scared to death of the fire and just doesn't enjoy the experience at all. So since Grayon refuses to go then it was just easier on everyone if they had dinner with my parents. Very thankful that they are so close to help us out on these type of occasions. It is so easy to take a 6 yr old out to dinner vs having to wrangle busy ladybug and G who screams at the fire.

Happy Birthday Blake! You are a bright shiny star who makes us proud each day. We are so impressed with how much you have matured over the last six months. Grayson and Lacie have the best big brother ever. You are patient, kind, funny, sweet, and loving no matter what.

Love you,

Mom & Dad

Cousins came for a visit

We had a great weekend because Billy's cousin Angie and her daughter (Blair) came for a visit. This is the first time that they have come to VA to see where we live and we had a blast. Of course, Aunt Margaret came with them and she is always a blast.

Everyone came in town for Blake's 6th birthday and we had a house full of fun. The kids had a blast having their cousin Blair at their house. Next time, Braxton and Bailey will need to take the ride with them and come up to visit. We have such great families and everyone loves the kids dearly. I have lots of extra help and I can never thank them enough.

Dianne and Mary are always helping me with meals, laundry, sewing things that I could never do when they are in town. I used to feel bad about them helping me out so much but now I just appreciate it and always say Thank you. Life is busy with 3 little ones so there is no reason to say no. As long as they don't mind folding our underwear then I guess I don't mind the extra help.

Jan 2012

Well it has almost been a year since my last blog entry. I have become a slacker when it comes to blogging but I think I have managed to make more time as we start off 2012. Here are the some of the big things that happened in 2011....

Blake started Kindergarten and is absolutely loving it. He has a fantastic teacher and I get the pleasure of helping with his class every Monday. We have had a great experience at our school and really love all the teachers. Blake is doing well and has matured a lot.

Grayson started preschool at Douglass CC and he is doing fantastic as well. He is the sweetest kid at school and when he is by himself. But watch out - because he has another side which isn't all that pleasant at times. But no matter what - we love you G.

Lacie turned 1 and became a busy little bee. She crawled, walked, climbed, and talked earlier than we ever expected. Sadly I feel like I didn't have a baby for long. Lacie holds her own when it comes to the boys (or at least Grayson). She is funny and will give all of a run for our money.

Billy and I made a tough decision to sell the business. It was a bitter sweet decision to sell our successful franchise of Kids Closet Connection but it was for the best. With working full time and have 3 small children - I was personally tapped out and this was something that had to go. We found a great family that was willing to take the business on and we wish them the best of luck.

There were many great things that happened in 2011 and I will try my best to reflect as I blog in 2012.