Clearly, I've been a little busy...as is everyone's excuse for not following through with a task that's long overdue. I could lie and say that I will stop making excuses, but why lie? I could blame it on my two young children, full-time ++ job as a second grade teacher, wife, cook, maid, etc.....but, I think for this occasion, I will blame it on Pinterest. What in the world? It's like a woman's dream (and nightmare)! Who needs casinos or any other form of pure addiction. I seriously spend most of my free time pinning, and none of it "making!" Certainly, there have got to be hundreds of things I've pinned and a whopping two things I've made.
For the record, when I say "free" time I'm referring to those 30 minutes I have after putting the kids to bed and before putting myself to bed. It shouldn't even be referred to as "free" time since I inevitably "pay" for it in the morning in the form of unfinished lunches, searching for jeans that are long enough for my son, shoes that weren't outgrown the day before by my daughter, and searching for that darn Belle doll that is the size of my index finger and her two dresses that must be changed every 10 minutes.
Back to those two young kids that I so dearly love....
With the passing of two years since the last time I've posted, my babies are growing before my eyes. We've had the first day of Kindergarten, first day of Preschool, first lost tooth, 1,367 fits thrown, soccer games, baseball games, concerts, tea parties, new friends, best friends, imaginary friends, princess dresses, holidays, vacations, staycations.....just a lot of special events and life changing opportunities have presented themselves. We lived a blessed life, and thank God each day for His two precious gifts to us. Chris and I are just humbled and in awe of being chosen to be the parents of Parker and Reese.
Here is my amazingly loving, compassionate, and precious family. Yes, it does sound like I am bragging.....I am. Life is good.
Photo by Brandy Rupert - Fall 2011
Destin, Florida - Summer 2011
My patient and compassionate 5-year-old and his 2-year-old headstrong and demanding sister. Sound familiar? Parker is not your "typical" rough and tumble boy. Yes, he loves to play outside, drive a four-wheeler, and could throw water balloons at his friends for hours. But, he also has a tender understanding of other's feelings along with a true warmth that make me see things from the perspective of a child. Something rare that often is never accomplished with many adults. Yes, I know, I sound like I am bragging again....I am. He's my son, and that's what mothers do. Certainly, he has his faults, as any mother should be able to recognize, confess, and be proud of just the same.
Then there's Reese.....Reesie Cakes, Lulu, Reesie Piecie Pie, and Daddy's Princess...
Photo by Brandi Fornof
I often scoffed at people who called their daughter "Princess." I even went so far as to say, "I will never call my daughter "princess." Sounds harsh, and judgmental. Yes, I know. That's because it is. My how things change when big bows, tutus, tea parties, mommy's high heels, baby dolls, and dress up comes into play. Judgement and eye rolls turn into sitting on a chair big enough for your big left toe and toasting to the teddy bear in the tiara and princess dress. So yes, she is a princess....our princess. I get that now. Every little girl should get the chance to truly believe they are a princess. Reese is dainty and tough, angelic and ornery, sweet and a stinker, beautiful and well, beautiful.......all the things that a princess should be. So anyone who scoffs or rolls their eyes when my daughter sees a pink and silver sign in Hobby Lobby and yells, "I see my name Mommy!" and the sign reads "Princess," all I can say is, just wait until you have a daughter. Your world will change too.
The next post will be our Summer Vacay in Florida. As for now, I've been cutting into sleep time for about the past hour, which is VERY important to me. Lunches aren't made, clothes aren't laying out, but by golly I have accomplished something that's been delayed for two years now. I will go to sleep without guilt, stress, or worry about what the new days brings, but rather be thankful that it brings me all that my life entails.
Cheers,
Deidra
