How did THIS get in my Family Room????

I have stated in the past how I have struggled to adjust (with grace and understanding) the accrual of so many toys which come with the co-habitation of children.

We have transitioned through the freestanding swing, exersaucers, rainbow rubber mat/rug, changing tables (up and downstairs), diaper champs, blow up pool with hundreds of plastic balls in the foyer, and even the 10 foot long club house which was allowed in the game room while we eagerly waited for cooler weather to free up that space, I knew this phase would eventually pass and be replaced by different styles and shapes of toys.

In fact with the arrival of Santa, we now have re-arranged and welcomed a deluxe walk-in kitchen in our real kitchen, two tricycles in the entry way and more toys than were ever needed, requiring the purchase of two more plastic bins to contain them; and I was basically at peace with this.

Then we had the arrival of something I never thought would be near my home, let alone IN it...

The dreaded ~ bounce house!!!!!

Whoa, the floor is sagging like an overnight diaper.

Stand absolutely still, I think this thing is broken.

Exhausted, strangely satisfied and ready to go again.

For those of you unfamiliar with my "Bounce House Bias" and perfectly legitimate phobia of all things inflated please read this before thou doest cast judgement.

Happy New Year

The "cool" kids on the block.

Eat your heart out Nicole Richey.

"Happy New Year" my diaper, this is apple juice!


Looking good and ready to meet the ladies at the playground.


Mom and Lil Dude got inked for Christmas!

I don't know about you, but I'm shocked and dismayed that the calendar reflects the year 2009.

Wasn't it just yesterday that we were all trying to understand how we would deal with the challenge of writing and saying 2000? How would we pronounce "2001", twenty oh one or two thousand and one? Would Y2K be the end of life as we knew it? Well, we somehow adjusted and figured it out, but the curve balls of life seem to be getting faster and harder to adjust to.

This whole motherhood thing is really a challenge to one's sense of self and priorities, in other words you have no sense of self and your only priorities are the children.

I have found myself thanking and embracing every mother I encounter with a new found respect for ever having raised any human being to adult-hood; even so-so mothers whose, children were given more free passes than Cloris Leachman on Dancing With The Stars, it is a major accomplishment noteworthy of praise on the grandest of scales.

The days seem to be endless yet the weeks and months fly by. The precious moments of certain looks, sounds and images are as fleeting as a beautiful cloud floating by, another like it will not be seen again, but others just as unique and lovely will brighten your day again soon.

I hate to make new years resolutions every year (as they are promises seldom kept) but this year I resolve to:

1) Worry less about how my house looks when I could be playing with the kids.

2) Not get upset about material things that get broken by little hands who will soon have interests beyond this home.

3) Not doubt my mothering techniques and believe I am a GREAT mom and giving my babies all the best of me .

4) Forgiving myself if I trip once in a while knowing they are judging me as children do, with honesty and love.

5) To take nothing for granted, and create happy memories which will last them and me a lifetime.

6) To give them all my love every-day without conditions placed upon it and to accept theirs in return and know that this is the gift and reward for being a mom.

A toast to all the mother's out there, you are amazing and wonderful people and I am humbled and proud to be counted amongst you.

Another Family United...

I'm so happy to announce that my dear friend Jodi and her husband, Bryan have been united with their 5th child (their second from China). She is adorable and doing great with her new mommy and daddy. I can't wait to meet her and welcome her home to Texas. Jodi, you are an amazing woman and friend, and I'm so blessed to know you.

Love V