How To Stay Dry In A River

"This looks like a great day to go to Oaks Amusement Park!" said none of the children and Chaperones that were at Oaks Park today.

Could it have been any colder, rainier, windier?  Nope.  Don't think so. Thank goodness I had heavy boots, huge raincoat and a large umbrella.  (I was still wet and cold at the end of the day though.) If kids are being treated to an end-of-school year celebration at an amusement park, nothing can dampen their enthusiasm!

I'm participating in Sincerely, Paula's Wordless Wednesday.  Click the button below to participate as well.  Let me know if you do! :->

Tuesday Truth - When I Open My Mouth My Mom Comes Out

For this week's "Tuesday Truth" I have a delightful Guest Post from Dominique at My Work At Home World:

Yesterday, I snuck outside for a cigarette while the little ones were napping (Yes, Dad, I'm quitting.) and as my boyfriend and I are standing on the front porch, a young boy comes tearing down the street in a sports car.  I find myself shaking my fist and saying "Got Dang Kids".  Which then lead to the realization (that's happening more and more lately) that I'm turning into my mom.

It's not a bad thing.  I love my mom to death.  She is an amazingly patient, nice, sweet lady who has been my rock forever.  She's just... um.. not hip (Love you Mom! I swear I wasn't going to say old! lol.) and I'm only 26.  Surely you don't turn into your mother before 30, right?!   

It got me to thinking...  Have I really made that transition from "cool, young person" to *gasp* my mom? Well, let's see.  I'm in bed by 9 most nights, any later and I'm barely able to function with a smile the next day.  If someone calls me at 11 pm, I'm flabbergasted as to how they are going to even wake up the next day.  Not to mention, I'm also now mad because they just woke me up and probably my 3 month old, as well.  I am always picking up after 2 kids (3, when you count the boyfriend).  I'm constantly repeating myself, "Watch where you're going.", "Don't touch that.", "Make better decisions."  When I get time to myself, I just want to sit and relax or take a nap.  Yup, I'm my mom.

It's funny how that transition takes place.  You almost don't even realize it, until it's too late.  One day, you're listening to music too loud, racing down a neighborhood street and the next day, you're the one shaking your head when you hear music blasting as a kid's riding down your street.  Boom.  You're your mom.  

Even looking back, I couldn't tell you when it happened exactly.  I have 2 kids now, an 18 month old and a 3 month old.  I know the transition started when I got pregnant with my first kid, my son.  Everything my mom had told me in the past started to make sense.  I started to understand where she was coming from, why she said the things she did.  Then somewhere around the time I was pregnant with my daughter, I began repeating what my mom had told me to my son, began "nagging" about picking up after yourself, etc.  

 I wouldn't change it for anything.  Having this little family changed my life in the most amazing, wonderful way.  But, I have to tell you.  It's still really weird to open my mouth and have my mother come out.

***Oh man.  Do I know this feeling! I'm sure, if you're a parent, you can relate to Dominique's experience.  In what ways are you like your mother?  Thank you Dominique!  You can read more about Dominique and her sweet family at My Work At Home World.

To read more Tuesday Truth:

"Growing Up With Fear"

"My Birthmark"

Hope It Was The Right Decision

Starting the week off... with some encouragement.

L: Lily  R: Her buddy Kaitlyn

Yesterday I shared that my 6th grader Lily was very anxious, very upset, about going to Outdoor School.  (Post: Is It Right To Make Her Go?)  Well, we got her packed and she made it on the bus.  Here she is sitting next to her sweet friend, and cabin buddy, Kaitlyn.  When the bus started to pull away from the curb I saw her take a deep breath and try to smile.

I've been sending her positive thoughts and vibes all day and night.  I hope she has fun.  (And I hope she enjoys the magazine of One Direction and the candy I hid in her duffel bag ;-> )

More "Starting The Week Off..." posts:

~ Worry About Yourself  (LOVE this video!)

~ You Can't  Buy Happiness But...

Over And Done With The Paneling

Between the gold glass cupboard doors in the kitchen and the wood paneling in our family room, we've got the 1970's vibe alive and well in our home.  For the purpose of my '70's theme party coming up this Saturday that's all fine and good but, for our day-to-day living, this look is definitely not our true style.  We need to update our wall coverings.

I'm hoping to change the look of the paneled walls soon but I'm not sure about painting.  While painting can be a quick solution toward making a change in a room I'm wanting a bit more detail, something that looks rich and with texture.  (I hope my husband is going for the same look as I am, or this could be a longer process than I intend it to be ;->.)  I've found absolutely gorgeous wall coverings at Atrium Wallcoverings and I believe my husband will be on board once he takes a look at their designs.

This is a project that's still in the "Idea" phase however, after seeing the various styles of design available, I am pleasantly surprised with their options and this project might get going sooner than we thought!  I love patterns and I have a long list of favorites found on their site.  Once our make-over begins I'll need to take pictures and show you how it turns out.