May Exploring

With May bringing gorgeous weather this year, we went out. Not that we aren't normally out and about, but having three fully independent ladies gives one more confidence to go exploring. Exploring is a big deal around here. If there is any sort of wooded area, and especially if this area has any type of water [including stagnate rain puddles] they often need to explore. They check for bugs and salamanders, fish and tadpoles, pick flowers, and search for sticks and rocks that are always terribly special and dear to their hearts. 

It's a guarantee that we will go home dirty in some form or fashion.

Occasionally they indulge my photo request with poses. 

Some more acceptable than others. 

They are building confidence and friendships, both that will hopefully be life long. 

I've also taken a pride in their enjoyment of the outdoors. I love that they are happy and content to just be outside. Sometimes it takes a little prodding, and sometimes the day that greets us is a bit too extreme for some of us. Overall I'm glad they would choose an adventure over screen time, that they would rather walk or bike over playing with [insert random toy here]. I am happy they can entertain themselves and each other with some sticks and their imagination. All of this makes me feel like a good, and slightly crunchy, mom.

Even if they do ride home naked. 

Mudder's Day

This time last week I was trudging my way through a shift at work so I could get home to my ladies. I was more excited to be spending the afternoon with the family than I was that it was Mother's Day. When I did make it home I was surprised to find that this year Mother's Day was a big deal. 

I was greeted at the door by rampaging children, overly excited to show me the cards they made and the gifts they picked out. I was the proud recipient of two new shirts, and they were eager to make sure I loved them. I love their enthusiasm. 

However the hubs stole the show, and I'm not trying to brag. I'm probably one of a handful of Mother's who asked for and received one of these for Mother's Day:

I've been asking for one for a while, unable to make the purchase myself. I just hate making big purchases that only I will benefit. It all goes back to that little bit about me not bring home much bacon. I was more than happy to accept this gift. ;)

Most of all, I was reminded how much my little family loves and appreciates me. We had a great afternoon together, planting flowers and weeding. The hubs grilled and it was a fantastic evening with the three people I owe my motherhood to. 

Growing Up

Our little friends are growing up! 

We walked down to check on our little friends after a heavy rain. I was *super* excited to see they have spung tiny, little legs! I desperately wanted to scoop one up and get a better look. Soon they'll be froglets and after that, gone. :( 

I somehow missed this childhood pleasure. But I'm certainly glad these little ladies are on the receiving end!

Wordless Wednesday

New pictures in the entryway. My only accomplishment on this single mom day. 

As I hit the shutter on my trust iPhone, the bottom picture fell. 3M isn't so reliable on cold, sweaty concrete. :( 

Fallen petals, fallen picture. #idhtbptbb

Hair

How does hair work at your house? 

In the morning the ladies typically get free time while I finish waking up, because I need a solid two hours to become a human. After that we break into the clothes/teeth/hair routine. Initially I used to fuss over outfits but I've relinquished control over every day play clothes. Our new daily battle has been hair. 

There was always one who fought the process. One who tried her damnedest to sway me. The begging, pleading, and eventual tears eventually let up. We came to an understanding. I thought all we settled. 

Cue Baby B. 

Having watched her sister, she developed new tactics to avoid the daily hair routine. She huffed and snotted and then went with it. Then pulled it out in the blink of an eye. She 'lose' ponies and they'd mysteriously 'snap', all without ever being touched. 

The solution? 

I've sentenced myself to daily torture. The French Braid, of which I am clearly not a master. Not only do they leave them be, the patiently stand and wait for me to finish. JACKPOT! Sure I'll lose the use of my hands in two years time, but it will be worth it to spare their hair constantly falling in their face and food. 

Any cruel or unusual punishment going on at your house? 

Wordless Wednesday: School Edition

And just like that, we're registered for school. *sniff, sniff*

Sunday Funday

What's this? An early shift at work??

We capitalized on this rare treat with a hike down the trolley trail. I miss having this in our backyard. The ladies have really taken to hiking and exploring the woods. Water always helps. 

It's afternoons like this that desperately remind me that working isn't worth what I'm missing. The steak and potatoes waiting for dinner support this belief, strongly. I desperately want to purchase some hydration packs for the whole family and spend our weekends hiking and camping. How blissful that would be! 

How was your weekend? 

May Goals

Focused and simple!

- Finish shed completely; windows, paint, trim

- Register the ladies for school [gulp!]

- Finalize summer travel plans and budget

- Switch over wardrobes

- Cancel cable [finally!!]

- Make myself a weekly chore sheet 

Six short, sweet, and hopefully successful goals. 

What are you accomplishing this month?

V-I-C-T-O-R-Y

The sweet feeling of success!

Soon there will be no more sky, I will have a roof! I'm sooo proud of myself! 

New shed success! 

I might turn this into my own private oasis, next to the lawn and pool equipment. It's nothing fancy but it will serve us well I hope. And building is so therapeutic, this is my mommy time. If only I was constantly interrupted by children chanting, dogs whining, or the neighbors stopping to watch a girl kick butt!