But I am that mom

I realized that one of my previous posts was probably a little negative (well yeah it is...but it is real, it is my life). To add something positive, here is the mom I strive to be:

I am that mom who will run around and play with my children. Who will support their imaginations by placing their imaginary friends in the car when we go for rides, will listen to their stories about what they did with their imaginary friends, will dance with their children, will play hide and seek with them. I will watch them at the playground...I WILL be present in their lives. I will tell them that I love them, that they are special...not only in my eyes but also in God's.

They are my life!

Joseph turns 1 (November 9, 2013), Clara turns 5 (March 1, 2014)

Joseph's cake and cupcakes

And he chooses the...Rosary.

Yeah, no cake smash on Joseph's 1st birthday.

Showing us her age

Telling us her age. Boy was she happy to be turning five.

Her cake. Forgot to get photo before it was cut. She asked for a white cake with chocolate frosting in the middle and pink frosting on the outside. And lots and lots of sprinkles on top.

Enjoying her cake.

Joseph enjoying the cake, finally...since he wanted nothing to do with his cake on his birthday.

The words he says

Daddy, Bible, water (but it comes out "wawer"), I think I am called something like "namu." He has his own language, he does have a lot to say and tell us. Oh, and boy is he starting to get frustrated (and so am I) because he isn't understood.

Just use the English language Joseph, you can do it, I know you can....He understands most everything that is said to him. And I know it is all up there...in that brain of his...it just needs to come out of his mouth :) .

I am not one of those moms

Who has those perfect children...who get along 24/7 and love each other every second of the day. No, I am the mom who's children one second will be laughing together and the next one is screaming at the other one. They know how to push each other's buttons and they do it quite often.

Who has the perfect relationship with her children. I wish and pray all the time that I will learn to control my temper...but I tend to yell when I get upset with my children. I do my best to let them know (especially Clara since she is old enough to understand) that it is their action or behavior that I am not happy with...not them.

Who has the perfect relationship with her husband. After a day of listening to nothing but screaming, whining, crying, I am tired. And my husband usually gets the worst of it. They say that we hurt the ones we love...I must really love him...but he puts up with a lot from me. I do really love him.

Busch Gardens Christmas town 2013

Who has the perfect house. We have crumbs on the floor, dishes in the sink, toys scattered about, toothpaste on the vanity, laundry piles (whether clean or dirty) lying around. I do my best to spend quality time with my children...after spending that quality time with my children, I am tired. I do my best to keep up. (and seriously what is more important...a spotlessly clean house or making memories with your children that will last a lifetime.)

Who will remember everything. I forget to return phone calls, to send emails, to go to doctor appointments. Yes, I got that bad...I forgot to take Clara to one of her doctor appointments. I do my best to write things down...remembering to write it down, I often forget that part.

Who has the perfect looking children...who's hair is up in the perfect ponytail, who is wearing clothes that match. My girl has her own style these days when it comes to her outfits. But that is what makes Clara Clara, she is a free spirit. And I like that. And she is beautiful, her eyes are brown, her lashes are thick, her cheeks are rosy...and she is imaginative, smart, funny, strong willed...beautiful inside and out.

I am not strong, I am weak. I can't keep my eyes open in the afternoons, I'm tired. I am not one of those moms who enjoys being a stay at home mom. I am doing my best to raise my children to be great children and in the end great adults. I love my children, I really do. That is what is most important...loving them and showing (and telling) them how much I love them. That means...there will be crumbs...there will be piles...but there will be laughing and smiling and hugs and love all around.

Don't feel sorry for me, I am not complaining (well maybe a little), but this is real life. And life ain't perfect...it is okay to admit and make public. We all have flaws.

My kids are the best and the love I feel for them cannot be described or kept bottled up. I really could kiss them and hug them all day. And eat them up!

Joseph 15 months

Clara turns 5!