Carnival

Saturday we went to School Carnival. We enjoyed watching the kids partake in pony rides, face painting, jumping on inflatables, dancing and hula-hooping. Afterwards, we took the kids to our new favorite place for some Italian ice. Fun family day!

~I love my Mom because~

She inspires me
She always wants what is best for me
She knows how to put me in my place
She loves my kids more than anything
She endures
She pushes me
She gives me great advice
She has never scared me
She laughs
She cleans
She makes fun of me
She is thoughtful
She steals my purses
She lets me steal hers too
She is faithful
She still does my laundry
She isn't scared to tell me like it is
She is sincere
She laughs when I have to give blood
She reads
She is my best friend
She gives me the best "Mom" hugs
She teaches
She is kind to people
She taught me so much, and still does
She has put up with me
She teaches Mark how to put up with me
She has dealt with all the curveballs I've thrown at her with grace
She still lets me polish her toenails and cut her hair
She loves her Mother
She loves her Mother-In-Law
She taught me what love is

Epidural legs and 2 bikes on his back.

Now that's a title. During the course of our marriage, Mark has supported, encouraged, inspired, taught, entertained, motivated and provided for me. But along with these great things, he has also provided many occasions when I feel more than one emotion strongly.

The first one that comes into mind is my labor with Ethan. If you have ever had an epidural you know that sometimes it can make your entire lower half go numb. While in labor with Ethan, my legs kept sliding off the bed. I had NO control over what was going on down there. I guess this was a hilarious sight for Mark and my Mother, because they pointed and laughed for like, hours. As I welcomed the distraction from labor, I was laughing, but the same time furious with him. I hated him playing with my dead epidural leg, but I couldn't stop giggling like it was the funniest thing I had seen EVER.

The latest crazy duel emotion onset was just yesterday during our bike ride with the kids. We were so motivated to go on our first bike ride as a family, we didn't think for one minute that 8 miles might be a little long for our 8, 5, and 3 year old children. Nooooo, we said- they go at least that many miles around our cauldesac every night!
So we set off, the first 5 miles were GREAT; sunny day, birds chirping, happy kids....and at one point, Mark even leaned over and held my hand while we were both riding. (Which if you ever do that, make sure when you let go, you just let go- NEVER pull away.) It was a movie-moment.


Then the first whine happened. Then the second. Then the third. Until it was a full blown- we need to stop or all the kids will DIE whining. So we stopped, and the older two decided they were done. So the following conversation happened-

Mark: "OK, if you guys are done, get in the trailer." "Manda, help me strap these bikes to my backpack."


Me: "Are you sure that is going to work?" (Really saying- "That is the stupidest idea I have ever heard, let's just make the kids ride it out...we can go slow.")

Mark: "Can you just help me?"

Me: "Alright." (Really saying- "I still think this is dumb, but I think it's kind of hot how you want to adapt and overcome.")

Mark: (strapping the bikes on his back) "Yeah....er...this is going to work...we just have to go quickly...(grunt).....(curse word)......ok, let's go."

So this has to be, hands down, the HOTTEST and STUPIDEST thing ever.



I'm happy I married a Marine- Mark refuses to say "I can't." If it was just the kids and myself, you couldn't have paid me enough to even ATTEMPT that.

Bye-Bye Stroller, Hello Bikes!

Dear Stroller,
We have had a great relationship. You have been there for me in times of need and distress. You have been strong enough to hold my purse, diaper bag, smallest child, and usually a jacket or two. Your straps have been a saving grace to hold down the kicking and screaming 2 yr old. You have had juice spilt on you, crackers crumbled into your fabric, and never said a word. You have traveled through many states, amusement parks, zoos, malls, State fairs, and MANY walks with us. Thanks for your unconditional support. It's been real, but the time has come to let you go.
Your grateful friend.

This will be the first stroller-free Spring, and I have to tell you- Mark and I are so excited to move into the phase where we can go biking! The kids are LOVING this time together. We took off Ethan's training wheels, and he needed no help at ALL! We are headed to Western MD rail trail tomorrow to go for a long family ride!

Snapshots

Spring Break

This last week has been Spring Break for the kids. I have never had a more relaxed week- we slept in, ordered food, played "Don't break the ice" 800 times (and btw- why does it take longer to set that game up than the actual playing of the game?) had a fabulous ham dinner for Easter after mass- complete with a lemon cake the kids ADORED, and had two fun Easter egg hunts.

I even attempted to make homemade peanut butter play dough- EPIC FAIL. Ethan was all- "Mom, this does not look or feel like play dough...AT ALL!" The recipe called for dry milk- and for the price of that stuff, I could've bought 200 tubs of regular play dough! Oh well, points for good intentions...right?

We played outside 95% of the day- seriously- we didn't come inside until around 10:00pm! It was beautiful...we even got in some sprinkler playin'- my kids favorite summertime activity. Such a great week...it makes me long for summertime!

So what.....

if when Mark is deployed I give my kids an extra dessert...or two.