Because I Just Can't Help It

Sorry if anyone out there has had their fill of this yummy baby...if not, though, please enjoy some amazing pics of Little Cutie Head, courtesy of my talented photographer friend, Holly. I am sooo happy with the way they turned out.

Making the Bed and Other Youthful Misconceptions

When I was a kid, I had a lot of ideas about what adulthood and motherhood would be like. For instance, I had the general idea that when I became an adult, there were certain things that I would automatically do, even though I never really did them as a kid. Things like making the bed, or getting up early, or exercising, or having a clean house all the time. (Laughable, I know). I guess I just figured that something would click as I got older, and suddenly I would start doing the things that my mom always did.

Well, something must have malfunctioned, because the click never occurred. I rarely make the bed. I don't get up any earlier than I absolutely have to. Daily exercise consists of chasing after a strong-willed three-year-old interspersed with the very occasional push up. And, try as I may, my house is never in the pristine condition that I wish it was.

Well, I recently discovered that I have one less thing to worry about. Julia, ambitious child that she is, enjoys making the bed. (Not hers, just mine.) And boy does she do a bang-up job. She surprised me a couple times last week with her new awesome talent. Take a look.

Not only does she put all the pillows in the house on our bed, she also graces it with her own beloved blankies.

And, who doesn't need a table and tea set in their room?

Oh, baby, even a snack bowl filled with fruit and carrots.

Now I just need her to learn how to fold our towels into cute little animals like the folks at Carnival Cruise Lines. Then all my dreams will have come true.

Just a Little Bit Wary

Earlier this week, I decided to pull out some fall-themed books. "Oh, My, Pumpkin Pie," "The Littlest Seed," and "Leaf Dance," among others. I put them in a basket in our living room to gear us up for the impending change in seasons. Because, you know, the first day of fall is supposed to be tomorrow.

The only problem is, it's not really fall. Not even close. It's still summer.

Yes, it's slightly (very slightly) less hot, but the same general summer weather still prevails. No windows open at night. No playing outside. No rest for the air conditioning. And certainly no pants.

A little over a year ago, I wrote this. It was October 3, and things were finally cooling down. I was in a celebratory mood, full of hope for the cool months to come.

Then, sadly, a month later, I followed that up with this. Before I knew it, it was November, and I was using the a/c again.

Now I'm afraid that fall will never really get here. And putting pumpkins on the counter, or getting out the fall books, or organizing the kids' sock/pants drawers will not change a thing.

Oh well. At least apples are on sale.

Studnets, Bewear!

I think what this sign is trying to tell us is what happens when we don't read and do our homework ereyday for 45 minutes.

P.S. Yes, this is an actual photo from the actual city where I live. So funny and yet so sad at the same time.

Hi, It's Me, Chopped Liver

I love my children very, very much, and I know that they love me. But I am the Mommy, and I recognize that while Daddy is Disneyland, I fall somewhere between the grocery store and the neighborhood park.

During a rare moment that both Craig and I spent snuggling with our oldest child last night, I felt like we should do some family bonding. I asked Julia what she loves about Daddy, and, of course, I wasn't surprised when she answered, "I love when he plays with me." Then we talked about what we love about Julia...that she is so loving, such a wonderful big sister, and so helpful.

My turn.

Time for the fateful question: "Julia, what do you love about Mommy?"

"I love when she puts snacks in my lunch and when she cleans the light bulbs."

???

Lunch packin' and lightbulb cleaning. Apparently, that's what I'm here for.