Yesterday I went to Meijer to get a couple things and noticed the beautiful display of BACK TO SCHOOL items.  Is it really that time already?  This summer is flying by. I went to the BACK TO SCHOOL display and just stared at all the items.  I couldn't get myself to buy a single thing. " I still have time," I thought to myself.
    We packed a lot in this summer and I learned a few things about myself. Here are a few worth mentioning.


1. Make time for yourself.
I have been trying to get up before everyone else and do something I like to do, like write, read my Bible, or just SIT in silence.  It has been golden and totally worth the hour of sleep I lost in the process. I need that to start my day so I can feel like I did something for me today.

2. Take time to slow down and soak it in.
We have been really busy this summer with camps, museums, and play dates.  Honestly, we have had some of the BEST times meeting new people and just living an adventure everyday.  I have to remind myself not to jam too much in because it will be those moments just sitting on the living room floor in our pajamas singing FROZEN for the 20th time I will cherish most.

3. Remember your husband.
Sometimes it is really hard for me to put my husband first when my children are small and still need so much of me.  I am reminded that I need to continue to make him feel that he is a priority in my day and life no matter how crazy life can get.  We are the core of our family and without a strong core things seem to fall apart.

4. Cooking can be fun and taste good.
I really wanted to try to cook this summer.  No, like really cook( not microwave leftovers). Follow a recipe without any subsitutions (for now) and provide a yummy meal for my family.  I challenged myself and I was surprised that most of my meals were somewhat tasty. At least 5 meals were not even good enough to feed to our dog, but I always have a frozen pizza to save the day in case of an emergency.

5. Bad days will happen.
No matter how much I pray, prepare, and try...things will go wrong.  I don't always like when Eden seriously throws away all my make up when I am not looking or when Brielle turns into a teenage girl every morning when getting ready. I know I am not going to be a perfect mother everyday. Sometimes I just want to lay on the couch and watch Ellen and eat a whole box of Fruit Loops, instead of cleaning up poop off the floor because Eden doesn't have on a diaper and Brielle stepped in it and ran through the house. You know, that kind of thing.

6. Three deep breaths can change anything.
Sometimes I just need to remind myself to breath when dealing with ignorant people. Let's face it, they are everywhere. I love getting parenting advice from people with no experience with caring for children. So you think you have this figured out? Good for you, my friend. Call me in a couple years and then we will talk. : )

7. When in doubt smile and nod.
Even in the most awkward and uncomfortable times the smile/nod will ease some discomfort.  LIke the time my three year old tells you that her mom can make magic milk that you can squirt in your eye when it hurts. Yeah, umm...smile/nod and let's go home now.

:) What did you learn about yourself this summer?

Top Ten Reasons...

    I decided to compile a list of my top ten things only parents of girls know....

10. The way your dress twirls is very important.

       I didn't realize this was such a big deal until last week.  We tried seven dresses on before she found the dress with exactly the right amount of twirl when she spins.

9. There is no business like bow business.

     So when you do a three year old's hair, make sure to have at least two bows handy to place in various not-so-common spots in her hair because Minnie Mouse would like it that way.

8. Shoes are a girls best friend.

    Sometimes you will see her talking with her shoes, naming them, and carrying them around the house like dolls. This is totally normal, right?

7. Don't leave home without a tiara.

    Some of our biggest meltdowns were over a missing tiara at the grocery store. Help me, Lord.

6. Finger nail polish in every color is essential.

      There are days when rainbow toes go with every outfit.

5. Sofia the First

     She is everywhere.

4.  Lip Gloss

    Should I say face gloss? Have you seen a three year old put on a stick of bubble gum lip gloss?

3. Tea party like a Queen.

   The topic of conversation yesterday was to drink out of your tea cup with a pinkie up or down. Hmm..still working on my tea hands.

2. Save your drama for your mama.

  Girls create enough drama for a Broadway play. This should be fun in about ten years....

1. Jewelry

  This goes for girls of all ages... Sorry guys, we never grow out of this one.