Boy Crazy

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. That's how I would describe this past weekend. Ken was down all weekend with a horrible inner ear infection, so he was pretty much home bound. But, that didn't stop Marilynn from having a great weekend - with lots and lots of boyfriends.

It started out with her friend Nathan spending the night Friday night - yes, they slept in her room and yes, Ken was totally okay with it (he was medicated). Then, we went to the zoo with some friends on Saturday and she held hands the whole day with Aiden and played with yet another boy. On Sunday, she ran into her Sunday School room and immediately sat next to her friend Owen. Yes, she likes the boys!

We all scream for ice cream

We've had some great weather in Seattle lately, so the other night after dinner I took Marilynn out on her first visit to Baskin Robbins. She was amazed by all of the ice cream flavors and choices of toppings. After much contemplation, she picked mint chocolate chip with pastel sprinkles. And ate every last bite of it.

Contentment

Warning: this may be shocking to some of you. But, every now and then I get exhausted from motherhood. I miss my sleep, my time to myself and my overall sanity. I hit a breaking point on Friday night and went to bed exhausted, spent, zero left to give. So, I told Ken that I needed some "me time." Great - he said - do it. What's stopping you?

So, I spent the morning with the girls - running errands, taking them to the park, going out for pizza, pulling some weeds in the yard, etc. Then, I carved out the afternoon for "me time." I got my hair done, I wandered around the mall aimlessly, I got a smoothie, I searched for a new picture for our living room. Pretty much did nothing. Then, I get a call from Ken on my cell phone "GUESS WHAT??? Erika just took her first steps!!" Most moms would be gleeful. I was resentful. "WHAT? How could this happen? Why am I so selfish, how could I miss such an amazing event in my daughter's life." So, I rushed home. Erika just comes crawling towards me - happy I'm there. She didn't care that I missed it. She was content.

Then, I'm tucking Marilynn into bed, and I asked her what her favorite part of the day was - imaging she would say going to the park (first time after weeks of rain), watching cartoons with daddy, going out for pizza, etc. Instead, she says "picking grass with you." Meaning - hanging out with you doing your least favorite chore of pulling weeds. And for that moment, I'll always be grateful. I realize that my kids are content with the little things, and I'm lucky to be their mommy . I'm going to appreciate these moments, because they won't be little forever.

Here's a few pictures from the weekend:

More Easter Pix

Here's a few more pictures of our Easter out in Sequim. We did an egg hunt Washington-style - complete with fleece sweaters, rain boots and coats. I seem to remember that at one time in my life I lived in a far-off planet where there was sunshine and I wore cute sun dresses and little sandals during my childhood egg hunts. Oh well, to Marilynn, this is normal.

Happy Easter!

We're out in Sequim celebrating the Easter weekend with my parents. Marilynn enjoyed coloring eggs and decorating cupcakes with the grandparents, and soon we'll be off on an Easter egg hunt in the backyard (wishing for some sun). Wishing you and yours a wonderful day today!

Erika at 11 Months

Wow - it's hard to believe that Erika is almost a year old! My how time just flies by. She is so ready to start walking, but hasn't quite been able to muster the strength to walk on her own yet. She still has a strong appetite - often eating twice as much as Marilynn (which really isn't saying much) and loves to do whatever big sister Marilynn is doing.

Easter Ham

On Saturday night we went to an early Easter dinner at our friends' Rick and Susan's place. It was an amazing meal! Rick is an avid photographer and Marilynn gladly posed for the camera. I just wonder why I can't EVER get her to pose like this.