Busy Momma: ME TIME

Boys at the dentist this week

To say that I am a busy mom is an understatement. And although I am busy, I have far more free time than I did this same time last year. Since I was MIA in the blogging world last year, that story has never been told. I suppose I will have to prep something on our 2011 crisis that led to 2012 being dedicated to paying medical bills.

Me at the end of a busy day

Outfit--- Sweater( as seen last week)Old Navy, Necklace London Reid, Ribbon: from a gift

Anyway, at present life is full but in a steady way. I have slowed down to spend more time with the boys, especially the little Roly Poly. However, this often leaves me feeling as if I do not get enough me time. Then I wonder, "Am I even supposed to have 'me time'?" 

Hmmm... It is something to ponder. Has our egocentric society developed this idea of prioritizing the self so much that as a whole people no longer see family time as " me" time? Truly, spending time with my family should invigorate me, not drain me. It should be something that I see as a blessing, not an annoyance. 

I mean look at these silly faces. They fill me up with laughter and joy.

This is a goal I am setting for myself: I am challenging myself to see my children as a part of me and my time with them as "me time". It is time when I get to enjoy the abundant blessings that God has entrusted to me. It is undoubtedly " me time."  

At a park in Wrightwood this past Friday.

Editing from rhonna designs app

Will you rise to this same challenge?

Family Bonding

YNothing says I love you more than spending quality time together. Today, I felt like a little kid squeezing into the back of my parents Jeep Cherokee for a road trip or for a long drive to a distant ice rink for yet another of my brother's hockey games. 

However, I was instead squeezed tightly between a car seat and a booster that were loaded with my two handsome boys. This made for a road trip free of fighting and fussing, poking and whining. In that respect, it was nothing like the car rides of my youth (even if in both cases I was trapped between two boys). 

After church, which we were later to than we have ever been, we headed to grandma's and loaded up in her CRV for a jaunt into LA to see Tia Magda's newly renovated home. It was fun. The Cuban cowboy stayed home after a long night of work that brought him home at 4 AM.

Cardigan: Target clearance, tank: old navy, headband: actually a necklace from Nordstrom, Necklace: LondonReid with an added starfish I've had since junior high.

We had a little lunch, some dessert, and some fun.

 This is what it looks like when two engineers decide to make a giant paper airplane: equations and rulers at the helm. 

Yeah it flew. . . right into the neighbors backyard. Silly BIL is a man child; that's why he's great though. 

It was another splendidly blessed Sunday. Praise God. May his blessings pour forth in your life this week. 

Oh yes! Once last thing. I started a tiny V Day project. Here's a sneak peek.

Okay. Bye bye for real. Loves!!!!!

EYE love you

"I love you in the morning and in the afternoon. I love you in the evening, underneath the moon."

Order: TL-Cuban Cowboy, TR-Roly Poly, BL-me, and BR-Monster

Such a great childhood song: one I love to sing ( hand motions and all) to my own little joys. I sing to them, hug them, squeeze them, snuggle them tightly hundreds of times a day. I look them right in their eyes and say, "I love you!" 

To which they often reply, "I know."

This is something they learned from the Han Solo and Princess Leia ring tone I have for thd Cuban Cowboy. Moreover, it is actually what the Cuban Cowboy told me the first time that I said "I LOVE YOU" to him: so sauve. He didn't say it back to me for about two more months; he has always been more cautious than me.

How can I not love my little boys and my Sexy Husbandman? They are smart, witty, playful, silly, strikingly handsome (all three), and, most importantly, God given blessings who I am obligated to cherish.

All of these reasons are why I adore weekends like the one we just had. We simply spent time together: eating meals, playing games, going to church, and watching films. It is the joy of The Lord to have a family with whom I can do life in such abundance.

Quality Time With my Boys

Friday I had the joyous pleasure of a date with The Cuban Cowboy (that stud). We finally saw The Desolation of Smaug. Although it is disappointing that Jackson shifted the plot line so dramatically, it is a good film. 

Date Night Shoes-Nine West (thrifted this week for $2.50)

Saturday we had some business to attend to with our truck (The Green Machine). We have been battling with it's issues since the fall, but there may be a light in sight. 

Since we were out and about, we first stopped by my parents. The boys hung out with my brother: playing with RC cars, fixing dirt bikes, and playing in the dirt. 

Too much craziness for this chic chick. 

Blouse-Juicy Couture, skirt-Target, bag -Kate Spade

Saturday shoes-Cole Haan Strappy 40s style 

After, we ran by the in-laws to wash up for dinner. Then we went to Cheesecske Factory: nom nom nom. The boys were great. The food was Delish, with plenty to spare for Sunday lunch. 

Oh, yes, and I almost forgot. While at my parents house, my mom unloaded a hoard of my old school work. A family history of our Minnesotan/ Finnish ancestry. And, most importantly, some vintage goodies that belonged to get and my grandma Kumpula. 

It was a wonderful past two days. Praise be to God, oh and the babysitters he places in our lives!