Being a Mommy...

keeps my heart FULL...

Full of LOVE.

Full of JOY.

Full of EXCITEMENT.

Full of HOPE.

Full of HAPPINESS.

Full of AMAZEMENT.

Full of LIFE.

With my children teaching me more about life each and every day, I truly took this past Mother's Day to just sit back and take it all in. Take in those moments of pure joy and excitement for life that they seem to exhibit so naturally. Simple and carefree moments of them learning (a little too quickly) just what life is all about. The little moments where they make the most of every moment and seem to effortlessly find a way to see the fun in just about everything they do...

As I listened more closely and watched more carefully, I couldn't help but wish that I could forever shelter them from the not-so-fun parts of life and all the trials that may be right around the corner. It reminded me of the fact that, no matter what lies ahead, I will be the one that will always be here for them, SUPPORTING them, GUIDING them, HELPING them, CELEBRATING with them, CRYING with them, and STANDING by them....

making sure they know that they are never alone...

ALWAYS being their MOMMA!!!

I love you BUNCHES & BUNCHES, my sweet babes, and I am so proud to be your Momma!! Thanks for bringing so much to my life and keeping my heart FULL!!!

XXX's & OOO's

Mother's Day 2012

was very nice and relaxing! Jason, the kids and I, hung around outside and enjoyed the beautiful weather. He grilled and I played with my munchkins. A little ball and a lot of swinging!

We've been here almost a year and we absolutely love our home and new community. Things have been busy, but I'm trying my best to continue to relish the little things and spend TIME with the kiddos. Letting things like laundry, dirty dishes, and vacuuming wait until they are fast asleep. As much as I really LOVE having an extremely clean and organized house, I realize that those things will always be here, while my kiddos are only at these various stages for what seems like a split-second. I came across this quote from Diane Loomans the other day and it totally resonated with me.

"If I had my child to raise all over again, I’d build self-esteem first, and the house later. I’d finger-paint more, and point the finger less. I would do less correcting and more connecting. I’d take my eyes off my watch, and watch with my eyes. I’d take more hikes and fly more kites. I’d stop playing serious, and seriously play. I would run through more fields and gaze at more stars. I’d do more hugging and less tugging."

I know I have only one shot at this parenting thing and it's very obvious that TIME seems to be flying by. So, I think the best choice for me is to give it my all and always BE there for my kids...I don't want to have to look back in 20 years and have too many regrets. I think there will always be some regrets, which keeps us growing, but there will never be an opportunity to turn the clock back and get in more kite flying and finger painting.

So, even though Mother's Day 2012 is officially over and done with, I do have to say that I often feel like EVERY DAY is Mother's Day! Throughout all the trials and tribulations, laughter and excitement, tears and Bo-Bo's that come along with raising kids, I'm relishing in each and every beautiful moment and seriously CANNOT get enough of these THREE.....

I love you, my sweet little munchkins, and couldn't imagine not being your Mommy. You bring tremendous amounts of joy to my life, laughter to my spirit, and true love to my heart. Thanks for making my day so special and thank you for the wonderful cards and gifts full of LOVE....

Baseball FUN!

Trey is officially a ballplayer!!

Knowing how much I absolutely LOVE anything softball, it's been music to my ears to hear Trey getting all pumped up and excited about his games. As a mother, I obviously want my children to find something they love and something that keeps them focused and on the right track. Maybe it will be sports, maybe it won't be, but either way....staying involved is a great way to learn life skills and that inner drive.

I wasn't sure what to expect from this 6 and under coaches pitch season...especially considering that Trey's initial reaction was NOT excitement. His exact words were, "I don't want to play baseball! I just wish I was old so I could be lazy!!"

Ugh!!! My initial thought was, "Oh no, he's never going to want to play!" and I would have put money on the fact that this entire season was going to be a battle. But, being the determined person I am, I just had to expose him to this game. Up to this point, he'd only played 3 year-old T-ball and a little Smart Start program where we (him & I) practiced skills in a rotation setting. No actual game action and I couldn't let him not get a chance to play some "real" games. After that, the decision would be (mainly) his!!!

Needless to say...I've been proven wrong and the second Trey saw that other kindergartners he knew were playing on his team and against his team, he was SOLD!

Since that second...he's been pumped about every game, has done his best to hustle and listen to his coaches, has learned to "get ready" for the ball in the field, and has managed to quickly figure out that it's much easier to put his glove and hat together in the same spot while he's hitting, if he plans on finding them again!

He hasn't complained one time and I'm super pumped that I went ahead and signed him up despite his initial not "wanting to play" attitude!!! We are only two games into the season and I know there's the possibility he might change his mind in the future....but I just hope it's not before he learns to love the game...I LOVE WATCHING HIM PLAY!!!!

Here's a little shot of his first official at-bat as a ball player!!! (Believe it or not, I really had set the mini Mom-goal of not barking advice from the stands....which I fell waaaaaay short of meeting!!) Oh well, he'll just have to get used to it!!!

Way to go, Trey Man!!! Contact and a nice hustle down the line!!! (Tay made the video, too....she's the one that decided to tug my shirt off my shoulder mid video shoot. Yes, I am telling her "No!" in the background ;)

Waiting for his turn to bat....GO #6!!! (The tee is all ready if they aren't successful hitting the coach's pitches....) Trey's only needed to use the tee once, which is something he's totally proud of!!!

At the end of his first game...definitely proud of himself!!!

Shaking hands...."Good Game!"

Trey Man....Keep up the fabulous work and always remember the two BIG rules: Have FUN and HUSTLE! I'm so proud of you and all the progress you are making. Remember to always give things a chance and give 110%! You'll find something you absolutely love and I'll be here supporting you all the way!! Go Yankees!!! And, to answer your most recent question....YES! You can play again next summer!

I love you bunches and bunches!!

~Mommy

PS....I LOVE the fact that you asked me that question!!!