Stay-at-home Mom

http://degreesearch.org/blog/sahm-moms-infographic/

Just in case you were wondering, here's a stay-at-home mom's calculated salary. I just realized it's time to ask for a raise!

A good hard fall

I was sitting at the computer this morning checking my email while Milo played the piano so sweetly in the other room. If you have a toddler, you know that there's about a two minute window you can do something on your own, and then you need to check and see what he's gotten into. Well, I must have pushed it to three minutes when I heard a crash followed by a split-second of silence. Then sobs, tears, crying, more crying, Lily crying, dogs barking, possibly sirents, bells and whistles (but I might have imagined that part). All in that one moment. I rushed into the living room to pick up Milo, who was lying right beside the piano bench, which he knows he's not allowed to climb. He must have been up on it and toppled backward, which is why we've been spanking him for getting up there. But did I mention that right then? Absolutely not. I scooped that sweet baby into my arms and held him extra close, whispering, "It's okay, baby. Mama's got you." We just rocked as he cried and I felt for bumps (none, thank goodness), and when he settled a bit I asked, "What hurts?" Well, the new wave of sobs and tears assured me what I had expected, and I read it in his eyes. Everything hurts, Mama. I know how he feels. Because in that moment when you fall, when you should have known better... When you realize your own actions caused the mishap, you can't put your finger on the one thing that hurts. Everything does. And the best thing you can do is lean into the one holding you and cry it all out of your system. After a few more minutes, the sobs subsided and he heaved a deep sigh. He snuggled in closer for one sweet moment, and then popped his head up, climbed down, and went busily on his way. Crisis averted. Lesson learned. I didn't find him on the piano bench again, and I didn't have to say a word. Sometimes a good hard fall can teach us more than a thousand words ever could.

Long weekends

I never could figure out whether I liked having a Friday or a Monday off better. Either way, it means a long weekend.... Mondays off mean that you start the week on a Tuesday, which is much less daunting. But Fridays off mean that you have something to look forward to all week long. Mondays off mean that you have a weekday to recover from the weekend. But Fridays off mean that you have a weekday to prepare for the weekend. Mondays off mean a great start to the week. But Fridays off mean that on Thursday you are officially done with the workweek early. I don't know. Any way you put it, an extra day off is an extra day off. And this is Memorial Day weekend, which means we all get the extra day (or I hope you do). So enjoy!

Remember when?

Well, it's been a little while since I laughed so hard that tears streamed down my face and missed teaching a little at the same time. In fact, I don't think these two things have ever happened simultaneously. But I had a huge flashback to some of the fun times I had laughing over student responses on tests, essays, whatever... This reminded me, and I don't know if I got a bigger laugh out of the student's answer or the teacher's response.

More like this at http://www.happyplace.com/3907/unintentionally-inappropriate-test-responses-from-children.

Secret Hide-outs

I think one of the best things about being a kid was being able to hide just about anywhere, a luxury one loses as one ages (unless one is some sort of creepy serial criminal, and I have neither the time nor the patience to discuss this today). Grown-ups should be allowed a few secret forts and clubhouses, just for well-being. Days like today, when I'm fighting off a nasty cold and just plain weary, I wish I could hide away for a bit. Unfortunately, it's not as feasible once you reach a certain age and have a certain number of responsibilities, even if all you want to do is get away and take a nap.

Milo, on the other hand, is allowed to make as many forts as he wants. We made this simple one today out of a sheet and our dining room table, filled it with pillows and books, and it became so irresistible that even Bruiser had to sneak in (check him out in the background). Some of my best memories when I was little were in my secret (but not-so-secret) Kids-Only Clubhouse, and I know Milo is going to love making himself little nooks everywhere he goes, too.

ZipNac - AHHHHHHHH!!!!!

Happy Anniversary to Nate and I! Nate had the brilliant idea to go ziplining at ZipNac in Nacogdoches, and it was one of the best dates we've ever had.

Here we are, hearts fluttering with anticipation and heinies cinched up in harnesses...

ZipNac has five different zip lines of varying heights and lengths, but once you climb the first tower, your feet never touch the ground again until the end. WOW! I climbed the first tower and my heart started racing - I was actually nervous, after all this wait to zip! As soon as I started down the first line, though, I was hooked. Nate and I are already trying to figure out when we can go back and who we should take.

ALL smiles after the first zipline.

Look at me! Don't I seem like a pro?

One of the coolest things about ZipNac is that it's owned by a family, and the lines are actually on their land. Plus they have a dual trolley system, which makes it extra safe, if you're a little bit chicken. We loved every second of this experience. Care to join us next time?

This and that

We've been off again, here and there and everywhere. Just a few photos to tide you over until I find the energy for more.

Milo sits like this a lot, which is too cute for words.

At the Dallas World Aquarium

With Nonnie and Daddy on the way in to the Rangers game on Thursday.