The Happy Dance

James noticed that when Jonah gets super excited about something that he does a little dance. It's similar to a jumping jack but the arms and legs don't go out to the side.

We asked Jonah to perform the happy dance for the camera. Of course, we got some added flair to the traditional dance. He has to throw in some boy mannerisms as well as some hip-hop moves.

It's so cute. I love that fact that he has a happy dance. Everyone should have one! Watch the video and try not to smile :)

A little mommy venting. . .

I have heard this saying so many times over the passed few weeks -

"Enjoy them [your kids] while they are young, it doesn't last forever."

I totally agree with that statement. I totally want to live fully in that statement. I want to enjoy everything about my kids. The laughter, the silliness, the inquisitive spirit, and the pure enjoyment of being together. 

But yikes! - there are some days that are just unbearable. Let me explain to those who have not yet experienced it. It starts with the whining about how they think that fruit snacks are a meal and when the do not get them there's a pretty intense melt down. Next example is they ask for water. You present the water in a typical cup. Instead of "thank you", there's screaming that it's not the princess cup they wanted and they refuse to drink it. Then there is consistent whining that they are hungry when they seriously just ate five minutes ago. When you do sit down to enjoy something with them, there is the inevitable spill or something breaks and you're right back on your feet again. 

Ok. I think I have painted the picture. I honestly think as a mom you have so much going on around you how do you truly get to enjoy any moments with your kids. Perhaps my expectations of this statement are way too high. Like everything in life, it's finding a balance of craziness and snuggling with those little guys who love you unconditionally. It's hard work! I don't care if you are a working mom or stay at home mom - it's hard work to keep up with everything and try to raise kids. And then on top of that "enjoy them while they are young". 

I give anything to stop the clock, stop the responsibilities and just stare at my kids while they push the boundaries. I would love to shut off that "bad cop" persona that I have to take on when they are "just being kids". Hard work, I say!!!

Although, to end on a positive note, I love kissing those faces at night when they are sound asleep. It takes me back to when they were babies and swaddled like a little burritos. So maybe I'm enjoying them while they are young, it's just when they are quiet and asleep. :)

It's officially back to school time for the Willards

Our little munchkins started school last week. McKenna is in Pre-K and Jonah started Kindergarten. They are fortunately at the same school. Actually, they are in classrooms right across the hall from each other. 

We have been getting use to the new routine of waking up early and getting ourselves out the door on time. We've had some tears and trepidation with going to school. McKenna has been clingy when she is usually the brave & adventurous one. 

Jonah has been a champ. The teacher says he arrives at school with a smile on his face and ready to learn. 

Parents always say this – "Where did the time go?" It's so true. It's also wonderful to witness how children grow and learn. It's also sad to know that they are not babies anymore. They are growing into independent, beautiful, young minds.

The big move

It's been a little over a month since James and I purchased our new home. We have used this passed month to renovate two bathrooms, paint, update light fixtures, replace carpet and move alot of "stuff" from our current house. 

This weekend we will make what I'm calling the "big move". The movers will be arriving in the morning to haul our large furniture to the new house. Saturday night will be our official first night in the new house. 

Although our move is only two miles away from our current location, I'm going to miss our house. There are so many memories that have happened at this house. It's been home to us for over 12 years. They always say that you will get your house situated perfectly right before you decide to move and that's actually what happened to us. We were comfortable in our home. The house definitely had is quirks and issues but what house doesn't. 

It's going to feel weird driving by the house everyday and not pulling into the driveway and unlocking the door. Farewell, 5560!

CSB Highlights

Despite the rainy weather in Cape San Blas, we had an amazing time with our Florida friends, The Wheeler's.  

Gloria & I got to venture off to see if we could find the elusive Bay Scallop. We pissed off the local kayak renter, came too close to a pointy-finned creature, and escape being stuck in the bay during a pretty bad storm. Did we find the scallops? Yes, but only a dozen.  

Our kids actually enjoyed being in the sand. By the end of the trip, McKenna was sitting on the sand while she dug holes. It bought tears to my eyes. Jonah was walking around finding seashells and playing supervisor to the castle building.  

The boys, James & Chris, tried yet again to hook a tarpon but no luck. I'm beginning to think they sneak out and go to a bar. I have yet to get a great fish story.  

We sprinkled in some great conversation, snacking, swimming in the pool while it rained, cartoons, movies, adult beverages, rainbows, snake sightings, close calls with sea creatures, playing in the ocean while it pours, sunsets, fireworks. . . .

Good times, good times.

Robert Downy Jr. Inspiration

I was reading Chris Brogan's blog a few days ago and he had a post around having inspiration in unexpected place. Through reading an article about Robert Downey Jr., he found the following quote. Hollywood people usually don't inspire me so I was quite surprised to read the quote and immediately relate.

From Chris' blog -
Let’s pretend that the question was “Is it hard doing what you do knowing that you were so messed up in the past? And is it hard doing what you do not knowing what the future holds?”

Downey’s answer was: “I stopped worrying about fixing things and just dealt with what was right in front of me. The bouncing ball of the moment.”

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Well played, Downey. Well played.