Sticks and stones

When Kendyl is very, very upset at someone she yells back a certain insult she picked up while watching a movie. The first time we heard her use it was when she was furious at Nathan. Just now she yelled it at Josie because she took something if hers. 

"YOU. ARE. A. TOY!"

Can you tell we've been watching a lot of the first Toy Story around here? I have to hold back laughing every time I hear her say it and respond, "Kendyl please talk nicely." 

Dinner at the Vasher's just got better

Sunday night

Don't mind the corndogs for the girls and the pizza for us. Normally Sunday dinner is a much nicer affair. But really when is life with kids ever truly normal? :) Usually Nate and I pull the white table over and sit on stools. Made me feel rather awkward the first few times sitting a whole 2 feet higher than the girls. Felt like we were king and queen looking over our minions. But even that was an improvement over living in the previous apt were we had to stand up for most of our meals. Josie missing is pretty typical. She's off undressing somewhere, cleaning her hands for the 5th time,  or crawling under the table. And following routine, after the picture was taken Kendyl spilled a drop and had to strip to her undies.

 Monday night

Last night was the first time we all ate together at our own table. Ever. It was rather a momentous occasion for Nate and I. A few months ago we ate at our friends house. We were all sitting at the same table and Kendyl exclaimed, "It's like a restaurant!" Sorry Kendyl, that's normal for most families. But we finally got our own table. Plus 6 chairs. It makes dinner feel so different sitting together. We love it! And anyone who can manage following a few rules is welcome. (If Nathan doesn't cook I can always defrost a couple corndogs.)

1. No banging utensils

2. No standing on the table

3. Try a bite of everything before you leave

4. No undressing at dinner

Our first boy...

thankfully will not be born in the next 9 months. (Did I trick you?) Because if he was I can guarantee you his first name would either be Newkirk, Hogan, or Carter with LeBeau or Kinchloe as possible middle names.  

For all those who have absolutely no idea what I am referring too you are not alone. No one remembers the show unless you're over the age of 50 (and even less understand why we actually enjoy watching it.) For his Christmas present Nate got the complete series of Hogan's Heroes. It was truly the only thing he has been asking for for years. I first introduced him to the show when they had it online a few years ago and we were devastated (no really) when they stopped streaming it. Nathan convinced me to let him open it a few weeks before Christmas. I had hidden it at the bottom of his jeans and polo shirts (the one place I knew he wouldn't search--sadly he never wears them anymore) but he was relentless in his begging so gave in. 

And last week we finished watching all 168 episodes. 

168! 

That's an embarrassing amount of t.v. time we're admitting too.

We've been watching an episode or two every night for the last few months. I confess I missed out on half of the first season which Nate watched all night while he unpacked after we moved and a bunch of random episodes I feel asleep during. But Nathan watched them all.

You simply cannot watch that many hours of a show without it beginning to affect you somehow. 

I went shopping one day and came home with a brown leather jacket that looks eerily similar to Hogan's. 

 And now that we are finished we had absolutely no idea what to do with our short time together after the girls go to bed and we have no desire to stand up. Play cards? Learn a language? Read a book together? Tackle the laundry? Our solution...

Start from the beginning again. Come join us anytime after 8!

Our mouse

We have a little mouse who chewed through right through our computer cord. So until we finally get around to buying a new cord I probably won't be blogging much.

To my sister who is visiting soon and might be concerned about our mouse infestation: don't be. There's only one and she introduces herself to others saying, "I'm Baby Josie Pie!"

...just hide your computer cord while you're here.

What I realized yesterday.

Last year I was the Sunbeam teacher at church. I really liked it because it was this first time I've been in the Primary besides being a Nursery leader (which is a whole different ball game!). Being in Sunbeams felt like kind of a step up. Plus a snack break is still totally acceptable. And a trip to the bathroom. And the drinking fountain. And around the church. And back to the bathroom. It was fun. Most days I truly enjoyed it. However being a Sunbeam teacher and a mom to two toddlers plus babysitting I started to question my college degree-- I have a Bachelor's in Elementary Education. Day in and day out of being just around little kids I totally started second guessing why I ever thought that was ever a good idea. But then I got a new class in Primary. I now teach the 9 year olds. I realized I really, really do like teaching kids. But kids that are actually a little older who can joke around, answer questions, and have more in depth conversations (and who don't need their bums wiped and their sippy cups constantly full). So I'm still glad I have the degree I do (I was seriously regretting it for a while!). And its comforting to know that even though being a public school teacher might not be my #1 career choice I know I do like teaching kids-- older kids. (I'm very aware that older kids have challenges too. Some way, way harder than potty training and teething.)

It's been a particularly hard few weeks with my kids and I end each day completely worn out. Being cooped up inside all week doesn't help. And I've slowly come to the realization that being a mom to little kids is not a role I relish. It's hard work! So hard. I would love a break. I would love to sit down and eat one meal uninterrupted. I would love to be able to accomplish simple tasks like calling to make a doctors appointment and hearing the person on the other end. I would love to go to a store without needing Tylenol and bag of chocolate after. I would love to think.

I've realized I love being a mom. I love my kids. But I don't really enjoy being a mom to little kids. And you know what I realized yesterday? IT'S OKAY!! I plan on being a mom on earth for 60+ years. Who cares that the first 4 were not my cup of tea? I will be a mom forever. These years will end. I've know that. But I don't need to kid myself thinking that I'm a bad mom or less of a person because I don't love the early ones like so many other people seem to. Lately I've ran into so many people who say ,"You'll miss these years!" I wish I had the courage to smile and say, "I can see how you would. They are so cute and little. But personally, no I won't. I'll have memories. I'll have tons of pictures. And I'll still have my kids. I plan on being their mom for an awfully long time."

We all have different strengths and weaknesses. Being a parent has helped me more than anything else learn what some of those are. (And its only been 4 years!) I'm love my girlies. But more that anything I'm looking forward to being their mom forever and getting to know them as the beautiful women they will someday be.

Because I'll still have the pictures.