Pretty as a picture

I am a Type A personality. I like things planned out and scheduled. I like routines. I like straight lines and neat piles. 

Once I had kids I lost a lot of that. I've accepted that my house will always be cluttered. That the laundry will never be caught up. That I'll be always be late (this one is the hardest for me). 

But I've tried to maintain some control. I can't go downstairs in the morning until my bed is made. I refuse to let dirty dishes sit in the sink overnight. And I sweep the floor multiple times a day, trying to keep up with the constant trail of crumbs my children drop on the floor when eating. 

Yesterday I discovered a new way to satisfy my obsessive need for order. Will has always been the one to do this particular household chore. I never had any interest in it and it just kind of became his job. But we were busy so I offered to do it. 

Yesterday I mowed the lawn for the first time. And OMG I discovered my happy hour. I loved everything about it. I was outside in the sunshine. Between the front, side and backyard I got more than 6,000 steps on my FitBit. Nobody was asking me for a drink or a snack. It was so peaceful. 

I loved seeing it go from messy to manicured in seconds. I loved the challenge of making the lines as straight as possible. For someone who loves things to be symmetrical, mowing the lawn provides instant gratification. I think I did a pretty good job for my first try and I'm already thinking of how I can improve the turning radius next time to get tighter turns. 

My house might be messy inside but damn it I have the ability to make my lawn look good! And for a former neat freak, that makes me very happy. 

Now that Nathan can read and write, it's not unusual to find little notes like this all over the house. 

Nothing like a love note to brighten your day 

Nathan loved his Pre-K teacher Julie this year. 

On the last day of school he drew her a picture.

Proud Mama

End of school year progress report

Pre -K

5 years old 

Lunch is served

Some days I'm lucky if I can Ryan to eat anything besides goldfish crackers and yogurt.

Today for lunch he's eating a bowl of garlic hummus and raw veggies dipped in balsamic vinegar. 

Kids are weird.

One on one

I'm been trying to make more of an effort to have one on one time with Nathan. Ever since Ryan was born, it's rare for just the two of us to hang out. And when Ryan is around he gets more of the attention since Nathan is so much more independent and Ryan needs so much more help with everything.

Today I had to take my car to the mechanic and it was the perfect opportunity to bring Nathan along. He is obsessed with cars and loved watching the mechanics work. 

On our way home I made a detour and drove into town. I told Nathan we had to run a quick errand. Always an easygoing kid, Nathan didn't seem to mind. As we walked down Main St, he happily chattered away pointng out fire trucks and minivans, convertibles and SUVs. The kid is obsessed with vehicles.

When we reached our destination, Nathan looked up at me. His smile was so wide, his dimples so deep. We walked into D'Amicis bakery and were welcomed by case after case full of desserts. I told him he could pick whatever he wanted for our Mommy/Nathan date. 

He chose a rainbow frosted cupcake. I chose a cannoli. One chocolate milk and a cappuccino later and we settled in at a table by the window. For the next 30 minutes we sat and ate and talked.  Nathan loves his little brother and never complains about having him around all the time but I think it's nice for him to have some time where all the attention is on him. No interruptions. No distractions. 

And I like having a special date with my perfect gentleman every so often.

When you can't beat 'em, join 'em.

Sometimes the only way I can get Ryan to wear a bib is to also wear a bib.

I've learned to pick my battles.