Still Learning

Being a primarily stay at home mom takes its toll on a mama’s brain.  I can report that I’m not the sharpest tack in the box for sure.  Being surrounded by kids all day can cause anyone’s brain to feel a touch more squishy than it was b.c (before children).   There is no time to read anything other than Dr. Seuss (not that I’m complaining, I love the good doctor), the news channel has been replaced with Paw Patrol (again, perhaps this is a good thing), and I don’t spend much time talking with anyone over 4 feet tall.  Mom brain is a real thing and I’m suffering from it.  I feel as though my vocabulary is shrinking, I have the social skills of a serial killer, and I’ve noticed that I’m much more forgetful these days.  I was feeling like I hadn’t really learned anything in quite a while.

Au contraire mon frère!

I’m always learning something new.  It may not be a traditionally accepted academic subject, and more along the lines of life lessons, but it counts.  

Lesson #1- Fear is a learned behavior.  The kids will always use me as a barometer for how scared they should be.  We found a garter snake in the yard and the kids loved it.  As terrified as I was, I knew that if I freaked out they would as well and what good would that do?   I’ve learned to be afraid of snakes in my life, but right now, the kids are just fascinated with the reptile.  Since it was just a harmless (actually quite helpful, I’ve come to find out) garter snake we kept our cool and checked out Mr. Snake. 

Maybe Hudson shouldn't be THAT close.  

Lesson #2- A girl's love for shoes is innate.  Also, you can't play tag in plastic dress up heels.

Poor Sloanie girl.  

Lesson #3.  Be yourself and ignore the haters.  If you want to go for a walk in the neighborhood with swimming goggles, snow boots and a cat tail--do it.  Walk through the joint like you own it.  Be true to yourself and do what makes you happy. 

If only we all had the confidence of this gang.

Lesson #4- Never underestimate the power of retail therapy.  When all else fails grab your best bud and hit up the mall.

Lesson #5-  We can all use an extra set of hands from time to time.  There is no shame in asking for help.  Sometimes the strongest thing you can do is know when it's time for assistance.  

Lesson #5a- Family will always be there for you.

Lesson #6- Somethings will never change.  And that's a good thing 😁

Lesson #7-  Even if it's 30 degrees outside, parades are always awesome.  

Their first time getting their faces painted, too!

Looks more like a Christmas parade than a St. Patrick's.  

Dylan is working on his modeling portfolio.  

Lesson #8- Great neighbors make everything better!  And, we hit the jackpot when it comes to neighbors.

Freezing outside? No big deal, we can picnic inside!

Lesson #9- Dress for the job you want, not the job you have.  So you're in preschool...doesn't mean you can't dress like VP of a Fortune 500  

When left to pick out his own outfit for school, this is what dyl pickle came up with.
And boy was he proud.