Did you hear that?

Shhhh.... wait for it.... SILENCE!!! That is the sound of worn out children actually going to sleep by 7:15. Now, who knows how long that will actually last. But, I will take advantage of this opportunity while I have it. Rather than tackle the mounding pile of dishes in the sink (seriously, how many dishes can accumulate?? I just cleaned those up after PM snack?!?! hey, don't judge me!), clean up the toys that somehow managed to be strewn all across the downstairs, finish up laundry, feed the dogs (poor guys!) or put away the large pile of clothes that is spilling out of my clothes basket (I need a second basket by the way, that way the clothes won't have to spill out when I continue to pile more on), I will sit here and write on the blog. I may even jump onto Pinterest to see if there are any new recipes, even though I just used two new ones today. That is right, I am taking a mommy minute (while also eating my dinner that I was unable to choke down with the kiddos awake)!  I would love to relax with a glass of wine (gasp!) But I am still on "feeding duty" for Little E-Man for at least another 2 months, so the wine will have to wait.  Speaking of... I cannot believe that little stinker is going to be 10 months old!! And that Maddy is 3! Holy moly! Where does the time go?! Having children really puts the time/age factor into perspective. As I mentioned previously, we spent several days at the lake house last week. While we were there, Maddy officially turned 3 and Ethan cut two teeth (top ones and they gave him a really rough time!).  Early in our marriage when we visited the lake we were able to be on "lake time" as it is referred to frequently. This means the same thing as "island time" or "beach time" when you just throw away the clocks/watches, relax and let the day come as it will. I truly enjoyed those times. :)  Since having children, especially now that we have two, "lake time" for us is out the window. I wore my watch the entire time. Even if I didn't wear one, the moods of my children would let me know what time it was. Getting cranky meant, I'm hungry, tired and its crazy hot out here people! what are you thinking letting us be out in this heat for more than an hour?!?! This mood is quickly followed by meltdown central. Thus the reason for wearing a watch, trying to avoid this catastrophe.  After the first night, I tried to keep the kids on a near-to-normal routine, to prevent any MAJOR meltdowns. (though it is really tough to predict when/where/why any meltdowns occur in the life of a 3 year old) Anyhow, I had several evenings to myself while the kids were in bed. I must say, it was relaxing. No TV, computer, cell phone, book (dang it! I forgot my book!).  I was able to reflect on my life and realized how quickly time goes by, especially after having children. There were definitely moments that I missed being able to function on "lake time." Sure, there are times that I miss having a cocktail and floating around for an unreasonable amount of time or going to a winery, or staying out late with friends. There are even times that I miss eating dinner without having to get up a million times, eating a hot meal for that matter, or even using the bathroom by myself.  But, hopefully I will be able to have those moments after my children are older.  Right now, I get to experience a whole new kind of joy and fun in life. Those moments are with my beautiful children. I cannot begin to explain how much those two little ones mean to me. I am so blessed to have two healthy children, a devoted husband and a beautiful home. My children are my world and I am so lucky to be able to watch how they change every single day. Ethan continues to be the happiest baby ever and is now taking several steps at a time by himself. Maddy amazes me with her compassion and intelligence every day. Sure we have our moments of her screaming so much that I fear that our neighbors will hear and an attitude that makes me cringe with fear for her teen years. But hey, she is 3!  I love them both unconditionally and irrevocably. I hope and pray every day that my children have healthy, happy lives and find contentment, happiness and peace as adults. I reflect on things that occurred during the day, things that went well, things that we can do better tomorrow. I sometimes get caught up on critiquing myself, maybe too hard. I just hope that my children know how much they mean to me and how hard I am trying to be a good mom. I have made a promise to myself that I will NEVER take a moment for granted. I will relish in all of the MANY fun moments, I will learn from all of the challenging moments. My children make me strive to always be a better person.  No matter how long or short of time that we will have together, I will cherish EVERY SINGLE MOMENT. 

"Making the decision to have a child is momentous.  It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body."  ~Elizabeth Stone

Oh and by the way,  it is 2 hours later. I have finally finished this post. In case anyone was worried, I did feed the dogs :), the kitchen is clean and most of the toys are put away. :) 
Until tomorrow....