Day-trippin it.

I just can't get enough of this little boy. He looks like THIS after I smear sunscreen all over his face.

These two don't have to try hard to wear the same face as this scary statue.

This little girl is just too cute. She's smiling in front of Sleeping Beauty's castle.

Family Picture. We don't get to take too many of these...

Little Jane Jane pushing Sawyer Joyer. She should get a medal for being a great big sister.

Sawyer. HOLLA!

So, here's a little update on sweet little Sawyer Joyer. I swear to you this kid is a natural born model (and swimmer...). If he is upset, all I have to do is pull out the camera and I see nothing but smiles. Check it out.

He kind of likes to chew on crayons... wierd huh?

Oh, my aching heart...

So, if any of you follow my facebook status then you've seen in the last couple of days that I haven't been having a good time with the kids.

Sitting here, after Mother's Day and the extra hour of sleep that I got on Saturday morning I need to say that my heart is aching for all kinds of reasons.

1. My kids are amazing and loving little animals that make me smile every day.

2. My kids are real big stinkers some days.

I am so grateful for my children and I wouldn't trade them for anything and at the same time I feel completely overwhelmed some days. Someone mentioned on my facebook status that I should be grateful for having kids when some people can not have any and I want to respond to that by saying that I am SO grateful for my children. Anyone who really knows me knows that I live, breathe, eat and sleep my children and I wouldn't trade them for anything. That being said, I'm allowed to feel overwhelmed and like I need help. All days are not supposed to be good days. Motherhood forces one to stretch and grow and bend and flex in unimaginable ways. It is because of the bending and stretching that I am able to grow as a mother and person. I know that the bad days lead to that one great day where I will be able to claim my family for eternity and I'll take them. There is no question about it. But I'm allowed to be overwhelmed and if I can't vocalize those feelings then I may not learn from the wisdom of a mother around me who has been through the same thing and come out on top.

I love my children. My family is the one great success that I have in life. I hear all the time about how I am selling myself short by not working. I hear sideways comments all the time about snooty housewives who don't know anything but the truth is that I am fulfilling my divine role as a mother and a wife and I wouldn't have it any other way.

It's RIDICULOUS!

"That's ridiculous, Mom" is Jane's favorite phrase du jour.
Here is a conversation that we had the other day.

Mom: Jane I'm going to braid your hair and you're going to look at it and say "ooooohhhh Thank You, Mom."

Jane: No. I won't.

Mom: You won't? Why not?

Jane. I won't. That's ridiculous.

If this girl weren't so much like myself I think I'd lose my mind. She is great. Life is moving along and, of course, she lets me braid her hair even though it is ridiculous.