So today was the first day in a long time that I had a "work" day. I guess it wasn't like normal work but I did have to set the alarm, get up and I was there all day. My mom's office was having a party for all of the tenants of the building they manage. I think the estimated number was somewhere near 400. I went out there to help with the setting up and to help her boss out selling jewelry. It was really nice to have a change of pace from my same routine life everyday. It was a long, hard day though.
I just had to say that I really do have a new found respect for people who raise children and work. I had to get both the kids up this morning and dressed and get myself out the door. I was gone all day, Zoey was with me, and then still had to take care of Noah when I got home. It really is a lot of work. It's very exhausting work. I just really give a hand to single parents or those where both parents work. I just can't imagine doing this every day. I rarely get a good nights sleep and I always do all my housework and stuff during the week while I am home. I just can't imagine how crazy my life would be if I was trying to keep up with kids, housework, sleep, and working full time. I really am grateful that I have always been able to be a stay at home mom. I know I am blessed. I really can't imagine leaving my kids everyday either. They sure can test my patience, and sometimes I can't get away from them soon enough, but it would be hard to leave them. Being away from Noah all day made me miss him. It would really stink to miss out on the things that I get to see because I am around them all the time. I love Zoey and Noah and I am so glad I get to be with them every day.
I have a different respect for my husband too. He will go to school or work all day and he is always willing to help me with the kids when he gets home. When I've had a long day and am at my wits end with the kids, he steps up and helps me out. I didn't realize until today what a challenge that must be sometimes. He does it though and he rarely seems put out or bugged that I want or need his help. He's a good husband and a good dad. I really don't know what I would do without him. Thank you Jay for all you do for us and for helping keep me sane. I love you!
I just had to share my thoughts on this. It may seem weird to some that one day like this provoked so much thought for me. I haven't had many days away from mommyhood since I have been a mom though so today just really made me think. So good job to all those out there who have crazy days, with school or work or both and who still keep a house running and kids happy. I applaud you and admire you. And of course thank you to my mom who does work every day, and still always helps out with the kids. And of course thank you again to my hubby for all the help you lend me.
I wanted to throw in a post to wish my brother and his wife a happy anniversary. 12 years ago today they were married in the Dallas temple. I just have to say how amazing I think they are. I really look up to them and the relationship they have as husband and wife. They have been married all these years and they still look and act as in love as when they were a newly married couple. I think that can be a difficult thing to do sometimes and I really admire it in them. Just being around them one can tell how much they love each other. I hope that I can be that same way with Jay. I hope that my kids, nieces, nephews, grandkids, and anyone else will years down the road be able to see that same spark in Jay and myself. I just want them to know that I look up to them and really admire what they have together as husband and wife and as parents. They really are wonderful examples of showing love and affection to each other and to their kids. They have raised their kids in the church and have done such a great job of teaching them the gospel. They have such good kids and such a great family dynamic. I just think they are great people and I hope they know it. They are a great example to look to for how a married couple should be and could be even 12 years later. Donnie and Amy, you guys are awesome! Hope you had a happy anniversary and that the years to come are as good as the past 12 years have been!
The kids picked me out some really great gifts. Noah picked a jewelry set. It is a necklace, earrings and a ring with pink stones. He sure knows his mom. 
It was a pretty fabulous 26
I love that Zoey wanted to make sure to ask for something for Noah too. She really does like him! She is such a sweet sister when she wants to be. 
I love that my son is all boy but that he also enjoys playing with a baby now and then. He's got a soft side. I love my boy!
I really do want the things at the top of my list. This certainly isn't the Christmas for them though. I really will just be happy to watch my kids on Christmas day. I love to see the excitement on their faces when they open presents. I can't wait!
Noah driving the truck and Zoey along for the ride. Zoey might not be smiling if she could see that Noah wasn't watching the rode.
It looks a lot like that. I use what I have folks, I'm not taking camera phone pictures of my lunch. Maybe next week. I usually get the Red Curry, with chicken:
It looks almost exactly like that, even down to the rice lump. Sometimes we get some Sushi. Last week we got the Silverbell Roll (the place is on Silverbell road, how clever!) which is like the Spicy Tuna roll, but it has yellow tail and a few other fishes mixed in. I liked it more than Ali did. We tried one of their specials today, it was the Spicy Salmon roll and some California rolls:
I can't eat sushi that tastes like fish, and between the seaweed and the krab I had a tough time with these, but the spicy rolls were pretty good. Noah didn't insist on trying the wasabi this time, either. He has the fireproof mouth of his grandfather.
Zoey went right to Santa but, as you can see, was very timid at first. Her nervous thing is to put her fingers in her mouth.
Noah knew where the good stuff was. Forget ham and potatoes, he's having M&Ms for dinner.
I love my family so much!!!