Good Mother

What is the definition of a 'good mother'? Is it the mother who sits in with her Kindergartner's class every Wednesday afternoon to pass out paint supplies, and cheese sticks? Is it the mother who chose to leave her career she worked so hard for, and focus on her growing family? Is it the single mother who works two jobs and still makes time to help with math homework she doesn't even understand? Is it the mother who has been away from her babies for eighteen months because she feels that defending their freedom is first and foremost? I sometimes look at my children while they are asleep, and I wonder, do they think I am a good mother? Did I show each one of you enough affection today, so that if for some reason I have to leave this world suddenly, you know that I loved you? Do you know, my sweet babies, that even though I have given life to you, it is you who gives me life now? I spend my whole day feeding them, making sure noses are kept clear of boogies, diapers are tended to, homework is correct, clothes are clean, everyone is sharing, a favorite blanket is found in time for bed, and teeth are brushed. But, do they know how much I love them? Do they? I hope so, I really do. If it weren't for them, I would be empty.

Sigh...just needed to get that out.

On another note, I made bread! It took two tries in my bread maker (the one that I have had FOREVER, and managed to lose the instruction manual...nice) but, the end result was YUMMY! I followed this recipe:Honey Whole-Wheat Bread, instead of bread flour, I just used whole-wheat.

I highly recommend it! Nothing makes me feel like a better mom than nourishing my family with healthy food that came from my very own kitchen. Abby even said, "You don't have to buy bread from the store anymore!" No, I don't, and that is fantastic!

I hope you all have a fun-filled weekend!

xo-Joy

Chace

   My baby boy recently turned seven months. I am happy and sad. I am really going to miss holding him in my arms, kissing his chubby feet, playfully biting his chunky cheeks, and nursing him. That last one is happening sooner than I had ever expected. He shows little interest in nursing anymore, and it saddens me. My son is growing up right before my eyes. He is rolling around everywhere, and in a few months he will surely be crawling circles around us. Every time I look at him, I want to cry because my heart can barely hold all of the love I have for him.

Sick babies at Clegg Castle

I am so tired. I have been caring for all of the sick babies in my house for over two weeks now. it seems whenever we start to show signs of improvement, another symptom kicks in. Abby asked me what a symptom was, and after I told her, she asks EVERYONE what their symptoms are. That girl makes me laugh...a lot.
I turned 32 yesterday! I am in such a happy place in my life. I am so thankful for all of the wonderful friends I have, as well as the supportive, loving family I have. I was always a little worried that I might not be on the right path, but I was the entire time! Isn't that just how life goes? Funny.
Chad bought a serger for my birthday! I can't tell you how excited that makes me. I am a little intimidated, but, I'm sure I can get the hang of it.
Now that April is over, and I am another year older, I would like to make a special list of all of the things I am happy for:

• The way Boo's hair looks in pigtails
• Chace's smile first thing in the morning.
• The way my house smells after I have been baking.
• My little Bailey who has been with me for ten years.
• How Abby always tells me I smell nice, even when I don't think I do!
• Chad's sense of humor-sarcastic, yet sweet. I know, right?
• My jammies.
• My coffee cup filled for me
• Elmo

Abby and her brother, Chace. I love these smiles!

I hope to post more of my sewing projects. So much I want to share with you!

XO

Joy

Love isn't all that's in the air

Chad has been sick the past few days. He has been cruising the couch, hacking, coughing, and sneezing his way through ESPN highlights. My house has been taken over by a germ-ridden sofa hog. I ran to Walgreens and picked him up some meds, so maybe he will be feeling better soon. He is at the doc right now, so I threw on some rubber gloves and stripped the sofa of all blankets, pillows, and socks, threw it all in the washer on HOT. Worst of all, I woke up this morning with a nice cough. I gave him the stink-eye and said in my meany monstery voice, "you got me sick?" "The nerve!" Blah, I hate being sick. I need some inspiration, some motivation to get me back on track. I think it's funny how after a few days of my husband being home from work completely throws me off schedule. It's noon and I'm still in my pajamas drinking now cold coffee.

Even though Chad was sick, he still managed to make Valentine's Day special. I hope you all had a very special Valentine's Day, as well. Also today is my sister's birthday. Happy Birthday, Jen!

xo-Joy