Higgins Lake 2009

So we've been back for 2 weeks now and I thought I would finally post some pictures. As always, the family had a great time on our 9th annual trip up north. Each year is a bit different. I remember our first years up there when Janie was just a little tyke and my sibling weren't even thinking about children. I was dealing with naps and bottles and bedtime. Now things have changed. My kids are good for an entire day on the boat fishing and tubing but it is my siblings who now have the little ones.

Good quality family time and busy, busy!




With cousin Abby




The first fish. Look at that water!


Janie learning to ski

The Allisons

Kyle-isms

It is confirmed that Kyle is going to be a player. Lord knows, he is always playing me! The latest ~

K: I hate brushing my teeth!
Me: We don't use the word "hate" in our house
K: But God made me say it
Me: Why did God make you say it?
K: Well, God gave me my words

Darn Christian Preschool!

After an evening of Kyle not listening, I finally put him in time out. He says "I guess I am not having a very good night huh? Mommy, I will try to have a good night once it gets dark."

I could go on and on...

Selfish Mommy?

As I have stated before, my kids have always gone to bed well. I never rocked or fed them to sleep. Sometimes they talk, play or read in bed but bed time is bed time!

For the past several years, Janie has gone through spurts of wanting someone to lay with her or rub her back or hold her and on and on. Lately, we think she has been going through some anxiety issues maybe due to the pressure of gymnastics or maybe not. Maybe it is because I work and am not here with her each morning (so she tells me) Whatever the case, it is very trying. I am bouncing back and forth between saying to myself "she is only going to be young for a short period so eat it up while you can" and "I need my time". Truth is, I need time to myself at the end of every day. Call me selfish because I kind of think I am. I am a better mother and much more patient when I have some down time. Lately, Janie is up until we are all in bed. She still goes down at 9p but she spends 2+ hours fretting over when I am coming to bed and when I can be here again in the morning.

I love my girl so much and snuggle her tons. I tell her every day how proud I am of her. I give her responsibility and have expectations but I don't pressure. I tell her that once gymnastics is no longer fun, we are done. Truth be told, I want her to grow up knowing how much I loved and supported her. I want her to remember us playing and reading and swimming and laughing. I don't want to screw her up but it scares me. Am I too selfish?