These Are Days To Remember

Yesterday was one of those days that make all the sleepless nights, temper tantrums, dirty diapers, spit-up, throw-up, loads of laundry, whining, crying and any other downside to parenting worth it.

It was one of those days where you didn't think about when you used to be able to lay around on a Sunday morning, likely hungover, watching Lifetime movies in your jammies.

Warning: This post might bore you to tears, but for me it was the perfect day.

Woke up at 6:30 a.m., had breakfast in peace before the kids got up. The kids got up about 7:15 a.m. and made them pancakes and eggs. Maddie went upstairs to see Tom, who was still sleeping. She got right in his face with a "Hey, Dad! Wanna watch cartoons?" Eventually Colin and I made our way up there and all four of us hung out for a little while. Colin went down for his morning nap, I got a quick core workout in while Tom and Maddie painted with water colors.

I took a quick shower and dressed for church. I have to admit, I haven't been to church in a REALLY long time. However, we are at a place where the kids are getting older and going to church can be a peaceful experience and we want to make sure we raise them with a strong faith. Colin's morning nap prevents him from joining us on a regular basis, but Maddie and I went and she did really well. She brought her books, cars, Goldfish crackers and mostly took in everything around her. When we knelt, she knelt and folded her hands in prayer. The ultimate was when she genuflected after I did when we left the pew. She even hit the holy water before exiting the church without prompting. I wonder if she was a church lady in a former life. Note to self, kids watch everything you do, so watch what do in front of them.

We got home, had lunch with Tom and Colin and headed off to the Discovery Zone park. I was in charge of Maddie and Tom chased Colin. It was nice to be able to give her one-on-one attention without having to keep up with Colin.

After wearing the kids out, we all had just enough energy to hit Dairy Mart, an old fashion drive-in. We had some icecream and then headed home for naps...all of us : )

Maddie has been potty trained for almost a year, but she still wears a Pull-Up at nap time and bed time. 80% of the time she is dry when she wakes up, but since she won't get up out of bed by herself, sometimes she can't hold it. I tried to explain to her that she needs to call to me or "hold it" until she gets up. Whe she awoke for her afternoon nap, she said she was dry and that she was holding it. I looked down and she was literally holding her Pull-Up at the crotch. Note to self, kids really do listen to EVERYTHING that comes out of your mouth, so you really need to watch what you say.

From there, I made steaks, baked potatoes and corn-on-the-cob from Tom's Market (the BEST place for fresh corn). When I told Maddie I was making steak, I got a double thumbs up and a "Yes!" After dinner, Tom played with the kids while I took an extra long walk with the dogs and then we all came inside to watch a little T.V. before heading up to take baths, brush teeth and read stories.

Once the kids were safely in bed, Tom and I were able to relax, (well, sort of...I folded laundry for a half hour!) have a glass of wine and watch "Hung" and "Entourage." Two shows that are quite a contrast to our simple and quiet day, but at this point in my life, I'll take my "living" over their's any day.