Case of Mommy Guilt

To preface why I felt so bad/guilty today I have to tell you what happened last week. Last Wednesday Big Sis had her dance class and wanted to leave early because she was tired and hungry. I hadn't fed her a snack before class like I usually do so she kept telling her teacher that she was tired. After leaving the class a few times I asked her if she wanted to leave early. She did, so we left.

Skip to this morning 10am. We are on time for her class, pancakes for breakfast insured us a full tummy and Big Sis is committed to staying the entire duration. In the parking lot I notice the other little dancers are all wearing Halloween costumes. Oh, crap! Okay, we can handle this. Well, as it turns out they gave an announcement last week that today they would have a Halloween party and everyone should dress up and bring treats for the class.

The look on Big Sis' face when she noticed that she was the only one not dressed up, can I just say crushing. I pulled her aside and told her that I didn't know and that I loved her and thought she was beautiful. I was on the verge of tears. Big Sis however enjoyed her class and the other girls costumes and got over it so quickly, no embarrassment. I on the other hand was mortified. The other mommies were bringing these cute little treat bags and goodies that were so Martha Stewart. I felt like screaming "I can do that too, if only I'd gotten the memo!". What is it with me and my pride? Lesson learned from Big Sis' example, it really doesn't matter. There are more important things in life, ie. feeling loved.

Carving Pumpkins

We had a lot of fun last night carving our pumpkins. I know way last minute but we made it. Big Sis drew the face for her very own pumpkin (it's the girl) and DH helped her carve it. Lil Sis and I opted to use cut outs, only free handing the star and moon. Lil Sis thought the wax crayon was lipstick and as you see was trying to apply it generously.

Twins

DH was just remarking on how much Lil Sis looks like him tonight. So we pulled up a picture of him as a kid. And what do you know, they do. They even have the same grin! Check it out.

Trunk or Treat

We love sugar. We love sugar. We love sugar. Tonight was "Trunk or Treat" at church. Big Sis and Lil Sis enjoyed treating and enjoyed their spoils. So did mom and dad. Lil Sis did not want to wear the bunny head, oh well at least she put the costume on. I didn't think she would care about her costume this year, but apparently having an older sister who is way into princesses and dressing up has an influence. I should have bought Lil Sis the Tinkerbell costume, she has been wearing it everyday this past week. So I forced her into the hand-me-down bunny costume all in the name of saving a buck! Before we left tonight she was quite distraught and would just hang her head and cry. But once she caught on to the spirit of Halloween (aka Candy) we were cool.

What is up with that smirk?

"Mom do I have to?"

Pumpkins

We went to the Cal Poly Pomona Pumpkin Patch tonight. It was awesome. DH was reminded of the good old days in Grad school. The girls loved running around the patch and inspecting the gourds. Lil Sis wasn't as interested in the pumpkins as Big Sis. She picked up sticks instead, but soon caught on to her sisters enthusiasm. We found two big pumpkins and then the girls each bought a mini pumpkin. Here are some of my favorite shots.

I'm in love ...

with this wrapping paper. I have an addiction to paper, I'll admit it. Scrapbook paper, wrapping paper, and I'm sure once we have a house wall paper. It's so beautiful I hate to cut it up and gift it. I did like the idea of framing it and putting it on the wall. I also would like to get these prints for the girls future room. Can't wait to see what else I can find on Etsy.

Balancing

Lil Sis loves to walk on the edge of the sidewalk or planters. In the parking lot we have to take the long route so that she can balance on the 6 inch swath of concrete. Or I have to forcefully remove her since the swath will not take us in the direction we need to go. Well Sunday afternoon we went on a fun walk with my Brother and Sister-in-law. Lil Sis decided to take it to the next level and follow in Big Sis' footsteps.

Don't you just love Saturday?

As usual DH and kiddos washing the cars. They have been doing this since Big Sis could walk.





Lil Sis loves to imitate Big Sis.

Recent Conversation

Recently had a conversation with Big Sis that went like this:

Big Sis: Mom, what if you didn't have eyes?
Mom: You couldn't see.
Big Sis: What if you didn't have a nose?
Mom: You couldn't smell.
Big Sis: What if you didn't have ears?
Mom: You couldn't hear.
Big Sis: Mom, what if you didn't have a head?
Mom: Well you couldn't do anything, you can't live without a head.

Getting Upset

Last night was crazy. After dinner I took the girls with me to Costco. Big Sis brought her "magic wand". As she sat in the cart she started whipping it around nearly smacking Lil Sis and I on the head. After warning her that it would be taken away, she proceeded to cast her crazy wild spells and whip the wand, which smacked me. Well of course I followed through and took the wand away placing it in my back pocket. Two seconds later Big Sis tested the waters again and snatched it from my pocket. I then told her she would not get it back until tomorrow. Sobs and more sobs.

Why does everyone in the store have to stare? I felt awful. Then at the check stand she was still whimpering. When the check out clerk tried to cheer her up Big Sis gave her the dirtiest look and started crying again. Argh!!! But the funny thing is that she totally gets it from me. My mom was right when she said many years ago, you get exactly what you dished out. So after some reflecting, I realize I need to be a better example.

This is the "dirty" look. (captured 9/27/07)

Movie Screening

I'm off to a movie screening. I went a couple of months ago with a friend. We had a lot of fun and decided to do it again. Free entertainment. You can't beat that. The movie is called, "Made of Honor" with Patrick Dempsey. So DH has the girls (thank you for supporting me). It will be fun to see what kind of adventures they go on.

Walking

We went on a walk tonight after dinner, just the girls and I. DH would be proud. He's always trying to talk me into a walk. Big Sis couldn't get over how much dog/coyote poop there was on the trail. She kept warning me when we came upon some and made sure none of us stepped in it. Lil Sis did not want to walk on the trail and kept saying "huggie", which means I want to be carried. No wonder I'm tired, I got a work out.

Imitating me.



Looking for Sis

We found her!

The Library

The girls and I visited the library today with our little friend. They loved it, I loved it. There is something so exciting to me about the rows and rows of books, the total organization, and the endless adventures & possibilities. I hope that the little ones will love to read as much as I do. Sometimes I go crazy when I read a good book. I don't care about anything around me. Food, nah don't need it. Sleep, what's that, I have to find out what happens. I'm like a crazy addict. Lately I've been to busy to really delve into a good book. I've been trying to read War and Peace and that has been really hard. I'm taking it slow. Normally I would have given up by now, but I'm determined not to.

After the library we chased ducks around the park and played for awhile. Fun day.

"The Monster"

That is the title that Big Sis has been using to refer to my camera lately. As you can tell she did not enjoy having her picture taken at the fair. I'll keep trying.

Who Doesn't Love a Dirty Face

I love the park, mainly because it wears my kiddos out and they take a nap. Well at least it works for Lil Sis. (Big Sis stubbornly refuses to nap.) I love that they can get totally dirty and eat sandy Pirate's Booty and not even care.