it's great to be loved

I often wonder when the day will come when I will have some personal space. I enjoy the moments like the picture, it's the times when I can't go to the washroom alone or leave a room without being followed that makes me crave some time alone, oh and I don't dare take a bath unless I want some company (and not from Chris, although I'm sure he wouldn't complain if he was invited!). A few weeks ago, Chris took both the girls somewhere and it was the weirdest feeling being ALONE in the house. I think that since Hallie was born I could count on one hand how many times I've been alone in my house. Sure, there are times when they are sleeping and I am left alone and have some quiet time but I had forgotten what it felt like to actually be ALONE. There is actually a feeling that comes with being alone. As I write this I am glad that I am seldom alone and fearfully dread the day when I am alone more permanently. As much as I long for space sometimes, I am really grateful to be so wanted and loved by my family.

It's the small things!

Hallie received a birthday card in the mail from Chris's Auntie Wilma today. She loves getting mail. This was special mail because when she opened it, there was money inside. Her eyes were so big. I wish I would have had the camara to capture the moment when she saw it. I had plenty of opportunity to take pictures afterwards as she sat in "awe" for quite some time. She had been anticipating this card since last week when Auntie Wilma told her she would mail her something. Special thanks to Auntie Wilma for taking the time to do something simple to make Hallie's day.

I took some great video of Raya playing "peek-a-boo" today. I will have to take some pictures of her over the next few days to post. She moves so quickly it's hard to get the camara to take a picture fast enough.

OOOPPS, I did it again!

I have learned many times to NEVER SAY NEVER, especially about parenting. Well, today it rang true once more as I did something I promised myself I would never do. It all stemmed after a few days of Hallie insisting on have conversations such as this one:

Mom: It's time for lunch, sit at the table
Hallie: Why?
Mom: Because it's 12oclock and lunch is ready
Hallie: Why Mom?
Mom: Because we are going to get hungry soon.
Hallie: Why?
Mom: Because we need to eat for energy
Hallie: Why?
Mom: So that we can do fun things
Hallie: Why Mom?
Mom: Hallie, you need to sit at the table so we can have lunch
Hallie: Why
Mom: Because that is where we eat
Hallie: Why Mom?
Mom: Because it doesn't make as much mess and it shows good manners
Hallie: Why
Mom: "BECAUSE I SAID SO"

And there is the quote that I swore I'd never say to my children but after a few days of a million WHYS I just caved! I can't take it anymore!

The really crappy part is that Chris and I were just commenting the other day that she hadn't ever gone through the "why phase" that some of her friends are in right now. Apparently she heard us talking and now has figured out a great way to drive us crazy.

Bless her heart though, she smiles the cutest little smile every time she says it :)