Enjoy!

The boys and I have been on a whirlwind of here and there the past few weeks. Ridley begins primary school this week and without realizing it I tried to do as much with the boys as I could before summer comes to a hault. It was exhausting, but worth every moment.  I feel fourtunate because I know how to enjoy my boys, my closest friends, their children that I love as my own, the time I spend with my grandmother.  There is a deep sadness for those that cannot do that. Enjoy one another.  Is happiness learned or did I learn by watching the opposite?  No matter, as I sigh and have tears in my eyes I think, "Oh, I am so glad  I enjoy life!" 

I'm back!

"The most important work you and I will ever do will be within the walls of our own homes."
 -Harold B. Lee

Here's a glimpse of the time from then to now.

Ridley said hello to five.
Liam is standing tall.
I've been to the pool more this summer than, well EVER.
Michael and I took the boys on a road trip.
We said "goodbye" to Percy hen.
I've witnessed what teaching, patience and fun can do for learning.
Discovered a love for children's books that I wasn't afforded as a child.
I've watched my community stand up for what is right.
I've lost myself in the music

Snow Day

I know I have my moments when I feel like the walls are closing in on me in this little house.  This is the second snow day this week.  Moments like in the video below make it all better.  Just like a big ice cream cone. (Sorry for the video quality.)

Liam laughing at his silly brother.

Don't blink!

In the blink of an eye........Liam changes.  Today he rolled over for the first time and then later in the day my doctor recommended starting him on cereal.  Just like that he is more mobile and eating solid foods.  I feel like yelling "STOP! STOP YOUR GROWING UP, STOP MOVING TOWARD BEING AN ADULT! "

I feel the same about Ridley.  We have conversations that I know some adults don't have.  Seriously, two days ago we were talking about happiness.  I have these moments when I look at him and find myself asking, "Who are you?  Where is my baby, Ridley?"  Being a mother has taught me to stop wishing for the future and enjoy today, right now, this minute, because before I know it my boys will be school age, in high school, adults making the world a better place, dating, in college, traveling the world,  getting married and having kids. (In that order mind you!  No, I'm only kidding-a little bit.)  Maybe just maybe I'm not wishing for the future, but kind of dreading it because I know one day they will grow up and leave.  Then in a moment that sadness goes away.  I stop and think about the pride and excitement of seeing them become adults and what that will entail.

What does this all mean?  Being a mother is the best and hardest role I will ever have and I'm glad. 

Friday Nights

Friday nights are predictable in our house.  I grab two pizza doughs from the restaurant on my way home from picking up Ridley at preschool or even better Michael brings both the pizza dough and Ridley home to me.  After Liam goes to bed, Ridley and I make our pizzas plop on the couch and watch a movie. Just the two of us!  When I was pregnant with Liam, Ridley asked me once if he was still going to have his place on the couch next to me when his brother arrived.  In that heart wrenching moment, I realized how scared Ridley was about not being the only child anymore. Thankfully that fear is gone now.  I like to think Fridays are a display of my love for Ridley and remind him he still has the same spot on the couch. I enjoy this alone time we have and look forward to it and let's be honest it is also a time when we can eat in front of the TV and I don't feel as guilty about it.

Boyz II Men

I mention Boyz II Men only this one time and release them from any part of this blog or it's name, Boys to Hens.  Hello, I'm Joni the mother of two amazing, active boys and the wife of a talented, loving chef.  I have three hens, two dogs and one cat.  I will introduce you too them all soon.  My days are filled with "mamas" and dimples, diapers and paperwork, cooking, laundry, cleaning, laughing, slobber and love.  I'm not sure where this blog will take me, but I hope you go along with me.