Bullet Proof

There will be no introduction or a smooth transition, let's just get to it...

• The best thing about moving past a rough parenting patch is how quickly I forget just how hard it was to be stuck in said rough patch.  A recent example: our bedtime battles.  We went through months, maybe even close to a year of horror at bedtime.  The time-consuming nature of the so-called
  "routine" that my children could not seem to grasp...the seemingly never ending chorus of I HAVE TO GO POOP right after all sugarplums were kissed and cuddled and covered....I'm scared...My feet are itchy...I didn't get to read anything...I don't have my animals...My pillow is downstairs...I'm not tiiiiiiiireeeeeddd!  Sweet charity- we have entered a season of easier nights and I for one am happy for whatever respite the gods are willing to bestow.

• We just wrapped up a rather busy weekend.  I spent most of last week battling a migraine and rebound headaches and it SUCKED.  So I was not looking forward to a crazy weekend because I feared the return of the migraine battle (neurologist appointment on the 25th but I know there isn't much they can do for me in terms of prevention soooo we'll see).  I had a little talk with myself on Thursday night and resolved to get organized, stick to my plan for getting any preparation completed and proceed with a positive attitude.  Not just a I-just-have-to-get-through-all-this-and-then-Sunday-afternoon-will-be-blissfully-uneventful attitude.  I was positive and proactive with each event and you know what?  It turned out to be super fun for everyone!

• The added benefit of this great weekend was that not only did the kids have fun but I did too.  And I reached Saturday night feeling like a really good mother.  Lately, I've felt like I am falling short on just about everything.  I think it's just the change of seasons and Mike's job being more demanding.  I am struggling to adjust but maybe this weekend was a turning point.  I'd like to keep the momentum going because I know the holiday season always brings a bit more whirlwind. 

• All 3 kids just wrapped up fall soccer and each of them had a blast & really learned so much about the game.  The boys are also doing indoor winter soccer which is once per week- games only (no practices).  It is a much faster paced game but I think it is good to keep them on track since they are both really enjoying learning and playing.  And I've really had so much fun watching their games- it's amazing how exciting the games get.  We were blessed with great coaches for the fall and a pretty great group of parents and kids.  I'm glad for this experience to have been so positive.  It was Chloe's first venture into sports. Her program was referred to as "campers"- a perfect intro to the sport.  The boys were on separate teams for the fall but are together for winter which they are excited about.  I'm enjoying being a soccer mom!

• Chloe turned FOUR on the 12th.  FOUR!!  She is amazing and I am pretty sure I am overdue on an update post for all 3 kids so I will save that for another time.

• I've been reading quite a bit which is taking over my online time- that's a good thing in terms of Facebook which continues to be a total time-suck for me.   I just read the 3 books of the "Maze Runner" series and am wait-listed for the prequel.  I still need to get to the 3rd book of the Divergent series.  I love reading so much!!! It takes over any free time and keeps me up too late but I feel sharper all around when I'm engaged with a new book.  So now I am off to finish up my current read "What Alice Forgot".  While I got off to a slow start, I've been obsessed with it for the past 2 days and will probably finish it today or tomorrow.  Sweet Dreams :)