Maybe it is Us?

Does anyone else feel like their kids are completely different children when they are in the room? I swear, as soon as my kids are behind closed doors, they morph into little demons that hit, cry, and throw tantrums because they were not given the orange plate. 

My mom watches 2 of my boys every Monday & Tuesday. Last year it was the oldest 2, but this year my oldest headed off to JK, so she now has Mr. T & W. W is going through a horrendous stage right now, the child literally spits when he is angry, and he is angry all of the time. It makes me wonder if I am the worst parent in the entire world. But today, after having the 2 for the entire day, my mom claims that W was a complete angel. She is either delusional, or lying. 

(Like seriously, 0 time outs?! He normally has 4 before breakfast.)

Mr. H's teacher claims that he is an absolute sweetheart, which to be honest, I actually believe. He has one of the best hearts, and he is pretty shy, so I can see these two characteristics boding well in JK. But tonight, trying to put him to bed was like climbing Everest, while it's raining. A death trap.

I think it's time for a glass of wine, xo

The Start of My Journey - My Declaration

Meet my boys. The biggest ones (that is currently being squashed by the youngest one in this picture,) is Henry. The little one in the orange is Timothy, and the oversized baby is William. This picture was actually taken close to 18 months ago, but I feel it demonstrates my life so well, that I wanted to share. Especially since the picture isn't quite in focus, which says a lot. I am basically in the middle of a tangle of drool, wrestling, sticky fingers, trains and half eaten food. But it's worth it, they may be monsters, buy they are my monsters.

I have started this blog, because I have decided that I am on a mission to spend more time with these monkeys. I am a full time teacher (who has actually been off on sick leave for the past 10 months - more on that later,) and I have decided in the next year, that I am going to find a way to be home full-time and watch my boys grow up, and be a part of their lives. Henry just started JK, and when I was dropping him off, and getting him integrated over the course of the first week I realized that, I truly could not imagine not getting this experience with the other 2.

Not only that, but I want to be the kind of mom that volunteers in the classroom, is part of the Parent Association, never misses a soccer game and hosts their little friends for playdates. I have realized over the last couple of years, that with 2 parents working full-time, there is so much in life that just isn't possible. Not while continuing to be healthy, and happy anyways. Something has to be shoved aside, and it is typically ourselves. So not only do I want to do this for them, but I want to do it for myself as well, for my entire family.

So, here is my declaration to you - I will be taking a leave of absence from work September 2017, to focus on my family and to lead a life I love. There are so many pieces that are going to need to fall into place before this is possible, but I am going to take the time to research all elements, put in the hustle to make my little side gig (I am a Star Stylist with Stella & Dot - more on that later as well) a feasible financial option and the passion to design a life that I love.

Thank you for coming along for the journey, xo