Oh Glorious Weekend

I have worked weekend nights for almost five years. I love that it allows me to feel like a 'stay-at-home mom' while still providing a solid income and sense of independence from my family. It is hard, however, to rarely have off time together as a family. I think this is something other families take for granted, two precious days to be spent bonding and making memories.

This weekend I worked only one night instead of my regularly scheduled two. The Bergmans took full advantage! After lunch we headed over to the local Log Cabin Village, amazing to look at a cabin no bigger than my living room that slept ten people! The next day we caught the dolphin film at the Imax. Gavin oohed and aah-ed while Harrison had his fill of popcorn and Sprite.

I'm so grateful for the time I spend with my boys.

Harrison probably wouldn't haphazardly spill so much water from his cup if this is how he had to retrieve it.

Walking through the fragrant herb garden. In a single-file line, please.

Harrison ringing the school bell. I'm thinking about getting one of these to wake the house up every morning.

If I do say so myself, my boys are great egg collectors. I think this would be their job if we lived on 'Bergman Bruiser Farms.'

Outside the Imax. Mean Mom made them all pose for this photo. They'll thank me someday.

Pumpkin Patch

Another year, another trip to the pumpkin patch. I just love fall!

Gavin really likes the donkey

Shanita helping the boys catapult mini pumpkins across the field. I find this to not be the best use of God's fruitful harvest...but the kids sure enjoyed it!

Oh, he was so close to picking it up!

I was a little nervous Geedge would try and leap out, but he sat tight and loved the ride.

A blast from the past!

Favorite Things

Per my fellow blogger and friend Fancy's request, I have posted things I heart. These things aren't new and exciting, but they are my very favorites.

This

+

Is a must to start my day. I must have two cups a day, one in the morning and the other during Oprah.


I love Orbit gum and this flavor reminds me of the beach.

I love these muffins! Only 100 calories and full of fiber and nutrients. Heat them up in the microwave for chocolatey goodness.






As a kid I would eat this candy until the roof of my mouth was raw.

These crackers dipped in the cream cheese are soo good. A perfect late night snack.

And I, like Fancy, cannot surprise you with a free gift of all these products. I can, however, promise if you are ever at my house all of the above items will be available for your tasting pleasure.

Big Wheels Keep On Turnin'

Proud Momma keep on clappin'...


This Big Wheel has been beat by the Texas sun for two years waiting for the day when my little guy's legs would grow long enough to reach the pedals. It's faded from a bright Radio Flyer red to a soft rose, the tall flag that once waved in the wind was broken long ago.

I had almost given up hope. But, on this glorious day something happened. Maybe it was the Indiana Jones boots, (a.k.a. Target Uggs) or maybe the empowering Spiderman boxers, or better yet, maybe he finally has reached the recommended age for a Big Wheel--I'm not sure, but whatever it was Harrison was screaming "Mommy, Mommy, woooook, I can do it!"


This is one of the best experiences of parenting. To watch your child accomplish, learn, or grow and see their raw and real excitement. Life is so simple to them. To a 3 year-old, a good day is defined by mastering the Big Wheel.

Why Does It Seem....

....like the minute I answer a phone call my children go buck wild? Prior to me saying 'hello' things can be almost picturesque, children giggling and frolicking about. I pick up and it's like 'Toddlers Gone Wild.'

What really does me in is my boys seem to save the most outrageous, most insane behavior for when I'm talking to a friend who doesn't have any kids. You know that friend? The one you want to make think your life is amazing being married with two small children. It's always following a loud scream that I get the best responses:

• Wow! I can't wait to have kids.
• Sure wish I could be you.
• Is that how it always is at your house?
• Gretch, there is never a time we talk that I don't hear someone screaming. (How do I respond to that?!)
• Children are gifts from God.

I was trying to catch up the other day with a friend I hadn't spoken to in months. The boys were behaving in the typical mom-on-the-phone fashion. After countless times of me giving them the stink eye and me silently mouthing 'behave!' I walked away to try and wrap up the conversation in peace.

Big Mistake.

I returned just in time to stop Harrison from pulling Gavin off the tall kitchen chair onto the floor. Gavin, who had pushed the chair in front of the wall-mounted oven, was trying to open the door and retrieve dinner!

The moral of the story is for the friends without children, save their phone calls for when the kids are safely in bed asleep.



By the way, I do think I have an amazing life, with an amazing husband and kids.

Minimum Monday

I'm often told I talk too loud and too much. To defend these statements is futile on my part. It's true. Terribly, terribly true. Today I'm turning over a new leaf, at least in the blogging world anyway. A picture can say a thousand words....or in this case, on Minimum Monday, just one.

Bruisers Teeth Are A-OK

A visit to the dentist- $180
Toys and stickers from the Dr. for being so good- $5.00
Being told my boys have no cavities and I'm taking good care of their teeth- priceless

Gavin didn't think much of the dentist. This is his skeptical look.

He picked out vanilla ice cream tooth polish and loved the sunglasses! He threw me under the bus, however, when the hygienist pulled out the floss and Harrison said "What's that?!" No matter how I tried to convince Harrison (and the hygienist) he's seen and used floss before Harrison had said it all with "What's that?"