Better late than never

I've been meaning to post about Tyler turning six for weeks now. Oh, well! Tyler has been looking forward to being six for quite some time. Since his birthday, he has said things like, "now that I'm six, it's not so heavy to carry, " or "I know better because now I'm six."

The morning of his birthday he requested the traditional "egg face" breakfast. After a spotlight in his school, we went to dinner and he loved the complimentary ice cream. He must be a Pulley, his birthday centered around good food! That night he opened presents, and was thrilled with new sunglasses, a batman watch, and a Dragonology book!

That weekend we had his first ever friend party. With a few friends from school and a few from the neighborhood, he was spoiled with gifts. I underestimated how much energy it takes keeping up with eight six year old boys. I was exhausted after the party, but Tyler was on cloud 9. He loved the crown, bowling, pizza with friends, and overall attention. As if a friend party during the days wasn't enough, we had a family party for him that night. We were all ready for bed after such a busy day.

I came to a realization after the week of birthday festivities. While it is a lot of work as a parent to throw a party and get everything ready, you do it because your child deserves to feel special. I remember thinking as a child that my birthday was paramount to Christmas. That is mostly because my mom made me feel special. More than the gifts, or treats, or balloons, I hope Tyler could feel how much he means to me and our family. He is a smart, sensitive, energetic, friendly boy who is going to make for one awesome six year old!

Little things

More often than not, it is the little things in life that make it all worthwhile. That is true because the "big" things only come around every once in a while. Don't get me wrong, I love the big things too, but it is the small, simple, sweet things that keep a person (to be read: a mom) going. And, apparently I'm into lists my last few posts!

1. Helping Hands

I think there must be some law out there in the universe that a pregnant lady has to drop at least six things a day simply because it is hard to pick them up. Thankfully I have two small pairs of hands that will come when I call to help pick things up for me. Tyler also gathers all the garbage cans in the house each week and is sad when it isn't what he calls "chore day."  Hannah knows right where the dusters are and insists on helping. I am grateful for those helping hands even if they are the same hands that make the messes!

2. Castle

If you aren't watching this show, you should. Even though there is a murder at the beginning of each episode, it is not about the murder. Whether it is the witty banter between Castle and Beckett, or the dynamic between Ryan and Esposito, I am always smiling during the show. My Mondays are made because of this show.

3. An uninterrupted shower

I think any mom knows what I mean.

4. The feeling of being prepared

I'm a planner. For better or worse I am always thinking ahead and preparing for eventual situations. When packing for a trip I "foresee" what could happen, and what I "might" need. You get the idea. I'm a nerd! It has been a snowy winter here, and one of my favorite feelings is going to the store to "stock" up on things so that I won't have to go out for three or four days during the cold and snow. Even as I type this, the snow is falling and I love that I've got everything I need for meals for the next several days.

5. My Mom

Now she is one of the "big" things in my life, but it is all the little things she does for me that save my sanity.

6. Fruit Snacks

To whoever invented fruit snacks...thank you. When my kids are in quiet time, all it takes is me bringing them a pack of fruit snacks, and they'll stay in their rooms a little while longer. Or if I am driving in the car and the kids are getting crazy, pass them some fruit snacks and POOF, it is silent. I know it might not be the healthiest snack in the world, but they make my life easier.

7. Hiccups

Not my own, but baby sisters. She gets them daily, and it is a sweet reminder that she's there and healthy.

What little things keep you going each day?

Careful, these are an expectant woman's thoughts!

I was gently reprimanded by my sister in law that I've been neglecting my blog. This isn't news to me. I felt like there wasn't much to post. I could post Christmas pictures, or write about my mothering woes and follies, but I figured most people had better things to do than hear about the mundane things in my life. And since I felt like nothing big was happening, I chose not to write at all.

I supposed those aren't valid excuses. Nonetheless, I guess I'll write about what I've been thinking about lately. These are in no particular order, as I am pregnant and my thoughts are all jumbled most of the time anyway! 

1. Depending on the day I am excited beyond words, or nervous and overwhelmed at the prospect of three kids and meeting sweet baby sister. I have to remind myself that there are going to be great days and days where I want to quit. I need to take things one day at a time. I am also having the hardest time deciding on a name for baby sister. The name I really like gets either a hot or cold reaction. She will probably be Baby Girl Pulley in the hospital for a while! (P.S. The name I really like is Nora.)

2. Tyler has his first two loose teeth. I don't think a child has ever been so excited to have loose teeth. He's told the pizza delivery guys, the clerks at the store, and all his friends at school. How did he grow up so much?  In a way I feel like I've blinked and all of the sudden he's almost six. Part of me wants my kids to stay young and innocent forever. The other part of me can't wait for them to grow up and make their own choices. I guess I'm learning to take the time to play Candy Land for the third time in a row, or I will miss this most important time.

3. Pregnancy is really hard on my self esteem. I'm just going to be honest, it's not my favorite. Now, don't think that pre-pregnancy I walked around feeling like I was hot stuff. But we all have those days where we look in the mirror and think "not bad!" I never have those days now.

4. I love my husband. He is my best friend. Steve supports me, loves me, compliments me, and forgives me. He works so hard that I truthfully think I'd lose myself if I worked as hard as he does. He is genuine, pure in heart, a good listener, confident, and makes time to play with the kids...all of these make him super hot in my book!

Now, there are many more things I could write about. For example, I could write about my love of the show Castle, how shaving your legs in the winter is pointless, or how much I love hearing my kids laugh (as long as it isn't when doing something they aren't supposed to), but I'll spare you! At least until my next post!

Blessings Abound

Every year our family puts up a Thankful Tree. It is a fun and visual way for us to reflect upon the blessings we have received. This year Tyler and Hannah were able to contribute to the tree. They loved thinking of new things they were thankful for and adding another leaf to our tree.

Here are just a few of the things written on my leaves.

1. This man. He is a wonderful husband and father and provider. He loves me. He tells me all the time how much. I appreciate it more than he realizes.

2. This silly Tyler boy. He gets more enjoyment out of the little things in life than anyone I've met. He teaches me something daily.

3. My sweet Hannah Banana. She gives me hugs and kisses just because.

4. Baby sister. While this pregnancy has really tested me, I am beyond grateful that she is developing strong and healthy. 

5. My testimony of Jesus Christ. I know that He is mindful of me and my family. I have felt the peace, love, and strength that comes from coming to Him. I can see his tender mercies in my life, big and small.

6. Laughing. I love laughing so hard you have tears running down your cheeks. Everyone should laugh like that as often as possible!

7. Sleep. I love sleep. I honestly need around 9 hours a night.

8. Cars that work. Our Durango is getting pretty old. It is loud, completely unfancy, and every time it turns on I am grateful.

9. Sunshine.

10. More than anything, I am grateful that my family is happy and healthy. With so many luxuries in life, it is  this simple fact that is most important.

Arrrr Matey!

We've been invaded by pirates! At least they are cute pirates. This Halloween season was super fun and super busy. We went to family and friend parties, a school carnival, carved pumpkins, and went trick or treating. Both kids wanted to keep going after an hour and a half! Thank goodness for good weather and a wonderful safe neighborhood.