Get a Melissa & Doug 25% Off Coupon When You Take the North "Poll"

Melissa & Doug want you to tell them which of their educational toys you think is the best! Just click on the image below to place your vote in the North "Poll!" You'll Get a Melissa & Doug 25% Off Coupon** to use at MelissaAndDoug.com just for voting!

babies are back

Can someone please tell me where time is going? I no longer have little babies anymore and the little monsters are growing up fast. This past weekend the boys went to their dad's and it was of course a nice break but I couldn't get them home fast enough. Nothing like big hugs and kisses after being apart for 3 days.

Our evenings are always spent having cuddle time but on those Sunday nights we always have some extra time together. Tonight we read stories, watched Barney and enjoyed some PB&J.

But its never cuddles without dog-piling mommy :)

(this picture was taken on our recent trip to Ohio)

Their next visit will be our first holiday apart and to keep my mind off of it I will be doing some serious home projects on our tiny apartment and preparing for finals. let the planning begin!

What clean laundry?

11 loads of laundry cleaned and ready to be put away + 2 toddlers = what clean laundry?

Its such a wonderful feeling to know you have FINALLY caught up on your chores and get 5 seconds to put your feet up. Sitting down on the couch chatting with friends on facebook and OOPS there goes the first basket. SIGH. 2 seconds later, over goes the second basket. Now there is a nice leaf pile, aka laundry pile, perfect for jumping in. Up on the rocking chair goes two little boys and down onto the nice, clean, folded laundry. YAY! oh wait, its not quite big enough so why not add the other 2 baskets as well? Mommy won't mind, will she? not at all cause she's just doing some homework.

After 1,000 rounds of jumping off the chair into the clothes and they start getting bored. Next on the agenda? climb up the stairs and throw toys down. Chew and tear every piece of paper in sight (including bills). Tell mommy NO and hit the other brother 50 times.

An hour later it has been decided mommy can't take any more and its bath and bed time:D oh wait did I say an hour? I meant only 5 minutes. After all this it seemed to be an hour in mommy time. oops

reflections...

The past 6 months have been a time of change and reflection. On May 4th the boys joined the ranks of split holidays and double birthday parties. They then went on to go from staying at home with mommy 24/7 to having to go to day care half days so mommy can go to school and try to support us all. I have to admit its been tough but I wouldn't have it any other way.

Today marks the 4 year anniversary of when Jimmy and I met but it also now marks the day we filed our divorce papers. No time for tears, only a time to stop and think about where this has brought us. No regrets, because how can you not think about what we have gained? Two beautiful boys who are my whole world. So for now its daddy's every other weekend, but the rest of the time is full of kisses and hugs for mommy.

We have come a long way in 6 months. Mommy's monsters have grow up to little men. James is learning manners, knows most of his ABC's, numbers, and colors and is my sensitive boy; Christopher gives you hugs and kisses right before smacking you on the head with a variety of objects or racing up the stairs faster than I can catch him. Both boys have gotten used to their schools and no longer cry every time I leave them, of course that doesn't mean they don't want to spend every other waking (and non-waking) moment with me. They know that every other weekend they go to Daddy's and let me know they miss him in their own little ways.

As for my experience as a single mom? one word. HARD. But at the same time equally rewarding. There is nothing better than knowing I'm making my way through college just to get on my own two feet and not have to depend on family or the government. We have a roof over our heads, a car that runs, bills are paid, and food is on the table. What more can you ask for?

Introducing the Monsters...

My first post will be dedicated to my little monsters who have inspired me to create this blog.

James is Monster #1 and for good reason. Born November 26, 2008 he is full on in his terrible twos and is king of the "shit my kids ruined" castle. He loves climbing furniture and running outside when I'm not looking. He also enjoys mommy cuddles and bringing all his bedding into the living room to watch his favorite shows Dora and Caillou. He enjoys eating gummies and juice mostly but if corn dogs and pizza are around they will work as well :-)

Christopher is Monster #2 and is equally a handful. Born a month early on May 26, 2010 he has been small but mighty from the start. Loves following his big brother around and doing everything he does. He loves Barney, Elmo and balls as well as exploring the house and getting into every cabinet he can open. Favorite foods would be bananas and oranges.

These are the monsters and I love them to death:-)