Long nights

Sometimes I sit here and find the nights get harder for me. I love my nights. Like most moms and dads, it is time I have to myself to watch tv, read, or whatever else I may want to do.  

Lately, my kids have gotten into a bad habit of not wanting to sleep in their room. They share a room because they wanted bunk beds and just flat out wanted to share a room. Now my daughter has been trying to come in our room in the middle of the night. This upsets my son. So we've come up with a maybe middle of the road solution and let them sleep in the living room.  

At first, it didn't bother me. Then slowly there have been more and more plushes coming into the living room and the type "A" in me comes out and wants everything cleared out.  

I try to take a step back and know that just like all the other little stages in life, I will hardly think back and remember this mess.  

Then tonight, they made a fort. I think there may be 40 plushes in there, ha!  (Can you even spot the 2nd kid?) My brain immediately goes to "oh my gosh I can't wait to pick that up in the morning". 

Y'all, look how sweet.  And I mean really, is there any way she is freaking comfortable? I move on pass the clutter knowing they are happy. They are peacefully asleep knowing their parents are right in the room next to them. That is what matters. Comfort. Warmth. Love. The mess will be a thing of the past before you know it. 

Pokémon party

Cherry Berry

My baby. My booboo. My sweetie pie. 

You can call this little girl just about anything and she will fit it. My other little boy just didn't happen to be in the photo at the time.  He was sitting not too far away on the loveseat behind me. But this little girl, she won't leave my side.  She is attached, and I love it just that way. 

Have you ever had a dog help you heal? These two, we weren't planning on, they just happened.  I had my two dogs for 10 years before, and within the same year they passed.  I was very depressed after losing them. Many people who know me know how much they meant to me. They didn't get as much attention after having the kids, like most dogs find. 

We stumbled upon these two dogs and knew we had to have them. They have brought so much light into our lives.  They love like no other, and they make sure to show it.  Crazy kisses come in all sizes for everyone who walks through this door.  I've never seen dogs love kids the way the loves ours. Our kids sure feel the love too which makes me extra happy. 

I wish all dogs could feel this loved. 

Edited to to add a picture of my other little. Chew Boo.  

Itty Bitty City

I live in a cute little town.  I call it an itty bitty city now, because growing up it was super small, and it has grown so very much now.

You can stroll the town and find somewhere to enjoy a great meal, or you can stop in and antique shop in the many stores. It seems there is always a craft fair or trade show to enjoy.

drive down south a minute and go enjoy some catfish while catching a beautiful swamp sunset. 

 It still has the same charm and best little qualities you won't find many other places. A true southern gem.  

Sunday Dinner

What is your idea of Sunday dinner? 

Growing up, food, dinner time, things like that weren't really a big thing. I don't blame my parents at all, they were both so busy working to give my brother and myself a great life. 

I have this image in my head now that I have my own family. I love dinner time. I want it to be something my kids remember and come back to.  The thought of having my grown kids, and perhaps grandkids one day at my house on Sundays for dinner makes my heart happy. 

I like to cook big meals and even though our schedule as a family isn't traditional, I do tend to cook more on the weekends. I say its not traditional because of the way my husbands schedule is, sometimes he isn't home on the weekends like the normal M-F worker is. 

Dinner time to me is special. I give my kids full bellies and my husband comes home to a house that *hopefully* smells good with home cooking. 

Family time and dinner time. My favorite!