Balance..

Balance..something I am NOT good at, and trying to become better at. I am just one of those people who likes to do everything to the best of my ability..i.e - a perfectionist, but am slowlyyyy learning that "somethings gotta give". It feels almost impossible to be a good mom, a good wife, a good housekeeper, a good cook, a good friend, a good blogger, a good coupon-er, a good dresser (heck, it's a  SCORE if I get a shower some days)..SO, I have taken a little break from A LOT of things lately, just trying to decide what is really important, how to get the most out of my day and end it with feeling successful, rather than "I wish I would have..". Obviously, my main focus is my main man. I've learned that making a little time for myself, by either going for a run outside, or to our new gym, makes me a better mom. Taking a 30 minute nap for myself during Jack's naptime, makes me a better mom. I am experimenting, as we are finally getting settled in. It's definitely not easy to move, and just pick your life up and set it down in a place so unfamiliar. It's not so bad when things are just utter chaos, because you adopt the theory, "It is what it is"..it's when things settle down that I start to reflect, which really results in me becoming an emotional disaster. I often wish I was more "go with the flow", but it just wasn't the way that I was wired...so I need to find ways to work through it. You know, who hasn't had a quarter life crisis before? ;) "This too shall pass"...

Enough about me, it's not why you read this blog anywhoodles.

No one ever mentioned that the terrible 2's started at 15 months? We are in full tantrum mode, people. Tonight, I watched (from a distance..trying to use the ignore approach) Jack bang his head off the floor over, and over, and over again..while screaming his cute little face off..all because we had to come inside after spending 3 hours at the beach. Oh. my. Lord.  I know, you don't even believe it..but, it's true. 5 minutes later, my sweet baby was back giving me kisses and holding a conversation with me (in his own language). This deserves another... "this too shall pass" (in about 3 more years). It has totally occurred to me why some of my students were the way that they were, though. I mean, I have an education background, and was taught skills in college to deal with kids and situations that you can't necessarily control.  Most people don't have that, and most people in America do NOT have patience...so, of course kids end up walking disasters. When I do go back to the classroom, I will surely have a new understanding...

In his non-tantrum, happy state..Jack is beginning to like to copy us (or cross dress).  I found him getting in my drawer and putting on my pajamas. It was precious..he didn't get very far without stumbling over ...a little long.

He also finds matching sunglasses for he and Daddy! Cool dudes!

A few weeks ago, Jack's cousins made a stop here while on their way to the OBX. What a fun weekend. They got in on Friday evening and left early Sunday morning. Jess and I were outnumbered by boys by 5-2..7-2 if you count the kitties. We were so busy enjoying the weekend, which we filled with a visit to Yorktown, the first PSU game of the season, and a campfire, that I didn't get many pictures :( Here are a few, though..

#1, 2 and 3...missing Graham, #4

Anthony=happiest baby on the planet!

Happy boys..food and football.

                                    
 We DID try to do a photoshoot with the boys before the Tracy's left..it went a little something like this:

Take 1..

Take 2..

Take 3..

You get the picture...Dominick was a baby holder, and tried his hardest, but was unsuccessful. 

We took advantage of Luke's 4 day weekend and visited the Living Museum..They had a dinosaur exhibit, which was a total hit with our little dino lover.. a little hesitant at first, but warmed up nicely.
                                    

Love this picture- Jack is eying up that fish, and that fish is eying him up back!

Fun w/ his BFF, Da!

Speaking of dinos..I guess it's time to unveil Jack's new big boy room! Lots of love and hard work went into his room! He "roars" every time we walk in! :)

Balance and dinosaurs...strange combo :)