OOTD

"Mom, I have to wear shorts to school because it was so hot in my classroom yesterday. They had to bring in 3 fans. And my hair just needs to be back so I can focus on my test. This is a really big deal today." ~ Afton

"Can I wear this so I can be super fast on the field? I want to score at every recess today." ~ Jack

"These shoes are perfect for just in course (not a typo) Sofia comes to my school today to invite me to her palace. I'll be comfy cozy but ready to dance like a princess." ~ Jocelyn

Outfits of the day explained!

Sometimes

Sometimes I can be a fun mom.

My kids have asked probably 7,687,452,759 times if they can get their faces painted at any number of the activities, events, fairs, parties, etc. that have offered it.

Always to hear my same response. "No. It will smear. It will make a mess. It will get on your clothes. You'll fall asleep in the car and then ruin your carseat or bed when we get home because it's too late to wash it." Blah, blah, blah, killing their childhood with each reason!

And this time, they all walked by it, didn't even ask for it, didn't even give me a look to hint at it, and it hit me.

They are getting too big to want something this silly. Something that will easily come off.

Should I really care so much about their clothes or the interior of my car as opposed to the happiness it could bring them, while they are still my sweet little babes?

Nope. My babes won't be my babes for long. Their clothes will not stay clear of stains. And my interior is black leather, so I can just wipe it down. So... sometimes, I can be a fun mom.

Just to be clear, I will not give in on making their beds or putting away their things as soon as they are done with it. I'm raising responsible kids to be responsible adults here. I said sometimes! 

Simple Little Things

There are little things that bring each of us joy.

For Jocelyn right now those simple little things include flowers.

Umbrellas.

Pouting.

Getting dirty.

Her brother and sister.

And her daddy.

For Jack, he could care less about the flowers,




but the mud brought him real smiles on his face.

And puddles.

And not listening to his parents, that warned him he'd eventually slip and then be upset about it.

For Afton, the simple little things that bring her joy are what tell me she's not my little baby girl anymore.

Her phone, (that is not connected to an account plan - ummmmmm, she's 9! No freaking way.) that allows her to keep in touch with cousins from afar and a few select friends.

And her Instagram account (which is highly monitored).

For my Sugar,

It's holding his girls hands (or the back of their jackets).

Being there for my boy.

Babywipes.

And being able to adventure with us in his home state of Washington.

For me, it's simple.

Rain boots.

Capturing memories.

And my family.

Big thanks to Julie and Gary for capturing the great shots for us of those simple little things that bring us such joy.