What Did You Want to Be When You Grew Up?

What did you want to be when you grew up? The funny thing is, I think I’m still in the process of growing up. As far as what I wanted to be? I’ll tell you what I tell the kids multiple times a day: all I ever wanted to be is their Mom. And lord have mercy, did I certainly get what I prayed for as a child [lol].

Typical school drop-off look: shorts, sandals, coat, and an open coffee cup. It’s a risky ride to school but usually no spillage! Then I’ll shoot home and put on “normal clothes” for Michael’s drop-off 15 minutes after the big kids. A “plus” living close to school.

The kids and I have been ebbing and flowing between rest, activities, more rest, and even more activities. Yes, there are those days where I feel like I’m either yelling or apologizing for yelling, but for the most part, April has been a month of resetting for Mom, and refocusing on what God intended me to do: raise four loving, funny, messy, LOUD, kind [sorry, I could go on] human beings. It’s no easy task my friends. But I find once the yelling subsides and I’ve said my apology, we all have a good laugh at the silliness that ensues in this house, in my minivan, or on some field or court almost daily.

Today I have gratitude that God gifted me with the most wonderful job of all: being Mom to Joey, Tony, Lily and Michael. And if I call you later to tell you how stressed or tired I am, please remind me of this blog post. Because all I ever wanted to be when I grew up was Mom.

Meanwhile, Lily wants to be a makeup artist when she grows up. Sister will be teaching me about new products and techniques in no time!

She takes her creativity to new levels with her slime obsession. Oh and her countless ways to use shaving cream…. [I don’t ask anymore].

Meanwhile the boys are the happiest playing football with their friends after school.

Michael has been spending more time “playing pretend” which has been sweet to hear and see. Here is his garden with “pets.” Sorry buddy, no live pets at home just yet lol.

He’s also his older sister’s trusty assistant when the big boys aren’t around to tease him.

Did I mention he’s just as competitive as he is cute?! Holy smokes did he clock me a few times at mother son dodgeball this past weekend.

Joey is still in love with the game of basketball. And I’ve decided to shut my mouth when it comes to communicating with refs. I know. I KNOW. I know. “Be an example, Katherine.” Yes, I talk to myself in the third person as Katherine [lol].

So much so that this dream of his is keeping me up at night. HELP ME GET THIS KID TO THE NBA!!! [lol].

Tony wrapped up his third and final session of indoor soccer. This guy loves indoor soccer- and even tried out goalie for the first time this season.

Tony not only is his sibling’s biggest cheerleader, he’s also their biggest irritator [that’s putting it nicely]. He has a secret fort in our backyard… [for spying?! who knows]. All I know is more often than not Tony gets Michael on his team, and then there’s a nerf war in the backyard, basement, or front room. Hold me.

As for me? I’m usually chopping cucumbers or peppers for 20 school lunches every week [4 x 5 = 20]

I’m also spooked almost every day depending on what corner I turn because I see things like this! When I wake up and see this in my backyard, I know there’s one person who moved a chair here: Tony. Enough said.

I’m finding a solo walk for 20-30 minutes brings a peace of mind and just enough calm to tackle the second half of the day [i.e. 3pm-9pm]. On my walks I’m either listening to a podcast or quietly admiring other homes in the neighborhood. I’ve been keeping a folder of lawns and landscapes ideas for when these kids are old enough to know WE DON’T CRUSH MOM’S FLOWERS.

As for now, I’m reminding myself the lawn and landscaping can wait. The most important thing for me and the crew is what goes on inside the walls of my house. Not what my lawn looks like.

I might be sore. Tired. and finding myself with a few gray hairs, but I’m also content. At peace. And reasonably happy. I’d also like to add I should have a body double for next year’s mother son dodgeball event at school. Maybe Lily can sub in for me!

I can’t say this enough: the whole blog started because I became a Mom. And many of you have been here from day 1. Thank you for following along on this wild journey. And for supporting and encouraging me, even when I don’t think I deserve these 4 loving human beings.