Raising Feet

My mother in law has a famous saying...
"I didn't raise children, I raised feet!"
Buying shoes is a chore for me, especially because there are no local children's shoe stores.
My beautiful 5 year old Arielle keeps trying to convince me that she has outgrown her shoes and that she NEEDS new ones. According to my not so expert training and unbelievable thumbing skills, she still has room to grow.
Last time we went to get shoes (3 weeks ago), I had to buy my 4 yo Kayla 2 new pairs, sneakers and dressy shoes, because her feet genuinely grew. While we were there, we had them fit the 2 yo Tzvi, who was just growing out of his shoes. We bought him a pair as well so that we would not have to come back to the shoe store again. We had gone to the mall where we parked on the exact opposite side from the stride rite location. We finally reached the store and accomplished by purchasing 3 pairs! Arielle was sized and it was determined that her shoes still fit. Relief for me, disappointment for her!
But not more than two weeks later, she is trying to convince me to get her a new pair anyway!
Am I raising children, or feet?

Early Adopters: Tzvi and his ABC's

Yesterday I came home from work to be greeted by the following comment from my babysitter:
"Did you know that Tzvi (just turned 2yo in June) knows his ABC's?"
To which I responded: "I know! He sings it so nicely and is so cute when he responds to my pauses with the letters!"
Babysitter: "No, I mean he KNOWS the letters. He is up to 'G.' If you show him all the letters and ask him to point to the 'C' he can find it for you. I am teaching him throughout the day. I know it is possible because my sister taught me when I was little."
Okay, now this is too much!
My 2 year old son (who happens to be be very intelligent and whose language skills are ahead of his developmental age) knows the alphabet!!!!
I have not yet seen his skill in action, but I am anxious to test this out!

Talk about early adopters!

Back from the Big Blog Hiatus

My busy overtime work schedule forced me to take a 3 month hiatus from my blog, but I am back!
I have been enjoying the summer and coming home at a reasonable hour (I worked overtime from the beginning of March through mid-June). I enjoy getting my kids ready for bed, though at times bedtime is stressful and I rely on my husband to help me! When I get home the sun is still out and there is time to cook dinner (I am still getting used to cooking each night).
Here is a list of things I am still adjusting to and relishing now that I have my life back:

• Going to sleep in the 10's (before 11pm). This is my goal! I LOVE the nights when I accomplish that!
• Cooking dinner each night (see above).
• Sundays to lounge around, shop, and complete household projects.
• Exercise: I am trying to get back into shape for my 2 hours of basketball... Fat chance. Literally.
• Pajama- and bed-time for the kids! Telling "Mommy Stories" aka stories of Mommy when I was a little girl.
• Social media time: I can play on Google+, FB, Twitter, and get back to blogging. WHEW! I know you'all missed me :)
• ... And last but certainly not least: Spending quality time with my husband. Whether we are eating dinner together, accomplishing those daunting household projects, playing with social media, or just chillaxing, it is good to have someone with whom to share these tiny moments.

You really learn to appreciate the small things in life!
Hope you enjoy my latest post and look forward to bringing you more.