Monday, December 2, 2013

Toddlers, a Crazy Dog and a New Kitchen

It’s been way too long since I've blogged – but I have some pretty good excuses. Three toddlers who just turned two – and as a lot of you know– this age is challenging to say the least. I also have an off-the-wall nine-month old French Mastiff – and if you don’t know what that means – think of a toddler that weighs almost 100 pounds! Oh, and he likes to nip at me because apparently he thinks it’s funny. His favorite spot is my butt (I’m not kidding!)

And… I decided this would be the best time to undertake my dream kitchen. Not a big deal except my house is a dust bowl and I may have taken on a BIT too much.

I’m not complaining (OK, maybe I am a little bit). But mostly, I’m over the moon about my new kitchen and my nippy dog and my three ridiculously cute, loving and sweet toddlers… But yikes… life can be overwhelming sometimes.

I never really imagined or realized toddlers could be so energy-sucking and (soul-sucking). Yes, I love every bit of them. But wow… they’re a handful. And why is it that they NEVER want to listen these days!!?? We started two-minute “time-outs” on the red couch in their playroom. They work sometimes and sometimes not. Let’s be honest. My kids, who are so cute, know it, and know how to use it. They flash a smile, blow a kiss, and think they can get away with anything – especially my little guy Attie. He's such a little monster when he wants to be!

My dad once stood across from me at our dinner table as we were struggling to have kids and said:

“I know it’s heartbreaking you can’t have kids right now, but what’s even more heartbreaking is having them. They will bring you to your highest highs and your lowest lows. Save yourself some sleep and some premature wrinkles and don’t have them… Or have them like me and your mother and know no greater joy.”

Those words aren't the exact ones my father, Gus, Spoke to me so many years ago – but close to it. They resonate with me now – just as they did back then.

Life is absolutely overwhelming, but at the same time, it can be so beautiful.

And now that I’m a parent, just like Gus said, I know no greater joy.

PS... updated pictures of the kids and the kitchen coming soon.


4 comments:

  1. I told my kids the other day that I wish I had eight arms, like an octopus. Then maybe I could do everything that needs to be done. Sound like you need those extra arms even more than I do, though. You should put that on your Christmas wish list!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Eight arms would be nice! That way I could wrangle them up when they're all running in different directions! Hope you have a wonderful holiday.

      Delete
  2. I cannot even fathom three 2-year-olds at once! The one almost-2-year-old I have is more than enough to keep me on my toes at all times. :) And yeah, a puppy and a major renovation? Yikes. Hang in there!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Hi Karlie! My name is Heather and I was wondering if you could answer a question I have about your blog! If you could email me at Lifesabanquet1(at)gmail(dot)com I would greatly appreciate it!

    ReplyDelete