Hiking in Valley Forge State Park

A few weeks ago we went hiking with my mother and in-laws.  It was such a nice time being out there amongst the trees and babbling brooks.  We went on the path to Mt. Joy. and got to see some ruins from an old root beer factory and a covered bridge, which is rare out here.  I didn't realize it was as much of a climb until I took over carrying Mena in the pack when my husband's foot started bothering him.  I won't lie, my legs were a little sore for two days.  My son thoroughly enjoys the outdoors and is quite the explorer.  I wish I had his fearlessness.  I guess I do slightly because I am terrified of snakes but I force myself to go wander in the woods.  Anyway, on the descent I saw this fallen tree and thought it would make a great photo for the photo wall, too bad I didn't have a tripod so Mena and I could have been in it.  Either way it was a great shot and a great day.  We will definitely have to plan another outing like this.

Happy Mother's Day

Today is the day we celebrate everything that is, Mom!  I read once that parents have three stages of parenthood they must go through, being a teacher and disciplinarian, then a coach and finally a consultant.  I feel like my mother has seamlessly transitioned through those roles and continues to be someone I can learn from, aspire to be and call when I need to have a pity party!  To her and all the mom's out there  or not here anymore, I say, Thank you for all that you are and all that you've done.

Let it Go

Working is for the birds!  I'm over it at the moment and I still have at least 30 more years to go.  It feels like such an interruption in my life.  I think its mainly because I have the baby and I'd rather be at home doing home stuff.  Some folks think I'm nuts.  They can't imagine being at home all of the time and prefer getting away from the kids.  I understand that too, but getting away from them to go to a 9-5?   I do like my job, thankfully, but I want it all!

I was getting that overwhelmed feeling again.  I felt like the day to day tasks were piling up.  Planning things on paper made it all seem do-able.  However, that didn't take into account the days I was tired or my child was at home sick from school and I was busy taking care of him or my normally chilled out baby was cranky and wanted some extra snuggling.  I kept trying to keep some semblance of a neat and tidy home and having dinner made at a reasonable time, while trying to do things that were enjoyable, but I couldn't.  At least not all the time.  I ended up feeling like I was working all day and never getting anything accomplished.  I know women that are able to maintain it all...but how did they do it?  I wanted in on the secret!
Then like a ray of light, my husband said to me, "Just leave it.  Stop worrying about doing it all."  Something so simple had such a huge impact on me.  I felt like it released me from my own unrealistic expectations.  This is the only time the kids will be this small and I want to look back on this time with enjoyment.  Its okay for my house to look lived in and not something out of a magazine.  I can have days that I lay around and do nothing.  In fact, its good, I am in better spirits and have energy for the children.  Now, the entire house is not clean all at the same time and if I do laundry, but its not folded for a few days, who cares?!  The kids are fed and clean and most importantly my family is HAPPY!

Summer, Summer, Summertime

Summer is on its way and I can't wait.  Yes, its crazy hot and humid on the east coast  and the mosquitos eat me alive, my hair is almost always frizzy and don't even get me started on the sweat!  But there's something about smelling BBQ as I take an evening stroll, eating popsicles on the porch, lounging at the pool, leaving the house without a coat, hearing children playing, collecting shells at the beach, road trips, bike rides, summer concerts, movies in the park, longer days, awesome tans, camping, hanging in the city, picking strawberries at the farm and too many others to list, that somehow make it all worth it.                                                                                                            
Last summer we started a new tradition of making a list of activities we want to do the second that last school bell rings.  Its a fun way to get everyone involved.  I try to pick a variety of activities both in and outdoors because somedays its too hot out or raining.  I also look online, in the papers and by word of mouth to find out about any free activities. That is especially important because I am working part time now and the funds are not the same!  Uwishunu is a great resource if you live in the Philly area, or sign up for Living Social or Groupon.  Also, check out your town or city's website for local info and possible discounts.  
Here's our list for 2013:

Here are some of my favorite photos from past summers:

How do you plan for summer?  What are some things you are planning to do this summer? 

Look who's on Youtube + Teething Tips

So, I had the bright idea to make a youtube video.  I just uploaded the first video, Teething Tips.

It was weird talking to a camera, but fun at the same time.  And, if you pay close attention, you'll notice I was nursing at the same time!  Always multitasking! Check out my youtube channel BeingCashu for fun and helpful videos.