Just Mothering

I've found myself thinking about how hard it is to be a mother often lately. Three year olds are tough yall, especially strong-willed, independent, spirited firecrackers like mine. I can tell her not to do something over and over, and what does she do-the same thing...day after day. I know that consistency will eventually work, but man, constantly disciplining gets old.

I also find it comforting to know that I'm not the only one in this situation. Why does it make us feel better to know that others struggle with the same issues? I guess nobody likes to be different or alone in tough times, but when you think about it, it just seems wrong to be comforted by such a thing. So, if you are having a bad day know that there are other moms out there going through the same thing. Pick up the phone and call one that you know and I bet you anything it'll make you feel better. I'm so thankful for the moms down here that I get to visit with on a regular basis. I'm so thankful for my mom friends down here as well as those that are my bloggy friends. You can't imagine how encouraging your words are to me even if we've never met in person.

While these times are tough, they are also beyond a blessing and my cup runneth over for my sweet (most-of-the-time) girls. God's mercy and grace keep me striving to be a better mother and knowing that tomorrow is a new day and new opportunity to be the best mother I can and raise the best daughters I can.

I try to keep the girls occupied and busy. This tends to keep them out of trouble. Here are a few things we've done lately.

We made heart marshmallows valentines for your friends. I use Dana's Homemade Marshmallow recipe over at www.tastykitchen.com and it has never failed me. You must also use Mexican vanilla if at all possible. Trust me, they are that much yummier.

We eat snack out of these cupcake holders my sis-in-law got me for Christmas. She likes to get fun things on sale and neat little baking things for me. These make cute little snack cups and hold just enough for a 100 or a little more calorie snack...good for Lena Kate, and good for me too.

We made play dough to share with our friends. We are going to stop in San Antonio for a play date with our San Antonio friends so I made some Kool Aid play dough to keep the kids happy.

Recipe:

1 cup flour, 1 cup water, 1/4 cup salt, 2 tsp cream of tartar, 1 Tbs cooking oil. Combine in a pan over medium heat stirring constantly until a ball forms. Remove ball from pan, let cool, and store in an air-tight container.

Big sister , just opened one of her Christmas presents I had put away for a rainy day. I got it for Christmas because I knew it wasn't something they carried year-round. It is a magnetic princess paper doll set. The dolls are "boards" like in a board book, and the dresses and accessories all have magnets on the back and stick to the dolls. There were a few dresses and purses included that Lena Kate and I got to color and decorate ourselves. She is princess crazy these days and tells everybody that she has a princess guitar and whatever else she comes up with at the moment. She can usually be found with a tiara on about 90% of every day.

Miss Ainlsee likes to eat as long as you combine the veggies with the fruit and oatmeal mixture. The girl can also put down a serious amount of puffs...by the handful.

With every passing day the girls are starting to play together more and more. Ainslee follows Lena Kate everywhere and LK is pretty good to little sister.

Happy Wednesday!