Tired of Being the "Mean Mom"

I often joke that I am the "Mean Mom" and that I take pride in being such. It may have seemed okay in the beginning, but it is getting really old. I was going along with my friend Marsha's mantra of, "Put in the work early, so you won't have to later." I'm not sure if I believe this idea anymore. I think the workload of parenting simply changes as a child gets older. When you have a little one, you are always physically exhausted from lifting them and caring out their every whim and need. When they are older, you are mentally/emotionally exhausted. You get to deal with their attitude, friend relationships, school assignments, and their success in this world.

I always thought that when I had children I would need to be around more when they were babies. I don't know if I think that anymore either. I think my children need me more in their older years.

I am totally in need of a "Mean Mom" break. Brook doesn't let herself stay in good standing for long, unfortunately. I feel like we can't really relax around here because she is always coming up with a new problem that needs to be addressed. I am tired of grounding, withholding, and lecturing. I love to be the fun mom! I really do! I love to take my kids out shopping, or play a game with them, or watch a movie. However, I feel like if they are doing bad things, I can't do those things or it sends the wrong message. I think the "Mean Dad" needs to take over my job.

Who Does She Look Like?

Everyone who knows me is always saying that Natalie looks like me. Everyone who knows Paul and his family thinks that she looks like him or our niece Alexis. What do you think?

Erin

Natalie

Paul

Alexis

Kayla Came to Visit

Our niece Kayla came to stay with us for a month this summer. She was able to celebrate her 15th birthday with us and her other Aunt, Uncle, and cousins.

This was taken at Isaac and Kayla's birthday party.

We were also able to see our other nephew and his wife quite a bit when Kayla was here. That was surely a nice treat!

Scout Camp

Ryan got to go to Jeremiah Johnson Scout Camp this year. He had a great time with his fellow scouts and his dad was excited to take his son for the first time this year.

Summer Fun in California

We went to Sly Park while we were in California. It had a beautiful lake with a red, sandy beach. We picnicked and went in a canoe and paddle boat. It was a gorgeous day and everyone had a great time!

Ryan wasn't too keen on all the yellow jackets that were flying around.

Brook loved the water.

Uncle Ryan taught Brook how to paddle in a canoe. They had a good time splashing us while we were in our paddle boat.

We also went sailing on the Folsom Lake in my parents boat.

Praise be! My parents bought Ryan a new bike while were in California and he learned to ride it!

Natalie is 2!

We celebrated Natalie's birthday twice. First, with a party at our house with Utah family and friends and then again at Grandma and Grandpa's house in California. The one is Utah went much more smoothly however. Natalie was unfortunately bit by one of my parent's dogs and had to go to the Urgent Care center to have it looked at. She wasn't in a very good mood after that, so the party was kind of a bust. At least the food was really good. My mom can cook, that is for sure! Here are some pictures from the events.

Ready for Potty Training?

This morning I walked into Natalie's bedroom and found quite the scene. She had taken off her pajama bottoms and her diaper and was using the wipes to wipe herself. She was quite proud of herself as I praised her. Natalie turns 2 tomorrow, so potty training is definitely on the docket in the near future. My plan is to try it when we get back from California. I think she is ready. Ryan was really quite easy to potty train (especially for a boy!). I am hopeful that Natalie will prove to be just as easy.