Its no wonder...

that I feel like I can never keep my house clean.  This is what I'm competing against: 

Toys, toys, toys everywhere... and she is playing with the dvds!

Nom Nom Nom

Strawberries were on sale last week and we were all out of freezer jam, so I took advantage of the sales and made some!

So easy and so delicious!!

Be My Valentine

Happy (belated) Valentine's Day!

We had a great one and hope you did too!

ps- I love cute, simple Valentine-y decorations! The "kiss me" and "Be my Valentine" ones were new this year... and my new love is using scrabble tiles for cute seasonal messages!

The folks.

The kiddos and I spent Thursday evening over at my parent's house.  It was a fun, relaxing evening... with yummy dinner!  Thanks Mom and Dad for letting us crash your house and hang out!

Five Year Check-up

Cooper had his five year check up this morning.  He is very healthy and almost square, weighing in at 39 pounds and 41 inches tall.  He had fun pumping up the blood pressure cuff himself and listening to his heart beat through the stethescope.  He had one immunization today and was very brave, but broke down afterwards.  He doesn't handle pain well :(  I tried to cheer him up by telling him that most kids get 3-4 shots at one time (we delay and selectively immunize), but that didn't help.  So, we hit Target afterwards and a new Cars race car for his collection seemed to help put the pain behind him.

He actually took his Cars collection to school this past Wednesday to share with his class.  It has been fun to see what all the kids have brought in on their "collection day".  Everything from crystals to Barbies!

On my own.

I know there are lots of strong women out there whose husbands travel for work often.  These women amaze me.  Fortunately for me, my husband does not have to travel for work more than once or twice a year.  When he does, he is gone for 5-6 days at the most and then he returns home to us.

I used to really stress out about him leaving.  Justin and I co-parent and share all the responsibilities, so when he is gone, it adds a lot to my work load with the kids.  Last week was a really rough week for me, I was PMS'ing, Piper wasn't feeling well, so she wasn't sleeping well at night, and I was just stressed out.  Justin was apprehensive about flying to Atlanta this week.  I think he feared for my emotional well being.  Of course, he had to go anyways and leave his unstable wife behind to fend for herself with the kids :-)

This week, while it would have been nice to get a break (especially since I've been sick), has gone really smooth.  Children (and mom) were fed, bathed, and where they needed to be- on time!  The dishes have been done, the garbage has been taken out, and homework has been completed.  I've survived.  I've come out alive.  And, I'm not even stressed.  I've missed Justin, don't get me wrong.  He is my best friend, my partner, my lover, but I've realized that I'm stronger and better at this parenting thing than I give myself credit for. It feels nice to know, for myself, that I'm capable. I guess it is time to stop doubting myself.

Five!!

Cooper turned FIVE last week!

 We had a small party at Chuck E Cheese for his birthday.  Just cousins and family friends.  It was very laid back and relaxed... just my style!

 Piper and her BFF Keri saying "cheese!"

 Fun for the whole Duncan Family! 

Cooper with all his loot!  It looks like a small toy store!

The progression of a popsicle