Damn it Dora

Okay so anyone who knows my youngest, knows that he's got quite the little temper. Don't get me wrong he is the sweetest little boy I have ever met. But when he gets mad...watch out. Something is getting thrown and feet and arms will be kicking in a heat of fury. He is also VERY smart, you only have to tell him something once before he gets it.

So imagine his frustration as Dora stands there staring at Luke with those goofy huge glazed over eyes asking him if he sees the purple triangle. And then she asks him like 5 more times before she finally says "YES! Its right there!" No matter where in the house you may be, you can hear Luke's usually tiny little voice shouting at her..."Its right there! Its right there!" His voice grows louder with each word as he tries to get Dora to realize that the dang purple triangle that she has been so feverishly searching for is in fact right behind her.

Damn Dora, I thought you were suppose to be smart. I am so very sure that is the thought going through his head as he grows tired of Dora trying to find whatever. Screw this crap, I'm going to play with Legos.

I'm still young

I like to convince myself that I am in fact still young. I am "hip" with it. I know what the kids listen to. And I was watching the live show of Kayne hijacking Taylor Swift's acceptance speech.

So why do I feel so DAMN OLD? Last night (and the night before, hey it was a tough week!) I had full intentions of polishing off a six pack of Dos Equis. There are still like 3 in the fridge, and Rich was drinking too. After one beer, chips, and mild salsa, I was complaining about indigestion and went searching for the tums.

I stayed up till 11:45 watching the UT football game (and heck yes we won!) and I was completely pooped! I remember the days when my night was just picking up at 11:45!

Now my days are full of changing diapers and mending broken hearts. Learning how to save a life and administer medications. Waking up at 7am is considered sleeping in. Dora and Kai-Lan greet me and teach me how to count in forgein languages. I have two young boys call out Mommy to get my attention. And a nightcap means letting a little one sleep in our bed cause something scared him in the dark.

And I wouldn't trade going back to my early twenties for nothing!

How to please a toddler

Buy ever single toy that they think is cool. Buy every single toy that you think is cool. Go ahead and go crazy and get every color of Play-doh that you see. Take notice in their love for firetrucks, airplanes, and cars and buy the dang things whenever you see them.

Then donate them to charity. Because after they have been outta their package for oh lets say 5 minutes, your toddler will soon lose interest in it and bury it deep into the toy box for it to never be seen again.

My two boys seem to have something against their toys. They have a room full of Little People and train sets. Stuffed animals give them the sad eyes cause they don't play with them anymore. A play doctors kit that I was super excited to get Eddie because he said he wanted to be a doctor, now serves as a step stool to turn the light on and off. But in true boy fashion there is one toy that is sure to please them no matter what...

LEGOS!

They can sit and play with legos for an hour, which doesn't seem like very long, but it is a very much deserved break for mommas ears after listening to them fight and argue all day long. Even Lucas my little guy, loves to play with them. And its only taken us a few weeks to get him to not put them in his mouth. Even Rich gets in on the action and builds ships and planes with the boys. Of course they already think their Daddy hung the moon so he scores even more un-needed cool points with them for that.

So case in point, if you are looking for a good gift idea for ANY guy in your life, let them have Legos!

Love

Acceptance. Love. We all look for it. From family, friends, lovers, peers.

We struggle. People talk. Your told your love doesn't belong. Your made to feel wrong for the feelings you have.

Its a very hard thing to live through. Life is not life without love. Without love from you parents, you never learn how to truly share YOUR love. Without love from a partner, your overwhelmed with sadness.

I just heard the news today that an old friend of mine has passed away. My heart hurts not only for him, but those closely affected by his passing. It serves as a reminder for all of us to always share the love you have for those around you. Never let a moment pass you by. Never think to yourself that there will be a next time. Tomorrow is never guaranteed.

And always love with an open heart, and an open mind. Just because something is different, doesn't make it wrong. Love comes in all sorts and sizes. Different colors, different forms.