You're Not A Terrible Parent

2 posts in one night... I know, something MUST be wrong with me. But, my previous post was all about my boys... this one is more about everything else! :) 

I recently read this article from the Huffington Post titled "To the Parents of Small Children- Let me be the one to say it out Loud" If you have the chance to read it, I strongly encourage you to do so. It was so accurate and just makes you feel better about parenthood. In the article, he states everything that we as parents don't want to say out loud. Like, how sometimes, it's okay to just go totally crazy! It's okay to want to be at work on those difficult days! And how it's okay  to look forward to bathtime... The author states that you're not a terrible parent if you thing about these things. And it is SO true! I mean, how many of us parents can honestly say that we've never thought about wanting to be at work instead of home? I know I have! I'm not afraid to admit it. There's been those days where I have thought, "Man, I would be LESS busy if I was working full time." haha. Seriously, being a stay-at-home mother is a full time job. It's no joke! I've also had those days where bed time just couldn't come soon enough. You know, those days where your children are bouncing off the walls and just driving you crazy in general. I think goodness, bed time needs to get here. We all feel that way at times. And it's good to remember that feelings like that are normal. They don't make you a bad parent. It makes you human. All it takes is for my 2 year old to say "Momma" or my 4 month old to smile and it makes all that crazy, busy life fade away. Those boys know how to drive me crazy- but they also know how to melt my heart. I wouldn't trade a single day at home with them for a day at work. You can read the article HERE!

Last week was the annual Kidsignment Sale at the Marion Pavilion. Seriously, if you're from So. Ill and you've never gone- YOU NEED TO GO!! Let me tell ya- this sale has EVERYTHING for kids... clothes, toys, baby gear, more clothes... haha. And get this, everything is at GREAT prices. I won't lie- I got almost ALL of my Christmas shopping done at the sale. I know, I know... you may be thinking... "you bought used things for Christmas gifts?" The answer is, Yes- Yes I did! Let me explain... if your a parent then you are aware that toys these days are beyond expensive! It's ridiculous! Especially when we all know that children play with toys for a few days until they lose interest! I know that Jesse and I certainly don't enjoy paying full price for a toy that Gabe will lose interest in so soon. I honestly try not to spend full price on toys... because well, you know me- I like to shop and I like my boys to have everything... so full price would literally put us in the poor house! haha. So, back on topic, luckily both of our families understand this and are practical thinkers in terms of used toys so they were all on board with this idea. We have 6 nieces and nephews plus our 2 boys- so you can imagine that Christmas time can get expensive. I Literally got all our Christmas shopping done at this sale for $80! SCORE! The best thing is- all of the toys that I got look brand new! Who can beat that!? :) I also picked up a walker for Lincoln and Gabe got several new pairs of Crocs! That boy does love his Crocs! He's got a new sandal pair and a new pair for the winter! He's been wearing the sandals everyday since! So cute! OH & I got the boys' Halloween costumes! So SO cute!! :) 

Speaking of Christmas time... Who's excited!? This Girl is! I can not wait for Christmas this year. Gabe is at the age that he understands and somewhat enjoys opening gifts. So far, we've gotten him a lot of fun toys! I can't wait to see his face on Christmas morning when he opens his gifts. Granted, we do have a few more things that we'd like to get the boys but most of our shopping is done. 

OK, that's all for tonight friends! This Mama has been exhausted all week- so it's tonight it's an early bedtime! Have a good one!