saying goodby to the bestie

Yesterday we had a sleepover.  It was the first time that one of the boys had someone sleepover that wasn't related to us in some way.  It was James' friend Malik.  It was an impromptu sleepover when we realized that it was the only night that would work for the boys to spend extra time together.  Malik is headed to Chicago for the summer.  I'm not exactly sure what James will do without him.

They have the sweetest friendship.  I always find it amazing when such little people can forge such strong bonds.  When James was getting dressed on Tuesday he said "I get to see Malik today" and was super excited.  I guess a 3 day weekend is a little to long for him.  When they leave each other at the end of the day the hug, sometimes do some sort of secret handshake, and (my favorite) say "goodbye, friend."  So sweet.  I love watching them together. 

 

 

Goodbye, friend.  We'll miss you.

Linked 52: Temptation

Temptation:  the act of tempting;  enticement or allurement

Right now (and maybe always) my biggest temptation has come from food.  I have a sweet tooth.  For that reason I try not to keep a lot of sweets in the house for fear of temptation.  I know, you're thinking - Carla, have you no willpower?  The answer is no.  No, I don't.  I like brownies and banana bread and stuff like that.  I'm not so into candy except for . . . . (wait for it) . . M&Ms.  ♥

I'm not too picky about my M&Ms -- peanut, pretzel, peanut butter, plain, mini . . . all delicious.  I do keep a small candy dish with M&Ms so I can grab a few (let's be honest, it's rarely just a few) pieces to satisfy my sweet tooth.  The kids also love them.  I'll fight them for the M&Ms.  No, seriously, I'll will.  And I'll win.  :)

Probably should stop buying them so they won't be taunting and tempting me from the bowl but it's probably not going to happen.  Heck, I went and bought 3 bags just so I could photograph them.  That's the excuse I'm using anyway.  :)

 

Be sure to check out these other ladies to see their take on "temptation":  Michelle, Stacey, Andrea, Tracey, Heather, Jenn, Jessica, Amanda, Kristin, Amanda, Sara, Tracy, Lesli, Janet, Naomi, Rhonda, Rose, Heidi, Kristi, and Jean

Linked 52: Anger

So I missed last week's "linked" so I was bound and determined not to miss this weeks.  The problem is that I'm on vacation and forgot to post before I left and I forgot what the theme was.  I had to go back and use a picture that I took a couple of months ago.

We were at a birthday party for one of the kids in Joe's class.  It was at a karate studio and they got to learn some moves.  Joe was supposed to make some sort of intimidating /angry face and this is what I got.

That's all I've got for now.  I will try to update the linked list next time.  This hotel internet is not quite as fast as I'd like it.

Be sure to check out these other ladies to see their take on "anger":  Michelle, Stacey, Andrea, Tracey, Heather, Jenn, Jessica, Amanda, Kristin, Amanda, Sara, Tracy, Lesli, Janet, Naomi, Rhonda, Rose, Heidi, Kristi, and Jean

linked 52: Mother

So when I was checking blog updates I saw a bunch of "linked" updates and was wondering why everyone posted them a day early.  Then I realized that it was Friday today.  It's been a long week.  :)

I usually post pictures of my kids but figured that I would go in a different direction because of the theme.

Me & my mom:

I'm pretty sure that I've always said I don't want to be like my mom.  I remember being in college and pushing the microwave buttons with my knuckle like my mom does (she has nails, I do not).  I stopped mid-push.  What was I doing?  From then on I knew it was all over.  My mother?  When did I become like my mother?  I was going to be my own person and I did not want to turn into my mother.

A funny thing happened as I've gotten older -- I changed my mind.  What's wrong with being like my mom?  Sure, she's not perfect, but that's great.  I think I turned out to be a pretty decent person so it helps me not fret so much about all the mistakes I make as a parent.  It gives me hope that I am not ruining my children.  :)

I didn't say I wanted to be exactly like her, but she's a pretty awesome person.  She's funny, loving, hard working, a great writer, a great friend, and one of the most generous people I know.  I She has helped me through so many difficult periods in my life -- she is my rock.  She has been there to share for some of the most joyous moments in my life.  It's important to me to make her proud.  Most importantly, she's the perfect mom for me and I'm blessed to have her.

I ♥ you mom!

Be sure to check out these other ladies to see their take on "Mother":  Michelle, Stacey, Andrea, Tracey, Heather, Jenn, Jessica, Amanda, Kristin, Amanda, Sara, Tracy, Lesli, Janet, Naomi, Rhonda, Rose, Heidi, Kristi, and Jean