Should Mom's take Naps?

This is a subject that I have been thinking a lot about lately. Why? Maybe it is out of guilt. But regardless why I muse, I thought I would share my thoughts on the subject. Some people say is is irresponsible to nap while taking care of your children. Others say to nap when they nap. And then there are those like me who swear by the benefits of a daily rest.

You may have questions, "How do you get things done around the house?", "Doesn't it seem lazy to sleep in the middle of the day?", "What do your kids do while you sleep?". Well, I have a few answers. "How do YOU get anything done around the house?", "Haven't you heard of the health benefits of resting each day?", "Whole cultures take daily siestas, why not?", and lastly, "Is it really going to kill my kids to watch PBS for an hour?"

Now that I am really going on the subject let me tell you what I consider to be some of the benefits of napping. It gives me an energy boost to keep going. That, in turn motivates me and helps me be more productive. It keeps my mood level, so I am not too irritable or cranky. Just ask my kids, they prefer the well rested Mom. Nap time provides an opportunity for my 3 year old to have unhindered creative exploration with the brown sugar! (True story) I am providing picture examples of what my house looks like when I don't take naps=less energy and motivation:

And when I do take naps=more energy and motivation:

The bottom line comes down to the old addage, "When Mama ain't happy, ain't nobody happy!"

Happy Mama=Happy Kids!

Learning the ropes

Okay, so the first little while of blogging is obviously going to take a learning curve for me. I wanted to tell a little about what we have been doing lately, but I didn't want to have to add a new post each time. I guess I will learn.

Eli goes to gymnastics each Tuesday and he really loves it. Every night when we share what our favorite parts of the day have been he says, "Going to Gymnastics!!!!". It doesn't matter that we haven't been that day, it will always be the same answer.

Ethan will be starting gymanstics later today. He is excited to be able to try it out. I think he will catch on quickly and hopefully it will help boost his confidence in group situations. I can only imagine how much pressure I am going to get from Benson now to let him sign up for something, anything!

Spring Break Slide Show!

Spring Break

Last week was our Spring Break. I took the boys to Nana's house in New York. They always love visiting with Nana and Grandpa, there is so much to do in their big yellow house and their big, fun yard.

One stop on our trip was Springdale Farms. We were able to see a working farm. We pet pigs, sheep, rabbits, goats, chickens, peacocks, ponies and horses and saw from a distance the cows and ducks/geese. The boys had the best time watching the animals. What a thrill when petting a 900 lb. pigs giant nose, to have him snort and scare you! Oh so Fun!

Eli love's gymnastics!

Getting Started

A few people have been after me to start my own blog. I decided to finally give in, thinking it is a good way for family to keep up with eachother. Plus, I can use it as a sort of tech journaling! Sounds fun to me...

My family. There is Andy, myself, Benson, Eli and Ethan (from top left to bottom right).

I sure have fun being the Mom of this bunch.