cave matrem

A bunch of my fellow mothering peeps have been writing posts every week about "real" moments, not just the shiny, happy blogpost-worthy moments, of motherhood. I fully intended to participate, but, to be honest, usually on Mondays, I don't feel up to facing reality. Either I'm in a really good mood, and don't want to think about "real." Or I'm too grumpy, I couldn't show that side of myself on the internet.

First of all, the blog carnival: Ministry of Reality Monday. (do we even have blog carnivals anymore? not even sure what to call it. A meme? But anyway, a bunch of my mom peeps are doing it) For those of us who don't always post the shiny and happy on the blog. For more background read here.

So, this my Reality Monday story.

Or, Sometime You Don't Get What You Want.

Act 1
Scene: getting ready for school.

On being a fun mom:

When I'm a fun mom, the kids get to do cool stuff. Like play with water. Or paint. Or scoop rice. They have a blast. They are doing great things that are developmentally good for them. I don't go all free reign with them, but I do hold back the war cry of "Mess!" some.

Tonight we went to an open house at Ellis's school. We got to hang out in his classroom with the other families and see what he's been up to. On the way out, we got some of his artwork, including a picture that was clearly four people. I said, "oh, I think Ellis grabbed the wrong picture." But no, it WAS his. He even told us, "this is mommy, daddy, Marlowe, and Ellis." This is a major proud parenting moment for me. This is Ellis's first family portrait!!!! Like I didn't even really know he was doing people like this.

where i found Marlowe the morning he turned 15 mos. he's obsessed with trying to get onto the table now.

My friend Chandra took these beautiful pics of Marlowe last Sunday.

I've been wanting to do a little post about Marlowe since he turned 15months a week ago. But well, let me just tell you something.

While I took a quick shower during Marlowe's morning nap, Ellis dismantled his room.