Down and Dirty

These boys love to play I the dirt.
Outside is the place to be.
Even when it's cold.
Or wet.
Or yucky.

They also love Despicable Me.

Fortunately, I have a friend that crochets, helping me have this happy marriage of two things that they love.
Because otherwise, I can't get Maddox to wear a hat outside.
Ever.

Got Mail?

I'm pretty sure my postman hates us.
And it's not because we aren't super-nice people or anything.
Is because of Trixie.
She looks sweet, and she is sweet.
Except...
When she isn't.
Sometimes she barks at workmen that come to our house.
I think she is afraid of men in ball caps.
She HATES the mailman.
She started off afraid of him a little.
He made it worse by hissing and stamping at her when she barked at him.
Well, today Kelsey was taking Trixie for a walk when the mailman came by.
Trixie got away after dragging her a few feet.
By the time I got outside to find Trixie, I saw her a few houses down.
My neighbor, Terri was getting her for me.
Then I saw the mailman.
He was standing in the bed of the truck in that driveway.
I know I shouldn't laugh.
But I am.
She really is a nice dog.
I promise.

Career Goals

There has been some fun going on for the past seven months at my house.

When we went to visit family in SC over Christmas, I realized that I haven't really made a formal announcement, so here we go...

I am now an independent consultant with Discovery Toys.

I had never heard of the company before June of 2012, but they have been around a long time.

Long enough that people who "grew up" on Discovery Toys are now buying them for their own kids.

I guess they just never made it as far as South Carolina.

I'm not writing this as a commercial for the products, though I could.

I'm writing this for two reasons.

Reason #1 - My family

I have never really known how to play with my kids.

Maybe I'm too busy.

Maybe I have no imagination.

But it's something I've always wanted to do better.

Now I am learning.

And enjoying.

And loving.

Even if I never sell another toy, choosing to be a consultant has changed my relationship with my kids forever.

For the better.

Reason #2 - Career Goals

I love staying home with my kids.

Some days I love it more than others.

But I have also sacrificed something.

Besides the money.

I love the feeling of professional accomplishment.

Achievement.

Competency.

I love it when I am part of a team that gets things done.

The most important work I do is as a mom and a wife.

Now I can do something professionally that enhances that.

And still gives me the feeling of professional satisfaction that I crave.

And so in 2013 I have decided.

I will promote in Discovery Toys.

I will be a Team Leader.

I will increase the family income.

I will help strengthen parents' relationships with their kids.

Including my own.

Yes, I am recruiting.

Yes, I am working.

Yes, I am on the phone.

And going to parties.

And having grown-up adult conversations.

And going to Nashville for the DT Convention this summer.

And loving my family more when I get home.

Progeny

I love having slaves children.

They really help out around the house.

When I hold the Wii hostage ask them to do something, they do it.

They will:

 pick up toys

load and empty the dishwasher

put away laundry

clean bathrooms

feed the dog

sort and wash the laundry

watch Maddox

On good days when they are getting along, they like to:

wrestle with each other

scooter outside

watch family movies

have dance parties

I like it when they get along.

I just wish they got along quieter.