The answer is simply, "Because"

I'm sure we all go through this, where a random thought or question pops into your mind, and you really don't have an answer for it. I seem to have silly questions just about every day. Well, I have the answer to any and all of those questions, thoughts, and concerns. Because.

1. Why, when they were little, did the boys poop every time I change a diaper that is only full of pee? Therefore, making me 'waste' another diaper (no pun intended seriously).

2. Why am I the most tired, after I have gotten a glorious night of sleep? Therefore, making me 'think' I will be totally rested and ready to go in the A.M.

3. Why does a kiss always have to lead to getting it on? (The answer to this is probably more like "Because.....he's a man")

4. Why can the boys face-plant into the side of the bathtub (this actually happened to Max years ago -- I almost cried. And I WAS watching him) and walk away mark free, but my big ass can come around the corner and knock them over and they looks like we went 12 rounds together?!

5. Why can I think of a dozen things to write about while I'm in that funny sleep-awake state of mind, but then I wake up and can't remember a thing? (Is tha a super power? Do I have a genius brain when I'm sleeping?)

6. Why is it every time I wash my car, a bird (like a seagull) always poops in a spot that my windshield wipers can't reach?

7. Why can't my husband admit he only does 15% of the "helpful" things around here and that I really do keep this house together, while watching the kids, working full-time and all that other crap (please see answer number 3)

8. Why do I always miss taking the cutest pictures and the funniest videos of the boys?

9. Why won't I ever finish all medications per the doctor's orders?

10. Why can I be a complete hard ass , but then get so sensitive when I think about my sons, and I become such a softie for kid things in general?

11. Why do I know that the second I finish this post, I am totally going to remember five more things I wish I would have written?

Because.

12. Here's one more... Why does my hair always look like crap when someone wants to take a picture, but my BEST hair days are when no one even gets to see me?!

Happy Birthday Andrew

Fourteen years ago, I gave birth to my oldest son. Even though I knew that my life would be turned around, I never could have imagined in how many ways my life would be changed for the better. Those four words, "You have a son" made me a mother, and the last fourteen years have seen an incredible amount of growth and a love that knows no boundaries or limits.

My son. Words that I longed to hear for so long. Words that made me a mother for the first time. These past 14 years have brought many first's. These past 14 years have seen an infant come into the world, hold up his head, turn over, smile real smiles, sit up, crawl, eat real food, say words that meant something, say I love you, walk, run, and do all kinds of amazing things.

The most amazing? His ability to be compassionate. His love for his brothers and his family. How he isn't afraid to show love and affection, even at his age......to his family....in public. How he knows when someone needs a hug or a smile, or a stupid joke just to make them smile.

Even today, 14 years after he came into my world, scrunched up face, crying his newborn mewling cry, I stand in awe. I am in awe that I am a mother. I am in awe that regardless of the crappiest day I may have encountered, or how tired I am, or how much they suck the last dregs of energy within me, there is no other place I would rather be, or anybody I would rather be with.

I am in awe of how much I have changed as I brought home that beautiful newborn baby boy. I am stronger than I ever thought I was, weaker than I would like to admit, and know that there is so much that is out of my hands. Motherhood has made me challenge myself in ways I never thought possible, change aspects of myself I thought were engrained genetically, and constantly makes me want to be the person my kids already believe I am.

On the early morning my son was born, as I gazed into the eyes of this tiny creature whose survival depended solely on me, I knew I was in trouble. I knew that I was about to experience a love I had always heard about, but could only imagine. I knew. I knew that there would never be an enemy too great, a fear too insurmountable. I knew that I would do whatever I needed to do to make sure that this child (and the others that would soon join him) would never know fear, hunger, anxiety. In those brief moments, as the doctor showed my husband and I one of the greatest gifts ever bestowed on us, I knew I was a mother.

My dearest Andrew, you have taught me to believe in what I know exists but cannot prove. You have taught me that there is NOTHING that isn't possible when you seek it with a pure heart and pursue it with love. You have shown me that I am capable of being the person you know is there, the person I always knew I could be.

You have been a joy from the moment we knew of your existence. You have been an endless source of pride and joy, a source of happiness and amazement for your father and I. We are blessed to have you as our son, our firstborn. Rest tonight, knowing in your heart that your father and I love you as much as any person can love another; hopelessly, fully, truly, deeply. We love you to the moon and back. Happy 14th birthday.

Drinking while driving

Husband: (Tilting back bottle and gulping)

Me: Hey! Where did you get that! You can't drink that in the car. What if Ryker saw that?

Husband: I bought it. Want some?

Me: Hell yeah! Pass it over. But pass it down low so Ryker can't see what it is.

Husband: Here. Don't hog it!

Me: (Tilting back bottle and chugging) Man that's good. I needed that.

Husband: I know. I love chocolate milk