Why my kids make me feel like the worst mom in the world

I'm going to start this post by saying that in reality I know I'm not a horrible mom and most of the time my girls are good.

But every once in a while, like RIGHT now, they make me want to bang my head against a wall and run away.

This has been my feeling the past few days actually.

I don't know who they are or where they have learned some of the things they come up with.

I have taught them manners, and I thought I taught them respect.

But I have noticed NONE of that this past week.

They are annoying the crap out of me.

And I know that sounds horrible but really.

Most likely they are bored.  It's been too hot to go outside and play and I've needed to get things done around the house.  But they can't figure out how to entertain themselves at all without fighting or screaming or getting into trouble.

Where have I gone wrong?

What happened to everything that I thought I taught them?

I am truly a horrible mother for having children with me in a store who beg and whine for everything they see.

There is still plenty of summer left and I can not take this kind of behavior anymore.

I've tried speaking to them about there behavior.

I've threatened to send them to summer camp.

I've begged.

I've cried.

Why are they doing this to me?

High Hopes and Low Expectations

I am still unemployed and well...I don't really mind it.  Hubby and I have decided to keep the girls home this summer (no summer camp unless I get a job) and I have, to quote Eeyore, "High Hopes and Low Expectations".

I'm hoping to continue their learning this summer with at least half hour sessions every other day.

I'm hoping to start a chore schedule which will include:  making beds, setting/clearing tables, emptying bathroom garbage cans, etc.

There is a man in the neighborhood who teaches tennis lessons at his home.  His gives free lessons to the people in the neighborhood so all three of us will be taking lessons (if my knee/hip can keep up).

I have signed the girls up for swimming lessons as well.

I will most likely be staining the deck this summer as well as repainting the posts on the front porch.

Do you like valances or drapes for windows?  This goes along with the thousands of ideas for the house I have running thru my head...which include board and batten and stenciling in the hallway and making everything more light and airy.

I hope to spend at least one day a week at the beach this summer.

I cut my hair even shorter last week.

Both girls got bangs.

I think that's all I've got in me right now.

I'm including some pictures from our Mother's Day trip to Baltimore.  I will have more but I need to edit them.

TTFN

Kristen

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More pictures

Hope you enjoy.

Picture Thursday

Best.Day.Ever

Grace had no school on Tuesday so we had a special mommy and me day.  She needs that occasionally.    Just some special time, the two of us.

I thought and thought about what to do.  She wanted to go to the aquarium but honestly, I wasn't in the mood to drive to Camden.

So, we went to the beach, Point Pleasant Beach and the boardwalk.  There is a small aquarium there that we hadn't been to in years. 

Needless to say, Grace was so excited.  The aquarium was crowded with school tours but we made out ok.  There was also a film crew from Ocean County College.  We watched thru the window while they were filming about a snake and saw a penguin walking around.  When they were done, the girl brought the penguin to the window and let us take a close look. 

We stayed at the touch zone for a while and touched a sting ray and a shark.  Then we watched a staffer get a blue and gold macaw out to film another segment.  That's when they told us if we were really quiet, we could go in and watch them film!  After that, they asked us if we wanted to be on TV and film us!  We said yes!  Not sure when or if it's going to air but.....how cool is that??!

The staff was great, giving Grace treats and even FREE tickets to come back in the summer when the penguin exhibit is open again!

We left the aquarium, got a soft pretzel and went onto the beach.  We ate our pretzels watching the waves and then went in and played in the FREEZING cold water.  Even made a new friend.

Honestly, it was the BEST DAY EVER with Grace.

I'll be bringing Ava back new week I think!

What do I want to be when I grow up?

So, three weeks ago I lost my job.  Now...I didn't want to work anymore anyways...but that's just not a reality for my hubby.  I need to find a job.

I've been in finance by mistake, for 15 years now and I haven't liked it since day one.  I'm not a numbers person.  I'm a person person.  I'm more visual, creative.

But what does one do when they have spent a significant portion of their adult life in a profession they don't like? 

How can I combine what I know...with my need for creativity?  And still earn a hefty salary?

Any and all suggestions are welcome.

TTFN

Kristen