Both girls are asleep. Hubby is snoring away. Took a hot shower and it's time for a little R&R with smooth jazz in the background before calling it a day. Paul and I took Chloe out to dinner at King's Fish House. We joined Paul's boss and his family. Got the works- appetizers (oysters), bottle of champaign, lobster, crab, fish, drinks, and dessert. Let me just say it put a sturdy dent on our wallet since it was our treat. Paul's boss usually treats us so we wanted to get him back... but he likes to drink and also has 3 kids, so it's not cheap. But we had a great time. Some good laughs and good food. =) It was nice because Chloe was busy playing with the other kids once she warmed up. Ariel stayed home with the grandparents and apparently cried most of the night because she was craving the boobies. =( Poor thing.... not to mention my tired parents. I don't think I'm going to be going out without Ariel for awhile. I feel terrible.
I just finished reading a book called "Happy Housewives" by Darla Shine. It's a good read. I would recommend it to other full time SAHM's. She's very blunt and kind of funny. I don't agree with everything she has to say, but all in all, she has some good points. Some of the important rules to becoming a happy housewife is to stop whining & complaining, invest in your marriage, bond with your home, get back in the kitchen, keep your girlfriends, take time for yourself, and don't take everything too seriously.
I'm working on all of these areas and doing better in some than others. For example, I'm not whining as much. I thank God for all the blessings in my life and just being alive in itself is a gift.
I've been trying to pay better attention to hubby although it's not so easy with a jeolous preschooler and a dependent newborn. Even though most of the time I'm completey wiped out, I try to give my husband the three essentials (according to Darla): little attention, appreciation, and sex (hey, we're all adults here). I know how important it is to stay close and intimate with my hubby to have a happy marriage.
Bonding with my home... well I'm doing my best to keep the house clean and organized but I can't wait to go back to my own house. (I'm living at my parent's house at this time.) I think I'll feel more inspired to decorate and really bond with my own home.
As for girlfriends, I'm very thankful to have my small group of girls who I can trust and depend on. But I do need to make new mommy friends (all my girls are single with no children) in order to have a support group in this journey of motherhood. Speaking of which, I'm thankful for all my xanga mommys and daddys out there who give me words of encouragement! I also want to go back to church and make other Christian mommy friends.
I'm also doing better in terms of not losing my temper with Chloe. Yes, I still yell at her once in a while but for the most part, I've been more patient and calm. When I lose my temper, she acts up more... when I'm calm and loving, she's more obedient... it's simple as that.
Lastly, getting back into the kitchen is a challenge for me. I'm not the best cook. I try, but I just don't get it. Sometimes the dishes turn out really good, but it takes so much time and energy that I can't enjoy the meal. It's not therapeautic or anything like that for me. Maybe I just need to practice more so that I can do it without always reading the cook books. But I want to def atleast provide more nutritious and wholesome meals and snacks for my family. I started shopping at Trader Joe's for organic food and I'm keeping fruits and cheese to snack on instead of candy and cheetos. I still need to lose a good 10 pounds and it doesn't help to keep all that junk in the house. (I love junk food)
Most importantly, I'm just trying to live each day to the fullest and rejoice in life. Sometimes I get caught up in the ho-hum routine of daily life and there are lots of things to whine about... but I take a step back and look at my life, and I have so much to be thankful for. A husband who loves me and still thinks I'm beautiful who works his behind off to support me and the girls while we stay home and play. Grandparents who love our kids unconditionally and care for us in so many ways. A roof over our head, abundance of food, clothes on our back, loyal friends and family members who I can always call, and two beautiful daughters who make me laugh and smile every single day. I can honestly say that I am truly content and at peace. Trust me, there are days where I'm on edge and snapping at hubby and Chloe and days when I'm exhausted from carrying and nursing Ariel for hours and hours, but I'm still loving every moment of it. Because without this, I would not have anyone to love. I might not be able to go to Vegas on a whim and get drunk with my friends but I get to hear my daughter say "Mommy, I love you. You are so pretty and I am your daughter." Being a wife and a mom is fullfilling and a dream come true for me.
I will post up some new pics later. Good night xanga land! To all moms: Keep your heads and spatulas up!! | 
