Weekend Shenanigans

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This weekend Andrew was out of town, so the boys and I shared some intense mama-time! On Friday while the boys were at school, I put the finishing touches on our front porch space. After living here for nearly five years, we never really used the space for anything other than bike or stroller storage. But visiting my sister really inspired me. Her porch is nearly identical to ours, but she had made such a lovely living space of hers and I took note as we spent so much time chatting and eating there!

So to our own front porch, I added two outdoor carpets layered on top of one another (cheap from World Market), some hanging baskets, a few potted plants, and a bench, folding Ikea chairs, and stumps for extra seating. We thought about putting a low table in the middle, but decided against it, as the boys like to take their “work” out there and spread out on the floor of the porch, sometimes with a blanket (especially during a thunderstorm). This weekend we ended up using the front wall of the porch as an eat-in countertop, lining up our chairs and stumps along the front facing out toward the neighborhood. It was a very fun way to eat, waving to neighbors! We’ll be up on the neighborhood gossip in no time… ha, ha!

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But the real talk of the weekend was Milo and Oliver’s circus show. They did so well! Milo’s clowning act was better than ever and Oliver was brave and adorable, flashing a constant megawatt smile up on trapeze. It’s been a wonderful experience we plan to continue for the boys. The show was bittersweet for Oliver, who was a little blue realizing he wouldn’t be coming back next week for another circus class. DSC_0041DSC_0043DSC_0060DSC_0075DSC_0085DSC_0089

And on Saturday night I was reminded of just how lucky I am to have such good friends here in St. Louis. A last-minute gathering saved me the trouble of figuring out what was for dinner and how to get my second wind of the day. I found myself in the middle of some amazing company, met four new intelligent, funny, engaging, and interesting people with whom I hope to become better friends. As usual, my friends Elisha and JJ welcomed us into their home with open arms and delicious food, and sent us away with unexpected presents. They are sweet and funny and generous, and totally made my night with their company.

Sometimes I don’t realize I am lonely or stressed until I’m around my friends, who shoulder the burden and make me laugh hard and true, with whom time flies by too quickly. I kept the boys out too late and paid for it the next day with whining and fighting and just general moodiness (why don’t they ever sleep in?!!!), but Emil managed to crack through one stressful point of the day by cheering me on with great enthusiasm, “Good job wiping up my poop, Mama! Really good job!” This kind of mental high five keeps in all in perspective, doesn’t it? DSC_0128DSC_0132And that about says it all. Happy Monday. And good job at whatever you find yourself doing this morning. Hopefully it doesn’t involve poop. But you know, if it does, good job anyway.

5 thoughts on “Weekend Shenanigans”
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  1. This made me smile–my daughter now often congratulates me after I use the bathroom, and I guess it goes to show just how enthusiastic I am about her potty training process. It’s nice to know that SOMEONE appreciates the fact that I manage to use the toilet every single time.

  2. Brooke – your comment reminded me of this stage Frances was in where she struggled with getting her own clothes on the correct way – not backwards or inside out. Sometimes we’d be sitting together reading or something else and she would suddenly reach inside the top of my shirt or pants looking for a tag, and then she’d congratulate me on getting my clothes on not-backwards. Moms are such talented beings!

    Lauren – I love the porch pictures, and I almost didn’t recognize your clown in makeup. That blue/black pot is so, so pretty. Nice job on poop duty too.

  3. Loving that porch! What a great spot, I’m always fascinated by your St. Louis hood which seems truly enviable and unlike anything we have here.

    We also kept the kids out late this weekend while hanging with friends, and when Ruby woke at 5:15 as usual, James was insistent that she should sleep later since she went to bed late…. Of coure I immediately pointed out that if it worked that way we’d put her to bed late routinely!!! Point taken 😉

  4. Lilly, it is a great neighborhood, especially since some new young families have moved in over the past year. I feel like we can all depend on each other, which is such a great thing.

    Also, yes, it’s too easy to forget those funny sleep things. I always hope, “oh, this time it will be different! Surely they are too tired to wake up at 6am?!!” but nope. And 5:15??? That’s nuts.

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