Almost forgot!

The most frequently overheard game is Eenie Meenie Miney Moe!  This is used for almost every decision the children make, especially Jack Rowan.  He'll be in the midst of picking something up and will stop himself if he notices there is a second choice to break out an amusing rendition of Eenie Meenie Miney Moe.  Of course, once he nears the end of the game, if he realizes the one he doesn't want to choose will be "Moe", he has to mess it up or start over so Moe lands on the 'right' one.  Then he'll say something like, "Here, this one is Moe!"  Cracks me up!!!

Game on!

We are game laden at the Williamsons!  Rarely a day goes by when there isn't at least one rousing game of Uno, Go Fish, Sorry, Candy Land, Hi Ho CherryO, Chutes and Ladders, Don't Break the Ice, Cars Memory, Princess Memory, Toy Story Memory (aaaah!)  etc. etc.  One of my favorite things about this is that it has really helped Jack learn his numbers and he can play most of these games independently now (without being on a team with Mommy or Daddy).  He is a card shark and loves to pay Uno and Go Fish.  One funny thing is that when a person gets down to one card in Go Fish, Jack makes us yell "Go Fish!!!" (just like in Uno!)  Cracks me up every time!!! 

Kate has become quite the strategist and likes to save up the "good" cards in her hand until the end to blast us all!  Her favorite game is Disney's Scene It which we all love!  Thanks Santa!  We are so busy already with school, dance class, mommy working two nights per week, lots of weekend plans and the kids are only 3 and 5!!!  Playing games together is a great way to share some laughs and quality time and we LOVE it!  Kate even writes about all her game playing in her journal at school, which is a sure sign that it has a positive impact! 

Secrets of a Mother Part I

Having been a mother for (a mere) five and a half years, I've discovered that there are a few "secrets" that were kept hidden from me. Things other mothers knew about, but didn't warn me about.  Some are hilarious, some are astounding, others heartbreaking.  I'm posting just a few here and hope that you will share your's too!  (FYI, it is research for a book)  So pipe in and share the secrets you have learned about motherhood!!!

1.  I had heard that my hair would change while pregnant, but I did not know it would be a permanent change.  Mine is a full two shades darker than it was prior to having kids (and I secretly love it this way!).  And curlier.  Well, "curlier" is really too nice of a description, "frizzier" is more accurate.

2.  I did not know my feet would grow by two sizes.  (It can be hard to find cute shoes in a size 9 1/2)

3.  I did not know I would have it within me to want to smack another child just because he hurt my child's feelings.  (I didn't do it, btw!  But seriously wanted to)  :)

4.  You know how all your "issues" came up when you were planning your wedding?  You know, the ones buried deep down inside from your childhood? Just when you thought you were done with those, you have a baby and Lordy, do they come back bigger than ever!

5.  Trusting yourself with your child is the hardest thing you will ever do.  Until you have to trust someone else with your child. 

6. The best words you will ever hear are "Mommy!  Mommy!"  But on some days, those are the words you that drive you to the brink!

What secrets have you learned?

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