mario kart

• Katie, you offered to teach George how to play Mario Kart this morning.  He's almost getting it, but not quite, so you eventually sat him on your lap and let him hold the wheel with you as you steered.  You were so sweet and tender with him.  You're a great kid, Katie Bean.
• Speaking of Katie Bean...you showed me your interim report today and asked me to sign it.  I had to fill in the name, and I printed "Katie Bean Newbery" with a smiley face afterward.  You were MORTIFIED.  You couldn't believe I would do such an embarrassing horrific thing to you.  You demanded I white it out, and correct it.  I could not stop laughing.  Your reaction was more than I could have ever hoped for.  Lol.
• Jane, you had Tia over for the day.  She's so easy to have in our house.  She fits in well with our family and everyone enjoys having her here.
• Daddy and I went on our Pho date today.  We had a nice time extolling the virtues of our children.  We went on and on about each of you and all the little things that make you unique and funny and amazing.  I'm sure if anyone had been listening to us, they would have been rolling their eyes, but it was fascinating to us.  We're big fans.  You're all so different and bring your own unique gifts and interests and perspectives to our family.  
• After pho, we were full and warm and happy, and came straight home and had a nap together.  Well, daddy had a nap and I snuggled with him and watched The Good Place.  It's cute and silly and entertaining.  I liked it.  
• I did a lot of thinking today.  I thought about being average.  I think our society is so focused on being exceptional and achieving and growing and rising, but I think we're missing the mark.  Not everyone can be the best.  Not everyone is the smartest or prettiest or richest.  I don't think we need to always strive for perfection.  Not to say that we shouldn't do the best we can, but we don't need to do it all and have it all.  What I hope for you guys is that you are happy.  That you are fulfilled in whatever path you take.  I don't really care what path that is.  I hope you follow your heart, and more importantly, follow your curiosity, and trust your instincts to guide you on your journey through your life.  I hope you never stop growing and learning, but that you grow in the direction that your heart takes you.   Take for instance, daddy and I.  Daddy always wanted to be a teacher.  I always wanted to be a mom.  These might sound like simple, average dreams to some, but they are our dreams, and we took the steps to make them come true.  Sometimes I feel societal pressure to work, but I know that if I did I would be miserable.  Daddy and I both worked full time for a while and we were super stressed.  Definitely not the lifestyle we envisioned for our family.  I'm happy being at home being your mom.  I'm ok with the sacrifices we've had to make to bring our dreams to life.  We live in a small space and don't have a lot of extras, but we're happy and close, and really, that's all that matters to me.  There are different kinds of wealth.  We're rich in time and love.  That's all I need.
• I also thought about slow living.  I like how our family operates.  I like that I have no problem saying no to things that don't fit in with our life.  I like that we have some quiet days and unstructured time most days.  I like that the little ones have free play outside everyday.  I like that you big girls have time to relax and do whatever you do in your bedroom.  I like that we are able to make time for friends and family.   Rest is important.  You need to give your brain and your body and your soul room to breath.  You'll be so much more effective and productive when you allow yourself some downtime.  I'm still learning the art of self care, but I'm slowly making improvements.  I sometimes feel responsible for everyone's happiness and wellbeing as your mother, but I'm starting to also realize that I'm also responsible for my own happiness and wellbeing.  I'm a better human being when I take care of my body and mind and soul...which in turn makes me a better mother and wife and friend.