Just Me & My Boy

Once in a while the scheduling gods smile on us and things happen to work out that I get to spend some alone time with one of the boys. Yesterday was one of those afternoons where such opportunity arose. It was just me and the littlest Sun Kissed Boy.

He calls these one-on-one moments secret special times. I'm not sure why because we tell the brothers about our time. As a matter of fact, he will tell anybody that will listen (and even those who don't) about our times. But I find it cute that he labels it so.

There was time to play by the lake...

... and fish in the grass.

Time to explore...

... and enjoy the warmth of the setting sun.

Good secret special time, indeed.

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Stuck in the Corner of Parenting and Am I Doing It Right?

When anyone asks me what I do for a living, my answer is 'I raise boys'. It might sound harsh to some that I see parenting as a job but raising children is work. Hard work. A 24-hour, 7-days a week job. No monetary reward and no real way of knowing if you're doing it right. 

In a job outside of the home, if you turn in a project to your boss or client, their feed back is your way of knowing if you're successful. In parenting, there's no real way of knowing if you're being a good parent until they're grown and by then it might be too late. 

Therefore, I am constantly questioning myself. Am I too soft? Am I too strict? Am I consistent? Do I yell too much? Do I not yell enough? (I'm pretty sure the kids think I yell too much.) For the most part, the boys are good. But there are times when they lash out and that's when the second guessing comes along. We are going through a testing stage in our house. A stage where they push my buttons and test their limits. 

When things don't go right, it can be overwhelming. To deal with this, I've started a journal. In it I write little things that the kids do "right". Simple things that I hear myself repeating to them over and over such as putting their plates in the sink, putting dirty clothes in the hamper, no fighting during dinner, or no back talk. I keep this journal for the nights that I go to bed ready to cry. I pull out my "Good Boy" journal and it helps calm my nerves.

What I've found is what I've known, but seeing in writing reaffirms, the good days outweigh the bad. 

How do you get through your rough days?

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Suiting Up for Summer at The Children's Place

Somebody forgot to tell Florida that it's not summer yet. Goodness, it's hot around our parts. But that's ok. We have the beach to cool us off. There's also The Children's Place to suit us up!

Since he's always climbing around, I call him my little monkey. Therefore, I couldn't pass up this matching swimsuit, shirt, and flip flops. Side note: flip flops with straps on the back are perfect for climbing lil' monkeys. :)

I have a theory that if you throw on a pair of sunglasses and a lifeguard shirt, you amp-up your cool factor. Agree?

With their bright and colorful swimwear, The Children's Place has our summer outfits covered.

Ready for summer? We sure are!

All swimwear & accessories pictured were kindly provided by The Children's Place.

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They Got Game

We interrupt your regular scheduled program for a Special Report.

Basketball fever sweeps a big part of the United States this time of year. Top rated teams such as the Heat or the Thunder are doing swell but today I'd like to introduce you to a couple of teams you might not be familiar with that aren't doing too shabby. First we have the ones, the only, the undefeated, The Bulldogs!

Behind every great team is a great coach. I knew right away he was the coach because he had the shoes for it.

With a team named The Bulldogs, it's only natural that a bulldog be their mascot, right? Wrong! This team always thinks outside the box. A Westie/Schnauzer mix represents their team.

Now meet the opponents. I should say, the opponent. The one-man team, The Pirate!

Teams are nothing without being replenished. Meet The Watergirl.

The teams might drink with colorful, bendy straws but in the court, there's no room for cutesy.

The Bulldogs rethink their strategies with their coach. In this 3sunkissedboys.com exclusive, you can see the coach's playbook. 

Apparently, the coach's thought was to tickle the opponent's legs as they shoot? 

Even though The Pirate had the advantage, The Bulldogs pull off yet another victory with a final score of 32-30. 

The Pirate did not take the loss well. However, he was not available for comment. 

Today's playoff game was brought to you by The Mascot & The Watergirl. 

We now return you to your regularly scheduled programming, already in progress.

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A Pirate Boy

If I had a little girl, perhaps she would look something like this.

Minus the ratty, tangled hair, of course.

But I don't have a little girly. I have a typical little boy pirate. You know, like the ones you find waiting for their turn to make a basket.

A typical little mean-faced, pirate boy with his trusty parrot friend.

Yep, a little pirate boy that keeps me laughing! And I wouldn't want it any other way. Have a grrrrreat day, me hearties! 

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