Laissez les bons temps rouler

Good Time Roll, The Cars

Whenever I hear the cajun expression, I think of The Cars song.

Today is Fat Tuesday, and while I've never been to Rio or Mardi Gras, it remains on my bucket list.

Our day remains like any other Tuesday.  We have snacks, relaxing, homework, dinner, showers, and bed.  I've successfully given up things in years past, other years, failed miserably.  I'm having a hard time deciding this year exactly WHAT to give up.  2012 has started off as a really good year.
My oldest has been in school 3 years now, and the time prior to school years seems so distant.  I refer to the early childhood years as, 'the Mansfield years', referring to the city we lived.  I was 5 months pregnant moving there.  I literally let my mom and best friend unpack and set up my house.  When we found out we were pregnant with Liam, Aidan was only 8 months old.  Wanna know something funny?  We thought that was old.  Having the boys so close together, was tough on me, and tough on our marriage.  Jeremy spent long hours away from home to provide for us.  It was a very lonely time for me.  I listened to people when they told me it would go fast.  Looking back, it was a blur, but at the time, it didn't feel so.  I remember going on dates with Jeremy, where I literally couldn't think of things to say.  I spent so much time with the two babies, I felt incapable of formulating conversation.
Although, I don't necessarily look back on those years, as 'Good times', I did the best I could.  I don't have mega cutesy scrapbooks, marking their EVERY first.  I felt proud if I remembered to write it down.  When the boys are grown, I hope they'll forgive and realize, I did the best I could.  I often referred to those times, as "deep in it (labor intensive, selfless giving, child rearing), or 'survival mode'.  If at the end of the day, both had dry diapers, been fed, and dry clothes, the day was marked off as a success.  I also will say, I'm over-joyed I was able to stay home with them.  I know it's not for everyone.  I can't emphasize enough, how much respect I have for the working mother.
When we moved to Plano, both boys were potty trained (for some time), and I hadn't carried a diaper bag in over a year.  It felt like a new start.  We wouldn't change a thing either!  As tough as it was, the rewards are infinite.  They are best friends.  They've NEVER known a time without the other.  I'm not sure when we would've decided it was the right time for #2.  Seems like God knows what he's doing after all, go figure.

Mothers Day 2005,  Aidan 17 months

May 2005, Liam was 2 weeks old 

a few years later, 2007, Liam almost 2, Aidan 3

Those early years of child rearing are tough.  Babies don't know when you need a break.  So many of my friends have new babies.  Jeremy and I give each other the knowing nod.  Yep, they're in the club now.  It does get better.  I love and adore our family time.  15 years ago, if you would've told me, Friday and Saturday night spent at home, with your family, will be some of your favorite times.  I probably would've given you the, "Okay" bitchy nod.

I'm still struggling with what to give up for Lent:
Some suggestions from friends have been:
Facebook
Sweets/Desserts
Wine
complaining
dining out
my thoughts: diet coke or Facebook.

I'm thinking maybe it will be Facebook.  If our year has been this good, how much better would it be without being a slave to my iphone?  What if I focus on Stella&Dot, projects, Scouts,  blog, and home obligations?  Does this mean, I can't post my blog to Facebook? Can we make the exception for that?  I'm thinking we can, as long as I promise to only post blogs.  I can do that! easy. (gulp)