This weekend has been long to put it mildly... Donnie and I have been working on our new entertainment center.  It has been nice finishing up the "work in progress" but slightly unfortunate because the weather is absolutely beautiful and we are too busy to enjoy it.  This weather has brought about a change in me.... I have began to suffer a certain amount of frustration with my children.  My Munchkins are so accustomed to having indoor activities to entertain them (ie : wii, ps2, cable tv in both their rooms etc...) that when told to go play it never occurs to them there could possibly be something to do outside.  I have finally decided to force my children to enjoy the beauty that is nature and play outside for the pure joy of it.  It has taken a few days to end the whining, complaining and griping but I have succeeded!!  I can now tell my children to go play and they assume I mean outside.  I feel children in today's society lead privileged lives and no longer are made to enjoy the childhood we (the parents) led ourselves.  I have a new found determination to ensure my children lead a well rounded childhood and make memories worth remembering.  In 10 years they will not remember beating Mario Brothers on the wii but they will remember building a fort and fighting off the invaders.  I hope I succeed in my endeavor but I know the process will not come without it's challenges.  As for now, I am enjoying watching my children playing outside.  They have even made me a flower collage.  It's beautiful and I'm so happy to see them enjoying the outdoors!!