I'm not as smart as my phone

Not too long ago, I hopped on the smart phone bandwagon. I have since realized that it's a dangerous device, but that's neither here nor there. I'm looking for some advice. I feel like I take more photos now, but I don't feel like they're great quality. I keep hearing about these photo apps and I'm just wondering what the point of those are. Are they like Instagram and add filters, but without the social aspect? Or are there apps that have more editing power? Do any of the apps improve the quality of pictures or help you have more control over exposure or shutter speed? Any recommendations?

Also...is Snapchat a real thing that people in the real world do? Do you Snapchat? What on earth is the point?

Any recommendations of good/useful/entertaining apps (for me or the toddlers)?

Is this what normal feels like?

At some point during chemo I forgot what it feels like to feel good. Forget good, I couldn't remember what normal felt like. I would wake up and bury my head under the pillows because getting up just seemed way, way too hard. And then I started to assume that the way I felt every day was just normal, and that I would feel terrible, horrible, no good, very bad every morning for the rest of my life. The days stretched out in my mind like this eternal, beige-colored, no-end-in-sight, not actually going anywhere road that I had to walk. That's when the depression set in. I felt trapped in a sad, sick, tired body that couldn't do the things it needed to in order to help two amazing children feel loved.

Thankfully, chemo ended. And I woke up this morning thinking "Hey, getting out of bed isn't that bad." And then I got up and was a kind, loving, and fun mother to my kids all day long.

When the kids were asleep, I looked at Adam and said, "I BAMMED today."

Yes, this picture was taken today.

P.S. Remind me to tell you about the time I BAMMED the library.

Japanese kigurumi

I have an amazing friend named Jamie who sent me this (and a red panda one as well) for Christmas. It's amazing, everyone should get one. Bonnie out.

Today

Today could have been one of those days. But it wasn't, which makes me happy.
Lydia screamed and cried about me handing her the breakfast she requested. The whole morning went down the tubes from that point on. After such an illustrious beginning, I anticipated her doctor's appointment being a nightmare, with more weeping and wailing and gnashing of teeth. But as soon as we dropped her brother off at the neighbor's house, Lydia regained her composure. The drive to the pediatrician's office was pleasant as we talked about what might happen there. Ever the chatterbox, Lydia enjoyed asking the nurses about every detail of their work. And after her painful shots ("Mama, that really hurt my legs!") a new book was just the ticket to return a smile to her face.
The rest of the day went smoothly, with no fits or tantrums, 3 naps for 3 tired people, and a lovely dinner followed by FHE with friends. I am so grateful that we made it through.