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50 Shades of pneumonia, pre k and my babies!

So it's been awhile since I've blogged. It's been awhile since I've felt good enough to write. It's been days since I've even picked this iPad up. Boy, that right there will tell you something!

This blog post will be a hodge lodge of thoughts that I've been pondering on or I've discussed and want to touch more on.

As everyone knows, 50 Shades of Gray (or is it Grey?) has been a very big topic amongst a lot of people recently. I'm not going to elaborate or go into an extensive rampage. I just want to let my readers know my view and where I stand on this.

If you read it, I think no less of you. If you read it, thats your decision and I'll not judge or point the finger. That's not my place or reason in bringing up the topic. Here it is, plan and simple....

I was taught by my parents, Sunday school teachers, school teachers and many elders growing up that everything I do should bring glory to God. Even simpler; if it brings shame to Him then you probably shouldn't be touching it. Now before I go off sounding all holier than thou or like I'm being judgmental and snooty, let me be the first to point the finger at myself. I know I've made more than my share of mistakes and that I've fallen short of that previous statement. I'm working on it and that's all I/you can do. I don't claim to be perfect. But what I do claim is that I'm trying my best to watch my p's and q's. I plan on making it to see my heavenly Father some day and if I'm not sure about an issue or conviction, then I'd rather lean to the safer side. JUST IN CASE! I'd hate to miss my invitation into the pearly gates because I chose to live a little to close to the edge of the cliff.

With that said, I haven't read, will not be reading, nor do I have any desire to read 50 Shades. I don't believe that it will better me as a person, Christian, wife or mother. So why then would I want to read? Pretty simple, huh?! :)

On a lighter note, I HATE pneumonia! It is of the devil!!! I feel pretty good and have most of my energy back; although still sporting a slightly pesky cough. It will be 3 weeks on Monday since I was plagued with this dreadful sickness. Definitely appreciate all the prayers that were prayed for me as I know it could've been much worse. The doc threatened me with "hospitalization" twice! Thankful i missed that boat.

Gabriella will be starting her second year of pre k in just a few weeks. She is super duper excited about it and has been asking every morning if I'm dropping her off today. I must admit, I'll be glad to have a few hours of no fights and arguing. It's amazing how easy errands can be with only one toddler and an infant. :) On the sadder note, I can't believe the next step is kindergarten!! Waaaaaaaa! I'm so not ready for that! And I've got to start looking into our options and that freaks me out even more (deep breath). God help us to choose wisely. Some say it's not a big deal. Um excuse me, but yes, yes it is. These are the most tender and sincere years of her life, these are the years that she will learn right from wrong and good from bad. She will learn how to treat others, how to kindly lend a compassionate hand, when to get involved, how to stand strong! The list goes on and on! It takes a village to raise a child and I want her village to be filled with good, positive, God fearing people. Big decision!! Whew! Ok enough on that, my bp is rising.

And seriously? When did my babies get so big? Why must it happen so quickly? Ok maybe I'm emotional, but they've got to slow down! Went today for Ana's 6 month pics (she really just turned 7 months, but better late than never) and got some cute ones of the kids together. I spent a little more than I planned, but I want to remember those sweet faces that cooperated today (rare occasion during photography). Those little hams.

Chris put a cute pair of pj's on Ana a few nights ago that I had bought for her when I was pregnant. I told him that when I got them in the mail and was oohing and aahhing that they just seemed so big. I knew it would be awhile before she was able to wear them. Well, that day has come; and it's too soon! Tonight as I was putting her to sleep, she rubbed my arm with her sweet, ever so slightly chubby fingers until she dozed off. *sigh* I'm gonna miss this. Here i go, getting choked again. Ok ok, enough is enough.

Refresher:
Live life to better yourself, surround yourself and your little ones with good people, and HOLD TIGHT to your babies while they are still little!! :)

THAT IS ALL. ;)

Heres a pic of us with Ana on the inside. And today's pics of my tiniest to the (not so) biggest.

~ Princess Gabriella's 4th Birthday ~

I'm having a very difficult time coming to the realization that Gabriella will start kindergarten next fall and that my sweet Ana will be ONE in 6 months. Laugh if you will, but she's my last and it's so sad that she's growing so quickly! I love her age now. All the cuddles and sweet kisses and the sucking of her lil' piggy toes. Ahhh, just heart melting.

Sassy pants herself is getting too big for her britches (not literally, she's still a little peanut). Gabriella can be such a sweet heart at times and then there are the other times when I can't even stand to look at her! I'm praying that 4's will bring my angel back.

Friday is her birthday party at the park. She decided she wanted a smaller, simpler party so that we can go to American Girl on Saturday. The American Girl magazine (as she calls it) came in on Monday (how convenient right) and she's been sleeping with it, along with her Bitty Baby since. It's so sweet. (see pics)

I asked the "Princess" what she would like for her birthday party meal as well as what she'd like for her actual birthday breakfast. Of course pizza for the party; and chocolate chip pancakes for her breakfast. Oh yes! she is a girl after her mommy's own heart.

To my sometimes sweet, always sassy, and just as lovely today as the day she was born, little "big" girl....HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

"I don't know how you do it."

That is the easiest question for me to give an answer to, and should be obvious....umm hello, I'm SUPER MOM! No really, I have a cute little curl and everything! ;-)

Oh goodness, after today I should really win an award or something. A $100 certificate? Ok, a pedicure? A bookmark? Anything?! A sweet smile from my children would even be enough! *sigh*

My day consisted of.....(brace yourself, are you ready for this?)...
3:30am, finally going to bed.
6:30am - Layton "downstairs eat" = a granola bar and then to mommys bed
9:30am - Layton " Buzz, woody" = Toy Story 2 while I remain in bed with all 3 kids, 2 still asleep. What time did they get there? Haha. I have no idea.
10:30 - the rest of the clan awakens and it's time for some grub.
10:35 - oh crudola! I forgot we are out of milk. :/ Ok, who wants a granola bar (another for L) and a yogurt? Thankfully no one disagreed.
11:00 - Mommy needs to drink her smoothie and my coffee. "You guys wanna sit on the porch with me while I drink?" (again, it's just coffee and a strawana smoothie)
11:30 - ok, let's get ready I've got a number of errands to run.
1:00pm - What!? It's 1pm!! That took forever!
1:15 - finally leave home....

The rest of my day is pretty much like this...Stop 1. "Layton, stop hitting your sister. Please bring back my phone. Gabriella, keep your hands out of your sisters face. Layton, I said a game. Don't delete my pictures! Ana, it's ok baby. Layton, sit down. Gabriella, put your shoes back on. Layton, come here where I can see you. Ana, where did your binky go? Gabriella, get your hands off your brother. No, Gabriella let your brother have my phone for awhile. Gabriella, what did I just say? Layton, put your shoes back on. Layton, Layton!? Gabriella, let go of your brothers shirt please. I said LET go. Layton, do not even think about biting your sister. Oh, Gabriella, ok that's it; no park today. Layton, please get back over here and sit down. Ok, Gabriella, you can have my phone in the car.
Stop 2. Both of you sit and watch Super Why. No, Layton we don't need that. I said, no. Put that down! Layton, look at my face. I said, NO. Yes, Gabriella that's for your party. Layton, that's sissys. Gabriella, please be sweet. and the saga continued....

No. I'm not exaggerating. It was actually much worse as far as constantly repeating myself and sounding like a raging lunatic. Actually, I found myself breathing normally and still calm throughout stop 2; which was Walmart. The other stops were just drive through, so no one except the ladies at the windows could here the insanity seeping from the van.

This evening it was the same thing..eat your dinner, Layton what do you need honey? Gabriella, I asked you to eat. ....repeat about 50times. :/ I managed to SOMEHOW keep it together all day/night without blowing an eye socket. I was really pretty patient considering my crazy, cute kids had lost their minds. Which, honestly was sadly an achievement for me. One of the many things I'm working on, breathing and remaining calm and soft spoken. I have a LONG way to go.

Ok so, maybe I'm not "supermom", But I am getting really daring in how often I venture into public alone with my 3 kids. :-)

I know, that doesn't leave you feeling anymore intelligent or spiritual; but at least you now know that you're not the only one with wacko kids! Haha. Or maybe it just makes me feel better to think y'all have a little insanity in your homes too.

Here's 2 of my lovelys during our crazy day.

Twins?!??!!

Pregnant? I know the Lord is humorous, but that would just be cruel!

I often, as in everyday, get asked if Gabriella and Layton are twins. Gabriella will be 4 on July 15th and Layton turned 2 on March 1st. They are 19.5 months apart, to the day. However; Gabriella is so dainty and has been since birth. While Layton, on the other hand, has always been very big. She weighed 6lbs 6ozs and was 2 weeks early. He weighed 7lbs 6ozs and was 3 weeks early. You see the pattern? Gabriella was in preemie clothes for a month and and half, and always grew at a very slow rate. Mr. Big stuff, Layton, was a very very fast growing, chunky baby boy.

Last year I said to myself several times, "he's going to pass her up if he keeps growing like this"; and he soon did. I believe it was close to his second birthday when he took the 2lb step in front of Gabriella. I thought it was so funny that my 2 year old was/is bigger than my near 4 year old.

It never fails that I hear the question "awww are they twins?" when I take them in public. I just smile and say "no". :-) I used to tell my husband all time when I was asked this question. Now I don't have to. We went out to dinner last Friday evening and the server asked "the" question. He chuckled as he heard it asked for the first time.

They are both so different....Gabriella is a sassy, yet sweet, totally in control, girly sponge that soaks up everything she can! While Layton is a tender hearted, big and strong, hilarious messy monster!

They fight like cats and dogs and drive me bonkers, but oh I love them both something ferocious!!

Just this morning they were playing together and getting along and I wondered if they weren't ill. This continued on into the afternoon. That's when I began to get used to it. BAM! Just like an earthquake that comes without warning, the fights started through til bedtime. Nope, no sickness here. :-)

Have I mentioned how much I love them?! <3

Here they are together at the zoo checking out the zebras.

Almost forgot!

My Craft Weekend finds from the antique barn and shop...Bearly Makin' It.

TGIF

Ok, so really the only change the weekend brings to me is that Daddy is home with us. Which, for me, is good enough. <3

I've really been trying to give the kids 2 hours a day of uninterrupted Mommy time. I want to enjoy the summer to its fullest and I want the kids to remember all the time we spent together. I don't want their memories to be that Mommy kept our house so clean and we did fun things on the holidays, or whatever. I've really had to stop and think about what's important. Is my house spotless? Um no. Is my laundry all finished and put away? Um ya, that's another no. I used to stress about it, but now, for me; there's no room for self induced stress.

Could my house be a little cleaner? Probably. Although right now, I'm learning to let things slide. My focus is my babies and their happiness and well being. I had always longed to me a Mommy and then when the reality hit me that may never be, I grieved. Thank God that He saw the desires of my heart and now I have 3 beautiful babies! I want to cherish this time with them and make memories that they can tell their own babies of.

All that to say, it's catching up with me!! Aahhhhh! My plan back fired today. Was supposed to go something like this....arise and shine, eat a nutritious breakfast of cereal ;), get everyone ready and head out for a few hours of fun, be back in enough time to effectively make a dent in the house chores, and then relax when the hubs got in. Bahaha ya right! I let the kids sleep in and had a late breakfast, then to the mall and then to play. We didn't get home til late and then I was so tired from being in the sun, I couldn't find the energy. I NEED A MAID! Any takers?

Ok, so wasn't I just saying that some things are gonna have to slide? Yup, sliding....they are. :-) Ah, there's always tomorrow.

Here's some of the fun we've already had this summer.

Back home: breathing and thinking a little more clearly

It's Wednesday and I've been back for longer than I was gone. I took the kiddos to the "water" park this afternoon after picking up the house a little. It's a new city park that has lots of water spouts and sprays. :-) Kids love it and it's free; so I do too.

This past weekend was fantastic. Very relaxing and laid back. We arrived Friday evening around 5:45 and everyone made their introductions. All the ladies were kind and we all got along quite well. Kimberlee made a nice (spicy) meal ad then we got our craft on!!! I won't give you a play by play, I'll just say that it was great and I'd gladly do it again!!

I bought a pair of antique kiddie chairs at the antique barn as well as a lovely white queen size chenille throw at the Sunflower. (pics to follow)

Meg Duerksen is a great host and with Kimberlee's help pulled off Craft Weekend #6 without a hitch!

Was def thrown back into the SAHM role bright and early Monday morning, but I was well prepared and refreshed. :-)

Thanks to my great hubby for keeping all 3 babies for me and taking good care of them (daddy style).

~ Craft Weekend !!!! ~

Here we are! Newton, KS for CRAFT WEEKEND! I'm having SUCH a great time. So nice to be spending this fun filled weekend doing what I love; and what's even better is spending it with a great friend. All the women are so nice and we've all just about finished our aprons! Ugh, that reminds me...I didn't snap a pic of mine before coming up. In the am. I do miss my hubby and babies, but Daddy is taking good care of them. I believe the kids were pretty excited about their trip to Chuck E Cheese! Here's a few pics I've managed to snap. More to come as the weekend continues! Tomorrow we are headed to the antique shop (featured on American Pickers)! So excited about that! G'nite

Yay! I figured out photos! Well ok, all I did was download the blogger app. :-) Either way, photos will now be shared!

Hi there. It's been awhile since I've gotten to sit down and type. Thought I'd take a few moments while the kids are behaving (gotta hurry that is most likely short lived)! This morning started out to be quite the thrill. I was privileged enough to clean up diarrhea that oozed out the back on my 2 year olds diaper when I laid him on the floor. The best part....that it was soaked up by the wool pottery barn rug. *sigh* Now, I've never had to clean poop out of a wool rug; but I'm hoping the vinegar water and a touch of sunlight will do the trick. I'm praying that is the most eventful part of my day. I'm leaving my hubby with all 3 kids this weekend so mommy can go to timeout. Timeout is the only way it seemed logical to Gabriella, so timeout it is! Headed to CRAFT WEEKEND! So excited! I am, however; nervous/anxious about leaving my 3 little monkeys. I've never left them overnight before. Well, with the exception of my hospital stay after delivery and when I stayed with the 2 youngest while they were in NICU. Timeout is a good idea for all mommies. I know it's time for this mommy because my patience stick looks like a piece of rice! YIKES ! DID I MENTION I AM ÜBER EXCITED?!?!?!?On a side note... Ana is growing way too fast! I do love this stage she's in though. The smiles and giggles accompanied with lots of drool and hand batting. She's just too sweet for words! I still am not 100% sure if she's my last. I'm so torn. BUT for the time being I'm just going to enjoy Ana and every sweet little toothless grin she throws my way. I may try to blog from Craft Weekend, ok who am I kidding?! I'll be having way to much fun creating and interacting with the other ladies. I'll touch base when I get home!

It's 11:11. Make a wish....:-) Sitting down and enjoying a glass of sweet tea. ah that feels nice. Now, if only I could summon a servant to rub my feet and calves. Hmmm maybe for Mothers day?! Today has been a busy day, but tolerable. Baby shower, quick stop at Value Village, run to a meeting, back home, clean up, make a dish of lasagna for two special someones, clean up some more, play outside with kids, feed kiddos dinner that daddy cooked (thanks), bathed the 3 kiddos, got them all snuggled in bed, came back down to eat my dinner AND THE DOG ATE IT! Ok, so clean up the kitchen, make sweet tea and wait for hubby to get back with milk so I can have a healthy bowl of Honey Bunches of Oats. Yup, still waiting on that milk. I was asked this week how I handle having 3 little ones and how difficult it is. Well, I'm not going to say its easy, because we all know I'd be lying and we know where liars go... Having three babies that are 3 and under is eventful, challenging, scary, thrilling, tiring, no exhausting, hilarious and so rewarding! Ok ok, the rewards will come. :-) But I get the privilege to soak up 3 times more hugs, 3 times the kisses, 3 times the laughter, 3 times the sweet blue eyes, and 3 times of wiping little chubby cheeky rear ends! :-) I mean, that in itself is a treasure. ;-) There are many days I can't even bring myself to "run" to the store because it's so much work lugging around a 3 year old, a 2 year old, a 4 month old in her pumpkin seat, a diaper bag AND try to hold 2 hands all the way across the parking lot. I'm seriously considering asking for "mother of 3 toddlers" parking signs next to the handicap. Ya think they'd have my back? :/ However; all of that to say that I love those little bugers with every cell in my body! They, and their father, are my whole world. I'm so very thankful for their complete health and the blessing it is to be called "mommy". There was a time I wondered if I would ever hear the pitter patter of little feet. I recall several nights laying in bed wondering that exact thought, "will I ever get to hear the sound of sweet little bare feet on our hallway floors?". God granted me my hearts desire and I just want to stop and take a minute, well a few, to thank God for healing that heartache! HAPPY MOTHERS DAY TO ME! And all the other mommys out there!

Thought I'd take just a minute to sit down and jot a few things down. I have a baby drooling all over my left hand, one that is obsessed with my title, "mommy, mommy,mommy" and another that is asking 20 questions a second. However; this is MY crazy beautiful life! I've been very busy trying to keep up with these 3 as well as our home and a few other things, not sure why I'm alwaysv tired....brb. Ok. Well, that was fun. I missed going to the gym tonight; however managed to get my workout in. It went something like this. "Babe, time for the kids to be in bed." and the process begins and ends with the routine down to a science and everyone in bed without a hitch. I journey back down stairs with the baby to lay her down and put away the clean dishes from dinner...lay her down with her paci, Gabriella starts crying. Up to Gabriella's room, then Layton fusses, back downstairs to the baby who is now upset. Get her calmed and laid back down, back to Gabriella's room, and into Layton's, back down to finish the putting the dishes away, and...now Ana. Ugh, Gabriella again; back upstairs. Ok, everyone is finally quiet, QUICK finish putting those blasted dishes away. Baby is not happy, ok at least the dishes are put up and I hear silence from the second story. Ana, is finally passed out on my lap and I'm free to type until my heart is content, ok well, until she demands my attention. :-) Im now tired from thinking about all the calories I just worked off going up and down and up and down and up and down and up, ok you get the picture. On a much calmer note, I did take Ana (and Layton) for her 4 month checkup yesterday. I really thought that she would be much bigger than the reality. She weighed 13lbs 10oz and measured in at a whopping 23.5" which is 5% of 100 other babies her age. She is rollie pollie, but on a small scale. Either way, she is perfectly healthy and growing on her own slow terms. Just thinking about how rough a start she had just 4 short months ago and now looking at her sweet little chubby face, makes me very grateful that God saw it fit to add to our Crazy Beautiful Life! Goodnight folks! No, I'm not really going to bed. That doesn't take place until much later. However; there are other things I must do, HEY I get to take a shower!

.....continued

...of course after capturing a glimpse of the beautiful goldfish, she MUST have one. *sigh* Ok, .38$ each? I think I can manage, so we purchased 2. Well, the eventful part wasn't the purchasing of our two new goldies, it was the other mother waiting with her son to purchase 4 fish for their new pond grandma bought trying to break the "no more pets in the house" rule. This mother was clearly from the less civilized area, and thought she was Gods's gift to mankind and the greatest mom that has ever walked on this green earth. Not to say that she wasn't, but could have been a little more humble about it. I learned of, not 1, but TWO of her previous goldfish lived for...wait for it...10 years!! I know, totally amazing! Now folks how can you say that is NOT exciting? I mean, it's not everyday you get to meet someone who has held goldfish in captivity for 10 years! :-) As I realize this is not a very thrilling post; just wait. In this house there's always a thrilling story lurking around the corner!

Sunday 5.6.12 aka #thehubsbirthday

Today begins my blogging adventure. I hope that each post brings a smile and maybe even a little joy to your life.

So, here we go...

Sunday is the day that I've grown to really have a love-hate relationship with. My little ones will sleep well past 10am if given the chance, and even longer some days. So, Sundays always tend to, let's just say, show the side of mommy that needs Jesus. Or we could also say its the side that has Jesus, and mommy is just angry without sin (ok ok, I confess, it's probably the first). Either way, I probably could use an additional dose of grace on Sundays.

After we've gotten everyone 97% dressed and we're all buckled in the car and ready to go

NO WAIT

, already fussing about the buckle on her car seat,

you forgot MY DRINK

! Let me just say, my eldest princess is, shall we say, DRAMA.

Gabriella

(in my most patient voice I could muster,

I have it hear in the diaper bag.

Shew! Crisis averted. Ok, now let's continue the 25min ride to church. Hey, is that right? Does the clock actually read 9:38? Are we ON TIME?! Honestly, I don't recall the last time that has happened; don't judge, just keep reading.

Well, actually not too burst your bubble, but today was pretty uneventful. I know, right?! Seriously, I think the most eventful part of the day was when I took Gabriella to walmart to pick out a present for daddy. After we've finished our shopping, Gabriella asks to see the fish. I assume that it will be harmless just to take a peek. Boy was I wrong...