Where do we keep the crowns, honey?

When you have only female children, life is a little different than when there is a mix. Our niece, Haylee (Julie's 9 year-old daughter) was over the other night and came wearing her tiara. Whenever she is over, she and Savannah have to wear the princess costumes. Savannah puts on the Sleeping Beauty costume and Haylee dons the bridesmaid dress (which surprisingly fits her considering it is from our wedding 4+ years ago...). Ben is helping Savannh put her dress on and talking to me over the monitor. Suddenly it gets quiet and then I hear drawers opening and closing. They he says, "Honey, where do we keep the crowns?"

My mom was downstairs with me and she and I both started laughing. It was funny because he asked it like you would say "honey, where's the toothpaste?"

Why do I complain?

In church this morning, the pastor was talking about persecution in churches in Sri Lanka and all that those Christians go through. For me, it really hit home and reminded me just how easy I really do have it. I have been grumbling because we have to continue to pay mortgage payments along with rent payments. Why am I grumbling? At least we can afford to do this without any hardship! I am free to worship how I please. I am free to read my Bible in private and public places and teach my children about Jesus. I guess what I am saying also, is that most people in America don't have the first clue what persecution looks like, but we are the whiniest country in the world. Ok, off of my soapbox!

We finished putting up our Christmas decorations yesterday and instead of going all out, I just decided to simplify. Honestly, other than the tree, Nativity, and a few candles (well and the entire Kohls Christmas village on top of my cabinets...) what more do you need?? We are, once again, hosting Thanksgiving at our house. My mom thinks that I am very organized and that my house is always super clean so it would be easier to have here. Thanks for the vote of confidence, Mom! Well, I do enjoy hosting parties and get togethers. The more the merrier!

Thinking Christmas

Well, it has struck me earlier than usual this year. A few weeks ago, I came down with visionsofsugarplumsitis...a dangerous virus also known as "let's put up the Christmas tree and lights honey." I have been combing through my Southern Living Christmas books and am ready to deck the halls (and everything in between...he he he). Maybe it is because we have had a fairly lousy Christmas the last 2 years or maybe it is just because I am me and love Christmas! I have already been making Ben watch Christmas movies...even before Halloween I confess! Most of my Christmas shopping is done and I plan to start wrapping it this week. I am organizing my recipes and have sorted my Christmas totes and boxes....I discovered that I have 16 storage containers of Christmas stuff. Maybe my logical thinking is that if I put up my Christmas stuff, I can fit my car in the garage!?! Ah, y'all know me better then that! I just love the holidays. The only thing missing this year is so many of you who read this! I know it is oversaid and overdone, but you really are in my thoughts and prayers all the time!

Hmmm...makes me think again...what are y'all (I just LOVE South Carolina!) doing to make your Christmas magical this year? Savannah is so cute...she told me I have to make a special "Happy Birthday" cake for Jesus this year. Her request!?! Cinderella's castle of course... She has the sweetest prayers. We had some of our non-Christian family over for dinner the other night and she prayed before dinner and said "thank you Jesus that you love Uncle Tom and Aunt Julie (everybody around the table and the cat...)....and please help me to be a good girl and be nice to Caroline. I just love a 2 year old's prayers!

We celebrated Caroline's 1st birthday yesterday. I will post pictures later. She is so funny. She did NOT want anything to do with her cake. She only wanted her mixed veggies! Eeeww mommy chocolate cake!?! I only like carrots and peas!

So, since this is really rambling, I need to go. I wish I could see, hold, and borrow (maybe it will rid me of the I want another baby feeling) all of your new babies!!

It's been a while....

Yeah, so I haven't posted in a while. In the past 6 weeks, I have been drywalling, sanding, priming, painting, mopping, cleaning, scrubbing, etc, etc. I am SO sick of it. I personally think our house looks great now...I am biased however. Please someone buy it so I can stop obsessively cleaning it....and just go back to my usual only somewhat obsessive cleaning schedule....

Yeah, so in other news, the engine in the old van went out. I have hated the "Green Goblin" for as long as I have been forced to drive it (although Savannah absolutely loves it). The brakes went completely out on me twice in the last month and then the engine went. So, I got a new minivan. I like this one as I am the one that picked it. It is a Kia Sedona. It is black and even has a combo moonroof/sunroof, so even though I have to drive a minivan, I can feel a little bit sporty! I named her Black Beauty.

We leave for Utah on Tuesday....once again with mixed feelings. Because we stand to take a 10-20,000 loss on our house (yes that would be out of pocket), we will not be buying another house until we regroup that money. I think I will be picking up some PRN nursing shifts out there. We will be staying back and forth with my parents and in a hotel for about 7 weeks until our rental house is available. I am tired just thinking about it....

Ideas I had on parenting BEFORE I had children

Before I actually had children, I thought I knew a lot about raising children and had certain ideas about how I would parent them. Of course, upon having children of my own, I realized that despite having a college degree in nursing specializing in neonatal and pediatrics and a few years experience as an aunt, nanny, and babysitter I know NOTHING!!! Now, I have to laugh when people without children spout off their theories about potty-training, feeding a child, controlling temper tantrums, etc. Wait until you have your own children...it is a whole different story.

Before I had kids, I was horrified at the sight of a young child on a "leash"/harness. I now own one, although I have only used it a handful of times. Before I had kids, I would see children 2+ in strollers and think their parents were lazy...now I understand the theory of containment. Before I had children, I knew my children would be potty trained by 18 months. Now, I change diapers on 2 children daily. Before I had children, I knew my children would eat whatever I put in front of them. Now, well...I still make Savannah at least try whatever I put in front of her, but she does eat a lot of chicken nuggets (yuck).

And, so I could go on. However, I think it is safe to say that we don't know until we are in the situation. I have learned to never judge another mother (or another person for that matter). You never know what she has or is going through. For the most part, we are all trying to do what is best for our kids and help them create magical childhoods, but we are after all, only human (but don't tell Savannah that...she still thinks I'm Supermommy...)

I Help You

Savannah is going throught the phase of wanting to help me with everything. I generally try to find ways to include her, but sometimes it gets difficult. I bought curtains and decided I didn't like the tab tops with the curtains and decided to turn them into regular panels. So, I got my sewing machine out and she immediately says "I help you." Hmmm...there's a concept... a 2 year old with a sewing machine and scissors....

Romancing the Cupboards

I am one of those very lucky women who have a romantic husband....much more romantic than I could ever imagine being! Ben and I were painting our cupboards the other night and he puts on old romantic songs. I had to laugh because normally I wouldn't consider being covered in primer attractive...then again I am not a man! Ben thought it was cute, although I personally think he just likes having a wife who knows how to handle a power drill and orbital sander....hmmm

I decided today that having 3 kids wouldn't be too big of a deal. I have such fun with the 3 kids that I think I wouldn't mind it. I have even figured out a way to still get stuff done around the house. Kids are great you know!?! They sure keep me humble. They pick up EVERYTHING you say... Savannah told me to "give her a break" today...wonder where she learned that ;)

What a week!

I am so relieved that it is Friday. This has been a long week. I have been sick and miserable all week...green is a color I like to wear not cough up (eww, but now what do you expect from a nurse!?). I had all 3 of the blondies the last 3 days and they wore me out. I took Savannah, Austin, and Caroline to the zoo yesterday, the 2 year olds in the double jogger and Carebear in the Bjorn. That was a great workout! I heard continual comments throughout the day about how brave I was. Ha, it isn't that bad!

Right now, I would just really enjoy a tumultuous affair with my pillow. I am tired! Ben has an in person interview with Thiokol (in Utah) on July 30th. They are footing the entire bill, so I think they really want him. I am just praying for God's will in the situation, because I feel overwhelmed about the prospect. Everybody who is reading this knows why! All right, I need some coffee...I must go!

Will trade kidney....

As we all know, the housing market is tanked here in southeast Michigan. Ben has an upcoming job interview with ATK Thiokol in my hometown of Brigham City, Utah. Ahh...I feel homesick just thinking about it. The funny thing is, when I was a teenager, I couldn't wait to leave. It is amazing what 10 years and 2 kids will do to you!

Anyway, we were browsing through Craigslist, as I am known to do and found a post for someone looking for a type O kidney. I joked that maybe we should see if we could trade Ben's kidney in exchange for them buying our house.... We laughed for about 5 minutes, felt bad that we laughed at someone else's heartache (and you know that isn't like me!), and then Ben seriously says "how much do you think we could get for it?"

Publisher

So, today I feel like kicking myself. First off, it has been a CRAZY couple of days....I had 3 sick children. Let's just say that I changed 22 diapers in 8 hours... Praise God my 2 are now in bed, Ben is at worship practice, and I can finally get to my Bible studies and researching publicity ideas for MOPS. That is why I feel like kicking myself. You see, a couple of months ago, I came across my Publisher 2003 software which I never used. So, seeing as how it was a hot item on Amazon, I decided to sell it...which it now sells for like $200. Now, I need it to make awesome newsletters... I'll have to find something else!

I am feeling good in other ways though. Much thanks to Christy and Audrey who told me that I looked tiny today. They inspired me to continue on my crazy workout pace. I am thankful to have friends doing the miles with me! I am thinking our "stroller brigade" needs to do the Great Mom's Walk.

Do I look like a short order cook?

For some reason, my family seems to think that I exist to be their maid, laundress, and short order cook. Ben and Savannah are always requesting certain things...even after I have made something else. For example, Savannah took one look at the scrambled eggs and toast with strawberry jam that I made her for breakfast and said, "No mommy, I want banana bread." Obviously, I didn't give in to her request.... Ben wanted bacon and grits. If I am going to be a short order cook, I am putting out the tip jar!

The Barfomatic 3000

We finally took Caroline back to the doctor for her reflux. As many of you know, she has had problems with this from birth. She was on multiple medications for it, but the only thing that worked was Prevacid, which our insurance won't cover, which of course is $220 a month. Dr. Spangler is working to get it authorized.

It is so bad, that Ben has nicknamed her the Barfomatic 3000. She goes through 5-6 outfits per day (and I am tired of being the laundry maid!). I feel bad for her too, because she is often so fussy and I know her tummy must her. We are praying that this is the solution for her. I know she is Little Miss Sunshine when she is feeling well!

Life As An At Home Mom

When I was childless, going to the bathroom alone never would have crossed my mind as an experience akin to a vacation. But...then I did have children. 2 to be exact. Savannah who is now a very rambunctious strong-willed (and might I add a nap refuser) 2 year old and Caroline a happy-go-lucky but also quite dramatic 7 month old. So, anyways, today I decided to close the door in the bathroom. Of course, this resorts in kicking, screaming, and hollers of "Mommy open the door!" Ahh, how loved I am...and SO popular. Everybody wants mommy...thankfully that still includes daddy!! Did I mention my husband is a super hottie? :)