Whispers from God

Tonight, my heart is heavy and my soul is burdened with the losses and tragedies that my friends, loved ones, and acquaintances are suffering.

As I left church tonight, I found myself asking God, "Why?" Why are some asked to take the hard path? There is so much pain and grief...and nothing I can do to help.

I know God has a plan for all things, and I know its all for this Glory, but it doesn't make it any easier or accepting it any easier.

About this point in my drive home, I turned up the radio. This song below is what was playing. I truly believe it was God speaking to me through these two songs...God is so good.

"Allelujah"
http://www.klove.com/music/artists/the-museum/songs/allelujah-lyrics.aspx
When hardship comes to prey on hopes
And troubles seem to linger on
When death rolls on taking ones we love
You are the hope that keeps us on

(Chorus)
Alleluia, Thine the glory
Alleluia, Amen
Alleluia, Thine the glory
Revive us again

When all this seems the battles lost
And such disease is spreading on
When life grows dark and our lips are parched
You are the hope that we sing of

Chorus

When death is past and sins are gone
Alas forgiveness here is won
Daughters and sons we will stand as one
We're safe at last in the Father's love
We're safe at last in the Father's love

I was singing at the top of my lungs praying this song and I was in awe. Then this song played.

"Better than a Hallelujah"
http://www.klove.com/music/artists/amy-grant/songs/better-than-a-hallelujah-lyrics.aspx
God loves a lullaby
In a mother's tears in the dead of night
Better than a Hallelujah sometimes.
God loves the drunkard's cry,
The soldiers plea not to let him die
Better than a Hallelujah sometimes.

We pour out our miseries
God just hears a melody
Beautiful the mess we are
The honest cries of breaking hearts
Are better than a Hallelujah.

The woman holding on for life,
The dying man giving up the fight
Are better than a Hallelujah sometimes
Tears of shame for what's been done,
The silence when the words won't come
Are better than a Hallelujah sometimes.

We pour out our miseries
God just hears a melody
Beautiful the mess we are
The honest cries of breaking hearts
Are better than a Hallelujah.

Better than a church bell ringing,
Better than a choir singing out, singing out.

We pour out our miseries
God just hears a melody
Beautiful the mess we are
The honest cries of breaking hearts
Are better than a Hallelujah.

We pour out our miseries
God just hears a melody
Beautiful the mess we are
The honest cries of breaking hearts
Are better than a Hallelujah.

Better than a Hallelujah sometimes
Better than a Hallelujah
Better than a Hallelujah sometimes

Thank you, Lord for speaking to my soul tonight.

Happy 1st Birthday!

My sweetest Derek,

Lil D, bitty, bitty tiny, bitters, punkin, baby bear, lil bubba, bubs, bubby, Der, Der-bear, punkin doodle, chubby bunny, chubbers...

These are just some of the names that, you, my sweet boy have come to be known by in the last 365 days. I can't believe you are a year old. My last baby, is turning 1 year old.

Not sure when that technical threshold is of when a baby turns into a toddler, but I am certain that you will never elevate above the "my baby" status. EVER! You, Derek, will always be the baby.

You came as such a surprise to all of us. Both in the news we were having another baby, and also in your hurried delivery into this world, oh boy is that a story!!! You are just the right fit and are an amazing blessing to our family.

I love to watch your personality develop everyday. You love your brother and sister so much, and just can't get enough of playing with them. And I think, not 100% sure (*wink), but they completely are devoted to you as well. I have no doubt that you three will be thick as thieves and mom and dad are certainly outnumbered.

That is a challenge we are lovingly taking on each day.

I can't wait to walk through life with you and see the child, boy, teen, and man you become. I know God has wonderful, great, things in store for you.

So please excuse my tears today, for they are tears of joy, I can't believe I have been so blessed to be your mom and I can't imagine what our life would have been like without you. I am so glad God knows what he is doing!

I love you and cherish you every second. Now I must go, for you are calling me from the bedroom...yes, you STILL don't sleep through the night!!!

xoxo

Momma

A Mother's Love

I usually spend my time on here writing about nonsense. My ramblings on about being a mom. About how "hard" it is, about what goes wrong or right in my very own everyday life.

Recenlty, I got back in touch with an old friend from college through Facebook. I love the thing, and I also really hate it at times. This was a good time.

This friend was so much fun, we never got to be very close, she was so full of life, fun and so sincere, I always felt a kindred spirit with her. I firmly believe that in another place, or time we could have, should have been best friends. I was so excited to read about where she's been for the last 7-8 years. What she's done, who's shes married, where they live, how many kids, etc. All the business you can find on Facebook. It didn't take me long to find out two things:

1. My heart was broken over the loss of her sweet sweet baby.
2. What an amazing example of Christianity and motherhood she is and strives to be.

My perceptions on faith, life, love, and loss, were immediatly and profoundly impacted. PROFOUNDLY impacted.

The events of my life pail in comparison, yet I share her grief in a way I could have never imagined.

To any woman who has kids, has had kids, wants to have kids, the loss of a child is unimaginable. To know and to believe that It Was Written, that God's plans for us were laid out long before life took shape, is amazing. Everyday, I read Summer's blog, I feel inspired to be a better mom. To love my kids more than I did yesterday, to love and to TRUST God more that I did yesterday. To have FAITH more that I did yesterday.

I will continue to pray for my dear friend and her family, I will continue to shed tears with her each day, hoping that, if enough of us share her pain, maybe it will lessen for her. But I know it will not, the peace that passes understanding is the only comfort.

Kiss and hug, speak the words you long to. Love your babies, love your kids, love your spouses and your friends with every fiber of your being. Enjoy every argument, tantrum, and every precious moment.

For our plans too have been written.

Up until recently shopping at the Clubs was just too much of an investment for our family. There was no way we would ever get through that much peanut butter or cereal or toothpaste!

Now, it has become a monthly trip for us to stock up on necessities. Every time I'm there I walk past the toiletries aisle and think, "Wow, that's a lot of toothpaste!" I never, ever, buy it. Ha! I'm better off with the single box from Walmart.

Well, I am dumb. I just need to break down and buy the dang 4 pack of toothpaste. If I did I would avoid the anxiety I felt this morning over having no more toothpaste. And the dread of going to Walmart with all the kids in tow for ONE tube of toothpaste.

This morning as I was squeezing the last ounce from the tube I vowed to now be a 4 pack buyer.
Here's to learning the lessons the hard way!

GO BIG OR GO HOME ( or in my case...back to Walmart!)

Hearing Voices

Hello all!
I have been away from this lil hobby of mine for quite some time. We have had a busy summer! I hope you all have had a good one and are ready to get back into a regular routine. I know we are!

My two oldest have been bickering on and off now for several weeks. They are SO ready for school! Mom is too...

This morning, my daughters beloved iPod was by the sink, yes the sink that holds dirty dishes and water. It was sure to be ruined. I asked her to come and get it, take it to her room. So...she came and got it, but the prized possession only made it to the kitchen counter, approximately 2 feet away.

Little brother, being well, the little brother, came and snatched it away as she walked away. He sat behind the counter listening to it for a couple songs...all this going on while I am trying to revive myself with a second cup of coffee, we have a busy day!
So he decided to test his limits once she didn't come looking for it or him and came waltzing into the living room ear buds in full view, just taunting her. As you can imagine, the battle ensued.

I had to intervene and collected the iPod. It went to the top of the fridge, which I like to refer to as "the place where toys go to die." But that could be a whole post on it's own.

Shortly after, we were out the door to take care of last few errands before school started. We had to be home before nap so we were hurrying out the door.

After we got home, I got everyone down for their naps. It was quiet. I was thinking maybe a nap myself...then I heard it. The voices.

I walked to each of the kids rooms to listen in, nothing. Went into my room to listen for Derek. Nothing. Checked the TVs, nothing. Opened the windows, NOTHING! I thought for a split second maybe I WAS really going crazy!

Then it dawned on me. Reached to the top of the fridge, and yep...the iPod. It was singing to me, very loudly.

Whew, I am not going crazy....YET!

Have a good week yall!
(hopefully each page will get updated the next coming weeks)

I'M BORED!!!

Friends!
It has been a long time...I'm sorry. We have been busy not doing much of anything this summer! So, really I don't have an excuse for not writing.

This summer, I have been hearing this one little phrase from my 6 yr old more times than I care to count.

"I'm Bored..."

It's driving me crazy! I believe my aunt put it best when she said, "bored is when you are too lazy to find something to do." Or my friend Tara suggested, "only boring people get bored."
Both I agree with wholeheartedly.

The kids were begging to go outside and play, and so we did. Five minutes into it, my daughter came up to me and said she wanted to go inside...she was bored. BORED? Bored with what? The bike? The swing? The scooter? Running? Cartwheels?
I remember being a kid and being outside all day during the summer. ALL DAY, folks. We didn't come home under lunch or dinner.

After the "required" time of playing outside, we went inside to cool off. Five minutes into being outside she was bored again. "I'm bored..."
Bored with the Barbie Dream House Santa had to search high and low for? Bored with the endless coloring books and crayons? Bored with the closet full of books, babies, and dress up clothes?

My son, who's now the big 4, has no problem playing on his own. My oriental rug quickly becomes a dirt track for racing cars with him. Not sure how to get her to think creatively, which I KNOW she is a creative person. Not sure why she feels like she can't play in her room alone. What is the underlying issue?

But this house is full of things to do. She knows it, I know know it! But if I hear that sentence much more this summer I may be ordering a straight jacket!

Maybe it's time to do as Maureen says, and go scoop poop :)

Dad's Day!!!

In case any of y'all forgot, tomorrow is Father's Day!! So hurry, go get your tie before the stores close!

Tonight, we were discussing our plans of taking Daddy out for breakfast and giving him the special card they made for him, when my oldest pops up and says, "I wish there was a Kid Day like they have one for Mommy's and Daddy's!" My response to her was EVERYday is a Kid Day. She didn't like that answer much :)

But seriously, dads are amazing. I can't help but miss being near my dad on these days, (even though I am a slacker and didn't get anything in the mail to him.) But I think I am closer to my dad now as an adult than I was growing up. It's funny how your relationships with your parents change when you grow up. I think about all the sacrifices my parents made for everything we had. I love the work ethic that was instilled, the family values, the personal values. I love that my dad taught me how to work on my Volkswagen when it broke down. Even though I didn't then, I do now, I love the time we spent on the tractor working hay fields. I love that my parents weren't compromising on so many things, that made me the woman I am today.
LOVE YOU DAD!

I look at my own husband, and love the daddy he has become. I love that he wrestles the kids, I love that he teaches them with a Can-Do attitude. I love their bedtime routine of dad carrying all of them on his shoulders (at the same time!!) I love the thoughtfulness he puts into his time off with them, the special things they do together. I adore the way he will wait for Dillon to mow the lawn because he knows how much Dill loves to help! I love how he encourages Kasey with her gymnastics and reading. And it melts my heart to watch him cuddle the baby. Can't wait to watch and see their relationships develop.

But most of all I love that my children adore and look up to him in everyway and love him with all their hearts.

Thank you Dads (and Moms!) for holding the special places in all our hearts. Thank you for being the hand to guide us, and the support for us to lean on.

ITS EVERYWHERE!

I am thinking of changing the name of my blog to "High Heels to Poo poo Spills." What'd ya think?

I am coming to you fresh off scrubbing my living room white carpets that my lil one destroyed in one fell swoop, or poop should I say.

This week, bitty (that's the baby) has been trouble, more trouble than usual sleeping. Last night was no exception. Last night he was up grunting and tooting all night trying to relieve himself. We were up all night with no progress. The day before, we couldn't stop him up...if its not one thing it's another.

After the kids were fed, I bleary eyed brewed a cup of much needed coffee (Kona blend, if your are curious.) Momma just wanted 10 minutes of peace to drink coffee and read the news. So I put bitty in his bouncer and the big kids were being entertained by the much beloved Dinosaur Train.

Just after my first sip, Dill comes running into the kitchen yelling...Derek just threw up everywhere!!!!! I jumped up and ran into the living room to assess the damage. Here are my next few words..

"That's not throw up, that's POOP!"

Somehow this kid had managed to get poop in a two foot radius covered from the waist down, with out one spot on the bouncer. When I scooped him out of the bouncer, I was covered. When I ran the tub to put him in, the tub was covered. I have never seen a Poop of such epic proportions!! (I have a pic, I'm scared to share it. If you want to see a pic please go to Hints, Tips and Tricks **i have taken it down**)

How do you even clean up this stuff up!?

With the baby clean, and the carpets stained a lovely color of baby poop yellow, it is now time for Mommy to get clean.

**Real time up date** Dillon just came from playing outside. Here is our conversation.

Why is your hair wet? Are you sweating?

No, the dog's been licking me!!! (grinning from ear to ear)

Off to the tub for him...No shower for mommy yet...

Perfect Package

Yesterday I took my little brood to Sam's Club for some shopping. We needed dog food, and fresh produce. I belive they have the best (produce, that is)!

Last trip there, we bought some amazing plums that were perfect and lasted almost 3 weeks. We did our little bit of shopping and then enjoyed a lunch of Sam's pizza and shared a coke. It was a delightful trip, and for those of you who follow regularly, know that's rare.

As I was putting away our groceries, I stopped to admire and ponder the packaing of the peaches. When I had first picked them up at the store, I thought how inconveient and bulky. But when I got home and all my peaches were PERFECT, not one bruise or scratch I came to appreciate the package.

They were in a perfect, little, square box. Each peach had its own cubby to rest in. Covered with a plastic lid.

This morning, as I was getting my children ready for Mother's Day out, I was wishing I had a nice, neat little box to place my children in. One that would protect them from all kinds of bumps and bruises.

Cheers, to being a Mommy!

Sharing the Love

Right now, I am not being a very good mommy. Today, was field trip day for the kindergartners. We went to the zoo and then to the park for a picnic lunch.

60 kindergartens y'all....that's all I have to say.

Needless to say, by the time I got everyone in the car, there were tears flowing from 3, almost 4, sets of eyes. Kasey didn't want to come with me, Dill didn't want to leave, and poor lil baby Derek couldn't wait to get home to his bed.

So I hurried up and laid everyone down so I could look at the surprise that was at my door when we got home!

My great and talented friend Lindsey Stice , who is also a mommy to the most adorable red head ever, dropped off our family pics, I have been so excited to get them and share them with everyone. Also, please notice her creativity on my fancy new blog title...I love this gal and would be happy to recommend her to you for any of your photography occasions!

So posted here are some of my favorites by Mrs. Lindsey Stice.

Wow! I love Technology

More than I love technology, I love when I figure out how it works all by myself!
Yay me!

I just figured out today, how to add other pages to my blog...I am so behind the times I know! But bare with me as I play with them and try to find a direction for them to be put to good use.

Be sure to check back soon to see what's going on!

What are you wearing?

My fashion sense has changed a lot throughout the years, and mostly based on need. By that I mean, it has evolved with my ever changing lifestyles.

High school was basically jeans, sweatshirts, I believe I had a silk shirt at one time...it was blue. Awesome. And tennis shoes. Pretty sure I owned some sort of Guess something or Girbaud as they were THE hot brands in high school. But my most worn ( and probably most $$$) article was my cheer uniform. It was worn probably twice a week, sometimes more. Think "Cheerios" on Glee.

In college, it was all ripped jeans, flip flops, tiny sweaters, anything and everything from Abercrombie and Fitch. And to add some "variety," anything Chi Omega or ENMU, especially ENMUfootball (often seen sporting #44), related.

My first job out of college was not teaching like I was supposed to do, it was at Dillard's. I had to wear slacks and blazers...all the time...pregnant. NOT FUN. But slowly started to build up my "grown up" wardrobe.

When I started my career in the business world, I had to put away my flip flops and ripped jeans , and don my heels, button down tops and slacks. I loved dressing up everyday, I even miss it. But I always felt like I was playing "grown up."

Now in another season of my life, I am finding dust on my heels, and hanger creases in my slacks. I have pulled the ripped jeans off the shelf only to find them more fragile than ever, and well my favorite flip flops from college broke.

NOW WHAT DO I WEAR?! What does being a grown up look like at this stage? Maybe I need to submit myself to What Not to Wear but I really don't want them to tell me 30+ year old shouldn't be wearing ripped jeans or sweats.

Oh well, it will be an on going quest to find my new fashion sense!

Leave a comment and tell me, What's your favorite outfit?

Love and Laundry

This week's post is a song that I can releate to on every level. Wanted to share it with you!


Song and Lyrics by Point of Grace
http://youtu.be/Y06GnOMqItw


"Here is go again it's another messy morning
Walk around the clothes that are covering the floor and
Take my Kiss and coffee to go
Then put on my mascara while Im driving down the road
I thought that I could do it all
Turns out I was crazy
Man, I need an iphone and a cleaning lady
We haven't had a date night in what seems like forever
It might take a miracle to get myself together

Oh I wish that there were more than
24hours in a day
I haven't found it yet but there's gotta be a way
And I keep on praying that
I can get everything done
And still have time for love
And a load of laundry

I'd sure liek teo relax laying in a bubble bath
But then I'd have toe clearn the tub and really who's got
time for that
There goes my day dream Im just wishful thinking
Oh shoot Im running late, I gotta make it to a meeting

Ive been waiting for this moment all day, just you and me
The lights are low, next thing I know
We're both drifting off to sleep

Kicking Back

This is me right now at 8:19 am. I am putting my feet up and enjoying my coffee while I post this up. As a side note, I love my sweats and flip flops, also my chipped nail polish that desperately needs to be redone. Not on the list of things to do....

It has been a busy but wonderful week. Spring is in full swing here in Texas and we are LOVING it! Our grass always looks great this time of year, we mow it, cut it, nurture it...and then summer comes and its too hot to do all those things, poor lawn.

So here's a week in recap.

Monday my daughter got her first cavities filled. I was sick with worry over it. All my experiences at the dentist at that age still haunt my nightmares. Dad took her in and and sent the worry-crazed mom play by play text messages. Thirty minutes later they were finished. Much to my surprise, she was in NO pain. They didn't even numb her mouth up, just a little gas through the "princess sniffer" and she was good to go. Wow! So impressed with dentistry these days.

Tuesday I had the opportunity to get back to the gym. Right before #3 came along, I was full swing training for a triathlon. Running, swimming, and cycling everyday. Yes, EVERYDAY! So, this week I decided it was time to don the swimsuit and get a few laps in. Was so excited, that I had not lost too much fitness, and practically picked up the laps I was doing before pregnancy. I can't wait to get back in the pool, will hopefully start riding my bike to the gym, and get two of the three.

Frozen yogurt palooza! We have had an onslaught of frozen yogurt places open in in town in the last couple months. Seriously, how many do we need. Currently we have three, and one of them opening a second location. People flock to these shops and lines run out the door. Everyone can be heard saying "Why didn't I think of this!" We got to try out one of the newer ones this week, the interior was uber cool, and flavors were light and fresh. We will be back!

The rest of the week has been filled with running kids to and from practices and Dr appointments. Paying bills and of course the never ending slew of laundry. My days as a stay at home mommy feel busier than most days at the office did!

Amid all the hustle and bustle of this week, I have got to share some great moments. My lil punkin Derek is a funny boy and loves to laugh at mommy. We laughed together a lot this week. Baby giggles and squeals are the best! The weather has been so beautiful I took the boys (sad Kasey was in school) on a little picnic lunch. Any energy that can be ran off is great! And I have got to watch my daughter be cool and mature at some things she was apprehensive about.

So cliche, they are growing up too fast, but I am so glad I am here to witness these moments and share with them. I love spring and all the newness to things it brings (hahaha I'm a poet)!

The accident

This weekend was a dear friends birthday party for her sweet one year old. All three of my kiddos were invited, and were so excited to attend. They love parties. My friends family has a trampoline that the kids were most excited about, we don't have one, nor will we ever, so this was an extra special treat for them. I don't know how many of you know the game, "crack the egg," but its a tramp game that you take turns sitting down, crossing your legs and holding them tight while another jumper tries to "break you open" with a forceful jump. The kids were all playing this game having a good time, (do you see where this is going yet?) all the parents had an eye on them, but then again, all it takes is just one second. I turned around...and heard my child screaming. Then I saw the blood. My heart dropped out. That's all. I ran to him to see what had happened. My daughter, the little mommy, was screaming worse than he was...she was so scared. It's amazing as a mom how fast we can change gears, you are so afraid, but yet somehow a rational calm came over me. We had a busted lip and bleeding teeth. Poor baby just wanted to go home, so we loaded up and headed home for daddy to take a look at, and calling the dentist along the way. When we got home my husband is looking him over and asked him, "What happened? I thought you were Superman!" Dillon replied, "I didn't wear that shirt today..." Too finish up the story we are dealing with three broken roots, hoping and praying for a miracle that they heal on their own! Moral of the story, make sure you always have your Superman shirt on!

An Untouchable Moment

Now, y'all know I don't normally post twice in a week. I just don't have the time. But I just had a moment, a moment that I wanted to share and not forget.

It's been a little bit of a rough start to the week. I think coming off spring break, everyone is out of whack and out of routine. I myself was feeling a little down...was missing the easy validation one gets from working at a job. When you "work" inside the home, you rarely get those pats on the back of good job, or a mention of a great idea. You don't have colleagues coming to pick your brain for ideas. The job satisfaction comes from things like having a clean, or semi-clean in this case, house. Kids having full bellies of healthy food, and a husband who is happy to come back to his place of rest each night. These things don't often get vocalized.

But today, just now, my sweet Dillon, woke up from his nap. Kids waking up is my favorite time, their sleepy eyes, and red cheeks. I just love it.

I got a smile. A genuine happy grin of a loved and happy child that went straight to my moping heart. Then I got an, "I love you, Mom."

That was it, that's all I needed to know I am in the right spot.

Thank you Lord, for your bountiful blessings!

5 Random Questions

For this blog post I whole heartedly planned on discussing on what a "break" Spring Break really ISN'T! But I have decided that would be pretty negative and wanted to focus on the positives this morning.

So, I read this cute little questionarie off another blog I follow The Fabulous Life of a Coach's Wife and wanted to have some fun myself.

1. Have you ever testified in court? For What?

I have not, I have been called in for jury duty only one time in my life. It took more time for me to drive there than I actually spent waiting. I was dismissed right away. Yay! I got to go back to work.

2. Do you still have your wedding dress?

Yes! Of course I do. Can't fit into it, but it is boxed up nice and pretty in a keepsake box. One of these days, I will hopefully break it out and share it with my daughter. But as I have discussed before, she is NOT getting married and NEVER leaving this house.

3. Is there a special place you go when you are happy, sad, stressed, etc?

Only one place. The bath tub. One of my favorite things to do is read in the tub, and it just so happens the bathroom has locks on it. No entry for curious kids. I will take a bath for all the above, something about the soak, especially if I have Lush products, makes everything better or even MORE better!

4. If you have kids do they sleep with you?

I think I dedicated a whole blog to needing a bigger bed, read here . Yes, the kids all have had their turn sleeping with mom and dad, but two seems to be a good age to transition. But with my husband working the occasional nights, it is sometimes nice to have an extra bed buddy, or three.

5. Do you watch late night TV?

NO! If I can get in bed and be asleep by 9 pm I am ecstatic. But in my house the only thing that comes on after 10 is ESPN SportsCenter and that usually does the trick to putting me to sleep...at least until the baby wakes up again :)

There you have it folks...everything still kinda took a negative bent! And might I just add, I am SO happy Spring Break is over! I'm exhausted.

Batman

Let me tell you about the BEST/WORST $16 I have ever spent.

Last October, I was shopping at one of my favorite stores for the kids, Old Navy. As you know, that time of year is when everyone starts to break out the Halloween costumes. The last few years I have waited too long, like the day before, to get costumes and we haven't been able to find sizes or variety...me procrastinate? Go figure.

Anyway, this year I was on the ball and while I was there I went ahead and found my 3 yr old his costume. It was a fabulous, polyester one piece, Batman suit. I thought I would show it to him, and put it up for safe keeping until Halloween. Boy, was I wrong.

Came home, opened the bag, showed it to him and within 3 minutes the lil punkin had stripped off his clothes to put it on. So it began...

This batman suit was and still is worn almost every day. It is not just any old batman suit, this suit transforms a regular three year old into a Super Hero. He can run, jump, and fly faster when in this suit. This suit makes him invincible. Or so he thinks, much to his mother's dismay. Everyday I cringe, wondering if today is the day he will break his arm jumping off the couch trying to "fly." Or run into the corner of the wall while running, and the list of worries goes on and on.

It is amazing how one article of clothing can bring this much joy and excitement to a child. We now have Batman pj's, a Batman backpack, Batman socks, and a Batman tshirt. He gets to be Batman all the time.

Translation = mom is on the verge of heart attack ALL THE TIME.

I think I'm going to start thinking of my morning coffee as Super Mom serum, that way I can have Super Mom strength to protect my "Super Hero" all day.

What in the world and I going to do when little brother gets old enough to be a Super Hero too?

I need a clone...

Chocolate Toast

Many, many years ago when I was taking French in college as my minor, I was introduced to something heavenly.

Nutella

For those of you who have not heard of Nutella, it is a delicious, creamy, chocolate hazelnut spread. My French professor had us spread it on a baguette for a snack. You would only find it at gourmet shops or in the international aisle if you were so lucky to have one at your grocers.

Recently, there have been TV commercials for this tasty spread. They market it as a breakfast choice, a healthy start to your day when spread on whole wheat toast, and orange juice. I will be the first to admit, I have fallen prey to the gimmick. I thought, "YES! An answer to get my kids to eat toast!" It is no longer exclusive to high end retailers...it is found on the shelf at most stores, this includes, Walmart.

I have pawned this off to my kids as "chocolate toast" and is now a hit with them. Who knew I had such cultured kiddos?

So if you are in need of a quick, and semi-healthy breakfast idea, try out some "chocolate toast."

PS my husband loves it as a bed time snack...its ALMOST like a chocolate chip cookie :)

http://www.nutellausa.com/

The Ten Year Plan

One of the most common interview question is "Where do you see yourself in 5-10 years." That question has always stumped me. I have always wanted my answer to be, "Staying home with my kids, running them back and forth to school." But how do you respond with that answer in a job interview where they are looking for a long term commitment?

I am finding myself at a 10 year point, and last night I kept myself awake, reminiscing and thinking about the future. This month my husband and I will have been together 10 years...next year will be our 10 yr wedding anniversary (Yipee! Maui here we come!!), but we started dating a year before that.

I won't get into what I was up to 10 years ago, it wasn't pretty. Meeting my husband was the highlight of that year, and only improved! But at that time, I couldn't see God's plan for the next ten years.

Now, I can perfectly see the next ten years. Here is what I envision it being:

Kasey will be going on 17...this makes me want to tear up, she only has 11 more years with us. That is not long at all. We will be going to watch her cheer at games, fighting over curfew, date nights, and homework. She will be driving, be still my heart, and probably have a boyfriend even though she is convinced she is never getting married and is living with us forever. We will be applying to colleges and planning HER future. She will be beautiful, witty, and smart.

Dillon will be going on 14. He will be about to start high school. I am positive that he will be involved in every sport and excel at each one, this apple did not fall far from his dad's tree. He will be that guy in class that doesn't even have to try to get good grades. Hopefully, not too big of a goof off. But one of those cheeky grins to the teacher and all will be fine. The sound of a basketball dribbling on my tile is inevitable, this I know. The fridge will not stay stocked with teenagers in the house.

My baby, my 3 month old, he will be 10 years old. He will be a fourth grader. I can't quite image what he will be up to, but I am excited to be there every step of the way. Maybe he will also be an athlete, or an artist, or musician or all of them! But I do know, he will be Dillon's shadow, wanting to be a part in everything he does.

I will be in my forties, yikes, my husband will still be 39. We will be married 20 years. What in the world will I do with all my free time with kids in school? Maybe I will be teaching preschool or kindergarten. Maybe my husband will finally get his Camaro, only to have Kasey wanting to drive it every day.

All this said, I know God has a plan for us, not sure what it is, but I know it is good. And I know I will be enjoying every minute of it and then, looking back on now I will know, God is good. Just like looking back to 10 years ago now, and seeing all that God has done for us, it is good.

What a beautiful life...

Revelation

It has recently occured to me, sadly just now, that it is not going to get done unless I do it.

It's just that plain and simple.

When I was working outside the home, it was so easy to sit back and say, "I dont have time for that," or " I need to be spending my free time with my family." I do not consider these excuses. They were very valid reason for not re-organizing the closet or dusting the fan blades. Family time was and still is top priority.

Now that I have found found myself with abundant supply of family time, I no longer have my valididation for not dusting. Many times I have opened my hallway closet and thought, "this closet sure does need to be sorted!" and subsequently closed the door and walked away.

No more my friends!

I had an epiphany this morning that, get this, NO ONE ELSE IS GOING TO DO IT! My husband is pretty great about taking out trash, putting away his own laundry (when it is clean and folded *grin*), but closet organizing and sorting is not his forte...nor do I think I would want it to be. So, I bit the bullet and it's finished, nice and tidy. I was even able to get rid of some of the toy clutter from my playroom, I mean, leaving room. It only took a half hour. I feel great about it! The kids now have their own space for puzzles, playdoh, games, and coloring books.

This recent revelation also applies to cleaning behind the toilet, on top of the fridge, and under the beds. One of these days, my hope is that the kids will be big helpers and do some of these things with me, but until then...If its to be, its up to me!

Off to do anything other than clean out the other 4 closests that are so desperatly neglected.

Tip of the day: Don't put off for tomorrow what can be done today (easier said than done, I know!)

Adventures in Nursing...

WARNING! This particular could be considered by some to contain TMI (Too Much Information)

So please, stop now if you are offended by any of the following:
Throw up
Boobs
Breastfeeding

Now that you all have been duly warned on with today's discussion.

I just love, love, love the smell of baby spit up in the morning. NOT! My newest son is a great eater. All of my kids for that matter have been great at breastfeeding, and we are so fortunate. I know a lot of women have had trouble and not been able to breastfeed as planned.
Both my boys in particular have been guzzlers, Derek in particular. He eats so fast he often spits up quite a bit after. Most times, I have to wait to shower and put on fresh clothes for the day until after the second morning feeding. This morning we were both covered. Gross! I know, TMI.

For those of you who have breastfed you know how demanding it can be. Feeding a newborn in general is demanding. But unlink formula fed babies, you can't just whip up a quick bottle and anyone can feed baby. One afternoon last week, baby D was particularly hungry while Dad was holding him. I was trying to get some (*ugh*) laundry dried and put away (shock, I know!) Dad was getting a little exasperated with satisfying baby with his paci. His remark to me was, "Aren't you going to feed him soon?"
Well, of course I was! I just had to get some quick duties wrapped up.

Later that evening when we were getting the big kids ready for bed the subject of their bedtime "snack" and milk came up. I handed off lil D to dad to hold while I got everyone ready for bed with their snack and milk. Baby promptly started crying, wanted his bedtime "snack." Mockingly, I relayed this afternoon's remark, "Aren't you going to feed him soon?"

My sweet, innocent, little Dillon's reply to us both was delivered very seriously. He said, "Mom, Dad doesn't have milk boobs!"

We all died laughing! Milk boobs...hahaha. The concept to a 3 year old boy has to be hilarious. When I try to tell him he drank out of milk boobs too, he is *udderly* (pun intended) grossed out.

Ooh, the life of a breastfeeding mom. We encounter the strangest experiences and discussions!

Well, off to resume my bovine duties.

Worth it?

This weekend my little sister and my sweet niece came into town to visit . One of our most favorite things to do when she lived here was go to Cracker Barrel for breakfast, sit and chat over coffee and yummy biscuits. I have always been there with babies...babies, who are quiet and don't play with knives. This visit was different with a baby, toddler, preschooler, and a kindergartner. They are independents... Hard to keep strapped down.

So as tradition would have it, my sister requested to go to the Cracker Barrel for breakfast yesterday morning. We woke up around 8 but in this house you can't just get up and go any more. Bitty Tiny has to be fed, diapered two or three times, dressed (once if we are lucky), big kids have to get dressed and pottied. Getting Dillon's socks and shoes on, that's always an adventure. That could be it's own post! By the time we actually left it was an hour and a half later.

The entire morning little Dillon talked about how yummy his pancake was going to be. We got to the restaurant and seated very quickly considering it was a Sunday morning. Got everyone sat and food ordered. Shortly after that this sweet "empty nester" couple was lucky (i use the word loosely) enough to get seated at the table next to us. They sat beside each other...who does that? Maybe they never had kids...

Our quaint breakfast tradition turned into quite the entertainment. From the playing with butter knives to the putting of feet on the table, to the refusing to eat the much anticipated food...from all of them, we were a circus act. My sister and I were up and down, a constant barrage of "No, stop, sit, don't do that!" " Please eat!!!!!" Sound familiar? To anyone with kiddos, this should be a frequent occurrence or maybe it's just us.

As we were waiting not so patiently for our absentee waitress to bring boxes for the un-eaten food, the couple looked over at my sister and I and said, " Do you ever ask yourself, is it really worth it?"

Was it? Over priced coffee and cold eggs for the sake of arguments and tradition?

Yes, I got to share a parenting moment and experience raising kids with my baby sister, absolutely, it was worth it!

To those of you with no kids, or kids have long since been gone, please be sensitive. We parents, too, long for a meal or shopping experience in peace and quiet. It will come one day, but for now please be patient with us sleep deprived, stressed, and loving every minute of it parents!

Let sleeping babes lie

I know they say you can't spoil a newborn...but I am certain you can. This new little bundle is very particular about certain aspects of his regimen. Please forgive this post if there are more spelling and or grammatical errors. I am posting via smart phone who often times is not so smart when it comes to predicting what I am going to say. My arms are also being occupied by their 2 month old, permanent resident. Which leads me into this post...

They say that babies at this age can't be spoiled by being held too much, that we should not let them cry it out. Their cries are for basic needs including that of comfort. It just so happens this baby is only "comfortable" when being held. Which is absolutely wonderful an will miss in 6 months, but it also make it extremely difficult to accomplish my basic needs. Yeah, who needs a shower today right?

He also has a very favorite blanket. No, it is not a sweet adorable baby blanket, but it is a huge queen size, blue, super softee! We all fight over it, guess who wins...who ever is holding bitty tiny. Yes, oh yes, this kid is rarely put down.

Not only does he get held all day, in the favorite blanket, but he also has a favorite chair. Babies don't care about such frivolous things you might say...but you would be wrong,my friend.

In adddition to the arms, blanket, and chair, he has a person. Is it the mother who labored sans pain killers? No! Is it the person who provides endless nourishment to his lil growing punkin self? No! Is it the person changing all those stinking diapers? No!

He is a daddy's boy through and through.

While in the chair, with the blanket, snuggled up with dad...he gets the best naps. Like 3 hour naps! That is more than I get at once at bed time! Mom is tolerated with this lil guy...I am his necessity. Dad is comfort.

So you tell me, spoiled?

Next week bitty is going to start sleeping in his own space! Mark my words, I think, I hope...well maybe, we'll see...

Laundry...my nemesis

Laundry is my nemesis. It is the antagonizer (is that even a word?) that never goes away. It is always there, lurking behind closed doors and in closets.

I have asked the question to all my friends. What does it mean to have laundry "finished?"

The term is fairly elusive. And I received several definitions. But the most common answer was; "Finished- to have every piece of dirty clothing washed, dried, folded, and put away in it's respective spot."

In our house the laundry is never truly "finished" by the above definition. Surprise, surprise...haha!

I am feelin good about myself if I have it all washed and in the processing in any of the above steps. Come to think of it maybe that is the source of my frustration with the laundering process. Maybe if I had it all completed I would be a free from the clutches of evil! (Dramatic much)

But even then, the process starts all over again with one soiled piece of laundry. Therefore, never being "finished."

So, to all of you who say, "Yay! Laundry is finished!" you are NOT indeed finished, unless everyone in your household is naked.

That is all...

Battle for the Box Tops

Do you know what Box Tops are?

I was among the uninformed until this year when my daughter started public school. Box tops are these little dillywhoopers (see pic above)on the sides of cans, top and sides of boxes, on labels and wrappers of all sorts of everyday household products. For example: Huggies diapers, Ziploc bags, Gogurt, Pillsbury products, and Cheerios...these are just a few.

Well my friends, Box Tops are huge! They are a big deal, a very big deal. I still don't know much about them, I know they are worth $.10 each for your school. I know that the class who collects the most gets a pizza and ice cream party. I know my daughter is a nazi when it comes to looking for them.

For those of you who would like to know more, here is their site.
www.boxtops4education.com

But back to the real reason for this post.

Each time we grocery shop I try to keep in mind the hunt for box tops, but most times the generic brands are cheaper, and you just can't pass that up. Generic brands do not have Box Tops...but there are somethings you just have to go name brand on...we usually end up with 5 box tops each shopping trip. Every little bit counts right?

We collect them and send them back to school each month. Our pantry often will look like a mouse ate a perfectly rectangle shapes out of cereal boxes and soup cans.

Over the holidays we went to visit my mom and dad. My mom and dad, bless their hearts, are still raising kids...two very huge and hungry 17 year old, athletic boys. She grocery shops. A lot.

As I was helping her sort out groceries and cook up some dinner I started noticing the treasure she had in her pantry. It was Box top mania in there! Much to my surprise (NOT!) she was not collecting them. I could just imagine the thousands of dollars of Box tops she was hoarding in her pantry and the thousands more that have been carelessly thrown away!
Throughout the week, I let it be known, very sweetly, that no Box tops were to be thrown away!

On the day of our departure my sweet mother presented my daughter with a Ziploc (Box top) baggie of all her Box tops...her pantry has now been plagued with the same little, rectangle eating mouse. Thanks, Mom!

Here's to all of you who fight to keep the cereal boxes closed with holes cut out of them!

And to all of you who have kids up and coming, start saving now! You will be the hero of the class if you bring in a bucket full. (the expiration is like 3 years!)

And to those of you who don't have kiddos in school anymore, I'll send you our address and we will take care of them for you :)

Clip on Box Top savers! Clip on!