First Bath

Many hands make for ...



a clean girl!

For Dirty Diapers Only!

My Valentine's present. Along with a designer gas mask. We will be filling this baby in a matter of hours.



(Actual size- about 50 gallons)
(Actual location- church nursery)
(Actually would come in very handy)

1 month

Remember the Little Boy Blue red sofa pictures?

Well, now it's time for Miss Muffet. Here's to a year on the pink chair!

4 weeks

Priceless

Diaper Genie: $28.00
Pampers: $18.99
Legos: $9.00
Emptying the dirty diapers and finding out where Little Boy Blue has been storing his toys: PRICELESS!

First Smiles

Um,

...okay. But I think you already had your turn, honey.

The many faces of Little Boy Blue

The many faces of Miss Muffet

Men can multitask, too!

(working out with WII Fit while bouncing Miss Muffet to sleep)

January 13

You know how on your first wedding anniversary you buy flowers, get dressed up nice, go to dinner...

On your fifth wedding anniversary, you go on a cruise or some other fun trip (that is if you don't already have 3 small children and are dirt poor)...

On your tenth wedding anniversary you invite all your family and friends and renew your vows in a beautiful ceremony (or at least hope to)...

Well, apparently on your fourteenth wedding anniversary, you completely forget that it is January 13th and instead go half the day mindlessly following your daily routine only to remember your anniversary when your mother calls to remind you.

A note to my honey-
I love you today more than the day we married. Thank you for 14 joyous years and five beautiful children. Thank you for making my life a fairy tale.
I apologize in advance for being in sweat pants and a nursing shirt on our anniversary. I promise to brush my teeth before you get home. But I don't think I can swing a shower at this point. I'll just add some deodorant. No perfume though, it makes the baby sneeze. And I'll probably go to bed around 8:00. No offense, I would love to stay up and cuddle with you. But the baby had me up all night last night and, well, I'm a bit tired. By the way, a sweet lady from church is bringing us dinner tonight. She must have known we would have starved tonight if I had to make dinner. We can light a candle and pretend we are on a date. In fact, we can turn down all the lights and that way you won't see the bags under my eyes. I want you to picture me as that 20 year old you married 14 years ago. Only now a little wiser, a little happier, a little more in love.
Love,
Me

Day 6

Day 5

Mimi and our princess

Aunt Gayle meeting Miss Muffet

I wish I could sit down and blog everyday about all the goings on this first week with our baby girl, but the truth is I value a hot shower and a nap much more. It could be said our home is a five ring circus right now.
Center stage is a five day old babe who requires breast feeding every hour and a half. Although she may just be our easiest newborn thus far, I can't bare to let her out of my arms to do any household chores. Instead, I sit and gaze at her while she sleeps; wondering how life existed before her.
Not to be overlooked, Little Boy Blue has stayed glued to his mama's side. He requires me to feed him, dress him, bath him, tuck him in. All things he would previously allow daddy to do for him, now it is only mama he wants. Not that I would have it any other way. He is still, himself, a baby.
The big kids keep themselves entertained by building gigantic tents over their beds and trashing their rooms to an unrecognizable state. They take turns begging to hold the baby and keep score on who got to hold her "standing up" and who has seen her grin the most. They have been a tremendous help in keeping LBB occupied and happy. Because of their constant love and affection, he has hardly noticed any change to our family.
And so, in the midst of all this bliss, I will try to keep my blog updated to the best of my ability. Even if it is only in pictures, I long to have proof of this fairy tale life to look back upon one day. One day when I get 10 hours of sleep and a diet consisting of more than goldfish and peanut butter.

Day 4

First doctors visit:
weight- 6 pounds 10 oz
length- 20 in

Day 2 and 3

Getting ready to leave the hospital!

Leaving the hospital!

Waiting on daddy to bring the car.

First car trip. It was surreal looking back and seeing a full car!

Day 3: Uncle Zach and Aunt Susan visit

And Ms. Amy
(Thanks Amy for coming over in the middle of the night to watch the kids while we went to the hospital! What would we do without you?)

Introducing Miss Muffet

December 31, 2009

7:22am
7 pounds 2 oz
19 1/2 inches

Are you two?

"I'm twooooooooo", yells Little Boy Blue.

Two years ago, a beautiful, sweet precious boy was born into our world.

If feels like it was just yesterday. And yet, today we are preparing for another addition to join our family at any moment. But for now, it is all about cake, balloons, Thomas the Train and being two.












He did, in fact, receive a doll house, a vacuum, and a cell phone for his birthday. Diva in training or a product of two older sisters? I'd like to think I am making a sensitive husband for a lucky girl one day...

Christmas Morning...

Santa came. He ate. He left toys for good girls and boys.

Could you just EAT him?!?

Christmas Eve 2009

Christmas Eve church service...

Playing in the (fake) snow...

Candle light carols...

Back home to open presents with family... and yes, Miss Muffet is very happy to stay inside. So much for a Christmas Eve baby.

Mimi and Nino...


Mimi and Papa...
Anything football, please!



Mimi made everyone in the family beautiful scarves this year!

Mint Grandaddy. At 79 years young, he still babysits all FOUR kids! We love you grandaddy!

Uncle Zach and Aunt Susan...

We didn't have time to make Santa homemade cookies, so Little Bo Peep got creative!

Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!

A Family Christmas

December 20, 2009

Deck the halls

A Christmas Party

... for two year olds.

Complete with hot chocolate:





And presents!

How Fun!

Dear Ethan Allen,

You have the worst customer service I have ever had. If I had known back in the beginning of September when I ordered my living room sofa from you that I still would not have it, I would have never stepped foot in your doors. You took my money with a big smile and promised my sofa in 4 weeks. Thank you for pretending it would be here before Halloween.

You are very crafty the way you keep saying it will only take another week, only to drag it out now for 13 weeks. 13 WEEKS! And your manager has been so helpful. Never calling me back. Blaming everyone else. Never apologizing. It is amazing how little information he is privileged to being he is the manager of the store.

Sorry you will not let me cancel my order. Sorry you will not refund me my money. You laughed when I asked for a discount for my inconvenience. You say you have the right to change my delivery date as many times as you want.

So, Ethan Allen, I will never spend one more penny on your furniture. I will warn my friends and family not to get sucked into your greedy trap. I will write nasty words about you on Facebook and spread the word that you lie.

And I will be thankful that I at least have a soft rug and coffee table to sit on while enjoying my family time. Even if it has been for 13 weeks.

Counting down the days

Little Boy Blue is so excited about his new sister he can hardly stand it! Just thinking about it makes him run to her room, pull out all her clothes and hats... and dress in drag!

*Let it Snow*

Christmas trees and family photos

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Guess where we went today?

Here is a hint:

Thankfulness

Thankful for... children in the kitchen.


Who spy the candy canes...

And are willing to peel 10 pounds of potatoes...

And make a killer sweet potato casserole!

And fit nicely on the coffee table to watch Thanksgiving Day parades...

Thankful for beautiful sister-in-laws and secret guests...

And Papa's and Uncles...

And of course... FOOD!

But most of all... FAMILY!

Grandparent's Day

Thank you PaPa, Mint Granddad, Gran Gran and Granddaddy for coming to Grandparent's Day! We loved having you there and showing you off to our teachers. We missed you Mimi and Nino and hope you both feel better soon!

friends

Sometimes they whine, fight and argue like the worst of enemies.

They hit. They bite.

They go to time out. And then they are right back at it.

Brothers and sisters. Sisters and sisters.

Sometimes it feels like the day. Will. Never. End.

And then some days you look out the window to see this:


And you are really happy to have four kids running around crazy. Really.

33 weeks

We got to peek at Miss Muffet today in a sonogram. All the kids wanted to be there. Little Boy Blue kept asking, "Baby? Mommy baby?" while looking at the screen. She is so sweet and tiny- yet she can barely move all smashed in my belly. She is head down and ready for delivery. We had a hard time seeing her face because she is so low and has little space left. But we did see a lot of hair on the back of her head!

Our large family fills the room!

Huck Finn kept his hand on my tummy the whole time...

Little Boy Blue taking a closer look at his little sister.

weight gain- 34 pounds (yikes!)

baby's weight- 4 lbs 5 oz

cravings- cottage cheese, coke, iced tea

symptoms- heart burn, tired, ligament pain

Baby Shower

My husband's sweet office staff surprised us with a baby shower today for Miss Muffet! Everyone helped make a wonderful lunch and decorated the office in PINK. I'm still not used to all the girly things... I've been in BOY mode for the last 8 years! It is so fun to be having another little girl.

How cute is this cake? I can't believe Amanda made it!

We are so lucky to know each one of you and thank you for making such a special day for our new baby!

Thank you!

A boy and his dog

Happiness

is
a boy
and his dog.
Come closer...
a little closer...
ahhhh!
ewe... never mind!

Humpty Dumpty had a Great Fall

I'm okay. But my rear is killing me!

Halloween '09

Boo!!!

We trick-or-treated with our sweet friends- Amanda, Amy and her husband Scott

Bo Peep made up her costume this year- a candy corn fairy

Little boy blue was a pumpkin

Of course, Huck Finn was a football player

Not so sure about asking for candy from strangers...

Little Boy Blue's best friends- Owen and Addison

Still working on that blue sucker. Best candy there is. It kept him occupied for hours!

Happy Halloween!

happy birthday to me

Today is my 34th birthday. Age is catching up with me quickly. I have already taken a nap today. And I could use another one.

I did wake at 5am because of a little someone called Boy Blue. It's day 4 of fever and sickness for him. But the doctor says it's not the flu. Because she is not the one up all night rocking his burning hot body.

And then I had to drink the dreaded "drink" for my glucose lab work for Miss Muffet and get to the doctor before 8am today to get blood drawn. But before that, I had to take the dogs to the groomer. And they called an hour later to let me know one has an ear infection. Which just means I get to pay a lot more money when I pick them up.

I'm not complaining! I did get breakfast in bed. And my beautiful children helped me eat it. In bed. Where half of it landed on the sheets. So, I get to wash those today too.

But I did have cake. Homemade by my mom. Which I had in place of dinner. Because when the rest of the family was eating Whataburger, it didn't say "birthday" enough to me. I like something fancy on my birthday. Like Sonic. Or just cake.

It's now 8:00. I'm going to bed. Like a 90 year old. Tired, frail, whiskers growing from my chin. Here's to another year...

Happy Birthday, Huck Finn!

I love holidays... and I love birthdays! But I really love celebrating a birthday on a holiday. Huck Finn is 8 years old today. Eight years ago, I was giving birth to a beautiful, blond hair, blue eyed baby boy. He was a gentle, sweet baby and to this day is still the best son I could ever imagine!

He wanted his birthday party on Halloween so that his friends could dress up just as they do every year at his party.

He had a carnival theme with lots of games for his guests to play...
like putt putt golf

And bobbing for apples

Mimi, Papa, Grandaddy and Nino came

Coach dad was ref dad this time

And I was a pumpkin farmer with my "little pumpkin" peeking through

Happy Birthday to my big boy. We all love you so much!

Waiting for Santa

Only 59 more days...

Sarah Briggs Trunk Show

You have heard me rave in the past about my favorite jewelry designer, Sarah Briggs. Today she came to my house with her sister and my sweet friend, Kim, for a trunk show.

Sarah, me and Kim

Amy serving hot apple cider

My lovely sister in law Susan

You can never have too much jewelry. Especially if it is Sarah Briggs!

60 years

Juanita and Harry:
A love story

There once were two love birds who decided to marry.

They had a nice cake which was filled with some berries.

A son and a daughter to them they were blessed


And with the birth of their own girls they flew from the nest.
After 60 years the family grew...

And spent a day celebrating the day they said "I Do".

There were daughters and great grandchildren

Cousins and more!

And of course this little guy (who took to the floor)

With a mic in his hand

And icing on his lips

He reminded us all that true love never quits!

Saturday night

After a beautiful day of football and shopping, we headed to dinner- all 21 of us!

Cousins- Shawna, Jennifer, me and Stephani

I miss you girls already!

Anniversary weekend

My sweet grandparents, Harry and Juanita, celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary this weekend. Family flew in from Nashville, Dallas, Missouri, Atlanta and drove from all over our state to attend their party. The day before the celebration, many of our family joined us in what has to be the largest cheering section for a flag football player!

Uncles and cousins and Grandpa's-oh my!

Charging the field to hug PaPa

Dog pile on PaPa! (yes, my 64 year old father is under there)

Coach and Little Boy Blue

Week 28

Update: Well, it's been a few days and I am feeling much better. Thank you all so much for your love and prayers. I go to the doctor this week and will keep you updated. Until then, I will try to rest as much as possible. Or as much as one can rest with 4 children, 2 dogs, a house to clean, school to teach, meals to prepare... all you moms out there know what I am talking about. Rest is a relative word.

Well, I just turned 28 weeks and I have been having some cramping. It comes and goes... mostly goes when I lay down and comes when I am dragged up by my pinkie from a certain 22 month old. Boy, those toddlers can be so demanding!

I hesitated to call my doctor. I was afraid she might overreact and send me to the hospital or worse put me on bed rest. So, instead I focused on resting. And when that didn't help the pressure and backache I've been feeling, I finally broke down and called. And guess what genius advice I received from the nurse?

"Take a Tylenol."

Oh, she did ask me if I was bleeding. Not if I am having contractions (I am). Not if the baby is moving (she is). Not if I think I could be in early labor (I hope not).

But to take Tylenol.

Just think how many premature births could have been avoided if only pregnant woman knew to take Tylenol.


Yes, I know by looking at my belly today I could pass for 40 weeks. But Miss Muffet still has 12 more weeks of good growing to do. So please pray that the cramping stops, with or without Tylenol.

Happy Fall

And "Guns up!"

the zoo school

One of the best perks of homeschool days is that when you finish your work, you can take the whole class to the zoo! That is exactly what we did Tuesday while daddy was home with us.

Little Boy Blue admiring the prairie dogs.

Our gang had the zoo to ourselves. After all, it was midday on a school day!

Mother and baby giraffe. I'm a sucker for mommies and babies...

Loved the way this baby giraffe was standing to eat!

Mini Me

Every day needs an ice cream break.

My baby girl and me...

My other baby girl and me!

I would post the 326 pictures Goldilocks took on her camera, but considering every single one of them were animals, I thought you may like to see humans instead. Your welcome.

Angel "Hair" Pasta

I am officially an old lady...

...when this is how I spend my Saturday night.

(yes, I am knitting. Under 100 pounds of blankets and robes.)

The Park

Spring has sprung...


Summer's almost done...

Let's go to the park...

For some football fun!




(And a little Sonic ice cream on the way home...)

Raider Red

Although we are a few years removed from our college days, we still love to cheer on a good game. This weekend was no exception!

It was time to get your guns up... and hope we could pull off another victory like last year.




Yummy football food is a must! Sirloin chili, buffalo chicken strips, hotdogs, peanuts, and pumpkin pie squares.

A little pre-game tackle of Uncle Zach!


Even the dogs are football fans.

Guns Up!

No, we didn't win. The refs must be paid by the other team... (how else could you explain why our quarterback had his head knocked off and no penalty was called? I mean, really people?)

Oh well. There's always next year...

FYI

Do NOT leave baby unattended in playroom. He may find a brand new bottle of baby powder.



(Hard to see in photo, but baby's body is covered in white powder like a ghost. So is the chair, t.v., and train table...)

Touch of Fall

I live for Fall! Football on t.v.,

Chili cooking on the stove...

Just thinking about the leaves changing to vibrant reds, yellow, orange and the cool crisp air outside makes me happy! Here are some little touches of fall I have added to my house this weekend. Hope you are enjoying this wonderful time of year!

School House Rocks!

We have a school! In our very own house!

And I get to be the teacher!

You know, every school needs decorating...





And desks...

And books...

And students!


Yahhh for school!!!

loving on emma

"Hi mom. I'm just loving on Emma. Everything okay here!"

"No, really. You can leave now. I will be very gentle..."


"See how gentle I can be?"




"Now I wonder what happens if I sit on her...?"

Le tour

I think in my former life (if I believed in that!) I lived in France. I just love all things French. I play French music throughout the house (and don't understand a word), I cook with French cookbooks (when I have the time... not often!), and my husband and I love to see foreign French films on our date nights. I love France!

View from the front of our home.

These crosses are some of my favorite things I have bought. They were made from wood found in Italy 200 years ago.

I found this birdcage at a flea market on clearance. It was such a fun find!

The chandelier you see reflected in the mirror was originally bright brass. It had the French lines I was looking for, so I just faux painted it with many layers of paint to get the look of a really old light with paint peeling off. It hangs from cedar rafters in our family room.
Love fresh flowers.
Also a clearance item, I found this hutch a few years ago and carry it with me whenever I move. I love the contrast of the green bowls and the robin's egg blue plates.
A French armoire in my bedroom hides the t.v..
The ceiling in my bathroom is studded with small chandeliers . The walls are painted a pale blue.
This settee has a great story. Let's just say I had to beg the lady for it! And the chalk portrait? That's Bo Peep while on her recent trip to New York with daddy!

A hallway lined with black and white family photos. I bought cheep wood frames on sale and my mom painted them with a dry brush of browns and creams. Voila! They look old and beautiful!

So, there you have it. I little peek into my home. I still have a lot of work to do, but once it is finally complete, what will I have to do with my time...?

Don't ask!

1st day of school

Before leaving for school yesterday. The kids attend school on Monday and Wednesday and are taught by myself or my husband on Tuesday and Thursday. Please pray.

Goldilocks- 6th

Bo Peep- 4th

Huck Finn- 2nd

Batman wanted to go so bad.

Today was our first day of homeschool. It was long. And hard. And long. My brains are running out of my ears.


A special thanks to my mom. She volunteered to watch little man so I could be with the big kids in our class room. Not sure who has the harder job...

20 Weeks

I love my husband. And I love it that he loves me pregnant. Which is good. Because it seems to happen a lot.

Miss Muffet has started hiccuping. She also tends to do her gymnastic tricks as I try to fall asleep at night. Tomorrow I go to the doctor. But first, I must remember to take the oldest kids to school for the first day. And I shall remember to pick them up. Yes, I must pick them up.

Back to school carnival

Kick off to the new school year. The kids will attend a private school 2 days a week and will be home schooled the other two days with Fridays as electives such as art, computer, etc. We are all so excited to start this new adventure for our family.

Taking a swing at the baseball booth, Huck Finn loves anything with balls.

Beautiful hot boy.
Cotton candy anyone? Bo Peep only ate one cotton candy, two snow cones and two hot dogs. Girl must love carnival food.

Nothing says "I am so proud of my family who never embarrasses me and I am happy to smile for a picture" like a 12 year old.

Ok, here is what I have learned

From the thoughtful advice you have given, and the phone calls from concerned friends, I will break down what I have learned about strong willed 19 month olds.

Here goes:

1. I need to be in control.
2. I can learn from other families who have success.
3. I shouldn't back down.
4. There are four books to read- Dare to Discipline, The Strong Willed Child, Have a New Kid by Friday, and Raising Respectful Kids.
5. I have blocked this part out from my other 3 children's childhood so that I could look back on it with fond memories.
6. If all else fails, go shopping. At least I'll feel better.

Ok, I made that last one up.

I need your help!

Ok, I know I am the one usually giving you the tips on how to organize a little or homeschool 3 kids or make an easy dinner.

But today... I need your help!

I have a little man-19 months to be exact- that has grown to believe he runs the house.

Ahem, he may be right.

But with being pregnant and not having the same energy to keep up with him, with the knowledge that a new little baby will be joining our family in 4 months, and with the small fact that my older children will only be at school 2 days a week this year and will be homeschooled the rest of the week...

I need your tips and great books you have read on how to reign in my little guy.

Of all my children, I have never had a biter, a climber, a stick everything in his mouth and almost died with my mom this morning kind of toddler.

He screams, he slaps, he yells "NO".

And then he cuddles, he kisses, he repeats everything you say.

And he has three siblings that always give in.

So, what can you give me? Anybody been down this road before? Or, am I just hopeless?

more organizing...

I have finally escaped from the pile of dirty laundry that was looming over my head since hitting the beach last week, and was ready to start cooking again.

One thing that I have craved this pregnancy is fried chicken salad. But, with four kids (and one with less than desirable restaurant manners), I can't always go out to get it.

So, I started making fried chicken salad at home- the easy way.

I start with frozen fried chicken strips. Pop those in the oven and then chop when done. Toss with lettuce, tomatoes, diced cucumber and shredded cheese. The secret of a really good salad is to make the ranch dressing from the little Hidden Valley packet of ranch that you mix with mayo and milk. Toss it all together and this salad hits the spot!

And now for the organizing. This tip has saved us a lot of time when we are running out the door late! And when are we ever not late?

In the hall closet by the back door, we hang a canvas bag for each child. They have in them books, binder of paper, pencils, ipod, etc. Each time we leave the house, the kids grab their bags. Perfect for waiting in a doctors office, long car trip, or even just running errands. When we get home, the bag goes back on the hook for next time!

Surfing and Saving Lives in Sunny California

"Where have I been?" you might be thinking.

Well sun bathing in Laguna beach and partying with Mickey Mouse, of course!

We spent the last week with the kids and my parents relaxing on the beach in Southern Cali and then not so relaxing at the ever so crowded DisneyLand.

But what about the saving lives part? Oh, I'll get to that...

Sorry this is the longest post in the history of the world.

First a recap: Day One

On the plane

The fit was a little tight with 8 people and 5 suitcases in the car!

Like father, like son...

Braving the waves

Papa and Little Boy Blue

Our new best friends, Gwen, Gavin, Zuma, Kingston and the whole No Doubt clan. They were having a party on our same beach. Brent and Goldilocks stumbled upon the party and met them all as they were out hunting for crabs and starfish.

Day Two:

LegoLand

Riding roller coasters with my new friend Kathy Ireland.
(She said she would try to make it to play group this week)

One of the highlights: Huck Finn making TWO baskets in the boardwalk basketball shoot when none of the adults could!

Ya, we rule LegoLand!

Day Three:

Dinner with friends Jeff and Toby (a Hollywood producer!)

A table for eleven, please.

Day Four:

On the boat ride to Catalina Island. Forcing the kids to read!

Unfortunately, Catalina Island was a total waste of a day. Oh well.

Day Five:

DisneyLand

My young Jedi Knight.

Day Six:

Beverly Hills

Movie filming on Hollywood Blvd.

American Girl Doll Place
Stalking the stars...

Day Seven:

Mimi "wacking" the competition on bumper cars.

Sign language for "more". He wanted to ride Winnie the Pooh over and over...

Goodbye California, time to come home!

Oh, and for the saving lives part. Well, it was just like an episode of E.R.. We were on the plane coming home and the pilot comes on the speaker and asks if there is a doctor on the plane. My hero husband runs to the front of the plane where a lady has stopped breathing and is having a heart attack. He tries CPR, but when that doesn't work, he pulls out a ball point pen and just as he is about to stab...
Ok, maybe not. But he did give her oxygen and asked the pilot to fly low and kept her alive until we could land and the EMS take her off the plane. A true hero!

Soak up the sun...

Last weekend I squeezed into a swim suit and we headed to the pool.

Remember this picture? One. Year. Ago. Where does the time go?


Same pool. One year later.







And, yes, he still has his pretty toes.


And cheesy grin.

Cheesy

Little Boy Blue has learned to say "cheese" for the camera. Gets me every time!

16 weeks

Feeling good. I get to see our baby girl again next Thursday. I can't wait! I swear I have felt the baby kick over the last few weeks. All the books say it's too early, but I know I can. Especially at night when laying down. So glad that the ugly symptoms are gone and I can enjoy the pregnancy again.

Slide

Ready...


Set...


GO!


Ta da!

Pretty Toes

"Look at my pretty toes!"


I have pretty painted toes like my big sisters! I love my pretty toes!

Take Me Out to the Ball Game

And this time it didn't end in the emergency room.







Happy Birthday Aunt Gayle! What a fun party!

food and laundry

You all know how much I love organization.

And I love to eat.

So, I thought I might randomly post some of my favorite organization tips and some of my favorite easy recipes. Although I love gourmet food, the days when I had time to cook from a difficult recipe are long gone. So these will be easy, tasty, and kid friendly.

The first tip I want to share is about laundry. Or more specifically, the putting away of laundry.

With four kids (and one coming soon), laundry piles up quickly at our house. And even if it didn't, I still think it is good for kids to have jobs around the house. Remember?

So we put away laundry according to a basket system. Each child has a plastic basket with their name on it in the laundry room. As I or one of the kids unload the dryer, we fold it and put it in its proper basket. Then every other day the kids take their basket to their room, unload it, and bring it back empty to the laundry room. And every time they ask me, "where's my swim suit?" or whatever, I just tell them to check their basket. It has really reduced the amount of times I have to go up and down stairs with piles of laundry. And you could look at that as a good or bad thing...

Now for a recipe...

One of my families all time favorite meals is beef stew. And we serve it all year round, not only in the winter. I pile all of the ingredients into a crock pot in the morning, and dinner is ready on time. They get loads of veggies and the clean up is so easy. This is how I make it:


I drop in 1 package of hormone free stew meat FROZEN (I told you this was going to be easy!), 4 diced potatoes, 1 diced onion, 1 cup baby carrots, 1 can undrained corn, 1 small bag frozen green beans, 2 cans tomato sauce or diced tomatoes if you like the chunks. Salt and pepper, add water just to top of veggies and cover with lid. Set to high and cook until meat falls off a fork (usually 6-8 hours). Now you have time to play with your kids, pay bills or take a shower!

bag ladies

Less they start acting spoiled, Brent and I want our children to know what life will be like if they mess around in school and forgo chores at home. We periodically force them to sleep in boxes in the empty dining room to get the point across. They will thank me one day. When they have a house and don't talk to squirrels.

Remembering MJ

Dear Michael,
Thank you for coming to my 10th birthday party. And thank you for not making fun of my boy hair and chubby cheeks. I am sure you were sensitive about being made fun of. I will miss you greatly. Not as much as I will miss Kate now that she and Jon are splitsville. But I will miss you nonetheless. RIP

Little Miss Muffet

Today my entire family met for lunch and we opened the "big reveal"!


Top secret DNA test in a sealed government envelope awaits Little Bo Peeps opening...


Can you see the joy on the kids' faces? Bo Peep has been praying for another baby for a year now.


And she specifically asked God for a sister. And he heard her prayers. And was faithful.

"... Whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them" (Mark 11:24)

14 Weeks

Nausea: GONE!!!
Tiredness: GONE!!!
Cravings: None
Thankful for: second trimesters, growing baby, helpful big brother and sisters, air conditioning!

Happy Birthday Goldilocks

Dear Goldi,
Twelve years ago today, you came into this world with a snap, crackle, pop! (You had to be there. Let's just say there were still fireworks four days after the 4th of July.)

You fulfilled all my longings in life with one glance at you. And then I fainted. Six times. But back to my point.

Since you were born, you could light up a room with your smile. Your happiness is contagious. Your love of life shines in your sky blue eyes. Your joy for all living things is beautiful. You have taught me to slow down and enjoy life more. To not miss the little things, like a neat bug on the sidewalk or a deer in the woods that I would otherwise miss. You sense everything around you in a magnified way. Sometimes that can bother you, but it is truly a gift. You experience life to its fullest.

I am so proud to be your mom, and proud you are my daughter. You have taught me things about life I would never have learned if not for you. Things like true unconditional love. Acceptance. Sacrifice. Perseverance.

This birthday was so fun! We surprised you with a party and you had no idea. Not a clue!

Walking in the front door.

With all your best friends.

You are growing up too fast.

I take that back.

With your favorite birthday gift. Now you can take Jack for a ride on your bike without having to strap him into a wagon that you have chained to the rear of your bike.

4th of July

Happy 4th of July, y'all

Jack or Jill?

I did get to see my precious new baby yesterday.

I got to count the little fingers and toes.

It was even sucking its thumb!

But when it came time to check the gender... well, the tech decided it was too early, and she didn't want the liability if she was wrong. So, I will have to wait until next week when the blood results come in. Poor me.

Many of you have asked how in the world could I find out at only 13 weeks? It is a test that I did also for Little Boy Blue. It is performed by a medical genetics center and with their blood prenatal screening and use of high tech sonograms, they can tell you if your baby has any chromosomal abnormalities. But I do it to find out the gender. And see my baby on the screen. Even if the tech won't look between the legs.

Tomorrow's the Big Day

In the morning we will find out the gender of our little tie breaker. Will it be 3 girls vs. 2 boys or 3 boys vs. 2 girls?

I'm nervous and excited all in one.

Maybe I'll have the doctor write it in a sealed envelope and open it at Christmas.

Just kidding.

You know I have no will power.

Hence the 5 kids.

13 Weeks

Today Little Boy Blue and I went to the baby doctor. We got to listen to the baby's heartbeat. It was fast- 165 beats/minute. Does that mean girl?

The exam and blood work went well. Nobody fainted. Or cried. Although I am sure the lady in the room next to me was quite entertained by the sound of my voice acting out a puppet show to keep Boy Blue quiet for the thirty minutes we waited on the doctor. Good times.

We are scheduled to find out Thursday the gender of the baby via blood test. I'm nervous. Should I know? Once I know, there is no more daydreaming about if it's a boy or girl. No more throwing both kinds of names around. You can't go back to not knowing once you know. You know?

And as far as week 13 goes:
Cravings- none. Although the Thai food the other day was mighty delicious!
Weight gain- 13 pounds. Ouch!
Nausea- almost gone. Praise God.

Will post pictures of my belly if someone in this house will pick up a camera besides me. I swear, my kids are going to look back at our family albums and ask, "Did mom live with us?".

Purging

As I continue to gain weight everywhere else, I lost a lot of weight from my hair Friday.

I am quite sure you don't care, but I decided to cut it like a long version of picture #2. That way I could go shorter if I decide, but I can't glue it back on once it's gone. Or maybe I can? Don't they call that a weave?


Finished product! Thanks to my mom who took phone pictures. She came to help me watch the baby, and then was so disappointed when I didn't bring him. What a great Mimi who wants to chase a one year old through a hair salon!

(and thank you to Lara, for always giving me the cut I want!)

12 weeks

Did you really think I would remember to post every week about this pregnancy?

I hope you weren't holding your breath.

So, after skipping weeks 10 and 11, I am now... 12 weeks! That's the magic number to end all nausea, right?

Right?

Unfortunately, weeks 10 and 11 were laced with bouts of vomit. Once while making dinner I had to head right for the kitchen sink. And half of it ended up in my hair. Was that TMI?

Speaking of hair, I have an appointment to have it chopped nicely trimmed on Friday.

Here is what it looks like now.


And here is how my belly looks. People keep asking me if it's a boy or girl. I'm 12 weeks people! I know I look 6 months, but really, I don't know the gender yet!

Jon sans Kate

Well, I warned Kate two years ago when I emailed her and told her to lay off Jon. She didn't email back. Not surprised. I figured she permanently put me in spam.

And then, we had this great bonding experience in January. Don't you remember the laughs we shared? She poured her heart out to me, and I babbled something back. I feel certain now if I had only been coherent that night, I could have said some profound thing to her in my two second picture allotted time, and all of this may have turned out very differently. I do feel partially responsible.


Oh, I know I shouldn't carry all of the burden. This was going on way before she and I became BFF. But I can't help but think, "What if Amy and I hadn't followed her and the bodyguard out of the parking lot and down the street, would she have made things right with Jon?"

It's just too much. I've got to go to bed now...

Happy Father's Day

May all you hard working, extraordinary, fabulous fathers out there get some much needed uninterrupted rest today!

Rock the Vote

Okay, I am thinking about cutting my hair and wanted all of my blog friends help. Because, ya know, you are all so stylish and hip.

I also know that you are never supposed to cut your hair pregnant, so I don't want to rush into anything. But the summer's not getting any cooler, and my long, thick hair is always kept in a pony tail to avoid heat death. Example:


Here are my choices:
1.shoulder length, side bangs



2.short bob



3.super short



Tell me what you think. Or heck- send me a picture of what YOU think I should do! And thanks in advance!

Splash

Either your sweet prayers are working, or these sea band nausea bracelets I have been wearing are a miracle! I feel like my old self again. Darn, it's good to be back!

I feel so good in fact that I loaded up all five kids (yes, I am counting the one who only requires prenatal vitamins and saltine crackers. It is the one who is responsible for me needing to pee every 30 minutes) and we spent 4 hours at a neighborhood swim park today. The kids had a blast and it felt good to get out of the house.

(Huck Finn in the white swim shirt)

(homemade hummus)

(Yummmmm)

(Can you see the baby? Right there under the, um, other baby.)

See? Much better!

Another Blow

Yesterday and today have been the hardest so far in this pregnancy. Yesterday, I felt as though I had been hit by a bus and spent most of the day in bed. Thankfully I have a husband that took both the boys on a bike ride and to the park, and then took the baby swimming afterwards. It provided me with many hours of much needed rest. But even with the rest, I still was overcome with nausea, a sore throat, and exhaustion.
I woke this morning at 1:00am to the sound of faint screams coming from the den. I jumped out of bed and ran to the room, only to find both the girls on the couch watching t.v.. One A.M. I remind you! They had been sent to bed at 10:00, but never arrived because they were hooked on watching DHC "Extreme Deliveries".

Me, "What are you doing in here!?"
Them, "Mom, these ladies didn't even know they were pregnant!"

Oh brother.

Today has been hard for several reasons. First, the kids were tested at a new school that we all were very excited about starting in the fall. It is a place where the children attend classes two days a week and the rest of the week I homeschool. It is Christian based and a University model. It is also accelerated academically. Thus the pre-testing before admittance.
The younger two did great on their test, but poor Goldilocks just couldn't remember her math. And the more she struggled, the more her Asperger's was showing. The school decided she probably would not be a good fit for them. It was heartbreaking and now we have to decide what to do next. It is one of the many challenges of raising a child with autism. The world wants her to fit a perfect mold, and she just doesn't.
My nausea has also been bad today, coupled with a nonstop runny nose. And exhaustion. That by far is the worst part. I normally have more energy than anyone I know, but this fatigue is kicking my tail. I am ready for the second trimester. Ready to want to eat. Ready to keep up with my one year old. Ready to know the future of next year. Ready to move on.

Think of Laura

Please pray for my sister in law, Laura. She was just diagnosed last week with colorectal cancer. You can visit her blog by clicking on "Laura's Symphony" above.
Laura has begun the horrible process of beating cancer with chemo and radiation this week. She will continue it for 5 more weeks. Please pray for comfort, peace, and above all else, complete healing that can only come from God above. Thank you.

Looking pretty smart

"I heard mama say that she was going to homeschool my brother and sisters next year."

"I'm thinking of a plan..."

"That's it! I will make myself look really smart, and maybe I can be homeschooled too! I don't want to be left out of all the fun!"


"Now if I could only find a way to get the mac and cheese off my shirt..."

9 weeks

I've been so busy, I haven't even had a chance to blog about the pregnancy. Lest this baby comes after 9 months and I don't remember one thing about the pregnancy, I am going to attempt to post a weekly picture of my growing belly with a short summary of the week. Wish me luck. I don't have a good track record of continuing these type of things.

9 Weeks

(Please do not comment on how big I already look. I am quite aware I grew out of my normal pants as I waited for the pee stick to turn pink. I chalk this up to the fact that it is my fifth baby. My body is just quite efficient, I think.)

Morning Sickness: All the time. Worse than any of the other pregnancies. Constant nauseated feeling from morning until night. Sprite and bagels and cream cheese help.

Fatigue: Tired all the time. I nap almost every time the baby does. Unless there is some unnecessary thing that has to be done like laundry, dishes or taking a shower.

Cravings: Not really. Just anything that doesn't make me throw up.

Aversions: Mexican food. Just typing that made me throw up in my mouth. Anything with a strong smell sends me over the edge. I am more of a cottage cheese, saltine crackers, piece of toast kinda girl these days.

Weight gain: 6 pounds.

And now you know! See you back next week for another update.

A post only about FOOTBALL

Coach, "Boys, here's what we are gonna do. Catch the ball and run. Fast. And don't let them get your flag."




"Just stare him down, boys. Make him think your gonna get him!"

The cheering section.

This isn't tackle football! What are these unruly boys doing? I'm quite sure it is against regulations.


No, is that a man down? Ref, we've got a man down!


Why, that looks like... No. It couldn't be him under that pile of smelly seven year old football players.


Wait. Yes, it is him! My 64 year old father and coach of the team!


Oh good. He's all better now!
Thanks Papa, for letting the kids smother you each and every game. Whether win or loose. You always get smothered.

Birthdays and Parties

Little Boy Blue attended his first ever birthday party for his friend, Owen. He loved the Elmo theme, the pizza and cupcakes, but his favorite part was playing in the sand box. Mama had never allowed encouraged him to play in the sand before! And the party favor? Why play dough, another first!

Piano Princess

It's that time of year again... piano recital. And from the time Little Bo Peep started three years ago, she has improved so much we can't believe it!

Bo Peep and her twin, Mimi

The whole family. Including the little one in my tummy (hidden by big brother in front and little big brother on my hip...)

a gift

We all know Goldilocks is a talented artist, but did you know she is also a fantastic photographer? I hadn't uploaded the pictures from her camera in quite a while. (Santa brought her a Nikon D40 for Christmas. wink..) I was surprised tonight when I was watching the photographs load onto my computer at how interesting her subject matter is.

And what a great eye she has for detail.

The following pictures she took on her camera completely on her own:

Baby's First Picture

*Did I forget the all important due date? Well, contrary to my enormous belly size, I am 8 weeks and due January 8, 2010!


Today I had my first doctor's appointment. Well, not my first doctor's appointment. This ain't my first time at the rodeo, if you know what I mean.

But it was the first appointment for my FIFTH child. Saying that stills makes me dizzy.

Here is his/her first picture.

Quite the cutie, with a very large head. Like bigger than its body. Which I am hoping is normal at this stage, or else I am in for a fun delivery.

(In case you are not a trained ultrasound technician, the head is on the left, body in center, and the light circle on the right is the umbilical cord. I think I can detect a little smile.)

What do you do

when you are told your child has autism?

I am exhausted.

We spent the day yesterday at The Children's Hospital getting Goldilocks evaluated for autism.

I know I have said before on this blog that she has Asperger's, but it was more of my own diagnosis. You know, from knowing her her whole life and reading book after book to figure her out. But I'm not an expert. So, I always left room for the chance that I was wrong. It was finally time to know. After almost 12 years of dealing with the symptoms, we needed to know.

We woke at 5:45am and arrived at the hospital at 8:30. For the next 4 hours, she was evaluated by 2 doctors while I was in another room being intensely interviewed by two other doctors. Questions like, "When Goldilocks was 4 years old, did she ever put two words together to mean another word?"

"Sure."

"Give us examples of words she did this with."

"Um, well, that was 8 years ago. I have had three more kids since then. And I' m dealing with a pregnant brain..."

Or, "When Goldilocks was three, how would she play ring-around -the-rosie with other kids?"

"Well, I don't know."

Four hours. No food. One bathroom break. Shall I remind you, I am pregnant?

But that wasn't close to the worst of it. They had to take her blood for a study. She is deathly afraid if needles. As in, she will kill you if you get close with one.

Two hours of crying, shaking, planting her feet in the ground and not moving.

Four nurses to hold her arm down.

One child life expert called up for her.

One daddy's lap to sit on while it all happened.

And finally, they got the blood they needed.

I am exhausted.

The doctors from the evaluation came to talk to me.

They told me she is autistic. High functioning, but definitely autistic.

What do you do when you are told your child has autism?

I will write a post about all the guilt. The risk of the vaccinations. The questions unanswered. But not now.

I am exhausted.

Drum Roll, Please!

What is this angelic, beautiful little face trying to tell you?

"I'm going to be a BIG BROTHER!!!!"

"Behold, children are a gift of the LORD, The fruit of the womb is his reward." Psalm 127:3

Any guesses?

No, honey. It's not that I made dinner tonight.

Big News

Coming soon!


Wait for it, wait for it...

Hair today, gone tomorrow

She may have to kiss a lot of frogs...

Before finding Prince Charming!

But thankfully for Goldilocks, she loves frogs.




And butterflies, too.

In the wild

My husband and Goldilocks just returned from a camping trip with her class. I am beginning to wonder if he is trying to stay away from me.

Or if our kids are way more fun on vacation than I am.

They survived 3 days eating only things 5th graders had prepared by a camp fire. And 2 nights sleeping in a two man tent under the stars.


They bathed in a river and hiked for hours a day.


I think they were quite ready to come home. And as much as she would like to romanticize roughing it in the great outdoors, I think Goldilocks is a bit too much like her mother. She couldn't wait for a proper shower and home cooked meal. Did I mention she slept until 10:45am this morning...

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Daddy and Bo Peep are in New York!

Celebrating her 10th birthday in style.

And using the great occasion to make another Father/Daughter trip!

Would you like to see pictures of the two of them here?

Sorry, you can't.

Would you like to see them meeting her?

Well, you won't.

How about a picture of them eating dinner here?

Nope. Won't see that either.

Why? You ask?

I'll be glad to tell you! Because the very nice canon elf camera I bought Bo Peep yesterday for her birthday to document her trip to New York was STOLEN off my husband's wrist today in the bustle of New York City! thankyouverymuch.

Some creep actually cut the string that tied the camera around my husband's arm and off he/she went with our camera. Full of once-in-a-lifetime memories captured on it.

So, instead of visiting the Statue of Liberty tomorrow, they will be camera shopping.

I just wonder where he will put it this time so no one can snag it?

Crack Kills

But hopefully a little dirt doesn't.

Happy #10 Little Bo Peep!

Are you getting too old for cake in bed? Must I remind you that 10 is not the new 13.