Christmas

Christmas is a time of reflection for me. Reflecting on all that I have been given by God. I just think about Jesus' mother, Mary, on the night of His birth, knowing that she was giving birth to the son of God. Having a child is miraculous, but what an absolute miracle the birth of Jesus was! Each of my children take my breath away. I love them infinitely, but my love is minuscule compared to Jesus' love for them (& you and me). May we see each other through God's eyes, and love each other as He loves us. I pray that you took a moment in between opening presents and eating good food to remember the TRUE meaning of Christmas. Happy Birthday, Jesus!

One step at a time

Those moments when they reach a new milestone are so precious. When they look up with that beaming smile, your heart just melts. Elizabeth learned how to do something new today - walk up and down steps! Check her out :) (I tried to upload video, but it wasn't working :(

Being tested...

The garage door is broken...
The heater is broken...
The ants infested our kitchen...
The dishwasher is not working properly...
The van is acting funky...
What is next?
Lord, bring it on...I have complete faith that all will prevail, and something good will come from this adversity.

In my daughter...

I see myself because she looks JUST like me when I was little :) Check these pictures out! The main difference is the color of our eyes. What do you think? It makes me smile to have a "mini me."

THE question answered?

So, today my 5 year old and I were relaxing a bit and watching "Shrek the Third" when out came THE QUESTION. After Fiona tells Shrek she's pregnant, and he is freaking out about it, Joseph casually asks me "How did she get pregnant? How does the baby get in the belly?" OMG - WHAT?! is what I was thinking, but I tried to remain calm and answer the question factually. (GULP!) I proceeded to say that a man has a seed that gets planted into the woman's uterus (the place where the baby grows), and it grows into a baby. His reply was "Like a plant?" And when you reflect on that, we do grow "like a plant," in miraculous stages of development. He got it (in 5 year old terms). I just hope that the next question doesn't come for a few years...not ready for that. Maybe we should just stick with Sesame Street for a while? :)

If there was a competition, he would win...(brag session ahead)

Let me start by saying that I am guilty of taking my husband for granted...anyone else? He often time comes home tired from work, and sometimes falls asleep when the kids do (after being up since 4 am), so I end up doing most of the work at home. BUT, whenever, wherever, however I need him, he is there. While I was down with pneumonia, not only did he care for the kids, but he cooked, cleaned, AND did laundry. Like I said before, he is AMAZING. How many women can say that their husbands could do their job AS GOOD as they could? I believe that my husband could do it just as good, if not better than me (that is very hard to type, being the prideful, stubborn person I am). As I came downstairs after being cooped up sick for 2 days, not only were the kids well taken care of, but the house was beautiful (floors mopped, kitchen clean, laundry washed, Christmas decorations out...) As I said before, I am truly BLESSED! Thank you, Ron, for going over the top to make ME happy! It sure made me feel loved :)

Thankful

Life is so precious. Every breath, every moment we have should be treasured. Unfortunately, in the midst of all the busyness with children it is hard to see what matters most - that God has granted me one more day to make memories with the people I love. I say this because I thought I might die a couple days ago. After spending Thanksgiving with both my husband's family and mine (it was wonderful), I went home and started feeling AWFUL - chills, aches, then nausea, THEN the left side of my chest, shoulder and ribs started to hurt. My mind ran with thoughts of "Oh my God! I'm having a heart attack. Something is really wrong." I didn't want to take a chance, so I headed to the ER. I spent over 2 hours in the waiting room, waiting to be put in a bed. I was feeling so awful that I had to lay down on the floor until they called me - UGH?! These are the moments that bring me to my knees. I began to pray to God to help me, to give me strength, to watch over my family if it was my time to go...such powerful thoughts in prayer. After spending NINE hours in the ER (they were crazy busy), doing blood tests, an X-ray, an EKG, and tracking my heartrate and blood pressure, it was determined that I have PNEUMONIA - yikes! I'll take that over a heart attack any day. They pumped me with antibiotics, sent me home with 5 prescriptions, and told me to get lots of rest (we'll see how that works with the kiddos). In the end, I am grateful to have this day to hear the chaos of my children downstairs with my wonderful husband caring for them. I am grateful that my children welcomed me at the door with concerned looks when I returned home from the hospital. I am grateful for the gentle hugs, and adoring smiles I receive from my kids. I am grateful for my amazing husband who is cleaning and cooking as I type. Thanksgiving has a whole new meaning for me this year! God has blessed me beyond words.

3 Musketeers

Look at the adoration in Matthew's face :)

Stop to smell the roses (ok - geranium)...

14 months and growing fast...

Middle child neglect

I have a confession...a very difficult confession to say/type outloud. My middle child, Matthew, has been neglected in SO many ways. Don't get me wrong, he is very loved, and his physical needs are met. But, what about his emotional, psychological needs? I underestimate his ability to comprehend. I don't trust him to behave in most situations. I blame him every time his baby sister cries (if I didn't see what happened). I put him in timeout more than his brother. I expect him to be tough.

Reading what I just wrote, I'm not sure if I will post this? What a horrible mother! No wonder he is having emotional breakdowns (ok - it could be that he is 3 years old) and speech difficulties. I just pray that I can stop making all these mistakes with him, and just enjoy him, love him, trust him, and believe in him.

All of these thoughts are coming out because I took Matthew, only Matthew, grocery shopping with me today (his idea, not mine). I usually enjoy grocery shopping by myself, but Matthew soon became such a joy to have by my side. I was SO proud of his helpfulness, cooperation, and conversation skills. He chatted with me. He helped me pick out items at both stores. He listened to me. Our relationship grew closer as we spent time together. I love that kid! I'm so blessed to me his mommy.

Happy Halloween

A day filled with trick or treating, yummy chili (made by Ron), scary and cute costumes, and family togetherness...a wonderful time had by all!

13 month beauty

I spent time with JUST my baby girl tonight. It was just 1 hour of time, but within that time my heart almost burst with love for her. Her sweet, tender nature melts me. Her beauty captivates and awes me. Her adoring eyes allows me to sacrifice any and everything for her. Just check her out!

Sibling love

I pray that my children forever love each other as deeply as they do now...

He's talking!

The feelings that come from having a child with a speech issue (articulation) are frustration, sadness, guilt (what might I have done wrong?), helplessness, etc. Why can't he speak correctly? Is there something wrong with his cognition (brain)? What can I do to help my son? I have even wondered if he would ever talk "normal."

And then the day comes when he begins to articulate clear words and sentences. It feels like the sun is shining brighter. It feels hopeful. I feel so proud to hear words out of his little mouth that EVERYONE can understand. He will still need speech therapy, but HE'S TALKING. I can communicate with my son. It is always a blessing when our child speaks, but after waiting a long time it is ten times the blessing to hear Matthew's little voice speaking so clearly. It brings tears to my eyes to even express these true feelings.

13 months and WALKING

BTW, the "noise" in the background is my 3 year old yelling "I don't like you!" because he's in timeout. Fun times! :)

13 months and almost walking...

Freddy K.

My son, my FIVE year old son, made his own "Freddy Krueger" costume today (and NO - he has not seen those movies - he is just obsessed with anything scary). All by himself, Mr. Independent, colored red and black stripes with marker on a white T-shirt, created "claw" hands with paper that wrap under his hand so he can "still hold the candy," put on brown pants, and turned a white paper bag into a mask colored red. Now THAT is creativity at its best. Oh, and he wrote "Freddy K." on the bottom of the shirt (sooooo scary, eh? haha). He never ceases to amaze me!

Contagious joy

Captivating beauty

Mothering her is such a pleasure. :)

5 going on 10

My 5 year old blows me away sometimes. After I picked him up from kindergarten today, I went upstairs to nurse the baby and put her down for a nap. In the meantime, Joseph (age 5) got out the bread, bologna, knife (butterknife), plate and made himself a sandwich. Wow! Pretty soon, he won't need me for anything but love, hugs, kisses and support :)

Also, being the unique child that he is, he made his sandwich with the ENDS of the bread. He loves the ends. What kind of kid love the ends of the breadloaf? This is the first one I've met.

Kiss my what?!?!?!

Matthew, my 3 year old, is having a hard time articulating his words, but not last night...After falling down and hitting his behind on the brick around our fireplace, he quickly and clearly told me, "Mama, kiss my butt" (meaning a literal kiss to make it better - haha). After thinking about what he said, he began laughing. Joseph, Matthew and I could not stop laughing over that one for quite a while. And, of course, the boys had to keep repeating the phrase because I found it so funny. Won't be so funny when one of them says it to a teacher, though...

A little later, Joseph went to actually kiss Elizabeth's butt (which he will probably be doing throughout their lives - haha), and pronounced that she had pooped. Not only that, but he went to get the wipes and diaper, and laid her down to change her diaper. He was REALLY going to do it UNTIL he saw the poop, then Matthew took over. With my supervision and guidance, my 3 YEAR OLD wiped my 1 YEAR OLD'S poopy butt. Wow - my kids are awesome! Now if only I can get Matthew to wipe his own butt properly. :)

(I apologize if the word "butt" is used excessively in this post or if it offends anyone.)

Huge milestones this week

Joseph started Kindergarten. Matthew started preschool. Elizabeth turned ONE. Mommy made it through with only a few tears!

Happy 1st Birthday, Elizabeth!

You...

light up my world.
smile the biggest smiles.
take my breath away.
are just so beautiful!
soften your brothers.
are sugar and spice and everything nice :)
are a gift from God.
shine.
bring joy to everyone who meets you.
pose for the camera.
are loved immensely.
are ONE YEAR OLD!

Happy Birthday, my sweet princess!

http://www.onetruemedia.com/otm_site/view_shared?p=96d857bf813d2963c60c21&skin_id=601&utm_source=otm&utm_medium=email

Heavy Heart

I have only ONE WEEK left before I watch my first born baby walk into a Kindergarten classroom, and out of my arms. ONE WEEK left before the lump forms in my throat while I wave goodbye with a smile to cover up my heartache. ONE WEEK left before the morning routine of having a relaxing breastfast, and watching a movie with my kids is unraveled into a frenzy to get ready and out the door on time. ONE WEEK left before my children are separated into individual worlds, only to reunite later in the day after school. ONE WEEK left before I worry if they miss me like I miss them. This reflects only half of what my heart feels. I am also excited for them to experience and learn new things, make new friends, and expand their tiny worlds. Where did the time go?

Last week of summer

To escape the heatwave, we headed out to Del Taco (a little ghetto, I know) for some lunch and play. This fantastic picture of my precious children came out great.

As I was looking at this picture, I realized that this may be one of the last "free"moments to all go out together and enjoy the day during the week. Joseph starts kindergarten next week. Matthew starts preschool next week. They are growing up, and it breaks my heart to let go of "my babies." Although my boys fight A LOT, they truly love each other and enjoy playing with each other. This time is coming to an end. They will go to SEPARATE schools with SEPARATE friends - how weird! Oh, how I have thoroughly enjoyed our moments together! I wish I could bottle up these feelings.

THIS makes all the suffering disappear

(Wo)man Down, (wo)man down!

First, let me tell you just how much I LOVE breastfeeding. Obviously I do because I do it even when it makes me TERRIBLY SICK. This past weekend, after a fun-filled night with my hubby, my breast started to hurt like it was engorged, so I woke up baby for an extra feeding. Then, throughout the night I started getting feverish, achy, nauseous, and down right ill. My first thought was that I had a breast infection, so I rushed to the ER at 4:30 in the morning. I'm now on antibiotics, but OMG did I go through a lot after my trip to the ER. I was SOOOOOOO sick! THANK GOD FOR MY AWESOME HUSBAND, who took over everything!!!! I definitely chose well for my partner and father of my children. The doctor told me that I "can stop nursing now. You've done more than enough," but I disagree. Although this was a difficult experience to have, I would do ANYTHING to give my daughter the BEST. I will continue to breastfeed her until her and I are ready to stop. You fellow BFing moms understand ;)

She's got him wrapped <3

Sense of style?

Joseph is going through a phase (when is he not?) of wearing a clip-on tie with EVERY shirt. This gets a few "looks" from others, but what the heck, it shows off his unique personality. However, he insists upon buttoning his "handsome" shirts ALL THE WAY up to the top - can we say conservative? I'm so curious to see what's next. I just love his confidence as he walks around with his clip-on tie...only he could get away with that :)

New found independence

He just turned 5. Such a "big boy!" But today, he became an even "bigger boy." He got breakfast (cereal) on the table for him and his brother while I slept in an extra 10 minutes - ahhhh nice. Then, tonight, my oldest child, my first born baby took a shower ALL BY HIMSELF. This may not seem like a big deal to any of you, but it's HUGE to a mother. It marks a whole new independence. I feel like I'm losing "my baby." He is growing up so fast. On top of that, after I left with his little brother to go on a "date," he brushed his teeth, went potty, tucked himself into bed (daddy fell asleep on the couch), and called me on my cell phone to say goodnight (he learned how to call before I left). WOW - now that is a day of accomplishment! It is a day that makes me feel elated and heartbroken at the same time. But if I get 10 minutes more of sleep in the morning tomorrow, I may not feel so heartbroken over his new skills :)

Double duty date

The boys have "chore charts" on which they earn stickers if they've completed their "chore" at the end of the day. So, tonight I decided I would take them out late (6:30 pm - woohoo!) for a date to the candy store to reward them for all the stickers on their charts this past week. I've always taken them out individually on dates, but never together, so I was looking forward to being with my little men. They were so excited to pick out Willy Wonka bars to win a "golden ticket." After they ate some chocolate, I took them to Walmart to put toys on their wish lists. I should have known to drive on home when they needed to be reminded a few times to behave BEFORE we got in the store. By the end of our time there, my blood pressure rose and both boys were crying because I cut our time short (due to not listening). They certainly influence each other to misbehave sometimes. FUN TIMES! At least I tried, right? I think I'll stick to one-on-one dates from now on.

Anyone seen "Zoolander?"

blogging inspiration

I follow a few blogs that are truly inspirational. However, I can't seem to express my thoughts so eloquently and effortlessly on here. My home is quiet, the perfect opportunity to share my thoughts. Yet, my mind is blank. It seems as though summer just began, and now it is half way over. We spend our time having fun in the pool or relaxing inside the air conditioning. I have been "under the weather" for a few days now. There is nothing worse than caring for others while suffering. My mom'll tell you that I am NOT a good patient. I think I've become stronger with each child I have. Enduring nausea and discomfort in pregnancy while caring for small children made me stronger (even though I moaned through it all). Enough randomness, I am off to have a good day (optimistically thinking)...

Good Ol' Fashioned GIRLS NIGHT OUT

I decided to celebrate my 33rd birthday with the wonderful women in my life (and some hard core booty shaking - haha). What a fun night! Thanks, ladies, for celebrating with me! Love ya!

This and That

I feel like I haven't blogged in so long. Life with the kiddos is keeping me busy :) Just wanted to share a few exciting/funny/scary moments...

First off, let me tell you just how silly and smart Elizabeth is. She is now crawling, pulling herself to standing, waving, saying "braba" (brother) and "Joja" (Joseph) all the time, eating everything in sight, and entertaining anyone she sees by making silly faces. She even knows to do "scrunch face" or "the look" on command, then she smiles. Check her out! :)

Joseph is now swimming! He completed a swimming lesson course this past week, and LOVES to swim with his face in the water. He can hold his breath under the water for 15 seconds. He is so proud of his new skill.

Matthew (and Joseph) started a "Playtime" class at the community center this past week, so I dropped my little 3 year old off for the first time. I was SO nervous about it. I told them he has problems articulating his words, and he just potty trained a few months ago, so he might need a little help. Matthew didn't even say goodbye to me. He was off and playing in no time. I think it helps to have his big brother there. He also has his good buddy, Jack, there, too. I'm so proud of him yet so sad to watch him leave me. He is definitely my "mama's boy."

I enjoy my children thoroughly. They bring me such overwhelming joy (and frustration at times LOL). Life doesn't get much better than this.

God Bless America!

Happy 4th of July everyone! Hope you had a fun, safe day. Thank you to all who have protected, who protect, and who will protect our freedom!

Fun-filled 2 weeks

My husband took 2 weeks off of work, and we enjoyed having him home. To sum up our time these past 2 weeks:

• boys' first fishing trip with daddy and big sis Mo



• boys' first Angels baseball game



• a day at Legoland



• a day at Seaworld



• celebrations for Jacob and Joseph's birthdays
  Enjoy the pics!

Joseph's 1st fish

Waiting to catch those fish

Meeting Elmo :)

LOVE my boys

Waiting for the Shamu show

Elizabeth crawling at Seaworld

Matthew gets his driver's license

Elizabeth rides on a boat at Legoland

My nephew, Jacob, turns 4 - what a handsome little man!

Joseph turns 5 and has an "Easter" themed party