2011 Facebook Status Updates

2011 Status Updates
· Raced a train to the intersection just so the girls watch it pass... they were SO excited. It's the little things that make them happy... that make me happy. :)
· Unpacked my "Little People" playsets from when I was little. The girls played with them for hours. Later, JJ comes out and hugs me and says, "That was the best surprise, EVER." :)
· Big A just took a marker to the sectional... and got every section.
· Random fun, I painted J&A's faces like Tigers. That was pretty easy. Then, my husband decides it would be funny to suggest things like "Dolphin Face" or "Wildebeast Face"... how in the world am I supposed to paint a wildebeast?? And a Dolphin Face? She'll just end up looking like a Smurf. Guaranteed. :/
· Big A got a huge splinter in her thumb. I got most of it out, but it just happens to be the one she sucks.self-soothes with. Everytime she goes for it... she cries, which makes her want to suck her thumb even more. Sad... but funny, too :( (1/24/11)
· Sometimes we need a friend who will listen, and not try to fix. I have a hard time restraining the "make-it-all-better" instinct because I honestly want to make it all better. I trust He has a plan, I just wish He'd let me in on it :)
· Everytime I find out a friend is pregnant, I get emotional (crazy-lady, I know). All I think about is how I felt when I had my girls, how I feel when they squeezy-hug me, and how I'll feel when they have kids of their own. Miracle of Life is SO underrated, especially when we forget the "blessing" and just dwell in the "work" of motherhood, (myself included).
· Heartmelt. Had to make a call, locked myself in the bathroom, while the girls banged on the door & screamed at me. After I hung up, I notice no one is screaming. JJ was playing Flash Cards with Big A helping her learn new words. But of course, no good deed goes unpunished...
‎... Little A got a hold of the Cheerios bag and set them free. I asked JJ if Little A spilled them all, and she says, "No, she was just getting some Cheerios for herself, like a Big Girl" :)
· "Crappy Birthday" to my Little A! :) She had her blood drawn, but luckily the tech was able to get the vein on the first try! If he had to poke around, I probably would have lost it. Thank you for ALL the prayers!
· Husband drove the MommaVan to work... $10 bucks says he has Cheerios stuck to his flightsuit or picks up the aroma of eau de juice box. ;)
· Practicing Big A's Potty Training again. She went to the potty and pooped, but forgot to take down her underwear... SO close... :/
· Went on an AWESOME date with my Husband while my Sister Marlene Davenport changed diapers, washed explosive poop off the baby, fed the girls dinner, helped them make cookies and create valentines, refilled sippy cups all night, just so I could relax with my Favorite Valentine for a few hours... (and she doesn't even have kids yet) Thank God for Sisters :)
· Snacking on cheese with the girls, and J asks, "Is cheese good for you?" I said, "Yes, it has Calcium", confused she asks, "Cow-See-Um? Cows see WHAT??"
· Who knew I would be SO genuinely happy sweeping an entire floor covered in Rice Chex Cereal since I got to lay down for 30min. while they stomped it into beach sand. :) I've never been so thrilled to clean up a mess like that!
· I spent all Wednesday paralyzed in bed from stomach-bug body aches/fever. As soon as my husband came home he drove me to Immediate Care, waited an hour with the girls in the van, let me go straight to bed while he fed them dinner, gave baths, fed the baby, and put them all to bed. This morning... (2/17/11)
‎...the girls let me sleep in until 9:30am. I could hear Little A cooing and laughing to herself in the crib, and I heard JJ reading Big A stories just outside my door. Finally, they came in and JJ went straight to Little A and played with her, while Big A came in and hugged me asking, "You sweep good?" :) Thank God for my Amazing Husband and sweet girls. The bug is gone and I'm going to play Candy Land as many times as they want :)
· Cleaned the entire garage, my husband will be so proud. But while cleaning, I lost Big A. She was next door helping our neighbor prune her garden... and by that I mean, stomping every living plant into the ground. :/
· Tried on my dress for Husband's Graduation, then JJ changes into a dress from her closet... she said, "I wanted to be pretty like you" Heartmelt! Husband's know how to make you feel "attractive", but only children know how to make you feel BEAUTIFUL! ♥
· Had a great dinner with a great friend... and get this... she's NOT a mom! I forgot what it was like to talk about stuff OTHER than "The Poopie Diaries". Still love my Momma-Friends, but it's nice to have someone remind me of my "former life" :)
(comments)
Marlene Davenport Does this mean you and I will be making a trip back to Club La Vela anytime soon? ;) Love you Nini!
Me: No. stinkin. way. I don't think any one wants to see that. Plus, I don't think they're ready for this jelly. And by jelly, I really mean jelly. I have some on my shirt from making J a sandwich.
· Naptime is slowly disappearing... but I made them take one today because we've got dinner plans, and I'm not taking them out in public like a bunch of rabid monkeys... unfortunately, they'll probably still act the same, either way. :P
· JJ played "school" with Big A and taught her all the songs she learned from her own Teacher. She held up the "lyrics sheet" and pretended to read from it as she sang, "Heart, heart, givin' ma' heart" They've definitely picked up that Carolina Twang :)
· After a week of leaving the craft supplies out for the girls to play anytime, I finally packed them up. JJ walks by, does a doubletake, and says "Oh. My. Goodness. IT'S A TABLE!" :P
· JJ missed MOPS bc she's still congested. She said, "Maybe my friends prayed for me". We've been saying prayers for everyone that's been sick, I guess she expects it in return :)
· Girls are outside following a snail... wish he were here earlier when they were running me ragged with, "I want milk, what's for breakfast, I need a blanket, Big A's not sharing, I need more milk" and I barely had a chance to open my eyes, let alone get out of bed! Thanks Mr. Snail :)
· JJ painted with watercolors, left her rinse cup on the table... next thing I know, Autumn's drinking it like Kool-Aid, leaving a rainbow of colors around her mouth. :P
· No matter how hard the day has been (and today was a HARD one), I can look back and realize how lucky I am to have had this day at all.
· Little A's Cardio Appt: She has a valve that does not open as much as a normal valve does, and she has to wear a 24-hr. heart-monitor strapped to her tiny body. So far, it's not bothering her, but we'll see how nap/bedtime goes! (3/30/11)
· While out with the girls all morning, I had at least three people say, "You've got your hands full!" Then, I watched them playing and being silly together, and realized, "My hands may be full, but so is my heart." An "easier life" would be lacking. :)
· It's pretty bad when you can sit in the sanctuary and still hear your toddler squealing from the nursery... she wasn't upset, she just likes to scream. :/
· I'm so not a "city-girl". I absolutely LOVE the sound of the crickets and trees blowing at night. Next to hearing my little girls laugh, it's the BEST sound in the world :)
· Husband is out for the night, and since the girls can live off crackers and cheese, I'm not going to cook a meal! Going to splurge and pig-out on junky fast food while we still have a paycheck ;)
· Not in the mood to drive JJ to Dance Class while "Dink and Dunk" go nuts waiting for her. Every Monday, it's the longest 45min. of my life... :P
· I refuse to call them "Spring Spheres" just as I will never decorate a "Holiday Tree"... It's like getting to have a Birthday Party but refusing to believe you were born... Christmas and Easter would not even exist with out Him.
· Today, we join 69% of America and increase our debt by a couple hundred thousand... no big deal... ;) Will post photos later! (4/14/11)
· Hoping to get the rental home clean so we can finally be done with it! I'm definitely putting the girls to work, might even attach a Swiffer sheet to Allie's belly ;)
· Of course I have hard days when the kids are like molasses, slow to listen and always stuck to me... but today, every little thing they do is making me smile. I wish everyone knew this feeling...
· Having three kids is hard, because you're never alone... and having three kids is great, because you're never alone. :)
· Farm was fun, but I was so afraid of the germs! JJ rubbed her eye after touching the animals but at least Big A didn't lick any of them... :P (5/10/11)
· JJ and Big A were stacking markers, and Big A's kept falling over. JJ says, "She's having a hard time with her project... but not me... I'm perfect." ...Oh, that girl... what am I going to do with you???
· Soccer Game this morning! Lets hope JJ passes the ball... she plays like it's "1 vs. 7"
· Had an appt. this morning, so Husband dropped JJ off at school... literally. He dropped her like a hot potato on the sidewalk and didn't even escort her to the classroom... His defense, "How was I supposed to know?" Umm... MAYBE BC EVERY OTHER KID WAS WALKED IN?!?! Daddy Doofus strikes again...
· Bringing Cupcakes for JJ's "Un-Birthday" Party... she's the only kid in class with a summer birthdate, so her teacher is letting us celebrate before the end of the year :) Now, if I only she'd understand she's not really 5, yet...
· Worst Mom Ever. I forgot to put J's ballet shoes on for her Recital Dance, she wore her silver flats and they shined in those bright lights! I feel SO bad. She noticed, and you could tell she was thinking about her shoes instead of the dance :(
· Looks like my husband will be the ONLY man in this house... We welcome Baby GIRL #4 in November!! I'll be sure to send all your condolences to him ;)
· The girls have been so adorable today, it makes me thrilled to know we're getting another :) Slept in till 8am, spent the morning in the pool, ate lunch on the deck, naptime soon, and Soccer Awards at the Fun Center tonight :) Perfect Day!!
· Apparently, it's Backwards Day... kids swam in the pool this morning when it was too cold, and took a walk in the afternoon when it was too hot. Guess I'll be making Pancakes for dinner, too :P (6/6/2011)
· Is it my fault that my 4 year old argues, or are some kids just that way. It's frustrating when you see kids who listen with out question, and kids who don't. How much of it is parenting, and how much is it just the nature of the child? Oh, Motherhood, you've beat me again...
· Sooo... I'm assuming I need a staple gun to do this upholstery... apparently the office stapler is not very efficient. Go ahead and laugh... it's my first upholstery job :P At least I got the fabric for under $20!
· Corndogs and Lemonade taste so much better in Summer... that was our treat for making it on time for Church with out Daddy here to help. Even managed to brush everyone's hair... not sure about everyone's teeth... :P
· Feel like going to Raleigh just for a Hungry Howies pizza... it's what we ate when we were dating, pretty much our staple our first year of marriage, and the only thing I craved when I was pregnant... lots of memories in just one pizza :)
· Little A can push herself up from all-fours to a stand! That's one small step for baby-kind, but one GIANT leap for Little A ;)
· For a few months now, anytime I cook, instead of asking, "Is it ready?" JJ asks, "Did you burn it?" Seeing as how I burned her waffles this morning, and the pizza this evening... I'd say she has a valid response to my cooking abilities. :P
· So much time is spent building relationships, but once they're established, they tend to be the ones most neglected. Friends are treated better than spouses, strangers are talked to nicer than our own children, acquaintances are called more often than our parents. Guilty of it all and praying for forgiveness.
· One of those days where I've let the kids pull every toy out of the closet/bins, build a campground in the living room, eat cookies for breakfast, and wear swim suits even though they're not swimming. Daddy's flying late, had to make this day FUN since I know it will be L-O-N-G...
· Best Family Day Ever. Watched the fireworks at SJAFB, feared the A-Twins would cry. Little A didn't care, Big A hid under daddy's arm but was in love with them by the finale. Pics tomorrow :)
· Going to "Eat Mor (free) Chikn" :) (dressed up like Cows)
· Nothing like picking blueberries in the rain... the girls had so much fun, and I get to make pesticide-free muffins :)
· Thinking of my two dear friends today, praying for one's joy and another's sorrows. I love you both.
· I love when my husband hugs me goodbye in the morning, and his afteshave stays with me all day... much better than the lingering smell of poop I usually get :P (baby poop, not Husband poop, LOL! Little A usually has a blowout in the morning)
· Husband is putting together the swingset, and the girls are in charge of bringing him Kool-Aid all day :)
· While filling out important papers, like oh, say... a WILL... my husband misspelled 2 out of 3 of his childrens' names... his defense, "There's too many of them" :)
· Partied with a teething Little A last night, woke up around 10:30am to find that JJ and Big A made pancakes and spilled syrup all over the couch, then made mud castles outside and brought some inside, washed themselves in the bathrooom sink spilling water everywhere, I feel like I'm living the book, "If you give a Pig a Pancake", and that was just what I found downstairs.
· I let the girls pick out a movie to watch... and they chose our Wedding DVD?? As strange as it was, it's kind of sweet to hear the girls say, "Mommy's so beautiful" And 6 years later, I can think of three things more beautiful... it started with a kiss and ended up like this... ♥
· Somedays I feel I'm living the old riddle about the "Fox, Chicken, & Grain". I'm taking JJ bowling and I'd hate to leave the A-Twins together, that's like putting the fox with the chicken. :P
· 5 months down, 10lbs. up, 15 weeks to go, and only 1 month till he's gone...
· Made it to FL in 11hrs., 4 stops, 3 Diaper Changes, and 0 Crying... a least not from me :) Thanks Marlene Davenport for driving with us! Can't wait to see my other Sister tomorrow!!
· Happy Promotion Day to my hard-working Husband! Celebrating at the squadron with Chik-Fil-A Party Trays, YUM! We love you, and we're SO proud of you = Captain = (8/10/11)

Funny Lessons

I got this off of Facebook. I'm still working on all of the Status Updates, so enjoy this little "Lesson" until I post the Updates.

11 Step Program for those thinking of having kids
by Amy Lawrence on Tuesday, January 4, 2011 at 10:24am

Lesson 1-
1. Go to the grocery store.
2. Arrange to have your salary paid directly to their head office.
3. Go home.
4. Pick up the paper.
5. Read it for the last time.

Lesson 2-
Before you finally go ahead and have children, find a couple who already are parents and berate them about their...
1. Methods of discipline.
2. Lack of patience.
3. Appallingly low tolerance levels.
4. Allowing their children to run wild.
5. Suggest ways in which they might improve their child's breastfeeding, sleep habits, toilet training, table manners, and overall behavior.
Enjoy it because it will be the last time in your life you will have all the answers.

Lesson 3-
A really good way to discover how the nights might feel...
1. Get home from work and immediately begin walking around the living room from 5PM to 10PM carrying a wet bag weighing approximately 8-12 pounds, with a radio turned to static (or some other obnoxious sound) playing loudly. (Eat cold food with one hand for dinner)
2. At 10PM, put the bag gently down, set the alarm for midnight, and go to sleep.
3. Get up at 12 and walk around the living room again, with the bag, until 1AM.
4. Set the alarm for 3AM.
5. As you can't get back to sleep, get up at 2AM and make a drink and watch an infomercial.
6. Go to bed at 2:45AM.
7. Get up at 3AM when the alarm goes off.
8. Sing songs quietly in the dark until 4AM.
9. Get up. Make breakfast. Get ready for work and go to work (work hard and be productive) Repeat steps 1-9 each night. Keep this up for 3-5 years. Look cheerful and together.

Lesson 4-
Can you stand the mess children make? To find out...
1. Smear peanut butter onto the sofa and jam onto the curtains.
2. Hide a piece of raw chicken behind the stereo and leave it there all summer.
3. Stick your fingers in the flower bed.
4. Then rub them on the clean walls.
5. Take your favorite book, photo album, etc. Wreck it.
6. Spill milk on your new pillows. Cover the stains with crayons. How does that look?

Lesson 5-
Dressing small children is not as easy as it seems.
1. Buy an octopus and a small bag made out of loose mesh.
2. Attempt to put the octopus into the bag so that none of the arms hang out.
Time allowed for this - all morning.

Lesson 6-
Forget the BMW and buy a mini-van. And don't think that you can leave it out in the driveway spotless and shining. Family cars don't look like that.1. Buy a chocolate ice cream cone and put it in the glove compartment.Leave it there.2. Get a dime. Stick it in the CD player.3. Take a family size package of chocolate cookies. Mash them into the back seat. Sprinkle cheerios all over the floor, then smash them with your foot.4. Run a garden rake along both sides of the car.

Lesson 7-
Go to the local grocery store. Take with you the closest thing you can find to a pre-school child. (A full-grown goat is an excellent choice). If you intend to have more than one child, then definitely take more than one goat. Buy your week's groceries without letting the goats out of your sight. Pay for everything the goat eats or destroys. Until you can easily accomplish this, do not even contemplate having children.

Lesson 8-
1. Hollow out a melon.
2. Make a small hole in the side.
3. Suspend it from the ceiling and swing it from side to side.
4. Now get a bowl of soggy Cheerios and attempt to spoon them into the swaying melon by pretending to be an airplane.
5. Continue until half the Cheerios are gone.
6. Tip half into your lap. The other half, just throw up in the air.
You are now ready to feed a nine- month-old baby.

Lesson 9-
Learn the names of every character from Sesame Street , Barney, Disney, the Teletubbies, and Pokemon. Watch nothing else on TV but PBS, the Disney channel or Noggin for at least five years. (I know, you're thinking What's 'Noggin'?) Exactly the point.

Lesson 10-
Make a recording of Fran Drescher saying 'mommy' repeatedly. (Important: no more than a four second delay between each 'mommy'; occasional crescendo to the level of a supersonic jet is required). Play this tape in your car everywhere you go for the next four years. You are now ready to take a long trip with a toddler.

Lesson 11-
Start talking to an adult of your choice. Have someone else continually tug on your skirt hem, shirt- sleeve, or elbow while playing the 'mommy' tape made from Lesson 10 above. You are now ready to have a conversation with an adult while there is a child in the room. This is all very tongue in cheek; anyone who is parent will say 'it's all worth it!' Share it with your friends, both those who do and don't have kids. I guarantee they'll get a chuckle out of it. Remember, a sense of humor is one of the most important things you'll need when you become a parent!

2010 Facebook Status Updates

Glad we spent the New Year with Family! Husband leaves again Sunday, let's hope he's back for the birth! 1/1/10

Going to eat at TGIFridays tonight because I'm not in the mood to cook... this baby is wearing me down a little more each day... ugh... Plus-side, you can't hear a baby cry in utero, and it's easier to run errands while she's still inside. :)

Husband left again today, and all J could say was, "Now I get to sleep in YOUR room! That's a good idea!" Little Booger! 1/3/10

Melts my heart! Whether they're balls-to-the-walls wrestling or squealing at each other in the backseat making funny faces, they're so happy to have each other. I ♥ J&A...

I'm too emotional these days, everything is "beautiful" and I'm loving life. The girls make me cry, the pretty sunrise behind the clouds make me cry, our new microwave makes me cry, somebody get this hormonal-estrogen-producing baby out of me!!!


"Who will help me sort the clothes?" "Not I", said the JJ. "Not I," said the Big A. "Then I shall do it myself" said the little pregnant mom as she grumbled miserably to the mess.


Eating Cheetos in bed may not be the smartest idea, but it is a very sweet feeling to have your girls sit still for awhile and just lay with you, even if they are covered in orange powder.


Just got a call from Husband. He didn't know which bathroom (Mens or Womens) to take JJ into... AWK-WARD! HAAHAHAH... poor guy!


Going with JJ on her Field Trip to T.T. Wentworth. I told Husband, and he thought they were a Tax Service. He asked if I could get our taxes done while I'm there... DORK!


JJ's new name for Big A: "Mess-Maker". Better than what she named her last month: "Stink".


Feeling Appreciative and Grateful... Food, Family, and Shelter... all three, taken for granted too often...


Had some regular contractions last Saturday night, and then nothing. It was just the "fire" I needed under my tail to get me prepared for this L&D. I keep relying on the fact that she might be overdue and I've got plenty of time! 1/18/10


MOPS taught me a forgotten lesson, "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." Matthew 6:34


I have a feeling this baby will be here Sunday, so her Daddy can miss the Saints in the Superbowl :)


"Dads and Doughnuts Day" at JJ's school. I wish I could have stayed and taken a photo. Husband likes to tease and say, "If you don't get a picture, it must not have happened" because I have to take pics of EVERYTHING!


Waking up to JJ and Big A is the BEST thing in the world. They're so fascinating, I pray I never forget these days...


"Girls Only Shopping Day": Got new shoes for BOTH JJ and Mommy. She got her first pair of Pink Converse Low-tops and some super cute High-tops. And now, Daddy has cut us off for the month... not because we spent too much, but because we don't need any more shoes!


Made it to her Due Date and is still pregnant. Not surprised, the first two came 5 and 8 days "late", so this one should be here Superbowl Sunday which would put her "on time" for my body. :) Every "Oven" has different settings! 1/30/10


loves how JJ comes into my bed and sleeps for an extra hour instead of dragging me out to make breakfast or play. Then we get Happy Big A out of her crib, and she's so excited to see us! Hard to have a bad day when it starts like that...


It's official, we're now the proud owners of a MiniVAN! Living the dream... LOL!


Little A, Wed. Feb. 3rd, 8 lbs. 5.8ozs. @ 1:24pm. Easy labor, no drugs, no tears, I was texting and watching TV at 8cms just waiting for the "go" to push. She had shoulder distocia, so they had to pull her by her face. She came out blue and purple, so we called her "Baby Avatar" until we named her :) 2/5/10


5 straight hours of sleep each night is a godsend for any Mom of a newborn! I love this baby more everyday! She's making life with "3 under 4" a little too easy! :)


Happy Early Birthday to my Husband! He'll be spending his day getting our van from the dealer... "Dad" birthdays aren't very fun. :(


Love the way the girls treat Little A! Big A brings her toys when she cries, and JJ lays with her and says, "Hello Pretty Girl" or "Don't cry, Little One"


8 years ago, I handed out paper Valentine's to all the guests at the restaurant where I worked. One of the waitresses told me I had missed a guest, so I ran out the door and handed it to him. We now have 3 kids, a minivan, and a framed paper Valentine. :)

No more Paternity Leave... Big A will be so sad when Daddy's not there when she wakes up 2/21/10


Overslept and missed the Dr. Seuss Day at Target... hard to wake up when you've been up all night covered in baby poop. Changing diapers in the dark is hard...


Church tomorrow... hope I learn something as good as I did last time: "Tell me, and I might forget, Show me, and I might remember, but Involve me, and I'll understand." Especially true for 3 year olds! :)


I think I tie too many emotions/memories to material objects, for example, I saved an empty bag of M&Ms and an old Ruby Tueday server book from 7 years ago... now I know how Hoarders get started...


I bet Moms have the funniest Google History... Today mine says, "If your toddler coughs in cupcake batter, will the germs bake out?" Still haven't found an answer...


JJ smiles and asks me, "Where'd you get those shoes... the junkyard?!" I assume she was really trying to pay me a compliment because she liked my shoes.


last night when JJ was too scared to walk around the van in the dark closed garage, she asked for my keys. She was going to press the buttons that open the auto-doors so she could walk across and through the van. Sneaky sneaky...


So, JJ decided to tell me what the word "Bald" means while we stood in the checkout behind a bald guy. I ended up changing lanes...


Looking forward to the weekend already, it's the only time I get to spend with my parents and sister's family, and I miss them already. Moving is gonna suck...


I'm one of those people that "look too deep into nothing". I need to learn that if someone says they're fine... sometimes they REALLY are just... fine.

Going to get some Brunch while we wait for Nana and Pompa to come to Pensacola. JJ is SO excited about her "First Movie" tonight! 3/12/10

Daylight Savings messes up BOTH my wall clock AND internal clock... but for some reason, it doesn't affect the kids... they're all up at 6am as usual, but it's still MY 5am... ugh.

Just read Dr. Seuss' "The Lorax" to JJ last night. It's a sad book when you read it as an adult... :(

Today makes 5 Years of Marriage, and we're still just as lucky as the day we met! (Maybe not "getting lucky" with all these kids around, but still feeling lucky... and extremely blessed! :)

JJ said, "Big A is sick. She has a beaver." Haha... she'll be alright, it's just a low grade "beaver". :)

I have a List of "To-Do's" that I want "To-Done"... might be awhile with all these kids!

driving home from school, JJ told me the story of Goldilocks and the Three Bears... "...then Baby Bear said, Someone's been sitting in my porridge..." I just hate when someone sits on my porridge.

I had no idea kids talked this much... if JJ's awake, she talking. And as for Big A, if she's awake, she's eating. :P

Thanks to Tracy, I can ask my Pediatrician about "Torticollis". Poor Crooked-head-baby might finally have a diagnoses for her little neck!

"Husband Project" starts tomorrow... And no, it's not a course on how to make him do the dishes with out being asked! ;)

I realized how selfish I was before I had kids. I sacrficed nothing, and put my needs first. Children have a way of showing you that life is bigger than just yourself.

Went to the Zoo, got spit on the head by a Llama, smells like poop, Big A licked a goat, JJ wiped spit in hair after feeding animals (and Big A ate some feed, too). Fun Day...

I have no motivation to pack and take all of this stuff with me to Goldsboro. Feel free to come over the next two weeks and play "Dollar General" at our house!

JJ jumps off the couch, lands on the ground, and says, "I need Pixie Dust."

When I was pregnant with Big A, I didn't think I could love another kid as much as JJ. Same for when I was pregnant with Little A. But now I am SO beyond in love with each one, that I finally believe my mom was telling the truth when she said she has "no favorite".

For some reason I'll bawl my eyes out during a sappy movie, but can't shed a tear when things really matter. So, if ever we're having an emotional moment, please know that my lack of tears isn't because I don't care, but because I care too much.

Husband leaves Monday, me and the girls will leave a week later. Till then, it's a party every day at Nana's in Niceville! Or maybe "circus" is more appropriate...

Just realized I've been calling my canker sore, a "cold sore". I was wondering why people looked at me funny when I said it was on my tongue... "What have you been licking???"

Movers dropped off our stuff, hope it's all there. I'm sure Husband wouldn't mind if some of it got lost, like the girls' toys and my millions of shoes.

Arrived late Tuesday night, unpacked all day Wednesday, and off to WalMart today to get groceries for our empty fridge! Will post house photos soon, our backyard is a forest!

I really miss my sister, but luckily I have two! :) Sad to leave one, but excited to see the other!
I love my Mom. I love my Sister. I love the Mommy Friends I've made. Hope you all had a memorable day with the ones who made you a Mom in the first place! :)

First Day with out my mom here... so far, no one's put a key in the socket or licked a dog, so... we're good! (Yes, those things happened last week) 5/11/10

Had a GREAT day with the new Moms Group! Just because I'm a Stay-at-Home, doesn't mean I have to "stay at home" :)

I sneezed, and Big A says, "You Ok?" I blow my nose, and she says, "Nose?" Then she looks at my tissue and says, "Ewwwww"... She was so caring at first :/

I used to think feeding a baby round the clock was exhausting. Then I realized my toddler and preschooler's 3 meals (plus snacks) is WAY more work. At least, I get to sit down when I feed the baby! Phewf!

Today Big A has called 911, dragged tissue through the house that came out of JJ's unflushed toilet, and poured a bag of cereal all over the floor, then danced on it. She truly is the work of all three kids combined!

Big A sat next to JJ. JJ got up and moved her chair away. Then she looks at me and says, "Now don't move her chair closer!" Poor Old News Big A. :(

Ok... I don't know how I got sucked in, but I find myself ebay'ing Silly Bandz, Rubba Bandz, and Stretchy Shapes. I'm addicted, and I blame my nephew. ;) And JJ could care less if she has certain shapes. But ME? I care! She "needs" the tie-dye, the glitter, AND the diva set!!!

All the babies are asleep, including the biggest baby of all, "Strep Throat Daddy"! Time to watch my DVR shows and learn how to cook something other than Spongebob Macaroni!

Click "Like" if you've ever had a day like mine... This means YOU, Kelly Jones! LOL! (see comment below)
4:30am Baby wakes up for her feeding. Burp her, change her, too tired to go back to bed. Fall asleep on floor.

5:00am Realize I’m on the floor, crawl back to bed.

6:00am DH’s alarm goes off, of course he hits snooze.

6:15am Alarm, again. Snoo...ze again. Ugh.

7:00am Finally, fall back asleep. Then Preschooler comes in demanding doughnuts for breakfast.

7:30am Make pancakes instead of doughnuts, hear Toddler yelling at us.

8:00am Get Toddler out of crib, realize her diaper has been flooded, need to wash everything in her crib.8:15am Start the laundry. Open Washer to see soured clothes from yesterday. Open dryer to see wrinkled clothes from… who knows when.

8:30am Realize, I’ve burned breakfast. Pour cereal instead.

9:00am Get myself ready for playdate, about to get in shower, Baby starts crying. Skip shower… again.

9:30am Finish nursing, changing, and burping Baby. Should have left 15 minutes ago for our playdate. Leave now.

9:35am Hit EVERY red light. No joke. No exaggeration. Every red was for me. And TomTom is a DumDum. It took me the “scenic route”. And by “scenic”, I mean “no one will hear you scream”.

9:45am Arrive at playdate. Baby cries the whole time. Toddler tries to kill herself on playground. Preschooler has to pee every 10 minutes.

11:30am Head home. Get text from DH. He’s got Strep. Great.

12:00pm Get home. Wrestle Toddler to take her Ear Infection meds. She spits them out. Try again, had to sit on her.

12:30pm Re-heat leftover Noodle Soup for lunch. No one eats it, but I know they touched it since they have noodles in their hair.

12:45pm Realize I left the Baby in her carseat. (Not in the van, just in the carseat in the house, no need to call DCF) She’s asleep still because she used up all her crying at the playdate.

1:00pm Wash dishes. Cancel that. Forgot about the laundry.

1:15pm Walk all over house in search of any missed dirty laundry. Discover Preschooler peed the bed last night and failed to tell me. Clean that mess.

1:30pm Put Toddler and Preschooler down for nap.

1:45pm Doorbell rings (Murphy’s Law says a loud noise must occur shortly after children are put to bed)

2:00pm Preschooler says she’s done napping. Mommy says she’s not.2:15pm Realize I forgot the laundry again. Realize I also forgot the Baby in the carseat again.2:30pm Finally, sit down for some “me-time”.

2:45pm Baby wakes up for feeding, changing, and burping.

3:15pm Preschooler done napping, wants to play games.

4:00pm Toddler wakes up (thank goodness, I was on game 10 of Candy Land) Find out her diaper leaked again… this time it’s poop. Clean that mess.

5:00pm Get dinner ready. Cancel that. Dishwasher Repairman arrives. Lock kids in Toy Room, put Baby in back room.

5:30pm Upload photos and video on Facebook so the grandparents can see.

5:45pm Realize the upload failed and have to start all over again. Thanks Facebook.

6:00pm Repairman leaves. Start dinner. Realize, I’m missing a few key ingredients… like meat.

6:15pm Completely forgot about Baby. Again. Check, she’s fine.

6:30pm Heat a frozen pizza. No one eats that, either. But it was a great specimen for dissecting.

7:00pm Clean up dinner table. Forgot Baby, again. Check, she’s fine. Baths for everyone… except the one who needs it most… me!

7:30pm Storytime, “Talk about our day” time, and prayers.

8:00pm Squeeze Toddler’s fat-rolls as I lay her in her crib. Praise Preschooler for all her “Big Sis” help today. Give Baby rash on cheeks from the millions of goodnight kisses.

8:30pm Walk around house, picking up toys, crumbs, sippy cups, etc.

9:00pm Finally, lay in bed. Cancel that. Forgot about the laundry. Again. 5/26/10

Excited about the Asian-Pacific Event on Base tonight. I'm a rare breed around here... :)

It's "Cupcakes for No Reason other than to Eat Them" Day at out house! Rainbow Chip Frosting on Rainbow Chip Cake, YUM! Then, Pizza Party tonight with some fellow Military families :) It's a great day for junk food!

I've cut back on buying "junk snacks" since we moved. So, JJ tells me today, "I liked our pantry in our old house better..." :/

From-scratch Chicken Nuggets, JJ said they were a "thumbs up", so maybe I can stop buying the nasty "rib meat" nuggets. Thanks, Jamie Oliver, for showing me how they're really processed... GROSS!

Got to hold my sleeping baby for an hour, uninterrupted, while the older two napped. Felt like time stopped for that one hour... :)

A new and exciting week ahead: Meet new moms, MOPS Meeting, Spouses Dinner, Splash Pad, MNO, Jumpy House, Storytime... so much to see and do in our new town!

BEST DAY EVER! MOPs was so much fun, for ALL of us! Moms played "I like my neighbor", JJ played "Doggy Doggy, where's your bone", and I got to sneak in and hear Big A singing with the other Moppets. SO cute!!! Wish I had a video camera!

Beware the dried booger disguised as a Fruity Pebble... won't make that mistake again. :^P

Slept in till 9am, thanks to my Husband! He did all the things I normally do, so I didn't have to get up, and he's watching all 3 tonight so I can have dinner with my new friends! His momma done raised him right... hahahah... :)

I absolutely LOVE the Huggies Jeans commercial, HILARIOUS! I just wish it was a cloth diaper instead. Maybe more people would use cloth if they knew how cool they could look nowadays :)

JJ's first movie in theaters was "Alice in Wonderland", and we recently have been watching the DVD every night. So, now, when she calls Big A, she claps and says, "Fat Boys, Fat Boys!!!"

If you don't eat your dinner, you don't get dessert... why is this so hard for toddlers to understand? We had a Category 5 Tantrum on our kitchen floor... I'm amazed the house is still standing. 6/7/10

Got selected to host my FIRST House Party! Thank Mel, for the hookup! :) House Party selects random members to promote products, and you get a ton of free stuff! I'm excited because you don't have to pay for anything! And I'm hosting a Febreze Party, thank goodness, cause these kids can make a big stink!

When my husband isn't here, I feel lucky to have my girls to keep me company. It's so nice to have one tucked under my arm, one head in my lap, and one holding my hand :) :) :)

It's hard to get through a day with out worrying about something... :/ Life would be easier if I just didn't care, but fortunately, I do.

What a workout it can be to take out the Britax, undo the straps, wash and dry it, put it back on, then realize you threaded the wrong hole straps, try to re-strap it with that dumb piece in the back that keeps dropping into the hole, finally get the cover on properly, then lug it back into the van... and then do it again with the other seat.

My poor girls inheireted my severe reactions to bug bites. Big A looks like a burn victim all covered in bandages, and JJ's foot is swollen from an ant bite :(

Grocery shopping, Picture Getting, Pottery Painting, Closet Purging, Item Returning, Dinner Making, Meal Delivering, Spouse Orientating Day... hope the girls can keep up! :)

The girls finally broke me in a public place. Sure... I've cried plenty at home... but never in public. I think the owner thought I was having a nervous breakdown... but I just sat and cried with the girls, and we're all better now :) It was pretty therapeutic... 6/17/10

Praying for my Sister in Labor :) She has two boys, and they're finally getting their Girl! Wish I could be there... :(

Current shoe count is at 150, and climbing... I unloaded a ton in Pensacola, but apparently... it didn't even make a dent...

I hate when I think he's got the girls, and he thinks I've got the girls, and really, NO ONE has the girls, and they're running a muck in a store full of breakables... Sorry Snacko Stuff Store :(

I look out the window and see JJ with the Bubble Blowing Gun pointed at Big A and yelling, "Who killed my Jabberwocky?!?!" Well, I don't think it was your Fat Boy, JJ...

Today, JJ has been hilarious. First she acts like the Red Queen, then reminds me to take my birth control. When we scold her for playing at the table and tell her Mommy and Daddy don't act like that, she says, "You did when you were my age", and then she tells Little A, "You smell like Cherry Pie!" She truly is 3 going on 30...

Storytime tomorrow, Baby Shower Wednestday, J's First Dance Class, Thurday is painting shirts for 4th of July, and hopefully Splash Pad on Friday... another week of fun!

JJ LOVED her first night of Kinderdance! She calls it "Ballet School" and can't wait to go back. She locked her eyes on the teacher, and kept trying to do as she did. I'm so proud of her and I'm glad this is something she enjoyed so much! :)

Good luck to my Husband on his first test tomorrow! He's studied all day, and with 3 small kids, that's pretty hard to do!

ISO Babysitter: Anyone have a reccomendation for a sitter watch my almost 2 & almost 4 year old girls next Tues. evening? I know Good Babysitter Info is like Mommy Gold, but please share the wealth if you know of a good one :)

Missed out on the Lowe's Build and Grow because Daddy is helping a friend, and there's NO way I'm taking all three by myself to a store full of dangerous things! :(

Princess Camp this week... Never thought I'd let my girl be SO girly! Before I had kids, I swore they'd never be into "Princess" stuff... YUCK... oh, the tangled web we weave...

I'm really close to my sisters, and never saw the need for a close friend... but now, I'm thinking I just might need one. Making BFFs was so much easier when we were kids... share your PB&J, and poof, besties for life. :)

Awesome Fireworks! JJ and Daddy watched from their chairs, while A-Twins and I watched from the van. It helped muffle the booms, and Big A called out each color of the burst. Plus, can't beat $1 SnoCones and 2 for $1 Glow Sticks!

I feel like it's been awhile since we've had Daddy around, so we're going to get our fix before another long week starts. By the time we're done with him, he'll be begging to go back to work! :P

We really need a dog... we won't get one... but we need one. Never seen a kid so happy than Big A with animals. :)

Little A has decided that no one in this house needs sleep... including herself. Gonna be a rough day, but gotta make the most of Daddy's extra holiday... off we go into the wild blue yonder...

I cannot stand how little signal I get on my phone when I'm in this house!!! Dropped calls drive me NUTS!!!

Nothing like putting Rainbow Chip frosting on already un-healthy Chocolate Chip Cookies, then rolling them in sprinkles, just to guarantee their junk-food factor... Happy Wife = Happy Life... and apparently super happy kids. 7/6/10

It's a real blessing when you meet someone new, who understands why your toddler is covered in red marker and why you're still in PJ's at noon. Here's to the Understanding Friends!

Dinner with Daddy and luckily a sleeping baby, then a Movie with my girls... I got to go on dates with all my favorite people!

Thank you rumbling thunder for being just loud enough to make it a rough night. As if the baby wasn't enough to keep me awake at night...

Having a midnight party with the baby... woo-hoo... the party never stops! 7/10/10

I just realized that Chik-fil-A Lemonade, Sonic Sparkling Lemonade, and Luigi's Lemon Ice can all make my bad days better because they remind me of the Lemon Popsicle I ate in the hospital right before JJ was born. All this time, I just thought I REALLY liked lemonade...

Why does my video upload stop at 8 minutes left... after 45 minutes of waiting... If you see me logged on, it's because I'm trying to upload a 50 second video for the 13th time! Grr...

Why does my Preschooler keep drawing pictures of our family, and always "forgets" to draw in my Toddler??? Poor old-news-Big A... :(

Husband and I have been partying since 4am, thanks Little A... you're not my favorite.

Hooray, Hooray for a Nothing Day... we're gonna stay home and play "school", just like my mom did with me and my sisters. We'll have "Color of the Day" and a craft... party like it's 1989! :) Love ya "Nana"!

Raising the White Flag... You've tortured me these past few months, keeping me in the cold & dark, I've fulfilled all your demands. You've broken me. I surrender. NOW COULD YOU PLEASE SLEEP FOR MORE THAN 2 HOURS AT A TIME!?!?!! Thanks Baby Allie... and you're still not my favorite.

If I had a dime for every hour of sleep I get a day, I'd have enough to buy three twenty-cent stamps. But not at the same time. I'd get to buy the first stamp. Then weakly stand in line again. Buy the second. Get back in line, and try not to fall over. Buy the third. Then stand in line again... while everyone around asks if they can cut in front of me. Sooooo T-I-R-E-D...

How do I go from Hodge Podge to Pottery Barn? Then again, no use in having nice things till the kids are older... have you seen our furniture?!? The dining table doubles as the art table, and the couches have been known to be trampolines and the occassional snack-trap.

JJ went on a Date with her Daddy! She wore her brand new dress that she picked out from our shopping day, painted her nails, and had me braid her hair. She wanted to look nice because I always get dressed up whenever I go out with Daddy, and she wanted to look nice, too. :)

Grateful that I've met some really amazing people who make living in Goldsboro pretty wonderful... "Grow where you are planted" :) 7/27/10

I ♥ Leg Warmers on Baby Girls... and by "baby", I include my 4 year old :)

Christmas in July... I think I'm done shopping for the girls already! 8/1/10

I went jogging for the first time in... I have NO idea... 6am, 64' weather, and ALL ALONE!!! That's my new Me-Time...

I am SO tired. I can only go so many months of waking at 2am, 4am, 6am, then 8am for the day, non-stop till 2pm naps, and even then, I have to catch up on housework, kids up at 4pm, dinner by 6pm, bedtime at 8pm, finally talk to the husband till 9pm, then baby asleep at 10pm. Four hours of sleep is NOT enough... ZzZzZzz

Little A slept from 10am-8am, and only woke up ONCE!!! Hope this sticks because I was really close to putting her in my online yard sale album! :) 8/8/10

When my 4 year old says someone is "big", she doesn't mean "weight", she means "older". I imagine most four year olds mean it in that context, so I don't think it's fair to tell her it's not nice to say when she doesn't mean it that way. (Motherbear Protection: ON)

Watched Toy Story 3 with my JJ. I didn't cry on the parts I thought I would, and bawled on parts that I didn't expect, LOL! Good movie, but a little scary for a "G" Rating. 8/9/10

It's been one of those mornings, and I go towards the front door to threaten JJ with a whoopin' if she doesn't straighten up. As she pleads her defense I realize, she's staring at a man on the front porch. It's the gutter guy, and he was lucky enough to hear my wonderful mothering and catch me in my PJs... grrr...


Bittersweet: Getting to stay at home, because my husband never is.


My idea of a great "Workout": Running around with the girls to the "5 Days Old" song, ten times in a row... good times :)


Jaelyn's foot fell asleep, so she says, "Maybe if I put my leg in the sun it will think it's wake up time"... Apparently, it worked, hahaha...


Busy Day, lots of errands. To bad they don't have "Drive-Through Post Office Services" and "Drive-Through I only need ONE item, please don't make me bring out the double stroller and all 3 kids, including a napping baby in that tiny store Services"


I wish I could relax and talk with other moms, uninterrupted, and then... Big A goes falling backwards off the bleachers, JJ is dancing on broken glass, and Little A is starving, again... So, if I didn't get a chance to talk with you today, I'm a great friend when you get to know me... it might just take awhile :)


It's SO refreshing when you're surrounded by people who encourage and inspire. But the best are those who are unaware of it, and are just naturally comforting. Thanks KAS :)


Planning JJ's 4th Birthday Party. I wish it were a "family style" party, but she said she wants a "Girls Only" Party... and I'm not even sure that includes her own sister??


On Aug. 21st 2006, we had our first baby. Three days later, we named her JJ*, and four years later, she tells me she's changed it. So, Happy 4th Birthday "Stacey"! We love you tons!

Had my version of the "WSO Walk of Shame" today. Helped prep for a Baby Shower, and didn't even get to stay for it. :( Karma for laughing at the husband when he had his "walk" last week.


JJ comes in and says in one breath, "If Daddy loses his job we have to sleep in the streets". When I ask him about it, he says, "I had to study and she kept coming in the room... what... too much?" Good Job there, Daddy... >:[


When the dishwasher explodes bubbles all over the kitchen, do not be discouraged. Consider it an opportunity to multi-task, by washing not only the dishes, but the floors... and perhaps the kids, too. (Thank goodness I switched to a Natural Detergent, bc the girls jumped right in!)


Big A went Pee-Pee on the Potty... literally. She peed on top of the potty, but forgot to open the lid :/ That's my girl...


Off to botch another batch of cookies! I literally have an photo album of my failed attempts at baking... thank goodness for kids who will eat anything as long as it's called a cookie :)


A man came to the door... I answered... and then he said, "Is your Mom or Dad home?" REALLY?? I know I should be flattered, but... REALLY??? Husband thought it was hilarious... so I called him a pedophile.


JJ's snowglobe shattered, and she cried so hard, it broke my heart. Then she asked while sniffling, "Can we go to a special place and get one with hearts because I love Daddy so much?" :(


Thought the husband was out with the guys... I was starting to get mad. Turns out, he was at work, and he's still not home. :/ Good thing I didn't lock the deadbolts out of anger! Hope everyone has a great non-assuming weekend :)


Had a rough "Mom Morning", but while I was at church, the husband had knocked out the dishes, laundry, floors (under sofas, too!), vacuuming, put Big A in the bath, entertained the baby, and fired up the grill and cooked us all lunch. I don't brag about him often, but today he really knew what I needed to keep my sanity :)


I'm going to have to plant a million trees to make up for all the artwork my girls draw per day... :/


Two years ago, we became a "Party of Four"... and the party hasn't stopped since! Happy Birthday my squishy, crazy, makes-me-laugh-just-looking-at-ya, Fat Bottom!


Praying the nights of 2-4-6am awakenings have finally come to an end. Two nights in a row Little A slept from 10pm to 8am! Knocking on wood, so I don't jinx tonight! It's been a LONG 7 months!


Joined a great Bible Study, got a full night's sleep, celebrating Big A's 2nd, and family time at the Harvest Festival! Life is Good, God is Good. Hope everyone has a great weekend :)
Hurry home Daddy, we've got a Birthday Cake to eat!!! There are two eager children here who will go ba-na-nas if they have to wait any longer!!!


Service on "excuses" was inspiring, and applies to more than just money. Allie is sleeping well now, and I have no excuse to be tired or lazy. "The sluggard craves and gets nothing, but the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied." ~ Proverbs 13:4


Wish my husband loved country music as much as I do... car trips would be more fun... "I'm an Indian Outlaw, half Cherokee and Choctaw, my baby she's a Chippewa, she's one of kind..." How can you NOT love singing that?!?


Happened to catch today's Oprah, and it's heartbreaking. I'm beyond passionate and I cannot understand why it's not a top priority for some communities, let alone, our government. Whitney was right... "I believe that children are our future”


Attempting to make Lumpia tonight... for those who don't know me very well, I'm not exactly your typical Island Girl... so this is a challenge for me... :)


JJ woke up so excited and said, "IT'S FALL! You know how I know? Because the leaves fall'd on the ground!" That would be the worst joke ever if it wasn't from a 4 year old. :)


Looking forward to the Accessory Swap, hopefully I can leave the baby at home... however she is a pretty cute "accessory" to have on my arm ;)


12 toys I've stepped on, 11 that I Gunney Bagged, 10 days till Florida, 9 hours till Daddy comes home, 8 rounds of Row your Boat, 7 Days till Payday, 6 Birthday gifts to buy, FIVE-LOADS-OF-LAUNDRY!!!! 4 Spiders killed, 3 Screaming Children, 2 Runny Noses, and a Mommy who could use a break... TGIF!


If you look closely, you'll see Big A has something written on her chest. I asked JJ if she did it, and she said, "I had to write my name on her, because she's mine" Not sure if that's because she loves her little sister, or because she thinks she "owns" her...
‎

"Who loves broccoli, who loves broccoli? You love broccoli, you love broccoli... Ah, Ah, you love...::kids throw broccoli::" That Target Commercial always makes me laugh :)


The girls are feeling better, and now I'm feeling worse. Couldn't even roll out of bed for church. Why can't we all be healthy at the same time??? I hate the Germ-Go-Round game... :(


Why does the smell of "kid-barf" linger, long after you've cleaned it? I bleached everything, linens are washing, I even soaked Big A in a bubble bath for 30min. and she's still "eau de vomit". Poor Little Stink... 9/26/10


"Doughnuts with Dad" at JJ's Preschool today, but Daddy had to work... we don't want to end up on the streets, right? (referring to my post on 8/22) :)


I know I don't have it as hard as some, and people may say, "it could be worse". But aren't my "bad days" bad enough? Why should I have to wait for "worse" when what I'm doing now is enough. I'll always say it... Motherhood ain't for sissies...


Do I have "Doormat" written on my forehead? Because lately, I feel like one.


Drop off J, setup Garage Sale, get milk, Pick up J, make lunch, make cream pies, naps for kids, pack for Florida, get kids ready, go to First Friday, say goodbye to husband and kids and hello to
MNO at Starbucks... (for all of my "have-to-do's" today, I thought I should squeeze in a "want-to-do")


Florida Bound: 6am Sunday! Pray for me, as I drive 14 hours with 3 kids! I'm sure I'll have some funny stories to tell after these next two weeks! :)


Made it safely to FL, only stopped twice to nurse, no one cried, (not even me)! Thanks for the well wishes :)


I ♥ Florida. I forgot how nice it is to drive anywhere and always see the ocean.


Riding Granny M's horse, going to the Pumpkin Patch, seeing all my family and finally Gator-on-a-stick at the Mullet Festival... I've missed my little ole' hometown of Niceville :(


Just bought a month's worth of groceries. Apparently, while we were in FL, my husband managed to live off of Mt. Dew and frozen pizza. :P


Something so intoxicating about the smell of your own child. I could inhale their sweet little heads all day long... (I guess I should clarify, it's only good when not clouded by a poopie diaper)


Babies are squishy... even after 2 years... I ♥ squishy babies! :)


SO excited to volunteer at J's Preschool and be a part of their "Ark Festival". Thanks to Kelly for watching Big A. There will be enough "animals" already. :)


Attempting to make a "Jellyfish" Costume for my Jell-O Baby A. She's such a wobbly baby, I always tease and say she has no spine :P


I give up on "Baby A the Jellyfish". She will now be "Baby A the not-so-creative-Jack-O-Lantern" for Halloween. :P


Gathering my items to Yard Sale... I should just make my signs say, "Pink Sale" because I have so much Baby Girl stuff :/


I hope tonight is better than last, I got about 2 hours of sleep, and it wasn't because of the baby... Big-A-Bin-Laden strikes again!


What I learned at MOPS today: 1) Recognize teachable moments, I can't teach them everything in a day, 2) If it's not working, start over, build a better foundation so it doesn't crash later, and lastly, 3) Like my children, I have a lot to learn.


Watched “Small One” with the girls. Tried to explain why he was selling the donkey for food. Then, JJ asks, “Why doesn’t he just go to Wal-Mart and get food?”


Yesterday, JJ “washed” the dishes because Daddy was still gone and she said, “you can’t do it all by yourself”. Then this morning I hear Jaelyn whisper, “C’mon A, lets go play,
Mommy’s still sleeping”. Shocked and Appreciative!


I feel lucky that at any moment I can scoop up one of my kids and give them a big squeezy hug. Everyone should experience that luxury, it does great things for the soul.


Yard-Sale-Fail. JJ watches the people look at our stuff and keep walking, then says, “Mom, nobody wants your stuff.”


Just got $85 worth of clothes for $10 at Old Navy!


Ever watch your kids from afar and observe? I watched Little A try to grasp a ball on the hardwood (kept rolling away), watched Big A try to reach a marker on top of the easel, watched JJ pretend the shower was a cave with a magic door. Fascinating stuff!


I finally got time away from the kids, and what do I do… rent “Babies” from the Redbox. Husband says there’s something wrong with me.


It was a long night, but worth the wait! We got our #1 pick GOLDSBORO!


November was awesome, but December will be better… Craft Fair, Christmas Parties, Neuse River lights, First Birthday Party, ICE! Maryland, Museums in DC, and best of all my husband will have time off!


Attempting to make my first Thanksgiving meal, ever. Frozen Pizza is on standby. Thanks to all the family who have made this meal the last 25 years so I didn’t have to.


Put up our tree, hung our ornaments, plugged the lights in, and then… it fell down. Thanks Big A.


JJ asked, “When I grow up and be a Mommy, will you stay with me?” My mouth said, “I can’t, who will stay with Daddy?” But my heart said, “OF COURSE! I THOUGHT YOU’D NEVER ASK??! LET ME GET THAT IN WRITING!” It will be a sad day when all my girls are out of our home.


Somedays I’d rather be pooped on, literally, instead of metaphorically. The literal stuff can always be cleaned off, (I’m used to that). It’s the feeling after having a craptastic day that linger much longer.


I know it’s wrong, but I can’t help but enjoy it when my kids aren’t feeling good because they’re so snuggly. Little A sat in my lap, awake, for an hour cuddling.


They say kids won’t remember how clean the house was, but rather how much time you spent with them. I think I took that saying a little too literally this week because the house is a MESS!!
JJ asked, “How come you didn’t deck your walls?”


I’m done with these Status Update Trends. No more Bra Color, Where I leave my Purse, Cartoon Photos, etc. From now on it’s “What I cooked for Dinner” and “How many times I got pooped on today”


Let me ask you something. If someone prays for patience, you think God gives them patience? Or does he give them the opportunity to be patient? If he prayed for courage, does God give him courage, or does he give him opportunities to be courageous? If someone prayed for the family to be closer, do you think God zaps them with warm fuzzy feelings, or does he give them opportunities to love each other?


The only thing worse than a diaper blowout is a diaper blowout on a crawling baby… total snail trail. Beyond disgusted.


So excited to see JJ’s Christmas Program. She’s been practicing Away in a Manger all week. Hope Daddy’s home in time to watch!


Guess which one of my kids thought it would be funny to use a used tampon applicator as a whistle?


Made it back to NC safely, came home to a house with no heat. Apparently, the old system was leaking (CO) and the owners have to buy/install a new one.


Since we’re all confined to my bedroom the girls have gotten cabin fever and have decided to try on all my bras. They think it’s hilarious, and actually, it is.


JJ gave her teacher a Christmas gift. Today we got a thank-you card. Not even a minute later JJ brings me her handmade “you’re welcome” card.


Wrapped presents with my girls. Big A practiced her scissor skills and made confetti everywhere. JJ wrapped her toothpaste. Not sure who she plans on giving that to??


Sad to miss out on all the snow, but pales in how happy I am to be with my family in FL! (foot of snow the day after we left for FL)


Anyone else have a 4yo. diva daughter who is ALREADY having tantrums over what she can OR can't wear??? They're JUST clothes?!? After the battle, we ended up being 15min. late to Preschool. >:[ Grrr…


Finally finished putting Christmas in the attic, only to look in the corner and see I forgot the ornaments on my fake palm tree. Tempted to just leave 'em there... :)


JJ's Show & Tell tomorrow is "Something you got for Christmas". She plans on bringing her pink "You-ka-lay-hee", aka Ukulele. I'll be sad if the teacher fixes her pronunciation :(


I asked JJ if she understood why there are some movies she can't watch. She said, "Because they teach me bad things to say". After thinking about it, she said, "I'm allergic to bad movies". :)

Dadgum Facebook

I am on Facebook WAY too much. It's to the point where I would consider FB my "mini-blog". Lately, I've had just enough time to write a one or two line post about my day, week, or even month. But to actually log onto my Blog and write an actual story is just too "time-consuming" (sarcasm).

But I'm back. And I hope to catch up on all the things I've failed to post. I really need to keep a notepad in my bra so I can write down every funny thing that happens in this nut-house. For instance, I had my Ed Hardy bag out to pack for the hospital. Big A comes by and takes it. When I tell her it's mine, she says, "No, it's mine. It's says 'me-me-me' and I'm going bye-bye." I'm sure it's one of those "had to be there" moments, but I want to be sure and document it somewhere because it was hilarious to us.

Independence Day Weekend

Big A is constantly making us laugh, even though every word sounds like she's got a mouth full of marbles. But she is my "sunshine". I love that she crawls into bed with me in the morning and falls back asleep. Just like JJ used to at her age.

Speaking of the Big Sister, she is just growing like a weed, becoming a young lady and SO into fashion. She really pays attention to what's "in-style" and it's neat to watch her get dressed and accessorize.

Little A has had a big year. She went from failure to thrive at 12months, to a little ball of chubby by 18months. She could barely sit up at her first birthday, and is a full-speed walker today. She definitely knows what she wants, and moreso what she doesn't. I love hearing her say, "No?!" As if she's not sure if it's a statement or question. She loves to put on shoes, eat turkey, and go outside. I love this age because it's fascinating to see the change from baby to toddler.

As for me and the husband, we're pregnant with Daughter #4 and we're happy about it. Most people would think we're sad for not getting our boy, but our girls have been such a joy, I really don't think we're lacking.

Our Pregnancy Announcement

The husband just made Captain, which means more money for our new house we just bought in April and for this new baby coming in November. But we have to take the good with some bad, and prepare for our first Deployment this September. We're talked enough about it, to where I'm confident we'll do well. But I know I'll have to ask for help when things aren't so great, and that's hard for me since I think I can handle it all.

The Captain and Me

So, there's a quick update on where we are a year after my last post. And since FB took over my Blog for awhile, I managed to collect my favorite FB Status updates and will post them on my next two blog posts. Some might be inside jokes, others are just moments I'd like to remember, but I hoe you enjoy the ones you can relate to :)

Birthday, Holidays, so many days...

JJ's August Birthday seems to be the kick-off to everything fun...

JJ's Birthday
School Starts
Labor Day
Big-A's Birthday
Sister's Birthday
Nephew's Birthday
Niece's Birthday
Sister's Wedding
Three Brothers-in-law Birthdays
Halloween
Thanksgiving
Dad's Birthday
Godson's Birthday
Christmas
Sister's Birthday
New Years...
Phewf! By the time 2011 gets here, I'll be spent!

But I LOVE this time of year. There are so many activities, and opportunities to make memories, continue traditions, and to really enjoy being a family. As crazy, (and sometimes expensive) as it may be, I thoroughly enjoy finding the perfect gift at a discounted price, shopping at Craft Bazaars where older ladies sell their homemade goods, and watching the girls open packages from family far away.

We went to our first Festival of the Season, Clayton's Harvest Festival. It was one of the most beautiful days, cool breeze and lots of sunshine.




We walked the streets of Clayton looking at antique cars, homemade goods, listening to music, watching Dance Groups and Tae Kwon Do demos, visiting the Noah's Ark Petting Zoo, and riding the Carnival Rides... and lastly, getting a bag of fluffy pink and blue cotton candy.



The girls loved it. The husband and I loved being outside. It was a much needed Family Day after weeks of not really connecting (due to DH's work schedule). It took us almost an hour to get there, but it was nice because the husband and I got some time to talk while the girls watched a DVD.

We stopped at CiCi's for lunch and JJ loved the Macaroni Pizza. Big-A loves pizza, too. She calls it "Pe-yop Pe-yop", not sure how that makes "Pizza" but we know what she means. Big-A loves to steal the toppings off my pizza. I get the works, and Big-A will pick off the sausage, or olives, etc. But at CiCi's, DH got a pizza with jalapenos. And before he could stop her, Big-A had a mouthful of jalapenos. Next thing you know, her eyes are watering, her tongue is hanging out of her mouth, and she's sucking down her drink. She kept saying, "Picey", which is her version of "spicy". I wish I was fast enough to have gotten this on video, but the mental image will stay with me forever. Too funny... that'll teach her not to pick off other people's toppings!

We finally arrived home, and everyone fell asleep. It was a GREAT day with the ones I love most.

Lowered Expectations

I think that was the title of a MadTV Skit, "Lowered Expectations". It was a mock "Dating" infomercial that brought together really undesirable people. It was hilarious, and has become an inside joke with the husband when we talked about disappointments.


That's how I feel this blog is starting out. I've had several people tell me to write a blog about all the insane things that have happened to me, especially since having kids. And yes, I admit, the stories are pretty amazing, colorful, and entertaining. But I'm having a hard time living up to the expectation.

I know I've got great material. These kids are hilarious, and Motherhood has been unusually humorous. But I've got so much to work with, that I don't know where to start. I was going to work backward, but that might get confusing. And I'd start from where we are now, but then I'd be missing out on the past 4 years.

So, I think I will post as I remember. The stories will be out of order, dates will get mixed up, and I'm sure I'll name the wrong child as I write about them. But that's true to life. My life is not organized. My mind is out of order, my purse is all mixed up, and I'm lucky if I can remember my OWN name.

So, please... lower your expectations of this blog. I'm not a comedienne. Not every post will make you laugh. I'm sure every post will make me cry. And please only visit after you've exhausted all your other "time-wasting" activities.

:)

Homemade Cookies are Overrated

Well, not really.

I love homemade cookies, and can't stand using store bought dough. But with three kids, that's about as good as it will get. Not to mention, for some reason, I can't bake a cookie to save my life. I don't know why, but I will have rock-hard, raw-middle, bitter, sour, or flour-y tasting cookies. I've read all the tricks on how to make perfect cookies. Make sure the butter is cold, don't add too much flour, use fresh baking soda, etc.

But Martha Stewart herself could not help me. I've even taken a few photos of the botched-batches...

Some muffins were good, others, not so much:

These were supposed to be "Double Doozies", and they were a "doozie" all right:

I love thick chocolate chip cookies, almost cake-like, but these looked, felt, and tasted like plaster:

So, I don't give up, I just don't bother. I use store bought dough. But maybe that's a good thing, because rather than waste energy on figuring out the impossible, I now have more time to spend with the girls. (Who I pray will be better bakers than their mother!)

Oct. 2008: Store-bought Sugar Cookie Dough with Halloween Sprinkles...

2009: Bisquick Easy Pour Pancakes, Just add water! :)

Dec. 2009: Gingerbread House from Target...

Christmas 2009: JJ wears the same smock I wore at her age, and we're baking with the same 70's Orange bowl my mom used when we were kids...

Today, JJ had a sad day at school, and needed cheering up. I always keep a log of frozen cookie dough, for such emergencies...

Big-A wanted to help... but we didn't bake her dough, yuck!

Using the cookie cutters... Big-A was a little aggressive with the cutters...

Decorating the finished product (which I miraculously did not burn in the oven)...


Tasting the finished product, YUM!

In the end, I think baking has taught me that no matter how disgusting the cookies turn out, the kids will still love me... and they will still eat them. With every batch that we make, we make memories, too. And I believe this, because I still remember baking with my mom.