Reflection

As 2009 draws to a close I am given yet another opportunity to reflect on all that has happened to me. God has blessed me so richly this year with yet another daughter to raise. It may not have been my plan to have three kids in four years, but God's plan is infallible. He knew just what he was doing when he sent each of my girls to me.

He knew that I would need patience, so he sent me McKayla. She is so much like me in so many ways. I get such joy regardless of my frustrations, because I see her growing. I pray that as she gets older she sees that her father and I have really really tried to instill the qualities in her that will make her the person that God wants her to be. I know that she is already compassionate and caring. She never fails to hug every person in our church every Sunday, she asks her teacher about every missing preschool student. Her teacher has also bragged to me about her ability to play WITH her sister. (Sure there are times she just doesn't want to be near her, but who doesn't?)

And then there is Natalie. She is really really the stubborn child. She is teaching me that persistence pays off. Somehow that child knows just what buttons to push with me to frustrate me. But she is my loving baby girl. She runs to comfort her baby sister every time she cries. She is the first one to go running for hugs when someone tries to leave our house. Natalie is growing way too quickly! Too soon she will overtake her big sister in size. Looking back at the photos from last December, I can't believe she is the same child! Her little eyes are even starting to look like her daddy's. :)

Alivia may be the youngest, but she sure found her spot in my heart. God sent her to us in April. I never thought I would ever have a baby without that induction, but we did it! She has taught me that I CAN make the nursing thing work. Nearly 9 months later and we are still going strong. People I talk to are amazed we can make it work with me going to school full time and working part time, but we have! She is reminding me to smile, her contagious laughter gets me every time!

As we wrap up 2009, I can see where I have grown. My life continues to grow and change as I do. So much has happened, and I cannot wait to see what 2010 has in store for me! Bring it on life! I am so ready to LIVE IT! :)

Tune in tomorrow to see what goals I have set for myself for 2010 :)

My worker girls!

At the Portland Children's museum we were able to let the girls have their fun. There was the "builder" room and I got two of three with the helmet on (M was in no mood to sit still for mommy's pictures!) But see how cute!

Sleeping like a baby

Not me.
But my kids are!

I love sleeping babies! And I love the new positions and places they find to sleep in! :)

My new favorite

Heart warmers

So, my baby, Alivia, started laughing this week. All out belly laughs. But will she allow me to catch one on camera? No. I am still working on it though. Keep watching for videos (soon I hope!)

 

And my middle one, loves kissing everything, even the pictures of people she loves. :)

 

Then there is McKayla, what can I say about her? Hearing her tell people she loves them, and giving hugs and kisses is so heartwarming.

What warms your heart?

Sunday Inspiration

And they were bringing children to him that he might touch them, and the disciples rebuked them. But when Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” And he took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands on them. Mark 10:13-16 

I bet many of you don't know that I teach Sunday school. Well, I do. And at this time, my class is quite small, only two children most weeks. My two children. LOL! Do you know how challenging it is to teach your own children? It is really difficult. I know their strengths and shortcomings. I am with them a lot. But like many of parents, my children never fail to amaze me with the things they know. 

We have been learning this month about how Jesus wants us to love others like he loves us. We talked specifically this week about how Jesus wants us to love all people and tell others that Jesus loves them too. I was teaching the girls about this. 

Natalie not really seeming to grasp it, and McKayla didn't even seem to be listening. I was getting discouraged and wondering why the heck I was even trying, when I decided to ask one more question.

I asked McKayla "why are these children happy?" (referring to the children on her coloring sheet) and she replied to me "because Jesus loves them." From the mouths of babes I tell you. You can learn more from the heart of a child. Just watch them amaze you every day

Wordless Wednesday

we will be lucky if she makes it to a year!

Water fun

So, after yesterday's humiliating post, and realizing that I didn't have any recent pictures of my children in the water, I enlisted help, (face it, two very active kids and one very dependent baby vs one mommy isn't fair) and my future sister in law and brother and trooped the whole block and a half to the river. 

Keep in mind yesterday's post, the water here is direct runoff from the snow in the mountains, so it is COLD! (Best I can find online says the average this time a year is less than 60 degrees) Anyway. 

We all trooped over to the river and I was able to get a few pictures before I had to head to an appointment. 

After I left Mike and Tabi were able to get some cute ones. Here are just a couple of my faves:

Natalie running away

from what you ask??

LOL! While they weren't splashing each other they were learning how to huck rocks!

Just a few more

Now I have some to share! :)

oh, and just so you know she is alive and well, one of Alivia too!

Happy Day

To my husband: 

The father of my girls. You are an amazing father. I love watching you with our girls. Every day your love for them shows. It can be in the small things like reading them stories before bed, or in the big things like kissing their boo boos (even when they are in strange places) You find a way to do it without even blinking an eye. Your ability to handle all three of our girls amazes me daily. I wish we could all just be a family at home all the time, but that isn't possible. We need someone to provide for us. And you do that wonderfully. You are in a job I know you don't love, but you do it every day to make sure your girls are all provided for. And you work the overtime to make sure that we have the things we want as well. I love you so much for that. I thought when we got married, six years ago today, that I could never love anyone more than I did at that time, but I was wrong. I love you more today than I ever have. You are more a father than I could have ever hoped to have for my children. Happy Father's Day Jimmy and Happy six years. I pray that God will continue to rain his blessings upon us in the coming years, and that we can be this happy forever. I love you.

Writer's workshop #11

This is another chance for me to improve my writing skills, so I jumped right in. Mama's losin it is the host, and here is another week of Writer's Workshop.

The Prompts:

1.) Grab your current read. Let the book fall open to a random page and share two “teaser” sentences from that page, somewhere between lines 7 and 12.

2.) What do you aspire to be?

3.)Share a piece of unsolicited parenting advice...only I'm soliciting it.

4.)Tell us about your blog line...how long have you been blogging, when did you start, what were/are your goals for your blog, etc.

5.)If you had 5000 dollars to give away or donate to a charity...explain what you would do with it and why.

I am going to start with number 2 today. What do you aspire to be? That question has so many levels. I aspire to be someone who is there for my friends. I person who people think of as caring, compassionate, and loving. I want to be a good friend. I want to be known as friendly. I want to be a good mother. I want my children to be able to look at me and want to be like me. I want them to see the love I have for them in the way I treat them. I also aspire to be in a job I love. Doing something where I make a difference. Even if its just one person. Making someones day. I would love when I die to have people say what a wonderful friend, mother, and wife I was.

Moving along, I am going to pick number 5 next. If I had 5000 to give to a charity what would it be and why. I think I would give a good portion of it to the Salvation Army. You see, that is my church. Not only is it a church, but a disaster relief organization. Did you know the Salvation Army is currently in 118 countries around the world? They are really doing God's work, trying to help people. I have heard so many stories of what the Army has done for people. One of my good friends got the chance to go help at ground zero, he was there handing out food and water to the rescue and recovery workers. Its just an amazing organization that I am truly proud to be a part of. And if given the chance, I would love to help them! I would also designate part of the money I gave to go to the summer camp programs. I think I mentioned this in last Writer's Workshop, but I meet my husband at summer camp. :) Not only that, but while there, I really got the chance to see how some kids have to live. We had three separate camps that were just for foster kids and lower income children. It was so hard to see what some of these children had been through, but they got to see how life could be through the people who worked there. :) It is a joy to know you have helped make a life better. I think that I would also give a small portion to The Children's Miracle Network, because they really are helping kids in every community around the country.

Now, onto number 4, my blog line! Not so exciting. I started this blog just shortly before my second daughter was born. In fact, one of the funniest things I have to look back on is this post about when I was overdue. Not funny at the time, but funny as heck now! I guess I started it just because it was something that was interesting to me. I love to write, and this gives me an audience, however small. I don't really have a "goal" for my blog, other then maybe to bring a smile to a few faces, oh and maybe to help me remember the small things that happen along the way in the lives of my children. :)

I think I am going to stop there. I am too lazy to go in my room and get my book, and I am more into the taking of unsolicited parenting advice. (If you have any about how to stop a biter, let me know! Oh, or about how to stop backtalk and sassiness in a three year old, yeah, I'll take that too!!)

Word count: 613

My three girls

I decided this father's day to do something rather sentimental for my husband. I stole the idea from a fellow blogger as well as a message board I chat on. Its a "DAD collage" that has three pictures, each with a child holding a letter spelling out the word Dad. Then all three are placed in a 3 spot picture frame.

Well I made a twist of my own, and added a picture of all three together at the end, so it will be in a four spot frame. You will get to see pictures of that next Sunday. But I thought I would share this one picture of my three girls. Its not the "final one" as it is just TOO FUNNY! But thought I would share it anyhow.

And the dresses were MADE for my girls. My brother's girlfriend's sister made them. :) Sweetest thing ever! I will try and get pictures up this week showing closer detail! Anyway. Just wanted to share the cuteness that is my babies!

Four generations

As a mother's day present for both my mom and grandmother, we as a family, went to visit my grandparents. Its a six hour drive non stop, and with three kids was, lets say, slightly longer. lol! While we were there, it was requested by my mom that we get a four generation picture taken. If you know anything about portrait places they con you into buying more, so we got A LOT! Here are just a couple of my faves.

All four generations.

My three girls (she did edit the prints so my fingers weren't in there!)

Like I said, just a couple, keep reading to maybe see more (my version of a cliffhanger!)

Writers Workshop #5

Time for another week of Writer's workshop. Hosted by http://mamakatslosinit.blogspot.com/, it is a really fun way to get your brain working and writing. I figure its a good thing for me since I am in school again now. :)

The Prompts this week are:
1.) Do you want a baby?
2.) Who got in big trouble this week?
3.) Write a poem for your mother.
4.) Time for a trip? Where are you headed this summer?...Or where would you go if you COULD.

I think this week I am going to do the same as last week and just start at the top and work my way down. I really do like writing and this gives me the chance. :) Hope you all aren't bored and scared away!

#1 - Do I want a baby? Well, honestly, no. Not another one at least. I just had a baby four short weeks ago, and am not really wanting two! Or to deal with the three kids I have now while pregnant. As much as I love my little girl, the idea of two is just too hard (Sorry Somer!! lol) Though I can tell you a few things that I absolutely LOVE about the baby stage. I love the sounds they make (though I could live without the letdown they most always cause.) I love the smell of their hair and skin (as long as the diaper is clean!) I love the gassy grins (though along with the last one, could live without that smell!) and I love the cuddles. It all goes by way too fast though, and you are back to wishing you could have your baby again!

#2 - Who got in big trouble this week? Well, the only one I can think of is my oldest monster, I mean daughter! lol. On Tuesday she was being just plain AWFUL! I knew she needed a nap, but since the big girl bed entered the picture she has been on a nap strike, and will only take one if she is confined to her car seat or if she crashes on her own on the floor (most usually later than 4pm which makes bedtime REALLY fun!) Anyway, Natalie had already been down for her nap and was back up again. So, I told McKayla if she didn't behave that I was going to put her down for a nap in Natalie's crib, thinking that might get her to behave (I know what you are thinking FAT CHANCE!) but she was like "I want to sleep in Naddie's crib." So, I told her if I stuck her in there, she would be in there for at least an hour. She didn't cry, so I put her in there. About 20 minutes later I went in to check on her, and she was in Alivia's crib (we are currently using a bassinet, so that wasn't an issue) and ASLEEP! So, the big trouble ended up as a nap for mommy! YAY!

#3 - I really really suck at poetry.... Ohhh, I will do one of the ones like this:
M - musically illiterate but still sweet singing to my babies
O - optimistic that everything will be fine
T - talkative when I need distraction
H - honest to a T, more honest than I wish she would be!
E - energetic with her grand babies
R - really the best mom ever!
BEAUTIFUL! isn't it?? lol. I will be sharing this one in her mother's day card this year!

#4 - Time for a trip? Where are you headed this summer?...Or where would you go if you COULD. Okay, actually we are going on a trip next week to see my grandparent's. My mom really really wanted to take the girls over to meet her mom, and as a gift for mother's day we are visiting for three days (long enough, if you know my grandma!) Anyway, while there we are planning to get a four generation picture taken, wish us luck with that!!
Oh, and this summer, we will probably head over to Boise to see my hubby's family. Its a pretty regular trip for us. Getting more and more fun with more kids, but still worth it to see everyone. We have seventeen grandchildren, including my three, so the kids have LOTS of cousins over there, including Gabriel, our nephew, who is only three weeks older then Natalie! So, that is the trips we have planned as of now. :)

More baby pictures!!

So, its been what, three days since I last posted some pictures of my girls. So, I thought I would share a few of the new ones!

This is McKayla on Easter (excuse the angle, I didn't get to take pictures, as I was busy feeding the baby)

And then Miss Natalie on Easter

My oldest girls enjoying their candy necklaces the Easter bunny brought them:

My little thinker

And the older girls caught in the act of "examining" Alivia (we only worry when they are leaning on her, or when Nat tries to pat her head a bit too rough)

Me and my bright eyed girl (excuse the paleness, I lost some blood during delivery and apparently it shows rather well on me, I am hearing more and more often "you look pale, are you ok?")

And here is Alivia with our favorite hospital workers
CNA Katie

and nurse Evoynne (she was the one who finally after an hour got her iv in. Took three of the nurses trying... :( )

I think that's enough for today. :) Keep checking back for more pictures. Soon I am going to attempt one with all three girls together. Wish me luck. 

Oh, and its supposed to be gorgeous out today, so I think we are going to the beach, wish us luck with that too! lol.

Loving sisters!

Both my girls are fascinated with the belly.

Natalie, loving on her baby sister:

Looks like she is sharing a secret with her sister here :)

Miss McKayla

and then a kiss:

And then the token pose!

They both seem to understand that there is something going on in the belly. Obviously McKayla more than Natalie. And on that note, I thought I would share a funny story with you about Mickey and her love for her unborn sister.

We have been telling her over and over (and over and over, lol) that the Dr will take Alivia out after Grandma's birthday (march 25, figured it was safe to say. lol) well she is bound and determined that she is coming out NOW. LoL every time I come home, "Did they take Alivia out yet??" Well yesterday she comes in the kitchen with her toy stethoscope and says "I'm a doctor and I'm gonna take Alivia out now." I about fell on the floor!!

She also asks every time I get home from the Doctor's if they took Alivia out yet. And the two times she's been to the doctor with me, she even asks the staff if they are taking Alivia out. LOL! That child cracks me up. I only pray she is this happy with her sister once she arrives.

And since I am talking all about baby #3 today, I will tell you what the doctor told me at my last appointment on Monday. She did the group B strep test, of which I will get the results Monday, she checked me and I quote "no change." You always kinda hope for some progress at this point. But I am really really really trying to enjoy these last few weeks. Oh, and I haven't gained or lost any weight for the last 4 weeks, which she doesn't seem concerned about. Blood pressure is good and I am measuring right on track. Due date in only 22 days!
**Weird randomness, did you know this is the second Friday the 13th in a row? We had one last month too!**

Children

Why is it that every child must dump out the toybox to see what's inside? They can't just sift through, no, they have to dump it all the way out. And if they are my children, they must dump out every toybox in the room!

See? This happens at least weekly. You would think someone would come up with a better storage solution for these toys, but quite honestly, we don't have space to store them anywhere else. This is most all of both the girls toys. We keep them all in McKayla's room so that there is only one giant mess. 

But see how beautiful her room looks all cleaned up?  Yep. Big thanks to Mommy. If only they would learn to do this themselves!

My inspiritation

Been awhile since I just shared randomness.... These are some pictures that were taken last week, and just portray what my kiddos are.

McKayla: a goofball of a kid with a serious sense of fashion. She can make anything look good I think. :) She is also really good at making people around her smile and laugh. I can't help but be amused by some of the things she does. Like right now, Jimmy is trying to nap on the couch and McKayla told him she is "sooo sleepy" and wants to sleep with him. Even though he is on the sofa and there really isn't a whole lot of space. Did I mention that I woke up this morning to Jimmy right against my back, the other side right at the edge of the bed, and McKayla sprawled on the other side of Jimmy, taking the other half the bed??

Natalie: My fun loving, never stopping monster. She is still at that age where she needs her naps, and thankfully she still takes them. Most days we can actually get two! She is mostly happy, always seeking a bite and mooches off you for anything you are eating! I love in this picture how her hair curls in the back. It seems to be coming in with a bit of a reddish tint to it. :) Love her hair. Almost long enough for more styles. Still our blankie girl, she cuddles with more than one every night. I am constantly thinning out the ones out so she doesn't drown in them. Literally I counted seven blankets in her bed the other morning. Just wanted to share a bit about my babies today. :)

Long weekend

So, I am off this weekend for a church young adult retreat. How scary is that, I am a young adult! lol. I am sure my weekend will be a blast, but if you could keep my mom in your thoughts and prayers, she is not only watching my two monsters, but my best friends three as well.

The poor brave woman will have two five year olds, a four year old, a three year old, and a sixteen month old. WOW! Can you see my mom is the most reliable babysitter both my best friend and I have?! I hope my house is still standing when I get home.