Family Celebration

 

Melanie decided last year that she wanted to have a castle cake. Yeah... definitely will have to work on the next birthday creation a little more ahead of time. Not to mention take a cake decorating class of some sort. However, it was completely edible and that's pretty much exactly what happened to it! I think there are 3 pieces left. She enjoyed the presents and all of the birthday phone calls. She was quite practiced by the end of the day yesterday. "Thank you so much!! Yes, ..... I four." That's pretty much her responses to her fans. We all about died laughing at her supermodel photo poses. She is a natural! Here are a few fun pictures from her day of cake and ice cream and her choice of spaghetti dinner.

Beach Fun

I took the girls to the beach on Melanie's birthday. I thought it would be a fun outing and my sister really wanted to go while she was here visiting. Friday was our best bet... SO.... off we went! First our quest for sand toys didn't go so great and we ended up getting some very overpriced (yet very cool) sand toys from Target. (Sigh) Oh well! The last time we went to the beach the girls didn't want much to do with the water - so I figured this trip would be more of the same story. BOY WAS I WRONG!! Julia took off (literally) to the water once we got settled. No regard for whether or not anyone was there with her or watching her. It scared me to death! Melanie loved "wading" in the ocean and feeling the waves come up on the shore. Jocelyn got quite a bit of time with the girls in the water and jumped waves as they got closer to the shore. I spent some time in the water with them and tried to help them make a bit of a sandcastle (that they continued to destroy). Mostly I was just so excited looking out to the horizon and thinking of how soon my husband will be crossing it to get home!


This girl got stuck in her diaper - soaked it (OF COURSE)- and still got most of her enjoyment from playing in the sand. She didn't eat much of it this time around.... watch out North Carolina - JULIA is on her way next month!


We even got to bury Aunt Jocelyn and I think the girls had a pretty fun time at that!! It's fun now that they are a bit older and can appreciate/enjoy the little things.



It was great fun and we were able to scoot out of there before it got too crowded (or hot).

Happy Birthday Melanie!

Today my first baby turns 4!!! I can't believe it!! She has grown up so much in the past year and is turning out to be a pretty great helper. Not to mention she for sure reminds me of what I need to work on (by acting JUST like me and using some of my favorite phrases). I'm telling you - things will get better when I get my husband back. Melanie, we are so blessed and happy to have you in our family and are excited to continue to watch you grow up and become a fantastic person!
 

Wish I could....

Here lately, I've been finding Julia asleep for the night in these places:

Under Melanie's Bed:





In the Closet:




Lastly, the big blue chair after swimming in the "kiddie" pool out back:



Lately there is something extremely fascinating about NOT sleeping in your own bed. I love it!

Taking a Survey

I've gotta get my hair trimmed and I need some advice?! I'm trying to "shop" around for some places with a good hairdresser to help maintain my shorter hair. I'm in desperate need of a trim. Please let me know where you've all been that has left you a happy victim.

Got Talent??

Came across this on NBC. I don't get the chance to watch the competition... crazy!! You won't believe it!

Happy 4th!!

Well, we have arrived. It happens once every year. Today celebrates the day of our country's independence. I am so grateful to our forefathers for listening to the promptings I am SURE they received from the Lord in helping to organize and start this country. I am grateful to them for having the courage to sign their names on the "dotted line" . That VERY courageous, bold act lead to the restoration of the gospel and to my family being here so that my children and I could be born in a free country. I am grateful to a wonderful husband who sees how important our country is and recognizes the need for us to have upstanding military members to help ensure our continued freedom. Thank you honey!!! However... I'm sad to say that our forefathers would probably slap most of our politicians in the face and ask, "WHAT ARE YOU THINKING???" I hope that my children are still able to see plenty of good in their lifetime. Enjoy yourselves today - have a blast!! (Pun TOTALLY intended)

Travel? NOT TODAY!!

I am GLADLY staying home this evening. I had a few plans - but quickly realized that if the HRBT is closed... Norfolk is a MESS to navigate! I'm starting to believe that there is no real emergency plan for much of anything around here - what is the country coming to? The news will tell you to have your own emergency plan, but the state doesn't?? This is why I think there should be more than 2 (yes... only two) ways in and out of this area! Yikes! Hopefully the tunnel will be back up to speed by tomorrow morning - or else I might not go much of anywhere tomorrow either!! Anyone get stuck in traffic today???

IT'S JULY!!!!!!!!!!!

Couldn't be more thrilled that it is FINALLY JULY! My littlest sister got her tonsils taken out of her head yesterday (gone forever)and I anticipate to hear that she got the best rest of her LIFE last night. That makes July great... Gettysburg and our country's Independence Day are a couple other perks. None quite as exciting as getting my other half back though!! Ok... maybe they are all a close tie! Not to mention my first baby is going to be 4 this month! Great month for our little family. WOOHOO!

UPDATE....Just called Melanie's school and she got in the pre-K program and will be attending this fall!! I am SO relieved and excited for her!!!

Hey... is that light at the end of the tunnel????

Well, it's that time again. I want to do a "project" or activity with my girls each week leading up to my husband coming home to get them a little excited about his homecoming and to have some things to give him to make him feel important. Any ideas? I know a lot of you are VERY crafty - so please send ideas my way! Thanks!

The Phantom Tollbooth

Last night was book club at my house. We had a good time and discussed the book, The Phantom Tollbooth. Everyone that came and had read it said that they liked the book. Yay, that's 2 for 2 so far for me!! I'm always so afraid that someone won't like the book. For any of you out there that haven't read this book yet, or it's been a decade or so..... grab this from the library (or borrow my copy... it's already on loan) and read it to your little ones if not for yourself! If you have read it, drop me a line and let me know if you liked it! (photo courtesy of Wikipedia)

Members Night at the Zoo

We got a flyer a few weeks ago telling us about a special night at the zoo for members. I was a bit excited to see that it was after the zoo closed - so hopefully the weather would cooperate and we could enjoy some pleasant weather. The outing was both a success and a disaster. Disaster being the end when my children ran away from me - and laughed about it the whole time. Needless to say, it was good that we were done seeing the animals - because we went STRAIGHT home! I actually brought my camera this time and got some pretty good picture of a few of the animals. Melanie wanted to photograph the giraffes (they were inside this time... it was threatening to rain).

 

The picture in the center is of one of the Red Pandas. The occasion was supposed to welcome Oscar - the new red panda to the zoo.... not really sure if we saw him or not.... I guess the picture is of Yen (the female red panda up in her usual perch).
Melanie loves to check out the snakes every time we go to the zoo (not really sure why) so we had to have one in our collage. The goats photographed are the ones who I'm sure learned very early in their stay at the RITZ (read ZOO) that they would definitely get hand fed for the rest of their lives! The Rhino was in an AWESOME spot (and not sleeping amazingly.... and neither were the hogs for that matter)!

IKE Children's Half Way Party

 

The beginning of June was the Half Way party for the children whose mom/dad is aboard the IKE. Actually, for those of you who know how soon my hubby comes home... it wasn't half way at all - more like... ALMOST DONE party. Anyway, the party was held at Ft. Monroe (I just LOVE that place!). Each time I go there, I like it even more. The girls had great fun jumping in the inflatables, getting their face/arm painted, princess balloons, cupcakes, and Melanie even participated in a game! (Where she ran a poor girl with her across the finish line for 2nd place (just behind Mackenzie and her running mate). I'm proud of her - it was pretty much the first thing she's ever competed in.

Why is it.....

That our current President can go on and on about how much our military sacrifices and how much the families go through while they miss their loved ones, yet propose a 2.9% pay increase (full 1% DECREASE from this year) for next year after taking away all bonuses? I'm thinking that he thinks in the back of his mind as he says these things about military families that we are going to continue to SACRIFICE because we will be required to continue to live on less and less each year. (Photo courtesy of Yahoo news)



Our local library system is CELEBRATING national Gay and Lesbian month?? Hm... I think society is getting a little confused, dontcha think? Now we aren't only acknowledging that there are people in the world that are a little confused, we are CELEBRATING them and giving them their own MONTH!!?? Ugh!


KFC gave out some coupons for their new chicken in May and still haven't sent out their replacement meal vouchers. The coupon was a little too popular and they ran out of supplies to provide for the coupons - so they say they will send out a meal voucher to families that turn in their coupons. I really hope they keep their promise.... because otherwise I am thinking.... SCAM!! (photo courtesy of Wikipedia)

Happy Father's Day!!

Warning to Readers: IF you don't want to read what I have to say about my husband and Dad, skip this post

I wanted to be sure to pay a tribute to the "Dads" in my life today. First of all, there are a great many men that I know that I would also like to say Happy Father's Day to. My best friend's dad for one, Dale; Cameron, my brother-in-law; Ben, another brother-in-law; Grandpa Burton; Pa Laidley; my friends' husbands; my uncles; etc. The list could go on forever... and I'm sure I am missing someone. I wanted to touch on two of the men that I know best - my husband Jeremiah, and my Dad.

Jeremiah: Even though you are pretty much on the other side of the world right now, you are still an amazing father. The girls love to talk to you on the phone and listen to you better than anyone else. (Too bad for me right now, huh) Your sense of humor always brightens my day and your laughter is contagious. I hope our son has your sense of humor and love for life. I really need to catch more of that "care free" attitude you have sometimes though. Six years into this (marriage) I still wouldn't have changed a thing. I can't wait to spend more time with you and continue to raise our children together. I am sure the best is yet to come!! LOVE YOU SO MUCH!!!




Dad: You have taught me so many amazing lessons in my life. Much of the wisdom I have today came from you. You truly are our number 1 fan. You supported us in everything we did - I don't think I could actually recall enough times to count on ONE hand when you weren't able to make it to something. I think in some ways you were too perfect of a dad (you left the rest of the guy world lacking). I don't see that adversely though because now that I will be blessed enough to have a son of my own, I can teach him the many things that you did (and Jeremiah does) right and help him become one of those outstanding gentlemen every girl will want to marry. I love you and Happy Father's Day!!

HELP! Advice Needed!!

Here it goes....what should I do with my children?


Dilemmas:

Mel: She talks like her mother "Julia, stop or your going to your room!" "Mommy, I'm going to count to 3" "Leave me alone" I know this shows me in some bad light.... but really, try being the ONLY one there for your children 24/7 for 5 or 6 months at a time - no set of extra hands coming at 5 pm (or sometimes earlier). I rest my case. So... she smart mouths me (I am inclined to start putting soap in her mouth when she does these things - almost like Ralphie on The Christmas Story), she hits her sister and pulls her hair (I am resorting to sending her to her room when she does these things and taking away privileges when we are in public) and she whines when she has to clean up - like it is SOOOOO hard!! (which I plan to remedy that with a nice little chore chart and implement them on a daily basis to teach her a little about responsibility... if any of you have any cute layouts or ideas for the chore chart feel free to send them my way)

Julia: Not as big of a problem with her though. She is just busy busy and practically "destructo-kid". Any creative ideas to have that energy go somewhere constructive would be an answer to my prayers!

Also, any ideas of how I can explain to the girls that I cannot pick them up anymore due to the growing belly (and baby) without resorting to "blaming" it on the baby - I would like the suggestions too!

I look forward to your help! I look up to all of you ladies and am grateful to have the opportunity to ask your opinions.

Keeping our fingers crossed.....

This morning we get Melanie's TB test read and then we are off to turn in her paperwork and hope that she gets in to Pre-K this coming school year. We decided to use our "one chance" on the school down the street (Camp Allen Elementary). We could walk her to school and walk her home everyday. Plus, when the time comes for Hunter to arrive.... it would make it that much easier for whomever helps us out with the children. Not to mention, I really just need the break. Especially with one last deployment looming over our heads for the start of next year. I'm not very good at juggling it all I guess. Having time with just Julia will be nice and I think will be beneficial for her. Time will tell if the Lord sees fit to send Melanie to school this year. I hope it will be a good environment for her and she'll get into a wonderful class where she will learn a TON! I'll let you know if she gets in!

Appointments and Getting Better

Today was Melanie's appointment for school. Didn't know I was WAY behind that bus, but I am. So, off we went to the doctor first thing this morning. She'd been having a little bit of a fever/cough/drainage. We decided to have her all checked out for everything. Besides, for any of you Tricare folks... getting an appointment is a NIGHTMARE!! Good thing her problems came around her appointment! Julia came along (because it was so stinkin early in the morning) and it ended up working out alright. I guess I navigated the clinic well today because our "check up" only took 3 hours!! WOOOHOO!! She had waxy maxies clogging her right ear - so she needed that irrigated and is all better with that. Then, she we off to the Lab for routine blood tests - we grabbed a number at the pharmacy on the way there in hopes we wouldn't have to wait an additional hour or so after all the "work" was done. So... we waited and waited and checked back at the pharmacy twice. The second time was the charm this time around and we saw we were only 2 numbers away! We jumped in and got her medication for her congestion/cough. Then... back to the lab in hopes they hadn't already called our name for the blood work! We waited there for 15 minutes or so (couldn't really tell because they took all the clocks off the walls so people have NO clue how long they actually wait). Finally, we got the blood work done and she was a TROOPER and won herself a Barbie bandaid and a BlowPop. Then off to immunizations to get the TB test needed for school and make sure she was up to date. She will need to go back after her birthday next month and get a few boosters - but at least that is all we'll need next month. Since Julia was along for the ride, we finally got her her 18 month shots (only 14 months late)!! She is up to date now... although probably not really liking me. AND... she won herself a lollipop - and a few regular bandaids. Now my children are up to date on where they should be and will hopefully be "low maintenance" for the next little bit. YAY! Oh... and as an up note - I have been able to sleep lying down for the past few nights now. I had a pretty uninterrupted night last night and am ENTIRELY grateful for that. Hooray! I go for my glucose test tomorrow morning and then have my OB appointment next week - followed by Julia's check up the week after that! We'll eventually get all of this down...... someday....

26 weeks and counting

It has now been 26 weeks since a new life form decided to come live inside my uterus (with lots of prayers from his Mom and Dad). Things have been going well enough. I think I will be pain free within the next few days. I am starting to think maybe this little boy is just sitting in one of the worst places ever - (meaning that head of his is nudged real low in that poor pelvis of mine). I fully anticipate recovering from what has been bothering me. I want to thank everyone that is praying for me for their help and continued faith. All of your prayers have been giving me more and more strength each day. The best part?! MY HOUSE IS CLEAN!!! Not every room is pristine and in the condition I want it necessarily for when Hunter comes home from the hospital, but those rooms have to be a gradual process. The house as a whole is looking great and I am so happy that I was able to have the energy and ability to do it on my own. I seem to be doing my best with the pain when I am up and doing things. I can't believe I will be within my last 10 weeks of pregnancy when I get to welcome my sweet, amazing husband home!! He won't be home for a grand total of even half of my pregnancy...... but he'll be here for the most important part! I can't believe it's already been 16 weeks that he's been gone! Wowser! I can't wait to see him (and get one of his great massages too). COME HOME SOON HONEY!!! WE LOVE AND MISS YOU!

5K.... anyone???

This morning is our Relief Society's 5k walk/run. Now you don't have to go that far if you don't want to (I probably won't with my soreness). I do look forward to buckling my children into their stroller and rolling off for a little bit though. We'll have a little breakfast when it's all said and done. Hopefully more people will remember their canned goods. We are doing a "food drive" in conjunction with our bout of exercise to donate to a local food bank. Bring your cans and do as much of the 5K as you can!! I will post pictures later if I am able to get any good ones. Hope to see you there!

Prayers Needed

Hello all. Quick update on us: the girls are well - Julia had a fever earlier in the week but is doing much better now - Melanie is as healthy as can be.

I, unfortunately, am in need of some prayers. I have recently learned that I am a sufferer of Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction (SPD). Basically, my pubic bones are separating sooner than they should and are causing stress/pain to my legs and surrounding ligaments. Monday night I couldn't sleep at all and was in a great amount of pain, Tuesday I was doing a little better but couldn't lie down without pain as well. I did get some sleep (thanks to a Priesthood Blessing administered by my Home Teacher) Tuesday night (mostly gotten from sitting up in our recliner). Today was not a good day. I couldn't walk without a great deal of discomfort and can barely climb the stairs in my house. Hopefully I will sleep better tonight though (I think a hot water bottle filled with warm water will help - I'll keep you posted). I wholeheartedly believe in the power of prayer and am asking for anyone that can spare a line or two for us in their daily prayers to please remember us. This condition is especially difficult because my husband is still gone and I have two little girls to still take care of - not to mention normal day to day activities that need to be accomplished. Thank you all for thinking about us - I will let you know how things go.

A few sales and a few deals

I wanted to give everyone the "news flash" before time ran out on a couple places that are having sales/deals right now.

First off, Bath and Body Works is having their semi-annual sale. Check in there periodically for some great buys ($5 wallflowers, handsoaps, I found the wallflowers in the store for $4 each on Friday, etc).


Next up is The Children's Place with clothes on sale for $5 or $6. Not everything is on sale, but there are quite a few in that price range.


Yankee Candle has also got a really great deal. Their large jar candles are $15 or 2 for $25, with their medium ones being $12 or 2 for $20. That's all I really concentrate on in that store, there are quite a few other things on sale as well check out their website.



For those of you Vera Bradley fans (that are also Military) the NEX is having some selected styles on sale for 20% off the regular (already reduced from the mall) price.

Getting a bit of time without the Children

Last night after our trip to Krispy Kreme I was able to enjoy a few hours without my children. As an afterthought - we totally should have invited some more happy wanderers as well. Or maybe we could have just had a pool party with a whole bunch of people in the HUGE puddles we found navigating downtown during the downpour!! Just kidding. You'll have to let us know if you want to come to the next one! haha. Anyway - Tara and I decided to use ours and go strolling the mall without children. Just to figure out what that feels like again I guess. Haha. It was pretty great, considering I got to walk into Yankee Candle without seeing my entire savings account vanish before my eyes (due to the fear of my children destroying EVERY candle there) and I actually got a chance to find some mad cute clothes for my children (all 3 of them). It was fun to not have to worry about extra people and to just be stress free for a brief period of time. Thanks for the company Tara!

Happy Fasnacht Day!!

Yesterday was National Fasnacht day. Krispy Kreme was giving away a free donut of your choice to honor it. Tara and I packed the kids in the car and took off to take advantage of the opportunity. Only to then find out at the YMCA's Parents Night Out that they got donuts from Krispy Kreme! Haha!! Never fear, my children didn't really eat their donut anyway. They mostly ate Bethannie's sprinkles. THEY LOVED THE HATS THOUGH!
P.S. Excuse the mess all over Melanie's shirt. Kind of a long day - so I didn't feel like changing it!!!

Showing off

Just wanted to show off my BEAUTIFUL little sister and her BEAUTIFUL little girl!! (Not to mention MY beautiful NIECE too!!) Enjoy!!



Little Ella was born at 2:40 pm yesterday in Utah (busiest hospital in the U.S. I'm sure). She was 7lbs 12 oz and measured in at 19.5 inches!!

Hilarious!

Ok... so my sister Jocelyn LOVES the Jonas Brothers. I guess, what teenage girl doesn't? I found this online and it just made me chuckle. I hope you enjoy it. Boys.

So Proud of you Honey!!

This is a picture of Jeremiah getting "Frocked". He made 2nd class and got his "certificate" this past Friday. Too bad it wasn't money... we'll have to wait a few months for that to trickle in. How do you all like the 'stache??? haha.

Doing a little cooking.... and baking...

 

Here are a few things I made recently. I will be posting recipes on my recipe blog that I apparently never update. WHOOPS!! I'll try to do better.

Going down a side road...

After all the preparations for getting our little clan to the picnic today.....I was packing the girls in the car when I noticed a baby bird hopping around in the street. Melanie is just fascinated with them right now since we have a Robins nest just outside our front door with some pretty large babies cheeping away. I called her to come over and see the baby bird. We then decided that it wouldn't do to just leave it in the street to get hit by a car (have you SEEN the way people drive in my neighborhood???). So... we chased it around until it finally made it into the grass for safety. Of course deciding to do this would postpone our arrival at the picnic another 5-10 minutes. Eh... when you are already this late... who cares??! Off we went.... here is our little short on the adventure.

The proof

That I truly look as hideous as I feel during this pregnancy. Ok... correction... I don't feel "hideous" per se, I just feel exhausted. I think I look it too... eh?


24 weeks pregnant with Hunter. Picture was taken today - by none other than my personal photographer.... Melanie. Thanks hon!

Ward Picnic

Every year, we have a Ward Picnic the Saturday after Memorial Day. This tradition is a little bit different from what I am used to. My home ward has a ward picnic every Labor Day and Memorial Day. When I mention my ward picnic, they say this pretty much every time...."Oh, you're having your Memorial Day Picnic AFTER Memorial Day?" Yes....I guess you could consider it our Memorial Day picnic of sorts. We play sports, have a few games for the children, food (of course), and then water fun for the children to close off the picnic. This has pretty much remained the same with the other memories I have of Picnics past. Wonderful me brought the camera along, only to miss most of the action - remembered about the pictures at the end - so only snapped the following. At least it is a visual for posterity (and I'm sure my eventual deteriorating memory...) to bring the flashbacks.


Julia's mess after Doritos AND ketchup!!


Melanie suction cupping her cup to her face.... ahhh, I remember those days!


The itty bitty pavilion where we scrunch all of the food together - with the tree everyone fights for shade under to the left. Although I have to say, since the ward split... there was enough shade to go around.


The park that I am sure my children will remember as LARGER THAN LIFE. This picture will probably serve its purpose better as a size comparison.

Summer Fun

Even though it is technically NOT summer yet - it sure feels like it some days here lately. Once the girls broke their sprinkler, I figured we would try out the idea of a "mini" pool. That way I don't have to kill my pregnant self trying to hold both of them (or chase them down for that matter) at the gym or down the street. Two children who cannot swim, one having absolutely no problems going too deep = SINGLE Mother's nightmare!! So, while I remain "single" (for lack of a better term at present) I will be watching a lot of this:

P.S. Please don't mind how super tiny and muddy and "in need of a trim" my backyard is!!

Happy Memorial Day!!

Happy Memorial Day to everyone out there. To you military families - I hope you get the chance to have some great quality time with your service member. To those military families with their loved one being on deployment (like me) I hope you are still able to get a message to them and help them know how much you all love them! We have so much to be thankful for in our country (most of the time). It is largely due to the great sacrifices and hard work of our military members. THANK YOU!!!

How lucky am I?

If this post is not going to make manifest my very "Bi-polar" hormones, I don't know what will. Despite my pretty much horrible week, thoughts have come to mind on how it could be worse. I watched Pirates of the Caribbean: At world's end today and thought of how much it would stink for me to be pregnant, give birth and raise a boy all by myself for 9 years like Elizabeth (Swann) Turner did. Yeah - that would stink. I only have to do it for about half a year at a time. Which still really stinks.

Then, I have the best husband in the world that knows me extremely well. He can call and as I spend my time complaining and bending his ear about how tough life is for me... he's patient and offers his heartfelt apologies that he isn't here to help me out with my stressors. He tells me constantly that I am doing a good job and that he is proud of me. Boy does that man love me! I know his life on the boat can't be much better than mine - actually it is probably worse!! He has enough to stress and worry about. Listening to me complain about it really shouldn't be on his list of "to dos". So now I can feel horrible for freaking out about how much I need a break from my girls. Thanks for loving me Jeremiah!

REEAAAALLYY?

SERIOUSLY!! (I have an confession to make, I really do rather enjoy the show Grey's Anatomy - that word comes from its script and should pretty much read "You have GOT to be kidding me!")

This week was a rather nasty tasting sandwich to sum it all up for you. At the bottom is a week that started out horribly. The filling is actually the good news of the week that happened on Thursday, being topped with yesterday and today's big dish of frustration. UGGGH!! If only you could accurately write down emotions or facial expressions for that matter. I posted earlier this week about how my week started and I think even told you the bit of good news caught in the mix.

To explain the last couple days, I hope to just sum it all up this way:

+ If my children get into something in the kitchen one more time......
+ The super expensive baby gates I ordered from Amazon might not make it in time
+ I feel like I have a vein in my head that is pulsing and just about ready to pop the next time I have to scream at my girls
+ Poor little Hunter cannot take anymore of the high blood pressure. I can literally tell he is in distress!
+ Thanks for pooping all over your sheets Julia! I think I'll escape the lingering foul smell waiting by the washer to be the next load and catch the last of the light before dark
+ Child-proofing would be more efficient if it was adult proofing too (since my kids can undo pretty much any safety feature I have provided)
+ It's too bad they really don't make strait-jackets for preschoolers
+ If I get one more crazy spy ware/malware pop-up after running my virus/anti-spy ware software for the millionth time I think I will pull out every single strand of hair I have left!
+ Bribing does NOT work
+ I don't think my girls will see me much during the day once my husband gets home and has leave. I think I'll pretty much be getting my fill of alone time while I get the chance.
+ I'm desperate and I think I might have to pawn my children (or one at a time) off for a few hours. Maybe I'll even hire a Young Woman or two for a day every other week until I finally get the things accomplished that I set out to do!! Do I have any takers???

Extra Extra Read All About It!

Our family recently received some wonderful news (aside from finding out we were expecting a boy of course). Jeremiah recently found out that he made 2nd class!!! Hooray!! That means a pay raise for us and I guess extra responsibilities for him in his shop. Not that that is new - since he's been doing a lot of it already. Now he has to do his Surface Warfare board VERY soon. Please keep him in your prayers that all of his studying will pay off and he will earn his Surface Warfare pin. That's all he really needs now to be qualified for the jobs they want to give him.

Our other good news is that I only gained 4 lbs since my last OB appointment! haha. Yeah - I know pretty much NONE of you care about that. I am happy that my total weight gain so far is 9 lbs. I am 23 weeks today too!! I'm sure I won't even want to share what I gain by the next appointment. So rest assured that you will probably not have to bear with me sharing my weight gain again. haha.

I am also keeping my fingers crossed for my little sister (Jamie). She will be due to have her baby girl (Ella) on June 1st. We are anxiously awaiting her arrival. I wonder if she will have red hair like her big sister? We'll see. I will totally post a picture of her when I get one. Good luck Jame!

Better Day

I'm happy to report that today has gone significantly better than yesterday. The trip to the zoo went pretty well with just a little stressor at the end. Who knows... maybe I'll even get the chance to clean house a little later when they are off to bed?! Wouldn't that be fantastic? Since I don't have any shows going on these days - I won't have anything to tempt me away from housekeeping. (snap) Dang. I've got my fingers crossed that tomorrow will be even better and that my trip to see my midwife will be a stellar appointment. Here's to optimism!!

Trying to weather the storm

courtesy of This site.

After the worst day yet this deployment, I am going to take my girls to the zoo today. Anyone that would like to come along, we'll be there when it opens for about and hour and a half or so. I think I'll skip the gym and focus on my house and then focus on the girls at the zoo and come home for some "quality" time.

Quick recap on my yesterday.... crazy lady was blocking the way for those cars turning right (me) while they were working on the Railroad across the street. The light turned green for EVERYONE else 3 times before the woman finally did something about my honking (and those behind me honking too). Then I got stuck behind all sorts of other interesting drivers. (Those who ride their brakes when there is no one slowing down in front of them, etc) Then I went to the mall. I was supposed to meet someone - but it didn't work out. The girls still got a chance to play and had a good time - things were fine at that point. I decided maybe I could be a nice mom and let my girls eat something better than Burger King and took them to Chili's. Things went fine at first.... until the end of our meal. The girls were getting restless and I hadn't seen my waitress in over 10 minutes to ask for the check. Julia disobeyed one too many times which earned her a seat in the stroller (buckled in). She screamed bloody murder (her thing now) for what seemed like the last forever bit of our stay. The hostess could clearly see what was going on - did she help? NOPE! My waitress finally came out and I took care of the check. As I'm packing up our food and trying to get out of there - a woman walks up from no where and says, "is THAT YOUR kid?" To which I say, "Yes". Then she tries to start an argument with me about why my child is crying and screaming. I tried to kindly tell her that she was crying because she was disobeying and that we were trying to leave the restaurant. She left me alone after that(good thing for her nose too.... I think I would have snapped up and broken it had she pressed the matter). Guess what? AS SOON as we left Chili's Julia stopped screaming... imagine that!?? Then... tried giving the lady at the parking garage exit the cash AND my time punched card only for her to ONLY grab the time punch card and let the cash be dropped on the ground and go UNDER my car. So... I get out and reach half way under the car to pick it up and all the woman has to say is, "Wow... that was really under there!" UGH!! I could have screamed!!! Instead, I just bawled on the way home from the mall and made a silent vow to never take my kids out to a restaurant again.

Strawberry Picking

Wednesday's playgroup was strawberry picking. I had to "trick" my camera into taking two shots - so these are the only ones you get!! My batteries were oh so dead (the backups as well). The field was a bit muddy, but I think that the girls enjoyed it. I was hoping to find more strawberries - but alas.... I got enough to make 5 pints of strawberry freezer jam already. I might even have enough to make a bit more (or I might freeze them). I'm blabbering - sorry. For those of you who tried another strawberry patch or two, what were your findings?

Great visit and a Good Mother's Day

My family came down to help "lessen" the chaos around here so I could breathe for the weekend. I was able to get some "big" things done (set up the crib in the baby's room, move some heavy stuff to the curb, etc). So... now it's slow maintenance. I get the chance to take an hour here and there and go through stuff to organize and chuck. Wish me luck!! I have a few months to get it all done so that my husband doesn't come home to see everything the way he left it! Thank you so much Mom, Dad, and Jocelyn for coming to help out for the weekend (and for the Mother's Day gift) - it was great seeing you all! Happy Belated Mother's Day to everyone though! I have so many friends that are mothers. There would have been NO way I could have gotten you all cards in the mail!! I hope your children/husbands made the day special for you!!

Breath of Fresh Air after the Storm

What a day of opposites!! Not only for the weather I guess. I started off my day with some fun getting my hair trimmed (gotta keep up with the shorter hair). My children behaved pretty well. Then, off to the gym for a swim! Oh - that was lovely! Then home for a bit to clean up the damage the twisters (my girls) caused. Then off to get my first pedicure ever!! I totally clipped off all my nails not even 3 days before I found out when we were going to go. I had fun anyway and had some energized feet! Then... off to find out my children decided to have a tinkle accident at my Home Teachers' house! I felt AWFUL! Then back home for a few hours before the Sister Missionaries came by for dinner and a message. My girls ran outside to greet them (of course) and then Julia ran back inside to lock us out!! I called Tara to see if she could bring me a screw driver and she was in the process of loading everyone up to come to my rescue! I love her! Thanks for being willing to be my "Knight in shining armor"! We prayed and begged and talked through the mail slot until Julia finally complied (... after much "ok mommmy, I let you in... (hrrmph) I can't reach it!!....) and opened the door! So... 20 minutes after dinner was supposed to start... it did. After dinner... BLISS! I put the girls down and they were out by 7:10 pm. I got the chance to clean the downstairs, cut the grass (weedeat) and give myself a little bit of a break. Oh how I miss the 7 o'clock bedtime. Looks like we will forgo naps from now on so mommy can have blissful evenings filled with light cleaning, books, and relaxing. So, I'm enjoying my chance to breathe. Tomorrow will be another day for me to fret and get things done - but hey I'll have nice toes and nice hair while I'm doing it.

I got the cool storm pic from this website.

Fulfilling Day

Yesterday for some reason really felt like a fulfilling day for me. I didn't get to accomplish EVERYTHING I wanted to get done around the house - but I got quite a bit done that I didn't think I would be able to with my kiddos running around. I feel as though I am busy - but not an over scheduled kind of busy. I am able to help some people who need it, get some things I need squared away, and have found some things on craigslist for my little man! Today will be a little fun running around a bit to pick them up - but... at the end of the day - I hope to have TONS of boy clothes from 0-9 months and a baby swing to add to his "room". Here's hoping the clothes look as good as they did in the pictures, and that the swing works perfectly for him when he gets here! Then all I'll be needing for my little guy is diapers, some cute churchy clothes, and a few more odds and ends! HOORAY!!!

FINALLY

The weekend and I am very excited! I have a lot that I want to accomplish today to get me ready for a day of rest tomorrow. But... I've been up to some exciting stuff this week. I started the girls on a "no diaper" policy Monday. The only times they have worn diapers have been for nap time and bed time. We've had some accidents, but overall - potty training is going pretty well. Thanks for the sticker chart Idea Tara!! It's done wonders for Melanie so far! I've gone through my girl clothes to try to downsize since I will be getting some boy clothes here to use for our upcoming arrival. Leann... I have a box for you of clothes around Kirsten's size (12 mon - 24 mon). What size shoe does Kirsten wear? I have a ton of clothes for girls 12 months and under, if anyone knows of someone in the ward that could use them, please let me know who and I will ask. I already plan on asking Kelly on Sunday if I see her. I'm also trying to get the room the crib will be in in order for the arrival so that I have less to do when Jeremiah gets home. I just kinda want everything de-cluttered and ready to go so he can just enjoy the time he gets with his family. Thank heaven's my family is going to come down for a visit or two before the baby so I can put my dad to work!! Maybe I'll get Jocelyn to do all my shredding. Imagine the possibilities!! (evil cackle) Then, I've pinned the baby blankets together that I plan on making for this early fall. I'm going to learn me some stippling!! YEEEHAWW! We'll see how they turn out! Melanie already says that they look beautiful so that must be true! She is so excited to be a big sister again and hold the baby. That's her biggest excitement - holding the baby. Julia... hmmm... where do I start? Julia just keeps me running!!