Mason, Miles and Maddox, Oh My!

You are invited......

2010-06-25T08:00:00.000-05:00

to join me at our new blog.....
It's All About 3 Boys!!!

http://about3boys.blogspot.com/

(I hope to figure out how to make this blog automatically redirect to the new one. Until then, reset your bookmarks! :) )

It's Time for a New Start

2010-06-24T08:00:00.001-05:00

We have not been a family of 4 in, well, a little over 9 months. However, the Kimball Family of 4 blog has lived on. I was not sure what I wanted to change the name to. I was really just stumped on several issues. Several blogs I read use nicknames for their kids to keep it anonymous. Anyone can stumble onto this blog and see the kids and figure out generally where we live and with our last name out there, I started wondering if I should worry.
So, I am going to use nicknames. If you know the boys, it will be super easy to figure out which I am talking about.
The oldest will be called BigBoy.
Middle child will be Curly. (We call him "Boogie" in real life, but I didn't know if I could handle their nicknames all starting with the same letter. Too close to real life! :) ha!)
The Babe will be BooBear. (We called his Baby Boo when I was pregnant, so this has become one of his real life nicknames!)

Update on all 3 boys

2010-06-23T17:44:00.000-05:00

Mason: escavator (escalator)

Mom (Nana) and I took Miles and Max to the pediatrician's office today for their well checks.
Since what you really want to know is stats:
Miles:
ht: 38 1/8" (70%)
wt: 35.2lb (77%)

Max:
ht: 29" (75%)
wt: 20lb 5 oz (50%)
head: 45.6 (55%)

Max remains the smallest of the 3 boys. Mason was 21 lbs at 9 months and Miles was just shy of 21 lbs.
Both boys received 1 shot today (didn't know that Miles would be getting one! Oops!) and Max had blood drawn (just a little toe prick).

I am not sure if Miles is claustrophobic or hyperactive, but something happens to him in that little exam room. He turns into a crazy animal! Seriously. He was everywhere - up, down, on the table, under the table, under the chair, on the floor. Thankfully, he did not try to escape out the door this time. (Yes, that has happened before!)

Miles just got up from his nap and is running a fever. I am not sure if it is from the vaccine or something else. I am READY for a dull moment around here!!!

More updates later this week. Big changes are coming................

Project life - week 24

2010-06-22T15:12:00.000-05:00

I have missed a few weeks of updating Project Life, but I have been keeping pics in my files and continue on with this album. I love it!!

Sunday, June 13 - Oh, those eyes! And those chubby cheeks! And the two little teeth! Be still my heart!

Monday, June 14 - Miles has suddenly taken off in the pool. He just got in one day and figured out how to swim and not sink.

Tuesday, June 15 - Mason got his practice lure stuck in the tree. Somehow, when I was trying to help him get it out, I got his fishing pole stuck in the tree. Oops!

Wednesday, June 16 -Nana's retirement party at SMU was held today. After 15 years there, she is retiring. I am excited for Nana to get more time with her grandkids.

Thursday, June 17 - Loving that little bald head while I can. Max loves to sit in the grass and feel it.

Friday, June 18 - We met Keely, Dylan and Jude at the park to play and have a picnic. The kids were so hot and tired when we left but had (as always) so much fun together!

Saturday, June 19 - Play hard. Sleep harder! Miles was fast asleep at 6:10PM. We put him to bed a little later and he slept until 8AM! (Look at that curl going down his forehead. It will not lay any other way!)

This and that

2010-06-19T15:52:00.000-05:00

I feel like so much is going on around here but yet I am coming up blank when I sit down to type.
Writer's block? Maybe.
Well, that and the fact that every time I sit down to type, I am interrupted. One of the 4 boys in this house always needs something.
Right now, Max just woke from his nap and wants up. (He started crying just as I typed "writer's block".)
Miles just came in from outside, needs help in the potty and left the door to the garage open.
The pantry is standing open (I need to close it so the light will turn off).
Eric just found a mess the boys made in the living room.

Must go for now....

Because he is just too cute

2010-06-17T08:00:00.001-05:00

9 months old

2010-06-16T13:45:00.000-05:00

It is so true that with each child you have, the time goes by more and more quickly!
I feel like Maddox just joined our family about a week ago. I have no idea where 9 months has gone.
He is so sweet and just fits in. He loves his brothers more than words can describe and I can only imagine the trouble they will all get in together!

Sweet Max,
You have been cruising for several weeks and I have caught him standing on his own (holding something in his hands, so he doesn't realize he is standing on his own)!
You wear size 9mo clothes, but still fit into quite a few 6 month shirts. Your fat feet are size 4.
You love bath time and cry when I get you out.

You got tubes in your ears 2 weeks ago (June 3rd) and are still pulling on your right ear. Praying that this will end your run of sickness forever.
You are an awesome sleeper and know when I take you into your room and turn on the white noise machine - you start chewing on your thumb and making fussy noises. You rarely cry more than a few minutes, and almost always put yourself right to sleep.
You are all over the house and love to look outside.
You are not a huge fan of the stroller but enjoy the BabyBj0rn and the backpack carrier we took to Colorado.

You hate to lay down for a clean diaper or to change clothes.
You also hate your car seat (probably something to do with having to lay down in it and staring at the back of the seat. I wouldn't be thrilled either!
You love people and love to be talked to!

You wave bye-bye and say something that sounds a bit like "bye".
You lean in when I say "kisses" and sometimes turn your lips to me to give a kiss back.
You are such a precious addition to our family and I LOVE LOVE LOVE you!

Estes Park, CO

2010-06-16T13:21:00.000-05:00

(Warning.... lots and lots of pictures below!!!) :)
Like I said in the last post, we went to Estes Park, CO last week and stayed at the YMCA of the Rockies. It was a Family Camp with our church. It was an amazing trip. We were able to be together as a family, meet so many new friends and grow in our understanding of God's word. We had about an hour each morning (except Wed - family day) when our pastor taught on Philippians. It was great and I took pages of notes each and every day. The boys all had classes during that time. The kid's teachers were awesome and really used their time to love on our boys. They spent some fun time at the playground each day, hearing Bible stories, learning a memory verse, singing songs, doing crafts, and just being kids!
I have not done my Project Life post in a few weeks (um.... last photo is 5/27), but plan to catch up on that soon! I may just copy and past from here....
Saturday, June 5 - We left our house at 5:45AM and hoped to put the boys in the car and drive a few hours while they slept. Mason woke up at 5am as we were finishing packing the car. Miles and Max were excited to be up and did not go back to sleep either. Oops! We drove all day. Stopped at McD's for breakfast, Dairy Queen for lunch (and actually saw another couple from our church there but didn't know it at the time!), and ended in Raton, NM for dinner and sleep!

The boys really needed to get out and throw a few rocks after a full day in the car!

Poor Maxer just needed a nap!

Sunday, June 6 - Happy Birthday Daddy!!! We started with coffee from Star*bucks. We knew we only had a few hours to EP, but couldn't check-in until 5PM, so we started north and made a detour to see the Royal Gorge. Beautiful canyon and scenery. Really scary bridge!!! Especially since cars can drive across at the same time people are walking across.

This pic just cracks me up!!

We could have walked back across, but the boys really wanted to ride the tram. Talk about pushing Mommy to her limits!

We rode an inclined train to the bottom of the canyon to get a closer look at the river and the train tracks.

Looking up at the bridge we walked across earlier. I did NOT feel better about taking the boys across it!! But look at that sky - this pic does not even do it justice!

We made it to EP around 6pm. We had dinner, the boys had a little time with their class and we had our first evening service.
Monday, June 7 - Friday, June 11 -
We ate, had class, napped, hiked, rode horses, climbed rocks, looked for wildlife, and thoroughly enjoyed our first (of many) vacation as a family of 5!!! Yeah, that about sums up our days! It was great family time though!

Yes, I am hiking in a skirt. I had no idea we were going to find a trail to go down. And, I hold firm that only a mom of 3 boys would attempt it! :)

Wednesday was family day. We hiked up to Gem Lake with a large group. It was about 1.9 miles each way. Amazing views, fun times and a challenge for everyone in our little group, for sure! But so worth the energy!

Beautiful Gem Lake. Notice the person climbing up the rock wall. CRAZY!! So pretty though. And COLD!

Miles decided he did not want to get his clothes wet. So thoughtful, don't you think????

We ended the day as a group at the big slide in town. The boys all enjoyed going down - including Max! He had a trip down with mommy and daddy. (That is Daddy, Max and Mason on the red slides.)

It was a wonderful trip. The boys did so well during the long drive. We drove straight through on the way home so we could sleep in our own beds Saturday night. It was a 15-hour drive, but so worth it to all be in different rooms!!! We are already looking forward to next year's trip!!!

Catching up

2010-06-13T21:36:00.000-05:00

We are back in Texas. We had a wonderful trip to Estes Park, CO for the last week and are trying to get caught up on laundry and sleep!!! We are also getting the boys back into a normal schedule of 8pm bedtimes rather than 10pm and later! :) (Miles is still up at 9:30pm.)

So, I will be back on tomorrow to post pics and recap our week. Until then, here is a teaser.....

My 4 boys at the Royal Gorge

Miles enjoying Gem Lake. It was a 1.9 mile hike up the mountain up to this lake.

Beautiful pic of storms rolling in at the Continental Divide.

My sweet boys!!! In town (Estes Park) on Friday.

Growing up

2010-06-01T16:34:00.000-05:00

I knew it would happen.
I also knew it was coming.
I saw it in small doses.
I was in denial though. I thought if I ignored it, it might not really happen.

This boy......

He is growing up.
Every day, I see a little more big boy and a little less preschooler.

He would rather play guns than cars.
He prefers legos over trains.
He corrects me on the names of certain animals.
He is an amazing big brother.

He handles the added responsibility of having 2 little sets of eyes watching him with grace.
Yes, we have hard days. But, they really are becoming more like hard moments in the midst of great days.
I am looking forward to him starting kindergarten in the Fall. But, I am cherishing every moment of our last days together.
Well, cherishing and trying to keep from being sad about my oldest turning into a boy.

He is growing up.

Miles-isms #3

2010-06-01T08:35:00.000-05:00

I love 2 3-year-old speak. They try to say things that they have heard or think they have heard and it comes out all twisted and oh-so-funny!!!

Miles:
guitart = guitar
whim-soup = swimsuit (he is newly obsessed with swimming and I head this one 18,974 times a day)
gobbles = goggles

I know there are plenty more, but I will have to add to this list a bit later. (read: when I remember the rest of the adorable things he has said in the past week.)

Project life - week 20

2010-05-26T09:56:00.000-05:00

Yes, a day late again on my Project Life. Life got in the way. Well, that and the fact that I couldn't find my camera yesterday to download pictures. And, today is Mason's last day of preschool, last day at Grace*Academy and Miles' 3rd birthday.
The tears they are a-flowin' today!
Moving on........

Sunday, May 16 - Baptism Day at our church. I love that we move to a local park and had 216 people baptized. I got to watch as a new friend and her son were baptized together. Such a sweet time of worship and praise!

Monday, May 17 - Sweet Max with a fluffy bum! He is getting so confident standing up and has started cruising.

Tuesday, May 18 - The big boys love to shave with Daddy in the mornings. I love the fresh out of the shower look - wet hair, no shirt, yummy smell!

Wednesday, May 19 - Summer = water. The boys enjoyed their first afternoon at the Y sprayground.

Thursday, May 20 - Miles loves his teacher Ms. Catherine. She was so special to us this year and really loved on Miles as he transitioned to "big brother". I just love how he is snuggling with her in this pic!

Friday, May 21 - Mason's class had their Bike Parade today. It was fun despite the crazy high humidity!

Saturday, May 22 - I had a pedicure and painted my toes blue. Miles thought they were so funny and told me to take a picture of them. :)

Ch-ch-ch-changes!

2010-05-23T14:42:00.000-05:00

What a ~~day~~ ~~week~~ month!!!
I have worked on this post for about a week and never seem to find time to finish and post. Hoping it happens today!

I dropped off Mason's completed (finally!) enrollment packet to elementary school ~~this morning~~ Monday. Based on the amount of pages it was, I think I might have to pledge one of his brothers, give a DNA sample and provide the deed to our house for a college admissions application. Seriously!

Miles is a pistol. So, nothing has really changed for him! ;) I hate to say this out loud, but I think that he is starting to settle down. I have started to see some changes in him. Good changes. When I tell him, in advance, what I expect, he has much better behavior. Now, he is still 2 (3 on Wednesday YIKES!!!) and has his moments. But, I am seeing moments that give me glimmers of hope! We had new family pictures done on Saturday and here is a sneak peek of cutie Miles.

Miles will be going to the preschool Mason is at now. It will be interesting because both boys will need to be at school at approximately the same time 2 days a week (Miles is going T-Th).

Maddox continues to amaze me every day. He is getting so big so quickly. And he is learning how to get around so much faster. I know that he will just stand up and take off walking any day now! He responds when you call his name. He loves his brothers so much and tries to find them when he hears them in another room without him. It is so sweet and I love the closeness that the boys will have as they get older! And, we did get the approval from the insurance company for Max to get tubes. I will be calling the ENT first thing tomorrow to get on their schedule.

We leave soon for our first ~~vacation~~ trip as a family of 5. I am working on adjusting my expectations that we will not get a lot of rest but great family time! I have started picking up a few things here and there that will make the drive a bit easier. Markers, pencils, games, DVDs, etc.

I am also on the hunt for a young-ish girl to be a mother's helper to me for a few hours a couple of days a week. The boys are not going to have any type of mother's day out of school this summer, so I will need a bit of help. Trust me.... the grocery store and dry cleaners do NOT want me bringing all 3 kids along each week!

I have to run, Mason and Max are up from naps/rest time and I need to get Miles up so he will go to sleep at a reasonable time tonight! More pics soon (at least by Tuesday for Project Life ;)! )

Project life - week 19

2010-05-18T15:04:00.001-05:00

Sunday, May 9 -- Happy Mothers Day to me. I love the cards and pictures the boys make at school for me.

Monday, May 10 -Silly Daddy playing dress-up.

Tuesday, May 11 - Now that I what I like to see. Two big boys helping mommy out around the house! :) (They are cleaning the window.)

Wednesday, May 12 - Mason's last preschool Chapel at Grace Academy. It was their Mother's Day Chapel.

I also took Miles and Max to the ENT today. Miles was officially given a clean bill-of health and Max needs tubes. :(

Thursday, May 13 - Dress up at Keely's house. I have NO idea what Mason was supposed to be!

Friday, May 15 - Apparently, it is the week for dress-up play! Funny Miles!

Saturday, May 15 - Mason LOVES to work in the yard. He is so helpful but also really stinkin' cute with his little wheelbarrow!

Project life - week 17

2010-05-12T14:10:00.000-05:00

Sunday, May 2 - Grandpa and Mason love building with Legos. They went to Lego store and picked up some new kits!

Monday, May 3 - That is a deep sleep!

Tuesday, May 4 - Miles is so unhappy and throwing quite a fit outside!

Wednesday, May 5 - More sleeping pictures. I love that he is holding onto the bars of his crib.

Thursday, May 6 - Smiley happy baby loves being outside. And eating leaves.

Friday, May 7 - It is so interesting to see Mason interact with Max. He is much more loving on Max than he was with Miles as a baby.

Saturday, May 8 - We went to the plant sale at the Dallas Arboretum and filled up the wagon with several great new plants. The line was really long and the boys needed some entertainment toward the end.

Max - tubes are scheduled!

2010-05-12T13:14:00.000-05:00

Max's ENT appointment finally happened this morning and he is scheduled to get tubes in on Tuesday morning.

I am nervous about the procedure, but at peace with the decision to get them.

He is on the last day of his antibiotics today and has fluid in both ears still. The ENT did say he was already seeing damage to the ear drum, so it just does not make sense to wait any longer. He has had 4 infections in just 6 weeks and with fluid in both ears, he will probably have another infection (or two) before the surgery Tuesday morning.

I know it will be fine, but the things that make me nervous are him being put to sleep, having to take a bottle before he leaves (um.... yeah. Maybe the nurses have some magic up their sleeves for that one), and the logistics for the two big boys. Tuesday is the one day that all 3 are home, so it is always a challenging day for me. The surgery will be early, so it may be a long rest of the day. (When Miles got his, I was home in time to take Mason to Mother's Day Out at 9am.)

(We also lost power the night before Miles' tubes when a neighbor's tree took out the line. We had no power for about 3 days. Praying that does not happen again!)

---------------------------------------
This made me laugh..... I receive a weekly e-mail with some tidbits on what Max should be doing at his age. This weeks said:
As your baby's muscles are becoming stronger, she's apt to lunge forward onto all fours from a sitting position. She may go into a "precrawl" exercise, rocking back and forth on hands and knees with her trunk parallel to the floor. Most babies begin to crawl between 7 and 10 months.\

Yes, it is about time that Max starts lunging forward, getting into "precrawl" mode and rock back and forth. If only that was ALL he was doing about now! My little overactive baby!

Project life - week 15 and 16

2010-05-04T23:17:00.000-05:00

04/18 - Max's first slide

04/19 - Mason loves to climb the wall and is so fast going up, over and down!

04/20 - Not to be outdone by big brother, Miles tries his hand at the wall. He needs more practice!

04/21 - "I need a newspaper break"

04/22 - Show off! Max loves to pull up to standing. He is only 7 months old!!!

04/23 - I cannot resist taking pics of a sleeping baby. I really liked how the light fell on Max's face as he slept in my arms. Sweet boy is playing hard and sleeping hard these days!

04/24 - When your eyes smile, you know you are happy happy happy!

------------------------------- week 16 ---------------------------
04/25 - Miles loves his baby brother. He is so protective of Max and lets people know it!

04/26 - Max is quickly learning about the big boy toys in the house. Sitting on the tractor and pushing the buttons to hear all the noises.

04/27 - Apparently, Miles got a hand on mommy's camera. Nice shoe!

04/28 - I know there are more pics of Max than the other two. He is the only one that can't run away from me (for now) and it is his first year!!

04/29 - Standing up, holding on with one hand, and bending over to pick up a toy. Wow!

04/30 - Mason got a new big boy bike. The training wheels come off next weekend! Can't wait!

04/31 - The 3 big boys enjoyed the nice weather and went out for a little ride!

Motherhood is....

2010-05-04T14:40:00.000-05:00

Wondering if middle son's swim lessons counts as having a shower today.

Forgetting to nurse the baby for about 6 hours. Two days in a row.

Getting lots of hugs and kisses.

Having such a good swim lesson that Miles put himself down for a nap halfway through lunch.

Realizing my hubby calls me "momma bear" for a reason. Don't mess with my babies!

Signing Mason up for swim team this summer. Did I mention it meets at 8am two days a week?

Having my heart even fuller than my hands.

Ear update

2010-05-03T16:25:00.001-05:00

Since I use this blog as my own journal as much as anything else, here is an update on some cute little ears!

I took Max into the ped this morning to get an all-clear. You know, that check to make sure the infection cleared up and all is well. So, we went. And the right ear is totally cleared up. What about that left ear? It does not look so good. It is infected. So, this is the 4th infection in 6 weeks and each time it switches ears.

We are going to Miles' ENT for his follow-up on Wednesday. I am trying to get Max in for a check at the same time (don't even get me started on the fact that I called this morning and could not make that happen). I don't want to jump to conclusions or jump to tubes too quickly (it has only been 6 weeks after all), but also don't want poor Peanut to suffer like Miles did for 6 months.
Edited to add: Max weighed in at 19lbs today. Wow!

"I need a newspaper break"

2010-04-23T09:03:00.000-05:00

When Mason was a babe ......

(and would happily take a bottle from anyone willing to feed him - ahem, Max - take notes!!! And, some things never change as Mason tells me at least 16 times every day that he is hungry. Sometimes as I am still cleaning up from a meal. I will not be able to keep up in the teenage years!),

....... Eric would get up early with him and give him his first bottle of the day and read the Wall Street Journal to him. He did that for months and months every morning.

(photos taken 06/25/05 - Mason was 5 months old)

We still get the WSJ and Tuesday, Mason came and found me changing Max's diaper and told me that he was going to take a newspaper break.

That is some serious newspaper reading!!

Not to be outdone, Miles decided to get in on the action and get caught up on current events as well.

Only the truly devoted WSJ reader highlights while reading. You know, in case he needs to refer to an article later.

Yes, I took pictures.
Yes, I laughed.
Yes, I truly felt the need for evidence.
No, I really can't make this stuff up. I am just NOT that creative!

Hand-me-downs

2010-04-22T09:00:00.000-05:00

Mason received this outfit when he was 6 months old. (Thanks Auntie Kim!)
I loved it then. On Mason......

Mason - photo taken 8/14/05 - 6 1/2 months old

And I loved it a few years later. On Miles......

Miles - photo taken 5/2/08 - 11 months old

And I loved it again yesterday. On Max......

Max - photo taken 4/20/10 - 7 months old

One of the best things about having 3 boys is that I get to keep using the clothes I love so much. So many clothes have distinct memories tied to them. I remember having Eric take the picture of Mason. We were headed to church and I was wearing a pink dress that was my Easter dress that year.
I get so happy to open up each bin of clothes when the seasons change or the boys start outgrowing a size. I love to go back through their clothes, especially baby clothes, and remember things we did when they wore each outfit. Some are big events - Easter, Christmas, baby dedications. Others are simple, like a trip to the park or simple play clothes. But each time, I get teary and nostalgic and my heart floods with emotions - happy and sad.
I also love to look at pictures of each boy in the same outfit at a similar age and see how similar and different the boys are. Definitely brothers, but each unique in their own special way!

Ears, Ears, Moving, Growing, Grossness

2010-04-21T11:03:00.000-05:00

There are weeks that just leave me amazed. The last 7-10 days is just such a week!!!

Max: In the last week (or so), he has learned to:

sit on his own (love this one - makes grocery shopping so much easier!),
crawl,
pull to standing (somebody hold me!),
cut his first tooth (just found that one this morning),
had his 3rd ear infection (yes, really!) and
started drinking juice out of a cup.

Overachiever!

Ready to take off across the room.....

Miles: Miles had a follow-up at the ENT this morning. He pulled the second tube out of his ear. Apparently when we were in to the ped last week, it was out of the eardrum, but still in his ear. And, that is why Miles kept messing around with that ear. The ENT asked me if I wanted the tube. I hesitated and didn't know how to tell him that it totally disgusted me (and still does) without looking like a terrible mom. So, he put it in a tissue and I took it. Ugh!!! Maybe I will clean it up and not be so grossed out. It is bigger (longer) than I thought it would be.
Anyway.
He has an outer ear infection, so we have to do drops for 10 days and then go see him in 2 weeks for a(nother) follow-up appointment. I really thought we might be done today. But no, he wants to make sure all is healed up before he sends us on our merry way. I think that he is also going to test his hearing that day.

I did ask the ENT about Max's ears and he said 4 infections in one year = need to see the ENT. We go back to the ped 5/3 to make sure they are clear. If not, we will make an appointment to see the ENT. Miles goes back on 5/5, so maybe we can do them both at the same time.

I have to take a minute and just take a deep breath to keep from laughing and crying about that last paragraph.

OK, moving on.
I am going to purposely leave Mason out of this post because I have a really funny story about my favorite 5-year-old. It really deserves its own post! :)

And, I realize I put "moving" in the title. Could freak some people out that we might have an offer on our house, but no.... it is all about Max moving, not us moving houses. I wish it were the opposite (house moving and max not moving). Admit it.... which did you think????

Project life - week 14

2010-04-20T08:00:00.000-05:00

I sat down the other night and updated my album with pictures and journaling through March. I am so excited that I am up to date and staying up on this project! I highly recommend it to anyone! It is easy, the kit contains everything you need (except the pics and the words, of course). It takes me maybe 30 minutes a week to choose the pics for the previous week and journal and about 1 hour at the end of the month to write it all out and put it in the album.
Anyway, here are this week's pictures....
Sunday, April 11 - Max loves to be outside just like his big brothers and daddy! We are enjoying beautiful weather and a lot of new growth on our plants.

Monday, April 12 - The week started with a bang! Miles' MDO teacher (Ms. Catherine) mentioned she thought Miles was a little off. When I asked him, he said his ear hurt. So, off to the ped we went. The good news? Both ear tubes are out. The bad news? He (already) has an ear infection in his left ear.

Tuesday, April 13 - Mason is getting so big! He is an awesome big brother and LOVES to dig holes and play with tractors.

Wednesday, April 14 - Speaking of digging holes, our garden is starting to show signs of life! Corn is in the middle. Tiny buds of tomato plants and carrots are coming up around the edges.

Thursday, April 15 - I know I have a lot of pictures of Miles painting, but he loves it and it is the only time he sits still enough for a picture! Plus, those curls are YUMMY! This time, he decided to finger paint while Mommy was out of the room with Max. Finger paint on Mommy's floor, that is.....

Friday, April 16 - Our landscaping looks beautiful in the spring! Eric did an awesome job turning a bare, boring lawn into this beautiful place in 6 short years!

Saturday, April 17 - I don't often do pictures of things that are sitting still, but I love our Japanese Maple tree. The color is striking and this little tree near our front door is welcoming!

Have a great week!

Mason-ism and Miles-ism #2

2010-04-16T21:11:00.000-05:00

Mason: I heard it.
Me: I didn't hear anything.
Mason: But I have big ears and I heard it.

----------------------------------

I got Miles a toy tractor today and it has a farmer that goes with it.
This evening he started singing "the farmer and the jail, the farmer and the jail"
I didn't even try to explain that it is the farmer and the DELL!

hahahahaha!

7 months old

2010-04-16T13:05:00.001-05:00

Max is 7 months old! I can hardly believe we are well past the half-way point in his life! It is going by so quickly. I am trying so hard to enjoy every moment and take it all in, but Max's first year is flying by me.

At 7 months, you:

wear size 6mo clothes still, size 3 shoes
are CRAWLING! you are all over the house now!
weigh 18lb 4oz
have had 3 ear infections. poor baby!
love to watch your brothers! you can be so fussy, but they come in the room and you cheer up
are starting to hate to go to bed. you fuss a few minutes and then put yourself to sleep nicely!
love your daddy! you smile so big at him when he comes home after work

have a sweet smile and a sweeter personality.
love your mommy too! i like to think it goes beyond feedings, but i do know the way to a boy's heart - food!!!

Your first time down the slide. I love that in the first picture, big brother Miles is right there watching over you along with Daddy (and you are watching him). Then he decides to follow you down the slide (you can barely see him at the top in the third picture).

You did have your third ear infection on the day you turned 7 months. We are trying a new antibiotic and have a follow-up appointment in a couple of weeks to make sure they are clear this time.

Project life - week 14

2010-04-14T22:29:00.000-05:00

Sunday 04/04 - Happy Resurrection Day aka Happy Easter. My favorite boys!

Monday, 04/05 - Breakfast - PB&J waffles and juice with cartoons on in the background.

Tuesday, 04/06 - Bubbles!!! Always a favorite

Wednesday, 04/07 - First slide with Daddy. Max might just be a dare-devil like big brother Miles (notice him in the background). Miles jumped off the top of that platform about 5 seconds after this pic was taken.

Thursday, 04/08 - My cowboy

Friday, 04/09 - You know you are a third child when mom puts you in the laundry basket. Does it make it any better that he is laying on clean clothes? Please ignore the other piles of clothes on the floor. :)

Saturday, 04/10 - Young Life was doing a car wash to raise money to send kids to camp. The boys and I decided to help them out and my car received a much-needed bath!

sick. again. * 2.

2010-04-13T11:02:00.000-05:00

Miles has an ear infection.
Both tubes are out (one was out in Feb) now.
And he already has an ear infection.
Sigh!
At least we caught it really early (he told me his ear hurt) and he didn't have to suffer for days like he did before the tubes (he got those at 10 1/2 months old).

When I got home from the doctor's office (1 1/2 hours there, thanks so much!), Max had a fever. 101.2 at that point. Gave him m0trin. An hour later, up to 101.5. How does that happen? Rough night and fever over 102.5.

Miles seems great this morning. Playing and happy.
Max is so fussy. Still has low-grade fever. Wondering if his ear infection from a few weeks ago is back (or never fully went away?) Not sure what I should do with him - doctor's trip or not. All 3 boys would have to go with me. NOT FUN.
May just play the day by ear.... pun sorta intended... :)

What now?

2010-04-13T10:12:00.000-05:00

So, I finished reading the Bible in 90 days. And if I am being really honest, I have only picked up my Bible 2 times since I finished and actually read 1 time. So sad.

Part of the reason I wanted to do the challenge is so that I would get into a habit of being in God's word daily. Sort of like a total immersion language program. I thought that I would find a good rhythm and a time of day that I would sit down and focus on God.
But that did not happen.
I generally flew by the seat of my pants and struggled to finish each day's reading, especially the last 30 days of reading.
I want to be in the word. I want to be more like Him. I want to hear Him and know his voice. I want to be broken before God.
Although I just realized I used the word "I" about 47 times, this is not about me. It is about Him.

He wants me in the word. He wants me to be more like Him. He wants to hear from me and He wants me to know His voice when He speaks. He wants me to be broken before Him.
Yeah, it is about Him, not me. That feels better.

Psalm 51:15-17
¹⁵O Lord, open my lips,
       and my mouth will declare your praise.
¹⁶ You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it;
       you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings.
¹⁷ The sacrifices of God are ^[c] a broken spirit;
       a broken and contrite heart,
       O God, you will not despise.

I was talking to a friend the other day and we starting talking about a third girl that is just amazing. She has more things on her plate (4 kids, hubby, many other family commitments) than I can even imagine yet she gets up around 5 each morning and spends time in the Word. She commits herself to that time. She commits that time to God. The only way my eyes see 5am is if someone needs to be fed or changed (just being honest here!) and I usually don't have the best attitude about being up at that time of the morning.
I thought about her all yesterday afternoon and really felt like God was gently nudging me that she (the friend) is often tired at 5am. She does go to bed at a reasonable hour, which I don't always do. She does take care of herself (eating well, exercising regularly), which I rarely do. I could say that she is in a different phase of life, but her two youngest are 3 and 1. So really, she isn't.
Or is she? Yes, she probably is because she is walking the walk and not just talking the talk. She has a commitment to God that does not exist at this point in my life. She is walking in the light like

So, is a 5am wake-up on my plate? Probably not yet. Maybe 6am though. Getting up when the boys get up really sets me up for failure in the mornings and sets the tone for the whole day of feeling behind, out of control, not in charge of my time and day.

The other thing I am struggling with is what is next. Now that I have read the whole Bible, what do I read now? I think I need to go back and study a few books in more depth. I need to understand Isaiah, Daniel, and Revelation (wow - that is a hard one!) more. I need a guide to really understand those I think!

So, just keeping it real and being honest here. I am struggling and this blog is the best way for me to work through thoughts in my head. I will update as I figure more things out and get into a good routine.

Mason-ism and Miles-ism

2010-04-10T10:17:00.000-05:00

Mason was singing a song he learned at school "God Made Me".
It starts "God made me. God made me. I'm so happy can't you see."
Then it goes through body parts and the kids touch the part ....
"God made my fingers and God made my toes"
One line is "God made my hips and God made my knees"
Mason was singing it to Max the other day and sang:
"God made my hippos and God made my knees"

Uh.....I feel like that some days.... hippos instead of hips.

Anyway. Moving on......

Miles says so many things that are hilarious.
We were in the car the other day and stopped by my mom's office. She came out and was standing next to the car in front of Miles (he was still buckled into his booster seat). Miles took a drink of water, turned his head and spit it onto Mason's seat. (One day, someone will have to explain to me how a boy thinks. I don't think I will ever understand why that thought even occurred to him.) Nana got onto Miles and asked him where he is supposed to spit.
(Now, just to clarify something. I decided when Mason was about 2 years old that apparently little boys (and big boys?) have a need to spit. It is not just a fun thing, it seems to be a need. So fine, I decided. But, I set the rule that if you need to spit, you must do it in the yard. Not in the house, not in the car. In the yard. Call me crazy (you wouldn't be the first) but it seems to appease the boys and I don't have to discipline for spitting. Most of the time anyway.)
Anyway.....
We were both expecting the normal answer of "in the yard".
Miles looks her straight in the eye and says "in Mason's seat".
We both cracked up laughing! We totally failed to correct him at that moment we were laughing too hard.

I have actually had several people ask me lately how I ever discipline Miles. He has started this thing where when you start to get onto him, he tilts his head to the side, puts his hand under his chin and smiles at you.

(I know the pic is a bit blurry, but you get the idea!)

In other news, Max is officially mobile. My days just got 19 times harder!!!!
I shot video of him last night and hope to get some pics to post today.

Have a great weekend!

Sweet Shot 2

2010-04-06T13:59:00.001-05:00

I thought this was a sweet pic of the big boys with their Grandpa.
Now, I wouldn't call him the best babysitter :), but clearly they are comfortable and happy in Grandpa's big leather recliner! And, I love the way that Grandpa is holding Mason's hand.

Project life - week 13

2010-04-06T08:00:00.001-05:00

03/28 - Miles Ellis. You fill my days with craziness. But I sure do love your spirit and your spunk. And your curls. I am SO glad that YOU got my curls. They fit your personality!

03/29 - Maddox likes to show off his skills these days. He loves to get in this position and just hang out. I am impressed with his arm strength! We finally made it to the ped for his 6 month well check. All is well! ;)

03/30 -Mr. Fix-It * 2. These boys are always getting into trouble for getting out Daddy's tools. There is always something that needs to be fixed though!

03/31 - I finished one huge goal today. I read the entire Bible in 90 days. I loved reading it all in such a short amount of time. It was quite a huge challenge, but I did it!

04/01 - Welcome Greyson Cole! It is no April's Fool joke - our newest nephew arrived this evening weighing 7lb 7oz and 20" long. We can hardly wait to meet you! (This was Max's going home from the hospital outfit. Such memories!)

04/02 - My favorite part of the picture is the way that Maddox is looking at Mason. He LOVES his 2 big brothers. Oh the mischief they will get into one day. Soon, oh so soon!

04/03 - Tomorrow is Easter! We enjoyed an egg hunt a day early with Kevin and Kelley's church. Such a beautiful day. Love this picture of my 4 boys!

Good Friday

2010-04-02T10:39:00.000-05:00

Today is Good Friday.
I don't really understand that title. There was nothing "good" about Friday.

Sunday is GREATNESS.
But Friday.
Friday is a day that breaks my heart.

My prayer today is that God would break my heart for the things that break His heart.
Widows, orphans, injustice, sin, being lukewarm.

I pray the same for you today.

Finished - Bible in 90 days

2010-03-31T18:21:00.000-05:00

Moments ago, I finished.
I finished reading the entire Bible through in 90 days.

Wow!

I NEVER thought on January 1 that I would actually finish I know that I should probably have believed in myself more or been more committed from day 1. But I really wanted to try to do this. I am still in awe that I did. Don't get me wrong, I am not in awe of myself. I am in awe that God gave me strength and that the perseverance to do it. That is really the only reason I think that I finished.

There is so much that I want to say, but honestly I am just in awe. Words seem pointless.
One thing I do want to say is that no honor or credit goes to me. It all goes to our Father, where all praise and honor belong.

I think that the most special thing about finishing today is that we get to celebrate Jesus' death and resurrection in just 2 more days. How awesome to have the full picture of Jesus' story going into this weekend.

Will probably be quiet on the blog until Monday in honor of the one that gave everything, including his very life, for me. I am so humbled and unworthy of such love.

Project life - week 12

2010-03-31T09:09:00.000-05:00

Yes, this post is a day late. Again.
At least I am doing it, right??? :)

This week is a week of firsts...
03/21 - Our first plant of the season. We added corn and yellow tomatoes to the carrots and red tomatoes we had last year.

03/22 - Love this sweet peanut. Look at that sweet smile for his mommy! (Click the pic to make it larger.) Max is such a happy baby. He fits right into our loud, busy, crazy family. It is really hard to remember life without him!

03/23 - First time to sit in a highchair. We went to the Purple Cow. Max did great and is getting to be such a great little sitter.

03/24- First fever and first ear infection. 102 degree fever overnight led to a trip to Dr. Neely. And, first antibiotic. Poor guy feels lousy!

03/25 - Happy baby is back! Meds sure do help out quickly! Look at those sweet (fat) baby thighs!

03/26 -Annual Grandparent's Day at Mason's school. This was his second year to have this, but his first year to get up and SING! Yea Mason! I am so proud of you. We got to sit on the front row and enjoy all the grades and then went to Mason's class to hear a few more songs and see the kids demonstrate their singing, counting, recite a couple bible verses and play bingo! (Mimi, Nana, Grandpa and Mason in Mrs. Dillard's K4 class at Grace Academy)

03/27 -Construction has started on a new house down the street from us. Miles, Mason and our neighbor's son (Chr1s) are obsessed with watching the tractors work!

Have a great week!

Sweet Shot 1

2010-03-30T16:48:00.000-05:00

Next to last check-in post - Bible in 90 days

2010-03-29T16:33:00.000-05:00

Today is the last official weekly check-in post for my Bible in 90 Days group!
Today is day 88. The plan has the reading complete today, but there are 2 grace days, so Wednesday will be the 90th day.

Can I be real honest? I really never thought when I posted this that I would actually finish in 90 days.
But here I am at day 88. I should be finished today, but am thankful for the 2 grace days!
As of right now (4pm on Monday), I am at Hebrews 5. 8 Books left. Most are quite short. I can totally do this! I am thinking about what I want to do next. As I read there was some that I just truly did not understand. Will keep thinking a bit and let you know on Wednesday when I get to announce that I am finished!!!

In other news, Max (finally) had his 6 month check-up today. (Yes, he turned 6 months almost 2 weeks ago. During spring break. Yes, I refused to take 3 boys to the doctor during spring break.) Here are his stats at 6 1/2 months old!

Weight: 17lb 9.5 oz (50%)
Height: 26 1/4" (40%)
Head: 44 (52%)

Just for kicks, at 6 months,
Mason was: weight: 18lb 3 oz (60%) height: 27" (70%) head: 44.5 (75%)
Miles was: weight: 16lb 15 oz (45%) height: 28 1/4" (93%) head: 44.7 (75%)

So, Max is right in the middle on weight, short (especially compared to Miles) and a little head.... relatively speaking, of course! :)
The other thing I learned today is that the ear that was infected last Wednesday is clearing up but still has fluid. The other ear is infected now though. I am not sure how that happens when he is on antibiotics, but apparently it does. And, he got 3 shots today plus an oral vaccine. Poor guy is letting me know how much he disliked the morning. He has not napped at all today and is in his bed screaming his head off now. So, Mommy is going to go try and comfort sweet peanut. And get more Bible reading in.

More later.....

Mason's prayer

2010-03-25T09:34:00.012-05:00

A portion of Mason's bedtime prayer last night.....just to make you smile.

God, thank you for our food. Bless our home and bless our country. (Thought we were confused about eating time. And not sure where the "bless our country" came from. Although it does need it!)
Please help Miles not to get into trouble. And me too. (Was afraid he was about to rat on Miles in his prayer.)
Get rid of all my sins. (Had to stop myself from reminding him to say please.)
Get rid of all of them sins. (Apparently there are enough to have to ask twice!)
I love you. (Melt momma's heart!!!)
Amen.

And so it begins

2010-03-24T17:30:00.000-05:00

Took Max to the pediatrician this morning. Left ear is fine. Right ear is infected.
Started on antibiotics a few minutes ago.
The babe has not slept all day for more than 20-30 minutes at a time. All day.
When he is up he just cries. Not much makes him happy.
Momma is one tired gal this afternoon.

And THAT is one sad boy!

Max is sick

2010-03-24T09:33:00.000-05:00

Poor sweet Max had a rough night last night. I knew that he seemed off yesterday, but had no idea what the night held for us. Around 5 yesterday afternoon, his nose started draining. I was wiping it about once a minute. He was fussy too. Went to bed fine around 7. Woke up at 11pm and I fed him in our bed. I thought he felt warm but was too tired to really think about it. Woke back up at midnight and he was hot. Took his temp and it was 102. Poor guy! Tylenol and up for quite a while (he would sleep about 10 minutes then wake up crying). Finally to bed around 1:30. Back up at 2:30 - Daddy got him back to sleep. Up at 4:30. Fed him again and slept in our bed until 7. Woke up at 7 and he was hot again. Didn't bother with taking it just gave him more tylenol. Took temp at 8:15 and was still at 100.
Going to see pediatrician at 11:10. Praying it is not his ears. Don't know that I am ready to deal with all that again! Will update later.

Project life - week 11

2010-03-24T09:26:00.000-05:00

A day late again, I know. Tough week.

03/14 - Max got to enjoy his first swing! He was so relaxed and just smiled and cooed the entire time. (Not sure which pic to use ... thoughts?)

03/15 - My 3 big boys enjoying the beautiful spring weather at the park!

03/16 - All 3 of my boys on three different swings - each matching their personality. Miles likes to spin in circles, Max is just enjoying the motion and watching his big brothers. Mason on the big swing and wanting to go as high as he can! (PS Happy 6 month birthday sweet Max!)

03/17 - Across the street from our favorite park is a fire station. We went to peek in the windows at the trucks and an ambulance returned. They invited us in to see the trucks.

03/18 - To help Mommy get through Spring Break week, we got a new Go, Diego, Go toy. The boys were mesmerized for hours!

03/19 -Max loves to hang out in his bed and watch his mobile. He is getting so big already!

Spring Break

2010-03-22T16:16:00.000-05:00

I hate that a week goes by before I realize I have updated the blog!
We were busy busy busy last week with spring break and the beautiful spring weather!
Hard life, I know, but someone has to do it!! :)
We visited at least one playgroup each day (2 some days!) and generally worked to keep the boys ~~worn out~~ entertained.

Today is all about my Bible reading. I am almost up to date. I got caught up early last week and then got really behind. As in I didn't read for about 3 days. I am telling you we were busy busy busy around here. And not at home.
So, I am currently at Acts 21, which is in the middle of day 79's reading. I am supposed to be on day 80 (remember that grace day I am using). So, I have 1 1/2 day's reading to do still today. Should be do-able. I am so excited to be this far. I honestly never thought that I would make it! I will finish on the 30th, which is next Tuesday! I also love that I will finish before Easter!

And, because I cannot end a post without a cute pic ... or 2 or more :)

How can you not SMILE at all that cuteness!!!???!!!

First time on a swing. He LOVED it!

This one just makes me smile. All 3 boys on the swings. (See Mason way up high on the right??)

Project life - week 10

2010-03-16T16:56:00.000-05:00

03/07 - Mason, Miles, Jude and Dylan absorbed in a movie. Good time for the grown-ups to talk.

03/08 - Max sure does love his Nana! :)

03/09 -Max sitting tall and proud in his b0ppy pillow. Next step.... sitting on his own!

03/10 - Sending the boys outside to get a few quiet minutes for mommy = lots of laundry later!

03/11 -More rain. Will it EVER end??? We all put on our rain boots and went outside anyway.

03/12 - Mason's class had a field trip to the Dallas W0rld Aquarium. Mason's favorite things were the jellyfish, sharks and the jaguar!

03/13 - Love the onesie with the tie (notice the frog on the bottom - so cute!), love the chunky thighs, love the sweet baby!

6 months

2010-03-16T14:03:00.002-05:00

I will come back and post more later on this, but wanted to quickly say that Max is 6 months old today.
Sweet boy is feeling bad today and so is mommy (we both have a cold and I have no voice at all. Makes a day with 3 boys very long and pretty frustrating for all of us!).

OK,Max is in bed and Mason and Miles are in PJs and watching a movie.
I had fun taking some pics this afternoon of Max. Hope you enjoy.

Dear Peanut,
12 months ago today......

We found out with 90% certainty that our 2 boy house would become a 3 boy house. Daddy, Mommy and both brothers were all there to find out the news together.

6 months ago today....

You gave me the greatest gift for the third time and made me a mommy again. So much of that day was a blur, but I remember your first cry so crystal clear. I tried so hard to be in-the-moment during the entire day. I think I did that and am trying to savor every day and every moment of your life.

3 months ago today......

Daddy and I celebrated our anniversary and you had your first cookie-decorating party. It was an emotional day in many ways. We lost Mema the day before and I was so happy to have you as a happy distraction!

And today.......

You LOVE to be on your tummy.
You LOVE to watch your brothers.
You have the sweetest smile, the longest eyelashes and biggest brown eyes ever!
You have no teeth still, but are getting close!
You were 3-6month clothes.
You still won't take a bottle, but have started taking some juice out of a cup.
You love to eat - apples, peaches, prunes, sweet potatoes. You hate peas and green beans!
You don't love your carseat, but you tolerate it if your brothers will talk to you.
We are working out a new schedule for you - you have to go to bed earlier to make up for your inconsistent naps.
You are starting to be ok with bathtime and you seem to like showers better than baths.... just like your brothers!
You are so loved!

And, just to freak me out, look what Max has started doing......

Look out! Things are about to get WAY more interesting (read: chaotic) around here. And yes, he pulls his knees up under himself all the time now and no, I didn't pose him that way.

Quiet morning

2010-03-10T19:27:00.000-06:00

It is really quiet around here. Mason is at school. Miles is watching a movie. Max is napping.
Quiet.

Love it!

It has been a long week. I am realizing that as Max gets older, life is getting more difficult. He is awake more. He is not content to just sit (in his highchair, swing, bouncy, etc) and watch the craziness that is our house. He wants to interact, to be a part, to have a toy, to eat (oh, the eating schedule....!!! don't get me started!), to be stimulated. He is close to sitting up and when that happens, it will help me out. Right now, he has to lay to play. He doesn't like to lay and play for very long. The sling is quickly becoming my friend.

He is napping about 2x per day. Unfortunately, no two days look alike in our house, so he has to be flexible with nap times, length, location. Nights have been rough.

Separation anxiety. Neither Mason or Miles really had this. Sure, they would cry occasionally when I drop them off at church or MDO. But, after about 15 seconds they would move on and have fun. Now I get paged almost every single time I drop Max off at church. He is also up quite a bit at night again.

300 posts!

2010-03-10T16:26:00.001-06:00

(Edited to add pics at the bottom.... you WON'T want to miss these!)
This is my 300th post to the blog! I am impressed and shocked all at the same time!
Here is our day, in bullets....

Max slept 12 hours last night. For the 4th night in a row. Hooray for the new schedule that got us to this point!!!!!
Mason had school today. And class pictures. So glad I sent an extra clean white shirt. Why do 3/4/5 year old boys have to wear white shirts to school??
Ran an errand this morning.
Got caught out in a rain/hail storm. Hope my car is ok.
Came home instead of going to the grocery store, got the 2 boys out of the car only to realize the rain had stopped.
Put 2 boys back in the car.
Drive to grocery store.
Baby in BabyBj0rn, Miles in car shopping cart (still can't steer that thing!)
Get groceries without too much trouble.
Getting said groceries in my car with 3 car seats is always a lot of trouble!
Miles helped me bring the groceries in the house. Without even being asked. Such a sweet boy!
While making many trips in and out of garage for groceries, (mom stop reading for a minute) slipped and fell.
Left hip and back not feeling very good.
Max is apparently teething. I say apparently because he is drooling, snot is everywhere (including all over my shirt and his clothes), not napping today, crying all day and screaming like crazy when I put him down.
Did I mention the fall/hip and back hurting? Not good on the day the babe picks to scream like crazy when being put down.
Picked up Mason from school.
Visit to s0nic on the way home for drinks.
Big boys are outside playing.
In the mud.
(mud=more laundry)
Max is finally sleeping (thank you ty1enol and oraje1!).
Mommy is enjoying a few minutes of quiet.
More laundry is totally worth a few minutes of quiet!

Enjoy the 300th post. Just keeping it real about a real day in the life of a real mom of 3 little boys. Glamorous, right????

OK, so after posting, I went out to check on those quiet boys. Should have remained blissfully ignorant and enjoyed my quiet a few more minutes. Here is what I found.....

Please note that Mason's pants are wet/muddy up to the crotch. And notice that I was smart enough to change him out of his white school shirt this time (I didn't Monday. It will never be the same.)
Yes, that is mud in both of their hair. Yes, they are also muddy all up their backs. Yes, our community group meets at church tonight. Yes, I sent them back out to play in the mud some more. Why not at this point. Yes, I really need to go get them showered and fed. Yes, Max picked one minute ago to wake up and scream some more.
Love spring and the rain!

Project life - wk 9

2010-03-10T10:03:00.000-06:00

Ok, so this is a day late. Sorry! Life with 3 is getting crazier by the day!
On to the pics or I will never finish it! More words later :)
02/28 - Happy Birthday to Mommy (a day early). Mason told Mommy's best friend Keely that Mommy needed a chocolate cake. So, she made it happen for me! Thanks Keely! (Note that Mommy told Mason to tell Daddy, but he knew who to go to to make it happen!)

03/01 -Max really liked Mommy's cake. Daddy gave him a little of the chocolate shavings and Mommy gave him some yummy chocolate icing. YUM!

03/02 - My car (Honda P1lot) has had the ABS, VSA, emergency brake and check engine lights intermittently coming on. It took 4 trips to H0nda, 1 dead battery and 1 more replaced battery (in case?) to figure out the braking system computer was the problem.

03/03 - Mason had Preschool chapel at school. They sang several patriotic songs (thus the red, white and blue clothes) and several memory verses. Sweet boy was so cute up there and kept waving to us!

03/04 - Mommy and Miles. A beautiful day outside and a picture taken by Miles with his cheesy "cheese" face. Not sure how to get him to stop making the "cheese" face and just smile at me!

03/05 - A mess. By Miles. Daily. Boy loves to take the books off the shelves. Especially annoying when Mommy has to put them away in case we have a showing!

03/06 - Max's first ride in the big-daddy Ir0n-man B0b double stroller. Looks like he and Miles had a great time and Mommy had a good workout!

B90Days update ... getting close to the NT

2010-03-08T18:57:00.000-06:00

Well, it is day 67 of the Bible in 90 days reading challenge.
I am in the middle of day 65. Not bad really... I allowed myself to miss a day a few weeks ago, so I am only about 1/2 of a day behind. At this minute, I am at Joel 3.

It has been an interesting journey so far.
In some ways, it has been easier than I expected. I have found time in my day to read that I would have wasted time before. I have been more purposeful in my day so that I would have time to spend time in God's word. E got me a Kindle for Christmas and the first download I made was the Bible because I was contemplating taking on this challenge then. My Kindle is easy to take with me and pick up and read in those few minutes in carpool, in line at the bank, etc.
In other ways, it has been harder. There are some days that I just cannot find those few minutes here and there. Or I have a few minutes, but in the rush to get out of the house, I left my Bible and my Kindle at home. Some evenings we are out of the house until late and I don't get to finish the day's reading and have to catch up the next few days. There have been a few days, but very few I am happy to say, that I have not picked up my Bible at all.
Some books are easier to read (Genesis, Exodus, Deuteronomy, Esther, and Ruth were great!) and some, well, some take a lot of perseverance (Numbers, Job, Isaiah, and Ezekiel).

I know that this journey is not about me or my accomplishments. But, it felt really, really good the other day when E saw me reading and saw how far into the Bible I was. He made this comment "Wow baby, you have read really far." It made me proud of myself and what I have been able to do, thanks all to the grace of God.

I want to encourage all of you reading to consider doing this challenge. It is not easy, but it is an attainable goal due to its duration (3 months so you don't get bogged down in it going on too long) and purpose (hello, you are reading God's word. I can't help but believe he will bless you for the efforts and time). I have learned so much through this and have been diligently praying that God would break my heart for the things that break his. I know that can be a dangerous prayer, but I am excited about where he may take me and my family in the next chapter of our lives.

By Wednesday (or Thursday at this point), I will start the New Testament. I am really excited about that!

Hello weekend!

2010-03-05T19:45:00.000-06:00

So glad that it is the weekend finally. Such a busy week!

Tuesday night, we went to an open house at a potential school for Mason next year. We went in with low expectations (and really, I went in not wanting to like it), but were extremely impressed with the teachers. Too impressed. The great part is that it is an option that we had thought closed to us, but it seems like it could be a great option. The right option? Don't know. In fact, I don't even know if there is *one* right option. I really doubt that God is in Heaven saying "If you don't pick this one right school, then I am just not going to bless you or your boys and they are going to fail in life. All because you chose the wrong school."

I received a devotion in my e-mail yesterday that reminded me of this fact. I won't share the whole thing (click here if you want to read more, it really is awesome), but the summary is this:

No matter whether you make the right decision or the wrong one, He will still be there walking with you, loving you, and helping you. Pray about your decision. Read His word. Seek out godly counsel. And then make the best decision you can. Sometimes the biggest decision is to simply make one. Place your trust in Him and rest in the fact that He will meet you on the other side of whatever decision you make.

Isn't that awesome? Gives me peace about all this, for sure.

Mason had swim yesterday afternoon. Miles' class was canceled today (teacher is sick), so we are enjoying hanging out at home.

I put together my Project Life album Wednesday. I LOVE it! So easy and quick. But so fun to have glimpses of our life at this stage with 3 little boys (yes, Nana, including the laundry!!!). Here are a few pics I took of the album for those that were asking.....

This is the first page. I might put a few favorite pics in at the end of the year. But, will leave the top left ("These are the photos that tell a story") and the right one in the middle row ("photos and stories by").

Journaling cards in the middle - I copy these right off the blog. Pics go up and down. Love the designs on the cards.

This is the week of Mason's birthday. I just did a few journaling cards and cropped a few pics of him to fit in the journaling card spaces.

I plan to get a few plain page protectors to put some of their artwork in. (The one on white paper is a volcano erupting. Yes, I had to ask too. The middle one is what Mason wants to be when he grows up - a police man, a fireman and an ambulance driver. The circles are the start of an ambulance's wheels, not boobs. The red next to the big guy's head is the fire.)

And this is what the floor looked like while in progress. I had the blog up to write out my daily journaling. The cards come in neat boxes. There are stickers but I have not used those yet. Yes, my phone and favorite chocolate brown sharpie are close by. Planning to use the same pen all the way through.

It took me about 2 hours to do the first 5 weeks. I expect it to get a bit quicker as I get more comfortable with it.

Project life - week 8

2010-03-02T20:21:00.000-06:00

02/21 - I pulled out the saucer and Max LOVES it!

02/22 - My current favorite thing? Chick-f1l-a sweet tea!

02/23 -- We had a playdate in the mat room at church. The boys had a great time!

02/24 - The unfortunate part about being a third child is that you spend a lot of time in your carseat. Max is a great sport about it though! Most of the time, at least!

02/25 - Mason has started swim lessons again. He loves swimming and I would love to see him join a team in the next few years.

02/26 - Proof that Max is starting to get used to a bottle. At least he is not screaming, even if he is not drinking ot!

02/27 - Miles loves to paint. We played with play-doh and painted today! He is quite serious about his art!

Best. Song. EVER

2010-02-27T12:10:00.002-06:00

Follow the link.....

An Ode to Chick-Fil-A

You'll be glad you did! :)

It's Friday!

2010-02-26T12:47:00.000-06:00

Mason is in school on Fridays and normally Miles has swim lessons (with mom in the pool too, not on his own). Max sits patiently on the side of the pool.
Unless he rolls in.
Which only happens once or twice.

JUST KIDDING! (Don't panic!)
He is snuggled safely in someone's arms in the childcare at the Y.

But, today swim was canceled due to the teacher being sick.
So, we had a sudden home-day. Love love love those!

So, we watched a cartoon, played with play-doh, painted (a pic-ture with his pin-ger of a pig ) (Keely, that giggle is for you!) dinosaurs.

Wait a minute.....did you see what I saw?

In that picture up there.

Yes, Miles is cute and makes a really funny, squinty face every time he sees a camera. Not that though. Something else is.... off.

Hmmmm.... what could it be?

No way.

It is not possible.....

or is it????

Why, yes! Yes it is. Max has a bottle in his mouth and is NOT screaming!
I think that he *almost* looks like he is smiling even!

Now, I am not going to lie and say he really drank much of the bottle, but it is a step in the right direction. He wanted it (to chew on). He drank a bit. He didn't scream. He almost smiled at me.
Makes a momma's heart so very very happy!

Project Life - week 7

2010-02-23T15:35:00.001-06:00

You MUST check out this blog. It is being written by the husband of one of the teachers at Mason's school. The couple travel every summer (and other holidays off school like Spring Break) to Haiti. As you can imagine, he is there now and the work to be done is huge! I hear so much on the news about the needs and the work being done, but it is hard for me to really get a grasp on what needs to be done and how to go about getting it done. Right now, he has a seismic (earthquake) engineer there inspecting individual's homes to see if they are safe to live in so that people can start getting out of tents. Food distributions, physical care of the injured, care for those that are just traumatized. So much to be done. If you want to support them, there is a button on their blog. The wife plans to go spend her Spring Break serving with him (assuming it is still safe to go) and they are saving money for her plane ticket now.

Ok, on to happier things.

If you are keeping track, I skipped last week's Project Life update. Like the week of Mason's birthday, last week will be only pics of the snow (previously posted). 12" was record snowfall for Da11as, so it deserves a whole week! :)
This week's pics....
Sunday - 02/14 Digging out of the snow still. Mason and Miles had a great time filling up their dump trucks with snow and moving it around the yard.

Monday - 2/15 Such a happy boy. Maddox enjoys (quiet) Mondays at home with Mommy while his two big brothers are at preschool.

Tuesday - 2/16 There are few things sweeter than itty-bitty hands and feet. They grow so fast, it takes my breath away!

Wednesday - 2/17 Miles has a(nother) follow-up appointment at the ENT. This one is big.... the tube in his right ear is OUT! It was put in on April 10, 2008 and it finally gone. The left ear is starting to loosen, so hopefully only one more follow-up in 3 months!

Thursday 2/18 I try to capture the boys from different angles. Maddox and Mason have the exact same shape heads and the same bumps in the same places. Love my big-headed babies! :)

Friday 2/19 - Mason's school was canceled last week due to the record snowfall. So, they had their Valentine's party today. He is well loved and even received his first flower from a little girl (Josie) in his class! Be still my heart!
(pic of valentines coming......)

Saturday- 2/20 We have a tradition of lunch at Chick-f1l-A on Daddy-day (aka Saturday). The boys always choose to trade in their toy/book for an ice cream. Can't say that I blame them!

Have a blessed week!

Update - B90Days

2010-02-22T19:49:00.000-06:00

Today is day 53 in my 90 day Bible reading plan. I am on day 52. And I am totally Ok with that.

It is a 90 day plan, but the reading officially takes 88 days and there are 2 days at the end to catch-up. I have decided to use one of my days and with that, I am right on target. Life with 3 little boys, a house for sale, a husband that works a lot, church commitments and my real work (laundry, cleaning, washing faces and hands, changing and washing diapers, fixing meals, cleaning up after meals, nursing the littlest boy that still refuses a bottle....whew!!!) is busy. And I am exhausted.

Max has not been sleeping well. Last night was the worst night we have had since Miles had the on-going ear infections as a babe. Speaking of Miles and his ear infections, you may remember we had tubes put in his ears on April 10, 2008. One is now out and one is still in but starting to move a bit. We expect it to be out by the time he turns 3 in May. I had no idea they would stay in so long. But, he has been amazingly healthy since then, so NO complaints here!

Back to the Bible reading..... I have completed reading through Isaiah 52. I have thoroughly enjoyed the reading so far. But, I have not fully understood Isaiah. I think that this is definitely one book that I will be reading again starting in April and will probably need a study to help me understand more of what is going on in this book.

Mason received his first flower on Valentines Day. From a girl at his school. Be still my heart. I love love love that he is growing up but I just can't handle another girl stealing his sweet, kind, compassionate, big heart away from momma!

Max played with his bottle tonight. Normally he pushes it away or cries when it gets near him. Tonight, he actually played with it a while and even chewed on it a bit. We are starting to make some progress here! Yea!!!

Yes, this is all over the place. I am exhausted and still have to get 2 of 3 boys to bed. Night-night time can't come soon enough tonight. Up tomorrow is an update of my Project Life album.

Mason-ism

2010-02-17T08:00:00.001-06:00

“The button came off of my pants at school! That’s just ridiculous and my mommy does not have a sewer.”
Mason said this to my mom the other day. And, a sewer is a sewing machine. :)

So far.....

2010-02-16T10:20:00.001-06:00

So far this morning, I have (note: started this post before 9am....)

made 3 beds
changed 2 3 diapers
fed the babe (technically twice since he was up at 3am)
swept 2 rooms, one of them ~~twice~~ 3 times
made coffee
drank coffee but have not eaten
checked e-mail
put two contacts in 1 eye and none in the other
spent 10 minutes complaining that my eyes hurt and that I couldn't see right
fixed contacts and felt stupid
had a pity party about my sleep deprivation
remembered that i would miss these days (are you really sure???)
snuggled max a few minutes just in case i do miss these days
kissed miles
told mason i love him
checked for any new house listings

still need to:

dress 3 boys
dress myself
add diapers to the diaper bag
wash cloth diapers
pick up toys and dirty clothes
do several loads of laundry (big surprise, i know)
think about dinner
do Bible reading
start thank you notes from Mason's birthday
nap.... hopefully

I know there is more, but I can't even think about getting anything else done today.
(note: finally finished at 10:20am.)

Edited to add: HAPPY 5 month BIRTHDAY sweet Maddox Ethan!
We love you and I cannot imagine my life and our house without you in it. Your smile lights up the house and my heart. I love to watch you watching your brothers. You are so strong and will be sitting up before we know it. You like rice cereal and applesauce, peaches, prunes (yes, really!) and sweet potatoes. You hate green beans and squash. You refuse to drink from a cup still and let's not even talk about a bottle. (Which means that I have done every feeding, night and day, for 5 long months. Not that I am counting. Nor will I remind you of this fact when you are 5, 12 and at the rehearsal dinner of your wedding.) You are happily in size 3-6 months clothes and size 2 disposable diapers (at night). You look for your mommy more than the other two boys did. You squeal with delight at your brothers, your toys and your daddy. You do not consistently sleep through the night, but we also have not actively worked on making you. You are starting to nap without a swaddle and without your sleep positioner. You are growing far too fast for my heart to take. I love you more than life itself sweet peanut!

Baby push-ups

Punchy

2010-02-15T17:49:00.001-06:00

It has been a long, cold week around here. The boys have not been able to get out of the house and play. Or run off their insane amounts of energy. There have been many attempts to go out, play at different public play areas (McD's, chick-f1l-a, occasionally even the park). Usually, we don't make it very long. Behavior and obedience have gone down with the temps.

We are all a bit punchy.

I have not had a day without the two big boys in several weeks. A few weeks ago, Mason was off on Friday for parent-teacher conferences. Last week, school was cancelled for weather on Friday. Today was President's Day.

And, we have been keeping the house ~~spotless~~ neat in case someone comes to see it. Tough to do with 3 littles and a wee-bit stressful for the momma. I have never been consistent about making the boys beds. I tend to do a toy-sweep twice a day - at naps and at bedtime, but find myself constantly picking up toys, clothes, books, food, cups.... just in case someone calls. It is exhausting. I don't think that our house has ever looked better. I also have no reason to go to the gym. All this work is a workout in itself.

There have been some things said (repetitively) that I feel the need to blog. Just so I remember them in a few years. You know, in a few years when everyone tells me I will look back and miss these days.....
me: "No spitting in the house."
me: "If you need to spit, go outside."
me: "Because I said so!"
me: "No jumping on the bed!"
me: "Why are you naked?" or "Where are your clothes???"
me: "M, put on your underware." (Just using "M" here so as to not implicate the guilty boy.)
Mason: "Can we go outside?" (over and over and over and over)
me: "This is why we can't have nice things!"
me: "How can you be hungry? You just ate!"

I am also half-way through my 90 days challenge to read the Bible all the way through. I have stayed caught-up for the most part. There are days that I do not fully finish my reading but I almost always catch-up within a day or two. Getting the house on the market and Mason's birthday/Max's dedication all in the same week put me behind. But, I worked really hard and got back on track. Last week, I got about a day behind again. Life just got busy (see above about keeping the house clean). So, as of right now, I am working through Saturday's reading. (I am on Psalm 126 to be exact.) I plan to finish Saturday and hopefully most of Sunday's tonight.
Tuesday: the remainder of Sunday's and all of Monday's.
Wednesday: Tuesday and half of Wednesday
Thursday: remainder of Wednesday and Thursday
(this schedule is mostly for my own reference. i like a checklist).
The other thing about this plan is that the actual reading takes 88 days. There are 2 "grace" days at the end. So, if I just cannot get caught up and am 1 day behind, that is ok. It still gets me finished in time.

The first half of this plan has been awesome. I have been immersed in God's word (almost) daily. I have truly enjoyed reading the Bible like a novel - in huge chunks rather than my usual 1-2 chapters. I understand more of what happened and am putting pieces together. I read all of Esther in one sitting. That story is awesome and Esther was one brave, smart, dedicated lady. The psalms are interesting. Some are uplifting, some sorrowful, some pleading and some adoring God. All are beautiful. Numbers was tough. Deuteronomy was interesting.
My goal in the second half (other than to stay on top of my reading and not get behind) is to find a set time each day that is my study time. I think that is why I fall behind so often - I do not have a set time. I read as I can through the day. Some days, I honestly do not sit down until the boys are in bed at night, so many 9pm. At that point, I have no energy left and cannot focus on the words. Max is not consistently sleeping through the night, so getting up early in the mornings is beyond challenging still. Because of the inconsistent sleep, I take their nap time to take a nap too many days. It is really the only way I am making it through the chaos of having 3 little boys under the age of 4 5. (Keep forgetting that Mason had a birthday.)
The goal of finding a set time to do a study is so that starting in April, I will not go back to business as usual and become horribly inconsistent in my study of God's word. There are many passages I would like to read again, in greater depth, and really think about. I would love to do a study of Esther. I am sure other passages will inspire me in the next 45 days as well. What is your favorite book or passage in the Bible?

And, just because I can't end a post without a single picture of my three beauties.....which big brother does Max look like most these days.... big brother Mason or middle brother Miles????

The Aftermath

2010-02-12T14:26:00.000-06:00

Just a few hours after taking the pics in the previous post, this is what the yard looked like.... wet but much more normal. Trees are standing up straight rather than bent in half.

This is what the backyard looked like just a few weeks ago...

And.........today again.

Eric thought it would be funny to make a lady snowman (snowlady?) complete with boobs. Yeah, if you look close you can see her in that pic above. (FYI, you can click on any pic to make it larger.) Boys....!

The aftermath of the storms is not only evident in our yard, it is also evident inside.

Trains and train tracks in the entryway.

More trains, cars, tools, tractors, an RV and ride-ons all in the living room.

Apparently something needed to be fixed in the boy's closet. Maybe the train table. Not sure why they couldn't keep the trains in their room on the train table instead of bringing them all out to the entry and living room.

I stepped outside a bit ago to take the updated pictures and it almost seems like it is raining. The snow is constantly falling out of the trees (as snow and water) sounding like rain. It is almost dangerous to stand under the trees as some is falling out as ice in huge chunks. Branches are swaying around and bouncing around as it falls. It is a bit eerie. The boys really want to get out and play in the snow again before it melts, but they would be soaking wet if they went out right now.

I have been fighting a headache all day, so I am going to take a nap while the boys (all 3!!!) are asleep. :)

+12"

2010-02-12T10:15:00.000-06:00

Over 12" of snow here. It is the largest snowfall Dallas has ever seen in a 24 hour period. Crazy!!
The area we live in has huge, old trees. They are beautiful and provide a lot of protection from the hot summer sun. However, apparently they do not mix well with snow and ice.

The limb on this tree was touching the walk to our house. Our neighbor's tree limbs were also touching the street.

The view down our street to the west.

Miles tromping through the snow in the street. It was up to his knees.

Mason in front of our neighbor's house. The don't have any trees on this side of their yard, so it was easy to see the 12" of snow.

Mommy and Max. (Yes, Nana, he had on a coat, a blanket, a hat, warm socks and warm PJs. No, he was not out long. :) )

Our house. Just a few limbs down. Looks beautiful!!

This one is for our neighbor that is out of town. They lost some HUGE limbs and their power was been out since midnight. We are lucky to still have power, it seems!

Our backyard and driveway. Normally the crepe myrtles behind the fence are significantly taller than the power lines. Only a few limbs lost back there.

And just because I couldn't resist those beautiful blue eyes....

unexpected snow!!!

2010-02-11T12:07:00.000-06:00

Daddy and Miles built a snowman before school this morning. Mason just enjoyed running in the snow so no pics of him. Max was not sure what to think of it all.
It is noon and still snowing so hard! I am sure tomorrow will be bad (on the roads at least) but it is fun and so beautiful today. Mason has swim lessons (indoor, heated pool...no worries!) in a bit and then we pick up Miles at 2:30.

Project Life - week 5

2010-02-09T22:04:00.000-06:00

Can't believe I have not posted since last Wednesday.
Well, here are this week's Project Life pics.

1/31 - We put our house on the market today. I love this house and have brought all 3 of our babies home here. I am anxious to see what God has in store for our family next.

2/1 - Grandpa and Miles love to watch movies together.

2/2 - No teeth yet, but Max sure does love to chew on his fingers! Plus, look at those sweet baby fat rolls!

2/3 -Sweet boy just started rolling onto his tummy and loves to play this way now. He is such a joy!

2/4 - Hot dog, hot dog, hot diggity dog! Doing the Mouska-Dance!

2/5 - Nosam or Mason? Mason put his name on this visor. He was so proud! But I just don't know what to think.

2/6 -Mason loves puzzles. I am so proud of him for doing this 50-piece puzzle all by himself. He didn't even look at the picture, he just figured it out as he went. Such a smart boy!!!

Also, I missed doing this yesterday.... I am up to date on my Bible reading. I am 39 days into 2010 and 30 days into the Bible. I completed Psalm 24 last night. In just a few more days, I will be halfway through the Bible. WOW! I have learned that weekends are the hardest time for me to get my reading completed, so I am going to try to get a little ahead at the end of each week so that I am not playing catch up on each Monday and maybe Tuesday.

Wordless Wednesday

2010-02-03T13:26:00.000-06:00

Nennie, my sweet 88-year-old Grandmother and Max

Aunt Tara and the birthday boy

Crazy, wonderful Miles... in his "dirt shirt"

My boys. Please don't grow up too fast. This momma's heart can't take it!!!

(Yes, I stink at the "wordless" part of wordless wednesday. Shoot me.)

Project Life - week 4

2010-02-02T16:05:00.002-06:00

I decided to do something a bit different this week for Project Life. In honor of Mason's birthday (and because the week was SO crazy that I forgot to take pics most days.... shhhh!), this week is all about him and his 5th birthday!
Also this week, we also dedicated Miles' life to the Lord so there is a picture of that included as well..
Monday, Jan 25 - Mason celebrated his birthday by taking cupcakes for his classmates.

Tuesday, January 26 - Mason turns 5. At his request, we have cinnamon rolls for breakfast. We put a candle in his and sang Happy Birthday to him for the first time today! We had dinner and play time at Chick-Fil-A.

Sat, Jan 30 - Party time! He wanted a construction theme and I found this shirt for him. It says "I dig being 5"

Construction hats, tool belts, toy hammers, tractor stickers - all the kids enjoyed their favors throughout the party

What's a party without cake??? By the time we had dinner and were ready to have cake, the tractors had been moved around the cake a bit!

One tired boy after a fun-filled party with lots of family and friends.

Maddox's dedication to the Lord. Since we attend a large church, they encourage us to do our baby dedications in our homes with our community around it. I love doing it this way as it is so personal and we are able to include the scriptures we wanted and have several family members participate.

Just a wee bit behind - B90Days

2010-02-01T13:09:00.001-06:00

My heart is full today.
I just looked through the pictures from Maddox's dedication and Mason's 5th birthday party.
I will share more soon, but here's a sneak peek....

Is that not the cutest cake you have ever seen????

After the party ended Saturday night and we got the house put back together, we officially listed our house for sale. It is a bittersweet decision, but we are trusting God on this one. We honestly have no idea where we will end up and are looking in about 3 different areas of town.

Because of all the craziness this week, I got a bit behind on my Bible reading. Remember that plan to read it in 90 days? Yeah. I spent every quiet (or half-quiet) moment reading and catching up yesterday. I almost made it. I ended the day with just 7 chapters left in yesterday's reading. So, I am about to do that and today's reading now. While Max is sleeping. And Mason and Miles are at school/MDO. LOVE a quiet house.

(Updated: finished yesterday's reading. On to today's. Will have read thru 2 Chronicles 23 by bedtime tonight!)

Ok, here's ~~one~~ two more.....(I can't leave the middle child out or Uncle Kelley will call me out on it!)

Max at 4 months

2010-01-28T21:34:00.001-06:00

Today we (finally) had Max's 4 month check-up and Mason's 5-year check-up at the pediatrician.
Whew! Two appointments at once is interesting......

Anyway, here are Max's stats (at almost 4 1/2 months)
weight: 15lb 3 oz (50%)
length: 26" (85%)
head: 42.6 (55%)
He got 2 shots and 1 oral vaccine. It all must have kicked in tonight because at about 6:30, he didn't want to eat (really odd behavior from the boy that won't take a bottle) and just cried and cried. Very unusual for him.

Mason's stats at 5 years old:
weight: 47 lb 2 oz (80%)
height: 44 1/2" (80%)
When do you go from saying length to height? Just wondering......
Mason got the H1N1 mist today and suddenly has a cough. I am blaming the crazy weather, but it is hard not to think that they are linked somehow.

Well, it is 9:30pm and I did not do my bible reading yesterday and have not started today's either. Better get on that. If I get too far behind, I know that I will not be able to catch up!

Wordless Wednesday

2010-01-27T15:01:00.000-06:00

I've been picture heavy around the blog lately.... but here is one more to make you smile :)

Mason and his teacher, Mrs. Dillard

This woman is a saint! She gives each student a hug each morning and I often hear her telling the students that she loves them. She is patient and kind to a bunch (9) of 4-year-olds that I am sure push her to the limits at times. But I have only heard her calm, sweet and collected. I strive to be more like her.

And, her classroom is awesome! I want to be in preschool again!

Five!

2010-01-26T11:05:00.000-06:00

5 years ago today....... about to leave for the hospital to become Mommy

4 years ago......1 year old - "Where the Wild Things Are" pajama brunch

3 years ago .... 2 years old - party at the Little Gym

2 years ago .... 3 years old - the obsession with Thomas begins. Our first train party

1 year ago .... 4 years old (Mason was about to tell everyone his special birthday surprise from mommy and daddy: "Mommy has a baby in her tummy!")

today ..... 5 years old!!!!!

Happy Birthday sweet Mason! You hold a special place in my heart that no one else will ever have. My first born - you made me a mommy. You fulfilled my life-long dream of motherhood. You push me, you stretch me, you amaze me, you frustrate me, you make me laugh, you make me wonder, you remind me how fun it is to be a kid, you bring out sides of me I never knew existed - like how much I enjoy soccer games (when you are playing, of course), fishing, running around just because it is fun, going down slides, playing legos, reading and making up silly stories, coloring, building new houses, learning. You have such a sweet, sensitive heart. I pray you never lose that but also that you learn to use it to glorify and serve God all the days of your life.

I love you Mace-a-Roni!

Mommy

Project life

2010-01-26T09:11:00.002-06:00

Just a quick update so I keep up with this project. Loving it, by the way!

1/17 - Wrestling with daddy on the floor. What a great way to spend a morning!

1/18 - Sweet Maddox is getting so strong and is doing a great job holding his head up. And, look at those sweet, chubby thighs! And, the cute cloth diaper! :)

1/19 - Poor Max is struggling with teething. This is how I see him most of the time - two fingers shoved into his mouth. Hope they pop through soon and give him some relief!

1/20 - Nana and Maddox. Her brown-eyed grandson.

1/21 - Always SO happy.... unless his gums hurt, of course! Love that sweet smile!

1/22 - Curious Mason. He is becoming such a big boy right before my eyes. So curious and inquisitive. He understands more and more about the world each day.

short update

2010-01-25T12:40:00.000-06:00

Ok, here we go....
today's update will be short. more later, i hope!

mason: 5 years ago today, eric and i were talking with my ob, family and close friends and trying to decide what to do tomorrow ... induce labor or go straight for a c-section. ultimate decision? c-section. 5 years, 2 more c-sections, 28+ hours of labor with baby #2, and failed vbac (vaginal birth after caeserean) later..... shouldn't have stressed it so much. my body? NOT made for babies coming out the conventional method.
max and i took cupcakes to mason's school today for snack time. kids loved them. only one (not mason) complained that his did not have enough icing. love love love his teacher. good time!

miles: well, he's miles. more about him on another day. :)

max: teething, apparently. like two bottom teeth are ready to come through, naps not happening, screaming when he is put down (where did my happy, laid-back child go and when is he coming back???), not eating well, drooling and spit-up flying. yeah. what a weekend it has been!

me: Bible in 90 days reading is going well! I missed reading at all on friday, but read extra saturday and sunday and am almost caught up. i have an extra 1 1/2 chapters to read today but plan to do that in just a few minutes while the house is quiet. when today's reading is finished, i will have read through 1 kings 16. wow! 25% of the way through and it has been awesome! so proud of myself for sticking with this one!

well, max is up and screaming his little head off. that would be less than an hour nap. all day so far. lord help me!

Updates - Bible in 90 days & Project life

2010-01-19T15:36:00.000-06:00

Ok, my two updates.....
I am still up-to-date in my bible reading. I have finished the first 18 days, which puts me mostly thru Judges. E has been so encouraging and that really helps. I have been finishing my reading most nights and he has sat up with me while I read. That helps so much!

And, Project Life.... I am not sure about the kits. I got mine here. The website said they will be available again 1/22, so keep watching that site (Misty and Tara!).

1/10 - Max has started getting active and getting control of his hands. It is so fun to watch him start to explore the world around him!

1/11 - This shirt was one of my favorites on Mason. And, the face Max is making (sucking on his bottom lip) is classic Mason. Makes me so nostalgic and miss my biggest boy being a baby!

1/12 - This is about as close as Max will get to a bottle. Silly boy just won't take a bottle - not milk, juice, water....nothing! What's a momma to do???

1/13 - Laundry. Laundry. Laundry. It is everywhere! I try to keep up, but when I get behind and let it pile up for a few days, this is what a marathon session looks like.....

1/14 - Mason made Miles' lunch for MDO for me. It included (lots of) Cheerios, a cereal bar, peaches, Spidey-treat and apple juice. Everything was put into its own container and ready to go. Sweet sweet boy helping mom and looking out for little brother! He's growing up too fast!

1/15 - Not to be outdone, Miles shows off his brotherly love for baby Max. Well, that and his super-cheesy "cheese" face for the camera! :)

1/16 - Happy 4 month birthday sweet Max! I can't believe it has been 4 months already. I was going to hold off on solids, but since you have decided to add a midnight feeding back into the routine, we decided it was time! You are NOT a fan of rice cereal, but love apples.

Well, that is our week in pics. Laundry is waiting for me, today's bible reading is not yet started, but it is a beautiful 70 degree day outside, so we are going to spend the afternoon the same way we spent most of the morning - outside!!!!

Project 365

2010-01-13T14:57:00.000-06:00

I really need a new project.
Not much is going on around the house these days... ha.
Ahem.
I am doing Project Life.
The way it works is you take one picture (at least) per day, every day and do a quick journal about it. I am really enjoying it and getting into the habit of taking a picture a day is proving to be the most difficult part. Well, that and choosing just one picture from each day to include!
I am trying to capture shots that really will remind me what life with three little boys is like....the good, the bad and the ugly. For example, today's pic is of my overflowing laundry - clean and folded, but still sitting on my counter tops.
I am really not doing this new project justice, but you can read more about it here.
In order to keep myself up to date, hre is my first week of pictures:
1/3 - my boys. about to take down the tree

1/4 - harmonicas. a gift from Grandpa

1.5 -handsome boy

1/6 - project life arrives

1/7 - bedtime

1/8 - bedtime story with Daddy

1/9 - watching the "Puppy movie" - Airbuds

Day 10 of 90

2010-01-11T13:26:00.000-06:00

I have completed the first 10 days of the Read the Bible in 90 days challenge.

I hesitated to post about it here or even tell friends or E about it. I wasn't sure that I could do it and didn't want to have to tell people that I couldn't do it. So, I kept it to myself for a few days to see how it would go.

I shocked myself because I truly enjoyed it. I felt that I was not just getting through each day, playing games and doing puzzles that are mindless. I had a goal and adult reading to do each and every day. I enjoy the challenge. I enjoy reading the bible in larger chunks. It honestly flows better and parts read more like a novel than I thought it would.

So, at just 10 days into the challenge (today is day 11 and I am about to get started on that while the house is still quiet), I have read all of Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus and through chapter 8 of Numbers.

As a side note, let me just warn anyone wanting to read Leviticus, do not do so near, during or after meal time. The sacrifices are pretty disgusting. Maybe this will turn out to be a great diet plan too.....

Off to read Numbers 9-21:7 :)

Marshmallows

2010-01-06T17:47:00.001-06:00

What I said: Boys, do not eat the marshmallows off the art project. They have glue on them.

What I thought: Sigh. If only that was the first time I have had to say that. I totally have to blog it though!

Playing catch-up and blogging about some randomness happening around here

2010-01-05T09:14:00.000-06:00

Thus starts the blog post with the longest title I have ever used. Get ready, this is a really random one.

Oh Miles! I know that I say it several (dozen?) times a day! Yesterday, it came from Miles' Mother's Day Out teachers. He gets a "Here's What I did Today" paper each school day. It lets moms know if your child ate, slept, helped out, etc. It has an open spot at the bottom for "Additional Teacher Comments". I have had some interesting ones through the years from both Mason and Miles' teachers. Yesterdays:
"Oh Miles, :) he is such a Comic Relief that is much needed through out the day! :)"
That is verbatim. Including the caps on Comic Relief. Not sure if I should be happy, flattered or punish him for something crazy he did!

-----------------------------------------------------
Mason has picked up on the fact that E and I spell things that we don't want him to hear us talk about. Such as:
E: Should we take the boys to the p-a-r-k? (Yes, we always call the playground the park. It is much shorter to spell. We started that when Mason was little and will always call a playground a park in our house.)
K: Lunch at c-h-i-c? (That is our shorthand for Chick-fil-a. We go to the same couple of places and are apparently lazy in our spelling. :) )

Mason's school doesn't start back until today and since he only goes on M-W-F, he will start tomorrow. Can't wait. I mean, I enjoyed a little one-on-one time with my eldest yesterday. Really, I did. He is easy-peasy when Miles is not around. Anyway. So, yesterday, on the way to pick up Miles from MDO, Mason told me "Let's go to x-w-e-l-m after we pick up Miles."
Me: Where do you want to go? (laughing because I know he's picked up on the spelling)
M: To the park. m-k-w-z-a
They get too smart too soon in my world!
----------------------------------------------------
And,just because I don't want to leave him out, Max is doing awesome. He loves his brothers and is getting big so quickly! He has started spitting up a crazy amount in the last couple of weeks. Reminds me of Miles. (I know. I know.) The good news is that it does not seem to bother him in the least. I am doubting myself about it though wondering if it is a normal amount of spit-up for a baby (and maybe Miles' was too?) and I am just overreacting or if it is truly a lot of spit up. Anyone have any thoughts?
Miles goes for his 4-month check-up later this month and Mason has his 5-year check-up at the same time. I have never taken two boys for appointments at the same time. Should be interesting. (I have taken 2 boys in at one time, but only one would have to been seen at any given appointment.)
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I also have a meeting tomorrow for the class I help teach at our church. So, I am going to take Miles to the Adventure K1ds Playcare center near our house. I have heard good things about it. I am anxious to see how he does. If MDO is any indication, he will provide Comic Relief. :)
------------------------------------------------------
Mason and Dylan are going to do private swim lessons at the Y this spring again to get them ready for the summer season. I am going to do a mommy-and-me class with Miles in the spring as well. In summer, he will be 3 and able to get in the pool by himself. Can't wait to see if he is as good a swimmer as big brother. Also anxious for him to actually be able to swim when he launches himself off the steps or side of the pool when I have a baby in my arms and am NOT ready to catch him!

It is going to be a crazy start to the year!
I think I need a nap!
But, I have bible reading to do. I got about 5 chapters ahead yesterday. That should help! :)

Have a great day!

2010

2010-01-04T13:47:00.000-06:00

I can't believe it is 2010! So many thoughts and pics to post from the holidays.
But, for today I am just going to do a short list of things I want to accomplish in 2010.
That way I can go back at the end of the year and see how I did.

It is a short list. But, with 3 busy boys and a life that is about to get even busier (more on that later in the month), I need short lists.

1. Spend more time with my God. In doing so, I am reading the entire Bible through. In 90 days. Crazy? Maybe. Serious? Absolutely. I just finished today's reading. So far this year (4 days) I have finished Genesis.

2. Spend more time with my family. I don't want to just be in the room or house with my boys. I want to be more consistently on the floor with them. Building train tracks, playing cars, playing games, reading books, doing puzzles, doing nothing (yeah, right....!) just being together. I don't want to just go along through life with Eric, I want to enjoy life with him by my side. I want to talk more, share more, be one. I want to know my nieces and nephew better. My sisters-in-law better. My brothers (as adults) better. These are the relationships that go with stay with me my entire life. (Sorry family! You are stuck with me till the end!)

3. Spend more time with friends. Again, intentional time. Talking. Sharing life. Being accountable to each other and holding each other to higher standards. Asking the hard questions and being ok with being asked hard questions.

That is about it. Simple. Concise. Achievable.

Merry CHRISTmas!

2009-12-24T08:00:00.000-06:00

From our family to yours!

Happy Birthday Papa

2009-12-22T08:00:00.001-06:00

Just wanted to send a quick happy birthday to Papa!
Your grandsons love you bunches!

Max rolled over!

2009-12-21T15:02:00.000-06:00

Max rolled over this morning. I have not actually seen him do it previously, but know he has done it in his bed a time or two. I put him on his tummy for tummy-time this morning, stepped into our bedroom and right back and he was off his blanket and on his back. Put him back on his tummy and over he went. Ran to get the camera and told the big boys about it accomplishment. They came to cheer him on and roll with him. Camera battery - dead!!
Will try again later today.....

Random pics

2009-12-18T08:00:00.000-06:00

This is the crane with a wrecking ball that Mason bought with his own money. $10.81 in change. Mostly quarters. The cashier at Tar-jay was not excited.

Max sitting in the bumb0 seat.

Max's finished room. The last piece to go up was the framed animal prints spelling out his name. LOVE the way they turned out. Thanks Irini! :)

This is how he greets me after each and every nap. All smiles!

Happily watching his mobile. Sweet sweet boy!

Mason-isms

2009-12-17T11:31:00.000-06:00

Since I need a little humor in my life today......

This morning when Mason was in the shower:
M: Daddy, I don't like soap.
E: You don't like the taste?
M: No, I just don't like soap.

Soccer

2009-12-17T07:00:00.000-06:00

So, I realized that I have not posted any pics of Mason playing soccer this fall.

Getting his first ever trophy at the end-of season party.

Thanks to Coach Travis for a great season!!!

Mema

2009-12-15T20:21:00.001-06:00

In Loving Memory
Irene Johnson -- "Mema"
October 21, 1923 - December 15, 2009

This picture hung in my grandparents den until just a few months ago. Yes, that is me at just a few months old. :)

Originally posted on January 2, 2008

Christmas 2005 - Mema in her apron. She had probably been cooking and preparing for days!

I have had two amazing women that have been a huge influence in my life. They are my two grandmothers. Nennie (my mom's mother) is 86 and Mema (my dad's mother) is 84. I have been thinking about both of them so much lately. Maybe that is a product of their age, and maybe it is a product of mine. Today, I have had my thoughts on Mema. She is an amazing woman. She was able to spend Christmas day with our family - her 2 children, 3 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. Unfortunately, she had absolutely no idea who we all were. She has advanced alzheimers and is in her own world. But, that is not what I want to dwell on today. I refuse to remember her as the shell of a person that the terrible disease has made her. I remember her strong. She was a devoted wife, mother, sister, and grandmother. She taught me how to bake -- her homemade rolls and pecan pies (with the most perfect, flaky crusts that you can imagine) were out of this world. She was a lady through and through. Until very recently, she wore dresses every single day and only put on pants to work in the garden or in the yard.

Colorado .... mid 1990s. Mema is on the left

Her faith in God carried her through many tragedies -- the death of her husband, mother, son and sister. She cared for each one of them through long illnesses and I never once heard her complain or ask why her. She had an amazing spirit, a fire in her. The family house had a large back yard and they had chickens in the yard. Apparently, one pecked at my oldest brother when he was a young boy and she went out and immediately wrung its neck (literally). She didn't wait on the men, she didn't blame my brother for doing something to the chicken, she defended her grandson and took care of the situation. It really makes me laugh to picture the situation. Chicken Little was dinner that night. I loved spending time at their house growing up. There was always plenty of family there. I learned so much from her. I learned the importance of family and God. I learned how to cook (or at least I tried!!!).

I watched her live out Proverbs 31:25 She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. 26 She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. 27 She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. 28 Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: 29 "Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all." 30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. 31 Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

She is all these things and then some. She is to be praised for the life she lived and the witness she provided. My prayer is that she does receive the reward she has earned and that she meet my Grandaddy, Uncle Rickey, Mama (her mother) and Aunt Pat at the heavenly gates very quickly.

She is celebrating in Heaven tonight with all those family members and more. When I originally wrote that post, I had no idea that it would be almost 2 more years before she would leave us. It has been 2 very long years for her. I am so sad tonight that she is gone. But, I am so happy for her that she is well, whole, happy and in the presence of God.

Did you notice?

2009-12-15T07:00:00.001-06:00

On this post, did you notice this picture?

Does anything seem different?

Look closely.....

Yep, that is a cloth diaper. :) Isn't it CUTE????

I have one friend that is cloth diapering. From talking to her, I decided that my biggest objection to it was the laundry. But let's face it. I do tons of laundry. Just ask my Nennie. She agrees. So, I decided to try this thing called cloth diapering.
I gave myself until Max was 6 weeks old to ease into having another child without having to worry about diapers. But, at 6 weeks I started. Very slowly. Now, Max is 12 weeks old and I am really starting to love it. The laundry is not a big deal. I love not having to run to the store for diapers all the time. (Plus, it is way cheaper in the long run!) And, isn't that little bum the cutest???? Baby girls can wear cute bloomers over their diapers. Boys - not so much. This gives me a little taste of that!

Yes, he will TOTALLY hate these pictures when he is older. But, I am the mommy. I get to take embarrassing pictures. That's my job, right? :) Oh, and isn't his cloth diaper SO cute???

I have gotten all our diapers at www.kellyscloset.com. I love this site and right now:

www.KellysCloset.com has just lowered their free shipping to orders of $49 and up for the holidays.
For a limited time, www.KellysCloset.com is offering a FREE Econobum diaper with a $50 or more purchase.
www.OneSizeDiaperStore.com and www.FuzziBunzOnline.com have free shipping on ALL orders

Go check it out! :)

You Know You're a Mother When ...

2009-12-14T12:47:00.001-06:00

You Know You're a Mother When ...
(No, I didn't write this. But I did find most of these true! Found it here.)

-You count the sprinkles on each kid's cupcake to make sure they're equal.
-You have time to shave only one leg at a time.
-You hide in the bathroom to be alone.
-Your kid throws-up and you catch it.
-Someone else's kid throws up at a party. You keep eating.
-As you cling to the high moral ground on toy weapons; your child chews his toast into the shape of a gun.
-You hope ketchup is a vegetable, since it's the only one your child eats.
-You find yourself cutting your husband's sandwiches into cute shapes.
-You hear your mother's voice coming out of your mouth when you say, "NOT in your good clothes!"
-You stop criticizing the way your mother raised you.
-You donate to charities in the hope that your child won't get that disease.
-You hire a sitter because you haven't been out with your husband in ages, then spend half the night checking on the kids.
-You use your own saliva to clean your child's face.
-You say at least once a day, "I'm not cut out for this job", but you know you wouldn't trade it for anything.
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It has been a week since I posted. Things have been busy. I know, everyone is busy.
Here's a quick recap......
Mason had several events at school last week and one was his second field trip. They visited the Dallas Children's Theater to see a Christmas puppet show.
This is the boys last week of school for the year. So sad because I have so much to do still! So, Thursday is Miles' last day and party. Friday is Mason's last day and party. Trying to enjoy the quiet in the house today. It will not be this quiet again until Wednesday, January 6th. Not that I am counting. Really.
We saw Santa this weekend. The big boys smiled and no tears. Max was not a fan of the big guy. Really, it was just cold. And he was tired. And hungry. I planned well, huh? Mason asked for a boat and helicopter. Miles asked for a motorcycle. Seriously. Don't we ALL think that would be a great idea???
Max will be 3 months old on Wednesday. I can't believe how quickly time is going by. In just one more month he can start eating cereal and other fun foods. It felt like getting to that point with Mason took forever. (And truth be told, we didn't even wait until 4 months with him!) Max seems too small to start eating solids. Odd.
Wednesday is also our 9th wedding anniversary. So, for all of you that were there 9 years ago, go ahead and think it .... "9 years??? already???? wow!!" I know. It does not feel like it has been 9 years. It snowed/iced that week - remember? Our wedding day was gorgeous but windy and so cold.

OK, that's all for now. Have to find a few more gifts for the boys. Not a motorcycle though. He is only 2 for pete's sake! I know, call me mean mommy...!

The good and the bad

2009-12-08T17:37:00.001-06:00

The good: The rain stopped and the sun is shining!
The bad: The boys are outside playing in inches of mud!

The good: At least they are occupied and out of my hair!
The bad: Did I mention the mud? It attracts my boys!

The good: The tree is up and the lights all work!
The bad: The ornaments and other decorations? Still in the boxes.

The good: Max is eating and sleeping well.
The good: We have about 5 different kinds of bottles in the pantry.
The bad: Max STILL will not take a bottle.

The good: Christmas shopping is over halfway done.
The bad: 17 days left. Christmas cards are not out yet. Or Max's birth announcements for that matter. Look for them in the same envelope friends!

The good: The laundry is all washed, dried and folded.
The bad: Notice that I said nothing about being put away.
On a side note, my 88-year old grandmother, who had three children herself and no high-capacity front-load washer, ~~swears~~ (she doesn't talk that way) says that she has never seen a family with more laundry than us. I blame this on the three boys in our house that go through multiple changes of clothes most days. Why? you may ask..... refer to the first two good/bad scenarios up there. Yeah, those two about the rain and mud. Good times. My mom keeps telling me that I will miss these days. I seriously doubt that I will ever miss the constant mounds of laundry!

The good: Thankfully, they were not real scissors!
The bad: I walked in to find Miles with a pair of scissors to his hair.

The Polar Express - In pictures

2009-12-05T17:01:00.000-06:00

Nana, Papa and Max on the train

Mason holding his train ticket

Mommy, Daddy and Miles

The train car

Singing Christmas Carols

Miles and Nana

There was only one meltdown. Yes, we took pics!

Dancing in the aisles, literally!

After visiting the North Pole, the big man himself boarded the train.

Talking to Santa

Max was fascinated with Santa's beard and hat.

Mason

2009-12-03T18:38:00.000-06:00

I haven't written about just Mason in a while...
He is 4 years, 10 months old.
He is still a picky eater and is happy eating the same few things daily. He loves apple jacks, pop tarts, PBJs, nuggets, hot dogs (bun the bun and dog are only eaten separately), steak, fries and chetchup (ketchup), grapes, apples, cheese crackers and cheese chips (cheez its and doritos, not cheetos), turkey-crackers (lunchables), corn and peas. He hates pizza, not big on cheese, most veggies, corn dogs and mac and cheese. (Still not sure how he came out of me and doesn't like cheese!!!) Occasionally he will eat spaghetti & meatballs, but no other type of pasta. Odd, I know.
He loves trains (still), cars, tractors of all kinds, tools, wearing my work gloves, riding bikes with daddy (he rides on a trail-a-bike), watching cartoons (especially tom and jerry, handy manny and dinosaur train). He is an awesome big brother and I often have to remind him to be gentle with Max and only kiss his head!

this morning, while we were riding in the car:
M: My head hurts.
Me: I'm sorry. Why does your head hurt?
M: It's full of air.

Huh????
------------------------
Tomorrow, we are going here. We're riding the Polar*Express train. We'll be wearing our pjs, drinking hot chocolate and meeting Santa. I CAN'T WAIT!!! :) We have not told the boys yet so I have been sneaking around all afternoon packing our things for an overnight away. Should be great fun and an awesome chance to get the perfect Christmas card pic. So glad we paid the extra $4 per person for the "climate controlled" car. Tomorrow's low temp? 27. BRRRRR!!!!

Have a wonderful Friday!

Why Jesus is better than Santa

2009-12-02T09:18:00.000-06:00

Have you seen this?

"Why JESUS is Better Than Santa Claus!"

Santa lives at the North Pole... JESUS is everywhere.

Santa rides in a sleigh... JESUS rides on the wind and walks on the water.

Santa comes but once a year... JESUS is an ever-present help.

Santa fills your stockings with goodies... JESUS supplies all your needs.

Santa comes down your chimney uninvited... JESUS stands at your door and knocks, and then enters your heart.

You have to wait in line to see Santa... JESUS is as close as the mention of His name.

Santa lets you sit on his lap... JESUS lets you rest in His arms.

Santa doesn't know your name, all he can say is "Hi little boy or girl, what's your name?"... JESUS knew our name before we did. Not only does He know our name, He knows our address too. He knows our history and future and He even knows how many hairs are on our heads.

Santa has a belly like a bowl full of jelly... JESUS has a heart full of love.

All Santa can offer is HO HO HO... JESUS offers health, help and hope.

While Santa says "You better not cry"... JESUS says "Cast all your cares on me for I care for you."

Santa's little helpers make toys... JESUS makes new life, mends wounded hearts, repairs broken homes and builds mansions.

Santa may make you chuckle but...JESUS gives you joy that is your strength.

While Santa puts gifts under your tree... JESUS became our gift and died on the tree.

Its obvious there is really no comparison. We need to remember WHO Christmas is all about. We need to put Christ back in Christmas, Jesus is still the reason for the season. Yes, Jesus is better, he is even better than Santa Claus!

Merry CHRISTmas!!!

Laundry baskets and ministry

2009-12-01T13:51:00.001-06:00

True confessions..... I sometimes think that I miss the old days. I sometimes miss the days when Eric and I were free to pick up and go somewhere on a weekend. I sometimes miss the days when the house was quiet. At times it was too quiet, but I didn't think that often - I love a quiet house. And a neat house. I oftentimes miss how tidy our house was. You know, before kids.

But, the thing that makes my heart hurt at times is when I miss doing ministry. One of the most memorable and difficult trips we went on was to Tur*key. We went with a team and ministered to special needs kids in an orphanage. It was hard. It was sickening at times. I don't think that I will ever forget the smell when I walked in the first day. I don't think I will ever forget holding the most precious, tiny, fragile little boy in my arms. I held him for several hours and prayed for him, sang to him and just tried to give him the love of a momma that he would never get to experience. Even now, my heart breaks for that little boy. I was not a mother then. It was 2002 and Eric and I had been married for less than 2 years.

I remember how exhausting that trip was. Emotionally, physically and spiritually exhausting. I remember feeling used by God on that trip. I remember feeling that I wanted to do more. More ministry. More trips. More love.

I have struggled to feel used by God in the last 5 years. It is so hard to minister to others when you have 3 little ones at home that need you. I have been told many times that my ministry is in my home right now. For this season of life, my kids and my home and my husband are my ministry. I always agreed when I heard it said, but rolled my eyes on the inside.

On a blog I read regularly, the girl that writes it said it so elegantly today. I finally got it today. I needed this reminder, but I also think that it sunk in for the first time.
.............In fact, if you want to know the truth, I actually haven’t left ministry at all.
And neither have you.
That baby that will be waking up in a few short hours, hungry while there’s still hours left until daylight? Your ministry. That husband who will put on a perfectly ironed shirt tomorrow morning because you did hours of laundry this afternoon? Your ministry. That coworker who has it out for you and doesn’t mind if you know it? Your ministry. That teenage daughter who slammed her bedroom door shut earlier tonight when you told her she’s grounded for two weeks? Your ministry.
Don’t you ever let someone tell you that ministry only happens on stages or in altars or in front of crowds. Should it happen there, will it happen there? Well, of course it should and will. That’s a part of ministry, large audiences and big crowds.
But I’ve found that the funny thing about ministry is that it seems to happen just about anywhere and everywhere it can find a place to land, even if the only current availability happens to be in your laundry basket.

It was a wake-up call to me - a mommy of 3 boys age almost 5 years, 2.5 years and 2 months; a wife; a friend; a sister; a daughter. I needed to be reminded that I am in ministry every day. My attitude towards my boys and about my boys lately has been that each day is just a day to get through. I am so sorry that has been true and am convicted to be better for them. I need to minister to them. I need to see them as the blessings that God has given me and the area of ministry he has me in for this season of my life.

I think that I get it. For now at least. I will have days that I forget that this is my ministry. I will probably have to revist my own post again and again. But for today, it is like water to my dry soul and provides that patience I need to deal with whiny, crying children with dirty hands and snotty noses and piles of laundry and a dirty, noisy house. I wouldn't have it any other way.......

Happy Thanksgiving

2009-11-25T08:33:00.001-06:00

Click here to view these pictures larger

The Manhattan Declaration

2009-11-24T08:00:00.002-06:00

Have you heard of this?
http://manhattandeclaration.org

All Christians should not only read this, but sign it and tell all your friends about it.

Here is part of the Preamble:

We are Orthodox, Catholic, and evangelical Christians who have united at this hour to reaffirm fundamental truths about justice and the common good, and to call upon our fellow citizens, believers and non-believers alike, to join us in defending them. These truths are:

the sanctity of human life
the dignity of marriage as the conjugal union of husband and wife
the rights of conscience and religious liberty.

Interested? You should be. Go. NOW!!!!

So quiet

2009-11-23T18:31:00.000-06:00

The two big boys are at Nana and Papa's house this evening. The house is quiet. So quiet!

This is the first night they have both been gone since the night Max came home from the hospital... I believe. I wouldn't trust my brain to remember much of anything at this point in my life. I have forgotten so many things lately. Big things. Small things. So many things. All forgotten. What is wrong with my brain?
I was talking about something... oh yeah. The quiet.

Ahhhhhhh. The quiet. It is nice. Just me and Max right now. He's asleep. Eric is out on a run. When he gets home, we are going out to dinner. A nice quiet dinner. Just the two of us and a child that cannot talk (back) or walk or fuss about his food. A nice quiet dinner. And, I can probably even sleep in tomorrow morning. Just feed Max when he gets up (did I mention he slept 8.5 hours straight last night???) and then we can go back to sleep together. So beautiful! :)

We might do a bit of shopping in the morning. Groceries and Christmas.

Ahhhhhhh. The quiet. :)

Max's 2 month stats

2009-11-20T13:07:00.000-06:00

We had Max's 2-month check-up on Monday. Here are his stats:
Ht: 22 1/2" (25%)
Wt: 11 lb 2.5oz (40%)
HC: 50%

So, he is the littlest peanut in our house.
Mason was 11 lb 9oz and Miles was 11 lb 13oz.

Don't worry, I am not comparing, just observing. Love my little peanut. :)

Friends

2009-11-19T08:54:00.000-06:00

Conversation this morning:

Mason: "Mommy, Me and Miles are like Tom and Jerry. We're best friends."

Me: (laughing) "Yes, Mason, you are JUST like Tom and Jerry."

I guess the fact that Tom and Jerry are friends deep down and love each other deep down really stuck with Mason. The fighting, chasing and all the rest, that is just what friends do. Apparently. Right! :)

Little Eyes

2009-11-17T12:39:00.000-06:00

Such a great reminder that children are watching you and doing as you do, not as you say........

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you hang my first painting on the refrigerator, and I immediately wanted to paint another one.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you feed a stray cat, and I learned that it was good to be kind to animals.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you make my favorite cake for me, and I learned that the little things can be the special things in life.

When you thought I wasn't looking I heard you say a prayer, and I knew that there is a God I could always talk to, and I learned to trust in Him.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you make a meal and take it to a friend who was sick, and I learned that we all have to help take care of each other.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you take care of our house and everyone in it, and I learned we have to take care of what we are given.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw how you handled your responsibilities, even when you didn't feel good, and I learned that I would have to be responsible when I grow up.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw tears come from your eyes, and I learned that sometimes things hurt, but it's all right to cry.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw that you cared, and I wanted to be everything that I could be.

When you thought I wasn't looking I learned most of life's lessons that I need to know to be a good and productive person when I grow up.

When you thought I wasn't looking I looked at you and wanted to say,'Thanks for all the things I saw when you thought I wasn't looking.'

Fall fun

2009-11-13T16:51:00.000-06:00

The one in which I disclose which boy is my total, absolute favorite........

2009-11-10T08:21:00.000-06:00

..........Max slept 8 hours last night.

10pm - 6am.

Thank you.

The End. :)

Dermabond

2009-11-06T12:57:00.000-06:00

So, we had to take Miles to the ER Tuesday morning.

Miles picked up and then dropped a glass on the wood floor in the den and it shattered everywhere.
I had just finished a shower and Mason ran into our bathroom saying "Miles dropped a glass" over and over. I didn't think a whole lot about it for a second, but then I saw the look on Mason's face and the panic in his voice hit me. I ran into the den and Miles was sitting on the floor screaming. His (white, of course) shirt was covered in blood on the tummy. My heart stopped. I grabbed both of his wrists to try and determine where the blood was coming from. Thankfully it was just from his hand, not his tummy or chest like I originally thought. Apparently, after the glass shattered, he picked up a piece and cut 2 fingers, one much more badly than the other.

I ran him to the kitchen to clean his hands and saw a wide cut on the ring finger of his right hand. It was gushing blood (sorry to be gross!) and I knew I had to put pressure on it.

Mason was not doing well at this point, so I kept sending him out of the room to get me things - my glasses, a towel, etc. Miles was still screaming and Max was screaming from his bed.

I called Eric and had him call the pediatricians office. I knew I could not hear them over the screaming from Miles. They asked us to come in so they could look at it to see if he needed stitches or if they could use the skin glue in their office. We went to our ped's office and the nurse felt that he needed stitches and sent us to the ER. After an hour and a half waiting,they decided to just use the skin glue (dermabond) and avoid the trauma of stitches (and needles!). The thing was that it was not terribly deep, it was just wide and had a hard time staying closed to heal.

As of about 8 hours later, he had already started picking pieces of the glue off and it was totally gone a little over 24 hours later. I am just hoping it had time to close up enough so that it will not get an infection in it. I am bribing him with jelly beans to keep a band-aid on it. More often than not, he gets a new band-aid and not a jelly bean.

I know accidents happen, but I am feeling like a terrible mom as it was my water glass from the night before. I have said for months that Miles is the one that will always keep me on my toes and that will end up in the ER the most times. So far, Mason - 0, Max - 0, Miles - 2.

I think he is going to be the cause of my grey hair.....!!!!

6 weeks old

2009-10-28T14:36:00.004-05:00

They say crying in infants peaks at 6 weeks. If today is any indicaion, Max agrees. I tried to get some pics of him for today's post. Well, he was not happy....

He did finally throw Mommy a bone and give me one sweet smile....That's better! :)

Sweet Maddox, at 6 weeks old:

You LOVE to eat. But, you hate bottles. At least from Mommy you do.
You have slept 6 hours straight, but only once. Usually, you do 2-4 hour stretches at night.
You are a great napper, but like to be up from 8pm-11 or 12 pm.
You smile at mommy and your brothers.
You love to watch your brothers play around you.
You enjoy sitting in the bouncy seat but not the swing.
You are trying to suck your thumb, but cannot quite get it in your mouth.
You can still fit into all of your newborn-sized clothes but are starting to wear some 0-3 months just because you have so many cute clothes.

So true....

2009-10-28T10:28:00.003-05:00

Thankful Thursday - on a Tuesday

2009-10-27T18:39:00.006-05:00

A blog I read does a "Thankful Thursday" post every, well, Thursday. I know it is only Tuesday, but I really need to remember all the things that I am thankful for today before I let myself get too overwhelmed with the negatives.

1. I am thankful that Miles does not have the flu or strep and it is just a cold.

2. I am thankful for Mimi (E's mom) that was able to come stay with Mason and Max so I could take Miles to the dr and focus on him.

3. I am thankful that we were able to get our broken garage door spring fixed within just a few hours of it breaking.

4. I am thankful to our neighbor for figuring out the problem with the door in the first place and getting the door open so that I was not trapped at home in case of an emergency. (Thanks, Joe!!)

5. I am thankful that Mason has been very understanding today that his brothers needed mommy a lot and he didn't get a lot of attention.

6. I am SO thankful that the rain stopped and it was a beautiful day.

7. I am thankful that Mason loves to be outside. Alone.

8. I am thankful that our very sweet neighbor thought of us and brought extra dinner for us tonight. She had no idea the day (week) we have had, she just "thought of us" for the extras. I know that God was taking care of our every need. Thank you, Kathryn and thank you, God!

9. I am thankful for this very sweet smile (and that I caught it on camera)!

How can that not make you smile???

10. I am thankful for friends that check-up on me and are willing to listen to me talk, vent, laugh, cry.... whatever I happen to be doing that moment.

11. I am thankful that all 3 boys are sleeping and I have quiet time to finish this post. It does my tired heart good!

Let's see that cute baby again, shall we?!?!?! :)