Fa la la la la la la la Ladder?

We had a very nice and busy christmas. We were at our house for Christmas morning. Alexandra had a blast, Sebastian opened one gift and just wanted to play with that one and Atticus slept through it. We then headed out to Gobles and opened gifts with my dad, stepmom and brothers. Went to the Withers for dinner, oh and it was so yummy and then headed out to Otsego to see the Erbes, with Scott Heather and the twins. We arrived back home about 8:30 and realized that we didn't have keys to the house. Paul is extremely maticulious about making sure each and every window in the house is locked tight(just in case you were thinking of breaking into our house). The only one we could figure would be open is one on the second floor. Paul got out the ladder and tried two of the 5 windows on the second floor. They were to two easiest to get to. He finally decided to try one that was really high up. He got in that way but I'm not going to tell you what window it was just in case you are thinking of trying to break into our house! :) Paul said to me a couple of times, these are the memories for this Christmas. He sure was right about that!!!!!!

Let it begin

Today is the start of a very, very busy time for us. It will also be a very good time as well. My mom arrives today from Florida. I haven't seen her since August when she came to help with Atticus! She's also bringing with her my grandmother and she will stay with us for a few days which I'm looking forward to since she's my only living Grandparent. We'll open presents here at our house on Christmas Morning with the kids and then see My dad and then see the Erbes. Paul's sister comes in from Texas on December 28th. Sebastian's birthday is the 30th and then New years is the 31st. Thank goodness Paul is off starting today all the way through the 3rd. He was going to lose days if he didn't use them so he is using them! Didn't I say in a previous post that it's the most tiring time of the year!

You know your three year old is really tired....

When she cries at the top of her lungs that we lost a sticker we haven't seen in three days.

My Tough Girl

The Boys had Dr. Appointments today and I knew i was going to need reinforcements since I figured both boys needed shots. Thanks to Grandma Erbe for the help. The Dr. recommended that Alexandra and Sebastian get Flu shots. The Dr. went out and told her she'd need to have a shot. So she proceeded to tell Grandma she wouldn't cry. She went first in the room. I had to hold her hands and we sang the A B C song and before we knew it it was over. She had a grin on her face when she came off the table and she never shed a tear. I was so proud of her. Both the boys did really well too. Atticus needed 4 shots but a bottle from Grandma helped calm him down.

It's the most tiring time of the year

I won't write much tonight except to say we had a great holiday party with the Grimes' today and then a great meeting a church with a potluck but it was all very exhausting. Keeping up with the kids is a full time job and then throw in a lot of different people and places and its only more tiring. Our big news is we bought a van and it's really nice. Here's a first look at it and we love it. I'll write more on that later.

Let's hum a tune

Today in the car, a song came on the radio that we have heard many, many times at home. Atticus was quiet and Alexandra, Sebatian and I were all humming the tune along with the song. It was so cool. I pretty amazed at how quickly they pick up the tune to songs.

I need to stay on top of those holidays

Did you know that it was sit on your brother day? Me either, but Alexandra and Sebastian did! Alexandra is jumping around the living room today and she sits right on Atticus. Of course it scares him so he cries. Then Sebastian tries to climb on me while I'm trying to calm Atticus down. I get Atticus settled down and then Sebastian wants to sit on my lap. It's time to put Atticus down for a nap and Sebastian tries to sit on Atticus instead of sitting on my lap.
It's just been one of those mornings. I spilled formula all over the counter this morning trying to get Atticus' bottle ready. Then Alexandra is just really lippy today and Sebastian is really needy! I just keep telling myself, just make it to 1 PM when at least two of them will be down for rest time!

A trip to Cookieland

I decided to try and make christmas cookies with Alexandra this year. She was so excited to make cookies. I tried to include her in as much as possible. She did the decorating the best. The funniest thing is that she decided to have a different kind of cookie after Lunch. So I explained to her that if she had a cookie now she couldn't have another one when we frosted the cookies. We're decorating the cookies and Alexandra says to me "Mommy, I should really be eating one of these cookies". I responded by reminding her that she had a cookie after lunch. She slumped her shoulders forward and sighed. "Maybe after Dinner". It was pretty funny. I'm also not sure either why she's holding her neck in the second pic. The cookies were made from a mix and are pretty good!

Why does it only take him 2 min but me 10?

Tonight we had some friends over for dinner and Sebastian ate before they got here. So while we're enjoying our meal Sebastian gets his hands on our laptop. He always seems to change something when he gets on here. Tonight, he re-sorted my inbox on my Mozilla Thunderbird. See i can say that now, but I had no idea what he had done and how to undo it. I shut down the program in hopes of resetting things but no luck. So I had to search and search to figure it out. So again how does a 2 year old change something in 2 min and it takes me 10 to change it back. We might just have a genius on our hands! :)

Who knew he'd fall in love at such a young age

Sebastian has developed a love for Dora the Explorer and a fondness for Boots. When we have TV time, he always wants Dora. This irritates Alexandra because now she doesn't get to watch anything she wants. Sebastian has started doing the movements, also saying map and backpack. It's pretty cute I have to admit.

You can tell it's Winter

And it's not just the cold and snow! Alexandra has the same problem that I have in the winter, staticy hair! She gets so irritated that she now asks me to put her hair up so It's not in her face! Who knew it would only take winter to get her to ask to have her hair put up!

A ride around town

When I was pregnant with Atticus, one of my friend's had just had her third. We would have them over and she would just be so taken with her new little guy. I even mentioned to her that it was so cool that she thought he was the greatest thing! I thought to myself at that point that I never felt that way about my kids when they were really young. Don't get me wrong, I loved them a bunch and I did everything to take care of them but I wasn't totally taken with them. Tonight while I was out running errands after work, I realized how taken I am with Atticus. I think he is just the sweetes thing. What I realized is that It really isn't about him, it's about me. It's not that Atticus is any sweeter than Alexandra or Sebastian, it's that I'm more comfortable with being a mom. With the first one, I was totally overwhelmed with the fact that God intrusted me with this little person and what if I don't know what to do. With the second it was about keeping up with the Toddler and managing the baby. I don't think I was really sure for quite a while that I would be able to do it. With Atticus I have experience with two and I know there's nothing I can't handle even if its hard. I know it will get better, cause it always did. It's like I'm enjoying this stage more because I know he won't be this small for too long. It's a nice thing to realize that I'm changing for the better through this whole mothering process.

I know this is just the beginning

Tonight I'm finishing up sweeping the dining room and I hear a shreak from the living room. Alexandra comes running in to me crying saying her and buddy bumped heads. Nothing new. Then I see blood running down her hand. It was hard to keep her calm and keep myself calm at the same time. It was her first and mine as a mom. She actually thought it was pretty cool after all was said and done but as I said in the title, I know this is just the beginning!

I had great parents, this story proves it!

I found this story about a mother having her son arrested for opening his christmas gifts early. I loved to snoop around to find where my mom hid the presents and then did a fine acting job on Christmas morning to show my parents how suprised I was at what I got. I even remember one year telling my older brother what he got as well. I found out when I was older that my step mom hid my presents in the trunk of her car knowing that I wouldn't find them there. Here's a shout out to my parents for not having me arrested! Love you guys!

Rollin, Rollin, Rollin....

We now have a rolling baby! He was pretty proud of himself as well.

Oh the woes of Motherhood

What a couple of days it's been. I started to come down with a cold on Saturday. A day that was out with the girls for Lunch, facials and my first pedicure. I can tell you it won't be my last pedicure. What an awesome thing, although I felt pretty bad for the lady scrubbing on my feet! Anyway, we had church on Sunday and a bridal/couples shower at church in the evening. Then Monday morning rolls around and am I sick, with a head cold. It seems to me that whenever I'm sick the kids are on their worst behavior. None of them have totally come down with it but all show signs that they might. So I'm up in the middle of the night, not with one of the kids but with my pounding head and sore throat and I hear giggling coming from the kids bedroom. I figure Sebastian woke Alexandra uip with his banging and now they are giggling together. I ran up there to find Alexandra dead to the world asleep in her bed and Sebastian having a great time all by himself. But there's a familar smell that hits my nose, it's a full diaper and it can only be Sebastian. He giggles the whole time I change him and then he goes back to banging and then back to sleep. I'm tired and sick and it's really cold and snowy outside, plus it's only December. This is one of those days I have to remind myself that it won't be this way forever. And for that hope I praise God!

Everyone has a bad photography day

Alexandra begged to take a picture of Atticus today. Here's what she came up with:





Everyone has an off day now and then.

Our last day of freedom

From what the weather people are saying this is it. It will be 60 here today and then the snow comes for the rest of the week. I thought it would be good to get the kids out today and enjoy the nice weather. It rained last night so there were puddles and boy did they have fun in those. It's one of those times when you just let them play in the mud and water since you know they won't be able to do it again anytime soon!

The Game night that wouldn't end

We had our annual (or at least that's what it's become now) after thanksgiving game night. We had 8 people total and played Cities and Knights first and then this new game called Power Grid. Alexandra stayed up and played with other kids that were here. We started the new Power Grid game at about 11 PM. Needless to say, it was a long game and everyone left at around 2:30 AM. Yes that's right, AM. I couldn't believe it. Alexandra was so tired. I was amazed at how great the kids did for as late as it was. We had a good time but I told Paul never again will I start a new game at 11 PM.

Thanksgiving Celebration

We headed to the Erbe's of Otsego (Paul's parents) for Thanksgiving. It's fun and tiring at the same time when we get together with all the kids. The Twins (Ethan and Evan) are just a week younger than Sebastian and it's busy when all 4 kids are together. Thanks goodness that Atticus can't join in quite yet. Dinner was awesome and so was the pie! As you can see we tired Atticus out and got a picture of the youngest Erbe grandchildren with Grandma and Grandpa. Looking at the pictures reminds me of how much we have to be thankful for!

It's been three months today

It's amazing to me how after such a short time you can't imagine your life without this new little person!

Freebie Friday

If you like rock music here's some free downloads

Needing a break

Sometimes it takes a break to see how good you really have it. I had a chance to go out with a girlfriend tonight whose going through some tough stuff. Again, I'm faced with the whole Thankfulness thing. God just keeps bringing that to the forefront of life. Today I really needed a break. I've just been really stressed and burdened by the kids. I love them but it's a lot of work sometimes. It rained really hard all day long. Not a day I could get out and take the kids to McDonalds or Wal-Mart just to get out of the house. But I'm thankful today for a loving husband who makes it possible for me to stay home, a great church family who accepts me for who I am, My family who loves me no matter what and for three beautiful kids who think I'm the greatest mom ever! Sometimes you just need a break to see how really fortunate you are.

Dancing with the Stars Shout out

I have to give a shout out to my mom in Florida. She believed that Emmitt Smith would win the whole season and I really thought Mario would win but she was right and I have to give her props for that! Love ya mom!

A moment with Alexandra

Alexandra: You be the Doctor, mama.
Me: OK
Alexandra: My baby has a bruise on her cheek.
Me: Oh, how did that happen?
Alexandra: I threw her on the sidewalk outside.
Me: OH, you can't do that to your baby. I might have to report you to Child Protective Services
Alexandra: OH. She just tripped and fell. It was an accident.

I was sitting on the floor but I almost fell over laughing. It couldn't have been scripted better.

Reading

Last night was Bookmobile night! Yea! I'm amazed at how excited Alexandra still gets about the bookmobile. I think it has something to do with the people who work at the bookmobile as well. She's very focused when we get there and gets her books first. Then she'll get some for Buddy and then look at the CD's. We joke about all the potty books that she brings home on a weekly basis. I guess that's what's important when you're three! Brenda, our friend who works at the bookmobile, has been getting us video's as well and they are a big hit. Alexandra is always excited to watch something new on Wednesday morning. I'm thankful for the library cause then we don't have to buy all this stuff that we get. We can just borrow it and return it , If I can keep track of everything.

Two Questions

1. When will I not feel tired again?
2. When will I be able to keep a shirt clean for a whole day?

Number 2 is the perplexing one today. It seems Atticus can't eat with out spitting up a little bit after. I've gotten better but sometimes he still hits me. Then today, I'm mixing formula and I spill some of the powder on my shirt. How does that happen?

Alexandra, Sebastian and Atticus were all up last night. Atticus was the first at 1:30 AM. I let him fuss himself back to sleep. Then Sebastian starts banging in his bed at 3:30 AM. Then Alexandra comes in and her feet are cold. I was amazed that I found two socks in the dark. The didn't match, I noticed when I got up this morning, but they did the trick. Then, she came back in wanting to be wrapped in her blanket and wanting more water. Then Atticus was up at 4:00 AM to feed and fill his pants. It seems the boy can't fill his pants without filling the space with food at the same time. I fell asleep last night on the couch (which I never do) at 7:50 PM and then woke up at 9:10 to watch Heroes then I went back to bed. Thank goodness I did after all that happened with all three of the kids. Whew! I hope tonight is better. We're getting ready for dance class then back here for dinner and then off to see Brenda and Jermaine at the bookmobile! What a busy night and day but all great stuff for us all!

Mocha Mocha

I've really never been much of a coffee drinker at least not until I married Paul and had Alexandra. Now, I have a cup in the morning and then sometimes a special coffeeduring the day. Tonight was a day I needed a Mocha Mocha from Beaners. I know Starbucks is known for great coffee but Beaners is my favorite right now! There's just something about that first sip. Ahhhhhh! It's heaven. I know it's the little things right now!

Embracing the Mohawk

I have tried and tried to get Atticus' hair to stay down and it just won't so I've decided to stop trying. I have to admit it's pretty cute standing straight up!

Mornings...

I love and hate mornings at the same time. Alexandra and Sebastian are the most joyful in the morning. Especially Alexandra. She is also the most obedient in the morning. I hate mornings because I can't seem to wake up. I'm so tired in the morning, that I have a hard time finding my joy. Atticus got up this morning at 5:30 AM but thankfully he'll go back to sleep within the hour. It's still an interruption though. I know, I should just be thankful for the sleep I get. Didn't I mention that in a previous post?

So Gordon Lightfoot was the problem

I use my VCR a lot to tape shows that sometimes I'm not sure I'll get to watch when they are actually on. I also tape two shows for a friend who doesn't get the new CW station. This week for some reason the tape wouldn't come out of the VCR after I taped the two shows for my friend. I couldn't see anything blocking it but it wouldn't come out. I had to take the top off the VCR to see what was going on with the tape. Come to find out, Sebastian had stuck a Gordon Lightfoot CD in the VCR hole. It jammed up the tape and that's why it wouldn't come out. Now you might be wondering why I know it was Sebastian. I caught him doing the same thing with a different CD a couple of days ago and he's the boy that can actually move at this point. He a little obsessed with putting things in places where they don't belong just to see what happens.

A sweet moment with Alexandra

Tonight in the bath she wouldn't leave Buddy alone. So I made her get out, while Sebastian stayed in. She of course cryed saying she wanted to stay and play with Buddy. As I was hugging her, she said: "Mama, Buddy's my best friend. I play with him, I eat with him, I read with him. Mama, he's my best friend and I want to be in there to play with him." How sweet is that.

You just gotta love boys!

Earlier today, Sebastian colored with crayons in his chair and he and Alexandra had Apples and banana's for lunch. This will be very important info later in the story. Sebastian had his nap and was up, no fuss or nothing. We had dinner and it was on to a bath for Sebastian and Alexandra. I undressed Sebastian and took off his diaper. I found two full size crayons and two chunks of Apple. The funniest part about it was his whole groin area was blue green from the crayons and the urine mixing. I was grossed out and cracked up laughing at the same time. He's a boy alright, not that I doubted it!

My Boys

It's pretty amazing that I got Sebastian to sit long enough to get these pics.

The incredible folding ear

This just cracks me up. When Atticus is on the floor and he's on one side or the other this is what happens to his ear. His ear is normal as you can see from the picture.

The day we had been waiting for

Yesterday was a really nice day here in Michigan. We all got out and played. I'm always amazed at how much fun the kids have outside when we haven't been out in a while.

I had the opportunity to MC a christian rock concert last night. Usually I really enjoy these concerts myself. Last night I found myself looking around and seeing all the teenagers with their hands in the air and jumping up and down. I imagined 10 years from now when Alexandra and Sebastian would be old enough to really get into a concert like this. It made me very thankful that there's music like this now and that it will only get better as our kids get old enough to really enjoy it.

Being Thankful

I think it's appropriate that I'm dealing with this subject in November. I've caught myself numerous times over the past week or so explaining/asking Alexandra to be thankful for what she has and to not always desire what she doesn't have. Here's an example:

Alexandra: I don't want this for dinner.
Me: This is what I made so be thankful that you have food to eat.

Example 2:

Alexandra: I want to take another dance class like some of the other girls.
Me: We don't have the money for you to take 2 dance classes a month.
Alexandra: But I want to.
Me: Alexandra you should be thankful that you get to take a dance class a week.

Here's the sticking point. I also struggle with this issue. I think a lot of us do. It seems we always want more. Whether its time, money, stuff, we all seem not to be satisfied with what we are truly blessed with. So as I've struggled with Alexandra's lack of Thankfulness, It's almost like God is saying to me, What about you Heather? Are you also thankful for all the things you have?

I have to admit that most days most of the time I'm not very thankful. I don't think I'm extremely negative about my life but just things like, why don't the kids sleep longer so I can sleep longer? Why can't I get a shower when I want one? Why must my Son grab everything he can get his hands on? I could be a lot more thankful for healthy kids, food to eat, a car to drive, the sleep I do get and so on.

This might be an issue that I'll continue to struggle with but God's placed a little girl in my life to remind me to be thankful as well.

My life as a Juror

Today was my 4th time being called for Jury Duty in 7 years. I don't really mind especially now since I have three small children. Paul had to take the morning off so I could report. I think the whole Jury Duty thing is so interesting. I've never made it past the gathering room and today would be no different. I got released around 11 AM. The nice thing is that I don't have to report back at all and they can't call me again for at least another year. What I think is most interesting is that there are so many different people all crammed into one room and forced to "be" with each other. People who would never associate with each other now are pleasant and cordial. I had the pleasure to sit next to a man who worked for the GM plant in Kalamazoo and then once that closed worked three years at a GM plant in Lansing. He has three sons, who are either my age or older and his youngest son died in a car accident 3 years ago. He told me about his flower garden and how they have adopted some neighbor kids as their own. He has no grandchildren but has a heart for kids. Both of his living sons are in the construction business. This guy could have been my dad and other than church or the grocery store I probably would not have run into him ever. It was so interesting to look around the room this morning and see young, old; black, white; men in suits, men in jeans; all together and waiting to hear if they would get to leave or have to stay! It's an interesting slice of life to be in that position. Anyway, I got released and went to vote while Paul had the kids. It just happened that he decided to take the kids to vote as well and I walk into the polling place to hear a little boy crying. It was Sebastian. I'm not sure what was going on with him but he was inconsolable. I held him and calmed him down. Paul finished voting and then I voted as well. It was so funny to hear the ladies work the election say, "aw, he just wanted his mommmy". I guess there is something to being the mom. Not that I can always make it right, but I guess I can make it better sometimes!

A week to look forward to

When it gets to be this time of year in Michigan, I don't look forward to the fact that we'll be inside most of the time. Even though we had snow in October, they are calling for 65 on Wednesday and 60 on Thursday. I am so happy. We'll be able to get outside and play! Two less days stuck in the house until Spring!

The Erbe brothers and their songs

Last night Lee, Sylvia, Dave, Scott, Heather and I all gathered to celebrate Lee's birthday. We decided to bring the video and digital camera and it would prove to be the best decision ever. Something happens when the Erbe brothers get together, all these really funny songs come out. Lee requested a Country favorite "Betty Lou" and all these other songs came out as well. Betty Lou is a parody Paul and Scott do to make fun of Country songs. Anyway, I got them all on tape for generations to come. The funniest part of them singing these songs is Scott and Dave hamming up to the camera. Paul said to me on the way home, it was so good to laugh that hard especially with everything has happened in the past month or so with Lee. We had a lot to celebrate. I'd also like to shout out to my friend from Church Linnea. She took the kids for the night since I couldn't find anyone else. Thanks bunches!

What a way to wake up

Alexandra comes into our bedroom to wake me up this morning and the first thing out of her mouth is "you stink". Got to love that 3 year old up front honest conversation. My response was "well, good morning to you too".

Trunk or Treat

For the first year, we decided to do something for Halloween. It's not that I'm really against Trick or Treating, it's just at this point in my life it's just a lot of work. Anyway, a local church Richland Bible Church hosted a community Trunk or Treat event. They have a large parking lot and over 70 cars had candy for Trick or treaters. Alexandra was scared at first but after a while she took to the whole "say Trick or Treat" thing. Sebastian also got in the action and while we weren't looking he chewed through a sucker wrapper and ate almost a whole sucker before we realized it. You might not be able to tell but Alexandra is a butterfly fairy, Sebastian is Superman and Atticus is just happy!

You know you are tired when

You put baby formula in the other kids sippie cups. Luckily I realized it before I gave it to them. I can just imagine Alexandra's face when she drank that!

Blood and spit up don't mix

It was one of those afternoons and evenings where things just didn't seem to be going right. We had dinner and baths but Atticus was fussy. I burped him a couple of times but he just spit up a lot and a lot on me and my shoulder. Not a new thing for me but still not a pleasant one. Then, Sebastian gets shut in the playroom in the dark by Alexandra and he screams at the top of his lungs. I just think it's because it's dark and scared. So I snuggle him on my shoulder and comfort him. I pull him away and see his hand in his mouth and blood is all over it. I determine that he must have bit his lip when he got shut in the playroom. He recovered quickly but my shirt didn't. It had spit up and blood mixed together. Yuk! Paul thought maybe I had smudged lipstick on my shoulder when he got home from playing Tennis. If only!

Make a caption Monday

I'm not sure I'll keep this up every monday but this one was too good to pass up. Tell me what Sebastian is thinking. You can submit your comments below. Its really nice here today so we got out and played in the sun. The kids had a great time. Alexandra even took this picture of Atticus and I all by herself. She might just pay for my retirement home with her picture taking skills.

You know you are tired when

you almost put baby formula in your coffee.

Alexandra's antics

This weekend so many things happened but some of the funniest were with Alexandra. Alexandra found her cell phone (thanks great grandma Jean) she took it everywhere with us. She would have 1/2 hour converstations in the car with imaginary friends. Paul asked her if the call was long distance she said no. Then he said her to her not to use up all our minutes and she said don't worry about it daddy I won't.
Then she pushes one of the buttons on the phone and holds it down. It makes this really annoying sound. She just holds it and holds it. At the same time, Sebastian is in the back seat saying stars,over and over and over again. Finally I asked her to stop. She asked why. I said because it's annoying. So then we hit those ridges on the side of the highways through a construction area and she says, "what was that". Paul tells her and she says "That was annoying"! At least she got the concept!
Yesterday at lunch she asked again about my ankle because I've been icing it since Saturday. She said to me "Mommy, I'm sorry you hurt your ankle, I hope it gets better real soon!". It's so great to hear your kids be kind, especially when it's in your direction.

Uncle Dave taught Alexandra the "Lets be still and quiet" game. It as so funny to see her sit on the couch and be still and quiet just to win and play the game. We were all cracking up.

Pizza sauce and the new Buick Lucerne

This weekend we spent some time at my dad's house. My dad just got a brand new buick lucerne as his business car. We got pizza for dinner and my dad trusted me enough to drive the car to get the pizza. It was really windy here in Michigan on Saturday. My sister in law was getting out of the new car with sauce and breadsticks and pizza and the door wouldn't open because the wind was blowing it. She called for me to help her since she (nor I) wanted to dump the sauce in my Dad's new car. I run around the back of the car to help and I twist my ankle. Just as I did that My brother Jim comes out. He's the character in the family, he looks at both Wendy and I and says, what's going on here! Needless to say, no sauce was spilled in the car and ice was placed on my ankle.

There's something about that game.

There's a tradition when we get together with my dad, Karen, Jim, Todd, Charlie and Wendy. It's called Pond Scum. If you don't know the game, have me tell you about it sometime. What it does though is divides the players into classes. Theres a queen/king, royalty, merchants, peasants and the Pond Scum. I started out as Queen and stayed there tonight until my dad was the scum. We are forced to sit next to each other and he's forced to give me his two best cards. At one point I was moaning about my bad cards and dad pats me on the back and says don't worry queen, it'll be ok. I look him as deadpan as possible and say "Don't touch me". I thought he was going to fall off his chair. He has never laughed so hard at something I did in my whole life (or at least that I can remember). It was also fun to trade barbs with my two brothers who are totally hilarious. As I've said before in previous posts, sometimes there's nothing quite like family! ;)

Life Influencers

I had the opportunity to have breakfast this morning to honor a friend of ours from Church. She's moving with her family to Wisconsin and she'll be greatly missed. Not only did I enjoy just being around her but she influenced me greatly, probably more than she knows. Everyone needs someone in their life who they can relate to and who can speak things to them that are of great encouragement. This woman told me that on the days when it's really hard being a mom of 3 under 4 that this is the worst. It only gets better from here. The kids get older, do more for themselves, etc. That made me feel like I was doing pretty good. So on the days when it's really bad I remind myself that this is the worst, and it doesn't seem so bad. One other thing I really appreciate about this woman is that we have similar philosophies about child raising and that she's out there. She puts her emotions and feelings out there and throws caution to the wind when sharing with others. I love that! I want to surround myself with more people like her, so that's why I'll miss her so much!

Paul's Dad's Cancer

I just heard from Syliva and they heard from Ann Arbor about the lymphnodes. They found no cancer in the Lymphnodes! Praise God! He still has to see his oncologist here in Kalamazoo but they think he won't have to do Chemo! Thanks for all your prayers!

Signing Time

One of my new favorite things is to do sign language with Alexandra and Sebastian. We've always done the basic signs with the kids (please, more, etc.) There's this show on PBS kids that I'm having us watch every day. It's called Signing time. They teach basic signs and then we go over them at Lunch and Dinner. It's so cool to learn a second language. I tried the spoken kind and couldn't do it. I'll leave that up to Paul!

Rainy days and Fridays always get me down...

I've tried everything today to pep myself up but nothing has helped. It is really gloomy today with rain coming down almost all day. Thank goodness for the schedule we have right now. Alexandra has quiet time in our playroom (formerly and still our spare bedroom), Sebastian goes down for his nap and Atticus usually sleeps during that time at least a little bit. That means I can lay down on the couch and rest! YIPPEEEEE! Even though Alexandra doesn't sleep she does stay in the room unless she has to use the potty or the music stops. I didn't figure I'd be back to my napping schedule this early but am I giddy!

A plumber I'm not....but

I'm also not helpless. We've been having trouble with our garbage disposal the last week so I decided to try and fix it. Well, I broke the pipe coming out of the disposal. No big deal right, just go to Lowe's and get another one. The only problem is all the men at Lowes' think I'm crazy for trying to fix this. Three different guys tried to help me and then when we got what I think I needed they said with a grin "Good luck". I don't need luck. What I do need is for those guys to use a less condesending tone!

I worked in a hardware store in Gobles when I was a teen and into my 20's. The guy who owned the store taught me some plumbing. The problem I have with those stores are they have so much stuff that I can't find what I'm looking for by myself so I need help. GRRRRRRR! I"m not willing to waste a bunch of time when they should know where it is.

Oh by the way, I also added coolant to Paul's truck and replaced a burnt out headlight in our Mercury. See I told you I'm not helpless. :)

The Fairy Dancer Bookworm lives!

The dancer dress is back. Got to love that. Plus bookmobile was last night so she has a bunch of new books to read. This one was one she picked out for Sebastian but as you can see she can't help but read it as well!

A moment in the life of a mother of a 3.5 year old

So we get out of dance class today and Miss Lisa gave candy to Alexandra and the other girls. She wanted to eat it in the car but I said after dinner. She breaks into a crying fit. This escalates and she's really mad by the time we get home. So, In typical fashion I tell her to go up stairs and find her joy. She screams at me "NO"! Well, this of course is a cause for quick action so I make my way from the three season room and into the dining room to get to her in the living room. She has left her knit strawberry shortcake hat right in my path. I slip on it and fall flat on my back right in front of her. I'm so shaken by my lack of authority in the situation at that moment that I grab her and sit her on the stairs and tell her to take her whining up stairs. My back is killing me and Sebastian still needs to get out of the car. I want to cry because of the pain but I must continue my composure. She comes down happy and I keep it together just to make sure she sees that I'm in charge even though a simple knit hat took me out in an instant!

I just talked on the phone to Paul and laughed and cryed at the same time. It was one of those times where both were appropriate. In the exact moment that I needed her to see that I was in charge, I fell flat on my back. There's a parallel to life in here somewhere. Maybe I'll find it as I soak my aching back in a bubble bath tonight.

Lee's surgery update

He is doing really well tonight. The surgery only took 4 hours which is really good. He was doing so well tonight that as for 9 PM Sylvia was back at the hotel and didn't stay the night in the hospital with him. While doing the surgery the Dr.'s removed all the spots they found on the lungs and some of the lymph nodes. If the lymph nodes come back negative for the cancer then he probably won't have to have Chemo. If they do, he probably will. Please pray that the lymph nodes are clear of cancer and that he won't have to have Chemo. He also maybe released as soon as Wednesday. Thanks so much again for your prayers. God has answered them.

There are days...

when you haven't seen the sun for a long time but these faces brighten up your day!

Paul's Dad

Just got a call from Paul's mom Sylvia. Lee is out of surgery and is doing good. They should be able to see him soon. They believe they got all the cancer. If anything else develops today I'll post again.

Thanks for all your prayers. We appreciate them.

There's nothing quite like family.

Since Paul's been gone since Friday afternoon, my stepmom invited me out to my cousins and Aunts to be a part of a fundraiser for diabetes. They had this huge catapult that they put pumpkins in and then let them fly and they smashed on the ground. It was so funny! Then my cousin, whose farm it is, took us on a hay ride. The kids loved it. It was a first for all three of them. After the hayride we went to my aunts church for supper. It was awesome. Then we hung out at my dad's house afterward. It was a great break for me and the kids really enjoyed it. I don't get to see my aunts and cousins very often and it was really great to hang out with them. They also had a really great time with the kids. I have a lot of family in the area and I realize I don't really spend enough time with them. It was a great fall day (the color is at it's peak) and it helped to get me to today when Paul comes home!

A weekend without the husband but with

The Kids! It's weird when I'm with the kids all by myself for any given time. Even though most of the time I'm with them all by myself. When Paul goes away and I know no relief is coming, for a while anyway, it give me a whole different perspective. This is why I have so much respect for single moms. When I'm left alone like this I think about my mom and how she did this most of the time for my whole life. My dad took us every Friday night so my mom did get a break then but she also worked full time.

I'm more fortunate than other people that I have a lot of family and friend support so I can get breaks even though I don't work full time. We're heading out to some harvest activities with family later today so I'll get some help then.

If you are or were a single mom at some point in your life know that at least this girl has a lot of respect for the job you do. It's a lot of hard work raising kids and all you can do is your best!

This really bothers me!

Read this article about Phishing! Stuff like this pushes my buttons! Don't get taken!

What compels...

A three and a half year old to wear the same dance outfit (day and night) since Tuesday. She's worn it by itself, over pajamas and over her clothes. I found out yesterday from my sister in law that this particular outfit came from a garage sale in the first place and made the rounds with my three nieces first. It's seen better days.

An almost 2 year old to wear his mother's headband around the house for the morning. Creativity or is it a hint that he needs a hair cut?

A trip to the Dentist

You might know that I have always had problems with my teeth. I have fillings in places that I didn't know you could put them. As a child I brushed, flossed and used that mouthwash stuff that helps to fight cavities. Nothing seemed to slow the problem do decay down. As I've had children, I've often wondered would all of them have the same problem or would be blessed to have them take after their father who has great teeth. Anyway, Alexandra had her first appointment today and she did awesome. She even let them clean and polish her teeth which I don't think they were thinking they would do today. So, no cavities right now! Yeah! You see I had fillings in my baby teeth, I don't think this early but I still had cavites. She was so excited to see them clean my teeth and to get a cindarella tooth brush that we had to use the moment we got home. I tried to tell her we just had our teeth cleaned but she still insisted. As for my teeth, I don't have an more cavities right now but there's always six months from now. I know, the eternal pesimist!

The morning blues....

Sometimes when Alexandra comes in my room and says "mom it's morning time. Time to get up." and my eyes can't be pryed open (like this morning) I wonder if mornings will ever get easier. Atticus has been doing about 7-8 hours at night but I'm still up with him between 5 and 6 AM. So I go back to sleep for an hour or so before the other two kids "make" me get up. I think the other factor is that it's still dark or mostly dark here at 8 AM. Maybe if I could see the sun, It would be easier to get up. I should get use to that though right, I do live in Michigan and winter is coming. OH, I don't want to think about that! I just need more coffee! :) Yeah, yeah, that's it!

Paul's Dad's surgery

We found out tonight that Paul's Dad's surgery to remove the cancer in his lungs got moved up to this coming Monday in Ann Arbor. This is a video surgery that hopefully will mean an easier recovery. Lee had lung cancer 10 years ago and the recovery was really tough. Pray for Lee that he has peace in the coming days. Pray that the cancer would be gone after the surgery. Pray for Sylvia (Paul's mom)for peace as well. Pray for safe travel for the family (Scott's driving them over and Paul's going to pick them up). Pray for a complete healing for Lee.

I'll keep you updated here on what happens and what we know after the surgery Monday.

The Swaddle

I tell you, with my first two kids, I know the power a blanket wrapped around a newborn baby. Atticus whose now 2 months old is the newborn king of the swaddle. He can be totally cranky and tired and all we have to do is wrap him and he instantly settles down and drifts off to sleep. He may fuss quietly just a little bit but that's it. All I have to say that with two other toddlers, Thank God for the power of the Swaddle.

Lost tonight!

Finally we should find out what happened to those in the hatch. Here's what I received this morning:

The fates of Locke, Eko and Desmond are revealed after the implosion of the hatch, while Hurley returns to the beach camp to tell the tale of what happened when he, Jack, Kate and Sawyer encountered "The Others." Meanwhile, Claire is shocked to find Nikki and Paulo in Jack's tent. Ian Somerhalder guest stars as Boone, on "Lost," WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 18 (9:00-10:01 p.m.)

I had heard rumors that Boone was going to make an appearance this season, so It'll be interesting to see how that happens. I think I'll do some cleaning around the house today to keep myself busy so 9 PM comes quickly tonight

What draws people to a church?

I know what draws people to God. That's an easy one. But what draws people to commit to come, meet with a group of people every week? Trust me, I don't have the answer. We had a meeting last night with the elders of our church about advertising (Paul's passion) and prayer (both of our passions). We talked about who do you target with advertising, unchurched or unfed sheep or sheep that are new to the area? Still not a question I have the answer to unless it's all of the above. So here's the question I'd like you to ponder....What drew you to your church or what drove you away from a church? What are things you look for when looking for a church. I'd love your feedback.

The best show you probably aren't watching

I just want to put in a plug for the show "Studio 60 on the sunset strip". Rating have been down for this show but it is really great! Check out the show at nbc.com

I want new people....

This is what a three 1/2 year old says when she's mad about getting caught out of her bed....I want new people, old people are bad (over and over again). I had to contain my laughter from outside the door.