Confessions of a Mamaholic

2011-08-02T19:22:00.003-05:00

This little girl makes me smile.

She can give me grey hair some days but she sure is sweet no matter what!

Summer

2011-07-10T20:45:00.002-05:00

I love summer time!

I love the warm weather and swimming!

Oh and popsicles.....I love popsicles! ;)

Joplin

2011-05-26T17:40:00.004-05:00

Please be in prayer for Joplin as they continue to search for the missing and mourn the ones who passed. The devastation there is just simply amazing. It's so hard to imagine such distruction until it happens just hours away at a place you know. My heart aches for the families who have lost their loved ones but also rejoices for those that survived. God is good all the time! Even in such tragedy!

Watch what you drink...

2011-05-22T19:00:00.002-05:00

This little fella just about got gobbled up the other day....good thing I know to look before I drink 'round this house! :)

I love this boy

2011-05-21T21:35:00.003-05:00

dirty face and all!

2011-04-30T08:07:00.001-05:00

2011-04-30T08:07:00.000-05:00

Spring-time tease

2011-04-15T21:42:00.001-05:00

We got a little taste of spring this week! Oh how I wish it would come back soon to stay!

♥

2011-04-06T08:25:00.003-05:00

Mmmm

2011-04-06T08:06:00.001-05:00

Look what I found in the store!!!!

I LOVE these things! I could eat pack after pack after pack after......

Sleepless in Missouri

2011-04-05T08:02:00.003-05:00

Baby girl + trouble with ears (again) = no sleep for Mama *yawn*

Cheesy Chicken and Vegetables

2011-04-01T07:00:00.000-05:00

My kiddos love this stuff! And it's a super easy way to get them to eat something (fairly) healthy! I got this recipe here and they suggested adding mixed veggies to it. I have used spinach in this recipe though!

Ingredients

1 package macaroni & cheese dinner

1 (10 oz.) package frozen spinach

1/4 cup milk

2 tsp. butter

1 can canned chicken (I get all white meat 100% chicken breasts) garlic to taste

Boil macaroni according to package directions adding in the frozen spinach.

Drain.

Stir in remaining ingredients including the cheese sauce from the box mix.

Cook until heated through!

Serving to your incredible adorable children is completely optional! :)

Juice Pops

2011-03-31T07:00:00.001-05:00

1 cup orange juice*

1/2 cup frozen mixed berries

1 tbsp sugar

Combine all ingrediants in a small blender and blend until berries are smooth. Pour into ice cube tray, cover with plastic wrap and insert toothpicks! Toss in your freezer and wait till they are set. Enjoy! Mmmmm!

*you can use any kind of juice and fruit combo. I think banana orange juice and strawberries would be yummy! You can also add some spinach leaves when you are blending the ingredients to sneak some veggies into their diet! They'll never know they are in there!

Which kid is it?

2011-03-30T16:04:00.004-05:00

I came across this collage that I made last summer. Crazy how much they looked alike at that age!! They were all about 4-5 months when they had carrots for the first time! Silly babies!

2011-03-30T08:23:00.001-05:00

Weekend

2011-03-28T13:54:00.006-05:00

My weekend went a little like this...

Happy birthday baby!!

30 Day Challenge

2011-03-25T08:22:00.002-05:00

Yeah....I'm tired of the 30 Day Challenge!! haha! I want to just post whatever I want whenever I want to!

Like this...

This beautiful little girl will turn 1 tomorrow....TOMORROW!! Can you believe it?! I, for one, can not! Where in the world did a whole year go?!

30 Day Challenge - day 21

2011-03-21T19:41:00.001-05:00

A picture of something you wish you could forget

Sadly I've done lots of things that regret....but that's how we learn. That's how we better ourselves and our lives! So I can't think of any one thing that I would just like to forget all together!

30 Day Challenge - day 20

2011-03-20T19:34:00.000-05:00

A picture of a place you would like to visit one day

I would LOVE to go to Hawaii one day! It looks amazing!!

30 Day Challenge - day 19

2011-03-19T19:29:00.001-05:00

A picture of you when you were little

These kids...

2011-03-18T20:31:00.001-05:00

melt my heart!

30 Day Challenge - day 18

2011-03-18T19:26:00.002-05:00

A picture of your biggest insecurity

I couldn't find an appropriate picture for this one. My biggest insecurity is my parenting. I constantly second myself and wonder if what/how I'm doing something is going to badly effect my babies!

When it rains it pours (long post)

2011-03-17T21:36:00.004-05:00

I signed up to start receiving emailed devotions. The one I choose to get is called Encouragement for Today. Let me tell ya, with the week I have had I needed these everymorning to keep my head in the right place.

Here is what I got today....
(couresy of www.crosswalk.com)

The Lord Will Provide
Micca Monda Campbell
“Abraham, Abraham!” … “Do not lay your hand on the lad or do anything to him, for now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your son, your only son, from me.” Genesis 22:11b-12 (NKJ)
Devotion: One of my favorite stories of the Bible is recorded in Genesis 22 where Abraham’s faith is totally tested by God. God commands him to offer up his only son, Isaac, as a human sacrifice.
Whenever I read about this historical event, I picture the scene in my mind … Abraham stands over his son, distraught in anguish, as sweat pours from his brow. For a moment he turns away to gain composure, then clinches his teeth and lifts the knife high into the air, pausing just long enough to secure control of his quivering hand. Suddenly, he hears a voice from heaven say, “Abraham, don’t touch him!” (my paraphrase).
Instantly, tension melts into relief as he drops the knife and burst into tears of joy. I can almost hear the clang of the knife’s blade as it falls against rocks. Abraham scoops his boy into his arms and kisses his face repeatedly. Under his breath, he praises the Lord, “Thank You, God. Thank You.”
God’s command, “Take your son, your only son, whom you love—Isaac—and…sacrifice him,” must have pierced Abraham’s ever-faithful heart. Sometimes it feels as if God pierces my faithful heart, too. Perhaps you’re feeling pierced today and battling to maintain your hope in God.
Let’s face it, when everything seems to be against us it hurts, especially when we’ve been faithful.
· It hurts when you’ve been a good spouse, but the divorce papers appear anyway.
· It hurts when you’ve sacrificed for your friend only to be rejected in your time of need.
· It hurts when you deserve the promotion only to discover it went to someone younger.
· It hurts when you diligently save only to lose your lifelong savings in the stock market.
· It hurts when you’ve raised your teenager in church and he walks away from God.
Sometimes I want to scream, “I can’t sacrifice anymore, Lord!”
It’s when I reach the end of self-effort that I realize what God is after—my undivided heart.
The same was true with Abraham. God never wanted Abraham to sacrifice his son. He wanted Abraham’s trust and his surrendered heart. It’s what the Lord longs from you and me, too. He wants us to trust Him no matter our situation.
So, where did Abraham get that kind of trust? He got it from God’s promise. Before Isaac was born, God promised Abraham that countless descendents would come through his son. If Abraham were to eliminate Isaac, God would still fulfill His promise. According to Hebrews 11:19, Abraham believed if he killed his son, God would raise him from the dead. Notice Abraham’s faith when he said, “I and the boy [will] go over there. We will worship and then we will come back to you” (Genesis 22:5).
Abraham not only took God at His word, he fully trusted Him with the situation. You and I would do well to do the same. The Bible is full of God’s promises to provide for us in times of sorrow, hardship, weakness, and fear. Standing on His promises during adversity gives us the support we need until our troubles pass.
Dear Lord, teach me Your promises. Help me to hide them in my heart so that they may become the support and help You intend them to be in my life. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I can't tell you how badly I needed to read this today. I have a bad habbit of letting everything get me down. Everything gets me stressed. Most of the time the situation ALWAYS turns out better than I have imagined in my head. Letting go and just trusting the Lord is so hard for me sometimes. Yet when I do let go and trust in Him my fear and doubt and stress and anguish melt away. Don't get me wrong, all my problems don't just dissapear, but I have a sense of calm that I didn't have before.

It's a work in progress but I'm working on taking a deep breath and letting the Lord lead my way. He knows what's best for me and my family. Even if the road is bumpy and filled with pot holes I know we will make it through if I just keep my eyes and my heart turned to Him!

30 Day Challenge - day 17

2011-03-17T19:21:00.001-05:00

A picture of someone who has made an impact on your life recently

This little girl made me the Mom of three and finally brought some pink into my male filled world! I didn't think going from 2 to 3 would be that bad....it hasn't been bad at all....but def. a learning curve! :)

30 Day Challenge - Day 16

2011-03-16T19:40:00.004-05:00

A picture of someone who inspires you

This boy right here has inspired me more than anyone else I can think of. In the face of certain death he still smiled and joked and looked for the good in every situation. He always had a smile. Always.

Hubie passed away this past October at the age of 18 from complications caused by his genetic disease Cyctic Fibrosis. He is forever missed!

30 Day Challenge - day 15

2011-03-15T19:36:00.001-05:00

A picture of something you wold like to do before you die

I would LOVE to travel around to exotic places and photograph the scenery and wildlife! It would be so exciting to see all those things I've only ever seen on TV and to see capture those moments on my camera!

30 Day Challenge - day 14

2011-03-14T20:02:00.005-05:00

A picture of someone you could never imagine your life without

I don't even know how to describe how much I love these two people. My Gran and Pop are the most wonderful people you will ever meet. They started this amazing family we have and I hope my husband and I can be just like them as our marriage progresses. I love you Gran and Papa!!

I {heart} faces - Sun flare!

2011-03-14T07:29:00.003-05:00

I took this photo in late August of last year. It was a very hot very sunny day! I was worried about the shots we would get with the sun so harsh but they turned out great!

Mama B

30 Day Challenge - day 13

2011-03-13T11:02:00.001-05:00

A picture of your favorite band or artist

Mmm! I love me some Kenny!!

30 Day Challenge - day 12

2011-03-12T21:05:00.003-06:00

A picture of something you love

It's pretty obvious that I love my family! :) But next to that I LOVE photography and design! I could loose myself for hours on the computer if I have a good design going!

30 day challenge - day 11

2011-03-11T06:48:00.005-06:00

A picture of something you hate

My first choice was going to be my big fat thighs....I really do hate them!! However, I thought I would save you the site of such a horrible things and go with liver and onions....blech! Makes me ill just looking at that picture! :)

30 Day Challenge - day 10

2011-03-10T06:44:00.000-06:00

A picture of the person you do the most messed up things with

Well I don't know about "messed up". But if I'm gonna do something it's usually with this very pretty lady!!

Glory Baby

2011-03-09T07:00:00.000-06:00

Two years ago today we lost a very precious much wanted pregnancy.

We have no pictures to show.

No handprints to keep.

Just the memory of that precious little life I was lucky enough to carry for awhile.

Glory baby you slipped away as fast as we could say baby
You were growing, what happened dear?
You disappeared on us baby
Heaven will hold you before we do
Heaven will keep you safe until we’re home with you
Until we’re home with you…
Miss you everyday
Miss you in every way
But we know there’s a day when we will hold you
We will hold you
You’ll kiss our tears away
When we’re home to stay
Can’t wait for the day when we will see you
We will see you
But baby let sweet Jesus hold you‘till mom and dad can hold you
You’ll just have heaven before we do
You’ll just have heaven before we do
Sweet little babies, it’s hard tounderstand it ‘cause we’re hurting
We are hurting
But there is healing
And we know we’re stronger people through the growing
And in knowing- That all things work together for our good And God works His purposes just like He said He would

I can’t imagine heaven’s lullabies and what they must sound like
But I will rest in knowing, heaven is your home
And it’s all you’ll ever know
…all you’ll ever know…

30 Day Challenge - day 9

2011-03-09T06:45:00.000-06:00

A picture of the person who has gotten you through the most

Another hard one to choose!

The love of my life has been there for me through everything. Loosing a pregnancy, almost loosing another, fights, bad days...the list could go on and on. There have been times where I thought we wouldn't make it. I've wanted to give up. But somehow we manage to come through it all and we grow closer each and every time!

I truly love him with all of my heart!

30 Day Challenge - day 8

2011-03-08T08:42:00.004-06:00

A picture that makes you laugh

You have to see both of these pictures to really "get it"! At our annual 4th of July celebration this year my cousin (and BFF) was giving "tattoos" to everyone. My Gran (the best Gran EVER) decided to be silly as I took this picture! Makes me giggle! I truly have the greatest family!

I Heart Faces

2011-03-07T22:06:00.001-06:00

30 Day Challenge - day 7

2011-03-07T18:52:00.003-06:00

A picture of your most treasured item

Well duh! I would give anything to keep these babies safe and sound and young forever! As long as I have them I can make it through anything!!

30 Day Challenge - day 6

2011-03-07T18:36:00.003-06:00

A picture of a person you would love to trade places with for a day

This was kind of hard. I love my life and can't really say that I would trade places with anyone! But since it is just for a day I would go with Jennifer Nettles from Sugarland! I always wanted to be a singer when I was little...too bad I can't sing....at all! :)

30 Day Challenge - Day 5

2011-03-05T17:55:00.003-06:00

A picture of your favorite memory

It's hard as a Mom to pick just one favorite memory. But I'd have to say this would be at the top of my list! Welcoming our newest addition to the family!

30 Day Challenge - day 4

2011-03-04T08:00:00.000-06:00

A picture of a habit you wish you didn't have

I wish I had more self control when it came to soda drinking. Sadly I have none. If there is a readily available diet soft drink......I'ma gonna drinks it! :)

30 Day Challenge - day 3

2011-03-03T20:26:00.003-06:00

A picture of the cast from your favorite show

This show cracks me up! I just love it! :)

2011-03-02T12:00:00.000-06:00

30 Day Challenge

2011-03-02T07:05:00.003-06:00

A picture of you and someone you have been close with for awhile

This was sort of hard to pick. My first thought was that I should use a picture of my hubby and me together. I do love him dearly. But my best friend and I have been close sine, well, she's been born! I have the privilege to have my bestest friend in the whole wide world also be my cousin! We have been great friends since birth! I love her dearly and would be lost (or loose my mind) without her to talk things over with! I can't say enough great things about her! She's the one I go to when I feel overwhelmed by motherhood and wifehood (I just made that word up). She's the one I go to when I have a great idea I need more help developing. She's the one I go to when I need to laugh or cry. I am truly blessed to have her friendship! :)

Her sister snuck in on our pick! ;) Makes me laugh when I see it!

30 day game and more...

2011-03-01T08:02:00.003-06:00

It has been soooo long since I have put a post on here! I have missed blogging! I'm ready and excited to get back at it! On Facebook there is a "game" that some have been playing called the 30 Day Facebook Challenge.

Basically you post one picture every day for 30 days by following the above list. I thought that might be a good way to get myself back into the blogging world! I have lots of other posts planned and some that I'm sure will pop up as they always seem to do with little kiddos around! :) But at least this way every day for the month of March I will make a post! Yea!

So I guess here is my very first 30 Day Challenge post:

*not my best picture ever but it perfectly depicts my wonderful life!

1) My eyes change color depending on my mood

2) I still don't know what I "want to be" when I grow up!

3) It's really hard finding 15 facts about myself!

4) I would just keep on having babies and raise them forever if I could!

5) I love me some photography!

6) I have low self esteem issues especially when it comes to my weight and parenting my babies.

7) I'm still scared of the dark.

8) Seriously I don't think even I know 15 facts about myself! ;)

9) I love reading

10) First grade is a lot harder than I thought it would be.

11) My best friend is also my cousin.

12) I don't dread turning 30 at all. In fact I'm excited to reach that milestone in my life. I feel I have a lot to show for it!

13) My laundry often sits on the loveseat patiently waiting on me to fold and put it away.

14) I hate doing the dishes. I want a dishwasher.

15) I love my family more than anything in this world!

2011-02-19T07:00:00.000-06:00

2011-02-18T09:17:00.001-06:00

2011-02-17T21:23:00.002-06:00

2010-07-28T14:16:00.000-05:00

Alive

2010-06-08T14:37:00.001-05:00

We are, indeed, still alive! I have lots to blog about but just have not had the time! Soon I will be updating on the past few weeks to catch you all up! ;)

I promise!

Just some pictures!

2010-05-21T09:01:00.001-05:00

The weather is supposed to start warming up around here and I am SO EXCITED! I'm ready to go play at the park without being covered in mud! And swimming!!! I'm so excited to go to the beach!! YEA summer! ;)

Wordless Wednesday

2010-05-19T07:00:00.000-05:00

Poo catchers!

2010-05-18T15:33:00.005-05:00

So far I am really enjoying our gDiapers! They work well for our family with very few leaks and ease of use! Right now I have 6 little gPants, 7 liners and about 24 Gerber prefolds. If Madi wasn't so close to growing out of the smalls I would invest in more plastic liners as those are generally what get dirty when there is a poopy diaper! In fact when I order the next size up I am going to get double plastic liners compared to pants!

We haven't had too many problems with leaks or bulk. I have some prefolds that I cut down to size and use during the day then the others I left alone and double up the diaper for night time. So far it seems to be working well! I have only used the disposable insert a couple of times now. I like those as well and see how they might be handy if you were traveling with baby! I may sing a different tune when Madi starts eating some solid food but for right now I really enjoy using these diapers! They are saving me money and saving the environment all at the same time! :)

A big plus? They look so durn adorable on her tiny little bum!!

Ho-Hum

2010-05-14T12:33:00.004-05:00

As you can see I have everything that I could have ever wanted in these three little faces. But for some reason lately I'm having a hard time focusing on that. Instead I'm letting everything around me get me down. I don't like it. I don't like being in "one of those moods". I'm determined to stop it! I'm determined to deal with the things life is throwing our way and make good out of them whether I see them as such or not! Things might not be going as I would like them too but they are going the way God has planned and I just need to sit back and relax and let them play out.

It's easier said than done I know..but that's what I'm striving for!

Those three little babies of mine deserve all of my attention and not just what I have left over after I'm done worrying about everything else!

Sickies

2010-05-13T10:32:00.003-05:00

We've had the sickies at our house lately.

*blah*

I'm ready to be over these colds! Madi has a stuffy nose and isn't sleeping well and poor EJ had strep. Levi is about the only one who has escaped without anything so far!

Before the weather got rainy and cool EJ and I got to enjoy some time at the park! I'm ready for more of that!!

And I think he had a good time as well!!
Levi (aka the toothless wonder) has now lost 6 teeth and FINALLY has one top tooth growing back in! We thought for awhile that we might have to start feeding him baby food! ;)

And Miss Madi-Moo likes to just hang out and sleep a lot! She has been having more awake time during the day and she loves when people talk to her! She's getting so big so fast!!

That's about it for now! As soon as we are all feeling a littl better I'll put a little more effort into updating! :)

TTFN!

Madi - One Month Old

2010-04-30T22:19:00.005-05:00

My beautiful little Madi-Moo turned one month old on Monday. Today she is officially 5 weeks old! I can not believe it has gone by so quickly!

Madison,

I love you more and more every single day! You make my heart happy and you complete this family so wonderfully! At one month old you are smiling and cooing to me and your Daddy! It's so awesome to see your eyes light up when someone talks to you! Especially when it's one of your brothers! You love to eat and nurse about every 2.5 or 3 hours during the day and will sleep for about 5 or 6 hours at night! Mommy appreciates that baby doll! ;) You are growing so big and are wearing all 0-3 month clothing! We love you so very much Madi-Moo and can't wait to see how much you change in the next 5 weeks!!

Love,

Mama!

Mr. President

2010-04-30T07:00:00.000-05:00

The President visited my little small town community on Wednesday! The school kids were allowed to bus down to the highway (which they completely closed off to traffic) to watch the motorcade go by so I decided that Ethan, Madi and I would go down and watch it go by. I didn't get as many pictures as I wanted to cause Madi-Moo was a little fussy but I got a few! As the President went by he had his window and waved at those of us standing on the side of the road! It was pretty cool! I'm glad my kiddos got to experience this moment in our towns history!

Before & After Blog Hop

2010-04-29T07:35:00.002-05:00

Before

After:

The President came by our small town yesterday on his way to make a speech at a local Ethanol Plant. Ethan and I went down the old highway to watch the motorcade go by and this is a picture of him waiting to wave his flag as they passed. Mr. Obama had his window half down and was waving at all the people who had lined the road! It was pretty neat! I have more pictures but I couldn't get them to upload yesterday so hopefully I can get them on here today! Regardless of what I think of him as a President it was pretty neat to witness!!

This has been apart of Pixel Perfects Before and After Blog Hop! Check out her page to see more entries!

Things I've learned this week...

2010-04-23T07:00:00.000-05:00

...I can Facebook while nursing a baby...

...It takes about 5 minutes to thaw out a pound of hamburger in a sink full of really hot water and this makes your husband think that you've had supper planned all day...

...You can change a cloth diaper in the middle of the night with only one eye half way open...

...Apparently being squirted by milk (unintentionally) in the middle of the night will make your husband think that the baby is peeing on him...

...Using "the baby didn't sleep well last night" is a good excuse for anything...

...I can Photoshop while nursing a baby...

...I can take a shower in 5 minutes flat...

...Ethan can dress himself (who knew!)...

...A baby crying is better than any alarm clock!...

...Gray sweatpants are the new black...

...Changing your shirt means that you need a giant spot of spit up to go with it...

...A crying baby puts an abrupt end to a blog post...

Before and After

2010-04-22T15:55:00.002-05:00

Before:

After:

I edited these in Photoshop 7.

These pictures are actually from a couple of summers ago. I just never got around to editing all of them! So this has been a fun way for me to finally get these done! :)

Head over to Pixel Perfect to check out the other entries!

Wordless Wednesday - First Bath

2010-04-21T11:06:00.002-05:00

I know...

2010-04-20T10:02:00.003-05:00

I need to update this blog and make a post!

I'm workin' on it I promise!

Before & After

2010-04-15T12:09:00.003-05:00

I have found a fun new photo blog to join in on!!

The "game" is Before & After. Here are the rules: show your straight out of camera shot and then your edited shot. Share with us what editing program you used, link back to Pixel Perfect so more can join in on the fun!

I love to edit photos so here we go!

Before:

After:

This picture taken with a Canon Rebel XT and edited in
Photoshop 7 (I know, I know....I need to update!).

2 Week Check-Up

2010-04-12T15:20:00.002-05:00

Madi-Moo was two weeks old on Friday! She had her check-up today and weighed in at 8 pounds and 10 ounces and she was 22 inches long! She was 8 pounds and 20" when she was born and had dropped down to 7.6 when we left the hospital. So she has gained 1 pound and 4 ounces and grown 2" since leaving the hospital!! What a big girl we have!! She passed her check-up with flying colors!

Now for the events of the day....I was only able to get one leg shaved while in the shower this morning due to the fact that baby girl thought she needed to eat RIGHT NOW...so I sported capri's with one leg shaved and one not to the doctor today! :) After getting her all dressed and ready to go and in the middle of dressing Ethan Miss Moo decided to poop through her diaper onto her entire outfit...so a change of clothes it was! The doctors appt. went great and we went to eat at Burger King as a treat for Ethan since he was so good while at the doctor. Once we left little girl decided, once again, that she needed to eat RIGHT NOW so I pulled into the Wal-Mart parking lot and got into the backseat to feed her.....forgetting that I have the child locks on the doors and windows back there! I had to use Ethan's straw from Burger King to reach up to the front seat and roll down my back window so I could reach out and open the door! :)

Needless to say it has been quit the morning and I am so glad to be back home! haha!

Happy Monday right?! ;-)

Yippie!

2010-04-09T08:32:00.001-05:00

I have lost all the weight I gained while pregnant!

Now onto those next 40 pounds.

Blech!

Catch Up

2010-04-08T22:14:00.002-05:00

I haven't been very good at updating the last two weeks! I've been just a tad busy with the new little one and her brothers! :)
Madi-Moo is doing fantastic! She is a nursing champ and growing like a weed! We have a two week check up on Monday and I can't wait to see how much she has grown! I just love to look into those tiny little eyes and watch the wonder there! She makes my heart happy!

Oh and the Brothers! They are SO sweet with her! The only problem I have with them is that they get so filthy while playing outside and then want to come in and love all over her....needless to say we have been giving Germ-X a lot of our money lately! ha! :)

Easter weekend was fantastic! We had an amazing sermon at Church on Sunday. One that I needed to hear and very much appreciated! Afterwards we headed to the Grandparents house and hunted some eggs and ate until we were all too stuffed to move! I observed the annual Wiffle Ball game this year but did my best to cheer the ladies team on! I love my family and wish we had more time to hang out like that!

I forgot how fast time flies when you have this tiny little baby in your arms just staring back at you. I find myself getting lost in her eyes during nap time as we just sit and rock! My favorite time of the day!

Busy weekend ahead of us so I'm sure I'll have lots of pictures to post later!!

Snippets from our Weekend

2010-04-05T11:30:00.000-05:00

More to come later!

2010-04-01T19:04:00.000-05:00

Introducing.......

2010-03-29T09:20:00.004-05:00

Madison Jolene

Born March 26th at 8:46 AM

8 lbs. 20" long

Healthy and beautiful!

Tomorrow

2010-03-25T11:23:00.002-05:00

...two will become three...

...four will become five...

...I'll probably cry...

...my family will feel complete...

...I'll breath a sigh of relief that we made it through...

...baby girl will finally join our family...

Pre-Madi 39 Weeks

2010-03-21T21:03:00.004-05:00

Happy Spring?

2010-03-20T11:48:00.001-05:00

After B*E*A*UTIFUL weather yesterday we woke this morning to 3 inches of snow with about that much more coming our way.

Happy Spring! :)

Updates

2010-03-17T07:18:00.000-05:00

It's been too long since I've actually given an update on everyone around here!

Levi is doing really well in school! I can't believe that kid will be done with Kindergarten in just a few short months!! *sniff* He can't be that old already!! We have been practicing reading and also with his number/math skills. I'm very proud of the progress he has made this year. It blows my mind what they can learn in just a few short months!! He will start soccer next month and then tee-ball in June and he is really looking forward to those! He's such an active guy and this winter was so durn cold that he couldn't be outside much. I know I'm ready to sit on the bleachers at some ball games!!! He has lost two teeth now, one on top and one on bottom. His other top tooth is loose now as well....he's going to be my toothless kid pretty soon! :)

Ethan is doing famously! We spend our mornings waking up to some cartoons then we have breakfast and he plays while I clean or do whatever! He really loves to play with Moon Sand and Play-Doh so we have been keeping a lot of that on hand! :) He's a pretty good little helper but has become EXTREMELY attached to me lately. I don't generally mind when it's just he and I at home but when we are out and about it gets a little tiresome. I think he knows things are about to change with the baby coming and it's his way of coping. So I make to sure to give extra hugs and lovins!!

Madison is still hanging in there! Just a week and 2 days and she will be here! Although I wouldn't mind if she showed up a little early!! She gave us a little scare last week and wasn't moving around like she should. We went to the hospital to be monitored for awhile and they finally had to bring in this little buzzer thing to buss against my stomach and get her to wake up! Once she woke up she was active and looking great! An ultrasound showed us that there was "a lot of baby in there" and that she was head down and has plenty of fluid around her! She got comfy and felt like giving her mother a heart attack! :)

I think that's about it! We are all looking forward to warmer (and dryer) weather around here! I can't wait to get outside and take the kiddos for a walk! I'm sick of being cooped up in this house!

Hopefully it's just around the corner!

Real Life

2010-03-16T12:10:00.001-05:00

Real life at our house!

Photo Challenge from iheartfaces Week 11

2010-03-15T08:41:00.003-05:00

It's been forever since I have done one of these! The theme this week was "bundled up". I took a TON of pictures this winter of the boys outside but I just love this one of EJ!

Head on over to ihearfaces to check out some other great entries!

Weekend Away!

2010-02-23T10:04:00.003-06:00

Our weekend at my sisters was a blast!!

We swam a lot at the hotel pool and the kids had a blast!

Levi did such a good job swimming without his arm floaties!!

And Ms. Aubrey liked playing ball with Nanny!

Saturday night we took the kids to see Playhouse Disney Live! It was pretty cute! We saw Mickey and his friends along with Cinderella, Woddy and Buzz and Tigger!

The weather was so mild and nice at my sisters! We went without coats all day Saturday only to come home to this on Sunday afternoon.

Boo. More snow for us. I think we got around 8" by the time it stopped. That was on top of what we already had. *sigh*

All that swimming has made me ready for summer!!

2010-02-19T09:27:00.002-06:00

Somebody wasn't ready for brother to leave for school this morning!

As soon as Levi gets off the bus today we are headed to see my sister!! YEA! We are taking the kids to see Mickey Mouse Clubhouse! It should be lots of fun!

Happy Friday!

2010-02-17T11:48:00.001-06:00

Doesn't that smile just make your day?

Random

2010-02-16T09:32:00.005-06:00

I'm sleepy today!
This whole not sleeping more than a few hours each night is for the birds!

Speaking of "for the birds" what in the world does the even mean?!

Anywho, I feel bad for making Levi eat breakfast at school every morning. You think I would at least be able to function enough to make the kid a bowl of cereal. But no... I just get him up and dressed and medicine and teeth brushed and send him to school to eat! He doesn't mind. He actually loves to eat at school so I guess that's ok!

And my house...lets just say it needs some major TLC. I'm lucky Josh has been helping me keep it up so we don't live like complete slobs! :) He's a good man!

I'm about sick of the snow. I just want to get outside in the nice sunshine and get some fresh air without having to wear 847 layers of clothing. *sigh* I don't think Spring will ever come!

Boys are doing good! Can't believe Levi will be done with kindergarten in just a few short months! I'm ready to have him back home all the time though! Ethan and I miss him during the day!

That's about all that's on my mind this morning! I see a nap in my future and then maybe I can blog a little better! :)

Happy Tuesday!

Raising Boys

2010-02-15T07:56:00.007-06:00

Raising Boys
(Roberta I. Teague)

I scrub the wall of fingerprints,
Pick up the mounds of clothes.
I sweep the dirt that shoes track in-Wish I could use a hose!

Meals are served from dawn to dark,
Dirty dishes crowd the sink.
Just when they're washed and put away-Everyone wants a drink!

The washer pulls the dirty grime
From pants worn thin and patched.
They look so very neat and clean-Yuck, look what the pockets hatched!

Broken bones and bloody knees,
I should have been a nurse.

I take it all in shaky stride-Just grateful it's not worse!

Screams and shouts and arguments

Test the keeping of my cool.

They left the neighbor's faucet on-See their new front yard pool!

A soothing bath is ecstasy,

A reward at the end of my rope.

Raising boys isn't really bad-But first I must wash the soap!

A rose can say I Love You,

Orchids can enthrall;

But a weed bouquet in a chubby fist,Oh my, that says it all!

My Valentine's!

2010-02-14T07:49:00.000-06:00

I think I'm pretty blessed!

Happy Valentine's Day!

(not pictured: one little girl, due in about 5 weeks and 4 days!)

Ethans Birthday Post...a little late!

2010-02-13T07:22:00.002-06:00

On February 9th at 2:30 in the afternoon this handsome little boy joined our family! Weighing in at 7 pounds and 10 ounces he immediately stole our hearts!

Ethan James - in the last three years you have brought laughter and joy to our lives! I look forward every morning to seeing those blue eyes of yours smile up at me! I couldn't be more proud of the handsome little guy you are growing up to be! I wish time would slow down sometimes so you would stay this little forever! I cherish every snuggle and every laugh we have!

Your big brother is your best friend and you can not wait to see him every day after school! You two love to play dinosaurs and crocodiles together and often drag every toy from your bedroom into the living room to play near Dad and I!

We love you so very much Ethan! Happy Birthday!

I should have blogged but...

2010-02-12T07:03:00.001-06:00

...I had dishes to do (or at least pretend to do)...

...I had a three-year old to rock...

...I had laundry to fold...

...I had snuggles to pass out...

...I had snow to play in...

...I had work to do...

...I had pictures to edit...

...I had naps to take...

...I had snow days to spend with my boys...

...I have a baby girl on her way and needed to get ready...

...basically I found other things to do... :)

2010-02-11T09:49:00.003-06:00

On January 29th at 10:55 am Mr. Levi lost his very first tooth! :)
He pulled it all by himself and is very proud of that fact!

Good job my big man!

2010-02-10T20:12:00.001-06:00

2010-02-10T20:02:00.004-06:00

How far along? 33 weeks

Weight gain/loss: +15 pounds so far!

Maternity clothes? Oh yeah! Although my shirts are starting to get short!

Sleep: Not too good. I just want one good night of sleep! That's it!!

Best moment this week: My doctors appt.

Movement: she moves a lot! Kicks me on my right side all the time!!

Food cravings: Ice, grape juice

Gender: Pretty little girl!

Labor Signs: Some contractions and she is sitting really low!

Button in or out? Out!

What I miss: Bending over....without passing out or turning red! haha!

What I am looking forward to: Her arrival!!

Weekly Wisdom: Tonight I'm fresh out of wisdom! :)

Milestones: Hitting 33 weeks!

2009-12-08T11:05:00.003-06:00

Picture: to come later
How far along? 24 weeks and one day
Weight gain/loss: +1 pound!
Maternity clothes? Oh yeah!
Sleep: Pretty good but my hips have started to hurt! Ugh!
Best moment this week: Feeling all the kicks
Movement: She's a mover!
Food cravings: Oranges, apples and celery with peanut butter
Gender: GIRL
Labor Signs: nope
Belly Button in or out? flat
What I miss: Sleeping on my belly
What I am looking forward to: Start going to the doc every two weeks
Weekly Wisdom: Savour every moment!
Milestones: Hitting the half way mark!

Christmas Pictures!

2009-12-01T08:07:00.003-06:00

It's A......

2009-11-09T20:35:00.005-06:00

!!A Girl!!

2009-11-04T09:00:00.000-06:00

It's Fall!

2009-11-03T18:09:00.004-06:00

It has been so beautiful here the last few days! I hope we have a few more days filled with sunshine and no rain!! :)

Big L:

Has been doing fantastic in school! He got Student of the Month for Responsibility and passed his parent teacher conferences with flying colors! He is learning to read and I just LOVE listening to him sound out the words on the page! It's so exciting! I can't believe my little guy is going to be reading me books before bed here pretty soon! :)

Big J:

Has been enjoying his days spent at home with his Mommy! He has finally passed his little faze of having accidents all the time and has gone back to doing really good at telling me when he needs to go potty! He comes up with some pretty funny things to tell me! My favorite happens to be "Mom, yous just kiddin' me!" anytime I tell him it's nap time! :) Makes me giggle every time!

That's about it for updates on us!!

Bad

2009-10-14T14:42:00.004-05:00

Wow...

It's been a very very long time since I have updated this thing!

I apologize!

Please forgive me?!

What if I give a weeks worth of updates with pictures?!
Would you forgive me then?!

I thought so! :)

I'll start with this...

Picture: Taken by me in my bathroom!
How far along? 16 weeks and 4 days
Weight gain/loss: Down 6 pounds
Maternity clothes? Pants all the time and tops some of the time!
Sleep: What's that??
Best moment this week: Feelin' little baby move!
Movement: Just started! Little flutters every now and then!
Food cravings: Nope.....ick!
Gender: ??
Labor Signs: nope
Belly Button in or out? the same
What I miss: Not throwing up everyday!
What I am looking forward to: Our big ultra sound in 4 weeks!
Weekly Wisdom: I got nothin' for this week!
Milestones: Feeling the baby move!

Happy Birthday!

2009-09-16T08:12:00.006-05:00

HAPPY SIXTH BIRTHDAY HANDSOME MAN!

Two weeks after my due date had come and gone my doctor (who shall remain nameless but is the WORST OBGYN of all times) finally decided to induce me. After breaking my water and watching Levi's heart rate drop down from 140 to about 30-45 it was quickly decided that something was wrong. The doctor was informed but was sure that the nurses could make his heart rate come back up so he went ahead with his PLANNED C-Section on another lady...who was having no problems at all....I watched her walk by my room on her way to have her baby while I lay in a hospital bed wondering if mine would come out alive.

After an hour and a half of failed attempts to bring his heart rate back up I was rushed into the OR and prepped for an emergency c-section. By the time they got my little Levi out he had no heart beat and was not breathing...I'm not sure how long he was like this as I was knocked out in the recovery room and the nurses were very vague on the details to my family. I later learned that they got his heart beating again and were getting ready to intebate him (stick a breathing tube in him) when they lost him one more time. Levi was born at 9:31 am and was not stable enough to take the ambulance ride to MU Children's Hospital until around 4 that afternoon. My first glimpse of my baby boy was of him inside an incubator with wires and tubes coming out from everywhere.

Once they arrived at the NICU they were able to take out the breathing tube and get Levi to breath on his own. I checked myself out of the hospital the next day so that I could go be with my family by his side. When Josh and I arrived at the hospital we were taken to his little cubicle (that's what they look like) to see him. There they had him in nothing but a diaper under some lamps with wires and tubes coming from him. Things to monitor his breathing and his heart and also IV's to administer antibiotics and fluids since he could not eat yet. We were then taken to a room with three doctors to go over his situation. When Levi was brought in it was apparent that his head was very swollen so that was their main worry. We were told that since they had no idea how long he had been without oxygen that they had no idea what to expect to be wrong with him. It could be possible that he might have brain damage and that it could be major or very minor depending on how long his brain was without oxygen and that we should expect two weeks at the least for him to be in the NICU.

So with that information we went back to our babies side. The next day when we came in we were pulled aside and told that in the night the bottom half of Levi's left lung had collapsed. They put some oxygen on him and got it to re-inflate on it's own but had him laying on his right side so that it would be easier for him to breath until that lung got stronger. The neurologist came in and gave us the results of his multiple scans and told us that it was apparent that sometime right after birth Levi had suffered from some seizures which were most likely brought on by the lack of oxygen. His brain was still swollen so they were still going to watch that closely.

That was the worst day our little Levi had....after that day he did nothing but improve. His lungs continued to get stronger and stronger until he was finally able to be off the oxygen. And each day you could tell that the swelling in his head was coming down. On day four I was finally able to feed him...they wanted to watch closely to make sure that his digestive system would accept the food and they also wanted to make sure that with all that had gone on since his birth that he would "remember" how to suck and eat.

Finally on Monday September 22 we were released with our HEALTHY baby boy to go home. Brain swelling completely gone, lungs strong and eating like a champ Levi got to come home a full week earlier than expected. He was schedule for an MRI and a check-up exam at 1 month old and passed those with flying colors. Now, Six years later Josh and I are blessed to have a smart, active, fun loving little boy who continues to grow and thrive with each new day.

Our situation could have easily went the other way! And there is no doubt in my mind that all of our prayers were heard that long week after Levi was born. God sent us Angels in the form of our doctors, nurses and family members who supported us and took such great care of us while we were in the NICU. To all of those people I say THANK YOU for giving us our son, brother, cousin, nephew and grandchild. Life just wouldn't be the same without him!

Video Josh took on our digital camera. That's Joshs hand down in the corner holding onto Levi. Sorry no sound.

Bad

2009-09-02T10:41:00.001-05:00

I have been very bad at keeping this blog updated lately!

I don't even have any pictures to show you! *GASP*

I know!

I'm going to make a new goal to post at least something every day for a week!

Starting tomorrow! :)

Five Little Monkeys

2009-08-25T12:37:00.013-05:00

This last week has been a week full of excitement and fun! Working from home sure has it's benefits! I love being able to make breakfast for the Big Guy and wave him off to the bus stop everymorning! I also love being here when he gets off the bus and comes running towards the house!

There is nothing better!

He spends his afternoons after school riding his bike and searching for worms...

which he then takes and chases his brother around the yard with!

Aw boys!

Little Man and I stay busy everyday! We play toys, pretend and sing songs! Just today we sang 5 Little Monkeys before nap time... it went a little something like this:

Me: "5 little monkeys jumping on the bed. One fell off and bumped his head! Mama called the doctor and the doctor said..."
EJ: "No jumpin' on bed or you get a fumpin' on your head!"

Hey, at least he made it rhyme!

I throw some work in there too! :) I have been trying to work in the mornings after Levi gets on the bus, during nap time and after the boys go to bed so I can spend as much time with them as possible! There will be days where that just won't work but for now it's going pretty good!

I'm so glad I got the chance to do this! I just can't imagine not getting home until very late and having no time with these kiddos! They make my heart happy! :)

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

Is it just me or do they look like they are up to no good??

(Yeah, Little J has no pants on... he has undies on but no pants....not really sure what happend to them actually!)

Happy Tuesday!

Not Me!

2009-08-24T10:13:00.004-05:00

Welcome to Not Me! Monday! This blog carnival was created by MckMama. You can head over to her blog to read what she and everyone else have not been doing this week.

Oh what a doozie of a week we had at our house! With the big kid starting school and my first week of working from home...needless to say I have lots of things that I did not do!

There is no way that the following was heard in my house this week:

"No you can not take that gun into the store with us."

"Please don't pee on the road!"

"Could you just not lay on top of your brother for once please?!"

It was not I who cried like a baby when I had to leave my biggest kid behind at school! And it for sure isn't that big kid who asks me every morning now if I'm going to cry when he gets on the bus!

I also would not be the mother who let her two children eat not only breakfast but supper as well while watching a movie. I never use the TV as a means to get just two seconds of peace and quiet!

I think that's quit enough confessing for one Monday morning!

Happy Monday all!!

First Day

2009-08-20T15:24:00.004-05:00

Well, I think I survived the first day of school!

I would like to tell you that it was without a tear shed.....but that would be lying!

I am (not so patiently) waiting for that little guy to get off the bus! I can't wait to see him and hug him and find out how his day went!!!

Here are a few pictures from this morning...

Oh it finally worked!! :)

To cheer little brother up we stopped and got a donut after dropping the Big Kid off!

Big News!

2009-08-13T14:06:00.002-05:00

What a week this has been!

Just plain busy!

Big L has kindergarten open house tonight!! He gets to take his supplies, meet his teacher and see his desk! I'm super excited to take him and check out the classroom!!

I really hope I don't tear up.....

That's not the big news!

THIS is the big news....

Starting Monday I will officially be working from home!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'm not excited in the least bit...

I mean who would be excited about being able to get her first born on and off the bus, sleeping in, spending more time with her babies, taking naps, working whenever I want, sleeping in and having more home time! Did I mention I'm excited to sleep in? No more getting up at 5 AM!!!

I am thrilled by this alone! hehe!

So needless to say this week has been busy here at work. Winding down my projects and getting things ready for the weeks to come has proven to take a lot of time! I'm not as organized as I thought I was! :)

My posts could become quit interesting! Ya know spending all day with Little J is bound to make great blog fodder!!

Did I mention I'm not excited about this at all?!

Yeah right!!!

I can't wait!!!!!!!

Not Me! Monday!

2009-08-10T08:42:00.009-05:00

Welcome to Not Me! Monday! This blog carnival was created by MckMama. You can head over to her blog to read what she and everyone else have not been doing this week.

It was not I who took a day off intending to take Mr. Levi to get his shots for kindergarten and then did not because I just didn't feel like holding that poor kid down and watching him scream. And since I would never do such a thing it is not I who is now having to fit that in some time after work so that they will let the kid start school next week!

I did not eat a donut and drink a Root Beer for breakfast this morning.

I was not told to "Dwop your attitude, Mom" by the cutest two-year old I know!

I do not say that to that child at least 5 times a day!

I did not go on a float trip this weekend with my husband. Since I did not go on said trip it would never have been me who forgot sunscreen on her scalp and upper thigh. I therefore did not burn my scalp so bad that it has little sores and it definitely does not hurt to wear underwear this morning..... oh yeah and I definitely did not fall off the raft and bruise and scrap my leg up....I'm a little more coordinated than that!

And it most certainly was not me who fed my children Lucky Charms last night for supper and just called it good!

Oy! I hope this week goes a little better!

Happy Monday!

What happens to Oreo's at our house...

2009-08-09T14:29:00.000-05:00

I also found mysterious chocolate handprints on the rim of the toilet...

I'm not even going to ask!

Tractor Trumps Mom

2009-08-08T14:23:00.000-05:00

Every time!

Confessions of a Mamaholic

Summer

Joplin

Watch what you drink...

I love this boy

Spring-time tease

♥

Mmmm

Sleepless in Missouri

Cheesy Chicken and Vegetables

Juice Pops

Which kid is it?

Weekend

30 Day Challenge

30 Day Challenge - day 21

30 Day Challenge - day 20

30 Day Challenge - day 19

These kids...

30 Day Challenge - day 18

When it rains it pours (long post)

30 Day Challenge - day 17

30 Day Challenge - Day 16

30 Day Challenge - day 15

30 Day Challenge - day 14

I {heart} faces - Sun flare!

30 Day Challenge - day 13

30 Day Challenge - day 12

30 day challenge - day 11

30 Day Challenge - day 10

*Glory Baby*

30 Day Challenge - day 9

30 Day Challenge - day 8

I Heart Faces

30 Day Challenge - day 7

30 Day Challenge - day 6

30 Day Challenge - Day 5

30 Day Challenge - day 4

30 Day Challenge - day 3

30 Day Challenge

30 day game and more...

Alive

Just some pictures!

Wordless Wednesday

Poo catchers!

Ho-Hum

Sickies

Madi - One Month Old

Mr. President

Before & After Blog Hop

Things I've learned this week...

Before and After

Wordless Wednesday - First Bath

I know...

Before & After

2 Week Check-Up

Yippie!

Catch Up

Snippets from our Weekend

Introducing.......

Tomorrow

Pre-Madi 39 Weeks

Happy Spring?

Updates

Real Life

Photo Challenge from iheartfaces Week 11

Weekend Away!

Random

Raising Boys

My Valentine's!

Ethans Birthday Post...a little late!

I should have blogged but...

Christmas Pictures!

It's A......

It's Fall!

Bad

Happy Birthday!

Bad

Five Little Monkeys

Not Me!

First Day

Glory Baby