Goodbye, forever

I'm done posting here.

You can check out my new blog:

www.fiveofspaids.com

Disclaimer:

The Road to El Dorado is not a good movie.

At all.

I was actually shocked at some of the stuff.

We put the kids to bed before it was over.

It's Friday Night...

We are getting ready to watch The Road to El Dorado with the kids.

Hopefully it's a cute show.

Some snapshots of our day:

Hanging out on my lap. I'm enjoying this age so much.

Swimming in the backyard. Notice our dead grass.

Yeah.

Anyway.

Ben's been running a fever all day.

I know I've said it before, but that kid gets hot when he has a fever.

It was 103.7.

He seems fine now?

Guess I should have went to medical school before I had children.

Oops.

(I had a bunch of other stuff I was going to say...but now I don't feel like it. Off to cuddle.)

Thursdays are for Cuties

Ramblings....

The youngest in our family has reached another milestone.

I'm sorry for not telling you yesterday.

She is so close to rolling over it's ridiculous.

She is just starting to fit into 3-6 month clothes.

(Which I think is perfect; I love when sizes and ages match up.)

For the most part, she is a very content baby.

She's a very, very fast eater. Nothing like Ben was.

She seems bigger everyday to me.

She still loves her swing.
(And I am grateful, otherwise I wouldn't get anything done!)

She is the most social baby I have ever been around.

I'm not exaggerating.

She will talk and talk and talk.

The minute anyone gives her attention she is all smiles.

It's wonderful.

She is a beauty.

(In my humble opinion.)

She has the most perfect skin. Not a flaw to be found.

I formerly had the flawless skin.

Then she was born.

I must have given it to her or something.

Someone told me once that for each baby you have you lose/change something.

When I had Charlotte it was my ears.

Now when I go in a plane or up in the mountains, I'm the one chewing gum and swallowing trying to get my ears to pop.

I can't pinpoint one specific thing that changed when I had Ben,

but my recovery after having him was horrible.

I'm sure that counts.

And now, Elizabeth Sue.

And my used-to-be-perfect-skin.

I could almost cry.

She's more than worth it, though.

I am still holding out for it to clear up when I'm finished nursing.

If not, it's on to more drastic measures...

---

Libby is three months old and:

*I haven't gotten her pictures taken. This literally breaks my heart.

*I haven't sewed any onesies for her.

*I haven't gotten into a routine that keeps the house picked up/laundry put away/dishes done.

*I haven't lost my "baby weight". I'm not sure I can even call it that anymore.

*I haven't written like 5 or 6 thank you notes that are rudely overdue.

ohmyword

Charlotte, Kylie and I got henna tattoos in Estes Park.

---

I have so much to tell you, dear blog.

However, I have family in town.

Which really cuts into blogging time.

But I can't complain.

I'd much rather be with family.

---

Also, this morning when I could have been blogging (hello! Charlotte slept in until 9:45 - unbelievable!)

I had to deal with ants.

In my living/dining room.

It's a carpeted room.

I vacuumed.

And vacuumed.

And bleached.

And vacuumed.

And washed high chairs.

And vacuumed.

I hate ants.

I had a very firm "no little people eat in the dining room" rule.

Then we had Libby.

And when we have people over we all can't fit at the kitchen table.

So, their high chairs (and Charlie's booster) have been on the carpet off and on since she's been born.

Gag.

Another reason to hate this carpet.

But that's a whole 'nother post.

---

Appliance-love

A glass of water.

From our fridge.

Hallelujah.

Summertime Blues

This is the only decent shot I got of them in their matching watermelon shirts.

Libby had a blowout all over her outfit.

And her carseat.

And my shirt.

--

I inexplicably feel very down.

I am at a loss as to what to do about it.

My life is about as perfect as life can get.

I think maybe I just need more sleep.

Twelve Weeks Old

Video

I finally figured out how to take video with our camera. It's ridiculously easy. I've done a few, we just did this one for fun. She can spell a few other things, but was feeling silly with the camera on her. When she watched this she said, "I'm so funny!" Listen to Libby "talking" in the background:)

I just wanted to tell you...

...Elizabeth Sue is 11 weeks old today.

Believe it.

I have no pictures.

My camera has been confiscated for V.B.S.

And she has a cold in her eye anyway.

:(

...Will sprained his ankle today.

He had to go the E.R.

After V.B.S.

After I made him wait in the car at Wal-mart for 20 minutes so I could go in and buy half our month's budget worth of diapers.

Just kidding.

Kind of.

But they are expensive.

Anyway, Will thought he was fine...

but his boss said he couldn't come to work with crutches without papers saying he needed them.

Or something.

So I came home and put the kids to bed.

And he drove himself to the hospital.

With his left foot.

I'm trying to find some way to put a positive spin on this.

It's not working.

At least it's not broken?

Help!

Two nights in a row now Libby has gone nine hours between feedings....

she slept about seven of that....

both nights she ate just after 9:00...

stayed awake until 11:00ish and then didn't eat again until 6:00...

should I be concerned? I am nursing her.

She did have two very exhausting days those two days.

I try to feed her "on demand" for the most part, but I don't want her to starve herself.

She has also been "cluster feeding" in the evenings.

I think six or seven hours is fine...but nine?

Normally I'd be heading off to the nursing clinic...

but I don't have time this week!

Give me some advice please! :)

A Dose of Saturday Random:

~Ben talks SO much these days - and, he's really trying to pronounce words correctly. It's so cute to see him think about it. He's started doing simple sentences too. In the car the other day: "Bibby, doan ty!" (Libby, don't cry!)

~Charlie is Ms. Bossy...but mostly in an endearing way. For instance: She plays pretend with Ben and takes him "places" and has him put his shoes on, sit here, pick that up, etc.

~Libby has grown up so much! It's hard to believe she's not even 11 weeks yet. She looks so big to me. She talks and coos and smiles a lot. She also cries like she's dying for the slightest reason. I think it's adorable...I guess you can tell I'm her mom.

~VBS starts Monday. I'm not ready.

Name that Movie

(The view out the front door where we stay in Iowa)

"But then I come down here and...this fits, too."

---

I have so much going on.

My blog isn't the only thing suffering.

Goodnight.

Thursdays are for Cuties

P.S. Is it bad that I sometimes make Libby wait a few minutes to eat because the sight/sound of her sucking her fist is so adorable?

Hello. Goodbye.

Hello

Part of a VBS directors job...

(Or anyone who has a job...or a house...or anyone.)

...is to make a few phone calls.

About stuff.

Today I did that.

I already know my voice is borderline annoying/sounds like a 12-year-old.

I try to sound somewhat intelligent/educated.

And say "um" less than 1,000 times.

Which leads to long pauses.

Which I think makes me sound...unprepared? uninformed? lame? like I'm trying to read something else? I don't know.

I hope when I enter the professional world I have a job that requires no phone talking.

Is that possible?

Even Will gets irritated talking to me on the phone.

I irritate myself.

Goodbye.

(Every time I hang up after a conversation Charlie says, "Who was it? What did they say?" I don't know where she gets that...:))

If wishes were dishes...

...then we'd all have a feast!

Libby at two months.

I wanted to applique 12 onsies for Elizabeth.

One for each month...and then take her picture in them...

for fun, for cuteness.

I haven't done any.

She's two months old.

Since she's was born I've probably read...20 books? That's a conservative estimate.

I need to delegate my "free-time" better.

Although, nursing really only lends itself to reading.

And I spend at least 2.6 hours nursing a day.

Not that I read all that time, but you get the picture.

I read this on someone else's blog and I had to laugh, this is exactly me:

"I always wanted to be a bread making, green living, coupon using, organic eating, skirt wearing, quiet tempered, well organized, person. Instead I am a donut buying, plastic cup using, online shopping, pizza eating, sweat pants wearing, loud mess!"

Warning: This is Looong

Ohmyword.

It's been quite the day already...and it's not even 4:00.

Nothing bad...just busy.

---

Elizabeth had her two month check-up today.

I had to take all four kids - and they all behaved beautifully.

She is 24inches long which is the 96th percentile.

She weighs 10.8 lbs (not to be confused with 10lbs 8oz...that is different) which is the 48th percentile.

She's gained almost two pounds in a month...

which is about an ounce a day...

which is perfect. :)

She still has thrush (I am too frustrated to even blog about this). I'll be going to pick up her third prescription later.

The Dr. kept going on and on about how beautiful she is and how social and how alert.

She may say that to everyone.

It doesn't matter.

It's so nice when people say good things about your children.

Especially when they have M.D. after their name.

---

I have a pretty good job.

Just wanted to throw that out there.

Yes, sometimes they are late to get her...either scheduled late or just running late...sometimes she irritates me...

...but for the most part she is a VERY good girl.

She's very smart.

She's really cute, and she gets bathed regularly (a must for me!).

She was sick last week and so I only watched her a couple hours one morning (she was supposed to come back that afternoon but got sick!) and then one day.

I still got paid for three days.

I tried to give back the money for the day I had off, but her mom wouldn't take it.

Then they had plans and her grandparents were supposed to watch her on Saturday...but they canceled...so I said I could keep her...it was seriously like four hours and two of it she was sleeping...and they paid me for another day.

(I realize this is becoming all about $, but that is WHY I work and I am so grateful!)

They gave me a raise after I had Libby. Just because.

Every Monday (or the first day I watch her) her mom brings me my pay for the week.

I've never had to say a word about it.

Well, I say, "Thank you!"

---

Will's gone this week.

He's supposed to get back Friday.

The kids and I are leaving Friday at noon for Iowa.

My nephew turns one.

Will might get back early and then we'll get to see him...

...otherwise it will be nearly two weeks apart.

It's sad.

Anyway, we both made a goal to lose 10lbs. while we're apart.

It is so not happening on my end.

I quit the 30-Day Shred.

I'm okay with being exhausted/sore muscles...but it was killing my knees.

I even made Will watch me to make sure I was doing the exercises right.

I can't be getting old, can I?

I've been walking almost everyday though...since I quit...not since Will left...that was like two days ago:)

Sigh.

---

I made pasta with pesto sauce.

It came in box...on clearance at Target...for 1.97...it fed us all...

the kids loved it, both had 2nds, Ben had 3rds.

---

VBS starts two weeks from today.

It's nearly all planned...

...just going to be a lot of work putting those plans into action.

I'm excited to see it all come together.

I told you this was long.

Lots of love.

xoxo

8 Silly Reasons I'm Glad I'm Married

If I wasn't married...

1. I would have to hire someone to do yardwork...or hire someone to watch my kids while I did it

2. Date nights would be lonely

3. When I'm in the middle of cooking something and am missing an ingredient...who would go to the store?

4. I would have to get a "real job"

5. I would never be in any pictures

6. I wouldn't have anyone's clothes to borrow/steal

7. I would decrease my texting by...50%

8. I would have to be "The Bug Killer/Relocater" - I hate hate hate spiders (I had to kill one this morning...mere hours after Will left)

---

Will's out of town for work.

Yikes:)

Thursdays are for Cuties

This is what Libby's hair looks like after it's been in a pony.

She can totally pull off a mohawk.

Messing Around

Just some pictures I played around with on Picnik.

I do it for fun.

I'm not delusional enough to think I have any skill.

---

I don't know what to blog about.

I'm feeling decidedly more negative than positive.

I don't really want to spread the negativity around.

I had yesterday off.

I read a book, let the kids play outside, took them to the park, cooked dinner and cleaned the kitchen.

I did not: do laundry, work on VBS, get my house cleaned, sew gifts for my cousins babies or a whole bunch of other things I wanted to do.

I'm just frustrated.

I have soo many good ideas.

And no follow through.

Dear Monday,

I don't love you.

I don't know if it's real or my mind messing with me: but you are a hard day to get through.

Especially when Charlie was up in the night throwing up.

And Ben didn't want to sleep in...even a little.

And someone crashed my van and we might have to pay for it.

And our freezer is wonky.

And our kitchen light won't work.

And I'm the only one in the house who knows how to do dishes.

Or empty ones that have milk in them.

Seriously?

What did I ever do to you?

Husband Bragging

Smiles.

Will and I love, love, love to read.

I hope our kids do, too.

---

Today is Will's birthday.

He is the ripe old age of...twenty-four.

Gasp!

Did you know he was six months younger than me?

Now you do.

Since it's his birthday, I wanted to take the opportunity to brag about him a bit.

Because I think he's fabulous.

First of all...he married me. :) He puts up with all my "junk."

He moved me and our baby girl out here after living in the same town his entire life.

He joined the USAF. He went through boot camp. He went through tech school.

He was away from us for five months.

All to give us a better life.

He looks pretty good in uniform, too. I'm not going to lie.

He listens to all of my crazy ideas. He supports a lot of them.

Almost a year ago...he bought us this house.

A huge accomplishment for any just-turned-23-year-old. Especially with a wife and two kids.

And now we have three kids.

And he's great with all of them.

He's sweet and funny...sometimes crazy silly. He can almost always make me laugh. He's good at math and spelling. He always compliments my cooking. He likes to drive and listen to music. He takes out the trash and vacuums. He rides his bike to work. He always volunteers to change a dirty diaper when he's home. He deals with my compulsive texting. He even replies when he can.

He encourages all my endeavors.

Most importantly, he shares my faith.

He is my best friend and my biggest fan.

And I am his.

Truth in Advertising

Have you seen those Pampers commercials?

Claiming to "sag less" than Huggies?

I didn't buy it.

But I did buy the diapers. I had a coupon. They were on sale.

Never again.

This is after his morning diaper change. Maybe an hour or so?

I just prefer Huggies. They seem better all around.

I had to bribe him with mini M&M's to get him to let me take these pictures.

"Yeah, all my clothes are in the wash..."

:)

Date Night

On Tuesday Charlotte and I went on a date to the movies.

Both the babies stayed home with Will.

We saw Marmaduke.

I thought it was very cute.

She was very excited. Almost too excited to eat dinner. She kept saying, "But I thought we were taking Libby?" Which...made me sad.

Taken with my phone. I'm (past)due for a new phone. I should look for one with a better camera.

We were two of four people in the theater.

We sat in a little "loveseat" type seat.

With our popcorn between us some of the time, cuddling and holding hands the rest.

It was a wonderful date.

---

I don't know what it is with me about leaving my babies.

I just feel like they can't possible survive without me.

I know it's ridiculous.

I can't remember how old Charlie was when I first left her somewhere.

Probably around a month. I remember why: we were going to see a play with my in-laws.

Ben...was about six weeks. I let my mom take him home from Light in the Night while I finished up. Gosh, I took him everywhere. Granted: 90% of the time I had Charlie with me too.

I've already left Libby with Will three times. She's seven weeks old.

Twice I left her to take Ben to the Dr.

And now this time to take Charlie to the movies.

She hasn't died.

Actually, I'm pretty sure she slept through the first two times and fussed just a little while we were at the movies.

How is it possible that this makes me feel like a bad mom?

I don't know. For sure.

Anyway.

The point is. When I had Ben I didn't need to leave him because Charlie was 2.5 and still getting plenty of one-on-one time. Just like Ben is now.

I just felt/feel like it's so important for me to take some specific time to just be with Charlotte.

Not holding a baby.

Not worrying about what Ben's getting into.

I don't know if I'm expressing this accurately, but it really just seems so imperative.

You know? Before she grows up and I can't.

---

I was reading tonight about some people who don't tell people they know IRL (in real life) about their blog.

While I love sharing. And I actually wish more people (like extended family) would check in here once and awhile.

I totally get that.

A place to just vent and be and vent (did I already say that?) without worrying about what people would think or say would be...

nice.

I'm already pretty bold around these here parts though, which if you're reading this I guess you know.

xoxo

Craft & Thrift

The little girl I watch turned two over Memorial Day weekend.

She had her birthday party Sunday and we were invited.

I appliqued a little tank top for her with Curious George fabric. He is her favorite.

I also made her this little dress. It turned out so sweet. I hope her mom puts it on her so I can see her wear it. I want to make one for my girls. Maybe for myself, too. :)

The back has this buttonloop. It was the first time I'd done it, I was pretty proud.

Some blankets and burp cloths I made for the baby shower...I'm not sure how well it went over...

Sweet stuff. I got the pan FREE at a garage sale Saturday. It actually fits in my tiny oven. I'm collecting the white dishes with green flowers (to match my kitchen). I got the idea from my mom who has enough dishes for ANYTHING...but she has my grandma Mary to look at thrift stores/garage sales for her...so my collection is growing much slower. I was really excited to find a gravy boat though:) I'm also forming an eclectic green glass collection.

---

Libby is seven weeks old today.

The laundry situation around here is out of control.

Will's game was down today. It was nice.

Life is good.