I have started this blog so many times. Posting about politics is not always a good idea. However, we live in America where we have Freedom of Speech. So everyone is entitled to say what they want, vote how they want and feel how they want. I also feel that if you make a political post, you need to be able to handle any negative comments that come your way. Whether you engage or reply to those negative comments is up to you. You control YOUR actions and words. You can't control someone else's. With that being said.....
I am a Trump supporter. (I am even a college-educated woman, and I still voted for him!) I am not scared of him being the President. Does he have the experience he needs, no. Does he say the correct things, no. Does he have the best past, no. Has he done things that are inappropriate, yes. I voted for him because looking at the bigger picture I agreed with more of his views that I did Hillary's. I did more research and reading on this years candidates that I ever have. I will tell you, I probably would not of voted for Hillary regardless of who she was up against. It has nothing to do with her being a woman. It had to do with her opinions and her plans.
I am upset that people question me as a parent allowing my child to support Trump. First off, my child does not have to like who I like. (Great thing about America, you get your own opinion) I didn't vote Trump because my parents like him. I formed my own opinion before I even knew who my parents liked. Secondly, being a parent is a tough job, you always question yourself, so I don't need someone else to question me, I am already doing that! The comments I keep seeing is "I can't believe any parent would let their child support or like someone who is a racist, sexiest, rude jerk!" I even like this comment "How can we raise our children in a World that the President says rude, racist, sexiest comments, and he isn't even kind, that is not a good role model!" I am raising my kids to be kind, nice, respectful people. Just because Donald Trump said something does not mean my children will say that. It does not mean that my child will grow up to be those same things because he is the President. My children know to treat all people with respect. They know to not make fun of someone, they know we all are equal. Trump being President does not throw those things out the window that I have spent years teaching them. Does your child like Kanye West? Does your child like Miley Cyrus? Just because someone likes them doesn't mean they are going to run on stage and disrespect someone who was awarded something or hang from a wrecking ball half naked. If you teach your child right from wrong, then what those people do should not change how your child behaves. (Kayne and Miley were the ones that came to mind first for my examples, there are plenty more that I could of used.)
I don't feel that people need to be burning the flag and protesting. What good does that do anyone? I will never be able to wrap my mind around how someone can be so mad they turn to burning the flag. The students walking out of school to protest....left me speechless. Colleges and Universities closing down so students can cope? Seriously?!
Is Canada a better country to live in than the US? Is any other country better than the US? I am only asking because I am proud to live in the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and would not dream of raising my family anywhere else just because of who the President is, so why do you all feel the need to leave? I was completely against Obama but not once did I say I was leaving the country. I managed to live just fine raising my family under Obama....for 8 long years. (that was a funny, you are suppose to laugh)
So far I am impressed with Trump. His acceptance speech was very sincere and from the heart. (Yet the media still finds way to knock by commenting how he didn't Thank Pence and how his son couldn't stay awake....do you realize what time it was??) Let's focus on his actions so far after being elected. I pray that he does turn America around. I hope we get the chance to say "he made America great again!"
Thursday, November 10, 2016
Saturday, October 29, 2016
Mommy Weekend!
This past weekend I went on a girls trip! We went to the Mall of America.
I started to think Friday night, "was this the first time I have done something like this?" I could not for the life of me remember if I have ever left my kids home with Nic overnight and went to do something fun and for myself.
I have left my kids for many overnight stays while either celebrating our Anniversary or attending a Hawkeye game or just a date night. So while I have left them to do fun things with my husband, leaving them for a girls weekend, felt a little different. Not sure why.
I'll give you a short description of my weekend....no kid screaming "MOM!", nobody asking me for food or a drink, no butt wiping, no giving anyone a bath, no doing laundry for an entire 48 hours, nobody asking me to do anything, peeing in peace with the door shut, getting to eat my food while it was still hot and when a baby or kid cried, it wasn't mine!
Do I feel guilty about enjoying that time? NOPE! As a mother we devote our lives to our families and work. We hardly ever get to enjoy just being a woman with friends. So while I missed my kids like crazy, I so enjoyed my weekend. I even took a nap! Yeah, it might of been on a bus, but it was awesome!
By 6:00 Sunday night I was really missing my family! I felt as if the bus would never make it to Seymour! The ride home did go quickly, thank goodness after a close call and 1st tank ran out of gas. LOL
I was greeted with my husband and kiddos hiding behind our kitchen bar and jumping out screaming "SURPRISE!" It was an amazing welcome home moment! The girls made a sign and had it hanging up. That moment meant more to me than they will ever know. The girls ran to me hugging me like I had been gone for weeks. Little man just wasn't quite sure what to think but I finally stole a hug and a kiss.
The weekend away was good for my soul, heart and mind. Just as a warning to my husband.....I plan to do this more often.
I started to think Friday night, "was this the first time I have done something like this?" I could not for the life of me remember if I have ever left my kids home with Nic overnight and went to do something fun and for myself.
I have left my kids for many overnight stays while either celebrating our Anniversary or attending a Hawkeye game or just a date night. So while I have left them to do fun things with my husband, leaving them for a girls weekend, felt a little different. Not sure why.
I'll give you a short description of my weekend....no kid screaming "MOM!", nobody asking me for food or a drink, no butt wiping, no giving anyone a bath, no doing laundry for an entire 48 hours, nobody asking me to do anything, peeing in peace with the door shut, getting to eat my food while it was still hot and when a baby or kid cried, it wasn't mine!
Do I feel guilty about enjoying that time? NOPE! As a mother we devote our lives to our families and work. We hardly ever get to enjoy just being a woman with friends. So while I missed my kids like crazy, I so enjoyed my weekend. I even took a nap! Yeah, it might of been on a bus, but it was awesome!
By 6:00 Sunday night I was really missing my family! I felt as if the bus would never make it to Seymour! The ride home did go quickly, thank goodness after a close call and 1st tank ran out of gas. LOL
I was greeted with my husband and kiddos hiding behind our kitchen bar and jumping out screaming "SURPRISE!" It was an amazing welcome home moment! The girls made a sign and had it hanging up. That moment meant more to me than they will ever know. The girls ran to me hugging me like I had been gone for weeks. Little man just wasn't quite sure what to think but I finally stole a hug and a kiss.
The weekend away was good for my soul, heart and mind. Just as a warning to my husband.....I plan to do this more often.
Made it to the Mall of America! I was a first-timer!
My amazing Hurricane Drink!
Waiting for the Fly Over America. This was an ordeal! I hate Halloween! I hate being scared so the waiting for the ride was not cool!
On the ride for Fly Over America! One amazing ride! I highly recommend this!
All of us girls in front of the Hard Rock Café!
We survived the ride. (we didn't have any doubt)
My note the girls made! Love it with all my heart!!
Wednesday, October 5, 2016
Bedtime post again...
I have been trying to figure out what has happened with Kanon's bedtime routine and I have no freaking idea! We had things going great! Girls went to bed at 8:30 and Kanon would have his bedtime bottle and be out and go right to his bed.
Did the planets shift, did the signs change....what happened?! I can't even remember how long his routine has been all messed up. One night he's asleep and in bed by 9 and the next he isn't asleep until 11. He use to sleep in his bed all night long...not now....he maybe sleeps in his bed 1 or 2 nights a week. No joke!
We changed his daily routine to only allow an hour nap. It seemed to help for awhile but not now.
You might wonder why it is such a big deal he go to bed by 9. Well for starters he is only 1. He needs his sleep. I am concerned of him getting run down. My next reason is from 9 till I go to bed I need ME TIME! No, I don't feel guilty saying that. I work full time, sell real estate and make-up on the side, take care of a household, and my most important role take care of our 3 kids. My husband works extremely hard and several evenings so I do many nights all by myself. So I do not feel guilty about taking an hour to watch my TV show, read a book (which I bought a series 2 weeks ago and I'm still on Chapter 3), or take a relaxing bath.
Tonight I fed him his bottle at 9:45, his eyes were closed, I rocked him a bit and put him in his bed for good....so I thought. He instantly stood up and cried. So I rocked him his room and he again fell asleep. Lay him down again....bam right back up standing crying. This time I left him crying. This is hard for me. After about 10 mins of crying (not hard crying, just light crying) he laid down and went to sleep. By 9 pm!!! I knew he was tired because he fell asleep in his high chair at supper time. I did wake him up because that is far to late of a nap for him.
I just wish I knew what has happened or what to do to get his routine back. As far as him sleeping in his bed all night...that is on us parents. Nobody to blame but us. What is scary...some nights I don't even remember going in and get him. I just know I'm exhausted and want to sleep. However with him in our bed...nobody sleeps. He tosses and turns, he kicks me and head butts his dad. I wake up feeling like I rode a roller coaster. The poor boy also head butts our headboard.
I know what I have to do to fix that. Just takes determination and strength. Something I have a hard time finding at 1 am.
Did the planets shift, did the signs change....what happened?! I can't even remember how long his routine has been all messed up. One night he's asleep and in bed by 9 and the next he isn't asleep until 11. He use to sleep in his bed all night long...not now....he maybe sleeps in his bed 1 or 2 nights a week. No joke!
We changed his daily routine to only allow an hour nap. It seemed to help for awhile but not now.
You might wonder why it is such a big deal he go to bed by 9. Well for starters he is only 1. He needs his sleep. I am concerned of him getting run down. My next reason is from 9 till I go to bed I need ME TIME! No, I don't feel guilty saying that. I work full time, sell real estate and make-up on the side, take care of a household, and my most important role take care of our 3 kids. My husband works extremely hard and several evenings so I do many nights all by myself. So I do not feel guilty about taking an hour to watch my TV show, read a book (which I bought a series 2 weeks ago and I'm still on Chapter 3), or take a relaxing bath.
Tonight I fed him his bottle at 9:45, his eyes were closed, I rocked him a bit and put him in his bed for good....so I thought. He instantly stood up and cried. So I rocked him his room and he again fell asleep. Lay him down again....bam right back up standing crying. This time I left him crying. This is hard for me. After about 10 mins of crying (not hard crying, just light crying) he laid down and went to sleep. By 9 pm!!! I knew he was tired because he fell asleep in his high chair at supper time. I did wake him up because that is far to late of a nap for him.
I just wish I knew what has happened or what to do to get his routine back. As far as him sleeping in his bed all night...that is on us parents. Nobody to blame but us. What is scary...some nights I don't even remember going in and get him. I just know I'm exhausted and want to sleep. However with him in our bed...nobody sleeps. He tosses and turns, he kicks me and head butts his dad. I wake up feeling like I rode a roller coaster. The poor boy also head butts our headboard.
I know what I have to do to fix that. Just takes determination and strength. Something I have a hard time finding at 1 am.
Bedtime post again...
I have been trying to figure out what has happened with Kanon's bedtime routine and I have no freaking idea! We had things going great! Girls went to bed at 8:30 and Kanon would have his bedtime bottle and be out and go right to his bed.
Did the planets shift, did the signs change....what happened?! I can't even remember how long his routine has been all messed up. One night he's asleep and in bed by 9 and the next he isn't asleep until 11. He use to sleep in his bed all night long...not now....he maybe sleeps in his bed 1 or 2 nights a week. No joke!
We changed his daily routine to only allow an hour nap. It seemed to help for awhile but not now.
You might wonder why it is such a big deal he go to bed by 9. Well for starters he is only 1. He needs his sleep. I am concerned of him getting run down. My next reason is from 9 till I go to bed I need ME TIME! No, I don't feel guilty saying that. I work full time, sell real estate and make-up on the side, take care of a household, and my most important role take care of our 3 kids. My husband works extremely hard and several evenings so I do many nights all by myself. So I do not feel guilty about taking an hour to watch my TV show, read a book (which I bought a series 2 weeks ago and I'm still on Chapter 3), or take a relaxing bath.
Tonight I fed him his bottle at 9:45, his eyes were closed, I rocked him a bit and put him in his bed for good....so I thought. He instantly stood up and cried. So I rocked him his room and he again fell asleep. Lay him down again....bam right back up standing crying. This time I left him crying. This is hard for me. After about 10 mins of crying (not hard crying, just light crying) he laid down and went to sleep. By 9 pm!!! I knew he was tired because he fell asleep in his high chair at supper time. I did wake him up because that is far to late of a nap for him.
I just wish I knew what has happened or what to do to get his routine back. As far as him sleeping in his bed all night...that is on us parents. Nobody to blame but us. What is scary...some nights I don't even remember going in and get him. I just know I'm exhausted and want to sleep. However with him in our bed...nobody sleeps. He tosses and turns, he kicks me and head butts his dad. I wake up feeling like I rode a roller coaster. The poor boy also head butts our headboard.
I know what I have to do to fix that. Just takes determination and strength. Something I have a hard time finding at 1 am.
Did the planets shift, did the signs change....what happened?! I can't even remember how long his routine has been all messed up. One night he's asleep and in bed by 9 and the next he isn't asleep until 11. He use to sleep in his bed all night long...not now....he maybe sleeps in his bed 1 or 2 nights a week. No joke!
We changed his daily routine to only allow an hour nap. It seemed to help for awhile but not now.
You might wonder why it is such a big deal he go to bed by 9. Well for starters he is only 1. He needs his sleep. I am concerned of him getting run down. My next reason is from 9 till I go to bed I need ME TIME! No, I don't feel guilty saying that. I work full time, sell real estate and make-up on the side, take care of a household, and my most important role take care of our 3 kids. My husband works extremely hard and several evenings so I do many nights all by myself. So I do not feel guilty about taking an hour to watch my TV show, read a book (which I bought a series 2 weeks ago and I'm still on Chapter 3), or take a relaxing bath.
Tonight I fed him his bottle at 9:45, his eyes were closed, I rocked him a bit and put him in his bed for good....so I thought. He instantly stood up and cried. So I rocked him his room and he again fell asleep. Lay him down again....bam right back up standing crying. This time I left him crying. This is hard for me. After about 10 mins of crying (not hard crying, just light crying) he laid down and went to sleep. By 9 pm!!! I knew he was tired because he fell asleep in his high chair at supper time. I did wake him up because that is far to late of a nap for him.
I just wish I knew what has happened or what to do to get his routine back. As far as him sleeping in his bed all night...that is on us parents. Nobody to blame but us. What is scary...some nights I don't even remember going in and get him. I just know I'm exhausted and want to sleep. However with him in our bed...nobody sleeps. He tosses and turns, he kicks me and head butts his dad. I wake up feeling like I rode a roller coaster. The poor boy also head butts our headboard.
I know what I have to do to fix that. Just takes determination and strength. Something I have a hard time finding at 1 am.
Thursday, August 25, 2016
Date Night....
I just realized last week that Nic and I haven't had a Date Night since Feburary 29th. Say what?!?! Yeah it has been that long. We have just been living life as busy working parents. We forget we need to sometimes make it about us. I am sure many of you can relate.
I can still remember our last date like it was yesterday. We went to Des Moines to do some Birthday shopping for Miss Kaydee Mae. I let him pick the restaurant as it was a treat for his Birthday. He picked Joe's Crab Shack. Yeah....not the ideal place for this picky eater. I kept my mouth shut (you learn to pick your battles, not only for your kids but for your spouse too!) I was sure that I wouldn't like anything from there...so I thought. I ended up getting a hamburger and fries and the most amazing drink ever! A Pina Colada in an actual pineapple! Don't even ask the price..YIKES! The fries were amazing! The hamburger was too thick for me. I like mine thin and basically burnt. I like my cow to be dead and not bleeding on my plate. I have even offered to go there again. Shocker, I know!! Sorry, got off of topic a little. I tend to do that when it is about food.
Back on subject....
Date Night! This Saturday night Nic and I get to have a DATE NIGHT!! I am so excited! We are headed to one of our favorite places...Kinnick Stadium. It isn't for a Hawkeye game, it is for a concert! We get to see Blake Shelton, Thomas Rhett, Big & Rich!!! We haven't been to a concert since before Kenly was born. Yes....its been over 10 years!!!
I kind of feel like a kid on Christmas Eve! I am counting down the days till I get my husband all to myself!! I even bought a new outfit just for this! Love GYPSY Quarter! The girls hooked me up!
I will be back to blog about our date night and let you all know how the concert was!
I can still remember our last date like it was yesterday. We went to Des Moines to do some Birthday shopping for Miss Kaydee Mae. I let him pick the restaurant as it was a treat for his Birthday. He picked Joe's Crab Shack. Yeah....not the ideal place for this picky eater. I kept my mouth shut (you learn to pick your battles, not only for your kids but for your spouse too!) I was sure that I wouldn't like anything from there...so I thought. I ended up getting a hamburger and fries and the most amazing drink ever! A Pina Colada in an actual pineapple! Don't even ask the price..YIKES! The fries were amazing! The hamburger was too thick for me. I like mine thin and basically burnt. I like my cow to be dead and not bleeding on my plate. I have even offered to go there again. Shocker, I know!! Sorry, got off of topic a little. I tend to do that when it is about food.
Back on subject....
Date Night! This Saturday night Nic and I get to have a DATE NIGHT!! I am so excited! We are headed to one of our favorite places...Kinnick Stadium. It isn't for a Hawkeye game, it is for a concert! We get to see Blake Shelton, Thomas Rhett, Big & Rich!!! We haven't been to a concert since before Kenly was born. Yes....its been over 10 years!!!
I kind of feel like a kid on Christmas Eve! I am counting down the days till I get my husband all to myself!! I even bought a new outfit just for this! Love GYPSY Quarter! The girls hooked me up!
I will be back to blog about our date night and let you all know how the concert was!
The most amazing drink EVER!! Yes, I took a picture of it!
My bearded man!
Tuesday, August 23, 2016
Mom Post
Okay there is a new post Facebook post going viral. It is from Meghan Maza Oeser. Her letter to her husband before leaving for a girls weekend trip....it is the funniest, most truthful and real life letter I have read. If you get offended by bad words, the letter is not for you. The letter made me think about being a mom....
Mom's rock! Plain and simple. If your a mom, give yourself a pat on the back, raise your glass, give yourself a high five. I always like the question in an interview, "can you multi-task?" If you are a mom, you are an award-winning multi-tasking person. We are the kiss your owie, make you supper, get you drinks and snacks, help with homework, laundry fairy, housekeeper/maid, pack your lunch, get you to this practice and that practice, give you a bath, tuck you in to bed, referee, bake your treats for school, make sure you are clothed, super human being. This list can go on, but you get the point.
So picture this...Nic is working, I am home alone with all 3 kids. I am in the kitchen cooking supper, Kanon is bawling at my feet and pulling my shirt to the point I swear he is ripping it, Kenly is teasing Kaydee by taking her volleyball away from her, so they are both screaming and now Kaydee is bawling and coming to me to take care of it. So what do I do? I can tell you what I wanted to do. I wanted to scream and run off to my room....but I can't do that because I am the adult and I have to handle this situation. I pick up Kanon and calm him and then give him a container of snacks because the child wants to eat 24/7 to the point you would think he is starving. I then go in and take the volleyball away and turn on a TV show they both can agree on. Problem solved! I go back to fixing supper. This situation is a nightly routine in my house. I am sure most parents can relate. When school starts the situation will be: me fixing supper, Kanon crying at my feet, Kaydee crying because she doesn't understand her homework and needs help, Kenly yelling because she can't focus on homework because her sister and brother won't stop crying. I will survive...I always do.
How many of you want to pull your hair out when trying to leave to go somewhere?!?! After spending most the time telling your kids to get dress, brush your hair, brush your teeth you are already exhausted before you even leave. Once you finally get everyone standing in front of the door you do a quick check off list in your mind only to realize you forgot 2 or 3 things. You finally get out the door open to only have the fighting start about which girl gets to sit in the middle (which ends of being drama because Kanon will eventually poke their eye or pull their hair). After finally getting everyone in you realize you forgot a few more things and have to run back inside. Once you finally get to pull out the driveway you could use a nap! I know most of you are shaking your head agreeing.
Regarding her mealtime conversation....I really laughed at that. I dislike mealtime out of all the nightly to do items. This kid wants tacos while this one wants hamburger helper (and the kinds do matter, they have to be the certain kind of noodles.) One night Kaydee loves Cottage Cheese the next night she is so grossed out by it. That happens with tons of food, it's like overnight they suddenly decide they hate Mac & Cheese. Most nights the girls think they need a snack before supper. I always say no but somehow they accomplish getting something out of the kitchen and eating it. Then we sit down to eat and they are no longer hungry. Demanding them to eat....that does not work. You can guarantee 10 minutes after supper mess is cleaned up they are starved to death. Yes...you all are agreeing with this, aren't you? Oh and don't forget that the plate used MATTERS! Who knew that a plate could cause so much drama. Both girls are at the age they want to fix their own plates, awesome they want that independence but I also want to eat at some point. Also don't forget every time you sit down to eat, someone has to pee. It is just a given. You can even ask right before supper is ready and nope, nobody has to go. The minute that plate is fixed and on the table its like an alarm goes off. Ding Ding Ding...I have to pee! The girls wonder why the evenings go by so fast, maybe because we spend 45 minutes at the dinner table.
Bedtime...This part of her letter made me really laugh out loud. Our bedtime really isn't so bad anymore. For awhile the worst was Kanon took an early evening nap and then he would want to stay up till 11. Now we have him going to bed between 8:30-9. The girls go to bed at 8:30. If they don't fall asleep until 9 that is fine. They do make several trips downstairs to tell me something that amounts to nothing or to ask me to get them a drink (in which they have a glass by their bed and are perfectly capable of obtaining their own water.) Maybe I am selfish but I like to have an hour to myself before I go to bed. I haven't been able to sit down and just relax for I don't even know how long so I want that back! Nic and I are still 7 episodes behind on Grey's Anatomy from this spring! The new season will be starting and I would really like to be caught up before it starts! That is my goal!
With all that being said I love my kids more than anything. I can't imagine a day without them. They are the reason I get up everyday. Kenly is really helpful, yes sometimes she can help to much but it comes from the best place and she loves being the motherly sister. She is the best big sister! She is a people pleaser and she is really hard on herself and pushing herself to always do her best, which makes me proud She is growing up to be a beautiful young lady that will accomplish great things in her life. Kaydee...this one I don't even know where to start....she makes us laugh. I mean the full belly laugh, tears running down your face kind of laugh. She has so much life and energy...to much energy most the time. She does cry...a lot, but she is an emotional one. She has the personality that never meets a stranger and always makes friends. Kanon...this boy will be the one that causes my grey hair...oh wait...he already has. He has a smile that can melt your heart and make a room shine. He is goofy, ornery, funny and is always on the go and kind of a bulldozer. He is such a cuddle bug that loves to hug and give kisses. I can't wait to see his personality grow.
I am one blessed momma, living a crazy life with 3 kids. It definitely is not always perfect, sometimes really chaotic, sometimes I don't know what way I am going, I don't always know where all my kids are (just kidding I do, except for that one time they rode the scooter down Main Street to their cousins house...don't judge.) I know that someday I will blink and they will be going off to college, getting married and I will wonder where the time went. So I will enjoy this life I am living!
Mom's rock! Plain and simple. If your a mom, give yourself a pat on the back, raise your glass, give yourself a high five. I always like the question in an interview, "can you multi-task?" If you are a mom, you are an award-winning multi-tasking person. We are the kiss your owie, make you supper, get you drinks and snacks, help with homework, laundry fairy, housekeeper/maid, pack your lunch, get you to this practice and that practice, give you a bath, tuck you in to bed, referee, bake your treats for school, make sure you are clothed, super human being. This list can go on, but you get the point.
So picture this...Nic is working, I am home alone with all 3 kids. I am in the kitchen cooking supper, Kanon is bawling at my feet and pulling my shirt to the point I swear he is ripping it, Kenly is teasing Kaydee by taking her volleyball away from her, so they are both screaming and now Kaydee is bawling and coming to me to take care of it. So what do I do? I can tell you what I wanted to do. I wanted to scream and run off to my room....but I can't do that because I am the adult and I have to handle this situation. I pick up Kanon and calm him and then give him a container of snacks because the child wants to eat 24/7 to the point you would think he is starving. I then go in and take the volleyball away and turn on a TV show they both can agree on. Problem solved! I go back to fixing supper. This situation is a nightly routine in my house. I am sure most parents can relate. When school starts the situation will be: me fixing supper, Kanon crying at my feet, Kaydee crying because she doesn't understand her homework and needs help, Kenly yelling because she can't focus on homework because her sister and brother won't stop crying. I will survive...I always do.
How many of you want to pull your hair out when trying to leave to go somewhere?!?! After spending most the time telling your kids to get dress, brush your hair, brush your teeth you are already exhausted before you even leave. Once you finally get everyone standing in front of the door you do a quick check off list in your mind only to realize you forgot 2 or 3 things. You finally get out the door open to only have the fighting start about which girl gets to sit in the middle (which ends of being drama because Kanon will eventually poke their eye or pull their hair). After finally getting everyone in you realize you forgot a few more things and have to run back inside. Once you finally get to pull out the driveway you could use a nap! I know most of you are shaking your head agreeing.
Regarding her mealtime conversation....I really laughed at that. I dislike mealtime out of all the nightly to do items. This kid wants tacos while this one wants hamburger helper (and the kinds do matter, they have to be the certain kind of noodles.) One night Kaydee loves Cottage Cheese the next night she is so grossed out by it. That happens with tons of food, it's like overnight they suddenly decide they hate Mac & Cheese. Most nights the girls think they need a snack before supper. I always say no but somehow they accomplish getting something out of the kitchen and eating it. Then we sit down to eat and they are no longer hungry. Demanding them to eat....that does not work. You can guarantee 10 minutes after supper mess is cleaned up they are starved to death. Yes...you all are agreeing with this, aren't you? Oh and don't forget that the plate used MATTERS! Who knew that a plate could cause so much drama. Both girls are at the age they want to fix their own plates, awesome they want that independence but I also want to eat at some point. Also don't forget every time you sit down to eat, someone has to pee. It is just a given. You can even ask right before supper is ready and nope, nobody has to go. The minute that plate is fixed and on the table its like an alarm goes off. Ding Ding Ding...I have to pee! The girls wonder why the evenings go by so fast, maybe because we spend 45 minutes at the dinner table.
Bedtime...This part of her letter made me really laugh out loud. Our bedtime really isn't so bad anymore. For awhile the worst was Kanon took an early evening nap and then he would want to stay up till 11. Now we have him going to bed between 8:30-9. The girls go to bed at 8:30. If they don't fall asleep until 9 that is fine. They do make several trips downstairs to tell me something that amounts to nothing or to ask me to get them a drink (in which they have a glass by their bed and are perfectly capable of obtaining their own water.) Maybe I am selfish but I like to have an hour to myself before I go to bed. I haven't been able to sit down and just relax for I don't even know how long so I want that back! Nic and I are still 7 episodes behind on Grey's Anatomy from this spring! The new season will be starting and I would really like to be caught up before it starts! That is my goal!
With all that being said I love my kids more than anything. I can't imagine a day without them. They are the reason I get up everyday. Kenly is really helpful, yes sometimes she can help to much but it comes from the best place and she loves being the motherly sister. She is the best big sister! She is a people pleaser and she is really hard on herself and pushing herself to always do her best, which makes me proud She is growing up to be a beautiful young lady that will accomplish great things in her life. Kaydee...this one I don't even know where to start....she makes us laugh. I mean the full belly laugh, tears running down your face kind of laugh. She has so much life and energy...to much energy most the time. She does cry...a lot, but she is an emotional one. She has the personality that never meets a stranger and always makes friends. Kanon...this boy will be the one that causes my grey hair...oh wait...he already has. He has a smile that can melt your heart and make a room shine. He is goofy, ornery, funny and is always on the go and kind of a bulldozer. He is such a cuddle bug that loves to hug and give kisses. I can't wait to see his personality grow.
I am one blessed momma, living a crazy life with 3 kids. It definitely is not always perfect, sometimes really chaotic, sometimes I don't know what way I am going, I don't always know where all my kids are (just kidding I do, except for that one time they rode the scooter down Main Street to their cousins house...don't judge.) I know that someday I will blink and they will be going off to college, getting married and I will wonder where the time went. So I will enjoy this life I am living!
Wednesday, August 3, 2016
1st Birthday!
First Birthday has come and gone. The day flew by! I enjoyed having our first birthday party outside! The girls parties are always inside being January and March. I don't think our families would appreciate an outside party in those months.
Early on Kanon loved watching Mickey Mouse. So I just knew that would be the theme to his 1st Birthday Party. I know his dad wanted a sports theme but I figured we should save those for when he is older and wants to pick. I want to enjoy him being little and letting me pick for him! lol Thanks to Pinterest I was able to find some ideas on making my own decorations. That is a great idea if you plan ahead and actually accomplish it early. I was still finishing decorations on Friday night. All worth it though! I even made food tags! I actually had a lot of fun with that.
Friday night we had Kanon's 1 year photos done with Melanie. The moment I found out I was having a boy I had visions of taking his one year photos at a ball field. That vision came to life thanks to Melanie. I have only seen 2 sneak peeks and I am in love! I can't wait to see the rest. After we were all done with photos and had put the field back the way we found it, I was caught in a moment of, wow....he is one. How did this year go by so fast?!
The big day had arrived. Kanon let us sleep in past 9! SCORE! So much to be done but I enjoyed the moment of laying in bed and snuggling, playing and laughing. He just has that contagious smile. You can't help but be happy when you look at him. We spent some time outside cleaning up and getting things ready and the birthday boy loved it! He is an outdoor kind of guy. We even made him sweep the patio. Just kidding...he only played with the broom. Once he finally took at nap we were able to get many things accomplished. I even was able to take Kaydee on a quick shopping trip to our favorite store, Gypsy Quarter! This was one of those parent moments of guilt...yes, my 6 year old made me feel guilty. Kenly was invited to a friends birthday party and Kanon was getting his own party. She had nothing going on all day....so of course I had to give in and take her shopping. The one-on-one time is much needed and I don't do it enough.
Party time! Kanon wasn't as into opening presents. He wasn't feeling 100% himself so he just wasn't in the mood. The first present was opened and it was a John Deere Tractor. Game over....he was done opening and ready to play. They unpacked the tractor and he had a blast just driving it all over the patio. We continued to try to get him to open. He opened some clothes, his basketball hoop, a dump truck, more clothes. We took a small break to give him some medicine for the fever he got. In which he refused to put the bottle down, so in many photos you will see the Motrin bottle in hand. (he also managed to get the child proof lid off) The he received his 4-wheeler. (only took a few tries and he was on the move with no help!) He finally had enough with the opening. So I decided it was time to bring out the food and eat let him have a break and enjoy the gifts he had opened. We served Mickey's Clubhouse Sandwiches, Daisey's Garden Veggies, Minnie's Mixed Fruit, Goofy Grapes, Toodles Noodles Pasta and Chip and Dale's Chip and Dips. The kids enjoyed the named food. LOL While we all ate Kanon had fun playing with his new toys. Then it was cake time! We have a tradition of always getting a photo of all the cousins at the cake table. That photo is really hard to get. I get it is only 7 kids but it is hard to get 7 kids to all look and smile at the same time. I did manage to get 1 photo of everyone looking and smiling except Kanon. He is only 1 so that is to be expected. Smash cake time....didn't quite go like I thought. He starred at it for quite some time. Then he picked the frosting off...very nicely. He was motioning us to wipe his fingers off. LOL Of course he went for the black frosting. We ended up taking off the black frosting to reveal that the cake had more than just frosting. We had to make a quick trip to the bath to clean him off. Then we came right back out to attempt opening more gifts. He still wasn't feeling it. So I just took over and started opening them for him. Otherwise our family may have been staying the night.
Once the gifts were opened, food was ate, cake and ice cream was devoured it was time to just sit back and enjoy! I sat on my loveseat with my Grandma watching all the kids play. The weather was perfect, the company was awesome and the moment was one I will forever remember. Happy 1st Birthday to my little buddy! Momma loves you so much!
Early on Kanon loved watching Mickey Mouse. So I just knew that would be the theme to his 1st Birthday Party. I know his dad wanted a sports theme but I figured we should save those for when he is older and wants to pick. I want to enjoy him being little and letting me pick for him! lol Thanks to Pinterest I was able to find some ideas on making my own decorations. That is a great idea if you plan ahead and actually accomplish it early. I was still finishing decorations on Friday night. All worth it though! I even made food tags! I actually had a lot of fun with that.
Friday night we had Kanon's 1 year photos done with Melanie. The moment I found out I was having a boy I had visions of taking his one year photos at a ball field. That vision came to life thanks to Melanie. I have only seen 2 sneak peeks and I am in love! I can't wait to see the rest. After we were all done with photos and had put the field back the way we found it, I was caught in a moment of, wow....he is one. How did this year go by so fast?!
The big day had arrived. Kanon let us sleep in past 9! SCORE! So much to be done but I enjoyed the moment of laying in bed and snuggling, playing and laughing. He just has that contagious smile. You can't help but be happy when you look at him. We spent some time outside cleaning up and getting things ready and the birthday boy loved it! He is an outdoor kind of guy. We even made him sweep the patio. Just kidding...he only played with the broom. Once he finally took at nap we were able to get many things accomplished. I even was able to take Kaydee on a quick shopping trip to our favorite store, Gypsy Quarter! This was one of those parent moments of guilt...yes, my 6 year old made me feel guilty. Kenly was invited to a friends birthday party and Kanon was getting his own party. She had nothing going on all day....so of course I had to give in and take her shopping. The one-on-one time is much needed and I don't do it enough.
Party time! Kanon wasn't as into opening presents. He wasn't feeling 100% himself so he just wasn't in the mood. The first present was opened and it was a John Deere Tractor. Game over....he was done opening and ready to play. They unpacked the tractor and he had a blast just driving it all over the patio. We continued to try to get him to open. He opened some clothes, his basketball hoop, a dump truck, more clothes. We took a small break to give him some medicine for the fever he got. In which he refused to put the bottle down, so in many photos you will see the Motrin bottle in hand. (he also managed to get the child proof lid off) The he received his 4-wheeler. (only took a few tries and he was on the move with no help!) He finally had enough with the opening. So I decided it was time to bring out the food and eat let him have a break and enjoy the gifts he had opened. We served Mickey's Clubhouse Sandwiches, Daisey's Garden Veggies, Minnie's Mixed Fruit, Goofy Grapes, Toodles Noodles Pasta and Chip and Dale's Chip and Dips. The kids enjoyed the named food. LOL While we all ate Kanon had fun playing with his new toys. Then it was cake time! We have a tradition of always getting a photo of all the cousins at the cake table. That photo is really hard to get. I get it is only 7 kids but it is hard to get 7 kids to all look and smile at the same time. I did manage to get 1 photo of everyone looking and smiling except Kanon. He is only 1 so that is to be expected. Smash cake time....didn't quite go like I thought. He starred at it for quite some time. Then he picked the frosting off...very nicely. He was motioning us to wipe his fingers off. LOL Of course he went for the black frosting. We ended up taking off the black frosting to reveal that the cake had more than just frosting. We had to make a quick trip to the bath to clean him off. Then we came right back out to attempt opening more gifts. He still wasn't feeling it. So I just took over and started opening them for him. Otherwise our family may have been staying the night.
Once the gifts were opened, food was ate, cake and ice cream was devoured it was time to just sit back and enjoy! I sat on my loveseat with my Grandma watching all the kids play. The weather was perfect, the company was awesome and the moment was one I will forever remember. Happy 1st Birthday to my little buddy! Momma loves you so much!
Here are some photos that were on my camera!
Love this little guy! I had to take a photo with my decorations I made.
I love this blonde hair blue eyed boy!
First gift opened! Tractor!
We were able to capture some smiles. He didn't give us many but glad we did get some.
All BOY! Anything with wheels he is pushing it!
Checking out his book.
Haha! He is so funny!
It's my party and I'll cry if I want to. This was one of the few meltdowns.
Poor guy. What a rough life!
Future NBA Player? Maybe
We were trying to help him open. He wasn't into it at all.
One of my favorite photos! Momma's boy! He just needed a hug!
Watch out! It only took him a few tries and he was on the move!
What an awesome party!
Do you see a leg under the table? That is Nic laying under the table holding Kanon up. I wanted a photo of him with his cake and so my clever hubby thought of this.
Cousins!
Ummm....did you mean to give this to me?!
He wasn't liking it on his hands.
Mmmmm...tasty.
I forgot to do the candle before we stripped him down. So we made it work.
Make a wish!
Mommy and Daddy helping blow out his candle!
Do you want a bite?!
Monday, July 25, 2016
My Baby Boy is Turning 1
Kanon turns 1 in 11 days. (I started this several days again...he turns 1 in 6 days) I am emotional about this. This boy who was the BEST unexpected gift joined us almost a year ago!!! I feel extremely blessed that GOD gave us this boy we never knew we needed in our lives and now can't imagine him not in our lives. This year has flown by. I think with each child the time goes faster as you are just busier in life with the older kids.
I can still remember the 1st morning I went into be induced. The girls were so anxious. We took them to my parents home and I remember thinking "this is the last time it will be just the 4 of us." I had to take a photo to capture the moment before they became big sisters to their little brother. Little did I know he wasn't ready to join us just yet. LOL I remember the next week being a waiting game along with "operation: spend as much time with the girls."
When the moment finally arrived....I was so overwhelmed with emotions. I was so happy and relieved he was a healthy boy...all 8lbs 7ozs of him. We had the girls come in the room and spend some time with him before we let any of the other family. In that moment, the nurses, Dr., my pain, my exhaustion was gone. I was completely consumed by the love in the room. The girls were so excited. Kenly had tears, I had tears, Kaydee has the biggest grin and Nic was behind the camera capturing the moment. The moment of becoming a family of 5 was much more than I ever dreamed it would be.
From the beginning...he was/is a determined, head strong, independent, stubborn, happy, cuddle bug and all boy personality. I have loved every thing about having a boy. He has had a love for any toy with wheels and pushes them all around the house. His favorite things to play with are: cell phones, remotes (which we spend a lot of time searching for and trying to get the language to English) and cords. He has a major obsession with phone charger cords. He loves to drag them around the house everywhere. He never puts them in his mouth, thankfully.
Kanon has learned all his new skills much quicker than both girls did. That has made him grow much faster. He started rolling over at 2 1/2 months. Sitting up right before he turned 6 months. He was a little later crawling than the girls, which was just fine with me. He mastered that at 7 1/2 months. However at 7 months he was pulling himself up in the crib and pack n play. By 9 months he was standing all by himself. At 10 months he was trying to take a step here and there. By 11 months he was a walker. Now he walks very fast and it sometimes appears he is trying to run.
When Kanon was born, it just happened that my mom was available to babysit Kanon 4 days a week at our home. The kids were already going to Grandpa and Grandma Shilling's 1 day a week with their cousins. We had an amazing babysitter for the girls for 8 years. The kind of person that loves your kids like they are her own. As a parent, you dream of that for your kids. We are so thankful for Debbie and all she has done over the years. With Kanon being at home however, I have enjoyed my lunch hours so much. Getting greeted by him and now he walks to the kitchen to come find me....it is so much fun!
The bond between Kanon and I is a special one. I have always heard a bond between a Mother and Son was much different than Mother's and Daughters, boy are they correct! I love my girls very much but I can tell there is a different bond. I see a special bond between my girls and Nic. I understand that as well, as I had that bond with my father. Kanon is a momma's boy and I love it!
The monthly photo shoot was always fun and was becoming quite hard. He always wanted to eat the sticker or wanted my camera which turned into tears as you can see. I started out doing photos with his dog to compare his size over the year...yeah that lasted until month 3....once he was mobile he refused to lay down next to him. The middle photo is just one of my favorites. He shows his white blonde hair and big blue eyes! He will be heartbreaker one day I'm sure.
Kanon meeting his Great Grandparents are definitely moments worth capturing on camera. So thankful to have captured these moments. I need to capture these moments more often and get some updated photos! "God Couldn't Be Everywhere, So He Made Grandparents."
I can still remember the 1st morning I went into be induced. The girls were so anxious. We took them to my parents home and I remember thinking "this is the last time it will be just the 4 of us." I had to take a photo to capture the moment before they became big sisters to their little brother. Little did I know he wasn't ready to join us just yet. LOL I remember the next week being a waiting game along with "operation: spend as much time with the girls."
Last Bump Photo I took while pregnant. It was 8 days before I actually had him.
When the moment finally arrived....I was so overwhelmed with emotions. I was so happy and relieved he was a healthy boy...all 8lbs 7ozs of him. We had the girls come in the room and spend some time with him before we let any of the other family. In that moment, the nurses, Dr., my pain, my exhaustion was gone. I was completely consumed by the love in the room. The girls were so excited. Kenly had tears, I had tears, Kaydee has the biggest grin and Nic was behind the camera capturing the moment. The moment of becoming a family of 5 was much more than I ever dreamed it would be.
Cherished Memory...So glad it was captured!
From the moment he entered the world he has been a laid back kind of kid
He is telling momma a story.
Kanon has learned all his new skills much quicker than both girls did. That has made him grow much faster. He started rolling over at 2 1/2 months. Sitting up right before he turned 6 months. He was a little later crawling than the girls, which was just fine with me. He mastered that at 7 1/2 months. However at 7 months he was pulling himself up in the crib and pack n play. By 9 months he was standing all by himself. At 10 months he was trying to take a step here and there. By 11 months he was a walker. Now he walks very fast and it sometimes appears he is trying to run.
When Kanon was born, it just happened that my mom was available to babysit Kanon 4 days a week at our home. The kids were already going to Grandpa and Grandma Shilling's 1 day a week with their cousins. We had an amazing babysitter for the girls for 8 years. The kind of person that loves your kids like they are her own. As a parent, you dream of that for your kids. We are so thankful for Debbie and all she has done over the years. With Kanon being at home however, I have enjoyed my lunch hours so much. Getting greeted by him and now he walks to the kitchen to come find me....it is so much fun!
The bond between Kanon and I is a special one. I have always heard a bond between a Mother and Son was much different than Mother's and Daughters, boy are they correct! I love my girls very much but I can tell there is a different bond. I see a special bond between my girls and Nic. I understand that as well, as I had that bond with my father. Kanon is a momma's boy and I love it!
The one thing I wasn't expecting was the bond that my 3 kids would have so early on. Kenly and Kaydee already have an awesome bond. The moment Kanon was born, the girls have been in awe of him. They fight over him all the time. Each new thing he learned, they were his biggest cheerleaders. They have been a huge help to us. Kenly is a little momma to him. She thinks she knows more than I do and tells me too! She is always wanting to cuddle him, hold him, kiss him and just be near him. Sometimes he likes it, sometimes not so much. Kaydee and Kanon...those 2 will keep me on my toes. They will be in trouble together. She shows him her "tricks" and tries to teach him how to do things. She climbs, so he climbs. She is always trying to wrestle him. I keep telling her that one day he will be bigger than her (and it won't be long) and he will put a whooping on her. I love how much they love each other. I am so excited to watch that bond continue to grow.
The monthly photo shoot was always fun and was becoming quite hard. He always wanted to eat the sticker or wanted my camera which turned into tears as you can see. I started out doing photos with his dog to compare his size over the year...yeah that lasted until month 3....once he was mobile he refused to lay down next to him. The middle photo is just one of my favorites. He shows his white blonde hair and big blue eyes! He will be heartbreaker one day I'm sure.
Meeting Great Grandma June
Meeting Great Grandpa Ernie
Meeting Great Grandma Beulah
Happy 1st Birthday to my sweet, adorable, cuddle bug, happy baby boy! We love you so much! I can't even begin to tell you how much joy and love you have brought into our lives. Everyday is a new adventure with you. We love you to the moon and back!
Sunday, May 8, 2016
Mother's Day Weekend
Here it is Sunday night already. Man....the weekend goes by so fast.
Friday night the girls both stayed overnight at friends homes. I ended up having a terrible headache and rented movies and had pizza from George and Nick's. (All you that live far away..be jealous. It was amazing!) We watched the movies Sister and Daddy's Home. Both are hilarious. You can't be easily offended and need to have a sense of humor. Two characteristics that Nic and I each have....thankfully.
Saturday morning after girls came home we headed to Des Moines. It was a peaceful ride up once Kanon and Kaydee fell asleep. Lol. Our first stop was to get Kaydee a new bat. Then we had lunch at Cracker Barrel. Who knew that by sharing a Root Beer and being told to only order 1 pancake would create such drama. Well it did! Can you say nap needed?! Oh and that drama was started by our 9 year old. Then we stopped at Kohls so Kenly and I could get new sandals. I actually hate buying new shoes. I can't stand breaking them in. I will wear shoes till they have holes....no joke! Which is why I had to get new ones. My black ones I have been wearing have a hole that has given me blisters. Ridiculous I know but it's my deal not yours. Then we headed to Dick's sporting goods. This gave us a few chuckles if you can imagine. Again a sense of humor is required in our family. Then we went to Wal-Mart to purchase my new pots and pans! I've been needing and wanting a new set for so long. We went back to the mall so Nic could check out some more bats. The girls begged me for a pedicure. I am so glad Nic talked me into getting one. It was so relaxing. The girls just loved it and seeing them giggle and smile the whole time made it so worth it. The entire time I was getting mine all I could think of was the scene from the movie Sisters. HEY-ONE....HAY-WON. HAHA...you had to of seen the movie. We ate at a new restaurant (to us) in Carlisle called Stadium View. I had a Tenderloin and fries and they were very good. See people I don't just get chicken strips and hamburgers. There was a large group of people in there that ordered tons of pizza and shots. Not sure what their plan was but for 7 pm and drinking that hard they sure wouldn't be lasting long.
Sunday I was able to sleep till 8. I think that is considered sleeping in when you have 3 kids and 1 of which is 9 months old. We headed to Chariton to eat at Carpenter Hall. The buffet was amazing!!! More food then one should consume. The place was packed! We headed to the funny farm. The girls tried out their new bats. The girls played outside while I was being forced to watch Parent Trap by Jacinda. She said it was better than watching baseball. (Only reason I allowed it was because they were losing.) We arrived home and Nic cooked supper. Then we headed to Nic's parents to hang out. All Kaydee wanted was ice cream. Isn't it funny how all kids get ice cream at their grandparents home. After getting all the kids tucked into bed we were able to put up my new pots and pans.
I do have a few finally thoughts for the day. A mom never really gets the day off. There is always laundry to do, toys to be picked up, diaper to be changed, kids to be fed, and baths to be given. I know many mom's who would give anything to change 1 more diaper, feed their child, give their kid a bath. I go to bed tonight knowing I tucked in all my kids and thankful I was able to be mom. Even on a day to honor us. After all, we wouldn't celebrating this day if it wasn't for them. I am so thankful for this life I have been give and this title called mom.
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