Being a Mom!

I've been thinking of typing out this for a few days, but time has not been my friend.  I guess that's a good thing because it just means I've thought a little bit more.

I was recently on a website I frequent and I read something posted about "what we give up as mothers".  I don't think that is what it was really called but something about complaining that they don't think the dads give up as much.  They talked about giving up our bodies, our fun and all kinds of stuff.  I have to say that as I mother, I don't feel like I gave anything up.  I feel like I was given so much.

*I'm given unconditional love.  A love that never questions when I raise my voice or get upset
*All the hugs and kisses I could ever ask for.
*They joy of seeing my children smile
*The joy of being down and looking at my children and smiling
*Teaching my children things and them teaching me things

Those are just a few things.  It would really take entirely too long to type everything out.

Aside from Cody, my children are the greatest thing that has ever happened to me.  They have made me a better person.  They have given the patience that I seemed to be lacking my whole life.  They have taught me that the laundry, dishes and cleaning can wait.  They can't.  They have taught me that it's ok to make a mess.  That one was a little hard for me to grasp because I still want them to remain perfectly clean.

I love my children with all that I am and I think God everyday for choosing me to be their mom.  I feel so blessed that he thinks a person who can raise them to be good people.  Sometimes I question that and I know I shouldn't.

13 Years!

It seems like just yesterday that I married my best friend, my soul mate.  And then at other times, I can't imagine what my life was like before him.

I remember 13 years ago, like it was yesterday.  I remember the storms and rain all week and worrying about having to move the wedding inside because that wasn't my vision.  I remember waking up 13 years ago to a beautiful sunny day.  The clouds left and the sun came out.  The day was filled with trying to make sure everything looked just right.  Go here and get the cake, go here and get the chairs, get the music together, make sure the food is ready, set everything up and then show time.

The butterflies hit me about 5 mins before I was to walk out.  I remember looking at my mom and saying "I can't do this.  I can't walk out in front of all these people.  Oh, we should have just eloped".  I really don't remember what she said to me, but it must have calmed me down.  I have to admit, the ceremony part is a little bit of a blur.

Cody and I have been through quite a bit in 13 years.  Boot camp, field med training, our first baby away from family, Iraq, a move, twins, officer training, did i mention Twins, and now CRNA school.  Wow, we've done it all and been beside each others side the whole way.  I'm not going to say it was all easy but it wasn't the hardest thing either.  I have the greatest man in the world to share all the adventures with.  I can't imagine not having him beside me.  I can't imagine not having this life together that we've created.  

I'm so glad I grew impatient and asked Cody out.  Of course, being soul mates we would have wound up together at some point.

Cody,
     Thank you for being my husband the last 13 years.  You have made me the happiest woman in the world and I'm very lucky to have a man who can put up with me.  I love you more everyday.
                                                          From here to eternity........Love, ME!!!

Storms.......

storms and more storms.  Yep, it's springtime in Arkansas.  The weather can be just a tad bit crazy and I don't mind it.  UNLESS I have to get out in it, then I don't like it at all.  In fact, I slept through the big storm we had last week.  The storm last night was another story.  I was driving right into it.  We were on our way home from gymnastics and I had all 3 kids with me.  Anyway, I kept calling Cody and telling him the sky looked funny, what was the weather like at the house.  He kept saying everything looked fine, nothing here.  Well, I entertained the kids with the pretty "light" show we saw.  I think I was fine until my brother called to check on us and informed me that he heard on the radio 3 hours away that their was rotation spotted around our town.  GREAT!!!  So, I call back to Cody because I have just hit interstate (which is 10-15 mins from the house) and it's raining so hard that I can't see in front of me.  We had a touch of hail and it got kind of scary there.  Luckily, the good Lord was with us and got us safely home.  Where I might add was not really doing anything, except drizzling.

Imagination!

My children have such a wonderful, vivid imagination.  I love it.  I remember when I was a little girl I had such a wonderful imagination.  Heck, I think I still do sometimes but I know as I've gotten older I "lost" some of it.  I'm just glad I have children who remind me what it's like to be a child.

Right now the kids have built a tent in the living room, complete with surgery rooms in them.  They have brought a few stuffed animals out of the bedroom.  They are taking care of a sick raccoon, feeding the cats and doing something to the barking dogs.  It really is quite cute.  Although, it does make me wonder if I let them watch Animal Cops too much.  It's amazing how much they love that show.  In fact, Preslie (who has always wanted to be a vet since she learned the word) has said she would love to work for the ASPCA.  In fact, Animal Cops has opened my eyes to a few things as well.  In fact, I was just talking to Cody the other day about once we buy the "farm" that I would love to foster animals.  Which now, that has led to maybe a rescue center.  Maybe one day I can win the lottery and get that going.  My kids would be in heaven and think of all of those animals we'd be helping.

Today is also April Fool's Day.  Can I just say I really am not a fan of this day.  I'm not a big prank person but when you have kids, this day is just a little wild.  Every 5 mins I hear "mom, there's a cat on your head", "mom, there's a package at the door", "mom, dad is home with ice cream", "mom" well you get the picture.  After every statement, it's followed by "April Fool's".  They don't even want to you to think for 2 seconds about what they just said.

 I have decided that today is a 2 cup of coffee day though.  I usually have the first and only cup around lunch time.  Not today.  I've got the first cup in my system and then second cup will come this afternoon.

And colds, what is with them?  I had a head cold a few weeks back, complete with ear clogging.  That soon left but it came back on Sunday.  I hate having my ear clogged.  It feels like my whole head is in a cloud and I can't hear but I can hear.  If that makes sense.  I hear echo's and it's really loud.  Off to take allergy meds to hope I can clear it up.

I'm here, I'm here

Like I said in my last update, I've been busy with the sewing.  I'm also doing a few new crafts.  When I figure out how to load pictures from my phone, then I'll add some pictures.  I'm super excited about these things but I'm also realizing I may not be as good at the sewing of dresses as I would love to believe.  I mean, I really don't like to follow directions....I like to just do things on my own.

I'm hoping I can get some really cute white dresses or something like that made for this summer.  Cody's granny has offered us her condo in Gulf Shores for a week of vacation.  We're hoping we can get my sister in law down here to dog sit for that week.  If not, I guess we'll be heading to the lake (not the one across the street) with the dogs.

Sewing!!

I love to craft and I love homemade things, but I have to be honest that sometimes I'm just no good at it.  I've also loved the idea of making things with the sewing machine for my family but I never could keep a stitch straight.  Well, I had been begging Cody since late last year to get me a sewing machine.  I told him that it would be great.  I could make Rylie grip bags and the girls some cute dresses.  His reply "oh, please tell me you won't be that mom and those won't be our kids".  Yes, he went there.

Well, Cody (ME) went to get my sewing machine for Valentine's Day.  I love it.  I spent more then he thinks I did, so shhhhh!  I've already made Rylie a grip bag (with another almost done), each child a pillow and Chase and Preslie some lounge pants.  I must say I'm a little impressed.  My new task is to take the girls old jeans and make them into capri's with some cute ruffles on the bottom.  I'm super excited about these.  I'm going to be making my girls some cute dresses for spring/summer and making some dresses for my niece.  I am having so much fun.  And you know what, I think Cody is really impressed as well.  Because well, he gets new skull caps out of the deal.

I'll post some pictures when I get things done.

Too funny

The kids are in the playroom putting a band together.  I hear them talking about getting stuff for their drums and such.  Next thing I hear is Chase in this sad voice "ow, Oh it hurts.  I guess it's just going to be you Preslie.  This hurts".  Preslie come and looks at it and tells him to go get a bandaid.  He says "can't you just look at it and see if I need anything.  Ow".  He twists his arm and looks "oh good no scrape I can go on".  I thought I was going to loose it.  My kids are priceless.

The Good Wife's guide

I was playing around on the computer a few weeks back and came across "The Good Wife's Guide" from Housekeeping Monthly from May 13, 1955.  I read it and thought "hmmm, I think I'll a few of this for when Cody comes home".  Oh that was funny.

Have dinner ready.  Plan ahead, even the night before, to have a delicious meal ready and on time for his return.  This lets him know that you have been thinking about him and are concerned about his needs.  For us, it just says "we're hungry and want to eat".  We do eat early most nights but it's because we have so many activities that dinner needs to be ready early.  Or, we're at the gym so dinner is either in the crockpot or in the fridge.


Prepare yourself.  Take 15 mins to rest so you'll be refreshed when he arrives.  Touch up your make up, put a ribbon in your hair and be fresh looking.  He has just been with a lot of work-weary people.  Well, I've been running around teaching the kids, taking care of the pets, running to speech, horseback riding, gymnastics or karate.  I've been taking care of your 3 kids all day.


Be a little gay and a little more interesting for him.  His boring day may need a lift and one of your duties is to provide it.  I'm sure his day has been anything but boring.  


Clear away the clutter.  Make one last trip through the main part of the house just before your husband arrives.  Now this I can do because I can't stand a mess.


Gather up schoolbooks, toys, paper etc and then run a dustcloth over the tables.  I guarantee my husband will not notice any of those things....especially the dust.  


Over the cooler months of the year you should prepare and light a fire for him to unwind by.  Your husband will feel he has reached a haven of rest and order.  Hahahaha, if I've got the fire going, it's because we're cold.  It's not like he'll relax by the fire place.  


Prepare the children.  Take a few mins to wash the children's hands and faces (if they are small), comb their hair and if necessary, change their cloths.  MY FAVORITE PART They are the little treasures and he would like to see them playing the part.  Minimize the noise and try to encourage the children to be quite.  They don't know our children.  I think Cody might feel like he's stepped into the Twilight Zone if he came home to this one.  


Be happy to see him.  Of course, because this also means that I get to be off duty for a bit and take a break.  :)


Greet him with a warm smile and show sincerity in your desire to please him.  I did this and he thought I'd lost my mind.  


Listen to him.  You may have a dozen important things to tell him but the moment of his arrival is not the time.  Let him talk first--remember his topics of conversation are more important then yours.  This one is too funny.  If I let him talk first, then I'll forget what I've been wanting to tell him all day. 


Make the evening his.  Never complain if he comes home late or goes out to dinner, or other places of entertainment without you.  Instead, try to understand his world of strain and pressure and his very real need to be at home and relax.  Cody actually laughed at this one.  He said "what about your time to relax.  You've been with the kids all day".  Yes my husband understands.  I do realize he has a trying job but he realizes I do too.  I love my man.  


Your goal: try to make your sure your home is a place of peace, order and tranquility where your husband can renew himself in body and spirit.  Like this is going to happen with my kids and pets.  Preslie doesn't know how to give peace and tranquility.  


Don't greet him with complaints and problems.  Cody said then it wouldn't feel like home.  Hmmm, don't know if I should be offended or not ;)


Don't complain if he's late home for dinner or even if he stays out all night.  Count this as minor compared to what he might have gone through that day.  Ok, I can handle coming home late because he does work in an Operating room and emergencies happen but if he stayed out all night, then we wouldn't still be married.  


Make him comfortable.  Have him lean back in a comfortable chair or have him lie down in the bedroom.  Have a cool or warm drink ready for him.  I tried this one and he looked at me funny.  


Arrange his pillow and offer to take off his shoes.  Speak in a low, soothing and pleasant voice.  I'm not touching his shoes or feet.....yuck!!  I'm not a touch your shoes and feet person.  And if I can't yell then how can the kids hear me....I'm joking, or am I.  


Don't ask him questions about his actions or question his judgement or integrity.  Remember, he is the master of the house and as such will always exercise hi will with fairness and truthfulness.  You have no right no question him.  hahahaha, really?


A good wife always knows her place.  Guess, I'm not a good wife by these standards.  


Ok, so after I read this to Cody and we laughed a little.  He actually said "You really want the girls to think it's ok to act like that?"  I LOVE that man!!!!!!!!!!

Funny things they say!!

My kids are full of funny things "I" say.

Chase and Preslie are working on counting by 2's, 5's and 10's right now by counting money and such. Well, one day I handed them a paper and told them we would work on counting pennies today. I asked "how much is a penny worth?", "1 cent mom". Good and then Chase replies with "but mom, I don't know how to count by ones".

Bolt loves to play with his kids. He loves to herd them and be right in the middle of the action. Well, they don't want him in the playroom. Not sure why, but they never have. So they always shut the door, he always opens it or just lays down in front of it and whines. Preslie has started shutting the door and telling Bolt, "Boltie, mommy has to go to work right now. I pinky promise I will play with you when I get home. I love you" and then bam the door shuts. He has this look of sadness that comes over his face. HIS P-pod just shut him out. I promise he does get over it. I send him outside to chase things and he's happy again, or he herds the cat.

Preslie is trying so hard to train Bolt and she wants to do it. She showed me her latest trick this morning. She placed a training treat in her hand and then put both hands in front of Bolt and asked "Bolt, which hand is it in". "Look mom, he's knows which hand. He's so good". Ya, because it has nothing to do with him smelling it. I of course couldn't say anything and just said "good job P".

Oh, I could go on and on but I can't think right now. Maybe because I want to "write" them down. I know I'll be back.

Semi Busy weekend!!

Weeks that led up to meets are busy, as well as the weekends. That was the case last week and then Saturday. Rylie had a meet at 8 am in Little Rock, then we stopped off and had lunch, made it back to town to get a horseback riding lesson in for Preslie and then made it to Mass on time. The kids were just a tad tired that night. Of course, Sunday the weather was wonderful (I should just say the temp). The kids and I headed to Sunday school and then came home and played around. We grilled out and played some more. I love having the windows open!

Rylie did pretty good at her meet. She got 4th on Floor, beam and bars and then 3rd on Vault and 3rd all around. I think she was a little disappointed on her beam score, but I think it also showed her that yes we know your good but you've got to quit being so cocky. She got just a tad fast and didn't hold her handstand long enough. I know a 9.1 is good but not good enough for her. Guess she'll be taking her time at her next meet.

I'm wanting to get out and mow the weeds down, because we all know I can't stand that shabby look of grass. But well the weather is kind of drizzly and overcast. Not sure if I really want to do it. I guess I'll go fold laundry and do some sewing instead.

It's been awhile!

I've been thinking about writing on my blog again for awhile but well, things just get in the way (and I kind of forgot my password). Well this morning I decided I'm going to do it. What I didn't realize is that I hadn't posted anything since Aug 2009. I can't believe my blog was even still here. Let's see if I can just jump back in here.

Today is going to be a crazy, hectic day around our house. Is there really a day that isn't crazy, hectic around here? We've got speech, gymnastics and karate. I want to try to fix the back screen door (a homemade job that really is bad) or just get a new one, I need to make Rylie a new grip bag, Chase wants some lounge pants and Preslie would love a new shirt or a dress. She loves them because they don't have tags.

Rylie has already finished her library book, we got yesterday. I'm letting them play outside right now and take advantage of this beautiful weather. I think they'll do some internet school work today. One of the great things about homeschooling, I get to pick what they do all day long. We can make anything and everything into a lesson.