No Me Uh!

When Landen started crawling around I became one of those mom's that no longer had anything on the floor, nothing breakable sitting low, books were put up high that we didn't want to get destroyed and he was pretty much able to roam freely and we didn't have to worry about anything being ruined. Well, time went on and things got put back where they belonged. Now - it's Amelia's turn. Cd's being thrown everywhere books are being destroyed, but I have yet to put anything up. Maybe that should be a project - or Landen is going to continue to stay busy because he catches her doing things she shouldn't and she sternly gets told - "Me uh, don't do that" and he puts everything back. Right now he's putting all the Cd's away that she pulled out and she's off to destroy something else.

It's not bedtime mom

I'm tired and my lil' beast of a girl won't go to sleep. She's crawling around in some sort of mad hurry getting whatever she can reach as fast as she can. Like it's some sort of night marathon where if you're awake you act like a crazed lunatic, attacking everything in sight. How much longer.. maybe I'll try to win some baby legs.

*An hour later - I'm heading to bed!*
*We didn't get up until 9:30!*

I'm living the dream

It seriously just boggles my mind as to why people don't appreciate a stay at home mom. A recent conversation of mine was about me not working, and I politely say - "I stay home with my kids" - "all day?" - the comment returns - "yah." - "OoooOhhh.. you need to get out then." Whatever! Of course I need a little down time for myself, but seriously, are kids really that bad? Not mine - or most kids I've met.

So anyway.. I truly think a mom should stay home with their children, if you aren't going to raise them, well then don't have them. Of course there are certain cases, but for the most part I think a mom's job is to be a mom fully and completely. God first, Husband second, Children third and nothing should come before those.

The New Look

As promised here are the pictures of my new hair cut. The Katie Holmes bangs which I love so much. The hair stylist said I had such thick hair they'd work good and instead of going with a bob with no layers I opted for the layers so I didn't look like a mushroom top (because of the thick hair). It's short in back like I've been doing for awhile now, longer in front with the new bangs. Definitely something to get used too - they get in my eyes easily, but I think I'm going to like them even more, the more I get used to it. Pictures were taken in a rush - as Amelia is a nursing craze lately. What do ya think?

Kung Fu with New Bangs

Last night of kickboxing - or in better words kung fu fighting! I'm happy to be done and not happy at the same time.

Then I'm off to get my hair whacked off and hopefully come home with some fabulous bangs like Katie (whatever her last name is - married to Tom Cruise). Hopefully I don't look like a total dork like everyone says.. except Jen that is. She knows the style! Maybe a picture if I get around to it -- my sister is coming over tonight so at least I'll get a girls point of view right away. Kurt takes awhile to get used to something new.

I smell burgers grilling -- yummy. Oh and -- hmm -- I might have a surprise picture of -- oh, us soaking under the stairs -- it's almost ready! Hee, hee.

Bestest Friends

He maybe spunky, screaming when I'm trying to get Amelia to sleep, not listening to a word I say and driving me nuts - but I can never stay annoyed we he comes over, puts his little head next to mine, arm around my neck and says - "Best Friends Forever Mom!" Yep.. that's my Landen.

A lot of running

I love when I have some sort of revelation as to why my children are behaving a certain way. The last couple of weeks Landen absolutely, no matter what, will not listen to what we say. He has never been like this - a little bit, but for the most part listens pretty good when we tell him things. It's been really bothering me lately because I hate having to get mad at him and when he all of a sudden starts acting like that, you don't know what the problem is. Well it hit me today. We have been constantly busy here, almost to the point that I'm feeling exhausted. I like being busy, I like seeing family, but we need a relaxer. From running around, having people here constantly, Amelia being sick, it's been non-stop for the past few weeks. I guess routine is good at times! Today however we're just relaxing - I'm trying to get things back in order around here, trying to give attention where it's needed, and trying to discipline in a loving matter since it's kind of gotten out of control. I've decided that I could never handle flying by the seat of my pants, constantly running, and not having a lot of down time in my life. I think the remainder of the week and next we're going to just settle down around here. Not to mention my prayer life has been seriously lacking lately and there are things that I need to give prayer too.

WW: Bath Water Never Tasted So Good

Yum, yum BBQ Sauce

Two entire nights of sleeping in my own bed - oooh, it's joyous! I don't think I remember how it felt to sleep in my own bed after being on the couch for so many days with Amelia. Things are much, much better here. Amelia's tests came back good when we went to the Dr, she's smiling, crawling and acting like herself again. I asked the Dr. why she was diagnosed at the ER with pneumonia, and did she ever have pneumonia? He said no, that her lungs were completely clear (which I found out when I checked when we got back) and her chest xray showed no signs of pneumonia, and she had no s/s either. So why did they diagnosis her with that, and lead me to believe that was the problem? Urghh.. why do I even bother? I also got more huff about not having her immunized and how we needed to start the well baby check ups. Oh how a smile speaks many words. Hee, hee!

Through all this craziness I forgot to update about my horrible dentist appointment I was freaking over. After 5.. or maybe 6 years of not seeing the dentist ... no cavities! That's right - I have perfect teeth. lol! It wasn't nearly as bad as I remember, they were super nice and I guess I have super teeth that are super white. Ha ha ha! Let's just say Crest White Strips work miracles.

Landen's been a bear lately - I think it's just how the environment has been here. Sadly! If he doesn't get his way he's going to "fight me". Right.. where did that come from? Oh well - he's a wonderful big brother and has been taking Amelia all over the house by crawling right next to her. Absolutely adorable.

We know Amelia doesn't like to eat regular food much - but she loves BBQ sauce and the bold party chex mix. That little mouth goes crazy when daddy gets home and is having his snack. Oh and another Dr. duhh moment. One sentence I'm being told that she should be weaning and the next.. good thing your breast feeding because we know she's not dehydrated. Ahh! I know this sounds like I'm bashing - I'm not - thank goodness for Dr. and nurses but sometimes it makes me crazy.

Is this picture not hilarious - yummy... bbq sauce!

WW: The Chef

Our Baby Bumble

Things seem to be looking up for Amelia today. We do have to go back to the Dr. tomorrow for another blood draw and a urine test because her white count was still elevated. Hopefully the next test will be better and if things stay on the track they have been on today - we'll be as good as new soon. Thanks for every one's continued prayers.

I won this adorable Happy Green Bee petal dress from Goodies for Mom a few weeks back. It's 100% organic cotton and came with stripped tights (too warm for them right now), an adorable hat and lullaby book. The fabric is so soft and it fits Amelia well. I got the toddler small so it would fit her well into the fall. She's going for the look of a little big right now. I really like this dress and she's going to be called our little bumble when she wears it. **These pictures were taken last week - I didn't dress my sickly one up for pictures! =) **

Check out my contest on my review blog, more people that enter, better chance I'll get to do more reviews and contests in the future!

An ER Trip

Last night we made our first trip to the Emergency Room for one of the kids - Amelia. As I have been posting she's been a sick little baby for sometime now, with the teeth and now this virus.

They told us last night that she had pneumonia - so we had the chest xray which was awful, blood work, two injections of antibiotics, and Tylenol to bring down the 103.? temperature she had. We had the run around about staying the night, but the Dr. said since I knew what I was talking about (I guess) from being a nurse we could just take her home and await a call for a follow up appointment for today. The night didn't seem to get any better - she was more lethargic, her temperature was staying up regardless of the Tylenol or Ib profen and she was restless. We decided to wait the night out though and got into the Dr. around 10:30am. Of course when I got there her temperature was down and she was seeming a lot more energetic. Good for her, but bad for them to see how she's acting, especially if in two hours she's just laying there again. He said she doesn't have pneumonia (duh - I listened to her last night and didn't hear anything either, and no s/s of pneumonia - oh well), her white count is up (more blood work - results tomorrow) and she's lightly anemic, but not bad enough to do anything about. Oh and she has lost weight - I kept saying she was looking skinnier and sure enough she's lost about four pounds. Poor thing! So now we just wait, give the Tylenol and ib profen and wait this out. I'm glad to have taken her though and got it figured out.

Of course I got the talk about not having her immunized, but he was very nice. Of course pushed the subject and wanted to get her started as soon as possible, but respected my our decision on delaying at this time. I also got the talk about Amelia not eating much solids yet. That she really should have been eating a long time ago, and they're okay with breastfeeding until a year, but recommend weaning after that. He even said something about mom's nursing until three, in a not very good idea tone. I just said, those babies are healthy ones! I was very proud of myself about staying calm and collective, matter of fact and nice during those somewhat heated topics. I know what we're doing is perfectly fine and healthy and do realize that as a Dr. he probably has to say those things.

So, that's the update. Keep our little sweet heart in your prayers. These's pictures are with her two band aids (from the injections) and arm wrapped up from the blood work. She was actually a little perky in these!

Check out my review and giveaway

I got my first review and contest up for the Baby Banz sunglasses on my other blog today! Check it out and enter to win the free pair of Baby Banz sunglasses I get to giveaway to someone. Color and size of your choice. Doesn't Amelia looking goofy in hers? Read my review on them here!

I do hate rocks

So much going on here, so little time to get it all written down. My heart is aching right now for my sweet little Amelia, who once again is sick and teething. I feel like this helpless mother who can't do anything while she suffers through this. Her little listless body laying on me, smiling through chills, as those mean old teeth try to make their way through. I never feel more helpless than when my children are sick. I go into freak out, anxious, nervous mode and can't gather any knowledge together that makes sense. Oh, I do hope this passes quickly.

My sisters were here for a couple of days last week. We all went to kickboxing together, which was lots of fun. Lots of walks to our little shops, ice cream was delicious, and shopping was fabulous. What's better than leopard flats - which we all bought! Lots of other great deals - I'm ready for an exciting outing that I can wear all my cute things.

We're in the mist of a rather large project here - details to come - but let me just say - moving five truck loads and a trailer of rocks is seriously not fun, many hands make light lighter work and I have an incredible family, I don't like icky neighbors, they make me nervous, and soaking under the stars is going to be amazing!

A new header

I made a new header for my blog. I think it looks good, but is it too busy and difficult to read?
I don't know enough about all this template stuff, but man I need a new look.

I'll be in the dreaded dentist chair in less than three hours. Seriously my stomach is in knots!

I may be doing some guest reviewing on some products over at Props and Pans. I'm really looking forward to doing some reviews so we'll see how this goes and I'll be letting you all know when things are cut and dry for me to start - or when my first review is up. I thought about putting an application in at Mama Speaks! but after much thought and prayer I decided against it. However, after I was asked to think about reviewing at Props and Pans - I got a different feeling and thought I'd give it a try. I really like reading about other reviews people do and entering the contests, so I really hope this turns out to be a lot of fun. Plus I think I'd be good about being totally honest with a product and that's what I like to hear. Along these lines I've still been keeping up on my other blog that's about contests and reviews that I have come across. I always add new buttons to the side bar and they're worth checking out. You can't win without entering and did you know that lots of people have Friday Freebies? Yay! It's not trash either.

I have a question for you readers I have (and please let me know honestly - don't be shy to comment - I know I have readers that don't comment, you can click anonymously and just write your name in your comment). What do you think about posting about the contests I win, a picture and the site I got it from? I would love to know when one of you won something, but I don't want to be posting things about what I won and not be humble. Maybe I'm reading into it too much. What do you think?

Some hesitation before

I'm sitting here with Amelia - she finally fell asleep. She's just not herself - and from reading a few other people's blogs, I'm not the only one with a teething baby. Anyway, I was sorting pictures, putting some in their correct folder (which I'm trying to stay up on) and I came across this picture again. There's something about it I really like. I've hesitated to post it because of cleavage (yikes), sun burn, and Amelia's little sore (which is fully healed thanks to the Golden Salve), but I like it - so ignore that. I really love wearing my sweet little girl.

Taking It Easy

We're taking it easy here today. Amelia is still cutting teeth and we're on our fourth day. We got some foul smelling poop, and a lethargic little thing that can't sleep very well. Teeth are no fun. On that same note I'm going to the dentist tomorrow.. after over five years I'm going. Yikes! I seriously hate the dentist and just thinking about it causes anxiety. Crossing my fingers I don't have any cavities - it's doubtful though. I know this may sound stupid, but a little prayer for me would be appreciated.

I hope all you moms had a wonderful Mother's Day! We were busy as usual on holidays.

I finally figured out (with my sisters help) how to make only certain colors stand out in a black and white photo on my camera. Here's one of Amelia, she looks wiped out, but the pink stands out a bit. I'm going to try my flowers (that I got for Mother's Day) later -- see how they look!

On another note - I'm pretty sure I want to become a beatboxer. Wouldn't I be cool? LoL!

Ten things I'm thinking right now

#1. Am I really functioning on only two hours of sleep
#2. Why is it that toddlers don't sleep when you need to sleep
#3. Why does my toddler insist on jumping on the couch so much today
#4. I really hope Amelia is just getting teeth
#5. You know a baby has a fever when she nurses and you can feel how warm the inside of her mouth is
#6. I really wanted to get a hair cut today before we see family - oh well I'll look shabby
#7. Nobody is getting nearly as excited as I have been about the contests I've won lately
#8. Everyone should go to my contest page, scroll down to the Pink Lemonade Widget, Friday Free stuff, and get a free cami and panties
#9. Will I get a shower today
#10. I need to get off of here before something gets broke in here

Came Across This Quote Today

I know God will not give me anything I can't handle. I just wish that He didn't trust me so much. - Blessed Teresa of Calcutta

Diaper Pail Help

I have a question for any of you mom's who use diaper pails for your cloth diapers.

What do you use? Would you recommend it? Does it stink? Is it expensive? Do you have to use a liner? What do you use if you don't use a pail? Any information you have would be great!

I have to get one as soon as possible. I've been using a laundry basket and that's been working great, but now that it's getting warm, the sun coming in the laundry room makes it warm and you can smell the odor from the diapers. Ick! If anyone has any suggestions I'd appreciate it. Thanks!

WW: Loving The Coon

All the baby racoons were givin' away except this sweet little thing and Amelia enjoyed playing with her! Sometimes I think we need a pet.

I'm going to pull my hair out one of these days

We're having one of those weeks. Landen is being obnoxious and doing anything he possibly can do to annoy me or hurt Amelia -- and if he does hurt Amelia he runs and hides (which I can't stand). Yesterday he didn't take a nap which turned the evening edition of the day into a complete nightmare of crying and tantrums. Trying to keep my cool because I know something is making him be this way and it doesn't help when I'm being crabby. Unfortunately though I was tired and worn out from a busy weekend (which is probably his case too), so I was crabby. Amelia is cutting teeth (yes for sure this time - we can see them trying to pop through), so she's upset with that. She wants to walk desperately, but instead just crawls around in a mad furry after whatever it is she wants. We've been trying to run off some steam outside and it's helping! I just wanted to show what these two little terrors angels look like when they're up to no good! Oh and just so you know, I'm just venting a little bit here - it's all good - everyone has days like this once in awhile. =)

The mischievous face. What I didn't do anything - yah right!

She's got attitude when she's on a mission!

Oldie Shmoldie

It seems like every Tuesday I have this catch up post from the weekend. I guess I'll just hit the high lights and try from now on to keep on top of things so it's not like that.

Friday I started the spring cleaning process of the house. I pretty much keep up on the cleaning so I don't have any major things to do, but there is some things and things we wanted to get done. Washing the windows inside and out and cleaning the porches is really the only big thing. We got pictures hung, finally - it only takes us about six months to get things hung up around here. My beautiful picture of Mary hanging clothes (which is on my sidebar) with baby Jesus is up. I love that picture and I'm so glad to have it in my viewing sight in my home.

We had children's adoration and Landen said his own prayer intentions and said the second half of Hail Mary - on his own (the part in italics)! "Hail Mary Full of Grace the Lord is with You, Blessed our Thou amongst woman and blessed is the fruit of thy womb Jesus, Holy Mary Mother Of God Pray For Us Sinners Now And At The Hour of Our Death, Amen." He's doing so well on his prayers. We got some new fish at the pet store, I really need to quit going there though because I always end up leaving with the feeling that we really need a little Yorkie. I guess I just have to remember how much I dislike animal hair with my kids being on the floor and that will shock me back into reality. Then we went to dinner and Kurt got himself a new nickname of Curb Jumper!

Saturday we headed to my parents so I could do Becca's hair for prom. She looked gorgeous and her boyfriend looked equally as charming. I was glad to finally meet Joey... he seems so nice. Mom, Mikyla, Savannah, Amelia and I went to Prom Premiere - which was wonderfully only 15 minutes long. Unfortunately I didn't snap any good pictures - but I got some good ones at home so that didn't really matter. Beck and Joey were definitely the best looking and by far the most modestly dressed. Wow - some of the dresses these girls wear nowadays look like something you'd see on the red carpet -- meaning ... hello boobies! Becks hair turned out lovely, after several hours of practicing we got it up and looking fantastic in about 40 minutes and she said it didn't move all night long. The poof was looking great!

Sunday was Papa Bears (Kurt's other nickname) Birthday! The big 28.. he's getting old. We celebrated with his family. It turned out to be a beautiful day so we spent a lot of time outside. Landen and Amelia got wagon rides from grandma and Amelia loved her first wagon ride. I didn't think she was old enough, but she got buckled in and had the biggest grin on her face the entire time. It was a good day!

What the?

I'm driving through town today and the car in front of me is creeping along (which is annoying enough) and swerving all over the place. I get in the other lane to pass, look over and what to my wondering eyes should appear - a woman shaving her face while driving. Hello - grooming should be done before you leave the house, not while your driving! Ahh!