Goodbye From Here.. For Now

To all of my followers and stalkers out there. It's been great while it lasted. I am no longer going to be keeping up with this blog - at least not for the remainder of the summer and honestly I don't know when/if this blog will ever comeback to life. I'm not going to shut it down but for now this is goodbye. I will miss the comments, the laughs and meeting so many wonderful people from starting this site. When I started it I really needed it for many reasons, but there is a season for everything and it's time to move on. I have decided to truly listen to my heart and God's plan for me (which I need to do more than I do at times) and focus my attention that this blog takes on things much more important. You may see me again in the future. Until next time, I will miss you.

You Can Find Me Over Here.

Thinking About It...

A quick update. I really need to go to bed - little sleep makes me feel sick. Argh!

I haven't been posting because I'm considering no longer having this blog. I love it, but when it comes down to it I really don't have the time anymore. I don't want to say I'm going to for sure though because watch me post something random tomorrow. It's been weighing heavy on my heart as to what to do and since I keep having people ask why I haven't posted I felt that I needed to post something. So basically in a tight compacted nutshell that's why there has been no posts.... and the fact that we have been so incredibly busy here I have had no time! Hope all is well and I will let everyone know for sure if I do quit blogging here.

God Bless!

A Note

Dear Tanning Beds,

Every year about this time I really want to cry. My legs are white and wormy and the sprays just turn me a yucky jaundice color. I try to lay out on my deck to just get a little color, but with three small children I don't even get a speck of color. How will I ever wear those white capri's when I look just like an ugly ol' white bed sheet? I know just how bad you are for my skin but I can't help but want to jump right in. Jealousy is here when I see my colored friends come near - oh how I wish I could have a warm twenty minute nap while I lay on my bum in the fake sun bath. Yes I look so much nicer when I have just a little splash of color!


PS. I know I'm a dork. I don't want to be color-less anymore. :)

I can't think of a title:

Went shopping yesterday with two of my sisters and though the craziness of the kids made me a bit overwhelmed at times, we had fun. Darn it though, I didn't get my moo late, when will DQ be back up and running around here? I'm in withdrawal. Oh and to a couple of you.. I don't even want to know the points in that cup. ;)

Shopping - I found some fantastic cami's that work great for nursing. I'm a bit of a cami-aholic you could say, I wear one everyday! Unfortunately though I only bought two and a pair of earrings.. oh and a pin-wheel for the kids. I wanted to go crazy shopping, buy it all.. but nothing was jumping out at me to take home. I hate when that happens. Nothing for the kids or Kurt either - that is a bad shopping trip in my eyes. On another note, I love Anne Taylor Loft - I just wish it wasn't quite that expensive though.

So lets talk Tenny-Shoes (how do you spell that anyway, I always wonder?) I cannot tell you the last time I bought tenny-shoes - I dislike them very much so.. however there comes a time when you need them and since I have no idea the last time I bought myself a pair (besides the fact that I have a pair up in my closet that I just can't wear in public).. I just can't bring myself to do it. Yesterday I looked - I was determined to get a pair at Dick's Sporting Goods since I had a gift card. Though they have many to choose from I could only tolerate three and they didn't come in my size - seriously? The hunt is still on. How do you people do it that wear them all the time?

Took my wedding/engagement ring in to get repaired. I haven't been wearing it for over a week because the diamond is loose. This happened one other time right after we got engaged because I kept wearing it with my gloves at work. I suppose I will probably have to deal with this until I decide to add more than four prongs since it sits up so high. I feel naked without it though and a bit awkward, not sure how woman go without wearing their rings at all.

Little did I know that a double stroller and four children made you look like a daycare, but we actually got asked if we were a daycare. LOL! Someone thought Liam and Brennan were twins and Chili's is now The Little Mothers Club!

How To Really Love A Child

A few months back I found something similar to this on a friend of mine's site - she really liked it and gave the link. I checked it out and loved it so much I printed it out and have it laminated sitting in front of me on the computer. Usually when I'm on the computer is when I tend to get the most irritated at my children so it helps me! I had no idea a few months ago when I printed it how often it would help me just not take the little things for granted and to really stop many of the things I have been doing. You can find many similar versions and even things to buy just by googling. Enjoy!

HOW TO REALLY LOVE A CHILD

Be there. say yes as often as possible. let them
bang on pots. if they're crabby, put them in
water. if they're unlovable, love yourself. realize
HOW important it is to be a child. Go to A
movie theatre in your PAJAMAS. read books
out loud with joy. invent pleasures together.
remember how small THEY are. GiGGle A lot.
surprise them. say no when necessary. teach
feelings. Heal your own inner child. learn about
parenting. Hug trees together. Make loving safe.
Bake A cake and eat it with your hands. Go
Find elephants and kiss them. plan to build a
rocket ship. imagine yourself magic. make lots
of forts with blankets. let your angel fly. reveal
your own dreams. search out the positive. Keep
the gleam in your eye. Mail letters to GOD.
encourage silly. plant licorice in your garden!
open up. stop yelling. express your love! a lot.
speak kindly. paint their tennis shoes. Handle
with caring.
CHILDREN ARE MIRACULOUS

Rewind

Today is nearly over and I wish I could rewind it and start over. I woke up cranky from lack of sleep all weekend and obviously Brennan and I woke up in the same mood because he was exactly the same way. I was in the back of church before Mass even began.. I really hope there are extra graces given for coming and ending up in the back every single Sunday. It's so cold in the back of Church that I have to into the Holloway center and hear nothing from annoying junior high kids blabbing when I opened the door. Then as soon as I got Brennan to sleep more loud noise from what seems to be people seriously out to make me mad. See.. I am was grouchy. Today was the start of Catholic schools week, which made me start thinking about that entire issue again (not that I don't think about it daily - but make me think about it during Mass.) It was just ugh.. I wanted to talk to some friends and I couldn't even do it.. Brennan was screaming, Kurt wasn't reading my mind of how I wanted things done. I think I need to go to Mass again or something. I'm pretty sure that's NOT how I'm supposed to be ... isn't it supposed to calm you? Ahh!

Okay, enough depressing attitude!

Did I blog that I cleaned the church a couple of weeks ago for the first time? Well I did! It was the first time my team got together and it was really good. I was surprised it only took 45 minutes and felt bad when this little old lady who was 80 said she really wished I would bring some of my "young" friends (I really think she thought I was in high school) to help out. When I told her most of them were kind of occupied with having babies she kind of gave me this look like - babies? Ha ha... Teen Pregnancy Pack... anyway I had to explain I have three children and I'm not a teen. I'm definitely going to bring Kurt & the kids next time. I'm really glad to have stepped up and helped when they asked.

Today I was very thankful for my friend Missy who brought us dinner. She has no idea but this was the most perfect day EVER to bring us something. :)

I was reading My Fussy Baby book by Dr. Sears while taking a semi-relaxing bath this evening. Turns out the only way Brennan likes to be held is the colicky baby hold. Hmm! I feel like I know everything there is to know about bonding/attaching with my child. It's most a refresher and reminded me of everything I already know (because I seriously have the worst memory in the world.)

Saturday we went and saw my brothers new rental house. Which is actually my parents rental house that he moved into. It's looking good! We some some bald eagles.. we tried to take some pictures but they didn't turn out good enough to post. Then we went to my parents. I don't know.. people seemed cranky to me. Becca was home and we haven't seen her since she went on her trip out east. It was cool to hear about it and she actually marched in the right for life march. I'm kind of jealous! :) She had to leave early which made me sad.. I'm really hoping to go down next Monday if I can to see her. Emily and her boyfriend Jeff came.. I don't really know him so it was good to just have him in the environment of our overwhelming family. Our family is going to be like the family on Big Fat Greek wedding before you know it. Ha ha ha! We played this super fun game... The Game of Things that my sister got me for Christmas. I was laughing pretty hard! Fun times.

My little love just woke up and it's about time for bedtime. Hope your weekends were good!

Accomplishing Goals

Day six, level one of the shred - finished this evening. I'm at that point where I haven't seen any results yet and I want to quit. Thinking back, that's usually how I go - after about a week or so I'm ready to quit. I think I don't care, but I really do. I haven't been eating that good either, maybe it's the same as I always do but I'm actually taking notice since I'm trying to be good. Oh well, there's always tomorrow with the eating. The shred is definitely getting easier, I think after tomorrow I will be ready to advance to level 2 and see how that goes. In the beginning I had a hard time following the modified versions and now I don't have too. I just wish my tummy would disappear over night.

Kurt starts back at his old job tomorrow. I guess I haven't updated on here as to what the deal with that is. Things were going fine at the new place, but he was asked to return to his old employer. Basically with him (and I) wanting to be there instead of the new place, and with a few other good reasons to return, he accepted the offer. We're very happy with the decision! :)

The floor that has been taking FOREVER is finished in the hallway. We still need to finish the steps (which is still be discussed as to what we want to do), I'd like to paint (hopefully this coming weekend) and eventually painting the trim (which doesn't have to be done immediately.) It looks really nice! The carpet man comes Friday morning to lay the carpet in Amelia's room and then we can finally get that room finished. I forgot to take pictures of the hallway before Kurt started sanding and all - it was bad though. Imagine removing carpet on some nasty old floors that needed to be really sanded/stripped and stained. Here are few pictures I did take though. I will take pictures of before we paint and after - promise. See that ugly pink/tan?

This is after Kurt already sanded and stripped the old stain off a million times.

Kurt putting the beautiful stain down for the first time.

Finished project. The lighting isn't that great in the hallway, but I think they look great.

Finished project!

Kurt started back at school last Tuesday night. He's there tonight.. he's only taking one class this semester - basically because his old employer didn't care if he had this degree and they weren't going to give him time off to attend extra classes. Unfortunately it will take him another semester to graduate ( I think ) but it will be nice to have him focusing more on family this semester than cracking the books every second.

Weird - I've been tweeting lately.. what's the deal with that? Follow me @mommainflipflop Facebook seems over rated. lol! :) Time to get the kids in their pajamas.

Feeling Bubbly

Yesterday we had a play date with Teri and her family. It was nice to see everyone after such a long time. We had a lot of adjusting to do after Brennan was born and didn't see people much. We're back to a new normal and it's good to have play dates once in awhile again. :) Teri asked me to be her confirmation sponsor, I have to say I was surprised but very honored. I hope I can live up to the responsibility. I take things like being a sponsor and godparent serious and strive to be a good example.

Today we had the pro-life meeting at my church. I was really excited that I'm going to be able to be really involved with the pro-life float we will be doing. I volunteered to do it all, but I guess you have to wait closer to spring to really do a whole lot. I have a lot of good ideas and really hope we can get a lot of people to ride/walk. :) I was also excited to hear that the pregnancy center has almost raised enough money to start doing ultrasounds to help prevent abortions (yay!) They were talking about what kind of things they were going to need and one is an RN along with other people like that, well... they didn't know that I have my RN license so I might be able to volunteer some of my time on weekends there. This would be a long ways off but I would love to do that. I keep my license up and I don't plan on going back to work in the near future if ever, so I would love to put my education to good use in something I really feel is important. We shall see.

Another thought - I've heard a lot about The Shred from you ladies. Do you recommend it? I think I'm going to start it. last night I had a dream all I could fit into was pleated, khaki pants and my belly roll had to be tucked into it and I had to roll to get up when laying on the ground. Maybe a little too much Biggest Loser, huh? Anyway, I need to get on track. I want to be able to fit into my summer clothes this summer. Anyone want to work together? I've never done anything that I have to be accountable with someone else, I think I might like the challenge. :)

The kids are waiting to clean up their rooms - argh! I suppose I should tackle that. I'll be waiting for a comment for the above. :)

Entitled to being crabby...once in awhile.

I'm just a tad bit crabby today. You know those days you are just crabby.. maybe a bit overly tired, far to many demands by the kids and... these projects are making me insane today. As I mentioned far to long ago that Amelia's room is done besides carpet, well Kurt took up all the carpet on the stairs and hallway leaving hard wood.. but not nice hardwood.. wood that must be stripped and sanded, stained and can I just say ahhhhh. I don't want to do this project, it's taking to long and the stripper gives me a headache. I want carpet upstairs.. I don't care if it will increase the value of the house. Oh well, tomorrow I'll probably be all about it. Argh!

Tomorrow we're going to go see a foreclosure listing on 3.5 acres, out in the country and near Kurt's new job and our parents. We already know it's going to need updating (okay, I guess I'm okay with projects, just not those dumb floors upstairs.. ha ha) and I'm really anxious to check it out. It's definitely not like my ideal from the outside, but we shall see! No, we aren't really looking for a new house but Jake is always on the lookout so we thought we might as well check it out and see. Moving depends on a lot of things, but it would be nice. I'm really sick of living in town.

It's only six but I'm going to get these kids ready for bed. We're all too crabby today. :-)

Tis the Season

This Advent season has passed so quickly compared to other years. Usually I feel like I'm sitting there waiting and waiting for Christmas to come.. like a little kid. This year -- it's the 22nd and we still don't have everything done. Insane! I never wait this long..I'm going to blame it on having three children under four and a husband that had no vacation with the new job. Hey, makes me feel better. Kurt and I left the kids Saturday and got a lot of the last few things finished. People are beyond irritating but we managed with a very fussy baby. Can I just say.. thank you for online shopping (where I did a lot).. all you have to get mad at is the slow connection. Ha ha! Other than gift giving and a bit stressed about getting everything done, I've been calm and cool about the other things that tend to get me worked up. We will be where we need to be whenever we can get there and that's that!

On to the project news... Amelia's room is coming along slowly now. We've been so busy on the weekends and I don't dare go and pick carpet out in this madness so it will wait. Things are slowly getting up on the walls though. Kurt decided to remove the hallway carpet to check out the hardwood underneath. Most of it looks pretty good, so we might be fixing it up a bit and leaving it without and then painting the walls. I hope we can get that all done in January. I feel like our house is out of order or something. Argh!

Here's a thinker from Landen! Yesterday he was playing with his cars and told me that the police/ambulance had two dead people in it because they got in a wreck. He went and "dumped" them in the ground and said they were going to heaven because they were good people to be with God. I thought that was good.. then he says... "Mom, God kills people that are bad" Me: "No, God loves everyone even if you're bad" Landen: "No, he kills them when they're bad" Me: "No, God always loves you no matter what, he doesn't want you to do bad things because he wants to live in your heart, but he always loves you and doesn't kill people" Landen: "Well that Noahs Ark book said he killed all the bad people" Me:(hmm) "Well sometimes people write things in books that aren't always true." Landen: "Okay." I was surprised at that, I wasn't sure what to say at first. He's also becoming quite the artist.. he drew Kurt, myself and himself the other day -- a typical four year old drawing I think. Then yesterday he drew a combine on a semi trailer for his grandpa. Oh and he can write and spell his entire first and last name. =)

Amelia is ready for Christmas - or should Amelia say "Jesus's birthday and he's going to hog down his cake!

That's the news for today!

Yes, I'm Alive

Wow, time does get away from you - over a month since I last posted. No wonder I've been getting emails asking if I'm alive! =) Thanks to those of you who have been thinking about me. Honestly I've just been busy - doing what... well nothing in particular just living life and staying busy with three little kids. Some updates..

*Brennan is still doing better but still cranky and a handful. Nothing really makes him happy, just doing something different often.

*My sisters baby shower was fantastic. I loved it and I think many other people did as well. I will try to post some pictures one of these days. She was due yesterday so now we wait!

*We are updating and fixing up Amelia's room. The walls are painted brown and pink and adorable. We need to decorate and get the new carpet -- so much better than before. Before & after photo's will come.

*I decided to update Amelia's room because she started sleeping in her own big girl bed about three weeks ago. She is doing great and loves it. She's completely potty trained as well - I've been putting a diaper on her at night but it's not necessary because she hardly ever wets.

*We've been doing a little 'school work' nearly everyday. Landen likes it a lot and it gives him an activity to look forward to. Along with some sort of craft that we've been trying to do a few times a week. Landen & Amelia love it!

*We put up our Christmas tree and decorations the weekend after Thanksgiving! The house is so cozy when the tree is up and things. I have yet to get or send out Christmas cards. I might skip it this year - I just don't have the motivation to get them. We'll see. Most all of our Christmas shopping is done. I got some killer deals online and then Kurt & I went this weekend and finished up most everything else. We're getting a new computer for each other.. I can't wait for it to get here!

*Mikyla came up last weekend and stayed Friday, Saturday and Sunday. It was nice having her here, just hanging out and helping with the kids.

*As I mentioned before I'm growing my hair out. It's getting there - I can already put it in a little pony tail!

I don't know what else - I need to update more regularly because it's hard doing a catch up post. I'll check out the pictures to post! If I don't get back on here before Christmas .. Have a Merry one!

Why Can't I...

I have no problem telling other people that you don't have to do things hard core, if that's the right wording, but when it comes to thinking that myself... well, I'm a bozo.

A few weeks back I was talking to one of my friends about cloth diapering and she said.. you don't have to be a "hard core" cloth diapering parent. Use cloth when you can and disposable when you can. It was like a "duh" moment for me.. why do I think if I'm going to do something I have to dive in full force? Please, that's insane!

So the reason for thinking about all this is because of Brennan, by now everyone knows he's a bit of a "high needs" baby. Most people know too that I hate pacifiers. Landen never took a pacifier and didn't care for it.. great! Amelia loved hers and it was helpful.. however she has really sensitive skin and the pacifier broke her out. She always had this horrible scab on her face, it breaks my heart to think I gave her that stupid thing and now she has a permanent scar on her face because of it. Well I went and purchased the nuk and binky for Brennan to try after talking to my mom and a solution, going to the doctor, etc. Kurt has been okay with us using it and I keep saying "no" but after much thought about the other kids never getting to do anything, Brennan crying so much, never going anywhere, we're going to try it. Even if it's just for awhile and then we put it away.. we need something to get us over this hump.. and I hope it works!

My lesson for the week.. to keep in my numskull head... you can do things that work for awhile, it doesn't mean you have to do it forever. Same with watching a little more tv one day, not doing the activities one day and doing them the next, using disposables at night, etc! =)

Lots of Things - Good & Bad

I do miss posting regularly on this blog. I just don't have time, other things take priority over this and dang it, to be quite honest I'm struggling. Random Blahs -

*Three children under the age of four is one hard task to manage. Someone is always needing something... I want to play a game, I got to go potty, diaper changing, I need a drink, screaming, it goes on and on. The kids are good kids but lately I guess I'm not coping well with demands.

*Brennan cries more than he doesn't, the majority of the time. He's gassy or just un happy... Is that what they call a colicky baby? I keep thinking it's almost over, or he'll be fine for a couple of days only to start crying again. I feel bad leaving him in the swing, like I should be cuddling him but sometimes that's what he likes best.I keep thinking in the back of my mind he's being neglected or something.I honestly don't think this would even be a problem if I didn't have two other little ones needing me as well.

*I've been gross mom lately. Tuesday was the first weekday in a long time I was actually able to take a shower, put make up on, do my hair and get dressed before the day was almost over. I can't stand feeling gross and ugly. Thank you to Mikyla for that one!

*I need to get more sleep and attempt to take care of myself as well as the family. Why can't all my children nap at the same time? Or when they do.. I don't feel wide awake and not want to sleep?

*Kurt's work health fair was this week. I found out I'm down to 140 already, pretty dang good in eight weeks for not doing anything and reaching close to 200 lbs again this pregnancy! That made me feel pretty good. Only 15 to my ideal and 10 to be my average size again. I need to start doing something with my belly.. ugh, flab is hard to get rid of.

*Brennan is the fattest thing ever. He's got to be as big as Landen, comparing pictures that is. He has so many rolls, and creases, big cheeks and hands like Landen. He's just so squishy, in Amelia's words. Another little Michelin man. Our two boys so big and our girl the tiniest little thing!

*Amelia is successfully potty trained with a few accidents here and there. She's still wearing a diaper to bed, but wakes dry almost every single time. She looks so cute in her big girl panties, her and daddy picked out. Now, the task of finding pants that fit her correctly that don't scream out... DORK!

*I've been working on Sara's baby shower. It's going to be a lot of fun... I hope. One mix up was with the baby shower invites, I guess since it says She's on her way and is in pink that means she's having a girl. LOL! NO, she doesn't know what she's having! I have to clarify that with everyone coming.

*I miss Kurt. Even though school has slowed down A LOT since one of his classes is finished it still stinks. By the end of the day I'm so crabby and tired it's awful. Plus this week we've hardly seen him at night.. Landen actually asked me today why he doesn't get to see his dad very much. Doesn't that just break your heart?

*I feel really distant to people I used to be closer to.. I guess I'd just rather hibernate and hide than really go out and I've noticed this is happening. Part of me wishes we lived closer to my parents and the kids. Family just gets you, when others can't/don't!

*I'm going to grow my hair out again. I got it cut for the baptism so I wouldn't look shabby, but two years is too long to have the same hair style and it's sneaking up on me here. It grows pretty fast so hopefully by next spring it will be somewhat long!

*Adding some pictures since I love pictures! Why is it so dang cold???

A grump with a message

I haven't been posting much on this blog lately and to be honest whenever I sit down to type all I can think of is really negative things and I shouldn't post about them all. Somethings are left to be in your heart and taken up with God, not sharing with everyone! It's a new season in my life and I just need to remember people and things don't always stay the same, you change, they change. I'm growing because of it.

However, on to other things... after a particularly nice homily Sunday from a guest priest I really left with a message about how you feel much better if you're doing something for others instead of spending time on facebook (and that is exactly what he said) or I should say, he said facepage. lol! I've been trying to keep that in mind, just doing more with my husband and children. The kids and I have been doing a lot of fun crafts and I just need to spend more time with them during the day and more time with Kurt in the evening!

Also I'm excited that this priest will be the guest priest at the Baptism Sunday, I'm glad to have someone I like at such a joyous occasion! I'm so glad to be getting Brennan baptised, it seems like we've been waiting forever and we're having a party afterwards - I heard back from most everyone I invited, I just hope we have a bit warmer weather for people to spread out a bit!

Also I wanted to share this photo Kurt took of me nursing Brennan. I love being able to fully take care of my child be breastfeeding. This was taken for A Mother's Boutique, she'll be showcasing it on her blog in November! I'm not the most elegant breastfeeding mother, but it captures the real us I think. Jeans, shirt, looking somewhat uncomfortable, no boppy, just a pillow, what a joy!

Lazy, Lazy!

We have been having such a lazy weekend - it's actually been really nice to just sit around and do a whole lot of nothing. Brennan has been sleeping so much I've actually been waking him to nurse - I don't remember the other kids doing this but obviously I have the worse memory ever because Kurt seems to remember the others going through a little period like this. Once again he was amazing in church - if I haven't sold you on a wrap yet then you better get one. Ha ha ha!

Becca came up Thursday night to help me with the kids - Kurt is back into the thick of things with school *gag* and it was great to just have her around. Thursday was busy, a lot of people in and out but it was nice to visit. Then Friday Sara and Beck went to garage sales (I wanted to go but I knew I better not stretch myself thin). Beck found some of the cutest little things for Brennan and some adorable shoes for Amelia - yep you can tell Beck and I are related. Amelia owns more shoes than I do and that may not be a good thing. =)

On a sad little note - I really think Brennan finally being here is taking a toll on Amelia. She has been throwing horrible tantrums and as hard as it is for me I'm learning to ignore her. Nothing makes her happy so that's what we're doing. They're just awful - I'm trying to give a little more love to her and hopefully we can get out of this. It makes me sad though.

I'm anxious to weigh Brennan - I'm pretty sure he's grown a lot already and I'm pretty sure I've shrunk down a tad bit. I can finally get most of my shoes back on, a couple of shirts are already to big and I'm going to attempt to get my wedding rings back on tonight. I feel naked without them - they've been off since May. Oh and speaking of wedding - I'm excited for Friday because the man and I will celebrate being married five years!!

Off to be lazy for a few more hours - then the start of another week.

Things Always Get Better

Thank you for all the nice comments on my feeling sad after the baby. Things are going so well. Friday and Saturday were really my low days and Sunday I started feeling so much better. Saturday I pretty much had it set in my mind I wasn't going to even try church - I woke up and changed my mind. Church went amazing - better with Brennan than it has the last few weeks with just Landen & Amelia. I put him in the pouch and he slept the entire time, he loved it! It was even more wonderful to hear a homily all about sacrifice with children and taking care of family instead of falling into the materialistic way of thinking. It was wonderful!

Yesterday was my first day alone with the kids. I talked to my mom the day before and was prepared with family back up so occupy the time. It was wonderful to have my sisters and their foreign exchange student here to help out (especially since Amelia was awake the majority of the night) but I didn't feel one bit icky. Tired, yes but overwhelmed depressed not at all. Today has been going excellent; we woke up did our thing. Amelia is taking a nap, Landen (who should be taking a nap) is loving is brother while he spreads out on the floor. Not one bit of icky feeling and I'm even making a turkey breast from scratch for supper. Things are great - I really appreciate all the prayers and advice so many of you gave me.

As for the cloth diaper thing - we've been using them during the day and they're working great. At night since I'm still doing the whole trial and error thing we're using disposables. Amelia and Landen wake up to every little peep out of Brennan and lets just say he's my first child that hates having a diaper change so we're going with the quick route for now. With that said, when do babies quick pooping at night? Ha ha!

I received a very nice gift in the mail a couple of days ago. Some mama pads to try out - these have been on my mind a lot since Teri did a review for Knickernappies awhile back on my review site. I've been back and forth, but since receiving these I don't think I will ever be able to switch back to disposable pads. I'm not much of a pad person anyway, but when I do need them these will be what I'll be using. They're amazing and definitely not gross like so many people think. I'll be having a review up on October for those wanting to know more. You can view the two kinds I got from my friend Rebecca's site Sprouting Up.

Thanks again for the prayers and thoughts! We're doing fantastic here. The poop machine needs his diaper changed. Landen is getting a kick out of baby toots. LOL!!

The Feeling Of Frustration.

I love after you have baby and you really are on cloud nine. Even though you are so tired and worn out from the battle of birth, you look and there is your little miracle in your arms. It's absolutely amazing - and then looking at the picture I posted of my three little loves all together brings tears to my eyes. Until you have your own children you can't even begin to understand that feeling.

However, I absolutely hate the third, fourth and however many days it seems to go on for me low of after having the baby. The feeling of frustration, over-whelmed by everything, anxious, just the feeling of depression. No matter how little stimulation, quiet, whatever I still manage to feel like this. The thought of Kurt going back to work in a few days makes me want to cry. Thank goodness I have the most wonderful family in the world who have all volunteered to just sit and stare at me if that's what I want. I love that!

I'll be happy when this feeling subsides because it really does take away so much and I dread it my entire pregnancy - feeling like that. There is no reason to cry but I always manage to do it. Oh do I hate it. Because of this I decided I just can't deal with the frustration of cloth diapers right now. I have everything prepared for Brennan but his little butt is quite tiny and being so very inexperienced when it comes to newborns in cloth after two days I'm just too exhausted and frustrated to continue. I sent Kurt to purchase the Huggies new pure and natural disposables, they're organic cotton, hypoallergenic and have aloe & vit. E. I don't want to take the chance of him breaking out like Amelia does so very badly whenever a disposable touches her little skin. I'm definitely going to continue to use the cloth though in a week or two - but for now while I'm re cooperating this is the way it has to be.

Other than that everything else is going smoothly. He's a little suckler when it comes to nursing. We nurse several times an hour and cuddle all day long. I'm excited to get the baby-carriers out because I know they are going to be wonderful this time around! I know in time this feeling will subside and just taking care of myself and getting plenty of rest helps. I'm going on and making the best of this. It actually helps to write out how I'm feeling. Does anyone else ever feel like this? I know it's common.

Thanks for all the wonderful prayers and congratulations you all have sent. I hope to write up the birth story soon. God Bless!

I'm liking these things!

I'm up early - of course I'm sure you know why. CONTRACTIONS! Oh well, these are getting to be the "good" ones. For those of you who don't know what a good contraction is.. well. . . Lets just say they're a bit OUCH!

So I'm up and I like being up when the kids are sleeping because I get to catch up on blog reading and not feel guilty about it. Right now since I'm technically on a "maternity leave" from my review blog (mostly doing a lot of emailing only) I've been getting to do a bit more Family Blog Reading! So a few things I'm loving this morning.

This photo that I found on Lerin's site Beautiful Chaos. It made me laugh - great photo. I need this as a true door mat - anyone else?

I read this awhile ago over at Martin Family Moments from Colleen and it made me laugh and laugh. I hate dirty jokes and I'm all about the corny classics's I guess. I taught Landen the age-old - Why Did the Chicken Cross the Road? Ha ha ha! Anyway, Colleen has a whole bunch of great jokes on her site from her kids. Thanks for sharing Colleen. This one made me laugh for entirely too long. - What's worse than finding a worm in your apple? Finding half a worm. LOL!

And as always - I always find something inspirational over at Kate's Momopoly - check out this article. Motherhood is not a prison sentence.

Not sure where I read about being a Yes mom but I'm failing miserably. That was going to be my task, and maybe I'm crabby, lazy I don't know. Today's a new day though and I'm going to work a lot harder at it. I hate being a No mom! Have a good day. I hope I get to have a baby update today or tomorrow.

Forever Posting.

I'm having tons of posts today - I guess I didn't realize I hadn't posted in so long until Kurt reminded me yesterday. Summer is a busy time and I have been trying to get a lot of things done around here that seem to be more important. Read on for an update -

June 28th was my birthday, 27 years old. I have three gray hairs - that I pull out. Ha ha ha! The van needed new brakes so Kurt worked on them with my dad and we went out to dinner while the kids stayed with my family. Nothing super exciting - but wonderful to eat dinner with just Kurt!

Fourth of July weekend was busy - as always. I can't even remember everything we did. Attempted to take the kids to the $1 movie - Mary Poppins in the Historic Theater. We actually had to get up and leave, Amelia leaked in her diaper (which NEVER happens) - Landen was crabby. It was just not working. Ended up taking the kids to the fire fighters water battle thing - I thought Landen would enjoy that more. Listened to the Municipal band - pretty good. It rained the day I had a lot of really fun activities planned - we still went to Kids Zone and the kids made a craft, got a tattoo and Landen was going to be in the big wheel race but nobody informed us you had to bring your own big wheel and with it raining we didn't go back home for it. Then headed to John Deere where Landen rode/drove one of the tractors. Made it to the parade with my sister and her boyfriend who we hadn't met. It was fun and not real hot. Then watched the fireworks with Laura, Phil and their kids. It was a busy fourth, but nice to not be running all over to everyone elses things, but doing our own thing for once.

Amelia is working on potty training - she is doing really well, far better than I expected. We may be trained by the time the baby comes, if not that's okay too.

I have all the baby supplies pretty much ready, except just a few more things. Diapers are getting ordered tonight!

Teri showed me how to fix my Fuzzi Bunz so I'm working on that - it's a long yucky job but it's worth it.

I'm working on being Silent and Still after reading about it in Rediscovering Catholicism. I used to be able to do this, I think when I was more involved in FAMILIA (I guess it really does keep me on track) but have gotten away from it. It's difficult to just listen to God without thinking about every little thing I want/need to do. Some days I'm doing good, others not so much. I also picked one thing to work on to make me a better version of myself - fully giving attention to the people I'm talking with, as much as you can with being a mother who's eyes/ears area always focused on her children as well. I fail a lot but am really trying. I'm finding it's really helping with Landen and Amelia's bad attitudes they had a couple weeks ago. I do not want to deal with that again!

So, I'm tired of sitting in this chair so I'm off to work on my couch! Just an update since I haven't been updating very well. Maybe I'll keep up - one of these days. Oh and to the many of you who emailed me and I haven't responded, I will - I'm not dead!

The Weaning Challenge & Other Things!

There is so much on my mind and instead of having a bunch of posts, I'm adding them together!

-It's been 5 full days since Amelia has nursed at all. It's been a battle let me tell you. A lot of crying, hard nights and hard nap times but we are getting through it. I've been reading some different things and nothing says to just quit, but to ease into it. That's what we started with but that was not working, it was confusing her more than anything. She is still asking, but it's getting a lot better. Let me tell you, you may think you have something mastered with one child and the next is completely different. On a good note, I haven't even had to pump - felt no change what so ever. Could it be from being pregnant?

-My muscle separation on my stomach is already at 3 fingers, that's what I ended up with after I had Amelia. It kind of scares me but I hear I have nothing to worry about this pregnancy. However before the next one I really need to tone up, maybe that will help. No wonder my belly button is fully popped! We're still toying with the idea of an ultrasound - hmm!

-My review blog is getting a bit crazy. I'm so happy to have so many companies interested, it makes it a lot easier than finding the companies myself. However not all the companies asking for reviews pertain to our family. So.. my good friend Teri is jumping in on the action. If only I would have given this some thought sooner because there has been a lot that she could have been doing. Look for her guest posting soon. On another note - everyone and their brother, sister, mother and friend is doing reviews now. I get so many e-mails on how to start up I have a feeling some sites (maybe even mind) are going to dwindle away. I really do not mind the e-mails though, I got started with nothing so I wish them the best, it's just crazy. I really though have no idea how it works with everyone wanting to do reviews. I've had companies I've contacted tell me that there is just to much of a demand anymore with people wanting to review. I don't know, when I started I don't think there were half this many sites. Hmm!

-Lent, oh the lovely start of lent. Kurt and I decided to give up fast food. Yes it's a problem here. I hate to cook, I really do - I despise it. I think this will get us back on track of eating healthier and not going out as much. This is really going to be hard for me, but that's what it's all about. My other two things I'm doing may seem dumb to others, but I need to do it. I'm going to try to be a better housewife and incorporate Christ into my chores like from the Holiness for Housewives book. When I got pregnant things went downhill here. I spent the last few days getting things back in order and I'm ready to keep it that way (the best I can without going crazy - I do have two little kids and I'm a preggo). I really cannot stand a dirty house though, it makes me feel icky and well it's gross. The other, I'm going to try to get more religion based activities into the kids lives. We used to pray at random times, watch our videos, pray a decade together, but what happened.. oh I know.. a sick momma! LOL! So.. I still want to do something that has to do with Kurt and I, but we have yet to discuss it.

Have a lovely weekend. Sara and Jake come home today, they called the other night. I was freaking out. They went to Iberostar Del Mar if you want to look it up on google search. Kurt and I went to Iberostar Quetzal, - heavenly!!!! If you do, tell me what you think!