I Love Seeing This Little Face!

Got back from the Dr's again today. It is crazy to me to think when I first found out I was pregnant I was angry, frustrated, and DID NOT want to do this again.

And then today, I was hearing news about her that was worrisome. And I felt guilty for not realizing what a gift she is sooner. And I was looking at her sweet little face, watching her sucking her thumb, watching her yawn and my heart melted. And I felt so, so grateful that sometimes my Heavenly Father knows better than I do. And that this baby will be here soon enough for me to snuggle and love. And somehow everything will be OK.

They think there is something wrong with her but just don't know what yet.I was told there might be a heart problem with her. Or it could be a cleft palette,(which I seriously doubt she looks perfect to me. I see no way!), or digestive blockage that requires surgery right after birth. We just don't know yet what is causing the problems so I am a bit of a wreck cause I worry! So when you are saying your prayers, keep my Lil one in mind! I am sure everything will be OK, but you know me, I worry, worry, worry! I am praying they are wrong and it is just a strange, weird fluke and she is perfect!

She Drive Me Crazy And Cracks Me Up!

Lately this girl has been a challenge. I alternate between wanting to beat her and laughing my butt off at the things she says.
Today I came home from the Dr's and this is what she was wearin~ Swimsuit and a Crown Hannah made for her. The reason? She had to look super cute in case Browny (Zach's friend) came over.
And when she came into my room to lay down with me? She told me I look pretty cute with makeup on my eyes~ But Do I know that my shirt is super ugly? She then asked me to go change it so she doesn't have to look at it anymore! Umm yeah she's only 3!
She then told me it would be much better for her if I would put on something that was really cute. Cause that's what she likes. And the boys too...

Ahhh there is no other like Grace! And that's just the way I like it!

Chick Fil A = Fun and Free!!

With summer here I am always looking for cheap fun things to do with the kids that doesn't require me to do much! Yeah.. I know I am a overachiever here but hey~I did go somewhere and find something that was so fun for the little ones.
When I went to get a soda they gave me a flier about their customer appreciation week. Every night was a different theme.
So we decided to go to the princess night of course!

They had free pony rides, crafts to make, Princess pictures,prizes, free milkshakes, free desserts, and free samplings of the chicken sandwiches, free bubbles, and games to play!

It was so fun for the girls to see so many other kids there dressed like different princesses.

They had a blast feeding and then riding the ponies.

Bailey thought the free milkshakes was so cool!

Tony was a sweetheart and came along to help me so I wouldn't have to do much. He has been so AMAZING lately. I think I need to write a post just about that cause I feel so in love and grateful for this man right now!

Anyhow it was a perfect night out and how can you go wrong with free?

If you are looking for something fun to do check them out. They have family night fun on Mondays and on July 10 it is their customer appreciation days. If you wear any cow apparel you get a free chicken sandwich. If you wear the full costume you get a number one combo free. Plus they have balloon twisters, face painting, games, prizes,and contests. Best of all..it's free. I love that!

I Should Have Done This Sooner!

Well I did it..I made the switch.Yesterday was my first Dr appt with the new Dr's group and can I just say

I LOVE THEM!!! Seriously I was in tears cause I was so relieved! I can't get over how kind the Dr I saw was. And she agrees with me that I need to be induced. She was explaining how the two hospitals now have a strict policy that no one is to be induced before 39 weeks. I pointed out that this being my 7th baby there is little hope of me making it that far. And Grace came so fast that I didn't have time for antibiotics and at the age of only 17 days old she had meningitis as a result. I pointed out that meningitis is life threatening. A baby born at 38 weeks is not.

Given the choice it's a no brainer. She said although the hospital won't allow her to admit me at 38 weeks for a induction she thinks the baby is at too great of a risk and so she would start it at her office to get the contractions going then I can be admitted. She thinks if the cervix is softened there are things we can do to get labor started. And control it. She calls it a soft admission.

What is the hospital thinking? I am not only a carrier of group b strep, I have a full blown outbreak throughout my body which most women do not, so if I don't get antibiotics in time, the baby is actually at risk of dying! So, I feel a HUGE weight is lifted. After seeing Grace go through 5 spinal taps, and the other horrible procedures, I was terrified it would happen again.

I should have switched Dr's months and months ago!

Thanks for the input my friends. I was so frustrated I was to the point of not wanting to go to another Dr again.

We're finally getting a little closer. About 7 weeks to go. I can do this. I can do this....

In Pursuit Of The Perception Of Perfection!

I hate being in a funk and I think I am there again.
Went to pick up Zach from football this morning and when I arrived I saw the one woman/mom that bugs the crap out of me. Boob Job Betty. The one with the perfect hair, perfect clothes, perfect car, now the perfect teeth since her braces are off, perfect boobs, and perfect house. And there was me. In my jammies (in my defense...Tony claims it looks like a house dress. Does that count?) With red eyes from crying from fighting with the crappy Dr, and wild bed hair. At least I didn't get out of the car so she could see me in all my glory. Ughh why of all the mom's did I have to run into her? She is so snotty to me. And somehow I always end up feeling like spam sucking trailer trash around her.
Unfortunately she is also Zach's best friends mom. So I had to take Zach by her house to pick up his stuff. And Zach was pointing out the new cars they just bought. Including the new truck for his friend who just turned 16. And then he told me about the maid that comes daily that they like to tease. And for some reason everything just really, really bugged the crap out of me. I was even envious of her only having two kids. Thinking I envy how easy it must be. And the money, and the cars, and the maids. And thinking I want it all too. Or at least thinking I want to have that dang perception of perfection. And yet somehow I just don't think I will ever get there. Do you ever wonder why some women seem so, so together and then there are women like me? And suddenly I just felt so dang tired.
So I finally did the smart thing and went home. And went back to bed. For FOUR hours! Sheesh!
Did it help my mood? Not really but at least I am not so dang tired.
My teens were awsome watching the littles for me today so I could sleep and stay in bed today. They really are fantastic on the days that I am puking all day. I guess if I can't have it all at least I still have a great family. And know someday it will get easier.

Now help me here~I have been worried over the name thing...Tony and I just haven't been able to come up with a name we agreed on. And then I was watching Discovery health Birth stories and heard a name I loved. It was this little Mexican couple that named their baby this. But I don't think it sounded Hispanic. Tony thought it was too weird. But I love it. So I have continued to bug the snot out of him. And my cousin came over and I was telling her how I was worried cause I loved the name but Tony thought it was weird. So then Tony says hey, if you love it, go ahead and name her it. So I tell Sherri the name and guess what?? She tells me that is my Cousin Becky's daughters name! Are you kidding me?
I've never even heard of another person with this name! I can't believe it!
I have nothing. Nadda. No names I love. Just this one.
So my question is is it rude to name your kid a name that other family members names theirs?
I never see Becky, never talk to her, didn't even know her daughter was named that.
Hey Rebecca~ Were you watching Birth Stories too? Dang~
I want to name our little girl Addlynn. Or spell it addeline. Or Addelynne. Not sure on the spelling yet. Plus need a middle name and don't have anything either.Maybe after 6 you run out of ideas?
Whatcha think of the name? Does it matter if my cousin named hers the same if we never see each other?
Any other name suggestions?
We are getting to the end here and nothing fits. Just this one name!
HELLLP!

Happy Birthday Ethan!!!

Ethan James,

My big old boy. Where did the time go? With you it always flies by. You keep me so busy I don't really have time to sit back and reflect too much!

This past year has been a year of huge changes for you. Mostly you went from being this really mellow, easy going little guy into being a wild, funny, crazy kid!

When Zachary was 2 he was pretty mellow. Very easy. But I have to say you~ Well, you shock me! I didn't realize a kid could be so BOY! So busy! So into EVERYTHING!

I get a chuckle when people offer to watch you and when they drop you off they exclaim~ "Wow! He is alot of work isn't he?" Of course they always tell me you weren't bad or anything, just busy. Into everything! And yes you really are! It seems as if you never stop. You have two speeds. Full speed and off. No in between.

This year you have developed a love for whacking things. Cats, sisters, bushes, your dad. Whatever you can hit with a stick the better. When your dad bought you a light saber last month I thought we were in deep, deep trouble. Fortunately the damage has been minimal and you love that thing!

You love being outside and exploring. You love finding bugs and parts of birds and lizards that the cats have killed. Yuck! We had a pretty hairy week there when you thought it was hilarious to throw half eaten lizard bodies or a bird's foot on me. My screaming cracked you up and you did it over and over again! I thought I was going to have a heart attack over it.

You love cars, and trucks, dinosaurs, you dad,pizza and swimming. Your favorite movie is Madagascar 2 and you could watch it everyday, several times a day.

Lately you have been walking all around the house singing the song Moto Moto the hippo sings...I like em big..I like em chunky. Hmm. Maybe that's why you love me so much? Anyhow, your older brother and sister actually downloaded the song onto their ipods so they could play it for you over and over again and it delights you every time!

Your brothers and sisters love you so much as you do them!

Your dad loves that stupid movie as much as you do and the two of you often watch it together sometimes two times in a row.Your daddy is your best friend and you love hanging out with him. He gets up early every Saturday morning and the two of you hang out. Go to the store together, tinker around the yard, and watch Star Wars Clone Wars. It is kind of funny and yet very sweet that during the week you are my little buddy following me around but on Saturday it is all about dad. I could be chopped liver for all you notice me.

I am shocked at how much bigger you are than your sisters. You outweigh them and are in bigger sizes of clothes than them. You are a rock solid, a chunk and I love it. I am always gobbling up those fat cheeks!

You bring so much fun and love into this family and I simply can't imagine not having you a part of it!

I love, love, love you and can't wait to see what the next year brings! Happy Birthday big guy!!!

Here are some things your family loves about you~

Dad~You're chunky! You say funny things. You are so snuggly. I love the way you look at me sideways when you are being tricky!

Zach~ I love how energetic he is. He is a man's man. He fits in with the boys.

Rachelle~ How cute and rambunctious he is

Hannah~ I love how wild, crazy and fun he is yet he is also snuggly

Bailey~How he lets go of balloons so easily. I love him coloring with me.

Grace~ He plays with me.

Too Late??

I am frustrated beyond belief with my Dr. It is a cattle call every time and I am so sick and tired of waiting one to two hours every time. And then they only have a few minutes to give you. I am irritable and don't have the patience for it.

So after a really frustrating call with them I thought I'd just stop going altogether. Be done with it. Just show up for delivery but Tony thinks this is a bad idea. I should just suck it up and keep going to them.

Well they won't give me the medicine I need until they see me but they won't have a opening for two weeks. They tell me I need to get in ASAP but then I am told two weeks is the absolute earliest I can be seen by the front desk.

So to save my sanity cause I am over the edge I am thinking I want to change OB's. Can't be any worse right?

Is it too late to change Dr.'s in the seventh month of pregnancy? Do ya think I can go without anymore care until I deliver?

I am so done and don't want to be bothered anymore. But I keep hoping maybe I can find a Dr like the kind I had in Utah and Colorado.

Does it even really matter?

So give me some advice here. I am moody and can't think straight.

On another note here..Tony had a luncheon he had to go to for Lowe's up in the mountains. They donated a ton of money and labor for the MDA camp and they were having a MVP lunch to thank them. I decided to go with him. Stay the night and have a little time away from the little ones.

It was delightful and we had a great time with just the two of us. But on the way home I was so, so sick. Puking and miserable. Tony was teasing me a little that I wasn't smiling any more. That is until we got to the gas station. And this Tahoe pulls up next to us. And it was like watching one of those circus cars. Their doors opened and it was LOADED. Coolers, pillows, sleeping bags, luggage. And then the people started piling out. So many people. And we were saying how funny that they could fit THAT many people and all that crap in the car when they then pulled THIS out......

Cause who doesn't bring their goats on vacation? Funny. His name is Cash. Cause the family LOVES Johnny Cash! Oh yeah I can see how they do!

Happy Birthday Bailey!!!

My sweet girl Bailey~

I'm feelin kinda weepy today. I can't believe that today you turned 5! Time is passing way too fast for me and I'm worried I'm not taking the time to enjoy each and every second of your being my little girl.

I think back to one of my very favorite memories of you. You were only two years old and just as you do now you were sleeping in my bed. I woke up with this strange feeling of being watched. I opened my eyes and you were wide awake. Staring at my face. You put both hands on my cheeks and put your face right up to mine so our noses were almost touching and in the sweetest voice I have ever heard you whispered "you the bestest mommy eva" It melted my heart. That sweet side of you is one of my favorite things about you.

You are so kind and gentle with everyone you are around. Friends, brothers, sisters,school mates. People are always telling me they just can't get over what a sweet girl you are. I just smile and say "Yeah I know!" And my heart swells with love.

This past year has been a fun one. Watching you as you have grown and changed. You are getting so big. I love watching the make believe games you play with Grace.You have quite the imagination and I love hearing you explain to Grace the way things are. I got a chuckle out of you telling me that you had changed Ethan's poopy diaper for me because I had been throwing up all morning. You were so proud of the fact that you changed it and that it was "pretty disgusting"

You've developed a bit of a mischievious side and that is OK with us! It's good to see that sass come out sometimes!

I get frustrated with you sometimes because you will change clothes five, six, even seven times a day. You love dressing up. You are all about the clothes, the hair, the accessories. I had to smile when we went to Gymboree and you told your dad and I you were in charge. Cause you know just what looks cute on you. And you had to choose the shirt, and the pants, and a necklace to go with the outfit and a purse. And a headband. And we bought it all. And you kept telling me how people just weren't going to believe how totally cute you are. I think you have more fashion sense at the age of five than your mom does now...at the age of 29....errr ok..29 and a half....! You are a little diva.

Your older brother and sister love training you like a little dog. They like to make you say things (like wassup Zach, bust homie) and other stupid stuff. They like showing you funky handshakes, and different dance moves. I think you are their pet and you love it!

Some of your favorite things are gardening with your dad, anything princess, barbies, flowers,shrimp,kittens, watching cartoons and playing with friends.

This is the first year you have attended preschool and you did so well! It was so hard on you everytime you were sick and had to miss days! You loved Ms McClure and she loved you.I think you will miss having her for a teacher but you are now ready for kindergarten and super excited to begin. I am not so sure I am though. Like I said...time feels like it is slipping away and I want to savor each and every moment!

I want you to know I feel blessed each and every day that you are in my life. You make me want to scream some days, but mostly you make me smile. There isn't anything about you that I can think of that I don't love! You add so much to this family and we love you so much!

I can't wait to see what the next 5 years bring!

Happy Birthday Sweet Bailey!!!!

Here are some of the things your brothers and sisters say they love about you...

Zachary~She always brightens up my mood. She is brilliant. She is a good helper. Always willing to help me.

Rachelle~I love how spontaneos she can be. I love her willingness to snuggle. Always.

Hannah~She can pick a good fight. She has nice hair. She is sweet.

Grace~Her plays with me. She plays games. She takes pictures of moths that are big and pretty and she takes pictures of butterflies that are pretty!

Daddy~ How motherly she is. She is always looking after others. She saved Gracie twice in the pool!

She knows when someone sneaks out of the house and lets us know. She is my spy for when Zachary has girls over. She will tell me if they are kissing.

We hope you had a happy happy birthday Bailey! You are loved so much!

A New Flavor

In Honor of the 44th President of the United States, Baskin-Robbins Ice Cream has issued a new flavor, “Barocky Road.”

Barocky Road is a blend of half Vanilla, half Chocolate, and surrounded by Nuts and Flakes.

The Vanilla portion of the mix is not openly advertised and usually denied as an ingredient.

The Nuts and Flakes are all very bitter and hard to swallow.

The Cost is $100.00 per scoop.

When purchased, it will be presented to you in a large beautiful cone, but then the Ice Cream is taken away and given to the person in line behind you.

Thus you are left with an empty wallet, no change, holding an empty cone, with no hope of getting any Ice Cream.

Aren't you feeling stimulated?

Haha! Thanks for sending this Corrine!

A Quick Update

I've had several people ask what the latest is so I thought I'd post a quick update as to what is going on.
I went last week to the perinatoligist. They did the level 2 ultrasound to see what was going on. They found that there had been a placental abruption but the Dr said it was very, very minor on the very edge of the placenta. The baby was in a perfect position to see the placenta. The placenta was actually in front so they felt they had a very good view of what was going on. There was no new bleeding and seemed like things have settled down. Both the hospital and the Dr office picked up minor contractions so the dr thinks that my uterus is irritable and that is causing the contractions. Umm yeah, 7 kids would wear that sucker out! So the contractions is what caused the abruption and the bleeding.
Good news is that I am stable. I have to take it easy. I told the Dr bed rest is a relative term when you have 6 kids to take care of. She feels that if I am careful, lay down immediately if I have any cramping and then head to the hospital if it persists for more than 15 minutes I should be OK.
No lifting, Minimal walking for any lengths. Take the shopping ride on carts. Be up for short periods then lay down the baby will be OK and so will the bleeding! So, I am careful. I actually spent most of the day in bed yesterday. If I hurt I lay down. The baby was 1.8 lbs and looks fantastic.
Best part? When they were doing the ultrasound they switched it to 3d and as soon as they did that the baby smiled this huge smile. She looked like she was sleeping and it was one of those cute ones they do in their sleep. When I see that I think OK, I can handle puking for 3 more months. I can do this. It doesn't feel so far away and horrific. It feels more real. I feel more of a connection. I'm actually getting kinda excited! Who would have thought?

More Atlanta Trip Part Two

Ok, I'll finish off posting about our trip to Atlanta.

We went to Stone Mountain, The Aquarium, and we had dinner at a fantastic mexican restraunt with a bunch of family.

Family was the best part by far about this trip. Looking at the pictures again brings tears to my eyes. I think..OK this is what it is all about. Those hellish days seem worth it when I am able to look at times like these. I enjoyed my kids so much. They were pretty darn good and even though I feel a little bit like we are a freak show when we have that many together I also feel a sense of peace and pride. Even though it is hard I love, love having my big family.

It was so wonderful to share that side of our family with the kids. Many of them had never met Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins on Tony's side of the family.

Saturday the day before we left there was a giant family reunion. It was huge and wonderful and I loved the kids getting a chance to know their family.

Nana Isa cooked for days and we had a thanksgiving type meal because she wanted to give thanks for her family being together. There was even a friend of the family who works for the newspaper who came over to take some family portraits. I can't wait to see how they turned out.

I wish we lived closer so we could see them and be a part of their lives. I am just grateful for the time that we had!

Opinions Are Like Bum Holes....Everyone Has One And They All Stink....

I've been wanting a cute t shirt that is comfy too so I decided to load the three lil ones up and head out to the store.
I had some other errands to do so this was no easy task. They are animals and it is all I can do to corral them!
So we hit a store to get some groceries and then we get some lunch. I am about done at this point but was determined to get that dang shirt.
We head into the store and I find a few cute shirts to try on and I give them to the sales woman to put into a room.
I then notice some really cute bras and I head over to check them out. I have jungle boobs nowadays. You know...they could be in National Geographic. Breastfeeding 6 kids has not been kind on them. So I am thinking maybe a cute bra with some lift would be nice. Make me feel sexier than a jungle woman. I choose a few and hand them to the salesgirl. I look some more then head to the dressing room.( I am of course tired, hot and irritated by now)
The girl in charge of the dressing room looks at Bailey, Grace, and Ethan and says Oh my you have your hand full. Are any of them twins? I say no. They are just close in age. She then asks if I am pregnant to which I say yes. She then ROLLS her eyes ( so freaking dramatic like)and says right~and you need Lingerie why??? I later hear her cracking a joke with the other sales girl as we are leaving. Ok..bite me...
Gee the jokes just keep coming....even from complete strangers. Glad I could give her something to laugh about today. Why does everyone have a opinion about me having another and why do they feel the need to voice it? Sheesh. Enough said.

Ummmm Crazymama???

Remember that really cute boy kitty we got from your sister? We named him Remi. And the kids love him. And were worried about him cause he just didn't seem like himself right before we went out of town.

And when we got back guess what?? He was acting more normal. He seemed fine.

He.....

Had KITTENS!! Hahaha! Are you laughing yet?

So folks, just a warning here~ Know that if you come over to my house there is a strong possibility that against all odds~you will get pregnant! I'm just sayin.....

Atlanta Part 1!

Not sure how I am going to post this with so much stuff we did in Atlanta, but I will try to post some of our highlights from our trip to .
The first night we got in,Nana Isa and Walley Da were waiting for us at the airport with balloons and leis. It was so fun to see them again and we went from the airport to dinner at one of our favorite restaurants called Coco Loco.
Sunday Nana Isa cooked a wonderful Cuban roast chicken dinner and we were able to enjoy some time with family.
We left early Monday for Savannah. It is so beautiful there. The trip down there was a easy one and we had fun trying to identify what the road kill was! It tended to be raccoons, skunk, possum, and armadillos! Armadillos won out by far! I didn't know there were so many in this state! We were counting them and I gave up after 15! Kinda sick and fascinating all in one! Tony drew the line at stopping for me to get a picture of a dead one! kill joy tony!
We stopped at this little gas station that had farm animals and the kids got a kick out of feeding the animals!
When we got to Savannah we checked into our hotel then we headed out to explore a little before dinner. The squares there are amazing. So beautiful. For dinner we had dinner reservations at Paula Deans. As you can see from the pictures the fried chicken was delish! Ethan ate his weight in that stuff!
We rode the ferry boat and walked and had a fantastic time!
The next day we headed out to Tybee Island. It was perfect! Warm, lots of sun and the ocean was warm! I wish we could have stayed for a few more days. I didn't feel as if we had enough time to explore Savannah and Tybee so it will be on our agenda for the next trip!
Ok! so there was the first installment of our trip. Hopefully it wasn't too long winded! I'll post more later!

How Does Your Garden Grow?

Ours is growing crazy! Here is a picture of Bailey and Grace's sunflower that they planted from a little seed!

We have had such fun with it. Tonight Tony and the girls picked some yellow squash and Tony cooked it up for everyone. Mmmm it was delish!

I guess 104 degrees is good for something around here. The plants love it even if I don't!

A Little Scare!

While we were in Atlanta last week I had a little scare and was bleeding. At first I thought it was just my cervix and the usual problems I tend to have. But it got worse and I was cramping alot. So I stopped doing anything. I laid around a bunch and Tony even had me use a wheelchair when we went to the aquarium. I thought that was overkill but he was insistent so I did it. Well guess what? I went to the Drs when I got home and they did a sonogram. Found out I had a placental abruption! Wow! Was told if I had not taken it easy and had not used the wheelchair it would have been catastrophic!
Can I just say how grateful I feel that things are OK? I was really uneasy and kept telling myself I was overreacting. Guess I wasn't worried enough!
Next week they are sending me to a perinatologist and I am on bed rest again. Funny how I don't mind doing bed rest this time after hearing the Dr tell me how lucky we are.
Good news is the baby is about a pound and a half. We're making progress here....

Stay tuned for some great pics of the family reunion in Atlanta! It was so cool to see so much family we haven't seen for over 10 years!!!

The Thong Debate~ Help Me Out!

Ok, I go back and forth on this one. I agree with one point of view and then the other.
One of my kids (who shall remain nameless Ü) has a fascination with thongs.
And I have told this person they can't wear them. And Yet I find a stray one here or there in the laundry. And yesterday I pulled six of them out of their load of laundry. And confiscated them. And this person is furious that I won't let them wear them. their point of view is that they are comfortable, and it gives them no panty lines. And their other panties hang out of their pants and people can see. And who cares if they wear them if no one eles sees them.
This has turned into a HUGE fight. Doors slammed. Saying they hate their life and hate their family. All over the thong!
And yet I keep hearing the thong song in my head......girl I know you wanna show that thooong.....let me see that thooongg...
See that's what guys think of when they see a thong. And they are so trashy when you see them hang out of jeans. And little girls do it all the time . sick.
And what about modesty? Does it matter if it is under your clothes and no one sees them?
And how about the sneakiness? I said no and yet they keep buying them.
Sooo....help me out here. You know~choose your battles. is this a battle to fight? Does it matter what is under the clothes? Do you think it is a problem that they even want to wear them in the first place? Oh and one of them freaks me out. Looks like a thong in the FRONT and the back. Umm ouch....yeast infection here it comes! Hmmm maybe a choice and consequence moment!

A Very Happy Easter!

Happy Easter everyone! Hope your day was wonderful!

It was such a nice day for us! I had been planning all week trying to get as much done ahead of time so that Sunday would be a nice relaxing day. And~it was!

I made the 8 layer Easter jello, funeral potatoes, deviled eggs, and rolls the night before so that for Easter dinner all we had to do was pop the rolls, ham and potatoes in the oven and chop the strawberries up for the shortcake. And I used foil pans and paper plates! Yeah...no clean up! Brilliant! I know, I know Corrine....Paper plates are for picnics! I hear your voice as I was buying them ( Hehehe) but hey, they are also for crazy overwhelmed moms too! And I think my kids like not having to do dishes last night! I will admit I was feeling guilty not having nice dishes on the table but I think I am over it!

And guess what? I even went to church. At 9am! yes...9am! I only lasted for sacrament though. Zachary told me it was embarrassing hearing me puke in the bathroom when they were in the halls. What can you do when the church leaves the door to the bathrooms open? Even when I close them someone opens them so when you are puking everyone hears you! Nice! I don't do too well at that hour. It takes me a bit to get over puking in the morning and I was done.

So I went home, got some food, and put the ham in.

We had a wonderful early dinner, a egg hunt for the younger ones and just a super nice relaxing day! I even read a book for about a hour! WOW! What a difference this year. usually I cook and clean all day long and it is not fun!

Look at this pic of my lil fatty. Don't ya just want to gobble him up? He gets mad at me when I get those fat cheeks. I just can't help myself. He is too cute. I love him in a tie for church too. He looks so handsome!Here are a few more photos of the day. If it's photo overload, skip the slide!

Hope you all had as nice a day as we did!

How Do We Keep Them Safe?

It seems like some days I am on it. With the kids, house, It seems like everything just goes right. And then there are those days from hell. I can't seem to keep on top of it. Yesterday was SO one of those days! Want to know how it began? When Hannah left for school I dead bolted the front door. And then went back into my room where the little ones were. Bailey woke up and was crying about her head hurting and her neck hurting. I didn't even think twice when Ethan got out of bed and went into the other room. I was trying to comfort Bailey. But then I heard Hannah screaming my name a few minutes later. Apparently Ethan now knows how to unlock the dead bolt. And he escaped. And walked. All the way to the park! The kids at the bus stop pointed out the little boy who was climbing on the slide and Hannah freaked! She ran him home and gave me the surprise! What the crap? And so the day began.... Followed with him spraying tilex all over himself and the floor. Which of course them smell makes me puke and puke and puke. And can you say scary all over again? Nice, first escaping to the park, next getting into the chemicals. And I SWEAR I do watch him. I'm thinking I need a dog leash attached to him that I hold all day. Cause he got into the toilet too. And then after I gave him his second bath of the day I got him dressed again and then went into my room to put the movie Bolt on for the girls. And when I came out of the room guess what??? He was gone again. No where to be found. Not in the back yard. Not in the toilet. Not upstairs. So I am RUNNING to the park. (ouch) and he ends up not being there! I go home crying hysterically and am ready to call 911 when he comes strolling out of the garage with no diaper on (he likes to take it off and wipe poop on me or the walls as soon as he craps his diaper!) Not sure where he was. Tony thinks maybe he was hiding behind the trash cans. He also likes to open the freezer and sit in it. Or climb up and get the salt out to dump on the counters or climb up on top of the bunk beds and jump like superman. Or turn on the water in the back yard so he can make mud. He loves playing in the mud.He is crazy. Wild crazy unlike any kid I have ever had. Some days I am running and running just trying to keep him out of trouble and safe! Kids and especially this one can be exhausting! They run me ragged. And I worry about them. Can I keep them safe? Physically? Spiritually?It's a balancing act and some days it feels like I am failing miserably. I wonder why I can't be more on top of it. Do a better job. Protect them more.
And it's not just my lil ones. It's the bigger ones too. They don't always make the best choices. And it makes me feel like I am failing miserably.I can't seem to protect them.
I have been crazy worried about Zach. He has a girlfriend that I am not wild about. She texts him pictures of herself in skimpy bikinis, and her language is bad and she is ALL over him. I am sure she is a nice girl, she just doesn't have the same standards as we do. And he is really into her. They have been going out for several months and my worries have only increased. He has seemed to pull away from family and church and I feel like I am losing him somehow. Like Ethan I am terrified I am not able to keep him safe.
So I have come to the conclusion at this point the only thing I can do is to simply get down on my knees and beg for help. And hope for some tender mercy. And just when I am at the end of my rope like I was yesterday, I sometimes find that mercy and a little relief.
Like when I picked up my teens after school yesterday. They asked how my day was and how I was feeling. I told them about Ethan's adventures and they laughed and laughed. Then Zach asked me if it would be OK if he went to the Easter pageant at the temple with his friend Jordan and this girl Lauren. (NOT the girlfriend!)Now Lauren is a girl from church that he has had a crush on forever. And they have been good friends. She went on the trek with him last year and he told me how neat it was to talk to her about the feelings he felt on the trek and how it was such a spiritual experience. I think she is the first person who has been able to touch his heart on that level.She is proud of her religion and not afraid to voice it.The past few weeks he and Lauren have been hanging out and he is happier. And more kind to his family. And I have felt a softening in him.And yesterday as he was telling me about the pageant he said it might be fun if dad and I come with them. And then I wondered who this kid was and where did he put my kid?
And I felt my eyes well up with tears. And I felt like I am not in this alone. I felt like some of my prayers were being answered and that maybe it is not always up to me alone to protect my kids.
And somehow I didn't feel like such a crap mom anymore. And I knew I could face tomorrow better with a little more prayer and maybe some duct tape too.

ROSES ARE RED.......

Violets are blue

My mom has ovaries

And I do too!!!!

Yep folks~

The girls are super excited. Zach doesn't really care and I am good with either. So I am excited to know so that the shopping can now begin! I have NOTHING at all for a girl anymore, so I will have fun putting a serious dent in the bank account!

How do you like the poem? I had to laugh cause I was looking online for "cute ways to announce the gender of your baby" and they had that one and the one for a boy went almost the same. Roses are red,violets are blue my dad has a penis and I do too! hmmm cute way? I laughed and laughed.Who thinks this crap up anyway?

It was pretty fun seeing the baby sucking it's thumb and kicking and moving all over. It makes it so real. I am getting excited.

The bummer part of the day? I gained 6.5 lbs!!!! In three weeks! What the crap? I am still puking everyday so I was so freakin irritated. At least I lost so much weight already that I am only 2 lbs over my starting weight.

And my blood pressure is sky high. I am having to do a test this weekend where I collect urine for 24 hours and then go back into the drs for some blood tests. They think I have preeclampsia already! At only five months! Yikes. I am a little worried about this. Silly me thinking maybe this baby I might avoid some bed rest. Ugh. We'll see. Maybe things will work out ok still. I am just glad the baby is looking really healthy for now.

So, I am a rock star cause even though I look and feel like a whale I am going to post pics of my new "do' since people keep bugging me to show how it looks! I like it even if my kidlets don't. What do they know anyhow? They are a bunch of butt pickers who eat their boogers so I will take their opinion of what is good with a grain of salt!

If you don't like it keep your opinion to yourself. I am hormonal after all!

Can You Say Heaven?

I did it! I finally took the plunge and hired some help! My friend told me her stepdaughter was looking to make some extra money and would be interested in cleaning! So I finally gave her a call and she and her best friend came over today to clean!
Can I just say I am loving it? I didn't realize how much it bothered me having my house a dump until it was cleaned and I felt relief and excitement everytime I walk into the kitchen! My cupboards are wiped down and my fridge and floors are mopped!
Now I am wondering... Why didn't I do this sooner? I get it~ clean house~cleaned by someone eles =Heaven!
I am going to schedule her again and I think my cousin's daughter to work on laundry. Who knows maybe by the time this baby is born I might have a totally put together house once again! Ahhh the thought Ü

I Look Like A Transvestite???

Okay, so I have not been feeling so great so of course I really haven't done much with myself but I was getting tired of feeling like a troll and looking like one too. I may feel bad but I don't have to look it too.So I made a apt to get my hair done. The last time I had my hair done was for my birthday. And they FRIED it! It was ugly. So I went to a really nice salon and they promised me they could fix it.
It took 4 hours to do my hair and wax my eyebrows. I guess I needed alot of work. And it was freakin crazy expensive~But I was tired of looking bad so what the heck. And when I was done I actually felt pretty good.So I decided to head down to Macy's grand opening and get some foundation. I have that dang pregnancy mask still from Ethan. I wanted something to cover it.
The woman kept saying she couldn't decided if it would be better to go really dark and cover it cause she thought it looked so bad or if she went a shade lighter and helped minimize the impact. Hmmm not helping me feel my best but whatever.
So I go home and Hannah says "What the the heck did you do to your hair? It looks like crap"
I went to my room and laid down and Grace came and laid next to me. She was studying my face then said " Wow mom, You look like a man with makeup on!" OK, so now I look like a transvestite! I think my plan is back firing here!
Yesterday at the store I took a deep breathe and the cashier asked if I was OK. I told her yeah, just prego and nauseated and she said I can see that. You look super pale.
And today at Sam's club I passed a lady doing a food demonstration and she asked how I was today. I said good thank you. Her response? You look really, really tired.
Note to self~ Instead of spending over 200 bucks to feel better, just spend $20 on some really, really good chocolate. Lots and lots of chocolate!

Spring Break Fun?

Spring break is here and I am scrambling to try to find something for the kids to do. Am I the only mom who does nothing for spring break? The guilt is killing me that we aren't on some fantastic trip somewhere or we aren't on the go every day. I'm hearing all the other moms who have something scheduled everyday! I think I am lagging here on the mom front.

On Saturday Tony decided to take the kids to the Ostrich Festival here in town. I declined. Ethan was sick and I was puking and certain that I would be puking in public if I went. Tony thought I could do it, but I decided public humiliation was just too much.

The girls were still sick (it's been over a week now) but they still had a fantastic time! Bailey wanted to ride the Ferris wheel but no one would go on with her so she wasn't able to. She kept telling me she is really brave and so it would have been fun for her. Fortunately they had more mellow rides that Grace and Hannah were willing to go on with her. Grace's fav was the spinning Kangaroos.

They had Cotton Candy, and Corn Dogs, and saw the Ostriches, rode rides and even bought a souvenir so I think the day was a success.

They came home happy and tired. Bailey went straight to her room and got out her PJs and put them on and climbed into my bed. Definitely not feeling 100% yet.

By 9:00 that night they were all crying and we ended up having to hit the Urgent care. I just couldn't handle many more nights of kids up all night crying. Besides feeling sick from being prego I had the flu from them too, so I was hoping the Dr's could give us something to put them on the mend.

Here they are at the Dr's at about 11pm. Done.Cooked. Stick a fork in them. Ethan kept telling Tony and I and then the Dr. I wanna go home...I wanna go home. Pitiful. Just plain pitiful!

But it was worth it. We got antibiotics for everyone and some meds for the pain. Ahh rest is in sight!

So, we are feeling better but I don't think I have much umph to do much. I'm thinking taking Hannah out for a mani and pedi as a way of thanking her for helping out so much this past week and maybe taking the kids to lunch at Peter Piper Pizza. And if I decided to really get crazy, maybe we will go to a movie. Walk on the wild side. we'll see. I am a total slug right now. Sad but so true!

Last week when I was having a rather bad day I remembered a meal a lady brought to me when I was pregnant with Hannah. I loved it and got the recipe from her. I wondered if I could find it since it has been over 10 years and I wasn't sure if I knew where the recipe was. It just sounded really good to me.

Well, I found it! Yeah! So I made a big batch of it and have been eating it daily. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner! Yeah...I am weird like that.If some kind of food sounds good I will eat it. Over and over again. Especially since not much sounds good.

You've probably seen this recipe before, but I will post if for those who haven't. It's easy and delish. Plus I used a rotisserie chickens so it was almost no cooking involved. Nice

Let me know if you try it and like it!

Party Chicken Salad

2 C. Shell Macaroni

1 C. Coleslaw Dressing

1 C. Mayo

2 C. Diced Water Chestnuts

4 C. Cooked Diced Chicken

1/2 Green Onion

2 C. Chunck Pinneapple

2 C. Red or Green Grapes

2 C. Celery

2 C. Chopped Apples

1/2 C. Slivered Almonds or Cashews

Cook Macaroni. Add mayo and dressing. Chill. Add chicken. Dice apples,sprinkle with lemon juice. Dice onions and celery. Drain pineapple add ingredients together and chill until ready to serve.

Time To Hire A Maid?

We have all been sick around here. Again. It just keeps going around and around and around! Frustrating!
Today I stayed in bed with Bailey and Ethan and Grace got up with Hannah. About a half an hour later I hear Grace crying. I get up to check on her and I find her crawling around on the floor picking up things and then grabbing her head. I asked her what she was doing and she said she was trying to pick up the front room but her head was hurting her so bad. I felt her head and she now has a fever too! Poor girl. So I put her in bed with us and giver her some medicine and she sleeps for a few hours.
We got up and went to buy Slurpee's and when we got home all Grace wanted was for me to grab the laptop. When I asked her why she said I needed to look on the computer to find us a new home. One that was clean like our house was when we moved into it!
Yeah,I have been frustrated having the house messy too, but what do you do when you don't feel good and aren't functioning so great?
I had been meaning to get someone in to help but haven't done it. So... I get it, I'm on it I swear! It's time to hire a maid!

Spring Is In The Air!

Kinda of.It's definitely not the spring I am used to, but it is definitely spring!

I'm turning into a wimp I think! Last week it was 90 degrees and it was feelin a bit warm for me. But yesterday and today it is in the low 70's and I am chilly! What the heck? When we lived in Utah and Colorado the 70's was warm to me! I think Arizona is twisting me!

It does have a bonus here right now though..the orange blossoms are bloomin right now. When I am queesy the smell kills me but when I am feeling OK it is heavenly! Tony and I were out the other night and I told him I thought I was smellin a Gardenia bush. He showed me the Orange Blossoms and had me take a wiff. It is amazing the strength of those little blossoms. At least there is something around here that seems a little like spring!

I have to say I am missing the weeks right after the snow melts off and first the Crocus bloom and then the Tulips. I miss having fabulous flowers in my garden! We are trying to garden here too though. Tony took the girls to Lowe's and let them pick out a bunch of flowers and seeds to plant in the garden! They have been fun to watch. They go out every day to water the garden and check it's progress. I think they are mostly excited about the strawberry bushes.I can't wait until the cantaloupe come up. They are going to be thrilled to see that.

We planted tomatoes, broccoli, squash, cucumbers, cantaloupe, watermelons, strawberries, and carrots.

The tomatoes and broccoli and growing like crazy already.

Our ward has a plot of land that they want every family planting some things on. We are going to do our corn there since we are pretty limited on space here.

It's really nice when I have been feeling crappy Tony gets home and all the kids head outside to tend to the garden. I come out and sit in the patio chairs and watch. The sun feels good with a little breeze blowing and it is delightful to watch the excitement of them as they gauge how much their garden has grown the past few days! It is a good way to take my mind off of feeling crappy. Sometimes it's just nice to take in the good around you!

So..Has spring arrived where you are? Are you loving it? I think we are! Now summer~That's a whole nother story here!