Today I realized I was sick of looking at my shaggy dirty dog. I have been saying I was going to give him a bath for a couple of weeks now. Always later when I had time. Well when later came and I did have time the last thing I wanted to do was bathe a dog. So... no time like the present! It didn't matter to me that all three of my children were awake, and wanting to help. Together we all squeezed in the bathroom and threw the dog in the tub. While giving him a bath I realized I should just shave him. It's getting hot here, and well why not. So out came the clippers.
Abigail had scissors which she used to cut the hair that fell from Binky while I shaved him.
Olivia gathered the hair and was making a mountain out of it.
Nathan sat on my lap assisting me with the clippers. His hand just under mine as we shaved and shaved.
Foruntately throughout all of this, the only blood shed was when I nicked Binky just under his tail. Poor dog. But considering everything that was going on I think we made out a-okay.
Now I just have to clean up all that dog hair and try to get the wet dog smell out of my room.
Oh that's right... didn't have half a mind to do this project outside! My bedroom of all places. I really don't think things through very well. But hey, the dog looks great... okay great's a stretch, but he looks better than he did before, and I didn't have to fork over $40!
Thursday, March 28, 2013
Thursday, March 21, 2013
Today Olivia's thinking cap ran out of batteries.
That girl is a laugh a minute. She was reading her book for school and having a really hard time focusing. She told me it was because her thinking cap must have run out of batteries. So she "took it off" and "charged it". But then of course when she put it back on she put on the wrong one and this one made her sing her ABC's, not help her read.
It took us about an hour but we got through the book.
She's also taken to using British slang. Like exclaiming, "Brilliant!" When she's about something. There was something else she said that made me feel like I was reading JK Rowling or something but now I can't remember what it was.
And in response to Lisa's comment... Abigail usually is my easy going one. But lately she has been a time bomb! And Olivia knows exactly how to set her off. Each morning this week I have woken up to "OLIVIA! STOP IT!" And the wails of a scorned Abigail. Aren't you jealous?
But she's been making me laugh too. She wrote her name the other day. It was most scribbles, with a few recognizable letters, and about 20 extra characters. She told me she wanted her name to have a smiley face in it. And a horn. So her name could be a unicorn name. Oh to be 3 years old!
That girl is a laugh a minute. She was reading her book for school and having a really hard time focusing. She told me it was because her thinking cap must have run out of batteries. So she "took it off" and "charged it". But then of course when she put it back on she put on the wrong one and this one made her sing her ABC's, not help her read.
It took us about an hour but we got through the book.
She's also taken to using British slang. Like exclaiming, "Brilliant!" When she's about something. There was something else she said that made me feel like I was reading JK Rowling or something but now I can't remember what it was.
And in response to Lisa's comment... Abigail usually is my easy going one. But lately she has been a time bomb! And Olivia knows exactly how to set her off. Each morning this week I have woken up to "OLIVIA! STOP IT!" And the wails of a scorned Abigail. Aren't you jealous?
But she's been making me laugh too. She wrote her name the other day. It was most scribbles, with a few recognizable letters, and about 20 extra characters. She told me she wanted her name to have a smiley face in it. And a horn. So her name could be a unicorn name. Oh to be 3 years old!
Sunday, March 17, 2013
Nathan will be the death of me.
I swear this little boy gives me a run for my money, all day long.
I can't turn my back for a second because he will be giving himself a haircut, sitting in a 25lb tub of sugar, literally climbing up the wall, or running into traffic. Oh my heavens does it get exhausting. It doesn't help that his main form of communication is a high pitched scream. Usually only when he sees food. I've been to feeding time at the zoo. I've heard the hungry crazy call of the lemurs... they've got nothing on Nate. Ear piercing, glass shattering screams. Because he wants a grape.
I try to cook dinner and he must be in my arms, or we are all suffering from The Screaming. Ever cooked an entire lasagna with a 14 month old on your hip? I highly recommend it. You will never appreciate the motility, and light weight of both arms more than after completing that.
He's also discovered the joy of tormenting his sisters. If they are playing together nicely (for once!) he will make sure that moment doesn't last more than 30 seconds. He will grab whatever toys they are playing with, or knock down whatever they are building, or if he really wants to go for the jugular he will steal Abigail's binkies.
But then it's bedtime. Every night he gets a bath and some lotion and some warm fuzzy feety pajamas, and I sit in the rocking chair in his room and cuddle him. And sing him a song. And for the first time all day he is still. He happily rests his head on my chest, cuddles his blanket and sucks his thumb. And then I feel like I can breathe for the first time all day.
I sing two songs. Rotated. Sometimes both. Depends on what's going on with the other two. The first is a hymn the children frequently sing at our church. I Am A Child Of God. And every time I sing the second verse I cry.
And the other song... I honestly think I was meant to hear this song. I have never heard a Mindy Gledhill song in my life. That I'm aware of anyway. But I was singing lullabies to my girls and Olivia wanted me to sing The Pretenders - I'll Stand By You. I decided to look it up on Youtube on my phone. And then it gave me suggested videos and this song came up. I thought it was odd, but did not listen to it. And then I wanted to listen and sing a Billy Joel song... again this song was in the suggested videos. Again I didn't listen to it... and then a third song (because "Mom! Please one more song!" gets me every time) by Raffi... and there was this song again. This time I had to listen to it. And I just cried. From the opening note! I just cried. And now it's become a regular on the rotation.
I can't turn my back for a second because he will be giving himself a haircut, sitting in a 25lb tub of sugar, literally climbing up the wall, or running into traffic. Oh my heavens does it get exhausting. It doesn't help that his main form of communication is a high pitched scream. Usually only when he sees food. I've been to feeding time at the zoo. I've heard the hungry crazy call of the lemurs... they've got nothing on Nate. Ear piercing, glass shattering screams. Because he wants a grape.
I try to cook dinner and he must be in my arms, or we are all suffering from The Screaming. Ever cooked an entire lasagna with a 14 month old on your hip? I highly recommend it. You will never appreciate the motility, and light weight of both arms more than after completing that.
He's also discovered the joy of tormenting his sisters. If they are playing together nicely (for once!) he will make sure that moment doesn't last more than 30 seconds. He will grab whatever toys they are playing with, or knock down whatever they are building, or if he really wants to go for the jugular he will steal Abigail's binkies.
But then it's bedtime. Every night he gets a bath and some lotion and some warm fuzzy feety pajamas, and I sit in the rocking chair in his room and cuddle him. And sing him a song. And for the first time all day he is still. He happily rests his head on my chest, cuddles his blanket and sucks his thumb. And then I feel like I can breathe for the first time all day.
I sing two songs. Rotated. Sometimes both. Depends on what's going on with the other two. The first is a hymn the children frequently sing at our church. I Am A Child Of God. And every time I sing the second verse I cry.
I am a child of God,
And so my needs are great;
Help me to understand his words
Before it grows too late.
For some reason whenever I say those words I get choked up. I think it's because I realize he is a child of God. And heavens to Betsy - are his needs great! And then I sing the chorus.
Lead me, guide me, walk beside me,
Help me find the way.
Teach me all that I must do
To live with him someday.
Help me find the way.
Teach me all that I must do
To live with him someday.
That's it. That's my job. Lead them, guide them, walk beside them. Not in front of them pulling them along, or behind them pushing them ahead, beside them. I like that.
And the other song... I honestly think I was meant to hear this song. I have never heard a Mindy Gledhill song in my life. That I'm aware of anyway. But I was singing lullabies to my girls and Olivia wanted me to sing The Pretenders - I'll Stand By You. I decided to look it up on Youtube on my phone. And then it gave me suggested videos and this song came up. I thought it was odd, but did not listen to it. And then I wanted to listen and sing a Billy Joel song... again this song was in the suggested videos. Again I didn't listen to it... and then a third song (because "Mom! Please one more song!" gets me every time) by Raffi... and there was this song again. This time I had to listen to it. And I just cried. From the opening note! I just cried. And now it's become a regular on the rotation.
Friday, March 15, 2013
Only For Forever
Is about how long it has been since I updated this blog.
It's also how long Abigail asked me to hold her "egg" (an airsoft gun bullet, pellet, whatever those little fluorescent colored balls are called).
It's also how long I get to be with this wonderful little family of mine.
Only for forever.
Funny things that happen often around here that I know will forget once this time passes, but I want to remember so I will write them...
Whenever my girls take off their shirts at the end of the day and they have them up over their heads, behind their necks, and are completely naked besides this shirt covering their shoulders and back of their neck they ask me if they look like an old woman. It cracks me up every time. I think they think it looks like a shawl frequently worn by older women. Never mind the fact that they are completely naked otherwise.
Okay now I'm stumped. I can't think of any of the other things that have been cracking me up.
It's been a long month.
Olivia turned FIVE! We had a birthday party in the basement. It was supposed to be outside at a park, but it was the one day of the entire year that was rainy and 50 degrees! Thanks to a team effort and an awesome husband she had a great party.
I washed my iphone in the washing machine. I don't even want to talk about it.
We went on a cabin trip with some friends... THANK YOU again Hallsteads!
We went on a family trip to Cottonwood to check out a possible town we may end up living in.
We purchased a play house, water table and inflatable pool for the backyard.
We've had many trips to museums, parks and the library.
We went to Mesa Spark festival.
And we've watched lots of Netflix.
And we're anxiously waiting to find out if Aaron will match for residency. (Stay tuned - March 22nd)
That's about it. Hopefully this post will get the ball rolling and I'll start updating regularly again.
It's also how long Abigail asked me to hold her "egg" (an airsoft gun bullet, pellet, whatever those little fluorescent colored balls are called).
It's also how long I get to be with this wonderful little family of mine.
Only for forever.
Funny things that happen often around here that I know will forget once this time passes, but I want to remember so I will write them...
Whenever my girls take off their shirts at the end of the day and they have them up over their heads, behind their necks, and are completely naked besides this shirt covering their shoulders and back of their neck they ask me if they look like an old woman. It cracks me up every time. I think they think it looks like a shawl frequently worn by older women. Never mind the fact that they are completely naked otherwise.
Okay now I'm stumped. I can't think of any of the other things that have been cracking me up.
It's been a long month.
Olivia turned FIVE! We had a birthday party in the basement. It was supposed to be outside at a park, but it was the one day of the entire year that was rainy and 50 degrees! Thanks to a team effort and an awesome husband she had a great party.
I washed my iphone in the washing machine. I don't even want to talk about it.
We went on a cabin trip with some friends... THANK YOU again Hallsteads!
We went on a family trip to Cottonwood to check out a possible town we may end up living in.
We purchased a play house, water table and inflatable pool for the backyard.
We've had many trips to museums, parks and the library.
We went to Mesa Spark festival.
And we've watched lots of Netflix.
And we're anxiously waiting to find out if Aaron will match for residency. (Stay tuned - March 22nd)
That's about it. Hopefully this post will get the ball rolling and I'll start updating regularly again.
Thursday, February 14, 2013
A Mother's Love Story
Today I took all three of my kiddos to the children's museum for member appreciation day. Curious George was there. Cookie decorating. Free breakfast from Mesa Public Schools. It was all sorts of fun. Then we left to spend some of the generous Valentine's Day money my mom sent the kids. Olivia has been wanting some books so we headed to Bookman's. I have not been there since before we moved to PA. Nathan fell asleep on the way over.
A little back story. When Aaron and I were first married we lived right across the street from Bookman's . There's also a dollar store right next to it. When we were trying to get pregnant and my period would be a few days late I would always go to that dollar store and pick up a pregnancy test. And since I didn't have enough patience to actually wait until I got home to pee on a stick, I would walk next door to Bookman's and use their bathroom. Many tears of disappointment were shed in that bathroom. Month after agonizing month.
However, today I found myself standing in that same bathroom with my THREE children. Nathan asleep in my arms, and holding Abigail up with my other arm, awkwardly balanced on my leg so she could wash her hands. My arms were literally full of babies. I thought about how it was only about five and a half years ago I was crying my eyes out in that bathroom certain I would never have the chance to be a mother and feeling so completely empty. And now here I am so incredibly full.
This morning Olivia brought me breakfast in bed. A bowl of my favorite cereal, and a glass of water. The thoughtfulness and sweetness totally outweighed the mess.
Abigail brought me an arm full ofweeds flowers and declared, "HAPPY BALEMTIMES DAY!"
Nathan has been running up to me all day saying, "mmmmmm" Which is how he gives his kisses.
My heart is so full of love for these precious children today. I am so grateful they are all mine... well I guess I can share them with Aaron. But I know they were Heavenly Father's before they were mine. And I feel completely honored that He trusts me with these amazing spirits.
A little back story. When Aaron and I were first married we lived right across the street from Bookman's . There's also a dollar store right next to it. When we were trying to get pregnant and my period would be a few days late I would always go to that dollar store and pick up a pregnancy test. And since I didn't have enough patience to actually wait until I got home to pee on a stick, I would walk next door to Bookman's and use their bathroom. Many tears of disappointment were shed in that bathroom. Month after agonizing month.
However, today I found myself standing in that same bathroom with my THREE children. Nathan asleep in my arms, and holding Abigail up with my other arm, awkwardly balanced on my leg so she could wash her hands. My arms were literally full of babies. I thought about how it was only about five and a half years ago I was crying my eyes out in that bathroom certain I would never have the chance to be a mother and feeling so completely empty. And now here I am so incredibly full.
This morning Olivia brought me breakfast in bed. A bowl of my favorite cereal, and a glass of water. The thoughtfulness and sweetness totally outweighed the mess.
Abigail brought me an arm full of
Nathan has been running up to me all day saying, "mmmmmm" Which is how he gives his kisses.
My heart is so full of love for these precious children today. I am so grateful they are all mine... well I guess I can share them with Aaron. But I know they were Heavenly Father's before they were mine. And I feel completely honored that He trusts me with these amazing spirits.
Monday, February 11, 2013
To make you smile on a Monday
The other day we were picking up Aunt Emily from school early because she was feeling a little sad about some high school drama. I told my kids we were going to take her out for an ice cream cone to cheer her up.
Abigail piped up, "Can I get an ice cream cone too? Because I'm sad too... I'm sad because....because... because I don't have an ice cream cone!"
Best logic ever.
Then over the weekend we were babysitting for a friend who has a 3 month old baby. Nathan was so NOT happy about the new baby. He is a jealous kid! The best part was when Aaron was holding the baby and Ammon was holding Nathan. Nate looked baby, looked at Aaron, and then pointed at the baby and while looking at Aaron did his sign for "hands off'". Total serious face. Just hands off! It made us all laugh. I love that he's getting so good at communicating what he wants.
And then today Olivia went for a walk outside. It was pretty cold. Ya know like 50 degrees, or something. She came back and told me, "Mom it's so cold out there! It's practically like a blister." I chuckled and asked, "A blister, huh?" And in her matter-of-fact-duh-mom-voice, she replied, "Yeah a blister. Ya know. Blisters are really cold, and it's almost like a blister out there."
Abigail piped up, "Can I get an ice cream cone too? Because I'm sad too... I'm sad because....because... because I don't have an ice cream cone!"
Best logic ever.
Then over the weekend we were babysitting for a friend who has a 3 month old baby. Nathan was so NOT happy about the new baby. He is a jealous kid! The best part was when Aaron was holding the baby and Ammon was holding Nathan. Nate looked baby, looked at Aaron, and then pointed at the baby and while looking at Aaron did his sign for "hands off'". Total serious face. Just hands off! It made us all laugh. I love that he's getting so good at communicating what he wants.
And then today Olivia went for a walk outside. It was pretty cold. Ya know like 50 degrees, or something. She came back and told me, "Mom it's so cold out there! It's practically like a blister." I chuckled and asked, "A blister, huh?" And in her matter-of-fact-duh-mom-voice, she replied, "Yeah a blister. Ya know. Blisters are really cold, and it's almost like a blister out there."
Thursday, February 7, 2013
How To Survive Three Kids In Under 4 Years
Lately I've had a few people ask me how I stay sane with three little kids at home. My first response is, "You think I'm sane?! I knew I loved you." And then I tell them this,
Lower you expectations.
Like low, low, low expectations.
As in, last week Olivia could only find one of each of her sneakers. Fortunately for us they were a left and a right, so she wore mismatched shoes for a week!
Yesterday we went to the park and Abigail couldn't find her shoes. So she went barefoot. Nathan also had 4 blow out poopy nasty diapers and literally didn't have anymore clean pants. So he sported a onsie, sans pants. This is when I'm extremely grateful to be living in Arizona, so that this is an option in February. (Of course we usually aim to have shoes and pants on to leave the house, but sometimes afternoons are SO crazy it just doesn't matter).
Some moms don't let their kids watch more than 30 minutes of TV a day. Some moms make homemade snacks and organic lunches. Some moms take their kids to story time on Tuesdays and the museum on Fridays and they homeschool and teach their children the Gospel and they never yell... Some moms run 5 miles every morning, do their hair and make up every day and their houses are spotless. They do playschool groups and cute crafts with their kids. They sew their own clothes in their spare time. They cook gourmet dinners and always have fresh baked cookies in the cookie jar.
Don't put those expectations on yourself just because someone else seems to have it all together. Some days my kids don't watch TV at all, but some days they watch HOURS. Sometimes I make rockin' snacks and lunches. But most days they get cereal two times a day. Outings to museums and libraries are just starting to become more regular around here, now that Nathan is almost 14 months. But if you see me in public and I look like I have it all together, look a little closer. Odds are you will notice mismatched socks, unbrushed hair, and/or a stinky diaper.
See what I mean, LOW expectations! This also goes for sleep. If you go to bed with the expectation of getting 8 hours of sleep you are going to be one grumpy mama when a baby wakes up crying for whatever reason. I have found I can function on 5 straight hours. I aim for a bit more, but I don't get angry and grumpy anymore if it's less. I keep telling myself that all of this is so temporary. Before I know it these kids will be taking care of themselves and I will finally have a clean house and a decent nights sleep. Until then we'll stick with low expectations.
Another major key to my sanity is my husband. He really does take great care of me and our little zoo. Every Wednesday night I take off and he takes over bedtime. I go to a class where I'm spiritually nourished and I look forward to this all week. (And while I'm bragging about Aaron I should tell you about my amazing weekend. On the phone with my friend and my girls bring me roses and a paper that has an agenda on it. The agenda reads: Shop, Massage, Dinner, Hotel. I was so confused. Hung up and looked at Aaron. What? We are leaving right now?! You guys, you have no idea how much I needed that. So his wonderful, amazing sister took over and we took off. It was a great, recharging wonderful 24 hours.)
And my third piece of advice is to pray. I don't care who you pray to, but seriously there needs to be some divine intervention to make it through most days. I swear my kids just have a death wish. Sometimes I feel like my full time job is just keeping them alive! Or at least out of the emergency room. I can't tell you how many times I'm stopping one kid from sticking a fork in an electric socket and the other one is about to fall down the stairs. I really think my kids have angels around them that keep them safe when I can't. Because by some miracle that child doesn't fall down the stairs, he somehow manages to fall away from the stairs. And then I have enough time to grab him and put up the baby gate. Or some other similar situation. Prayer also just helps me have my own personal peace. I am more calm and happy when I say my prayers.
So I obviously don't have it all together, but I feel like I'm finally (14 months later) finding a bit of a groove. I feel like I can't do it all, but I'm okay with that because I can do something.
Lower you expectations.
Like low, low, low expectations.
As in, last week Olivia could only find one of each of her sneakers. Fortunately for us they were a left and a right, so she wore mismatched shoes for a week!
Yesterday we went to the park and Abigail couldn't find her shoes. So she went barefoot. Nathan also had 4 blow out poopy nasty diapers and literally didn't have anymore clean pants. So he sported a onsie, sans pants. This is when I'm extremely grateful to be living in Arizona, so that this is an option in February. (Of course we usually aim to have shoes and pants on to leave the house, but sometimes afternoons are SO crazy it just doesn't matter).
Some moms don't let their kids watch more than 30 minutes of TV a day. Some moms make homemade snacks and organic lunches. Some moms take their kids to story time on Tuesdays and the museum on Fridays and they homeschool and teach their children the Gospel and they never yell... Some moms run 5 miles every morning, do their hair and make up every day and their houses are spotless. They do playschool groups and cute crafts with their kids. They sew their own clothes in their spare time. They cook gourmet dinners and always have fresh baked cookies in the cookie jar.
Don't put those expectations on yourself just because someone else seems to have it all together. Some days my kids don't watch TV at all, but some days they watch HOURS. Sometimes I make rockin' snacks and lunches. But most days they get cereal two times a day. Outings to museums and libraries are just starting to become more regular around here, now that Nathan is almost 14 months. But if you see me in public and I look like I have it all together, look a little closer. Odds are you will notice mismatched socks, unbrushed hair, and/or a stinky diaper.
See what I mean, LOW expectations! This also goes for sleep. If you go to bed with the expectation of getting 8 hours of sleep you are going to be one grumpy mama when a baby wakes up crying for whatever reason. I have found I can function on 5 straight hours. I aim for a bit more, but I don't get angry and grumpy anymore if it's less. I keep telling myself that all of this is so temporary. Before I know it these kids will be taking care of themselves and I will finally have a clean house and a decent nights sleep. Until then we'll stick with low expectations.
Another major key to my sanity is my husband. He really does take great care of me and our little zoo. Every Wednesday night I take off and he takes over bedtime. I go to a class where I'm spiritually nourished and I look forward to this all week. (And while I'm bragging about Aaron I should tell you about my amazing weekend. On the phone with my friend and my girls bring me roses and a paper that has an agenda on it. The agenda reads: Shop, Massage, Dinner, Hotel. I was so confused. Hung up and looked at Aaron. What? We are leaving right now?! You guys, you have no idea how much I needed that. So his wonderful, amazing sister took over and we took off. It was a great, recharging wonderful 24 hours.)
And my third piece of advice is to pray. I don't care who you pray to, but seriously there needs to be some divine intervention to make it through most days. I swear my kids just have a death wish. Sometimes I feel like my full time job is just keeping them alive! Or at least out of the emergency room. I can't tell you how many times I'm stopping one kid from sticking a fork in an electric socket and the other one is about to fall down the stairs. I really think my kids have angels around them that keep them safe when I can't. Because by some miracle that child doesn't fall down the stairs, he somehow manages to fall away from the stairs. And then I have enough time to grab him and put up the baby gate. Or some other similar situation. Prayer also just helps me have my own personal peace. I am more calm and happy when I say my prayers.
So I obviously don't have it all together, but I feel like I'm finally (14 months later) finding a bit of a groove. I feel like I can't do it all, but I'm okay with that because I can do something.
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