Mouse About the House! EEEK!

For the past couple of weeks, I have been pre-occupied with my new savings blog. I already have 111 posts, just shy of the 112 posts I have on this blog (before this entry). Anyhow, summer has been fun at my house-- doing crafts every day, talking about our upcoming trip to Maine and finding new ways to have fun while saving.

Anyhow, tonight I had my in-laws over for dinner, as I do many Tuesday and Thursday nights. Somehow, my mother-in-law began asking me about my coupon'ing and wondered about how I got the FREE Kashi cereal laying on the counter. I told her that I was waiting for a sale, then went in and used a Kashi coupon to get it for FREE. Then I wanted to tell her and my niece about the 20 Sobe LifeWaters that I essentially got for FREE too. I walked them down to the laundry room (a kind of narrow room and pantry area as well). I pointed to my stash of these waters that I have grown to love so much.

As I was displaying my FREE stuff, I saw a BIG BLACK BLOB jumping around near my feet, adjacent to our cat litter box. All three of us started screaming and went running out of the laundry room in a hurry. I nearly trampled them in the process to escape. I HATE mice, and cannot handle the thought of them in my house. It gave me quite a fright. I even locked my cat in that room for over an hour, and she just sat there. What a worthless feline! Anyhow, the outcome of this saga remains to be seen....

Oh Man, What a 4th!

Fireworks in our back yard

Our family had the best day together, despite my lack of sleep and a few mishaps. But boy did we have fun celebrating our country. We began by taking an impromptu trip to the local Veteran's Museum in our town. We were treated like celebrities, as we were the youngest people there and the only ones with small children. Many of the older folk were snapping pictures at my kids like they were a rarity. It was cute. We had done our best to don them in the patriotic red, white and blue.

Kaelah pulled her shirt down, Bekah wiggled and Haleah tried to pull her skirt up. Ugh!

Everything in this museum was, of course, old, breakable and precious. And my kids are young, precious and like to break things. I could have spent hours looking at the artifacts and hearing the stories that these veterans had to tell, if I had the ability to focus on something other than my kids. But I did take a couple of shots of some interesting miniature reenactments of a Korean War scene. David spoke with a veteran of that battle, and he remembers it as being one of the coldest winters he has ever known. The army camo also didn't blend well in the snow, so the soldiers were an easy target for the enemy. They had to try and use the mountain hillsides as cover. It amazes me every time when I meet a man, in the flesh, who physically fought in frozen terrain, took bullets to his body and lived to tell about it---all for the freedom of ordinary people like me. How can I ever imagine to repay that?

Miniature Korean War reenactment.

Two housewives of the 50's scene at the museum. I thought it was funny.

Next, we discovered an old train platform outside the museum. I took some pictures, because of it's aura. I could imagine a really magical wedding reception taking place there or something. It could totally be transformed (as it was in my mind). It was so nostalgic.


By mid-morning, we were headed out to hit the Dollar Tree for some last minute goodies for my last-minute family gathering at my house. Then we went to the Fireworks Barn near our house and bought a bunch of fun Black Cat poppers, sparklers, snaps, rockets, smoke bombs and mini fireworks. They had a Buy One/Get One FREE special, and we took advantage. They even gave us some free American flags for the kids. I asked if I could buy them, because I was looking all over town for them, but couldn't seem to get my hands on any. But the manager of the Fireworks Barn just gave them to me. I was happy.

When the BBQ began at my house, we had a grand time with family and my niece's friend, Angel. We set up outdoor fun with the trampoline and kiddie pool and played volleyball and had races. David challenged his nieces to a race and his pride wouldn't let them lose, no matter how much it physically hurt him. It was quite humorous. Then we set the kids up with long sparklers and showed the little ones how to hold them away from their bodies. They did pretty well, and so I began to take pics of my niece Cora, and Angel doing acrobats.

Running races in our yard. Who will win?

Silly teenagers!

It was then that Kaelah accidentally touched the hot tip of the sparkler once it went out. I raced over and yanked her to the pool. She had a pretty bad burn on her hand and we had to treat it. I was soooooo angry at myself for assuming that she would be okay if I turned my back. I should know better with a 2 year old, especially her, and that was my fault. Kaelah also scraped the tops of her toes after falling on the pavement, so she was kind of a mess. But she really "took" to Angel, and told me that Angel was her friend and said, "I want to go see Angel. Angel likes me too." It was sweet.

Loud fireworks! Kaelah with her new friend, Angel.

Next, after ice cream sundaes, we settled in the backyard again to watch David set the fireworks. Haleah was scared out of her mind and went screaming into the house. She doesn't like loud noises and became totally irrational. But I let her "do her thing." I thought watching David run from the lighted fireworks was one of the funniest parts of the night. It was just so humorous to watch. He kept telling me that his Will was up to date and that I would be taken care of. The rest of the children were thoroughly entertained as well. It was a hoot, even though half of our fireworks were duds. No wonder they were Buy 1/Get 1 FREE!

Run for your life, David!

We had some duds!

Finally, as dusk came over, our neighbors, Bo and Mary (who had invited us to the Veteran's Museum this morning), came to sit with us. My mother-in-law played her guitar and sang some old songs for us as we listened to the neighborhood bustle around us. And Haleah made her way back outside and, with Gracyn, my niece, she discovered lightening bugs for the first time. It is the little things that make these days worth it to me. I am so thankful for America and for my family, and my heart is full thinking about all the joy they bring me.

Bekah was so happy playing in the yard.

Watching the fireworks from the safety of our trampoline.

Summer Kick Off

I watched my nieces today and kicked off the summer season in style by hitting some more free deals. I raced out to Sonic for a free CroisSonic and a coffee for David, then swung by Chick-fil-A for 3 free chicken biscuits for the kids. I made it home in time to put Bekah down for nap and greet my nieces.

We began with some outdoor fun and made homemade bird feeders out of pine cones. It was fun! We also played some volleyball together and swam in the kiddie pool.


For lunch I made a cool Ritz cracker recipe where I swirled PB and marshmallow fluff together and smeared some on a Ritz cracker. Then I topped it with a slice of banana and strawberry and sprinkled it with cinnamon. It was delicious! I served it with Mac n' Cheese (as I do have kids after all), and Go-Gurt squeezable yogurts.

During nap, my niece, Gracyn and I made some hummingbird "serum" together and hung it in our garden. She also helped me water my plants. After nap, we ventured out to Wendy's for some free Frosty's, with my coupons. It was a perfect afternoon treat.

Back at home, we hung out and played some more. Then I made a spaghetti dinner for the crowd. My mother-in-law came back from her visit to Colorado, so it was nice to see her home. The kids were covered with sauce after the meal, so I popped them into the bath. They were all very fussy tonight, probably from so much sun and fun! But they all went down to bed safe and sound. Ahhhhhhhh....

What to Think?

I have no idea what to think. Kaelah peed all over our entryway rug and floor this evening, but then proceeded to head to the potty to do her first doo doo in the potty. I was so upset then so proud of her! That child never ceases to amaze me. I never know what she is thinking, but she's always up to something.

Tonight, as we were cleaning up our toys outside, Haleah and Kaelah and I got on the trampoline and lay down together. We were staring at the clouds and Haleah said, "Is that a cumulous cloud, Mommy?" What a smart one. Then she snuggled closer to me and said, "I love you, Mommy." I thought that was so sweet. Haleah rarely spontaneously shows her affection in an overt way, so that was so special to me to hear that.

I am excited that I got Haleah signed up for preschool in the fall. I know it is going to be a great benefit to her. And she said, "I won't be naughty for my teacher, Mommy. I will be a good girl." I told her that I knew she would be a good girl and that she would meet lots of friends too. Haleah inquired about boys and seemed happy to hear that they would be in her class too.

This weekend was full and fun. We did a lot of family gardening together in our front yard and still have a bit of a way to go. But it is so rewarding to see "the fruits" of our labor and to have a yard that looks/seems well-groomed (or at least properly maintained).

Off to do a bunch of paperwork before bed! Life is good.

Memorial Day-- Ray of Light

It was an unexpected encounter that moved me deeply, beyond words. I was racing out of my house early this morning to catch a few deals, on a mission... I made it into Walmart to grab my sale items and make my way to the check out line. The cashier was having trouble ringing through my items and called for a manager. As I was waiting, I glanced behind me. A man was carefully placing his items on the belt, waiting for his turn. I noticed that he was stacking cat food cans and kitty litter---lots of it. I looked at him and then it dawned on me---he was wearing his black and yellow U.S. Veteran's hat and matching jacket. I didn't look at it closely, but I recognized right away, that he had served our country. And when my brain caught up with my sight, I realized it was Memorial Day and that I had to say something to this man.

I said matter of factly, "Sir, I just want to thank you for serving our country. It means so much. Thank you." And I shook his hand and made it a point to look him straight in the eyes. He looked at me and smiled and almost started to cry. He said I had made his day... I found that comment to be interesting. Didn't any one else ever thank him? It seemed like such a simple comment to make...

I was then interrupted, my attention being drawn back to the transaction at hand. I answered a couple of questions for the cashier who was now fiddling (actually, fighting) with her cash register. I glanced at the former serviceman again. He said to me, "You know, there is a story that goes along with all of this cat food..." And I began to listen...

He said, "I served in WWII with my brother right after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. My brother was killed and my plane was shot down and I became a prisoner of war. I was caged, without food, for days on end. But there was this cat that would come by my cage and mew at me. Every day I waited for that comfort and connection that that cat would bring. And then one day, after I was almost dead from starvation, that cat came back to me and dropped a dead rat outside my cage for me. I reached between the bars of the cage and grabbed that rat and ate it. That cat saved my life."

He continued, "I have no family now. But I have my cat."

Okay, now I had tears streaming down my face in the middle of Walmart, but I didn't care. I hugged that man and now honestly told him, "Because of your sacrifice, I am able to live and raise my children today. God bless you!" What he said to me truly put into perspective what men like him did for ALLof us, for men and women of the past, present and future, for children of the 1960's, the 1970's and for children that are not even yet born.

I looked into his eyes as he said, "That brings back so many memories." And I knew it was painful for him. In his eyes I could see back through to 60+ years ago. I said, "Sir, what is your name?" He said, "Miller. Ray Miller." By this time we had a small crowd of people listening in and watching us cry. I said, "Mr. Miller, I will pray for you, and thank you again." And this time I really, REALLY meant it. Mr. Miller truly opened my eyes to the sacrifice that was made. I didn't make his day--he impacted mine.

My cashier was speechless, but I was moved beyond words. I finished my transaction and proceeded to the parking lot, a mess. If I had had my wares about me I would have, SHOULD have paid for his cat supplies. But that thought didn't cross my mind until a couple of hours later, and I was so irritated with myself. But in that one special interaction with that 80-something year old man is something I will never forget. It will be a treasure in my heart forever, and I will remember Ray Miller-- soldier, hero, veteran, citizen and neighbor in my prayers tonight.

Publix Savings 5/25/2009

Giddy does not describe it... Luck was on my side as I ventured to Publix today, after an unsuccessful run to CVS for a $10 Extra Care Bucks (ECBs) snag. I spent $13.79 and saved $61.29 from coupons, peelies and in store savings. Here is the picture and the breakdown:


1 box Rice Krispies (.99 w/ coupon)

1 box Rice Krispies (1.99, no coupon, but was on sale)

1 box Froot Loops (.99 w/ coupon)

4 Coles frozen garlic breads (.39 each after four 50 cent coupons doubled)

1 Kraft BBQ sauce (FREE w/ coupon doubled).

2 Pedigree Dentastick (FREE after 1 coupon for each item. Note: I don't have a dog, but these were FREE with the coupon, plus an overage, which means the coupon was worth more than the product was at sale price---leaving me with extra money credited towards my overall grocery balance. AND, I can just give these doggie treats away to friends with pooches).

1 Heluva Dip (FREE w/ coupon, doubled). Note: We say "Helooova" in my house, so my kids won't learn a bad word (ha).

1 FREE milk (w/ coupon for buying the above 3 cereals mentioned)

1 milk ($1.39, as an in-store Buy1/Get1 special was taking place in the moment I was in there. I was in the right place at the right time, and I heard the deal didn't last!)

3 Tidy Cat Litters ($4 total after I saw peelie coupons on the cartons. I was not going to get any more kitty litter during this BOGO week, as I had already purchased 1 with my printable coupon. But then I walked by and saw that there were $2 off peelies on the product, I was so happy! Usually stealers take them all and leave none for the actual purchaser of the product, which is thievery. Anyhow, I should have bought more! There is nothing worse than having to pay over $7 a carton, or more, for stinking cat litter. I love this deal)!

3 Pillsbury Ready to Bake Cookie packs ($5.95 for 3 after 2 coupons. In retrospect, I shouldn't have purchased this, as it wasn't a great deal, even though it was on sale. But I LOVE cookies. So I figure it was like $2 a box for 75 cookies total. I'll just eat them if I get depressed).

1 Edy's ice cream (.50 after coupon---can't beat that! And it was French Vanilla. It goes so perfectly with the the delicious blackberry cobbler I made tonight)!

Final Note: I have a lot of items stocked up now, and probably won't have to to much more shopping this week except for some produce, bread and maybe some meat. I'm lovin it!

Memorial Day Showdown

These were the budget-friendly favors I created for the reception.

Memorial Day weekend has been a whirlwind so far. My house is a disaster, as I've been prepping for all sorts of "going ons." Saturday, I traveled to the city to decorate for my cousin Jennifer's house reception after she got married in a lovely park ceremony on Friday. Her new Mother-in-Law, Jeannie, was hosting. I was happy to be involved in this celebration and made some special favors for the guests ahead of time. I used Jennifer's favorite colors together (pink and brown) and decorated clear cups filled with Hypoteses plants. I love to decorate on a budget. I also found some limited edition Oreos that were pink (strawberry) and brown (cookie) for favors for the kids that attended. During the party I helped to cut the cake and pick up and keep things stocked and running smoothly. It was easy to do when I didn't have three children hanging off of me. David made it to the reception with the kiddies very late, as it was wrapping up. Jeannie said to me, "Aren't you tired after all the work you've done?" I said, "Are you kidding me? I'm more tired when I'm at home with my kids. This was fun!" (wink, wink---I love my kids---but I also love to have a chance to have a semblance of a creative outlet as well).

Close-up of favors and Jennifer & Johnny bridal napkins.

The decorative table in the entryway. I made a monogrammed book for guest to sign.

The gorgeous cake!

Irene (my Mother-in-Law), Jeannie (the Hostess), and Annie (Mother of the Bride).

Anyhow, Jennifer and Johnny were the happy couple. Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves and had a nice time. When my family left the party, we headed over to McDonalds (for the kids' benefit), as they hadn't eaten dinner yet. They played on the slides and had a blast! We drove the beautiful back country roads home (a way I had never been). People think I'm crazy, but I just can't get over how quaint and beautiful Alabama can be sometimes. It was such a nice drive---a perfect ending to a great day!The happy couple sipping a drink that Jennifer's daughters and my niece make for them!

A close up of the creative drink the kids made.

The kiddos---Lilly, Gracyn and Megan

Today, Sunday, held adventures as well. It was downpouring this morning, so I opted shorts and casual clothing for me and the kids for church. I popped into church and prepped the coffee table for our guests and sat down as service commenced. It has become nearly impossible for me to worship, as my child are simply squirmers at heart (Bekah especially)!!! I was also keeping tabs for the two boys sitting in front of me, as a favor. So I had my hands full :) I think I was keeping pew members either amused or pertubed... Between that and multiple potty breaks (Kaelah is potty training and I was being daring to let her wear underwear to church), I was pooped!

After church we had an all-church luncheon celebrating our high school graduates, which was nice. I made a dessert and had made the teens some little cards (with Starbucks inserts that I wanted to keep--ha). When we finally got the kids home and to naps, I headed out for some CVS and Publix deals. At CVS, after my Extra Care Bucks, I will have theoretically only spent $1.21 for feminine pads, bandages, nailpolish and toothpaste, as I earned $8 in ECB's. I'm still trying to get the hang of that... I get irritated when they are out of stock of certain things though. This is a pet peeve of mine. I mean, how may times do you think I'm going to get out alone and be able to get back there? Not very often!

My Publix trip was moderately successful. I retrieved my Mystery Penny Item (pasta sauce), and stocked up on some dairy and breakfast items. I did not have many coupons for the things I wanted to buy during the Buy 1 Get 1 deal frame. So I spend about $16 and saved $25. And they were out of the cereal that I needed to buy with my coupon in order to get my free milk.... rrrrrrrrrrr! I will have to go back again tomorrow for that. rrrrrrrrrrr!

Tonight, I attended a double baby shower for Delana and Leigh from our church at my friend Holly's house. Her new house was just built and it is beautiful (though she discovered she has a crazy neighbor who enjoys swearing at her at the top of his lungs from his front porch step). ha. Anyhow, Bekah managed to get her hands in a potty over there and Haleah and Kaelah "tore up" one of the kid's bedrooms, and I was working to fix it before I left. Bekah also managed to flip a play table. She is a wild one! She also wouldn't eat, except for the ice cream I offered her. I think her poor teeth are coming in. I did not get to watch the ladies open their gifts, as I was chasing children, but I am glad I got to attend, and Holly was gracious to have us!

Before we went in to Holly's house I had told Kaelah (because she's new to potty training) that she needed to tell me if she had to go potty and that I would take her. She told me that she would "not pee in Miss Holly's house." And she didn't. She went potty in the bathroom at Holly's twice, and I was proud. But as soon as we got home, Kaelah promptly sat on her Tinkerbelle couch and peed all over it. I AM SO SICK OF CLEANING UP PEE. Let me repeat that: I AM SO SICK OF CLEANING UP PEE!

So that's our Memorial Day weekend, SO FAR, in a very big nutshell. Tomorrow should be more low key. I am thankful and will reflect on the sacrifice that our service men and woman have given to us. They are true heroes.

Instant Progress!

It seems like overnight I have big things to be proud of in my three little ones... (and for myself too)!

Haleah is learning to recognize and write her numbers and is thriving. She loves to count over and over again. I have some preschool activity books that I have been pulling out to try and teach her throughout the day, and she is loving it when I spend the time to show her and then show her how proud I am of her. I think she is a smart cookie for a 3 year old!

Kaelah is doing GREAT in her potty training process. All of the the sudden she is showing interest in going. She has remained mostly dry for over 3 days now, even during naptime! Her Princess couch got a "cleansing," but she is learning! I hear Kaelah singing the "I'm Proud of You" song to herself throughout the day and after she puts a star sticker on her Diego Potty Chart that I made her. And if she wakes up dry from nap, she gets to have a CapriSun (new favorite).

I have officially weaned Bekah, and like magic, she is sleeping through the night without throwing a fit for me to comfort her. I am in awe at the luxury of sleep and am so thrilled. In the morning I am able to wake to a sweet Bekah who stands up in her crib to greet me, squeezes me around my neck and pats me on the back. She is the sweetest baby in the world.

And finally, I am proud of me! I went trekking to Publix again to pick up my Mystery Penny Item and a few other things, and came skipping out of the store. I ended up spending about $8 for over $57 worth of groceries. I could not believe it! Here is the picture of what I bought:

1 London Broil for $4.65 (saved $5.27, as it was on sale)
2 Frosted Flakes cereal for $.99 each (with coupons)
2 gallons of Publix milk for $4.00 (sale item)
1 Lipton Tea Bag (100 ct.) for $1.90 (Buy 1/Get 1 item)
6 four-packs of Fiber One YoPlait yogurts for FREE (with coupons)
3 Schick Quattro razors for Women for FREE (with coupons)
1 McCormicks Grinder spice for FREE (with coupon)
1 Eggo Nutragrain Waffle for $.64 (with coupon)
2 Kraft shredded cheeses for $1.00 each (with coupons)
1 Ritz Cracker box for FREE (with coupon)
1 Publix glass cleaner for $.01 (Mystery Penny Item coupon)

Then, I had some overage on a couple of my coupons and a competitor $5 off of $25 coupon that Publix accepts. I cannot believe that I got all of this for $8!!! What made my day even more extra special was that I returned an unused gift item that I had to Walmart and got a $52 store credit. So today was a bonus day! I topped off my day with a night out with my cool friend Trish. We went to Applebees with a gift card that was given to me. FREE is great.... isn't it? I'm hooked!

Refocus

Well, I sure don't win the title for Super Mom, being that I consistently don't accomplish much of what I set out in a day to do, including blogging. Other moms seem to have it more together and always seem to look nice, have their kids look nice, have their homes picked up and fine meals prepared. Me? I struggle. But I did have a nice Mother's Day this past Sunday, thanks to a family who seems to appreciate me. To my surprise, David made me delicious french toast after he let me sleep in for an extra hour. Who KNEW that he could cook? He had been hiding this secret from me for 9 years!


In other news, I have taken up a new hobby that hopefully will enhance our household. I think I have become a couponing freak. I spend quite a bit of time searching for deals and clip my coupons every Sunday. I scour over the Wednesday circulars, make my plan and head out for the best deals in town. It's kind of a challenge for me, to get what I need at a bargain. My competive spirit comes roaring out (especially since I can't play volleyball right now)! This week, I bought groceries for our family of 5 for under $40. Now that makes me feel great! And I am always on the hunt (as I call it) for free stuff. This is a pic of the free stuff I got today, merely from using my coupons...


Today, Bekah is 13 months. And my-oh-my, she is growing in leaps and bounds. I caught her in the bathroom this afternoon with all of the toilet paper unrolled, and she was swishing her hands around in the toilet. She's a stinker-pot that one! But I love her dearly.

Kaelah is on the potty train and has her ups and downs. We are slowly filling her rewards chart too, for going pee in the potty. Some times she is enthusiastic, other times---not so much. She loves to sing the alphabet and I catch her saying the darndest things. Today she had a ketchup bottle and was complaining to me that the "genie won't come out of there," even though she was "rubbing it and rubbing it."

Haleah is a challenge, but partly I think it's because she is ready to move forward with her learning. I wish we could afford to send her to preschool in the fall, but we will have to wait till spring. She so needs to be around other kids her age. I think she acts up because she might be bored.

I wish I could "put myself together" better these days. I feel like this is the worst I've looked in my whole life, and I don't like that. I am hoping to make changes for me this summer, both inside and out. It's hard to know what focuses are best to take, and still keep my family happy.

Bekah's First Steps Video

It's been so long since I've blogged that I almost forgot my site password. Time seems to fly by and stand still at the same time here in the Whitt household. This post is merely to upload a long overdue video that I promised my Mom I'd post. It's of Bekah walking, some of her first steps. This short clip is about 2 weeks old and Bekah is now a walking expert at almost 13 months. She is such a tease too, and likes to walk and wave at the same time. More later (my eyes are burning off from lack of enough sleep lately).

New Beginnings

The past two weeks have moved along, though it's been a struggle to write amidst my sadness over the loss of Shelley, who will no longer enjoy life's milestones. But I must press on...

We celebrated David's Aunt Annie's 60th Birthday. We planned a surprise for her at her house. The theme was "Still the 'Apple of our Eye' after 60 Years." I had so much fun creating the decorations for this party. Pulling it all together allowed some creative juices to flow. Here are some pics from the party. One includes a real apple tree with golden paper apples on it, in which people were to write why Annie was the "Apple of their Eye.."


We also took some time, as extended family, to celebrate my Mother-in-law's Birthday at the local Cracker Barrel at the end of March. Going there is always an adventure with three kids, and always a big mess too!

With the welcoming of spring came new developments with my kids. Bekah loves to look at pictures and tries to leap out of my arms to get to any pictures that she sees. She also loves and can say, "duck." This little 11 month old is also beginning to really walk and is still remains as my little night terror.

Kaelah's language seems to be taking off and she is showing an interest in potty training again. We also moved Haleah's old toddler bed into Kaelah's room to try and get her transitioned to "Big Girl" bed. I am really antsy to sell at least one crib.

And Haleah is excited about the thought of attending preschool in the fall. She seems to be boy crazy already and loves to direct and lead playtime during the few playdates we've been having or attending lately. We are having some issues with her tantrum throwing and back-talking, but we are working to address these issues. Many cannot believe that there is this side to Haleah, as she is such an angel in public.

Haleah looking at playmate/friend, Tristan

We also bought a new swingset for the kids, as we realized that we should just buy the small one that the kids need, rather than wait for the super-duper wooden megaset that we really wanted to get. If we waited for that, then the kids would never get a set. And we realized that it doesn't take a lot to make kids happy. They don't know the difference.


This past weekend, I ventured out alone to the town's Egg Hunt with the kids, as David was working at the church. I saw some of my friend's familiar faces, but as the "hunt" began, I became annoyed with what transpired. One mother was trying to hoard all of the eggs hidden in one hole in a tree. She kept piling her own basket up. I finally said, "Could you save some for my kids?" My sweet children were just looking up at me innocently, waiting for an egg. They had no idea what was going on. The "mother hen" begrudgingly took her hand out of the tree hole for a moment. I reached in to retrieve the last two eggs, one for each of my kids (and I was holding the baby in my arms too, mind you). The woman then tried to squeeze her hand back in with mine in the tree hole. I had NO IDEA that this hunt was going to be competitive. I could not believe it. Those two eggs that I practically had to steal from the "hoarder" were the only eggs my children got (one each) the whole time. What a let down. I had talked this whole Egg Hunt up with my kids and I don't think this experience was positive.

My poor kids with the one SAD egg they each got...

The upside was that my friend Trish planned an Egg Hunt at her house for some kids to participate in and my kids were able to find and pick up a whole basket of eggs without excessive trampling and/or competition. It was so nice of her to do that. There are still good mothers left in this world who know how to do things right. I suppose I have a lot to learn about motherhood and interacting with other parents.

Other milestones over the past week included mine and David's 8th Anniversary. We celebrated by going to The Melting Pot restaurant which just opened up in the city. It was so wonderful. We had no right to spend the money that we did, but we decided that we were going to enjoy it. We had been to a Melting Pot fondue experience once before when we lived in Colorado Springs and loved it. This time we had what was called Big Night Out. It included a cheese fondue, a salad, a Surf and Turf entree fondue and a chocolate "Yin and Yang" fondue finale. Everything, including our waitress, was fantastic. After we dined, we walked outside near the outlets where lighted fountains were and took silly pictures together. It was great. David and I have our ups and downs, but it nice to let it all go for an evening and just enjoy one another's company.

The Yin Yang chocolate swirl and a tray of delcious desserts to dip!

I am going to try to take things one day at a time, accepting life as it is (even when the sad and tragic happen), while appreciating the small tokens and treasures.

Made to be a Mom

She was "made to be a Mom." That's how my friend Linda said it when she wrote to me last night to tell me that our friend had passed away suddenly from the flu virus that simply took over her organs and then took her life. I cannot express the shock I am in and how greatly this news has affected me. It hits so close to home.

Shelley, and her husband Scott, were friends whom David and I first met through our small Bible study group at church when we lived in Colorado. And after I gave birth to my firstborn, Haleah, I got to know Shelley even better at the MOPS (Mother of Preschoolers) group I attended. She was part of the Steering Committee for that Chapter and had three small boys. Shelley was always smiling and made her mothering "job" look effortless. I also played volleyball with Shelley and Scott in the recreation league as well, from time to time. Shelley was vibrant, did not have a "bad bone" in her body and put her everything into her family. She cared for her father-in-law when he was ill for quite some time too, as a true act of selfless love.

She was a Christian woman who always seemed to put her faith into action with the way she made others feel comfortable and important in every encounter they had with her. Her attitude was never judgmental, but always loving. She was capable and sweet and lived with joy in her life. And when we moved away from Colorado to Alabama, Shelley still kept in touch. We were overjoyed to learn that she had a baby girl to add to her "brood" of boys. That little baby girl was such a blessed addition to her family.

So this news of Shelley's death is something I cannot even begin to wrap my head around. I am devastated with grief for her family. I cannot understand how someone so healthy could contract an illness and simply pass on so quickly. It is a tragic situation. It tears me apart to think that Shelley's joy was raising her children with full intent that she was going to watch them grow. Now they are left, not just without a mother, but left without an amazingly gifted, nurturing and loving mother. My heart breaks for Scott who's burden is now so heavy. He has a long road ahead of him. He needs strength and prayer to make it through these next dark days. I wish there was something I could do. I could hardly sleep last night thinking of this family. And every time I see Shelley's face in my mind, I cannot stop crying for her, for her husband and her children.

I fully understand that our (my) days on this Earth are numbered and that we are not promised even one more day. I just hope and pray that God will grant me the privilege to raise my children into adulthood. And if not, that He will watch over their every step as they grow and know how much I love them, without any doubt in their minds. I pray now that Shelley's touch that she has enveloped her children with, will stay with them and leave a permanent impact on the adults that they will become. I pray that their bond as a family will grow and strengthen, somehow, in these next few days, months and years.

I am going to commit to pray for Scott too, that he will find the direction, strength and faith he needs to pull through and be the father these children are going to need, and for comfort for his own heart. And I'm absolutely bulled over with a fresh perspective on my own parenting. I have no right to take for granted one single day that I have with my children. I need to show them and tell them every day that I love them. I cannot control the time I have with them, but I can appreciate the quality and the importance of the space in time that I have been blessed by our heavenly Father to share with them.

God bless you, sweet Shelley. It hurts my heart more than you know to see you go. You were a blessing to more lives in subtle (yet big) ways than can ever be known.

Big Kid 101

Big day today... I saw a sale going on at Kmart for sheet sets, so I decided this was the day that Haleah and Kaelah would get "bed upgrades." I started off the morning on a positive note, as I snagged an unheard of 8.5 hours of sleep, since Bekah slept through the night. Her four front teeth are in now, so perhaps we all get some relief!

We headed to Kmart and happened to find the two coveted Disney characters (of the moment) for my kids---Ariel (for Haleah) and Tinkerbell (for Kaelah). The sheet sets were on sale, but the character pillows were not. So I gave David a "puppy dog" face and said, "Look how cuuuuute," and then he agreed to buy them too. I got lucky.

After our run about in Kmart, we decided to let the kids play at a nearby park since it was a record-breakingly warm day. It was perfectly sunny and breezy and totally enjoyable. The kids got to play at a playground then huck some big rocks into a swamp. Their day was complete after that!

But it didn't end there. We ventured to McDonald's together for an impromptu family lunch. While there, we saw the LeMay's, a sweet older couple whom we purchased our minivan from over a year ago. They still remembered us and hoped that we were still enjoying our vehicle. We didn't tell them that water now pours through the vents in the car when it rains, or that the passenger side window no longer opens, or that the radio mechanisms are jacked. I'm sure all of this must have something to do with the fact that three babies right this car on a regular basis...

This afternoon, after David went to work, the girls and I picked up my niece Gracyn and came home to organize the new bedding. I moved Haleah's tiny toddler bed into Bekah's room (for a day down the road that she would use it), and gave Haleah a full box spring and mattress set. I am worried that she might fall off?? But I think she can manage it, and we are going to give it a try. She loves her new Ariel set up. Kaelah is coming out of her crib and down to one floor mattress for now, to get her acclimated. She seemed more than willing to make this transition tonight in her Tinkerbell bed. And I had a conversation with her to "stay in her bed" if she wakes up. I told her to still call for us if she needs us. I hope that little head of hers was paying attention. We shall see!

After the beds were assembled, we took off to my other niece, Cora's soccer game. Cora played goalie for the 1st half and was like a brick wall. She didn't let anything pass her by. She did great! And she played defense during second half and was a force to be reckoned with.

My girls were moderately behaved. I had to take Haleah to a disgusting outhouse of a bathroom two times during the course of the game. It was a really sketchy place located behind the bleachers--the kind of bathroom I have nightmares about. Then, when the game ended, and we ventured back to the parking lot with all our stuff, Haleah told me she had to go potty again. I was like, "WHAT? You just went! Twice! And I'm NOT bringing you back to that disgusting bathroom again!"

But Haleah insisted that she had to go. So in the parking lot, I tried to shield her with the stroller and my body while my mother-in-law helped her squat down. And Haleah didn't go. So we all got buckled up and into the car. And as I was backing out of the parking space, Haleah declared, "I said I DIDN'T have to go!" I was thinking she was out of her mind. Haleah put up quite a production to tell me she did have to go and couldn't wait until we got home. So we tried to make a way for her, only for her to tell us moments after that charade that she never had to go. Ugh!

Anyhow, we really did have a good day. We came home and got some cereal (cause we kind of missed dinner due to the soccer game), and I put the girls to bed in their "new digs." I hope they sleep tight, but I'll be listening closely in the monitors tonight.

100th Post

I've been delaying doing this 100th post, due to the expectation that I should do something extra special or make a list (for example) of 100 things I love, which takes an awful long time and creative effort to produce. But since I have been sleep deprived for the past two weeks due to children with high fevers, runny noses and teething, I simply do not have the stamina (or mommy brain power) to produce such a list. I just want to blog in a more realistic manner at this point...

I will say, however, that I am 100% blessed and in love with my girls and my husband. I have 100's of things to be happy about and thankful for. I love the way David is such a fun Daddy with his three daughters--bringing out "the tickle spider" on them and throwing them over his shoulders singing a made-up song he calls "Sack of Potatoes." And I love the way David holds me at night, encourages me, tells me I'm smart and provides for our family.

I love that Haleah is starting to understand jokes and is becoming quite an interesting story teller. She asks so many questions during the day and is a literal sponge. She keeps asking me 100 times a day when summer is coming and why I (seem) tell her every day that it's "not here yet." Her independence is growing and she told David the other day, "Daddy, some things I just HAVE to do myself." She told me that she wants to pray to God by herself too. I say, "Great!"

I am 100% in love with Kaelah's sweet and giving heart. She is a 2-year old with a tremendous sense of compassion. She is always noticing when others are hurt or need help and comes to aid. She never wants to insult or harm. When I told Kaelah that I was so tired that I could fall apart, she said, "Oh, are you okay Mommy? I will keep you safe." And then she gave me a big kiss. She is precious beyond belief, even though she is testing her limits every day and using her table settings as science lab experiments.

And Bekah, is my 1-in-100 (I say 1-in-1,000,000,000) baby... She is my delight. Even though she is my baby who has given me the hardest time with sleep issues, I cannot get past the love that I have for her. Every morning, when I pick her up out of her crib, she hugs me around my neck and gives me the biggest smile (without any inkling of what a terror she was the night before). She seems to be crawling 100 miles an hour, eats about 100 foreign objects per day, but then gives me at least 100 kisses a day. So it all balances out. I couldn't stay mad at that precious, sweet baby. I know, as a 10 month old, that she won't be a baby much longer. So I am taking in every moment and trying to enjoy it all.

So this 100th post is merely a short tribute to the 1000's of things that I love about my family. Even though I'm working on improving other aspects of my life and worry about 100 different trivial things a day---I still don't have any doubt that my children and my husband are a gift that should never be taken for granted. Here's to the next 100 posts! May sleep come my way so that I will have the ability to formulate coherent thoughts and sentences!

Sad to See Her Go

My mother has been in town for the last couple of weeks, and it's been such a delight. I only get to see her about twice a year, so our time together is precious. Though my children are experts at distraction it was still nice to just have my Mom here.

The kids found it funny to put the Barrel of Monkeys on Grandma's glasses...

We got to go on a couple of walks and play at the playground, when the weather cooperated. I had the freedom to run errands without taking three children along with me just to run into a store for "2 seconds." I also planned some time out with friends for Starbucks night and was able to enjoy a nice Valentines meal out with my husband. My Mom also prodded me (in a nice way) to paint my unfinished bathroom that has been standing naked, stripped of wallpaper, for the past almost two years (gasp)! And I am so thrilled with the outcome and glad she gave me the nudge I needed to get it done.

Grandma and her three grand-daughters were able to get reconnect again and talked about our upcoming summer vacation plans to Maine, when we see Grandma again. They are already so excited to go to the beach and go camping.

One of these days when my Mom comes I'm sure we'll get to do more "fun" stuff. I'm at the stage now, however, where I'm just so grateful to have a bit of time to accomplish some projects that I haven't been able to get to with the children demanding my attention so much (which is expected for a 3, 2 and 10 month old). My Mom was funny though... I mentioned to her that I was reading the popular Twilight series and was on book #3. I thought that perhaps she might pick up book #1 and read through that one book while she was here. Well, I made it to the 4th book this week, but she surpassed me and had to "take over" my book to finish up the series before her flight takes off today. I guess she likes it! Ha. And I am looking forward to getting book #4 back!

So we'll all be taking her to the airport soon and are sad to see her go. My Mom is my closest friend and I don't know how I get along without her every day.