Exhausted.....

I wish I wish this was a picture of me......if only I could fall asleep like that!!

I survived my FIRST week all alone. And WOW. SO SO SO many people told me oh once you have three you might as well have ten because you are already out numbered.....oh heck NO!!!

Rhys is such an AMAZING baby. He is already so patient and so content.....I am really really hoping this lasts and it's not just that he should still be in the womb. But we will see.

As for the other boys...they are proving to be difficult.....that would be an understatement. There is no control around here....I am trying so hard to take it back but with zero sleep and busy season I don't see it happening anytime soon. They are each acting out I am going to make them T-shirts that say I am acting this way because I have a new baby at home. Maybe I wouldn't be judged as harshly......how long can I use this as an excuse??

I am hoping that each day that passes we will get more and more comfortable in our new normal.

Getting kicked out of the nest......

The eternal summer finally ended! Monday I kicked my baby bird

out of our little nest and into the big bad world.
I can't even believe how big he is. I held it together at school.
It was a VERY surreal experience.

Due to CRAZY budget cuts this year the poor teachers weren't
even allowed into there classrooms until the morning of school.
So there was no meet and greet and no time for the teacher to
even introduce herself. Noah's school is trying something
different this year because enrollment is SO high.

There are 6 Kindergarten classes. Each class will have 35 students
the first two weeks they are all together. After the first two
weeks they will divide the class into early bird late bird half will
come from 8-11 and the other half will come10-1.

These amazing teachers have to assess all the 35 students in these next two
weeks so they can configure the classes.
So it felt like he was literally ripped from my womb.
It is still freaking me out that I haven't had a chance to talk with
the teacher. I am REALLY looking forward to back to school night
next week. I can't wait to get in there and help as MUCH as I can.

I feel SO bad for these poor teachers and all that they are having to deal with.
I don't know how Mrs. Meyers can assess and take care of 35 kids.
They are AMAZING!!!

Noah went right in without another thought. He is so good that way.

He is enjoying his new class and his teacher Mrs. Meyers.

He apparently is 1 of 3 Noah's in his class. Poor kid.

I realize I sound like a crazy control freak. I am just so used to having it done a certain

way so school is definitely going to take some getting to used to.

I just can't wait for this next week and hopefully we can get into a new schedule and routine!

Mom's Work

I told Jeff last night that I was giving him my 2 weeks notice, I think he thought I was joking, but at the moment I was totally serious. He didn't take my resignation, maybe I should put it in writing??

If you couldn't tell it has been a LONG week. We have been completely cooped up inside, which is not my favorite. When I started my Mommy journey years ago I thought it would be all fun and play, lots of cute moments. But no one told me that those moments are very few and far between. I was not at all prepared for the real life of a mommy. Those who are mom's know what I am talking about.

I wish I could say I was better at handling the bad days, the life happens moments but sadly I am not. I need constant reminders that this is a journey try and be happy, stop stressing and enjoy it.

Being a mom is hard there is no boss giving a pay check or a bonus, it is work work work. And even the wonderful glorious breaks are filled with worry and sometimes regret at what you might be missing.

I love my cute little faces even at the worst moments they do brighten the days, even I try harder to ignore that and stay grumpy. It is a lot of work and while I need to remember that there may not be a reward today I know there will be one someday. That my children having me here is rewarding. I am so lucky.....today I am trying to remember that, sad that I need to be reminded but hey I am only human. I must give a shout out to the hubs, who listens to me complain who I know would rather be here than anywhere else. Even if I am a huge grump some days.

Today I am thankful for my 3 boys who reminded me of my reward, for the Lord's tender mercies in my life, and for a loving, kind and overly PATIENT husband. I am blessed and this is good work.

Because there are moments like these....

Being a Mom is a roller coaster of ups and downs. Hard days and fabulous days. this photo was a few weeks ago. Sawyer wanted to cuddle. He has been horribly hard lately, but just when I think I might loose it, he does the cutest, kindest thing, which reminds me that he has a pure little heart and yes we have some work to do, but it's not in vain and it will take work. I am so lucky to be here everyday to witness every moment!

First Day of School 2009

Noah LOVES his preschool. He has been looking forward to going back for weeks! Unfortunately he missed his first day because he was recovering from our trip. He was so excited to go! He picked out his new Superman shirt and of course his "checkers" as he calls him he loves his new slip on vans.

I was hoping to get a few pictures once we got to school but he ran straight to the back yard and never looked back. I barely got a kiss goodbye. He was so happy to get back and see a lot of his old friends from last year and meet a few new friends.

 

 

He is such a social friendly little guy. I just love my Noah he is getting so big and it KILLS me that he will be in elementary school next year!
Tomorrow he was asked to bring a picture of his car he drives to school in.....he wanted to stand next to it!

 

Noah also got to go on a day date with Aunt Lisa today....he hasn't stopped talking about it. He was so happy when he went to bed and had a fabulous time. Thanks Aunt Lisa for making him feel extra special!!!!



Grandma Jody brought over these baseball jammies....I had to take pictures of my matchy boys....they are so fun.

 

Even though they keep me super super busy I am so grateful for this time with them. These first four years as a mom has gone by so quickly I am sure when they are all in school I am going to wish I could be at home with them all day. I love being a mommy to these cute little men....I never thought I would be a mom to all boys but lately I can't imagine having it ANY other way!

SHUT-IN

I know no one is going to believe me when I say this but.....I am becoming a SHUT-IN!

I am serious. I am to this point. Sawyer is at that oh so lovely age where he has chosen to forget all the words he knows, so instead of talking his way out of a problem he hits, bites, scratches, you name it he does it. So for fear of other children I am not leaving the house. Well atleast not to play. The park is no fun I am too busy chasing the kid all over said park. Same with the pool, beach, lake. YUCK. All while I am carrying Ryder around (who refuses to stand on his feet) Though I don't blame him why would the kid walk when everytime he stands he gets knocked down by his LOVING brothers....(input sarcasm) I told Jeff that we need the Costco swing set in the backyard so I NEVER have to leave. Then I can get into sewing and finally catch up on my scrapbooking.

I figure by the time I get Sawyer out of this stage then Ryder will start. SO if you don't see us for awhile I am done and becoming a shut in. So don't worry I haven't fallen off the wagon completely. At least not yet!

Why I love being a Mom......

I love being a mom....and really I know that most people on this blog won't believe that but I do. I complain....I need to work on that sorry all my friends at the park today. Please still love me. I am working on it. Anyway I had a great fabulous weekend. Full of mom's and FULL of love!

On Thursday I had my first Mothers luncheon with Noah. It was so cute. They sang some little songs. It was a very fun afternoon.



Then on Saturday we went out to celebrate with Jeff's mom. We went to a yummy breakfast, had some sprinkles cupcakes and lots of fun!
I had the boys make Jody this apron...it turned out very precious.

Jeff, Patrice, Grandma Jody and the boys.

The group for breakfast!


Mothers day morning all ready for church.


On Sunday I was spoiled rotten I got a pretty necklace and a sweet card. We then headed out to Temecula my Mom gave a great talk. Thanks again mom for all the sweet things you said. Really how did we not get ANY pictures?? We went to my Grandparents for a fabulous dinner. Cari's husband Sam made the most amazing meal. I still want more!! I had a great day!!!

I am so lucky to have such great women in my life. Great examples. I am so blessed. I hope that all of you mama's had a wonderful day!!

Today is Ryder's ten month birthday.....crazy I really need to post about that soon!
Noah said the cutest thing the other day. I was sitting on the couch and Noah came up and was like mom daddy loves you he picked you out from heavenly father. It was seriously so cute!!! I just had to remember that!

Easiest decision of my life!

First let me say I am not writing this to offend those of you who have made different choices in your own life...this is simply what works for us and finally getting a little recognition from a credible source.


Like I said in my previous post I had just gotten this new book...I have about fifty more pages but I am just exploding to talk about it. IF you are an At Home Mom.....go buy this book. Don't wait for the library this is a book you are going to want on your shelf in the years ahead. Heck tell your hubby you want it for Mother's Day.

When I got pregnant with Noah Jeff and I didn't even need to have any conversation about the possibility of me working it simply wasn't an option. I am so grateful that we had that understanding and that I have a WONDERFUL husband who supports that decision and even in our hardest of times has not asked me to do so. We have made MANY sacrifices like so many others to make this happen. I would not trade it for the world I would rather rent a house for the rest of my life if it means I can be here for our children....I didn't have these boys so that someone else could raise them. Dr. Laura does talk about those who have to work and how important it is to do so not durning the hours when your children need mothering. And really they are only little for so long once they are in school I will have many hours to fulfill jobs or things I have always wanted to do.

I know I couldn't handle it if I missed the daily moments, the little milestones that happen every day in my children's lives. Not to mention the daily chances to teach my children the values that we as a family feel important.

Now it wouldn't be a Dr. Laura book with out her bringing you down to earth. And she has a few chapters about being the kind of wife your husband needs. The importance of not one upping each other and not being a brat when it comes to complaining to your hubby about your seemingly hard day. Something I am so beyond guilty of especially this time of year.

While this is often the most selfless job with out a pay check it is easy to discount the importance of it.

I am so grateful to Jeff for working so hard to insure that I can stay home and raise our boys. I am so lucky...and even on the days when I want to lock myself in the bathroom I have it good. There are many many mothers out there who have to struggle with this situation who have husbands that don't value these same things.

I used to watch a little boy when I had Noah and I thought I loved that kid....really I liked him a lot and I like to think that we were good to him....but I also know that no matter how much I cuddled and loved him, it is in no way compared to that of his own mother.

I wouldn't take this away from my kids for anything. I love every moment with them....even the crazy hectic ones.


Now really I hope you mothers read this book and I hope enjoy your time with your children. I already feel like these young years are going by way to fast. I can't believe I almost have a four year old.
I hope that I have not offended anyone with my insights and comments about this book. And those that are my friends that is why I love you because we can be different and still be friends.
(Also know if you disagree and choose to leave me a nasty comment I will delete it. And I will show you courtesy when you blog about things that I don't always agree with it by not leaving mean comments.)
And if you hung to the end.....come over and I will give you a cookie because you deserve one!!!

SEVEN

Seven is the number of straight hours of sleep I got the past TWO nights. That's right after six and a half months of every three hours I finally said enough is enough. Ryder has taken up bed in his carseat in the other room. It has been a much needed blessing as since he has begun teething he has been screaming all day everyday unless I am standing and holding him. He has been by far my most challenging baby.....first the NICU, then the horrible collic and now the HORRIBLE teething. The poor thing, plus he hates baby food and when he eats it he gets horrible gas....seriously if you are ever with me and get a wiff know now it is not me you won't believe me they are the stinkiest farts ever!!


I know that most of you think I am nuts because he is so happy when we are out and about and happy when he is held but I assure you do not let this face fool you. I try so hard to just breath and remember that he is my little baby and I try to enjoy him. Yesterday I was so frustrated.....I had to put him in his bed and just walk away for fear that I would scream at him or loose my mind. I just wish he could tell me what he needs so that we could enjoy him ALL the time.

Look at those poor eyes this was after three plus hours of non stop crying...my poor baby! He is such a dear!

Here are the hams they are loving getting their pictures taken lately...such posers

Thankful Thursday....part 2......

I almost forgot about this today....really doing this blogging thing once a day is kind of a pain. At first I thought it was great but it is harder than I thought. BUT the month is almost over!! However I am enjoying thankful Thursday's and I may continue this one after November.

1. I am thankful for parents. Jeff and I very blessed with great parents, parents who are wonderful Grandparents, our boys enjoy each of them and get so excited about seeing each of them. They are always helpful and supportive and we are very blessed.
2. I am thankful for hand prints. It seems like every where I turn my boys are making messes upon messes but I grateful for those cute little hand prints and I am sure some day I will miss them.
3. I am thankful for Jeff. It has been a busy week around here and he is so helpful allowing me to get out and knowing how happy it makes me. Just like my cute earrings he let me buy because I was feeling down. LOVE THEM. LOVE HIM.
4. I am thankful that Noah gets to go to preschool. Not only for the obvious reasons of me getting five hours a week with just two kids but he is learning so much. I feel like he is making good friends and loving it all. He loves to sing and do sharing they are his favorite things. Or so he tells me.
5. I am thankful for cookies....It was the ONLY way I was going to get a shopping trip this morning with my firey red Head. (Seriously his hair matches his sassy attitude these days)
6. I am thankful for a clean house....although that is rare and almost impossible, I love when it looks nice!!

7. I am thankful for my blog....it brings me great joy and I have so much fun keeping this journal. I love looking back and reading over our journey!!!

Today while I was on the phone with the bank Sawyer TRIED to share his fruit snacks with Ryder he shoved an entire fruit snack in his mouth. I am thankful, that I got it out, turning him upside basically, I am thankful for not panicking and lastly thanks to the personal banker for not calling CPS really I am not a bad mom....things happen right?
This is such a great reminder.......ENJOY and if you feel so inclined try yourself you won't be sorry.

Gaining Perspective.........

Today I am really trying hard to remember that someday I will be old and they will be bigger. They won't always be screaming at the top of their lungs in costco, or bringing me bugs from outside, asking to watch the same movie over and over. I will be the one begging them for wubs. I am really trying today, REALLY TRYING!