October 2010

Hellleeeww!!!  How has your October been?  Ours was just fab!

Let me see if I can recap it.  Pictures must wait, though.  Chris and I are trying to figure out storage of all of our pictures.  How do yall do it?  Here is what we are thinking...

1. Put most of the pics we have on our computer onto our external hard drive, as well as Picasa online.

2. Then delete them off our our Mac to make room for all the other ones (i have about 600 fun memories on my camera as we speak,  type/read)!

3. Try to keep this up anytime I download pics onto our computer.  I just hate to think all of our pics would be lost.  Our "puter" is gettin' old (well, it's 5 years old) and the thought of it crashing has crossed my mind a lot! 


Onto the month of October...
The month started off with our birthday celebrations!  Chris turned 30 and I turned 29!  My b-day was pretty low-key.  My mom was in town and she took me shopping at Anthropologie and then we went to Whole Foods to get my mini- birthday carrot cake - yumm!!!  Chris turned 30, five days after me.  Our sweet friend, Arica kept the kids for us that night.  We went out to a yummy restaurant - The Post and Beam - a farmhouse built in the 1800's converted into a culinary delight.  Then we got a hotel room for the night.  It was so nice to not be woken up during the night AND to be able to sleep in and have a yummy breakfast (that I didn't cook or clean up!!)

The next weekend, Chris, Harper, and I flew to Raleigh, NC to see Dave Ramsey LIVE with my mom, Nancy, Will, Johnny, and Meghan!  Mom had gotten us these tickets as early Christmas presents.  If you read my sister's blog, you know that she and Will are HUGE Dave Ramsey fans!  They have rocked the baby steps' socks off over the last 3 years.  I honestly would applaud them on the side, but think there would be NO WAY we could do this due to our family's rapid growth.  I always thought it was a cool concept, but didn't know how we would do it!  Well, after this awesome day with family, we learned SOOOO much, and have now gotten on the baby steps train!  Which led to the craziness of the next few weeks.  Go HERE to read about the baby steps.

Harper, stayed with Dad & Leslie, Ryan and Reba while we were at the event.  She had a blast playing with them and her cousins, Kyler and Niko!!  Chris and I flew home on Sunday morning, and Harps stayed with mom and Nancy over the next week.  While she was away, I had 4 1/2 days with just the boys.  And since they were still taking 2 naps a day (they just dropped that precious morning nap), I had two, 4 hour periods of hard work getting ready for our garage sale.  When we went to the Dave Ramsey event, we went with a little debt- but it is still debt!   (side note: One couple that was there had paid off a RIDICULOUS amount of money ($600,000)!!Dave's baby steps work!!)  So, when we got home, we were very motivated  and got a crackin'!  We put stuff on craigslist, and then had a ginormous yard sale last weekend!  And guess what??!?!  Just with that intense 'gazelle' (Dave Ramsey peeps will get that term) focus,

WEEEE'RRRRREEEE  DEEEEEEBBBBBTTTTT  FFFFFRRRRREEEEEE!!!! 

Once we actually get the last debt paid (we have the money, just haven't handed it over yet), I think we are going to call the show!!  Listen in for us!  :-)  We are now working on baby step 3...saving to have 3-6 months of expenses saved in the bank to provide for our family should a rough patch of life be thrown at us, we wouldn't have to go into debt.  I do have to say, it is a balancing act to let this new way of life not become something you worship.  We have to remember that it is God who provides for our every need!  He is the one on the Throne!  We are just trying to be smart with our money, tell it where to go, how it will be spent, so that we honor God with it, and one day Give Give Give

After the yard sale last weekend, we have been in recuperation mode this week. Everyone has had runny noses, feeling yucky, low grade fevers, etc. I even had a complete tear-filled breakdown over the grocery list/budget because I was so tired!  This weekend, we are looking forward to hunkering down, watching movies, having family time, etc. 

Oh, the other BIG news.... all three boys are walking now!!  Maverick was first, followed by Crews about 2 weeks later, then Warner (who once made up his mind caught up to Maverick's skill level really fast!). Crews is still deciding what mode of transportation he likes best - walking or monkey crawling.  He still does a little of both.  All the boys finally got their 1 year molars in, so life is gooooood! 

Harper is loving her 2-day preschool.  She is learning so much, and dearly loves Miss Judy and Miss Cynthia.  She will 'pretend' call them all the time, and ask if they are at the grocery store or at home - lol!   I love seeing her imagination develop as she plays with her babies or ponies.  She is so fun, and tells me daily, 'Mommy, I love you so much, you are my best fwiend. ' Precious girl! 

If you made it this far, thanks for reading!  We are doing great!

Hopefully, pics will come soon :-)

10/10/10 = Chris' 30th Birthday!!!

Happy Birthday to You

 (taken from The Knot website)

Happy Birthday to You

 

 Happy Birthday Dear Chris

(the most wonderful hubby and daddy in the world)

Happy Birthday to You

(four generations)

You are so very loved!!!

Love~

Your Five BIGGEST Fans

(Wifey, Harper, Warner, Crews, & Maverick)

Swallowed Up By Life

I have been swallowed up by life.  As I very well should be.  Just busyness with four babes under 2.  That statement still blows my mind.  Here are some things we've been up to:

 Harper...mothering the boys, as usual, with both of her hands on their heads.  Crews playing the "where's Crews?" game.  The other two watching Yo Gabba Gabba (no shame!) :-D 

Maverick - This little mister has been walking for a couple of weeks now, and he is getting really good at it!  I so love to see him toddle here and there...his pudgy little feet trying to hold up his toddle-y body.  I could just eat him up because he is so cute with his curly sandy brown hair and round, chubby little cheeks and big, blue-as-the-ocean eyes. 

 

look at those curls! yumm!! I will let you in on a little secret.  The sweetest kissy spot is found right there on that little neck roll.  It is disappearing daily as these sweet babies become little boys right before my eyes!

 This little cutie has also discovered that he can climb onto the couch, from there, climb onto the back of the couch, and climb up onto the bar.  Mommy DOESN'T think it is so cute when he does this.  Two words when I first saw this: heart-attack. 

Crews - Crewsie Bug (as he is known around here - I wonder if he will ever know his name is just Crews) is a funny, smart little boy!  Oh he loves his Mama so very much.  M & W come give me snuggles when they *want* to, but Crews would snuggle with me all the live long day if I could.  He has severe separation anxiety if  I leave him...sometimes even if I just leave the room.  The other day I went to Bible study at a friend's home.  I take all of the boys with me & a precious lady watches the boys in a playroom upstairs.  Well, when I arrived, I took Crews inside and left the other two out in the car while I got him set up.  I left him in the arms of my friend, Kellye, and when I had returned with the other two, Crews had worked himself up so bad that he had barfed all over the floor.  Since I wasn't sure if it was a bug or just a cry-so-hard-u-throw-up deal, we said hello and goodbye in about 5 mintues.  It ended up being just a cry-so-hard-you-throw-up deal (praise the LORD!  I dread the day the stomach enters our home).  Another little tid-bit about Crews is that he has been fooling us!  He will take a few steps here & there, but knows he wants to be carried everywhere!  The other day Bekah was here and she said Crews just walked across the living room!!!  I told her it had to be Maverick, but I look down at my feet and Maverick was right there with me!!  Lol!  I have yet to see Crews do this, but I totally wouldn't put it past him...clever little guy!   Here is Crews doing his new kissy/fishy face - so cute!

Warner - Has been so funny lately.  He is constantly babbling away... no words, just lots and lots of babble. (all of them babble- it just seems that he is the constant one!) It made me worry a little bit b/c none of the boys have been talking & Harper was already saying about 10 words at her 1st b-day.  (once again the difference between girls and boys is just crazy!)  But, I spoke with the doctor and he said no big deal...as long as they were saying/signing 4 words by 18 months they would be right on track.  He also said it is not uncommon for there to be a delay with multiples because they create their own language.  Awesome...hope I can learn it!  :-)  Anyway, W is always babbling away or just yelling...we say he will be a preacher, politician, or singer b/c he HAS to be heard - LOL!  He definitely has his opinion about things. He shows no interest of walking on his own.  He will walk when pushing a toy, but he will not try to take any steps between two people, nor will he walk if you hold his hands.  He is a stubborn little thang, but is such a cutie patootie. 

Seriously, look at that hair!  It is styled so lovely with peas or apples or something.  I love how all my kiddos have curls.  My hair is stick straight.  The only curly headed person I can think of is Chris' mom, Jo...so THANKS Jo Jo!!! :-)

Harper - This big sister has been cracking us up lately!  One funny little girl!  She has been attending a Mother's Day Out program at our church and is absolutely loving it!  She is learning so much and her teachers say she is a very good helper.  I am very proud of her as she is the youngest in the class, but is completely holding her own!  She pottys well, naps, is kind to her friends, and is a helper!  I think she enjoys being out of the house for a little bit, too.  So, a few funny stories about Harper:

#1- I love that she has started becoming quizzical.  The infamous 'why' questions are beginning!  Sometimes they drive me nuts, but I also love that her mind is trying to figure things out.  I was putting her to bed the other night, and we were saying our prayers.  Mid-prayer she asks me, "Mommy, I want to see Jesus."  I tried to explain to her that we can't see Jesus with our eyes.  He lives in Heaven, but one day He can live in her heart if she asks Him to.  She said, ' but I want to seeeeeeee him.'  I replied, 'well, we can't see him with our eyes.'  This went back and forth for a little bit until she said, ' But, I really want to see his hair.'  LOL!  She must have seen a picture of Jesus & how he has long hair.  Oh she cracks me up!

#2- So, Harps has been doing fantastic potty training!  Staying dry all night & day!  I'm so proud of her.  She is finally not asking for M&M's anymore - maybe once a week.  Anyway, the other night she announced she needed to go potty.  I told her she could go by herself.  So off she went.  The next thing I know she is crying/yelling at the top of her lungs. I am thinking she has seen a bug or she has fallen into the potty.  Well, I walk in there and she is standing by the potty with her panties and shorts around her ankles.  I asked her what was wrong.  She told me she tried to wee-wee like Daddy and it didn't work.  Sure enough, I had missed the giant puddle she was standing in!!! (On the off chance you are wondering why she watches Chris go to the bathroom - she doesn't/hasn't in a very very looooooong time!  She must have remembered from a while ago.) Poor thing will *really* want to stand up to go potty once her brothers start potty training!!

Also, that reminds me, I recorded on twitter the other day that for the first time in 14 months we ran out of diapers!  Our church family has been so amazing to us!!  In fact, we didn't even run out because our sweet Jean (who comes to watch the boys for me on Thursday) came to our rescue with diapers in tow...and she wouldn't even let me pay for them!  God has truly provided, and we are so thankful.  I also roughly estimated that the boys (not including Harper) have used more than 9,000 diapers in 14 months!  Crazy! 

And one more pic of the boys eating at the BIG table.  Still haven't made the complete switch over, but it's fun every now and then.  I cant wait for the day where we all sit down to dinner as a big family & all the seast are filled at the table! 

 That's it for now.  I finally unloaded all the pics from my camera, so I have a ton of things to blog about.  I just need to find the time to do it!  Can anyone spare a few hours?!  ;-)

Night night~
ML

V-I-C-T-O-R-Y

...that's our pooping battle cry!!!

(FYI: A very long post that is filled with lots of poop talk...don't say I didn't warn ya!  Read the first paragraph if you want a quick summary... continue to read added details if you want the looong version.)

To sum up the day(Wednesday, August 25)... Harper pooped in the potty around 7:55pm tonight. Yes, I documented the time because that is how much it meant to me. And this poop was initiated on her own.  After a very loooooong day of her rebelling to the idea of pooping on the potty, she finally gave in without a fuss. Well, maybe I should revise that and say, after rebelling to MY idea of pooping on the potty.  Maybe she didn't need to go earlier & I was trying to hard to make her.  Once I left her alone...success!!

And, here is the much longer version for my records when I need to potty train the boys.  Let's back up a bit.  I am almost certain my memory will shut this day out.  So, here's the potty 411 on Harper.  Since Harper was 18 months old or so I have had her sit on the potty before bath time.  She was always very interested when I would go potty, so I would let her try.  She would be so proud when she would tee-tee!  I never made it a big deal, though.  Just let her try here and there.

I bought her princess and Minnie Mouse underwear right before her 2nd birthday.  Every now and then I would pull it out and tell her when she was a big girl and wanted to go weewee and poopoo on the potty, she could wear these.  She would smile and say okay.  I may have let her try them on once or twice, but I told her to tell me when she was ready.  Off they would go and we would put a diaper back on her bummie.

I kind of started freaking out, feeling pressure that i should train her back after she turned 2.  So many of my friends were training their little ones; however, I would always go back to the fact that we would be going to NC for 2 1/2 weeks and I didn't want to ride on a plane with a newly potty-trained child (and 3 other babies!!).  While we were at my mom's house, Harper *loved* how the potties were so much closer to the ground than ours are at home.  She could get on and off without a step.  She just about 'weewee trained' herself there because the potties were so fun for her.  She would just whip her diaper off, go weewee and ask me to put another one on!  She also did NOT like being wet & wanted to be changed immediately.  I knew that these were very positive signs!  I started talking up potty training while we were in NC - telling her when she got back home, she would be able to be a big girl, wear her panties and go on te potty like Mommy and Daddy. 

While we were in NC, one of the last nights, Aunt Nancy took her to the potty.  Harper said she wanted to talk and asked Nancy to sit down.  According to Nancy, they talked about emotions - happiness and sadness -LOL!!  And, about how when you are a big girl you poop on the potty.  Nancy was telling H that she poops on the potty, and Mommy poops on the potty, and, well, you get the idea.  (sorry, Minks, for outing you...I think she had Will convinced bf they were married that she was the one girl on the face of the earth who didn't poop...oh, young love.)  Ahem, back to the story...  and then, all of a sudden we here, 'SHE POOPED!!!SHE POOPED!!!' coming from the bathroom!  Harper was just as surprised as all of us were!  It was soooo funny!  But it showed her that she could do it!!!  She was ready!!!

Once we got home, I had planned to start training on a Thursday - was actually planning on starting tomorrow, August 26 , so Chris would be home and we could watch her like a hawk.  Well, last Thursday she woke up and told me, "Mommy, I'm ready to wear those panties."  I had pulled some out and laid them on her changing table the night before to put something away. I forgot to put those back!  So, yay!   I told her she needed to keep them dry.  She did great.  I just let her lead me when she was wet.  I figured she would tell me if she needed to go, or if her panties were wet.  I didn't ask her at all if she needed to go potty.  She stayed dry & went potty a couple of times before naptime.  I told her we would put a pull-up on for naptime...to which she said no to.  She stayed dry through naptime.  She stayed dry through the afternoon.  At bedtime she wanted to wear panties.  I triple-sheeted her bed (stacked fitted sheet/ then ultimate crib sheet - USC (waterproof)/sheet/UCS/Sheet/UCS/Sheet) so we could have fast middle of the night bed changes.  To our surprise, she stayed dried!!! 

She did have an accident the next night & totally freaked out.  But she has stayed dry since then!!!  I do make her wear a pull-up at night b/c I have been sick & need sleep, but we will soon tackle that! 

Poop has been a bit of an issue. I ended up calling two of my friends to share my potty training woes (which are next to none - thankfully!)  Both had great ideas of prune juice, sticker books, making sure her feet were flat on an object (which I think was the ticket), etc.  It was so nice to have other mommies to talk to about the stress of messy potty training. 

So that brings us to today...well, tonight.  I was, ironically, up to my elbows in poop (the boys' not hers) when she told me she had to go potty.  I told her she had to go by herself b/c I couldn't help her.  She went into the bathroom and was in there for a while.  Thankfully, she wasn't yelling for me to come sit with her.  I think she knew I was at my limit as far as what I could do.  The boys were yelling and I was trying to wrangle them into their pjs.  After a few minutes she yelled, "MOMMY!!!  I did it!!!  I poopooed in the potty!!!!!"  I jumped up (I think I left a baby half naked, but I was soooo excited!)  Sure enough, there was a poop!  We both squealed! After getting all cleaned up, she celebrated by having not just one m&m, not just two m&ms, but a little bowl of m&ms!!!  I told her she could have so many because she pooped on her own! 

It is official!  Since August 25, 2010 at 2 1/2 years old (30 months), she has done fantastic!  I definitely try to keep her fiber intake up.  And, I do have her drink a little prune juice mixed with apple juice each day, but other than that I haven't had to do anything else!  She is a pooping machine & poops several times a day now!  Very much unlike her diaper pooping.  Just the other day, she told me she needed to go potty.  I was in the middle of doing something I couldn't leave, so she went by herself.  She was in there for a little while, so I guessed she was pooping & would call for me when she was done.  Nope! She did poop, but she also wiped, flushed, & washed her hands by herself!!  I checked to make sure all was clean - lol!  And she did a perfect job!!!  Where did my baby go?!?  I didn't think the independence would swoop in so fast!  Well, it is nice not to have to deal with 4 diapers 5 times a day...now, only 3!  :-)

Good job Harper!  I'm so proud of you little lovey!  Have I ever told you that you are the most perfect sister to three little boys?!?!  Well, you are.

Love you, darling
(written on August 25, published on blog Sept. 9th)

Wordless Wednesday: When Mom Isn't Looking

I know this is supposed to be wordless, but he (don't know what baby) climbed into the sleeve of my robe and was crawling around the living room!  Hilarious!


 

When Mama's Sick

  These pictures just prove life doesn't stop when you are a mom and you are sick.

Hey Mom!  Why are you laying down?!? 
 

Nurse Harper

It's okay Mama.

This sun felt soooo good!

 After coughing my head off for over a week, I gave in and went to the doctor.  Came home with 3 prescriptions.  I do know that I am getting better though.

Tea Time with a Toddler

What do you do when you have lemons?  Make lemonade!  

I *used to* dread babies waking up from their naps.  I know, I know, not exactly "mother of the year" attitude, but there are just so many difficult parts about waking up...grumpiness, sleepies, frustration, hunger, the 'crazy' hour before dinner, survival...okay, I think my point was made.  

So, I decided to do something fun so Harper and I would look forward to waking up from naptime.  We have started having tea time!!  And it is oh so much fun!!  

I put on classical music or an instrumental praise cd and we have a tea party.

I have tea (usually peppermint).  She has juice and water.

Then we have a fun little snack - one day it was nutella on pita bread with a dollop of whip cream.

Another day it was grapes and peanuts.

Another it was chocolate chip cookies and apples.  

I try to make it something fun and something with protein 

(so we don't crash from the sugar in 30 minutes).

 My favorite part is Harpie's little bracelet that she says she *must* wear during 'tea time dah-ing.' (ps hearing a two year old speak with a teensy Brittish accent is about the most hilariously cute thing you have ever heard!!) 

My other favorite part is she doesn't fight naptime anymore because she curls up in her bed and looks at me with her big brown eyes and says, 'Tea time when I wake up?'  And I say, 'of course dah-ling.'  and then we giggle.  And the she goes to sleep.  And then, this is what we do... 

(not every day, but most week days)

I bought this little piggy cup for Harper when she was about 8 months old.  I was not even pregnant with the trio yet.  I wonder if it was foreshadowing at all?!?!  ;-)  

I think we will try to keep this as special mother-daughter time.  Maybe I will do popcorn and race cars or Thomas the Train with the boys when they are bigger.  Something fun for sure!


***********************************************

Annnd, second of all, how do y'all respond to people's comments?  Is it best to respond to you by finding your blog & commenting, or should I respond on my comments?   What if you don't have a blog?  I want to talk back to you, but don't know how!!  For now, I think I am going to use the first part of my blog for my post and the second part for responding. We'll see how that works!


Comment Response:
Anonymous - Thank you so much for your comments!  After re-thinking bath night, I will not bathe my children all together by myself any more!  It is pure craziness!!

Ashely - what do you do with your kiddos now that they roam?  Is it any easier pre-dinner?!  Or should I expect to keep pack-n-plays around until my children leave for college.  :-)

  SweetPsNaPod- O I have wanted to talk to you so many times, and I cannot for the life of me figure out how to 'find' you!!!  I think we could have so much to share with each other!  :-)  I love the Maxwell books - they are so helpful and informative!  If you go to their website, they have a template in a word document that you can open up.  I then copied & pasted that into an excel template & color coded as I went.  It did take me a while (couple of hours spread out), but I love the outcome!  And I made several different days b/c we have no two days that look exactly alike!  :-)

Tara - yay for Target and Sonic runs!!!  We would be two peas in a pod if lived close by!  I'm sure we would be doing stuff together all the time!!  Next summer for sure!!  :-)  Love you

Okay, well this will work for now!  Feel free to post!  Thanks to my friend, Tara, I have leared the secret of posting several posts in one sitting (thank you Picasa - you have rocked my world!)  I may not check back until later in the week, but I will eventually respond! 

All my love~
Mary Lindsey

Catch Up

We have had a pretty big two weeks here.  Let me sum it up...


Scheduling- I got my two books that I was so excited about from The Maxwells (not John, but Steve & Teri).  Homeschooling with A Meek & Quiet Spirit and Managers of Their Homes.  WOW!  I highly recommend these books!  Especially if you are a stay at home mom!  Much of the info is geared toward homeschooling, but so much is useful even if you aren't "schooling."  They are very intent on creating a schedule for your home.  I've always been one to live by a schedule, but this is like schedule on steroids!  LOL!  Let me see if I can take a snapshot of my schedule...

Everybody who is home has a job/something they are supposed to be doing every hour of the day.  Yes it does seem kind of rigid, but it is completely a guide for what we are 'supposed' to be doing during that hour.  There are so many wonderful things to a schedule: DVD time (to cut down on TV watching), scheduled time that I am 100% with my kids nothing distracting me, and....What has brought the biggest change to our house is Alone Time.  As you know, if you've been reading my blog for sometime, dinner time is CRAZY for us!  No matter what I've done I always feel like someone is pulling at me or whining or it's just not pleasant.  I'm frazzled when Chris walks in the door.  He completely understands, but I am not creating a welcoming environment for him (which is a true desire of my heart).  Here is the solution that we have found works for our family: individual play!  I separate them out - one is in a pack-n-play in my room, one in his crib, one in the playroom (babyproofed!), and Harper is in her room.  They get 1-2 toys or books in their crib/room (except the one in the playroom gets MANY toys to choose from), and complete silence.  I rotate what room they are in each day so it's new.  They don't have that any other time completely alone during the day.  And, guess what?!?  My house is *almost* as peaceful at dinner prep time as it is at naptime.  I serve dinner with a smile and greet Chris with a kiss!  Amazing!!!  There are also so many other incredible tips in there!  Completely worth the purchase!


We Dropped A Nap 
(Edited to add: I wrote this part during the boys *only 1 1/2 hour nap (they are used to sleep 4 hours during the day)....yeah, our day was terrible after they woke up, so we aren't dropping a nap yet.  But I'm leaving this section in here for my sake b/c I know we are in transition to this!)

Well, this isn't a done deal, but I think we are pretty close!  They boys were sleeping from 10-11:30 in the morning and then from 2-4.  I really needed the 2-4 hour to sleep or to do something that I can't do with babies crawling around and needing me.  The last few days they have slept great at the 10am nap & terrible at the 2 nap.  So, I figured we would see how they would do today.  They melted down around 12:30, so I gave in and put them down at 12:45.  I would love to make it to 1, but I'm sure we will work our way there.  Hope they take a good loooooong nap today!  Harper went down early, too, but I still hear her stirring around up there.  It may take a few days to iron out the wrinkles, but I'm looking forward to have a good solid 2 hours back to myself again. :-)
 One Less In Diapers
Harper is doing fantastic on potty training!  I feel like it is safe to say this b/c I'm almost done with the post on how we potty trained her.  I want to remember what i did to refer back to with the boys.  However, I'm sure that they will train completely different than her! :-) 


Took the Kids to Target Like A Big Girl
I have been wanting to do this for a while, but I would always get so nervous!  My biggest fear was getting them in and out of the car.  I didn't even care if they had meltdowns in the store... I figured people would pity me & just understand - lol.  I was scared of the lack of control/ attention I have when I am focusing on strapping one in & leaving the other 3 unattended.  It wasn't nearly as bad as I thought.  They were right there with in arms reach & sat like perfect angels. 

I really wanted to get out of the hosue today.  After the last 2 Wednesdays - one you read about here and the other one last week consisted of begging a child to poop on the potty.  I couldn't really handle the thought of another day inside for so long.  I figured today would be the day!  I got everybody dressed and in the car by 10:15.   I felt silly, but I prayed the Lord would go before us and cover our path at Target.  Do you know that he provided a parking space RIGHT beside a cart stall AND a baby buggy too waiting in that cart stall!?!  I unloaded all 4 babes.  (I had given Harper a good pep talk before we went).  We strolled in with smiles on our faces and went straight to get popcorn and water to keep Harper entertained.  The boys were sooo funny...completely mezmerized by all that was in Target.  Nobody really fussed until we stopped to look at hooks to hang on the bathroom wall for their towels - that was not entertaining at all!  Other than that little fussy, they were angels!  The funniest part was when we drove by all the TVs on the wall.  The boys just stopped and stared with their mouths hanging open.  It was hilarious!  Such boys.  Here is a picture of the gang:

Anyway, after we got home life was going great...I felt together, I had run by Sonic on the way home to get lunch (grilled cheese).  I popped in Yo Gabba Gabba for the kids to watch while I got everything ready.  Everyone ate very well.  I changed diapers & then they started melting down.  I tried to hold them off until 1, but we only made it until 12:40.  So down to sleep they went.  I put Harper down early too, but ya know, it just went too smooth.  Harper never even went to sleep.  She was yelling about 20 minutes into her nap.  Then, the boys woke up yelling at 2:15 - only 1 1/2 hours!  Sheesh!  I was exhausted thinking I couldn't do this again.  We still had such a long afternoon.  They all played together in the playroom while I started going through toys trying to clean out and sort for about an hour.  I fed them dinner around 5 (leftover spaghetti & cut up apples - I have no idea why I'm telling all about the food we've eaten today, but oh well).  They were in major need of a bath, so we went upstairs.  This is where all He** broke loose!  Seriously. They were screaming and crying like people were poking needles in their eyes.  Poor guys were just so incredibly exhausted.  Warner ended up throwing up because he was crying so hard.  I had written this on my facebook wall, and look at all the amazing responses i got in return.  I know the Lord strengthened me tonight. I could NOT have done this without Him.  I was able to remain calm and to comfort each baby as I could get to him or her. 



















After baths, I gave them bottles, Harper a snack (ice cream b/c she helped me calm down the boys!), and swept the kitchen.  Then, it was off to bed...they've been asleep since 7:30!  That means an early morning here, so I'm going off to bed too.  Harper has her first day of preschool ("pretty school" as she calls it) tomorrow!  She is ridiculously excited about it!  Oh, that reminds me, I must go pack her lunch! 


Thank you all for the prayers - they truly give me strength!!!


Love & goodnight~
ML

Wordless Wednesday: Bitten by Brother

Happenings Around Here

First of all let me say thank you from the bottom of my heart for all of your comments from my previous post!  If I haven't gotten a chance to thank you personally, know that I couldn't figure out your contact information or I just haven't made it down the list to send you a thank you.  Y'all are so precious and encouraging.   I wish I could hug each one of you! *hug*


1.  It is a guaranteed fact that if I say I am going to blog about something, I never do.  So, never again will I announce what's coming up.  Just can't do it, Captain.  It squelches my creativity.

2.  Harper is potty trained!  My plan was to start this upcoming Thursday.  Well, when she asked to put her panties on this past Thursday, how could I say no?!  I told her she needed to keep Minnie Mouse dry.  She said okay and that was that.  Nap time came & I told her we were going to put a diaper on.  She said she didn't want to.  I told her she might wake up wet and that was okay.  She didn't.  We went straight to the potty & tinkle-tinkled!  The rest of the day was great!  That night, the same thing happened about wanting to put on a diaper.  Nope, didn't want to.  She stayed dry all through the night!!  Woke up that morning and tinkle-tinkled.  Everything went great yesterday, too.  She hadn't pooped yet, though.  She kept saying her tummy was hurting, and I sensed the 'poop-fairy' was hovering.  We had a friend over last night & honestly I think H wanted to hang out more than she wanted to sit in the bathroom. So, I asked her if she wanted to put a diaper on to poop and she said yes.  So, I put one on her and no more that 2 minutes later, the job was done.  Hey, I'm not going to rush her.  I told her I was proud that she knew she needed to poop, but next time lets try the potty.  She said okay.  (we'll see!!)  I know a lot of kids get hung up on going #2 in the potty, so I will let her do it in her time.  She actually already has pooped twice on the potty.  Once while we were at Mom's house and once here.  The common denominator???  Aunt Nancy "The Poop Queen" was here.  So, hopefully, Harper will decide she can poop without Aunt Nancy's soothing voice or pretty face watching her.   I'll keep you posted.  :-) 

3.  I have been coughing my head off.  I look forward to getting over this virus so I can get something done!  Coughing takes so much out of you that I have no energy to clean up.  I keep the house going & the children fed, but as far as appearance goes, it ain't pretty here.  Hoping Monday will bring me some more energy!!!

4.  Goals for the rest of August- Labor Day:

*  Clean out under my sink

*  Clean out linen closet & organize meds

*  Organize Harper's craft drawers

*  Exercise 3 times a week

*  Join Weight Watchers

* Get Harper ready to go to Mother's Day Out -2 days a week (woo-hoo!!!)

5.  Before joining Weight Watchers, I'm going to enjoy the Chuy's creamy jalepeno dip & chips that are awaiting me during this peaceful nap time.  Thanks Arica for bringing it to us last night - 

yum yum!!!!

Hope you all are having a lovely Sunday~

ML

Just So You Know...

blogs can be deceiving.  I never want mine to be one of the deceiving ones.  It is so hard for me to pick out what I want to write down from our days.  Just like many of you, I choose the good memories or the funny memories to blog about because those are the ones i want to remember.  Sometimes I think I want to blog about the tough ones, but then i feel like I'm complaining.  Which, if I'm honest, sometimes I want to complain.

I write this because my heart is hurting for a friend who lost her life recently.  I went to high school with her and many rumors are flying all around about how she lost her life.  I have come to the conclusion that we probably won't know the details this side of heaven.  And honestly, once we are in the presence of the Savior the whys won't matter anymore.  He will be enough.  He is enough.  I am pretty sure she is there now - in His presence, and that gives me comfort.

I am writing this post because I hurt to think that my life on this blog hurt my friend's life at all. The enemy so wants to use small ways to cut us down and hurt us...to make us doubt that we are worth nothing. One way I think he does that is by comparison.  Blogs lend themselves to that.  Most bloggers that I know are moms, and sometimes, i have to say, its hard for me not to compare  myself to them, to you.  I have to watch my train of thought and look at them as examples to follow, not to cut down on what I am or am not doing.

So, I just want to be real tonight.  I have had a stinking hard three days, and it all came unraveling this afternoon. We've been in the re-entry phase of travel.  If you have traveled with small children, you know this phase lasts just about as long as your trip did (2 1/2 weeks for us).   Also, let me add that it's Wednesday, and Chris won't be home until late due to back to school kickoff.  That already starts my day off peachy.  I try to stand tall through the day, but i start withering around 4 knowing backup aint coming through the door. Okay, the scene is set. 

So, back to the afternoon...Harps has wanted me to hold her ever since we got home from NC.   Like not put her down.  Ever.  She was very sick in NC & I did a lot of holding there, but her brothers are getting much more mobile, not to mention are almost as big as she is, so jealousy is there, too.

After telling her no i couldn't hold her for the millionth time, she wouldn't eat dinner because I was giving my attention to the boys to make sure they were eating dinner.  I decided to not fight this battle and take her out of her seat.    Why She could eat later...kids eat when their hungry.  After the boys ate they were covered head to toe in food, so I declared it bath time. Don't get me wrong, I seem like I used great wisdom here, but I continued to feed the boys while giving Harper the cold shoulder.  Really?  Why am I acting like I am 14 to my 2 year old?!?

During bath time (which you know I despise), Harper had a complete tantrum like I have never seen in my life.  I put her in time out because I was so incredibly frustrated at her asking me if she could have toothpaste for her toothbrush (albeit, in a very whiny voice about 843 times).  Did i mention I was in the middle of giving the boys a bath?   They were at their peak of craziness and just about to drown each other.  Harper seriously was screaming, yelling, flailing, gnashing her teeth, and gagging.  I just had to let her have it out right there in the hall way while I took the boys out of the bath and set them in the playroom naked.  I diapered the boys while Harper was throwing her fit.  She was so worked up that even when I came out to try to be all "super nanny" mommy and talk with her she would have none of it.  I decided to do laundry & get the boys their pjs.  We did eventually talk & work things out; however, the story doesn't end there...fast forward to about 45 minutes later.

The boys had their bottles, Harper finally ate dinner and she was eating milk & cookies.  I was cutting everyone's fingernails & wasn't paying attention.  Cutting fingernails is like wrestling a pig...my blood pressure is already high.  Harper was whining for me to hold her again because I had a baby in my lap & it wasn't available for her to crawl in - whining has got to be the most irritating sound on the face of the earth.  How do you teach a child not to whine?!  Anyway, one of the boys pulled Harper's milk off the table (no it was not in a sippy cup - you can't dunk cookies into a sippy cup!) and it spilled all over him (fresh & clean baby!!) and all over the carpet.  I was at my breaking point and just SCREAMED AT THE TOP OF MY LUNGS for a good 7 seconds.  All of my children froze in fear and then all started crying.  Awesome.  I felt like scum for not being able to control my emotions & parent like a... eh...uh.... um...grown-up!!! Where is my self control?!  Anyway, I had to apologize and ask for my childrens' forgiveness.  I put them down to bed upset at me because i seriously am out of stuff to give.  I love them, i do, but I am completely exhausted.  They are safe in their cribs and bed, and are now sleeping...but not without about 15 minutes of crying.  I seriously thought I might go crazy.

On nights like these I do cling to the fact that His Mercies are new every morning - Lamentations 3:22-23.  I take that verse to heart and I do NOT stay up late but RUN to the bed as soon as the house is somewhat put back together! (and after I vent to the blog world)

Who knows if anyone will read this...I really don't know if this even portrays what a crazy day it was... Anyway, motherhood is not glamorous.  It is hard work.  Just thought you should know.  Thanks for listening/reading.

Love~
ML

Edited to Add:  As I was washing dishes, I started think and wanted to add that I am in no way comparing my life to someone who deals with depression.  I had a mild case of postpartum depression after the boys, but nothing severe.  I don't even know if my friend was dealing with that, but I just wanted to be real and let others know that sometimes life is hard and its okay.  Everyones is as sometime.  We have to open up and lean on each other to get through the times. 

Look What's Up

Our Trip with the Trips and Harper

You are the BEST Aunt Nancy!!!

Sneak Peek & Happies

What a great time in NC we had!  

I'm working on a post for the trip but wanted to share this sweet little pic that Aunt Nancy took of us.  

I can't wait to see more!!!

(L to R: Maverick, Me, Harper, Crews, Chris, Warner)

I also have decided to keep on blogging.  Not every day in a row, but I am going to keep it up.  I seriously did not realize how many people read our blog, but after going home & having so many of you tell me how much you love it - I'm going to keep it up!  

Also, just thought i would share my happiness... all 4 babies are sleeping right now and its raining outside.  I'm snuggled in a blanket on my bed.  I just ordered 2 books that I can't wait to get.  I've heard rave reviews from a couple of friends, and thought I would pass the titles along:

* Homeschooling With A Meek and Quiet Spirit

* Managers of Their Homes

both are by Steve and Teri Maxwell

We are thinking/praying about homeschooling our children, but we still have a few years to go before official schooling starts.  However, as you all know, teaching and instruction start the second that your children are born!  I remember the first night Harper was born, Chris and I were doing this:

Trying to *teach* her to sleep!

And, I don't know about you, but teaching isn't always sweet.  I want to be sweet and have a gentle and meek spirit, but sometimes I get so frustrated or frazzled that I am anything but meek & gentle!  That is when I find myself putting Harper in timeout or giving her a spanking - because i want a quick result.  I haven't spent the quality or quantity time instructing her.   So, this book is supposed to be a wonderful guide in teaching moms to have a gentle & meek spirit as they instruct their children.  

I can't wait to get both books in the mail... I'll let you know how I like them!  

Hope you all are having a great end to summer and beginning of the school year.  Just the thought makes me want to go buy new pencils and sharpen them!

Love~

Mary Lindsey

68 is my new goal

Okay, so as many of you have come to realize, I have fall off the 100 days of posting train.  I tried with all of my might to stay on, but I must let go.  I was talking to Nancy last night, and she said, so, just change your goal.  well, duh?!?  So, guess what... my new goal is 68!  And guess what else... I just reached it - YAY!  Let's dance, let's party, let's celebrate!!!!!

This past week has been another busy one.  We celebrated the boys party on Friday.  Saturday we had a good time with my Mom & JoJo & Grandy just hanging out.  Sunday morning Harper woke up with a high fever of 103, which climbed to 104.  She was supposed to leave with Mom on Monday morning, but instead we were visiting the Dr.  She had her first case of strep.  :-(  Warner woke up on Monday night barking like a seal.  Maverick woke up on Tuesday night with a stuffy nose that could not be helped.  I had caught it by Thursday.  So, as you can see, we've been dropping like flies over here.  Mrs. Debbie came by on Thursday and straighted my house like a little cleaning fairie while I slept a little bit.  We are trying to recover before our trip to NC.  

I'm going to take a bit of time away from the blog (uh, like I haven't been already). My mind will be whirling with the packing, traveling, and unpacking .  Please keep our family in your prayers as we venture out into the world.  We will be flying with our little guys, and then staying in 2 different homes (Dads then Moms).  Please pray against sickness & restlessness & for health, safe travel, and good sleep!  

I'll be back sometime in the near future :-)  

Love to all~

ML

Happy Birthday Maverick!!!

9:55 AM

Birth - 5 lbs 12 oz.

Now - 24 lbs.

Macky.  You were supposed to be born 2nd.  They tried to get you out, but you were too big & wedged under my ribs.  Lovely, huh?  So, they took Crews first.  You are the perfect baby of our family...our big, tough guy.  What a curious little guy you have become!  You remind me of your Daddy as you are constant and steady (and a little stubborn).  You were strong from birth and have remained that way.  You have the best laugh and love to laugh.  You, too, are a cuddle bug and like to come up to mom for quick little fixes.  You give me giant slobber kisses all time and will persist until you have made contact with my cheek.  You are a leader to your brothers and will sometimes get all 3 of you in trouble (the candle wax incident, the escaping out of the living, the pulling a socket protector out of the outlet, etc)...you are just so curious.  One of your favorite thing to do is put your face up to the air vent and let it blow cold air in your face - once again making you and us laugh.  My prayer for you, sweet one, is that you would live up to your name, too.  Maverick means a person who refuses to conform to a particular party or group.  I pray that you wouldn't be just a "branded Christian,"  but that you would live the way Christ lived - very different than the culture in which he lived. I pray that you will truly live a life that exemplifies Him and His love - not just what the church expects you to do.  I'm praying that you will be a Maverick for Jesus. Stay curious about life, little man - it is so much more exciting that way!  

I love you,

Mommy