Ready for a bed??

Breanna loves to climb in Trevor's bed every night and pull the covers up to her chin? We were hoping to keep her confined for as long as possible, but is it time to give her a bed of her own?

Mother's Day 2007

What an amazing Day! What a day to be thankful. There was nothing really out of the ordinary about the day really, but it was another day that I got to be here and with my family. Josh made us an amazing breakfast and got me another Willow tree statue to add to my collection of a Mom holding a Baby-precious! The grass is finally green, the leaves are finally coming iout and the flowers are blooming. I still did laundry-we still did chores, but we were together, relaxed and happy. I couldn't have asked for a better Mother's day.

Today, we had the Mother's Day Tea at Trevo'r preschool. The kids made a book listing each one's favorite recipie in their own words. Trevor's was cheeseburgers. Then they sang four "I love you" songs (kleenex anyone?) and gave us cupcakes and iced tea. Most of all, I loved the Hug and Kiss I got from my oldest Boy :) It was so nice just being with him for that time without the other siblings. It was the best present a Mom could ever ask for, and will remember for many years to come:)

1st Day of T-ball

The Monday Laundry Pile!

Lucas 7-8 weeks

This Could apply to any child, how sad is it when that hand is no longer there.....

A Hand to Hold

By Stephanie Borden

Web Exclusive May 7, 2007

My daughter never ceases to amaze me. I spend hours watching her as she explores the world around her, discovers the intricate and varied sights, sounds and textures that make up her world, and tries to make sense of them from her vantage point, close to the ground.
As a relatively new parent, as I am watching her, I also give a lot of thought to how on earth I am ever going to give her everything she needs and keep her safe. How can I foster her independence and still protect her as she ventures farther and farther on her own?
It is pretty easy now. As a toddler, her needs are simple and her world is fairly small. I can keep her away from danger—or danger away from her—with a few well-placed baby gates. But what happens when she climbs over those gates, and onto the school bus? When she wants to go to the mall with her friends, and then off to university or backpacking in Europe? As I think about this, the job of parenting this incredible little girl begins to look Herculean. I want to provide her with all of the physical, mental and emotional tools she needs to grow and to excel at whatever she chooses to do, but how do I do it?
In trying to answer this I think about my own childhood and what I liked and didn't like; what worked and didn't work; what I would have changed and what I would not change for the world. I think about my relationship with my parents and the relationship I want to have with my daughter.
I think about how that relationship will change as she grows from a toddler to a teenager and then to an adult. I think about the storms we will have to weather and the issues we will have to face—potty training, homework, puberty, cars, sex, alcohol. What can I do to ensure that our relationship can not only survive, but also thrive through all of these? Walking through a snow covered field early in the spring, I got my answer.
Myla was just over a year old and had been walking for only a few months. She was still a little wobbly, especially on the uneven, snow-covered ground. Nonetheless, she confidently made her way across the snow, walking on her own, but right beside me. When we reached a particularly rough patch she extended her hand up to me, without stopping and without ever taking her eyes off the ground. I realized that she wanted my help to get across. As soon as we made it over, she let go of my hand and continued on her own. And so this continued for our entire walk.
It was really pretty extraordinary. There were no words and there was no glance up to see if I was there—nothing, but a simple extension of her hand. She knew that I would be there for her to give her the help she needed. When the difficult ground made way for more even, manageable terrain, as it inevitably did (and always does), she let go, and continued on her own.
This, I realized, is my job as her mother. As she grows up and faces new challenges, whether it is a snowy field, potty training, a first day of school, or a broken heart, I must give her the space she needs to explore and navigate the world on her own. However, I have to be close by, watching, cheering and consoling so that when the ground is a little too rough, or the world is a little too big, all she has to do is reach out and know that I will hold her hand.

Parent Job Discription

POSITION: Mom, Mommy, Mama, Ma, Mummy, Mother Dad, Daddy, Dada, Pa, Father JOB DESCRIPTION: Long term, team players needed for challengingpermanent work in an often chaotic environment.Candidates must possess excellent communication andorganizational skills and be willing to workvariable hours, which will include evenings andweekends and frequent 24-hour shifts on call. Someovernight travel required, including trips toprimitive camping sites on rainy weekends andendless sports tournaments in far away cities!Travel expenses not reimbursed. Extensive courierduties also required. REQUIREMENTS/RESPONSIBILITIES: (For therest of your life.) Must be willing to be hated, at leasttemporarily, until someone needs $5. Must be willing to bite tongue repeatedly. Also, must possess the physical stamina of a packmule and be able to go from zero to 60 mph in threeseconds flat in case, this time, the screams fromthe backyard are not someone just crying wolf. Must be willing to face stimulating technicalchallenges, such as small gadget repair,mysteriously sluggish toilets and stuck zippers. Must screen phone calls, maintain calendars andcoordinate production of multiple homework projects.Must have ability to plan and organize socialgatherings for clients of all ages and mentaloutlooks. Must be willing to be indispensable one minute, anembarrassment the next. Must handle assembly and product safety testing of ahalf million cheap, plastic toys andbattery-operated devices.

Must always hope for the best but be prepared forthe worst. Must assume final, complete accountability for thequality of the end product. Responsibilities also include floor maintenance andjanitorial work throughout the facility. POSSIBILITY FOR ADVANCEMENT & PROMOTION: None. Your job is to remain in the same position foryears, without complaining, constantly retrainingand updating your skills, so that those in yourcharge can ultimately surpass you. PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE: None required unfortunately. On-the-job trainingoffered on a continually exhausting basis. WAGES AND COMPENSATION: You pay them! (Offering frequent raises andbonuses.)A balloon payment is due when they turn 18 becauseof the assumption that college will help them becomefinancially independent. When you die, you give them whatever is left. The oddest thing about this reverse-salary scheme isthat you actually enjoy it and wish you could onlydo more. BENEFITS : While no health or dental insurance, no pension, notuition reimbursement, no paid holidays and no stockoptions are offered; this job supplies limitlessopportunities for personal growth and free hugs forlife if you play your cards right

Why God Made Mothers

WHY GOD MADE MOMS Answers given by 2nd grade school children to the following questions: Why did God make mothers?

1. She's the only one who knows where the scotch tape is. 2. Mostly to clean the house. 3. To help us out of there when we were getting born. How did God make mothers? 1. He used dirt, just like for the rest of us. 2. Magic plus super powers and a lot of stirring. 3. God made my Mom just the same like he made me. He just used bigger parts. What ingredients are mothers made of ? 1. God makes mothers out of clouds and angel hair and everything nice in the world and one dab of mean. 2. They had to get their start from men's bones. Then they mostly use string, I think. Why did God give you your mother and not some other mom? 1. We're related. 2. God knew she likes me a lot more than other people's moms like me. What kind of little girl was your mom? 1. My Mom has always been my mom and none of that other stuff. 2. I don't know because I wasn't there, but my guess would be pretty bossy. 3. They say she used to be nice. What did mom need to know about dad before she married him? 1. His last name. 2. She had to know his background. Like is he a crook? Does he get drunk on beer? 3. Does he make at least $800 a year? Did he say NO to drugs and YES to chores? Why did your mom marry your dad? 1. My dad makes the best spaghetti in the world. And my Mom eats a lot. 2. She got too old to do anything else with him. 3. My grandma says that Mom didn't have her thinking cap on. Who's the boss at your house? 1. Mom doesn't want to be boss, but she has to because dad's such a goof ball. 2. Mom. You can tell by room inspection. She sees the stuff under the bed. 3. I guess Mom is, but only because she has a lot more to do than dad. What's the difference between moms & dads? 1. Moms work at work and work at home and dads just go to work at work. 2. Moms know how to talk to teachers without scaring them. 3. Dads are taller & stronger, but moms have all the real power 'cause that's who you got to ask if you want to sleep over=20=at your friend's. 4. Moms have magic, they make you feel better without medicine. What does your mom do in her spare time? 1. Mothers don't do spare time. 2. To hear her tell it, she pays bills all day long. What would it take to make your mom perfect? 1. On the inside she's already perfect. Outside, I think some kind of plastic surgery. 2. Diet. You know, her hair. I'd diet, maybe blue. If you could change one thing about your mom, what would it be? 1. She has this weird thing about me keeping my room clean. I'd get rid of that. 2. I'd make my mom smarter. Then she would know it was my sister who did it and not me. 3. I would like for her to get rid of those invisible eyes on the back of her head.

All Natural Mom

Every time I have a baby, I have this kick of going "all natural" It kind of stresses me out a little. Everywhere you turn there is something toxic to you or the enviornment. It is so scary. The sand in your kids' sandbox could cause asthma for Pete's sake! Anyway, For now, I've switched to all natural cleaners (method, Mrs. Meyers, Ecover) , and all organic food. After all, we only get one body in this life. There is this bakery near Breanna's school that is wonderful. Big Sky. Once you switch to homebaked, natural bread, you will NEVER go back, no matter the cost. I'm addicted!

I also picked up a copy of Mothering and there was an article about Post Partum Depression. They talked about it being a relatively new and ever increasing disease. Back in the day, Mother's had alot more support and a lot less isolation. It talkes about PPD being a call for help. The EXTENDED family should be supported to take care of the new family and when this is not possible, we need to create new communities of peer support. One such model is a group called Many Mothers. Exactly what I want to do/start in my community (someday)!!!

There was also a great tribute to American Father's in this months iissue. One of the dad's talked about REALLY listening to your kids, turning off the TV and the computer so that you are really listening and not just nodding your head. About listening purposefully and whole-heartedly to what your children have to say and making an intentional decision to be aware and tune in when they talk to you. THis is one of the greatest gifts a parent can give to their children: the gift of deep listening. It is an important building block of self-esteem, and it communicates honor, love, and respect.

Wow....This is a change I can make today today!!! To living fully in the present moment.......

No Regrets

It's almost Mother's day, what do I want my kids to know about me? It was another wonderful year of being their Mom. I am so blessed to have had this time. I pray that I have the opportunity to see them grow up into adults, and I pray that they still want to include me along the way for all the good stuff.

If I fast forward to the day of my death, am I going to have regrets about the choices I have made or the things I missed out on? No, this is how I live my life. No regrets. Sure, I have other things that I am passionate about besides my kids--photography, scrapbooking, my job. But those things can be put aside, or away in a closet when it comes to my family. I'm always going to make sure they know how important they are to me. NOTHING else comes first.

I've learned that "raising children is about more than just loving them. It's about selflessness. It's about that extra five minutes and that extra kiss. It's about the extra mile. It's about being there when you're tired or weak or heavy-hearted." A really wise Mom I know once said that and it has stuck with me. From the moment that each child was placed into my arms until the day I die, I will never, EVER, stop being their Mom.

Never a Dull Moment

It's Monday again and I have a laundry pile the size of Mount Everest. This weekend/week the weather is fantastic! 60s-80 and no rain in sight. Needless to say the housework has been slacking in favor of getting outside. We have been taking short walks and Trevor has been riding his new bike everywhere (except today the pedal fell off-good work daddy!) He started T-ball on Saturday and loved it!!

Last weekend we had Veronica sleepover (our 3 year old niece) and she and Trevor had a blast! It is wonderful to see the energy when they are together. I feel so lucky to have almost 4 wonderful nieces and one nephew. It is my hope that I will always have a great relationship with them. They all have such wonderful and unique personalities. We went to the playground and when Veronica statrted to get a little homesick-well making up a batch of cookies fixed that! They were both so tired after dinner that they wound down to a movie and then went to bed. It sure gave us a taste of what FOUR kids would be like. Josh and I were such a team, but it took our all just managing the kids needs for the day. No housework, no extra projects. That is what it would be like having that many kids. God bless those who do it every day! Sunday, Josh got a start on the dog fence fabric, and I got to watch some scrapbooking I had taped on QVC. It was a lovely weekend.

Today Lucas is 8 weeks old! It has taken alot managing his fussy times. It happens mostly when he is tired. Tonight, though, he took a bath for the first time without crying. He will be two months old on Saturday already! Where has the time gone? Lucas is moving his arms around alot to try to reach out and touch thing and interacting more everyday. It is amazing everytime I see his smile :) It is so funny to watch Trevor and Breanna with Lucas. You would think the novelty would have worn off by now. Wherever Lucas is..they are. I asked Trevor the other day what made him happy. He said...."getting toys and playing with them, AND playing with Breanna and Lucas. " He is such a great big brother. I'm amazed at the things he can do without me now that he couldn't just a few months ago. My little boy can now pump his legs on the swing and practically tie his own shoes!

I'm falling behind a little on my pictures, I promise to post some later.

Have a great week--thanks for reading!

THis week was absoultely amazing and jammed packed with fun. While having 3 kids is really ALOT of work, I'm loving every minute. Everytime I think my patience has run out--somehow I dig a little deeper and find more. I just want to give my everything, my heart and soul to these little people. It's a feeling hard to put into words. My days are amazingly busy, and I don't know where they go, but I wouldn't do a thing differently. I have no regrets. My heart and soul are so filled up. Josh is still working ALOT, but I'm getting used to it. So we really make the most of the time we DO have together.

Trevor had quite a week. Monday, Josh came home from work early to take Trevor to kickball. Josh ended up being the pitcher for the kids and had a really good time. It is so fun to see Josh so excited now that Trevor is old enough to get involved in sports. Next Saturday, Trevor will also start in a 4 year old T-ball league as well. Trevor was so excited about pajama day last week at preschool, they all even played outside in their pajamas! Tuesday, We all went out to Trevor's swimming lesson and then to Friendly's after. It was Lucas' first resturant experience. We all did pretty well, no meltdowns. I love watching Trevor really enjoy whatever he is involved in. His smile is so bright and I just wish I could bottle up that little laugh. To me, it is the best sound in the world! He is now determined to learn how to tie his shoes all by himself. Trevor also got a new Spiderman bike b/c his old bike accidentally got run over by the car! He's going to learn some responsibility with this new bike! Wednesday-Friday flew by and we ended up with a suprise visit from Gammie Thursday, the kids were so excited.

The weather started off beautiful last week and almost 80 degrees, then the weekend rained. We still managed to make the most of it. Saturday we went to the mall and Josh got some new clothes. Kristen had given me a discount and a gift certificate to the clothing store she works at. I got one pair of shorts, but looking in that dressing room mirror was depressing. I only got 1 outfit. We took a walk Sunday when the rain let up, then we took the kids to Joker's family fun center. Trevor had a blast on the bouncie house and slide and Breanna had a great time in the ball pit and Toddler area.

After Joker's we took everyone and had our first experience shopping at the Whole foods Marketplace that just opened up near us. It is an AMAZING place. More like resturant experience than a grocery store, We could have spent all day there. They have a gelato bar and an outstanding meat and wine department. If anyone has one near them-definately check it out. It makes me feel so good to be feeding my family, local, fresh and organic foods.

Lucas is 7 weeks old--only 5 more weeks for me being a SAHM. I'm a little sad, but I my job is also something that fills me up, I love it there. Lucas has been a little more fussy and gassy lately in the evenings and I hate seeing him so unhappy! I guess I'm able to handle it so well b/c I just feel so lucky to not have a baby without a major medical issue. Lucas has a really small case of the baby acne which is starting to clear up this week. His skin was the best out of the three, probably due to the organic/natural soaps that I have been using on him. Healthy times smells the best. He is still eating about every two hours, more or less depending on the day. He may be headed for a growth spurt. I carry him in the sling Alot and my shoulder is killing me. time to invest in an Ergo carrier? It's amazing that I still worry so much with the third kid. Breastfeeding is amazing, but it is still alot of pressure on me. We tried his first bottle of pumped milk today, and he didn't take a drop. I don't think he was even sure how to suck it. I know we waited too long to start it, but honestly I had NO time for pumping. I'm sure he will get the hang of it when he has to just like my other kids did. He's had alot more smiles this week and is cooing and interacting more.

I'm looking foward to all the years ahead with the exact amazing family that I have.

Lucas is 6 weeks old

All about Lucas, 6 weeks old, everything we love about you!:

You are holding your head up

You can roll from belly to back

How you grab on to my shirt when I'm holding you after you fall asleep

You watch our favorite shows with us every night: 24, American Idol, the Office

Your bald head

Your little snorts

You love to stare at faces

You copy funny faces (you can stick your tongue out)

You love your swing

your cute little nose

one of your ears is pointed

How you love car rides and stroller rides

Taking you for your first portraits

how you will only sleep cuddled up to a person or in a swing

the dimples on your fingers

Little baby "zits"

Your powdery sweet baby smell

Your poops don't stink!

your little hands, toes and lips

You wear 3-6 months size clothes and size 2 diapers

your little punch

how you "talk" to us

your portability

Carrying you in the sling

the way your sister and brother adore you

Your first smiles:)

Your first trip to the playground in warm weather

How we eat dinner together every night:)

Lucas turned a month old on Thursday. He is just an absolute miracle. What a cuddly, peaceful baby. Time stops when I am holding him, I look down at him and I think, "THIS is all that matters in life!" The kids are doing great, and while it is HARD work, we are falling into a daily routine. I haven't mastered bringing them all out for errands by myself yet, but I'm sure that in time we will all be doing that regulary too. Lucas is still sleeping alot which makes it easy, he only has a fussy time between 6-8 pm (yeah, dinnertime). Most Nights you'll see me holding him as I am eating my dinner:) Lucas is getting so strong already. He probably weighs close to 10 lbs and is pretty much holding his head up, moving around and interacting more.I have already had to put away some of the newborn clothes and take out some 3-6 months clothes:( Lucas looked right at me the other day and ALMOST smiled purposefully. He made a little coo as to get my attention--it was so cute! He also makes the cutest little snorting sound, and has lost some hair on top so he looks like a little old man right now. Josh and I look forward to our quiet times at night after Trevor and Breanna go to bed and we have one-on-one time with our little bundle. Josh rocks Lucas to sleep every night in the chair and I'm not sure who loves it more:)
Trevor is a better helper than ever and finds new things everyday that he can do by himself. It is so great. Breanna loves to put a blanket on Lucas when he is in the swing or bouncy seat. We have gotten 2 more snow storms this week and it is already mid-April! It will be July before all the snow melts! Lucas has been everywhere this week, to a playgropup, Target, gorcery shopping. We also got a new King size bed--Thanks to Mom and Dad and the camp renovation. Now we have PLENTY of room for snuggling 3 kids on those SNOWY weekend mornings:)