Just Because

Today, I was surprised with a beautiful bouquet of flowers from my husband. It is not my birthday or our anniversary, it is a "just because I love you" day. I love fresh flowers. They give some much needed life to my kitchen. With back to back days of cold, dreary winter it is so nice to walk into my kitchen and see flowers. It brings a smile to my face and gives me hope that winter will eventually end. Praise God!! I also am reminded of the wonderful husband that God has placed in my life. I am so blessed. He is kind, thoughtful, supportive and loving. Thank you, Steve for loving me and blessing me and our family. You make my life full and complete. Thank you for the flowers. I love them !!!

Living with Girls ...

A few days ago, I had a front row seat to my own private concert. There was dancing, singing, costumes, and even original choreography. The best part was I did not have to leave the couch. Each of my beautiful daughters sang a special song with fancy dance moves. It was so cute. I tried to sing along a few times, but I was given the "look" and then I was told to be quiet. They each had a unique twist to their solo. I love to watch them perform. I was reminded when I was a kid and did the exact same thing with my sisters. My parents would have to sit and listen to our concert as we belted out church songs and fought over the microphone. We each wanted to be the center of attention. My parents were gracious and would listen to us and tell us what a great job we were doing. It is a special memory. I love it that I now get to share those precious memories with my girls. Tanner wanted in on the action even though the girls were not thrilled. I tried to explain to them that he just wants to play with them. They were more than willing to dress him up and let him play along. Thank you girls. Tanner, this is a part of living with girls. Enjoy every moment of it!!

Wake up Call

A few nights ago, I am in the kitchen cooking dinner, happy as can be, listening to my MP3 player, singing and dancing. I know this paints quite a picture in your minds, but try to get passed it. I am trying to create the setting :) I call the kids to sit down and I hear a roar of laughter coming from them. I look over to see Tanner coming to the table sporting a t-shirt and little baby buns. I panic and think what mess am I about to discover. I say a little prayer, hoping that he was "just wet". No such luck. Upon closer observation, this was not the case. I ask him, "Tanner, where is your diaper? Show mommy where you put your diaper." With a huge smile, he marches to the bathroom. I think, yeah right! I am not this lucky. I round the corner and laying in a heap on the floor is his diaper, surprise and all. He looks up at me if to say, "mommy, I believe that YOU told me that this is where poopy and pee goes." This is where it gets weird. The toilet seat is up and the potty seat is on the potty. I know that he sat on the potty seat, because he has left evidence. Let me stop here and remind you that Tanner turned two in October. I was in shock, not knowing if I praise him or scold him for taking off his diaper. I looked down at that smiling face and told him how proud I was that he went to the bathroom to try and go potty. That is such a big boy. I gently reminded him that he needed to tell me first next time so that I could help him with his diaper. Next time, let's try to get the poo in the potty and not in the diaper. (Wait a minute, did I just give my 2 year old permission to pick up poo and put it in the potty! Maybe that went over his head. Next time, I will be clearer) So, I guess it is official time to start potty training. He is clearly ready! The question is, am I ready? Diapers have been my life for the last 9 years! My last one to potty train!! Here we go ....

One of those mornings...

Getting the kids up and ready for school seems to be a challenge these days. How come on school mornings your kids forget how to do everything!! This was my morning...

I go downstairs to wake up the girls. Today they all go in, so it is always more crazy than usual. I turn on the light and announce it is time to get up and go to school. I am greeted with moans and groans like I just told them that they were going to the dentist. (Speaking of the dentist, I am pretty sure I was suppose to make them appointments over break. Oh great!!) As I am climbing around the disaster that is their room, I think to myself, "didn't we just clean this room!. It is a pit!! Unbelievable!!" I give my speech about the state of their room, while trying to find clothes that match and that are clean. It is not an easy job. Kallie says, "Mom, can I wear dress down, I have a coupon?" Yes, that is fine. Maybe, that will make the morning go smoother. No "Mom, I don't have any pants!!" What, haven't I been doing laundry for days. I check in my room (because that is where I keep laundry baskets of clothes that haven't been folded yet and taken to their proper rooms) and find a pair of jeans. Praise God!! Oh, now off to making lunches and breakfast. As I am working, Emma (half dressed) is wandering in the living room. "Emma, what are you doing? Did you go potty? Where are your pants? You need to go get your shoes after you go potty and finish getting dressed." Ok, now back to what I was doing. What was I doing? Oh, I need to find that dress down coupon. Where did I put it. I know it is here somewhere. Ahhh!!! As I am looking I find a bill. When is this due, January 9th - yikes what day is it? Good thing we have Internet, I can get that paid after the kids leave this morning. Back to the dress down coupon. Yes, I found it. Now, breakfast. What can they eat in 2 1/2 minutes. Waffles it is!!! Toast the waffles, get out milk, cut up the waffles, and finish up with the lunches. Ok, almost done!!! "Mom, I spilled my milk!" What, I turn to see my son, Hayden, who never spills his milk. Get that cleaned up. "Mom, I need more milk!" Of course you do. Now, I have to spend the next few moments monitoring the breakfast table. "Rylee, if you don't stop talking and eat, you are going to be in a world of trouble!" Her response is a huge smile. Now it is time to get out the door. Emma and Kallie don't have their shoes on, hair needs to be combed and we all have sticky waffle faces. AHHHHH!! I am going to lose it!! Take a deep breath, Steph, you can do this. Super mom shows up, for a minute, and it all gets done. The door shuts behind them and I am sweaty and tired. Can I go back to bed. No. Tanner is looking at me with messy face and asking for more milk and Hayden needs to be home schooled. Ok, well, maybe a nap. Not likely, remember the state of the girls room. I can rest tonight when Steve comes home. Oh no. He has games and will be home after the kids are in bed. I guess it is just going to be one of those days....

Happy New Year!!

2009 is officially here!! I love the feeling of a clean slate. A new year to change bad habits, make needed improvements, and look forward to what God has for my life this year. I always make New Year Resolutions!! Some work out, others not so much. At least I will attempt to start out in the right direction. I am determined this year to get these last 20 pounds off!! I started Power 90X today. In 90 days I will be bursting with muscles. At least that is what they say can happen. I will settle for 20 pounds lighter, toned muscles, and arms that don't look like a grandma. I have high hopes!! My body is already telling me that it is starving, but I keep reminding it that there is plenty of fat to eat, just find it! There are many more things that I want to change this year, but I won't bore you with the details. My list is probably very similar to yours. As I was mapping out my goals this week, the Lord gently reminded me that change is good, but that I needed to focus on others instead of completely on me. (Ouch!!) I asked the Lord to help me and my new goals are to focus on my relationships. My relationship with my Savior, my husband, my kids, and my friends. This should give me plenty to work on. I want to look back on 2009 and see closer relationships with those special people that God has placed in my life. Less selfish, more giving to those around me. It won't be easy, but these things never are. Hopefully, those closest to me will start to see some changes. If not, point me back in the right direction. After all, that is one of the main reasons that God placed you in my life. Walking together in this journey makes this life richer. Happy New Year to you. May this year be filled with growth, success, and joy.