Wonderful Birthday Weekend

So, my son turned 5.
Yes, it is sad to see my son grow up.
But despite my sadness, we had a great weekend.

My husband taught his master's course and after he was done, my son and I met him at the hotel. We went out to eat where they throw peanuts on the floor. Yes, we didn't go to Applebees, but went to Whiskey Creek. It surprised my husband too, but I chatted with Z a lot and got him to go somewhere else. He still had his grilled cheese sandwich with french fries, but he went somewhere new. We were all thrilled.

After the food, we headed back to the hotel, were my son changed clothes in record time. Before we knew what was happening, he was in his swimsuit ready to go to the pool. After waiting a bit for my husband to change and me to figure out that I don't fit my swimsuit anymore, we headed down to the pool. I took pictures and video and had a grand old time watching all the fun. They were there for an hour, but have memories to last a lifetime. =)

Then we finally all fell asleep around 10 pm.

Sunday morning, Z and I went to our church and Z was surprised that my husband and I bought some flowers for him for the alter. When the pastor announced they were in honor of his birthday, he stood up on the chair, beaming with a smile from ear to ear and said, "I'm 5!!!" At Sunday School, he put his 5 pennies in the church piggy bank and forgot about his offering in his pocket. When I asked him about it, he just looked at me and smiled. "I forgot mom. We'll give it next week, ok?"

After church, we had lunch, worked/played outside, had some rest/nap time, and then made cupcakes for the daycare kiddos in honor of his big birthday. He was so excited to mix the batter and help put the cupcake papers in the tins.


All day, Z keep asking me when dad was coming. I told him when it's supper time, dad will be home. So after all morning, lunch, and afternoon hearing that he wanted supper to come, missed his dad, and wanted to open his birthday gifts, he finally got to see dad. Dad comes in and we got him settled down and let him go at it. Inside, he opened his new super hero cape and his CARS t-shirt. He went around the house making sure the cape worked ok.

Then he realized there was more.
Off to the garage to the "big" gift.

He had a hard time petalling, but he'll soon figure out not to petal backwards.

So, after a fun weekend, we all settled down for some well deserved sleep.
What a great weekend!

Happy Birthday Z!
Dad and I love you very, very much!
May you have many more fun and exciting birthdays to come!

Next weekend...the birthday party! =)

Golf Balls and Two Glasses of Wine

When things in your life seem almost too much to handle, when 24 hours in a day are not enough, remember the golf balls and two glasses of wine...

A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of him. When the class began, wordlessly, he picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with golf balls.

He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed it was.

The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles rolled into open spaces between the golf balls. He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was.

The professor next picked up a box of sand and pored it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everywhere else. He asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with a unanimous "yes".

The professor then produced two glasses of wine from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar, effectively filling the empty space between the sand. The students laughed.

"Now," said the professor, as the laughter subsided, "I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life. The golf balls are the important things; your family, your children, your health, your friends, and your favorite passions; things that if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full."

"The pebbles are the other things that matter; like your job, your house, your car. The sand is everything else. The small stuff."

"If you put the sand into the jar first," he continued, "there is no room for the golf balls or pebbles. The same goes for life. If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff, you will never have room for the things that are important to you".

"Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness. Play with your children. Take time to get medical checkups. Take your partner out to dinner. Play another 18. Do one more run down the ski slope. There will always be time to clean the house and fix the disposal. Take care of the golf balls first; the things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just sand".

One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the wine represented.

The professor smiled. "I'm glad you asked. It just goes to show you that no matter how full your life may seem, there's always room for a couple of glasses of wine with a friend."

Friday

Today is rough. Kiddos are great, I just feel all congested and icky! It really took a while for me to get out of bed this morning. My husband just prodded and prodded to get me going. Finally, got in the shower and it helped a bit, but then my voice started to go. I don't think anyone likes to be sick, but it sucks more when you are pregnant! Oh, may the good weather come back again and stay for a while!

The Wisdom of Larry the Cable Guy

1. A day without sunshine is like night.
2. On the other hand, you have different fingers.
3. 42.7 percent of all statistics are made up on the spot.
4. 99 percent of lawyers give the rest a bad name.
5. Remember, half the people you know are below average.
6. He who laughs last thinks slowest.
7. Depression is merely anger without enthusiasm.
8. The early bird may get the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese in the trap.
9. Support bacteria. They're the only culture some people have.
10. A clear conscience is usually the sign of a bad memory.
11. Change is inevitable, except from vending machines.
12. If you think nobody cares, try missing a couple of payments.
13. How many of you believe in psycho kinesis? Raise my hand.
14. OK, so what's the speed of dark?
15. When everything is coming your way, you're in the wrong lane.
16. Hard work pays off in the future. Laziness pays off now.
17. How much deeper would the ocean be without sponges?
18. Eagles may soar, but weasels don't get sucked into jet engines
19. What happens if you get scared half to death, twice?
20. Why do psychics have to ask you for your name?
21. Inside every older person is a younger person wondering, "What the heck happened?"
22. Just remember -- if the world didn't suck, we would all fall off.
23. Light travels faster than sound. That's why some people appear bright until you hear them speak.
24. Life isn't like a box of chocolates; it's more like a jar of jalapenos. What you do today, might burn your butt tomorrow.

A few funnies.....

So, the past few days, my son has just made us laugh. He's getting more and more into being a "big boy" and so the funny things and actions come more and more out.

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Yesterday, I was watching the last 3 kiddos and my son. They had just finished watching the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse (I tape it and let them watch it at different times later).

Well, Donald Duck was teaching Goofy how to "fancy dance". After the TV was turned off, he starts walking around the house.

Saying and actions at the same time: "step (moves right foot), step (moves left foot), now shake (wiggles his booty- then turns and gives me a big grin, then repeats all around the room)".

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Last night, my husband was mowing the lawn. He was just finishing up and my son decided he would go to the other end of the lawn, get out his lawnmower too and "help dad".

After a bit, he noticed there was grass on the sidewalk. He looks at me and says, "oh no! Mom look!"
I looked and asked him what we should do.
He puts his hand to his mouth, "hmmmm. I know! Oh, Toodles! Toodles will have some wind to help clean it up!"

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In the car the other day, my son and I were driving and running errands. The clouds open up a bit and it starts to rain.

All of a sudden, from the backseat I hear, "oh phooey!" There is my son, complaining about he rain.
I asked him what he said.
He says, "I'm Donald Duck! Oh, Phooey!"

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Getting ready for bed the other night, we had finished everything but prayers. We said our prayers, which my son now likes to pray for his friend T in super sonic speeds...."Dear God, be with T. Amen".

Then my husband and I were giving him kisses. Now, mind you, after each kiss, my son is in this fun loving spirit, likes to wipe off each kiss with his hand and say, "ewwww!". Well, my husband had just given my son a kiss and I was reaching for my son to give him my hug and kiss. My son stops me and says, "wait mom, I have to ewww first!"

Funny to check out.

http://katierush.com/funny/sarcasma.htm

OB Monday

Hello all. I just wanted to let you know of my latest OB appt. I went in today to take the "juice" to test for gestational diabetes. All is "normal" there. My blood pressure is normal, my weight is good...and at all aspects, this pregnancy is the total opposite of my previous one. So, it's got to be a girl right?? =)

One note, since my past pregnancy was so rough and rocky, I am now needing to see the OB on a weekly basis. It's just to monitor me and make sure all stays ok. The more I think about it, with all that is happening this summer, my stress level will never be the same, so it's a good thing. So, starting next week, my OB and I will become old friends again. =)

Another good thing, I do get weekly ultra sounds to measure things. Today, the baby was sucking his/her thumb. Before they could snap a picture, of course, the hand moved, then it started "blowing bubbles", as the OB calls it, at us. The baby just opened and closed his/her mouth a lot and then turned away. Already talking back and not even born yet. =)

Please keep us in your prayers. It could be a long 3 months. I just started my 3rd Trimester last week, so this week thing will get old quite soon.

Weekend

So, our painting weekend has been postponed. Family in SD got snow, not impossible to come down, but not needed. In NE, it's cooler conditions (30's and 40's) and not right for painting. So, we thought, next weekend, with the temps in the 70's (what a difference right?), we'll try and get the house painted. If you are interested in helping, let me know. We'll start around 10 am next Saturday, April 19.

So since our plans changed, my son and I are spending the day together. Getting things cleaned up from the "Invasion of the Kiddos" this past week and the electrician that came yesterday and finally finished our basement lights. We put recessed lighting in, but still needed dimmers. So that, my friends, is done.

Between laundry, vacuuming, and cleaning in general, it's all getting done. I have a few errands to run this afternoon, then we are off to meet Dad. He is teaching this weekend and since he has a hotel room with a "pool" we thought we would go and "relax" with him tonight before making it to the baptism of our friend's child tomorrow. Shall be fun.

Hope yours is a good one.

Moving Friday Five

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We are right in the middle of a move--only twenty minutes away, but we're still a mix of busy, excited, nervous and surprisingly full of grief about what we're leaving, for me at least. So this week's Friday Five asks about your experience of the marvels and madness of moving...

1. How many times have you moved? When was the last time?
I have moved a bunch. Luckily, through my entire childhood I was blessed by living in the same house. I moved my first time to college. From there, I moved 4 times in my college years before marriage. Then my husband and I moved in together in May of 2000. After marriage, we have moved 2 times. The first time from Lincoln to Papillion, the last time to our house where we reside for a few more months till we move to WF.

2. What do you love and hate about moving?
I love the "fresh start" feeling you get when you walk into a room. I love the newness of it all.
I hate the packing, paying for gas, getting boxes, dealing with all the mess and especially looking at all the work that needs to be done to each room as we settle in.

3. Do you do it yourself or hire movers?
I'm cheap. I do it myself, but luckily, I have a husband and good friends and family too. =)

4. Advice for surviving and thriving during a move?
Do a little at a time. Pack a box or 2 a day and it will make your life so much easier.

5. Are you in the middle of any inner moves, if not outer ones?
Baby in my tummy. Looking for a new job. Reflecting daily on my faith and my life long searching for inner peace.

Bonus: Share a piece of music/poetry/film/book that expresses something about what moving means to you.
I have always related to the movie, "When Harry Met Sally". I'm so Sally in so many ways. My husband is totally Harry. He looks at me with such amazement and loves me for all my quirks. Loves me because I am me.

My last small group.....

So, today is Thursday. And tomorrow the adventure begins. Today I have 4 kiddos.
2 - 2 year olds
1 - 3 year old (soon to be 4)
1 - 2 month old

Tomorrow, add in:
1 - 18 month old
1 - 4 year old

Then Monday, add in:
another 2 month old

So, as of Monday, I will have 7 kiddos.
1 - 4 year old
1 - 3 year old (soon to be 4)
2 - 2 year olds
1 - 18 month old
2 - 2 month olds
(not to mention my 4 year old (almost 5) after the school bus comes at 3:15)

That isn't much of a surprise, except....in this case, 2 of those 7 are under 6 months old. They don't do anything but eat, sleep, burp, spit up, cry, pee, and poop! One would say this is good training, but after these next 32 days, I will be ready to give birth. Ready for the break. Ready to be just my husband, son, and baby and I.

But, as I said before, the adventure begins.

Monday

So, it's Monday. It was a busy, enjoyable, exhausting, and productive weekend.

Friday, my husband and I worked on some odd jobs around the house. You know, those jobs you put off, and put off, and then put off some more. Then when they really should be done, you don't have the energy to do them, so you put them off a bit more. Well, we got a bit of things done that should have been done when we moved in. Now that we are on the verge of moving out, it's so mind-boggling how simple, inexpensive, and easy these were. And we could have enjoyed them longer too. Ah-well. Worked around the house.

On Saturday, we got the playhouse moved. Our realtor suggested moving it so when we put our house up on the market, it would not be an eye sore, bargaining chip, or problem with the sale. So, on Saturday morning, my in-laws, cousin of my husband's and a friend all went to work and moved the playhouse. It took around an hour for them to move it from the cement outside our basement door to the trailer. Much less time then it took to put it there. Then, after feeding the hungry troop, My husband, son, and father-in-law headed to WF. Mother-in-Law and I finished a few things around the house, then headed with our Santa Fe packed up with boxes to WF ourselves. By the time we got to the house, the playhouse was already unloaded and so we (meaning everyone but prego me) moved the boxes and few furniture items from the truck into the house and garage. Then we were tired....we headed into town to grab supper and came back and crashed.

Sunday, church (more people coming and talking with us and telling us how happy they are we are moving to WF) then husband and I went to meet the realtor and Grandma and Grandpa took our son and spent some time together at a local benefit. When we were done, they were back.

We looked at 3 homes. The 1st one was the one we were very interested in. The house is in great shape. We aren't to fond of the layout and there isn't much of a yard for the kiddos to play in. But it does have new siding, windows, a 2 car garage, a great garden area, remodeled kitchen, and 4 bedrooms. Hmmmm......

The 2nd house....nope. Not interested in. Too small and too much work to put into it.

3rd house, has so much potential. There is a married couple flipping the house. It was a re-possessed house that is being gutted out. There will be an entirely new kitchen cabinets, sink, bathroom, dining room, and so much beautiful woodwork. It's 2 story and has 3 bedrooms and has so much potential. They hope to have the house done in June sometime...so may work out for us. We hope to look at it again in May to see how all the work is coming. The basement could be finished, isn't yet. And the yard needs work....but nothing we can't handle. We'll just wait and see.

Otherwise the housing in WF isn't too exciting. our realtor is keeping us updated and we told her we will make some trips back north if anything comes available. Otherwise, it's the waiting game right now. My husband and I both agree that we will concentrate still on getting the house ready for the market. April 18th is still the magic date. And then, sit back and relax.

On the brighter side, we do believe we found daycare. The organist from the WF church watches kiddos and I called and we chatted with her today. Got paperwork and we will stop by the next time we are in WF to see the place. She has room and has us marked down for mid-August. Funny how this isn't for our son. We are just trying to figure out for the new baby.

Our son had a funny this weekend. He saw a picture of my husband and I on our wedding day and also of his aunt and uncle's and got excited. He looked at us and said, "Dad, Mom. You got married up?" After a bunch of chuckles, we agreed. Then he pointed to me and said the wanted to "get married up" to me. After explaining that Dad, Mom, Grandma, Grandpa, and Aunt and Uncle were all married and that he couldn't marry them, he decided to "marry up" his cousin. You would think he would think of any friends, but he just wants to marry a relative. Aunt/Uncle, you may have to watch out for the crazy NE cousin. =)

Then, today....Monday...was a "normal" daycare day. Kiddos were good, but liked to try and get away with things. Baby needed attention, but slept pretty good for the 4th day at daycare. And all and all.....it went well. Surprising enough, only 1 kiddo was concerned that the playhouse was gone. None of the other kiddos noticed or voiced any concern. Guess it meant more to him than the others. But my son likes it at Grandma and Grandpa's house. Gives him another excuse to visit them. =)

Next exciting thing....painting the outside of the house this weekend. Shall be fun. =)

Thursday

So, today is a new day. Yesterday was quite hectic. I had 7 kiddos all day, till my son came home, then 8 for about 30 minutes. It was busy, tiring, and the day flew by. Before I knew it, moms and dads were coming and picking up all the kiddos and by 5 pm, the house only contained my son and I. What a day!

It was mainly hectic due to 2 kiddos. The 8 week old that started and a 1 1/2 year old that is a drop in only this week for 3 days. All was going "ok" up until nap time, then they both revolted and didn't want to lay down. Didn't want to do anything but cry when I left the room and have some "special" attention. Don't get me wrong, we all have those days, but when it's 2 kiddos that are over a year apart, it is quite difficult. Not to mention, this was during nap time. Nap time is my down time. So, instead of having some time to settle down myself, I was running back and forth between kiddos.

So, 5 pm hit. My son was playing in the basement quietly by himself. I ventured upstairs to the living room and just crashed on the couch. I didn't sleep, but I just laid there. Taking in all the running around in circles I did during the day, relaxing my body and mind, and just wanting to go out to eat instead of deal with figuring out something to eat for myself and my family. So, 10 minutes laster, in walks my husband. Didn't take much convincing for him to determine that I needed to get out of the house. So, off to Pizza Hut we went. And enjoyed a quiet and fun meal, just the 3 of us.

It's days like yesterday I will treasure. But it's also days like yesterday that help me yearn for a simpler life with only 2 kiddos (both mine) and my husband.

April 1 - No April Fools Joke - Ultra Sound

I had my 3rd ultra sound today. Both my son and husband went. The appt went well. All is good with the baby. My doctor is great! He just cracks me up. My son was awed by it all and kept his attention the entire time. When the doctor would stop and pause the picture, son would say - Stop! Then when the doctor would let the baby move, son would say - Go! This went on for some time. Finally, doctor just looks at me and smiles and asks, "Do you like red light/green light?" My son responds...."Yes I do!" It was a good morning. I go back in 4 weeks for another look. I guess I will get a bunch of ultra sounds this baby too. =)

My son also got some pictures to take with him. We got to school and he runs into school and down the hall to his classroom and shows his teacher right away. Tells her it's A GIRL!! She starts to believe him, then I correct him and say, it COULD BE. =) Funny how that happens. =)

Hope your day is going well. I'm ready for a nap...it's not even 10 am! Appt was at 7 am and with a 45 minute drive to Omaha, I was up much earlier than normal. But, I'll be ok. It will just be a long day.

Enjoy the pictures! Baby didn't give doctor a great view. You can see the face - Eyes, nose, and mouth. And the last picture, the hand went in front of the face, so that's what the blotch is. But all is good and the baby sure likes to kick! Ouch! Kicked my side during the ultra sound. That hurt a bit.