My 5 Year Old

Smart

Beautiful

Talented

Kind

Funny

Nurturing

Strong

Emotional

Smiley

Innocent

Bold

Willful

Soft

Cuddly

Five

Ours.

Christmas Pictures

Uh, Yeah

One Solitary Life

He was born in an obscure village, the child of a peasant woman. He grew up in another obscure village, where He worked in a carpenter shop until He was thirty. Then for three years He was an itinerant preacher. He never had a family or owned a home. He never set foot inside a big city. He never traveled two hundred miles from the place He was born. He never wrote a book, or held an office. He did none of the things that usually accompany greatness. While He was still a young man, the tide of popular opinion turned against Him. His friends deserted Him. He was turned over to His enemies, and went through the mockery of a trial. He was nailed to a cross between two thieves. While He was dying, His executioners gambled for the only piece of property He had - His coat. When He was dead, He was taken down and laid in a borrowed grave. Two thousand years have come and gone, and today He is the central figure for much of the human race. All the armies that ever marched and all the navies that ever sailed and all the parliaments that ever sat and all the kings that ever reigned, put together, have not affected the life of man upon this earth as powerfully as the "One Solitary Life."

White Christmas? I got your White Christmas right here.

Wow. It just keeps snowing.

It was finally nice enough (and when I say "nice" I mean above zero) for the girls to go play in the snow. Oh, what a little fresh air will do for a child.

We are busily getting ready for tomorrow's Christmas Eve's festivities and a full week of family, friends, food and fun.

We got to see Santa on Saturday at the Macy's 8th floor exhibit. The girls are hopeful that they are on the nice list this year. I think they might have squeeked by :-)

Enjoy your holidays, everyone. Keep in mind the true meaning of Christmas and hold love in your hearts.

I will leave you with a picture of my little angel, Laila, in her Christmas hat that was all the rage in Cleveland.

ElfYourself

http://elfyourself.jibjab.com/view/xirPTE3utSooYbHlu8u5

My Favorite Time of Day

I realize this photo is a little cheeky, but this is what we do every night before bed. Last night we were reading 'Twas the Night Before Christmas.
It's just that (as you all know) the days can sometimes be so chaotic, crazy and loud I can hardly wait for the sun to go down. I am usually exhausted and prickly and just want to get the kids to bed.
Reading a story (or 2 or 3....) before bed, for me, is calming and the perfect way to end the day with my children. Even Laila is starting to get in on the act. She likes to look at the books, kick them and turn her head up at me when I change my voice as I read.
I know many of you have this same routine before bed and I think it's just wonderful.

(Totally off the subject, but the vain part of me wants to tell you that the red hole on my forhead is from a biopsy I had on Monday. Turns out all my years of trying to tan my freckled lilly white skin has produced some spots of skin cancer. Do not be alarmed!! It is easily treatable and will be taken care of in about a month or so. But in the mean time I will be sporting some new looks: lots of hats and scarves to cover up my mutilated face. Do you think I could get away with a sweatband??)

What a Whirlwind

We made it to and from Cleveland in one piece. I have registered all my girls for frequent flyer miles because at the rate they travel they will probably earn a free ticket before they hit puberty.

The people on the airline were so accommodating! Even though Laila was supposed to be on my lap they let me have two seats so I could strap her in her carseat instead. It was wonderful because she napped on both flights and I got to enjoy my "in-flight beverage" and trashy magazine while she slept! One of the flight attendants gave her a set of wings for me to put in her baby book.

Once in Cleveland we went to my Mom's condo to drop off our luggage and have a quick lunch.

Then, we headed over to Lakeview Cemetary to see Rick. It was a beautiful day, cold, but sunny. We shed a few tears and had a few laughs - all in Rick's honor. I know he was there with us in spirit. It was nice to visit the mausoleum (it is gorgeous!) alone and clear minded. Last time I was there everything was such a blur.

After that we shopped. I have to take a moment to brag here. I had Laila strapped to me in her bjorn facing out wearing an adorable Christmas outfit with matching hat given to her by Sarah. My child was mobbed. I'm not exxaggerating. We were walking in to one store and 4 or 5 women circled us and were all oohing and aahing over her. I'm used to babies receiving lots of attention but this was slightly bizarre. I guess no one can resist a cute baby dressed in her Christmas best.

We had take out from the Japanese restaurant and then went to see the Rockette's Christmas Spectacular. The show was...well....spectacular!! I highly recommend seeing it if you ever get the opportunity. We were immersed in the Christmas spirit and it really got us even more in to the holiday season. They ended the show with a Living Nativity that was seriously out of control good. Camels, sheep, ponies and all. Nice to have the real meaning of Christmas portayed.

Saturday we did more shopping and eating then ended our day with a Christmas movie marathon.

And, as usual, when it was time to come home yesterday it all felt like it went by too fast.

As a side note, my Mom looks amazing and is doing remarkably well. It was so good to see her.

Lastly, while I was away the mice certainly played! Not only did Bill make ginger cream cookies and gingerbread cookies from scratch with the girls, but he also totally cleaned the house and did the laundry. I hope Santa is watching him as he is definitely deserving of the nice list this year!

I'm Leavin' On a Jet Plane

Yes, tomorrow Laila and I fly to Cleveland to visit my Mom. I haven't seen her since September and I can't put in to words how deeply I've missed her this time around.

Bill will be home doing exciting things with the older girls while we're away shopping, chatting, eating, relaxing and seeing the Rockette's.

Have a great weekend all!

The Good, The Bad, and The In-between

Some days I'm just not sure what to post about because my days are such a roller coaster ride. One minute I want to vent. One minute I want to praise. One moment I want to laugh. One moment I want to cry.

For example. Picking up Cecelia from preschool today I wanted to vent because the moment she stepped out of the classroom she started in on me..."Can we go to McDonald's?" "Why not?!?" "Why can't I go in the snow?" "But these ARE snowboots" "Yes! They are!" "You never let me do ANYTHING!'
But tonight at dinner time was a whole other scenerio. When Delaney was asking for singing and I didn't know what she meant Cecelia ran over to the CD player and pressed play - then asked Delaney if that was better and told her she loved her. And after dinner was over and Delaney was done Cecelia helped her down from her booster seat and helped buss her dishes.

Then when I was feeding Laila and trying to put her to bed (Bill's off getting a hair cut so I'm home alone), Delaney kept opening Laila's door and flashing her flashlight in my face and distracting Laila from both eating and going to sleep.
BUT, my frustration quickly faded when Delaney looked at me and said "Poly-phen-al?" after seeing a Concord grapes commercial.

And it's only Monday people.

Measles on the Rise

a la, what else, PARENTS magazine:

Because of fears of autism, more parents are choosing not to vaccinate their kids - with dire consequences. There were 131 reported cases of measles in the U.S. between January and June, the highest number in 12 years, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. More than half of the children who got sick hadn't been vaccinated due to their parents' beliefs. However, study after study has shown that vaccines don't increase a child's autism risk. In fact, doctors are so worried about a potential public-health crisis that 22 medical and advocacy groups recently formed the Immunization Alliance in order to make sure that kids get immunized. For the latest on vaccines, go to cdc.gov/vaccines.

Nursing

I've been having a little LOVE/HATE relationship with nursing this time around. The biggest part of me absolutely loves it. I love how good it is for my baby (no formula on Earth can compare), I like the ease of it - especially in the middle of the night when she wakes up and all I have to do is nuzzle her up against me to feed her, I love the price - FREE, I love the 500 some calories it takes from me (Okay, that's really selfish!), and I love that closeness it provides for my baby and I.

What I have been frustrated with is having to pump (like, when?!?), timing the feedings in order to eat a meal, have company, leave the house, take care of my other children, I don't like choosing what to wear based on it's accesibility to my "gals", feeding in a dressing room, backseat of a car, patch of grass somewhere, airplane seat or just in a room by myself while everyone else gets to continue their conversation.

I realize these are the sacrifices I have to make to do something for my child that is important to me, it's just that the third time around doesn't seem to be as easy as the first two.

I know some of you can relate to this so thanks for being a good friend and listening to my frustrations.

Gobble, Gobble, Gobble

Here are some pictures from the long holiday weekend! Everything was just perfect and relaxing - just the way I like it.

We had plenty of time with eachother, friends, family and other loved ones.

My mind is pretty free today (for once!) so not a whole lot to post about other than I'm happy and slowly engaging in yet another Monday morning.

I know it's Miley Cirus, I know she's 16, but I can't get this song out of my head!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YSBsPbrmbUM

Here I Am!

I've been a bad blogger this week!!

What you've missed is Cecelia's preschool program (picture above) and a fairly low key weekend. We did some more housework (yippee) and took pictures for our Christmas cards. I will post some of the unchosen pictures when I get them (they said up to 10 business days). We managed to get at least one good family picture and one pretty good kid picture - which is really all that I'd hoped for.
Let me tell you one thing about dressing 3 young ladies for Christmas pictures. It is a nightmare!!
Cecelia is crying over her tights (yes, she is still doing that). Then she is crying over her hair. I'm sorry, but sometimes I really don't care if you "don't like the way it feels" you are wearing pig tails. Period. I managed to get Delaney's hair all tied up in a cute ponytail on the top of her head. A little hairspray and we're off......only to get there and have both girls with crazy hair because Laney pulled hers out completely and Cecelia tugged at hers so much it turned in to a rat's nest. Ug!!
Laila cooperated, of course, until it was picture time. Then, she decided she was tired and hungry.
Like I told the photographer - get one of all of us looking at the camera and we're good. She did. Thank God.

I don't know about you, but I'm really looking forward to the long weekend.

Things we'll be dealing with over the holiday in regards to our children:

Delaney: Realizing she's 2, telling us she's "ang'y" (angry, no "r"), not eating...anything, tantruming....loudly, and then occasionally cracking us up.

Cecelia: Sitting on her throne with a constant stream of requests (this is getting REAL old), asking for a snack, then gum, then to watch her show, then another snack, then a movie, then something to drink, then for more gum....it.never.ends.

Laila: Rolling over - both ways!! Smiling, cooing, crying, pooping, eating, playing, looking adorable. Man they're awesome before they learn how to talk.

That's about it.
Have a good week!

Belly Laugh

Our baby girl had her first belly laugh last night!!

I have to get this on video!

Cecelia was singing "Whoop there it is!" and I was bouncing Laila to the beat. She was just giggling away!
I love it!

Our Weekend

I promise to post some pictures this week - we've had enough of my boring pictureless posts!

We did have a really nice weekend. Friday night we had Amy and Brad over for pizza night. They hadn't seen Miss Laila B since she was born. And, of course, the older girls were beside themselves with excitement over having company. I think Cecelia drew Amy about 50 pictures while they were here.

Saturday opened up for us so we took advantage of the morning to clean the house and rake up the 100,000,000 leaves in the front yard. Once again, I love the feeling of a job accomplished.
Saturday night we had plans as well, which was nice because it got the kids out of the house to burn some energy.

We did some grocery shopping (NEVER will I go again with the entire family) and rented some movies.
All in all a nice, peaceful and enjoyable weekend.

One thing I did notice, though, over the last week or so is parents who seem to be afraid of their children. Parents who are afraid of their children being "mad at them."
I am, by no means, any judge of perfect parenting but it really drives me nuts when I see parents begging their children to do things - like putting their coats on to leave, for example. I am so cut and dry maybe I could take some tips from these parents. You know, the ones who say "okay, let's put our coat on" (10 times in a row) then "if you put your coat on you get a sucker" (10 times in a row) then "honey, pleeeease put your coat on for mommy".

Hear me on this: You are a parent. You are in charge. Their little brains are not developed enough to think for themselves entirely. And trust me on this: Kids like stucture and routine. No, they do not like mean mommies, but they appreciate firm ones.
Try this next time: When it's time to go give your child the instruction: "Put your coat on, please." If that doesn't work, do the old "If you don't put your coat on I will do it for you." Then follows (immediately) the putting on of the coat.
You should also know that nobody is going to fault you if your child has a tantrum over the ordeal. We are proud of you for sticking to your guns, getting your kids' coat on, and heading out the door.

I truly believe that the more we instill in our children at a young age, the more we'll like them as adults. Once they turn 18, people, your job is done and you have to deal with your own creation.

** Update to original post: Just to reassure you that I am fully aware that my family is a work in progress: As I was vacuuming at 7:20 this morning Cecelia marched down the stairs and said "Why didn't you give me my breakfast before coming down here to vacuum?!?" Yeah, work in progress is right....

T.G.I.F

"Happiness is a butterfly, which, when pursued, is always just beyond your grasp, but which, if you will sit down quietly, may alight upon you." – Nathaniel Hawthorne

It's the end of another week. We made it. All of us.
Take time to enjoy the weekend - and each other.

A.J.

Not a Bad Idea?

I'm not usually very hardcore (not that I'm a bleeding heart either, I guess) but I thought this was kind of a good idea.

Taken from an email:

THE JOB - URINE TEST

Like a lot of folks in this state, I have a job.I work, they pay me. I pay my taxes and the government distributes my taxes as it sees fit. In order to get that paycheck, I am required to pass a random urine test with which I have no problem.
What I do have a problem with is the distribution of my taxes to people who don't have to pass a urine test.
Shouldn't one have to pass a urine test to get a welfare check because I have to pass one to earn it for them?
Please understand, I have no problem with helping people get back on their feet. I do, on the other hand, have a problem with helping someone sitting on their butt, doing drugs, while I work. . . .
Can you imagine how much money the state would save if people had to pass a urine test to get a public assistance check?
I guess we could title that program, 'Urine orYou're Out'.

Quick Preschool Update

Thank you to all of you that took the time to help a Mom out with your comments and suggestions - they validated my feelings.

I did speak with the director who then spoke with the teacher who then spoke with me!
Basically, the teacher said that they do not have group time-outs very often but she does have them lay on their backs for a minute before transitioning from the climber room in to the regular classroom. This is the same thing she does for time-outs so the kids are easily confused. She said that this classroom is particularly wild because of 13 very physical boys (who apparently are out of control). Also, she said that she threatens group time-outs more than she actually uses them.

When I spoke with the director afterwords I told her that I am still uncomfortable with the group time-outs for this age group. She said she did go over some different strategies with the teacher so I'm hoping that the group "punishment" stays at a minimum if at all.

Lastly, before hanging up with the director she told me a "story" about her own daughter's experience in kindergarten and how she was told by that teacher not to be an overreacting parent. Hmm....wonder if there was an underlying message there for me!

Thanks everyone!

Bittersweet

I pulled Laila's bassinet out of my bedroom today.
Every transition is so bittersweet with children. On the one hand you are so sad to move on, but on the other hand there is something fun and exciting and new to look forward to.
I can't believe my baby is sleeping (quite well thankyouverymuch) in her own room in her own crib. I will hear her wake up during the night and coo at her mobile before she cries to be fed. In the morning I will peek in and see her rolling around, sticking her feet in the air, taking in her bedroom.
My heart is full.

It got me to thinking about those very first moments when your child is born. I will never forget the birth of my girls and how exciting and scary and special they all were.

I wonder, what is your favorite memory of those first moments with your child(ren)?

I would love to hear.

My New Dilemma

I've already spoken to most of you about this issue, but there are some of you who's opinion I haven't received yet.
The deal is with Cecelia's preschool class/teacher.
A few weeks ago Cecelia started telling me about group time-outs in her class.
Keep in mind that she is only there for 2 1/2 hours 3 times a week.
The time-outs consist of having to either put their heads down, or lay on their backs with the lights off.
I asked CeCe's teacher about it 2 weeks ago and she basically said that when the entire class is getting out of hand that's the technique that they use to get them to calm down. I asked if my child was causing a disruptance and she said no. I also asked if the individuals who are causing the problem are addressed and she said that, yes, they are to sit in a chair with the group instead of running around the climber room or sitting on the floor, etc.
Now yesterday when I went to pick up Cecelia and her friend they both told me right away that they had another group time-out in the climber room because kids were fighting over toys. The girls said that the teacher yelled at them to "get on your backs!" and turned the lights off. Then, while they were lying there the teacher allegedly kept saying "if you're not quiet you're going to have to lay there longer"...over and over again.
Lastly, Cecelia informed me that both teachers were not in the room with them - only the one teacher.
Generally speaking, I feel that this type of group punishment is tolerable if it only happens once and a while. It seems to me, however, that this is going on fairly frequently.
Is it just me or does this seem to be a class out of control with a frustrated teacher??
And, why isn't the other teacher in the room? Is it not a law that there has to be a ratio of teachers to students at that age?
My feeling is that there has to be a better way to get control of the class.
Thoughts?????

GOBAMA!!

Two words for you today:

Yeah, baby!

Congratulations Are in Order

My Dad and Marilyn got married!

We are very excited and happy to welcome Marilyn to our crazy family. She is a warm, caring and wonderful woman with two very special children of her own - John and Amy.

It's amazing how our family just keeps getting bigger and better.

Congrats Dad and Marilyn!!!

My Special Day

Well, my big day is coming to an end - sadly :-(

Bill took special care of me this weekend: baked a cake, hung blinds, grocery shopped, helped with Laila in the middle of the night, bought Champagne and......gave me the illustrated version of "Angels and Demons"!! I haven't read that book yet but am SO EAGER to get started.
It always makes me feel really special when he gives me something so thoughtful.

I received lots of phone calls and cards from family and friends. I want to say thank you all and I love you very much!!!
As a side note to Nancy: watching my girls all.day.long last Sunday was supposed to be my gift! Thank you for the extra something special on top of that.

I'm 33 years old today and as my family sang Happy Birthday to me this morning I got a little weepy thinking of how lucky and blessed I am. To look at my beautiful, happy, and healthy family is, to me, a miracle. Some days I feel as though I am undeserving of it all, but thank God for granting me the life I always dreamed for myself.

It's a new year and a fresh start for me.
I think it's going to be a good one.

My Birthday Buddy

This weekend is so bittersweet for me.
Everbody knows I love my own birthday! This year, though, it's just not the same.
Rick's birthday is today. One day before mine.

Rick and I had so much fun over the years being eachother's birthday buddy. We had this fun loving competition over who's birthday was better. Of course, he figured he had the better birthday because his came first. I thought mine was better because my came right after his and I got to bask in the glory longer.

When we went to DisneyWorld we had a competition over who got the most birthday buttons - and then - who got the most cool stuff while at Disney because of our birthday buttons.
I have to tell you that Rick beat me, hands down, each year. Not only did he get more buttons, but the cast members at Disney paid more attention to him! He got free ice cream, free pins and during the Main Street Parade at Magic Kingdom Cinderella herself looked right at Rick standing on the curb, smiled and waved and said "Happy Birthday"....right to him!

Even though Rick was such a selfless man, I think he truly enjoyed the attention he got on his special day.

It brings huge tears to my eyes to think he's not here this year. I want to pick up the phone and sing to him. I want to laugh and joke around with him. I want to fight over buttons and ice cream. I want him back.

But since I can't do any of that this year the best I can do is celebrate him in spirit. To tell you all what a special and loved person he was.

Tomorrow I'll light an extra candle on my cake in honor of Rick. We miss him so much.

When You See Them Coming

Give them lots of candy!

Although I typically like scary costumes for Halloween, the girls insisted on being princesses (again). With the exception of Laila - who is a Ladybug.

Can't wait until Friday!

In Response

In response to my own Hot Topic.

Yes, I was spanked as a child. I do remember it hurting and I, most definitely, remember wanting to avoid it at all costs. I'd have to ask my parents whether or not it curbed the unwanted behavior. Probably not.
We were spanked for various reasons - of which I cannot really remember. I'm sure lying to our parents was a biggie.
Mostly, though, we were grounded if we got in to trouble (especially me!).

I do not spank my children. I use time-outs. Everything that I learned in college in regards to child development proved that spanking is just as ineffective as any other punishments we dole out. What matters most is consistency. Eventually kids will outgrow certain unwanted behaviors.
And for the the stuff that they never outgrow? I'm still learning. For me, discipline means to teach, not punish. For most unwanted behaviors distraction and redirection works best - especially with the younger ones (around 2 years old).
For the older kids I use negative reinforcement. I will take away your favorite Barbie, then your book, then your dress-up shoes, etc, etc.
When the kids fight I separate them from eachother - and the thing they are fighting over.
(I guess I went too far on this part of the topic).
It is not to say that I have never swatted the behind of any of my children (because I have), or never placed them firmly in to time out (because I have). It's just that if I can use another technique other than spanking that is just as effective, than I will avoid hitting my child for no real reason.

Do I care if someone else spanks their child? Not really. I try not to get involved with other people's business unless someone is being put in harms way.

I think that was it for the Hot Topic.

I'll post a little something more light-hearted next - maybe some pictures of the girls in their costumes.

Hot Topic

Just for youknowwhats and giggles I have decided to post a Hot Topic. I've been reading other blogs floating around out there with more of an edgy, made -ya- think sort of twist to them and thought I'd give it a try. That, and, Bonnie requested more posts (hey, us Moms at home need to stick together).

The topic for today: Spanking.

I did not hand pick this topic out of the air, it actually came up in a conversation with a Mom/Friend of mine this week.

To sort of switch it up I will refrain from posting my opinion on the issue until I hear what others have to say.

What I will do, though, is post the stance that the AAP has on the issue.
It is as follows:
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that if punishment is needed, alternatives to spanking should be used.
Although most Americans were spanked as children, we now know that it has several important side effects.
It may seem to work at the moment, but it is no more effective in changing behavior than a time-out.
Spanking increases children's aggression and anger instead of teaching responsibility.
Parents may intend to stay calm but often do not, and regret their actions later.
Because most parents do not want to spank, they are less likely to be consistent.
Spanking makes other consequences less effective, such as those used at child care or school. Gradually, even spanking loses its impact.
Spanking can lead to physical struggles and even escalate to the point of harming the child.
Children who continue to be spanked are more likely to be depressed, use alcohol, have more anger, hit their own children, approve of and hit their spouses, and engage in crime and violence as adults.
These results make sense since spanking teaches the child that causing others pain is justified to control them—even with those they love.

What is your personal rule on the spanking issue? Were you spanked as a child? Do you spank your children? Why or why not?
Are you O.K. with other people spanking their children? Do you not believe in spanking but are fine with other physical type punishments?

Discuss.

Emma Grace Feske

First Things First

My niece was born today: Emma Grace Feske. 7 pounds 7 ounces.

My 3rd niece, but first from my side of the family. I am BEYOND excited for Jimmy and Megan.
When Jim called this morning - first I screamed, then I cried. It is such a beautiful thing to have your first child enter the world. Nothing like it.

At any rate, I'm sure she's perfect and am waiting on pictures from Jimmy.

Real quick, our weekend in Moorhead was really, really fun! We got to see almost everybody from my family as well as most of our friends. We went out, learned how to play Wii (thanks Mike and Andrea - now we are addicted!), played with all the kids we don't often see, played with adults we don't often see, saw Kris's store and bought the cutest Halloween outfit for Laila (pics to follow on that too), we saw Grandpa and Grandma's new house, Jill's new furniture, Dad and Marilyn's remodel....we stayed at Dad's and Melissa's!! O my gosh, the list goes on and on.
All in all a perfect weekend with family and old friends.

This week, so far, Bill was invited to go on the Mortenson annual pheasant hunt in South Dakota over the weekend. Guess that leaves out the Pumpkin Patch for this year. So much to do....so little time.
We've got it worked out though - I'll take the girls to Nanny and Poppa's (Bill's parents) on Saturday to hang out and play in their costumes and Nancy will watch the girls on Sunday while I work. I mean, really, what would we do without Grandparents??

Hopefully I'll get another chance to post this week with some pictures of baby Emma.

Weekend Update.

Before I get started I have to clear up one thing. I realize I may put too much of my life out here online, but besides some really helpful comments, I see that others of you still have yet to learn blog comment etiquette. I always appreciate debate and thoughtful insights, but never care for downright rudeness, which for some reason people seem to think they can do since they are posting anonymously. Because "someone" had to ruin it for the rest of you I will no longer accept anonymous comments. You will have to have an user ID and take responsibility for what you say.

There, done.

Our weekend, in a nutshell, what very nice and relaxing. Friday night we had family night in. Bill went to get a haircut and I ordered pizza so we could have a picnic in the living room and watch a movie together (picnic idea from my Aunt Jill). Saturday Bill went pheasant hunting bright and early. The girls and I stayed in our PJs until noon and just cuddled up, enjoyed our breakfast and time home alone. After lunch I took the girls to the park because it was an absolutely perfect day!! We all had fun, except Laila, who screamed bloody murder the entire walk back from the park. I guess you really can't please everybody...
When the girls woke up from their nap Bill was home so we played out back for the rest of the afternoon.
Saturday night we cuddled up again, made popcorn and had another family game and movie night.
Yesterday we did run a few errands - the usual, Menards/Target - to get the essentials for the week.
Having a low key weekend at home was just what the doctor ordered. Thank you to Mother Nature for getting the memo.

Next weekend....Moorhead!

Little Miss Negative

That's Me. Little Miss Negative.

But here's why:

I am very busy with 3 small children. I do daycare Monday through Friday and wait tables on Sunday. I take 4 children with me 3 days a week to drop off and pick up Cecelia from preschool. I am the CEO of my household. In other words, cleaning, bill paying, cooking, project doing, winter preparing, laundry, feeding, diaper changing, phone answering and over all bossing around.

I am in a serious state of "It's All About Me."

There are a ton of people out there who help me out and make my life a lot easier. There are people who love me and love my family. In turn, I hope that they feel I do the same for them. If you're not sure let me just state for the record that I love you and am here for you if there is ever anything you need.

I'm trying to soak in this time with my family. I want them to be healthy, happy and rested.

In order for things to run smoothly I sometimes have to just say that I'm sorry, but I can't be everything for everyone. My family comes first.

I hope that it makes sense that I want to be flexible, but not at the expense of my own sanity.

I just look at those pictures above and remind myself that this time is finite and that it's OK to say no.

Where We're At

After all, that's what this blog is originally supposed to be about.

Cecelia: Almost 5. Wow. Started pre-school at the beginning of September and because my mind is full I didn't even get a picture of her first day. Bad Mommy.

Still loves, loves, loves to dress up. From morning until night she is constantly changing her clothes. She likes to play "make-believe". If you play with her, though, she plays her role and then will tell you who you are to play and what you are to do and say.

Even though she is getting older she still has moments when she gets upset and cries. Like if her sister messes up her toys, etc.

Lately, she has been considerably more cooperative. Less arguments and crying, thus, less time-outs.

Very helpful with her sisters. Helpful all around, actually.

Cecelia is a Daddy's girl - hands down. She adores her father and it's a beautiful thing.

Delaney: In to babies and fake food. She plays so well alone - something Cecelia never did like to do. I guess that means she's her own person. Hmm..

Still very funny. I mean, very funny. I don't know what it is about her that just cracks us up but we love every minute of it.

She talks pretty clearly at this point and comes up with the darndest things to say.

She too is a helper for her little sister, but the love is still somewhat fleeting.


She wants to do everything Cecelia does. She cries when CeCe goes to preschool and dance because she wants to go to.

If Cecelia is singing, Delaney will start to sing. If Cecelia is riding a bike, she wants to try and ride a bike. It is a serious case of Monkey See-Monkey Do.

Mostly still a Mommy's girl (probably because of her age), but definitely loves her Daddy. When Dad comes home from work she likes to screech and scream and jump in to his arms. But when push comes to shove Mommy usually is her go to person.

Laila: Cute as a button. Could be the next Gerber baby. Still has colicky moments, but is getting better. We have narrowed it down to when she's tired and has missed her nap window.

She smiles (BIG) and talks up a storm. Still waiting for that first giggle. It's my quest in life to get her to laugh for the first time.

Sleeping pretty well, but wakes up constantly to eat. I mean, like, every hour. I will keep feeding on demand until she turns 3 months old. We've created some bad sleeping habits for now, but I have learned that there is nothing habitual about a newborn. Best to start shaping them once they've reached that 3 month mark.

Weighed in at 11 pounds 4 ounces this week.

And I can't finish this post without mentioning our Bill. Today is his 32nd birthday.

Bill works so hard both at his office and at home. He is always doing something around here - whether it's mowing the lawn, changing a diaper, cleaning up after dinner, or giving the kids a bath. He loves his little cirlce of ladies and we love him. It takes a certain kind of man to balance a houseful of females. He is most definitely the perfect person for the job and I believe we're as good for him as he is for us.

He's our Super Dad and my Super Hubby.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BABY!!!

Lastly, here's a little something that I received as an email today. Enjoy!

On Being A Mom
By Anna Quindlen

All my babies are gone now. I say this not in sorrow but in disbelief. I take great satisfaction in what I have today: three almost adults, two taller than I am, one closing in fast.

Three people who read the same books I do and have learned not to be afraid of disagreeing with me in their opinion of them, who sometimes tell vulgar jokes that make me laugh until I choke and cry, who need razor blades and shower gel and privacy, who want to keep their doors closed more than I like.

Who, miraculously, go to the bathroom, zip up their jackets and move food from plate to mouth all by themselves.

Like the trick soap I bought for the bathroom with a rubber ducky at its center, the baby is buried deep within each, barely discernible except through the unreliable haze of the past.

Everything in all the books I once pored over is finished for me now. Penelope Leach., T. Berry Brazelton., Dr. Spock.

The ones on sibling rivalry and sleeping through the night and early-childhood education, all grown obsolete. Along with Goodnight Moon and Where the Wild Things Are, they are battered, spotted, well used. But I suspect that if you flipped the pages dust would rise like memories.

What those books taught me, finally, and what the women on the playground taught me, and the well-meaning relations --what they taught me was that they couldn't really teach me very much at all.

Raising children is presented at first as a true-false test, then becomes multiple choice, until finally, far along, you realize that it is an endless essay. No one knows anything. One child responds well to positive reinforcement, another can be managed only with a stern voice and a timeout. One boy is toilet trained at 3, his brother at 2.

When my first child was born, parents were told to put baby to bed on his belly so that he would not choke on his own spit-up. By the time my last arrived, babies were put down on their backs because of research on sudden infant death syndrome.

To a new parent this ever-shifting certainty is terrifying, and then soothing. Eventually you must learn to trust yourself. Eventually the research will follow.I remember 15 years ago poring over one of Dr. Brazelton's wonderful books on child development, in which he describes three different sorts of infants: average, quiet, and active.

I was looking for a sub-quiet codicil for an 18-month-old who did not walk. Was there something wrong with his fat little legs? Was there something wrong with his tiny little mind? Was he developmentally delayed, physically challenged? Was I insane? Last year he went to China . Next year he goes to college. He can talk just fine. He can walk, too.

Every part of raising children is humbling, too. Believe me, mistakes were made. They have all been enshrined in the Remember-When-Mom-Did Hall of Fame. The outbursts, the temper tantrums, the bad language-mine, not theirs. The times the baby fell off the bed. The times I arrived late for preschool pickup. The nightmare sleepover. The horrible summer camp.
The day when the youngest came barreling out of the classroom with a 98 on her geography test, and I responded, What did you get wrong? (She insisted I include that.) The time I ordered food at the McDonald's drive-through speaker and then drove away without picking it up from the window. (They all insisted I include that.)

I did not allow them to watch the Simpsons for the first two seasons. What was I thinking?But the biggest mistake I made is the one that most of us make while doing this. I did not live in the moment enough. This is particularly clear now that the moment is gone, captured only in photographs.

There is one picture of the three of them sitting in the grass on a quilt in the shadow of the swing set on a summer day, ages 6, 4 and 1. And I wish I could remember what we ate, and what we talked about, and how they sounded, and how they looked when they slept that night. I wish I had not been in such a hurry to get on to the next thing: dinner, bath, book, bed. I wish I had treasured the doing a little more and the getting it done a little less.

Even today I'm not sure what worked and what didn't, what was me and what was simply life. When they were very small, I suppose I thought someday they would become who they were because of what I'd done. Now I suspect they simply grew into their true selves because they demanded in a thousand ways that I back off and let them be.

The books said to be relaxed and I was often tense, matter-of-fact and I was sometimes over the top. And look how it all turned out. I wound up with the three people I like best in the world, who have done more than anyone to excavate my essential humanity. That's what the books never told me. I was bound and determined to learn from the experts.

It just took me a while to figure out who the experts were.

There's Just Somethin' About a Baby

Laila B. 2 months old.

The Best for The Best

One thing I forgot to tell you all about was where we had Rick's memorial service.

This is an absolutely beautiful and amazing place that I wanted to share with you.

The link will take you to Lakeview Cemetary's website.

Sit back, look around and read about Wade Chapel. It is certainly impressive.

Nothing but the best for our Rick.

http://www.lakeviewcemetery.com/interest.html

Wow.

Apparently I have moved into dangerous territory in creating an open dialogue about politics.

I believe we only have some 40 plus days until the election and all I was really trying to do was educate myself on the candidates a little bit more before voting day. I figured since I took the time to do a little "surfing" I would share what I found - in case you didn't have the time to do it yourself.

I am always, and will always, be open to comments and opinions by my readers. After all, this is a public forum that I have entered in to.

I am also open to conflicting information/facts/knowledge by any of you who are willing to share.

I try my best to be open minded and kind and only hope that you can find it in yourself to be the same.

I Can't Stop Myself

What really matters in this election this year? Does it really matter whether Obama will be the youngest President if elected, or that McCain, if elected, will be the oldest? Does it really matter whether Obama’s former pastor said outrageous things or that John McCain, an Episcopalian, has struggled in the past with the religious right, calling them intolerant? Does it really matter that Obama is multiracial or that he was exposed briefly in his youth to Islamic teachings? Does it really matter whose wife is most attractive - or richest? No, I think not.

What really matters this year, according to national polling and reported recently by National Public Radio in order of their relative importance to Americans are: 1) The economy; 2) The war in Iraq; 3) Health care; 4) Immigration, and; 5) Climate change.

On the economy, both Obama and McCain acknowledge that we’re going through tough times. But McCain, parroting President Bush, believes that the basics of our economy are still strong. Although he has opposed the Bush tax cuts in the past, he now supports them and believes that he can trim enough waste from government spending to eventually balance the budget. Obama recognizes that America is on the economic ropes largely owing to the Bush tax cuts that favor the wealthiest, deficit spending to finance a war that most Americans now think we should never have started in the first place, jobs flowing overseas because of “unfair” free trade policies, and deregulation of the finance/ banking industries. He advocates reducing taxes on the middle class, whose disposable incomes contribute most to consumer spending, and balancing that with increased capital gains taxes which almost exclusively affect the wealthiest who can afford to contribute more. He wants to get us out of Iraq soonest and shift the spending there to spending here to restore our infrastructure, create jobs, and invest in human capital. He would also move to renegotiate NAFTA to more favorable terms for us and to offer tax incentives for corporations to create and retain jobs for Americans.

On the war in Iraq, the comparison could not be starker. McCain believes that we must stay in Iraq for “as long as it takes,” and would commit us to a continuation of current policies in the War on Terror. Obama believes that by giving Iraq’s political problems back to the people of Iraq, we can shift our emphasis back to al Qaeda and the Taliban in Afghanistan and the border areas with Pakistan. By pursuing more diplomacy and less unilateral force in the world, Obama believes that we can save billions, reduce military force structure issues, and win back the support of our allies.

On health care, Senator McCain would replace the current tax-free status of coverage provided by employers with refundable tax credits worth $2,500 for individuals and $5,000 for families to help purchase insurance, which sounds like taking from Peter to pay Paul to me, except that more Americans are working part time jobs without employer-paid coverage. Obama would create a new plan for those who lack other access to coverage, as well as a National Health Insurance Exchange to help pool the purchasing power of small businesses and individuals. Obama would also offer a combination of subsidies and tax credits to help make coverage more affordable. He would mandate health insurance coverage for children but not adults. So his plan is not the same “universal” plan that Mrs. Clinton advocated.

On immigration, Obama and McCain come closer to agreement than on any other issue. Recognizing that current law is not working to stem the flow of impoverished workers out of Mexico, Obama voted for the Senate immigration overhaul bill that McCain co-sponsored in the Senate. The bill would have strengthened border controls, create a guest-worker program and legalize millions of foreign workers here now. Obama also backed the Secure Fence Act. As a presidential candidate, McCain has been attacked by more conservative Republicans for his stance on immigration. Accordingly, he has since said that he believes in securing the borders before legalizing immigrants.

On global warming, McCain was the lead author of a Senate proposal to reduce carbon emissions by 65 percent by 2050. Obama would have us reduce carbon emissions by 80 percent by 2050. McCain supported an increase in auto fuel economy to 35 mpg but opposed a 40 mpg standard which Obama supported. Obama would reward domestic automakers for producing more fuel-efficient vehicles by helping them to fund health care for their retirees. Both are much closer to being “good stewards” of the environment, which George Bush claimed to be in one of his nationally televised debates with John Kerry in 2004.

COMPLETELY AND ENTIRELY STOLEN FROM: http://kgarry.wordpress.com/2008/06/28/swiftboating-on-a-budget-what-really-matters-in-this-election-year/#comments

The Mouths of Babes

Yesterday my brother was "kind enough" to bring me two buttons of myself in my gymnastics suit posing. My Mom and Dad used to wear them on their coats. Charming.

Anyway, Cecelia was infatuated with them and kept telling me that I looked like a kid. I'm about 15 in one and maybe 16 or 17 in the other. So, I had to ask her if I looked different and what makes me look different.
She was actually very kind (as I was anticipating a response riddled with words like wrinkles, frown, loose skin, etc). She basically said that now I look more like a lady vs. a kid, now I look like a mom, not a kid, stuff like that.
The best part was when my 4 year old daycare buddy walked up and said "Plus, you're wearing a different shirt."
I thought that was hilarious, I hope you do too.

Washington Post Opinion

In regard to the lack of experience between Obama and Palin I found this opinion in the Washington Post.
I'm usually not one to publicly share my political views, but I liked this message.

Too much experience blinds you to other possibilities, and knowledge is, according to Karl Popper, a relative and changing thing. Maybe ignorance is the best alternative.... Perhaps what we need in this country is leaders who do not know how things are done by career politicians. Perhaps what we need is leaders who understand that they do not have the knowledge to lead. Our founding fathers, I think, were keenly aware of this when they drafted the constitution and limited the powers of the presidency. Sarah Palin may or may not be a good candidate for the VP job; the same can be said for Barack Obama and the presidency. But the fact that someone may not have the qualifications that the media thinks are important poses no limitation on the capability of the person. I do not want more of "experienced leadership" that considers itself wise enough to make decisions for me. I want principled people who understand their own limitations and, yes, their own ignorance

I Just Miss Him So Much....

I hope my Mom doesn't mind me sharing some of what she's feeling right now, but I feel that sharing can be therapeutic and prayers don't hurt much either.

Mom and Dave went to the marina to clean out her and Rick's boat for the fall over the weekend. She had a really hard time. My heart aches for the loss of my step Dad, but it aches even more for the loss of my Mom's husband.

She said: I just miss him so much....

Heartache has got to be the worst feeling on the planet. Just the worst! Some days it takes all that you've got to not scream your head off for no reason. The pain in your heart is so intense that no matter what you do to distract yourself it still throbs.

I know there's nothing we can do besides let time heal. In the mean time, I just want to say that this sucks the big one.

The Bright Side

It hasn't been an easy last couple of weeks - needless to say.

This week I jumped back in to daycare, CeCe started preschool and I am technically still post pardum. As hard as it is to admit, I almost felt like I couldn't handle it all.

Now that it's Friday (thank the Heavens) I can actually manage a smile.

And even though my children haven't made things any easier for me lately, I still love them to death.

I mean, look at these faces.