Full Hands

We'd been in the car for something like 27 seconds. I did a quick check in my rear view mirror and noticed that Ann and Chris were both asleep. I didn't know whether to laugh or cry.

It has been one of those days. I do my best to focus on the moments that keep my heart full--at least when I write. However, I'd be lying if I said that there aren't plenty of moments that keep my hands more than full. Sometimes I want to tell those people who see me with my kiddos and tell me that my hands are full that "they don't even know the half of it."

But, here's the thing. Any time my mind turns to the hands full part of my life, I feel guilty. My kids are healthy, my husband is helpful and hot. Really, why is it that as men age they look better? But, I didn't set out to embarrass my husband with this post, so I'll move on.

The guilt adds to my already overwhelmed feeling and I spin into a vicious cycle and become a crabby mommy.

Then, I do things like send my husband emails titled "Stinks." The message reads something like "This stinks." Only, I'm not so eloquent in my writing when I send him those oh-so-uplifting messages.

I love being home with my kiddos. I really do. I am so grateful to the Lord who has given my husband a job that supports the five of us. There is nothing I'd rather be doing. Except, of course, when I'd rather be doing anything else.

So, what is the point of this post? Well, every now and then I read the title of my blog and think, "If they only knew." Raising children is hard. Right now raising children who are 3, 2, and 5 months is exhausting. So, I guess I just want to say that some days the title of my blog should read YES, and So is My Heart. (Emphasis on the part that yes indeed my hands are full.)

That's all. Tomorrow is a new day and hopefully I'll be able to look at it as a heart full kind of day.

We Have a Winner

Stephanie at Clear Shining After Rain won the book giveaway. This isn't really a surprise to her as I emailed her the news earlier today. However, I realized that I should probably let the rest of you who entered know that you, um, didn't win. I guess I'm nice like that.

Thanks for playing. Oh, Stephanie let me know that tomorrow is her 5oth birthday. It's like I'm giving her a birthday present. Again, I guess I'm nice like that.

Just Thinking

I find it interesting that I can nurse my baby almost anywhere and in front of anyone. However, I am terribly embarrassed to pump in front of anyone, my husband included.

If I could, I wouldn't even pump in front of myself. But, I do believe that would be a tad challenging.

And that is my not-at-all deep thought for the day.

If It's Possible...

I think my heart may have smiled when I first saw this picture.

Almost five months later, this is our first picture as a family of five. I couldn't stop looking at it. Oh, it isn't a perfect picture, but it does make me feel so very blessed.

Well, That Went a Little Too Well

I had grown weary of hearing "Where are we going today?" and "Who is coming over today?" In fact, I was hearing these questions so often, that I began to wonder if maybe we weren't spending enough time at home.

So, I decided we'd try a little experiment. We would stay home this week.

Aside from a trip to the gym and lunch at Chick-fil-A, we stayed at home. The questions slowed and Ann and Chris played pretty well together. I was congratulating myself on a job well done. I even decided that we could venture out to the store. And that is when I learned that we may have stayed in a bit too much.

After one rather successful trip to the store, we decided to try one more. We headed to Payless to buy some fake Crocs. However, Ann was making it known that she didn't want to go. I calmly explained that we would hurry. I have been cramming poor Chris's feet in his too-small Crocs for a few weeks too many.

As soon as I pulled into the parking lot, Ann began wailing. I don't mean fussing. I mean the kind of crying that makes you think there may actually be something wrong with your child. Of course, the only thing wrong with Ann was her strong will. I decided that the best thing to do was to go into the store and quickly find and buy the shoes. I didn't want Ann to think she could manipulate a situation by screaming her cute little head off.

But, I lost my willpower the moment we walked in the door. She began screaming louder and louder. No amount of stern warnings or getting to look at sparkly sandals was going to deter her.

And so, she won. We came home where she was sent to her room for a time out, while the rest of us played.



Now, I'm left to wonder, did I do the right thing? Oh, I won't lose any sleep over it. It was quite a bit out of character for Ann to act like that, but still.

What would you have done?

Oh yes, one more thing. At the request of my mom, or Mimi as the kiddos know her, here is an updated picture of all three kiddos.

What's that? You wanted a picture of their faces? Um, yeah, still working on that.

Happy Friday!

Cooking Up a Storm

Be sure to check out the post beneath this one for a giveaway.


Well, I'm not really cooking up a storm. But, we have had our fair share of thunderstorms around here, and I did microwave a quesadilla yesterday.

Seriously, I do cook. I do my best to cook things mostly from scratch. Don't expect to find a pot of sauce simmering on the stove all day, but I do my best.

Of course, in the summertime I do things a bit differently. Don't most people? I've never been invited to a chili cook-off during the summer months.

What do I like to cook in the summer? Well, we eat our fair share of hamburgers, hot dogs, pasta salad, green salads, and fruits. But, if you were to come to my house, I'd probably serve my favorite chicken enchiladas and "The" Pie. I'd add a salad, some rice, and chips and salsa. Because, hello, chips and salsa go with everything. Don't bother telling me otherwise. I won't believe you.


Here are my recipes:

My Favorite Enchiladas

(No, that isn't the proper name, but I'm missing my mom's recipe with the correct title.)

2 cups cooked and cubed chicken (By all means use a rotisserie chicken--yum.)

2 cans green chile enchilada sauce

3/4 of a 8 ounce package of cream cheese

2 cups cheddar cheese

6-8 tortillas (I like to use the whole wheat because they seem to have a better texture.)

In a large pan, combine the chicken, one can of sauce, cream cheese, and 1 cup of cheddar cheese. Cook over medium heat (while stirring) until the both cheeses have melted.

Pour a small amount of enchilada sauce into the bottom of a 9x13 baking dish. Fill the tortillas with the chicken mixture. Roll up the tortillas and place them seem side down in the baking dish. Cover with the remaining sauce and top with the rest of the cheddar. (I've been know to use extra sauce and extra cheese.)

Cook at 350 degrees until nice and bubbly. Enjoy!

Okay, now for the dessert, and please, you must try this as soon as possible, especially if you like cookie dough. And, if you don't like cookie dough, don't tell me, I'll think you are odd.

"The" Pie

1-18 oz. tube refrigerated chocolate chip cookie dough
2-8 oz. packages cream cheese softened
1/2 c. sugar
2 eggs
1 package Heath toffee bits

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees.Press the cookie dough into an ungreased 9-inch pie plate.In a large bowl, combine the cream cheese, sugar, eggs, and half a cup of the candy pieces.Pour over the top of the cookie dough.Bake for 30 minutes or until set.Cool completely and top with more candy pieces.Chill until ready to serve. (You definitely want to wait until the pie is chilled or you will be disappointed. We keep the pie in the freezer because we think it tastes better that way.)

That's it. You're welcome to join us. I just ask that you bring the guacamole.

Please be sure to visit Big Mama for more summer recipes.

Look. It's a book.

I lugged a bag away from the library the other day. Twenty-one books! That is how many I borrowed. And, not all of them were for the kiddos.

What can I say? I like books.

So, I thought it would be appropriate for me to join in Gretchen at Jewels in My Crown...Someday's giveaway.

But, then the problem came. I was supposed to find a gently used book. Um, yeah. I'm not very gentle with my books. I bend and dog-ear them. I don't always write in them, but you never know.

In fact, I've almost stopped borrowing books from people. You see I don't always remember to barely open the book in order to keep the spine from getting a crease. How do people do this? Do you do this?

But, you're in luck because I did find a book on my shelf that is in wonderful condition.

Oh wait, I just checked and my friend's name is in the front, so I'll have to scratch that out. (Shh, don't tell her I'm giving away the book.)

Oh, I kid. She told me to keep it. But, I will scratch out her name all the same. Other than that, the book is in great condition.

And, oh my, hasn't this turned into quite the long post about a book I'd like to giveaway?

Here it is:

The title of the book is Stepping Heavenward, One Woman's Journey to Godliness. It is written by Elizabeth Prentiss. I'll just say that it has been an incredibly inspiring book for me as I learn what it means to walk with God. I'll let Elisabeth Elliot do the rest.

"This book is a treasure of both godly and womanly wisdom told with disarming candor and humility, yet revealing a deep heart's desire to know God. We need such intimate accounts, need them desperately when the word commitment is so little understood and so seldom practiced. I do not hesitate to recommend it to men, who need to better understand the wives they live with, and to any woman who wants to walk with God."

See, she took the words right out of my mouth. Um, yeah.

If you'd like to win this book, please leave a comment on this post. I'll keep the comments open until Monday June 30, 2008 at 8:00 a.m. central time. This giveaway is open to both bloggers and non-bloggers whether you live in the U.S. or not.

Please be sure to visit Gretchen and checkout her sidebar to see who else is participating in this fun giveaway.

A Spoonful of Candy

"Candy makes me feel better, not medicine," Ann told me.

"Oh really," I said.

"But two candies will make me feel even better," she added.

"Of course they would," I agreed.

Then, because sometimes it is fun to surprise her, I handed her the candy.

However, I will accept full responsibility if she wants to play hooky from church next week. She'll probably think she will get to do this again.



Fat chance! That is indeed an entire bag of lollipops. Relax. I only let her have two. If you'd seen how pathetic she looked from her stomach virus, you'd have done the same.


Hope this day finds you getting a treat when you least expect it.

The Birthday List

"We'll put it on your birthday list," I told Ann.

It was and is my typical response to items she requests as we meander our way through the store.

Most recently, she asked for a Tinker Bell wand. It was a bath toy that when used with a little color tablet, will turn the bath water different colors. Obviously, it is a must-have for any three-year-old girl.

The thought of a requested item going on a list somehow reassures my little girl that she just might indeed get what she wants one day. That one day isn't until late Fall, but whatever.

It was this list, that between you and me exists only in my head, that got me thinking as I read the other day.

I had picked up The Power of a Positive Wife to read as I nursed Jane. Not like I need any help in this area, ahem.

I flipped to a page I had dog-eared. On it was a reminder from the author, Karol Ladd, to not give up on our prayers. Sure, she was referring to prayers for our husbands, but the story she pointed to in the Bible (Luke 18: 1-5) probably means our prayers in general, not just those for our spouses.

As I read this, I thought of my daughter's birthday list. It helped me understand a bit of how God might listen to my prayers. Perhaps, just as my daughter's multiple requests for things make me smile, my requests might also amuse God.


I like to see what my daughter asks for because it helps me get to know her better. Every now and then, she'll request something that will surprise me, though my mind is failing to come up with an example right now. And maybe that is exactly what my prayers to God do for Him. Or maybe I should say that my prayers help me get to know Him better.



You see, just as I know better than to give into my daughter's every whim, God knows better than to grant my every request. As a mother, I know that giving my daughter everything she wants when she wants it won't help her become the person she is meant to be.

This doesn't mean I want my daughter to stop asking and I'm certain my Father doesn't want me to stop asking either. Persistance in prayer is a good thing. I believe it helps me to know God's will for my life. And, the more time I spend with Him, the more likely I will be to accept and even delight in His will, even when, and maybe especially when He tells me no.

Just as my thoughts are greater than my daugther's (at least for now), so are His thoughts greater than mine. So, even when it seems God is saying no to a prayer that to me seems perfectly reasonable, such as a request for healing someone, I won't despair. Only He knows what we truly need.

Sitting in the Sun

Well, really this isn't about sitting in the sun. The infamous "they" say it is bad for you. However, this a post about sitting and the sun, just not necessarily in that order.

Happy Longest Day of the Year! Are you celebrating? I am.

Am I celebrating because we get extra hours of daylight in which to frolic?

No, I am not.

I am celebrating because we now get to watch the days shorten. Yes, I said I am celebrating because we get to watch the days shorten and the cold weather approach. Well, after the dog days of August that will soon be upon us, but whatever.

You see, I can only hope that the shorter days will come with children who sleep past dawn. We've tried sound machines and blocking the light. But, for one certain little guy, nothing makes a difference.

So again, Happy Longest Day of the Year! I hope you are celebrating for different reasons.

Now, on to sitting. Guess who is trying to sit?

First it was rolling from her belly to her back. Then, on Thursday, she started rolling from her back to her belly. I told myself that was just fine because it wasn't like she was sitting. She was still a tiny baby. (All 16+ pounds of her.)

So, for fun this morning, I sat her up to see what she would do. Instead of fall on her face like she had been doing, she tried to prop herself up on her sweet little hands. She is getting big too fast.

But, isn't she the cutest?

Way to go little one! We are so thankful to the Lord for you. May this only be the beginning of many accomplishments all for His glory.

Me, whine? Please.

Recently, my father-in-law was in town. He is a fun grandpa. At the rate that he works out, he'll be a grandpa who keeps up with the kiddos for many more years.

In fact, all his talk about lifting weights got us motivated to start lifting weights. Tony even went as far as to say he'd meet me at the gym during the week.

That is, he said he would meet me if I promised not to whine.

Who? Me? Whine? Whatever.

He reminded me of the one time we roller-bladed together in college. Okay, so I was a bit of a wimp then. What can I say? I'm not a fan of strapping wheels on my feet and going downhill. So what if the hills aren't exactly steep.

Anyways, I rolled my eyes and assured him I wouldn't whine.

We met late in the morning. After the feat of getting the kiddos settled in childcare, I was ready.

Both of us did a bit of cardio to warm up. Then we headed upstairs to the weights.

As we walked to the machines, before we had yet to touch one. Tony told me we wouldn't be doing as many sets as he and his dad did. He went on to say we'd only do three or so.

What? I balked. I told him that is why I didn't like weights. They take too long and are so monotonous. Never mind the fact that I love the mindlessness of the treadmill.

As I was whining about how many sets we were going to do, Tony raised his eyebrows. Oh man, we hadn't even started and I was already whining.

Guess the guy knows me for better, and um, worse.

To my credit, I didn't whine once the rest of our workout. He was a fabulous trainer and I think he may just workout with me again.

Next time I'll be sure to use my big girl words so that I don't get sent to time out.

Getting All Domestic

After finding this blog, I was inspired to make our house a bit more of a home. I was especially excited to find that she and others manage to be extremely frugal while creating beautiful homes.

I took a little tour of our local Good Will.

This is what I found.

I'm most excited about the mirror. It will look just right hanging in the hallway upstairs.

As for the serving bowl, I'm a sucker for anything black and white, so I couldn't help myself.

The small glass pitcher is just right for little hands to use. And, the green bowl will look lovely holding jewelry or spare change.

Finally, the yellow apron just makes me smile. It is the only thing that didn't come from the thrift store. But, it cost less that three dollars at Target, so I figure is should count.

Did you notice our sweet dog in the mirror? Poor Buck is the best if somewhat neglected dog. Being the only beast in a crowd of little children isn't always easy.

That's it. Now I just have to sweetly ask Tony to hang the mirror and I'll promise to watch the kiddos instead of letting them "help" with the drill.

Swimming Supplies

Swimsuit -- Check

Towel -- Check

Snack -- Check

Tiara -- But, of course

What? You don't wear a tiara when you swim? Clearly you aren't a three-year-old girl. And, if you are, let me just say you have amazing reading skills.

Happy Summer Fun!

Happy Belated Father's Day

I think I have several posts titled "Belated _________". Clearly, I'm of the better-late-than-never mindset.

Anyways, here at the Yes, and So is My Heart household, the kiddos and I are truly blessed to have Tony for a father and a husband.

This is proof.

And so is this.And this.


And there is this.

And finally, this.

These moments shown in the pictures represent only a tiny bit of all Tony is and does as a father and husband. For that, we are most grateful and wish him a very Happy Father's Day. Well, a belated one at least.

What's That Word?

Ann: "I accidentally spilled your coffin."

Me: "Um, do you mean my coffee?"

Ann: "Oh, yeah, your coffee. Sorry."

Don't kids just say the funniest things even when, maybe especially when, they are being serious?

Reality

The doorbell rang during nap time. It was a delivery. The noise woke up a cranky Chris. But, it was worth it. I have a camera! Yay!

And now, a picture for the grandparents who have waited so patiently. We'll call it reality.

Stay tuned and once the craziness of this week is past, I'll post some sweeter pictures.

I Should Know Better

I'm usually the first to admit I rarely have things together. I'm beginning to accept that. I'm outnumbered, what can I say?

So, I was truly relishing the moment tonight as we left swim lessons. I had managed to take all three kiddos with me to Ann's lesson. We didn't have any major mishaps. In fact, I was giving myself quite the pat on my back as I pushed the stroller to the car.

That was a mistake.

I put Chris in the van first. Then, I came back to the sidewalk to get Jane out of the stroller. That is when I got quite the surprise.

Ann was standing on the sidewalk na*ked. She had taken off her swimsuit and was getting ready to put on her clothes. (Apparently my little talks about modesty and her body being special are really sinking in.)

I get to take the kids by myself to Ann's last swim lesson tomorrow. No matter how well it goes, I will not give myself a mental pat on the back. Oh, and Ann goes in the van first.

The One About Nothing

This is the week where, if we make it to the end with out any major meltdowns, (and I include myself in that) we'll be doing good.

Yesterday was the only day we didn't have to leave the house by 8:45 a.m. That alone makes me somewhat twitchy. Anyone who regularly gets small children out the door in the morning has my admiration.

Starting tomorrow morning, we'll spend the rest of this week's mornings at our church's version of VBS. We'll be spending the evenings at Ann's swim lessons. But, don't expect any pictures (Mom, I write that for you).

My camera never recovered from it's little experience of being left in the rain. My old camera has been dropped too many times to count, so it is a bit unreliable on good days.

Right about now is when it would be really handy to be a well-read blog like this one. Then, I could probably get a camera for free as long as I promised to review it or host a giveaway. Sigh.

As it stands now, I may have to buy a disposable camera and hope for the best. But, I guess if a broken camera is my biggest concern, I'm doing quite well.

You'll just have to take my word for it that Ann and Chris looked pretty darn cute wearing Mr. Potato head glasses and hats.

Paid to Change a Diaper

Yup, that's right. I got paid to change a diaper.



Of course, it was only a penny.



And, that penny was embedded in a stinky mess inside Chris' diaper.



Lucky for you my camera is broken. I may have been tempted to take a picture for proof.



In other, somewhat related news, Ann has indeed stuck all of those things in her nose. Good thing she doesn't wear diapers. I can only imagine what I'd find.



Finally, because it will make me feel better to write it--I DO SUPERVISE MY CHILDREN! This stuff just seems to happen anyways. There, I feel much better.

I Do It

Earlier this week, Tony, who doesn't usually drink coffee, made coffee and brought it to me in bed.

I, of course, was terribly insulted that he would dare think I couldn't make coffee myself. I mean, the nerve of him trying to anticipate my wants and dare I say needs.

So, I grunted at him and took my cup back downstairs. I poured the coffee in the sink and put the mug in the cabinet. Then, I proceeded to dump the coffee pot and filter. I remade the coffee, retrieved the mug, and poured a new cup of coffee all by myself, thank you very much.

At least that is what I would have done if I was two. However, I'm well past the "I-do-it" stage. If someone (hint, hint Tony) wants to make me coffee and serve it to me in bed. Well then, I would graciously accept it.

Care to guess the question?

The answer is a raisin, pencil eraser, small pebble, and a small jewel heart used for crafts.

Any guesses?

I'll give you a hint. It involves Ann, and I wrote about this fun experience in a Works-for-Me Wednesday post.

So, what do you think?

Just a Day

I have now partially written and then deleted two different posts. I fully intended to write about something that wasn't directly related to my little ones, but I've got nothing. Well, maybe not nothing...

We are still enjoying getting up before the sun around here. Of course, by "we" I mean those who are under four feet. The rest of us would rather indulge in a bit more sleep. Though, perhaps indulge isn't quite the right word. It doesn't exactly seem indulgent to want to sleep until 6:30 or maybe 7:00 in the morning.

Also, I'm not sure if the dog qualifies as being over four feet. I have no idea how or even if they measure the height of a dog. I also don't particularly care.

So, did anything happen today that was blog-worthy? No, not so much.

However, the first thing I heard Ann say this morning was, "I was cranky first." That, my readers, is a first. It just goes to show that siblings will argue about anything.

For the record, I'd like to state that I was cranky first. My husband will attest to that. Not good, I know, but it's the truth.

And finally, in other news, Hubs can officially be known as Tony. He didn't directly give me permission to use his name, but he did make the following statements.

"No, you can't use my real name. Someone might come hunt me down--all from reading your blog."

That was as good as a yes for me. Since I'm into being a good wife, I'll refrain from finding a goofy picture in order to "introduce" him. But, here is a picture of something I never get tired of seeing.

This is a picture of Tony, Ann, and Chris walking to the pool for Ann's first swim lesson. It always makes me smile to see my little ones walking with their daddy. Moments like this make me realize just how blessed I am, even when I have to rise before the sun to make breakfast that no one touches.

Real Names

Okay, for a while now, I've been feeling silly being known as fullheartandhands mama. Also, it is a very loooooooooong name and I'm tired of typing it.

So, from now on I'll be Lizz. I think it works. After all, it is my name. Well, technically it is Elizabeth, but remember, I'm tired of typing long names.

As for my kiddos, I won't be using their real names. However, I'll be using actual human names. I've yet to meet anyone named Big Sister, Little Man, or Baby Girl.

So, may I introduce...

Ann, formerly known as Big Sister.

Chris, formerly known as Little Man.

And last, but not least, Jane, formerly known as Baby Girl.

For now, I'll have to stick to calling my husband the daddy or Hubs. I've never, not once, ever, called him Hubs in real life, but it will have to work for now. I figure I should probably ask him before I share his name.

That's it for now. Happy Monday!

Happy Four Months Baby Girl!

You are getting so big! We all love to cuddle you. Little Man really likes to hold you. (Don't worry. I always stay right beside you both.)

Your laugh is quite possibly the best sound your daddy and I hear all day. You also still love to smile. As soon as I start taking your picture, you start grinning. I confess, it makes me want to take lots of pictures of you.

This month has been a fun one for you. You've learned to roll from your tummy to your back. You can push your chest up off the floor and look around. You have also starting reaching for and grabbing toys. If Daddy, Big Sister, Little Man, or I start talking, you do your best to locate where we're at. You certainly know your people!

You finally got a crib to call your own. Your favorite part of the crib is the attached mobile. You love to lay and watch the little animals move.

However, the best thing about this month, for you, has been the two new toys you've discovered--your feet. Just when you thought life couldn't get any better, you realized that you not only have the two most beautiful hands in the world, you also have the most fascinating feet. In fact, if you aren't going cross-eyed from staring at your lovely hands, you are probably grasping your feet. You love them!

Baby Girl, you have brought so much happiness to our family. It has only been four months, but I know your daddy and I couldn't imagine life without you. Your smiles and laughs never cease to make even the craziest days special.

We love you and grow ever more grateful that God chose us to be your parents.

Socks, Shoes, Whatever

"Do you have Little Man's shoes?" asked my husband, this morning as we arrived at church.

"Um, nope. Do you?" I asked.

"No."

At first, I got a little frustrated with myself. Then, I just shrugged. There isn't any point in looking like we have it all together when we rarely do.

But then, as I pushed the stroller into church, I remembered something.

A couple of weeks ago, we were leaving a MOPS meeting. I had just put Little Man in his car seat when his shoe fell off. It bounced off my shin right into the storm drain. (I won't mention that they were his good shoes and they were new. That is a given when things like that happen.)

So, technically, he wasn't entirely shoeless. He possibly still had a shoe floating around the drainage system under the parking lot. All I needed to do was search the drain and then have Little Man hop on the one foot in a shoe.

I let him wear his socks.

They went quite well with his overalls that refused to stay snapped.