There's Isn't Much Better...

than seeing your children become friends!

I'm not sure when it started, but at some point Jane and Chris started becoming good buddies. I just love seeing the relationships develop between my kids. I pray that they'll be both family and friends!



This just makes me smile. I took it when we stopped at a park on the way to pick up my mom from the airport. It was one of those times that my kids played so well together and I was able to truly soak it all up. Moments like that are so precious!

More Than Three Years Later, My Hands and Heart are Still Full

Nearly three and a half years ago, when I started this blog, it was easy to pick a title. Almost daily, I heard, "Your hands are full." In my mind, I would roll my eyes and think of how blessed I was. My heart was so full.

Today, my heart is still full, but people rarely tell me my hands are full. In fact, I can't remember the last time someone made that comment. Apparently, mothering three children, ages six and under, looks easy.

Needless to say, parenting three still somewhat young children isn't always easy. Sure, in most ways, it's definitely easier than meeting the demands of an infant, a toddler, and a preschooler, however, each stage of parenting brings with it new challenges. Right now, I'm just enjoying the stage we're at and trying not to worry about the future.

Of course, many days are still rather tough to enjoy. And unlike three years ago, I don't always feel free to share the details of our days. I'm trying to respect my kiddos' privacy. But then, I feel like I'm not being exactly honest about our lives. Sigh, must I always second guess myself?

Days like today are almost impossible not to blog about at least to some degree. You see, one of my children, who shall remain nameless, had quite the interesting day. Of course, if you know my family, even a little bit, you'll know exactly who I'm talking about. At least I'm trying to respect privacy. (Emphasis on trying.)

In one day, one of my kiddos managed to dump glitter all over the floor, spray shaving cream under a bed, and smear glue and markers all over the neighbor's landscaping rocks. That was just what I noticed. The interesting thing is that he/she wasn't really unsupervised for all that long today. It's just that a child like this can do all sorts of things in a fraction of the time it would take other children to make such mischief. That kiddo is talented I tell you!

That's all to say that if I blog less frequently now, it isn't at all due to lack of material! It's quite the opposite really. In many ways life is so much busier than it was when my little ones were, well, little. Yet, one thing has truly remained unchanged...I wouldn't trade this life for anything. My heart is still bursting. I love my little ones more and more as I get to know them more each day. Cliche but very true.

Afternoon Happiness

After a long day filled with all sorts of discipline issues, it makes me so happy to look up from where I'm folding laundry to see my three children playing happily together. I hope it lasts a while!

Proof!

Since I'm normally the one behind the camera, we have several pictures of Tony having fun with our kids. (And to be fair, he is more fun!)

So, the other night when I found myself dancing with the kids, I asked Tony to take a picture. He did and now I have proof that I know how to play!


It might not be a great picture, but it makes me smile. It also makes me think that while we don't necessarily need more pictures like this, we certainly can never have enough moments like this!

Wow, I Love Being a Mom!

My friends who know me well, know that the past year hasn't been my easiest at being a mama to my sweet little ones. Overwhelmed would be a good way to describe it. I still wouldn't trade my job, but I won't lie and say it's been very easy this past year.

Such a positive way to start a post, right?

Well, the past few months have been much better and though we still have rough days, they are certainly much smoother than they were last year. I'd like to give our awesome parenting credit, but I'm pretty sure it's only God and the fact that He's allowed our kiddos to get older and mature! (Well, maybe a little bit is due to our parenting, ha, ha.)

Anyways, these past couple of nights, I've found myself thinking more than once that I feel incredibly blessed with this life of mine. How could I not when my night ended like this...

Little Jane was taking sweet forever to get to bed. I'd been patient, but as it was quickly approaching nine o'clock, I was also getting frustrated.

As I took her potty again, she said, "Mommy loves me, Daddy loves me..." She continued by naming her brother and sister. I asked her who loved her most of all and she replied, "Jesus and God loves me." Then, completely unsolicited, she said, "God makes me so happy!"

I'm pretty sure there aren't many better ways to end a long day then hearing your sweet toddler exclaim those words.

Me too, Baby Girl, me too.

Enjoying the Moment

Tonight was one of those nights when I really just wanted them to go to bed already. I gave my children baths in record time and even brushed one kiddo's teeth while she was on the potty. (Yeah.)

However, by God's grace I was finally able to take a deep breath and slow down and enjoy them rather than endure them.

I was able to suppress a smile when my little man told me, "I love you two plus." He then went on to say that, "Daddy said two plus isn't a real number, but it is. It really is."

And because I knew that he thought "two plus" was the largest number ever, I said, "I love you two plus too." (Get it? He didn't, but he felt loved and that's what mattered!)

As I walked into my oldest daughter's room, she announced she had some songs to sing to me. So, I sat and I soaked in all her five-year-old cuteness. Her smile is precious with one front tooth missing and one slightly crooked because it's loose. She sang a song about coins and one about days of the week. (Those kindergarten teachers sure are clever!) I gave her one last hug and headed out.

However, as precious as those moments were, I still sighed a big sigh of relief when I realized my two year old had stayed in her room and presumably fallen asleep!

Yes, I'm grateful for the grace to enjoy the moments tonight, but I'd be lying if I didn't say I wasn't equally grateful for the peace and quiet the evening brings!

Good night!

Will I Remember?

As I sit here, I can't help but wonder if I'll remember...

Will I remember that right now Ann likes wearing shirts with butterflies (not live ones) on them? That she prefers cotton shorts to jeans shorts, skirts or dresses?

Will I remember that Chris prefers to wear his Toy Story and Super Man t-shirts and would really like a Bat Man t-shirt? That he likes to wear mesh shorts like his daddy has?

Will I remember that Jane insists on wearing dresses and and sparkly jelly sandals? That she likes to be called "Princess Jane."

Will I remember the details of our short visit to Chuck E. Cheese yesterday morning?

The children each got to pick out a prize and Ann was all about quantity. She chose two rings, a plastic fish and a plastic lady bug.

Chris wanted the inflatable hammer.

Jane was thrilled with a two-sided crayon. One side was purple, her favorite color.

Will I remember that Ann's favorite color is still pink?

That Chris's favorite color is simply not pink and not purple. All others are okay.

That Jane's favorite color is purple which she pronounces, "purkle."

No, I likely won't remember all these details and so I write them. I want to be able to share these little details with my children.. These little things that seem so trivial, but are the small things that are slowly revealing more and more of themselves to me and to the world.

Though I've noted that a big part of me is mourning my first child going off to school (so soon!?). The bigger part of me is excited to see what they will become.

I love those little ones right down to their seemingly silly preferences.

That's Not What Hot Glue Means and It isn't Edible!

I think I might sit down to blog a little more often if I didn't spend so much of my time keeping kids from doing things that aren't in their best interest.

You know, things like pouring white glue into a glass of water and actually contemplating drinking it.

Of course, I also spend a fair amount of time doing things like sipping hot chocolate while reading piles of library books to my little ones.

I figure as long as I don't start putting glue instead of hot chocolate in the water we're in good shape. It isn't likely to happen. I'm not nearly as fun or as adventurous as they are. They certainly make life fun! (And truthfully, sometimes a bit scary.) I still wouldn't have it any other way.

It's Going to Be Alright

A few weeks ago, I called the elementary school near our house to check on Kindergarten Round-Up. I'd seen signs posted advertising the dates and other schools, but wasn't sure when I needed to take my oldest.

I was a bit surprised when they informed me that I didn't have to wait until Kindergarten Round-Up to get started with Ann's school journey. The school has what they call Pre-K Nights to help new students and parents adjust to their new school life.

That is how I ended up dragging my sweet Ann to school last night. Dragging is the right term because she had no interest in going and I had to pull out all of my parenting tricks to finally get her in the car. We made the short drive and were soon in the library with all of the other parents.

Before we made it into the library, I ran into a friend from church. I'd forgotten that her son would start school at the same time as Ann. I felt relief flood through me as I realized I'd have a friend going through the same thing at the same school!

Once we were seated in the library, it really started to hit me that my oldest would soon begin a new phase of her life. My friend asked me if I was stressed out about the new chapter in our lives. I started to answer, but my eyes began to water and I told her I probably couldn't talk about it just then. (When did I become so sappy?)

It didn't help that Ann was curled up in my lap shielding her face with her coat. She had already turned down the cookies they had offered. (This is very unusual for my sugar-holic!) I realized that she might be a bit scared and nervous. I also realized that if she felt that was next year while she was at school, I wouldn't be there to comfort her. It was then that I again almost cried.

After I asked her one more time if she'd like a cookie, she did indeed take one. Perhaps energized by the sugar, she suddenly started to act like her normal self.

Soon, the time came for her to go with the other soon-to-be kindergartners to play games in another room. She popped up off my lap and gave me her "aren't-I-cool-that-I'm-doing-this" smile. It was then I was reminded she was going to be just fine.

I spent the rest of my time learning about the social skills needed in kindergarten. A half an hour later, Ann came back to the library with the other students. She looked happy.

After meeting the principal, who I immediately liked, we walked to the car with my friend and her son. Ann played with him as my friend and I talked. Once we parted ways, I helped Ann buckle into her seat.

"Mom," she said.

"Yes," I replied.

"I think this is going to be fun," she continued.

I think she's right. I can already see God at work in the beginning of this new adventure. I won't lie and say I won't cry on the first day of school. I most certainly will, but I also have a feeling I'll be excited for what is in store for Ann.

Ann, I couldn't be more proud to be your momma! You are a true blessing and I love you dearly!

That Was Fun...or Not

We just got back from picking up pictures of my little ones. I've never had professional pictures taken of all three of them. (Well, truth be told I hadn't had professional pictures taken since Ann was one, but whatever.) I used the Target Portrait Studios and was pleased. That is all beside the point.

The point is that we were at Target, the same Target we visit at least once a week. Before I headed to pick up my pictures and do a little shopping, I did what we always do...I took the kids to the bathroom and then bought some popcorn. A dollar or so is a very small price to pay for peace while shopping. Anyways, Ann did something she has never done.

As we all headed into the women's restroom, she stopped in her tracks and insisted that I was heading into the "boys' restroom." I insisted that it was the women's restroom as indicated by the sign. She still wouldn't enter through the door.

I was about to grab her hand to coax her into the restroom when I noticed someone was holding the door open for us. As I turned, I knew, I just knew what was going to happen and I wanted to crawl into a hole.

You see the woman holding the door for us had short gray hair. She was a store employee and was therefore dressed in a red top and tan pants. I could easily tell that she was indeed female, however, I could see how a little girl who thinks all females wear all things girly, might think it was a man at first glance. That is why I panicked.

Since my hands were on a stroller and I was keeping an eye on my son who'd already entered the bathroom, I didn't have time to clap a hand over my daughter's mouth.

Instead, I started talking very loudly hoping to distract Ann from saying what was on her mind. I said something like, "No honey, this is the girls' bathroom. See, there are all girls in here."

That was the wrong thing to say because that simply opened the door for what she wanted to say. She stuck her little finger in the air and said, "But look..." and pointed at the sweet woman holding the door for us.

I looked at her like I had absolutely no idea what she was talking about and said something like, "I only see girls sweetie." I'm pretty sure I grabbed her at that point and nudged her toward a stall.

I gave her a mini lecture about not calling people boys or girls when we aren't absolutely certain. I really really hope that information sunk in that sweet little head.

Oh, aren't kids the best!

It Wasn't a Cavity!

I just pulled pumpkin seeds out of the oven. I think they are a little browner than they should be, but hopefully they are still edible. After all, I did too much work washing pumpkin guts off of the seeds to throw them away now!

That is all very much unrelated to what I sat down to write. Rather, I sat down to write about what happened a little earlier in my evening.

I was sitting on Ann's bedroom floor with Chris. We were getting ready to read a few stories before bedtime. Suddenly, Ann came in the room announcing, "I have a cavity." What?

She'd been complaining on and off of a sore tooth. The girl can be a tad dramatic so I hadn't paid too much attention.

So, tonight, in a non-sympathetic way, I asked her to show me her tooth. Then I poked my finger in her mouth and discovered that MY FIRSTBORN'S TOOTH IS LOOSE!

I won't lie. My stomach actually did a little flip flop when I realized that she is fast approaching the mile stone of loosing her first tooth. Rather than tear up, I put my game face on and told her how exciting it was that she would soon get an adult tooth.

She wasn't buying it. It obviously made her very nervous to think about losing a tooth. As I tried to continue reading stories, she turned and hugged me while saying, "I"m afraid." Needless to say, I stopped what I was doing.

I asked if she'd like to talk to her friend who'd lost a tooth. She did and we did. We also prayed. Finally, I did have to ask her to stop thinking about it. I told her she'd be just fine.

After I got everyone tucked in, I wandered downstairs to finally do the day's dishes. As I did, I reflected on my oldest's tooth. I wondered if I'd be there when it finally came out or if she'd be with daddy or at preschool. Then, I remembered something from my loose-teeth days. I recalled a book my mom read to me, appropriately titled Lizzie and the Tooth Fairy. I stopped doing the dishes and rushed to the computer where I found and bought it at Half.com.

Shortly thereafter it dawned on me that we're soon going to need a tooth pillow to keep that first lost tooth safe before the tooth fairy is able make a little exchange. Again, I went to the computer and found a cute little polka-dot tooth pillow on Etsy.

Fourteen dollars later I had to chuckle. It was a bit reminiscent of five years ago right before my daughter was born. I was trying to make sure we had everything we needed. Of course we did and even some things we didn't need.

I felt a little bit like that new mom tonight as I purchased the appropriate first loose tooth accessories. I guess I'm learning that every new stage or milestone has the possibility to bring out that wide-eyed feeling of wonder at the wonder of life. It's a special thing even if it does make me a bit tearful with nostalgia.

If you'd like to read more about what others are learning, please stop by Jo-Lynne's.

Worth It

I've learned that our mornings really do go more smoothly if I do a few things before breakfast.

So, I try to get myself ready, make the beds and tidy the bedrooms. (Sometimes this is done with 'help" and sometimes not.) I usually try to pick out clothes for the kiddos and take them downstairs with me so that they can put them on right after breakfast. Of course, they pick out their clothes a lot of the time as well. In fact, there was a time when my oldest would put on quite the ensembles. I'd like to say that I'm the mom who would let her go out in her crazy outfits, but more often than not, I didn't.

Anyways, today I did the few things I mentioned and our morning was off to a good start. I did, however, realize after breakfast that I'd forgotten to bring down clothes for my youngest who is one. Since I couldn't send her upstairs and actually expect her to pick out a top and a bottom, I got ready to head upstairs myself. Before I could, my four-year-old offered to go pick out an outfit. I hesitated, but said okay. My three-year-old followed her.

Not much later, she came down with some jeans, a too-small t-shirt and some Baby's First Halloween socks (it's not her first, but someone gave them to her...). My first instinct was to say thanks and head upstairs to pick out a more suitable shirt, but I stopped.

It was the pride beaming from my oldest's face that made me stop. She was clearly happy that she had chosen to help me by getting her sister's clothes.

As my son entered the room holding a fresh diaper for his sister, I knew what I had to do. Instead of finding something that I thought would be cuter and better fitting, I dressed my youngest in some slightly mismatched and ill-fitting clothes.

After I had her dressed, I thanked my other two children for being such good helpers.

My oldest said with much pride, "Yeah, we were helpers because we're the big kids, right Chris?" Her brother agreed as they both went back to playing with blocks.

It was a small thing, but I know it made a difference. I'm glad I'm learning to take time to pay attention to those small things!

Now, I'm curious, do any of you let your kids wear whatever they pick out no matter how outrageous it might be?

Please stop by Jo-Lynne's to read more about what others recently learned.

That Whole "Glass Half Full" Thing

Last night, I tucked the kids into bed and sat down to work on my little blogging job. It was taking a bit more concentration than usual because it had just been one of those days. Nothing major had happened, but a lot of minor inconveniences and some crazy kids was enough. I was trying to get myself in a better, more positive frame of mind in order to write something a bit more uplifting than "I'm tired of the craziness, blah, blah, blah."

Before I even had a chance to get the computer fully started, my son was at my side. I looked him over and didn't see any blood and he looked perfectly fine. I decided there was absolutely NO reason he should be out of bed.

Apparently my observational skills were a bit weak because the poor kid was not wearing his pants or his night time diaper. Hmmm.

He laid down on the floor while I helped him get the diaper fastened. Meanwhile, I told him that I would not be coming back upstairs to tuck him in yet once more. In the middle of this little lecture, I shrieked.

My son had poo on his leg! He had clearly had taken care of the potty business, but no so much the wiping thing.

The funny thing is, rather than make me frustrated and think there was no way I could be in a positive mindset now, it just made me laugh a bit.

In this parenting thing, it is always something. Yet, that something is so often a wonderful thing, that I might as well shrug off as much of the unpleasantness as possible.

As I write this, all three of my children are playing "clubhouse." They are sharing and using their wonderful imaginations. It is a joy to watch. Moments like this just might make up for the chaos and amounts of bodily fluid or sticky hand residue I seem to always be cleaning off of something!

The Little Kids

In our family, we refer to Chris (3) and Jane (17 months) as the "little kids." The "big kids" are Ann (4) and Chris (still 3). Lucky Chris gets to be a part of both groups. Needless to say, he prefers it when any reference to him is prefaced by "big" and not "little" or even worse "baby."


This weekend, I've had the little kids all to myself. Tony and Ann took off on Friday morning for a wedding in Kentucky. (More on that later, but I should take a moment to say that my kids have the best daddy. He chose to take a 500-mile-one-way road trip with Ann. He looked forward to it just as much as she did maybe more.)


I'll admit, I was dreading this weekend just a bit. I knew I wouldn't get my somewhat regular Saturday-morning break. Also, since it is the weekend, I knew most of my friends would be having family time and any play dates would be unlikely.


It turns out my dread was unfounded as we've had a wonderful weekend. In fact, I'm coming away from this weekend loving and liking my little kids more than ever.


We filled Friday with a trip to the children's museum, lunch out with friends and a trip to the zoo to meet Spider-man and see the lions. We also ran an errand.


On Saturday, we went to the gym, a birthday party, Chick-fil-A and even ran by Walgreens to snag a few deals to satisfy my little coupon addiction.

Today, we started the day both early and slowly. I attempted to snuggle with both kids in my bed. However, after only a few minutes I was having to cover my face as Jane began diving all over the bed while laughing. She doesn't have much regard for safety or personal space, you know?

Now, I sit at the computer while Chris finishes up a much-needed nap. Jane is happily destroying anything she can get in her hands. I'm having a bit of coffee because though it was a good weekend, it was also a bit tiring. I'm not sure how those with husbands who regularly travel get enough sleep at night. I have the hardest time sleeping without Tony at home. I'm so glad his business travel isn't frequent.

As I finish my not-so-good coffee, I want to be sure I document a couple of more things.


That little man of mine showed a different side this weekend. He actually slowed down to show that he is actually quite full of compassion.

The first thing he did was while we were at the zoo waiting for the tram to pick us up. I accidentally dropped a sippy cup on their great aunt's toe. Chris saw what happened and immediately stopped what he was doing and gave Aunt J a hug.


The sweetest part of it was that I could tell it was his first response. He wasn't trying to get anything and he wasn't particularly tired. (Both reasons he usually gets cuddly.) It may sound silly, but I think that may have been the most proud I've been of him yet.


The other thing my little man did that melted my heart was in the care he showed toward his little sister. After lunch today, Jane was screaming in her high chair. She wanted out! Chris walked over to help her. As he assisted her, he talked to her in the sweetest voice. He assured her that he was helping her and it wouldn't be that much longer. In that short minute or two, I could almost picture him grown-up. I liked what I saw!

Getting to know my kids as individuals is one of my favorite parts of being a parent. Weekends like these make getting to know them just a bit easier. I'm so happy to have a big, a big/little and a little kids to get to know!

Just When I Thought I Couldn't Make it Until Bedtime

We were only minutes away from bedtime and still, I thought I wasn't going to make it without seriously losing it.

I looked at my oldest and asked her to come sit on my lap. I held her for a minute and told her I was sorry I was a bit short today. She told me that was okay and apologized for having a rough day as well.

Then, she sweetly said, "Mommy, I need to tell you something."

"What's that?" I asked.

"I love you," she sincerely said.

"I love you too," I replied. Moments like that feel like a gift.

It proved to be just what I needed. As we walked up the stairs together, we found that a certain little man had dumped a nearly full bottle of baby wash into the bath tub. I just sighed and carried him to his room.

My long day ended with snuggles with my favorite children in the world.

It's a tough job, but somebody has got to do it. I'm grateful that somebody is me.

It Just Makes Me Smile

Chris (3), Ann (4 1/2), and Jane (15 months)

Just a Moment

He stood at the backdoor glancing out at the rain. His blond curls were tousled and what is left of his toddler belly poked out from under his pajamas.

Suddenly, he opened the backdoor and said in as authoritative a voice as he could muster, "Rain, GO away!"

I both wanted to laugh and hug him while asking him to stay this way forever. Since I do not have the power to make time stand still, I decided I better write it down.

Perhaps one day I'll look into the eyes of my grown son and see glimpses of that two-year-old that just melts my heart.

Now, if only he did have the power to give us a breather from all these April showers!

Date Night

I was wearing sweats and hadn't showered since before my run.

Not a bit of makeup could be found on my face.

Still, my date proudly held my hand. Date night was his request.

We shopped, rode the carousel and shared a snack.

At the end of the night, as I stretched out beside him, he sweetly said, "I love you, Mom."

I gently kissed his forehead and quietly shut his door, but not before saying, "I love you too, my little man."

May this only be the beginning of many special outings together.

I Will Try

My Sweet Baby Jane,

Just moments ago, I put my finger in your mouth to look for teeth. I fully expected your mouth to be the same as it has everyday for the past seven months. You can imagine my surprise when I felt a tooth! That tooth is another sign that you are growing healthy and strong. I'm so grateful.

Yet, I must confess that my first instinct was not to celebrate another step in your journey. Rather, I the emotions I experienced were bittersweet. I had tears in my eyes.

You see, with the exception of a few sleepless nights, I've enjoyed each and every moment of this first year. Your first tooth served as a reminder to me that it will be over all too soon.

Then, I watched you crawl into the kitchen this evening as I loaded the dishwasher. My eyes grew misty.

Baby girl, please don't think for one minute that I'm not proud of you. I couldn't be more proud. And, to think that our family is experiencing this for the third time, well that only makes it more special.

Jane, I promise I will try to smile when you take your first step and say your first word. And when all those other firsts come along, I promise to do all I can to make sure you know just how proud I am of you. But, should I fail and tears come before my smile, please know that you are loved and your mama is so very proud.

I thank the Lord for the blessing that is your life.

I love you little one.

Mama

Where's My Cape?

It has been four years since I heard the teacher say that I would soon distinguish my baby's cries. She meant that not only would I distinguish my baby's cries from other baby's, but I would also begin to distinguish from among my own baby's different cries.

I was skeptical. I mean all baby cries sounded the same to me.

Of course, it wasn't long after Ann was born that I realized that the teacher had been serious. All babies did sound different. Not only that, but newborns were actually beautiful and not just shriveled and red. Who knew?

However, that teacher failed to warn me that these superpowers don't just stop with distinguishing cries. Oh no, not at all.

Soon parents learn to tell what annoying toy is still making noises though the children have all gone to bed. Or, they may all be playing, but one toy can be heard above all others and it must. be. stopped. NOW! (As a side note, it should be recorded that approximately 99.9% of these noisy toys come from grandparents.)

I can identify the pesky little yellow car from a mile, or a room away, whatever. The point is it now resides on top of our refrigerator so that no other toy can bump it and make it play its demolition sounds. And, if Chris fails to notice it is missing in another day or two, it will be forever gone to some unsuspecting mother who stumbles upon it at the thrift store. But, I digress.

I realize that these powers are likely universal to mothers.

Just the other day, I was talking with my friend while our children played in her house. Suddenly, she stopped talking and cocked her head while wearing a look of concentration. Within seconds, she said, "Would someone please turn off the Nemo Bubble Maker?" She was dead on! A child turned it off and peace reigned for a moment.

I'm guessing her children's grandparents gave them that toy.

How about you,? Have you been surprised by the, um, new skills you've acquired since becoming a mama?