Giggles

Baby J giggled out loud tonight when Daddy Piper took a Q-tip to his belly button to clean out the lint and fuzz that has gathered there lately. The giggle was so wonderful to hear - such music to this mama's ears!!

Soccer Saturday

Today was a fun soccer game. Especially after the disastrous practice the other night, I was happy today went well! I took L and Baby J alone because Daddy had to take S to get haircuts (we are doing family/group pics with our homeschool co-op tomorrow!). A moment I don't want to forget: Helping coach L at the goalie box while holding Baby J. It was so surreal to be holding my baby and coaching L at the same time. I just had this snapshot of time in my mind. This is what I was born to do. Being a mom is the best job in the whole wide world!!!!

Fishing!!!!

Took the kids fishing today. Not catching but fishing : -) It was fun!!!! I forgot to add one little memory:

Daddy Piper was looking at something floating around the lake. At first he thought it was a feather then no it must be a fish then no he thought it was a sea horse! It was a feather after all : -)

Baby J and the Bumbo

This third baby of ours is growing by leaps and bounds. He is now enjoying hanging out in his Bumbo, watching me cook or sitting at the table while we eat. It's crazy to think he'll be eating with us soon! He even fell asleep in it tonight :- )

Chunka Monka

Baby J is getting so chunky and I LOVE it! He is now enjoying his exersaucer too : -)

Who Put The Lime in The Coconut?!?

We got a coconut in our fruit and veggie basket yesterday. We have never tried fresh coconut before so we investigated on the Internet how to open it (thanks to this site!). We got the coconut open and milk draining while we ate dinner. After dinner, Daddy Piper and the kids headed out to crack it open. We all tried the milk - no one liked it and then we all tried the meat from inside the coconut - again no one liked it. I think the meat tasted like a Brazilian nut, sorta. It was fun to experiment with a new fruit together. We agreed that it's thankful that we will probably never be stuck on a deserted island and dependent on coconuts to survive : -)

Best Things in Life

I just got my baby boy down for the night after some much needed cuddle time. Nothing better than holding a snuggly baby. Then my girl needed to go potty. She got up all confused, almost sleep walkingish (not a word - I know!) and I guided her to the bathroom. Nothing better than holding her and carrying her down the hall to tuck her back in. I don't get many chances to carry her anymore. Then my boy, S, needed his back scratched and wanted the bathroom light turned on (which he asked for in that cute little whiny voice he uses). Nothing better than being there for him when he has such a want. I am such a lucky mommy tonight. All 3 snugged down for the night. Life doesn't get any better than this!

Thank you God for my children you have blessed me with. Thank you for their father, my husband - a wonderful provider and loving man. Thank you for your ability to put up with me when I get "down and out" at times. And thank you for being loving, even when I am not.

Big Boy S

S has learned to undress himself! This was no small feat for him. He has been my baby for so long that he just wasn't even interested in it. He can now take off his shirt and pants all by himself!!!

Visit to the Farm

A local farm had a homeschool day today so we joined in the fun. It included a hayride and a trip to their "milk bar". It was tons of fun for the kids. They got to feed a horse, the goats and hold a rooster. As I write this S is sitting next to me saying "I Love You" over and over and over - how much better could life get than this! Now he just told me he loves me when I am in the kitchen : -) We brought along our lunch and enjoyed some time with our friends, the K family and the B family.




Baby J hung out the whole time, snugged up next to his mama. Taking 3 out to events like this is hard sometimes but I am getting better at it. Baby J is wearing a onesie here that S wore when he was 7 months old. Baby J is growing so big, so quick - too quick for me!! He is a very happy baby. Not as sleepy as he was but still a better sleeper than S was when he was little.

I am in a huge funk. Even a close friend noticed and has brought it up. I can't shake this depressing feeling for some reason. The economy and personal finances are a huge stresser for me right now, as for many other people. I just need to enjoy what we have and try to not project down the road too far. I just get so depressed and upset and it affects my attitude with my family. I wish I could just compartmentalize things and focus on the task at hand and enjoy my kids. I have lots of wishes and one of them is to hop off here and play with my boy that is begging to play cars with his mama right now!

Zoo

I ended up joining the family on the zoo outing, with L's blessing : -) It was fun! We met the K family there and cruised in areas that we don't normally visit. I forgot our stroller and we rented one there for the first time. The only stinky thing was that it wasn't set up for a baby so I had to hold Baby J in his Moby the whole time. Fortunately, I wrapped it different somehow and it was super comfortable for the 4+ hours he rode in it. The kids got to ride a camel, which they loved. I don't normally spend the money but Daddy Piper was there and feeling generous. They enjoyed that immensely. We were able to witness some true "wild" loving when the baboons started feeling frisky and got busy right in front of us - YUCK! Fortunately our 2 kids were too wrapped up in their snacks to ask questions but J's daughter, S caught on and the questions started FLYING!!! After that fun experience (not), it was off to see some other animals. We did get to see the wolf today. We had lunch and a carousal ride and it was home to take naps. The kids did wonderful, as usual. I am very blessed with 2 good listeners. And it was fun to have Daddy Piper along for a change.

Things Kids Say

We were planning an outing tomorrow since Daddy's work was canceled and we settled upon an trip to the Zoo. L said "Daddy can take us." I said "I want to come with too." She then informed me that I can stay home, feed Baby J and do the dishes - isn't she thoughtful! What a stinker she is : -)

Dance Recital

We got to see L's costume for her recital in June. Can you say OH SO CUTE!? It was adorable - pink & black with tons of sparkles. She's super excited about her recital now!

Baby J roller over!!

Baby J rolled over from front to back for the first "official" time tonight. He has done it before but tonight was on purpose and he was most pleased with himself : -)

Super Saturday

Do you ever have a day that you want to remember forever? I had one of those today. It was great family time all day. Kids were on their best behavior, Daddy Piper was a pleasure to be around, I was in a good mood and we had great company from friends later at a birthday party. We had an overall great day together. It started off with L's soccer game. She did so good. I was very hesitant when I saw the coach put her as goalie for a period but to my surprise, she did wonderful blocking the ball. 2 players didn't show so all the kids had to play the entire game. She was gassed by the time the game was over. She did push down one player and was elbowed later by the same player. She was upset over the elbowing but stayed in the game - what a player!!! After the game it was time to play on the playground for a bit. We had intended to watch L's friend play soccer but she was having some health issues so we didn't get to. The playground was packed with other little ones and we still had a birthday party to attend. We headed home (after a quick detour to look for our missing dogs). Once we were home, I set about trying to get some breakfast cooked up since we took off so early for soccer. The kids quickly took off for the neighbor's house to play with their friends. Daddy Piper and I enjoyed some quiet time with breakfast burritos and time alone with Baby J. Our friend's daughter was better so the party was on. I ran over and got the kids, we came home and got Baby J and Daddy and headed off.

The party was fun! It was a bugs and snake party. The kids got to see a snake eat a mouse (GROSS!) and make bug catchers and cute name tags. After they wore cute safari type hats and searched out bugs with binoculars, the party leader tried to have the kids dance like animals, like butterflies and lady bugs but they weren't up for that so we headed back inside to plant watermelon seeds. During all of this Baby J had an explosive diaper so Daddy took him out to change him. Well he went through to his clothes. Unfortunately, I hadn't updated my diaper bag and the only thing that fit him was a onesie. The poor guy was a bit chilly but after settling down in the Moby, he warmed up. The rest of the party went off without a hitch. It was fun to see all the kids playing together. Most of these kids we have known since they were little babies. They only downside to the party and other things lately, is my having 3 kids. I get a ton of negative comments about it for some reason. It just little comments like why have 3, I look so tired, don't I miss how easy it was. Gosh if Daddy Piper would agree, I would be pregnant with #4 already : -)

This afternoon we all napped and got up without me laying out anything for dinner. We did need to get L some soccer cleats so we headed out to dinner and to the sporting goods store to get her cleats. Dinner was yummy. The cleats were almost a disaster. S was upset because he wasn't getting any. They didn't have any to fit him and besides, he doesn't start soccer for 2 more months!

The only downside to the day was a phone call canceling Daddy Piper's work for Monday. It sounds like there might not be work for the whole week and beyond. I sure hope not. I worry so much about the financial situation in our home as well as the economy in general. I did get directed to a blog today and one thing I kept reading was the statement about God will provide. It was almost like a God thing that directed to me to that site to begin with - super weird. I do have to have faith though that all will be okay - just have faith, while continuing to do with footwork.

All in all, a nice family day filled with quantity and quality time. I think one of the things I enjoyed most about the day was hearing Daddy Piper be so encouraging to L during soccer. There is just something about praise from the father to really impact the lives of our children.

Homeschool Friday

We went to a state park today with our homeschool group and had a lesson on ants. It was so much fun. A bit hard at times with 3 but I managed okay. We had book reading, a song, a quick lesson and then off to search for ants. L & S really enjoyed the time. The only drama came when I wanted to leave before L was ready. Boy did she throw a fit. We were going hiking after all the fun but then Baby J wanted to eat and S said his legs were tired (which after walking the whole Zoo yesterday, I can understand). Well L was super upset because she wanted to stay with her friends. I just felt so guilty because when having 3 kids, someone always seems to miss out or get screwed. AWWW - motherly guilt. It just never goes away. Things worked out and she ended up being okay after playing at the playground for a bit while I nursed Baby J.

Zoo Fun

We had our day all planned to attend MOPS (our first of the new year) but that was nixed when S said he didn't want to go. So I had to come up with an alternate plan for the day. Since the weather is perfect right now, we headed to the zoo. It was so much fun!! We were able to enjoy all the wonderful animals and gorgeous weather. Even Baby J woke up for part of it : -) We haven't been to the zoo since last spring. We normally go once or twice a month but just haven't. They had a couple new things so it was an exciting time!

L & S reading the map to figure out where to go first.
Baby J is awake!Playing on a new(er) play structure.

Posing pretty on a frog.

More on Today

We finished up our schooling in the afternoon. L is just breezing through some of this stuff - it's way too easy for her. We are using 1st grade curriculum. I have to find something harder.

S also worked on his stuff today. We did flash cards with him for about 30 minutes. He had fun for awhile. He did get agitated with me though because he thought the Zebra was a Giraffe and we kept correcting him and it was ticking him off.

I feel like such a bad mommy. I walked in to tell L & S goodnight just as she whacked him on the head with a car. It hurt him something fierce. I totally overreacted and spanked her hard. I feel so horrible right now. I was way out of line. How does my hitting her correct her hitting him? I did go in and tell her goodnight and apologized. I was out of line and was not afraid to admit it. Was it more wrong to apologize? I have no idea. Parenting is hard work! We did talk it out. I have to control my temper more. And I need to be a better mommy and realize these kids are blessings and treat them that way. I just feel like crap right now.

Wonderful Wednesday

I actually have a free minute to post in the middle of the day - woohoo!

Today has been so nice. We played outside forever this morning. We had a picnic outside on the picnic table on the playset. Then L wanted to know if we could do school outside - sure! She was super surprised and I explained that's one of the greatest things about homeschooling - the freedom to do school whenever and wherever. So school was fun today. We are working on some social studies stuff, like where we live. We were run out of the backyard though by a bee. Since being stung over the summer, L is freaked out by bees. Oh well - it was time to check the mail anyway.

Now everyone is napping so I am off to enjoy the peace and quiet!

Photography Post - KIDS

I am entering this cute pic in a photography thing on this website I found - www.iheartfaces.com

Another Week

Yesterday was nice. We had our friends, the K family, over to play on the new playset. It was tons of fun to spend time with them - as always. It is crazy to see how big our kids have gotten. Her oldest is now 4. She was about 15 months old when we started hanging out. Time flies!

Today was L's dance class. She is really enjoying herself. I can't wait to see her recital in June. After class we headed to Costco and met up with the K family again to get some stuff and have lunch. It does get a bit chaotic with my 3 and her 2 but we manage just fine. I don't know how having 5 of my own would be. I was trying to talk Daddy Piper into #4 tonight : - ) It didn't go over very well though!

Dinner was carne asada and great conversation tonight. I was supposed to go out with the moms from our homeschool group but am just so tired so I skipped it. The kids did hop the fence and visit the neighbors for a bit tonight. They really enjoyed themselves. We went and visited the local ice cream shop tonight after dinner. That is always a fun excursion and cheap - $8 for everyone to get ice cream and such quality time together.... FUN! I am listening to Daddy Piper sing "Little Bunny Foo-Foo I don't want to hear you crying" to Baby J right now - so cute.

L: She was awesome in Costco today. She does so well listening to me in public, except when it comes to using the restroom. I wanted her to go with us when S had to go but noooo she didn't have to go only to have to poop NOW when I returned from taking S. That bugged me. She did get a new swimsuit today for upcoming swim lessons. The kind she and I like with the racer back.

S: He is just an wonderful little boy. I do believe he is going to eat us out of house and home though. He had 1/2 a hot dog, a piece of pizza and 1/2 a churro and was almost crying because he was still hungry. I am so thankful that he has never gone hungry. He gets super upset when he gets the least bit hungry. He had mustard and ketchup all over him from lunch today - it was too cute : -) When he's hungry, he gets this whiny, crying voice and says "I am so hungry Mommy".

J: We are starting a new bathtime/bedtime routine with him. He needs to be sleeping in a bed, instead of a swing and going for a long stretch like he was. He is great at sleeping in his swing but should be in a bed. I just don't want him to be like his brother in 11 months, Mama having to hold him on the couch just to sleep. Baby J is also a cooing, happy baby. He loves to be talked to and loves to be around people.

Too Big

L bumped her head on the playset this evening. She got really upset and was crying, not because she was hurt but because if she bumped her head now, at age 4 then that must mean when she's 5, she'll be too big for it [the playset]! (words directly from her mouth!!)

Family Time and the Return to Soccer!

This morning was L's return to soccer. She skipped the fall session since I was due to have Baby J and I just didn't think I could handle practice and games with a new baby. We practiced with her last night and she did great - was really into it. Then today - BAM! She was so great out there on the field. L was really into the whole thing. She stayed with the ball and really gave it her all. I was super impressed with her. The coach had her out there for almost the whole game!! Oh and her team is awesome this time : -) And she's the only girl on it - what's up with that ?!?

This afternoon we finally made it up to see my sister & celebrate Christmas together. The kids' DVD player went on the fritz on the way up so no movie for them. They were very patient for the 2 hour drive. Thank goodness I packed books & coloring stuff to help fill the time. I drove and Daddy Piper entertained Baby J the entire trip. We made it up there fairly quickly. It was such a wonderful visit. We don't see enough of each other. I love her to pieces. We had a nice time hanging out for a few hours. It was just a great afternoon to remember. Baby J did great heading up (thanks to Daddy Piper for sitting in the waaayyy back) but not coming home. He only wanted his mama's booms and I just couldn't chance him out of his carseat. I did for a bit though, when we got closer to home - bad mommy. L & S fell asleep on the way home. They had a great time too and were pooped by the time we left. We need to do this more often. Time is just getting away from us. Her babies were my babies until I had some of my own. My 16 year old niece shared her first sunrise with me way back when. She was my very own baby for so long. And now she's so grown up and just a neat person to be around.

I could go on and on but I better sign off for now. I need to get a bath and hit the sack.This is my handsome big boy - isn't he just the cutest!!

My sister, her kids and me and my kids

My lovely sister!!

My Thumbsucker!!

Mundane Monday

This year has started out nice so far. Friday I was able to leave Baby J with Daddy Piper and take S and get haircuts. It was a lesson in reality though after talking with our hairdresser. Her husband lost his job about 2 months ago and they have been really struggling. She usually only does hair on a very part time schedule and is now trying to get extra hours but they just aren't there. It's a really tough economy right now. Makes me very thankful for Daddy Piper's steady work, although it wasn't so steady a year or so ago. Saturday we were supposed to go my sister's house for our Christmas celebration but that was nixed since I had to take Baby J back to the dr for a checkup. His breathing seemed labor due to congestion. The dr said he was fine but just keep him near a humidifier to help open things up. We stayed down here just in case things took a turn. He is much better now.

Daddy Piper doesn't have work today due to the rain we've had over the last day or so. He's been home a full 2 weeks now. It has been nice having him home. We have really taken advantage of his time off. I need to go get groceries and take some stuff back to Lowe's. L & S are staying home with Daddy to play on their playground. I was supposed to take Baby J to get his 3 month pictures but after last night's lack of sleep, I just don't feel like it.

Off to get something done!

Baby J is 3 months old!

I can't believe how quickly these 3 months have passed. Baby J is just growing so quickly! He is now cooing and smiling more. He can hold his head upright for a bit. He doesn't enjoy tummy time very much but I still encourage it : -) I have been wanting to try to do his pics at home and attempted it today. Here are the results:

Happy New Year's 2009

We had a great day ringing in the new year. I woke up just before Midnight and was able to kiss Daddy Piper just at midnight while watching the ball drop in New York. I would LOVE to be there one year and see it live - a personal goal of mine.

Today we got up and got everyone ready and went hiking. I packed us a lunch to enjoy at the park (next time pack more sandwiches - hiking makes us hungry!!). We went to a local state park that we had never visited before. It was FUN! I snugged Baby J into his moby and we set out for some fun. The weather was gorgeous. L kept saying what a nice day it was and S thanked me for packing a yummy lunch. It is nice to have kids that thank me for the little things. After the hike and lunch we stopped by the church parking lot to let the kids ride bikes and that was cut short when Baby J puked all over me. His spit-up had pooled between my booms - yuck! I need to throw extra clothes in the van for me. Then it was home for a snack and naptime. I got frustrated because I really wanted a nap too and for the last 3 days, L has woke me just at the point where I am falling asleep. Oh well so it was up for me. We ate crab and rice pilaf for dinner. Delish!!

I hope 2009 is as wonderful as the past years have been. We are a truly blessed family with lots to be thankful for. Some of my goals for the year:

1. Spend more time with the kids playing and just having fun.
2. Be a more attentive/better wife
   
3. Keep up the housework
4. Find a hobby I enjoy and work on it once a week - take time for me once a week
   
5. Reduce/Eliminate debt
6. Lose this 10 pounds I gained with Baby J
7. Get rid of the clutter around here - hold a yardsale/sell off stuff on Ebay

I don't normally write down my goals for the year. Maybe putting them in writing will help bring them to fruition.