We need prayers here

Even if you have not followed MckMama's story please go to her blog and say a prayer for baby Stellan. This mis close to my heart because he and baby Gage are only a week apart.

Quotable Mondays

A positive attitude may not solve all your problems,

but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort.

-Herm Albright

-

Your Gonna Miss This

It is 5 a.m.. My fresh cup of coffee sits beside the laptop. I am holding my baby boy who is slowly drifting of to sleep. Once he is down I will probably sit here by myself. I enjoy this time of day alot. I am usually refreshed from some sleep and it is quiet...love the quiet.

Though it is tiring when your awake multiple times in the night I do enjoy being there for my children. Sometimes it is to the point of ridiculous how many times in the night one child can get up but most of the time I am called because they are scared. How can you not feel good when your child reaches for you to comfort them.

You can all remind me of this post when my youngest hits that stage where he is awake many times just because he wants to and I am so tired I want to cry.

Having young children is tiring but sometimes I realize how honored I should feel that they want me to help them. How blessed they are they have a healthy Mom that is here and cares for them deeply. I guess my Moment this week is the fact that I am so aware right now how lucky we are to be together. Yes, there are times I just want to run away and hide but once I get away I want to be right back in the chaos because I miss my little people.

I think all Mommys need a few minutes to themselves to regroup, to pick up the pieces rattling around in their brain. But in the end we accept that our needs are not the most important thing right now nor do we want them to be. Our children come first and we would not want it any other way.

Hang Loose

Caught my little one in a fantastic pose..........

If you have ever been to Hawaii you will be familiar with the "Hang Loose".

If you need clarification go here.

My little guy will also be stylin in these awesome boots.

Thanks Ma tante Helen.

**edited to add that in less than 3 hours I have accomplished alot in my office.

Baby has been sleeping and the others are still not home.

Now if only I could get to WalMart to buy some bins.

My New Year's Resolution (a little early)

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas. We did, it was peaceful and full of family. I do love the days when it is just the six of us.

It's been so much easier to deal with daily life while not having a big stress on our shoulders. Yes, the kids are still stressful at times and especially right now when there is to little sleep and way too much chocolate and stimulation from toys BUT we,the parents, are not stressed like we were just a week ago. I know in exactly 8 days the stress level will increase dramatically as I single parent through the week but in the end I think it will be worth it.


I have a very strong desire to start organizing, throwing things away and just downright getting this house in order. I have energy because my husband has been incredible letting me sleep in till 9 a.m. everyday he has been home. It's been great feeling rested and sane. So that is why I want to get cleaning.

In fact my New Year's Resolution is to get organized once and for all. You wonder why I want that when I have four small children at home and a husband that will not be available for help Monday to Friday, not too mention money will be tight for awhile? Well because I am a little crazy that is why! But I also know I can do it in small chunks and it will be a work in progress.

I have discovered that my motivation to get things done is YOU. Anyone that reads this blog can hold me accountable so when I post that I am going to do something I find I get more motivated to get it done because I know some of you are waiting for an update.

So this year I am going to start with my office because it's on the main floor and I can work in it when the kids are up and about. Now that we have a LAPTOP....(woohoo) it's been nice not feeling like I have to sneak away for some computer time (which may I add is our #1 source of entertainment because our t.v. is help captive by our children when it's on). I find I communicate with my "real life" friends a whole lot more through emails and such. I also LOVE to read blogs and keep up with some fabulous writers. My photos are online, my music and now with the laptop we (husband and I) just may get to watch a movie now and then while cuddling in bed (has not happened in very long time).

Here is the area in my office I am going to concentrate on....(take a deep breath).......




...as you can see it may take me awhile. I have tons of stuff to throw away and I need to buy bins and another shelving unit for games. On the top right are all our games for the kids and this kind of storage is just not working. Believe it or not I cleaned out alot papers from the area around the computer lastnight and cleaned out my file folders as well. Kind of sad you really cannot tell..lol.

I better get to work. My husband took the older three children to the lake to see his parents and family from out of town and baby is sleeping. Wish me luck.

How Christmas has changed for me..

Christmas was busy for us again. Busy with our children that is. We are lucky that both our families live in the same city so it's just a matter of loading up kids and a diaper bag filled with PJ's and were off. Christmas Day is at our house so my family is here and that makes it easy for us too because we wake up, tidy the house and were done.

This year my sister made the turkey and everyone else pitched in for the rest of the meal so I had very little work to do. This was different for me this year because usually I cook the main course but there was no way I could have done it all with the new baby and three kids. I pretty much sat in a chair most of the morning nursing my little one. I'm glad my sisters knew that I just would not be able to handle it all (because at the time I thought I could) and organized the details.

Christmas changed for me also in the way I thought about the celebrating and traditions. The tradition's have changed drastically since we had our first child. We realized after struggling to keep up with our families traditions that it was difficult with a child. We resisted the changes at first but now we have accepted that when your own family is growing there are some things from your childhood traditions that just have to change or be tweaked so we can adjust for the children we have. We are now the parents with responsibilites and not just the kids with not a care in the world what time the turkey gets on the table or who has a gift.

Gifting was different this year as well. I shopped online for my children and that was completed by early December. I also knew exactly what I would give my husband and picked it up and was out of the store in 30 minutes. But for the other people we had to buy for...hmm..let's just say it just did not happen until the day before Christmas Eve and only because my husband went to pick up a couple gift cards. We just did not have the time this year with the new baby and career change happening.

I know it's no excuse but honestly if I am forced to buy a gift should I really be giving one? What is gifting about? Is it that we have to buy someone something just because it's Christmas? I know it may sound harsh but in all honesty the commercialism of the holidays has my stomach turning lately. I also just do not understand the concept of gift giving to those that you may not get along with so well or those that tell you they just don't really want anything...my response is "Okay then". I am too busy taking care of my children and ensuring that they are fed, clean, and safe to go running around in -30 C weather (with them in tow) to buy something for someone that tells me they don't want anything or the person that really does not care for me anyway.

In previous years I did just that...ran around the stores getting cranky about Christmas because of difficult people and this year I just refused and you know what....it felt good. It felt good to be present without a present. It felt good to just be in the moment of what Christmas is without falling prey to what Christmas has turned into for most people. I feel like I learned something this year that is going to be the start of new traditions in the years to come.

I know already that next year my children will not get as much as they did this year.

I know already that next year we will continue to downsize the gifting.

I know already that next year as a family we will help another family in some way.

I know that things are going to drastically change for next year's holidays because things have changed within me.

(that being said...my husband just walked in the door from his first ever Boxing day shopping experience and what does he have in tow....a laptop but it's for his days at college but I must go and peak!)

Merry Christmas

Wishing you all a wonderful

Christmas and Holiday Season!

“And the Word became flesh

and lived among us,

and we have seen his glory,

the glory as of a father’s only son,

full of grace and truth.”

-John 1:14

Wordless Wednesday

I wish my dreams made me do this....

Sorry it's not a "wordless" post but I had to have some sort of caption for this pic!

For more WW particpants go here.

Do I Really Have To?

I kind of sad today. I have to leave my house. I really don't want to. It's -31 Celsisus with no wind chill factor (that's -23 F). It's not just the temperature that wants to keep me indoors in my own private world but it's the people I will encounter while I try to finish my Christmas shopping and get something to wear for Christmas Eve.

You see, I am in a Christmas mood. My heart is warm and fuzzy towards all people right now, the catch is I have not had to encounter people since Saturday so that is probably why. I have nothing against other humans in general it's just that at this time of year, and the second last shopping day before Christmas people can be a little crazy and sometimes just plain rude.

So as I sit in my nice warm house with children still sleeping (finally baby went down again), my nice warm cup of coffee right in front of me.... it is really hard to find any get up and go. I need to put my supper in the crockpot, get ready, probably nurse baby a few times before the babysitter gets here for the older kids, feed my older kids, mop my floor, and then drop baby off at Grandma's house so I can do what? Shop like a mad women before my doctor's appointment then rush home so my babysitter can get home before it gets to -50 C again. No spa treatments for me today, nope just get everything done real fast while the kids are not with me...sigh.

Before I leave the house this is what I need to do. I need to change my mind frame. I need to put out to the world something else besides another grumpy last minute shopper. I need to put a smile on my face and grit my teeth and bare it.

I need another cup of coffee.

Your Gonna Miss This Moment

Pam is hosting a special Christmas "Your Gonna Miss This Moment". Go on over and read these special posts about our Christmas moments we are going to miss or do miss already.

For me I have to say I don't necessarily miss what has happened in the past. I say this because these memories are stored in my mind and can be taken out to revisit whenever I want. When I think about those past Christmas's as a child, my heart doesn't ache but instead a smile comes to my face as I think of how great I had it. I have awesome childhood memories of Christmas. I have HUGE families on both sides so I always was surrounded with cousins and alot of the times Christmas was the only time I saw them.

That being said I do have memories of Christmas that do make my heart ache and a few tears always seem to escape. If your my sister you may want to stop reading here.

I miss my Mom. Yes, everyday I think about her but at Christmas I REALLY miss her. Christmas and Mother's Day I miss her the most. My Mom made Christmas day the BEST. She spoiled us even when there was no money to spoil us. She gave us gifts that were true to us. She knew exactly what we wanted. Even when we got older she still showered us with gifts. I loved seeing how happy she was when we opened them. She loved to give. She gave more than she received her whole life in everyway.

I miss the fact that she could not share Christmas, not even one with her Grandchildren. She now has 6! The first Christmas without her was probably one of the most difficult holidays I ever had to go through. My son was 8 days old. The baby, her first grandchild that she never got to hold but yet saw growing in my belly. She touched my belly days before she passed on and told me to take care of him...she knew of course before any of us exactly what our baby was and who he would be.

I will always think of that Christmas and how my Dad, brother and sisters gave our best to just get through it and you know what... we did. We kept traditions and continued on with what we knew as familiar. Years have passed and we now gather at my house instead but otherwise most traditions have stayed the same. When we are all together I know this is what would make her happy...to have all her kids, grandkids in the same room, together, enjoying each other's company.

So even though every year we seem to change something that I remember from my childhood...it's okay. I resisted at first but now I enjoy what is new and tuck the old away but not so far away that I won't be able to grab it when I need to remember.

Quotable Monday's

"Christmas--that magic blanket that wraps itself about us,

that something so intangible that it is like a fragrance.

It may weave a spell of nostalgia.

Christmas may be a day of feasting, or of prayer,

but always it will be a day of remembrance--

a day in which we think of everything we have ever loved."

-- Augusta E. Rundell

And because of reality I had to post this quote which I thought was funny but so my life...

"There are some people

who want to throw their arms round you

simply because it is Christmas;

there are other people

who want to strangle you

simply because it is Christmas."

-- Robert Lynd

I'm Better

Since my last post my dreary little view on life has lifted. Thursday was such on overwhelming day and I think I figured out what is going on besides the cold weather. My kids are BORED. The twins are just bored. I realized that night that I need to try harder. I need to give them something to do, play more games, do more puzzles and just get down to their level more. I don't know where that time will come but I have to find it.

On the up side the twins start preschool in two weeks. I am very excited about that. I started my oldest when he was three and I have never regretted that decision. Many people think I am crazy for spending the money but they don't live here and deal with the twins everyday. I also like that they will be in a french language environment for a few hours each week. Their Daddy has slacked off quite a bit with the french.

I also received the BEST ever Christmas gift from my husband yesterday. We found out yesterday that I am now married to a man of the Law!! I am so flippin excited for this new turn in our lives. It will be a long haul through the training but in the end it will all be worth it. Daddy will be home alot more and we can plan our lives. Daddy will also be much happier in a job he enjoys.

I have a fully body massage booked for later today, my children had a good sleep (except me and baby) but I just know it's going to be a GREAT day.

This Is Not Going To Be Pretty

Are you thinking what will not be pretty?

My head exploding!!

If this cold weather does not disappear soon I will explode. I have no patience, I basically yelled at my children most of the day, and I am in desperate need of a shower and a few minutes of peace maybe some cheesecake would be good too.

My children NEED to go outside. They are not indoor children. They went out this morning for 15 minutes and I don't blame them because it's cold...like -27 Celsius cold. For you American's that read my blog I think that is 24 F or so degrees. Basically it's cold and colder with the wind chill.

I really want a do over for this day. Anyone willing to give me one?

This Time of Year

Where are the days going? I refuse to believe it's the 18th of December. What have I been busy with?

I bet your expecting me to say I have been busy shopping for Christmas and getting ready for that big day but I haven't. I have been playing "Mouse Trap", building forts out of Lincoln Logs, pretending to have my hair cut and styled, nursing a baby, cleaning, cooking oh and of course laundry. Just your usual daily tasks as a stay at home Mom.

Many people ask "that" question these days leading up to Christmas..."Are your ready?" I really dislike being asked that. Am I ready in what way? Since the twins arrived I do not have time to care if I have a centerpiece on my dining room table. I do not have time to shop for new decorations every year (and I really do not understand that concept anyway). I do not have time to decorate and if it gets done that is a bonus. But I do not stress over it. I think the "letting" it go was a survival mechanism that came along with twins. I will add (before someone I know comments about it) that I wasn't always this "relaxed". I was a stress ball wanting everything perfect at one time in my life.

I do think we need to prepare ourselves for Christmas in many different ways but not by being sucked in to the commercialism of it all. I'll be honest, we do spend money on our kids and each other and we always support charities and join in when giving to those in need BUT I do not buy my neighbor and his dog anything. He does receive a gift from us but it's usually a plate of cookies or some homemade jam. I don't go out and spend thousands of dollars so my kids have everything on their lists.

What about preparing ourselves to spread generosity and love? In the last few days those two words have popped up over and over. Aren't we all suppose to feel all warm and fuzzy at Christmas time? I do, that is until I have to spend time with people that are very difficult to be with. And as a good friend reminded me the other day, Christmas time is a time when situations and difficult relationships that want to attack our "good" can sometimes be accentuated. It makes sense really. As I read in the book "Same Kind of Different As Me"....

"When your precious to God, your important to Satan"

It's a scary thought but oh so true.

Going back to the generosity and love...go visit this blog. In this post she talks of her view of Christmas as an Atheist. She mentions how at Christmas time things were just better, you'll have to go read the post to see what I mean and the conclusion she came to. It all narrows down to generosity and love and what those two words really mean at this time of the year.

Great Tip

Go visit "Counting Sprinkles" blog and read how easy it can be to install car seats in your vehicle. I know I'll never struggle again.

Wordless Wednesday

For more WW participants go here.

Happy Birthday Mr. Magoo

It's my son's 6th Birthday today. I know everyone says this but....where did the time go? I swear I was changing his diaper like yesterday. Here is something from his scapbook that says exactly what I feel for him.

You are the poem I dreamed of writing,

the masterpiece I longed to paint.

You are the shining star I reached for in my ever hopeful quest for life fulfilled.

You are my child.

Now with all things I am blessed.

Happy Birthday!!!

Quotable Monday's

"Forgiveness is an act of the will,

and the will can function regardless

of the temperature of the heart. "

-Corrie Ten Boom

Your Gonna Miss This Moment

Yeah, two weeks in a row I found some time to post on Pam's Carnival. Go on over for a visit!

This week I realized that soon and very soon I am going to be a very busy Mommy in a different way. Yes, I am busy now but not in the way I am talking about. Right now my children are ages 5, 2, and 1 month. My five year old is the only one that is involved in something besides school. He has hockey sometimes up to two times a week. It has been a challenge to get him there some days but were figuring it out.

What is going to happen when I have the twins to get places? And then Gage in 5 years time?Don't get me wrong I will love driving my kids to all their different activities and joining them myself BUT I do love the time we have now. I also am a parent that will not allow more than one activity besides school. My 5 year old already wants Karate and Guitar lessons on top of the hockey....sorry buddy but it's not going to happen because your 5...and 5 year olds get tired!

So I will miss these moments where we can just hang out all day. Lately were lucky if the kids are out of their pj's by noon. I NEVER thought I would end up letting that happen but seriously it can be a little chaotic at times around here and we live in a the country so were lucky if our doorbell is used more than once a month.

I will miss when we can sleep in every weekend when Daddy's home from work. Soon it will be all day hockey tournaments and my husband and I at different rinks with different kids. But, in the end I hope and will strive to bond with the family at the end of the day. There will be new and different challenges but I know I will do everything I can not to get caught up in the "But Mom Georgie gets guitar lessons, karate and hockey why can't I?"

I see right now how important family time is to us. Never do I want to exhaust my children because society thinks we need to keep our kids so busy that they cannot function as kids. Play is a child's work. It is how they learn and develop social skills. It is NOT easy to go against the grain but society does not rule what is "right"...we all know who does. Play is what I enjoy watching my children do most. I love watching hockey and school sing songs BUT observing my children playing with each other, pretending to be a family (poor Sammy is always the baby), or store, or dress up...it is always awesome to see their little imaginations at work. My oldest son can play "make believe" anytime and anyplace with anyone. I LOVE THAT! My kids take the pillows off the sofas and make a train and they all play together.

Yes, I will miss these "boring" days at home.

My Funny Little Man

Lastnight after my son's hockey game, my husband took the three boys home and Sasha and I went to Winners to do some quick Christmas shopping. I did not find any Christmas presents but we did find a pair of Princess running shoes that light up for Sasha. She needs them for indoor shoes at Preschool which starts the first week of January. Since I don't get out a whole lot to shop I decided to grab them now even though the budget is always tight before Christmas.

When we arrived home I did not expect the major flip out we had from Sam (Sasha's twin brother). I mean why would an almost three year old be upset if I bought his sister something and not him? ;). I realized it was kind of mean and I should have made her keep the shoes under wraps until the morning but Sam usually does not make a fuss. I think he did this time because they are for preschool and that is HUGE in Sammy's book.

I was planning on running back into the city if everyone was settled and okay so I asked Sam if we should go get him some shoes too. Heck, I need to buy him some anyway so why not right now? So off we went and here is the adventure that followed.

Sammy and I rarely get away by ourselves, in fact I don't remember the last time I just had Sam. I usually take Owen or Sasha (before Gage arrived now he is always with me) but Sammy has always been happy staying at home. This was a very enjoyable trip because Sam is such a funny little man.

First off, this kid talks...NONSTOP and you can barely understand what he says because he talks so fast. So on the way into the city I asked him why he has to talk so much and he says ...

"I dunno, okay Mommy."

So then I asked if he could stop talking for a minute while Mommy paid attention to the road. I hear....

"Okay Mommy"...silence...1 second, 2 seconds...and off he goes again chattering away about Christmas lights and Diego shoes.

We arrive at Wal Mart, and I am happy to see there are not that many cars which means no ridiculous lineups. On our way into the store who do you think we saw walking in the parking lot?

SANTA CLAUS!!

Talk about making a kid's day. You should have seen the chatter escalate when he saw the big man in the red suit with a long white beard and wife by his side who may I say was wearing a little to short of a skirt for my liking but hey they did both look very festive.

We walked right by Santa as he walked to his red Dodge truck (LOL) and he waved and said "hello" to Sammy who in turn had ACTUALLY stopped talking and was waving back. As soon as we got in the store all I heard was "I want to go and see Santa again Mommy" while I tried to explain Santa had to go home to get things ready for Christmas.

I am happy to report we found Diego shoes (that light up too) and I had one super happy little boy. We got back in the van and I think I laughed all the way home. We stopped at Tim Horton's got some timbits and food for Mommy and started out on the highway. Just as I headed past the city limits he dropped his box of timbits so I pulled over and got out. He was chattering on about losing his timbits but when the van door opened he was shocked to see me standing there and changed topics to say "You outside Mommy."

I start driving again and he wants a light on because he can't see so I turn the interior light on. He is eating chocolate timbits with mittens on so I ask him to take them off. His reply "Okay Mommy." Off go the mitts in goes another chocolate timbit. He hen notices that in Sasha's car seat he can see himself in the rearview mirror. Without saying anything to me he starts making funny faces in the mirror and waving at me. I look up to see him sticking out his tounge and waving his hands.

He giggles.

I giggle.

It keeps on for another few kilometers.

This boy of mine is such a joy. YES, he is like Curious George and gets into trouble every 30 seconds. YES, he doesn't listen very well to discipline and ends up in timeout more then the other kids. YES, he talks nonstop and drives us crazy with his endless chatter and questions. BUT he is a JOY and true JOY as a son. As the picture shows his goofiness stared very young.

He makes me laugh and cry in frustration but I laugh more.

He keeps everything exciting.

He is the one child that is simple in the way of babysitting. I just tell the sitter if you hear silence from him it usually means he is into something he should not be.

I love all my children but each one has a special place in my heart. Sammy's place is definetly to bring me laughter and hugs. He is my cuddler and kisser. He will ask for a thousand kisses before finally falling asleep. Lastnight my husband and I listened to him sing "Twinkle, twinkle", his own version of course, before he finally fell asleep, Diego shoes tucked in beside him.

The Dangers of Country Living

Five years after we were married we decided it was time to pursue our dream of country living. I am lucky enough to have a father that farms/ranches and was willing to split some land up for us. In 2002 we built our house which overlooks the North Saskatchewan River and my family's land.

Since I grew up out here there was not much I worried about. In fact, I often let my kids go out and play on their own while I run in and out of the house. The dogs are usually with them too so I don't worry too much. That was until I spotted one of these...



Yep, that would be a Cougar or Mountain Lion. And you know what...there was not one of these around when I was a kid which would explain why we were all over the countryside day or night on our snowmobiles at the ripe age of 13! I saw this lovely specimen not far from our house. My faithful but yet slightly dense Basset Hound was outside at the same time but failed to even notice where it was crossing in the field. I read up on them and apparently they only hunt at night but I saw this thing in broad daylight.

That same year I also spotted one of these right by my Dad's house. It was running at full speed.

Now I know that bears have been around since I was a kid but I NEVER saw one and honestly if you leave them alone they leave you alone right? That always made me feel better when I had to walk home from my Grandparents in the dark. Bears really do not bother me too much, not as much my Dad. The Mama Bear that occupied our land this year took her two little cubs and feasted on a few of my Dad's calves. Not a pretty site. A bear trap was set by the authorities but she outsmarted them and left the trap alone.

But now...I have a bigger threat and I'll admit this animal worries me more then the cougar or bear. I found out the other day that the land around her now is occupied by this...

Your looking at at TIMBER WOLF. Yeah a little scary. Apparently there is a whole dang family living just across the river. There is a commercial building across the river and the security staff see the wolves all the time. My husband said they go right up to the security shack. The Conservation Officers said they would get rid of them but the security guys told them they wanted to keep them around. Thanks security guys. I am a few short miles from you with cattle wandering everywhere so that makes us a prime place for a wolf to wander in my yard!

Maybe I am just being a little paranoid. I truly never heard my Mom say "look out for that cougar when you guys go sliding" or "you watch for that bear and peddle real fast when you ride your bike down to Grandma's".

My five year old son has no idea about stranger danger yet (and yes I know I need to approach that subject). But he knows to look out for bears, cougars and large dogs in the field when he's playing outside and what to do if he sees something that just doesn't look "normal".

I would never give up our country life and if we lived in the city there would be other worries. At least my kids have loads of room to run and play, nature walks whenever we want and hey some excitement once in a while when we spot a bear or cougar running through the yard.

Wordless Wednesday

Since when do dogs need pillows? and leather sofas?

Oh sorry did I wake you with the flash?

For more WW pictures please visit other Mom bloggers here.

Tackle It Tuesday

Once again Monday is my tackle it day but I post it here on Tuesday's. I LOVE Mondays because my oldest goes to school and the little ones play together which means I get more done.

I promised to make cookies with the twins so we accomplished that first. They had a blast with the sprinkles and I had to use the vacuum cleaner to clean them up because they were EVERYWHERE. Sasha was very careful when she put her sprinkles which meant she only had two or three decorated by her because Sammy pretty much threw the sprinkles on the cookie sheet and hoped for the best.

I also made shortbread. I can never get nice looking cookies. Are you supposed to roll them in a ball first? I just cut mine off the log and slap a cherry in the middle but I don't like how they look.

While I was cleaning up and had the vacuum out I decided that I would clean out the mess from under my sink. I am way too embarrassed at it's state so I did not take a before picture. But here is after.

I wanted to clean it for months but in my pregnancy state I had a small issue fitting in here. But here is someone that felt I needed my sink fixed and told me he'd be right back with his tools.

Please excuse the filthy shirt...his YOP got away on him and we did not use aprons when making the cookies. Notice he is holding the safety glasses instead of wearing them..and when he did put them on they were upside down. I asked him how much I owed him and he told me $2.00, not bad!

I also had time to figure out how to wear my new Baby Wrap I purchased on Etsy. It is SO comfortable, much more so then my baby carrier. Gage fell asleep in it while I finished up supper. Imagine what I'll get done now!! ;)

I did also get in a few pictures of my little man. He was sleeping when we fixed up our Christmas tree this year so I had to take some pics of him in front of/lying down looking at it.

I also did manage to get some very first smiles out of him. I love how he just stops and stares when he hears my voice.

To see what other Mom's are tackling go here.

Quotable Monday's

There are two ways of spreading light--

To be the candle,

or the mirror that reflects it.

-Edith Wharton

Your Gonna Miss This Moment

Once again I found time to post and join Pam's carnival.

I know I have posted before that the newborn stage is not a favorite of mine BUT I will say that now I am holding my fourth and possibly last baby I changed my mind...somewhat.

I look at my soon to be 6 year old and wonder where did the six years go? I look at pictures and am amazed at what we forget in so little time. I want to live in the moment now but the daily grind kind of gets to you.

I will miss little hands and feet and the sound of the newborn cry. I say that only because at least then you can figure out what's wrong with him, either he is hungry, cold, tired or gassy. Babies get easier to figure out as you acquire more of them ;).

I will miss the tinyness of a newborn, the wonder of what a gift they are from God. It amazes me to look at my baby and think...that was "made" in me and every detail of this child was planned and mapped out and I have no control over any of it. I will aid in the nurturing of this child's development and keep them safe but otherwise I have no control over their looks, their personality or who they will become someday. That is the best part of all....it's what we live for everyday right? To help our children grow and watch their personalities blossom.

I guess if I had to narrow it down to one word it would be........wonder. I will miss the wonder of a newborn. The amazement as a women that I had a huge part in this child coming onto the earth and "being". I am honored already that I have the children I have and feel so utterly blessed by these gifts. I truly get so overwhelmed somedays all I can do is cry because of my happiness.

Yes, I will miss the newborn stage but I have many friends that I can go visit to fill the void. I really think 4 is enough for me but then again God may have other plans.

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful,

I know that full well.
My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place.

When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,
your eyes saw my unformed body.

All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.

Psalm 139 v13-16 NIV

The Good, Bad and the Ugly

What's Good?

• the fact that I actually got some Christmas decorations up
• I am still sane even thought I have four children and am breastfeeding every 2 hours
• we are closer and closer to finding out if my husband has a new career and the stress of the last 8 months will be behind us
• it's Friday
• I made supper and it includes spinach
• I got alot of organizing and cleaning done today
• my baby slept most of the day
• my oldest was in school
• the twins had a nap
• I got to watch the rest of Gray's Anatomy and part of Private Practice that I had taped
• I have lost a total of 38lbs in 4 weeks

The Bad

• there are still alot of decorations that need to be put up but I could care less if it happens
• there is chocolate in my house
• the baby is now eating every 2 hours instead of 3 hours
• I am tired
• I made supper and realized right when I was ready to mix the spaghetti I did not have any sauce for it
• I am tired because of all the cleaning I did today

The Ugly

• my baby belly
• my hormones
• sweating because of my hormones
• breastfeeding (I need a pep talk here)

I am Thankful For.........

Time well spent.

Wordless Wednesday

For more WW participants go here.

What my living room looked like this afternoon....

They "made" me push the two sofas together so they could make a boat. Everyone keeps asking me what the kids want for Christmas, I keep saying a cardboard box but I am very serious!!!

These children love to "pretend" play. They wil construct forts, boats, a train and they play together best this way. We tried setting up the Geotrax train set the other day and all they did was fight. If it takes destroying my living room floor plan and my king size bed sheet for them to get along the so be it!!

Tackle It Tuesday

My first "tackle" it since I had baby 4 weeks ago. It feels good...

I first tackled my Utensil Drawer. Why oh Why does this drawer get so messed up?

Before:

After:

And on VERY little sleep and a bad mood I tackled some Christmas decorating around the house and some outside. No pictures of outside due to the freezing wind and the fact I was not dressed yet.

Note the stocking holders. I now need one more....any ideas?

I also baked yesterday. Our Mom's Morning Out group is having a cookie/bar exchange this morning. Too bad I slept in and won't be there ;). I was going to try to go but the fact of rushing 3+1 children out the door and taming this wild hair do of mine was so not appealing. So today, we are going to finish decorating, play some games, go outside, and maybe go borrow some butter off the neighbor to get some Christmas cookies made.

Have a wonderful Tuesday!

To see what other Moms are tackling go here.

Quotable Monday's

Many are the plans in a man's heart,

but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails.

-Proverbs 19:21 NIV