So I have been potty training Miniman since we got home and who would have thought that marshmallows would do the trick?! He has stayed dry for two days and has even gone poop in the potty! I am so very proud of him. All this time I have heard how hard it is to potty train a little guy, come to find out it is all about their language. He rarely gets marshmallows so when I told him that all he had to do was go poop and peepee in the potty to get one, that is all it took! I thought I could do it with cars, M&Ms or something else, but as soon as I mentioned marshmallows he was on board. I have to be in there with him to hear the peepee, and see the poop, but hey it's working!
The marshmallows are also working for Goosie. She will be five in August and still calls me in to wipe her butt after she poops. So I told her that after she poops she has to wipe herself. I will come in and check but if she wipes herself she gets a marshmallow. I have the fresh wipes (flush able) already in the bathroom, so it shouldn't be an issue of too much toilet paper. My fingers are crossed.
Last night was another mile stone crossed. Miniman slept until 2am in his own bed. Goosie didn't last past midnight but hey I will take what I can get! Bubbles is also weaned during the day, so I will start the night time weaning soon. Goosie is very attached to Hubby and it is time to start giving her the chance to be a big girl. I plan to have all the kids sleeping in a separate room on their own by the new year. So our nightly routine now looks something like this:
5:30/6:00p eat dinner
7:00 bath time and brush teeth
8:00p upstairs to their bedroom for story time and then sleep
I sit in between their beds right now and hold their feet while singing to them after the story. They lay there and slowly fall to sleep. Next week I will work on not holding on to them. After that it will be slowly working my way out the door. Hubby didn't know what to do with himself with all three kids asleep by 9pm. I knew what to do.. I brewed a hot cup of Chai then put on some relaxing music and both of the table lamps, snuggled up to him and read my book. It was good spending time with him, just the two of us.
I have to admit that 10 years ago, when I would watch my then finance's parents as they just sat there beside each other content and happy I wondered how they could do it. Now I know.. when you really love someone you don't have to be their second layer of skin, you are just happy being around them. You don't have to change anything because you are both happy with where you are.
Before he met me I don't think Hubby read as much as he does now. I get hooked on a series and the next thing you know he is reading it! It was like that with Harry Potter, and Twilight. I am reading the Inkheart series now and we will see what happens. Although this is his 4th time reading through the Twilight series. I thought it was good, I just didn't realize he would think it was that good. Well, enough for now. I have some laundry to get started and then there are the dishes to put away, also I need to carve out some time for my course work today.. so much to do. Be blessed dear readers until next time and never underestimate the power of Marshmallows!!
Monday, June 29, 2009
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Letting some chaos out..
I am going to let some out now..
I was watching Oprah today (a rarity) and the issue on the table was overwhelming. Literally. How we are all overwhelmed and how this feeling effects our families, friends and others around us. On my visit to see family I couldn't help but almost count the number of times it was said that just thinking of my big little family made them feel overwhelmed (I hear this a lot from strangers at home, it is just different when it comes from family). I enjoyed spending time with family. But at the same time left feeling more overwhelmed then when I came.
Yes, I have a lot going on and I know that I need to take stock of things and weed things out that are too much. I have always struggled with saying "no". I know that this is something I need to start doing and feeling comfortable saying.
I admit that to some my life is overwhelming. I am a stay at home mom to three children under the age of 5. I am an FRG (support group) leader for my husbands Army company, I am a discussion group leader at MOPS, and I am currently going back to school to earn my certificate as a pharmacy technician. I also meal plan, work up the budget, do all the shopping, majority of the cleaning. I still cook at least twice a day, and still find time to do the things I enjoy like reading a book, writing this blog, knitting, sewing, baking and recently gardening. Yes, there are many things I do on a daily basis (writing them down and reading them I understand how someone can be overwhelmed by my life).
Currently, I am weaning my youngest from breastfeeding, potty training my middle child and trying to get the two oldest out of mine and Hubby's bed and into ones of their own (this works for about 3 or 4 hours and then they are back in ours but I am thankful for the 3 or 4 hours). On top of all of this Hubby would like for me to work part time outside of the home so that I can then accomplish two more things. One being I would get out and socialize with people, the other is that I could help get us out of debt ( both of us were pretty deep when we got married).
There are times I feel very overwhelmed. There are many more times I feel that I am not the mother my children need or deserve. I am after all my own worst critic. I loose my temper more often then I think I should and there are times I must admit (head hung in shame) that I have disciplined my children more out of emotion then love.
Just the other day Miniman was doing something ( it was so unimportant I forget what) and he wasn't listening to me. So I asked if I needed to yell, well the yelling commenced and when I tried to tell him that I wasn't upset anymore his response was "yes you are Mommy, that's your mean voice". If you are a parent I don't need to tell you how this broke my heart. I had a break down last week and cried, Goosie comforted me and told me that they would be better and that I am not the worst Mommy in the world I just needed some help. Oh the honesty in the words of a child. It is no less hard to take when it is your own child telling you those words.
I have heard that I have great Faith, that I am a spiritual person. This is something else that I am in constant regret over. Yes, I pray everyday. I have three kids! I know that I don't read the Bible the way I used to, I am getting less and less involved in churches the more we move and there are many times I feel bereft of everything, and a relationship with my heavenly father is definatly one. I know how to church talk I was raised going to church.
I have almost never felt like I measured up and now that I am a Mom I feel that I am falling short even more. My kids are great kids. They listen, they play well with each other for the most part and they are compassionate. When I am feeling my lowest I look at one of their little sweet faces and my heart breaks. It has been breaking a lot more then I would like to admit lately.
Yes, I have day's when I feel like I am a good mom. When I can get things done, and when Hubby comes home the house is not in chaos. There are other day's that seem more numerable that those things don't happen.
Hubby is wonderful. He is everything as a parent that I am not. Where I am better at meeting their needs as growing people, he is better at being in the moment with them. I know that there are many times I should stop doing all of the busy work and just experience my children. Their childhood is only going to last so long and then they will be all grown up. Part of me wants them to have the Peter Pan complex and never grow up, the other part knows that if they never grow up, neither will I. I love my chaotic life and if anything watching the Oprah show today made me realize how much I need to slow down. It is time to take stock of my life and weed out the unnecessaries. This blog is not one of them so no worries dear readers. I still need my own slice of cyber space to let loose all the controlled chaos I have inside my head. Until next time... blessings to you!
I was watching Oprah today (a rarity) and the issue on the table was overwhelming. Literally. How we are all overwhelmed and how this feeling effects our families, friends and others around us. On my visit to see family I couldn't help but almost count the number of times it was said that just thinking of my big little family made them feel overwhelmed (I hear this a lot from strangers at home, it is just different when it comes from family). I enjoyed spending time with family. But at the same time left feeling more overwhelmed then when I came.
Yes, I have a lot going on and I know that I need to take stock of things and weed things out that are too much. I have always struggled with saying "no". I know that this is something I need to start doing and feeling comfortable saying.
I admit that to some my life is overwhelming. I am a stay at home mom to three children under the age of 5. I am an FRG (support group) leader for my husbands Army company, I am a discussion group leader at MOPS, and I am currently going back to school to earn my certificate as a pharmacy technician. I also meal plan, work up the budget, do all the shopping, majority of the cleaning. I still cook at least twice a day, and still find time to do the things I enjoy like reading a book, writing this blog, knitting, sewing, baking and recently gardening. Yes, there are many things I do on a daily basis (writing them down and reading them I understand how someone can be overwhelmed by my life).
Currently, I am weaning my youngest from breastfeeding, potty training my middle child and trying to get the two oldest out of mine and Hubby's bed and into ones of their own (this works for about 3 or 4 hours and then they are back in ours but I am thankful for the 3 or 4 hours). On top of all of this Hubby would like for me to work part time outside of the home so that I can then accomplish two more things. One being I would get out and socialize with people, the other is that I could help get us out of debt ( both of us were pretty deep when we got married).
There are times I feel very overwhelmed. There are many more times I feel that I am not the mother my children need or deserve. I am after all my own worst critic. I loose my temper more often then I think I should and there are times I must admit (head hung in shame) that I have disciplined my children more out of emotion then love.
Just the other day Miniman was doing something ( it was so unimportant I forget what) and he wasn't listening to me. So I asked if I needed to yell, well the yelling commenced and when I tried to tell him that I wasn't upset anymore his response was "yes you are Mommy, that's your mean voice". If you are a parent I don't need to tell you how this broke my heart. I had a break down last week and cried, Goosie comforted me and told me that they would be better and that I am not the worst Mommy in the world I just needed some help. Oh the honesty in the words of a child. It is no less hard to take when it is your own child telling you those words.
I have heard that I have great Faith, that I am a spiritual person. This is something else that I am in constant regret over. Yes, I pray everyday. I have three kids! I know that I don't read the Bible the way I used to, I am getting less and less involved in churches the more we move and there are many times I feel bereft of everything, and a relationship with my heavenly father is definatly one. I know how to church talk I was raised going to church.
I have almost never felt like I measured up and now that I am a Mom I feel that I am falling short even more. My kids are great kids. They listen, they play well with each other for the most part and they are compassionate. When I am feeling my lowest I look at one of their little sweet faces and my heart breaks. It has been breaking a lot more then I would like to admit lately.
Yes, I have day's when I feel like I am a good mom. When I can get things done, and when Hubby comes home the house is not in chaos. There are other day's that seem more numerable that those things don't happen.
Hubby is wonderful. He is everything as a parent that I am not. Where I am better at meeting their needs as growing people, he is better at being in the moment with them. I know that there are many times I should stop doing all of the busy work and just experience my children. Their childhood is only going to last so long and then they will be all grown up. Part of me wants them to have the Peter Pan complex and never grow up, the other part knows that if they never grow up, neither will I. I love my chaotic life and if anything watching the Oprah show today made me realize how much I need to slow down. It is time to take stock of my life and weed out the unnecessaries. This blog is not one of them so no worries dear readers. I still need my own slice of cyber space to let loose all the controlled chaos I have inside my head. Until next time... blessings to you!
Saturday, June 13, 2009
My birthday
Well this past weekend was my birthday weekend. I was supposed to be heading home today, but I am staying here. Hubby expressively told me that he wanted me to be safe. So I am here until just before Father's Day. Hubby is already home and missing us like crazy. Truth be told I feel like I am missing an appendage with out him.
My sisters, Mom and friend S took me out for my birthday last night. It was super fun and truth be told I have more fun when I am sober. I know that some need a drink or two to loosen up, that it not me by any measure. If I do have a drink it is usually to relax at home, with Hubby.
Last night was so much FUN! I had gone out for other sisters and my mom's birthday, but last night was a first for me. So now there are three birthday's in my life that have been spectacular. My 13th when my sister S let me and my friends stay at an apartment for the night, my 23rd when Hubby threw me a surprise birthday party and this my latest one. I know the actual day is on Sunday, but still. I feel so blessed.
We went to a Japanese restaurant, the ones where they cook the food right in front of you on a grill. I of course made a fool of myself when it came to dancing after they brought me out my cupcake, but all in all it was a wonderful night. I am waiting for pictures to show up on Facebook. After dinner I went around and thanked each of my sisters, my mom and friend S. I didn't want to say too much because I knew if I did I would start crying and once I started that it would be all over. So I thought I would write now what I wanted to say then. So here it goes:
Mom~ Thank you for having me. Thank you for being there for me even when I didn't realize I needed you. Thank you for supporting me even when I did things more then a little out of the box. It is now that I am a mom that I fully understand the weight of all that was on your shoulders, you are phenomenal woman and I am blessed to be your daughter.
Sister S~ Thank you for looking out for me, for showing me that I can do anything I put my mind to and for making sure I had all the tools I needed for the great big world out there. Through the years our relationship has changed, I have become older, but you my dear have stayed forever young. You live with your heart now and for that I am grateful, you told me to not only be careful, but also to look out for others to.
Sister L~ Thank you for letting me confide in you. For being a wonderful example and for still keeping your sense of humor through everything. Thank you for showing me that no matter what the situation is that I should be thankful. Thank you for teaching me about self love and how important it is.
Sister I~ There have been times I have sought your guidance and it has never been found lacking. There are few relationships I would like to model my own after, the one you share with your hubby is one of them. You two are truly helpmates, and an inspiration to those who are blessed to have you in their lives.
Sister N~ You have always been an inspiration to me, you are youthful in many ways and have always been an encouragement to me. Thank you for being a tender reed and showing me how to bend. You are a blessing and it was wonderful meeting your little man! You are a wonderful sister and I am so happy that your family has been added to, I always knew you would be a great Momma! Keep it up!
Sister G~ Thank you for being there to listen and advise. There are many things I do as a mom because of your guidance. I am thankful that we now have a relationship that seemed impossible when we were younger. Thank you for everything you do. Our big family would be hard pressed without you in it.
Sister C~ For the second time my big little family has thrown itself in your house. As always you are welcoming and gracious host. I know that my little ones are going to miss you when it is time to head home. Thank you for being there to listen, even when you wanted to sleep and for never judging me and always accepting me no matter what I got myself into.
Sister V~ What can I say about my sister friend I haven't said at one point or another. You are awesome, and never cease to amaze me. You do what ever is necessary to keep you and your little man I in the best situation you can manage. You always think of others before yourself and many times have gone without, so that others could have. I know that you don't always see yourself as giving and unselfish, but you are and because of that and other things you inspire me to be a better person.
And to my Hubby~ Without you I am only half of what I can be. You are everything I am not and complete me so wonderfully that I am at a loss without you, even if it just for a day. I miss you severely when you are away from me and rejoice exuberantly when we are once again united. There are many things I have now in my life because of you, I am looking at three of them now. You my love are irreplaceable and I am thankful everyday you are in my life. I am truly both blessed and honored to share the rest of eternity with you! I love you and after 7 years those words still seem inept at describing how I feel for you.
My sisters, Mom and friend S took me out for my birthday last night. It was super fun and truth be told I have more fun when I am sober. I know that some need a drink or two to loosen up, that it not me by any measure. If I do have a drink it is usually to relax at home, with Hubby.
Last night was so much FUN! I had gone out for other sisters and my mom's birthday, but last night was a first for me. So now there are three birthday's in my life that have been spectacular. My 13th when my sister S let me and my friends stay at an apartment for the night, my 23rd when Hubby threw me a surprise birthday party and this my latest one. I know the actual day is on Sunday, but still. I feel so blessed.
We went to a Japanese restaurant, the ones where they cook the food right in front of you on a grill. I of course made a fool of myself when it came to dancing after they brought me out my cupcake, but all in all it was a wonderful night. I am waiting for pictures to show up on Facebook. After dinner I went around and thanked each of my sisters, my mom and friend S. I didn't want to say too much because I knew if I did I would start crying and once I started that it would be all over. So I thought I would write now what I wanted to say then. So here it goes:
Mom~ Thank you for having me. Thank you for being there for me even when I didn't realize I needed you. Thank you for supporting me even when I did things more then a little out of the box. It is now that I am a mom that I fully understand the weight of all that was on your shoulders, you are phenomenal woman and I am blessed to be your daughter.
Sister S~ Thank you for looking out for me, for showing me that I can do anything I put my mind to and for making sure I had all the tools I needed for the great big world out there. Through the years our relationship has changed, I have become older, but you my dear have stayed forever young. You live with your heart now and for that I am grateful, you told me to not only be careful, but also to look out for others to.
Sister L~ Thank you for letting me confide in you. For being a wonderful example and for still keeping your sense of humor through everything. Thank you for showing me that no matter what the situation is that I should be thankful. Thank you for teaching me about self love and how important it is.
Sister I~ There have been times I have sought your guidance and it has never been found lacking. There are few relationships I would like to model my own after, the one you share with your hubby is one of them. You two are truly helpmates, and an inspiration to those who are blessed to have you in their lives.
Sister N~ You have always been an inspiration to me, you are youthful in many ways and have always been an encouragement to me. Thank you for being a tender reed and showing me how to bend. You are a blessing and it was wonderful meeting your little man! You are a wonderful sister and I am so happy that your family has been added to, I always knew you would be a great Momma! Keep it up!
Sister G~ Thank you for being there to listen and advise. There are many things I do as a mom because of your guidance. I am thankful that we now have a relationship that seemed impossible when we were younger. Thank you for everything you do. Our big family would be hard pressed without you in it.
Sister C~ For the second time my big little family has thrown itself in your house. As always you are welcoming and gracious host. I know that my little ones are going to miss you when it is time to head home. Thank you for being there to listen, even when you wanted to sleep and for never judging me and always accepting me no matter what I got myself into.
Sister V~ What can I say about my sister friend I haven't said at one point or another. You are awesome, and never cease to amaze me. You do what ever is necessary to keep you and your little man I in the best situation you can manage. You always think of others before yourself and many times have gone without, so that others could have. I know that you don't always see yourself as giving and unselfish, but you are and because of that and other things you inspire me to be a better person.
And to my Hubby~ Without you I am only half of what I can be. You are everything I am not and complete me so wonderfully that I am at a loss without you, even if it just for a day. I miss you severely when you are away from me and rejoice exuberantly when we are once again united. There are many things I have now in my life because of you, I am looking at three of them now. You my love are irreplaceable and I am thankful everyday you are in my life. I am truly both blessed and honored to share the rest of eternity with you! I love you and after 7 years those words still seem inept at describing how I feel for you.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Jonas Brothers and Beyoncee??
I am not all that into the music scene lately, but as I was trolling the Internet I came across a video. As soon as the music started Hubby exclaimed " I hate that song" I of course asked for and explanation, so that is what he gave me. He told me that Beyoncee says the same thing over and over, he understands that she is single and that no one likes her, but to write an annoying song about it is different. I watched both video's and I would have to say that the Jonas brother did a really good tuck job (cause you can't see a thing in his leotard) and that I would much rather watch him make a fool of himself you can check it out by following this link.. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=86CBhQL5pVc&eurl=http%3A%2F%2Fnew%2Emusic%2Eyahoo%2Ecom%2Fblogs%2Fvideogaga%2F19556%2Fall%2Dthe%2Dsingle%2Dtweens%2Dall%2Dthe%2Dsingle%2Dtweens%2Djoe%2Djonas%2Dputs%2Da%2Dring%2Don%2Dit%2F&feature=player_embedded
The Beyoncee video I saw was on Yahoo, and if you would like to read that article.. follow this link.. if you really want to see them both in the same spot that is..
http://new.music.yahoo.com/blogs/videogaga/19556/all-the-single-tweens-all-the-single-tweens-joe-jonas-puts-a-ring-on-it/
The Beyoncee video I saw was on Yahoo, and if you would like to read that article.. follow this link.. if you really want to see them both in the same spot that is..
http://new.music.yahoo.com/blogs/videogaga/19556/all-the-single-tweens-all-the-single-tweens-joe-jonas-puts-a-ring-on-it/
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
A Little Thought
Over the years I have had dreams that included people from my past. They are usually along the lines of wondering what they are doing now and if they are happy. I don't have the guts to call any of the phone numbers buried somewhere in my mind, so when I wake up I say a prayer for them. I figure it is something telling me that they need a little extra prayer today. My ex J.A. was in my prayers this morning. More specifically his parents and younger sister. I pray they are all well and he and his wife are well also. I just needed to get it out of my head so I can concentrate on all there is to do today.
Hubby finally took the demo CD to work with him so he can learn the song we are to sing together this weekend. I am excited and already exhausted. Excited because I will see my family save my sister G., and exhausted because I have an idea of all the things that are in store for my little big family. Today I must finish cleaning the house. Tomorrow I need to pack and we leave Thursday in the late afternoon.
There is a 12 hour drive ahead of us to my parents place. Then we go on to SC and stay at my sister C's house until it is time to head home again. I am looking forward to the trip and hope that my kids will understand the blessing that it is, to be able to see family is a wonderful blessing. We have lived away from them for so long and there are so many things I have missed.. Hubby reminds me that we have only 4 more years until he retires and we are down there for good. I have a peace about everything and am relieved that I do. Well, enough from me today.. there is so much I need to get done today and I should get started. Until next time dear readers, be blessed!
Hubby finally took the demo CD to work with him so he can learn the song we are to sing together this weekend. I am excited and already exhausted. Excited because I will see my family save my sister G., and exhausted because I have an idea of all the things that are in store for my little big family. Today I must finish cleaning the house. Tomorrow I need to pack and we leave Thursday in the late afternoon.
There is a 12 hour drive ahead of us to my parents place. Then we go on to SC and stay at my sister C's house until it is time to head home again. I am looking forward to the trip and hope that my kids will understand the blessing that it is, to be able to see family is a wonderful blessing. We have lived away from them for so long and there are so many things I have missed.. Hubby reminds me that we have only 4 more years until he retires and we are down there for good. I have a peace about everything and am relieved that I do. Well, enough from me today.. there is so much I need to get done today and I should get started. Until next time dear readers, be blessed!
Monday, June 1, 2009
What has been happening..
We are in the final count down to our big family trip. I am excited, but stressed. I have also been getting more headaches then usual. They are no fun! I have so very much to do and it seems that time runs out on me more often then not.
Hubby won tickets to a NASCAR race yesterday, it was in Dover, PA so he left Saturday afternoon and didn't return until around 5 this morning. I know he is dog tired. I have had a headache since yesterday and believe me when I tell you that it is no fun! Hubby isn't on leave until Wednesday and there is still so much to do. I am trying to get the laundry done and all the things put away that I can. I really enjoy coming home to a clean house after we have been out of town for a while. My friend H is once again going to house sit for us, I just hope that the chocolate order from the party Saturday comes before it is time for us to leave. The kids are thankfully not as crazy today as they were yesterday, I just want to go to sleep.
Hubby asked me the other day when I would be able to start work. I told him that I didn't want to start until after I was mostly finished with my course work, so it would be around August/September time frame. He then exclaimed that he didn't realize it was going to take that long. Now I am concerned I have been getting more headaches lately band I don't want this to be the norm. So if going back to work means more headaches I don't know if I want to do it. On the other hand if I can get in to see the neurologist and hopefully get this taken care of I will go back to work no problem!
My course work is going well. I have taken three quizzes and passed all three. I am now preparing for my next quiz. I am not sure how quickly others take the course but I would like to take a quiz a week, so I hopefully get through the course on time. I think that if I go to work part time it will be a little easier. I just don't want to get too many things going on at once. I do a lot of work now that I get paid for in hugs and kisses, but those don't help pay the bills.
We are less then a week away from my parents vow renewal ceremony, and Miniman's birthday. Yes, it is the same day. My birthday is the following weekend, and I reminded Hubby that my gift is spending time with my family on my birthday. I think he wants something more, but I really don't need it. He is so thoughtful, I am sure he is going to try to get me something else, I just don't know how to tell him that he really doesn't have to. Well, enough for now.. I need to find a new dentist. I will type more later and after the visit with the family I will post pictures! Blessings to you all my faithful readers!
Hubby won tickets to a NASCAR race yesterday, it was in Dover, PA so he left Saturday afternoon and didn't return until around 5 this morning. I know he is dog tired. I have had a headache since yesterday and believe me when I tell you that it is no fun! Hubby isn't on leave until Wednesday and there is still so much to do. I am trying to get the laundry done and all the things put away that I can. I really enjoy coming home to a clean house after we have been out of town for a while. My friend H is once again going to house sit for us, I just hope that the chocolate order from the party Saturday comes before it is time for us to leave. The kids are thankfully not as crazy today as they were yesterday, I just want to go to sleep.
Hubby asked me the other day when I would be able to start work. I told him that I didn't want to start until after I was mostly finished with my course work, so it would be around August/September time frame. He then exclaimed that he didn't realize it was going to take that long. Now I am concerned I have been getting more headaches lately band I don't want this to be the norm. So if going back to work means more headaches I don't know if I want to do it. On the other hand if I can get in to see the neurologist and hopefully get this taken care of I will go back to work no problem!
My course work is going well. I have taken three quizzes and passed all three. I am now preparing for my next quiz. I am not sure how quickly others take the course but I would like to take a quiz a week, so I hopefully get through the course on time. I think that if I go to work part time it will be a little easier. I just don't want to get too many things going on at once. I do a lot of work now that I get paid for in hugs and kisses, but those don't help pay the bills.
We are less then a week away from my parents vow renewal ceremony, and Miniman's birthday. Yes, it is the same day. My birthday is the following weekend, and I reminded Hubby that my gift is spending time with my family on my birthday. I think he wants something more, but I really don't need it. He is so thoughtful, I am sure he is going to try to get me something else, I just don't know how to tell him that he really doesn't have to. Well, enough for now.. I need to find a new dentist. I will type more later and after the visit with the family I will post pictures! Blessings to you all my faithful readers!
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