The End Of The Baby Era?

My sweet baby boy (DS #4) has finally gotten interested in going potty again. Over the last 6 months or so he would go before he got in the bath and every once in awhile throughout the day for no rhyme or reason. But 2 days ago he really started asking to go more often and stayed dry all night and most of the day wearing undies and pull ups. I hate potty training! The accidents, the constant reminding that it's time to go potty and most of all the mess around the toilet because my little boy thinks he needs to stand up like big boys! Yuck. Don't get me wrong, I'll be more than thrilled to not be changing (or buying) diapers, I'm just not a fan of the process. I also realized last night that once this "baby" of mine is done with diapers, we are officially out of the baby stage. He's very smart for being only 2, and he definitely thinks and acts like he's at least 4, but somehow the diapers kept him in the role of baby. I wonder if I'll always refer to my kids as "the big boys" and "the little boys" even when none of them are so little anymore... Will I always have the desire to have a baby in the house? Or will I finally move on from the stage of having babies, to raising them. I did have a few years with no baby around, the big boys were 6 & 8 when DS #3 came along, but during those baby-free years I always knew I had have more someday. Now I'm not so sure... which feels weird.

I guess for now I'll just focus on getting my baby through these exciting potty training days?weeks? Oh Lord, please let it be days! And from there will look forward to the next milestones of starting school and all that comes with that.

Run Katie, Run!

I first downloaded the C25K application on my phone about 2 months ago. I had good intentions of starting, but then made excuses day after day, week after week, for not going. I know a significant amount of people that have successfully started running over the last few years and have literally gone from the couch to running a 5k, some who have even ran a full marathon. Those people were my inspiration, along with our upcoming trip to Barbados for which I'd like to be "smokin' hot"! So finally on Monday, with the encouragement of a friend, I started the program. I honestly would've quit about half way through if she hadn't been there with me, as I didn't want to be embarrassed by giving up in front of her! We actually went a little more than the program said to (had to get back to our vehicles somehow). I felt a little sore and tired, but most importantly I felt accomplished! After months of pondering the idea of running, I had finally done it. Sure, I didn't run the whole 2 miles, but I completed day 1 of the training which was more physical activity than I've had in years. And I'm paying for it, still, 2 days later!! Ugh, my legs are so sore that I don't even want to go grocery shopping, which we desperately need, much less go run again tomorrow night. I guess this is hard proof of just how horribly out of shape I am, pathetic. Fortunately, or unfortunately - I haven't decided yet, a few more friends have started the program this week after my announcement that I had done it, so we're all "in it together"... in other words, I can't quit now even though my body is yelling "don't do it!". I sure hope it's true that it will get easier because I don't know how I'll function if my legs feel like this for much longer! But all in all, I'm super proud of myself for getting off the couch and out there into the running world. And I'm also thankful for the friend who offered to run with me (and encouraged me to start "tonight" and not put it off anymore), which I knew I would need to keep me going. Hopefully I'll reach my goal of running a 5k in the near future and also my goal of looking "smokin' hot" when I'm on the beach of the Caribbean next January!

All My Dads

Tomorrow is Father's Day, a day to celebrate and take some time to show our appreciation for the dads in our lives. I consider myself blessed for all the fathers in my life - my dad, stepdad, husband and my heavenly father. So I wanted to do a tribute post to them!

Dad - You may not be the most affectionate guy in the world, but I understand how you show your love for me in all the things you do around here for me. There's a country song that totally sums up our relationship - "he was saying 'I love you', the only way he knew how". Honestly, that song helped me realize that truth, that even though you don't give hugs and say the words, you do love me! I'm glad you moved here 5 years ago to be closer to me and my kids and it's amazing how our relationship has developed since then.

Stepdad - I am so thankful that you came into my life 21 years ago (can you believe it's been that long?!). You are one of the funniest guys I know and it's always a good time when you're around! You've done so much for my kids and I over the years, there's just no way to tell you how much you are appreciated. Thank you for being a good example of a godly man for my boys. I love all our conversations, whether they are light-hearted and funny or deep and theological. You're always make me feel special through your hugs and words of encouragement. I can't imagine my life without a DAD like you!

Husband - You came into my life when I was a single mom with 2 little boys who desperately needed a daddy, which you willingly jumped into being without hesitation. Since then you've given me 2 more boys and done a wonderful job being daddy to them all! I am blessed to have a husband who doesn't just sit on the sidelines of life, but who is always pitching in around the house (much more than most guys I know!) and constantly interacting and entertaining the kids with your "tickle bickles", horsey rides, wrestling matches, goofy voices and all the other crazy things you do :) Thank you for loving me, loving my older boys as your own and loving your role as a dad!

Heavenly Father - Thank you for all the blessings in my life, as I know they come from you. I would not be where I am today if not for your provision over my life and I wouldn't have the guarantee of eternal life in heaven if it weren't for your biggest gift and sacrifice - your own son, Jesus Christ. Thank you for all the dads in my life and for being my daddy when I needed one, for loving me unconditionally no matter what and for saving me from a life that was destined to lead me to... well, nowhere good.

                                             * I love you all, Happy Father's Day *
 

SAHM

So far today I've gotten the little kids up, dressed and fed, took DS #4  to "school" (which is a big task, let me tell you!), cleaned the kitchen, did 3 loads of laundry, scrubbed the kitchen floor, cleaned the bathtub, changed my sheets, fed the kids lunch, swept the steps and entryway, vacuumed, took big kids to the pool, put hilites in my hair (currently processing) and, of course, played with the kids - and it's not even 5. Why did list everything I did today? Well, I think it's the stay-at-home mom syndrome: feeling somewhat inferior to those who have "real jobs" and seeking validation for the work we do at home. When you work outside the home you have responsibilities and expectations for which you receive monetary compensation for when completed. What do we get for all the effort we put in at home? Usually not much. Moms and the work we do is one of the most under-appreciated things I can think of. I often feel the need to point out certain tasks I completed throughout the day to my husband when he gets home from work, I suppose so he knows that I didn't just sit and watch soap operas all day! Sure, there is down time (obviously, or I wouldn't have time to do this!), but we shouldn't feel guilty for taking 5-10 minutes here and there for ourselves. In fact, if I was working I would probably be guaranteed at least 60 minutes throughout the workday to do whatever I please.

I know that raising our kids is the most important job we'll ever have. And I'm not expecting to be praised for every little thing I did throughout the day. I just wish I didn't have those thoughts of being less-than or inadequate for not contributing as much as I'm capable of.

Silly Mommy

Today as I left to take DS #2 to the pool, carrying a baby and ushering DS #4 to the van, I realized I still had my slippers on. I figured no one would know and I'd rather not take the time to go back inside, get shoes on and start the parade to the van all over again. That got me thinking about all things we, as moms, say, think and do that we probably never thought we would. Here are some of the things that came to mind that I will admit to...

Took the kids to school while still in my pajamas and often no bra - just praying I don't get pulled over.

Picked a binky up off the floor and licking it to make sure it's "clean" before giving it to the baby.

Went through half the day before noticing my shirt was on backwards or inside out.

Called one of my boys by 3 other names before I finally say the correct one (even when looking right at him) many times.

Pretended that the tantruming child on the floor of Walmart was not my own.

Stated "because I'm your mom and I said so!" even though I swore I'd never say that to my own kids.

Made up "facts" about geography or science when my kids asked me something I had absolutely no idea about.

Measured the cleanliness of a piece of clothing by smelling it.

Licked my finger so I could wipe crud off my kid's face - another thing I swore I'd never do.

Wrote made-up dates of "baby's firsts" in the baby book years after the fact so my son won't think I didn't care when he reads it someday.

Nursed my newborn in a bathroom stall of a restaurant because I was scared to do it in public.

Sent my husband "out to have fun alone" so I could call & tell him I was pregnant with #4 over the phone instead of in person.

Went out in public with spit-up, dried food and the likes on my clothes (sometimes without knowing and sometimes just thinking "who cares").

I'm sure there are many more things I've said and done as a mom that my younger self would say to me now "I'll never do that!". And I'm sure my fellow moms out there have plenty of stories of their own! I'll leave you with a couple funny quotes I found, enjoy :)

"If there were no schools to take the children away from home part of the time, the insane asylum would be filled with mothers."
~Edgar Watson Howe

"It's not easy being a mother. If it were easy, fathers would do it."
~The Golden Girls

Summer Tips

83 degrees and school is out - summer is officially here! And so begins the arguing, whining and "I'm bored" from the big kids. City pools open tomorrow and I plan on getting passes today so I can send them off every day when the temp is above 70. I hope to make there myself much more often than last year, but will only be able to when I don't have daycare kids.

I thought this would be a good time to share a few summer tips, so here it goes.

1. If you complained about how cold it was all winter, don't let me hear you crying about the heat. It's summer, it's hot, it's the same every year.
2. If you have to buy size large or bigger, you have no business wearing a bikini to the pool. Sure, it makes me feel better about how I look, but we still don't want to see it! You know better.
3. Short shorts are for teenagers, not moms.
4. Don't send your kids to their friends house everyday near lunch time in hopes they'll be fed. I have enough kids to take care of as it is.
5. Go buy sunblock. If you don't care about 1st or 2nd degree burns on yourself that's your prerogative. But even though your little kids look cute with a tan, it's really not worth the risk, is it?

If you have any more tips, please share! Enjoy your summer!

Complain or Encourage

I really don't want to be one of those people who complain all the time, constantly telling everyone how horrible their life is and all the problems they have. It gets old reading facebook post after post about everything that's wrong with them and their life. And it's made me notice the people who are always positive and seem to enjoy life! I'm sure they have problems as well as everyone else, but they have that "glass 1/2 full" outlook.

The Bible even talks about complaining and being discontent, and how we should make sure our words are encouraging to others. I'm not gifted in the area of encouragement, and for whatever reason have a difficult time (for the most part) saying uplifting things to people or even giving compliments. I may think it in my head, but just don't say it out loud. Maybe a psychiatrist could figure out the deep rooted issues I have that make this such a problem... but I won't be seeing one of those any time soon.

Sometimes, though, it's just nice to vent, to let loose all the thoughts that are bottled up inside. I've been dealing with pain from my "female issues" for about a year and a half, landing in the emergency room again Tuesday night. On top of that, my neck and shoulder have been bothering me since Monday (after sleeping in a hotel bed, but who knows if that's the cause) and is getting worse - in fact, I could hardly sleep last night and it's been quite difficult to do the normal things I do with the kids this morning and was nearly impossible to drive since I can barely turn my head to either side. I've been praying for healing, but at this point the pain is still there. So I'll continue to pray and hope that the pain, in both areas of my messed up body, will subside quickly.

Now that I've had my moment to whine, I will do my very best to not keep talking about it. I don't want my complaints to bring anyone else down. And I surely don't want to become one of those annoying people who do nothing but look at the negatives in life and make sure everyone around them knows about it. I have wonderful kids, a nice home, a husband who loves me, a supportive church family and a savior who loves me more than I could ever know. I will focus, as best that I can, on all the blessings in my life and continue to work on being uplifting and encouraging to others!