All In a Day's Work

I got to go out with my single friends the other night. I had a great time eating dinner in a restaurant without little sticky hands all over me. I actually took my time. I am usually stuffing the food down so we can get out of there before my kids go ballistic. It was a nice evening with adult conversation. There was one topic of conversation that I've been thinking about ever since. It started with a question that went something like this: "So what is it that you DO all day?" So, Margs, this post is dedicated to you. This was my day, yesterday...

I woke up to this: You'd want to get out of bed too, huh? Usually he has a big smile for me, this time he was a bit confused with a big black box instead of mommy's face. It was 7 am. Breakfast was eaten, cartoons watched, daddy given lots of hugs and kisses (usually twice), and I did my usual round of seeing what's going on in the world (ie browsing blogs and facebook).

Then I went running. I have a good friend and neighbor who trades off watching kids so the other can exercise. It is wonderful. When I got home, my baby was ready for some momma's milk and a nap. I was happy to oblige. I love snuggling my baby to sleep. And, keep in mind that I did just run, I look sweaty, and I was.

This particular day, I was actually thinking ahead for dinner. Usually the time rolls around to 4 or 5 before I even start thinking about it. Anyway, I put a roast in the crock pot, and then took Missy Maren in the shower with me (I fear what would happen if she was running loose - I enjoy my shower much more this way). After dressing myself, I dressed Maren and encouraged Ellie to do the same. Every day includes some kind of adventure, right? Well, yesterday included a doctor's visit for me. Don't worry, all is okay. You don't really want to know...

We returned home and lunch was made (after a fit and dry macaroni all over the floor). Maren was put in bed for a nap. I indulged and did this:

Two of my favorite things: a good book (this one is "John Adams" by David McCullough) and a sleeping baby. My Ellie was not happy with mom taking a minute to herself, so this only lasted for 15 minutes or so. I put in a load of laundry and washed the dishes while supervising Ellie while she played games on the computer. I spent some time with Everett on the floor, watered the plants outside and pushed Ellie on the swing. Dad came home and was greeted by happy children. He finished putting together the swingset, while I finished putting together dinner (roast beef sandwiches with grilled onions, peppers, and melted swiss cheese. Not exactly healthy, but delicious). I cleaned up dinner, then cut Ellie and Nick's hair. I put Everett to bed and got the girls in the tub. Take notice of Ellie's new haircut. I cut off a good 4 inches or so. I got the girls a snack and after our nightly routine of tooth brushing, prayers, scriptures and stories, tucked the girls in bed, then enjoyed an episode or two of the Office. After my own routine of hygiene, prayers, and scripture reading, I turned off the light at about 10:30.

Here are some numbers:

7 Everett feedings

10 diapers changed (4 Maren, 6 Everett)

2 spit ups (1 on my shirt, 1 on my pants)

0 poop explosions (in a usual day we have at least 1, and sometimes 2 - yesterday was a good day!)

3 miles ran

2 clean children (only one more to go!)

In some ways, this is a typical day, in other ways, it was not. But, that's life. We adapt and move on. I am so grateful that I have a husband with a stable job, and that I'm able to be home with my children. Especially in this day when people are job searching for months, in fear of losing their homes, and moving in with other family members to make ends meet. I am so so so grateful. Sure there are days that I don't really have a minute to myself, when I'm covered in baby throw up (or worse). But you know what? I wouldn't want to be anywhere else. Even if they paid me the big bucks.

Handsome Boys

These are the men in my life. Aren't they handsome?
And, we now are the hit of the neighborhood with our new playset. Now, if I wasn't so scared of Maren falling and maiming herself... It still isn't all the way put together, but we are almost there!

Yes, that's a neighbor friend picking her nose in the background. he he :)

A Warning

Warning: Serious cuteness to follow. You may be tempted to squeeze, pinch and kiss some adorable chubby baby cheekers... See what I mean about those cheeks? This little man has got to be one of the world's cutest babies. No joke. And besides just starring at adorable kids...here are some other things that have been happening.

Last weekend was Father and Sons, which Nick went to with his dad. Well, we weren't about to be left out of a party, so we made our own! We pulled out mattresses, invited our friends over and ate happy meals in the family room. The girls ran around like the crazy little women they are and my friend and I had some much needed adult conversation. Ellie, Maren, and I 'camped' out in the family room that night.

I keep telling people that it's only a matter of a few years until Everett is running around with his sisters, all dressed up in princess dresses. With two big sisters, I just thought it was inevitable. Well, maybe that time is coming before I had originally guessed...

And this, unfortunately, is my sick girl. She's been sporting a fever these last few days and sleeping lots. Poor kid. I want my busy girl back.

Lovin' on Brother

I think I'll just let these photos do the talkin':

Man, how I love these kids!

Welcome Back, Sun

We have finally had some warm days. It's about time! We celebrated by going to the park last Saturday. Check out Maren's face in this photo. Cracks me up. She wanted to go again and again, but she was scared silly. She would not go without me and held on tight all the way down. I raise scaredy cats, that's all there is too it. Maybe my boy will be fearless (does fearless and reckless go together? I hope not...).
You'll have to check out my face in this photo. No, I wasn't scared, but adults with wide behinds such as mine were not meant to fit on such things.


Nick and Everett were there too, but they were strapped together while I chased the girls around.

Mother's Day

My mother, me, and Ellie taken 2007

So, yesterday was Mother's Day. It was a lovely day. I must say that the best gift that I recieved came from our bishop, and no, it wasn't the potted plant I was given after sacrament meeting. That blessed man canceled all early morning meetings, which means that I actually had my husband at home on a Sunday morning. It was SO wonderful. The second best gift was from my darling children, who made me cards all on their own. I loved Ellie explaining to me what the pictures were. "This is a dot to dot. This is Everett still in your tummy." Among other things. She had also cut it up, and then taped it back together in her Ellie-style. We had a wonderful, daddy-made breakfast (after a good sleep in) and I was surprised with a container garden with flowers picked out and planted by Ellie (pink, of course). Then we basked the morning away out in the warm sunshine. Then, I actually had Nick's help getting the kids ready for church. A perfect start to the day, if you ask me.

All day, my heart was full of mommy love. I haven't yet had a guilt-filled mother's day (although I am far from perfect and certainly feel guilty about many of my mommy moments), but rather I am just filled with gratitude and a sense of awe about what this whole mother thing is all about. Lately I have felt a bit overwhelmed and inadaquate in the mothering department...well, yesterday I felt peace in my soul as I heard not once but twice (and from different sources) that love will cover our parenting 'mistakes'. No, I'm not perfect. I don't have all the answers as to how to best raise my kids. But do I love them? YES YES YES!!! Love, I can do. I can focus on that love and give it freely. I can do that.

And of course, my thoughts turn to my own mother. I owe everything I am to that wonderful woman. She raised me to be a mother, and I can feel her strength as I strive to raise my own kids. I love you, Mom. Thank you for, well, everything.

And now, if you'll excuse me...I have a baby that I need to snuggle.

Rub a Dub Dub

Three kids in the tub. And a squeaky clean Everett.Are you tired of looking at cute photos of my baby? No? Me neither...Maren trying to get mom's attention.In case you are tired of seeing my cute babe, here is another one for you. I took photos of our newest nephew, Zachary, this morning. What a cutie.