What if...

Life brings on a lot of changes. Sometimes you can't help but wonder all the "what ifs." Like how would things be if you had changed just one thing in your life. Would anything be the way it is now? Would it affect other people's lives as well as your own. It's a waste of time to think about all the "what ifs" and not live in the present. You'll be missing out on some pretty great things if all you dwell on is the past. You'll drive yourself crazy trying to figure out if things could be better, if you could have helped someone, or if you could have stopped someone from doing something stupid. Everyone lives their own lives. Yes the things we do affect people, but they ultimately decide their own destiny as well as we do our own. So live in the present. Live in today, don't forget about yesterday, but forget about thinking how different things could be "if" only.

All Dressed Up

When you're married and you have kids and you go through weeks of cleaning, cooking, and tending to everyone's needs but your own, you tend to overlook one peron. You. You let your appearance slip and stop worrying about "dressing to impress." After all, your kids don't care if you are dressed in a beautiful evening gown or if you wear your pj's all day. But it always makes you feel beautiful on the days when you try. Any little excuse to dress up just makes you feel great. Tonight I'm going out with the girls. I think I spent more time getting dolled up today than I have in a month or two. It's almost as exciting as a date with my hubby (which doesn't happen very often when you have 3 kids ages 5 and under). I like feeling like I look beautiful though, maybe I'll try and put forth an effort more often. But with three kids even getting a shower every day is lucky. But feeling clean and getting to put on makeup and do your hair....that won't be able to be an every day thing. Maybe when they grow up some.

Reasons

I'm really starting to think that things happen for a reason. When you want something really bad and you don't get it, you get all dissappointed, but then something better is right around the corner. It's crazy how things work out for the better when you're thinking that it's going to get worse. We recently wanted to get a house to rent, and we really liked it and were really excited, but turns out we didn't get it. They didn't want to rent out their house after all. So we were pretty upset and stressed out about finding a house. Well we took a chance and looked last night and found one in the same neighborhood and it was a better house, and better fit for us, and now it's ours! It's crazy to think that we might have missed out on this great house if we had got the last one. A door closes and a better window opens. Life is weird, but if you just take things as they come you might experience things you never thought you would. Take a chance and things will work out.

Before Kids....

Before Kids: *You could sleep in past 6 am and lay in bed watching Family Feud and Price is Right. *You got to eat meals that were actually hot! *You got to watch shows that weren't on Nickelodian or the Disney Channel. *You remembered what a grown up conversation felt like. *You got to take showers.....every day.......and even wash your hair while you're in the shower, and maybe shave a whole leg. *When you went shopping you gave the dirty looks to the people with screaming kids. *You could eat cake for ice cream and not set a bad example. *You didn't have to deal with boogers, poop, and temper tantrums. *You got kisses that weren't sticky or slimy or covered in kool aid! *You could go to a movie without paying the same price as the movie and snacks for a babysitter. *You didn't have to repeat yourself 5 times for people to hear you. *You didn't know that you could love someone so much before you even met them, and then love them twice as much with each passing day.

23

Time goes by really fast. I don't think I ever realized that growing up. When you're a kid you can't wait to get older. First you're so excited to turn 16 so you can get your driver's licence. That's like the most important thing for you in your life. Then you get there and you can't wait to turn 18 and graduate. It seems to take forever to finally happen. The school days go by so slow, and the weekends go by too fast. Then after graduation the thing you look forward to the most is turning 21 so you can "legally" do all the things you've probably been doing since you were 14. For me things were a little different. Yeah I couldn't wait to turn 16 and drive, and then turn 18 and graduate. But instead of things going slow after that they have flown by at warp speed. I got married 2 months after I graduated, it was 2 weeks before I was 18. And I had 2 kids before I turned 21, so for my 21st birthday it wasn't all about drinking and going out and partying like most 21 year olds. Now I'm 23 and I have 3 kids. Things have been different then most 23 year olds I know. But I wouldn't trade any of it for anything. I love my kids, and though my life is full of poopy diapers, spit up, breaking up fights, and feeding and bathing 3 wiggly kids, I'm happy and my life is full. My oldest son turned 5 today. It really seems like yesterday I was in the hospital scared out of my mind wondering what life with a baby was going to be like. I was more scared of what would happen after I had the baby then I was about going through the actual labor. Everyone tells you enjoy those moments because the years go by so fast and before you know it they'll be moving out of the house. I never believed them. I guess it was all the sleepless nights and poopy diapers, and headaches that just threw me off into believing the years were going by slow. But now I look back and I think, where did the years go. My youngest is going to tun 1 in 3 months. It's unreal how fast this year has gone. So I'm telling you right now, if you're a mom to be or a new mommy, or even if your kids are grown now, cherish all the moments, good and bad, because before you know it they'll be out of the house. Kids are precious, and all you have to do to realize that is spend 5 minutes with one. They'll make you want to smile, laugh, cry, and rip your hair out all in the same day. But they make life worth living. I couldn't imagine life without my kids. Though I'm only 23 I wouldn't want to be a normal 23 year old. I love being a mom, and wife and doing all the things that I always dreded as a kid. The days seem slow, but the years go fast. Love your kids before life passes by and you turn around and they are waving goodbye on their way to college.

Conversations

Have you ever had a conversation with someone on the phone that lasted for hours, and when you get off the phone and you think about it, you can't for the life of you remember what you talked about for that long. Like you can't figure out how you talked for that many hours, and actually had something to say the whole time. Some of my best friends right now, I have never even met in person. Being a military wife we've moved a lot and I've come to rely on making friends online through sites like Cafemom or MSN boards, and I have 4 friends right now, that I talk to on an almost daily basis, and I've never met any of them. But they are all so like me I think we would be the best of friends if we all did live in the same states. I used to be kind of scared about meeting people online, I've heard the horror stories as I'm sure you all have, but as long as you're not talking to hundreds of people and meeting them in deserted places I'm sure things are fine. But my point was that when you have really good friends you can talk for hours about absolutely nothing and have a blast doing it. Sometimes the best conversations are about nothing at all.

Things I Learned From Having Boys....

1. The names, and colors of all the Ninja Turtles, Power Rangers, and even Transformers. 2. That baseball, hockey, soccer, basketball, and golf can all be played with a beach ball. 3. Boys outgrow shoes faster than you can drive to the store to get new ones. 4. Stock up on bandaids because there will be bumps, cuts, and blood. 5. When they are playing sports, not only do they need a helmet, but you might want to put one on too. 6. You will not get through a meal without someone burping or farting. 7. It's impossible for them to be quiet (unless they are sleeping). 8. Hot Wheels and GI Joes are impossible to keep picked up off the floor and they hurt really bad when you step on them. 9. Clothes will get dirty and stained, they can't help it. Stock up on Shout Spray. 10. Boys love their mommies with their whole hearts!

Marriage

Dating: Flowers just because, phone calls till 3 am, kisses and hugs all the time for no reason at all, love notes, fancy dinners out, both of you acting to impress the other, dancing, movies, flirting, gazing into each other's eyes, walking while holding hands. Engaged:Still lovey dovey, flowers occasionally, phone calls but not as late anymore, hugs and kisses, notes asking about wedding plans, nice dinners out (but not as nice since you're planning a wedding now), So many wedding plans you probably won't see as much of each other, fighting over him forgetting to order his tux or book the DJ, You get over fights though because you're so in love and you let the world know by holding hands and sneaking a kiss here and there. 1st year married:Burnt dinners (that you'll eat to be nice), lovey dovey (but mostly at home), you learn about each others little habits you didn't know about before (but you think they are cute), you compromise on what you want to make both of you happy, you don't want to hang out with your friends because you think each other are enough, less movies and dinners out to save money for that dream house, little nit pick fights. 3rd year:The habits aren't so cute anymore, argue over who is cooking dinner that night or which restraunt you want to eat at, he starts burping like it's no big deal, She no longer cares if she's cranky at "that time of the month" and she'll let him know it, you go to lunch or shopping with your friends because you need your space before you kill him for leaving his dirty clothes on the floor, you can't remember the last time he got you flowers or took you to dinner, kisses and hugs become less often and further between. 5 or more years:guys fart and burp like it's no big deal (even during meals) or talk about "bathroom issues" like you really want to hear about them, you know all his little habits drive you crazy, but you realize you love him more today than you did when you first got married and realize that life is pretty good. You're comfortable with each other to talk about anything (even gross stuff), and you know you've had your ups and downs, but at the end of the day you still love each other. (And this isn't even if you toss kids into the mix, that's a whole nother story).

My Rock

You really are my rock. You are always there for me and yet you don't realize that you're doing anything half the time. You make me happier than I ever thought I could be. Our life sure has had it's fair share of ups and downs. But we've managed to get through them and come out strong. Now everything is great between us and we have such a great family. You do so much for me and the kids, and I know sometimes it's hard on you. But I want you to know that me and the kids really appreciate everything that you do. You work hard to give us a great life and to give us anything and everything that we could ever want or need. It amazes me all the things that you do. So I just wanted to say thank you for everything. Thank you for being the most wonderful husband, father, and friend. We love you.

Life....

The time really does go by so fast. It seems as if every day the kids are more grown up then they were the day before. My oldest turns 5 on Saturday. That's so crazy for me to think about. He's in the "I don't need my parents or anyone to help me" phase and it makes me so sad to see him like that. It breaks my heart that he's not a little baby anymore. Then my 3 1/2 year old is in the "I'm the only one that's right" phase, so he's finally starting to get out of his terrible two's but he's learning fast from his brother to be independent, and they don't really need me as much during the day. They still come to me for meals or if they can't fix a toy, but it's not "mommy come and play" anymore. I still have my baby. He'll be 9 months old on Saturday. But even he is getting more independent. Crawling, and sitting on his own, and I know it's only a matter of time before he starts running around with his brothers shouting "bye mom" as they all run out the door. They are all so great in their own ways, all so different, yet all best friends. I never thought that being a mom of all boys would be so rewarding. They are so fun to watch and they always have the craziest things to say to me. So even though they are growing up so fast I feel like I can't blink an eye without them getting bigger, I enjoy every minute watching them grow into the little men they are.

Traveling with kids....

I would have to say that I have a huge amount of experience with traveling with kids for long car rides, and airplane rides. From ages of infants to my now 5 year old son. So here are a few tips if you're going to travel with kids that I've picked up through the years. 1. Always bring ziplock bags, and plastic grocery bags (they could come in handy with a messy spill, or cleaning out the car when you stop to get gas, or even to put snacks in for the kids to eat to make it less likely to spill). 2. Two words......hand sanitizer. You don't know if all the bathrooms you stop at are going to be "clean" let alone have soap or paper towels. 3. Laurie Berkner, Barney, and Wiggles CD's. Yes it will drive you crazy, but it will entertain them as well. And if you sing along then the time will go by faster for you too. (warning, use in car not airplane or you'll get some annoyed looks from other passengers). 4. Stash of toys that don't make noise, but they love to play with. Especially for on a plane. Like coloring books, crayons, wooden puzzles, hotwheels, and other small toys. 5. Snacks! Keep their mouths full and there is less fighting and asking "are we there yet?" 6. Bring a box of Capri Sun or other juices. It's less stops to get drinks and you'll save money in the long run from it. (Just don't let them drink too many too fast or you'll be stopping to pee.) 7. For infants bring new toys or ones they haven't seen in a while. They also really like playing with magazines or junk mail. (Just make sure it's nothing you'll want to read later because they like to rip it). 8. Always bring something from home for them, a stuffed animal or lovey. They get scared on the plane sometimes, especially at take off and landing with all the bumps. 9. For infants bring a bottle or binki so their ears won't pop when you're flying. Feed them as you're about to take off and land. 10. A laptop or DVD player will entertain the kids for a few hours. Bring newer movies, or their favorites. 11. Bring baby wipes. Even if you don't have little ones, they help clean up sticky hands, and messy faces, and clean up if things are spilled. They are great for all kinds of messes. 12. When packing clothes for them, always plan for a couple of messes so bring extra outfits. 13. Plan for the stress. It will be a little stressful, traveling with kids is. So try not to expect a perfectly peaceful trip every time. There will be tears, and plenty of "are we there yet's" So just try and enjoy the trip, they can be lots of fun if you don't worry so much about the little things. The kids love playing games with you, searching for certain color cars, looking at the cows on the side of the road, and yes the stop at McDonalds that always happens so they can get a happy meal. Lighten up and have some fun and your kids will too.

Heartbreaking

The most heartbreaking thing in the world is when your kid is sick and hurting and there isn't much you can do to help them. Yes it's gross cleaning up puke all day, but if you're a mom you do it, and honestly it doesn't bother you that much because you're more worried about your kid than the puke all over you. You check fevers like a freak every couple minutes hoping that it went down, and you cuddle, sing, and tend to their every need while they are sick. Loving them is about the only thing you can do and it not only makes them feel better, but after you shower and get some sleep you'll feel better knowing that you helped them the only way you could. Being a mom is a tough job, especially when things aren't going so well and everyone in the house isn't healthy. I know that this will go through all the kids (one at a time of coarse because then it could even make a second trip and get everyone sicker longer), but for now I play it one day at a time. And even though my little man is sick and in pain I still thank God for him and the fact that it's just a little cold that will pass and my kids are actually really healthy boys. Some people aren't that lucky and I know they would love to have the chance to cuddle with their baby, sing to them, hug them, and yes even clean up the puke.

Family

Family is really important to me, and I really want my kids to see and learn that while they grow up. No matter how far away we might move, or how long we stay gone for we will always have our family, and they always welcome you home with open arms. I think that's why I still call Michigan "home" and it's because that's where the rest of my family is. I have my little family here, and couldn't love them more, but the rest of the extended family, parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, all of them, are all back in Michigan except for a few strays here and there around the US. But I want to show my kids that family is really important and you should get to know all your relatives because you never know when the day may come that they might not be able to get to know them anymore. That makes me really sad to know that there are some relatives they will never get to meet. A lot of my family has only met my kids one or two times. My youngest is almost a year and a lot of them have never even seen him outside of a picture. That's why you should always make an effort to get to know all of your family, you never know when it will be too late and you realize how great of a person they were. I don't want my kids to miss the chance to get to see that for themselves.

I dont understand

I don't understand why people worry so much about what other people think about them. They worry so much to the point where they don't care if they hurt other people trying to make someone else happy. Whoever the "in" person is, that they have to impress. I've done it, and I know I have, but now that I stopped worrying so much I realize that it's a waste of time. If people don't like you for who you are, and without you changing anything about yourself, are they really worth being friends with? Do you really want friends that make you change into the person they want you to be? Why don't you try and make friends with people who are already like you so you don't have to change. Life is stressful enough without having to worry about what people think about you. Life would be a lot easier if people weren't afraid to be themselves and they stopped feeling like they had to prove themselves to other people.

Change

Change is a very scary thing, yet it brings good things with it. Being a military wife brought lots of changes so many times. I know a lot of people who are going through big changes in their lives, whether moves, having new babies, leaving friends behind that are holding them back....there are many different kinds of changes. I don't think any of them are bad. When God closes a door he opens a window. Life will bring more things, you may think it's bad and will never get better, but things do get better. There are so many opportunities you can do for your life. Things won't change unless you decide to let them, and when you finally do and open your hear to the change you're realize it was for the best. Moving so many times has been hard, I've left behind a lot of great friends, though we try to keep in touch through our busy lives, but it also has allowed me to see a lot of great places I probably never would have traveled to. And I met a lot of great people. Yes not all the times were great, and not all the friends were great friends, and not all the places we moved to we liked, but you have to look at the good side instead of always the bad. I don't know why people always look at change as a bad thing. Yes it's scary and it's hard leaving all the things you "know" in the past, but it's also an adventure and it really could end up being the greatest thing to happen. Like having a new baby. Nothing could change your life more, but it's one of the most amazing things that could ever happen to a person. It makes them see life a whole new way. Taking a new job is scary too, but it could be a great opportunity too. So I say we should embrace life's changes and see where they take us. Even if it turns out to be a mistake at least you tried right?

Memory

With my oldest coming up on his 5th birthday in a couple weeks I wanted to do a flashback of the day he was born. 7:00 am.....the morning of the 19th of April, the contractions start. They are just the braxton hicks contractions I kept telling myself. They'll go away. So I decide to take a bath. I know I'm crazy, but even if I can't see my legs I still want them shaved if I'm going into the doctors. My hubby has to help me out of the tub because I'm no longer capable of getting up by myself. So after getting contractions for 8 hours and they didn't stop we decided to go to the hospital. The contractions are about 4-5 minutes apart and they hurt so bad I can't move when they come. So I get to the hospital and they get me in a room. They settled me in and gave me an epidural. I was hurting so bad I knew I wanted one. (kudos for any woman who goes without one let me tell you that). They epidural guy joked that I could name the baby after him. An epidural is a miracle let me say that. I felt so relaxed and could actually enjoy labor. So they measured me and I was at 4. They told Steve he could go get some food or something because it would be a little while before I would be ready to push. So Steve left to go get himself some dinner. They checked me while he was gone, and it turned out that I was ready to push. So the minute he gets back there are doctors wandering around everywhere getting things ready. So he doesn't get to eat and 4 pushes later and little Sean pops out. It was actually so easy because they gave me the epidural strong because they thought it would be a while, but since it was so fast the epidural covered all the pain completely. I remember them giving me a shot in the leg after for some reason and I couldn't feel it at all. I remember Sean was so purple and slimy, but I thought he was the most beautiful baby in the world. The feeling of becoming a mom for the first time is something you will never forget. And when they wrapped him up and handed him to me I broke down and started crying. He was so tiny. Yet he was a big baby. 8 lbs .6 oz. I remember the doctors joking that he couldn't have been my first baby because I handled it like a champ, and made it look so easy. But I was in labor for 12 hours, if you count the contractions starting at 7 am, he was born a couple minutes before 8 pm. It was so amazing though. I don't think I slept a wink that night, I was so worried about him getting up to eat, and I was listening to him breathe the whole time, and I checked him to make sure he wasn't cold or too warm. I just kept thinking all night, I can't believe that beautiful baby just came out of me......I can't believe I'm a mom. Well the years went by fast, yet the days seemed slow. Restless nights full of feedings, and diaper changes. He didn't sleep through the night till he was over a year old, and by then I was expecting baby #2. But he was a great baby. Every day was entertaining with him. He's about to turn 5 now and I wonder where the time went. He's such a little grown man and he amazes me every day. He's got the new "I don't need my parents" attitude, and sometimes it's heartbreaking to see. He'll be grown and out on his own before I know it so for now I'm going to enjoy letting him be a kid.

Strangers

I recently had a conversation with my kids about strangers. I didn't really have a choice because I was in the other room and the kids were at the table eating lunch. All of a sudden I hear "Hello?" from some guy. I run into the other room and it's the apartment handyman to fix the window blinds. He told me that my oldest boy let him in. The door was locked with the dead bolt, but he opened it and just let him in. I didn't hear him knock. So we sat down that day and had a talk about strangers, and that you should never answer the door, they should just come and get mommy or daddy if they don't hear them knock. Well today I found out that it worked. I was in the other room getting dressed, I heard the knock, and then I heard footsteps running towards my room. They both ran to tell me that someone was at the door. It's a scary subject to talk to your kids about, that some people out there aren't good guys, and that not everyone is ok to talk to. But even though it's a scary subject for the kids it is important they know about it. Mine now know that when we are out in public it's not ok for them to be where they can't see us because someone could take them. I taught them what to do if someone does take them. It's better safe than sorry. My boys are smart boys and they caught on really fast with what they can and can't do. Strangers are a scary and serious subject.

A day in my life....

6:30 am.....baby wakes you up, he knows the Wiggles starts in a little bit so he's up and ready for the day. Usually he'll sit and play in his bed for a few minutes before he gets upset. 7:00 am....the Wiggles.....give the baby a bottle and he's happy for like 5 minutes, but then he'll want baby food. So feed him while he constantly shoves his hands in his mouth and makes a huge mess of baby food all over the place. 7:30 am....finish feeding him and clean him up, his high chair, and toss his outfit in the dirty clothes because it's probably covered in baby food. Hubby leaves for work. 8:00am...between now and 8:30 the other two kids wake up and the house is no longer quiet. 8:30 am....breakfast time......the kids change their minds 3 times what they want for breakfast, so just decide for them and then argue with them that they need to eat their breakfast. 8:45 am.....remind them 5 times to eat and not play. 8:50 am.....clean up something that was spilled because they were playing....usually their glass of milk. 9:00 am....walk down to the gym with the kids, they are actually really good there, they bring their video games and a few toys, and the baby likes the noise of the tredmill so he usually just sits and watches it. 9:30 am...walk home and put the baby down for his first nap. He usually sleeps till about 11:30 so the other two kids usually watch a movie so I can work on homework since I'm going to school full time. I also have to squeeze a shower in then or I won't get one till after hubby gets home from work, I have to throw laundry or dishes in, and pick up the house. 11:30 am....baby wakes up, the other two get hyper, and they play while I figure out lunch. Baby gets lunch first, then the older two. Sometimes I get to eat a few bites too in between getting more ketchup for one, or a drink for the other. 12:30 pm.........we go for a walk to get out of the house because the boys are so hyper being cooped up in the house is not an option. 1:00 pm-2:30 pm........different every day, some days we watch movies, or play, or color, or go swimming.....just whatever we feel like for the day. 2:30 pm......baby's second nap time. Boys watch another movie or on the rare occasion take a nap themselves. (usually like once or twice a month). Homework, chores, and look for what's going to be for dinner. 4:00 pm.....baby is up and it's off for another walk, this time to the mail box, and the sprinklers usually kick on so the kids play in those for a while. 4:30 pm.....start dinner. 5:00 pm......hubby gets home. Dinner time (first the baby, then the rest of us while he plays in his jumper). 6:00 pm........Either a trip to walmart, or we take the kids outside to play. 7:00 pm.......bath time........usually some of the water stays in the tub and doesn't end up on me or the floor. 7:30 pm.......calm down time. Hubby plays with the kids, I do dishes or pick up toys, or make beds and get them ready for bed. Pj's get on all the kids. 8:00 pm.....bedtime for the older two. Get them water, read them each a book, for the next half hour fight with them 3 or 4 times to get back in bed "no you can't have another glass of water," or "it's his video game, take turns......" 8:30 pm......little man goes to bed (a lot easier than the other two who are still awake and still finding excuses to come out of their rooms). 9:00 pm.......they are usually all fast asleep by now, and I've been folding laundry since 8:30, and finally got the dishes done. Then I have to decide homework, or sleep. Usually it's sleep. Average: 5 time outs a day 3 snacks 2 or 3 movies 1 broken toy 2 things spilled 6 fights over who's toy is who's. 10 kisses and hugs 100 smiles and laughs 20 "I Love You's" 10 Thank you's 5 crying fits 10 times where I have to yell at them to listen 30 bathroom trips 2 battles over who gets to brush their teeth first 3 "Please can I have a fruit snack?" 6 games of one sport or another Even though things are crazy, and usually stressful it makes it all worth it when you see those kids smiling and when they are finally sleeping and the end of the day you know you did a good job. We squeeze family time in and lots of fun things so I know the kids love us and they have a ton of fun every day. I might not do it the way other mom's do, but that's ok. My kids are happy and healthy. On a day like today with mommy sick I'm sure there will be more movies and tv than most mom's think is appropriate, but that's ok too.

A Good Mom

I've been giving it a lot of thought lately about what it takes to be a good mom. I hear people always arguing saying what a "bad" mom someone is, and I've heard people complimenting others saying they are a "good" mom. So are there real guidelines to being a "good" mom? Are you a "good" mom because you choose to stay at home with them, or because you go to work and provide for them? Is it because you put them to bed at a decent time, or because you let them stay up with you to watch that show they've been dying to see? Is it because you buy all the best organic foods and only give them the best, or because you let them pick out the cereal with the fun cartoons on the cover? Is there are real guideline? Or is being a good mom just a matter of opinion? Do you make them eat their veggies and 3 square meals a day, or do you make their faces light up once in a while and take them to McDonald's? Is it about safety and health, or fun and love? Or does it have to be a balance of all of it? Is it about spoiling them with lots of toys and activities? Or is it about teaching them the value of money and making them earn their toys? It's funny isn't it? Just because you raise your kids a certain way, and people call you a good mom, someone completely opposite of you could be raising their kids different and they are considered a good mom as well. Personally I think I'm a good mom, but I honestly couldn't tell you why. I just know that I love my kids and I do what I think is best for them and try to make sure they have a safe and happy childhood. So being a "good" mom is important, but the way we all be "good" at it is different, and that's fine. Our kids love us the same no matter what.

cookie

Things Kids say that you should give them a cookie for: 1.Mmmmm.....dinner is really good mommy. 2. I love you mommy. 3. I did it all by myself! 4. Mommy, can I PLEASE have a cookie. (hey they said please) And (my favorite) 5. Mommy.....Daddy messed up again....he was wrong. (you have to love kids, they're so honest)

Women

Wow, women are horrible, horrible people sometimes. Why do we say such mean things to other women just to hurt them. It's like we'll all be best friends one minute, and then talk crap about each other behind everyone's backs. It's horrible. I almost wish that women lived their lives more like men. They don't gossip, or talk about one another. If they get mad they fight it out, and then they are friends again. It's like a magic code that after you fight it out everything is better. Women drag things on for months, or even years and bicker and talk bad about each other the whole way. I just don't understand why we live like this. It's almost like High School never ends for women. They just gossip about different things than they would in High School, about how bad of a parent someone is, or the latest who is cheating on who, or I can't believe she's wearing that, or married to him. It's horrible. It makes me wonder if people are that bored with their own lives that they need to try and stir up trouble with everyone else. I think all us women should try to start living a life more like men and not worry so much about everyone else. I'm busy enough with my hubby and three kids, and college, and life, I don't have enough time in the day for me, let alone to deal with gossip. It makes everyone stressed out and upset and honestly I think it's pointless. I mean who benefits from it anyways. The gossiper just gets an image of being nosy and someone you can't trust with a secret, and the person gossiped about will probably get a reputation she does not deserve (and even if she does who are you to decide that). So I'm going to start living a life like men without the gossip and rumors. They seem to have more fun anyways.

Irony....

Your 8 1/2 month old finally deciding to sleep through the night.........only to have your other two kids up at all hours through the night. I wonder if they planned this as well. Kids are so crazy sometimes. I can't help but laugh at this because it's finally the chance to get some sleep and I still don't get to. I don't think I'll be getting sleep until they move out of the house, and then even then I'll still probably be so worried about them that I'll be up all night anyways. A parents work is never done. I can only imagine the teenage years that are coming up so fast. Can't wait to have my revenge through grand kids. I'm going to spoil them and send them home and then when they call me complaining about how "horrible" their kids are I'll just have to laugh. But they really are all angels. They drive you crazy, but then as soon as they are fast asleep at night and you see their peaceful faces you can't help but think, "they are pretty great."

It's like a game...

Do you ever wonder if the kids sit up at night deciding who is going to be bad at what part of the day? It's like they have a plan that one minute can't go by during the day without one of them acting up or doing something to irritate adults. It's like, you'll have till lunch, I'll have till dinner and then we'll take turns till bedtime. I know they call it the terrible two's but what about the horrible threes, bossy fours, and since our oldest is only 15 days away from five I'm a little nervous to see what 5 brings. I mean no they aren't terrible every day all day, but man they know when it's the worst possible time to act up and they do. And don't forget, if mom and dad aren't looking all bets are off. Everything we've told them that isn't allowed is fair game. Because it's always the second person doing something that gets caught. I remember that from when I was young. You get hit by your sibling, you tattle, you don't hit back because it's you they'll see hitting and you'll get in trouble. I think the adventures have just begun with these three boys.

Dreams

Ya know, I read a post someone close to me wrote talking about how her dreams will never come true, and that "life sucks." It made me realize just how lucky I am to have a husband who not only supports my dreams, but is willing to do anything and everything he can to help me achieve them. I think that's a very important trait to find in a spouse. Your dreams are what make you, well you. If you are with someone who is so willing to shoot down your dreams and tell you that you can't, then why are you with them in the first place. I have a lot of dreams, probably too many, and some are so out there I'm sure my husband thinks I'm crazy. But if I told him I wanted to fly to the moon tomorrow, he would drive to to NASA tonight and help me sneak on a rocket. (that's a little over the top but you get my point). He's supported me through the decision to be a stay at home mom to 3 of the best kids in the world, and I know they behave the way they do partly because of my influence on them while we are home all day. He's supported me through going to college, and changing my mind a million times on what I want to do "when I grow up." And I know as a parent that's all I want for my kids when they grow up. For them to find someone who will support them and encourage them to reach for the starts and have all their dreams come true. I think that's important in a relationship for it to go both ways. I support him, as he does for me. Otherwise the relationship becomes one sided, and it's like one person is more important than the other. That's a relationship doomed to fail. You can't hide the fact that you're unhappy because you haven't accomplished your dreams, it wears on you too much and you'll end up regretting your choices because you'll be living a life you never chose. I'm lucky, and I'm so happy for everyone else who has found that "partner" in their life. Because his support is worth more to me than all the money in the world, we're both happy, and slowly accomplishing our dreams while raising 3 amazing kids together. I pray that someday my friend gets her dreams, but first she has to realize that they are important, and it's something she needs to do for herself. No one should stand in the way of making sure you're happy.

Things my kids taught me today.......

1. A toilet paper roll is more fun than any expensive toy. 2. Mayhem can beat up Superman. 3. Any blow up toy can work as a punching bag. 4. The color of a hard boiled egg matters, even though it looks the same when you peel it. 5. Dunking oreo's is an art form and requires a lot of thought. 6. Fruit snacks should be a food group! 7.If I'm good I get a cookie, if I'm bad I get a nap (hmmmm....a nap actually sounds a lot better than a cookie). 8. If Spongebob can do it, so can I! 9. Transformers and TNMT are the greatest movies in the world. 10. You can have tons of fun with an air mattress. 11. Anyone can be a hero if they can put the ninja turtles leg back on, or fix the power ranger's head. 12. When mom says go, she means stop, and when she says don't it means go ahead. 13. The best part of the day is when daddy walks through the door.

Things I never thought I'd say

1. No Tackle Football in the house!!! 2. Stop banging your head against the wall. 3. If you put your finger in your nose a monster will bite it! 4. Yeah! You went poop!(even said in public bathrooms) 5. The Easter Bunny must shop at Walmart. 6. The ceiling fan is not a toy! 7. Yes you can have pizza for breakfast! 8. Thank God for bedtime!!! (most peaceful time of the day) Things I never thought I'd say that my parents said: 1. Quit crying or I'll give you something to cry about. 2. Because I said so that's why. 3. Be good or you're grounded! 4. Knock it off or I will turn this car around (never actually happens....hmmm....)

I dont know how you do it.....

You know, I get asked a lot how I do it. Raising 3 boys I mean. Well, not even just 3 boys, but 3 kids. I know people with way more than 3 kids, and I just don't understand I guess why people think I'm so great with 3 when a lot our friends have 4 or 5, or even 6. But I've heard a lot of people say I'm real brave because it's one more kid than hands I have to hold them. Good point I guess I mean I only have two hands how do I do it. But I think as a mom we have more than two hands, have to, and we have the eyes in the back of our heads, and the ability to do a million things at one time. It's how we survive as moms and get all the things done that need to get done. (In all honesty though I'll tell you my kids are great and I don't need to have a million hands to handle them). I think it's amazing the multi-tasking that we do every day as parents. I mean within a one hour time span you'll usually see me doing laundry, dishes, cooking a meal, talking on the phone and coloring with the kids at the same time. I think it's more of a timing thing. We have the timing down to a skill on what needs to be done at a certain time to get everything on your list accomplished that day. It's amazing. So I don't think I'm great just because I'm raising 3 kids, I think all moms are great, whether they have 1 kid to chase or 10. So today I want to give kudos to all the moms out there as our business cards are full to the max. Chefs, Maids, Taxi DriversToy Fixers, Owie Fixers, mothers, wives, sisters, daughters, the finder of lost toys, homework helper, cookie baker, bed maker, outfit coordinator, shoe finder..........and all the other tasks we do on a day to day basis. We're all the heros in our kids eyes. Just a thought.

Today's thoughts........getting started

Well here I go. I'm a little nervous about starting this, but I think it will turn out great. I love to write and I love to talk so it's easy for me to think of something to post. If you want to read what I have to say, great, if not that's ok too I wont be offended. Today I'm taking a step outside of my personal boundaries and trying to make these dreams of mine come true. So I think this will just be my welcome message, and then my next one will be on a certain topic. Let's see, I'll talk about why I want to do this first. I love to write, I'm a writer at heart, and I love to talk. I want to be a journalist some day and eventually (fingers crossed) own my own magazine. Big dreams I know. But hopefully I have what it takes to make things happen. Just think though, if you're a close friend and supporter of me you could end up with free subscriptions once it happens. So that means you! Support me. Anyways that's my thoughts on getting started. I will let you guys help me pick topics to write about, and I will write about thoughts, and plans, and well....pretty much anything that comes to my head......funny things the kids do, life raising 3 boys, military wife life, and anything I feel like for the day. Let's get this going.