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.