I Can Do This

If anyone can get a great posed picture of my babies, it's me, right?

Cause they know me, and look at the camera whenever I ask...or maybe not...

Well, I guess there are some times when Raya is more interested in the grass, and Kinley just wants mom to pick her up...

Sigh - good thing they are so stinkin' cute :).

Ready For The Week

What did we do this weekend? Not much at all. We had nothing planned, and no big events to get to. It was great. Sometimes it's just good to have a laid back weekend at home to recover from the crazy, and way to busy week - Don't you think?

I made and bottled some baby food. (although I often freeze it in ice cube trays.)


When I wasn't making all natural, organic baby food, I was finishing off the batch of pumpkin cookies that I made the other day. I probably should get some self control...or stop baking holiday treats...we'll see which one happens first.

Anyway...

The girls played and played with some new toys I bought at a Twins Rummage Sale on Friday night...

And Raya fell in love with looking out the window. It is so sweet. She stands and watches her sisters play out back, and enjoys the amazing cool breeze that we are getting.

Ahhh, refreshed and ready for Monday...I think :).

Pumpkin Season

You know what I love about Fall?

Besides the amazing weather, gorgeous trees and colorful leaves...

Pumpkin. I love Pumpkin. Pumpkin Bread, Pumpkin cookies, and Pumpkin Spice Lattes - I love it all.

I made these Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies the other night - and they are amazing. By far, the best Pumpkin recipe I have ever had. Don't they look fantastic...

Want the recipe? Here you go...

1 cup canned pumpkin
1 cup white sugar
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 egg
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon milk
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
***I added a tad less Cinnamon so it wouldn't over power the pumpkin flavor.

DIRECTIONS
Combine pumpkin, sugar, vegetable oil, and egg. In a separate bowl, stir together flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt. Dissolve the baking soda with the milk and stir in. Add flour mixture to pumpkin mixture and mix well.
Add vanilla, chocolate chips and nuts.
Drop by spoonful on greased cookie sheet and bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for approximately 10 minutes or until lightly brown and firm.

Seriously, go try them!! It made the house smell yummy, and made me even more excited for Harvest Parties & Hayrides!!

Anyone have anyone have any other great Pumpkin recipes??

This One Takes The Cake

It's well known around here that our Raya has a hard time leaving the grass alone. I have posted pics of her eating it a couple times. And yes, I did stop to take a pic before I took it away from her...

Whats a little grass gonna hurt?

You sit Raya on a blanket, she crawls to the edge, and starts pulling...well, and eating. See?

Now believe me, I try to contain her, but she is persistent, and I...you know, have 4 other small children to chase. I often find myself trying to decide, "do I take the grass away from Raya, or do I go tell Reese & Charlotte to stop touching the stinkin' trash can??"

As I was saying. I found Raya the other day with grass in hand, and I went to get a shot of it. When I saw this, I couldn't stop laughing...

Doesn't this pic say something like, "oh sweet mercy - I thought that lady would never turn her back so I can get one little bite of this amazingly delicious grass..."

I think this grass picture definitely, Takes the Cake :).

Ode To Target

Honestly, I am so worn out...and I can't seem to form a thought that makes any sense. And I want to write about sooo much...the joys and struggles that make up who we are right now...oh, and the humor :).

But for now, I just want to laugh at the fact that I am actually embarrassed when the clerks at Target see us coming - because we are there a few mornings a week due to our new school schedule. Have I ever mentioned that our school is to far away to actually drive back home while they're there? It is. So my younger girls and I frequent the local Targets, Chickfilas, and parks...I know, we are really exciting - try to contain yourself.

Anyway...

So I wrote this about Target - I almost kept my sunglasses on today when we walked through the doors so they didn't know I was there...yet again...

The morning is crazy,
And the babies are tired.
I’m needing some coffee,
And my 3yr olds are wired.

Off in the distance,
There is a small sign of hope.
That big Red bulls eye,
That always helps me cope.

The doors pull open,
And there’s a feeling of peace.
Target and Starbucks,
“Mommy, your favorite!” says Reese.

Your deals draw me in,
Like a new wide eyed pup.
And now there is the new Target brand,
The affordable, Up & Up.

I try to stay focused,
Stay true to my list.
But we all know the holiday candy aisle,
Can never be missed.

I cruise the end of the aisles,
Where the best deals are found,
“Perimeter shopping”,
I am red sticker bound.

So off to the checkout,
Where the cashiers know us well.
Do you love Target like we do?
Oh please, do tell!

Babies Don't Keep

Mother, O Mother, come shake out your cloth,
Empty the dustpan, poison the moth.
Hang out the washing, make up the bed,
Sew on a button and butter the bread.
Where is the mother whose house is so shocking?
She’s up in the nursery, blissfully rocking.

Oh, I’ve grown as shiftless as Little Boy Blue,
Lullaby, rockabye, lullaby loo.
Dishes are waiting and bills are past due,
Pat-a-cake, darling, and peek, peek-a-boo.
The shopping’s not done and there’s nothing for stew,
And out in the yard there’s a hullabaloo.
But I’m playing Kanga and this is my Roo,
Look! Aren’t her eyes the most wonderful hue?
Lullaby, rockaby, lullaby loo.

The cleaning and scrubbing can wait till tomorrow,

But children grow up as I’ve learned to my sorrow.

So quiet down cobwebs; Dust go to sleep!

I’m rocking my baby and babies don’t keep.

-by Ruth Hulbert Hamilton

I never get tired of reading this poem! Just wanted to share!

Baby Baby

Sweet Kinley and Raya...

Will be 1 in just two months...2 months!?

You're on the move, pulling up, in to everything, and putting every little thing off the floor in your mouth - reminding me everyday that the floors need cleaned :).

Love you - my funny, sweet, amazing, floor inspecting, 10 month old little girls...

I know I always say you can't fence time - but does anyone out there have a way to get around that fact!!?

Air It Out

After my post yesterday, a couple of you felt compelled to share the many ways that you don't have it together - mercy it was nice to see we are all pretty similar :)! I also got a dare to share some of my quarks. So here it is, let the airing of the dirty laundry begin...

You think I have it all together? You think my kids are always happy & smiling like you see in the pictures? You think that just because my husband and I get to go away for the weekend, that we are on the same page...or even reading the same book? Think again.

I have 4, count them, 4 loads of laundry that need to be folded, 2 loads that are still in the laundry room, and 1 load that still needs to be washed.

I put baskets of laundry under beds and even in my car when we have a showing.

I lose my temper and yell at my girls...often. Patience is something I am still learning about.

Sometimes I will bring the babies car seats in the house, but check my email & google reader before I actually get them out of the seats.

Once in a while I will serve the girls cereal for dinner, like tonight. They had Cocoa Pebbles.

I will pick up something in the store, then lay it on a shelf 8 aisles over when I decide we don't need it.

I have been to the gym zero times this month.

I wear a pullover or zip up hooded sweatshirt almost every day - with a tank top underneath...it's all about the layers people. I LOVE SWEATSHIRTS.

I cook all organic meals. Unless I am at the Chickfila drive thru buying chicken nuggets.

I often have a really hard time focusing on my "quality time" with my husband after the girls go to bed - because I am so drained. Some nights I'm lucky to just ask how his day was. That needs to change.

I really do change into work out clothes/pj's right after we arrive home.

If I have jeans on in the house, the girls ask if I am going somewhere.

I load the dishwasher and the laundry machine to maximum capacity, and it drives my husband crazy.

It takes me at least 2 names, before I say the right name of who I am yelling at.

I am outgoing & talkative. Eric is reserved and quiet. 2 completely different people, but it works...most of the time.

I think facebook is like having a big brother looking over your shoulder.

No matter what, I am always forgetting things for the girls school. Books, assignments, activities. You name it, I'm forgetting it.

I hate to car pool. Car pooling means I am committed to a location until the rest of the group wants to leave. I hate that feeling.

I call my mom 2-3 times a day. It's almost strange. I have drove to her house before when I couldn't get a hold of her.

I have Ella entertain the babies sometimes while I run upstairs for a minute or do other house work. She is 5 - babysitting is clearly not age appropriate.

I don't dry my jeans completely. If you put them on while they are still damp, they quickly stretch back to their pre-wash fit.

I often tell the girls that I we don't have all the pieces to certain games, just because I don't want to get it out and deal with the mess.

I am married to a patient man, who puts up with a free spirited wife.

I can be really sarcastic...and I need to work on it more.

I often say everything is wonderful and running smoothly even when I don't mean it.

I love for everything to appear to be in order.

I am learning that it's fine for things to be a little chaotic.

And hey, I am doing my best :).

Anyone else want to share a little about themselves? You should!

On The Outside Looking In

That is the best way I can describe it.

Sometimes life here is:

...crazy...

...super busy...

...intense...

...loud...

...chaotic...

...stressful...

and most of all, it is not the "social norm". Mostly because of our multiples situation.

Don't get me wrong, I don't expect everyone to live the same life. But sometimes, for some reason, I let myself watch, and compare, with other families, moms, friends, etc.

I often think:

"is their life just as crazy...but in a different way?"

"is money tight for them too?"

"are they facing hard decisions like we are...but for different circumstances?"

"do they feel overwhelmed...but by different things?"

"are their marriages less than perfect?"

"why does she look so put together all the time?"

"why does she get to go to the gym during preschool?"

"why do I insist on wearing clothes that look like I should be in a gym??"

"why are you looking at me so stinkin' strange - yes I am wearing a baby and carrying a baby!!"

And for the love of all that is Holy...

"seriously, why do you care so much if we are "done" or not - please stop asking, "are you done, yet?!" Done what? Having beautiful, sweet little girls!? Never!! (that is what I want to say) Would that be unacceptable if we weren't done?? And why is it your business!!??? Ahhhhh!!"

Ahem, sorry. I just needed to get that last one out. A girl's gotta vent, right?

So anyway, I don't want to go on and on. But I just wanted to be real and honest. Life isn't always easy, and God never said it would be completely smooth. But what He did do, is give me a life that I am completely undeserving of...even if it gets rocky sometimes.

It's easy to get in a "funk." The hard part for me, is getting out. I know I'm not on the outside (well maybe a little), but it is so easy to isolate yourself when you feel like no one understands, when life gets a little rough, or when it's downright exhausting. We just need to hang in there, and keep going, right?

If you have made it this far in the post, thanks for reading what might be the most random post you will read all day. But most importantly, thanks for listening.

Hope you all are having a great week so far :).

Lately

Lately...
I have been quiet...
I have been uncertain but content...
I have been worrying when I shouldn't...
And I have been taking lots of pictures.

I have been spending time with my girls...
Enjoying the new cooler weather...
Making new baby food...
And wondering how on earth I am going to get good Fall pictures when they won't stop eating the leaves.


I have been wearing my husbands t-shirts...
Wearing my favorite flip-flops...
And wearing one of my little loves a lot of the time - because she has the biggest case of mommy attachment I have ever seen...and I love it :).
***I'm also looking for a new sling that will carry up to 35 pounds comfortably...any suggestions?? Ring Sling, Peanut Shell, whats your favorite?***

I have been doing tons of laundry...
Getting used to our new schedule...
Getting rid of our dog...
Getting rid of our cable...
And simplifying our life.

I have been letting go...
Giving in...
Accepting things I don't like...
And realizing how blessed we are for what we have.

You know, everyday things.

Now, what have you been up to, Lately??

These Boots Feet Were Made For Walkin'...

And that's just what they'll do :).

I can't believe my Raya is pulling up...on everything!!!

Is there anything cuter than these chubby little legs?

Way to grow, sweet baby!

Well, Girls

Well, Girls. It's your turn, You have your 1st day of preschool today.

My oh my, little ladies, how the time has passed quickly.

Once upon a time, you were this small...


But I blinked, and here we are.

Now girls, mommy wants you to listen and be sweet to others. Hop in there and make some new little friends, I'm sure they will be so much fun!

Oh, and girls, try to keep this to a minimum...

Some kiddos won't think that is as funny as you two do...play the twin connection down a bit. You know, until everyone gets to know you.

I am so proud of you girls, mommy just can't believe you are starting preschool. I promise I won't be sad...at least not in front of you. After all, you both have already assured me that, "we will be right back!"

Charlotte Grace - be as goofy as you want to be, it's charming.
Reese Olivia - laugh loud, it's contagious.


Alright, get in there you two. Have a ton of fun, learn as much as your little minds will take, and remember that your mama loves you more than you could ever imagine.

Well, girls - Preschool is waiting.

The Simple Life.

That is what life is like out here in the country - at the Lake.

We have been grilling out, driving into town for ice cream, and watching movies. It's been great.

My cell phone doesn't get much reception...
The internet is less than fast...
And the local grocery store only has 10 parking spots.
Real simple.

I am so excited though to squeeze my 5 little loves when we get home!

Do any of you live somewhere out in the country? I'm thinking I could get used to it out here :)!

Hope you all are having a great weekend!

I Guess I'm Packing My Bags

Well the Jury seems to be in agreement - I need to get out of town for a couple days :).

So this Saturday, Husband and I are going to head out of town. My oh my, what on earth am I going to do without these little ladies to keep me busy!?

Looking at that pic makes me want to pack them all up and take them all with us! But they are going to be getting some serious love, from some amazing grandparents - and what kid doesn't love that!?

Even though I am really nervous to be away from my loves, it will be fun and relaxing to get away and officially have some "time off" with this guy...

We're going to stop at some outlet malls, go out on the lake, and hopefully, I will get to take a couple naps ;)!

I'm sure come Saturday night I will need some more reassurance that my crew is ok without mama for 48 hours ;)!!

Hope everyone is having a great week!

Should I Stay, Or Should I Go?

How many times this year have I said, "I could use a little break...just one day to sleep in!"

Well the opportunity has surfaced for the husband and I to get away for the weekend. Sounds great, right? So why is my mind only thinking of how much I will miss my girls? And why can't I stop thinking about my youngest loves - will they be ok without me for a 2 days?

Now, the older girls love a chance to stay with grandparents...I wouldn't know why...it's not like they get spoiled there :)! But the babies, they are only 9 months, what if they keep looking for me, and what if they need me to snuggle with them, and...

Oh mercy, I am one obsessed mama.

What would you do? Do you all take a weekend off here and there? Would you grab at the chance to get away at the lake - just you & your husband? Am I worrying to much? C'mon, be honest...

Do I need to get a grip?!?!?