Clearly, I Should Not Be Allowed To Leave The House.

Alternately titled, "Local Pregnant Woman Arrested For Flashing Fellow Shoppers."

It was a double whammy kind of a night.

On Saturday night I ended up being able to get out for a bit. I haven't had much time lately to get out at all by myself...life is busy, and well, I'm exhausted at night when the husband gets home.

I got the girls ready for bed, started baths, and let Eric take over. I grabbed my stuff, hoped in the car, and put on some of my favorite tunes...you know, the ones that you can't listen to when the kids are in the car because you're too busy listening to The Wheels On The Bus instead?

You would've thought I hadn't been out by myself in a year, it was like an animal being released back in to the wild or something.

So anyway, I back out of the garage and hear a big ol' cruuunnccchhh. Yep, I hit Eric's car. Awesome. His much smaller car didn't stand a chance against my big ol' honkin' car that I haul all the kids around in.

And then when I pulled back forward, my car sorta ripped off some of his cars parts. That's not what I had envisioned happening.

So I took a piece of his car back in the house, layed it on the counter, and we laughed a little....sorta. What else can you do in that situation? We decided to deal with it later and so I headed back out the door.

I got to the mall, got out of my car, and headed for the one of the stores. I was on the phone, just walking along like everything was fine - you know, like normal people do.

And then, I caught a glimpse of myself in a store window. 

Apparently, sitting in the car makes my little maternity shirt edge up towards the top of my belly. So I was walking along with my shirt flipped up, and just my belly band that's wrapped around my un-buttoned pre-pregnancy jeans was hanging out there for all the other shoppers to see.

I know. I'm the coolest.

Try not to fight over who gets to hang out with me next, ok?

How on earth do you not realize that your shirt has flipped up? Was there not a breeze? Does this have anything to do with the fact that I'm only11 days away from 30???

Sooo, I feel that maybe I should just stay in till the babe arrives and my brain is back to thinking clearly...you think?

I Just Do The Next Thing

Still.

I wrote about how this was my new favorite saying a while back, but God has been reminding me of it so much lately.

The other day I was in line at the store, the older girls were asking for everything on the display shelf, and Kinley and Raya were fussing over the fact that they couldn't reach that display shelf from the stroller.

(I hate those shelves.)

(I might just start letting the kids open everything on it, the stores can learn the hard way.)

I was tired, it had been one of those days, and I was trying to stay patient as they ran around doing things kids do.

The lady behind me see's the barely controlled chaos that is taking place, and she says "Wow, think you'll be done after this one? Cause this is kind of a lot to handle...how do you do it?"

And for the 1st time, instead of a fake smile with a humorous comment to try and dodge what she was asking, I said, "I just do the next thing."

She stood there with a blank stare and said, "well, I guess that's all you can do."

Yea, it kinda is all I (or any mom) can do. Because on this mom-is-so-worn-out kind of day, if I let my mind go to the fact that Eric is working late, and I have homework, dinner, baths, and bedtimes ahead of me, I might just bang my head against the wall...or cry...or both.

Just keeping it real, people.

Right now, I just need to pay for our stuff and get their sweet little behinds to the car. That's it. The next thing.

I think that's all God wants us to do, no need to worry about things that are further on down the line.

Yes, they wear me out. Yes, they are a handful sometimes. And yes, I never know if that next outing with all of them will push me over the edge. But the reality is, I'm the lucky one to be in their lives, not other way around. They are my greatest blessing.

I've recently adopted another saying from Ann Voscamp, "Life is not an emergency."

Goodness, that is so true. I think every mom should say it everyday.

Kids running down the aisle? Not an emergency.

They are fighting over toy I'm not even buying in the middle of Target? Not an emergency.

They really did just open 10 things on the display shelf? Not an emergency.

Someone just threw up in the toy section? Not an emergency.

People are staring and whispering? Not an emergency.

My kid just told me "NO, NO, NOOO!!" and ran the other direction in front of that perfect mom friend? Not an emergency. 

They're little - I need to love them, train them, teach them, and forgive them. Because like me, they are also doing the best they can.

There are some battles worth fighting with the kids, but I have decided to not lose my cool or get super frustrated over the small stuff. They are such sweet little gifts, why get all upset with them mainly because I'm just overly tired?? It's just not worth it...

Because life, and mothering, is not an emergency. So for now, I'll just do the next thing. :)

The Best Breakfast Wraps

I've posted this recipe before I think, but I to share again because they are so good.

I've been freezing things lately in preparation of me being even more tired towards the end of the pregnancy, and the baby coming.

It's like I'm freezer nesting.

I have been searching for something healthy to eat while on the run in the morning - which currently is every morning in our family. It gets to expensive to run through somewhere a few times a week for my breakfast burrito fix. I was on a mission to make my own healthy, high protein, breakfast wraps.

I love wraps. You wrap it, I love it.

I bought some high protein tortilla shells, Salsa, Southwest Egg Beaters, and some Gimmie Lean veggie sausage. Now listen, veggie "meat" doesn't always sound great to everyone - but it is really good, especially in this mix. I don't ever buy or make regular sausage for lots o' reasons, but I do actually like the taste. So the Gimmie Lean works like magic.

I cooked the "Gimmie Lean" and the eggs in separate pans. Then mixed them together, and added the Salsa to taste.

 

 Then I scooped some on each tortilla and wrapped them up...

 

I made about 20 of them to freeze. After I wrapped them, I layed them on a baking sheet to stick in the freezer. After they were frozen, I took them out and wrapped them in aluminum foil, and stuck them back in the freezer.

Yummy. Quick. Healthy.

I pop them in the microwave for about 2ish minutes, and they're ready to go!

Great, right?! Go ahead, you know you want to try them :).

We Caught A Glimpse...

Of that sweet Spring air this past weekend...

 

 And now the girls are hooked to say the very least...

  

We ate outside, went to the park, and played with dad...

We even had a cookout with friends last night as that warm air turned back into a chilly breeze...and for the record, this pregnant lady had forgotten how much she loves a good cookout :).

I just don't have the heart to my little ladies that it's supposed to snow tomorrow. How on earth can we go from 60 degrees to 25 degrees!? Why did I have my flip flops on on Friday, and my gloves out today??

C'mon, Spring - we need you here, to stay :).

Hope you all had a great weekend!

To VBAC, Or Not To VBAC? That Is The Question.

Anyone up for the debate?

(If you're a guy, you might want to back out now - words like vaginal and uterus are ahead.)

I have the choice at this point, to choose a vbac after having 2 twin c-sections. If I start to swell beyond normal human standards like I did with the twins, I might drop the idea completely. Now, here's a little background info. I had a vaginal delivery with Ella that was nothing short of fabulous, it really couldn't have gone any better. I didn't push long, my labor wasn't awful, and she was beautiful :).

Oh, and there were drugs. I'm an epi kind of girl.

Then, because the twins weren't head down, I had 2 consecutive c-sections. Our doctor thought it was to risky to try a vbac with the 2nd set of twins - I had preeclampsia, my uterus was so stretched, and so fragile...after all, I was carrying almost 16 pounds of baby, and I was measuring 50+ weeks, you know.

But now, he says he's open to giving it a go. And in all reality, it would be ideal to not have the longer recovery that comes along with major surgery. Not to mention that my little guy and I will be coming home to 5 little ladies who are just rearing to go.

I kind of feel nervous when I think of those first few days back in the saddle. I guess we can talk about that later.

I have talked to a good bloggy friend (turned IRL friend this summer) who has been super encouraging and really made me feel good about a vbac. But then you also run into people who say, "why on earth would you do that....it would be so much easier to just plan the surgery....it's so risky!"

I do selfishly want to have a vbac, but at the same time I have already been blessed with great memories of Ella's. It would just be so much easier in the end without all the stitches...pain killers...and that burning feeling in your incision.

Anyway...

So what do you guys think? What's your experience? And do you think my uterus has been through enough, maybe I should just give it a break from all the labor and go with the c-section??

Have I crossed a line here on the blog? Is this TMI? Sorry.

I trust your opinions, so give 'em to me :)!

I'm Kinda Like My 90yr Old Grandma, Only I'm 29...

Although in 3 short weeks I will be turning 30, my friends...we'll cross that bridge when we get there, k?

Yesterday Ella said, "Mom, you're asleep...again."

And I said, "No I'm not, I'm just resting my eyes."

To which she answered, "Then why were you snoring??"

Mercy, nothing gets past them these days.

All of the sudden I realized, I'm Grandma Jean. She used to, and still does, fall asleep when we watched movies when we were younger - and let's not forget she was asleep on the couch while we opened gifts on Christmas. Bless her heart, there's just no amount of action that can keep her awake.

And now, I am her. The legacy continues.

(not to mention the uncanny resemblance of bladder control problems that I mentioned last week)

(and the fact that we could share muumuus)

(oh and how I now stand and talk to a friend about pelvic pain like I did last night)

I thought yesterday when I took the girls to the park to burn off some steam, that I was doing myself a favor by wearing them out...

 

That I would get so much done in the afternoon because they would be so tired from all that fresh air and running wild...

But the end result was Grandma Kate asleep on the couch, all tuckered out from her big trip to the park. She played so hard.

Ahem.

It's no secret now, my energy is not what it was, 30+ weeks is kicking my behind, and my actions now resemble a little old lady that dyes her white hair brown and eats dinner at 3pm.

Tell me I'm not the only mama who is falling asleep come 2 o'clock :).

So before I fall asleep again, I'm going to throw a load of laundry in and finish the dishes. I SO appreciate all your input on the nursery, I loved all the ideas!

A Boys Room In A Girls World

Well, it's time to do the boy's room. I haven't been able to decide on what I want, but the time is drawing near, and the next 2 months will go faster than we think. Not to mention some recent contractions are leading us to believe that he will be here sooner rather than later...but hopefully not till he's good and ready :).

Anyway...

I've hit some sales and started putting his little boyish clothes in the closet. That 1st little sleeper is going to the hospital with us I think, it has a bear on the bum. It's a "bear bottom" sleeper :). Sorry, you can't even get me started on all the boy cuteness that is SO new to me....

 

And it says Mommy Loves Me with a tiny paw print above it?? I mean, I'm in love.  It's like I didn't even know things like this existed. Alright, moving on, I can swoon over all this blue later.

We need a boyish room to bring him home to. He is the only one in the house that will have his own room, you know? I can't figure out if I want to paint it blue, tan, brown, green, or what? And can a boys room have polka dots? Should it have stripes instead? Should I just do my classic plain and simple decor?

Stars? Animals? Trucks? Help!!

And lets keep in mind that the husband will not tolerate anything that is even remotely gender neutral or "questionable". I assume there is some sort of man code behind those feelings? I don't know, I think this boy is destined to be changing the oil in the car by the time he's 5.

So...

What do you think? What does your boys room look like? What are your favorite boy colors and decor?? I would love any suggestions!

The Real Deal On Our Love

How are Eric and I spending our Valentines Day? Well...

We went on a weekend getaway.

We have no kids to tame, no diapers to change, and have absolutely no schedule.

We are staying in a nice hotel with an amazing view that looks out over the water.

We're sleeping in and ordering breakfast in bed.

We're taking long walks on the beach, holding hands, talking about life, and listening to the waves hit the shore.

And at night, we watch the sunset and have quiet, romantic dinners by the fire.

It's dreamy.

You're not buying any of this, are you?

You know me better than that?

Good.

Truth is, we don't do a ton for Valentines day, we're kind of ok without a super-charged 14th of February. Don't get me wrong, I think its fun and we got some cute little things for the girls - not to mention I can put away those candy hearts like nobody's business. Ahem.

There's not really any red and pink stuffed animal that can top things like this...

I love that picture, know why? Because when I found it last night in my many files, I knew he had his "work outside" clothes on, and I knew that the girls had ventured to the back of the yard to see what he was up to, and I love that he takes their little hands and walks with them even though he's busy.

Love that rugged man who is wrapped around those little fingers.

And that's really enough for me.

We're in saving money mode anyway...you know, with the little guy 2 months from being here...and that pesky OB that we need to pay :). So it's not totally in our budget to do a ton right now.

Not that I don't love fresh flowers. Pink to be exact. And maybe some white too. (hint, hint...Eric)

So tonight we're probably going to make some nachos and watch some TV. And I might beg him to sit through an episode of the Bachelor. It's awful, I know. But the drama, and the crying, and the "but I'm totally in love with him even though I've only known him for 10 days" is just the perfect entertainment for my tired brain come 8 o'clock.

Hope you all have a great day! I'm off to run the kiddos to school, they all have parties today, and they're all so excited!

Later, friends!

You're A Friend That Would Help Me Move A Body

That's not exactly what you would expect to see on the front of a greeting card, is it?

At Blissdom this year, we were so fortunate to have a speaker by the name of Brene Brown, who spoke so boldly, and honestly about friendship and being vulnerable - a topic that has been heavy on my heart for quite some time.

I'm trying to offer as much as I can (which isn't much at times) to my girlfriends, and I'm trying my hardest to invest in the ladies that make my life richer. It's hard sometimes. My days of hanging out at the last minute, and chatting on the phone several times a day have waved goodbye. (Almost) 6 kiddos consume most of my hours - it's crazy, but I wouldn't trade it for anything.

Although I would like to shower without all the banging on the door. You know, at some point.

At Blissdom, Brene talked about how everyone needs those few friends that would help you "move a body". Even though it sounds strange at first...and illegal :), I knew immediately who those girls were in my life as her story and reasoning behind that statement unfolded. I felt like God used her to help clarify things that had been on my heart for quite some time, and I felt convicted that I often take those girls for granted while I try to figure out other friendships that are clearly off in a ditch somewhere.

Here is some of the story she told...

"A year or two ago, my good friend called and as soon as I said, “Hello!” she said, “You’re a friend who would move a body.”

I could tell by her voice that she was serious. I lowered my voice and asked, “What does that mean?”

She said that one of her sister’s close friends had called her sister and asked her to help her move her mom. Her mother, who was apparently only invited to visit once a year, struggled with alcoholism. When my sister’s friend came home from work, she was passed out drunk on the sofa. It was 3 o’clock in the afternoon and the kids would be busting through the front door any minute. She called because she physically needed help moving her mother.

I let out a deep sigh and said, “Yes. You could definitely call me.”

Then she said one of the kindest things that anyone has ever said to me.  She explained,

“I’d call you because you would come right away. Give me a hug. Never look judgmental or disapproving or disgusted.

And then you’d say, ‘let’s do this.’

The next day when you saw my mom at the park or the soccer game, you’d be kind and respectful. And most of all, it would never cross my mind to say something to you like, ‘please don’t tell anyone.’ You don’t do that.”

I thought about that conversation for days. I thought about how lucky I am to have a couple of “move-a-body” friends in my life. I thought about how crazy it is that most of us can steamroll over these friends while we work to win the approval and acceptance of people who really don’t matter in our lives – people whom we’d NEVER call when we were in real struggle."

I thought there was so much truth to what she had to say, it was such a great reminder to stay focused on the important relationships in my life, and to be that "move-a-body" friend to my close girlfriends that God has placed by my side.

So anyway, I thought it was worth sharing, she really hit home with a lot of ladies in Nashville.

Hope you all had a great week!

Dare I Say...

...that I think we're on the mend...

...that we still have the junk, but it's getting better...

...that no one has thrown up in public since Tuesday...

...that the fevers have dropped a bit, and my little ladies are sleeping much better at night...

...that I think my head is finally clearing...

...that I can smell and taste once again...

(emphasis on taste again)

(taking a pregnant lady's ability to taste away is just no good)

(can I get an amen)

...that I don't need to go back to the store for more disinfectant...

...that we might just finally outrun these germs???

Phew, I think I can say all that.

So, for now I'm off to bed because this mama is oh so tired...I can hardly think straight :).

Be back soon, soon, soon!!

Hope you all are having a great week, I really appreciated all your "get well" wishes!!

I'm On A Mission

To clean the whole house in hopes to wipe out every germ that is still lurking around here.

I've been in the Dr's office or Urgent Care 5 times in the past 6 days. The girls have been really sick, especially the babes.

2 have croup, 1 has strep, and 1 has both. My poor little ladies. Ella is the only one who hasn't caught anything (knock on wood!!).

After I left the Dr's office today, I took the younger 4 to Target to fill 2 more prescriptions and to pick up an extra humidifier. I didn't want to go in because Kinley and Raya were feeling so bad, but I had to, they needed the prescriptions. They all actually did pretty good, I gave them some crackers and let them look at some toys while we waited for our medicine.

But then Raya threw up. In the middle of Target. And I think I heard a muffled "she sure has her hands full" sweep across the onlookers who were standing there watching.

Oh well. I like having my hands full, it's our way of life :). I just like it better when my loves are healthy!

So anyway, needless to say, I have a lot of disinfecting to do around here. And I have some little girls to hold and rock till they feel better.

Here's hoping everyone starts to get better soon, and I can start playing catch up on everything!

You Might Be In Your 3rd Trimester If...

Swinging your arms around in the air like a crazy person is the only way you're getting yourself up off the couch.

When that doesn't work, you just lay on your side and roll off.

You've stopped shaving your legs past the knee, and even that is getting questionable.

When the person behind you in the check out lane opens their mouth you say, "yes, I am...about 30 weeks...yes, it's a boy...and yes, my husband is so very excited." before they even say anything.

You've stopped trying to figure out what "more power to you" means.

You're chest looks like a road map from all the veins.

The check out ladies at Target are having a countdown to baby, and they also made you a blanket for the little guy.

(You officially realize you're at Target too much.)

Rolling over at night resembles and possibly sounds like a hibernating bear turning over in his sleep.

You actually stop and think if you really need that thing that just fell on the floor, or can it just lay there for the next 2 months.

You suddenly completely understand why your mom always said, "after all I've done for you."

You used to talk about getting your hair highlighted, your new favorite shoes, or where the best sales are - now you talk about bladder control.

You love your "track pants", but are considering a muumuu to be an even better option.

You go to your old neighbors house and apologize for making fun of her muumuu's, and then ask to borrow one.

You want to tackle any girl you see that is 21 and perky.

And you also have an urge to pull out a picture of yourself to show her from 9 years ago and say, "see!? I used to be you!"

Public bathroom stalls seem to be getting smaller and smaller...which makes turning around in them harder and harder.

Any dish that starts with the word "frosted" or "iced", you'll eat.

Your ankles that are now covered with your husbands tube socks have seen smaller, more attractive days.

You'd do this all times 10 because of the sweet gift that is sooo close to being here. :)

I love being pregnant, but sometimes you just have to laugh at how things are a changin', right??

Of All The Things I've Lost...

I miss my bladder control the most.

I have been pretty sick since Sunday morning with some kind of bronchitis/flu/strep throat kind of thing - possibly all of the above. And I've been quickly reminded that excessive coughing and unexpected sneezing combined with my 3rd trimester belly...well, they just aren't the best partners.

I think we're now friends for life after confessing my pregnancy bladder woes. Ok? Ok.

You know how it is, It's just no good when mama is sick. The cleaning and laundry are falling way behind, and my bed stand seriously looks like the cold & flu aisle at Target.

I'm praying this fever passes quickly, I worry about my little guy when I'm feeling this under the weather. One of the girls already has strep, and 2 more are complaining of sore throats...yuck.

So for now, I'm going to keep day dreaming about the pool, the girls asked out of the blue yesterday when it opens...

Sigh, I can't wait till summer :).

Here's hoping we turn a corner soon, I am so behind on everything!

He's The One...

that lives with all us girls...

the one I don't write about enough...

and the one who doesn't love to be in pictures. :)

He's the other one who is expecting his 1st boy...

the one who had the biggest smile in the ultrasound room...

and the one who will no doubt teach our boy to be a true guy.

He's the one who kills the bugs...

the one who wrestles with the girls...

and the one who sprays them down in the back yard...

He's the quiet one...

the shy one...

but the one who laughs the loudest.

He's the guy who works around the clock to provide for his growing family...

the one who goes to bed early, and rises early.

He's the one who can build almost anything...

the one who gutted our entire "fixer upper" house, and remodeled it...

he took this...

and turned it into this...

 

He's the serious one..

the one I take things out on...

the one I've sought counseling with...

and the one who handles the bills.

He is the one who is reserved...

the one that's in this not-so-perfect, work-in-progress marriage with me...

the one who thinks things through...

and the one who tells me not to worry.

He's the one who answers to daddy from 5 savvies...

He's the one who laughs at how crazy I am for Target...

the one who has to deal with my "fly by the seat of your pants" personality...

and the one who loves me for me.

He's the one I married 8 years ago today...

He's the one.

Happy Anniversary, babe :).