I Wonder...Do You Wonder??

• 6 years ago today, life was a little different. (By the way, that's me in the white...hee hee...) I was walking down the aisle to the man I wanted to spend the rest of my life with. We had big dreams, big plans, careers to chase after, and a ton of ambition. We were going to travel, go out on the weekends, and be Eric & Kate to the fullest. I was a mere 21.

Little did we know, God was about to start us on a radical journey that we could have never dreamed of.

"Wondering" is something I have been really struggling with over the past few months. Letting my thoughts get the best of me, and failing to focus on what is truly important.

Many thoughts run through my head as I look back over these 6 short years. I wonder.....

Were would we be if we had ignored God's Calling and not married so young?

Where would we be if I hadn't ended up pregnant 6 months later?

Would I have a big, important career to brag about?

Would I be like that girl I see at starbucks every week that is obviously always on her way to her very important job? The one who always looks put together, who almost looks at me with pity while I try to tame my children. The one with her hair done, makeup on, with those amazing stilettos that I've been eyeing at Macy's for months.

She has a meeting to get to, I have to be at Preschool in 15 min.

She has important deadlines to meet, I have diapers to change.

She drives a little sporty looking thing, I'm in that huge 8 passenger SUV...you know the one that sounds like a school bus?

She travels every month for business, I haven't been on a plane since '03.

She's meeting clients for dinner, it's kids night at Chick-Fil-a.

She goes home to her amazing studio apartment in the middle of town with that fantastic balcony...the one that overlooks all the stores and restaurants. I am the privileged one that gets to go home to a dedicated husband, and 5 little girls that yell, "mommy's home!!" (well, actually only 3 are yelling so far...the other 2 are cooing... )

That life may be filled with money, luxury, and time alone. Mine is filled with giggles, smiles, chaos, hugs, unconditional love, and some serious chubby cheeks.

I start to remember how green God has made the grass on our side. I started to think how I have never had more peace about where we are in our life. How for the first time in a long time, I feel like I'm right where I should be.

There is nothing that could replace the journey that we've traveled these past 6 years. Hearing the heartbeat for the 1st time, 5 times. Hearing "it's a girl!" and "it's another girl!" 5 times. Not only being married, but becoming almost like a team of 2 trying to raise all these girls in a way that is honoring to Him, and navigate our way together through this amazing hand that God has dealt us. We have been blessed beyond measure, and I feel truly unworthy for what we have been given.

In the past 6 years, we have had many good times, and some really hard times. I look forward to spending many more years together, and can't imagine what God has planned next! Love you, Eric!!

A Multiple Baby Carrier??

I have seen some online that I'm not to impressed with. Has anyone used a carrier that holds 2 babies that they really like?? I am looking to "wear" the new babies in certain situations, like when I need to run to the store with all my little women...so I can push a cart instead of the double stroller. Now, I know it's a little crazy to take them all to the grocery, but either mama gets out...or mama goes crazy. Also, I feel like I am the queen of run-on sentences.

Wordy Wednesday

I'm changing the rules this week for Wordless Wednesday, because well, I would rather write. We are getting tons of snow, preschool is cancelled, Eric can't get to work, there is a level 2 snow emergency, and we are out of diapers. While I have so much to do at home, and it's nice to have him here to help while I get stuff done, why not pack them all up, go against all the authorities advice to stay off the roads, and head to Target. We pulled into the parking lot at Target, we were there with 2 other customers and the employees...I'm ok with that. I ran in to get our stuff and jumped back in the car.

We decided to go across the street to Chick-Fil-A to get some lunch and let the kids play on the playground...which was great cause they were the only ones there besides one other family. It was great to get out, and was actually a quiet lunch due to the kids eating, babies sleeping, and Eric and I not talking much since we had a small dispute over where to put the kids place mats...I couldn't even try to make that up.

The manager walks up and asks something I've never heard before, "are all these little kids yours?!"

Me: Yep, all 5.

Her eyes now the size of baseballs, the color runs out of her face, she passes out cold, the teenagers behind the counter have to pull out the smelling sticks...

Not really, but she was surprised.

The girls got some energy out, and we had lunch without a ton of chaos. It was a good afternoon. Snow advisory? Ha, we laugh in the face of a snow storm...we are fearless that way.

On The Menu

It's simple. I love salsa. Would eat it on just about anything. I found this new Black Bean Salsa recipe that I just had to share. I made it yesterday and it turned out fantastic! Here are the ingredients:

INGREDIENTS
3 (15 ounce) cans black beans, drained and rinsed
1 (11 ounce) can Mexican-style corn, drained
2 (10 ounce) cans diced tomatoes with green chile peppers, partially drained
2 tomatoes, diced
2 bunches green onions, chopped
cilantro leaves, for garnish

DIRECTIONS
In a large bowl, mix together black beans, Mexican-style corn, diced tomatoes with green chile peppers, tomatoes and green onion stalks. Garnish with desired amount of cilantro leaves. Chill in the refrigerator at least 8 hours, or overnight, before serving.

***I put extra corn and onions in. Also, I put the cilantro in the mix for more flavor. You must try it!!

Cute Website

My Family from WiddlyTinks.com

This is from a fun little website I found. Thought I'd share just for fun!

Wordless Wednesday

Just taking a short walk down memory lane. Oh my sweet Ella at just 14 months...literally days before I found out I was pregnant with Reese & Charlotte. This amazing little girl is about to walk into Kindergarten this September. My Wordless Wednesdays aren't so "wordless" are they!??

Even though we only have 2 at a time, this cartoon hit a little close to home and made me laugh out loud. I am amazed how Eric has adjusted to being a father to "multiple multiples." I just had to share...

Wait...What Is That?

While folding laundry on the couch today I caught a glimpse of Charlotte taking some chapstick out of the drawer and begin to apply.

Me: Charlotte, stop. Let mommy put that on you.

She continues.

I get up from the couch. (which I don't like to do while folding because lets face it, the odds of me folding the laundry at all is low...so if I have to get up mid basket, those first odds of getting all the clothes folded just dropped another 50%.)

I approach her and realize it's not chapstick, it's a gluestick.

So today I figure that if no one has their lips glued shut by the time hubby gets home, I've done my job. :)

The New Normal Part 2

*****I write my "New Norms" with a light-heart and humor...so I can not only laugh when these things happen, but look back and laugh yet again! I feel very blessed, and am very thankful for our new normal :). Feel free to join in!!*****

The store with 5 small children. First, why do I do this to myself? Is there a reason that I can't remember that the time before was like being a sideshow at the circus? Does anyone else have to put groceries in the basket under the stroller? Then wonder if management thinks you're trying to steal by putting it there?? Is there a better way since I can't push a cart and a double stroller at the same time while trying to reason with 3 other small children?? Please let me know.

Is there a good reason for a man to literally yell from outside the mall playground (on the opposite side of where I'm sitting), "you have 2 sets lady!? Are you going to try for a boy for your poor husband??

Me: I nod my head like I don't understand him.

Man: No?? I feel sorry for him. You don't "make boys"?! You should really try for a boy.

Me: Ummm, could we please leave the decision for us to conceive another child and whether or not we "make boys" to my husband and I...could we leave my fertility out of the playground area? -In my head I said that- In reality no words came out of my mouth, I just nodded again like I didn't understand.

When did it become normal for me to pretend like I don't hear or understand what people are saying just to avoid the same question or comment??

Even though there is a playground at Chick-fil-a, why are my girls drawn to the unlocked cabinets under the condiment station that hold many boxes of many different sides & condiments.....I'm sure you can imagine what that looks like :).

It is now normal for me to see 2 little faces smile back at me. Oh the joy.

The other day I actually said, "do you think anyone will notice the spit-up on my shirt, or should I change?"

Why do I keep saying, "I'm sorry" when my kids are just being kids. I feel like those words come out of my mouth a 100 times when I'm out with all of them. They are little and who cares anyway if bystanders think it's a wild situation. I should just assume that people see that they are young, and that children touch & knock things over.....which sometimes includes an entire shelf of dog treats.

Oh, and the new normal & favorite movie in our home? In the words of my sweet Charlotte, "Seeping Booty."

Anyone else experiencing some "New Norms?!"

Wordless Wednesday

Reese & Charlotte - 12 Months

Where does the time go.....

Pampered By Carabella's

We were recently seriously pampered by Carabella's Baby & Children's Boutique. We came home to a big box full of amazingly cute goodies. Blankets, Bibs, Burp Cloths, and more! Jeni from Carabella's makes some of the cutest baby & kids stuff I have seen in a long time, we absolutely love this store! Here are a few pics of what we recieved. Head on over there and check it out!

Finding Our New Normal

Or should I say, our new crazy.

Finding out that taking a shower before 5 kiddos 4 & under was a privilege, not necessarily something I can count on having time for.

And for that matter, now having the girls not just standing at the door while I shower, but telling me how the babies are fussing and that I should, "hurry it up."

Trying to pretend with EVERY single stranger that I haven't heard, "wow, you have your hands full." or "I'm tired just thinking about your life." or "better you than me" or "I mean...2 sets of twins...this is crazy...how are you not going crazy!" or "Your poor husband, he must want to build a little shack in the backyard for himself!" (in which I like to reply, "actually he loves all his little girls, they have him wrapped around their little fingers, thankyouverymuch.") or my personal favorite "are they all yours!?"

Also, when did Target become a place to collect my thoughts and get a few moments to myself? When did it become a "night out" for me?!

And last week as I looked around BabyGap, soaking up all the little girl clothes that are so amazingly cute this season, I realized that my shirt was on backwards...yep, backwards.

So I guess that this might be my "new norm." Crazy, but fun. Out of control, but joyful. Pulling my hair out, but getting some sweet hugs from some sweet little women. Not sleeping, but getting in some late night cuddling with some precious little babies. The New Norm...

Under Construction

We are having some technical difficulties :). Please stay tuned as we remodel!

Wordless Wednesday

Merry Christmas!

Hope you all have a very Merry Christmas! I look forward to seeing many new pics of all your new Christmas memories! Much Love, Kate.