The Most Random Post You Will Read All Day

Instead of staring the elliptical in the face today like I was last week, I was staring into the speaker at the Wendy's drive-thru and into the Tupperware bin that held the many Valentines Day cupcakes we made for Ella's preschool class. Why do I buy the bags of Valentines Day hearts? You either love them or you hate them...and I just so happen to fall into the madly, deeply, truly, forever committed, in love with them group. Why don't I just eat sugar right out of the bag? To top it off, when I took Ella to Target to get her little cards for her classmates, I saw the heart shaped Peeps.....you guys.....I thought I was going to fall to my knees. Easter Peeps, Valentines Peeps, Christmas Peeps.....fantastic no matter what holiday. Note to self.....stay away from the holiday candy aisle, and never volunteer to bring the class snack again sign up to bring the napkins for the next party.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

While feeding my sweet, new, smiley, compliant babies today, I noticed the older girls were real quiet. I went into the Bathroom and found our small, humble bathroom had been completely "toilet papered." I thought Eric had made the Varsity Team, and the Cheerleaders had been by to celebrate.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Early this morning in the drive-thru. Prepare to be confused.

Tim Hortons: Can I help you?

Me: Umm, yea, I want one of those new low calorie breakfast things you have out...the one with eggs in it.

Tim Hortons: Complete silence

Me: Uhhh...I saw it on TV, like a pita or something?

Tim Hortons: We don't know how many calories are in any of our breakfast items.

Me: Ok, that's crazy, it's on the commercial. And every fast food place has a nutritional packet...so even if you don't have the low cal pita, you would still have a packet to tell the nutritional value of your other menu items.

Tim Hortons: We have a sausage, egg & cheese biscuit.

Me: Hahaha, what? Ok, but nothing that is low cal?

Tim Hortons: Umm, ma'am...we have low-fat yogurt.

Me: Ok, but no pita right? I'm real focused on this pita thing you all are promoting. I know I saw it on a commercial.

Tim Hortons: We have yogurt.

Me: Can I just get an egg w/ cheese, but no biscuit?

Tim Hortons: Dannon yogurt.

Me: Great, I'll have a yogurt.

3 Months!

Remember when we were here?? Just hanging out, taking fun belly pics at the salon after hours.

And now we are here!? And these sweet little girls are 3 months old!

Kinley is quite the little ham. If you're talking to her, shes smiling. Well, unless of course shes hungry, or sleeping. Other than that though, she is happy all the time.

Oh our little Raya. And when I say little I mean the one that weighs 3 pounds more, and the baby that is in the 95th percentile. She has the most amazing, most scrumptious chubby cheeks, which makes for one seriously cute chubby smile.


Ah the joy that these 4 little feet have brought us. Before we know it, they will be running around the house with their older sisters. God has taught me so much since I delivered these girls.....about love, patience, character, and so much more. Today, I am one thankful mama.

Time, Please Slow Down!

I am uploading some pics & getting ready to blog about 2 sweet little girls that just turned 3 months! Stay tuned!

Wait...You! Who Are You!?

I know some of you, but who are the rest of you? C'mon...who are all you readers out there that stop by to check out this savvy blog, but don't comment?? Where did you come from? How did you find us? I know there are many, many, many of you out there.....so please, pleeaase, let me know! I would love to "meet" you, and read your blog too!! Isn't that how we all stay connected in this big bloggy world?! Alright, let's go...role call...

Blissfully Domestic

I am super excited to announce that I have been asked to join the writing team over at Blissfully Domestic! I will be joining the Multiple Bliss writers where we try to help, encourage, offer advice, and laugh together about raising multiples. I know many of you have already been over to Blissfully Domestic, but if you haven't yet, head on over! This magazine has a section for everyone. From cooking, weddings, and finances, to raising kids and homeschooling. You can also check out articles on the latest fashion trends, photography, healthy living, and home decor. There is a sold out conference called Blissdom'09 going on this coming weekend in Nashville, TN. If you have a ticket, you are one lucky lady! I am really excited about this opportunity and will be writing my first article early next week. Happy reading!

I Love You, And I Hate You

The Elliptical Machine that is...

It's time. I have decided to get back to the gym, and reclaim my body. I need some tone in my life. Target gave me the violent shove I needed when I walked in the other day and saw it, the enemy, this seasons swimsuit collection. It's been 11 weeks since the babies were born...it's time to face the music, it's time to stare the elliptical right in the face.

I love, love, love an elliptical machine, a cardio theater, and my ipod. Without an ipod, there is no workout. I refuse. The music helps me forget that there are 10 other machines right behind me with people on them watching my every move. My silent accountability. I know that they know when I got on that machine, and I don't want to be the first to stop. Especially since one of them is an elderly man that looks to be about 85 whose already been on 15min, (I always peek at every ones screens...don't act like you don't) and he doesn't look like he is stopping anytime soon. I respect my elderly, but he's not winning this one. I realized today that mid-morning workouts give a whole new meaning to "Sweatin' to the Oldies." Thanks to Justin Timberlake, the retired are bringing "SexyBack."

Anyway, I turn on the ipod and start jamming, I mean, exercising to my favorite tunes. I've got some old school, like Billie Jean and Ice Ice Baby, and some classic workout music like this song. Totally kidding, but laughing so hard that everyone is now singing along listening to Eye of the Tiger...you know you love it. I currently like to kick my workout up a notch with some Beyonce and J. Timberlake. Don't judge. I know many of you out there are sweating to "Single Ladies" and "LoveStoned"...it's ok, embrace your hip-hop side. Today I did my warm-down with Beautiful Life by Fisher...this is totally on TLC right now, and I am completely embarrassed not at all embarrassed to admit that I love it.

Before I knew it, 30 min had passed, and I had more energy than before. Sure, I couldn't feel my legs, but I was back in the gym, and back to feeling more like Kate. Swimsuit season, here I come...be afraid, be very afraid.

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?!"