Good reminder.

This past week we attended a funeral of some old friends from our Mesa days. They suddenly lost their little seven year old boy. I was thankful to be able to attend because it was a needed reminder how fragile and precious life is and how short time can be. I've made a renewed effort to document the days I have with these three (almost four) boys as much as I can. Also, to be a bit more kind and patient and grateful even for the messes because it means my children are still here with me and if that means cleaning up after them or loosing sleep for them I'll do it.

I'm not anywhere near being perfect and despite some really long days or really tough circumstances a positive attitude can make things more bearable. I firmly believe also that if I, as the mother, can be positive and find blessings amongst trials it will teach my boys to do the same. They can learn that happiness is a choice no matter what is going around you. I could say more but enough about that.

On another note: Our number one rule in the family used to be: "No yelling in the home." I have now made that the number two rule. Our new number one rule is: "No touching moms hair." They love to mess up my hair...but it's an official rule now and if broken they will see consequences. (It's great being the parent in this case. :))

Some days these pregnancy hormones take effect and make me very vocal about my opinion. Sometimes that's not so good. I've learned I can't talk about politics, marriages, schools, work or kids for another five months. I can only talk to Pops about such things. He listens...well, I think he's listening. I guess the jury is still out on that one. Now that I think about it, it's probably a good thing no one is listening.

Boss-man

Boss got a hold of my camera the other day and amongst many other photos taken I found this one.



While were on the subject of Boss, the kid never ceases to crack me up or amaze me.

I found out a few weeks ago in his preschool class he told his teacher: "Miss Becky, your my hot mama!" Nice one Boss

Also, he was complaining he was bored while we were driving home from errands so to keep him occupied I told him to count backwards from 300...not thinking this would actually happen. To my amazement he started at 300 and made it all the way to 1 without one single mistake or any help from me. I was floored. This also taught me that this kids brain is always going and he must always be entertained. I think he'll defiantly keep me on my toes over the years.

Brotherly love

Buster is a great big brother...these are pics I snapped of them while they were outside playing the other day.

Killer deal

I was on the search for some church pants for Boss. The kid has worn the same pair every Sunday for about four months now and I found rips in the bottom of them this past Sunday so I decided I couldn't hold off any longer and I must find him a new pair.
SO I hit Kid-to-Kid and found a few good pairs at a great price. I also found this sweet coat...still not sure if it's for a boy or girl...I'm hoping it'll work on a boy, I just couldn't pass it up.

It's probably a little on the girly side but the color screams "sweet little boy inside."


I think with this separate hat I can pull it off for a boy


And the best part was this:


$2.99...you can't beat that.

It should fit this next little guy perfectly. And yes, it's been confirmed 100% it's a boy!

Blessed yard work.

I cleaned up a good chuck of the back yard a few weeks ago but there was one area left untouched. You know, the area where no one ever sees. It's the side of the house where the A/C units are and honestly the only reason I go over there these days is to water the garden. However over the last several months the weeds either needed to be pulled or just become part of the landscape. I guess we could have called them our wild flowers, they just weren't very pretty. Pops was gone by 5:30am, the two oldest boys were at the cousins and Crate was still sleeping so I decided to take my sorry rear out there and clean up. Not only were the weeds taller than my hip bone (not kidding) there was a dead bush that had grown about 9 feet tall and needed some major trimming. I knew I needed to work fast because I had a YW breakfast to attend so with a time limit I got to work. I really wish I had a before and after picture. I'll admit after the breakfast I came back and stood in the lawn admiring the fact I could now see the ground and the back fence. I told myself I was going to take me out for a pedicure today since I worked my tail off. The pedi didn't quite happen yet. Hopefully soon. Here is a pic of the pile of dead branches from the major bush that had taken over this particular corner of the house.


and this is what's left of the bush.



Not sure if I cut it correctly but at this point I don't care, I'm just glad it's done.

After today I told spouse it's time to find a career that doesn't require six day work weeks. Just kidding. I'm really, really thankful he has a career he enjoys, it just keeps him busy...which in this market is always a good thing.

Things that have changed my life for the better lately...

a broom (I haven't owned one for 5 years. I only vacuumed the tile. I love having the simplicity of a broom)

painted toe nails. I did it myself a few weeks ago and it's just so much better than bare toes.

an itocuh. I love it.

Pandora. Again, I love it. I love I that I can have any type of music I want at any given time.

flour. I had the boys grind up an entire 5 gallon bucket of wheat the other day. I love having the flour ready to go at any time.

bagels and cream cheese. This is my new found love for breakfast, although I must limit this breakfast to only 1 or maybe 2 days a week.

kale and spinach. I love making morning smoothies with these two ingredients.

Really, it's the simple things in life that bring a smile to me and make life happier.

I really should have bought a broom a long time ago. How did I go this long without one?

Oh my heck...I would like to sit down and document so much, the good the bad and the ugly (the boys' new favorite word. Which as of today is now a "vinegar" word). Each night I say to myself "tonight's the night to sit down and blog." Then 9 or 10pm hits and it's like I loose all control over my body and the sleep angels carry me to that fortress of slumber-land and I'm out like a light. Going to bed at 10 or 11pm and being up by 5:15am each morning mixed with pregnancy is not a good combo. I'm useless after 10pm and to think that used to once be my most productive hour...Those days heave been kissed goodbye for a while.

This baby is defiantly an active one. I can feel all the tiny little movements.