The Drunken Housewife

Sew Tired

2012-01-23T09:49:00.000-06:00

Remember this commercial?

This has been me since Friday morning. But, you know, without the drugs.

I cleaned the toy room and haven't stopped moving since. For months, I've just been standing in the doorway, tossing things in and running before they hit the ground. I figured it was time to get it back in working order.

As a reward, I finally opened my Christmas present. A sewing machine. Then I just sat there and looked at it because I'm not really sure what to do with it. I want to sew things so badly, but it's just sitting there, all shiny and white and intimidating. Instead of sewing, I watched Downton Abbey. After every episode, I walk back to the machine to see if it has threaded itself. It never did so I watched the whole first season. Now I'm addicted and the sewing machine still sits there.

I desperately need a nap.

Faking It

2012-01-19T13:01:00.000-06:00

I have picked myself up, dusted myself off and gave myself a pep talk. The same one I would give to you if you were feeling overwhelmed. These things need to be done from time to time. Being a woman, mother, and wife is a BIG job, one that never ends. I'd love to meet the person who can do it all without having any doubts.

The truth is, that when it comes to confidence, I've never had much. It's something that I fake. Not well and not often. Perhaps nobody really has confidence in themselves or the things they do. Maybe everyone really just walks around pretending they do so much that eventually they begin to believe it. Maybe I should do a better job at faking it and do it more often.

I'm now on instagram. I am @drnknhousewife if you'd like to follow me. How about you? I'd love to follow you!

Back and Forth

2012-01-17T08:21:00.000-06:00

Sitting here while two little girls sleep and one watches Snow White, I wonder if maybe it's time for me to start transitioning out of their room.
They all wake up so frequently, though.
I like being here when they need me and it's just so much easier to be in the same room with the three of them.
If I weren't, I probably wouldn't get any sleep because I'd be running back and forth so often.
I hurt my shoulder so pretty much any position I get in for night time nursing is excruciating, maybe it's time to move Stella to her crib.
I think there's something so special and almost magical about bedtime and sharing a room with your sisters. I wonder if my being here is taking away from that.
I love these moments, when they're all falling asleep and I sit in the rocking chair for a couple minutes to write.
I love looking at their faces in the soft light as they drift off to sleep, knowing that I'm here and they're safe.
I love when Georgia whispers "I love you, mom" in her sleep.
I love reaching out my hand and feeling Stella's little baby belly rise and fall with every little baby breath. It's so easy to make sure that she's alright.
I love holding Kennedy and stroking her hair when she has a bad dream or can't go to sleep.
I love reading books to all of them and watching movies and talking and being silly.
Maybe I'll stay a little while longer. I suppose when it's time, I'll just know and won't question it so much.

Linking up with

Spiralling

2012-01-13T10:57:00.000-06:00

A couple months ago, I was in this wonderful place. It was a perfect place where I was so thankful for and happy with everything I have in life. I was content, I was energetic, I was productive. Then, I lost it. I want so badly to get back to that place.

I've tried changing and fixing a few things, but it doesn't seem to be working the way I had hoped. I'm full of worry and anger and sadness and the feeling that I am just not enough. If I could only get a good night's sleep, it would be better. If only I could get the house cleaned, my head won't feel as messy. If only, if only...I am not enough.

I need to be recharged physically, emotionally, spiritually, mentally, but I don't know how. I don't know where to start. I want to feel alive, needed, worthy, inspired. I don't want to be everything. I just want to be enough.

2011 Favorites

2012-01-05T08:10:00.000-06:00

Here are my favorite pictures from 2011.

this was kind of hard because i still have not retrieved my pictures from my old computer

So I had to choose from the last 2 months and what had already been posted

I'm not going to go into detail as to why they're my favorite.

they're not the best

they're not even really good

but they are me

and they are the best parts of me

they are pictures of everything that makes me happy

and proud

They are pictures of my heart

linking up with

Obligatory New Year Post

2012-01-03T20:20:00.001-06:00

I'm not sure if you heard or not, but it is now 2012. Actually, it has been for a couple days. There are some things that I'd like to change, make better, get rid of and forget. I'm not going to call them my new year's resolutions, though, because I'll be stuck with this post as proof that I couldn't stick with them. I will call them my January resolutions. My goal is to try a few things out this month and see how they go. If it goes well, they will become habit and I can move on to something else. If not, well, I tried for a month.

So, this month, I'd like to do a few things to feel better about myself. For starters, I'd like to go to the gym 3 times a week. I was doing so good about going regularly until Stella was about a month old. Now that she's 8 months old, I suppose I should probably get back into the swing of things.

I'm also going to make this month's goal to only wear yoga pants when doing some kind of exercise. That's right, I'm going to try very hard to put on pants that button and zip every morning.

The last thing I'd like to do for myself this month is clean out and restock my drawer of unmentionables. I'm going to take the time to buy myself some undies that not only fit but are also pretty! I am 30 pounds lighter than I was before I got pregnant. Now that I am no longer that large, nor am I pregnant, I suppose my drawers should no longer resemble a hot air balloon.

I think that's enough for now. I do have loftier aspirations than these, but I think it's best to start small and see where I end up next month. I don't want to overwhelm myself. Besides, what more can I say after admitting to the world that I wear huge undies?

How about you? What areas of your life do you hope to make better this year?

A Humbling Experience

2012-01-02T22:20:00.000-06:00

I spent too much of my time yesterday arguing over parenting styles and decisions. Normally, I wouldn't do this. Not this topic, not with this person. Listening to this person talk about a particular couple and their children struck a nerve. I am tired of keeping my mouth shut about these people and their decisions. I am tired of listening to stories of their "parenting strategies", which in my mind border on abuse and neglect. I know that anything I said was not actually listened to or thought about. You can expect that when talking to someone who knows everything. I knew that going in, but felt that someone should talk in defense of these kids. I couldn't help but feel that it was probably the only time it will happen. Everyone seems to have their opinions and feelings about this family, but no one ever steps up to say anything.

Parenting is hard. I know that. I also know that when it comes to being a good parent, I know NOTHING. I would never criticize anyone for trying the best they can and failing in any parenting situation. I will, however criticize people who don't try, don't listen, don't understand and don't care. When I was done, I came home to my own house and my own family. I had something to set straight and an apology to make and had finally found the words to do it. I lost it with Corrina yesterday about how little effort she puts into anything. I yelled and said some pretty harsh things. I regretted them the minute they were out of my mouth, but couldn't take them back and didn't know how to fix it.

Now, it was time. I had to sit down with my 8 year old and tell her that I'm sorry. I told her that I wish she would put more effort into anything (or everything) she does and that it frustrates me that she doesn't. I told her that my yelling was merely a reaction to my frustration and that it was the wrong one. I reassured that my reaction has nothing to do with the way I feel about her and that she is not the one with the problem. It's my problem. I had to admit to this girl that it is my job to teach her and if I don't take the time to do it, I can't complain when she doesn't do things the way I expect or hope. It was humbling, to say the least, but the look on her face made it so worth it. She looked like a weight was lifted off of her. Her face brightened as the realization hit her that I love her no matter what, I make mistakes too, I fail at tasks and I will admit it, that I respect her, will ask for her forgiveness and for her help.

Back In The Saddle

2012-01-02T10:33:00.000-06:00

Hello. My name is Brandi and this is my blog. I just thought I'd throw that out there because honestly, I almost forgot it. There are several reasons why. In an attempt to not bore you too much with the details, I will give you a list of reasons why I have been slacking. Everyone loves a list, right?

1. December with 4 kids. Need I say more?

2. You should always read your prescription bottles, even if it is the same thing month after month. This may sound like a no brainer, but I am just the kind of person who doesn't do this.

3. I have been trying to spend less time with my computer and more time with my kids. It has been pretty wonderful.

4. I have been toying with the idea of changing the name of my blog. The Drunken Housewife is kind of feeling like my pre-pregnancy jeans. It's cute, but just doesn't fit the way I would like.

5. I have also been toying with the idea of scrapping the whole thing and starting over or not starting over.

For now, I will be back to posting regularly and we'll just see what direction that takes me. Maybe all I need is a sprucing up or a new design and all will be well. After all, this is my space and it should feel a bit more like me.

I hope you had a wonderful holiday and Happy New Year!

Busy Busy Busy

2011-12-19T12:43:00.000-06:00

I have been a busy little bee making this and making that for my homemade Christmas. I haven't had the time to make as many things as I wanted to or to blog about what I have made. It turns out that when you have 4 kids (one of which is under a year old), these things are kind of difficult.

So, here are the Christmas shirts that I made for the aforementioned 4 children. They each picked what they wanted and I set to work on them.

The day I took these pictures, Stella got her first tooth. It actually turned out to be 2 teeth at the same time. She is the happiest teething baby I have ever seen!

George amazes me. She can go from a screaming fit to this in about half a second. She can also go from being a HUGE pain in the rear end to saying the sweetest things any kid has ever said. It kind of scares me.

Poor Kennedy had a cold the day these were taken. Her poor little nose was so red. It was also impossible for her to sit still and get her picture taken.

I don't know why, but it seems to be impossible for me to get a decent picture of Corrina indoors. The lighting is always awful. It could be a combination of my lack of photographic ability and the altitude I am at when I take her picture.

Here's what happens when I try to get a picture of all them.

Oh well, maybe next time.

In Sync

2011-12-14T08:53:00.000-06:00

When Infantino sent me their Sync Carrier, I was a little skeptical. I had never used any kind of wrap before. Just looking at it made me a little nervous. After watching the instructional video and practicing a couple times, I was ready to try it with Stella. I highly recommend watching videos. I live in a small town. It's hard to find another baby wearer, let alone an expert to hold instructional workshops. I have relied on YouTube to learn to use all of my baby carriers.

I only used the Sync for a front, facing in hold. It was fairly easy and very comfortable. All of the weight was equally distributed and the large area covered by the wrap contributed to the comfort. After a while, though, Stella seemed to sag a little and I never could get her quite tight enough or high enough. Perhaps more practice will remedy that.

Normally, I use a ring sling or a structured carrier when I wear Stella. I do prefer those to the wrap, mostly because they are easy to use and I can get them on quickly when we're out. Also, the color/pattern on the Sync leave a lot to be desired (it's true, I am a little vain). All in all, though, the Sync Carrier isn't bad. I'd prefer to use it with a newborn baby and wish it wasn't so loud. It is very comfortable.

You can learn more about the Sync Carrier here and watch the instructional video here. They are available for purchase at Amazon.
You can find Infantino on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

I am a participant in a Mom Central Consulting campaign for Infantino and have received various Infantino products as part of my participation.

Still Counting

2011-12-13T08:43:00.000-06:00

Last week wasn't a very busy one as far as Christmas activities go. Here's what we found in our advent calendar last week.

December 6-Make Christmas crayons

We are making these to give away as treats in school and to kids at Christmas parties.

December 7-Download a new book to read

We downloaded The Polar Express on my Nook and read it together. I love my Nook and it's great for kids who want to sit and read quietly alone. Reading together as a family? It's not so great. It really takes away from the whole experience. Lesson learned. Nothing compares to a book with big, beautiful pictures!

December8-Watch Christmas specials on TV

December 9-Read 2 Chapters of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever

December 10-Decorate Grandma and Grandpa's Christmas tree

I took the day to do a little Christmas shopping with my mom and aunt. Steve took the girls to his mom and dad's to put up and decorate their Christmas tree.

December 11-Make Christmas Ornaments

I have never made salt clay ornaments before. Some of them turned out OK. Some of them should probably be done over. We had to save the decorating for another day, though.

How are your Christmas preparations coming?

trying

2011-12-07T08:57:00.000-06:00

I need to remember...

that 3 and 4 year olds don't understand the stress of motherhood.

they don't understand why one minute i complain that they have an entire room full of toys that they never play with, then ask them to stop dragging every toy they own out to play with.

it is ridiculous to expect 4 children to be hungry (or thirsty or have to pee) at the same time.

there was a time when i hated everything my mother suggested i wear to school.

that no one knows that i need help unless i ask.

that those i depend on to keep me sane have others who depend on them as well.

how well i do my job isn't determined by how clean my house is.

it's ok to take time for myself.

it's ok to be silly and make messes.

there are 4 girls who need me to be the best i can be.

Counting Down

2011-12-05T09:01:00.000-06:00

In the past, we filled our advent calendar with sweet treats for the kids. The more kids we have, the harder it is to fit enough candy/treats in those little doors. This year, we have decided to skip the candy. I hate giving it to the kids, it doesn't fit in the doors and it suggests a complete lack of imagination. Instead of candy, we have put a card behind each number with an activity that we can do as a family. I love this idea for so many reasons. It ensures that we get much needed time together every day and it organizes our Christmas schedule.

This is what we've had so far:

December 1-attend a World AIDS day memorial service

my husband is the president of a local AIDS task force. This is an annual thing, but it was my first time attending.

December 2-Family movie night with treats.

We watched The Santa Clause 2 (or we at least attempted to) and snacked on popcorn and ice cream.

December 3-Make a reindeer craft

December 4-Read 'Twas the Night Before Christmas with Dad

I was gone most of the day, so they had some special dad time.

December 5-Read 2 chapters in The Best Christmas Pageant Ever

Who doesn't love to hear about the shenanigans of those Herdmans?

What's in your advent calendar?

Perfect Imperfection

2011-12-02T08:25:00.000-06:00

This year, our Christmas is going to be as simple as possible. I am kind of loving our construction paper decorations, homemade Christmas shirts and tree with most of the ornaments hanging off the bottom. If you don't live in this house, these things probably seem pretty tacky and unattractive, but to me, it's perfect.

Job loss has forced us to get creative with our Christmas preparations. Most gifts will be homemade. I'm looking forward to making gifts with the girls. Toys will be battery free. This has to do with more than saving money. I am really tired of blinky lights and noises. Not only are they annoying, but I firmly believe they are stealing the imaginations of children.

I'm looking forward to spending more time with my family, listening to Christmas music, reading books and baking. This may just be our best Christmas ever!

the people who make it special

2011-12-01T10:03:00.000-06:00

I've really been slacking on the posting lately. I've been trying to unplug a bit and spend a bit more time actually living my life. We seem to be enjoying ourselves a little more because of it.

Our Thanksgiving break was a good one. I really didn't want it to end. I'm looking forward to Christmas break. Remind me I said that when I'm screaming for the kids to go back to school the day after Christmas.

I hope your Thanksgiving was spent with the people you love who make life special.

Around Our House

2011-11-26T17:02:00.000-06:00

Taking a cue from Stephanie, I thought I'd share a few of the things that we've been doing around our house.

What we've been making:

push up cake pops

lots of baby food

pine cone bird feeders

christmas decorations

turkey shirts

What we've been reading:

Little Women

Where the Sidewalk Ends

What we've been watching:

Winnie the Pooh

What's going on at your house?

Blue

2011-11-23T11:55:00.000-06:00

It has been cold and rainy all week.

We've spent a lot of time inside playing games.

as always, you ca find more pictures of blue at

piecing it together

2011-11-22T10:21:00.001-06:00

I have been working so very hard on this puzzle. It's never ending. I rearrange the pieces when they don't look right. I give pieces away. Sometimes I have to remove a piece permanently or cut away at it to make it fit. Sometimes I have extra. Sometimes, not enough.

So many people focus so hard on their own piece that all they can see are the imperfections. The blurred lines of the picture, the rough edges. They will never see where their piece fits into the bigger picture. They will never appreciate the entire puzzle. They will, however use that small fraction to judge the whole.

Only those who watch me work it daily get a glimpse of the finished product. Even then, there are pieces missing. As much as I hate to, I can't help looking at the puzzles others are working on. All I can see are pieces, but I notice their colors are more brilliant than mine, their lines clearer, their edges smoother. I have to fight the urge to tear up the whole thing and start over.

linking up with heather

My Bug

2011-11-21T08:02:00.000-06:00

Corrina turned eight yesterday. We had a very busy weekend of celebrating.

Friday night, we made these.

Saturday, she had a birthday party at the local bowling alley. Afterward, she got to have a friend spend the night. It was her first sleepover.

Yesterday, we took her to lunch, then had Steve's family over for cake.

It was a homemade cake. We had a hard time finding birthday candles.

We had to settle for 6 mismatched candles and a number 2 candle.

It was pretty ghetto, but she didn't mind. She's a trooper.

view from the other side

2011-11-14T21:22:00.000-06:00

My stomach is in knots. I know I'm going to make a mistake. I know I'm going to talk too loud, too soft or giggle. I can't. This isn't like giving a speech in high school. In fact, this isn't even about me. It's not my day and I can't mess up.

The bride comes down the aisle and she looks beautiful. She also looks like her feet my hurt but she couldn't care less. She has a goal and he is waiting for her. They stand in front of me and I begin. The words come out effortlessly and even "In a world where faith often falls short of our expectation, it is a wonderful tribute to two people to see them joining hands and hearts in perfect faith".

Most people don't see a wedding from this perspective. I never have. It's amazing to see the look on their faces, the love, the hope, the fears and happiness that pass between them as they look into each other's eyes and repeat after me. I am yours and you are mine." At that moment, the room could have been filled with thousands or none and they wouldn't know the difference. That's all that matters.

I hope to always remember them this way.

Linking up with Heather.

I've Got Nothing

2011-11-14T08:36:00.000-06:00

Today, because I'm recuperating from my very lazy weekend, all I have to entertain you with is this list.

Things you may not know about me

1. My husband is much much older than me.

I will not give you an exact number of years, but I will tell you that it is less than 20.

2. We are a single car family.

We have been for almost a year and a half. It works for us, for now. Unfortunately, though I'm not sure how much longer it will.

3. I raise money for cystic fibrosis.

A close friend of mine had cystic fibrosis. Every year I raise money for the Great Strides walk in his memory.

4. I am an ordained minister.

It is true, you can hire the Drunken Housewife to officiate your wedding or civil union ceremony.

5. I do not go to church and have never been religious.

I do, however, read the Bible almost every night before bed.

6. I love going to the movies alone.

I'm comfortable doing most things alone, even eating.

7. I live in a very small town (almost 8,500 people), less than an hour from St. Louis, MO

I am from a much smaller town, though (pop. 3,400).

8. We do not have a dishwasher.

It's true. We wash all the dishes for our family of 6 by hand. Luckily, my husband helps a lot with that chore.

9. I still don't know what I want to be when I grow up.

I had a plan once, but I took my time making it happen. Now, I'm not so sure it's relevant anymore. Right now, I'm just happy being a wife and mom.

10. When I was younger, getting married and having kids wasn't an option.

If you had asked me when I was 5, 16 or 21 if I wanted to have children, I would have looked at you like you threw poo at me. Today? I can't imagine doing anything else and I have become immune to poo.

Can you help Corrina out with her birthday project this year?

Raking Leaves

2011-11-10T09:15:00.000-06:00

We had some gorgeous weather last weekend, a perfect fall day before the rain set in.

The sky was so blue. Less than a week later, you can't tell we did any yard work and the trees have even less leaves on them.

What did we do with all those leaves?

We jumped in them, of course!

As always, you can find more pictures of fall at

One Proud Mama

2011-11-09T13:29:00.000-06:00

Sometimes, I don't think I give Corrina the credit she deserves. Aside from being a most frustrating child, she really is a most amazing child.

This month, she will turn 8. EIGHT!

A couple nights ago, she told me that she wants to do more to help other people. OK. I almost suggested that she could start with the laundry or the dishes. Instead, I suggested ways she could help people who really need it. She loves to read and is amazing at it. She decided that she wanted to raise money for kids who need books.

For her birthday this year, she has asked her friends to make a donation to First Book instead of giving her a gift. She has set her goal at $100.

First Book is an organization that provides new, age appropriate books to children in need. If you're interested in learning more about First Book, you can read about it here.

Interested in helping Corrina reach her goal? You can find her fundraising profile here. Even if you can't give, go ahead and sign her guest book, wish her luck or happy birthday. She is so excited about this. I couldn't be more proud of her!

This is Halloween

2011-11-03T09:34:00.000-05:00

I didn't pull out a single Halloween decoration this year. I love Halloween, but this year, Corrina is afraid of everything, including her own shadow, the trees outside and anything I cook for dinner. So, we went without decorations this year because I couldn't be sure of what might "give her the creeps".

However, this didn't stop her from dressing as a vampire.

Her sisters chose Rapunzel and Snow White dresses.

Stella was a kitty cat. She was a good sport and didn't fuss too much!

You can find more pictures of Halloween at

follow through

2011-11-03T08:55:00.000-05:00

Oh my. This has been one of those weeks that has just been nonstop, go go go, you don't have time to take a breath. I made it through and I don't think I dropped the ball on anything. When life gets busy like that, it's so typical for me to make excuses, blow something off and cheat my way out of anything I can. I hate being like that. It's something I've been trying to change.

Each of the girls took homemade treats to school for their Halloween parties last week (each one different, of course). I threw a small party for my brother and sister-in-law to announce that they are having a baby girl this spring! I put together a wedding ceremony for a friend whose wedding I'm performing soon. I even managed to buy thoughtful gifts for the parties we attended (please note that they were not purchased the day of the party). I even managed to make sure all homework was done correctly, papers were signed, lunch money was taken on appropriate days and preschool pictures were decorated and returned on time.

Isn't that cute? I managed to do what millions of mothers do every day without messing anything up. So why am I bragging? Just proud of my tiny bit of progress!