The Chatty Mommy

Today is Monday {linky}

2013-05-13T07:34:00.002-04:00

She's here! Our little girl is here!

Lots of stories and pictures to share, but I will leave that for a day less sleep-deprived!

Until then, link up your latest post below and grab the button from my sidebar.

Today is Monday {linky}

2013-05-06T09:38:00.003-04:00

Well, still no baby!
We are super excited and it is hard to be patient.
I go back on Thursday so he can "check" my progress and then we will decide to possibly induce on Friday.
Got some more baby stuff set up, thanks to my mom.
Between my mom, Aunt S and my mother in law, life is real good.
It is nice to know I have help once the baby is here and the husband is back at work.
We are doing some work around the house before the baby comes- er- actually the husband is doing some work around the house before the baby comes. I just watch.

Nothing else going on except a whole lotta sports.
Soccer, Track, Baseball and Softball are in full swing around here.

How about you?
What do you have going on?
Link up your post, about any family friendly topic below and share with us.
Don't forget to grab the button from my sidebar.

Happy Monday!

WILW- What I Love Wednesday

2013-05-01T08:31:00.004-04:00

I am loving so many things for the baby this week.

I love the kimono sleepers! I used them for both my girls and my boys- they are so easy for late night diaper changing. And Aunt S happened to buy a whole bunch for our little girl and a ton of other baby stuff along with some serious diapers!

I have a pink rocker a friend gave me just like this one. I have never used one, but she assures me it is the best baby device out there and she used it all. the. time. I said sign me up!

And my mom who thought of not only the baby, but me too. The Vera Bradley diaper bag in Very Berry Paisley, which is quickly becoming my new favorite print! ::swoon::

And not sure, but I might of made an impulse purchase and bought the matching wipe container from etsy. ::wink:: I just couldn't help myself and it is my one splurge for baby, it wasn't bad at all.

Got any can't live without baby items for me?
Let me know- it has been 5 years since my last baby- things are always changing.
And I couldn't be more excited!

Today is Monday {linky}

2013-04-29T09:00:00.000-04:00

Well, no pics this week.
I spent the weekend indoors with my poor Jack, who has a stomach virus.
The kids had the opening day for their baseball/softball season.
I missed their parade and first games, but so did my Jack.
I enjoyed being inside with him, but my back hasn't enjoyed sleeping on the couch with him for the last 3 nights.
Ahh, the life of mom!

Saturday morning I did get out with my mom to go to the doctor for my weekly check.
I was hoping he will induce me on the 10th of May.
He is willing, but he doesn't think I will make it that far.
So, we wait - it could be any day and I have strict orders to head right to the hospital if I have any contractions!
Very exciting!
I am home getting organized and packing the dreaded hospital bags.
I will have more pics this week, thanks to my eldest who took some on her phone- knew there was a reason she has a better phone than me!

How was your week?
Link up below and and don't forget to grab the today is Monday button from my sidebar!

Happy Monday!

You're Picking Up Toys On The Living Room Floor For the 15th Time Today

2013-04-25T07:00:00.001-04:00

You're picking up toys on the living room floor for the 15th time today
Matching up socks
Sweeping up lost cheerios that got away

You put a baby on your hip
Color on your lips and head out the door

While I may not know you,
I bet I know you
Wonder sometimes, does it matter at all?

Well let me remind you, it all matters just as long
As you do everything you do to the glory of the One who made you,
Cause he made you,
To do
Every little thing that you do
To bring a smile to His face
Tell the story of grace
With every move that you make
And every little thing you do

Maybe you're that guy with the suit and tie
Maybe your shirt says your name

You may be hooking up mergers
Cooking up burgers
But at the end of the day

Little stuff
Big stuff
In between stuff
God sees it all the same

While I may not know you
I bet I know you
Wonder sometimes, does it matter at all?

Well let me remind you, it all matters just as long
As you do everything you do to the glory of the One who made you,
Cause he made you
To do
Every little thing that you do
To bring a smile to His face
Tell the story of grace
With every move that you make
And everything you do

Maybe you're sitting in math class
Or maybe on a mission in the Congo
Or maybe you're working at the office
Singing along with the radio

Maybe you're dining at a 5-star
Or feeding orphans in the Myanmar
Anywhere and everywhere that you are

Whatever you do
It all matters
So do what you do
Don't ever forget

To do everything you do to the glory of the One who made you,
Cause He made you
To do
Every little thing that you do
To bring a smile to His face
And tell the story of grace

As you do everything you do to the glory of the One who made you,
Cause he made you
To do
Every little thing that you do
To bring a smile to His face
And tell the story of grace
With every move that you make
And every little thing you do

In every little thing you do
In every little thing you do

I heard this song on Pandora yesterday and loved it.
The first part is spot on. For me and a lot of other moms!
It is called "Do Everything", by Steven Curtis Chapman.
He also sings a lot of songs that I find myself singing over the years.
A long time ago, I was completely stuck on his song, "There's more to this life..."
That song had a similar message, that there "is more to this life than living and dying, more that just trying to make it through the night..."

Everything matters.
Not in the stressed out, oh my gosh kinda way, but in a my life matters, what I do matters, even in the small things kinda way.
And for me as the mom in the opening of the song- the things I do matter even if they seem mundane to others or like they are not of consequence.
The Lord sees what I do and how I do it.
So, I press on and pick up cheerios off the floor and raise my kids and do so as much as I can with a joyful heart.

It all matters.

And I leave behind thoughts of not measuring up to our moms in the workforce who bring home a paycheck.
And the people who simply do not realize what I do during an average day.

How about you?
Do you feel that others just don't get it sometimes?

Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. 1Peter 4:10

Today is Monday {linky}

2013-04-22T09:38:00.002-04:00

Just another Monday.
Kids don't want to get up.
We wonder why no one unloaded their lunch boxes last Friday.
And no one has a thing to wear.
Pretty typical.
Throw in the little guy takes 20 minutes to brush his teeth and we are all set up for our Monday.

Doing well.
No changes with the baby.
My next visit we will discuss a date to induce, which is pretty exciting.
And kind of lights a fire under me this week because I really need to get my room in order before Little Miss comes.
So, that is basically my big goal for the week.

Lauren had her art put into the art show at school a couple of weeks ago and she was pretty excited. We got to see her art and walk around and look at art from other kids. It was fun.

Jack won Student of the Month for the month of March. He was pretty excited.
And I forgot to take a picture.
But, I am so proud of him.

What about you?
How was your week last week?
What do you have going on for this week?
Link up your post below.
Don't forget to grab the button on the sidebar. Happy Monday!

My Baby Journey

2013-04-19T06:51:00.002-04:00

I might of told you some of this before but....

When I was 9, I wanted to go to Harvard, become a lawyer and live in the city. Single and childless.

(My dad still asks why I didn't go this way- ;) )

Then as I got older, I decided I wanted kids and a lot of them. I grew up with a close extended family and we saw our cousins on a regular basis- it was great. Especially having girl cousins when I didn't have a sister.
When I was a teen, my girlfriend's father used to call me "Babies", because he thought it was so funny that I wanted a lot of kids.

When I was 19, I went to an appointment with my doctor and he asked me if I wanted to have kids. He told me that if I didn't have them soon, he didn't know if I would be able to have children. The amount of Adenomyosis, kind of like Endometriosis, could be a problem for me. I don't think I knew what to do with that information.
I felt I was too young, but couldn't believe there was a chance I might not have kids. I had always just thought I would have kids.

Obviously, God had other plans for my life.
When I was 20, I got pregnant and married and my life really began.
I was not praying or serving the Lord, but looking back I can see His hand on my life.

After having my first, I dreamed of having another right away.
But, we were young and waited.
I then had 2 miscarriages.
This was hard because the fear started to creep in that I might not have anymore kids.

Around this time, I found my way to church- I had gone since adolescence, but stopped when I got married and had never really had a relationship with the Lord.

This changed at that time and I started to pray and try my best as a young mom to seek out the Lord.

We had baby #2, our precious red-headed daughter- who was quit a surprise, but my mom has red hair and it just worked out that way.

I was pretty content- 2 daughters. I figured my husband would never want to have anymore and we were still kinda young- life was good.

And then we got pregnant again and I had my son- the miracle we gave birth to at home, in our mini-bathroom, not because we wanted to, but because he came so fast.
Wow! A son. What a blessing.

And a couple of years later, we bought our house, our first home, that we live in now and had baby #4, a boy!

2 boys and 2 girls!
Done, right?

Nope.

As I sit here typing I am large with baby #5, a girl.
And I couldn't be more excited.
Does this mean we are going to have more?
No, this is it.
We are seriously blessed.

And maybe, just maybe when these kids are older and out in the world, starting their own lives, we can take in kids that need fostering and give them a stable home for a short time. (My dream) But, shhhhh, don't tell the husband, he wants to travel at that point.
But, that is a post for a whole other day. :)

Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. Psalm 127:3

And for the moms waiting to be pregnant, having trouble, waiting to adopt, wanting a baby, or having their first, I am praying for you. And remember to pray to Him- He hears you.

Today is Monday {linky}

2013-04-15T06:58:00.001-04:00

Well, last week was a busy one.
And this week, the girls have all those standardized tests that you have to eat a good breakfast for, go to sleep early and bring number 2 pencils.
Yep, those tests!
Do you know how my fourth grader does on those tests determines if she will go into honors when she is in 8th grade?
Crazy, right?
No pressure!

My big belly- still living large.
I am 35 weeks and the Doctor said everything is so good, it is kinda boring.
I kind of had some sad thoughts last night.
I am not ready to deliver.
This is my last one and I want to savor her.
I love being pregnant and I love my belly.
But, the thought of meeting little miss gets me so excited, I will get over it.

What? Doesn't everyone have an octopus, that is supposed to grow 600 times its size, in a bowl of water in their kitchen?

Our a boat made in church, that floats in a bowl of water?

Flowers my son found in the backyard and he ripped too short. I kind of left them out on the table half dead and when he woke up in the morning, he rushed to put them in water.
He is now so excited they came back to life because of something he did.

Just a pregnancy photo for posting. Got this shirt at Kohls and love it.

Tell me what you are up to.
Link up your blog below and don't forget to grab my button from the sidebar.

Happy Monday!

Come and Craft with me!

2013-04-11T11:59:00.000-04:00

I am over here today sharing how I made my new spring wreath! Stop by and say hello.

What I Wore Wednesday #wiww - 34 weeks

2013-04-10T03:00:00.000-04:00

Well, I gave this wiww another shot.
I had a few issues and wish I remembered to take some pics of myself at Easter or on Sundays, when I am really dressed nice.

So, this week I attempted a "selfie" in my daughter's full length mirror.
Too bad I got half of me and half of my daughter's room.

I am 34 weeks! It is flying by so fast. And at other times, I can't wait for our Little Miss to get here.

My standard answer when someone asks how I am doing- "Living Large" or "Large and in charge".
Everyone gets a kick out of it, but I still can't believe how big I have gotten. Our little girl is already about 6 pounds!

My wardrobe is not good for the awesome warmer weather we are getting. But, do I buy more maternity clothes? Nah, I will make do.

//leggings// - JcPenney
//pink shirt//- Motherhood Maternity
//countdown maternity shirt//- One Little Minute

I am linking up here today!

Enjoy your Wednesday!

Today is Monday {linky}

2013-04-08T06:30:00.000-04:00

Our week was good.
Started practices for softball and baseball.
My Lauren had her first soccer game. I had planned on taking pictures, but I was frozen! It was so cold outside.
The game was a lot of fun to watch and I realized I enjoy her games a lot more when I can watch her without watching my other kids.
It was just me and her.
She did great and if she pushes just a little more, I am sure she will get a goal soon.

My middle guy is sick and the 2 of us missed church today. Thank goodness for my mom who took the little guy and the 2 girls so they didn't have to miss.

Hopefully he will be feeling better soon.

I missed the first Sunday school class on the new Beth Moore series we are doing. Was a little bummed, but can't wait to go next week.

I am 34 weeks and can't believe the time is flying by. I have some projects I really want to get done before the baby comes. Between me, my mom and the husband, I am hoping they get finished before she comes.
We still have no set name for the baby.
We like Hannah, Mia, Amelia and Zoe.

I'd love to here what name you like?
Let me know if the comments.

Until we decide, our poor baby girl has no name. We do affectionately call her "little Miss" and "Sissy".

Things to conquer this week:
put some things on ebay.
finish going through clothes in basement
oil change on van
cleaning my desk
cleaning my dresser

What about you?
What is going on in your neck of the woods?

Link up your post below and link back to tcm or grab my today is Monday button from the sidebar.

Have a great day!

I am linking up here and here.

Do you want to know?

2013-04-05T06:08:00.002-04:00

Do you want to know...

that I have over 36,000 emails on my personal email address and I never erase them? I am almost at capacity with my email carrier. Hey, what are they gonna do- erase them?

that I store a ton of stamp stuff for card making, but never have a card when I need it?

that I have clothes from when I was in high school that are out of style that I save in case I fit into them again and I don't know--- maybe they are back in style?

(are you noticing a pattern- and no, this is not my audition for the hoarders TV show)

that I love being pregnant, but I feel like I am getting old with this pregnancy? It is a little different than my others. A little more sore, a little harder on the back and a little more difficult to climb out of bed in the morning. Maybe someone should of been in better shape when she started! Just sayin'.

that I will be induced early with this baby to make sure this does not happen again?

that we have sports for the kids almost everyday of the week- except Sunday? I am trying to keep super organized with meals and getting everyone's equipment ready. Er---reminding the kids to get their own equipment ready!

that one of my closest friends that moved away and that I missed very much completely redid her blog and you can see her here? Stop by and say hello if you can.

that I am loving life and I am so thankful to be married to the man I am married to and have the kids that we have? Cause I am.

Hope you have a great Friday and a wonderful weekend!

**One more thing- I am looking for guest posters for my blog for the month of May when I have the baby. They can be on any topic and I would need them by the end of April. Let me know if you are interested by contacting thechattymommy(at)optonline(dot)net **

Daybook Entry.... April 2, 2013 9:50 pm

2013-04-02T21:54:00.004-04:00

FOR TODAY
Outside my window... dark and a little windy.

I am thinking... how much can I get done tomorrow?

I am thankful... for everyone sleeping in my house and having some quiet time just for me.

In the kitchen... tomorrow- banana muffins and cupcakes need to be made.

I am wearing... a mish mosh of clothing... a Yankees tee from the husband, green cotton pajama pants and a black cardigan that was close to the computer and I put on because I was cold.

I am creating... a spring wreath tutorial for a guest blogger spot I am doing.

I am going... to church tomorrow night and maybe a quick trip to the grocery store in the morning.

I am wondering... if my baby will come early and if I am going to be ready.

I am reading... the bible, but need to make a specific time to do so- I am all over the place.

I am hoping... that my cousin teaches me how to knit soon!

I am looking forward to... need I say them? the baby (of course) and SUMMER!

I am learning... to stay a little more organized.

Around the house... hoping to paint the living room- I mean, hoping the husband does!

I am pondering... how to make the kids' crazy sports schedules easier.

A favorite quote for today... Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.
Romans 12:16 (NIV)

One of my favorite things... Reese's white chocolate easter eggs- yum!

A few plans for the rest of the week: sports, cleaning and cooking.

A picture for sharing:

The 3 younger kids made this for me for Easter- they worked on it for a long time. Inside the eggs were some swedish fish, my youngest daughter saved from when we went to the movies- big sacrifice on her part, some old big league chew my husband bought the boys and some nips that were already mine.
I love these kids so much!

I am linking up here.

Easter 2013

2013-04-02T07:57:00.002-04:00

We haven't colored Easter eggs in a couple of years, so we did it the night before Easter.

The little guy seemed to think the mini-monster egg coloring set was a good idea this year.

Easter baskets which I got done early thanks to my mom taking the kids! Excuse the girls Kitchen aid bowls instead of baskets- couldn't find theirs. Hey, at least they were pretty colors!

Sorry for the picture overload, just one of those years where it took a long time to get everyone to smile. We took all of these after church- you know after the little guy had his bowtie pulled off during children's church and mom had to fix it.

And everyone just wanted more candy!

Next year, photo shoot the day before?

Oh, and church was amazing.

Just an awesome feeling as our church packed to the gills with standing room only.

Praying it will be that way every Sunday one day.

Went to Aunt Susie's for dinner! Delicious! Sliced ham, homemade baked beans, corn fritters and candied yams.

God is so good.

Today is Monday {linky}

2013-04-01T06:33:00.000-04:00

Well, after coming off of vacation- no one feels like doing much of anything.
But, we will press on and get through another Monday.
What about you?
Feeling sluggish, tired?
Yeah, me too.
And let's not even discuss the amount of laundry I have piled up for food shopping day!

This wipey board pretty much sums it up.

Cake for my dad's birthday! Vanilla cake with pudding, and cool whip and fresh berries- yum!

The husband helped the boys put the finishing touches on their pine cars for the upcoming pine car derby.

And we had a great Easter!
How about you?
How was your week?

Link up your post below and don't forget to grab my button from the sidebar or link back to me in your post.

On Nursing

2013-03-27T09:50:00.001-04:00

**I included pictures of beautiful nursing covers all from target. I mean what kind of pictures did you expect for a post on nursing?**

When I had my first baby, my daughter, I was 21 years old. Kind of young, but not extremely. However, one thing I knew was that I would breastfeed.
My whole family and that is just what we do.

This was nice, because I didn't need to really overthink it.

One of the major things with nursing is support.
Whether it is a family member, a friend, someone from the hospital or someone who is affiliated with a breastfeeding group, you need someone to call.

After giving birth, a nurse came to "stick" my baby on.
She had dirty finger nails and I didn't say a thing to her about it- I was too nervous- and don't know if I would say anything to her today if it happened again, 13 years later!

However, the nurse was nice and thank God, my baby latched on.
But, when I got home, I was in a different world.
It was hard- getting up so often, leaking, basically wondering if I was doing it right.
But we got through. For a little over a year, it worked!

And then with my next daughter- it wasn't as smooth, but a little painful. But once again, I pressed on in pain, sore and cracked, and it worked.

Along comes my son, baby #3, by this time I figure I was a pro.
In comes the lactation consultant to my hospital room. "You know you are doing that wrong!"
Just like that all my confidence of a 3 time nursing mom left the room.

I protested, but eventually did what she said.
My pride barely intact.

My son was another difficult nurser.

And now as we await, baby #5, I plan on nursing again.
It is not always easy, but for us it has been well worth it.

My advice to first time nursing moms?
Research and read books beforehand. Ask other moms questions. And make sure you have some sort of support set up, in case you need to make a late night call and scream, "help"!

And number #1- do not stress! And if for some reason it does not work out for you- don't worry- and enjoy your baby!

1 Thessalonians 2:7 ~ “But we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother taking care of her own children.”

Today is Monday {linky}

2013-03-25T08:53:00.000-04:00

Another Monday!
This week the kids have off!
Very excited.
Then the oldest has convention with the youth group and the kids have their Cuz Buzz with Nana.
In the mean time, I wake up in the morning thinking, what if today is the day I give birth?
The only problem?
I need to clean this house!
So, today along with food shopping, comes some serious cleaning.

Below is a pic of the current state of the boys' room.
Full steam ahead.

We need a lot of throwing out, packing up and deep cleaning to get the house ready for little miss.

Somewhere with that we will fit in a dentist appt, getting together with friends, shopping for Easter and making sure everyone has Easter clothes!

What about you?
What do you have planned this week?

Link your Monday post below and grab my today is Monday button from the sidebar or link back to me.

Linking up here and here.

Just Some Thangs

2013-03-22T06:31:00.001-04:00

Seems so busy around here lately.

Can't get anything done and constantly have something on the calendar whether it is parent teacher conferences, a doctor's appointment or a family outing.
But, thankful we have a full life.

I failed my first gestational diabetes test and was totally bummed.
Bummed that I might have to keep careful track of what I eat.
Yikes!
Imagine.
So, I scheduled an appointment for the 3 hour glucose test.
But, a friend encouraged me that even though she failed the first one, she passed the 3 hour test and the doctor said she didn't have it.
I prayed for the same.

The 3 hours was long, but not as bad as I thought.

And I passed!
I called the nurse and she told me the great news and then I asked if there is anything I should be doing.
Try and lay off sugar she said.
::cough, cough::

Bad connection, I said. I can't hear you.
She didn't get it at first, but then proceeded to laugh.
Alright, I said.

Nana takes the kids for a cuz buzz next weekend and I am giddy with anticipation of all the things I will try to get done!
Hoping sleeping in fits in somewhere.

St. Patrick's Day

A tornado simulator at the pump it up place- worth every bit of the $2.

And

someone

felt

the need

to take a bunch of "selfies". Ahh, the community camera!

And incredible kid day at Lauren's school. Thank goodness the teacher reminded me and 30 minutes before I left to be there, I slammed together a letter of how great she is and a banner with her name complete with pictures!

Hello procrastination!

Have a lot planned this weekend!
How about you?

The Poor Woman's Resort

2013-03-20T06:30:00.000-04:00

Although many might disagree, one of my favorite vacation spots is the hospital!

Let me start by saying, I am thankful I have not had hospital stays that were lengthy or for anything life threatening- my heart and prayers go out to those who do.
But... I love staying in the hospital.
It has all the comforts of a vacation stay for me.

1. An adjustable bed- My bed at home is comfortable and big, but the bed at the hospital adjust while I press the buttons on the remote and I can get it just right. And I sleep in it alone!

2. TV on the wall- The TV hangs from the wall! And it has a remote that is attached to my bed, so no one can lose it.

3. I have a bathroom just steps from my bed- No more long walks to the shower or to go potty- it's all right there. And usually I only have to share it with just one other woman, if I even have a roommate. No kids open the door on me either!

4. Food- I have a menu and sometimes they even serve me salmon! 3 meals a day that I don't have to cook! Sometimes there is soup. And for breakfast, those little cartons of juice!

5. A beautiful huge window- Even if I don't get the window bed, the sunlight pours into the room with practically a whole wall of window.

6. Pajamas- What forgot your PJs? Not a problem, the hospital supplies them! That doesn't happen on real vacation. You forget your PJs- you normally head to walmart.

7. Laundry service- you spilled your drink? Don't worry- they change the sheets for you! They have an endless supply of both the sheets and the pajamas!

8. Phone close by- If I need to make a call, or someone wants to call me or I am not getting good cell reception- there is a phone right next to my bed. Simple and easy.

9. Clean rooms- The room is clean and sanitized before I get there and guess what? I don't have to clean it before I leave. Not true about the last 2 places I visited. and the best of all...

10. The nurses! - all I have to do is press a button (again attached to my bed) and a nurse comes to see what I need. My lunch is late or I need another blanket. Maybe some medicine or a pair of new pajamas. Have questions- she is there. My own personal concierge- or a bunch of them.

So, when I go into the hospital to have our baby girl, don't worry about me- Consider me enjoying life at my own personal resort!

What about you?

Do you like staying at hospitals?

Linking up with Casey.

Today is Monday {linky}

2013-03-18T07:55:00.002-04:00

Just have to say it...
I wouldn't mind it being Monday, if it weren't sooo COLD.

But, I will live and stop writing on twitter that I want to move down south, before my girlfriend down there rents a house for me!
But, it would be nice to be warm all the time.

We have been having busy days.
Days where I say to myself, there just isn't enough time in a day.

I have some projects- okay a lot of projects- to get done before our little miss makes her arrival.
My mom has been spearheading some, which has been awesome.

And this weekend we had a big banquet at our church for our Girls' club (think Christian girl scouts). Since I am a teacher, I got to go with both of my girls.
We had a great time.
I usually enjoy anything at my church.
And my favorite redhead got to hold the flag!

Each church that comes represents a country. This year we were Germany. Every church then makes food from their country and all the girls get to sample.
I loved the Greek pastries!
Our church served sauerbrauten and purple cabbage. It was good, but a little smelly in our room!

Then on Sunday, we had a birthday party to go to at Pump it Up.
All 4 kids and possibly even the husband ::wink:: had an awesome time!

It was a long weekend.
I am now paying for it with a mountain of dirty dishes and clean clothes to fold.
We had our traditional St. Pat's day dinner and all is well over here.

How about you?
What do you have going on?
Link up your blog post below.
And don't forget the Today is Monday button from my sidebar.

Happy Monday!

I am linking here and here.

Things I Don't Do

2013-03-15T09:23:00.002-04:00

I read a fellow blogger's post on this and thought it was wonderful.
Sometimes in blogland, it appears as if Mommy bloggers have it all together and their lives are perfect. I am always trying to show the opposite- how I am human and fail a lot.
I think it is important that moms can relate to each other, because let's face it, we are usually going through the same stuff.
Without further ado...

My pocketbook
I am not a good cleaner.
My mother is and always has been. We are pretty sure it skips a generation. Now, understand, when I really get into it, I am a fantastic cleaner, but it is hard to get me into it. I have gotten a lot better in some areas and haven't made any progress in others.
As I type this, I sit at a desk that is filled with clutter and it is hard to see some parts of my big computer screen.

I am not on time.
In some areas I am great on being punctual.
Mostly church.
We are very rarely late for church and on Wednesday nights we are even early.
However, sport practices, get togethers, birthday parties and picking up my son from pre-school are not my strong spot.
But, I am working on it.
And it always helps to have a punctual teen that likes to get places on time and will help out if necessary.

our new chore charts

I do not delegate to the kids enough.
You might of read that we have instituted chore charts over here.
It is a slow go.
But, after being sick, my mom and mother-in-law let me know that the kids just weren't doing enough.
And apparently, you are supposed to start these "chores" earlier in life.
So, I am really plugging along and working on this right now.
After all, I simply cannot do everything.
And don't get me wrong, their "chores" are not hard and even include "brush your teeth".
I am sure they will live.

I do not "play" with my kids often.
We do a ton of things together, but me playing barbies or GI Joes doesn't really happen. This is okay in our house because they have each other to play with and I am happy they do.

I do not have a perfect house.
I see some amazing houses while blog hopping.
Not mine though.
We bought a house that needs a lot of work and we are doing said work at a snail's pace. But, that's okay. It doesn't bother me and we have bigger things in life- like enjoying these kids before they all grow up and leave the nest.

**At the end of all these "I do not"s:

I do love my kids.
I can't believe how blessed we are to have all of them.
My girlfriend's dad used to call me, "babies" because I would always tell him I wanted to have as many as I could afford when I got married.
tee hee hee- By the world's standards, we probably can't afford one.
At some point I didn't think I would have a lot of kids.
And although 5 is not "big" compared to some families, it is amazing to me and I am so thankful.

I do have so much excitement brewing inside to have another baby.
Seems kind of crazy when my youngest will be in full time school next year, but I am so happy we are having another baby.
And I am well aware I am starting all over with diapers, and sleepness nights and the crying, but I can't wait.
I know when we get older we are never going to look back and see, "Gee, we shouldn't have had that last one!"
Every time we add to our family, we think, "wow- can't imagine life without that last one".
And since this is definitely our last one, I will be sure to savor every. single. moment.

I do constantly try to change.
As I am big and pregnant, there is so much I want to do, but the fatigue is getting to me. So tired all the time.
But, I have a lot of areas in my life that I want to change and I will continue to persevere.

"who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself."
Philippians 3:21

So, there you go- a little more about what goes on at my house.
Check out the Tiny Twig and her list of things she doesn't do.

A Conversation at the Grocery Store

2013-03-14T06:47:00.000-04:00

I was out food shopping the other day, and while on line a woman asked me if I was having my first baby.

I love being able to surprise people when I say- "No, my fifth."
I have a young looking face especially with no make-up on and lately I have more days without make-up than with.

Well, the woman replied, "You must either be religious or crazy".

I don't think I actually replied. I thought maybe a bit of both. Though, I don't believe either of these is necessarily bad.

Crazy?
Sure I am crazy. My home is loud and busy, but fun and loving. I truly believe that the best thing I have ever done for my kids is give them each other. They will always have each other.
They play together and basically watch each other grow.
All 4 kids have come to me on separate occasions questioning if they will get to see the baby grow up. Will they be away at college or married or will they really see her and know her and be able to read to her?

I have assured them that they will always come back to our home. They will always be close.
If that's crazy, I am fine with it.

Religious?
This word is always a rough one. Does it describe me? No, maybe not. I go to church every week, most times 2 times a week. But, I don't do it because I have to, because I was "born" into it or because I feel guilt to do so.

I love the Lord- I love having a relationship with Jesus and I can't imagine my life if I didn't.
My kids, although far from perfect, go with me and have enjoyed their own relationships with Christ since being little. They love our church family.

"Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward." Psalm 127:3

Although I strongly believe children are an amazing blessing from the Lord and scripture from the bible definitely backs that up, I do not believe I have to have a ton of kids. I am not going to "keep going". What is best for others is not necessarily what is best for us. The husband and I make decisions that are best for us. And I pray about these decisions.

"All your children shall be taught by the Lord, and great shall be the peace of your children." Isaiah 54:13

If this makes me "religious" I am fine with that as well.
So if I encounter a woman like this before (she was very sweet), I will know how to answer and I will be reminded of how blessed I am.

Linking up with Casey.

Today is Monday {linky}

2013-03-11T19:54:00.002-04:00

Well, today is still Monday, but it is now Monday night.
Had a busy morning.
Ya know, crazy- oh my gosh its late, I have no shoes on and the bus is coming, kind of a morning.

Dad was away this weekend, so everyone was in moms bed for a movie, popcorn and eventually, although very late from the time change, sleep. The girls ditched my bed for theirs and left me with the boys.
We watched Ramona and had a good night.
I used to love the Ramona books!

I made some lentil soup and yet another pot of pasta fusil. Love having homemade soup on hand.

And found some serious peppers on sale this week,so I sliced them up and and froze them to use at a later date.
A little birdy taught me this trick.

And for this week, appointments and some other things, but glad I got the food shopping done today!
What about you?
What do you have going on?

Link up your post below...
And don't forget to link back up to me or grab my button.

And if your not following me on twitter, check it out here.

A youtube video- Amazing- Lacey Buchanan

2013-03-08T08:05:00.001-05:00

I was supposed to be heading to the grocery store the other morning when I came across this video.
It was amazing, to say the least and I felt a little silly sitting at my computer crying.
But, that is just what I did.

Take the time to watch it.
Make sure you can listen to the music while you watch it.

I wasn't sure if I would even post about it, but then my girlfriend told me she had saw the same one and that confirmed it for me.

God is so good.

Let me know what you think.

Back to the Chore Charts

2013-03-06T06:03:00.003-05:00

Recently while I was sick for a month, my mom and mother in law were nice enough to point out that my kids do nothing!
It was hard not to take offense to this, but I really didn't because it is sadly true.
I guess being a stay at home mom, I just do everything.

And I always feel like the kids are exhausted from school and all that they are involved in, so I do "it".
And by "it", I mean everything.
Although, my teen does take care of her own stuff. She is just naturally more organized than the rest of us.

I realized it was time to...

dun, dun, dun.... (cue eery music)

Break out the chore chart!

Now each child has their own chart up on the wall.
We skipped Sunday, because I didn't get it up till Sunday night, but there are 72 boxes that need to be checked for the week.
I put their goal as getting at least 65 of those boxes checked.

My problems so far?
I can't figure out how to motivate them.
I am not big on rewarding them for things they should do anyway.
I am not into allowance.
I did offer a small item after a month of good chore charts, where they meet their goals each week.
But, they kind of just looked at me like a month is a long time away.
And I think some of them are starting to think that half the chores done are better than none?
I am open to suggestions.

Where did I get these charts you might ask?
Well, I was really racking my brain trying to think of the best method.
I do this a lot and it usually just prevents me from getting anything done.

I was thinking of making something crafty an found these.
Then I was thinking I didn't want to have to "buy" any supplies just to get my kids to do chores they are supposed to do anyway.
Then I thought of printing something out, like you see here.

Finally, while I was doing some chores of my own I found a package of chore charts I bought at the dollar store about a year ago.
Yes, my desk is that messy!

I love the chore charts, but I am not sure how crazy I am about writing everything out each time.
I am thinking about laminating 4 of them so we can use them week after week.

What about you?
How do you get your kids to help out around the house?