What I have learned from 4 kids

I was sitting here thinking last night how in the world I manage to stay somewhat sane. No, I am serious Yall. I have expectations and it seems my 5 roommates don't agree. So here are a few things I have recently learned about having and loving 4 kids and a husband.

You will find random shoes in the oddest places, even when all the shoes are "put away".

When you clean the bathroom take a picture because the next time you walk in it will all have to be done again. Especially with 3 little boys.

When you tell the children to put their folded clothes away, you need to be specific so they don't end up on the closet floor with the door shut.

Don't leave a job for the hubby to do because 1, he will not notice it and 2, won't do it

Your idea of a clean house is seriously something out of a story book and will not be your house.

The children love to be loved but there is only so much love a Mom can give in one day, sometimes today is just not your day.

Birthday, Anniversary and Mother's Day expectations are useless you will only be disappointed by all the forgetfulness of the roomies.


You will never please all of them, no matter what meal you cook someone is not going to like part of it and will pout and sulk til you acknowledge them.

Going places turns into packing up the kitchen sink, can't go anywhere without an American girl doll, legos, cars, trucks and the durn GPS

Shopping is more of a race or wrestling match than a simple shopping trip.

I surrender to the fact that I will never be able to smile enough.

Parenting is fun but mostly it is adventurous, you never know what is coming next tears or poop

T.Vs really aren't needed, the children will entertain you more than you could ever dream of


These are just a few things I have learned from being a Roommate to 5, or wife and Mother.
I wish you the best when you have been blessed to join my club because this is not for the queasy and definitely not for the softy. God Bless Motherhood

Once upon a Time

Once a upon a Time there lived a beautiful Princess

She was swept off her feet by her handsome Prince Charming

Prince Charming had been away on her birthday for the past 3 years, which made her sad.

This year her Wonderful Maid Marian had moved away and had left Prince Charming in charge of The Princess' Day.

Prince Charming in his most loving and dapper self pulled out all the stops to make the Princess feel like the Queen he always knew she was.

He took her on a dream getaway from their castle in the city to a fun and exciting beach.

He treated her to a Fantastic room in the clouds.

He made sure she strolled on the amazing Boardwalk.

The Princess was pleasantly surprised by the meeting of a great Captain she had not ever heard of.

He planned to give her the royal treatment for lunch, Adirondack chairs and all.

The Prince and Princess were surprised to learn of a game they love was born in this very place.

He showed her what all the other retired Queens and Kings do in their spare time, playing games in big rooms that make your senses go wild.

He treated her to funny and exciting shows by people called Magicians and Comedians

He made sure everyone around her that day KNEW it was her day, true love only The Prince could give.

He allowed for her to be pushed in the most beautiful carriage, walking chair, in all the city.

She was able to walk in the sand.

The Prince was so glad he could bring her shopping in this bustling little town.

He even made sure to make her laugh by being his most silly self.

The Prince worked so hard to please the Princess that he too himself had a swell time.

The Princess was beaming with joy that she could see a Western town, a Taj Mahal, the roaring sea and many more things she never knew even existed.

The Princess knew how much she was loved by Prince Charming and thanked him for working so hard to get her on this amazing trip. She was glad he accompanied her on, well, a dream come true.

What he learned

Ziggy along with his older siblings has been taking swim lessons the past 3 weeks. This is what he has learned.

TRUST


LOVE

FUN

ummmm.......DEATH, nah just ummmm.... Well maybe just a little choking

All in all it has been a great experience for my baby and swimming he has done.

When I grow up

I want to be a Life guard

I want to be a Mechanic

I want to be a Truck Driver

I want to be a Swimmer

I want to be a Veterinarian

I want to be an Acrobat

I want to be Baseball player

I want to be a Diver

I want to be a Friend

I want to be a Guinness World Record holder

A friend of many seasons

She started with me at 11

She stood there through all the teasing

She smiled

She laughed, and laughed and laughed

She loved me dearly

She took my suggestions

She gave me support

She laughed

She assisted with crafts

She attended holiday functions

She loved her family

She loved my family

She suffered a divorce

She laughed

She experienced pregnancy

She held my babies

She kissed my babies

She buried her babies

She laughed

She swam with me

She tubed with me

She watched me ski

She joined me in guard

She sang

She danced

She always looked pretty

She worked

She laughed

She liked my husband

She was my Maid of Honor

She shopped with me

She went on dates with me

She went to concerts with me

She laughed

She smiled when I smiled

She teased me to make me smile

She ran her rear off to keep up with me in sports

She sang to me

I sang to her

She gets pissed at me

She yells at me

She hugs me

She cares for me

She drinks

She parties

She laughs

She has drama

She loves life

She believes in the Lord

She has gone through lifes hurricanes

She has almost died more than once

She calls for support

She cries many tears

She laughs so hard

You see in all my life there has been but one person who stood by me from the day we met. She never stopped loving me. She NEVER judged me. She was there, whenever and however I needed her. She gave me advice as I reciprocated. I thought I had found someone else to join her ranks but was surprised to see no one has been able to match the care and love that's in her heart for me. She is my gorgeous, honest and loving BEST FRIEND. Nothing but the Lord will ever separate us. No amount of miles, no amount of kids, no amount of stress, no amount of heartache. We are there til the end.

Thank you my Dear Beautiful and Supportive friend

Wordless Wednesday

No need for words or explanations!!!

Not Me! Monday

Over at MckMama's blog she has this totally cool weekly blog about the embarrassing things we do and announcing that to you bloggie buddies on Mondays. Here's my rendition of her NMM.

I did not work out with my husband last night only to wake up hurting in my butt, my breast, my arms and my stomach I am really in shape I promise

I did not agree to go on a 3 mile bike ride with said husband yesterday at 3pm pulling 100 pounds worth of children and cargo, only to start sweating 5 minutes later

I totally did not jump up and scream loud when my little Zulu got HIS blue arm band at the base pool

I definitely did not sleep without a blanket last night since our puppy puked on it and I did not wash it in time, definitely not

Oh, I did not enjoy breakfast in bed 2 Weekends in a row, Mom's aren't that special

I did not wait until my 5 year old pointed out the hole in my front headlight to realize there might be a problem, I really do pay closer attention

I so did not weedeat the back yard yesterday with Flip flops on

and then did not get a huge gash in my foot from flying debris from that weedeater.

Oh the things we will confess for this wonder project of not Me Monday. I do not do this often but thought what the heck I'll try it. Happy Monday Yall!!!

Friends are Friends Forever.....

The last week has been very trying for me. I am not out looking for sympathy from anyone other than my husband, who now understands. I am trying very hard to put on a smiling face and hold my head up high. This is not an ending for me. It is not world crumbling either. It is just a sad week where I see through clear lenses at what is in front of me. God allows us to suffer sadness so that we appreciate the happiness that soon follows. Life is but a roller coaster, a journey of twists and turns and ups and downs that all humans will travel. Let me just began with a little history lesson.

Being a military family, we often move to places where we have no "family" support. We must find and make friends very quickly so that we can gain the support we need for the time we have at that location. That being said I am learning to do this, albeit difficult, I am still going with the flow to make those friends that I can help / support and be supported by.

I am the kind of person that latches on pretty quickly now. Although I need to follow my gut reaction about instant feelings of people. I try hard to listen to the word of God and not Judge. Judging is so very wrong and is not for any of us to do, although it is done by so many on a daily basis, i.e The National Enquirer. Luke 6: 37 in the bible states this “Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven." I try to live my life in helping mode and by the lessons taught by this magnificent book. I want to do what I can to help others in any way I know how. That is who I was brought up to be and that is who I will continue to be. Here is another verse that I keep close to my heart Hebrew 13:16 "Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God". I also am a very protective person in general. I protect what is mine, whether it be, husband, children, friendship or relative, I stand up for these things and will protect them at all costs. This may not be the "right" thing to do but for me I feel it is the way I should and will be. When something is attacking one of these things I get defensive and support and protect. Many times this has caused hardship on the attacker but it allows me to show the care that I have in my heart for the prey.

Now, I will do this the best I know how. I have been tossing around blogging about this for a couple days now but at this point I feel this in my blog and I can do as I please, Thank you America. I need to get this off my chest before it becomes a festering wound to my heart. I am no doubt deeply hurt. I am no doubt deeply saddened by the events that have transpired. I am slightly confused. I am stunned at the unbelievable public shunning I have had to endure. Actually what has hurt me the most is the fact that someone/s walked away without a proper goodbye. I mean, I believe whole-heartedly that you need to respect others in that manor. It kinda feels like a separation that never filed for or followed through with the final divorce. You get my drift. Hanging by a string not knowing whether to let go or hope to be pulled up.

It was kinda weird how all this came about too. One day I am out garage saleing having a grand ole time and the very next day I am the Outcast. Can being invited to someone's birthday truly lead to something like this? WOW! Don't get me wrong, I had already decided that I was going to sit back and watch to see if I would be pursued. I think relationships are 2 way streets, both parties have to give and communicate and in my case I felt as if I was the only one communicating. So I thought I would give it a little time to see when I would be contacted. Funny thing about it is, it never happened. Why? I may never know and that is the worst part. But the fact of the matter is I am highly disappointed in how this has ended up. But in the end, I refuse to go begging for a relationship if the feelings are not mutual. I will have to leave it alone because it is clear to me that I am no longer the third wheel. It is no longer a tricycle moving through life, it has become a bicycle with no room for me to join in and ride. I have no expectations at this point. The sadness will fade and the sun will shine and bring hope and love, I am sure.

I will probably get flack for publicizing this, but honestly I will never be able to keep this stuffed deep inside, nor do I want to. When I do that, I, at a later date will explode and it will never be pretty or a good thing and honestly would probably involve the police. So I opt to do it this way. God knows none of us want the police to get involved in matters that should and could be dealt with maturely.

I listened to the advice of a very wise person in my life and have gotten down on my knees and prayed to God to take it off my shoulders and out of my hands and cleanse me of this situation. You know that phrase, "give it God". I had to do that last night after a long heartfelt conversation with my Best Friend and husband. That is never an easy thing but I have to trust in the Lord and have faith that he will take care of me.

I will come out of this a better person. I will come out of it a more cautious friend. And in the end the rest is up to God and his plan. Again, he knows my path and I just have to walk the one he provides.

Pray for me that god will guide me and guide those around me. Pray for the others that God will soften their hearts and lead them in the right direction. Pray that a resolution come about the way he plans. Pray that I will move on without missing a beat, for I must care for 4 beautiful souls. Pray for all the other people in the country that will or are going through similar situations that God will give them peace and guide them through the storm. Thank you dear bloggy buddies.

And friends are friends forever
If the Lord's the Lord of them
And a friend will not say NEVER
'Cause the welcome will not end
Though it's hard to let you go
In the Father's hands we know
That a lifetime's not too long
To live as friends

Another Year has gone by.....

Well its official, our beautiful Zero is now 9 years old. It seems like last week that she was just learning to walk much less walk into a 4th grade classroom. YIKES!!!!Zero has grown so much inside and out. She loves to Mother. She takes after me I think. That may not be a good thing but it will sure make her a tough and strong woman some day. She is so very much like her mother, me, when it comes to independence. She loves to draw and writes endless stories. I am serious, the girl can fill a journal with stories and songs in about a week. Every dollar store visit I pick up at least 5 for her so she can continue what she loves. She dabbles in Piano, which we are going to focus more on once we are at our new home in March. Zero really does enjoy cheerleading. She has a gorgeous skin complexion and see through you blue eyes. I tell you what, Zeus is really gonna have to keep an eye on her because the boys will be all over her, awww in about a year or so. What fun that is going to be? Zero is so tender hearted and soft spoken. She loves to be a helper and loves her one on one attention with adults. Her imagination is exceptional and sets her apart from our other children. Zero loves to help in the kitchen, again she takes after me. I loved to be in the kitchen with my Nana as a child. Zero is also extremely sensitive.

I guess we will enjoy one more year of our baby girl. I am sad to see her grow up and become a self sufficient, think for yourself person. I am proud that she is choosing to make the right decisions when in a sticky situation. I thank God that he allowed me to raise a little girl. I have had the most fun shopping for little dresses and cute shoes for my darling little lady. Thank you Lord Jesus for trusting me with this beautiful child. I hope I raise her up to his approval and raise her to trust him and follow him.

So today I want to write some of my hopes and dreams for her. I hope that she will be able to do what I was not and attend college and follow through all the way to graduation. I hope she will follow her dreams of teaching and understand the importance a teacher can be to one person. I have teachers that I will never forget and that I wish I could thank for many reasons. I dream that Zero will grow into a young woman with strong self confidence and great self-esteem. I hope that she will fall in love and get married to a honest, loving, caring, handsome young man and that he will do everything in his power to care for her and their family. I hope Zero will continue to love Zeus and I and stay close. I want to be that one that takes her shopping for that beautiful Prom gown and that white wedding dress. I wish nothing but beautiful flowers and butterflies for my child.

God Bless you sweet girl, Happy Birthday on this Glorious August Day. I will never forget the very moment that you came into this world and made 2 people more happy than we have ever been. I never loved someone quite so much. Birthdays are special and I hope today treats you just as you had hoped. Happy 9th Birthday baby

I love you Zero!!!

Losing a bet Haskins style

One night last week while we were sitting down for dinner the kids did not want to eat their colored bell peppers I had cooked with our Chicken Kabobs. I was quite annoyed with them but was glad they were eating. I told them that they were not HOT peppers but added great taste and were very yummy. We were planning on having watermelon for dessert as well. Daddy can not stand watermelon. So kids decided to make a bet with Dad. They said they would each one eat all their colored bell peppers if Daddy ate a piece of watermelon. Daddy nodded yes, while pre-occupied with the computer thinking there was no way those kids, much less all 4 of them would eat their peppers. I did not think it would happen especially my 2 little boys but these are always the times when they surprise you. Sure enough every one of them ate those peppers and was insistent on Dad holding up his end of the bargain. He was not in the least bit happy, but held up his end of the Bet. They made sure he ate every last bit of the piece of watermelon.

I love it. So glad they made him follow through. I think if they had a whip he would have eaten faster. These are the special times. Lesson learned do not bet your kids to eat something and think they will not do it.