Not Me Monday #4

Welcome to Not Me Monday, created by MckMama to help all of us who think we need to hide our shortcuts in life. It really is my kind of therapy.



So, for my first admission-- I was NOT totally busted by the library lady at my daughter's preschool. I DIDN'T bring down a "woulda-been book club" all by myself. You see, at the beginning of the school year, I looked into joining a book club for moms who had kiddos at our preschool. I didn't realize that the lady interested in starting this and I were the only ones who had signed up when it came time to plan the year. So I went to the first meeting with the library lady (L.L) and the other mom (O.M). We planned out the first semester's books and what dates we'd meet. Then we were going to hope someb0dy else joined. Well, the first meeting rolled around and I had a meeting at work for a new program during this book club time. I called and left a message for either L.L. or O.M. and went on to my meeting. I never heard anything from anybody, so I haven't been to a meeting ever! I was cruising through life not thinking twice about book club until last Friday when our preschool had a chili feed. Guess who was there--mmm hmmm, that's right-- library lady. She walked right up to me and said something that sounded like, "So you could never make it to book club, huh?" BUSTED! "Nope, I've been pretty busy, these kids keep my schedule full" I replied. Some small talk with a bit of awkward in the air proceeded. Come to find out, no one ever showed interest in this book club-- it never even started. I'm NOT wondering if this dang book club would have started had I not been so............

absent.



We had chicken and noodles for dinner last night. My Bug rubbed all the gooey sauce stuff all over her head. Well, the obvious solution for the perfect mom would be to give her a bath. But you see, the rest of her was perfectly clean--- and it wasn't even bath night. Hmmmmm... what's a mom to do? Maybe grab her baby in her post-dinner glory and take her to the sink. There was a brand new bottle of kid shampoo/conditioner I just bought at the store earlier that day sitting next to the sink. There was even a clean hand towel. It seemed to be calling my name. But let me assure you all, I DID NOT take my baby Bug to the sink, spray down her head, shampoo and condition in one step, and then rinse. NOPE, that would be the shortcut in life. I think I just ran upstairs and gave her a bath the old-fashioned way.

Finally, when lying in bed last night I was NOT thinking about having a baby on May 4th--in tornado alley. You see, worryworts sit around making things up in their head about a tornado ripping through the hospital right as the doctor says, "okay, it's time to push." And I'm NOT a worrywort. I'm definitely the kind of mom who lets life happen and crosses the bridge when we get there. I most certainly DID NOT imagine being swept up into a tornado in the "push" position. When has that ever happened?

And, so, you all see that I'm totally sane and I DON'T ever take the easy way out or think up crazy things. NOPE, NOT ME!

A Day in the Life of the Bug

Hang out on mama.

Have a first play date with Playdough.

Mama, it's messy. I don't think I like it.

Here, you take it. I don't want it anymore. This is soooo not a task for a princess.

Hey, mom, how about letting Bug play in the water like me? I think it's fun!

See, I put these toys in the water and splash around. I bet Bug can do it too!

Yeah, this is fun! More, mama, more!

Frogs in water-- way better than Playdough! I think I'm done here. Can I get down?
And as I'm cleaning up the water mess...

She's off destroying the bathroom-- can you believe she's trying to escape!
** Side note-

I was going to start Wordless Wednesday (where I post pictures with no words) with today's post, but I just had to add the words here. I know her so well, and I'm sure these words are exactly what she was thinking!!!

Bowling Fun

Why is my Brownie smiling so sweet?

Well, a birthday party of course. Balloons, cake, bowling, pizza-- a fabulous time had by all.

Here's Peach grabbing her first bowling ball ever. It was fun trying to teach her something she didn't even know existed 10 minutes ago.

You put the ball down on the floor and give it a good push. Then you watch it as it goes down the lane. I wonder if you'll hit any pins?

Brownie grabs her pink ball and decides to give this bowling thing a shot.


One of her balls didn't quite make it to the pins. So we rolled the next one down the lane hoping to get something accomplished. We didn't, but she didn't know any better and I was just happy seeing her have fun.

Bug: But Dad, I need just one more piece of cake. I swear, I'm petite for my age and I need to pack on the pounds. If I shake my hands at you more, will that convince you?

Dad: Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!

Well, then I'll just stand here and think about walking.

Fun was had by all. I think a bowling alley is on the list for this year's birthday parties. I know we will go bowling soon as a family-- I don't think we've been given much choice.

History and laughter

What a day it was! History was made! Hope is renewed. And I DVRd it all because I had my MOPS meeting today. I sat down around 2pm CST to watch this morning's events.

I saw the motorcade leave the White House with first ladies, vice presidents and presidents. That always quiets my soul. I can remember being in D.C. almost three years ago and walking down around the Mall and the various museums when all of a sudden a few black SUVs with police-like lights came down the road I was walking alongside. I stopped in my tracks feeling like I needed to salute them as they passed. It was an awkward feeling thinking that the leader of the free world could be sitting that close to me-- if even for one second. Anyway...

I fast forwarded to Obama taking his seat on the west steps. I saw Feinstein talk, Biden take his oath and Aretha Franklin take the mic. My three-year old is joining me on the couch after her nap and I tell her what she's about to witness.

Yes, I know she's three, so I tried to make it simple and sweet. I explained that this is history-making.

ME: Right now you are watching the 44th president take his oath. The president is the person who is considered the leader of our country. That guy right there (I'm pointing to Obama as he begins swearing in) is promising to defend our country and what we stand for. Isn't it neat to watch this take place?

Peach: Mama, that lady has the same hair cut as Grandma.

I'm dumbfounded-- and for many reasons. First of all, what I was trying to share with my sweet gal totally went in one ear and out the other. Second, Aretha had a huge hat on and you couldn't see her hair. Third, "Grandma" (all her grandmas included) doesn't wear hats ever-- especially one like this! I mean, WHAT!

At least I tried. My other two babies would not appreciate my lesson in the least- they'd forget I was even talking to them mid-sentence. And our unborn child? Well, she'll be born into a world where the unthinkable isn't unthinkable anymore.

God Bless!

Not Me Monday

Not Me Monday, or, here's a glimpse into what I DID NOT do this past week. I'm not all about denial- this is in fact intended to be a therapeutic practice for some people. You know the type- the ones who look like they've got it pretty well together and you wonder if they take the same shortcuts in life as you do. Well, we are all human and we all take shortcuts somewhere-- especially a 6 month preggo mama with three little people to watch over.



Last night, I found myself on the couch after dinner. Instead of doing my normal post-dinner clean up for the next 30 minutes, I somehow wound up stretched out on the sofa. My Peach came to sit next to me for some cuddle time and let me tell ya-- I DID NOT fall asleep in an instant. This pregnancy is NOT reverting back to the early, first trimester days when I could pass out at any point in the day. That would just so not be fair!



Our church is in the rebuilding process after it was burned by an arsonist just over two years ago. Because I have many little people who absolutely refuse to go to the nursery and pregnancy exhaustion/sickness to fight against... well, I just haven't made it to church a whole lot these past few months. So, when I heard today during the sermon that our new building would be ready come summer, let me just say that I CERTAINLY DID NOT lean over to my dear friend (who attends church regularly by the way) and say, "Oh, I could have the baby baptised in the new building." She mentioned something about this baby possibly being the first to have this event take place in our new building, but I swear I DID NOT smile at that thought. Nope, I barely even heard her. Besides, why would that even matter-- I'm NOT that strange.



Friday was my 24-25 week check up and the gestational diabetes test was due. I was warned not to eat much for lunch (why they tell a pregnant lady that? I'm not sure) maybe a light salad and that was it. I should also avoid sugar, yada, yada, yada. So, when my mom and daughters made cookies the night before this big test, there is NO WAY that I allowed myself to eat three cookies back, to back, to back. That would have been a sugar overload. To make up for what I DIDN'T DO, I may have had that light salad--but it was a BIG, light salad.



And since we're on the subject of "trying to do right" or "be good" during pregnancy, let me just say that I go to bed every night thinking that the next morning will be the one where I get up extra early to walk on the treadmill for just 30 mins. Why do I seem to have the energy to propose this to myself at night when I soooooo know there's no way I'm giving up precious sleep--OOPPS, I DID NOT just tell that lie. No, what I meant was I get up each morning before anyone else and sneak around the house quietly getting my running shoes on. Then I totally work out for like, an hour.



Well, there ya have it for this week. Tune in next Monday for my free therapy-- and start your own if you feel the urge. Just check out MckMama's blog for the official rules.

Our first photo shoot

Here we are at 24 weeks along. In case you can't tell,
I was solo on this shoot.

I have never really taken many pictures of my belly while pregnant (well I don't ever really take belly pictures, preggo or not), but that is why I have started. Every time on of my pregnancies ends, I always regret not having many belly pics. In fact, I only have one real, posed, belly picture with Kaelyn taken at 20 weeks. I guess I just want a memento of that special time when I first bonded with my unborn child. I know that not all mothers bond while pregnant, or even shortly after delivery, but I always bond with the baby immediately. Here is my tribute to this sweet baby at 24 weeks along.

New Button

This will be short, for I am nearly speechless (for once). In my sidebar, you'll see a button for Abby. Click on it. Pray. Or do whatever it is that you do when you look to the heavens and beg form mercy.

This story is one that I've been slowly getting into the past few days. Not because I don't care, but because it's a part of life I wish to not think about--cancer and children. In fact, I do care, it's just emotionally draining to dig deep into a story like this. But I don't like to take the easy way. I dig.

This sweet little gal is about the age of my oldest, and in no way can I imagine living with this news. But I know many people do live this way-- everyday-- everywhere around the world. And it's these situations in which people feel so helpless. But really, it's not up to us to save her, for we are only human. We can pray, but as we all know, that's no guarantee of beating cancer. Whatever it is, God's will will be done. I just hope you'll take a few minutes to check out her video and blog so you too can get to know this sweet girl.

It's easy to deny this fact of life, but it's not responsible or what I want to do. I want to know her. I want to pray for her. And I hope you do too.

Problems

In spite of my resolution to be more positive with my actions and words, here's a post I need to make so I can feel well-vented.

Do you have a problem with...

...your dishwasher? I put well-rinsed dishes in and guess what comes out-crusty yuck all over my "clean" dishes. This seems to be an issue mainly with the top rack.

... your kid(s) putting random things where they don't belong; I.E. a dirty, folded up, ready-for-the-trash diaper in the laundry? No, of course I didn't notice this diaper when I loaded the clothes into the washer, but as I was throwing them into the dryer-... there it was. All soaked like it had been filled with pee. Do you think I rewashed the clothes? Hmmmmm...

... your local television network. Yeah, I usually don't either; however, our NBC station has been broadcasting KU basketball games on Tuesday nights. Don't get me wrong, I love KU sports, especially b-ball, but that is one night of t.v. I record the prime-time shows. Okay, you caught me, I'm griping about not being able to watch Biggest Loser and SVU- so shoot me.

... pet hair. Ugh, I'm so tired of my dog's hair covering all of my clothes, furniture, and blankets. Yep, I bet you'll never come visit me now that I've divulged that info.

... your one-year old pooping in the bathtub. What, yours doesn't do that every time she sits in warm water for more than 4 minutes? Yeah, mine neither.

... food labels. Let's just say that if products sold in America were labeled "correctly," I'd spend half as much time in the grocery store. And by "correctly," I mean without what I'd call gimmicks. For instance, when you see bread and it says WHOLE WHEAT front and center on the package- the first listed ingredient shouldn't say enriched flour. This drives me nuts. And what about spaghetti sauces (which I prefer to make my own anyway); how do you know if you should pick organic with less sugar or heart healthy and fewer calories? I mean, come on people! I guess I just need a personal shopper who's also a dietitian. Do they make those??

... those people who think it's okay to cut in front of you in a line. Like when you're at the mall looking for maternity clothing. And then it gets to be lunch time. So you head everyone upstairs to the food court. And your 3 kids are fussing/crying/screaming for food in the Chick-f-la line. And you're big-o-preggers. And you look like hell. And two older ladies think that just because you have a huge, honkin' stroller in front of you that they can just slide in without you noticing. And when the cash register lady says, "NEXT," and you know those ladies are going to snag your spot-- well I think I just REALLY HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THAT. I won't even tell you what I was thinking in my head.

Maybe it should end here- you know, before I tell you what I was thinking in my head. I think next time it happens (and I know it will because it's happened a couple of times before) I might just say, "God knows what you just did." And just leave it at that. Then again, they'll probably have no idea what I'm talking about.

Whaaaaaaaat? They know?

I totally just snagged this from Amanda's blog. I had no idea that it was National Delurking Day 2009 yesterday- did you? Despite my lack of knowledge of such a day, I have been leaving comments lately on blogs I've been stalking for quite some time. Just good timing I guess.

I just added the visitor counter a few days ago, and I've had more hits than I thought I would. So, I know that if I'm out there reading familiar blogs over and over and constantly finding new ones to stalk, there must be other people doing it. Well, heck, they did make it a National Day after all. What I'm saying is that if there is anyone out there reading this blog and I don't already know it because you've either a) told me you do even though you don't leave comments, or b) left comments- then let me know you're out there. I do want to know who you are so that I can add your blog to my list of reads. Hey, I'm just a junkie looking for my next fix- do you want to be it?

Not Me Monday #2

It's time for another installment of Not Me Monday. I've been thinking all week about what I can post, and I must say that despite have many young children and being pregnant- not many exciting things have happened. So here's my attempt to show you just what DIDN'T happen.

1) Despite our not-so-adventurous week, I still DID NOT forget/refuse/sit on the couch instead of taking down everything Christmas related in our house. NO, our tree is NOT still adjacent to our couch. Our stockings are NOT still hung by the fireplace with care. And most importantly, our SANTA STOP HERE sign is NOT front and center in our bay window facing the street.

2) Earlier this week, everyone's drawers were full of clothes and closets full of towels and sheets- so I DID NOT EVEN THINK about attacking what dirty laundry I did have. And why should I, if everyone has enough clothes and other necessities? Ah, but you see the beauty lies within this inquiring mind of mine. So, I DID NOT pile all dirty laundry on our landing and then stare in shock and awe as I watched one load grow into 10. NO, I DIDN'T think about taking a picture, I knew the camera was dead- I DIDN'T forget that.

*How does everything that needs to be loaded into my washer, transferred to my dryer, folded, organized, carried upstairs and put into appropriate spaces multiple when soiled?

3) While cooking dinner this week, my kids DID NOT beg to help-so I, of course DIDN'T let them. By which I mean, there's NO WAY I would ever show my three-year old how to hold a knife and cut an onion. I am NOT trying to teach them cooking skills so that someday they can be in the kitchen and loving it as much as I do. NO, I'm NOT that kind of "vicariously living through my kids and pushing my dreams onto them" parent.

4) During a 'mama-flyin' solo' outing to the grocery store at noon, ummm.... how do I put this...

I, IN NO WAY, gave into my kids and let them eat at the various food stops at the store. This process would include carrying a tray from the Italian place, Chinese place, fruit/salad bar, and what I call the "hot American" food area to the cash register and then to the eating area-- all while holding toddler hands and carrying a baby and diaper bag. This CAN'T be done. So, I DIDN'T carry that tray while being innovative with my transportation needs. I DIDN'T put Bug in a high-chair on wheels and tell the older girls to have fun pushing her around the food area while I piled the fruit, chicken and mac'n cheese onto the tray. People WERE NOT smiling (and probably NOT laughing) as we passed by.

5) I DID NOT give into my pregnancy craving for pudding for the 7th time this pregnancy. And I DIDN'T eat it in 2 days; almost all by myself.

*By the way, this is homemade pudding that has been in my family for over 100 years. So, it's not like I'm eating that "out of a box" powdered, fake stuff.

6) I am NOT currently reviewing my list of Not Me's and thinking how boring this all would seem to me 5 years ago. Oh, man, I'm sure my Not Me's would have been more outrageous in 2004.

Hope you enjoyed. Don't forget to check out MckMama's blog for all the other people venting their NMMs.

You've Gotta Try These

So here's the rather healthy one. I found a base recipe and then tweaked it to fit my own tastes- IE: Chocolate!

The ingredients pictured above come together quickly to make a great granola. You can cut them into bars or just eat it however you want (like my family).

1)The pre-granola goodness set up:

Turn the oven on to 350 degrees and grease a 9x13 baking dish.

2) Get a large bowl out and:

dump 2 cups rolled oats, 3/4 cup brown sugar, 1/2 c wheat bran, 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1 c whole wheat flour, 3/4 c craisins, 3/4 teaspoon salt, 3/4 c semi-sweet chocolate chips. Mix well with your hands.

3) Make a well in the center of the bowl and pour in:

1/2 c honey, 1 beaten egg, 1/2 c vegetable oil, and 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract.

4) Bake in oven for 20-24 mins (ovens vary, mine likes 23 mins.) When edges start to lightly brown take the granola out and let sit 5 minutes. Then cut into bars (if that's how you choose to eat it). Make sure you cut into bars before granola cools completely, otherwise they'll be too hard to cut.

5) ENJOY!

Heat it how you like it Enchiladas


See, this one's so easy my two super helpers can make it.



1) Puree in a blender:
some fresh cilantro (a little goes a long way so adjust to your liking- I usually do about a 1/4 bunch and that's a light to medium cilantro taste), 1 c sour cream, one 4oz can of chopped green chilies, 1 14 oz jar of your favorite salsa adjusted to your heat preference. Set aside.


2) In a large bowl:
add 2 shredded chicken breasts, 1/2 sauteed onion, 1 can drained and rinsed black beans, a 4 oz and a 7oz can of green chilies. Mix well.



3) Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

4) Heat
12 whole wheat tortillas in microwave until soft.

5) Pour
enough sour cream mixture into baking dish to cover the bottom. Spoon 2 T chicken mixture into each tortilla and roll up.

6) Place
rolled enchiladas seam-side down in dish and pour remaining sour cream mixture over enchiladas.

7) Top the enchiladas
with 2 cups of shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese. Cover with tightly with foil and bake for 30 mins.

These are delish and make for great leftovers. This is one dish that gets eaten for days by all. I can also adjust the heat depending on whether or not the kids will be eating these- just adjust your salsa heat. Dig in!


These are just a few of my family's favs. I've already got a few more recipe ideas to post soon. Look for a smoothie and some cookies coming soon.

Busy Mama, Lots of Comments

Our house
is a very, very, very fine house
with 3 kids in the car
I can't believe I thought fewer was hard...

Did you sing that to the tune of that one song that has almost the same words-- well that's what I intended.

We have been go-go-go since the week started. I think adding number four scares me into thinking that we'll be confined to the house because there's no way I could possibly handle four in public. I know this won't happen, but it explains why I'm trying to squeeze so much into our days.

We spent this week visiting the library, a restaurant, day care, Mops, grocery store, and Target. Not to forget that after dropping off Kenli at preschool two other days of the week we visited the play area at the mall so the little girls could expend some energy. And most importantly, folks, this all has to be done between the hours of 8:30 and noon-- because then we're down for naps. And I'm flyin' solo as the only adult playing in this diaper bags, stroller, carseats, loading, unloading, holding hands, baby carrying, cart pushing, bag carrying, potty breaking, watching every move they make circus show.

On our many adventures we have obviously come across quite a few people. Yes, I've seen the stares, smiles and fingers pointing. I've heard the commonly stated words, "Wow, you have your hands full!" I feel as if this is simply another fact of life- like if these words and looks weren't exchanged while we were perusing the vegetable aisle I just might think something was off.

Fortunately, I really haven't had anybody commit a serious offense with their comments. I see the smiles that come with the "hands full" comments, so I just smile back. But the one comment I am starting to get annoyed with concerns the gender of all my children.

People obviously see me holding the hand of either Brownie or Peach (they are holding hands as well) and Bug sitting on my pregnant belly.
An older lady (because it's always an older lady): "Oh my, all girls, huh?

Me: "Yep, all girls. Even this one (pointing to the belly).

Older lady: "Wow, I bet Daddy's ready for a boy."

Me: "Actually, he's definitely a father of little girls. He's very happy to have all girls."

Older lady smiles and we part ways.

Now, really, this scenario doesn't bother me much for the fact that I could see myself making the same assumptions. But what bothers me is that they assume my little girls won't be offended- even if little girls don't know what it means to be offended.

We know how little kids think (well, kind of) and they take blame for everything. The sky could fall from the heavens and a young child would think it happened because he didn't pick up his toys. I digress...
My point is, if they hear a stranger say daddy must have wanted a boy, I'm afraid one of my young babes might feel that they aren't the child daddy wanted. This has yet to come up, and I pray that it never does. Hopefully, the love daddy (and I) shower them with each day lets them know that they are the exact child we want--that they are perfect.

*Stay tuned for two more posts about stranger comments.

A photo story of our Christmas trip to Great Wolf Lodge

We got to the Great Wolf Lodge Thursday afternoon, and of course the first thing everyone wanted to do was SWIM! Not sure what Keira was upset about. She was all smiles the rest of our time there.

None of our children have much, if any, experience with pools/water (other than our bathtub). Kenli needed to check out the water before getting into it much.

And this is how a father of three little ones maneuvers a pool while their mother is busy picture taking.


After our first dip in the pool, we waited around the lobby for a very special surprise. The girls are posing in front of a HUGE fireplace while we wait.

And I made them pose near this fake ice structure. This was right before Christmas...
so this snowfall in the lobby was truly fun for the girls!
And just when Kenli was about to catch a "snowflake" on her tongue...

In walks Santa Claus to read us a story. A little reindeer and helper joined in the fun, too.

After story time, the girls peered over a ledge and into a window overlooking the great pool area.
We distracted them with some ice cream. And I must say Kaelyn totally used this experience to do one of her favorite things--- be a CHEESE!
And Kenli lets us know everyday that we can go back anytime. She is ready at the drop of a hat!

I'm such a slacker. This was sent to me the day after Christmas by a sweet gal, Heather- at first I didn't have time to post and then I just forgot. So here goes.

Here are The Rules:
1. Link to the person who tagged you.
2. Post the rules on your blog.
3. Write six random things about yourself.
4. Tag six people at the end of your post and link to them.
5. Let each person know they've been tagged and leave a comment on their blog.
6. Let the tagger know when your entry is up.

Randomness
1) I live in a perpetual state of trying to improve. I don't know if this means I'm good because I'm always trying to do better, or bad because I'm not ever satisfied with the way things are. I'm always trying to think of new techniques to control clutter, make my kids behave, and keep the house out of the "ewww, gross" state.

2) I look at allrecipes.com daily. I'm usually looking for new recipes-- I guess because I'm never satisfied with the ones I've got :)

3) I think hand prints on my windows and t.v. are charming... well, kind of. Of all the things about cleanliness that bother me, this just doesn't. I guess they're just little reminders of the little people I love. But then again, so are toys. Hmmmm... go figure.

4) I want to get rid of cable, although I'm too chicken to do it... just yet. The main reasons are MONEY and to better CONTROL who is watching when. Yes, I use Noggin as a babysitter about 20 mins a day (during the dinner rush). Yes, I'm totally addicted to a few shows. But all people in this house are lucky enough to love shows that have DVDs.

5) I have enough maternity clothes to fill an entire store and then some; yet, I'm still wishing for one more pair of pants. I swear old maternity jeans and pants just don't fit the same with every pregnancy. I'm not really even talking about size, but where they hug and where they're loose.

6) I used to laugh (quietly to myself) at people with lots of kids, a minivan, and a daily list of chores to do. I swore I'd never define myself by how many loads of laundry I do in a day, or diapers I change, or how many hours I waited to have the epidural, but then I had a baby. Now I laugh (quietly to myself) at college-aged girls who are probably laughing at me as I stroll into Target with a pregnant belly and three little people on my sides.

Whewww... that's it. Check out what these "it" girls have to say:
Winter, Ashlea, Nancy, Steph, Heidi, There's supposed to be a 6th, but I'm lame and don't know enough people who know me well enough.

Not Me Monday

Here it is, something I've been wanting to do for quite some time but for one reason or another I just haven't. For specific details click on the title of this post to link to MckMama's blog. She is quite a riot and has inspired me to reveal what really happens to a young, pregnant mom of four little girls.

First of all, I'd like to be brutally honest, but I can't say that I have ever changed my child's diaper out in the middle of a restaurant. No, this particular eating establishment I'm so NOT talking about was not half full, nor was Brownie's diaper when I decided it'd be disgusting to change it right there at the table. After all, I could go change her in the very, very tiny bathroom after I lug four coats and three little bodies (and my big one) in there. Of course I'd run the risk of some nice employee of said restaurant dumping our food thinking we vacated the premises. So, obviously I would not make the most convenient choice and secretly change her stink right there at our table. How Gross!

Instead of taking my clean clothes into a private space to change this morning, I did not change my clothes right in the middle of the living room with my back to our large, revealing windows. I most certainly did not duck a little so as Not to reveal my bare thighs to our neighbors. I wasn't being lazy, I totally didn't commit this act because I was making sure the kids weren't hitting or kicking anything or anybody.

Right now, I am not completely ignoring all of the duties I wrote down on a piece of paper this morning when I was feeling so energized and ready for the day. That dang note is not sitting on the counter waiting for me to check things off- and I don't love ignoring it!

When I was feeling so uncomfortably pregnant this weekend with an aching back, pelvic bones, legs and head I definitely didn't put my feet up for the better part of that day. I didn't let my husband take care of the kids and dishes while I rested. And I never felt guilty about it.

That's it. I've completed one of my Monday duties from that ridiculous list that an over-energized, crazy lady wrote this morning. I wrote my first installment of "Not Me Monday." Want to try? Check for the rules at MckMama's site.