Unofficial, Official Start of our Summer!

Well, I'm a slacker. Here I've been sitting on my tush for two weeks now, trying to recover from foot surgery and I think I've blogged..........twice? Not sure. And I'm too lazy to check. But lazy is okay when you are given a prescription to be lazy, right?

And it's summer. Well, not officially, but we're out of school, so I deem it summer time. And here's how you can tell it's officially, the unofficial start of summer at our house!

Messy kid art outside in our swimming suits!

Drinking a tall, cool drink on a hot and windy day (and she insisted on the long sleeves despite my warning her of temps reaching the 90's)!

Me relearning the art of baby-wearing via the Moby Wrap since we'll be moving around outside a lot, and I'll need to have free hands!

Being utterly disgusting with your chocolate pudding in your clubhouse!Or being utterly disgusting with your pudding while giving a cool kid "Hey, what's up?" look! Or is this a Joey Tribiani "How you doni'?" look?

Hanging out in your bouncy seat wearing only a diaper and shirt!

Attending the annual last day of school lunch!

Attending the Last day of school ice cream social!

Looking like a dirty heathen until you get a bath waaaaay past sundown!

Practicing your poses for your upcoming dance recital!

Falling asleep on the couch in the basement whilst awaiting a tornado or riding one out!

Posing at the park!

And there's many more. But I'm going to share those at a later date...

...or maybe I won't. Seeing as how I've really been on top of blogging lately!

Award

Tiffiny gave me the Versatile Blogger award! Thank you Tiffiny--you inspire me daily. You are one of the best examples of being an advocate for your child and your child's health. You've got guts, wisdom, motivation, and enthusiasm. It cracks me up that you want to be me when you grow up... because I really feel like a kid still. Plus, you've been through so much with your little guy, so I hope I can be like you when I grow up!

Of course, with accepting this award I'm going to play by the rules. They're pretty easy to follow--and you all probably know that, at heart, I'm a rule follower.

1) Thank and link back to the award giver. I thanked Tiff above, but just in case you missed it...

THANK YOU, TIFFINY!!!

2) Tell 7 things about yourself.

* I love good, healthy food. I believe what we put in our mouths directly affects every other area of our life. That's not to say we don't enjoy a few treats in our house, but they are the exception, and not the rule.

* As I sit here on the couch frustrated with feeling lazy, I seriously can't wait to get out in the sunshine and run. I'm looking forward to meeting my goal to run a half marathon.

* I once thought that a Kindle or Nook would ruin reading instead of enhance the experience. But after using my mom's Nook for a while, I find it easier to read. Now I want one!

* Water is my favorite drink--and most people give me a weird look upon finding this out.

* I miss my sister, but I will be seeing her so soon--YAY!

* I'm a candle junkie--as well as a recipe magazine junkie.

* I'm now officisally freaked out by storms! Tornadoes suck!

There, that's 7 things about me.

3) Now I'm passing on the Versatile Blogger Award. And I'll pass it on to Amanda over at Proud Mommy of Four. Her blog covers several topics, and it's a fun read. She has 5 kids and they are spaced like mine.

I'm also wanting to give it to Jessica at Love From Texas. She has the cutest craft ideas and some pretty cute kids, too. There's always something fun to read about over there!

Surgery, etc.

I thought I would have gobs of time on my hands since having surgery, and in a way I suppose I have. However, I thought I would be posting to my blog every day, sometimes twice a day if I felt like it.

Well, apparently I haven't felt like it. And I'm surprised. I'm surprised at what I've chosen to do with my time as I lie lazily upon my throne (or the couch).

The surgery was last Thursday morning. But I'm going to start with Wednesday night, because that was a night I'll never forget. That was the night that I was shown just how awesome my friends are. Okay, I already knew how awesome they are, but they just have to keep proving it to me time and time again.

My friend, Nichole, stopped by the night before surgery and dropped off a card with a sweet message, a calendar that shows who all is bringing me a meal for the next month, gift cards for cleaning and pizza and her offer to come sit with me, get my girls out of the house, run errands, etc. etc. I was in a state of shock at the generosity. And several of my other friends have offered chit chat time, errands, and play dates. I seriously cannot thank them enough. I hope the tears conveyed just how much I appreciate their love and support. To top it off, I had to call my mom that night and tell her just how blessed I am. She agreed-- I have the best friends ever!

And speaking of my dear mom, she's been here everyday since the surgery. I'm hoping to give her a day off soon because I know my house can be a bit overwhelming (there are 5 young children who like to run, scream, cry and play loudly). But she has watched our girls, sat with me, talked with me, brought me my biggest indulgence (recipe mags, oh and ice cream), fetched me food, taken my girls out and supported me through it all. All while trying to balance her own schedule. Thank you, mom. I don't know what I'd do without you!

I also don't know what I'd do without my husband. This poor guy has had a real taste of what it's like to be me. He's been off work since Thursday, but that's not to say he's not working. Since I'm pretty limited with what I can do, he has been running non-stop, from sun-up to way past sun-down, to keep this ship afloat. To top it off, he has done a fabulous job keeping up with the dishes and laundry, all the extra school-related things (even making it to Peach's class trip to the park today), feeding the babes (well, I still do Scrunchie's feedings), and helping me with what used to be simple tasks. I think his favorite extra duty is putting on my air-tight cast before I shower. I can just tell by the look on his face--HA! He's so busy with the house, kids, and his teaching job in the evenings that I hardly speak a word to him all day. It's sad and I miss him, but I know that this will pass in a few weeks!

In addition, my MIL has made offers to help wherever needed. And, I can tell you for sure that once my husband goes back to work, I'll be needing the help. It's frustrating that I can't put my kids down for naps or pick the baby up out of her swing, but I'm incredibly grateful that I have so many people who love us enough to see us through another hurdle. Since Janurary, we've seen an outpouring of love with Boushka's hospitalization, the birth of Scrunchie and now this surgery. I will never forget this time in our lives, and I only hope that I can put all of the love we've been shown back out into the world with acts of service for others. I certainly consider it our responsibility.

So, since I'm just sitting here healing all day long, I've been alternating between cuddling one of my girls, eating, sleeping (thanks to the pain meds), watching tv and reading. I hope to include more blog posts, but I'll understand if you get bored with what I'll be writing about. I mean, considering the view from here, I might get pretty boring. Topics will probably range from how sweet my kids are, what awesome meal a friend brought over, how much sleep I'm getting and how much I love it, or possibly what book I'm reading/movie I'm watching. Exciting stuff... so stay tuned!

Moms, Mamas, Mommies

So thankful for all the moms in my life, today.

I'm so blessed to have been raised by my mom--she made me who I am today. And guess what, she loves me anyway. HA! I'm fortunate to have a mom who will go to the ends of the earth to help me or show me she cares. When I reflect on my childhood, I often wonder if I'm doing a good job on all the things she did so well.

And I'm so in love with my children--they're the reasons I'm here today celebrating Mother's Day on the "Mom" side of the day! I know I say it all the time, and it's pretty cliche, but I don't know what I'd do without them.

I can remember in the early days of motherhood, I was in such shock that I was a mom that I just couldn't get used to the idea. I loved my child. I bonded with her very well, but somehow there was a disconnect between me and reality. Though I cared for my child in every way and with pure joy, I just couldn't get over the fact that I was a MOM! One minute I was in college finishing my masters degree, and the next I'm trying to learn how to nurse a newborn. But I've always dealt with change in a very "denial" type of way. I'm still writing 1999 on the date line of my checks....

no, I lied. I don't think I was even writing checks in 1999.

Today, I feel very much like a mom. That is pretty much my whole identity. I think that's unhealthy, but I'll work on identifying with other parts of me once all parts of me sleep through the night again. Or wash every day. Or even eat 3 square meals a day. Oh, and exercise---all parts of me really miss time for exercise.

With such a young and rather large brood, I kind of have my hands full about 24 hours a day. Before our 5th child arrived, I was at least getting rest in the evening after my kids went to bed. And most of the time I'd sleep through the night if it wasn't for upset, supposed-to-be-sleeping kids. BUT NOW....

Two of our children are requiring at least an hours worth of tucking in routines. They, who shall remain nameless, are 2 and 3 (hey, I didn't say they'd remain ageless) and totally struggling with separation at sleep times. There's lots of tears from both them and me. There may or may not be foot stomping-- my husband told me that's pretty childish of me. But what can I say, I stoop when I'm frustrated and wearied.

So after all fits have ceased, there's usually at least an hour's worth of work to be done. But I'm choose to sit down for just a minute. And on cue, Scrunchie starts crying. And of course she needs mama. Calming her down can be simple sometimes, and other times it's a major hour-long ordeal. We do what we can to comfort her and then I put her to bed and I head to bed as well. But my own bedtime routine takes 20 minutes--which at the end of a long evening seems like another hour.

Suffice it to say that when my head hits the pillow, my eyes shut immediately. I can honestly say I've never been so tired. And just when it looks like rest is within my reach, those nameless, sweet babies of mine (at least one of them) are crying. And all night long one of our youngest three children is in and out of crying and sleeping. And I'm usually doing the same--I really am quite childish whilst sleep-deprived. I promise, I'll grow up soon enough.

But you know what's glorious about this time in life? The lack of sleep somehow erases your memory. You see, if you don't fill your sleep tank your memory starts to go. And mine is going, going...

but it's certainly not gone. And even if it was, I've got my blog to hold the memories, right?

Sleep or no sleep, I wouldn't want my life to change (oh, except for the crying and sleep part) one bit! I adore these little people, and in the rare quiet moments where I can sit back and watch my children just be kids, I'm reminded of the pure joy they bring me each and every day.

PS- There are pictures, but for some reason my computer is not reading my memory card. And I just don't feel like dealing with that right now because I'm going to go chase that sleep.

Mother's Day

Did you know that as I grew into an adult, I was pretty sure kids were not a part of my future? I know, crazy talk for a lady still in her 20's who has 5 little kids. I guess you could say a lot changes in just a few years. And didn't somebody say one time that having a baby changes everything?

Well it does. It changes the way you sleep. Eat. Walk. Drive. See the world. See your own mother. See yourself. Your spouse/partner. And it can even change a heart, and a mind alike.

If anything, I thought after I'd been teaching for 10 or so years, I could possibly settle down long enough to produce an offspring, but I wasn't even positive on that. And now, shortly after having my fifth child, I can look back on my earlier days and just laugh, and maybe wonder.

I sometimes wonder what life would have been like sans kids, and this is usually when I'm throwing diapers in the trash once an hour while listening to a baby, toddler and preschooler cry at the same time as a toilet overflows and dinner is burning, and my older two are fighting....

and I spend about one-tenth of a second in the sans kids fantasy before realizing that that life is but a forgotten path on my life's journey. After that tenth of a second, I want to stop thinking about that alternate life and how dull it would be. Even if some may call my life as I live it now, what with my daily mini-van tours of my town and dirty loads of laundry, totally boring--that's okay. It probably is boring to somebody who isn't me. Somebody who hasn't invested the time and energy into making these babies, feeding them, holding them, playing with them, teaching them, and watching them grow each day.

But I have done those things. I have done much more than those things. And I want to keep doing these things--admittedly without so much whining as we have in our house right--but still. No matter what I tell myself in the heat of frustration as I curse the moment I chose to be a mom and not work full-time outside the home, I really have no desire to do or be anything else right now than a mom.

Sometimes I cry out to God in a hot mess of tears and ask why HE thought 5 in 5 years was something I could handle. Or something I would want to handle. Or even, dare I say, something I'd be good at.

Me on typical day in the past 6 weeks: You know God, I kinda think You of all people would know what I can handle. But seriously, this is the plan you had for me? Why oh why didn't you prepare me for this?


Yeah, I think this thought roughly 17 times per day. And one day, on probably the 12th time I'd thought that thought that day, I wondered if maybe I was prepared for this role. Not only to mother, but to mother all girls, ages 5 and under.

Growing up all I ever wanted was what I used to refer to as a "real family." In the late '80s that meant a mom, dad, and siblings. In 2nd grade I was totally convinced that I was the only kid with divorced parents (though I doubt that was actually true) and that everything I did different was because I was so different in the parental department. Yes, 7 yr old minds do work in mysterious ways... but nonetheless I had convinced myself of this story.

Moving right along...

As an adult, I never consciously decided to plan a family. I just didn't think it was in my deck of cards. And when our first surprise came along, it took some incredible adjusting on my part (and Matt's as well). I was mad, scared, and sad for the first part of that pregnancy. And then I was elated, excited and thrilled to meet my baby. And of course, it was love at first site.

I was hooked. Wrapped. Sucked in. Taken. Breathless. That little baby was mine and I was going to love her from here to eternity. And she was such an easy-going baby. In our naivete, my husband and I decided we'd love to have another one whenever it happened. And four months after our first dauther was born, we found out we were expecting again.

Every time we welcome a new little girl we feel the same way as we did 5 1/2 years ago. The love that fills our home is only matched by the volume level in our home. It's in these loud and crazy moments that I find myself feeling different from everyone else. Most people have 2, maybe three kids, and here I am with 5. All girls. All so close in age. A rarity indeed.

But this different doesn't feel awkward. There might be some who point and laugh at my differentness, but these days I don't give a hoot. That's when I start to believe that I was prepared for the role of Head Hauncho at Casa de Copeland!

The desire for family I had when I was a kid, I've since created in my adult life. And I certainly don't think for one second that desire is all HE gave me. I was raised by two of the most stubborn and loving women I have ever known-- my mom and Mema. And I know that with desire and will, this whole mothering 5 tiny people thing is what I'm supposed to be doing.

Yes, I was prepared to be their mom! Happy Mother's Day!

Easter 2011

Easter Fun! Two weeks late? Yes...

...but I am attempting to catch up.

Life just slipped away from me these past few weeks. Too many excuses for me to list, really...

So we'll just go with a photo review from Easter. Much simpler that way!

(Our family of 7 posing outside of church on Easter Sunday)

(Pre-egg hunt after church. One little gal slipped out of her dress and into play clothes before the hunt started.)

(Peach holding the special egg--she found it first. We accidentally skipped dying this egg, so I figured I would draw a cross on it and make it the ultimate egg to find on the great hunt.)

(Giggly girls after Easter service)

(My husband took these playground pictures while I sat inside eating cake and nursing Scrunchie--rough life, right?)

(Brownie and Peach are taking a small break from playing so they can enjoy the treats as well.)

(My five little girls in their Sunday Best right before church started. I often wonder if one of the reasons they love going to church is because they get to dress up.)

(How many do you have in your basket?)

(Our Easter math: 12 eggs divided by 4 girls = 3 eggs each, to dye. These are Brownie's beauties)

(As you can see, the on-top-of-the-counter approach is perfectly acceptable for dying eggs.)

("Awww, sissy you've got some made egg-dying skills!" Yes, I'm totally sure that's the conversation going on here!)

("No, daddyyyyyy, I do it by myself! I don't care if mom said to help me because I'm wearing white.... I AM miss INDEPENDENT!" or something like that...)

("Why, yes you are cute, sweetie. Your smile is just awesome!")

And that'll do it for the name that Easter photo caption contest. Maybe now I'll write more provocative posts!

Some thoughts...

In light of the news that Osama is DEAD, some things have crossed my mind...

1) I love seeing all the people on television waving American flags. Hearing the cheers and seeing the smiles tonight is a stark contrast to 9 1/2 years ago when we also saw people waving American flags on television!

2) I feel so fortunate to have had a childhood in the pre-9/11 era. A time when I felt safe and never worried much about wars, flying, politics, bombs, terrorists, etc, etc...

3) When the hunt began, I was a college student worrying about my studies. I can remember wondering what it would be like to have to explain the events that day to my child. And I'm glad I didn't at that time...

4) ... but I'm wondering how to share these details with my children now. Or do I share? I have a very sensitive Peach who would ask too many questions and scare herself... maybe I should let her read it in the history books?

5) It's weird to celebrate death, even if it is his death. More importantly, I think it's important to celebrate what his death signifies--we hunted and hunted and we got him.

6) I'm thankful that America is showing the world that we will carry through on our promises.

7) I'm hoping we don't see pictures. I'm afraid they'd haunt my dreams... or nightmares.

8) I feel that this one, significant event has the potential to unite our very politically divided country. Much like the climate right after 9/11, we all joined on team USA. Of course, now we can do this with higher spirits. But who knows, I could just be wishfully thinking!

9) In church today, as I was hearing all 19 names of the soldiers who died this week in Iraq and Afghanistan, I did wonder when we could stop fighting in these wars. I know we aren't done with our work, but I do feel like we have made a major milestone in our journey!

10) I'm eternally grateful to our military. To their families and loved ones. And especially to all those who have given their lives for us to get to this point in history.

11) Ahhhhh..... no more videos :-)

12) I think Memorial Day/July 4th decor comes out early this year :-)

13) I'll always remember where I was when this went down. Mom called as I was cooking several meals for the days when I'm healing from surgery. I turned on the TV and watched in awe for a few minutes. But then I had to get right back to work. I did take a break to watch Obama, though.

14) I'm hoping that today's events do not spur other attacks against the west.

15) I wonder if my sister knows yet... Allie, hit me up!

16) God Bless America!

Don't worry. I have lots of family things to share still--EASTER POST to come!

Happy Birthday to My Boushka Girl!

Boushka turns 2! I wish I could capture you just as you are right now, and never forget it--- blogging and photographing as much as I can is my attempt at bottling up the sweetest 2 yr old in the world!

You have grown and changed so much in the last two years. You started out the tiniest of all the babies at a small 7 pounds even. When we brought you home you were right around 6 1/2 pounds--so tiny! And now look at you... so big, yet so small!

You weigh in around 24 pounds and are about 33 inches tall! Yes, that 's tiny-- but you've got a lot of personality. Since you've been talking so well for so long, it amazes us what comes out of your little mouth. The way you can string words together to make coherent thoughts come out just blows my mind. You are one smart cookie--book and street smart!

Today as I was tucking you in for bed, I just looked at you and saw you getting on the school bus going to your first day of kindergarten. This came out of nowhere, really; although I suppose that I'm realizing just how fast a 2 month old turns into a 2 yr old, and eventually (though suddenly it feels) a kindergartner. I couldn't help but sob-- it started out innocently enough with a mere tear in the corner of one eye--and then they just started pouring out. You came over and hugged and kissed me. I didn't want you to see me cry because I didn't want you to think it was your fault. And of course, after the affection you asked, What's wrong, mommy? Awww, the way you said those words just made me cry even harder. Luckily daddy was right there and he must've known where the tears were coming from because he told you that mommy was okay and it was not your fault. You hugged and kissed me some more--thank you, sweet baby. That was just what I needed.

So I guess I'm crying because of how fast you grew from this

to this. (holding your birthday invitation--you were totally stoked)

How days of changing your newborn diapers turned into days where I'm asking you Are you ready to use the potty? When I used to put away these little onzies that hung on your tiny body to now where I'm putting you in T clothing (like 2T). How I used to nurse you several times a day and throughout the night, and now you eat every meal at the table (in a booster seat) with us. I can't believe you can voice your opinion about everything from Mickey to avocados, feeding the ducks, and what you think about the weather.

Boushka, you are the cutest little thing with the biggest dark eyes. You have incredibly long lashes, unruly hair, pudgy little feet, skinned up knees, and sweet little hands that you like me to hold. You almost always smell like Graham crackers (though you don't eat those) or some kind of sweet mixed with a little sweat and dirt. And I'm not surprised since you are constantly asking for candy or chocolate or cookies, and you never stop running around and getting into mischief. Oh that little spirit of yours is strong.

Bed time is usually not your favorite time, but every once in a while you do go to bed nicely. We do your "wettas" or letters on your back. You tell me not to wet da bed buds bite, mama (let the bed bugs bite, mama)! And I, of course, say it back to you. And you tell me your favorite part of your day was me. You won't lie down until you've had several huds (hugs) and tisses (kisses). This is certainly one of my favorite times of day with you.

You also enjoy playing outside, watching birds and dogs, feeding the ducks, coloring (you make scribbles very well), wearing your Ariel nightgown, anything Mickey, anything sweet, helping me cook or bake, swinging, going down slides and most importantly you have made two new friends, K & L (yes, Traci, these are your sweet babies). You talk about K and L all day. You refer to them as your fends (friends). I think you think of K as another big sister to you. And L is certainly the boy I've arranged for you to marry :-)

You communicate so very well. For several months now you've been able to say 6 word sentences. I think this is pretty much unheard of, but when a girl needs a cookie she learns to get the words out (your first 6 word sentence was "Daddy, I need more cookie, please!"). You've been cracking us up all the time with the funny things you say, but more importantly with the inflection in your voice. It's always right on target!

I'm just in awe as I sit here and look at your first two years of life. Stunned by the lessons that you teach me everyday. Amazed by how much I can love somebody who can seriously drive me batty. Honored to be the woman who brought you into this world, will watch you grow and hopefully someday say See, it really is worth it! as you hold your new baby for the first time. Humbled by the fact that you look up to me to set an example (for everything). Beyond thankful that I can have your unconditional love. And blessed by God for your sweet life.

Muuuuaaaah! Loves ya!

2 Months old!

My sweet Little K will now be referred to as Scrunchie or Scrunchie face or SF, for short. Can you imagine how on earth she got this nickname? See picture below!




You are the sweetest little 2 month old around. You've got a killer smile and it comes so easily across that chubby little face. We realized a couple of weeks ago that when we sing to you, you just light up. According to you, the ABC song is the best and only song to know! Every time one of us sings it (or any song, for that matter) to you, you smile and coo right along--- as if you know the song. I just can't help but melt when I see this.

It's hard to believe how fast you have changed in just 8 short weeks. Today I was supporting your back just a little as I sat in awe at how well you could control your torso. You must be doing a core workout when I'm not watching--you are one strong little lady. It's hard to imagine that a few weeks ago if I would have tried to hold you up to sit, you would have folded into a little ball. And now here you are... practically sitting!

One of your favorite things to do is sit with mom and dad at night after the sisters hit the hay. One or both of us is usually grading papers or working on the computer in some manner during this time. But it doesn't bother you.

In the last week or so, you have gotten into a more predictable nap pattern. Instead of spending your days in and out of sleep randomly, you are now a somewhat predictable napper! YAY! You usually go to bed around 10 or 11 and sleep for a few hours. You'll get up around 2-3 and then you are mostly restless after that. Every once in a while you'll sleep decently in the wee hours of the morn, but most nights you don't sleep well after your initial doze time! So then you try to get some good zzz's in once I need to get up and get everyone out the door for school. This can make for an interesting morning. You usually sleep for a couple hours between 7-9, and then you're up for a couple hours. You nap again in the afternoon, and then you will stay awake for dinner and play time. You'll take another quick night nap and then wake up for a little while before mom and dad go to bed.


You're starting to figure out that sisters are pretty cool. They love to sing to you and still ask to hold you all the time. Apparently your newness just hasn't worn on them yet! But you love it. I love it (I get a little break), and they most certainly love it!

You are great at holding your head up while lying on the belly!

You graduated to size two diapers!! I swear this was the fastest any of my babies has moved to a 2!

You have pretty much outgrown the NB size clothes and are getting close to outgrowing some 0-3 month clothes! You're probably a little over 11 pounds and about 23 inches or so. I'll have to take measurements myself since you don't see the doc again until the first of July!

And all of this growing is thanks to your constant snacks and meals. You nurse all day long, but due to our crazy schedule that involves me driving and taking care of 4 other kids, you also sneak in a bottle of formula about once a day. Some days I'm enough, and others I'm nowhere near enough. I wish I could sit and nurse you whenever you needed, but no one and nothing could have prepared me for how busy and crazy life with 5, 5 and under would be. And now that half of the older kiddos are involved in multiple activities, I just don't have the pleasure of sitting on the couch to nurse whenever you want. And that makes me sad--but at least you have a healthy appetite!

And now you're turning two months on the day Boushka turns 2 years old. The old saying goes that the days pass slow and the years pass fast... but I'm now finding that even the days and weeks are passing me by. Please, Scrunchie, you feel free to stay little and snuggle in my arms forever! Well, at least until I'm ready for you to be grown...

Weekend in Review

Friday night it was spitting cold rain. We had the girls' check ups and then we went to the preschool ice cream social. We were supposed to have softball practice, but that was canceled due to the crazy weather. We came home a little after 8 and put the girls to bed. I was going to head out to a girls night with my MOPS friends, but by the time we got kids in bed and I took care of a few work things, it was nearly 9:20. Since Girls Night ended at 10, I decided to stay home and continue to soak up baby time. After having the kind of week I had, I was really hoping to get away for a couple of hours--so I was quite disappointed. But it's hard to be disappointed when you're snuggling squishy baby love!

Saturday I woke up (for the third or fourth time that night/morning) to breakfast in bed. My husband must have heard me grumble under my breath (okay maybe I spoke outLOUD) when I threw my 10 second pity party on Friday night about not getting to go to the Girls Night. So I was granted a sleep in on Saturday morning, followed by eggs and bacon in bed!

What?! I know!!! It's not even Mother's Day, which is the only other day of the year I stand a shot at breakfast in bed. I ate while resting my head on a pillow---in silence nonetheless! It was quite glorious. But then the guilt started to get to me! Why can't I just learn to enjoy what I'm given? Maybe when we no longer use diapers and the kids can dress themselves I'll be better at enjoying these occasions. But for now, I just feel rotten that my husband is trudging through the weekend morning on his own. I digress...

I eventually got up (I really did feel very, very refreshed) and helped with the chores and kiddos. It was nice to be the help instead of the one needing the help! We ate some leftovers and I got ready to hit the stores. I needed to go to Hobby Lobby, Joann's, Target, Babies R US and the grocery store. But I was on limited time, so I spent most of that time at HL buying stuff for Boushka's birthday party. Can you tell what kind of party she wants?

(This paper will be decoupaged onto her initials and the number 2)

(Yeah, these initials and number 2)

(And these classic Mickey colored fabrics will turn into a banner)

Yep, Mickey Mouse! This girl is a big fan! She's pretty excited for her Mickey Party!!

And I have lots of crafty things to do ASAP! I'm lucky that this week is pretty clear so I can get started. I suppose I should get those invites done PDQ. Her birthday is next week and her party is a week later. Better get in gear!

I finished with the shopping (I only got HL and Target done) and headed home so we could all load up and head to Peach's soccer game. It's always so fun watching her (or any of my kids) learn and grow. She's gained a lot of coordination skills this season. And she's more aggressive--but in a good get after the ball kind of way.

Once we headed home, Daddy cooked up salmon while I ran to the grocery store. He only grilled half of the salmon because he was saving the other half to cook just for us after the girls were in bed. Well, after a rough tuck in, we were both zapped. I didn't feel like hovering over the stove or chopping veggies while he grilled. Sad, I know! We ordered pizza and got a 2 liter of Pepsi. I'm not proud, but it was quick. And we were able to enjoy our evening while watching The Other Guys. It was an okay movie--pretty random--which is pretty Will Ferrell style. And I do love Will Ferrell movies!

(Little K and I posed for a quick picture before heading to the shower since we were both all gussied up)

Sunday I got up and got ready to go to a baby shower for my friend Mrs. Soup. It was a two hour drive, and I have to admit I loved the quiet time. I took Little K with me and she slept the whole way down there.

(Mrs. Soup, Little K and me!)

I was so excited to see Mrs. Soup--we figured out that it'd been almost 5 years since we'd last seen each other. We met in college when we had several education and English classes together. We even got our Masters at the same time. We finished our Masters Degree 6 years ago--back when I was pregnant with my first child, Peach. And of course Mrs. Soup came to a shower for me back then!!! We've stayed in touch throughout the years via facebook and reading each others blogs, so it didn't feel like we'd missed out on much. I'm so happy for her and her husband, and I can't wait to meet their little boy soon! What a lucky little boy to have such a sweet family to welcome him into this world.

I got home around 7 Sunday night and didn't do much of anything--at least not anything worth mentioning. I did come home to clean kids, a clean house, and one tired husband. I'm so thankful that he works so hard. Whether it's with his job, our kids, or house chores--I'm just blessed to have him do all he can to make our lives better, happier and more fulfilling!

Now on with the week!

More From Last Week

It felt very spring-like in these parts this week. Well, most of the week it did. The first few days this week were grill type of days, whereas Friday was more of a hot, filling soup kind of day. But before the cold rain on Friday, or the spring storms on Thursday we got out to enjoy the sun and light breezes.

My kids and I love feeding the ducks. We love getting outside. I love that it's free. And at the age of almost 2, Boushka loves birdies. Any bird seen by my little gal brings a smile to her face.

She points. She smiles. She gets excited and says Birdie, Mama!

She actually saved some of the birdie's snack for herself. She does like her bread!

Yeah, I think it's awfully cute.

We never made it out to the pond last spring/summer when Boushka was newly one, so this was her very first trip to feed the duckies, as she likes to say.


It was also Little K's very first trip to feed the duckies as well! But she kinda slept through it!
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We also took these two hooligans for their 6 wk and 2 yr check up. They were both mostly healthy, but we did get two referrals. Boushka to the GI doc and Little K to the pediatric ophthalmologist.


Bouska is
23 pounds and 6 oz (12 percentile)
33" (32 percentile)
and her head is 19" (73 percentile)

The GI referral relates back to the stuff that started happening in mid-December. And the rotavirus and bacteria illnesses she was hospitalized in January for. She is still having GI issues this many months later, so we're going to have it all checked out. In the meantime, our doctor put her on an antibiotic because she couldn't believe the hospital never treated her for the bacteria. And since she's still having symptoms, we're hoping this will treat it. If not, then we know the GI doc is a for sure in our near future.

Little K is
10 pounds 6 oz (61 percentile)
22" (60 percentile)
and her head is 14 3/4" (36 percentile)

My sweet babe has had eye goobers her whole life--yes, even when we were still in the hospital after her birth. They've never gone away despite my attempts to use a warm compress and massage the corners of her eyes. So we'll head to the eye doctor sometimes soon; and I'm assuming we'll have the same procedure done that Bug had when she was 9 months old. I don't know the official name of the procedure, but they probe the tear duct to break through it so the eye can drain properly. It sounds brutal and it looks worse (they strap the baby down on a stretcher thing and stick a needle close to her eye), but we know it works. And better yet, it's over in a matter of seconds.

Overall, I've got a couple of healthy kids and for that, I'm blessed. Actually, I'm blessed for having 5 healthy kids!

Other than these two exciting trips, we led a pretty boring life this week. Unfortuantley, this was due in part by Bouska's drama. She's still having several meltdowns each day, and I cannot take her anywhere when she acts like this. In fact, I had to leave Target on Monday (after it took us 1 1/2 hours to get ready to go) right after we got there. I was completely frustrated and I put her to bed as soon as we got home. Yep, she slept for the next 3 1/2 hours.

And Bug is still in angst over Daddy being out of town a while ago. She's a major, major daddy's girl and his absence a while ago really seems to have impacted her. In all fairness, since the end of January, my husband and or I have had many (relatively speaking) nights away. We almost never sleep away from our kids. I spent 4 nights and days away from home with Boushka's stay in the hospital, a couple of late nights visiting the hospital for extra testing after a regular OB check, the hospital stay when Little K was born (which between the two inductions was the better part of a week), and then daddy left a month later to spend a few days in Louisiana. Needless to say, that's quite a bit more away time than any of our babes are used to.

I'm just hoping these little tantrums clear up soon. I don't like to put negativity out there in the world, but suffice it to say I'm finding myself overstretched and overstressed every day. I'm trying to keep everything in focus, but I can honestly say that there's almost no time to even think about all the good in life. It seems I only have time to react. To survive. To get by. To live my life minute by minute doing my best to show my kids that I do love them. I do find brief moments during the day where calm overrides the stresses, and I can sit back and look at my life through rose-colored glasses. And feeding the ducks this week was one of those moments.

I know this adjustment period won't last forever. And I want to remember all of the fun we do have in between all the crazy that goes on around here! So we'll see what silly fun we come up with this next week. And I'm sure I'll be back to blog about it all!

SUYL: What are you Reading?

Reading is so important to me. It really is one of the reasons I became a teacher--a language arts teacher, nonetheless! When I'm in the throws of mothering 5 tiny people all 5 and under, you can safely assume that any reading I do is while I'm nursing in the wee hours of the morn or before I hit the hay.

But here's what tops my list!

I found this after hearing so much about it. Bought it. And discovered nursing mamas are exempt from such crude plans as 17 Day Diets! Ouch. But I figure I can study up on it now, and put it into action when I'm not nursing. I've also just scaled back the basic ideas from this book to fit my nursing mama needs!

This is such a great read. I've been in and out of this book for many moons. It's my go-to when I need to pick myself up and get on the healthy road. It is so simple and yet a complex read if you really try to understand the whole picture. But really, the message is one I take to heart!

I have also been out and about in the stores lately and I know that I want to read this...

and this.

Let's face it. Tina Fey is HILARIOUS and I have always appreciated her humor. She gets it--she certainly comes from a female's perspective on many things, and I therefore relate to her quite well. I can only imagine how funny this book is.

And I really would love to read Something Borrowed. I hear it's good one. I'm not usually into fiction--don't even ask me to imagine worlds like those that are created in fantasy-- my mind just can't work that way. And though this is certainly a fiction story, I can appreciate those every once in a while. I saw a preview for it on TV the other day, so I'm moving this to the top of my reading list just in case I get out to see a movie this summer.


What about you?