Worthless Wednesday

This morning I woke up to a sleeping baby! She was so sound and peaceful, and I realized she hadn't had her 5 am feeding. I was ready to celebrate because this would mean that we were on our way towards getting some sleep. Then I looked for her bottle and it was nowhere to be found. I prayed I had just forgotten to get it out of the fridge at 3ish, but knew my prayers wouldn't work in this case. Nope, Lance had fed her. It was so nice to have that extra sleep, but at the same time a cruel joke for me to think we would soon return to a normal life.

I dropped Squirt off for his monthly orthodontist appointment. I love this place, I can drop him off and they take him to school. I'm not forced to subject my kids to other patients at 8 in the morning, I don't miss my workout and they give Squirt a ride to his school. It's a perfect arrangement except when they screw up his appointment. Turns out he needs an appointment when nobody else is in the office? I know, this sounds super freaking creepy, so he missed class this morning for nothing and has to return. But this time, I get to go as well because there is no way I can leave him all alone in the office. Supposedly, the ortho doesn't like to be distracted for whatever procedure they are doing this month, but I am positive my little ones will be more distracting than his other patients ever would have been today.

Another day of freezing weather means another missed swim lesson. This time, the swim coach called early to confirm I wasn't bringing Goose to his afternoon lesson so he didn't have to go to work and wait on us. Technically, they weren't closing the place until right after Goose's lesson so I'm screwed again. Drives me insane to waste this money.

Since I had extra time after school today, I bathed the kids at 4:30 thinking I'd have them in bed by 7. They went to bed at 8:30.

And last, Lance dressed up for me today, but changed before I got home. What was the point?

The Best Laid Plans

Things don't always work out the way we plan. I know this about life, but still get disappointed when things don't go the way I want. Today is my wedding anniversary. The day I committed myself to the man I love. Forever. We spent a few days at the Houstonian, the hotel where our wedding reception was held. We had appointments for an afternoon at the spa at 1:30 today. The babysitter arrived at 12:30 so we wouldn't be late. Afterwards we were going to the Faberge exhibit, then to Little Bigs for a quick dinner.

It didn't matter. Goose's eye has not improved in five days despite being on medicine since Sunday night. I talked to the pediatrician who informed me that he had been prescribed the wrong dose of medicine so we needed to up the amount. BUT he still wanted Goose to see an opthamologist immediately. At the same time, my mom was trying to get out of the house. She didn't get very far because it seemed like her battery was dead. We charged it, but then it just completely stopped before she got anywhere. Bye-bye spa, Hello waiting room, hello drive out to Kingwood to get mom to her side of town.

I was just commenting on spending time alone with each child and how great that is. I think Goose's special time is up after the past few days. I'm kidding, sort of. The only free time we had from Goose was at our anniversary dinner last night. He agreed to stay home as long as we picked him up afterwards.

In the end we can always reschedule our day at the spa. We had to make sure there weren't any problems developing with Goose's vision. With kids plans change all the time. At least Lance and I spent the day together even if it was at the doctor's office. In sickness and in health, right.

Music Time

I love living in Houston because there are so many opportunities to expose the kids to the arts. For the past two days, the children and I have enjoyed performances at Miller Outdoor Theater. Yesterday, young children from throughout the city performed on various instruments. There was one girl who was six years old playing the violin. Goose could not get over the fact that someone his age was playing the violin. Today we saw the symphony. The boys picked out the various instruments and recognized some of the more popular classical songs.

I really like exposing the boys to classical music, opera, plays, musicals and art. Do I think they are going to love all of it? Probably not, but they can sit through at least forty-five minutes of an hour performance without fidgeting too much and can talk about the music afterwards with me. I would love for one of the boys to really get into classical music and especially opera because my best friend has a library of music that would make most jealous. One of my kids has to inherit this one day!

So far this summer we've seen a musical and an opera, in addition to the last two days of music. Goose liked the opera a "little-lot", which probably means not at all, but that is okay. I am just happy that he is exposed to things like this at an early age. So despite the unbearable heat, we will continue to flock to this wonderful outdoor and free theater the rest of the summer.

Weekend Review

This weekend was fabulous. After a long week during which I barely saw Lance, I decided we needed a night to ourselves. We fed the kids a real meal, (not frozen chicken or mac-n-cheese), and put them to bed. (Not Squirt!) We waited thirty minutes for the young ones to fall asleep then took off for our date. We decided on Bistro Don Camillo since it was close to home and they had recently been on Southbound Food. The food didn't disappoint. We even saw someone there who went after hearing about it on Southbound Food. It was so nice to just sit and relax with my hubby especially since I knew he would be gone for half of the next day.

I was so excited to make it to my Bodystep class on Saturday. I LOVE this class and have missed it so much since the instructor started working a new job during the week. She wants me to come in at 6 in the morning to workout with her, but I'm not sure I have it in me to do that and still deal with the kids ALL. DAY. LONG.

We went to our friends Clint and Shea's 40th birthday party Saturday night. I met Clint and Shea through Lance, and I love that I've managed to become friends with them on my own too. I think they feel the same way. We don't see them nearly as much as we should, but we have managed to catch a few dinners over the past six months and I'm hoping we continue this trend. I really like that they want to hang out with us, and not us and our kids! The party was fabulous with incredible food. Shea's mom is an amazing cook and is always willing to give out recipes, too bad my stuff doesn't come out quite the same!

We had a quiet Father's Day: got up, went to Mass (amazing sermon), then saw this fellow walking through the neighborhood leaving Mass. Can you believe it? The lady we talked to says there is also a male that runs around with this chick!

We spent the afternoon with my dad and brother, my other two favorite dads. The grilling was awesome as usual, and the kids came home exhausted. My dad even shared the special dessert I made for him. He still has a third left for himself, but I know he was watching us to make sure we didn't eat too much.

My highlight of the weekend...My Goose learned how to ride a bike. A girl bike, a midget bike, but nonetheless, A TWO WHEELER! I am so excited for him. He was so proud of himself and so were his brothers.

Mom's Company

Last night, I woke up to find Goose snuggled in bed with me. Actually, I didn't really notice because he is smart enough not to make any noise when he comes to my room. If he doesn't wake me up, I can't send him back to his room. Gifted, this child. The Baby Hulk isn't quite as smooth. He came to my room to find Goose already next to me. And started crying. Loudly. If Goose had seen this scenario, he would have pushed the offending child out of the way or gone to the other side of me. Not Baby Hulk. Finally, I told him just to snuggle on top of me, but then realized how dumb that was. So off I went to the lower bunk bed to help the Baby Hulk fall back asleep and not wake up a third child. (Actually, a third was already awake feeling like he was going to puke.) I had not been in the little boys' room very long when I heard the thump thump of foot steps and someone climbing up the ladder. Then I heard more movement going back down the ladder. Finally, Goose asked if I could sleep with him in his bed. Turns out he left MY room in search of me so we could still sleep together. After getting Baby Hulk back to sleep, (no easy task as he is a talker once he wakes up), I got Goose to sleep and returned to my room. The only problem, the person I was supposed to be sleeping with had already left for his show. Sigh.

Moody Gardens

I took the boys to Moody Gardens today. BY MYSELF. Okay, it wasn't that big of a deal, but I can say that I won't be doing a short beach vacation by myself and the boys. First, it's a little difficult trying to watch two that can swim and want to go EVERYWHERE and two others that want to just wade. Second, I hate beaches. Why do I always forget this fun fact? Last summer we took a vacation to the beach, and while I loved the company and the history we were able to see, the beach part was just so-so. I can't stand sand. So much so that I literally used ONE towel today just so that the rest of the towels I brought didn't get sandy.

Besides me being OCD about sand, I have to say that today was nearly perfect. For both me and the boys. There are days when I look back and am so sad at how I've behaved as a mother, but not today! I am so happy that despite things getting a bit hectic a couple of times and the Baby Hulk throwing a screaming fit, I held it together and it showed in how everyone behaved. I was so proud of how everyone got along and listened to me. I love days like today and it shows that I can be that mother that my boys deserve and that I so desperately want to be.

We enjoyed the Aquarium and Palm Beach, then stopped at Whataburger on the way home! A perfect ending as far as I'm concerned! The Aquarium was small, but fine. It's hard to really enjoy aquariums after seeing Shedd and the Atlanta Aquariums, but the boys had fun and actually read a lot of information about the various sea life. The beach was fun, but I must admit that within ten minutes I sent Lance a text asking when I could leave. I lasted an hour longer than I thought I would. The boys really had a great time and were so appreciative of this outing.

Not a great picture, but I thought it was kind of cool.

My two penguins

I knew I had four kids!

I think this means we had a great day!

Scenes From A Birthday

He was so excited every. single. time.

The birthday boy

Yes, this is my adorable niece

waiting





The kids loved that Mimi bowled too

Brothers

Surprise!!!!

Goose's present...buddy bucks from HEB

Our Family

A New Found Respect

Today I had the pleasure of attending my beautiful Goddaughter's dance recital. Can I just give my parents a huge THANK YOU for sitting through years and years of both piano and ballet recitals. (I wasn't great at either, so I'm not sure it was worth sitting through these recitals every year.)

I am one of those people that love kids, but hate things that most people find cute. And one of the things that I don't find cute are kid programs. And honestly, that includes watching my own kids. I just have to no desire to watch kids sort of sing or dance for two minutes in a program. It's not cute to me. AT. ALL. To have to watch over an hour of kids I don't know at all "dance" was like torture. Of course, my precious Goddaughter was nothing less than perfect. While watching these kids, I wondered how my parents continued putting me in dance classes year after year because all I kept thinking was that most of these parents could be saving a fortune if they just dropped the dance classes.

I used to get offended because my brother never invited me to my niece's piano recitals. Now I think he must be watching out for me. I promise to do the same.

Lofty Goals

A friend invited my family over for the weekend, and Lance is already stressed about it. He is worried about the kids in someone else's house. Keep in mind, my kids are really neat. Goose is the one who walked into somebody's house and said he couldn't play because it was too messy. All of my kids pick up after themselves. Are they perfect, far from it, but I'm not that worried about the boys messing up someone's house.

I feel like I have created this monster that is so stressed about things being out of place and people coming over and messing up our house. It's fine when I was the one who hated people coming over, but now it's Lance too. I finally told him that I wanted to start living. The people who we are staying with are as neat and clean as me. They have social gatherings ALL. THE. TIME. Now I'm not going to start having people over all the time, but I do want to start living and not worry if something breaks or if the house gets messy. I can always pick it up.

So yesterday at Super Saints, there was a little boy who was running around without his diaper. And he peed on the carpet in the playroom. And guess what? The mom didn't care. She knows I'm a stress case about kids running around my house, but she wasn't going to get stressed because shit happens.

Lance wanted to know if I was still sure about my new stance on living.

Motherhood

Last week I mentioned how I'm not a fan of Hallmark Holidays. Nothing has changed, but since today is Mother's Day, I am forced to reflect on Moms. I have a great mom, have friends who are wonderful mothers and love being a mom myself, so reflecting on motherhood isn't such a bad thing.

I was sitting on the plane this morning praying and trying to stay calm. Usually I offer up my prayers for my peace of mind while flying and the obvious- please don't let the plane crash. Today I decided to offer my prayers for all mothers, but mostly me. (Because to be honest, most of my prayers are for me or my kids!) But this time it was a prayer of thanksgiving for this wonderful gift. This amazing gift of motherhood. Not a day goes by that I don't marvel at my children. Sure, they drive my crazy at least once a day, usually more, but each one of my children is amazing in their own unique ways. I have a couple of sweet ones, one who is just like me, and a baby who is just beginning to show his true personality. And I can't believe that God has trusted me with these children. There are days when I look back and I'm ashamed at the type of mother I've been to them. I pray for forgiveness and for the strength to do better the next day. But I am always thankful for these children. I am thankful for the chance to raise them and am petrified of not getting it right.

I look back at my childhood and think about how great it was and it was mostly due to my mom. Yes, I have a great dad, but mom was IT. She did ALL the day to day stuff, as most moms did back then and never complained. Probably because she loved it as much as I do now. She was meant to be a stay at home mom. I loved hanging out with her and used to say that she would ground me in high school just so I would have to stay home and hang out with her. (I'm sure I never deserved it.) I'm hoping to take all the good from her and give it to my kids.

Thank you God for my mother and for these wonderful children you have entrusted to me. I promise to love them and take care of them for you.

And thank you Lance for giving me the four little people who call me mom!

House and Kids All in One Piece

I made it home from my weekend away from the family. It's the first time I have ever left home without someone tagging along. A friend from law school was in Austin for a conference so I drove up to see her. She laughed all weekend because of how many calls I made and received. By noon today, I had been on the phone three times despite having a two hour massage in that time frame.

What is funny is that I wasn't always like that. I remember thinking that I would always need to travel alone or have girls' weekends, but then I met Lance. And then I had kids. And despite how much they can drive me up the wall, I hate being away from them. Lance and I travel together twice a year, and I am finally getting somewhat comfortable being away from the kids, but it has taken several years. I don't see myself getting used to being away from all of them. Plus, everyone knows that I don't fly anywhere without Lance. That means any girls weekend has to be within driving distance for me.

The kids had a blast with daddy...milkshakes, bouncy castles, late bedtimes and probably more television than mommy allows. The baby didn't even come running when I came home today.

Thank you my dear husband for a couple of free days. I know this was the worst weekend I could have left. The draft and all...but you handled it. I love you!

Bluebonnets

All the news has been talking about how great the bluebonnets would be this year due to the winter we had. They were okay, I wouldn't say great, but good enough to take some pictures of the boys. Kobra was in no mood for pictures except when I was trying to take pictures of other people. Baby Hulk was pretty good, he is just getting into that phase where he fake smiles, so I wasn't thrilled with his pictures. Don't I sound like a bitch? Isn't it half the battle when you can admit your failings? So, I can admit that I was more than frustrated with Kobra while taking pictures on Friday. I can assure you that he didn't give a shit what I thought. BTW, the lady who took the last picture of me and Marivi asked us if we had seen the snake! What is it with me and snakes lately. I am so done with nature for awhile.

This was the look on Kobra's face most of the day.

My sweet Goddaughter

You pick now to smile? Really?

I wonder if Marivi is stressing about me smiling just perfect?

So Tired

It's 7:45 pm and I'm supposed to be at dinner around 8ish. I have literally been on the go since last night, doing things I wanted to do, just not timed well. After dropping the big boys off at school, I managed to get coffee, grocery shop, stop by and give Lance a kiss before heading off to meet Marivi and the twins for bluebonnet pictures. We met around 9 this morning, drove down 290, took pictures, ate lunch, came home, I picked up BAM from school, then went back out to 290 to the Grotto at Our Lady of Lourdes parish. I got home at 6 pm. Besides Kobra not cooperating for bluebonnet pictures and the boys spazzing at the Grotto, the day was great. I am just dead and still have another place to go. Pictures to come after I go through them. You know me, I'll probably stay up posting tonight despite being tired.

Snakes Again

Today we went to a party at the Edith More Bird Sanctuary. It was a really beautiful place, but within three hours we had seen three snakes. One right next to the trail we were walking on. I had been thinking about that spot for our next Christmas picture. Not anymore.

Not sure what he is tocuhing in that bucket

My little Indians

Easter in Pictures

Decorating Eggs

You have to peel the egg first, BH!

Spitting out the shell

What is going on in there?

I think he liked coloring eggs.

Easter Morning

The baskets, which included a few of the books I purchased last month.

The Easter Beagle-because everyone knows I LOVE SNOOPY

This kid understands candy quite well

Squirt very excited about his Holy Card this year...a prayer for those in the military

Because he's just so darn handsome!

Paschal Candle and Meal

Our simple meal that we had to eat on the breakfast table because...

of this puzzle laid out across our dining room table. Despite staying up until 3 am Holy Saturday, I didn't finish this puzzle until last night. BTW, this puzzle was so flipping hard.

The Egg Hunt