Keeping It Short...

I am sorting through mounds and mounds of toys because we finally got the painting (by we I mean I) done in the kiddos new play room. Now I'm in charge of sorting and placing the toys in a neat and orderly fashion in the new room. Yay me!

However, I wanted to share something. As you all know my sister is expecting again. Well apparently my aunt total will go up from 11 to 13. My sister found out today that she is expecting TWINS!!!!

As a MOM I am getting a good chuckle out of it all. Seeing the shocked/dazed look on her face. Hearing the disbelief in her voice. Been there, done that, with one additional. All will be fine and in June we will welcome two new babies to the family!

That being said...so glad it is them and not Jason and I!

Extended Hours

If I could have more hours in my day I could get so much more done! Well Fall is definitely here. It feels a little winter-ish too. It's very chilly and rainy. It's quite cozy if I do say so myself.

Glad we got our pumpkin patching in last weekend. We ended up at one close to my nephew so I called and invited him to come along. He's a trooper and he came and we had fun. Kamryn started fevering afterwards while on the drive to a restaurant for dinner. After a couple of hours she snapped out of it and was totally fine from them on. Weird! At any rate, we got pumpkins and some apples and had a great time. It was a gorgeous day!

It's been one of "those weeks" around here this week. Jason went back to work Sunday night. Monday he had court then off-duty, then on to training. The girls and I decided to take advantage of the semi-pleasant weather before the cooler temps and rain moved in so we went to Cody's high school foot ball game. It was close to Kori's school so it was super convenient. It was a good time and they won 22-0! Then Tuesday we had parent/teacher conferences. I chuckled getting ready for it. It's always like I'm playing dress up and pretending to go. I sometimes fail to remember that I am somebodys MOTHER! Scary for me to, trust me. :-) I made a bit batch of chili and a home made Swedish apple pie (thanks Liz, Jason has dubbed it "the only apple pie I will ever eat for the rest of my life" -- guess that means he likes it)before we went. My parents came up to watch the little girls so both Jason and I could go so I figured some dinner for them would be a nice way to say thanks! Kori got a glowing report and is doing great! We are so proud of her. She also got a fantastic grade cards. Awesome!

Today Jason had off-duty before work, then work. Tomorrow is a half day for Kori and they girls all go for flu shots later in the afternoon. In the evening Jason has off-duty. Thankfully he's off and won't go into work tomorrow night. He has off-duty Friday during the day and then nothing for the rest of the weekend thank goodness. I need time to regroup. My girls have deciding that napping is not for them. Why you ask? That is the million dollar question. I still put them in there every day but it usually just turns into a fun-fest. Whatever, they stay in there for a while and "rest" while I regroup and prepare for the 2nd part of my day. I also made about 4 dozen chocolate chip cooks to take to school tomorrow for the staff/teacher appreciation luncheon that the PTA is putting on.

I am hoping that this weekend I can get the playroom painted. It's a mess now and I'm tired of the mess. I've been waiting for a day or two when Jason is available to handle the girls. It's a bit tough to paint with three 2-year olds running wild.

As I said Kori is doing great. The little girls are great too. Feisty and busy and silly but great. Morgan is currently cutting three new teeth on the bottom. I know she's 2 1/2 but she only has 9-teeth. She's so pokey in the teething department. Kamryn is still talking up a blue streak. She is so funny! Still dramatic at times but funny too. Alexis, still so small and mighty! I swear that kid will never grow! Both her and Morgan are doing their best to compete with Kamryn in the talking department. Some of the things they come up with totally crack me up! To hear them talking during nap or bedtime can be a complete riot!

Well that about sums things up around here. I need to be better on keeping my posts up to date. I know I forget some stuff I usually try and remember to post. The ol' memory ain't what she used to be!

And now a few pictures...

Huh?

Did the stars align perfectly last night or what???? The little girls awoke happy and ready to go this morning. Jason had off-duty so they had to tag along on the ride to take Kori to school.

After breakfast I started doing some housework. I've done a great job keeping things picked up and de-cluttered this week so it was pretty easy work. I thought I'd do a little here and there and then try and tackle more at nap time. I was able to get the main floor done before nap time, as well as do 3 loads of laundry.

The girls played together so nice, well except for Alexis hitting Kamryn in the face with a Barbie that resulted in a small scratch and some hurt feelings. That was quickly behind us and the free love and fun playing continued.

After lunch I put the girls down. After 3 minutes it was VERY quiet in there. Literally 3 minutes so I thought I should investigate. What did I find you ask??? THREE SLEEPING CHILDREN!!!! Huh? Seriously? NO WAY!! I called my loved ones and informed them I was running away from home because surely the apocolypse was coming and things after nap time would NOT be good. I thought I should get while the getting was good. I was kidding of course but an easy nap is a rarity. Heck some days a nap is a rarity. They slept until Jason woke them up...at 3:40!!! WHAT? We haven't slept that long in ages. I am hoping they aren't coming down with something that would stink!

So anyway the rest of the evening went well. We even added one to the brood as I kept my niece Mallory for a bit for my sister. No major melt downs etc., easy bed time. Hmmmmm, I'm suspicious.

So it was a GREAT day! I needed one of those, that is for sure. My house is spotless. My laundry is 3/4 done and I can enjoy the rest of my weekend. Life is good!

Pumpkin Cake

After the little girls went to bed, I decided Kori and I were gonna do a little project, just the two of us.

It turned out pretty good, considering this isn't "my thing".

Most important we did it together and we had fun. Oh yeah, it was yummy too!

Saturday at Sam's

On Saturday I went for my flu shot. Jason worked the night before and was sleeping so of course i had to take the girls with me. Thankfully the girls were cooperative and we were in and out in a flash.

On to Sam's Club. Not exactly how I wanted to spend the early afternoon part of my Saturday, but we were in desperate need of diapers so we really didn't have any choice in the matter. Kori assured me that she would be a help to me, and not antagonize or anger her sisters in any way. (She was true to her word by the way!)

We made it in without incident, which is always good. I chuckled as we passed the electronic section. There were several big screen TV's set up with various shows playing on them. In front of each of the ones set up in the middle (there were five or so) there was a man standing in front of it, eyes wide, mouth gaping, completely entranced. That made me giggle quietly on the inside. Men, they're all alike.

So we were making quick work of our list. Of course once we got our diapers and headed to the food area things slowed down a bit. The sample ladies were out in what seemed like every aisle. These ladies bring out the absolute WORST in everyone. People act like it's an all you can eat buffet instead of a way for you to sample things to see if you like them, and perhaps might even like to buy the sampled product. It's not an after breakfast or before lunch snack, it's certainly not lunch or dinner. No need to hoard around the poor ladies as they hand out their wares.

The germaphobe in me will not allow me to sample the wares. I don't like to think about who might have slobbered, snotted, touched, breathed on, etc. on the peddled items so I pass. Kori will occasionally see something she likes and she tries it.

We muddled through and were making our way towards the last part of the grocery section. The light at the end of the tunnel was getting brighter! Oh no! There's a nice lady giving out samples of pizza. I watched one guy (as I was bogged down in traffic) get a sample. We walked around the corner, comes back with one of his sons and says, "Look buddy pizza!", as he takes another piece. Around the corner he goes, returning with another kiddo of his (I assume, unless strangers were willing to loan out their kids so that this man could scam some free pizza samples). I chuckled as I watched. This time he says, "Oooooh look (insert kiddos name here) pizza! Do you want to try some?" So they both take some and off the go. Thankfully he was out of kids, and perhaps loaners so his pizza consumption was coming to an end. Too bad for him, good news for anyone else who might want some. I can't believe this grown man thought he was actually fooling anyone. Well, the sample peddler was rather advanced in age (mid 80's I believe) so maybe she didn't notice. But myself, as well as a few others who were bogged down in traffic with me, sure did.

Long story short, we finally made it out. No one cried, screamed, broke anything, needed diaper changes, created unwanted attention etc. so it was all good. We celebrated by getting gas for a mere $2.70 a gallon and taking the car through the car wash.

I am amazed sometimes by the amount of excitment my life is brimming with.

I HATE Mondays!

My sister passed away on a Monday. From that day on I have always despised Mondays. They were never my favorite day, but that only increased my dislike for it.

Seems bad news always rears it's ugly head on Monday's, today was no different.

As I checked my email this morning, I read the daily newsletter from work (well where I used to work and where Jason works now) at any rate, I was completely shocked to read that one of the officers, one of my all time favorites, is battling lung cancer that has spread to his brain. Oh man! My mouth fell open and the tears just started flowing. It just isn't fair. Life isn't fair, I know that, but man. I'm at a loss to sum up my feelings. So stunned, sad, bitter. I regress, life isn't fair.

After getting that news, I called my mom to check on her and my dad. My mom hasn't been feeling well the last couple of days and my dad was having a not so great day yesterday either so I thought I'd better check in. I no sooner got out "hello" to my mom when in between her tears, she relayed that her very best friend Dorothy had passed away.

My mom and Dorothy have been friends since the 3rd grade. They've stayed in touch over the years, even though Dorothy and her family relocated to Texas. They had many, many, many late night phone conversations, as that was when they preferred to chat. Late at night, when both their houses were quiet and the chances of getting interrupted were decreased.

Dorothy suffered a massive stroke a couple of weeks ago. Things were looking better until a few days ago. Apparently the blood thinner she was on was causing internal bleeding, once they stopped those to stop the bleeding, she had two more strokes and her organs began to shut down. Dorothy was grieving the loss of her husband two years ago and longed to go and be with him. For that, I am thankful she got her wish. I am sad my mom has lost such a good friend, and on a Monday no less.

Dang, I hate Mondays.

Butt Kicking!

Mine,by my kids yesterday. Man they were ROUGH on me! It was definitely one of "those" days. My friend Liz called and I can't imagine what she must have thought as Kamryn kept screaming "come back downstairs" over and over and over and over...you get the idea. She was put in her crib twice until she could calm down but it wasn't overly effective.

Not to mention I was TRYING to finish my housework. That wasn't going well either. On a good note, the girls took a nice nap with little or no protest.

After naps we had to go and get Kori from school. In the car they fought over listening to the Nursery Rhyme CD or the Hannah Montana/Miley Cyrus CD. Two were for one choice and one for the other. It was EXHAUSTING! They finally compromised and listened to a little of both. There were a couple minutes of peace and quiet then.

After getting home (I was seriously watching the clock, ready for daddy to get home from off-duty!) since I was cleaning the kitchen and can supervise the kiddos while they play on the deck, I sent them out there. Not 2 seconds after releasing the animals, they were fighting and pushing and pulling. Our poor neighbor guy was out on the patio drinking a cold one with a buddy, key word there being WAS. They stuck it out for a bit but then retreated to the calm and serenity of our neighbors childless home. I seriously couldn't blame them. Thankfully B is a nice neighbor and really likes the girls. He's just young and childless.

Everyone was extremely loud yesterday. Kori said everything LOUD as did the girls. There was singing, screaming, laughing, fighting, shrieking, you name it, it was all loud. By dinner I was about to curl up under the table in the fetal position, all while sucking my thumb. My husband told me "Wow, one of those days huh? I haven't even been home and hour and I already have a headache?" Amen brother, amen!!!!!

At any rate, the evening finally came to a close and I was so happy to see bedtime approaching.

My work was finally finished, the house looks and smells great and today is a new day!!!

Kori gets out of school early today and I think we're going to head out for a little winter clothes/coat shopping. Hopefully everyone will be on their best behavior, otherwise the fetal postion with thumb sucking won't be such a bad idea today either!!!!

Things To Make You Go Hmmmm...

Why is it my kiddos will jump, squeal, giggle, play, laugh, yell, etc. when put down for a nap, and then fall asleep 10-minutes before nap time is over?

Why are they grouchy with ME when this happens? It's not my fault, I put them down so that they could have had a two-hour nap, but the frolicking interrupted the sleeping. Yesterday I got to drag Alexis kicking and screaming to the car to go and pick up Kori from school as she was NOT happy that her 20-minute nap was over. Once again, NOT MY PROBLEM!

Why do my kids point out when they have poopied, etc. but then run from me when I go to change them???

Why must Morgan wake up at 2, 3, or 4 am (it's been varying over the last couple of weeks) and yell for no reason? Why must she wake up everyone else?

Why does Kori yell when she says anything, but when I say, it's time for a bath, pick up your toys, get ready for bed etc., I get "stop yelling at me", when I never even raised my voice???



Just a few things to ponder. Kids can be so puzzling at times.

On a good note we went to Olive Garden for dinner last night (thanks for the idea Jason I needed a break from cooking!). During the meal I noticed an older lady a couple of tables over who kept staring the whole meal. I figured maybe she wasn't a fan of kids and she was worried we would interrupt the calm and quiet meal she was trying to have. Well after she finished she came up to tell me that Jason and I had the most beautiful and well behaved family she'd seen in a LONG time. Man, that felt good! My girls do great in restaurants. We only had one "not so great" experience where two of the three wanted to be held the whole meal instead of sitting in their high chairs so that's not bad. It's nice that others notice and don't mind sharing. Sure beats the other comments we get, "Oh man, triple the trouble!", "You got your hands full", "TRIPLETS????", "Did you have them vaginally?" (yes someone has said that to me before!), "Did you breastfeed ALL of them?". So it was a nice break for someone to just be "normal".

I celebrated by ordering a piece of the pumpkin cheesecake, to go. Kori and I shared it later. Yummy!

I am here!!!

Please accept my apologies for my absence. Life as usual is crazy!!!! I was out of town this past weekend to Chicago! It was a great trip! I met up with a bunch of wonderful ladies and had an awesome time. Jason stayed home and manned the ship here, taking awesome care of the girls! It was nice to only be responsible for myself for a couple of days. I've never traveled without my hubby and only once away from Kori and that was in 2004 when Jason and I went to Vegas with my sister and brother-in-law. I've never been away from the little girls. It was hard at first to think about it. I had some severe mommy guilt, but I am so glad I did it. My sister traveled with me and she had fun as well.

The ladies I met with are people I have befriended on an on-line parenting forum. There were seven of us total. It was hard to believe we hadn't met in person previously because things seemed to "normal" and relaxed. Of the five other ladies that went, four of them have twins. It's always nice to meet up with other multiple mommas. We came from all over the U.S. and we had a blast! Thanks for a great time!

I will try and upload some pictures tomorrow.

Jason was a witness in the "Precious Doe" trial today. For those that don't know in April of 2001 the headless body of a 3-year old girl was found by my husband in the area where he worked at the time as a patrol officer. After about 4-years she was finally identified and her killers were located and charged. Seven years later her step-father is on trial for her murder. My husband has worked hard to supress those horrible memories from 7-years ago but they were all brought up to the surface again today. I am hopeful that the jury convicts this monster and some sort of justice, although it will never be enough, will be rendered for this beautiful little girl who touched my husbands life to much. After getting home this afternoon from the trial he hugged our girls extra tight. Hard to think that he sees the worst of the worst, is treated not so great by the community and even at times by his own department, and yet still does the job with as much heart and commitment as had 13-years ago. I am so proud of him, I hope that shows.

On a little happier note, my sister called to inform me last night that her and my brother-in-law will welcome a new addition to their family in June of 2009. My sister is pregnant with their 2nd child. So 12th time I will become an aunt. I'm starting to feel old! Here's to a boring and uneventful pregnancy Becky! May your morning sickness be sparse and your calories many! I will remind you when you complain how badly you wanted this, hey that's my job you know! Kori is hoping for a girl, my nephew is begging for another boy. I too hope it's a girl as Cody is doing a great job being the only boy cousin even if he says he hates it. :-)

Kori is doing great in school! She is having loads of fun playing with her new American Girl doll I got for her in Chicago. They are pricey but very cute. The littles are enjoying playing with their stuffed Mickey and Minnie Mouse dolls, they go everywhere with them. It's cute to watch them tote them around. They are snuffly and coughy, I don't know if it's allergies or if they caught Kori's junk from last week. Whatever it is I hope this is the worst of it and it goes away soon.

So in a nutshell, that's about it for me. I will try and resume a more frequent posting schedule. Thanks for your patience!