It's Been Awhile

It's been awhile.  And we had a baby.  And I'm the happiest mother ever.  And I don't have any time.  And I don't want blogger to delete my blog.  So I'm posting these few pictures.  But I'm not really "blogging" again.  Just dropping in to say, life is good!

Baby Daddy

Just for a change of scenery.  My perfect little Daddy to the neglected baby dolls in the house.  He's perfection!

Birthday Boy!

On Monday I decided I should potty train Henry before his birthday. It's now Sunday, his birthday. I haven't cleaned up one accident. He's sleeping without a diaper. And in one weeks time he's erased all crazy he caused me in his terrible two's by potty training like a champ! Best little boy ever! Happy Birthday Henry. I'm so proud of you. I Batman love you! (As opposed to I super love you because all words "super" are replaced with Batman around here with that boy!)

Walking Not So Much

William is a doll. I love every single bit of him. But he wins the prize for the slowest developing child in our house. Holy moly. Will he ever walk? Will he ever talk? Will he ever stop screaming to get your attention? Will he ever get more teeth?

I knew he was slow on the walking front, but just today it dawned on me that he is months behind where the other kids were at this age. The girls were walking at 12 months or so. Henry was running at 10 months. William. He's special. He barely takes a step, that little rascal. I do have to say that I have knowingly neglected "teaching" him how to walk. I haven't wanted him to walk really. But he is 14 months afterall, and it seems that maybe now there should be some interest on his part. But there isn't.

I remember 4 years ago we took the girls to my parents house in Arizona for them to watch the kids while we went to Hawaii. I distinctly remember telling my mom not to worry because anything the girls wanted they would be able to tell her, verbally. Gwen was 14 months old. And talking a blue streak. She was the most amazing thing I ever did see. Full sentences from the moment she first opened her mouth to speak. Perfect strangers would hear us talking and be shocked to learn that she was barely over one. William won't even utter the word "mama". I know he can. We've all heard him say it on occasion. But it only sneaks out every blue moon. His preferred way to communicate? Squealing. It is not lovely.

I have always, always said that I wish the first year of my babies life actually lasted two years. I mean they are only babies for such a short short time, that I, for one, would love to have that extended by double. I love the first year! And from the looks of it, I finally am getting my wish. William just needs to crawl and not speak for another eight months and I'll have my William's first year last two!

Season's Greetings 2011

This past year, more than ever, I have found myself full of gratitude for the abundant blessings in my life. I am especially grateful for my family. Even if we are that crazy family with a bunch of loud, little kids with sticky faces and messy, uncombed hair. Crazy is my new normal. But along with crazy comes fun, and I couldn’t be more grateful for my fun, crazy life.

Gabriella is breezing through first grade with her usual exuberance and confidence. I don’t think she’s met a person or challenge she hasn’t greeted with a smile (even if half her teeth have been missing for the past year and a half). She’s outgoing, full of energy, and such a big help to me. She loves running and swimming. Earlier this fall when I told her we signed her up for soccer, she looked at me like I was crazy and said, “Moooom. Soccer’s not really my thing.” When asked what her “thing” was, she replied, “You know. Something more like gymnastics or cheerleading.” So an athlete? Maybe not. But she did score the most goals of her teammates, so we’re not giving up on her that quickly.

Gwen, on the other hand, was heard saying to the opponents at her first soccer game, “Show me whatcha got big boys.” She’s the house clown that’s for sure. She’s a funny girl who can drop the best one-liners and get everyone rolling. She is our creative one. She has an imagination that I envy. She is like the MacGyver of crafts. Anything she finds or sees turns into one of her “projects” at the kitchen island. We have had many, many hours of wonderful, quality conversation while she crafts and I cook. Kindergarten isn’t going to know what hits it when she shows up next year. And I will shed some tears to see my little girl go.

Henry. My boy. My sweet, sweet boy. What doesn’t kill you, can only make you stronger. And so far, I haven’t killed him yet. He’s not a bad kid…he’s just terrible. But he is 2.5 so I’m still holding out hope for him. But man alive, he’s equally as adorable as he is trouble. He honestly is a sweetheart. He lives in a world of sound effects. No matter the toy, it will have a motor that goes, really, really fast. If he isn’t revving his toy up to go, he’s aiming it at something to shoot. He has various shooting sounds, depending on the situation. He a-dores Gabriella. 100% a-dores her. He even calls to “Babiellwa” when he wants to get out of his crib. And yes, he’s still in a crib. He doesn’t climb out and I’m no dummy. He can sleep in that crib until he’s 4 as far as I’m concerned. He still affectionately claims William as his very own possession and only refers to him as “my baby.” It is quite endearing.

“My baby” (aka babycakes, chubb chubbs, fatty face, William) just turned one and has carved out an enormous place for himself in every family members heart. He is as good as they come. We are all very tightly wound around his pudgy little finger. And he knows it. Very recently he’s discovered that he can, in fact, make noise-very loud, shrieking type noises-and get everyone’s attention…within a five-mile radius. He has perfected what I like to call “the corkscrew” where he rolls over triumphantly in the midst of every diaper change. And he has successfully mastered pooping his pants in the wee hours of the morning for that ever thrilling and aggravating corkscrew wrestling match bright and early. His other talents include fake laughing, sitting on books you are reading, flopping face down onto the floor when upset, and fake crying. So far we have successfully kept him from walking, but I fear the end is near and he will be on his way very soon…most likely in the opposite direction of Henry.

Joe is, of course, most happy this time of year. He has continued to embrace, with unwavering commitment, the most expensive hobby known to mankind. Hunting. Each time he shoots a turkey or deer I ask, but not really wanting to know the answer, “So, how much did this one cost?” He reminds me that the joy is in the journey. What a joy it has been! He welcomes and is desperately seeking any hunting buddies. He’s already taken Henry along to lay deer feed and prepare his tree stand and I can see the anticipation in his eyes for when Henry can join him on his hunts. However, Henry is the loudest person on the face of the planet, so I can’t see that happening anytime soon.

As for me, I think often of when Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz famously repeats, “There’s no place like home, there’s no place like home.” She is, of course, referring to Kansas. While I don’t quite share that level of devotion to this state, I can say that I do have a soft spot for the comforts and conveniences of my home and small town living. I have an appreciation for the joys of a simple, calm life and having all that I really need close by. I’m adjusting, sometimes begrudgingly, okay, kicking and screaming at times, about not having everything I want as close as I’d like. But I’m busier than I’ve ever been with the ins and outs of 4 little children, so those wants have swiftly, and rightfully so, moved down my list of priorities. Being here, right now, I’m continually being reminded is such a blessing and is exactly where we belong.

We hope this letter finds each of you remembering the greatest blessing of all, our Savior Jesus Christ. Happy holidays from our family.

Joseph. Jamie. Gabriella. Gwyneth. Henry. William.

Wish Us Luck

I took it upon myself to take the sides off Henry's crib today. I feel antsy and I need a room to do something with. The boys room has been a hodge podge since we moved in, because I knew Henry would be ready to sleep in a bed very soon. Well after a year and a half, he's still in his crib. So today I changed that. It's the first step to getting a real bed in there. But I'm not sure how things will go. He was awfully excited to see he crib without sides. But my gut tells me tonight is going to be a disaster! Wish us luck!

post edit note: I guess putting a sleep deprived, sick child in bed is a fool proof way of having the transition from crib to bed be successful. We put him to bed and he didn't budge until morning...when he called to me still, and didn't get out of bed. Threatening him with his favorite blanket might have been a good move too! :)

Christmas Snow

When Henry saw the snow outside this morning he said, "I open my presents now?" You see, he has been telling us that it wasn't Christmas yet because there was no snow. I don't know where he got the idea that snow was only associated with Christmas, but now that there is snow on the ground, he is only concerned about one thing-presents.

He handled the fact that we weren't going to tear everything under the tree open remarkably well. We distracted him with sledding and snowmen. And hot cocoa. Always lots and lots of hot cocoa. So although today isn't Christmas, I gotta say, this snow sure has perfect timing! It's beginning to feel a lot like Christmas! And I can't wait!!

Crying Babies

I'm a terrible mom. I can't help it. There is something perfectly adorable about babies crying with bed head. I grab my camera every time. Those tired little red faces are just so expressive in the morning when all they want is to get picked up and cuddle with a bottle of milk. And I make them wait. It's bad. This particular morning Henry was concerned about "my baby" and thought that maybe he needed a book read to him to help him to be happy. That only seemed to tick William off even more. Which made for even better pictures! (bwahahahaha). Why is it so easy to get a great picture of a baby crying and seemingly impossible to get a great picture of a baby smiling? I just can't stand how cute William is in these pictures!

Just so you don't actually think I'm horrible I checked the time on my first picture 8:24:57 am. The last picture was 8:25:37. Only 40 seconds-that's a small price to pay for cute, crying pictures!:)

American Girl Birthday Girl

We woke them up and it was still dark outside. She practically got dressed with her eyes closed. We took blankets and donuts with us and watched Frosty the Snowman in the car. I did her hair in the empty mall lobby. We had to be in Kansas City by 9:00am. That's what time the class started. We made it to the American Girl doll store just in time for them to open the door to 4 very special little girls.

For Gabriella's birthday she wanted to get her dolls ears pierced and hair done. The day we could make it to Kansas City happened to be a day the store was offering a "how-to style your dolls hair" class. But it started an hour before the actual store opened. Could we make it to the class that early, or should we just go to the salon and have the ladies do her dolls hair instead? Gabs wanted to take the class, so off we went at 6:30 am.

I'm so glad we did. Gabriella got to go into the store with only 3 other girls, stand behind the salon counters, and learn three different hair styles on her doll. They didn't let the parents stay. They had the whole quiet, empty store to themselves. Gwen and I went to the Disney store and rode the escalators a couple trillion times for the next 45 minutes. (Even at 5, all she wanted to do was go up and down those escalatores by herself, over and over again. Funny little thing.)

We made it back and they escorted us in to take pictures and see them finish up the last style. Each girl left with a goodie bag full of hair accessories and gigantic smiles on their face. We waited about five minutes (with a crowd of people) for the store to open up to the public, then rushed back to the counter to be first in line to get her dolls ears pierced. By the time we were done, there was easily hundreds of people swarming the place. Joe took the kids to play and I finished up by grabbing a few Christmas gifts. We were out of there 30 minutes later. And never looked back. It was nuts! And a really fun morning. Joe thought the whole thing (ie- salon chairs, capes, hair styles, ear piercing) was a little overboard for some dolls. HA! I thought it was awesome. I think Gabs would agree!

So Far Today...

...I made and cleaned up breakfast.

...I folded the laundry I washed on Monday.

...I loaded last night dishes.

...I changed 4 (count them-4!) poopy diapers.

...I read about 2 dozen books to the kids.

...I sent 2 e-mails.

...I put William down for a short morning cat nap.

...I got down the pretend food for Gwen and Henry to play with.

...I broke up a fight over a pink baby doll between Gwen and Henry.

...I put the folded laundry away.

...I taught Gwen how to tie her sisters shoes (since she doesn't own any with laces).

...I put Henry in time out for pushing.

...I pretended to be a "friend" to Henry and Gwen so they could take me on a tour of their home (their bedrooms).

...I made lunch.

...I cleaned 1 bathroom.

...I sent one girl off to school and put two boys down for a long (hopefully) nap.

What I didn't do today was change anyone out of their pajamas-except Gwen, finally at 12:00 so she could go to school. Or brush any one's hair.

My jobs in any given day range from mundane to boring to horrible (the poopy diapers) to frustrating to so completely gratifying (teaching Gwen the simplest of things like tying her shoes). I feel like sometimes I get bogged down with the "tasks" of being a mother that I forget to be grateful for the special "moments" I can and get to create with my children. I really take for granted the things that I am able to do as a mother. I complain sometimes after a long day about giving baths or getting kids in bed. But those are blessings. Because I get to do them, and I am able to do them. I'm grateful that today I really soaked up that time I spent with Gwen teaching her how to tie her shoe. Because those are the memories I will hold onto and look back on. I can still remember sitting with Gabriella on our little square area of hard wood floor by the front door in Washington teaching her how to tie her pink converse on her first day of school in February. I will remember today with Gwen just the same. What a blessing it is to have my job.

My Baby

Baby turned one. Boo. No one over here is happy at all about that little fact. I wanted to cry the night before when I was putting him to bed. Something changes when your baby turns one. There's no turning back. After one it's all down hill. The walking. The talking. The opinions. They all come rapid fire after the first birthday. And I, for one, cold use a little more time before all that starts in with William. This boy is everything you would want in a baby. Oh man, I love him.

We did a little family celebration with a homemade cake by Joe. It was divine. William is a bit of a savory eater, so he didn't care so much for the sweet chocolate cake. But the rest of us devoured it.

Things that I would want to remember about Babycakes right now are...

-He loves throwing things. He gets something, and throws it down. Usually he takes whatever it is in his right hand and throws it down by his side, so it travels a total of two inches, but he does it with such determination. We love to hand it right back to him and laugh as he does it over and over.

- He would look at the Little People lift the flap books all day long if he could. He loves them. And he loves to sit on them and sail across the floor.

- He says "bob, bob, bob, bob" with his little bottom lip tucked in under his top front (totally croocked) front teeth.

- He makes the kids laugh at dinner by making his Indian calls with his hand and mouth, ba, ba, ba, ba...then he slaps his hand on the tray, BA! Over and over again.

- He is the only baby that I've had that will still lay his head on my shoulder when I take him into his room to sleep. I rock him as long as I can get away with. I love it!

- He can go up and down the stairs now. My favorite is how happy he gets when he goes down the stairs on his belly.

- He can unload the kitchen cupboards and drawers faster than you can believe.

- He has totally teethed on his crib. Paints gone and everything. Makes me smile.

I am blessed beyond measure to have this little guy in my life. What a joy it is to be a mother!

Oceanside 2011

I came across this picture today from our trip to California. What a great time we had! Even if we drove 22 straight hours to get there and another 22 to get back...with 4 kids age 6 and under. Are we crazy? When it comes to getting us to the beach to stay on an ocean front property with Grandma and Grandpa in sunny California, we'd do just about anything. Next summer can't come soon enough...

Gwen Girl

The day before my littlest baby girl turned five I kept hugging her. I told her over and over again that it was the very last day I would ever be able to hug my four year old Gwen and I didn't want to forget how it felt. She ate it up. I loved every second of it. The first hug in the morning I told her I wasn't letting go. She tried to get away but I hugged tighter and shook my head no. She laughed. I told her she was going to have to stay in my arms all day long because tomorrow she'd be five. She laughed more. Then she told me she had to go potty. So I let go, sadly.

I told her about the day she was born. She loves to hear about how we waited and waited and waited. Until she finally decided to come the next day. And when she came out, she screamed. She likes to do her baby crying impression at this point in the story. She loves that part.

At 3:30 am on her birthday she came into our room to ask if it was her birthday yet. She grabbed her blanket from under our bed and took up her spot on the floor. I told her she was, in fact, now five. She said she knew she was five because her toes were now sticking out from the bottom of the blanket. She had obviously grown since yesterday.

When morning came we went into her room to get dressed. She informed me that the clothes in her dresser would no longer fit her. Now that she's five of course. So I got down her 5T clothes from the top shelf in her closet. That seemed to humor her.

She was so excited to see her friends. She mentioned that she didn't think that they would even recognize her. Because, of course, she was five and she had grown so much.

What a sweetheart she is. Kinda ironic that on this big, momentous day, we threw her a teeny tiny party complete with teeny tiny everything. In my mind, I'll always have my little Gwen. I love you baby girl!

September

I guess I'll work in baby steps. Picture first, post later. I want to sit down and blog, but I can't seem to get around to it. Seems like that always happens around Septmeber...

Double Trouble

Double Trouble-it's a nickname you'll inevitable inherit if you're a twin. But I'm beginning to think my boys will dutifully fulfil that role even if they aren't twins. Thank goodness William hasn't followed in Henry's footsteps and hasn't started walking at 10 months old. I would be a wreck if I had to keep up after two boys going different directions-and trust me, I know, they would absolutely go opposite directions. Infact, William is still "wounded soldier" crawling. I'm so lucky. I'm hoping he doesn't walk until 14 months or something like that. That would be ideal. But my kids are a little different when it comes to sitting. They don't seem to sit until they can crawl. So usually at around 8 months my tubby babies will finally sit without wobbling over. William has mastered sitting finally. It only lasts a few minutes until he sees something in the distance, then he'll bail sideways like he's jumping from a plane and belly crawl his way over what he wants. It's all very stealth like.

Well, now that we have a sitter, we have the luxury of bathing the boys together. And already I can imagine the puddles of water on my bathroom floor that will be coming. My girls play polly pockets and mermaids in the tub. Boys, they just want to make a ginormous, wet, slippery, splashy mess. Total trouble I tell ya.

The Leader of the Pack

Gabriella told me that she wasted her whole summer. She said she didn't even build a roller coaster or anything. I guess she thinks Phineas and Ferb are real. Well, we didn't waste our summer. We had a great one. But as we all know, summers come to an end and the dreaded school year begins. I hate schedules. I like to do things in my own time and to allow my kids not to feel rushed around from the moment their toes hit the floor in the morning.

But, we've started a new school year and schedules are a must. Maybe I'll feel differently when I have more children in school, but right now I wish Gabs could continue to stay home with us. She is such a great first-born. A total leader. She rallies the little ones and imagines a game that they all enjoy. She prides herself in being my special helper. And she is a huge help. She always wants to have fun, no matter what we are doing. She wants to turn everything we do into a "girls only date". I'm sad this girl will be gone 8 hours a day. But it's obvious I'm the only one.

Motherhood

A few weeks ago, our family was invited to a barbecue that someone from Joe's work invited us to. It was a family barbecue, but many couples opted to get a sitter for their children and come alone. When we showed up with four little ones, we looked like quite the crowd. Someone mentioned to Joe that they, too, were in the "four children club". I didn't realize there was a club. But the truth is, especially here in Kansas where there are few members (none of which were at this barbecue) having four children is somewhat of a rarity. Little do these club members know that we aren't even stopping at four. (Queue shocked expressions across Manhattan.)

Really, the feeling of having people look at us like we're crazy when we show up to a restaurant with the four children in tow doesn't even phase me. When I go to the pool or the summer movie at the theatre with the kids and strangers tell me I have my hands full, I just smile and carry on. It's simply my normal. I don't feel overwhelmed. Well, most days I don't. So those looks and comments just go right in one ear and out the other.

But what really gets my blood boiling is the assumption that because I have four children that I am somehow jipping them each of quality time and really "knowing" them because I am dividing my time between more children. It's just not that way. I guarantee that I love my children the same as any other good mother out there with fewer or even more children. I know each of them. They each know that I love them. They aren't starving for attention. In fact, they probably get too much attention, because not only are they getting my attention and their fathers attention, they have one another to give and get attention from. It's a beautiful thing.

I do make an effort to get one on one time with each of my children. Not because I feel like I have to or that I owe that to them, but because I love being with each of them individually too. And they eat that time up. Not because they've been deprived of that "quality" time, but because it makes them feel special, as it would any child regardless of the number of children in the family.

I know Gabs is fun and thoughtful. She's playful and outgoing. She's a leader. She's competitive but easily frustrated. I know Gwen is pokey at everything. She's independent and super confident. She's creative and sweet. She's a riot and sensitive all at the same time. Henry is my wild card. He's either totally obstinate and stubborn, or completely tender and loving. He's silly and busy. He whines and laughs, usually simultaneously. William is ea-sy. He's patient and happy. He's smiley and content. He is the polar opposite of high maintenance. He's a total breeze.

I know these things about my children because I am a good mother. Because I am present in their life. Each and every one of their lives. No matter how many more children we have, I will continue to know everything about my children. They will always feel special and loved. They will always be surrounded by one another and feel the love in our family. Because I am the mother. And that is what motherhood is all about. I love it.

Baby William

I love these pictures. Silly little snap shops one uneventful evening. I forgot they were even on my camera. It's like finding $10 bucks in your pocket. What a wonderful surprise to find these gems that so epitomize William right now...

1. That long hair. It's lightening up and growing so long over his ears. Joe hasn't had two seconds to cut it and it's driving me crazy!

2. Those cheeks. It never fails that his cheeks are mentioned. The boy likes to eat.

3. Cute curled toes. His feet are never relaxed. He always has his toes curled up and his feet curled in. I love it because it reminds me that he's still a baby.

4. Bending over backwards. Whenever he is being held (nursing, drinking a bottle, or just being cradled) and he wants to see what the kids are being so noisy about behind him, he just bails over your arm and stares at them upside down. It's the funniest thing. That image of him looking at me that way captures him to a "T" right now. Love it.

5. And above all else, these pictures just show how layed back and relaxed he always is. He's just a peaceful little guy who is content and easy going all day.

Other fun things about William right now is his refusal to sit up. If you try and sit him, he just tips to the side so he can get moving. He army crawls like nobodies business and still hasn't figured out how to get on his hands and knees. I'm certainly okay with that. He generally hates baby food, but we can get him to eat sweet potatoes and corn. He seems to prefer the veggies to the fruits. He's stealthy like a snake. I can put him down in one room and a few seconds later he will have vanished and is heading straight to the girls room to see if he can find some unattended silly bandz to choke on. He is super ticklish on his back. He has two little bottom teeth. He always has his tongue planted on the roof of his mouth. When he smiles all you see is the underside of his tongue. His favorite thing to do is reach up and grab anything thing he can get a hold of on your face and hold on for dear life. His favorite? Lips. He always, always scratches his belly with his right hand. When he's eating, when he's gotten out of the tub, when he's getting his clothes changed, he just scratches the side of his little belly. It's something he's been doing since he was itty bitty.

And one last thing, since Joe is in these pictures too, I think I'll mention just what a great dad he is. Each of our kids adore him and love him and can't wait until he gets home. He is so involved and present in their lives. It makes being a mom so great, because I have a husband who does all that he can for me and the kids the minute he gets home. What a blessing he is to me!

Date Night

The last date Joe and I went on without children was over a year ago when we left Washington and meet up with some friends for dinner. I can't even remember before that when the last time was that just Joe and I went out, just the two of us. Far too long ago to say the least. In December William joined us in celebrating our 10 year wedding anniversary at a super fancy restaurant. He slept in his car seat and never made a peep. But still he was there. And it feels like less of a treat when you are on a date and you still can't hold hands, because someone is holding a car seat.

To say I'm excited for a date with my husband and NO children is a huge understatement. I need this date. I don't know why we don't do it more. I know it is vital to a healthy relationship. But we slip into those reasons of not having a babysitter, or not wanting to spend the money, or the kids are too young, blah blah blah. It's just excuses. The truth is, we're not putting each other first enough.

Last week I was preparing for my Relief Society lesson and I found a marriage book Joe and I got before we were married. I have been reading it again. I was shocked when I got to Chapter 10 titled The Middle Years. "The middle years are largely occupied with learning to deal with careers, changes in financial status, the responsibilities of assuming larger roles in church and society, and the increasing demands of children." Check, check, check and check. I still think of Joe and I as "newlyweds." It's hard to believe we've been married ten years. But then I'm reminded of a move to medical school for 4 years, a move to residency for 5 years and a move to Kansas with 4 little babies born in the midst of all that, and I can't believe it's only been 10 years.

As I read through the chapters describing the "marital meltdown" that occurs between 30-50 year olds who have been married more than a decade, I was comforted knowing that Joe and I are not melting down. Thanks goodness. I already knew that, but it's nice being reminded. What struck me though was the phrase "neglect of the marriage." I'm afraid we have fallen a bit into neglecting our marriage. We stand by one another through all we can. We devote so much time and energy together to our children, work, church and our home that we have forgotten to find those meaningful, alone moments as spouses.

So tonight, I will be dusting off my heels and earrings and I will be going on a date with my good looking husband. It can't come soon enough. And the truth is, for once, I won't even miss my children. Is that bad?

Bedheads and Blankets

Last night Gabs asked if she could see her blanket. You see, I took it away a few months ago. She's big enough now not to have her blanket to sleep with. So I made her quit cold turkey. I remember talking about a blanket intervention years ago, and we finally did it. So I washed it up, folded it nicely, and put it away for safe keeping. Overall, she handled it rather well. But, for some reason she asked for it last night, "just to feel and smell it" she said. Joe, of course, is such a softy, so he got up to get it for her. He came back downstairs afterwards and said he shed a little tear watching her see her blanket after so long. I guess she said, "I'm so happy right now, I think I might cry happy tears." Sweet girl. I had to run upstairs myself to witness the joy. I crawled into the top bunk to find her sitting criss cross applesauce hugging and smelling her blanket. She had such a look of peace and contentment on her face. She found her favorite corner (not hard seeing as it has a huge hole in it) and had it tucked right under her nose where it always once was. She thanked me for taking such good care of it while she didn't have it. I made her promise not to suck her thumb, which she informed me in a teenage sounding voice, "Moooommm, I broke that habit remember?" all the while still smiling with her blanket under her nose. What a cutie.

This morning all the kids where cuddled up on the couch watching Little Einsteins (the only thing we're allowed to watch with Henry around) under their blankets while I feed William. In a flash I realized how grateful I am that my children find comfort in the baby blankets I made each of them. I'm grateful that's all it takes when they are sad...just holding their blanket makes them feel better. I'm grateful that where ever we go in their first several years of life, they will always have the constant of their blanket. I know I will miss seeing their little blankets in a pile under the bar stools at breakfast. I will miss the way Gwen wraps it around her when she is cold. And the way Henry sleeps with his like it's a body pillow. I will miss tucking it around William like he's a little burrito, but I can't wait to see what quirky habits he develops with his.

After a bit of a tough mothering day yesterday, I was reminded again this morning how temporary everything is. I read something this weekend that said, "Good moms have sticky floors, dirty ovens and happy kids." I think if I keep that in mind, I won't look back over my life and feel like I missed these important years cleaning and doing laundry. I will be able to look back over these years and picture my little kids, with their perfectly adorable bed head and their filthy little blankets, enjoying life. And I will be satisfied because I will remember that I enjoyed it too. This picture makes me so happy! I love my job!

--A few of you asked about the pillows on my bed from a few posts back. I'm sorry to inform you that Manhattan Kansas is full of unbelievable shopping opportunities. There are some seriously quality places to shop around here in the home decor category. I found these babies at the rare, quaint, one of a kind store-Bed, Bath and Beyond. Go figure! I hope that doesn't lessen the appeal. :)