One should NEVER forget

Today is one of those days that one should take a moment or a step back to remember how lucky we for our lives we live and the great men and women who defend our freedoms. I will never forget where I was 8 years ago when I first found out the planes had hit. I was in my third grade classroom at Cleveland Elementary. A co-worker came and whispered it to me and my heart sank and worry set in. Here I was in the midst of all these innocent children who knew nothing of such horrible acts but would be made at such an early age to hear and learn that people could be so evil. I will never forget how all the staff that day came together to pray and support each other as it was such an emotion rollercoaster from the moment we found out and for many days and months after. We were on a lock down that day for the remainder of the day and on alert many days after. Never in my life time had I been that nervous or scared of the unknown. I was so proud of my country for coming together and rising above the evil that took so many innocent lives that day. No matter where one was that day, life changed and I will never forget. I thank all those men and women serving in Afganistan and Iraq and all over the world for their service and protection and to all their love ones who scarifice so much for us, especially those who's loved one will not becoming home. I honor you all for you are what makes America beautiful. For those of you who lost your loved ones to the attacks I promise I will NEVER forget!

Oh NO!!

Not to much time to write as I have 2 sick kiddos. We have the sick bug at our house and mommy and daddy are not so thrilled. Yesterday Keat complained of a scratchy throat and said it was a little sore so I kept him home from school as all the H1N1 stuff. I didnt want to be that parent who sent her kid in sick and got everyone else sick. Well good thing I kept him as midday he had a fever, very sore throat and horrible cough. He was up last night several times very upset with the sore throat and ended up sleeping on the coach. This morning fever not so high but still miserable. Still in the same spot on the couch so that tells you he doesnt feel well right there. Sadly not Aiden's nose has begun to run which is a VERY bad sign. I am crossing fingers he doesnt get what Keaton has as that scares me because he's so little. I'll keep ya updated.

LOVE YOU RYAN, HAVE A GREAT FIRST DAY AT SCHOOL!

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Aiden 5 month update

Little Aiden is already 5months old and such a sweet little baby. I am so blessed to have him as my son. He has such a great smile that he seems to flash most of the time and it just melts my heart. Here is a little update on what he's doing right now.

*Holding his head up VERY strong

*Rolling over

*Sitting up all by himself pretty steady now

*He has 2 bottom teeth which came in at the same time, was in pretty good spirits while they came in. He was VERY drooly and on the last 2 days he was a little cranky but overall he was a trooper. His beautiful pearly whites pooped thru on August 28th.

*Loves his exersaucer and jumperoo

*Now that his teeth are in he is napping great again, morning nap of 1 to 3 hours and afternoon 1-2 hours.

*still a great night sleeper. He has been sleeping thru the night since 8weeks from 8pm till 7am. We are truly blessed!

*Aiden has graduated from the carrier car seat to his convertible back facing car seat as of Sept. 6th. He was to big for his seat, legs hanging off seat and over the 20lb weight limit.

*Loves his brothers and grins from ear to ear when Keaton and Ryan come around.

*Very good grasping reflexes. Holds his toys well and passes from hand to hand. Oh not to mention he LOVES grabbing my hair!!

*Is starting to be chatty and he said "MA, MA" tonight!!!!

*Eating solids really well and is a great eater.

Solids we have tried thus far:

rice cereal

oatmeal cereal

applesauce

carrots

sweet peas

*Wearing size 12month clothes

*Growing lots of light hair

Overall Aiden is right on track and such a blessing.

Ryan's ALMOST a BIG SCHOOL BOY

Little Ryan has been begging to go to school since Keaton started and yesterday was a big day for him but also a tease. Yesterday was meet the teacher conference and see his classroom day. It lasted close to 30min. and when it was time to leave he was so sad. Needless to say Ryan is more than ready to go to school and yesterday only gave him a taste and now he is just plain annoyed that he still hasn't started school and to be honest so is mommy. Preschool at Holy Apostles has always started the 1st week in Sept. and when I signed Ryan up in Feb. the start date was still the beginning of Sept. but somewhere over the summer they changed it to the official start date of the 15th. Oh and just to annoy me a bit more they are making us pay for the full month even though they are only going half the month. I love the school and I hope this isn't a precursor to what the year is going to be like with a bunch of changes. The school was great the way it was I hope it stays on track. Anyways, back on topic. Ryan has worn his backpack everywhere we go and even now is putting snack in his lunch bag and bring that everywhere. It's so darn cute yet sad as he is waiting so patiently and it seems to be taking forever to get here.

We met his teacher who is fantastic and her assistant is someone that knew Keaton and I from previous years so that was really nice. She has know Ryan since he was 17 months old or so and she is so sweet so it will be nice to have he in there with Ryan. So cross your fingers that all this excitement and eagerness stays with us for the real big day because Ryan is going to be a BIG BOY going to school and mommy will be so proud but a bit sad. Time maybe dragging for Ryan but is flying by for mommy. The boys are growing up so fast and I just am trying to take it all in.

I hit the Jack Pot!!

For some strange reason it just really hit me today that I am a mother of THREE and on top of that THREE BOYS!!! Not sure why this hasn't seem so crazy before but for some reason this weekend it sank in. Wow I have 3 beautiful, healthy little boys and I couldn't be more happy about it. So many keep asking "Aren't you going to have just one more?" The answer is going to be NO folks. I will not be having any more babies myself, I sealed the deal on that and there is no going back. Ben and I have entertained one day adopting a child that really needs a home but that too is off in the future. For now we are a family of 5. I have endless laundry, messes to clean, fights to break up and oh not to mention more hugs and kisses to give and get than one could ask for. I'm one lucky chick to be surrounded by so many boys. So NO we DIDN'T get the girl but what I DID GET was 3 amazing boys and when I look at them I know that I wouldn't want them to be anything other than what and who they are. Keaton with a bow and pink on makes me giggle. Boys ROCK and I hit the jackpot all the way around!!

Time to get busy and get my life under control!!

OK, so with three kids and a husband my life has gotten to the point where I am becoming crazy with trying to get organized and keep this house under control. So I am laying out here today all the things I need to accomplish this week. I hoping by Sunday I can look at my list and cross everything off but knowing my life that's a pipe dream but one can try. So here's this weeks list.

1.) Go thru all toy bins and pitch or re-organize toys (the boys have things everywhere they don't belong!)
2.) Go thru my master closet and get rid of everything I don't wear and then have someone pic up or drop off immediately, also reorganize closet better for summer and winter wear.
3.) Go thru Aidens closet and pull clothes he's outgrown and pull out clothes he will be wearing for winter. Get Emma over here to take some of the 0-6month stuff so it's gone.
4.)Make a new Halloween bin for all our costumes and junk we are collecting so it's easier to find stuff.
5.)Clear out a better cabinet for Ben's liquor that he's collecting on my back kitchen counter.
6.)Paint main floor powder room
7.) Make Keaton site word flash cards and memory game
8.) Get kids pictures taken
9.) Start work on photo albums

OK, I think that's enough for now as the list could go on and on. I'm tired thinking about it all but it has to be done for my sanity. Now if I can get Ben to pitch in to help!!

In the bowl, PLEASE!!!

OK, I just don't get it!!!! I don't have a pee pee like a boy but REALLY.... Is it impossible to get the pee in the toilet guys, really. I have 2 boys and 1 man that use one of the 4 bathrooms at any given time and for some reason I always seem to find pee somewhere that is not in the toilet bowl. Yes, people I know this post is not yummy but neither is cleaning 4 toilets daily let alone what my morning has been like today. This morning has been bathroom HELL. Ryan who I love very much is on his last leg with me today. He has proceeded to get pee on the floor twice all before noon. I was mopping the bathroom for the first time at 7:30am and again at 10am. I don't think he is tucking when he sits to do his business and hence pee seems to finds it's way out. I am frustrated and DONE mopping for the day so all I have to say is "Boy's you better find away to control that thing or else! Ugh, I need a nap or better yet a housekeeper!!

Melt DOWN!!!!!

This morning was just plain painful and I hope we NEVER REPEAT the rest of the year!!! Keaton was a bit of a bear last night so we put him to bed year all the while he was exclaiming "I'm not tired, I want to stay up all night!!" We'll he was singing a different tune this morning when I woke him up for school. Now he is whining and crying " I am SOOOO tired, I just want to sleep all day, I don't want to go to school!" As things went it was like pulling teeth getting him downstairs for breakfast and Ben and I had to hold him down to get him dressed. All the while he is yelling " I just want to stay home today with mom and sleep!" I was so caught off guard by all this as he loves school but this morning he was not singing the I love school tune, and he had been and I frazzled before 7am. Needless to say we got him in the car but once at school he walked in glued to my leg and wouldn't let me go at the classroom door. Poor Mrs. Vinchattle had to take him by the hand and lead him in upset. I feel for him as I know the days are long, and he is being such a good boy. He only went to school half days before 3 days a week and not at all the whole summer and now he is going everyday from 8am till 3:30. I know once there in his classroom I'm sure he is doing great and having fun but my heart is sad for my sweet baby. Secretly I just wanted to take him home and snuggle all morning but those morning are on hold he's a big boy now and mama's got help him grow up. :( Hope tomorrow will be better for all.

Can you say CRANKY!!

A quick post on the hubby which I rarely do but I have to share that my husband is one big ball of Cranky/Grumpy this weekend and after sitting down this afternoon thinking about what the hell his problem could be I figured it out!!! Da, Da, Da, Daaaaa..... He is trying to stop smoking cigars and yes folks, I have determined this is his problem. He is in need of a nicotine fix and I don't think the nicoret is doing enough for the mood swings. To make a long story short as not alot of time. Ben use to smoke ciggs, then stopped and smoked a cigar here and there. Well the cigar here and there recently became the second he walked in the door nightly and sometimes then another. He didn't like how much he was smoking again so he decided to stop or at least cut way back. I have to give him props as he's not had one cigar the entire weekend, but boy he's not himself. I will bear with it and hope it gets better or I might have to make him take back up the habit just for the sake of happiness around here. He's short with me, the kids, and is walking
around with a grumpy look. If you know Ben this is NOT normal. So well see what happens! Poor guy, grumpy or not I love his cranky ass so I just hope this passes quickly!! Oh and by the way when I told him I blogged on this he was even more cranky, so support people dont put me under the bus by giving him a hard time or I'll have get you back!!! Ha, Ha!!

Oh and I should mention on a side not of fairness to Ben he also is dealing with an eye problem that is causing him pain, not sure what is up with his beautiful hazel eyes but I think he may be heading to the eye Dr. to check it out. Poor baby!!! Even his eyes want to smoke!!! (Bad Joke)

He's off and he doesnt look back

Wed. the 12th was Keaton's first day of Kindergarten and I can admit I was more nervous than he was. I had been nervously planning for weeks to make sure he had everything he needed. Shoes, the right school uniform shirts, shorts and pants, supplies, book bag, lunch box ect... but what I wasn't planning for was how I felt after walking him to his classroom and watching him sit in his little seat with his name tag and seeing that he really is a BOY, not a little boy but a big boy. My heart was so happy and proud yet so sad at the same time as I know this is the beginning of him really growing up and the years will fly by now and most of the days will be spent with someone else teaching him now. Yes, I know people let go be I just have to mourn for a moment that we have closed a chapter and opened a new one for just a bit. He'll always be my baby and I couldn't be more proud of him.

Wed. morning was long anticipated and finally it arrived. Keaton got up, ate his cereal, got dressed, put his shoes on, took some pictures out front for crazy ole mom and then we were off for the start of his school career. The area around the school was a mess, cars EVERYWHERE and people EVERYWHERE. We managed to find a parking spot and made the trek into the school. Snapped some pictures outside the school for crazy old moms sake and found his classroom. Mrs. Vanchittles room was a bit crazy, as she said NO parents in the room, just kiss and go but from the look of it NO ONE listened. Poor teacher, she will have her hands full if these parents cant listen to the first things she said. Anyways. I got Keaton in the door, snapped a shot of him at his desk, gave a big smooch and love you then turned to go and when I looked back he was already into the activity on the desk and chatting to a classmate! No tears from him, not even a look back to see me go. I knew he was ready but really not even a glance back!!! Ha!
I picked him up at 3:30pm and he said "I had a great day and Loved it!" Yeah!!

The second day went just as great except he told me he didn't want the day to end! Hm mm... am I becoming chopped liver here???? Once home last night however he was EXHAUSTED from the day and boy was he in some rare form. We had some major melt downs and had him in bed by 7:15pm. Once in bed and finally done with a crying spell he asked "Mom, why did you put me in full days, I don't get to spend any time with you now, I miss you and want to spend time with you too!" My heart filled with happiness and sadness as he did miss me but sadness that I miss him too and our time together is cut very short now during the weekdays but I told him we would make after school our time together and weekends would be great. He liked that and finally went to sleep.

Third day of school underway today and I miss him alot, however Ryan really misses him. He keeps asking where he is and why he is there. Ryan is next to start school the beginning of Sept. so stay tuned for more of my sob stories.

Holy Big Boy

A little behind on my post but better late than never is my modo lately. Aiden had his 4month well visit last Wed. and the boy is a whopping 18.6 lbs, and 27 inches long. For some comparison for those of you who need one Keaton was 15 lbs and Ryan 15 lbs and both older boys were 26 and some change at 4 months. Aiden is one big, healthy boy.

Here's some of the things he's up to right now:
He can hold his head up on his own (not so much a bobble head)
Starting to hold himself up better in a sitting position and can do so by himself for several minutes
Grunting, Groaning,Cooing, giggling, and smiling like crazy
Completely aware of his hands and feet and usually has at least one fist in his mouth at all times
Teething and drooling like crazy... one bottom tooth will be here soon as mommy can see some white now
Grasping Objects with his hands (especially my hair), loves chewing on and manipulating toys, especially one that make music and noise
Swatting at objects intentionally and loves to play in his exersaucer and make the toys move
Blowing raspberries and bubbles
Smiling and Laughing , very ticklish
He can lift up off his chest and fully extended his arms and roll from tummy to back really well and getting better at back to tummy
Sleeping 8 to 10 hours straight a night...for some reason recently we are having trouble napping but mommy is working on this
Hates the car seat and will be moving to the big Britax Convertible soon as he's about out of the carrier already
Loves to be kissed on his big fat cheeks
Loves his swing and has discovered his feet while swinging so trying to eat them I believe
Spits up less and less thank god!!
Wearing 6-12 months pants and 6-12month tops
Has started eating baby rice cereal for dinner and doing really well

Overall Aiden is doing GREAT and is a blessing. He is the happiest baby and everyone who meets him can't believe how happy the little guy is which warms my heart and reminds me of how lucky I really am.

Now it's daddy vs.2 boys on his own!!

Just spoke to Ben this morning and they had a great night sleep, NO BEARS made an appearance at there campsite so this mommy can breath a sigh of relief. They were eating breakfast and Keaton once again throwing the forest onto the fire!!! Nothing has changed since I left I guess!! What fun for them, their first real camping trip with daddy in the Rocky Mountains, they survived the night but will daddy survive the morning and afternoon with the two of them. That is more of a test of Man vs. Wild if you ask me!!

Man and 2 boys vs. Wild

I think I've lost my mind or I'm turning into my grandmother or something. Today was the big camping trip in the mountains that the boys have been SOOOOO excited about. We got up early this morning. Put all the last minute things in the car. Strapped the kids in their seats and headed out for the great mountains of Colorado to do "Man vs. Wild" as Keaton stated. We spent the day at Manitou Lake where where grilled lunch, fished, chased chipmunks,hiked and relaxed. It was a great day really, even with 3 kids and one being only 4months and in my arms the entire time. By 4pm we headed to the campsite where Ben set up the tent, and camp. We grilled dinner, the boys collected everything they could find for the fire and proceeded to have the campfire like a inferno until we had to put a stop to the massive amounts of pine needles and sticks they were throwing in there. We sat around the fire,relaxed and had marshmallows as the sun went down. I sadly then packed up Aiden and I as it was time for us to head back home for the night. Sadly our tent wasn't going to fit 5 and Aiden really did need to get home to his crib as the poor kid hadn't slept the entire day. Just as I was getting ready to go the campers next to us came over to share that the ranger had been there earlier in the day warning them to put everything food wise in the car as there has been some bears in the area. This of course made me freak out...BEARS!!! I had to keep my fears to myself as not to scare the kids. I didn't want to leave them of course as I never do but here I am at home and missing them all like crazy. When there here I feel like I need a break but when their gone it just to quiet, plus I worry like crazy about them being out there in the WILDERNESS WITH BEARS! They are the loves of my life and i just cant wait till their all back here with me and Aiden and most of all not where the bears are!! I guess I'll go to sleep now so I dont think about it and have my stomach in knots like I do now.

Already 4 months old and he's one happy guy!!

I am long overdue for share some pictures of Aiden. He is growing and changing so quickly and I cant believe he is 4 months old today. He is such a happy go lucky baby and we are blessed that he has such a great temperament. Out of the 3 boys he is the most laid back yet. His smile lights up a room and anyone around cant help but smile too.

He is grasping toys and loves chewing on anything he can get his grip on and get to his little mouth. Looking in the mirror is super fun right now and sticking his little tongue out has been a hit for a few weeks now. He is gradually getting use to sitting in his exersaucer and likes it even more now that he has figured out how to swivel around, and that he can make things move and yes, chew on stuff. I guess if you haven't figured it out yet he is teething up a storm. One day last week he just started gnawing on his little hand and drooling up a storm and it's only gotten worse since. Overall he has taken teething in stride however today he is fighting taking a nap, and keeps pulling off when he's feeding so I think his teeth are really bothering him. We are blessed that Aiden has been a great sleeper since about 8weeks. He began sleeping from 9am till 5am and that has remained pretty much his normal. Some nights recently he goes down earlier and some morning sleeps in later but I have NOTHING to complain out in the sleep department at night. Thank you Aiden baby!!

Overall I am a blessed mommy with 3 healthy, beautiful boys. I am taking the time lately to enjoy and document my days and their growth as it's going by so quickly. Aiden is wearing 9month to 12month clothes, he can sit up by him self for short periods of time already and he will be starting solids before I know it. My heart gets heavy knowing he is my last baby, don't get me wrong it's good we are done but these times with such a wonderful,sweet blessing like Aiden are so special and they just go by to quickly. I wish I could bottle up all of it so I never could forget a thing.

Just to clear up a few things!

OK, Just a quick explanation about my rant and rave post so no one think I am going off the deep end. I was just blowing off some steam about some people I've come across lately who are not being real, I know they are full of SH** as I talk to them but they keep feeding me and others what they think we will find impressive. I really felt good after expressing my be real rant and that was that. Not mad at anyone per say, just annoyed!! Don't worry for those good friends, I am not close to these few people so please don't think it was directed at any of you.

Settled in

Well it's been 14 weeks (I think, I keep losing track) since Aiden was born and the first few weeks to be very honest were HELL with my spinal leak, but I can say that things are going GREAT now. I think we are settled in and I am finally use to having 3 kids to watch over, take care of, clean up after and ect.... I have to admit at times it's just NOT easy and I don't know how moms of more than three do it as I know how much work 3 kids that are 5,3 and 3 months is and it's exhausting. It may be a lot of work but I've decided It's pretty darn crazy but amazing. All my kids are healthy so I have not one things to complain about. Aiden is the easiest kid of the three and he's just such a great kid. He is smiley and just giggles all the time. Ryan is funny and curious. He does funny things all day long and has a HUGE imagination. Keaton is fiery and independent, oh and TO SMART FOR HIS OWN GOOD!! The older boys love one another and are great friends but cause lots of ruckus around the house, chasing one another, wrestling, egging one another on and of course getting on each others nerves to the point that someone cries or is screaming. Oh there is NEVER a DULL moment around here and I don't expect that it will get any calmer when Aiden get in the mix but at least I now feel like I can handle things. We have a routine, I am not freaked out about taking 3 kids to a restaurant, or grocery shopping and I just have found a way to enjoy the chaos that is my life. So if you see me or talk to me and I seem frazzled, well I probably am at that moment as I have alot of those moments to be honest but know that all in all we are good and I wouldn't change a thing.

Peace!

Hmmm.... I don't know what to do with myself right now. Why do you ask? Well for the simple fact it's peaceful and there's not a sound other than the AC running. Now how can that be? Well I owe it all to my wonderful sister in law Jen who just picked my 2 older boys up to go to Barnes and Nobles for a little outing. Personally I think she may have lost her mind and if not before she probably will have after with my two boys. It sure was nice of her to do this for me and I will have to think of something nice to pay her back as she deserves it. Baby Aiden is napping and I've put away laundry and as I was picking up the basement I couldn't help but just sit in the chair for a second and take in the silence. I love the boys but they are BUSY bodies,and loud. To have such peace is amazing but secretly I miss them (just a little bit).

Enough bull**** be real please !

OK, I have to get this off my chest some people just drive me CRAZY!! There I said it, I do get annoyed and lately it's at people who try and make it seem like they have no problems in life, their kids are perfect all the time, their house is never messy and they always have time for themselves, so hence they have time to shop for home, self and not to mention haircuts, manicures,pedicures, spa dates ect.... and on and on. Be real people parenting is hard work and it's OK to admit it. I'm admitting it right now, I feel like I never have enough time in the day to do a darn thing, my house feels forever messy no matter how much I work at it, I have kids who work against me!!! I know you will all be so surprised but my kids can be BRATTY and drive me CRAZY on most days. As for time for myself what is that. I try and carve some out but that's easier said than done. Maybe I am being grumpy, but I am a mom of 3 with a new baby so spare me your perfect parenting and wife garble. Maybe you are but I am in NO mood to hear it right now. OK, I got it out!!

Walkin once again

Well it's hard to find anytime for me lately but I am making the effort to go walking after dinner with my neighbor and I think it's a much needed stress reliever not to mention it will help melt off the baby weight I am still trying to shed. I gained 32 lbs this past pregnancy and I've now lost 30lbs of it but to be honest I needed to lose some before i even got pregnant so walking I will go. I've also started my exercise video so well see what happens. Now that I am done having babies I can get myself into the best shape of my life right!! Easy to say now I have to do the hard work to make it happen. I'll keep you posted on my progress!!