You will understand one day...

So my mom used to drive me crazy....I realize this sounds horrible, but it is true....and I am proud to say that one day I will drive my daughter crazy too.

Anyway...

I remember when I was younger how my mom would always walk two steps ahead (figuratively of course) to make sure I wasn't hurt, physically or emotionally. Trying to help me dodge all the hardships...and as much as I would push back at times...okay most of the time...trying to tell her...explain to her that she could not keep me from hurting or falling down along the road of life. She would not listen though and insisted on keeping by my side and helping me along the way to keep me protected and assuring me that "you will understand one day..."

Fast forward....

2- years later....

I have a slim idea of what the phrase means....I would do ANYTHING for this little girl to make sure she never hurts. Okay...so I know this is impossible, but I know the feeling in the pit of my stomach that just aches at the thought of her hurting.

Luckily, I trust that the Lord has an amazing plan for her and will always protect her as a child of God.

But I think of when she first came home and I slept on the couch for 4 months because I could not imagine her being alone in a room. Or when she was 6 months old and begin sitting up on her own and I place pillows all around her to make sure it would pad any fall she might have.....

When she began to walk, I followed her from room to room afraid of her falling.

I don't want to come off as a completely crazed mom because I would like to think of myself as a pretty laid back mother...but I do have my moments.

My husband laughs at me because when we are at the playground I fear her going down a slide. It is funny how a little person enters your life and all the worry and concern you have is all focused on this little person.

Now enter...

Two more amazing additions to our family....and the feeling of protecting my cubs is even more. I have three beautiful children that will all, at some time, experience hurt, fear and disappointment. These are things that I wish I could take away, but I know I can't so I will do my best to help them over these hurdles and make sure that they grow in a positive direction.

I had know idea how challenging and rewarding parenting would be. With the boys right now it is nothing but kisses and hugs. Sweet words and small intimate moments that we get to play and "talk".

But with Katelyn, we have begun shaping her into a tiny person that knows right from wrong. Every situation becomes some sort of lesson and explanation of the world. She fills our day with conversation using new words and descriptions. It is truly amazing that she knows her ABC's and can count. She can tell us what she likes...and even more what she doesn't. She is a beautiful young lady with such heart it brings tears to my eyes.

I know each phase of parenthood will be challenging and different than the last but I know that every challenge will be followed with a smile or action that makes it all worth it.

I feel blessed that I have 3 children....and cannot wait to use the line...

"you will understand...one day"

What goes around, comes around

So the past few days have been rough...for the kids. And me, I guess. It started Sunday evening...KK was at my parents for her usual Sunday night at Granny & Papa's and that evening we received a phone call that Katelyn had a fever of 103.1. Whoa! Nothing is worse than a sick little one and not being able to take it away!


So, needless to say, my days have been filled with:


SpongeBob...or in the words of my daughter..Bob Bob

Dora the Explorer...and might I add...my Spanish is MUCH better than it was just days ago...

The occassional dose of Children's Tylenol...when it hit it's high of 103.1....boo...
Then back to the fun...with Mickey Mouse Clubhouse...I wish I could insert my daughter singing this song...she get's very serious about her Mickey Mouse song...

and back to checking the fever...nothing worse than not being able to explain to your 2 year old...

"Yes....I know you feel better...your fever is down...however...you still need to lay down and rest so your body can heal..."

Her response...

"Huh???" (and looking at me like I am a complete moron)

"KK's house (what she calls her room) play momma...PLAY!!!"

Followed with running...running...and more running...full of energy and acting fine...but based on what the thermometer says...NO SCHOOL...which means cabin fever!!
For me...and her...
And now...both boys have fever...so what goes around, comes around...I am just curious when all three kids will not have fever....not a fun cycle.

Closing Time....

This past weekend was super fun!

I spent my Friday evening packing all the kids up...which I might add was ridiculous...I mean really what all does a 2 year old girl and 2 4-month old boys need??? Well, alot...between changes of clothes, pj's, blankies, bottles, milk, toys, and medicine (2 of the 3 kids have ear infections, we ended up walking out the door with 5 bags and 2 papasan chairs.

So, on Saturday morning, I dressed the gang in orange and black

GO POKES

and we headed down to my parents, Granny and Papa's house. My parents had agreed...offered actually...to watch all 3 kids for the day and night so me and the hubs could go cheer on the Oklahoma State Cowboys against Texas Tech!

Although it was quite a chilly evening, the hubs and I got to check out the new home of the Cowboys.

Boone Pickens Stadium

Nice, huh? Well after the $$$ that was put into that place...it should be!

I am happy to report...that after 4 quarters of some really UGLY football, the Cowboys walked away (injured) with a "W"...24-17! Now onto Colorado on Thursday night.

Anyway...

It was SO nice to be back in Stillwater. I LOVE the place...everytime I pull into town, I can't help but think back to the craziness of college with my closest friends. Such an amazing experience. I graduated in May 2004, and of course things have changed, but all the main staples are still intact.

The campus looked as beautiful as ever...the picture above is the Student Union.

Ahhh...Joe's...we attempted to go have cheese fries and a beer during the 3rd qtr...however, the place was packed and we were hungry. So we left...but it was still nice to go back to a place with so many memories.

Last, and certainly not least, The Strip. Now, it does not look like much in this picture, however, on any Wed-Sat night during the school year, the street has people walking from one bar to the next. Many a crazy nights happened here...to many to list...and far to embarrassing to post, but this will remain in my top 5 places to have fun.

As the hubs and I walked around I told him that I hoped like crazy that KK and the boys would end up attending Oklahoma State. I can't imagine a better college experience. I can honestly say, I can never look back at say "What if?".

Well...first I want to say thank you to my parents for braving the night with all 3 kiddos! Second, it was a great night walking down memory lane.

Pump pump pump it up....

So currently my life consist of the

Work....although my desk isn't so attractive...mine is more gray and boring...from the land of boring...

My daughter, who is as busy as ever and just turned 2

My husband...that is when I get a chance to see him and he is not at work...

and last, but certainly not least...

the two newest munchkins in our life....the boys

These two are great boys and honestly, I have enjoyed every minute...the crazy schedule of diapers, naps, bedtimes, laundry....and of course feedings.

I have chosen to breastfeed...I would like to think I am an advocate, however, I do not feel the need to push my beliefs on others in such an abrasive way it is scary.....I have encountered those at the grocery store, dr. office, post office, etc...that always deal out unsolicited advice while pregnant or with baby. My goal is to never be one of "those people" with stories that are meant for only evil. Ok...off my soap box...

Back to my point...my life also conists of...

My pump....officially the Pump In Style® Advanced The Metro Bag™ 2008. I love the name....sounds so stylish. It is currently my best friend....I never leave home without it. We go everywhere together. Work, the mall, road trips, friends' houses...everywhere. Every 3-4 hours we are literally attached...TMI right?

And although at night when my alarm goes off to let me know it is time again to pump...and for that brief moment I want to pick it up and throw it away...I remember that this machine is what has allowed me to go back to work and feed both of my boys for free. Then we make-up...hook up (LOL...had to write it) and I drift back to sleep...until it is time again.

If you are a working mom...I highly recommend this...I have used it for all 3 kids!

Birthday festivities come to an end...

Well, on Wednesday, November 4th, my baby girl turned two...hard to believe. I, being the cheesy mom that I am, made her a shirt to show the world it was her birthday. I don't know what it is...but I feel the need for bling.


The day was perfect...we started the morning with donut holes and ended the day at dinner with my parents.
She then informed me and the hubs that she would be going home in Papa's truck (her way of asking to stay the night with Granny and Papa) and it ended with a pweese :) With her sweet tilt of the head and coy smile...So of course we said yes. Although I did throw in the whole..."2 years ago today, I went through labor to have you and now you don't even want to stay with me..." ha!

Thursday we went to dinner for my mother-in-law's birthday and then Friday was my nephew's birthday party. Which was a very intense nerf war I must add. I had no idea this existed, but it was a hit!

So, then it was Saturday...Katelyn's party day! She had stayed the night with my parents on Friday so we would be able to get everything together for party time. It was so much fun! After a few trips to Hobby Lobby,finding the perfect invitation and theme...we ended up with the following:

Look Whooo's turning two.....

I might have gotten a little owl crazy...and I must add that I made a big deal about NOT making the party a big deal..."she is only turning two!" I would say...well, I am apparently a sucker for parties...especially owl parties. Here are a few of the pics from the party:

We had such a good time at the party! Katelyn was able to play with her cousins and run outside. You can't beat 75 degree weather in November! We are so blessed with such an amazing (and large) family.

I can't believe how big all my kids are getting...KK is now 2 and the boys are 4 1/2 months. Time truly does fly by so fast. It really makes me realize how important it is to take the time to stop whatever I am doing and just hang out and listen to my little ones. Katelyn is always singing new songs, saying new words and showing us a new dance move. She has so much love in her and shows us daily with hugs and kisses. She makes me smile daily and I feel so blessed everyday that the Lord has blessed me in such a way that I have the overwhelming and amazing responsibility to take care of this little girl on earth.

Here is to the beginning of a new week!

A Quick Note...

Well, I told myself I would try to be very diligent about keeping up with my blog...and I have already slacked! It has been a crazy week with lots of birthday celebrations...my daughter Katelyn, my mother-in-law Suzi and my nephew Dawson.

So, tonight will wrap it up with Katelyn Birthday party that we are hosting at our house. So busy day to come! However, tomorrow, I will catch up with pictures and our journey over the past few days!

Have a great Saturday!!

November 3rd....a very good day

So I will begin by saying...this will be cheesy...but with good reason. November 3rd is a good day...one year ago today I found out I was pregnant with my second child....which a week later we found out I was actually pregnant with my second AND third child...more on that later..and two years ago today, I went into labor with our first child, KK.

My due date had actually been Halloween...so by this night I was 40 weeks and 3 days pregnant and more than ready for her arrival. The day had begun with a watch party, OSU v. Texas (yes we lost that year too) and we had over our friends Stephanie, Ryan and their daughter Taylor over, as well as our friend Anna.

In order to put myself in labor, I literally was jumping around (I guess trying to shake her out ???). After everyone left, I forced the hubs to head to the mall to walk...and walk and walk. After we mall walked until the place closed, we headed home and I felt yet defeated again...when would this child get here??? I fell asleep on the couch, as I usually did, in the hubs lap.

It wasn't two hours later that my water broke, which I want to add is nothing like the movies... at least in my case. Then, of course, the hubs was asleep and I got to do the whole..."wake up, my water broke, I think I am in labor" much like the movies.

After lots of contractions, monitoring, needles and nerves, the result was the most beautiful little girl I have ever seen.

Who knew 7lbs 2 oz and 21 inches of little girl could be so scary and exciting at the same time.

Fast forward...

So I sit here tonight thinking about how CRAZY it is that all this happened two years ago. Doesn't seem possible....I am so afraid that I will forget the little things she does that makes my heart melt so much. I love that she looks at me and her eyes light up and I am the 2nd coolest person she knows (Her daddy comes first...she is definitely a "Daddy's Girl")

So, I want to share a few things that I hope I never forget:

1. Her favorite song is "Red High Heels" by Kellie Pickler. She calls it "Don't you" and we listen to it on repeat each time we are in the car.

2. Her first word was Iba...I mean beside "mama" and "dada"...Iba was our yorkie...and they were friends.

3. She LOVES to sing...and she does pretty well. Her memory amazes me. She knows the words to so many songs and when she sings them she ALWAYS sways her head from side to side.

4. Her favorite letter is "W"...don't know why really...i think she just likes to say it.

5. She is the biggest helper and cleaner I know...which comes in handy now that we have multiple children. She always looks so proud of herself as she lends a hand. I appreciate her more than she will ever know.

6. She LOVES books...reading is her favorite thing to do at play time. "Read this momma" is what always comes out of her mouth when we get home from school. Currently, the dinosaur book is her favorite.

7. She loves baths and has no fear of the water...she loves to get on her belly and just play. I rarely see this...bath time is KK and daddy time..I just listen to them talk about their days. Very cute!

8. She is super intelligent...I KNOW all parents say this...but I swear the girl is Doogie...(Houser, M.D)

9. My heart literally breaks when she kisses her brothers, dad, granny...dog...anything she does is so kind...makes me want to cry.

10. I love that she refers to her room as "KK's house" and always speaks in 3rd person.

Okay...there are lots more...but that is a start. I know parenting will not always be easier...some times will be more challenging than others. I just feel blessed that the Lord trusted Katelyn to me. She has truly changed my life. Happy "almost" Birthday sweet girl...fun activities ahead!

On this day...

I have a nephew, whom I refer to as "Bubba" or "D-Man". He turned 11 years old today. This is absolutely CRAZY to me...I swear just yesterday he was a toddler with the sweetest smile and just wandered around curious about everything.

I used to pride myself on being the best aunt I could ever be...I was there for every soccer game, basketball game, school play or any other event that included my nephew. He was like a little brother to me. He was born my Senior year in high school and my mom would babysit daily while his parents worked. Needless to say we developed a very close relationship.

Things have changed...with the combination of having my own children mixed with his "tween" years...I am not nearly as cool as I used to be :) I can accept that...I still get hugs, which is a big deal because he does not hand these out often.

He will celebrate this weekend with friends, pizza, cake and a nerf war. I have never attended a nerf war but look forward to checking out the scene. If I figure it out, I will post pictures.

I can't wait to see how my nephew grows. I know he has the bad habits and selective hearing as most kids his age...but he has an amazing heart. One full of faith in the Lord and the good in people. He loves soccer, drawing, making movies and using his imagination. I always picture him being a professional soccer/Steven Spielberg mix.

I must mention he was the first grandchild and the oldest of 3 earthly sisters and 1 heavenly sister. I know he feels outnumbered. He was very excited when he found out that my sister-in-law and myself were having boys...even with the 11 year difference.

Well, here is to my D-Man...one of the most amazing people I know. Happy Birthday!!

Just one of the "Guys"

Well I have officially entered the blogging world....so I am sure it will take a post (or two) to get the hang of blogging.

I am quite the blog stalker...nothing creepy of course...but I love finding "mom" blogs that tell stories of day to day events that make me laugh and that I can connect too, since I am a mom myself.

This is what lands me where I am this evening...on my couch, kids in bed, the hubs watching the World Series and I am starting a blog. This, I tell myself, will be an outlet, my very own story. It might even help me remember what happened from one day to the next :) I tend to forget with all that is going on.

I figured since I am entering this new world, I should begin with introductions. So my first few posts will do just that. I will tell about myself and my family.

So, I am literally just on of the "Guys". I am a child of God, a daughter, sister, aunt, friend, wife and mom. I work full-time and have been at my job for 5 years now. I started the January after I graduated and my "family" there has seen me through first job jitters, my engagement, wedding plans, marriage and two maternity leaves. They are a second family to me really...

I am the proud mother of three under 2...well for a couple of more days at least. My daughter, Katelyn (who I will probably refer to as "KK") will turn 2 in three days and my sons, Carter and Bryce, are 4 months and 1 week old (who I will probably refer to as "the boys"...bad habit.

In a nutshell...this is what keeps me busy, happy, fulfilled, challenged and tired. I will post pictures soon, so you have a visual of my family. I am truly blessed with all the love that has been given to me. I look forward to sharing stories with new friends and old friends...or no one if that happens...it will just be nice to talk into "blog" space.

Well, I am off to make bottles...how I end my weekends. Motherhood...it's a wonderful life!