Okay, Mommy's.. I need your advice!

I have been having issues with my son for several months now, He turned 2 in November. His nickname is "Terrorist." He is the definition of handful!!! I honestly think that him acting out the way he does isn't "just his age" or "he's just being a boy" which I have heard both more times than I can count. He is nothing like my girls were at his age. He is so busy, never still. Constantly touching something, going through something (bags, cabinets, boxes..) trying to tear up or break everything in his path. The only way I can get him to eat is to let him pack it around because he can't sit still long enough to finish a meal. He is always running into walls or furniture, tripping over things laying in floor. You can be trying to talk to him & he just tunes you out like he's not even hearing what you saying. He is hard to get to sleep and once he is asleep it's rare that he will sleep through the night. Sometimes, when he wakes, he cries for no reason, nothing suits, then falls back to sleep like he was never really 'awake' to begin with. Taking him into a store is by far the hardest challenge with him. He seems so overwhelmed by so much stuff in one place. Constantly grabbing things off the shelves, wont ride in the cart, throws tantrums to get down and if I let him down he runs off. While at home he throws toys or picture frames across the room for no apparent reason.

I have had so many people tell me it's just his age and he will grow out of it. They think the mean & mischievous things that he does is funny! Which it can be funny at times, but it can also be very frustrating. Especially when he does things to hurt his sisters like a bloody nose, hitting, throwing things or biting. As a mom that is home with him 24/7 I feel like something is going on with him. Some days I am so desperate for a break but there is no one that offers to babysit him, can't say that I blame them. I did some research on ADHD to discover that he checked off on just about everything listed for a child under 5. I spoke with a friend of mine that has a son with ADHD and she told me that Caleb sounds exactly like her son! She said she also started noticing issues with him around the age of 2 but didn't feel like it needed attention until he went to preschool. I feel that if I take him to the doctor now I am going to hear the same things I hear from everyone else "AGE". Don't get me wrong Caleb can be a good kid. He can be the sweetest child on the planet when he wants to be. I have heard people comment on how 'mean' he is. I've gotten looks in public like "can't you do anything with your kid" and I really just want to look at them & say "No, I can't but your welcome to try." My daughters preschool teacher even admitted to me that she was nervous to have him in class.. not sure if she was joking or not?! Most days, by the time my husband gets home from work I am so exhausted & grouchy that he doesn't even want to be around me. I am in NO WAY the parent that tries to blame my child's bad behavior on something else, but I genuinely feel like there is an issue here. I am also not the type of mom that overreacts to small things or runs my kids to the doctor every time they have a cough. So, I ask you other Mommy's to give me your advice. Let me know what you think I should do and how I should handle this. You will not offend me, the purpose of this blog is for opinions of other moms. Thanks!!

As 2010 comes to an end....

I think back to all that happened this year. I have a lot of good memories as well as several bad. Here is a recap of my year:

• Witnessed my son having to undergo surgery to remove a cyst, as well as being hospitalized for pneumonia.
• Experienced a devastating flood. I hope I never see anything else like that in my lifetime!
• Went back to college for the 2nd time only to discover I still do not know what I want to do with my life... so I think I will stick to being a Stay At Home Mom for now (demanding enough career if you ask me)
• Bought my first mini van; something I swore I would NEVER own!
• Reached my goal weight (high school/pre-mommy weight) and proved to myself I could do anything I set my mind to....
• Then got pregnant with my 4th (and last) child. All that hard work down the drain!
• Got my heart broken into a million pieces when I lost my Grandpa.
• Had the biggest scare of my life a week later when my dad became sick & we thought we might lose him too.
• Found out the meaning of forgiveness & betrayal!!!
• Discovered a new hobby; BLOGGING! :)

Tomorrow is the last day of this year & I can only hope it's a good day. My dad will undergo surgery in the morning to have his defibrillator implanted. I pray that all goes well with that & I look forward to seeing what 2011 has in store for me!

All in a days work

My little terrorist is at it again! While trying to cook supper for me & the kids (because my husband decided to come home late from work to torture me) he kicked his sister in the nose. Blood was pouring EVERYWHERE! I rushed her to the bathroom to clean off the blood, try to see how bad it was & get the bleeding stopped, during all the excitement I forgot about my pot of potato soup on the stove. Needless to say, it burnt! While scrubbing the blood trail out of the carpet he then proceeded to break my lamp on my nightstand, glass everywhere! So now I have blood & glass to clean up while trying to keep him away from anything else he may possibly terrorize. Not to mention, the entire bottle of glitter body wash he dumped out in the play room & OVER HIS HEAD!! So much can happen in the duration of an hour. Never a dull moment around here!

Just Stay Little

Someday's I feel like raising kids is so demanding & I find myself saying "I will be glad when they can do more for themselves." That thought leaves quickly when they figure out something on their own, however. My son has practically potty trained himself, I'm so proud but at the same time I know he is growing up on me. My 4yr old wants to pick out her own clothes and dress herself now. My 7yr old asked me not to attend her Christmas party at school because 'she's too old for that now.' Everyday they become a little less dependent on me in some way. It's bittersweet. I stay so busy the less I have to do just makes my life easier but it also saddens me. They grow up too quickly. Before I know it, they will be grown and starting families of their own. I don't know how I will feel when I no longer have little ones at home. When they go to visit their grandparents the silence is depressing. I enjoy the quiet but I'm also counting down for them to be back home with me. When my husband and I have a date night the kids are always the topic of conversation. I'm excited for the baby to get here because I will have a tiny helpless being that is totally dependent on me for it's needs. Sadly, it too will grow up. I cherish everyday that my children are little. They sure don't stay little long. That being said, I am still getting my tubes tied after #4 arrives! :)

Such A Big Boy

I went to check on my 2 year old son because he was being quiet! That's usually a sign that he's up to something. I found him in the bathroom sitting on the toilet! When I walked in there he said "pee mom!" After sitting there for a few minutes he did pee! I haven't even started potty training him yet, I was going to start after Christmas. We got him a pack of underwear & a potty chair as a gift. I guess he's ready to potty train! I am so proud of my big boy! :)

Had A Bad Day

Yesterday was just not a good day for me! First, I went to the eye doctor to find out my RX had changed & my eyes have gotten worse & I now have an astigmatism. I need to wear glasses full time instead of just to read & night driving like before. Now, I just have to come up with the money to buy them because my insurance doesn't cover it. Too much always happens at Christmas. Secondly, I was lied to AGAIN by a person that keeps lying to me over & over! I do not know why I put any trust in this person & they would not be in my life at all if I could help it. I am so tired of being disappointed & let down because they just can't be honest. I will never understand why honesty is such an issue with some people. Lies take so much more effort, one lie leads to another that leads to another & so on! Priorities must be another issue because this certain person does not have them placed in the right order. Broken promises, lies, and excuses.. it seems to be on repeat! I feel like I keep setting myself up for it to happen continuously! I try to be the best parent I can be to my children because they are most important to me. They always come first, why other parents do not feel the same I will never grasp! I am just so fed up with the situation & do not know how to make heads or tails of what needs to happen! I have had regrets until I learned from my mistakes, then I understood that things happened so I could grow into a better person & learn lessons that I needed to learn. It's about improving what will never be perfect but at the same time not expecting someone else to be either. If only a few things could change I could be at peace with this bad situation I'm stuck in. Only time will tell, I guess.

OMG is right!!!!!!

Movie Trailers - Movies Blog

I sure showed him

My husband is a big time gamer! It used to annoy me so bad because that's all he wanted to do. I just did not understand what was so interesting about it & how he could get so caught up in a game! One day he said to me "You should learn how to play so we can have a hobby in common, then maybe you would get off my back about it." At first, I thought how silly! Then I gave it some thought....

Needless to say, I picked it right up! And now we both have a hobby we can enjoy together. And he hates it :) He should really be careful what he suggests!

A Tribute To The Dearest People In My Life

This blog didn't take me long to write because once I got started the feelings just poured out of me along with some tears.

"The best things in life are cherished memories and laughter that is shared with family and friends"

First & Foremost; my soul mate, my lover, my best friend, the father to my children, My HUSBAND:

I do not even want to imagine where I would be in life had I never met him. He is my biggest supporter in everything I do in life. We met in 2001, Married & had our first child in 2003 & in 2010 we are still very much in love & still adding to our family. Things between us hasn't always been perfect. We have had our share of 'downs' but, the 'ups' is what keeps us pressing on. He has given me more than anyone ever could. He made me a mother & gave me a purpose in life. He is wonderful in ways I could never put into words. I love him with everything that I am. He is all things a husband should be; caring, gentle, protective, supportive, kind, loving & understanding. He holds me when I need to be held & he's always there to tell me the things I need to hear at the times I need to hear them most. He is so much fun to be around & fills my life with so much laughter. I feel so safe & protected when he is around. His exact words to me one day were "I would fight the devil himself over you" & I know he would. I have put him through more in a few years than anyone should have to face in a lifetime but he has forgiven me for all my mistakes & flaws. He loves me just the same despite them all. I have always loved the quote "A successful marriage requires falling in love many times, always with the same person." He gives me a new reason every single day to fall a little deeper in love with him. I am so thankful for all he does for me & the kids, I couldn't ask for a better father for them. I know as long as we live without regards to others opinions & continue to give it all we've got, I have no doubt we will be together forever. And I wouldn't want it any other way!

"The secret to having a good marriage is to understand that marriage must be total, it must be permanent, & it must be equal." -Frank Pittman

Secondly- My parents:

I owe my life to them, literally. I have wonderful parents who have always supported me through all my decisions, even if they weren't always the right ones. They have loved me unconditionally & never told me how to live my life. They gave me the best childhood I could have ever dreamed of. I was always a happy child & spoiled rotten. In my opinion they are the definition of parents! They have never let me down. Of course as a teenager I felt differently. I praise them for putting up with me through my teen years, and not shipping me off to a foreign country.. sometimes I deserved to be!

I can be a better mother to my children because I have the best role model. I call her for advice on every little thing and no matter how silly, she always has an answer. The older I get the more traits I pick up from her and the more I catch my self saying things to my children that she said to me. She taught me how to cook & drive but taught me more "life lessons" than I could ever list.

I get my strong-will and dedication from my Dad. He always supported my mom, my brothers & me by working hard everyday. He was always at home with us just like I am always at home with my family. He gave me quiet a scare this year when he became sick & it truly put into perspective how dear he is to me.

I do not tell my parents enough how much I love them & appreciate them for everything. I am thankful for the home I was raised in, the clothes they dressed me in, the toys they provided me for hours of entertainment. My playhouse that my Dad built by hand just to name the most memorable. I am thankful for the transportation they provided to take me where I wanted to go. But, most importantly for always believing in me even when I wasn't trying my best. To understand your parents love you must raise children yourself. Now that I am a mother I understand all the sacrifices they made, the reason for their decisions, and the love that filled their hearts just for me.

My Angels:

This section is for my Grandparents; Nonnie & Pods. Pods is now my guardian angel in heaven looking down upon me & my family. There is not a day that goes by that I do not think about him. How much of a cut up he was, how loving he was, how big his heart was, and how much I miss him. There is not a person in the world that met him & didn't like him. He was loved by so many. I remember standing at the kitchen door every afternoon waiting on my "sugarlump" to come in from work. He would always fix us a snack & we would watch cartoons until it was time for me to go home. I cherish every memory I have of him and hold them near & dear to my heart. When my children grow up they may only have a vague memory of him but I can tell them so many stories, and tell them just how much he loved them.

I admire my Grandma; Nonnie, more than anyone else in the world. She has shown so much strength & dedication while caring for my Pods through the last years of his life. She never left his side unless it was to run an errand. I am proud of her for the courage she has shown over the past few months after losing him. I am so much like her.We share the same interests, scrapbooking, arts & crafts, & decorating just to name a few. I get all my creativity from her. She & my Pods married at a young age just like me & my husband. I can only hope we share as many happy & fulfilling years as they did. I remember a song she used to sing to me when I was little & I know I hold a special place in her heart just like she does in mine.

My best friend:

I think we were destined to meet & become best friends. Her name happens to be the middle names of my daughters, who were named before I met her. We have so much in common, it's scary! She is the most honest & straightforward person I know. I am so thankful she is always honest with me. She doesn't sugar coat or tell me what she thinks I would want to hear. She is HONEST! She is always there for me, day & night. Always a phone call away when I need her. We talk all day, everyday, through phone calls, the computer or text. I can tell her anything & everything and never have to worry about it being repeated. She always has an open ear for me & doesn't judge me no matter how she feels about the situation. She listens to my happy moments, my sad ones & listens to me complain. She knows ALL my secrets and doesn't hold a one of them against me. It is a true blessing to have someone in your life that knows you inside & out & thinks no less of you. Our phone conversations last for hours. She is the only person that doesn't make up and excuse to get off the phone with me no matter how my kids are acting in the background. I just want to thank her for teaching me the definition of a TRUE friend & proving to me that special people can be trusted.

"It is prosperity that give us friend, adversity that proves them"

The most caring:

This woman has done so much not only for me but everyone in my family. Her heart is the size of an ocean & her generosity is endless. At first, I didn't understand why someone I barely knew could be so nice & caring toward myself & my family. But, then I realized I didn't know her at all. After I learned who she really was as a person, I understood. She is such a good natured person, sincere & fun to be around. I am so grateful for everything she has done for me & my family. I could never thank her enough for the support and love she has shown. Whether it be moral support during a hard time or a thoughtful gift. But, most of all the happiness she has brought to me & members of my family. I hope she knows how thankful I am for her & her kindness. I consider her part of my family & a dear friend.

"The best people in the world are the ones that can give without remembering & receive without forgetting"

This is what it's all about!

"Love is not a place to come and go as we please. It's a house we enter in and commit to never leave." - Warren Barfield

There are no words to express the way I feel about my family. I am so blessed & fortunate for our health & happiness!!! I have a wonderful Husband that supports us daily & spoils us when he can. I have beautiful, smart kids that keep me on my toes & fill my heart with joy. I have everything I ever need pictured to the right! Family!

Father and Son giving kisses. Nothing in this world is sweeter than this!

They hate it when I dress them alike... but how cute is that?!

Potty Mouth

I always knew that someday I'd hear one of my children say a bad word. Well, today was the day! My 4 year old daughter called my 7 year old daughter a b*t*h while playing Barbie dolls! WOW! My jaw hit the floor. I'm debating on grabbing my soap & going to town.... Wasn't prepared for this one!

45 Things that make you think!

1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.

2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.

3. Life is too short to waste your time hating anyone.

4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick.

5. Pay off your credit cards every month.

6. You don't have to win every argument, agree to disagree!

7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.

8. It's OK to get angry with God, He can take it.

9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.

10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.

11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.

12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.

13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.

15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.

16. Take a deep breath, it calms the mind.

17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.

18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.

19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.

20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.

21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie.. don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.

22. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.

23. Over prepare, then go with the flow.

24. The most important sex organ is the brain.

25. No one is in charge of your happiness but YOU!

26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words "in five years, will this matter?"

27. Always choose life.

28. Forgive everyone & everything.

29. What other people think of you is none of your business.

30. Time heals almost everything. Give time, time.

31. However good or bad the situation is, it will change.

32. Don't take yourself so seriously, no one else does.

33. Believe in miracles.

34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.

35. Don't audit life. Show up & make the most of it now.

36. Growing old beats the alternative- dying young.

37. Your children only get one childhood.

38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.

39. Get outside everyday. Miracles are waiting everywhere.

40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.

41. Envy is a waste of time, you already have all you need.

42. The best is yet to come..

43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up & show up.

44. Yield.

45. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift!

First Christmas in Heaven

My First Christmas in Heaven

I see the countless
Christmas trees
around the world below
With tiny lights, like Heaven's stars,
reflecting on the snow

The sight is so spectacular,
please wipe away the tear
For I am spending Christmas with
Jesus Christ this year.

I hear the many Christmas songs
that people hold so dear
But the sounds of music can't compare
with the Christmas choir up here.

I have no words to tell you,
the joy their voices bring,
For it is beyond description,
to hear the angels sing.

I know how much you miss me,
I see the pain inside your heart.
But I am not so far away,
We really aren't apart.

So be happy for me, dear ones,
You know I hold you dear.
And be glad I'm spending Christmas
with Jesus Christ this year.

I sent you each a special gift,
from my heavenly home above.
I sent you each a memory
of my undying love.

After all, love is a gift more precious
than pure gold.
was always most important
the stories Jesus told.

Please love and keep each other,
my Father said to do.
I can't count the blessing or love
has for each of you.

So have a Merry Christmas and
Wipe away that tear
Remember, I am spending Christmas with
Jesus Christ this year.

I was browsing through blogs written by others when I came across this poem. It was written by a 14 year old boy who was dying of cancer. Before he died he handed the poem to his mother. Reading it reminded me of my Grandpa who passed away September 23rd of this year. This will be the first Christmas without him.

I feel like I never got to fully "grieve" after losing my grandpa. I know the death of a loved one isn't something you can get over in just a short amount of time, or do you ever fully get over it in the first place? Considering all that happened after his death, one nightmare to the next, my grieving time was cut short. Exactly one week after my grandpa died, my dad was rushed to the hospital in critical condition. The doctors said he was a ticking time bomb & could die at any given moment. He has an unknown heart condition. He stayed in ICU in a hospital 2hrs from my home for 7 days. He went through a series of tests, stents, biopsies, and was sent home with a Life Vest. After all that, not one doctor could tell him what was wrong, and what was causing his heart to be in the shape it's in. It's only functioning at 15%.

I must say, that in the span of those 2 weeks I faced more heartache than I ever have in my life. Losing my grandpa that I was so close to & thinking at any second I could lose my dad. The last 2 years of my Grandpa's life he was bed ridden and partially disabled. It was so heartbreaking seeing him go from a hard working family man to this body that was only "my grandpa" on his very best days. I had to see him suffer, and watch my grandma give every ounce of herself to the care of him. It was so hard. I have no doubt that he is in Heaven & someday I will be with him again. His suffering is over & he is much better off than anyone left on this earth is.

The Pink Room

I am all about taking advice from other mom's. Even though I have been a mother for 7 years & I have 3 kids, I still don't have this "mommy thing" mastered. Does any mom, really? I learn something new everyday, a new trick, a new way of doing things, a new stress. For advice & incite into how other Mom's do things I like to post on cafemom.com. My most recent post asked for advice on how to get my girls to keep their room clean. Some Moms said I was setting my expectations too high while others offered suggestions that were helpful.

Let me first paint a picture of "the pink room" before I get to the point of this post:

We live in a 3 bedroom, 2 bath home. The girls share the pink bedroom while the other room is used as a play room for all 3 kids, since my son sleeps in mine & my husband's room. You literally can not see the color of the carpet in the girls room. The floor is piled with clothes, shoes, books, toys, paper, blankets, trash.... EVERYTHING! Let's talk about the clothes & trash. Clothes; most of the clothes on the floor are clean because my oldest daughter feels the need to hide her dirty laundry in her dresser instead of taking it to the laundry room. Trash; UGH, first of all I do not allow food in any other place besides the dining room table & kitchen, Second of all how hard is it (even for a 4 & 7 year old) to throw trash in the trash can? It's just as much effort as hiding the trash in corners & behind furniture! I can handle the toys being drug out but the filth just drives me bonkers! Sometimes their room smells! I mean literally, smells!! I can always give in & clean it myself but I think it is important for the kids to have a sense of responsibility not only with their living area, but learning to pick up after themselves. After all, I have enough to clean as it is.

I have put so much effort into organizing and coming up with hair-brained schemes to control the mess. Even tried bribing them, I am not ashamed to admit. Everything I thought of worked for a day or 2 at the most or failed miserably on the first attempt. I had given up to ever finding a solution that worked for my 2 little slobs.

So, back to the advice from other Mom's.. Every mom that responded to my post suggested similar or the same ideas that had already failed me. One Mom even suggested making them keep the door closed; out of sight, out of mind! Ha! Then, this Mom, to which I am so thankful for now, had the perfect solution that worked! It actually worked :). This one particular Mom told me the technique she used for her daughter (when she was younger) And encouraged me to try it out. She said " You never know mama, you just might be surprised." Being as desperate for a solution as I was, what could it hurt to try one more thing, right? Let me just say that if I could meet this Mom I would give her a hug & kiss! She may be the very reason for my regained sanity over the pink room issue. This was her suggestion:

• Divide the room into zones (ie: floor, closet, bed, bookshelf) and assign a zone each day Monday-Friday.
• Set a timer for 15 minutes & for that 15 minutes she had to clean up the zone. When the timer went off, she was finished. Whether it got done or not she didn't have to do anymore.

*She explained to me that doing the zones & timer accomplished several things. She pointed out that this gives the kid/s a direction. Instead of looking around at the mess & wondering where in the world to start, it gives them an area to focus on. I never once thought of this before, but it makes perfect sense! Something else I was overlooking was the fact that no matter what my children did do on their own I never praised them for their efforts. I always looked at what didn't get done.

Armed with this new information, I took action! I made a rule chart & hang it on the closet door. Just to remind my kids of what they shouldn't be doing to make the mess in the first place. Let's be honest, they are kids. It's just their nature to be messy. After the list of rules I made a different chart of the zones, days of the week & what girl cleaned what zone on that day. I carefully sit down my girls & explained to them what I expected them to do & explained my new plan for cleaning their room. The first day was a success. The girls were actually excited about their 'job' & finished their zone, entirely! So far so good! But, would this last or was i destined for another failed plan? I am happy to report that today when my oldest daughter got home from school, she asked me if it was time to do her bedroom chores! I about fell over with shock. This was huge! Monumental! I never dreamed I could get my slobs to clean their mess on their own, much less as for permission to do it. The plan is still in action & still working! Hopefully some other Mom can take this information & it work for them like it did for me. Good Luck!

The Good, The Bad, The Ugly.

Every Mom knows that we go through each of these, even times on a daily basis! Parenting puts us through so much! I find myself laughing & crying over the same incident. I have experienced more emotions since becoming a mom that I even knew existed! At least once a week I have to break down & have myself a good cry.

Something that really bugs me is how some parents act like their just all smiles & rainbows all the time. Like they never get frustrated with their children, or never lose their cool. Every mother knows, THAT JUST ISN'T POSSIBLE! I will openly admit that my kids get the best of me sometimes & I yell, scream, fuss etc. I always feel bad afterward but gosh, a person can only take so much before you have to explode! Taking a deep breath & counting to 10 doesn't work for me. I'm usually in such a "I want to pull my hair out" state of mind that I can't even remember who I am, much less how to count to 10! My kids will test me that's for sure! But, what has always amazed me is how you can go from being so frustrated with them and they can do or say something that completely melts my heart & all that frustration just vanishes!

Sometimes I get so caught up in daily life & all my obligations that I forget just how blessed I am. I have a husband that works full time & allows me to stay at home with our children. I have 3 healthy & happy kids & we are expecting a 4th. I can only hope that it's just as healthy & happy! I have a safe, warm home to rest my head at night. We have dependable vehicles that get us where we need to go. We may not have tons of extra money but our bills get paid & our needs are provided. I have to stop & remind myself that my life is great & there are others that do not have half of what I do. It's easy to think your life is awful when your so stressed out & steam is rolling out of your ears.

Yes, My kids sure do push my limits & make me feel like a crazy person at times. But at the end of the day when my head hits my pillow I thank God for my children & the obstacles we face because it shapes me into who I am meant to be. I don't know what I would ever do without my kids, I love them dearly! I may be a stressed out mess sometimes but I love my life just the way it is & I wouldn't change it for anything else! I never want to lose sight of the important things in life, through the bad or the ugly trials.

Daily Life for Me.

My life 99% of the time is in chaos. Sometimes I feel like I am a crazy person then I remind myself, your just a Mom. My kids are my full time job. I am a stay at home mom, my 2 oldest girls are in school and my 2 year old son is at home with me during the day. My husband doesn't get home from work until about 6pm & the kid's bedtime is at 8-8:30pm.. so, I am their main source or parenting. Don't get me wrong, my husband is the best dad I could ask for but when it comes to the kids, I am just simply with them more than him so he can provide a living for our family.

Just to let you in on how a typical day goes in my life I will try to explain. I wake up around 6:30am, get the girls ready for school, and dropped off. Come home, dress my son, and immediately start cleaning house. I feel like all I ever do is clean but with 3 kids it's a hard job to stay on top of. Laundry, dishes, constantly picking up toys, dusting, wiping off smeared finger prints.. you get the idea. My son is handful, he keeps me busy all day long!! He is constantly into something. I say when he's older he will be a detective, at 2yrs old he already investigates everything he can. I do try to take time at 1pm to watch One Life to Live, one of my favorite shows. My youngest daughter (4 years old) gets home from pre-school around 1:30, so from then until bedtime I am referee. They fight, constantly! "He took my toy", "He's trying to bite me", "Make him leave me alone" etc. Then at 3:30 my oldest daughter (7 years old) gets off the bus. She is so whinny & over dramatic! She's usually complaining, or tattle-telling over something. Her biggest thing is "that's not fair". Around 5:00 I start to fix our supper, and still keep the mess in the house on a minimum & the kids quiet & happy. I am usually exhausted by this point in the evening. I fix drinks & plates for 3 kids, by the time I have them taken care of I fix my plate & let it sit on the table to get cold, because by then I have to start on refills. After supper of course comes cleaning dishes, kitchen, table & crumbs. Homework follows & laying out things for school the next day. This is also a hassle with my girls. They never want to wear what I pick out for them!! Then it's bath times. My oldest can give herself a shower, to which I am thankful. It's a big help when they are old enough to do things on their own. Some day's I am so tired & make the other 2 take a shower, I feel like I am just hosing them down, but hey, I'm a tired mommy! Bed time usually comes between 8 and 8:30 for the girls. Then it's a whole new adventure. They are sharing a bed for now, upon their request... and wouldn't you know as soon as we give in, buy a bigger bed, get rid of the 2 smaller ones, they don't want to share anymore! Too bad! Some nights they fall fast asleep but others they stay up for at least an hour & holler at me "I'm thirsty" or tell on each other for stealing covers. My son is against a set bedtime. Trying to keep him out of his sister's room so they can sleep is another task all in itself. I usually hit the bed around 10 or 10:30. Sometime during the day I take a bath myself & try not to look like a hobo. My house as you can tell is always busy, and if I didn't do everything on such a routine, I don't know how things would go. Everyday life for me is stressful but being a stay at home mom & getting to spend so much time with my kids is so rewarding to me, even though it's completely exhausting.