I am...

I am the kind of mom that says yes to yet another package of stickers or football cards.

But says no when they want to play in the muddy rain puddles.

I am the kind of mom that always says yes when they beg for a treat at the store.
But says no when they want their treat later for a snack and makes them make a healthier choice instead.

I am the kind of mom that likes to read a story out loud to them.
And to their dismay, if their is a film version they are not allowed to watch it until the book is finished.

I am the mom who hugs, squeezes, and kisses their dad in front of them.
Even when they giggle and pretend to be thoroughly grossed out.

I am the kind of mom that gets frustrated and cleans their rooms when they're at school.
But I never tell them what I throw out in the process. (And they almost always never miss it anyway).

I am the kind of mom that takes time for my own hobbies, dreams, and needs.
And I think that's extremely good for them.

I am not the mom who sits on the floor and plays legos or does puzzles with them every day.
But I am the mom that sits and listens, then dries their tears with encouragement and support.

I am the mom that has fresh-baked cookies and milk waiting when they come home from school.
I am not the mom who buys the Oreos.

I am the mom who loves these four with a fierce intensity that goes down to my core and sometimes nearly consumes me.

I am their mom.
And they are my heart.

Our Son

Most that read my blog know me. They know my family. They know that my family started as Me and Nathan and Tommy joined us when Nathan was only 2 months old. They know that in the 8 almost 9 years that I have been married that Tommy and I have produced 3 gorgeous blue-eyed girlies. What most don’t know is the story of Nathan. And most don’t ask. I’m sure they make their own assumptions because they don’t want to be rude. However, I will EAGERLY (for many reasons) tell you mine and his story.

We live in East TN and as much as I love this beautiful place, there is still a lot of ignorance within it. Our son is biracial. When we are all together in public people openly assume that he is a foster child, we are babysitting, or his father neglected him and Tommy is just a really good step-father. NONE of these things are true. To sum up all the horrible details…I was raped. 17 going on 18 and my grandmother came to my rescue. I lived in VA at the time. She drove to pick up her badly beaten granddaughter and brought her home to TN. I just knew I was pregnant. I felt it. And 7 tests confirmed it. I hated it. I did not want to accept it. So my mother was making arrangements for a woman she worked with to adopt my baby. This woman and her husband desperately wanted children but were not having any success. I agreed because I didn’t want to give any thought whatsoever to what was going on with me. I remember relaying to my mom that this child would be biracial. I figured that the couple would want to know that information. And while at first there was hesitation, they decided it didn’t matter. Until they too discovered they were pregnant and due shortly before me. This left me with no options in my head. I asked my mom to bring me all the information she could on abortions. She did. I read. And I prayed. I never prayed. But that night I prayed and fell asleep while talking/crying it out with God. I dreamed.

My dream involved a very graphic abortion. And pain. Lots of pain. Pain in my body for what I had put it through and pain in my heart for what I let go. I woke in tears. I knew that no matter the circumstance, this child was mine and I loved it. I needed it. It needed me. And at that moment we were one and I was going to do everything I needed to ensure that it was born healthy, happy, and loved. And he was on February 27, 2003. Throughout my pregnancy I began to pray for a Christian man. One that would love me unconditionally and protect me. And most importantly one that would love my son as his own. One that would take him and be his role model. I was blessed with Tommy in late April and married at the beginning of July. Tommy adopted Nathan and our family doesn’t see color.

Now to the point of this.

Nathan’s beginnings should not have to be explained. My family should not be given second glances when we are all together in public. While I will openly tell anyone who asks our little story (because I am loved and have been blessed TREMENDOUSLY) it hurts my heart to see Nathan’s expression when strangers so openly exclude him when they view our family. He is the most awesome boy I have ever known. He is sensitive and relates to others on a ridiculously mature level. He is a genius. I swear. He excels at everything he tries. He is ours. He loves his dad and his papaw, they are his refuge in the middle of all us girls. And he comes to me when he needs lovin’ or when dad makes him mad because I explain things to him a little more rationally (and I’m a bit of a sucker for those dark brown eyes and shy smile.)

I am bothered when family/friends/strangers point out how much the girls look like their dad or myself but make no notice of Nathan’s similarities. Nathan, Kyla, and Ava share my smile. Nathan and Kira share my freckles. Nathan has my eyes. Nathan (unfortunately) got my habit of biting my nails when he is nervous or stressed. Nathan, Ava, and Kyla have the same shaped face. They all have my feet and toes. And he and Tommy share the same skin tone most of the year. (When Nathan was a baby, complete strangers told us he looked just like his Tommy or Tommy’s mom…it’s the Cherokee) We are all different and alike.

Another issue is this. DO NOT refer to him as mixed or any other cutsie/insulting label you can think of. While he is perfectly mixed like his sisters….this hurts him. Don’t make stereotypical references when we talk about his enormous appetite. I was seriously asked if his favorite food was fried chicken and watermelon. What?! They thought it was funny. Don’t tell him that he should grow a ‘fro just because he is apparently “suppose to”. (A kid said this to him at school) And parents STOP spreading your ignorance to your children. This is one of the main reasons I consider homeschool.

I have so much I could add to this topic…and I will…but I feel that each part should be given appropriate thought and consideration.

Him

I watched his hands as he worked, dust floating around him in the air. Big, strong hands. Hands I know well.


Hands that held mine continuously through three deliveries, even when I squeezed so hard he feared a broken bone.

Hands that gently supported three newborn heads, each in their turn, as he pulled back the blankets to peek at their beautiful, squishy faces.

Hands that have reached out to wipe many a tear from my freckled cheek.

Hands that hold his face when he is lost in his thoughts.

Hands that load and unload every single grocery bag.

Hands that wash the dishes because he knows I hate it.

I love those hands.

And I love the man attached to them even more.

As I watched him work at his parents, moving furniture unassisted and cleaning messes that were not his, I studied this man of mine. And I came to the conclusion, for what must be the millionth time, that he's one of the good ones.

They say that a good marriage is the ability to fall in love over and over with the same person.

I'd say it just happened again.

Raindrops on Roses and Whiskers on Kittens

These are a few of my favorite things. (You're singing aren't you!) I am totally procrastinating with this post. There are so many other things I should be/could be/would be doing. However, here is a list of things I'm currently LOVING!

1. Lipton Iced Tea with Lemon. I love iced tea but only with lemon. Most teas without lemon tastes bitterly sweet. And lately I'm diggin' this.

2. The Harry Potter Books. I know, I know. I'm late in the whole Harry Potter fad. I have been reading them to Kira 2 chapters a night and she LOVES them and I love the time with her doing something she will remember always. I have always read to the kiddos but it more fun now that they can sit through longer stories and read themselves. That and Kira and I are super pumped to have a movie night after we finish each book!!

3. The Smell of Cinnamon. I love this time of year and this scent is everywhere. And there is something about the warm smell of cinnamon that reminds me of home.

4. American Eagle Jeans. These are my absolute favorite and they are oh so comfy!

5. Petticoats and Tutus for My Girls. 'Cause they are cute and girlie and the girls love to spin in them.

6. Target. Who doesn't love this store?! Cute stuff for cheap. I prefer to get the kids clothes from here because they are nicer and seem to hold up better than the stuff from Wally World.

7. M.A.C. Lipglass. I love all M.A.C. products but the lipglass is one of my staples.

On a different note, one of my least favorite things is packing and moving. I have no desire or motivation to do it. I am not looking forward to the end result. But it has to be done *putsgamefaceon*.

Winner of Halloween Giveaway!

And the winner of the Halloween Giveaway is Syndi Conard

Stay tuned for a Holiday giveaway!!

The Don'ts of FB

Facebook.


Everyone has one.

Some people don’t seem to understand how to use one.

So I decided to make a Top Ten list of Facebook Don’ts.

10. Don’t like a sad status. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen someone post “Having an awful day,” and saw someone like it. Um? Or once I posted that I had a headache and someone liked it. Is anyone really reading Facebook or are they liking every status?

9. Don’t post half naked pics of yourself. Or anyone else you might know. That belongs on an entirely different site.

8. Don’t post pics with your tongue out or "duck" lips. 'Nuff said. Why is everyone trying to make out with facebook?

7. Don’t constantly vague book. Fine, if you want to do it once in awhile, great. A little mystery never killed anyone. Constant mystery does. If you aren’t going to spill your guts when someone asks what’s wrong on a daily basis, knock it off.

6. Don’t post a picture of something you cooked and then be like, “Can’t share the recipe, it’s secret!” Don’t tease! That’s mean!

5. Don’t whine if people spoil a show. Stay offline if you’re worried about finding out the score or what happened in the season opener.

4. Don’t repeatedly post a countdown to the new Twilight movie if you’re over 25. It’s creepy.

3. Don’t constantly post political posts and be surprised when not everyone agrees. This also goes for parenting posts.Can you just accept that others will have opinions that differ from yours? The world is an interesting place because we all think differently, people. I wish some people got that.

2. Don’t allow your kids under 13 to join Facebook. I suppose I get it if they HAVE to play Farmville, but don’t let them post. They won’t have anything interesting to say. And plus, the rules sort of state to be over 13 to join. I might won't friend your kid to be polite if they request me, but don’t ask me to watch my language or my content. I won’t.

1. Don’t post about how broke you are and then have your next update be like, “We just bought a new puppy!” That’s annoying. Common sense shows that if you are broke, that buying a new pet might not be the brightest idea and yes, half your Facebook list is thinking this, too.

Ok, I'm done with my ranting now! Happy Monday everyone!

Halloween Giveaway!!

Halloween is one of my favorite holidays. Really, it's my favorite because of the time of year. I love the colors, smell, and weather this time of year. I love to crunch the leaves on the sidewalks and wear my favorite cozy sweaters. And I love to bake sweets and cook stews and soups and that seems to fit in perfectly with fall/winter. There is something about this weather that brings out the chef and creativity in me. So in light of the season I am doing a giveaway!!

I want to hear your best costume ideas; past/present/future Submit your ideas in the comments below and I will randomly select a winner. Deadline is October 24. So get on it! Be creative and you could win a $25 giftcard to Target and a yummy bag o' candy of your choice!

What I Learn From My Girls

Small children are blessed with unabashed pride in their own accomplishments and attributes.


"You are very beautiful," I told Kyla the other day.

"I know," she replied.

Somewhere along the journey to adulthood, however, most women stop taking compliments as undeniable truths about ourselves and instead, start viewing them as cruel jokes. This is proven by the fact that if you ever tell a young mother that she looks pretty or, heaven forbid, sexy, she will first laugh at you, and then insult your intelligence.

"You don't know what you are talking about," she will bark as she pinches a layer of fat around her middle.

I worry sometimes that I am so focused on teaching my kids how to be better people that I forget that I have much to learn from them on the subject in return. Specifically, I fear that if I do not start following my children's example, then they will follow mine.

The next time that someone pays you a compliment, join me in resisting the urge to stomp on it. Instead, smile and simply say "thank you."

My 27

Today I turn 27. I know. It is sooo exciting. Especially when it's a Sunday and I'm a mom and still have to do all the same old mom things. But I'm not complaining. I have a great life, with great kids (who drive me crazy) and a handsome husband who caters to my every want.

Without further ado here’s 27 things about me:

1. I detest wire hangers.

2. My favorite lunches involve some combination of soup, salad and a sandwich with a girly dessert.

3. I do not like talking on the phone. Texting is easier and faster for me because I am always in an environment that is loud and chaotic. So do us both a favor and send me a message instead.

5. My car is a garbage can on wheels.

6. My favorite treats all involve caramel.

7. If I ever build my own home, the most important feature will be a decent sized mud room with lockers.

8. I am snobby to snobby people.

9. I have a very hard time not spending coupons (ex: friends and family at Old Navy, Crazy 8, etc.) I love a deal.

10. I love black and white together and separate for clothing.

11. I don't believe in fad diets, diet pills, or diets in general. The word "diet" immediately makes me feel ravenous.

12. My favorite gifts from Tommy are cards with meaningful written messages (he hates doing this) and massages--nothing kinky, just like a great food rub.

13. I hate being tickled. Anywhere.

14. I do not think that I will ever get over having a subpar wedding. I had no say. My opinions were never asked. And while I appreciate the effort and love of everyone else, it makes me sad that I did not have MY day.

15. I am the world’s biggest anti-morning person. Regardless of when I go to bed, I always seem to stay exhausted. No matter how much sleep I get, it never seems to be enough.

16. At my funeral, no one will say "She never said a bad word about anyone."

17. They will say “She was fun to be around.”

18. Fountain cokes are my weakness.

19. I consider getting myself showered and dressed for the day to be a major burden now that I have a kids.

20. I am only comfortable in a small range of temperatures ranging from about 72 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit

21. I don’t balance my checkbook because it is easier to follow my account online.

22. I love my girls’ dimples.

23. I am passive aggressive and inherently lazy. I hardly ever make my bed.

24. I can give a one-girl play of the Wizard of Oz. It’s been my favorite since forever.

25. I make friends easily but prefer to keep them at arms length.

26. I would rather get lilies than roses.

27. I like sentimental things but have very few.

Here's to another great year!

My Girl, Kira

Having a girl is like riding a roller coaster. A fast, exhilarating, slightly out of control roller coaster.

The highs are so high. They are filled with sweetness and joy and all things good. Like cupcakes and rainbows and unicorns. On a sunny day. In a field. Together. They are amazing. And then boom! everything is turned upside down in the most dramatic way possible.

The lows are abrupt and intense and deafening. And then, the highs come back and you forget that the lows ever happened. Rinse and repeat a million times to infinity, and that’s what it’s like having a girl. Like a roller coaster, minus the nausea. Well, minus the nausea, most days. But, it’s certainly always an adventure and I’m forever thankful that I get to go along for the ride.

And now seven things for Kira's seventh birthday:

1. She loves pink and princesses and baby dolls and glitter and perfume and lip gloss and make-up, etc.

2. She loves to sing and dance and sing. This girl sings everywhere; in the shower, in the car, with or without music. Her current favorites are Justin Beiber (HELP!!) and Taylor Swift. She also likes to provide lessons to anyone that will listen.

3. She loves to go to her room and read or play quietly. She is a very easy child and is very sweet to her siblings...even when they don't deserve it.

4. She makes pictures for me everyday that say "Kira and Mom are best friends" or "Kira loves Mom." She doesn't make a dang thing for Tommy.

5. She already talks like a valley girl. She told me a story where another girl told her that she was 9. Kira said, "I was like...um, okay....I will be like 7...but whatever.."

6. A few days ago, we were sitting and watching some show on Nick and she looks over and says, "Mom, you know how if you do something wrong and you feel bad about it, you have to repent?" I said yes, silently patting myself on the back for teaching her about repentance. She replied, "If you feel bad, just don't think about it and then you don't have to repent."

7. She compliments me on my outfit nearly everyday. "Cute shirt mom!" or "I love your boots." or "You look really pretty, Mommy." She makes me feel good.

Happy 7th birthday to the daughter who first brought a little bit of sugar and a whole spice to my life. You add so much love and joy to my days. My world is a billion times better because you are in it. I love you to pieces. You were the first splash of pink and glitter in my otherwise bleak world.
I adore this sweet, sassy little girl.

Family - A little heavy

Everyone has their own definition of family. Up until tonight, my definition/idea was very narrow. My family is my husband and kids because I know that where ever they are I am too. I depend on them and they depend on me. But I now realize that if something were to happen to any of us, we really wouldn't have the support or love we would need to get through it.

When I was little, I was close to both my dad's and my mom's side (parent's divorced when I was 2). I slept over at my grandparents, I annoyed and followed around my aunts, my cousins were my best friends. Somewhere along the line my dad moved out of state and I gradually lost connection with his family. I moved to be with my dad when I started middle school and my relationships with my mom's family somewhat faded. I went years and years without seeing most of them.

Fast Forward to today....
We all live within 30 miles of each other (if not closer) and not much has changed, I hardly see anyone. Including on holidays.

My husbands family is quite opposite. They all live close...in fact most are neighbors. They are there for every milestone, every good thing, and every bad thing. They help each other out. They are each others best friends. The spouses of his aunts, uncles, and cousins all get along great too. They all grew up in the same area. They share childhoods. They have history. I have never fit into his family. I sit alone at most gatherings because when I do attempt to engage in conversation....it just feels too forced from both sides. I am quite the outsider since I am younger and didn't grow up around here. Even my kids see the difference in how all the cousins play and interact. But I'm ok with all that. You stick to what you know and they know close family, I don't. I don't know how to be a part of that and they probably don't know what to do with me. Stepping out of your comfort zone is hard. And while I accept that it is what is it, I do envy their relationships. Of how their kids all play together and spend birthdays together. Of how they know if something were to happen their family is a phone call, or a door knock, away. When a member is sick or in the hospital, everyone of them shows up. They call to chat. They stop to talk real quick when they see you, instead of a passing "hi, how are you?" (I get those often.) I'm envious of THEIR family.

This is all at the forefront of my thoughts because tonight, I saw my grandmother, my dad's mom. She is at home under hospice care and isn't expected to make it through the weekend. All of her children and their kids came and went to spend time with her. While I sat with her for a little while I couldn't help but remember being 4 and spending nights with her and my aunt Sam. She would cook the best chicken n' dumplins in the whole world. I remember the times I stayed there with my dad after he and my mom seperated. I could remember the time I told her I wanted a "wedding cake" for my birthday cake with blue flowers. And that's what I got....it was only a 1/4 sheet, but to me it was a wedding cake. I remember the curio cabinet she had with little trinkets and the box filled with happy meal toys. And sadly those are they majority of my memories. Over the past nine years, I have seen her and visited but not often. Life got in my way and I would always comment that I needed to stop by....but never got around to it. While being reintroduced to family that either didn't know I existed or hadn't seen me since I was 5, I thought this can't happen for my kids.

While I am not close to my husband's family I can follow their example. I can be closer to the people I share interests and memories with. I can make it a point to see how they are doing. I can stop by on the holidays. Their kids can come over for sleep-overs. And my children's cousins can be their best friends. Financial status, the neighborhood you live in, the education you have, all don't matter because you are family. It shouldn't take failing health to bring family and loved ones together. I hated not knowing the names of family members or recognizing faces. I'm sad about the missed opportunities for a quick visit. I'm sad of the memories not made. And I'm sad that my children didn't get to know their great-grandmother; to know her voice, her laugh, see her smile, or taste her yummy cooking. These are all memories that I will cherish.

Fad Diets

Atkins Diet

Alli Diet

Acai Berry Diet

Beverly Hills Diet

Cabbage Soup Diet

Celery Diet

Cookie Diet

Egg Diet

Fat Free Diet

Grapefruit Diet

HCG Diet

Liquid Diets

Suzanne Somers Diet

Subway Diet

The Zone

3 Day Diet

Phen-Fen

Diet Patches

Diet Pills

Plastic Wrap

Jaws wired shut

Does the list ever end?

After reading about diet after diet and all their restrictions and rules, I just wanted to run to the hills screaming. Frankly, there are little bits of truth within each of the diets. But it seemed like the weirder the diet, the more followers it has.

I found this online and started laughing out loud:

Is this true or what? And why is it?!

I’m no alarmist. Yes, I do recommend certain foods, fitness gear, workouts, and books that offer sound fitness and nutrition advice. I suppose you could call me a moderationist (I just made that word up).
I advocate what works:

Vegetables

Fruits

Lean proteins

Whole grains

Good fats and oil

Low sugar

Low bad fats

Low salt

Nutrient dense foods

Tons of water

Do cardio most days a week

Lift weights a few times a week

Sweat

*CONSISTENCY*

We don’t have to reinvent the wheel here. WE KNOW THIS STUFF. Why do we as a culture keep looking for the next take-twenty-pounds-off-in-a-week program? Why not just use the knowledge we already have, DO IT, then enjoy long term health and fitness? It's HARD work, but aren't YOU worth it?

The diet business is a $40 BILLION a year industry. This is crazy.

I’m taking my money and going to buy some more spinach and fish, thank you.
So, what are your thoughts on fad diets?

Sisters

Kira: Mommmmmmmaaaaay!!!! Kyla is copying me!
Note: "Mommy" is said in a way that only Kira has perfected. A way that lets you know that a tattle tale of sorts is on it's way and in a shrill that reminds you of nails on a chalkboard.

Me: So, stop talking.

{Insert scowl and three seconds.}

Kira: Mommmaaaay!!! Kyla is still copying me.

Me: Aren’t you not talking? How is she copying you?

Kira: She’s not talking either! Ugh, little sisters are annoying.

Me: Then go clean her room and see if she still stops copying you.

My Enemies

I’m a proud Momma to what I affectionately call The Monkeys. My oldest, and only son, is 8 years old. His Highness is the calm before the storm. Behind him are our three gorgeous daughters, ages 6, 3, and 5 months, who I refer to as Sassy, Teeny Tiny, and the Bean. Together their personalities closely resemble the cast of Jackass. I have literally spent the last nine years either pregnant or changing diapers. And that’s a LOT of poop.


Yes, they are all mine, yes, they all have the same father, yes, the father and I are still married, and yes, we do know what causes this. We are just exceptionally good at it.

While our family is larger than the average, we are completely normal… normal being a relative term. Let me tell about some of our enemies...

THE DUGGAR FAMILY (TLC): The Duggars bother me, and not just because their oldest son and his wife practically filmed hours of hand porn during their dating episodes. When it comes to educating America on life inside a big family, the show is misleading.

While I wish I could be as sweet natured as Michelle, and never raise my voice to my husband or children, I just can’t. Then again, I also don’t have teenage daughters to help cook all our meals, wash our 18 weekly loads of laundry (which is a domestic enemy to every mother, in and of itself) and watch my babies all day. Perhaps if I could borrow Michelle’s oldest daughters a few mornings a week, I would have more patience with the little howler monkeys who keep begging for sippy cups to be refilled and goldfish to crush on the freshly vacuumed carpet.

APPOINTING A LEGAL GUARDIAN: In the event that (God forbid) something should happen to us both… When His Highness was born, both sets of grandparents would proudly be appointed his legal guardian should something happen. I couldn’t stand the thought of filling out a legal document, stating who was to raise MY child, MY pride and joy. My husband and I argued for days over who would do the better job, both throwing each other’s families under the bus.

Fast forward seven years, and now, instead of arguing with my husband, I’m arguing with the couple we named legal guardian… “What do you mean you only want His Highness and Sassy?? So what you’ve got two kids of your own! Fine then... We’ll see if his aunt will take a few of them.”

PUBLIC OUTINGS-- This is a three part enemy.

A.) Herding Chimpansloths
Getting out the door to go anywhere, whether it is school or amusements parks, takes an act of congress. Instead of “herding turtles” to our gas-guzzler, I feel much more as if I’ve just herded a cross breed of chimpanzees and sloths. While I know the chimp part of their brain is indeed intelligent enough to locate a matching pair of shoes, put them on their feet (“Wrong feet or not, I don’t care, just put them on and let’s GO!!”) and walk to the car, the sloth part of their bodies always seems to take over, making my simple request of finding two shoes (“Matching or not, I don’t care, just put them on and LET’S GO!!”) and getting in the car nearly impossible.

B.)Paparazzish Encounters
Once we arrive at our public destination, there will no doubt be onlookers and gawkers, craning their necks to see and count just how many kids I have in my van/grocery cart/sunscreen assembly line/restaurant booth/etc. It’s sort of like having paparazzi following you all the time, only instead of shouting, “Who are you wearing?” You get to pretend you give a rip about all the “Well-meaning” commenters and their questions like, “Have you thought about how you’ll put them through college?” --Are you offering to do so? Then why is it any of your business? “You’ve got your hands full.” –Thanks, I hadn’t noticed. “Better you than me.” –Yep, my kids would agree.

C.)Humiliation: Public outings with this number almost always results in embarrassing encounters involving one or more members of the motley crew. It never fails. I’m always sorry I take them out in public. For example, when Sassy was three years old, she asked me very loudly in the check-out line during rush hour at the grocery store, “Momma, what smells like button-eggs?” Stupidly, I asked him to repeat his question, since I had no idea what button-eggs were. (Amateur.) Holding her nose she repeated, even louder, “NOT BUTTON-EGGS, Momma. BUTT and EGGS! Something smells like BUTT and EGGS!” At the same time she was assaulting me with embarrassment, I got a whiff of the man standing in line in front of us. Two thoughts immediately came to mind: How in the world did my three year old put those two items together to make such a description… and second, how did she do it so accurately?

GUILT: It’s the common thread that bonds our sisterhood together as Mothers. For me, guilt rears its ugly head daily, leaving me to doubt my capabilities to handle such a fun and spirited group of children. After a long day of Chimpansloth Herding, when my babies’ daddy is off doing daddy/husband/helpful things, I don’t always make time to read “justonemorestory pleeeaaaasssseee” nor do I always explain as sweetly as I should that Mommy is exhausted and just really needs for everyone to close their eyes and go to sleep. Some nights it comes out more like the foot stomping temper tantrums I’m always fussing at them for throwing. After they’re all in the bed, and the house is quiet, I stare mindlessly at reruns on Nick at Nite. That’s when the feelings of inadequacy begin to haunt me. “Am I doing a good job? Do they all know just how much I truly love them? Did I even make eye contact with the middle one…. Oh, what’s her name.. Sassy?” The truth is, while Satan loves for those feelings of doubt to creep into all of our hearts, only we can push them out, and remember, there’s nothing to feel guilty for. Siblings are a gift. Tomorrow is a new day. And no matter how today went, I can always do better tomorrow.

Even though I don’t have the help of Michelle Duggar’s daughters, I wouldn’t trade my life for the world. While a large family may bring with it an abundance of domestic enemies, it also brings an abundance of LOVE. Every day I get to wake up to four times the hugs, kisses, and snuggles. I also get to do the greatest parts of Motherhood four times over— hearing the heartbeat for the first time; kissing booboos; blowing raspberries on their bellies until we’re both laughing so hard, neither of us can breathe; watching my husband rock a cranky kid to sleep, then falling asleep himself, with that child locked tightly in his embrace; seeing the wonderment each child finds with the simple things in life. Those things, no matter how many times over you do them, never get old. These children are my greatest teachers, and most certainly my greatest blessings.

What I Won't be Wearing this Fall

I spend a fair amount of time flipping through fashion magazines, window shopping, and watching shows geared toward fashion and makeovers (guilty pleasure). I probably should spend more time catching up on cleaning, or laundry, or studying but that is a post for another day. While I generally know what the trends are, I rarely follow them. I much prefer sweats, my comfy clothes. So here is what I won't be wearing:

Anything Menswear Inspired:

 I have no desire to dress like a man. And it isn't flattering. 

Brogues/oxford shoes:

Goes along with the menswear...I don't understand the appeal of these.

Fur:

Apparently, fur is all the rage this fall. Can you even imagine me putting this on to go to my son's football games or to pick the kids up from school?

Calf Length Hemlines:

Frumpy McFrumpy!

Ponchos:

See Calf Length Hemlines.

Liberty Boots:

 

I cannot figure out this trend for the life of me...Little House on the Prairie? Pioneer? Amelia Earhart? Not for me.



Marathon?

In April 2010, I crossed running a half marathon off of my bucket list. I wasn't in it to win it...I just wanted to finish. And I did, in 3 L.O.N.G hours! That is including the 25 minutes I spent waiting in line to pee. (That was also the line where I was told that true marathoners just pee on themselves. Eh, no thanks!) My time was much slower than I was hoping, but realistically I did not train for speed, just distance. At times I'm sure that most could walk faster than my jog but aside from my potty break I swear I ran the full 13.1 miles! I figured if people were peeing on themselves, running with bloody nipples (yes, I said nipples...Google it) and bloody ankles then I had no reason to complain. So here I am again...contemplating another half, at least. (Eventually I would like to cross the 26.2 off my list) It will be a little harder this time, I have had a baby since then and my body is pretty deconditioned. But I learned so much about myself. I learned that you can make time for anything that you have a passion for. I have never set such a goal. At the finish, despite the soreness in my bones, I felt good and happy and I want that again. So....who wants to train with me?!

Ready to go!

Making sure my laces were tight!

The End! Did I mention that the last 5 miles it was raining, hard?!



Riddle: Does Muscle Weigh More Than Fat?

Come on you know you have heard this and may have said it yourself:  Does muscle weigh more than fat?

When asked immediately I come back with the snarky answer: of course not! Five pounds of muscle weighs the exact same as five pounds of fat. Five pounds is five pounds, yes?

I’m being obnoxious, I know. The riddle is actually a play on words.

The following picture can illustrate a more accurate answer much better than I can:

What you are looking at is a replica of 5 lbs. of fat and 5 lbs. of muscle. When put on a scale, they do weigh exactly the same. HOWEVER, they look a whole lot different. And they do on our bodies as well.


The fact is, the five pounds of fat has a whole lot more VOLUME than muscle. Although they weigh exactly the same, the amount of space fat takes up is significantly greater (and it’s a lot bumpier!). Just look at it! Holy cow. Whenever I think I don’t want to do lunges, I just think of that glob of fat hanging off my backside and I start lunging away.

It has always interested me when two people weighing exactly the same, one who has a low percentage of body fat and one who has a high percentage of body fat, stand side by side. Typically, the one with the lower amount of fat and higher amount of lean muscle will be much smaller. Their clothes sizes will often be 2-4 sizes smaller as well.

With lean dense muscle, the inches are reduced. Losing fat and adding lean muscle will change the composition of your body and sculpt like nothing else out there.

I’ve always said, I don’t care if I weigh as much as a two ton semi truck, if my clothes are fitting well and measurements are where I know they should be — then who the heck cares what the number on the scale says!

My point is this: we’ve got to choose — do we want more muscle or fat? It’s one or the other. Of course, I’m not talking about walking around looking like some ultra masculine version of ourselves with muscles busting out of our sleeves, veins popping out in our necks and traps up to our earlobes. NO! I’m just talking about the long, lean, healthy muscles we were born with. We might as well put them to good use by strengthening them regularly and getting them to work for us instead of letting that fat take over.

The benefits of lifting weights and building lean muscle are many. Not only do muscles rev up the ole’ metabolism and give your body the strength it needs to function optimally, they are are INCH REDUCERS to boot!

Things I don't get

Young men who insist on wearing their pants so large they have to permanenty dedicate one hand to holding them up.


Women over a certain age wearing mini-skirts, short shorts in public. If you have to *ahem* readjust your inseam...they are too short. (Worst, wearing inappropriate clothes to your child's games/activites.)

Ongoing yard/garage sales. If you set your stuff up everyday, you're running a business. At some point you are going to have to throw your junk away!

Mompetitors. "My daughter started walking at 9 months, potty trained right after her first birthday, can read and right before 4, blah blah blah."

Owning an expensive car (you know with pretty paint job, big wheels) and parking it every night in front of a shack. This is especially worse when children apparently live there.

Selffish smokers. Yes, I respect your right to harm your body. However, I would like to be able to make that decision for myself and my kids. Don't smoke next to the enterance of a public building, in cars with children, in homes with children, etc. It stinks. You stink. And I don't want to. Please and Thank You!!

Hoarding of any kind. Don't buy things you don't need, take it home (throw it on a table or in a box), forget about it, then buy again because it's on sale. Just because it is on sale/clearance does not mean you need it.

Lazyness. Do not complain that you need help with something that you aren't willing to do by yourself in the first place. (Worst yet, you aren't willing to do it when help arrives.) You got yourself there, figure it out.
Handle bar mustaches.

People with that foamy saliva built up in the corners of their mouth as they speak. (They have got to feel that...ugh)

Unnecessary product upgrades, e.g., the scented handles on the package of disposable razors.

People who are neither playing beach volley ball nor water skiing, but still insist on securing their sunglasses with those chum things.


What things stump you?

Amen!

11 Step Program for those thinking of having kids


Lesson 1

1. Go to the grocery store.

2. Arrange to have your salary paid directly to their head office.

3. Go home.

4. Pick up the paper.

5. Read it for the last time.


Lesson 2

Before you finally go ahead and have children, find a couple who already are parents and berate them about their...

1. Methods of discipline.

2. Lack of patience.

3. Appallingly low tolerance levels.

4. Allowing their children to run wild.

5. Suggest ways in which they might improve their child's breastfeeding, sleep habits, toilet training, table manners, and overall behavior.

Enjoy it because it will be the last time in your life you will have all the answers.


Lesson 3

A really good way to discover how the nights might feel...

1. Get home from work and immediately begin walking around the living room from 5PM to 10PM carrying a wet bag weighing approximately 8-12 pounds, with a radio turned to static (or some other obnoxious sound) playing loudly. (Eat cold food with one hand for dinner)

2. At 10PM, put the bag gently down, set the alarm for midnight, and go to sleep.

3. Get up at 12 and walk around the living room again, with the bag, until 1AM.

4. Set the alarm for 3AM.

5. As you can't get back to sleep, get up at 2AM and make a drink and watch an infomercial.

6. Go to bed at 2:45AM.

7. Get up at 3AM when the alarm goes off.

8. Sing songs quietly in the dark until 4AM.

9. Get up. Make breakfast. Get ready for work and go to work (work hard and be productive)

Repeat steps 1-9 each night. Keep this up for 3-5 years. Look cheerful and together.


Lesson 4

Can you stand the mess children make? T o find out...

1. Smear peanut butter onto the sofa and jam onto the curtains.

2. Hide a piece of raw chicken behind the stereo and leave it there all summer.

3. Stick your fingers in the flower bed.

4. Then rub them on the clean walls.

5. Take your favorite book, photo album, etc. Wreck it.

6. Spill milk on your new pillows. Cover the stains with crayons. How does that look?


Lesson 5

Dressing small children is not as easy as it seems.

1. Buy an octopus and a small bag made out of loose mesh.

2. Attempt to put the octopus into the bag so that none of the arms hang out.

Time allowed for this - all morning.



Lesson 6

Forget the BMW and buy a mini-van. And don't think that you can leave it out in the driveway spotless and shining. Family cars don't look like that.

1. Buy a chocolate ice cream cone and put it in the glove compartment.

Leave it there.

2. Get a dime. Stick it in the CD player.

3. Take a family size package of chocolate cookies. Mash them into the back seat. Sprinkle cheerios all over the floor, then smash them with your foot.

4. Run a garden rake along both sides of the car.


Lesson 7

Go to the local grocery store. Take with you the closest thing you can find to a pre-school child. (A full-grown goat is an excellent choice). If you intend to have more than one child, then definitely take more than one goat. Buy your week's groceries without letting the goats out of your sight. Pay for everything the goat eats or destroys. Until you can easily accomplish this, do not even contemplate having children.


Lesson 8

1. Hollow out a melon.

2. Make a small hole in the side.

3. Suspend it from the ceiling and swing it from side to side.

4. Now get a bowl of soggy Cheerios and attempt to spoon them into the swaying melon by pretending to be an airplane.

5. Continue until half the Cheerios are gone.

6. Tip half into your lap. The other half, just throw up in the air.

You are now ready to feed a nine- month-old baby.


Lesson 9

Learn the names of every character from Sesame Street , Barney, Disney, the Teletubbies, and Pokemon. Watch nothing else on TV but Nick Jr., the Disney channel or Sprout for at least five years. (I know, you're thinking What's Sprout?) Exactly the point.


Lesson 10

Make a recording of Fran Drescher saying 'mommy' repeatedly. (Important: no more than a four second delay between each 'mommy'; occasional crescendo to the level of a supersonic jet is required). Play this tape in your car everywhere you go for the next four years. You are now ready to take a long trip with a toddler.


Lesson 11
Start talking to an adult of your choice. Have someone else continually tug on your skirt hem, shirt- sleeve, or elbow while playing the 'mommy' tape made from Lesson 10 above. You are now ready to have a conversation with an adult while there is a child in the room

My kids must be abnormal

Just recently I’ve come across a number of blog posts and what-nots on how to get your picky eaters (kids) to eat their fruit and veggies.
They’ve all got all kinds of helpful tips and things to try, ways to sneak it all in to other yummy foods and everything a mom would need to get their kids eating all the healthy goodness from fruits and veggies.

Which is all good.

But tell me this….

Where are the blog posts for mom’s like me; How to keep your kids from eating all the (as in before anyone else can get any) fruits and veggies?

I know that is a weird request but honestly, I can’t keep up with the consumption of fruits and veggies in this house. Seriously the minute a 2 pound bag of grapes hit the fridge they are gone. When I bring home a bag of apples my kids won’t stop asking for them until there is no more to ask for. For a quick snack they choose carrots. They sneak in the kitchen and steal bananas. I mean I have to actually think of ways to hide it so they don’t eat it all, and it doesn’t just stop there. In cooked dishes they will pick out the carrots, broccoli, and cauliflower and going back for more before you can even sit down and start eating. At restaurants they choose the steamed veggies over french fries every time and sometimes they would rather just order a big salad. My son consumes whole cartons of cherry tomatoes when I buy them. My girls love grilled onions and peppers.

So where is my blog post? I need to know how to keep up with it, and more importantly, how to AFFORD it!!

Wishful Thinking

Homeschool: To do or Not to do?

Before I go into this understand I value a college education and I will gain a B.S in Education with a focus on Kinesiology (you know, because I’m a health nut and all) in the Spring and I hope to then work on my M.S. I want my children to desire and understand the importance of a further education. I am choosing to lead by example. I understand that not everyone feels/thinks the same. Moreover, each family has their own beliefs/values/opinions on homeschooling. I respect that. Please respect mine.

The kids have been back to school a couple of weeks now. I find myself agonizing even more over germs, safety, teaching methods, and most of all, preserving my children’s innocence. I always toyed with the idea of homeschooling, back before Nate entered Pre-K. While most in my family gave me funny looks, my husband was and is supportive and understanding. However, I questioned, then and now, my ability and my patience. I have never been one to think that homeschooled children are unsocial, or weird. In fact, I believe they are more mature, responsible, passionate, sensitive, careful, and respectful. Who doesn’t want that? My main concern has always been the education level of those who taught their kids. While most are qualified, many are not.

The public school system, which has certification and licensure requirements, though less so with the private schools, which set their own teacher qualifications criteria, the qualifications for homeschooling are not much more than being a parent. In addition, parents - like all other members of the general population -not specially trained in instruction, may be better or worse teachers, with greater or less knowledge about any particular subject area. Although parents can bring a wealth of specialized information about and understanding of their child to the teaching situation, teaching is not just about the child: it is also about the subject area and the process of acquiring the knowledge of and mindset for each subject area and ability to perform the processes and tasks associated with it.

The skills of parenting and instructing are not exactly the same. Teachers not only have some subject area expertise, knowledge of child development and the needs of students with various learning styles, but they also have training in assisting children with special needs, such as learning disabilities. Teachers are required to undergo continuing education, that is, professional development in their fields, even after they receive a teaching license. (While I have elaborated, I do recognize that bad professional instructors do exist. The difference to me is a child will have that teacher for one year not the course of their entire education.)

Off my soapbox now and back to my point.

Before they entered public school, I taught both Nate and Kira reading, writing, and simple math and now I am beginning the same journey for Kyla. The difference? I am now following a curriculum. I have challenged myself. If I can effectively teach Ms. Sass, then I know I can do this homeschool thing. I enjoy the pleasures and the challenges of educating them. I demand to be an active participant in their education. I want to slow down just enough to allow them to fully take in what they are learning, to care about it, and to enjoy it by relating it to the greater spectrum of knowledge, thereby making learning relevant. I want them to gain greater values, greater freedom, and greater satisfaction with their family and their life. While the idea is overwhelming, stressful, and causes maybe a slight panic attack; the moment that understanding flashes on  Kyla's face makes it all worthwhile. (And I will admit...makes me a proud Momma!)  Stay tuned and I will let you know how it goes!!

Beginners Guide to Body Fat Loss

I'm adding some of my past posts from a previous blog that seem to be on subjects many people ask about.

If you’re just starting a fitness program with an objective to lose body fat, this blog is a good place to start. There’s no secret of the tips to fat loss. The key objective for a successful program is to ensure one formula is met.


‘Calories in’ is less than ‘Calories out’.

Calories in is obviously the food you consume. Calories out refers to the number of calories your body burns throughout the day, often enhanced through exercise.

Simple.

However, beyond this key principle, there are other elements that will make your program more effective and successful.

The key to losing fat and maintaining a healthy weight is all about a lifestyle. Forget about the concept of a diet. A diet is a temporary eating plan with temporary results. In fact, on average, those that lose a substantial amount of weight using a fad diet often result in more weight gained if and when the individual quits an unrealistic eating plan. The key to losing weight is to simply change your eating habits for life. Now, before you close this page, this concept doesn’t mean that you can’t eat your favorite foods. But the key is to eat them in moderation, at the right time and in conjunction with an exercise program. It’s important to note that fad diets are not based on effective nutritional principles and are often unsustainable for the long term. However, simple and sound eating habits are easily attainable for a lifetime and thus are more effective in the long run.

Losing and maintaining fat loss requires a change in your life. A change to the way you eat and a change to your activity level. If you aren’t willing to make changes to either of these areas, then your chances of successful weight loss are slim to none. People continue to spend billions of dollars every year in hopes of finding a quick fix to weight and fitness goals. To date, the formula and practices in this article are the only means of meeting those goals. Many people elect or are forced to proceed with gastric bypass surgery. This is often a life-risking surgery that will result in an inability for individuals to consume large amounts of food, but why risk your life when you could improve your health and life with a little effort every week?

Ignorance and laziness are the main culprits as to why there are more and more obese people in society today. Ignorance of what is most healthy and beneficial to eat and laziness to take the time to ‘eat clean’ diets, and not the processed and preservative laden foods currently found with fast food and pre-prepared meals.

The function of food is to supply energy and nutrients to the body. What’s important to note is that some of your favorite foods encourage and promote fat loss. But it’s key to eat them properly, with the right portions and at the right time.

What’s important to note is that for most people, the objective is to lose body fat, not body weight. The goal in a program such as this is to maintain muscle and lose body fat. Your body burns more calories to maintain muscle, which requires a faster metabolism. Your metabolism is the process and speed at which your body burns calories. A goal during fat loss is to speed up your metabolism as much as possible so you are burning as many calories at possible, even at rest. So it goes without saying that a fast metabolism that supports your ‘calories out’ exceeding your ‘calories in’ is a crucial component to fat loss. Metabolism can be increased through proper eating habits and exercise, which we’ll get to later.

Diet

Food consists of three macro nutrients:

• Protein

• Carbohydrates

• Fats

There are numerous functions of proteins in the body, but I'll just concentrate on the most important: proteins are involved in growing, repairing, and replacing tissue. Proteins are large organic compounds made of amino acids which are obtained through the consumption of foods containing protein. These proteins are used as the building blocks of muscle tissue, while others are converted to glucose for use for energy. This use of protein as a fuel is particularly important under starvation conditions as it allows the body's own proteins to be used to support life, particularly those found in muscle. This is what the bodybuilder or fitness enthusiast wants to avoid. The goal is to ensure that protein intake is used almost exclusively for growing, repairing and replacing tissue. Amino acids are also an important dietary source of nitrogen.

Carbohydrates are the preferred form of fuel for the body's energy needs. An important point about carbs and where the average person makes a mistake is that after you supply your energy needs, any excess carbs will be stored as fat. Once your energy needs are met and you keep eating high carb meals, the excess "spills out" and you will add fat.

Fats are by far the most efficient energy storage form. They have various functions in the body including providing energy for cells, controlling what goes in and out of cells, determining the integrity of nervous tissue and helping to form hormones. As much as you hear of the evil of fat, it is actually a required and beneficial nutrient. Many people aren't aware of what the "good fats" are and in what foods you can find them. The American Heart Association recommends restricting the total fats in a diet, reducing the consumption of cholesterol-rich foods, such as milk and butter, replacing saturated fats with unsaturated fats, and limiting the intake of trans fats. Although fats are required in every nutritional plan, it is crucial to control and limit their consumption as required.

High protein, moderate carb (particularly complex carbs), and low fat is the most common and effective nutritional strategy for fat loss. As well, smaller and more frequent meals (5-6 per day) prevent stress on the digestive process and will ensure your metabolism is a finely tuned machine.

The most common fat loss nutrient daily ratio recommended is 40-45% carbs, 40-35% protein, and no more than 20% fat. Depending on one’s metabolism, this daily formula is commonly optimal. In addition, this ratio creates a favorable hormonal environment that leads to muscle growth and fat loss.

Exercise

Judging by the line up for the elliptical machines at your local gym, it’s obvious that people view cardio exercise as the most important means of burning calories and losing fat. However, by using cardio as your sole source of exercise, you will lose equal amount of fat and muscle. As mentioned above, a fast metabolism is key for an effective fat loss program. Solely focusing on a cardio fitness plan will result limited effective fat loss with a lower metabolism due to muscle loss.

Gaining muscle is the secret to permanent at loss as the more muscle you have, the more calories you burn at rest on any given day. In addition, gaining muscle is the key to achieving the firm good looking body that everybody wants that dieting and cardio alone will not give. As we get older, we all find ourselves losing muscle. Losing muscle also slows our metabolism. Weights are a key way to mitigate this.

Of course there are many women that are concerned that if they lift weights, they will become bulky and manly looking. If this was the case, every guy that walked in a gym would easily look like Schwarzenagger. The women with large muscle mass are focused, either through an extremely intense weight lifting program and/or the help of performance enhancing drugs, in their effort to go beyond what the female body is naturally limited to looking like.

Recovery

The three pillars of a fitness program is diet, exercise and recovery. Exercise is what sparks growth, food ensures the body has the ability to leverage and respond to training, and recovery allows the body to respond to the stress that it’s faced and prepare for the next workout. If you do not get enough sleep, it will hinder your gains. Without enough rest or sleep, you will lack energy for your workouts, and a large amount of exercise benefit and fat loss actually occurs during sleep. Be sure to get at least 7 hours of sleep a night and allow your body the opportunity to rest and relax. After all, when working out with great intensity, you deserve it.

This article should be a good starting point to meeting your fat loss goals. As was said earlier, it isn’t rocket science and the high level overview in this article touches on an approach that is tried and true. There’s no secret to fat loss. If you are willing to commit to an exercise program, eat properly and ensure proper rest, you’re on your way to meeting your goals and living a healthier life.

Mommy, as seen in "The Wiggles"

This evening I found myself rooted to the couch, watching a grown man in a pirate suit lunge and flail his way across the screen, presumably in an attempt to entertain the 4 and under crowd. Every kid in my house was asleep.

I found myself wondering what my own price would be. How much cash would it take for me to make a complete idiot of myself for a few young laughs?


And then a series of surprisingly vivid flashbacks slammed into my brain like one of those Acme anvils in the roadrunner cartoons.



Me, straighfaced, with Ava's BFF balanced neatly on the tip top of my head.

Me, crawling around on the floor in my "comfy clothes" growling like a dinosaur.

Me, hiding under the level of the bumper on Ava's crib, popping up and down unexpectedly with a new ridiculous look on my face each time. (A blanket/towel/pillow also elicits the same action).


So, basically, I make a complete idiot of myseself every. single. day.


And here's the worst part: I do it for free.

Truth is...

For me, blogging is an interesting beast. It's a creative outlet for me, and at the same time meets my imaginary requirement that every good mom needs to scrapbook. I don't scrapbook because I'm awful at it. I blog.

Anyway, I try to make this blog an honest, real, and revealing place, but I also have boundaries. Some boundaries are safety related (not posting my address, for example) and others are for personal or even stylistic reasons. It's a balance between being cheesy and boring (my life is so AWESOME that it is AWESOMER than anyone else's and here are 8 more posts about how AWESOME I am in case you somehow forgot my level of AWESOME) and sharing intimate feelings with the world.

So anyway, it's a challenge and the more serious posts are tougher to navigate. But, whether anyone else wants it or not, sometimes I want it said so I can feel it later.

Here is the truth: I hated being pregnant (Shocker, right!? Since I have given birth to 4 beautiful babies). There were many unpleasant things: I waddled about, for instance. And I puked a lot. And I peed a lot. And sometimes I peed when I was not planning on peeing. I was always miserable. And I complained. A lot. Pregnancy is not necessarily lady-like.

However, it is womanly. I may someday forget my own name, but I will never forget what it felt like when my kiddos moved and kicked inside of me. I was proud to stand without sucking in, tightening, pinching, hiding, or twisting myself into any of the myriad of positions women find to hide themselves in plain view. Each time, I felt as if my body-- however imperfect-- had purpose. I joyfully anticipated the need for each part. My arms to hold and rock a child. My legs to kneel as I washed my baby. My lips to kiss and my fingers to stroke each cheek. My body grew as they did, and it was good.

Now, at nearly 4 months post-partum, I find myself wondering (for the final time) how to regain that sense of purpose and confidence. I love my babies, and I revel in my ability to physically care for them. I hold, carry, touch, tickle, caress, wash, snuggle, kiss, and teach. Mothering my children is a verb, and I am blessed with capability.

Now, knowing that I will never again experience pregnancy and the sense of meaning it brings; I must find a way to appreciate and treasure my body and its importance. I must find a way to banish my nay saying and revel in who and what I am. It is not about the size or shape or even the objective of my body. It is about the dialogue in my mind.

Because, you see, I am the mother of not only a 4-month-old daughter, but 6 and 3 year old princesses as well. And if I cannot restructure and redraft the words that run through my head, then someday my beautiful, perfect daughters will look at their beautiful, perfect bodies with the same terrible thoughts that I have about my own. And I cannot let that happen.

Wait for it...

The first game of Nate's season was today! Awesome start to a season, by the end of the fourth quarter neither team had scored which led to a total of 4 overtimes. Final score: 18-12 WooHoo!

But that isn't the point of the story. My kids are a constant source of entertainment. This particular football field has a baseball diamond (?) that runs parallel on the visitors side (where we were sitting/standing). I look over at one point to make sure my girls were still playing good with the other kiddos and this is what I see:

Teeny Tiny's response when I asked what in the world she was doing: "Oh you know, makin' angels." As if that location was perfectly normal and making angels was to be expected.

Baby Daddy

Before she was born, Ms. Ava has looked just like her daddy.

I'm sure some of you are interested in imagining what a tiny version of Tommy would look like with a bow and a diaper. I am happy to oblige.

For example, engrossed in SportsCenter, Baby Girl Husband would look like this:

The resemblence is particularly startling when she is sleeping.

Sleeping Baby Girl Husband looks like this:

Feeling a bit shy, Bashful Baby Girl Husband is a doll:

And, deciding this diaper business isn't all that bad,

Cheerful Baby Girl Husband: