Listening Ears

Lately I have been reminded several times of how the kids hear everything that we hear. 

We listen to K-love a lot of the time in the car...that is, when I can manage to turn the kids praise music off without a fight and we aren't practicing for whatever the latest musical at church is going to be. Right now k-love has been doing a contest or something to win a trip to New York City for the Super Bowl. Every time Keira hears about it, she asks me to call so we can "win tickets to the big game". She has no idea what the "big game" even is and knows nothing about NYC but still she's obsessed. 

It's moments like these that remind me that they are listening. They hear our music, they hear what we talk about, they hear what our televisions have on them...they hear what we hear.

One of my very favorite things to hear is my children singing along to Christian music in the radio. It warms my heart. Keira knows most of the words now...Libby sings or hums most too...and now, Janessa tries to join in and it is so so sweet. It has really made me realize how important it is that I always have God Glorifying things for them to hear.

I know that there are lots of times that I fail with this too...I am sure I say the wrong things or the TV (even the news) is on and they hear things they shouldn't but it is something we should all be working on. We should be filling their heads with things that are excellent or praiseworthy.

Philippians 4:8 "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-- think about such things."

Keeping it Real

In an effort to show the "real" side of us, here is a picture from yesterday.

My four cuties. (L to R we have Keira, Janessa, Levi and Libby)

This was not taken at 8am...but more like near lunch time....and yes...three out of four kids were still in their jammies and none of the girls hair had been brushed.

Sometimes...well... a lot of the time, I think we as mommies tend to compare ourselves too much to everyone else. I know that I am guilty of this. The reality is, we all have days like this. Days where things just don't get done that we think should.

So, here is my reality. Some days, we simply don't get dressed. And you know what, we all survive...with a little less laundry!

Please consider following my blog  in one form or another in the left hand column! I would really appreciate it :)

Shopping with 4 kids....yup.

So today I decided to venture to Aldi's to grab some food for the family. Those of you who know me know that I am an avid coupon girl and therefore I usually find myself at Tops, Wegmans or Wal-mart getting the latest freebies or good deals, however, I do generally take a once a month trip to Aldi for the essentials...and for snack foods. And Aldi has shorter hours that they are opened...and no playroom. (Ahhh...how I love Wkids at Wegmans...and I am not ashamed)

This, however, was the first time that I decided to venture there with all 4 kids by myself. I highly anticipated it being a disaster and making the decision to never do this again. but I was pleasantly surprised!

I found that I am actually learning how to function with a van full of kids 5 and under and I love it. I am not sure that people around me love it, but I don't really care. I learned a few very helpful tricks today and it really helped so I thought I'd share for any of you that might be looking to make your shopping trip just a little less crazy.

1. Get 2 carts. One for Janessa and Levi (in his car seat) and the other for food. Push the one with the kids and pull the one with the food.
2. Tell Libby and Keira a few items on my list (oh yeah..you need a list) so that they could have a job and be on the "lookout" (as if I don't have the aisles memorized). This kept them mostly occupied.
3. Hurry...like you are on a mission.
4. Make sure the kids have had a snack before you leave the house! (this I have found to be the most important)
5. Make sure everyone has gone potty before leaving the house and/or clean diapers.
6. Rather than bringing in bags and bagging your groceries in the store on the counter (where the children are running everywhere and climbing onto said counter), go out and buckle all of the kids into their seats, turn the van on  with their favorite kid tunes and quietly unload groceries into bags/boxes in the back of the van.

Now...would I like to be at the store alone....ABSOLUTELY! However, that is not really an option most of the time...so I am learning.

I would also like to say to all of the ladies who gave me dirty looks for having 4 small children or the ones that looked at me like they felt sorry for me...I GOT THIS! I don't need your pity or your dirty looks. Yes, my kids have bad moments...LOTS of them...but today they were well behaved. I can do this, I will do this, I have to do this and most of the time...I LOVE DOING THIS! This is my life, these are my little blessings from Jesus and I can only hope that in my bad moments, I don't traumatize them too much! haha.

Ok...this was a very random post but I will leave you with this verse that my daddy taught me when I was little and in his Sunday School class.

 Philippians 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

Now I need to go to bed...because I took 4 kids to the store today and I didn't die.

A Long Awaited Day

That title might be a little deep for the blog post I am about to write, but oh well!

Before I had children...or even before I was married, I used to say that someday I would have 5 little boys and drive a mini-van. I would be the "soccer" mom and when I turned around in the van, it would have a bunch of rowdy little boys in overalls. 

I LOVE LITTLE BOYS IN OVERALLS!!!!!!!!

God obviously laughed at my plans when he gave me 3 little girls first...but today...TODAY...I got to dress my little boy in overalls.

Isn't he cute?

Grace flows down

I have been trying to put into words how I have been feeling lately. Overwhelmed is an understatement. I am still adjusting to so many aspects in our lives. Having a 4th child. having a 19 month old who looks for trouble...for real...she does. Moving in 2 weeks. Having a husband who is out of the home a LOT very suddenly...doing things that he needs to do right now which will benefit the whole family. It's all good...it's just a lot.

I am blessed that when the hubby is here, he is a hands on daddy. Last weekend, he allowed me the time to go and hear Lysa Terkheurst speak. For those of you who do not know who she is, she is an author and works with Proverbs 31 ministries. I have read a few of her books and am now currently reading "Am I messing up my kids" by her. It is hilarious and so full of God's truth.

I digress. Lately, I just felt completely crazy. I feel pulled in every direction and have really been having a hard time with discipline in our home. The kids are still adjusting to not having daddy home all of the time too and it is hard. Sometimes, I feel like going into the bathroom (only room with a lock) and just staying in there all day. No worries...I don't! In fact, I usually don't even get to shower or use the bathroom by myself these days! haha.

So, tonight, as I was doing the dishes and listening to worship music, Keira decided to climb INTO the refrigerator...yes...into the fridge! Why...I will never know, but of course she fell out...landed on the floor (she was fine) and I lost it. I should add that this came after Libby fell down the stairs because she was climbing on the railing and Levi pooped all over himself, his clothes and the car seat. Yep, just one of those days....but seriously I just started crying. And then I started praying. and then I started singing along with the music on the radio.

After about 10 minutes, I heard a quiet voice say.."mommy, can I get out of time out yet". Ooops!
We talked together and we prayed together and I apologized for screaming at her.

I know that this won't be the last time that I feel bad for the way I react to her but as I went back to washing the dishes, a song came on that spoke volumes to me.

Grace Flows Down. I highly recommend listening to it. But  the words are so simple and true. His grace covers us. We do not have to be perfect. We just need Jesus. We need to be so full of Jesus that is spills out of us. But when we do mess up or have a bad day, a bad attitude or just plain don't like the cards we've been dealt that day, we have Grace. It covers us. And I am so thankful for that.


Amazing Grace 
How sweet the sound 
Amazing Love 
Now flowing down 
From hands and feet 
That were nailed to the tree 
As Grace flows down and covers me 
Chorus 
It covers me 
It covers me 
It covers me 
And covers me

Moving

We are moving.

Since Tom and I married 6 year and 2 months ago, we have lived in FIVE different places so you'd think I'd be a pro by now...but I am far from it. We have NEVER been organized when moving and I really wanted it to be different this time.

In March of 2008, we moved from our little one bedroom apartment to a townhouse. I was 6 months pregnant and as soon as we moved, I came down with Pneumonia. We had never even finished unpacking from getting married so moving was VERY disorganized....then we added all of the much needed baby items.

The next year, Tom's brother was going to move in with us for a year so we needed an extra bedroom. Because of the timing of leases, we first had to move in with my parents for 1 month. At this time, I was having gallbladder issues (undiagnosed at the time) and was really sick. So...we packed (or threw) things in boxes (again in a super disorganized manner) and put it all in my parents garage for a month.

One month later, we moved into a larger townhouse.  One week after that, I had gallbladder surgery and yet one month after that, found out we were expecting our second child. You can imagine that none of this helped with giving me time to reorganize or sort things out...so we kind of just lived in a mess.

One year later, Libby was six weeks old and we were yet again preparing to move to the duplex where we now live. I was geared up to pack things we wanted, throw things away, donate, organize and finally unpack those wedding gifts I had never used! Then Libby came down with RSV and ended up in the hospital for a week! This truly was one of the worst weeks of my life.

So, once again, it came down to shoving things in boxes and moving junk to yet another house.

Now, we have been in the same place for almost 4 years...but in two weeks, we are moving once again. Of course this comes at a time when life is crazy but I think I have just come to realize that life is always going to be crazy.

We have been packing every night. Putting things at the curb every week. Selling things on Craiglist like mad and making lists galore. I somewhat expect things to go terribly wrong in the next week because that is what I am used to but also believe that God has great things in store for us.

I am truly thankul for the opportunity we have to move to a house with a little more space and lot more yard for us. It is going to be a great blessing and we are all very excited. We have been doing some painting at the new place and have a bunch more to do but it is fun making it feel like home even before we live there.

I just want to encourage any of you that feel each day like there is no way you can possibly accomplish what you need to. Just take a deep breath and take one step at a time. God carries us through. He will make a way.

And if worse comes to worse...it takes a bit longer than you hoped to get to the end point.

Yes, I feel crazy but I am really trying to lean on God each minute of the day. It will all get done one way or another. Someday, my kids will be old enough to help with stuff like this but for now, I am just going to appreciate what God has provided for us.

(Before and after pictures of our new home to come soon...we are having fun transforming things!)

Faithful God

On Sunday, we sang the song "Faithful God" at church as part of worship and it just reminded me of just how faithful our God really is. If you don't know it, I urge you to listen to the words. Every time we sing it, It just makes me so grateful for all that our amazing Lord does for us.

This past year has been especially crazy for our family. Tom lost his job, Janessa had surgery, I was pregnant and so many other things were happening at the same time, and now....looking back, it is just amazing to see how God had a great plan for us and we are so much better off with His plan that our plan would have been.

In a few weeks, we will be moving to a new home and I cannot wait to post pictures of the before and afters and give a few more details on how this all came about but for now, I will leave you with a link to this song and urge you to listen and think about how Faithful God has been in your life through the situations that you thought would be impossible.

The truth about Parenting

I have three words that describe to me the truth about parenting.

It is HARD!

My days have become non-stop. I realize that I have a newborn and this is normal but even that aside, it seems like when he does not need me, someone else does. 

I LOVE them so much more than I could have ever imagined being able to love and with each child, the love just continues to multiply. 

But some days, I want to give up. 

When people pull me aside and tell me that We are doing a great job with our kids, I want to laugh and cry all at the same time! Do I sound crazy?!?!?!

The thing is, I know that I am not alone. I know that MOST parents feel this way. 

Kids have definitely taught me that being sinful is not something that is taught but comes completely naturally to us. We spend our days teaching our children to do the right thing..hoping and praying that they will...and sometimes they do...and sometimes they don't. 

It never ceases to amaze me how many precious moments I can have with my children each day and yet in the same day how many moments I have that I just want to lock myself in the bathroom (only room with a lock in our house) and turn on the water so I can't hear them. 

I struggle with being "gentle" with my children. Now...please don't take that the wrong way, I don't beat them or anything, just mean having a gentle demeanor. I want my girls to grow up to be ladies. I want them to be treated like ladies and I want my son to know how to cherish and really care for his future wife. But lately, I have felt so out of control. 

I am completely and totally looking forward to going to see Lysa TerKeurst talk about her book "Unglued" in early November...because that is exactly how I feel right now on a daily basis. 

You might ask what my purpose in writing this post was...well...maybe it is for you, and maybe it is for someone else, but I just want the other mommies who are feeling crazy sometimes to know that they are not alone.  

Romans 8:28 

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

Levi Daniel

Well hello there...I have been trying to write this post for a month...but it is finally happening! Oh well.

Levi Daniel joined our family on August 20, 2013 at 12:27pm. It was by far my easiest labor and delivery and he is already such a blessing to us.

Levi weighed in at 6lbs. 9oz. (our smallest little peanut) and was 19 inches long. He is adorable and all of his sisters are loving on him constantly. We intended to take our own newborn pictures of him when we got home from the hospital but that didn't happen. When he grew out of his newborn clothes, I went ahead and ordered the pictures from the hospital to share with you all! Enjoy!

Some details:

On Monday the  19th, I went for my routine 37 week visit at the doctor. I didn't feel well...can't pinpoint what was wrong but I was tired and just plain sick feeling. The Doctor told me that I was doing so well with my blood pressure and gestational Diabetes that they would probably not induce until closer to 40 weeks. Don't EVER tell a pregnant lady that she will not go past 39 weeks and then take it back. I was upset to say the least. I went to the mall...ate a hot pretzel...and purchased the last few things I felt that we needed for baby boy...and a Sophie Giraffe just because I was mad. HA!

That night, I decided that I would finally put some things in my suitcase...because it had been sitting empty in our bedroom for weeks. I was having some contractions...they hurt...but I went to bed anyways since it was still a few weeks until my due date. I figured if I fell asleep, than the contractions weren't real. At midnight (ish) I fell asleep. I woke up at 2am and my first thought was, "I guess the contractions weren't real" and I kid you not, my water broke the very next second! 

A little of my history will tell you that I have been induced with 2 of my pregnancies and with Libby, I sort of went into labor but had pre eclampsia so they kept it going for our safety. I was giddy with excitement because there was no question that baby boy was coming to meet us!

My mom came over to stay with the other kids and Tom and I left for the hospital. Everything at the hospital was fairly normal but one funny thing was that we had a nurse named Tana. This is only funny to those of you who understand that Libby has an imaginary friend with this same name and pronounciation (Taw-nah). 

At 9:00 am they decided to give me some pitocin because my contractions were still 5-7 minutes apart and I was only a few centimeters dilated...I was fine with that but told them to just give me the epidural too figuring we were settling in for a long day. At 11am, I was 6 cm and by noon was fully dilated. They called the doctor and by the time he got in to my room, I pushed through 2 contractions (6 minutes) and Levi was here. I still had my eyes closed focused on pushing and was actually thinking "I can't possibly do this for 2 more hours" (just assuming that he was a huge baby and that this part would not go quickly) when the doctor told me to look. It was crazy how fast and easy it all was. I am not claiming that it was painless...it was not. But it was soooooo much easier than my experience with Janessa and for that I am incredibly thankful. 

He is here...hopefully we will update more frequently...but you never know!

Keira's first week of school

I am a little behind since last week was actually our first week...but then again...I am behind on this whole blog so what's new. haha.

Here is Keira's First Day of school picture....taken August 5, 2013.

My super excited Kindergartner.

The First two weeks of our curriculum our really just a review time of the Alphabet and numbers but it is completely focused on Creation. I love it.

Every night at dinner, Keira has been thanking God for His creation (without any prompting from us) and I just think that is so cool.

The first 7 days are based on the 7 days that God created the world. Here are the pictures that we made for her "Creation Book" before we actually put it together. She is already so proud of herself but when we got finished with day 7, she did say: "Yay...I'm done with Kindergarten"...oh wow child of mine...there is so much more.

She wanted Libby to be in the picture with her because we are so proud of how 3 year old sissy is happy to sit with us while we do school and color her own pictures. It is making it much easier than anticipated...though, after this baby is born, I do plan on doing some actual preschool work with her!

And...this has nothing to do with school, and I am not even sure if you can hear it or not, but I was proud of myself for catching a "moment" on video when I am not usually very good that that type of thing. Today Keira was drawing a picture (as she does many hours of every day) and while she was drawing she was singing "Count Your Blessings". It was just so sweet and innocent and she had no idea that I was taping her. It went on for a VERY long time and now I definitely have that song stuck in my head...but I guess it's ok since it is a good one!

Our Decision to Homeschool

Well...here we are...ready to begin Kindergarten. I cannot believe that Keira is 5 and ready to start school but she is and that time of year is quickly approaching. I just finished (like 5 minutes ago) planning the entire year of Kindergarten out. Each day of the school year has a folder and in it contains worksheets, craft materials and activity ideas. Knowing that baby boy could arrive any time in the next few weeks and knowing myself, I really felt the need to have the entire year planned to make it as easy as possible for me to accomplish teaching her each day.

5 years ago, when Keira was born, we already knew that God had called us to home educate our children. Actually, I would have told you when I was 13 that this is what I wanted, but what I have wanted and what God has wanted for me has not always lined up....but here we are.

I wanted to put our reasons out there on why we are embarking on this journey. I want to make it very clear where Tom and I stand so that our friends and family can fully understand. Our beliefs and convictions may not line up with yours but regardless, we feel that we are doing what WE...the McMillan family, are called to do.

First and foremost, we feel that the most important thing that we can teach our children is about Jesus Christ. We cannot choose for them that they will believe when they are old enough to choose for themselves but that is our biggest hope in life. I hope it is yours too. I am excited to have the opportunity to incorporate that into their education. In fact, the curriculum we are using spends the first two weeks on Creation. I love that.

Proverbs 22:6
 Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

Overall, I think that the best way to do this is to lead by example. We need to be in the Word of God daily where our children see and know that. Yes, I will have the opportunity to also teach my kids spiritual things throughout their school day, but every parent has this opportunity whether you are home schooling, private schooling or public schooling your children. We need to teach our children the truth so they do not depart from it. How you choose to do that is a decision for your family to make. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE understand that this is the most important thing that you can give to your children. Eternity in Heaven.

The second reason that Tom and I want to home school our kids is because we both struggled in school. Not because we couldn't' do it, but because we were timid. Maybe not so much socially but you would not have caught me raising my hand for anything EVER! What if I had the wrong answer? I usually had the right answer but my teachers never would have known that. I wasn't pushed forward or challenged in school. I was often bored and because of my lack of confidence in the early years, I really struggled through high school. I am sometimes not sure how I graduated at all since I rarely turned in any homework assignments.

However, I had parents who were leading by example spiritually at home. I woke up most days to them praying or reading their Bibles. They were involved in all kinds of ministries at church and their faith was exciting and real to them. That is what is important. Sometimes I think they prayed me though school.

I know that there are so many skeptics when it comes to home education. People worry about socialization, sports, music and all the extras. I don't worry about those things. The resources available to us now are incredible. Our kids are constantly socializing. Keira is now in competitive Irish dance, we are at church ALL THE TIME.

There are certainly days when I wonder how God will ensure that my kids learn what they need to. But the fact of the matter is...if I am doing what God has called ME to do, I will be successful..

I do not see eye to eye with all homeschooling families just as I don't see eye to eye with everyone in our church, family, or different friendships. We all bring different gifts and abilities to the table. God calls each one of us to different things in life.

What I do urge you do to, is take very seriously your calling to teach your kids about the Love of Christ. Nothing else matters.

When our kids are adults, no one will likely know what kind of school they went to, if they were on a schedule as a baby, when they got potty trained, whether they were formula or breast fed or any of those things that we are constantly comparing.

What needs to stand strong is their relationship with Christ.

So, this post is long and maybe doesn't make complete sense because I am incredibly pregnant, uncomfortable and tired, BUT I hope it is an encouragement to someone out there who feels like they are being "judged" by the other side of the table.

Let us encourage one another to teach our kids about the love that our God has for His children. If you are doing that, than stand strong in YOUR convictions on how to educate your kids. You will be blessed for your obedience.

Gestational Diabetes

Well...here we go...one problem that I did not include in my "Third Trimester" letter.

Gestational Diabetes. With a family History, my age and the fact that Janessa was almost 9 lbs., they were afraid that this was going to happen...and it did.

I am trying not to freak out because I know that this is a common issue that is completely treatable, but any time anything does not go exactly as it should in a pregnancy, it is a scary thing, right?

So, yesterday, I got the call from my OB/GYN that I needed to go and see the Diabetes Specialist. They got me in right away and I went yesterday afternoon. There, I learned how to test my own blood sugar which I need to do 4 times a day.

I also learned that they think I will need some form of oral medication during this pregnancy to control it because my fasting numbers are what is high (there is a lot more to that, but I will leave it at that).

Basically, it means that the Placenta for the baby is not doing what it should and is producing too much of a hormone that is blocking my body from producing the normal amounts of insulin needed.

This could cause the baby to grow larger than "normal". It could also mean that baby's blood sugar will drop after he is born and require some extra care and monitoring.

They gave me a strict low-carb diet to live on for the next few months (which isn't that hard since Tom and I have already switched to a lot of whole foods in our house)...for me it really means no morning "soda" (I don't really do coffee). It also means eating 3 meals a day (not always good at that) and 3 small snacks a day. Hopefully this will keep my blood sugars in control and there won't be further problems.

Tom is doing it with me. I mean...really, it is the healthy way to eat. I think the biggest difference is just paying attention to what and when I am putting food in my mouth and making sure that I count the carbs at each meal so I am not overwhelming my body.

Hopefully, this will do everything it is supposed to do and I will not have further issues with it.

I just find a little humorous that this was NOT one of the things I was even worried about.

oh well.

God's Timing

Over the years I have learned (usually the hard way) about how my timing and God's timing don't always line up....I have also always learned that His is better! God never ceases to amaze me with how perfect His timing really is.

On Tuesday, I went for my 28 week check up and also had to do my 1 hour glucose test. For those of you who might not know, it is a routine blood test done on pregnant women to test for Gestational Diabetes.

While I was sitting in the lab waiting for them to do my blood draw (they make you drink this disgusting drink and then draw blood exactly one hour later), a woman came in and sat next to me in the waiting room. Normally, I keep to myself in these situations and just play a game on my phone or read a magazine or something, but she started talking to me.

She asked if I was having my first. Of course I laughed and had to say, "No, this is my fourth". Well, she immediately opened up to me. She shared with me that was very early on in her pregnancy (6 weeks ish) and that she was having a lot of pain so they were doing tests to find out why. They had told her that she may be having an ectopic pregnancy (meaning the baby was growing in the Fallopian tube rather than the Uterus.

I tried to calm her down a little. With it being her first pregnancy, I just said stuff like, "Everyone has a different normal", "I know other that have had a lot of pain and even bleeding and everything was fine", "all of my pregnancies have been so different", and to try not to worry too much before they confirm anything...then you will know if you even have anything to worry about.

At that point I got called back and by the time I was done, she was gone.

I was so mad at myself. Why, oh why didn't I offer to pray for her....with her?

Why wasn't that the first thing that came to my mind. Why did I have to think of it after it was too late?!?!

Well...I did pray for my nameless friend. I prayed for her a LOT through the course of Tuesday and Wednesday.

Wednesday afternoon, my doctors office called to tell me that my glucose test came back too high and I would need to go back for a more accurate 3 hour test.

REALLY...come on! I had to do this with Libby too and everything was normal.

This was NOT one of the things that I worried about in my "Third Trimester Letter"!

Oh well...

So I scheduled my appointment for the following morning (I'd rather know sooner than later if I should be doing things differently).

and there I sat at 8:30 Thursday morning, to be in the lab for 3 hours! Had to drink the nasty drink again...this time on an empty stomach...so gross!

At 10:30....she walked in. The random girl I had been fervently praying for. She immediately came over to me (after checking in) and told me she needed more blood work and that the ultrasound had been fine. Baby was in fact, in the right place, with a heartbeat!

I almost cried for her and I was able to share with her that I had been praying for her ever since we had met on Tuesday.

She was so thankful and we had a great conversation.

I may never see her again. I may never know where her heart lies spiritually, but I know that God gave me that second chance to see her for a reason. I still don't have the results of my test (probably Monday) but I don't even care anymore. I will deal with whatever I have to deal with to keep this baby healthy and strong but I got to share God's love with someone.

so...why are we so scared at times to talk to people? To pray with people? To bring up the Lord in a situation where we don't know the other person's heart.

Does it even matter? Isn't it the most important thing we can do?

What on Earth are we so afriad of when we know that God has complete control over every situation?

I urge you to be bold for the Lord, Share His love. You may never know who God has reached through you!

Spring Cleaning

At the risk of completely embarrassing myself, I am going to post pictures of what has gone on in my house this week!

Between vacation, having bronchitis, being pregnant, having 3 small children, trying to reorganize kids clothes and trying to prepare some space for the new baby to join us...our upstairs got a bit crazy!

I am not exaggerating. My bedroom became the catch all for laundry and anything else that needed sorting and the girls room...well...it was mayhem.

I have a huge list of things that I have been trying to work on slowly but it often seems like I can never complete one thing without starting another and so on and so forth.

Well, Monday morning I ended up having some meetings that I needed to go to that were completely stressing me out (really for no reason in hindsight). Tom surprised me and checked a few things off of my list...and somehow accomplished these things with all three girls in tow.

I don't have before pictures (because he does not think like a blogger) but the girls room was a complete disaster! Clothes everywhere...clean and dirty. Keira and Libby's beds were separated and Janessa's crib was on the other side of the room.

Tom re-bunked the beds while I was gone...made the girls pick up all of their clothes and got all toys out of their room! I cannot explain how happy I was when I came home. I vacuumed, dusted and scrubbed things down and together, we made this happen!

 This will be the girls side of the room. Janessa will be getting a new white crib that will eventually convert to a toddler bed and the dark brown crib will be for baby boy. Although we switched both other girls to a bed by the time they were 18 months with no issues, Janessa is a different breed. Also, when they switched, there were not bunk beds with a ladder in the room and also, when Libby went to a bed, Keira could not yet open the bedroom door so I did not have to worry about them getting out.

Oh well...so we'll have 2 cribs...not the end of the world if it keeps everyone safe!

Here is the side of the room that I still have to deal with..baby boys side. YIKES!

And the closets...EEEK!

Then came our bedroom...believe it or not, I didn't take the before pictures before I actually started doing stuff because I didn't think of it...so yeah...it was worse than this!

 But now it is so clean! (Though I definitlly need to fix the now crooked wall hangings and center them over the bed again!)

and rearranged....and dusted...and vaccummed...and most important...ready to bring in the pack n' play for baby boy to stay with us until he sleeps the same(ish) hours as the girlies!

It is completely embarrassing how much dust was around the floor on the carpets...especially under the furniture. I am thinking that my allergies are going to see a drastic improvement since dust is one of my big ones!

Vacuuming upstairs in our house is I think the hardest chore to accomplish with kids. The best time I have to get stuff done is when Janessa is napping....which kind of rules out vacuuming the upstairs.

So...if any of you have any bright ideas on how to make that easier...let me know! haha

Quality Time

Lately I have been realizing how hard it is to really spend quality time with each of our children...and we are a growing family so I imagine that only gets harder.

Since we have decided to home school (more on that later), I think I will get time with each of my children by default when I am teaching them, but what do we do with that time when our kids aren't in school yet or during the summer...and I don't want the only time I spend one-on-one with them to be during "teacher-student" time.

I often will take one of the girls with me when I go to the store and sometimes will stop with them for a treat just to get them by themselves. I notice during this time that they are different. They talk about different things and act differently when they are by themselves. It helps me know who they are as a person and not just as a sister.

So Tuesday night at dinner, Keira had one of her bright ideas (she has many of them and most of them are unrealistic). She said, "I think tomorrow would be a great day for daddy to take me fishing". (which they have never done.)

Tom and I looked at each other. I think we were both ready to deny her request but were both thinking, "why not?"

So, we slowly said something like, "That does sound fun" and discussed the actual option a little later when little ears weren't listening. We decided that he would take both Keira and Libby and since it was going to be a nice day, they would go first thing in the morning.

I don't think either girl is going to be an avid fisherman like their daddy and grandpa but I know that Tom enjoyed the time with them (when they weren't screaming about the worms)...and they enjoyed the time with daddy...though at this point, neither of them has a desire to go fishing again soon! haha.

They were deathly afraid of the worms. Keira was the only one who caught something...it was Libby. Libby didn't seem to notice the hook in her arm but cried incessantly that a worm touched her. 

Mommy would have been much happier if I had approved outfits ahead of time...mostly because Keira wore (and completely muddied) her new Stride Rite Sneakers! Ugh!

But I got the privelege of spending time with this little booger. Janessa is a handful right now with her climbing everything, chewing everything, thinking she is older than she is phase. But she is also the most cuddly, sweet, kissable 1 year old on Earth. 

We went for a long walk and I pushed her on the swings near our house for a while before heading home to clean the girls room! 

All in all, it was a fabulous time to spend with our girls. I highly recommend doing something impromptu with your kids on a regular basis! Make sure you know who they are and what is important to them outside of your home, away from the rest of the family.

It'll be totally worth your time!

Walmart Deals

Last night, Tom decided that he would take the big girls fishing today...so we needed one more fishing pole and some worms.

So....that prompted a trip to Walmart for me. Now, the way that I coupon is that I save what I can at the store that I AM ALREADY GOING TO! I do not make a thousand trips to different stores each week (unless there is a deal too good to be true!).

Since I was headed out to Walmart, I took note of some things that we were in need of...toilet paper, men's shaving cream...and checked out the blogs that tell me the Walmart deals of the week.

Here is what I got:

Here is what I paid:

That's Right, Subtotal before coupons: $67.63, Subtotal after coupons: $1.41!

So...Here's how I did it. It took me 30 minutes to gather what I needed and make my list.

I checked a couple of my favorite blogs for their Walmart Deals:

The Coupon Wizards
The Krazy Coupon Lady

(1) Charmin Basic Toilet Paper (12 Double Rolls)--$5.97
Used (1) $.25 Coupon (P&G Insert from 6/2 Sunday Paper)
Total=$5.72 (Not a great deal, but we needed TP!)

(10) Folgers Classic Roast Packets Instant Coffee Crystals, 7 ct.--$1.00
Used (10) Printable coupons for $1.50/1
Final Price: I made $.50 on each of these giving me $5.00 surplus to go towards my other products!
(We don't drink a lot of coffee around here and when we do its with the Keurig so these are going directly to the local food shelf!)

(4) Kit-Kat Mini's packs--$1.24 (these should have been a $1.00 but I didn't notice at the register...rats!)

Used (4) $1.00 Walmart Printable Coupons

Total=$.24 each (They should have been free!)

(4) Enfamil baby formula cans--$4.98 (might as well stock up...if nursing doesn't work again, I will need them and if it does, I will use them for baby sitters or give them away!)

Used (4) $5.00/1 Enfamil Printable Coupons

Total= made $.02 on each!

(4) Vlassic Relish--$.98

Used (4) $1.00/1 Printable Coupons

Total= made $.02 on each!

(8) L'OREAL paris Advanced Haircare Shampoo's and conditioners (trial size)--$.97

Used (8) $1/1 L'Oreal Advanced Haircare, shampoo or conditioner SS Insert (exp 07/13/2013) 

Total= made $.03 on each!

(6) Colgate Toothpastes, 4.6 oz.--$.94

Used (6) $1/1 Colgate Toothpaste, 4 oz+ SS Insert (exp 06/15/2013) 

Total= made $.06 on each!

(4) Duncan Hines Frosting Creations Packets.--$.88

Used (2) $1.00/1 Printable Coupons

Used (2) $1.00/1 Printable Coupons

Total= made $.12 on each!

(2) Gillette Fusion Shaving Cream.--$2.97

Used (1) B1G1 Gillette Shave Prep, WYB Shave Prep or Skin Care, P&G Insert (exp 06/30/2013) AND

Used (1) $2/1 Gillette Fusion ProSeries Skin Care, shave prep P&G Insert (exp 06/30/2013) 

Total= Paid $.97 total for both (I wasn't sure if I could use both coupons but didn't have a problem)

Basically, I practically got the things that I NEEDED for free and I got a bunch of other stuff! How can you pass up these deals! 

I know that I end up with an unusual amount of coupons from the Sunday Paper which makes it a little it easier to get good deals, but many of these coupons are FREE and Printable!

If you are interested in getting the Sunday Coupons at a savings and live on the East Side of Rochester, feel free to contact me for more info!

Third Trimester

Dear Third Trimester,

  Well, here we are again....it's only been a little over a year since I was here before. 28 weeks pregnant. I think we have a few things that need to be resolved about our past before we can have a good relationship. 

First of all, I would really appreciate it if you would allow me to not fall down (or up) any stair cases and land on my belly. 

Second, fainting for no reason is never fun so I am hoping you will keep that from happening at random this time around.

Third, I would really love it if my feet and ankles never had to look like this again.

Click here to view these pictures larger

Fourth (and I understand that this is a long list but we've had a lot of disagreements), I would VERY GREATLY appreciate you keeping my blood pressure under control. Like all of my other pregnancies, so far we have been at a steady 110/70 at all appointments. Let's keep it that way.

Fifth, please don't allow the horrid bone pain that I had with Janessa. it really made labor/delivery much rougher than in the past and I don't care to repeat that.

Sixth, so far my iron levels have been good and in the normal range. Let's keep it that way.

Seventh, and my final request. I have never experienced end of pregnancy in the summer and while I am excited to be able to get outside more than in the past, I am a bit nervous about being huge and chasing a 1 year old around. I would love to at least be semi-comfortable. I am really hoping you are kind on my horrible allergies during this season!

Oh third trimester, I am excited to meet my son in 12 short weeks so please don't ruin it for me. Allow for these next couple of months to be quality time with the hubby and the girls before a new little person comes in.

If we can come to terms on these things I think our relationship will grow by leaps and bounds for any future meetings that we may have.

Here's hoping you can agree to all of this!

Love,
  Chrissy

Libby's dance class

Can you tell that I am playing Blog Catch up?

On Tuesday, we got to go and watch Libby's Dance class because it was the last class in the session.

Last year, she hid under my chair and never danced.

This year, she did much better! One of her MOPS friends, Brinley has been in her class and her friend, Hannah, from church joined her class this week because she was going to miss her class so Libby was extra excited to have her buddies to dance with.

Keira was excited that she got to sit with Hannah's big brother, Gavin and watch their little sisters together.

I think that dance class at the local Rec center is the perfect level for Libby right now. She loves it....and it doesn't cost a fortune!

Kids singing at CBS

Psalm 98:4 

Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all the earth: make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise.

The girls and I attend Community Bible Study (CBS) every Wednesday morning throughout the school year. We LOVE it! It keeps me accountable to studying God's word throughout each week (at least MOST of the time...because admittedly, there are certainly weeks I fail at it). Also, the children's program is AMAZING! I cannot speak highly enough of it. It is basically Christian pre-school. They are learning God's word, how Jesus loves them, they have gym time and music time and always come home with a great craft. I am ecstatic that they have a home school program so that I can continue to attend even though the kids will be with me.

A few weeks back (April 24th, I believe), the kids sang (they sing twice a year during our lecture time). This year was especially fun, embarrassing and the like as Libby decided to make her debut at the microphone. As mortiphying as it was as a mom, it was also one of the most hysterical moments we've had with her yet. 

In the video, Keira is the one in green (following the rules) in the middle of the clan. Libby is off to the far side of the stage...but if you watch, you won't miss her!

One of my favorite things is that Keira didn't seem to notice her sister taking over the show. Keira is a rule follower who (for other people) tries to do exactly what she is supposed to do. But after, she said to me, "Mom...did you see Libby at the microphone!" and she was cracking up at her! Love it!

If you have the opportunity to join a CBS group, I highly recommend it. They are an international organization and include all denominations.Basically, the rules for the bible study are that your answers should be based on scripture. It is not a place to talk about your home church or what traditions or beliefs your church has or follows. It is a really awesome place to get to know other people who want to know God better.  Check here for a group near you.

Keira's 5th Birthday

Keira has been beyond excited to turn 5...not sure what she thought would happen, but nonetheless, she didn't care much about anything other than the fact that she would be 5 years old on May 29th. She has been talking about since the day after she turned 4.

Since we had a family vacation to North Carolina (where my sister, her hubby and their daughter live) during the week of her actual birthday, we decided to do her first "real" kid party on the 18th. 

I am the type who likes a good birthday at home, or something casual at a playground. Some food, some games, some cake...etc. However, through a series of events and for several reasons, she had a kid party at a kids salon near us called "Sweet & Sassy". 13 girls came, had their hair done, nails painted, wore fancy dresses and danced on a runway. It was crazy. But I didn't have to do anything....ok...that's a lie. I made the cake, purchased juice boxes and shelled out the money to have this wonderful shin dig. But I didn't have to set up, clean up or create anything else which was a nice change for this year (and this year only!) Here are some pics. The girls LOVED it!

So excited for the party to start!

Birthday Girls Hair and makeup done!

Keira and Lucy getting their nails done.

My beautiful Niece Allison

Starting a Train!

Princess Cake

All of the beautiful Princesses

cutie pie

Little sister got bored towards the end and started entertaining herself on stage!

The next day, on the 19th, we had a combined family party at my Grandma/Aunt's house where we have many of our Sunday dinners. It was for Keira and my cousin's daughter, Margaret, who just turned 3. I cooked dinner and then promptly had to leave at dinner time to take Libby to urgent care for a UTI.....so I ate quick when I got back and got to see the gifts that Keira had opened. I did make it back in time to sing "Happy Birthday" to them and Libby was doing better by then. 

Keira and Maggie opening gifts

Happy Keira

Janessa....just being cute!

Family watching the fun

Everyone (minus Libby and I!)

My newest adorable nephew, Finneus

yes folks...she even likes clothes!

My Oldest nephew, Kessam modeling the cupcakes. At 6 foot 4 and almost 16 years old, he towers over the rest of the family and keeps us well entertained!

Keira's actual birthday was spent in North Carolina (vacation pictures to come...hopefully). We drove out to the beach for a couple of hours, went to some shops on the Outer Banks and had a nice dinner. On our way back to my sisters house, we stopped at a Frozen Yogurt place where you make your own Sundae (Yum!) and ended the night with a campfire. It was a great day and Keira had a blast!

I still can't believe that it was 5 years ago that this little lady made us parents. She is a true joy to us. Keira is full of compassion for others and truly cares about people. She loves to pray and learn about Jesus and is a huge helper and great big sister (most of the time). As much as I want to keep her little, I am excited to see the path that God has for her. We love you Keira Marie!