A Blissful Sunday Morning

Well, today is off to a great start.  My amazing husband allowed me to sleep in (til' 7:00!) while he got up with the kids, and I woke up to a lovely oatmeal casserole filled with raspberries, strawberries, bananas, walnuts and chocolate chips.  The kids were dressed, and the kids behaved so well in church that I actually heard portions of the homily!  David and Joseph tried singing, and both of them decided that they would dance during the Psalm, but overall not bad.
We capped off the morning with a trip to Dunkin Donuts and I am sipping a heavenly iced Mocha Mint Chip Coffee, blogging.  Michael is down for his nap, and the older boys are outside blowing bubbles with their Dad.  I am TRULY blessed- and spoiled to have such an amazing husband.
I am nervous about tonight (Confirmation Rehearsal) and I'm praying that all goes well.  So hard to believe that Confirmation is on Thursday!  Where has the year gone? 
Lots of things on the horizon, hoping to share more soon.  But for now, I am blessed and thankful.

"Behold- I make all things new..."

New Year's Day didn't really feel new- but as the days of 2013 begin to slip by, I feel like 2013 will be like a springtime after a harsh winter.  Maybe it's because turning 30 has finally solidified in my mind that I am who I am- and with God, things can change.

I just decided to drop by my neglected blog and realized that I began this particular post in January.  Hard to believe it's been that long since I've really looked at this blog!

However, I still feel the same- that despite all of the recent difficulties, that a "springtime" is approaching. 

The boys are growing so much!  We've enrolled Joseph for preschool (he would begin next fall) and David and Michael have changed so much.  Well, David hasn't grown (vertically) much...he and Michael are both wearing 18 month old clothing!  (David is 20 months, and Michael just turned 8 months today!) 

David is beginning to say "Mama" and "Dada," and he says, "Oh yeah!" "Yaaay!" "Naanaaa" (Night Night) and occasionally "No."  He is speaking later than Joseph did, and it's been hard trying to get him to speak when he has a big brother who loves to speak FOR him.  He loves to be carefree and is very easy going and sweet.

Michael has cut four teeth and two more are on their way in.  He is eating solid foods and trying to crawl.  He bounces on EVERYTHING.  I think he is the only one of my children who cannot sit still.  He bounces when he's held, in his car seat, in his crib...everywhere!

Confirmation is right around the corner and we have 40 candidates who will be confirmed...and then Bible Camp...and then Fred and I will go to California to see his family.  We have not seen them in over two years, so they will be able to meet David and Michael for the first time, and we will get to meet our niece for the first time!  Exciting.

After Confirmation winds down, I hope to keep better tabs on the blog.

The Climb

Oh poor, neglected blog, I think it has been about two months since I've written!

Life has been very busy with three little boys and my husband working nights while I work days.  I feel right now like the best way to describe what life is like is by saying it's like mountain climbing.  I feel like we're at the craggy, rocky, face of the mountain, breathless and hoping for respite- and then I happen to look down and notice the beauty below me that would have otherwise gone unnoticed.

Basically- things are very hard.  However, God is faithful!  I've experienced two Christmas miracles that I will have to write about in a later post as I only have a few minutes right now- but both brought me to my knees with tears of thanksgiving.

I am humbled and thankful- and noticing the beauty of others and the faithfulness of God is what keeps me pressing on.

What Maternity Leave With Three Under Three Has Taught Me

How To Dodge Landmines:
Landmines constitute as anything my one year old hurls onto the floor.  Usually, he does it out of frustration that he's not the one being held and is in his high chair.  I've learned to dodge everything from spilled milk to Cheerios to Cheez-Its.  And sometimes spit up.

Science:
What the color of a Number 2 means- and also what the size and consistancy means. 
How much Infant Tylenol needs to be injested to make us take a trip to the ER. (Thanks, Joseph.)

Art:
Infant Tylenol can also be used to paint on one's bedspread and carpet.

Nutrition:
Mom avoiding dairy means baby is NOT gassy.  This also helps Mom to lose weight.
Kid Cuisines are okay once in a while.
Goldfish Crackers and Welch's Fruit Snacks are their own separate food groups.

Math:
If baby gets up at 11:00 PM for a feeding, and stays up til 1:00 AM, Mom can estimate that she will get two hours of sleep before all children are up.

Literature:
Goodnight Moon and The Hungry Caterpillar are classics that should not be overlooked.

Seriously, though- even though maternity leave has been difficult as I was on my own we three kids- I am going to miss being home with my babies.  Wish I didn't have to go back to work. However, I'm happy we found a daycare and that I can bring Michael to work with me.  Prayers please for any who read this- husband is on the third shift and doing a lot of mandatory overtime- and I will be doing a 50+  40 hour week, then coming home and having the kids all night alone...which wouldn't be so scary if David wasn't teething and Michael wasn't colicky... kind of at a loss as to how all of this is going to work- and I've never felt that way before.

September Resolutions?

The other morning whilst nursing Michael, I was watching some generic weekday morning show. (There's not much one can do while nursing- impossible to read while nursing in a recliner!) The host was babbling on and one about the weather and the presidential candidates- and finally came to the topic of September being a time of back-to-school resolutions for Moms. As a former teacher, I MISS going back-to-school shopping. The scent of freshly sharpened pencils and the ecstasy that comes with buying rainbow colored sticky notes and blank notebooks- and planning how I would teach this up and coming year- evaluating how well I taught the students the previous year, and making notes about how I wanted to change my methodology. I know that all too soon, Joseph will begin school and I will be going through a similar inventory. For the time being, however, I DO want to look at September as a time to re-evaluate and to make new resolutions. I think that it is fitting that this is done as autumn quickly approaches. The leaves are turning from a vibrant green to gold, scarlet and orange and a chill is beginning to settle in the air (at night anyway), and in the back of our minds we know that soon everything will be veiled in sparkling white, adds to my inner yearning for change. Perhaps this seems especially pertinent to me as of late since I just gave birth to our third boy, little Michael! (Or perhaps I only feel this way because my hormones are raging due to the fact that I just gave birth, I'm nursing and trying to keep up with two toddlers while deciding whether or not it is feasible to stay at home...) In any case, about a week before I went into labor, I decided I needed to buy a new notebook. It's one of those pretty notebooks- various shades of blue with swirls- a notebook that looks classy. Not one of those flimsy one subject 70 page notebooks that will last all of two months before getting destroyed due to constant page turning. I wanted the notebook. I NEEDED this notebook. I've been anxious to use any spare time I can get to write and read- to get my thoughts in order. And yet- that notebook is still blankly staring up at me. There's something that can be almost crippling at time about wanting to take a new step- something that makes one feel like any move will make something permanent- like there is no going back. Something that makes little blue pen markings seem like whatever is written is going to be irreversible. Final. Something that makes me forget the beauty of White-Out or using pencil. That mistakes can be fixed. There are so many things to do- so many changes that need to be made- so many things that will not go away unless action is taken. And yet, that notebook still stares up at me blankly. The resolutions and ideas continue to marinate- but I think it's about time to put pen to paper and write. To evaluate. How am I going to be a better mother? Wife? How am I going to make to to sit down for five minutes and be "alone" with God? How am I going to juggle three kids when my husband returns to work the week after next? How are we going to survive on one income if I need to stay home- and how are we going to survive now that my husband has been moved to third shift? And how are we going to do all of this with one car? So many questions- and only one answer: HOPE and TRUST in God...while doing your best to juggle everything.

Michael Has Arrived and a few Joseph-Isms

Baby Micheal arrived August 25th at 1:27 AM and was 8 lbs even. Contractions began around 7 PM that evening- and I ended up having a natural birth...(sort of by choice and sort of not- the look of the IV needle was a little too much for me to handle- so I just decided to go natural. After having done that, I don't think I will EVER do that again! Reminder to self- don't be a "hero"- get the epidural!). Michael is a spitting image of Joseph when he was a baby.  All are healthy, albeit more exhausted than usual.  We are happy for his arrival!  I will write more when I have a few moments...

And today from Joseph:

"Mama, Mama!"
"Yes?"
"I pee-peed on da fwoor!" (said with the utmost exuberance.)

(Should I be thrilled he doesn't want to pee in his pull-up or
mortified that his new 'dumping ground' is the floor?!)

After reading "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" and seeing that the
caterpillar has turned into a butterfly:

"WOW! Dat's gweat, Mama! Dat's gweat! Wook! A butterfwhy!"

Looking at Michael:

"Mama, dat's MY baby Michael."

"Is he David's baby brother, too?"

"NO.  He's MY baby Michael! My bwother."

After Joseph has woken up in his Batman pjs:

"Mama, I AM the Batman."

The Little Ones, Maternity Leave and Megamind

Well, I was hoping by now I'd be able to share the blessed news that the newest little one had arrived, but we are still waiting!  However, I am glad for two reasons that he has waited- even though I feel as though my belly is going to explode and my legs go numb from having him sit on my nerves:

1. I always try to go to Confession before I go into labor and have not yet had an opportunity.
2. Joseph has been tested for Pertussis, and the entire family is on antibiotics. 

Both the boys had been vaccinated against it, but the doctor said that there is a particularly strong strain going around.  Joseph had been coughing so hard that his face would redden and he would gasp and wheeze for his breath- SO SCARY.  He is still coughing hard, but since he has started the antibiotic, I have noticed his wheezing has subsided.

We also had to report this to the state, and the state has to inform the daycare with what symptoms to watch for, and what precautions to take.  I'm baffled as to where he could have caught this as he is either always with our family or in daycare.  Poor little guy!

So- I'm glad the baby has waited.  I'm not sure what precautions we could take with the baby to ensure he doesn't catch this.

Joseph has just seemed to have a run of bad luck, lately.  Yesterday when I went to go wake him, I ran into his room to the sound of screaming and blood gushing out of his mouth and down his arm.  Of course, knowing that he had been coughing, I imagined the worst, until he managed to explain that he hit his chin on the foot board of his bed because he had been jumping. Poor kid!

David has been doing well- but separation anxiety has started to set in with him...especially when my husband leaves the room during a meal time. (Fred has been feeding him bottles at night as I am too large to have him rest on my stomach).  He's also been upset with me because I can't pick him up as much as I used to.  My belly has taken over my mid section so my hips have disappeared and there's no place for him to go!  He's still a sweet little Mama's boy, though!  Little guy just celebrated his first birthday and is trying to walk- so hard to believe!

I'm "supposedly" on Maternity Leave- in my absence people try contacting me with a lot of questions as it is the beginning of the school year.  The replacements I hired are doing a great job- I only wish one had more self-confidence.  She will do a great job- she just needs to believe in herself. Leave has been difficult with the Pertussis, constant (and now painful) Braxton Hicks and my husband's crazy work schedule- and daycare drama, too. Ugh.  I'm trying my best to give my all to my kids, but finding that I am so worn down due to third trimester insomnia and anxiety about WHEN the baby is to arrive...and worried about my husband's imminent shift change.  If his supervisors put him on third shift, I don't know how we're going to do this...hoping God has an amazing plan in store.

I DO have to say that I am most grateful for Megamind.  For some reason, Joseph is just enamored by that movie.  (And I like it, too!) When he watches it, and David is down for his morning nap, I am able to indulge in my nesting fantasies and load the dishwasher and mop the floor. Is it bad that he loves that movie so much that he is now identifying the characters and whether or not they are good or evil???  I do hate using the television to occupy him so I can get housework done- but my helper can no longer come as her husband just had surgery and my parents both work.  Wishing we knew more people in the area- I can't believe how much my hometown has changed since I graduated from high school.

In fact, Fred and I have talked about moving again...which I wouldn't mind.  I'd like a fresh start and I'd like to be able to meet people our own age who are also married and/or have families. (Not that we don't value our single friends- we do! It would just be nice to share some of the struggles that go along with family life with those who are doing the same thing.) It would be nice to have couple friends in the area and be able to share our lives with them.  I just don't see that very  much around here- and everyone I meet through my job, as lovely as they are, are 50+.  Would love to meet people in our age bracket and find good  playmates for the kids.  Perhaps soon.

Anyway- that's all for now- probably the last blog before baby arrives....and I have to go take my chocolate chip cookies out of the oven and finish wiping down the kitchen before I can go to bed...(Oh, nesting...can't control it!)   For anyone who checks out our little corner here- please keep us in prayer!

So- it has been almost a month since the last time I blogged. It's been very busy at home and at work- and it feels like time never stops. I don't have much time as both boys are (miraculously!) napping, and I want to get in on that before they wake up...so here is a short update. 1. My baby sister is getting married in two weeks. TWO WEEKS. I feel old! Joseph is going to be the ring bearer and I'm lectoring. I'm praying that all goes well because... 2. One of my doctors thought I could go into pre-term labor. It would not be pretty if my water broke behind the ambo. However, at my last appointment I was only 1 cm dilated- but I also know that could change rapidly. 3. The lady I was going to hire to take over for me during maternity leave cannot take over anymore because of personal issues. Trying to rush and get everything done before Baby #3 arrives. Again- would love to try and find a way to stay home... 4. May HAVE to stay home because our daycare provider said that she assumed Joseph was going to preschool next year and already made arrangements to have his spot filled. I'm in shock and not happy- and she was very embarrassed. I'm not sure what to do because I love his provider- but I am so upset. Joseph cannot go to preschool until he is potty trained. and right now #1 goes in the potty, but not #2. 5. My 6 year wedding anniversary is on Sunday- and my husband and I are celebrating on Monday- not sure what to do yet. 6. Wishing I could go to Confession- haven't been able to. Feeling overwhelmed and tired is not an excuse for choosing to sin- but it certainly makes it much easier to do so. 7. Lots of contractions lately- painful. 8. Have to prime and paint a dresser, wash all the newborn clothing and HOPEFULLY pre-make and freeze some meals before the baby arrives... 9. And have to plan his baptism and pray about godparents. 10. I've also been looking for other jobs, just in case. Being in an administrator with two young kids is tough- and if I must work- I can't imagine doing it with three. There's more- but it's time to lay down and SLEEP...just needed to do a "brain dump" first!

Joseph-Isms

Me: Joe-Joe- do you have to go pee pee on the potty?]
Joseph: No, Mama- pee pee is gone.
Me: Where did pee-pee go?
Joseph: Pee-pee is IN my pee-pee.  Pee-pee is happy.

(?!?!)

(Looking out the window at our neighbor)
Joseph: Hi, Man!  Man...hello!  What you doing, Man?

(Looking at our wedding picture.)
Joseph: Mama and Dada!
Me: Yes, that's right!  Do you like Mama's princess dress?
Joseph: No- Mama's a QUEEN!
Me: Mama's a queen?! Is Daddy a king?
Joseph: No- Daddy's a queen, too.

Joseph: Mama, you'e a Pirate Mama.  ARRR!

Joseph: Joe-Joe is a BIG boy. Deedee is a BABY. (Dee-dee means David.)

After a giant hail storm, a leak appeared in the ceiling of Joseph's room right over his bed.  This is a conversation we had two mornings later.

Joseph: Mama- it rained on me. (as he points to the ceiling.)
Me: Honey, it didn't rain.
Joseph: (Adamantly.) It RAINED on me!

(He wet through his Pull-Up....so much for blaming it on the
rain.)

(After David emitted a LOUD bout of gas)
Joseph: EWWWWWWWWWWWWW.  Deedee tooted in the butt.  BAD Deedee.

(WHERE did he hear that?!?)

The Muffin Man

Last night, Joseph helped me make blueberry muffins for Sunday morning. With time constraints, I haven't been doing much baking from scratch, so we opted for muffin mix (probably easier for a toddler to help with a shorter recipe anyway...) Anyway, I digress. Joseph has a little stool that we usually keep in the bathroom so he can reach the sink to wash his hands and brush his teeth. Usually, if my husband or I are cooking in the kitchen, he'll drag the stool in and say,"Want to see!" When I asked him if he wanted to 'see' Mama making muffins, he was very excited. I let him put the muffin wrappers into the baking pan- which he did very meticulously, one at a time- and then I let him dump in the water and vegetable oil. Once I had added the eggs, I handed him a fork and told him it was his turn to stir. Slowly and carefully, he moved the fork through the thick batter saying, "Stir, stir, stir! Stir, stir, stir!" After I folded in the blueberries, he looked at me and exclaimed, "Berries made it PURTLE!" (The berries made the batter PURPLE.) After distributing the batter into the muffin cups and placing the pan in the oven, I let him lick the fork, which was probably the highlight of his baking time, until the muffins came out of the oven. I handed him one and said, "Go show Daddy what Joseph made." He ran into the living room to see my husband curled up on the sofa reading a book and started exclaiming, "LOOK, Dada! I DID it!" When A. praised him, he swelled with pride- I thought he was going to explode! So cute. I want all of my kids to spend as much time in the kitchen as possible so that one day, they'll be able to cook well. Maybe I should invest in an apron for my little baker. It was so sweet to see him so proud of himself.

My Three Sons (The Wiggler, The Love-Bug, and The Administrator.)....and A Life Update

It's been a little over a month since I last blogged- hard to believe! Life just keeps changing and we just keep pressing on. I am now at about 27 weeks with Baby #3, David will be 10 months old next week, and Joseph is going on three- and starting to potty train. (Hopefully, I'll have ONE out of diapers by the time #3 arrives??? Please???) #3 is moving so much more now, (I call him the Wiggler) and I'm beginning to have what I have dubbed as "Turtle Syndrome." This happens when you are sound asleep and you want to flip over and you CAN'T, because your belly is too big! It must be funny to watch- but I have to admit that I've been spending several nights sleeping in our recliner instead of our bed so I don't have to worry about flipping over. This is the first time I've ever slept in a recliner during pregnancy- so weird! Anyhow...we are trying to come up with a moniker for the little one, and it's hard for us to choose a name this time around. We keep going between three or four possibilities, but can't make up our minds! David has been growing quickly. He's about 25 lbs. now- and he's crawling SO FAST. He has begun pulling himself into a standing position (and he's quite pleased about that) and getting into all of Joseph's things- which has not only led to greater amounts of chasing David, but sibling rivalry (at least on Joseph's part.) David still comes to work with me three days a week and is in daycare for two days. Working with a 9 month old in the office is challenging, but somehow,it's working. My office looks like a nursery with office equipment...not the other way around. Sometimes when he's restless, I'll put him in his stroller and walk him down the hallways of the school, and all of the students and teachers stop to talk to him. He just LOVES all of the attention and loves being held. He's very laid back, cheerful and lovable- unless he's teething. He's a total "Mama's Boy"- at least for the time being- and he always wants to snuggle. He's the little Love Bug. Joseph is talking more and more. He is always singing "Twinkle,Twinkle Little Star," and if he is not in the mood for me joining in, he stops, frowns and says, "No, Mama, that's MY twinkle." and continues to sing as loud as he can. He is rough and tumble and into E-V-E-R-Y-T-H-I-N-G. Hsi favorite show right now is Mickey Mouse Clubhouse (which I think I've seen every episode of) followed by Jake and the Neverland Pirates. He has started riding his tricycle at Memaw's and Pepaw's house, and loves to help in the kitchen. As lovable as Joseph is, he certainly has a mind of his own, and he is VERY hard headed. I call him "The Administrator." He loves telling other people what to do and how to do it- and if things aren't going his way, he is not happy. It's funny to me that Joseph is just beginning to enter the "Terrible Twos" this late. He is SO PASSIONATE. He can passionately love you and what he's doing- and the next minute, if he feels he's been wronged, he will be PASSIONATE about letting you know it! (I have NOOOOOOOOOOOO idea where he gets this from...) I have to say though, he is a great helper and he is growing up too quickly- but it is amazing to see his development and his personality which is beginning to emerge. The infamous Charlie, who could have probably had an entire blog dedicated to his shenanigans, had to be given up to the Humane Society. On Good Friday. What a horrible day to give up the cat! Charlie, as lovable and spunky as he was, was starting to get jealous of the kids- and territorial (in a bad way) because our next door neighbors have FIVE outdoor cats that like to mark their territory outside of our house. In addition to this, a certain two year old decided that a cat of 20 lbs. looked a lot like a small pony, and tried riding him on numerous occasions and pulling his ears and whiskers. The trip down to the Humane Society on Good Friday was AWFUL. After my husband and I had dropped him off, I cried all the way home! In hindsight however, I realize that we made the right decision, and Charlie was adopted after a mere week of being in the shelter. I am very happy about this and I know that he is making a family very happy. My husband is looking for other jobs as his current one has him dealing with some rather...interesting characters- and the overtime has been unreal. Our family has not gotten to spend much time together because of the overtime- and because he has rotating days off (works six days, off for two). My job? Well, it's been demanding. Lots of changes- some for the better. However, more than anything I want to stay at home with the kids. i'm not sure how feasible this is given all of the bills- and I'm hoping for answers to prayers soon. I'm also hoping for God to strengthen us as a family, especially in the next months as so many changes are taking place. I'm at a place where I've learned that God won't give you anything you can't handle...(but it's okay to ask for help!) I have trouble with that last part and usually drive myself crazy trying to do everything on my own. Hoping for continued strength, healing and guidance. That's all for now- maybe I'll shoot for a WEEKLY blog, because blogging as much as I want cannot happen right now with the family and with the job.

Yesterday

Yesterday I went to the OBGYN for my exam. There was a group of people in the waiting room, shuffling through magazines, texting and playing on iPads. The room was silent with the exception of the turning of magazine pages and the soft hum of office equipment. I decided not to read anything and to enjoy the silence. About a half hour after my appointment time, I was finally called. I followed the portly nurse down the hallway while she took my vitals and entered the information into her computer- her gaudy blue beaded bracelet jingling with every keystroke. She told me to wait and the doctor would come to see me as soon as possible- she would be running late because she was double booked for the entire day. I pulled a magazine from the rack and thumbed through it- noticing that the nurse left the door wide open on her way out- not something that typically happens. And, as I sat there, I noticed several nurses running down the hall looking for towels. One was looking for scissors. "Her mother doesn't know?!" said one. "I STRONGLY object to the way this was handled!" yelled another. My stomach churned. "Bring her mother back here." A heavyset, irate woman was quickly ushered down the hallway. A bit later, a teenage girl was whisked down the hallway in a wheelchair- her face veiled by her hair. Then- the doctor came to see me. Checked my weight. Told me my stomach measurement was fine- and that my baby's heartbeat was strong. That the next appointment would be in a month and I would have to take my glucose test before coming in for an examination. I gave my paperwork to the lady at the check out and pulled on my jacket- wrapping myself in it tightly as I stepped back outside and into the rain- and wept. What had happened in that office? What had happened to the girl? What had happened to that baby? Questions I'll always wonder about- and never have answered. The events that took place played themselves over and over in my mind, making it impossible to sleep. The next morning- I held my boys a little bit tighter.

Sunday...

I wish I had enough time to sit and blog more often! I have still been listing my blessings, though not always on the computer this Lent.
Tonight...I felt so disheartened by certain things that occurred. However, I am thankful that I read several positive comments from our 10th grade Religious Ed. Students regarding the program...and I was pleasantly surprised. God will always glorify Himself even through lowly vessels!

Anyway- I am thankful for:

1. Grapes
2. Long naps. I was SO BLESSED yesterday! Both kids fell asleep at the same time and I had the opportunity to sleep at the same time. Result? A lovely 2 1/2 hour nap!
3. David laughing.
4. Joseph wanting to snuggle and "help" me clean the kitchen.
5. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse.
6. My parents.
7. Just "being" with my husband. Sitting next to him on the sofa with his arm around me makes me feel so safe and loved.
8. My dishwasher and washer and dryer.
9. Finding a booklet of 101 Activities For Toddlers on Pinterest.
10.Finding out that Baby #3 will be another boy!
11.People volunteering to help me put things together at the last minute- (my original volunteer dropped a TV weighing 75 lbs on her foot and BROKE it- poor thing! She will be unable to help me with the receptions coming up and will be immobile for the next 6 weeks!)
12. Getting my hair trimmed.
13. That I made time to put together Easter baskets for the kids.
14. That my husband will be able to go with me to Easter Vigil...SO HAPPY ABOUT THIS!

Bliss

Bliss: sleeping until 6:00 AM, and only getting up once last night with David. It's amazing how much of a difference being rested makes!

He will not fail...

Today was a tough day. surprises...stress...one of those days where pulling the covers over your head and sleeping for another five hours seems like a good idea.

That being said, I have to find things to be thankful for concerning today.

I think I am thankful for a book I found last night called "Believing God." It's not a Catholic book- it's a Christian devotional- but there is one chapter that stood out to me as I flipped through the contents: "I Can Do All Things Through Christ."

Wow.

All things.

THROUGH CHRIST.

The author shared some brief anecdotes, and ended them by reminding the reader that it is not God who fails us- it is we who so often fail God.

In the quiet of my room- I almost heard a small, still whisper say, "I WILL NOT fail you." A whisper that comforted my heart.

I wish I had recalled that when I was in "the thick of things" today- but I am happy that I am remembering it now. He WILL NOT fail me- oh, I pray for faithfulness!

I am also thankful that:

1. My husband fianlly saw a doctor, and that David went and was diagnosed
with an ear infection- that explains his moodiness as of late.

2. That C. came in today to help prepare things for Second Grade for next year.

3. For my parents.

4. That today is my husband's "Friday."

5. Chocolate chip cookies.

6. Joe-Joe pretending to be a cat- he is so funny! He goes around meows and acts cuddly and wants to be held. (Should i be worried?! :) ) I guess I should be thankful that he's not pretending to be a dog and barking anymore!
!

Sunday Thankfuls

I am thankful...

1. That even though I couldn't get to Mass, my Mom
brought me Communion.

2. That my husband made it home. Hoping he will go
to the doctor soon- he's been sick for five days and
extremely exhausted- so worried about him!

3. FOR THE WEATHER. 68 degrees? IN MARCH? Wow!

4. That Joseph and I finally met our neighbors.

5. That I FINALLY had a Shamrock Shake!

6. That Religious Ed. is almost over for the year...I
can't wait for a "break" from classes.

Friday Thankfuls

1. Joseph went to sleep without much crying- THANK YOU, LORD!
2. My husband called out of work so he could recover- he needs a break.
3. That my 9th Graders did relatively well tonight at Stations of the Cross.
4. Mint Ice Cream.
5. Tomorrow is my husband's feast day- (Confirmation Name is Patrick!)
6. For Pinterest. This could become an addiction. Perhaps I should give it up for Lent before it does!
7. I had quiet time today to make a grocery list and weekly menu.
8. I'm thankful my husband watched David so I could enjoy a shower alone...sometimes when I shower I can hear Joseph on the opposite side of the door saying, "MOM-MOM??? Mooooom....MOMMMMM! What doing? Where go? MooooooooOOOOOOMM???" It was nice to have quiet!
9. I'm thankful that Charlie is sleeping. It's the only time he's quiet! I think we need to find another family for him before #3 comes. Sad...but most days it's like having another toddler. I need to find a loving home for him, and soon.
10. For F.- one of my star catechists! SO grateful for him. Hoping to talk him into being our Youth Minister. I think the kids love and respect him and he loves the Lord and will help them to grow.

Thursday Thankfuls

1. For my assistant, whose birthday is today!
2. That when I took David to the specialist for his nose and throat- he said that nothing was wrong with him. SO RELIEVED.
3. Chamomille Tea.
4. "I'm gonna get you, fly!" -Joseph
5. Sharky and Bones.
6. Costco Trip for our special Lenten Breakfast with Confirmation Candidates and Priests.
7. Mom
8. E. shopping with me- I get so lost in HUGE stores!
9. David only got up ONCE last night. (Hoping tonight will be the same!)
10.Not having to hide my baby bump anymore- bring on the maternity clothes.

Thankful that I can say...

Number three is due August 27. Scared. Excited. Relieved. Midwife was worried about my health (still kind of is) due to job stress and having kids so close together- was worried I wouldn't be able to say I was expecting. Trying to find an escape route so I can focus on all three of the babies and husband...

...but thankful for a new life. Thankful that this baby will have two sweet big brothers- (even though I can't imagine David will be a big brother at one year old!) Thankful for the man that my husband is, and that he is a good father.

Thankful that I finally told my boss so I can stop wearing baggy clothes and wear maternity clothes...

...but scared about drama that I'm sure will occur...

Pray for us!

Saturday Thankful (Late)

For the time change- even though it's kicking my butt. It means my husband has to work one hour less today!