Our first bee sting

Today while we were at the park Samuel got stung by a bee on his bottom lip. At first we thought he had bit his lip, but his reaction was not like he got bit. He was afraid and hurt and the same time and kept crying much longer than just a bite. Then, his little lip swelled up.



Everyday I love my kids. They bring me so much joy! But, there are certain times when I feel this love even more deeply. When my heart swells and no words can describe it. Today was one of those days.

My friend was with me and as sweet and compassionate as she is, it just isn't the same when it's not your child. I'm always concerned when someone else's child gets hurt, but when it's my boy it's completely different. I want to do whatever I can to make it all better. I want to take the hurt away.

Thank goodness he did go quickly back to my happy, smiley boy. He's napping now (and, hopefully, so are his brothers!) and I pray that his lip is 100% when he wakes up.

Woman with the issue of blood, Part 1

There's a story in the Bible about a woman with the issue of blood. She had been bleeding for 12 years and did all she could to get healed. She visited many doctors and spent all of her money, but instead of getting better, she only got worse. When she heard Jesus was coming through town she knew that He was her last, and only, hope. If only she could touch Him she knew she would be healed.

As he walked through town a large crowd was surrounding and pushing against Him. She pushed her way through the crowds and finally touched his robe. Instantly she was healed.

"Who touched me?" Jesus asked. His disciples told Him that He was being surrounded by a crowd of people. What do you mean touch you? He answered that He felt power leave His body. The woman came and knelt down at His feet, saying it was her who had touched Him.

"Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace."

I know how that woman felt. You could say I was the "Woman with the issue of anger" or "woman with the issue of rejection" or insecurity or fear.

From the time that Eric and I were engaged until our marriage was healed we went to 4 different counselors. At the end I was going twice a week (once for marriage counseling and once for individual) and spending $60 at each visit. Neither of us made very much money, so this was a HUGE sacrifice for us. I know how that woman felt, spending all of her money and not getting better, but only getting worse.

I tried prayer, I tried writing in a journal, I tried listening to music, I tried everything that I could think of and everything anyone suggested to me, but I was still felt depressed. I still felt rejected. I still felt alone and angry and knowing that there was something more, but having no idea how to get it.

I knew I needed to touch Jesus. I needed to encounter God. When I did everything changed. My life changed. Encountering God changes everything.

What is your issue? What is the thing that you want to get free from? What do you need a touch from Jesus about? Today may be the day that you are healed.

Wednesday - Product Review Day

I think I'm going to make Wednesdays my new day to review my favorite products. I have so many things I love, that I'd love to share with you all. Not just baby and kids products, although, those are the ones that are at the front of my mind right now!

One of my favorite things for Silas is the Miracle Blanket. I didn't use these for Judah or Samuel, but I wish I had! A nanny to multiples (and a mom of two) recommended buying at least two of these. I bought two, but I wish I had bought at least two more!

Every baby loves to be swaddled, but they're able to get free, after only a few days, from those tiny recieving blankets. The Miracle blanket makes it very difficult for them to get out with it's two arm panels that each fold across one arm, one panel that folds across their whole body, and the last panel wraps around their body twice. It sounds strange and a little funny, but it works so well! The point is to keep them all bundled tight just like when they were in the womb and to keep their arms down, because flailing arms usually wake up the baby! I highly recommend these to all new moms!

Baby Phat

I've been blessed to have easy pregnancies and labor/deliveries. I loved being pregnant- feeling my babies move inside of me, getting a belly, lots of attention everywhere you go. And, I even loved the birth process. You can't beat one hour of labor and a few pushes!!

In all of this there is one thing I don't love. Being fat after having a baby. I guess I should have said another thing I loved about being pregnant is eating anything I want, when I want. During the first few months of morning sickness, yucky time I usually eat carbs constantly to settle my stomach. Which in turn, sets the precedent of eating for the rest of my pregnancy. Of course, I don't tell myself that I can't eat like that. I, actually, tell myself to eat healthy and in moderation and only gain 25-35lbs. But, myself didn't listen! I did eat healthy each time. Making sure I got enough protein, fruits and veggies, and whole grains. I, also, got plenty of cookies, ice cream, and other sweets.

With Judah I gained 60 lbs and with Silas and Samuel I gained 55. I lose the first 20 probably before I even leave the hospital. I've lost about 48 so far. So, I don't have too far to go to my pre-Silas weight (at least the weight I was at my first midwife appointment). I'd like to lose 10 more after that to get back to my pre-Judah weight.

After having Judah I really struggled with being "fat." None of my clothes fit and I just felt really unattractive and gross for a long time. Probably until I had lost most of the weight. After having Samuel I still felt those same feelings, but not as strongly. I kind of just ignored it and didn't think much about what I looked like. I had lots of other things to do!

This time I've taken a whole new approach. I'm going to embrace the baby weight! When I look around I see beautiful women of all different sizes. I really don't think that weight or pants size equals beauty, so I don't know why I have that standard for myself. After having Judah and Samuel I bought almost no new clothes. I didn't want to spend money on "big" clothes that I wouldn't wear for very long. This time I decided I'm going to look good. I've bought lots of cotton jersey dresses that will stretch with my size and I feel like I look put together, not just wearing clothes that are too big or shirts that are too small with a long tank top underneath (that's what I did after having Samuel and, also, while pregnant with Silas!

I'm going to continue to excercise, eat healthy, and lose weight (I even started a new blog just for that.) But for now, I'll give myself grace knowing that I just had a baby.

What about all of you? How do you deal with your post-partum body?


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Help! Can anyone tell me how to email the people that leave comments? How can I see their email addresses? I want to be able to respond to everyone. Especially from my post about wanting a certain sex. Thanks for all of your great comments and opinions!

Food Pictures

Almost every Sunday we go out to one of my favorite restaurants, Grilla Bites. Eric and I get the eggs benedict every week. We went there today and I got the Portobello Burger (because they only serve brunch on Sundays). Every week I want to take a picture of my meal to share with you all, but I'm too embarrassed to do it in front of all of our friends (and some people we don't know well at all). Today I went with my dad and sister, who I wouldn't care about taking a picture in front of, but completely forgot. Hopefully, I'll be able to remember tomorrow. So, you can look at the deliciousness that is my meal.

Love My Boys!

One of my pet peeves is people that "hope" for a certain sex when they are pregnant, then are upset and disappointed when their baby happens to be the opposite of that sex. At the encounter the lesson that I've taught the most is called, "Healing Our Hearts." The purpose of the lesson is to forgive everyone that has hurt you and receive healing from any wounds that you have received. Wounds can happen even in the womb. Studies show that a baby in the womb can feel everything his mom feels. If his mom is disappointed and sad that she's having him (or her) that baby can definitely feel that.

Another reason this bothers is because of the comments I get. Seriously, all the time, people say to both Eric and I, "Were you hoping for a boy?" "Are you going to try for a boy?" "Whoa, three boys?!?" I can't imagine how hurtful that would be if the boys actually understood what they were saying. What if I was to say, "Yeah, I wish they were all girls. I can't stand boys." How damaging!

For the record, I love my boys! They are so sweet, and fun and funny. Nothing like me when I was little (although I was sweet and fun and funny, just in a more girly way.....right, Mom?) I would love to have another boy! (Although, not for awhile). I love that they pick up bugs, and play in the the mud. They are daring on the slides at the park and are so into pirates. Honestly, I can't relate at all. But, that's what makes it so fun. All of this boy stuff is such a mystery. And, so interesting.

All children are such an incredible blessing. I think we need to stop this mindset that the perfect family is only one with one boy and one girl. My family is perfect for me and I am so thankful to God for my precious boys.

Farmer's Market & Grams' Birthday

Almost every Saturday morning we head downtown to the Farmer's Market. It is one of our favorite things to do! It's fun to walk around, say hi to people you know, get a mocha from a coffee shop, and buy some cheap fruits and vegetables. This morning some of our favorite people (Benjamin, Jody, and Jaiden) happened to be there, too. While we chatted with them Judah, Jaiden, and Samuel were completely into the music. They, seriously, listened to the (ummm, what kind of music was it, Jody?) ehtnic music for 45 minutes.



Today is my grandma's birthday. So, most of the family went out to dinner to La Hacienda. I had a delicious rice tostada. They are known for their secret dressing, which is so good!


HAPPY BIRTHDAY, GRAMS!!

While we were there Judah wanted to take a picture with the camera. I decided to let him give it a try and he LOVED it. I had no idea he was a budding photographer. He took so many pictures (close ups of everyone, pictures of the pictures on the wall, the chairs...hilarious!). Here are a few:


Mama


Papa


Samuel


Silas


Self-portrait

Here is my sister (Miranda), me, Judah, and my mom


And, a La Hacienda birthday tradition is to take your picture in this thing. Here's Grams:

Baby Bunny

One of my bestfriends, Brooke, and her husband Peter, had their little girl yesterday afternoon! Sweet Emma Jordyn was born after lots of hard work by her mommy. Good job, Brooke! We all already love Emma and can't wait to get to know her in the months and years to come. I love you so much and know that you're going to be an incredibly mom!!


Isn't this the cutest, most hilarious picture ever? Peter and Brooke are two of the sweetest, most amazing people I know. Such great parents!

Swim Lessons

Judah has been doing swim lessons the last couple of weeks. We did them (with Jenna & Elliana) when he was 8 months, but haven't done them the past 2 years. He loves them and is doing so good! Today he went under several times, dove to get a ring, and wore goggles! These pictures are from yesterday. I decided to just watch and enjoy tonight.


Doing the back float with his teacher, Nick

Kickers

Sweet Silas

I absolutely LOVE this picture! I can already see his little personality coming out.

The other day I let Silas play naked on my bed. He was so happy just kicking his little legs and smiling (he's smiling a lot lately). And, I was trying to get the perfect picture. I kept saying, "Siiiilas, Siiilas" to get him to look over at me. Finally, he looked over and that's is when I took the picture. He's giving me a look like, "Ok, just take the picture so I can get back to having fun." I love my baby!

Here is your mission...

....should you choose to take it!

I want to buy a new dress. My sister in law, Kim, is getting married August 16th and I need something to wear. We have another wedding to go to August 8th. (I love weddings!) I can't fit into my old clothes and it's fun buying new ones, anyway. Here are the qualifications:

1. Must be super cute! (But, that's obvious, right?)
2. Breastfeeding accessible. Strapless is probably the most obvious solution, but not necessarily my favorite. Be creative!
3. Reasonably priced, but doesn't have to be cheap. I'm willing to pay for the cuteness factor.
4. Color is good, I'm partial to teal and yellow right now.

Basically, I'm open to just about anything as long as #1 is in place. Help!

Highly Recommended

I know I'm way behind the times here...

But, I just started using Google Feed Reader. It is SO MUCH easier to read my blogs! Before I'd click through them all and miss a lot of new posts. Now my feed reader tells me when there are new ones. If you don't already use it go to google.com/reader to sign up. All you do it put in all the urls to the blogs you read (this is a bit tedious, but worth it) and easily read blogs from now on.

So.Exhausted

But, in a good way! We had an amazingly fun 4th of July weekend! Before this weekend I had all but decided that 4th of July isn't fun after having kids. All the fun stuff happens outside and outside isn't good for babies in the middle of the summer heat. Let alone with all the smokey, yuckiness. But, lo and behold (that's for you, Pastor!) we had so, so, so much fun!!!



Friday Eric had been telling me for weeks that he was going to be working, but Thursday night told me that he, actually, could take it off. So, we met Jody and Jaiden (who just turned 3), my mom, and my grandparents at the park for the annual pancake breakfast. We made it just in time to be served sausages by our local congressman (Wally Herger, my dad's favorite!) and get our picture taken by the newspaper man. Judah, Samuel, and Jaiden then got matching temporary tatoos and went "fishing" for cheap toys. Jaiden decided he didn't want his and Samuel tried to put his back, but we made them keep them. Ha! After that they all played at the park (Caper Acres) until Eric all the sudden decided he wanted to leave and got up and started walking out. Crazy guy! He said it was hot and he was done. Ok.



We went home and Samuel, Silas, and I took naps. Then, we headed to our Pastors for a bbq. The boys swam in the pool, Judah even went in the spa, I chatted with the girls, we ate yummy food, and didn't leave until 11pm. The boys were so happy the whole time (as were we), so we just stayed until they put on the Matrix. We missed the fireworks (we had planned to be home way before they started), but the company was a lot more fun, anyway.

Saturday we all slept until super late, got ready, and went and had lunch with my dad and sister. Came home and we all took naps (I think....I was sleeping). Then, we got up and got ready to set up for Peter and Brooke's baby shower. It was my first ever co-ed shower, but I think it turned out really well. I think the guys were actually liking the games.

Today was craziness! I woke up, got ready for church, went to church, had my most favorite lunch ever (eggs benedict from Grilla Bites, I meant to take a picture, but completely forgot. Next time!), dropped Eric, Judah, & Samuel at home, went and taught my class at 3, left at 4:25 to get to my class, went to my class, picked up the boys, went to another bbq, and finally got home around 9. Gave the boys a bath, got them ready for bed, and now they are all finally in bed, Eric is getting stuff ready for work tomorrow, and I am exhausted and ready to "hit the sack" myself! Now you know why I'm so tired. But, it was WELL worth it! So.much.fun!

Sweet

Mr. Personality


Who colored himself. And, so did his brother.


He commented today, "My tongue is red! It turned red! It's not blue anymore."
Umm, no it's not. Thank goodness.


I'm learning to let the little things go. Who cares if they color on themselves? At least they're entertained. (Although, I did throw all of the markers away). I'm learning to focus on what really matters. How much love we have in this house. How incredibly blessed we are to have three adorable, funny, sweet, loving, intelligent, amazing boys. I spend all day with them. And, I still miss them when they're sleeping. I'll have tomorrow with them again, so I guess I need to rest up. I need energy to keep up with my precious gentlemen.
Goodnight.

Tough Choice

I like to stay up late at night after everyone goes to bed. It's the only time that I have to myself....a little peace and quiet. I'm definitely not getting enough sleep, though. And, I'm paying for it with my health. I've come down with a cold. I've been sick more this year than I have been my entire life (probably not much of an exaggeration). What is more important- my sanity or my physical health?