cant.stop.laughing #2

I really enjoy this movie.. really..



"you have to admit..it's a valid suggestion."

yes, that is a tear in my eye.. from laughing..

Im a social zero.

So I got a great opportunity the other day.  I got to make a real life connection with a web friend. I don't know how many of your Internet acquaintances have turned into real life friends but it truly is a fun experience.  

Lindsay mentioned on Facebook that she was heading to the zoo.. and funny as it was, we had already decided that we were going that morning too.  So I mentioned to her that we might actually get to go and therefore could meet! Fun!  

When we got there it was as if we already "knew" each other because we follow each other on each others' blogs.  It's neat.  But after the fact I felt I had to apologize to her because I was sure I made a horrible "real life" first impression.  Why? 

Because having kids has made me inept in the social interaction department.  Actually, having three very young kids, that is.  My good friends that I see all the time could tell you that I just don't do very many play dates because I just don't get the opportunity to finish a thought, much less a sentence.  

I am okay with this season of my life, mind you, but I know it has to come across and my being rude or, worse, uninterested in others.. But nothing could be further from the truth.  In fact, at this particular event I had "lost" the boys a couple of times.  By that I mean.. they went from the sprinklers to the "playground area" like little CIA undercover operatives (aka.. without my knowing it).  I am sure I seemed like I was the most absent minded parent but the truth is that I can only focus on one thing at a time.. conversation or my children.  I can't do both. 

I know moms understand.. but i just feel better not doing a play date because then I don't have to keep apologizing for the lack of focus on the conversation.  At least, until my youngest child is four.. and at the rate we are going with kiddos that could be a while.  

Moral of the story:  take the opportunity to meet "Internet friends" you will be blessed.  Also, don't volunteer to take my kids to the zoo.  :-P

Child Birth...

well if you count my own births, one of my sisters' three, and two friends' births, then today would total: 8. Eight births that I have been able to be a part of.   but of those births 3 were all natural, and of those three 2 were with pitocin and no epidurals.. but today was different in that I was solo.. in the coaching chair that is. I think the technical term is doula, but since I'm not certified or anything (who knows when I will get to that part... ) the role is still the same:  coach momma through contractions and help parents get the birth they want by dealing with pain management and working with the hospital staff.  

I LOVED it.  First I have to say thank you to Lindsay and JC for allowing me the privilege of being in the room during such a sacred and blessed event.  Wow, I could live off this high for a long time.  Lindsay was induced and stayed on the pit drip up until 7 cm's, which by the way: she went from 1 to 7 in a little over 2 hours.  Then the pit was turned off and shortly thereafter she had her beautiful baby girl.  She did fantastic!  Seriously! 

I know I have sung the praises about natural birth (namely mine), but there is such a different side to be experienced when you are the one coaching someone else, on your own, well not on your own, but without other doulas/coaches there.  I learned a lot today about trusting your gut and what the body is communicating.. Birth is so amazing.  God created our bodies to grow those babies and also to push them out.  And when we allow our bodies to do just that you will be amazed at how you CAN do it.  Your body was made for it.  

You truly can take it "one contraction at a time" until you are pushing that precious little head out and then onto scooping that little baby onto your chest.  Wow.. I am amazed at the gift of God through birth.  Seeing that even in our most painful moment, He is there and is able to give strength to our bodies (and mostly to our mental fortitude) to arrive at the end.  

Anyway.. I just had to share.  I am so thankful to the Lord for what I was able to gain from today.. and I look forward to more opportunities to help momma's get the birth's they want.  

take the time to watch this..

Like little drops of .. EVA

My husband has been known to give his sons little spoonfulls of his coffee.  To which he always says, "mmmm.. like little drops of heaven."  One day Jorgito said, "No daddy, it's like little drops of Eva."  Awwwww.. so now that is what we say when we want to describe something that is just heavenly.  ;-)  Thus these photos.. 

She is a ham for her mommy.. 

It is important to keep your babies hydrated. 

Also important to let them fall asleep on their own.. even if means they do it sitting up.  (don't worry she could breathe just fine.  And after the quick photo shoot, I placed her in a much more comfortable position). 

Again with the hydration, babies will pour water from a cup right into their mouth.. and not know how to swallow it correctly.  Note to self: don't give Eva the cup ever again. 

Now for a cute story in pictures. 

Alex found a new "friend," the rock.  He loved this rock.  He liked to play hide and seek with the rock.. 

First, hide the rock in an undisclosed location.. 

Search, discretely for the rock.. 

Really, now, where is that rock?? 

Should be able to get it now for sure.. 

she likes to move it, move it..

Eva dancing "with" her daddy...I love, love, love her face after he spins with her.. 

a couple of hairs cut

Yea, so it's about two inches shorter than I was thinking of getting it cut.. but hey.. it's hair, it'll grow back.



It definitely takes some getting used to, but I'm getting used to it.  

Ode to Jorge Emanuel...

It's 8:35 on June 1oth and we were about 25 minutes away from meeting little Jorge, just four short years ago.  

Oh the excitement in the room.. is it a boy or a girl?  We had outfits for both.  We had decorations for both.. then at 9 p.m that little body popped out and daddy yelled in such excitement: "Its a BOY!"  He truly was surprised and thrilled.  

Jorge, you are a treasure.  You are a wonderful son: very thoughtful, considerate and smart as a whip.  You are a wonderful big brother: you share, you protect and you get mommy diapers for your siblings (you are even good at getting pj's for Alex).  

You love routines and your chore chart.  You love to do Bible Time and are often having to remind mommy that it is, in fact, time to do Bible Time.  You confess your sin when questioned about it and you are tender toward the Law of God.  I am praying that the Law, as it is your tutor, leads you to a relationship with the giver of that law and thus leading you to a life of Grace in our Lord Jesus Christ.  

You amaze me little man at what a delight you are.  God placed you in our family in a specific role and for a specific purpose.  I am so honored to be your mother.  And besides all your protest one day you will thank me that I tell you that you can not marry your brother, that God wants you to marry a godly girl and that in fact, girls are not dangerous.  (yes, my son says girls are dangerous).  

I love you baby ("mommy, I not a baby.  I spiderman").. and one day when you can understand this ode, I know you will appreciate it. 

a sneak peek...

P90X..

Before..day One


WEEK 8..

To date: 3 inches lost on my waist and 11 lbs shed.. 

three more weeks to go..

if you still exist..

My readers, that is.  I am not sure that anyone follows this blog anymore.  Alas, I still write.  

Life has been wild.  

-VBS last week.  I taught the 4 year olds.  Nuff said. 

-Alex had a 24 hour hunger strike.  He refused a "no thank you" bite (merely, a bite that my children must take of their food before they are allowed to tell me they don't want any of it).  He didn't eat dinner and then that next a.m before he could have his breakfast, he was offered the bite (of chicken).  He refused.  Onto VBS we went.  He was not allowed anything..not so much as an animal cracker unless he ate his "bite."  He refused.  Lunch.  Nope.  Then dinner.  After three times of offering him the bite.. he caved.  What did he say upon eating the "no thank you bite?"  "mmm.. dis good."  Little stinker.  Then he devoured everything in sight.  

-Jorge turns 4 on Wednesday and his party will be Saturday.  Post on that later. after I get pics. 

Other than that I am just dealing with the typical mother issues.  (um.. read here: sin). God is really dealing with me.  Quite overwhelming.  But good.  

On that note, my kitchen, laundry, kids and crazy busy life is calling..