Christmas Wish List

I am not as on top of the game as my sister, who has had Ada's Christmas presents purchased for awhile now. Steven and I have been discussing it here and there. We absolutely refuse to purchase another cheap piece of plastic anything. There is nothing my children need. Well, Luke might could use another pair of warm pajamas. But other than that, really, they have everything and more. That is not to say they don't have a list a mile long that continues every time we see a toy at the store or advertised on TV. "I want that for Christmas"

I don't like this. Drives me crazy!

Sometimes I say "okay" without a thought. Sometimes I try to stop and explain how they have so many toys they don't even play with. Sometimes I make a rule they need to silently wish for it. Sometimes I make them tell me one thing they are thankful that God has already given them. And of course, I tell them there are lots of little boys and girls in this world who don't have anything, no bed, no toys, and sometimes not even a mom or dad. They have LOTS to be thankful for. But they just keep asking.

And before we usher in anything new at all, I would absolutely love to have an organized playroom. haha, right? God has blessed us with plenty of space for Ellie and Luke (and Andrew) to play. I want to utilize, utilize!! And I want it to be organized so that they can clean it up when I say time to clean up. Which also involves having children who obediently pick up when asked. (Are you laughing at me?) I am determined. Right now when it is time to pick up-Ellie can do a pretty good job. It's like pulling teeth for Luke. I pretty much have to take his hand and lead him. But I am convinced this will pay off in the long run. An organized playroom and children that will pick it up-that's what I want for Christmas.

So, I was doing a little researching on the internet and I found this playroom and this would definitely work. I'll take it! Do you see the racks with the little clothes on it? Do you think those are dress-up clothes or just clothes? I am at a loss for ideas on how to keep dress-up clothes and paraphanelia organized. Big bins? Hooks on the wall? Both?

I also ran across this website for the most unbelievable swingsets you have ever seen in your life. These make me want to start climbing. Check out the indoor ones. Can you imagine? Can you imagine having the space to put one?



What is everyone getting their munchkins? Really, I would love to hear.

Another Beautiful Saturday

Warning for all non-family: Lots of pictures in this post!!

Thank you all so much for the encouragement after my last post! It feels good to be real. And thank you for the advice regarding Andrew's weight. About that-I have some sad news(well, sad and glad)-I think he is weaning himself. He just will not eat during the day. He has too much to do to stop and nurse. And consequently I am super, uncomfortably full of milk. And he will now drink straight formula, so I'm thinking, I guess we should call it quits. On one hand, it makes me sad that it is coming to an end, on the other hand, think of the benefits. I won't go into all of them-but there are several.

Soooo...the last two Saturdays the weather has been too good to be true. I told you I might take some pictures and I definitely took some pictures. This will make up for the lack of in my last post. This day actually was a great example of how pictures can paint a picture that might not be necessarily true. If you just saw these pictures you might think we are always happy and frolick and play the days away. Not true. We did this because Friday we were at home all day and I didn't think I could do it all day again on Sat. And we were at the end of the pay period and trying to save money, so if you're going to eat pb&j, it's better to do it at the playground.

We did have a really good time, though. And everyone was good and ready for a nap when we got home.

See this girl? You know what she told me earlier in the day after I spanked her? That really didn't hurt. Whoa. What goes around comes around, I guess. I'm pretty sure I said that a time or two.




I wanted to get a picture with all three and it was pretty tricky. First they were running around me in circles, then Ellie tackled me. Oh well, I like these better than stiff, posed ones anyway.


Ever since Luke turned three, it seems like it is his "time of the month" all the time. He's an emotional basketcase. This face was because we stopped swinging him for just a little bit.

I was having flashbacks to a day at the playground when he was about one. He was devastated that we stopped him for a second to take a picture. What can I say? He loves to swing.

We have a pretty uneventful week ahead. Yea!!! Last week there were several doctors appts. and other scheduled things to be at. Sunday nights are one of my favorites. Steven is off the next day, and we usually let the kids sleep in the bed with us. Right now they are lying here watching Wizard of Oz. It's toward the end, the part where the group is trying to rescue Dorothy and get out of the Wicked witch of the west's castle. Ellie and Luke are both a little nervous and I keep asking if they would like to turn it off, but their eyes remain huge and glued to the screen as they shake their heads no. So, now the witch has melted and they're feeling better. Good thing they're in bed with us, I'm hoping we haven't caused any nightmares. Good night!

Just Bein' Honest

Not feeling very bloggish these last few days. Well, I'll be honest. I've been looking at a lot of blogs lately. I could spend hours upon hours blog-hopping. Not that I even begin to have the time to do that. (And even if I did, I'm pretty sure it would not be a wise or productive way to spend my time) But it can suck me in. And while I'm being honest-here is my struggle: It sometimes makes me feel a little overwhelmed. I always start believing (while I know that it is not true) that every other mom in this world is doing a better job than me at something...training and teaching their children, or this mom is always doing super-fun projects with her kids, or this one is an incredible photographer, this one can sew perfect outfits, etc., etc...it really could be anything.

This might make me sound like a competitive person...but I really do not think of myself as competitive at all. I am, however, kind of a perfectionist. And mainly whatever I am doing-I like to do it to the best of my ability. And I have never done anything more full-time than what I am doing right now-wife, mother, housekeeper, chef, as of next year...teacher, (in my dreams...seamstress)-you get the picture. So my flesh often runs away with all these thoughts. And sometimes (not always) entering the blogworld can feed this struggle.

Thankfully, God always gently and faithfully calls me back to Himself and His purpose for me. It brings me back to the question..."Lord, what is your purpose for me?" I want to be His servant. I want to be a joy and a blessing to my family (does not always happen-you can ask 'em) I want to grow in His Word and be changed by it. I so want to long for the things of God and be about advancing His kingdom. And if that means cooking a spectacular meal, or doing a cute craft with my kids, then wonderful. But if it means I haven't had a shower all day and the sink is overflowing with dishes because I have spent most of the day refereeing fights or cleaning up throw up, then may God be glorified in that.

I know I've shared this before, but it is so easy for me to think of a day as being successful if I have crossed off everything on my to do list. If laundry is put away, if toys are picked up, if I finished organizing a corner of the house. But was Jesus seen in me today? Was I a vessel for Him to work through?

Hopefully you understand I have no problem at all with posting cute, fun, creative things on your blog. (I would love to do more of it myself) I just am being honest about how I have to be careful and ask God to guide me in my priorities and how I spend my time.

Thanks for listening to all the serious talk.

For those of you (family members) who may be checking for updates on three small children, these two pictures are for you. Sorry-none of Ellie and Luke.

But here is 9 mo. Andrew, who according to my pediatrician's charts, is not even on them. Yes, like underweight. I'm not used to this since Ellie and Luke have always been at the top. So, we're trying to fatten him up a little bit. The doctor said to add some olive oil to his baby food. Had never heard of that, but it makes sense. I also bought some formula that I will mix in here and there as well.


He might not be gaining enough weight because I've been working him too hard around the house.

It's supposed to be a beautiful weekend-maybe I'll borrow mom's camera and get some pictures before the last of the leaves fall off :(

Trash to Treasure

My mom has been itching for me to post about this weekend. We had a yard sale at her house on Saturday. I know there are several people who read my mom's blog and my sister's blogs. Sometimes you get repeats. Sorry about that. It happened last weekend with Halloween and she decided she would give this one to me. It was kind of crazy and pretty blogworthy.

I have never had a yard sale before, but mom has had lots and always swears she will never do one again. She warned me it was a lot of work. Aren't moms usually right? She was this time, for sure! I don't recommend trying to get ready for one with young children running around. Some crying to be fed, others crying because they want their stuff back. There were a few moments of "is this even worth it?" Fortunately the weather last week was gorgeous, so for the most part we enjoyed the time outside.

The plan was for Steven to take Ellie and Luke from mom's house on Friday afternoon and have them until the following morning. I would stay with Andrew at mom's so we could get up before the crack of dawn to get started. [sidenote: That used to sound absolutely dreadful-to get up while it was still dark, but I have grown to look forward to that time of day. This is for several reasons, but mainly 1) because it gives me at least an hour of quite time without children and 2)coffee. Coffee and I started our love affair after Luke was born. I think I will definitely be one of those old people who go to bed when the sun goes down and is up before it rises.] Anyway, back to the yard sale.

So I managed to get in bed by about 9. Sooo sound asleep and mom comes in (who was in bed before I was) and wakes me saying, "Luke is throwing up" I was so disoriented. I could hardly figure out where I was, where Luke was and what I was supposed to do about it. I almost said "okay" and laid my head right back down.

Dad offered to drive me home. Sweet dad. And I have to brag on Steven. He had things very under control when I got there. Luke was bathed, laundry was going. Luke seemed to be doing okay, just very worn out. And Ellie seemed to be loving the drama at 11:00 at night. We made a quick plan B and brought Ellie with us and left Steven to tend to Luke.

I don't know about you, but when someone in our house throws up, my mind races to the worst. What are we in for? Everyone in the house is going to start throwing up within the hour. No one will get any sleep tonight. How am I going to take care of three children and a husband when I am throwing up myself?

Luke did throw up once more after we got back to mom's house. But I didn't hear from Steven again the rest of the night and I took that as a good sign. So after lots of sleeping rearrangements at mom's house (because I think I forgot to mention Ada and LB were there also), by about 11:30, I think the entire house was soundly sleeping again. A very short 4 1/2 hours later, mom and I were starting our day.

We kind of forgot to advertise, but it worked out so well, because apparently there were yardsales all over the place that day. We had a steady stream of shoppers from about 6 a.m. until 11:30 or so. While I really did not enjoy any of the setting up and taking down, I thoroughly enjoyed the actual sale. As you can imagine, after three babies, I am starting to accumulate a lot of baby stuff. Lots of clothes and I sold Ellie's crib bedding. It was hard. I literally watched the girl put it in her car and watched as she drove away. But I think it is in good hands. A first-time pregnant mom and she really, really loved it and seemed very excited to have it. Am I wierd or normal? I am okay giving most of my treasured stuff to others if I know they will love it or at least know that I loved it.

Ellie had a hard time letting go of some of her stuff too. Look at her face as she watches someone pick up something of hers and decide if they want it or not. She seemed to think that if they didn't want it, she could have it back. My rule was: if it's out here, it will never enter my house again.

Do you like her outfit? Pajama pants with a jacket, no brushed hair.

How do you like this contraption?

Ellie's baby clothes :( sniff, sniff.


Luke's bug hat.


Lots of coffee. Ellie included. I add about a tbsp. of coffee to their milk in the mornings. Call me crazy. But they love it! And personally, I think it's better than juice. Less sugar, anyway.

It was successful, I guess. I made about $250. Well, before I gave some to dad for a Taco Bell run. Mom took a picture of this guy at the end of the day. She said he looked sad, like nobody wanted him. Reminds me of the children's book Corduroy.

P.S.-I still have a great king size Pottery Barn duvet cover that I would love to sell. It is a neutral/cream/off-white color with a little embroidering around the edges. If you might be interested-let me know-annrbarber@hotmail.com.

There you go. I'm trying to recover. We stayed home from church today and Luke threw up again this morning. He was okay after that, he laid around a little more than normal, but other than that, has seemed pretty good. He's been telling people he "growed up" instead of "throwed up".

I'm wiped. Good-night!

Just a Few

I'm absolutely exhausted. No energy for a big 'ol post. But in case some grandparents in Albuquerque would like some Halloween pictures, I went over to Sarah's blog, and stole these few.

Who wouldn't want this mouse in their house?

He was supposed to be Ellie's Gus-gus from Cinderella, but Ellie decided to switch to a ballerina last week after mom made her this adorable tu-tu. No sewing involved!

And I think you all remember Dash. Here he is, hair gel and all. Doesn't he look so grown-up? :(

And last but certainly not least, Raggedy Ann. Laura Beth is assuming this is the last year she will be able to decide what Ada wears. This costume came off of an old doll. Mom had to take the outfit in and have the elastic put back in.

Will try to post more pictures from the weekend after I recuperate.

P.S. Do you like the new header? Can you read the font? Kate saved the day and figured it all out for me. Thank you, thank you , Kate!!! And thanks Sarah for the pictures.

Weekend in New Mexico

First of all, I have ZERO business sitting down to blog right now. My house is a wreck and this is going to be a very busy end of the week/weekend. (More on that later on)

It feels like I've been away from my blog a lot longer than I have. That is because I have been across the country and back since I last posted. Most of you know I used to live in Albquerque, I'm sure. My very good friend, Meg(who still lives there), called me several weeks ago and said her husband would be out of town for a weekend and asked if maybe I would want to come stay with her while he was gone.

Here is why she didn't want to be by herself for a long weekend-She has a 3 year old, 18 mo. old, and a 4 mo. old!!!! I just thought I had my hands full. I haven't seen her in 2 years and have never met her youngest two (both little boys). When I left, she had her little girl(Kate), and I had Ellie and Luke. Since then, our crew has doubled in size. So we packed our bags and hopped on a plane. "We" is Ellie, so she could visit with Nana and Poppy (and was actually quite a bit of help on the plane ride), and Andrew, of course, because I'm still his main source of nourishment.

It was such craziness-but such fun! We took TONS of pictures. Meg has my dream camera. A Canon XSi-is that right, Meg? She has also has my dream mini-van. A Honda Odyssey. I never thought I would be dreaming about mini-vans, but it looks like the day has come. Anyway, here is just a glimpse of the fun had by all...or most, anyway. As you can imagine, the weekend was not without a meltdown or two.

This is Kate. She and Ellie became fast friends.

Although, here Kate doesn't seem so sure.

I think she thought I was okay after I brought her a giant cookie from Whole Foods.

Sidenote: As I was typing this, Luke just yelled from his bed and said he had to go potty. (For about the third time). I told him if there was no tee-tee, I would be very upset. There wasquite a bit and as he went he said "That tee-tee was saying "Let me out! Let me out!" Yes Luke, I guess you were right.

Okay, back to Albuquerque...

Andrew did really well. Of course, he had a lot of people to watch.

For example, their little dog, Buddy. Ellie is usually very scared of dogs (even little ones). But she got used to Buddy and I think she liked that she could tell him what to do and he obeyed her. I know she wishes Luke would do the same.

This is Kai. He is 18 months and you can't take your eyes off him for a second. Here I think he is messing with the gas lines or something.

This is what he looks like when he plays dress-up. Isn't he too cute?

This is the newest addition, Corban. He doesn't spend much time on the floor because I think Kai might try to sit or jump on him. He must have been asleep in this picture. He's a big boy. Andrew and Corban can wear the same clothes. He's a great baby! The Lord knew Meg needed that.

I miss the beautiful Albuquerque weather. We went out in the backyard one afternoon. I think this is the first time Andrew had ever sat on grass. He didn't know what to do with his feet.

Did I mention that when we lived there, our house was one block away from Meg and Matt's house? They could see our front door from their back. We also had the exact same floor plan. (There are a lot of the same floor plans in that neighborhood.) I had a lot of deja vu moments. It tugs at my heart to think about our time there. We made so many memories and I brought two of my babies home from the hospital to that house. Here is a picture of Ellie when she was 10 months old, sitting in the grass, just one block away.

Time flies. Meg said it best-The days go by slowly, but the years go by fast.

It really was so great to go back and visit that which used to be my world. As with any place, there are things I miss and things I don't. There were a few things I "needed" to do while I was there. Eat some of the incredibly delicious, make your mouth water, (and eyes) chips and salsa, chicken quesadillas, (with guacamole, sour cream, and green chile). And for dessert, sopapillas (sp?) with honey. I thought I would never crave some of those things when I first moved there, but I have been thinking of ways that I could get one of those meals shipped right to my door. It was just as good as I had imagined.

Meg and I had a wonderful time, even though we were often yelling over children's voices. When things finally settled down at night and all was quiet, except for the hum of like four monitors, we kept thinking we heard a baby. I would say, is that yours? No, I think that's yours. We took them all out to eat one day and I'm not sure if people thought they were cute or we were just plain crazy. Maybe both. I would say the trip was a success. I even drug her into the blogworld. Check it out here. Thanks Wayne and Diana and Matt and Meg for the fun visit!

Now we are heading into Halloween weekend. Plus a tiny little shower for Laura Beth to welcome her new baby boy. (At my house-yikes!) So I have lots to do. I don't think piles of clothes on the couch is exactly the kind of thing guests want to see at a baby shower. I can't to see everyone's pictures from Halloween weekend...

Scary! (not a Halloween post)

We had quite a scare this morning. Here is what happened...

Steven takes Ellie and Luke to school every morning (Tues, Wed, & Thurs) on his way to work. This morning we were running a little late (as usual). I was helping them get out the door with Andrew on my hip. Steven had already turned the car on, and Ellie and Luke were buckled in the back. I walked back to the garage and realized the door was locked. I ran back to get Steven so I wouldn't be locked out of the house. He hopped out of the car and came to unlock the door. He was in the garage, I was standing on the driveway and I turned to see the car rolling off the driveway into the yard. I, of course, start screaming my head off "HURRY!!" -I think that is what I kept screaming. (kind of a blur) Steven makes a mad dash for the car, which at this point is past the yard, going downhill into the extreme weeded area, and quickly headed for the steep drop off which leads into a ravine-type thing (I guess that's what it's called-but I think you get the picture). Somehow-or because God sent His angels-Steven was able to get into the driver's seat and put his foot on the brake. Here are the pictures so you can get a better idea:

The driveway where the car started.


Where it ended up and where Steven was able to jump in.

This is how far the car was from the drop off.
The car might have been stopped by a tree? Not really sure.

Looking down the hill.

Looking back up towards the house.

So, there is Steven's ugly brown thing that I mentioned recently in a post. It's old, so when Steven pulled the keys out without putting the car in park, it let him, unlike a newer car.

So, from the time I saw the car moving until Steven was able to get in and stop it, the time that elapsed was probably about 5 seconds. It felt like 5 minutes (or longer). Ellie and Luke were definitely screaming and traumatized for a little while. But after we calmed down and they calmed down and I hugged and kissed their faces A LOT and stopped to thank the Lord for His grace and mercy(and haven't stopped all day long), I took them to school. They were eager to tell their friends and teachers about how daddy's car went "into the woods".

Steven stayed home to take care of getting the car out of the weeds/woods. I was sad Luke had to miss out on this. It was like a real-life Mater.


The tow guy (is that what they're called?) asked me if Steven was in trouble. You may be asking the same question. I couldn't get mad at him because...a very similar thing happened to me about two years ago. I think it was before my bloglife began, but I do have pictures. Wanna see?

No, this is not our house, this was our neighbor's house when we were living in a rental house. I managed to run the car into the side of their house. Thankfully, they go to our church and were very gracious about it, even though they had just painted the siding. I was not in the car, I was running beside it, trying to jump in-unsuccessfully, I might add. Are you wondering how this happened? I will swallow my pride and tell you. I was checking the mail and a spider jumped into my lap. I jumped out of the car. It went through the ditch, through a bush and into the house. Now you know why I had to keep my mouth shut today.

All day we have been saying, what if, what if? It could have been so much worse. It makes me wonder how many things God withholds from us during a day's time. Who knows why He allowed this to happen and did not allow something much worse to happen. Why did He choose to be merciful towards us? We don't know the mind of God, but we are so grateful tonight that He protected our family.

I don't want to be too dramatic, but Steven went to the visitation tonight for a man that has just passed away. And what he said when he got home is so very true. This life ends. It is fleeting. O Lord, may we lives our lives for the eternal, with our eyes fixed on the hope that is in Christ!

"Whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away." James 4:14