Life with Three

--- LiFe BeGaN wHeN i SaW yOUr FaCe---

Most days lately, I feel like I am in a 3-ring circus with whirlwinds all around me....sometimes spinning me out of control, sometimes ingulfing me into the eye of storm...pushing me forward , yet pulling me back. I keep reminding myself to stop and breathe. Rest is hardly a type of moment taken these days. Maybe it's because it's the end of the school year and along with that, many other things are wrapping up & coming to an end..but as we know before things end they get a little intense...maybe it is harder to adjust to 3 little people than I thought it would be....maybe I am still very tired and emotional and I just don't realize how much so. It truly takes so much not only to survive each day, but to be successful at it as well. I'd like to believe that at the end of the day that we had gotten the required tasks done, learned some lessons, created some wonderful moments and are Happy & Well for the most part. When the end of the day comes, I often realize that time flew away on feathered, fast & strong wings. This is a crazy & challenging life....it's loud and it's messy and it's demanding...but more so it is: magical, beautiful and blessed. I think I'm gonna like it here.

Is forevEr enOugh?

Sweet Olivia, "How long do you want to be loved? Is forever enough? Is forever enough? "

Got Bink?

Ben shares one of his "baby" toys with Little Miss O.

I am not a fan of feet, but I am sort of in love with this pair. :)

oops, sideways pic. oh well. I must learn to let some things go. like fixing sideways photos. Theres just not enough time in the day (or night). Life is far from perfect and so am I. So I will not start over...I will just let it be. ANYWAY - FrEsH StraWberries from our neighbor. Yum.

computerless...

sorry for no updates.
my laptop is offically out of commission.
working on options.

Some more favs of Miss O.

Precious Olivia...She is now 1 month & 2 days old. Yesterday, I took her to the hospital for an ultrasound (since she was breech they wanted to check her hips, etc) and got a report, that she is a-o.k. in that department. She has her month follow up appt. with the ped. tomorrow. She is def. keeping us busy & happy that is for sure. I am exhausted...but I know that someday, I shall sleep again. We have been showered with so many gifts, meals, gestures, visits, kindnesses.... We are so very blessed beyond words. Regular life has been a little overwhelming, but step by step, we are getting where we are supposed to be. :) The school year is winding down (although it feels like it is winding up with all the activities and such going on) along with everything that goes along with it... dance rehearsals for Alice (for Isabelle) have been increasing as the performance date is nearing... The weather has been pretty cold and rainy for the most part. Ben killed a toad on mother's day. My computer is basically crashed. I am borrowing my Aunt's laptop for now. Our siding is finally finished and up. Our front porch is complete but the back deck is on hold. Most of the garden is planted (by noah). What a whirlwind this life is. I am breathing it all in. I am trying to be in these fleeting moments...soaking them in...and enjoying , believing , hoping and loving this amazing time....even if there is mud on my bed from the dog.

Oh Olivia..

Sorry, it's been awhile folks. I must admit that life has been a bit overwhelming lately. Wonderful...but exhausting. Here are some misc. pics of Olivia, no order or reason...just throwing them up there (that sounded kind of gross) for your viewing pleasure. More to come soon as I get my act together.

Sweet Little Baby...

A few of my favorite pics: Today: Ben likes picking out what Olivia will wear. Today he picked this.

Olivia, Isabelle & Benjamin.

1 week old.

1 week old.

These days are going by quickly and busily. Olivia is doing wonderful and I am recovering well. (although right now , I really really really want to go take a nap). The kids are in love with their new sister. I will update again soon. (our internet was just out for a few days). Thank you to everyone for your constant support and love.

It's a Girl!!!!!!

Olivia Helen

April 12, 2010 - 9:24 a.m.

6 lbs 12 oz - 17 1/2 inches

Healthy & Beautiful

(more news & pics soon).

I TOAD you so.

My beautiful amazing talented Benjamin, caught a Toad today. He named him Jojo. Ben made a temporary abode for Jojo (glad throw-away container). Ben gave it grass, water and a little flower. Ben ate lunch next to the toad, told it stories and also tortured Isabelle with him by placing him a little to close within her personal space. Ben and Jojo frolicked together joyously all afternoon....until I saw Ben later...sad and alone...and I asked him where Jojo was....Ben told me with tears in his eyes that "Jojo hopped away from me"...I asked him why and he said, "maybe I squeezed him too much." (The End).

This week after brownies, I asked Isabelle what she did while there. She told me that she planted Miracles. I said really Miracles? Are you sure it wasn't Marigolds? And she said no, they were Miracles! ((well I sure hope so!))

The siding for our house, although supposed to arrive 2 days ago is now on back order until the 22nd. Wow...a month of looking at my house with the words: "Menards House Wrap" all over it.

So, Monday is the big day we have been waiting for. Monday morning my c-section is scheduled. I am not ready, but I am so ready. (not ready as, I have not packed a hospital bag but ready as...get this kid out of me). We are all so anxious to meet our new little baby. Please keep us in your prayers in these upcoming days. Expect an update with all our news in my next posting. I am not sure if I will have internet access at the hospital so not sure when the update will be. God Bless & Good night.

Fresh Spring & Flying Dreams

"Let the resurrection joy lift us from loneliness and weakness and despair to strength and beauty and happiness " - f.w. tomkins

We had such a fun filled spring break. It went so fast, but it was truly treasured while it lasted! Here are the children on their new skates. Lots of bruises and scrapes did not deter these two from the adventure.

I have always admired the Lamb cakes of others. I grew up with the lamb cake my mom used to make. Yes, we liked to chop it's ears & butt off and thought it was funny to decapitate it...but that is part of the fond memories that go along with such a special baked good. So, the kids and Aunt Mary and I tried our hand at our first official lamb...not to shabby my friends, not too shabby at all.

We were blessed with such beautiful weather on Easter day. Luckily we left carrrots out for the bunny and he came. Although he left some nusisance type grass all over the joint, he was so smart he left the kids some kites...and I don't think it could have been more perfect kite flying weather! Most of the day was spent wrestling and dancing in the wind for high flights. Lots of candy was consumed and hey, that's o.k....that's why the bunny left it right? Dinner was a super menu of HaM, Asparagus (my favorite), perogies, sweet potatoes, scalloped potatoes, rolls...

This is a custom order request that I recieved from a customer of mine for a special "dream" journal. It will actually be used at her daughter's birthday party, as a guest sign in/message book. I was thrilled with how it turned out, I hope she will be too! As far as my etsy store and other projects, they have all been on hold for a bit now and probably will be until I am settled in with the new kid. I know, it will all be waiting for me when I am ready for it. :) Maybe I will even try to catch up with some of my own scrapbooking as well someday!

BABY News: The new info of the moment is that we have learned the baby is in long breech position and the chances of it turning around at this point is very slim. My dr. has told me to get used to the idea of and prepare for a c-section. At first this totally threw me, I did not expect this at all. wow. seriously...but, as I have shared my news....I have gotten such wonderful support and stories from friends and family and I feel so much better about it then first hearing the news. I know I am in good hands and that all will be well in the end. Tomorrow I have my next appointment...I believe that I will be scheduling my c-section tomorrow as well. So, as soon as I get a date, I will update. Please keep us in your prayers. ((also I have been getting "false" contractions for the last several days...which has been weird and uncomfortable (somewhat painful).

I don't remember if I mentioned that we are now the proud owners of 1000 BEES. Noah is learning the beekeeper ropes and the rest of us are staying far away from the hives. Some people buy honey... but yippee, we get to produce our own. GARDEN: everytime I look outside, we seem to have less and less backyard grass and more plowed garden dirt....the plot just seems to be expanding...more and more. I wonder if I should hide the rotatiler before it's too late. I think potatoes and peas are planted...not sure what else yet.

The siding is all ripped off the house and the prep work has begun for the new. some more windows got installed today and a new front door...every day there are a few more changes...

It's now thundering... I love spring Storms! Tonight for dinner is leftover HaM. Tonight is preparing for the return to school tomorrow. :) I am actually ready for bed, but we have several hours and tasks ahead before that lovely moment arrives.

Freeze & Squeeze

Bubble Boy - When Isabelle is at dance class, Ben and I usually try to run an errand or two during the waiting time. The weather was so beautiful during her last class, that we decided to stay, relax & just blow bubbles.

While waiting, we also spotted a bunny. Ben suspected it was the Easter Bunny but he was not certain. Also this day was my birthday. It was a quiet birthday, but like I said, we were gifted with beautiful weather which made it perfect. Every year I am reminded of how much that I am loved by my family & friends. Special little celebrations went on all week. Thank you to everyone for your well wishes, visits, cards & gifts. Truly, I know how blessed that I am.

Gift Wrapping 101- Free & Fun: This weekend my sister in law Elaine was out and she had a gift for my father in law that she needed wrapped. I offered to wrap it for her. I soon realized, I wasn't exactly sure where my manly wrapping stuff was....so I decided to whip out some standard household items and I cam up with this wonderous creation. Tin foil, plastic wrap, brown paper bag, string, newspaper & the finishing touch: duct tape. You don't see a gift like this everyday. Also it makes opening a tad bit more adventureous than the norm. In fact , by the time you get to the actual gift, you are happy no matter what it happens to be inside.

So, this morning I finally noticed some Daffodils popped up on the side of the house! I was excited to see them...our first flowers of spring. A little while later, Ben comes in the house: "Mom, I got a present for you......" I turn around and he yells: "FLOWERS!" With the biggest grin on his proud face, he held out to me, the only growing flowers on our property in his anxious little hands. I couldn't help but to break out into laughter. Such a sweet little boy, I seriously just want to freeze him & squeeze him forever.

Spring Break - The kids are offically on Spring Break. Isabelle kicked it off with a sleepover at a friends with a bunch of girls in her class. Ben and I spent it with a pizza get together with friends and Noah really got a chance to start working on his garden. Tonight the kids are spending the night at my inlaws. This little break couldn't have come at a better time for me...I am really feeling kind of ill and exhausted and I seriously just want to rest.

Other news: Happy Birthday to my Dad who also celebrated his birthday this week! We are currently getting an estimate for the new siding on our house, so that project will probably be taking way soon which of course is exciting. There is a busy week planned ahead...so more updates soon. Happy Trails to you, until we meet again....

Spring Sprung Backwards

Is there anything more exciting and promising than a surprise package in the mail? This week the kids received a special box of fun gifts from my mom. One of the items was a very special something for Isabelle. This adorable spring dress with a matching dress for her American girl Doll: Rosie. She already has planned out, all the events they will be wearing the dresses to in the upcoming season.

The sneaky Leprechaun made his annual visit to our home on St. Pats Day. Green milk, gold chocolate, tipped chairs...

On Thursday, we got to visit Isabelle's school for her Research Fair. Her project was: HORSES. Also this week Ben and I visited Isabelle for lunch at school. Now I know why the kid comes home from school so hungry! She socializes for approx. 98 % of her lunch time! I think I got her to take maybe 2 bites of her sandwich.

Which leads us to: today. march 20th and wake up to this! SNOW!!! everywhere. freezing and blowing...cold ...wet snow. It feels like just yesterday (oh wait it was just yesterday)..that the grass was green, buds on the trees, the kids were rolling in the dirt, the birds and squirrels were all about, sweaters were even taken off to enjoy the warmth of the sun. Ben was excited to see the snow this morning, because he can go Sledding again! ugh. MELT. please Melt dear snow. Your time has past. Go away. I am so done with you. goodbye.

Several dr. visits last week and several more scheduled for this upcoming week. At least this means the time is close. I can't believe in just a few short weeks, our new baby will be in our arms. I am revisiting the whole name option thing lately. I have a few special thoughts...but I am really just wanting something to strike me as: this is it. ALthough Ben keeps insisting on HULK or Misses HULK, I am leaning toward something more traditional. I should probably pack a hospital bag soon. I hate dishes. Laundry , I will do any day, any time...but Dishes...really just need to be thrown out. I'm sick of walking around like a Penquin. Seriously, it is so not me. I haven't been able to work on any fun projects at all in a while. Maybe this upcoming week I can sneak in some craft time. Today is special as we await my parents to arrive for a special visit. We are celebrating: my dad's upcoming birthday, my upcoming birthday and spring/Easter...all wrapped up into one since I don't think I will be making any traveling plans coming up any time soon. I think the mail is here since the dog is going nuts. Anyone want a dog? I am quite serious...take him. Come get him. Now. I will even put a bow on him for you and throw in a half of bag of dog food and some chocolate milk. O.k., I am off. My IPOD is now fully charged....so I can go...tackle some cleaning tasks in pure bliss. Wishing you a super duper Saturday!

The Grass is always Greener

Grass that Ben brought home from school. He waters and pets it every day.

Cookies have arrived! For those who have not gotten their cookies from us yet, they are on their way! We hope to have all orders completed this week.

This season would not offically be kicked into gear if we did not start out with Shamrock Shakes! The kids are unhappy with the cherry additon but are in complete support of the whip cream.

A few days ago, I offically saw the first Robin of the season! Only one and only for a little while. It was a skinny little fellow...but there it was just bobbing away in the grass. Speaking of grass..it is turning green! Yes it is! I remember the time that Isabelle woke up on St. Patricks day and fully believed that the Leprechaun had turned the grass green overnight. So, spring is springing and it could not be more exciting and renewing to the soul. Today, I will put away the winter decor and get out the spring and Easter stuff. Today we are going to visit the storage unit, to see what we have left in there especially on the search to see what we have remainder of any baby stuff/gear. I don't suspect we kept much, but maybe I will be pleasantly surprised..maybe. I hope to also maybe see the new Alice In Wonderland movie today. I can't wait to see it and I am hoping when I do, that I won't have to take 15 bathroom breaks.

Other thoughts of the moment: I don't understand why some people still have their Christmas Decor up? I just don't get it. I know lights are harder to take down and such, but honestly people, you don't have to plug them in! Also those plastic figurines and such would probably be pretty easy to undisplay from your yard, in fact , I wouldn't mind helping you with that if you feel that task too daunting. I am currently reading a book I got from the library that I find somewhat depressing, but it's helping me with my non sleeping yet too sleepy to do anything else states of being...It's called: Those who save us. A fiction story. It's about German/Nazi survival. The upcoming week promises to be busy for sure. I have a feeling it will defintely be gReEn.

misc. RounduP 3.12

So, by some miracle, my computer is currently working, but it is very finicky these days...and I know that I need to be careful because it may be out the next time I try and use it (screen problems is my concensus). I will have to take it in for sure because it won't go on like this. But, for the moment, I am thankful. I decided to proceed forward to the best of my ability for now.

So many things going on since we last had a chat. Sorry no pics to accompany this time. Friday could not have come sooner, I am exhausted, but honestly - the weekend is exhausting too. hehe - The house is a ROYAL mess and I have a HUGE headache, but I am determined to plow through and get things done today. The hint of spring weather is such an inspiration to keep on going!

Pregnancy - oh...man... I must be honest, I don't do this well at all. I am trying my best but I am soooo tired and sore...ugh. I am supposed to be on restricted activity right now...but that is impossible with two young kids. I have been having to go to the dr. for extra monitoring of the fetal heartbeat, breathing etc..two times a week and also now we are checking with ultrasounds once a week for aminoitc fluid levels, this on addition to regular appts. I am not complaining, I am very grateful that I have such amazing Dr. Care. Seriously, I feel I am in the best possible hands & hearts. I just know these upcoming weeks are going to be much more challenging than I had hoped since I feel this awful already. I keep telling myself this is temporary and this is a miracle that I get to assist in! That only goes so far though when everything aches and I am ready for bed at 7pm! hehe. Ok, enough of my whining for the moment.

News - change on the dance recital front. Due to some issues with the shows music not coming together, etc...the dance studio that Isabelle belongs to, has decided to no longer conduct, The Wizard of Oz as their upcoming recital. They have now changed the performance to Alice In WOnderlAnd and it will be a few weeks later...June 5th I believe. We are waiting to hear Isabelle's new part(s), in this new show. She took the news alot better than I expected...I think as long as she still gets to be in a show, she will be happy! I have a little boy dressed as a dragon sitting next to me, he's hungry....I think I better feed him before he roars at me again...

Computer Note:

Hi. All - just a quick note to let you know that my computer is unfortunatley down for the count...out of commission...has kicked the bucket. I will of course be trying my best to get it functioning again asap, but I have no clue what obstacles that I am dealing with. So wish me luck! Anyone who needs to get a hold of me, please give me a call or send me a nicely worded letter through the u.s. postal service as I don't even know if I will be able to check emails for a bit. Also, please keep my family in your prayers as the baby's arrival is getting closer and somethings are getting a little more challenging/difficult. Thank you and take care...until we meet again...

Sew, Bake, Birds

Winter is for the birds. I have finally put new seed in my feeders recently and the birds are coming back. Often in the early mornings or afternoons when they come, the kids and I have a little bird lesson. We look at the books we have and try to identify the different birds. They are so excited to spot birds and are starting to learn some of the names & traits, etc. Very exciting! (I know I am a dork, but I cannot help it). Ben swears he sees an Eagle every time.

Baked Goods: sorry my banana bread photo is not rotated, but I have decided to leave it this way due to the fact that I am tired and have other things on my agenda.

Sewn Goods: I am sure I mentioned before that I am probably the worst sewer in the world. But for some reason, I really enjoy it. My creations defitnely look handmade! haha. There is no talent seeping in my veins regarding this craft....yet I like to make this kind of stuff. Here are a few things I made this weekend. A tiger finger puppet for Ben , A Penquin finger puppet for Isabelle and a little toy bunny, just because it was in the pattern book I had from the library and I wanted to try it. Now, I am teaching Isabelle how to sew a little bit. She sewed a pillow for Ben this weekend (a little rectangle that we stuffed) all by herself. She was excited to give it and he was excited to get it. very cute.

Breakfast this morning: strawberry yogurt and granola. Yum. The sun is shining. The snow is melting. I hope for today to be productive. Many things on my to do list. Just need to get myself organized and begin. Wishing everyone a happy & healthy day!

Blankie Cow...

The Napping Boy & his Blankie Cow. Whenever Ben is tired, you will find him wrapped in his special blanket. Usually he is rubbing the satin edges with his fingers until he falls asleep. This special blanket was made for Ben by my friend Sally when he was born. He quickly became very attached to it and it has been a major staple in our home ever since. We used to call it his cowboy blanket because there are little lassoing cowboys all over the material, but Ben dubbed it his Blankie Cow and it has been that ever since. This blanket has seen many washes (there were times he wouldn't even let it out of his grasp & sight long enough for a wash, but now he understands it's a good thing) and there has been lots of mending to the edges through the years. I dread the day that blankie cow may be no more, but until then it is such a simple and lovely comfort for both of us.

Whenever there is a full moon, I cannot sleep. It is a given. I toss and turn all night. I don't know if its the brightness that overwhelms night or if there are some super sensor powers dancing through the air. I guess this big tummy of mine isn't helping sleeping situations either. Things are getting more and more difficult as these final weeks pass. I know I have about 7-8 weeks left, but I wonder sometimes how I will get through. I am at the point already in which bending over is very difficult and you know what? My job requires me to bend over alot! , plus Im extra clumsy these days. I am kind of at the thought process of kick it or leave it there. Also, I am feeling really ill these days, I think it is these new IRON pills I am taking. joy. When will these Tulips be popping up from the muddy ground? When will the Robins be bouncing and searching on the new growing grass? Because it is then, that I will believe the time has come.

Last night laying in bed, I listened to a train whistle in the distance. I love that sound. No matter where I have lived in this life, I have always heard an occassional train whistle at night. My brain always starts to wander, on where ther train may be going and who it is taking with or bringing home.

My computer screen is acting up so thats not good. We are going through milk like crazy lately. I almost want to buy a cow and shove him in the shed in the back. A mini cow will do. Isabelle has a late dance rehearsal tonight (for the oz recital), I hope I can stay up late enough! hehe (I went to bed a 7:45 the other night, no kidding, sad but true). Today is parent visit day at Ben's school, that's always fun...except last time he yelled at my in front of all the parents that he did not need my help to :go away: when he was in the potty. Just a tad bit embarrassing. He is supposed to bring a heart item for show and tell and he tells me , no that it's GIRLISH. I have a MOPS meeting this morning and I miss the wonderful women there, but I also have lots of errands to run...and the thought of doing them within the brief time that I do not have the children with me is extremily tempting. Especially since I get so tired by noon. I guess I will see how I feel once I am out the door. Happy Thursday.

Sunday Morning Thoughts

This is a Little Girl Dress Greeting Card in my new Etsy Shop. So, I have offically re-opened an Etsy Shop. Instead of opening up my old shop, I started a new one for a fresh start...I linked my old store so I would have feedback history and items sold history....I have been gone a while...and I know it takes a time to build up someting new...but I am letting myself feel a little discouraged already. I know I don't have time to make lots of stuff for it..I dont have too much in it yet...and I know my reasons for doing the new shop are a litle different then they were when I did my first shop, but I still hope for it to be a success just on a lighter, less pressure scale. I know I have to be patient and positive. I think one of the things I look forward to the most, is sharing my creations with some amazing people that I meet along the way. I have truly met some wonderful & inspiring customers (turned friends) on my last journey. I am so excited to start making more stuff, It truly is a joy. I have a million ideas swimming through my head. So, if you want to check out the new shop it is: Noteballs.etsy.com (name courtesy of a Benjamin creation).

Other Stuff - A winter storm is rolling in tonight, I am so not looking forward to it, but what can you do? Spring , Spring, where are you? My biggest challenge of the morning will be cleaning out my car (blazer), as someone is coming to look at it for a possible purchase in the near future, I cannot believe that I am in the market to switch to a Mini-VAN. Most of my friends drive vans and I am going to have 3 kids to haul around once the tulips start popping out of the ground...but the idea of driving a van kind of scares me a little, I don't know why? I think they feel a little overwhelming. So anyway, cleaning my current car will be a task for sure because this winter I have let many items accumulate within the vehicle and I don't know what to expect to find in there. The moment I said out loud the verse this morning: "This is the day that the Lord has made , let us rejoice and be glad in it"----a cardinal (my favorite bird) flew across my viewing path to greet me a good morning. I know it was for me. :) I am making Chili in the crockpot for an easy and heartwarming dinner this sunday evening. The kids have been such characters lately, truly making me smile and laugh...which is good because I need that right now. How does laundry add up so quickly? I guess it doesnt help that ben changes his clothing at least 3-5 times a day. Every day ben tells me that I am his pretty heart....so I guess I don't mind doing his laundry. for lent Isabelle is giving up fighting with ben. and for lent ben is determined to fight bad guys with his sword and eat goldfish. happy sunday.

Misc. RoundUp

Recently the kids celebrated Catholic Schools Week. Here they sport their blue & gold attire. Every day at school there were special activities & projects. They had so much fun.

Recently, Isabelle got to go bowling for the first time with Girlscouts, so soon after we took her and Ben for an afternoon of funny shoes & wooden pins. They had so much fun...and would you believe that Ben beat us all? He was the big winner..1st place!....and Isabelle was 2nd...truly.

Bowling Queen

I had the pleasure of helping, plan , prepare and execute Valentine Day parties for both Ben & Isabelle's classes. Ben got to come with to Isabelle's so here they are together at her desk. These were such a joy to be part of (but I must admit , exhausting!).

Here is an OIL painting that I recently finished. Two of my favorite subjects: Gnomes & Cardnials. I am excited to start a new project...just not sure what yet.

This morning the snow falls , I drink my coffee, watch the birds, listen to the kids play and I am thankful there is no school or requriements (presidents day) so we can just stay home, relax and hopefully catch up on a few things. Today is Noah's birthday, so tonight we will go out to dinner somewhere....and the kids & I will make a cake. Times have been so busy lately, but I am thankful for all our blessings. This week coming up is busy too, but instead of feeling overwhelmed...I am looking forward to each day, taking it all - one day at a time.