Our First Expedition Out with the Potty!

Oh, my goodness, where to begin? I suppose I'll begin with yesterday morning (Wednesday, 29 May 2013).

So, yesterday was our first day to get in the car since we began potty training LAST Tuesday. Sadly, though, I wasn't feeling the usual cabin fever. It's amazing what nice weather and hard housework will do to me! I'm not going to say that that week went by quickly, but I'm honestly feeling exhausted just thinking about it! I got much more done this past week than I thought I would. Seriously, I did at least 12 loads of laundry, kept the kitchen mostly clean, kept all three kids alive, and did the nitty gritty potty training. Plus, while we were out playing in the yard, I reorganized and cleaned the front porch. Go me!

Anyway, so, even though I knew we were leaving the house yesterday, I woke up and was like, WAIT, that's TODAY! (I'm blaming it on momma brain; it seems these kids suck all the thoughts from my brain!) We ended up leaving much later than we thought we would. I would take all the blame, but Nolana slept in; my 'natural' alarm clock failed me. It was quite the gaggle trying to get everyone up, dressed, fed, and out in the car while trying to pack all the stuff that needed to go with us. Luckily, Kevin was there to help, otherwise I probably would have just sat down and cried. It was hectic. Just as I was getting very frustrated, Evelynn completely lifted my spirits. I had her strapped into her fortified car seat (in case she had an accident), and she said, "Pee, potty" and grabbed at her crotch. So, I unstrapped her and she got on the potty. Pulled her own pants down, too. She made it! YES! She's growing up so fast. Then she proceeded to sing about how she gets a chocolate because she peed in the potty. Silly girl :) Definitely from my loins, chocolate girl.

Jade still has not had a success on the potty. I'm contemplating pulling back and starting again with her a little later. I just don't think she recognizes the urge to go yet. Suggestions?

We did not go to the park yesterday. We've had a cold going around the family, and I didn't want to spread it to all the other kids. But, I did get a rare 10 minutes to myself. I left the kids and Kevin hanging out with Nonnie while I drove down to the park, hoping Lauren would have some 'potty' books for the girls that she said I could borrow. I spent maybe 3 minutes talking to the ladies. It was nice to get a few minutes to myself, even if it was while I was driving. Needless to say, I drove a little slower than usual.

After we had lunch and hung out at my in-laws, we headed home. Kevin left again shortly thereafter to go and get some things done. He delivered the fifth wheel to its new owner and went over to Uncle Buddy's and Aunt Beth's shop. Then went to the store and filled the gas tank.

Today has been a hard day for me. Nolana hasn't been sleeping well the last few nights. So I haven't gotten much sleep. And that makes me cranky. I've just been terribly emotional today. I can't figure out why. I've been having to mentally shake myself to stop myself from thinking so selfishly. You'd think that by now I'd have stopped realizing that I even have preferences. Seriously, my whole life right now revolves around others. I do everything for my kids and family. Maybe that is why I've had a difficult day. I just want someone to do something for me, and solely for me. And we just had Mothers Day. Geez, Emily, get a grip! I know I'm loved. It's just hard. I feel like these kids drain everything from me! Some days it doesn't SEEM worth it, but I know that's just my selfishness kicking in. That's why motherhood is not for everyone. It's hard.

But the smiles. They are wonderful. Evelynn, all messy and dirty, yelling happily in her not-quite English. Jade, her blues eyes alight with curiosity and a mischievous lilt to her lips. Nolana, ready to send me a gummy, opened mouth, eye twinkling, happy smile.

How can it get any better than this?

Thanks for listening/reading. Sometimes, all it takes is a few minutes of 'introspecting' out loud, and everything makes sense.

That being said, take a few minutes for yourself. You've spent time learning about my life. Now think on yours.

God bless!

My First Ramblings

What's the little fun thing we did today? Propped open the doors to the back porch and ran in and out of the house. After Evelynn tossed all 6 balls over the railing (which earned her a 'stern' talking to, because I told her not to), we 'raced' (as much as a grown woman, a 3 year old, and a 20 month old can) from one side of the deck to the other. It's so nice outside, even if it's a bit chilly. Jade is so cute running around in a black, long sleeve shirt, panties, socks, and boots. I'll try to post a picture later. Evelynn still has her night gown on. The girls have 'fed' me with all their kitchen stuff. Jade thinks it's hilarious when I take the fake lettuce off the spoon, pretend to gobble it down, hide it behind my back, and ask her where it went. She giggles, then turns stern and demands that I give it back to her.

They were demanding that I turn on the TV. So, I did. But, instead of putting on something for them to watch, I turned on music. I put it on the Scottish Country Dancing station that I have on Pandora. We spent about 30 minutes 'dancing'. Part of the way through, Evelynn reverted to running in circles. A great way to expend some energy. Then, when they got bored of that, we started crawling around and pretending to be puppies. My kids are goofs. I love them beyond words!

Nolana took a good nap this morning. Usually she wakes up around 0730, takes about a 30 minute nap around 1030, then goes down for a nice, long nap at around 1300-1330. Instead, she didn't wake up until a little after 0800, then slept from 1000-1130. Last night she had a fever. We're all battling a cold. So I suppose she's resting in order to fight it off. Good for her. Now if only the other two would nap that nicely.

My mom said something to me along these lines this morning: "Nolana is at the age where she makes you think you want another one, because of how cute and adorable she is." Now, while she is super cute and at a great developmental stage, I'm at the point where I'd rather just enjoy my kids right where they are. I don't want to have to worry about another one just yet. A part of me wants to smack my Momma upside the head, because she's probably jinxed us. But, God is in control. I'll keep enjoying my kids, loving my husband,, and praying to The Lord.

I'm currently working on sewing myself a new shirt. It's slow going; I tend to be pulled towards other things. But, it has taken over the whole dinner table, so I better finish it soon!

Okay, that's enough of my ramblings. A full-bodied second post, have I made.

God bless!

Me, blogging?!?!?!?!

Okay, so, I’m not going to lie, my life is one hectic mess nowadays. I hardly ever finish anything, and I’m constantly being pulled in 20 different directions. So why in the world would I start up something new? Here’s my answer; I hope to tie things together. I’m on Facebook quite a bit. I’m hardly out of the house. I live in the northern mountains of New Mexico, requiring a 40 minute drive to get ANYWHERE. I’m surrounded by three midget monsters all the time. My oldest is three years old. (Yep, you read that right: I have three kids ages 3 and under… and they are all girls!!) My friends are trying to get me interested in Pinterest. I’d like to be crafty every now and then. So, I hope to use this blog as a medium between everything in my life. Although, I can’t honestly promise regular posting. Daily? Weekly? Monthly? I have no clue what will be possible. I suppose ya’ll will have to find out with me! Here is to new (partial) beginnings!