I give up!

Today, I have kept trying to get motivated to do something on my already realistic to-do list: exercise and laundry. And no matter what, I can't seem to do either. I even had a short chance to nap when all the girls were asleep, and I was too bored to even do that. It must be the weather or something! It is Friday of spring break and it's snowing outside.

So today, I am going to STOP trying and just survive until a new day.

This is what I would rather be doing right now:







(I don't even golf, but I like to go along with Mike, riding along in the cart, reading my book, sipping a pop....sigh...)





And if it just has to rain...I'll only take it if I get to enjoy it with Mike, like this couple. How romantic!



Oh, and one last thing...if you are out there and feeling the same way, please comment. I'm desperate for some "girl talk" other than my three under the age of 5.

"Dresses, Eggs, and Cousins...Oh, My!"

and this is how we all felt the day after...

Remembering it's not about me...

Above is exhibit one.

Above is exhibit two.

I used to look most like exhibit one. I enjoyed wearing really feminine, classic dresses that accentuated by best assets and let me pretend I lived in the classic 50's - you know a real vintage look.

So, the other day, I went shopping at Target, for something new to wear for Easter. I had to bring my two youngest cuties along, so there was no trying anything on. I grabbed a really sweet, lavendar gingham dress (exhibit 1) in what I guessed would be the appropriate size and crossed my fingers that it would work. The nearest Target is an hour away, so a return trip before Easter would be unlikely.

Well, you may have already guessed, but the dress didn't look so hot. I had visions of Aunt Bee, from the Andy Griffith show or something of the like... you get it. So, for now, with my pregnancy weight, and my breastfeeding upper half, I guess I'll have to just laugh this one back to the store, and spend some time trying on a few outfits:).

Okay, so #1, this is a little therapeutic and I really am laughing out loud right now. Next year, at this time, after I have allowed myself more time....I know Aunt Bee will be a bygone.

And even more importantly, #2, EASTER is not about all our frilly/perfect appearances. Amen? Although we'll all put on our finest this Sunday, don't we know that it's all about

Him and not us. There's so much freedom in that!

He is RISEN, He is RISEN indeed!

Happy Easter fellow Mommies.

I fought for this picture...

Last summer, my talented father in law, Mike, built my girls a play structure in our backyard. It wasn't a small fete and he worked through many hot August days to get it completed.

The structure plans AND our limited space called for just two swings, but knowing we had a third daughter on the way, I asked a big favor on top of the already huge favor, of finding a way to make three swings. Well, I know at least my hubby thought it wasn't the best idea, but everyone bowed and made my wish come true.

Well, last week, on a very sunny afternoon (aren't we missing that today?), I was smiling ear to ear because of my three swings.

It was the best "little dream" come true that I could have imagined!

*dedicated to the hero in my little girls' eyes...their grandpa

Why God Gave Us Brothers

Without going into details here in such a public forum, I will just say that my husband had one of the hardest weeks of his life. Everything is okay and we're really hoping that things are calming down. But it's an understatement to say it was an emotional journey and super taxing.

That being said, I had the opportunity to watch some awesome things happen alongside the bad...of course, isn't that God's way to bless His obedient children?! Family and friends were praying for the issue, and above all for Mike's strength. But, one of the best parts of the week was being able to see one of Mike's best friends come to his side in a hurry --- his one and only brother.

My brother-in-law, Matt is a great man. He loves the Lord and that shows by how he loves those fortunate enough to be in his circle of friends and family. Matt was there every step of the way with encouragement, counsel and a little bit of spoiling too.

On the hardest day of all, he called to tell Mike that we were to bring our kids over and he and my sister in law, Becca, would be sending us out to an all expense paid dinner - and he added that there were to be NO ARGUMENTS. It gets better though....because Becca teaches Bible study on that night, Matt watched my girls alone, along with his kiddos. And as we left for one of the fancier restaurants in town, he made sure to demand that we order drinks, appetizers, meals and dessert. So I teared up twice that day - both when Mike told me of Matt's offer and also when Matt said to go all out.

We did too - it was awesome. I had a 4 dollar italian soda, we shared a great appetizer, each had 20 dollar a piece meals, and I ordered a 7 dollar cheesecake at the end. I felt a bit guilty at the cost, but Mike and I knew that Matt really wanted this for us. And by the way, Becca was of course in aggreement with everything and opened her home to my girls, one week before their big moving weekend.

I just had to share this with you all, because it was the best way I could think of to say thank you to Matt. In this crazy week for us, his love for Mikey, was the best side effect witnessed.

I'm so thankful and have such admiration for their relationship!

That was the best Matt - we love you!

It's almost Spring!

Today we made these Easter baskets at the moms group I lead. I stole the cute idea from the Better Homes and Gardens website. It is easy, fast and pretty adorable.

Unfortunately, as the leader, I was in charge of all the left over candy, which came home with me...you know the rest of the story!

Two Tuckered Kids

It was a really painful day for two of my favorite people. Ruby needed 5 shots and 1 oral immunization at her 2 month check-up... and Mike had a day at work that will go down in infamy in our family's history. But here tonight in the comfort of our own living room, you can see they found peace in each other's arms. And even better, God's mercies are new every morning!

I wanted to remember my tough, strong hubby holding his baby daughter. All is well.