Thankful

Today I am just grateful that I have a job. I know so many out there that are struggling. I am blessed to be able to work 50 feet from my apartment. I am blessed with a husband that goes to school at night so we don't have to pay for daycare. I am blessed with public education so that Jackson rides the bus to and from school. I am grateful to be alive every morning I wake up. I am grateful for Pediatric Rehab for working with Madison on her speech.  I am grateful for her speech therapist Carin Hadley for being patient and knowing what works best and what doesn't. I am grateful for the research that has been done for kids with Childhood Apraxia. I am grateful for insurance and the chance that we have to have it. I am grateful for doctors who take time to listen and work their hardest to find what is best for my children. I am grateful for a husband that is trying really hard to be a good dad and husband. He is working so hard in school for us to have a better life. I am grateful for co-workers who make my job fun. I am grateful for my family and the support they give to me. Finally I am grateful for my 4 beautiful children that love me more than anyone and that need me and that greet me with squeals and hugs when I open the door. There is nothing better than that.

I don't care if you vaccinate, or spank or eat organic.

This is to all of the moms out there who think that vaccinating your kids is wrong.

This is to the mom who thinks not vaccinating your kids is wrong.

This is to the mom who thinks you shouldn't let your 2 year old have a pacifier.

This is to the mom who thinks you are ruining the planet by not using cloth diapers.

This is to the mom who thinks organic is the only way to go.

This is to the mom who thinks mothers shouldn't be in the workplace.

This is to the mom who thinks formula feeding your baby is wrong.

This is to the mom who thinks co-sleeping is dangerous and going to cause a dependency.

This is to the mom who thinks your baby is under-dressed.

This is to the mom who thinks your baby is overdressed.

This is to the mom who is disgusted when you don't make your kids school lunch and let him eat what the school serves.

This is to the mom who hovers over their kids at the playground.

This is to the mom who is on her cellphone at the playground.

This is to the mom that lets her kids run around without shoes on.

This is to the mom who doesn't have her kids on a bed time routine.

This is to the mom who didn't get out of her pajamas today.

This is to the mom who made Mac & Cheese for the 3rd day in a row.

This is to the mom who doesn't dress her kids in designer clothes.

This is to the mom who let her baby cry-it-out.

This is to the mom who doesn't allow her kids to have sugar.

This is to the mom who believes in essential oils.

This is the mom who spanks her kids.

This is to the mom who yells.

This is to the mom who spoils her kids.

This is to all the mothers who are trying everyday to do what they think is best for their children. To raise them to be stand-up human beings that put their stamp on the world. To cuddle, kiss, play and love with. You are all doing an amazing job and it doesn't matter what you think of others, they are doing the best that they can do too. It doesn't matter how much "research" you have done or how many books you've read, your way isn't the only way. Can't we all just stop judging? If there was a handbook on parenting and what was perfect and what wasn't, how boring would the world be? The Lord knows we are trying. He knows our hearts and he is the only one that matters. Not the mom down the street, or the mom on social media, or the latest article in Huffington Post or the mom at the grocery store. Let's open our hearts and minds and stop being so judgmental even when you think you aren't. Can't we just relish in the good and congratulate one another on a job well done?

Why the hiatus?

I'm Back!!!!

Life got very busy starting in May. I decided to go back to work to help out with finances. I went back to the Olive Garden, which was not my favorite but they are flexible. I only lasted there about 7 weeks and in July I was offered a position at Oakhurst Apartments where I live as the Leasing Agent. I was thrilled. It worked perfectly with Richards school schedule coming up and it was close to home (almost too close LOL) and it had incentives. I took it and am still there and loving every day of it.

Birthdays and Holidays came and went. Mom moved away July 5 and we suddenly became a normal family full of our own problems and winning moments. Jackson started kindergarten. Madison started a dance class and speech class. The twins turned 2! Richard and I celebrated 7 years together! New Years came and here we are.

Because I work 9-5 everyday I only see my kids for about 4 hours a day and on weekends. It is crazy but it's what works best for us right now. With days like today I had a wake up call and realized my time with these spirits is limited and I need to be grateful for it. So after putting all the kids to bed and checking my social media, I realized I have a lot to be thankful for. So of course I need to make a list to remind myself.

1. I am grateful for 4 beautiful children that love me no matter what.
2. I am grateful for a husband that supports me in whatever I choose to do.
3. I am grateful for a warm bed, food in my pantry, a van that runs, health insurance and hot water.
4. I am grateful for my testimony. (it has been tested beyond any limits I have been tested before and it is only getting stronger)
5. I am grateful for my 4 brothers and mother who love me and support me unconditionally.
6. I am grateful for a job that allows me flexibility if needed and my residents who forgive me and my mishaps.
7. I am grateful for the scriptures and how they just guide my life right where it needs to be.
8. I am grateful that Richard is going to school to better our lives.
9. I am grateful for the people that cross my path that allow me to help them.
10. I am grateful for doctors.
11. I am grateful for medication that gets me back on track.
12. I am grateful for other MoMs and the support system we offer one another even though we have never met.

Lastly I am grateful to wake up every morning alive and know the Lord has given me 1 more day with my babies.

Some things I've learned from being a MoM

When I found out I was having twins I laughed.

I laughed the rest of the day out of pure nervousness and inadequacy.

Now almost 2 years after that day I am still laughing but mix in some tears and surprise. I have made it to 15 months of being a twin mom! I am pretty proud of myself. During these 15 months I have learned a few things about children and myself.

1. If  one twin gets sick expect the other to follow right behind and then expect to be couped up in your house for at least a week.

2. If one gets hurt they are both hurt.

3. If I say "no" to one and they cry, sure enough the other will cry too.

4. When one is hungry so is the other.

5. When one is tired so is the other.

6. No matter if I buy 2 of the same toy they have to have what the other has and it always turns into a tear fest.

7. If I snuggle with one, the other will fuss until I snuggle with them.

8. They always have poop diapers at the same time.

9. If one wakes up at night the other is not far behind and n I should just plan on both of them waking up.

10. They like to climb into one another beds.

11. They like to feed one another.

12. They have staring contests.

13. If one reaches a milestone, you can bet the other will reach the same within a week.

14. They may not look alike but they act alike.

15. Lastly they love each other like we will never understand.

I have learned about myself that I am not as patient as I used to be but then sometimes I am very patient. It has been a crazy bumpy ride but I wouldn't change a thing.

My favorite things

I am currently addicted to these silly things.

This thermometer has been a part of our family for a year and it still works perfectly. Best $35 spent. 

I bought this diaper bag about 3 months ago because my other one broke and I couldn't be happier.  It was less than $40 at Burlington Coat Factory. It has a ton of room and lots of pockets. It is plenty big enough for all 4 of my kids stuff. 

My cup runneth over

I am just so happy right now. My brother is over which happens every sunday. I just put the babies to bed, Richard is at work doing his part as the provider and the rest of us are hanging in the living room. Kirk (brother) is playing Legos with the kids. It has been a great day and I am just overwhelmed with gratitude. I am so blessed. 

I have a roof over my head, I have 4 amazing children, I have a wonderful husband that supports me in all my craziness. I have a testimony of my savior and know that through him I can do anything. I have a family that loves me no matter what. I am able to pay the bills and feed my children. I am able to take them outside and play. 

I am sitting back taking in all the love that fills this house. We all have our ups and downs but when it comes down to it we are all that matters and we know we all love each other. It is just an awesome feeling. 

Mommy moments

I am lucky to have a lot of mommy moments with my children. Today was no exception.

We were hanging at the neighborhood playground and my son Jackson climbs a tree for the first time!!!! He was so proud of himself that I couldn't help but tear up.

While out at that same playground my 3 year old figured out how to use her pedals on her tricycle. This is huge.

My 1 year old can climb stairs and come back down.

Later we were in the car and my 3 year old finally figured out how to buckle herself in her carseat. (This is especially great)

We went to The Olive Garden for dinner and my kids chose salad for their meal.

We spent the rest of the night at home where my kids can turn my house into a scene from Twister in 10 seconds but they are having so much fun because all 4 of them are playing together. The twins are on the move and learning new things every minute. My daughter is so amazing on her tablet. Jackson is such a kind heart. I say " we need to get ready for bed" and Jackson says "don't worry mom, I'll get jammies for the babies."

We made up stories, we sang songs and we laughed.

It was a day to go down in the books. I look forward to my mommy moments tomorrow.