Hows the day? (edited to add)

*for the brownie recipe click on "these killer, to die for, better than lovin' brownies" it will take you to the link. Click with care

Well, I'm glad you asked. I'm feeling very blah-ish today. Why?... Well it might have something to do with my total lack of last nights sleep. Kaleb complained all day yesterday that his tummy hurt. In fact it hurt so bad he was doubled up in pain. It breaks my little mommy heart to see him like that. Especially when he tells me that it hurts in his chest (which means his acid reflux is bothering him which is a whole other story in itself). He'll say to me, "mommy, my stomach is coming up". Oh, what can I do? Nothing, so I feel slightly helpless. So I was up with him every hour or so last night because he wasn't feeling the best.

To say the least, this has been a very unproductive day full of...well...nothing. So what do I plan to do with my rest of my evening?...again, nothing. Except I do plan on eating rocky road ice cream out of the carton with a fork (not spoon. Not sure why. Ice cream just taste better out of the carton with a fork) and I have the best of intentions of making THESE KILLER, TO DIE FOR, BETTER THAN LOVIN' BROWNIES!!! Seriously, I kid you not. My friend Emily gave me this recipe and I am forever in her debt. These are the best brownies you will ever taste in your life. I offer this kind warning only as a friend. Once you get a taste of this brownie goodness you will crave it at least 3-5 times a week. So make sure you keep all ingredients on hand in case of emergency.

*these brownies are even better if you put them in the fridge

No hair today...still no hair tomorrow

Contrary to what you may think, here is photographic evidence that Macie does in fact have hair. It is true that in her poor little year and a half existence she has not been blessed with a lot of hair. But, what she lacks in hair growth, she makes up for in looks and personality. And no, I'm not to blame for her hair-do...that would be her Dad's doing. Let's just say it's a good thing that Nate doesn't do the kids hair.

Our family room (formerly known as my bedroom)

I was thinking the other day (I know...this could get dangerous). Nate and I have been married for 6 1/2 blissful years. And in those 6 1/2 blissful years Nate and I have only slept together in a kid free room for only about 1 year and a 1/2 of our married life. WHAT! I know that's crazy, but that is the sad truth. I'm not sure who to feel worse for, me and Nate or the kid who has to sleep in our room.

We pretty much have only had a two room apartment since we've had kids. Abrie slept in our room until she was 1 year (I know that's kind of old) and then Kaleb was born. Abrie then graduated from our bedroom to her own and then Kaleb (the poor child) got stuck with us. And then came along Macie, and so the cycle goes.

Why, you ask, don't we put all the kids together? Partly for convenience and partly for my sanity. I can picture it now. Me, sound asleep in bed dreaming of a 5 bedroom house with 3 bathrooms, a dishwasher and a working washer and Dryer. Only to be awakened at 6:00 in the morning to loud screaming and chaos. I would run into the bedroom where the 3 kids were supposed to be sleeping but instead find that Kaleb has climbed into Macie's crib and has decided to launch a full on attack against Abrie who was peacefully sleeping. Abrie starts throwing any object in arms reach at Kaleb, while Kaleb uses Macie as a human body shield to protect him from the wrath of Abrie. That scenario is very probable, in fact...that was probably sugar coating it. Yes, my dear friends, I'm am afraid that could very well be the outcome of moving the 3 kids into a bedroom together.

So for now, Nate and I will not be having any more kids and we will just have to enjoy the time we get to spend with our kids in our bedroom for at least another 9 months. (lets just hope it's a fast 9 months)

Bugs, slugs & other creepy crawlies

I took the kids on a walk yesterday just to get out of the house.

Well, it turned into a bug hunt instead.

Whatever keeps them entertained is fine by me.

Aren't girls supposed to be afraid of bugs?The kids even named their bugs. Meet sluggy...
and wormy.

The kids promised they would take good care of their new found pets if they could bring them home. "Mom, we will feed them and give them water and give them a good home". I pulled the old, "but kids, how do you think their family would feel if you took them away from their home?"...worked like a charm.

It's going to take more than a village...

NOTE TO READERS:This post is rated PG-13 for usage of the word hell. If this offends you please stop reading now. (I guess Nate won't be reading this one)

You would think with as much as I talk about Kaleb that he is an only child. Well...here we go again.

So lately I have been venturing out of my house with the three kids to go to the grocery store, which is a huge feat for me. Before now I would avoid going with the kids at ALL costs, even if that meant going at 11:00 at night (or just letting Nate go in my stead. I know...that was a sacrifice I was willing to make because I do love grocery shopping more life itself). Before going, I give myself a little pep talk, "Who's the mom?...I'm the mom! Who's in charge?...I'm in charge!...What's that? I can't hear you...I'M IN CHARGE at least I think I am", you know the usual. Doesn't everybody do that?

And we're off to the grocery store. We grab our cart, you know the ones with the massive car attached to the front where the kids can sit and they are so ridiculously big that when you back up there should be a beeper signaling people to get out of the way or else. And they're so clunky that there should be a "Caution: wide load coming through" sign on it. Yep that's the one we get....every time. This time my kids picked out a winner, I got the cart with the one wheel that seemed to have a mind of it's own. No matter which way you try to turn the cart this "one wheel" would go in the opposite direction (kind of like a certain child of mine). Not only did it have a mind of it's own but it made the loudest rattling noise announcing our presence to everyone in the store (as if I needed something else thing to draw attention to myself).

The list is small so I'm thinking we can totally make it in and out of the store with no casualties...Sadly today, this was not the case.

We started out great. Aisle 1-4 went as smooth as can be with the kids playing nicely with each other, while pleasant laughter filled our cart. Aisle 5-8 started getting a little shaky. The kids started to playfully tease each other and when people would walk by they would pretend to make unpleasant bodily function noises as they would pass. Aisle 9-10 the playful teasing had turned into a full on brawl complete with hair pulling and punching. We never made to aisle 11- 13 because by that time Kaleb had entered into complete melt down phase, where life itself seemed to be over...Oh, the pain, the agony of having to sit in in a cart for a half hour. If there was a hell, this had to be it.

You know the mothers that you pass in the store that have child throwing a massive tantrum and you look at them thinking either, I'm glad that's not me or learn to control your child. Well, I had become that mother that you see all too often in the store with the out of control child.

I quickly made my way to the register where I patiently waited my turn in line not knowing whether or not I should
A. Pretend to not hear my screaming child
B. Lash out in anger and make a scene
C. Perform and exorcism..."demons be gone!"
or
D. Make an announcement over the speaker apologizing for my child's behavior
I chose A, the less aggressive route.

While standing in line, both the cashier and the bagger were commenting, "boy some one's not happy"..."I think some one needs a nap", I quietly said to myself, "someone needs more then a nap...and he's going to get it!". Then from behind me a hear a booming voice, "YOUNG MAN...YOUNG MAN...don't you talk like that to you mother. You need to stop it!"Usually, I think I would be bothered by someone else trying to discipline my child, but this time, this old man's attempts were welcomed. In fact, I thought to myself, who else wants a shot at it. Apparently what I was doing didn't seem to be very effective. And believe it or not, Kaleb actually calmed down a little bit...at least to point where I could hear what the cashier was saying.

Well, not even a week later we made a quick run to Wal-mart (you would think I've learned my lesson by now) and again, a very similar situation occurred. Kaleb got in trouble for trying steal. So I put him in the cart for a little time out. He began screaming and jumping making a huge scene, when again, I hear another voice. This one not so loud but a little bit more stern, "NO, YOU DON'T DO THAT! you need to sit down right now." She repeated herself over and over until Kaleb stopped. I turn around to see a sweet old lady getting after Kaleb. Again, I welcomed her attempts with open arms. After Kaleb settled down I smiled at her and thanked her for her help. She smiled and patted me on the back, comfortly saying, "no problem sweetie...I use to be where you are".

It really does take a village to raise a child, unfortunately in my case, I think it might take an army.

The joys of motherhood {or the lack there of}

Oh, the joys of boys and all the mischief that comes along with it!

Today the kids were playing outside (not a very smart decision on part since it had just barely stopped raining). I gave them the usual lecture about no playing in the mud or else...

No more then 10 min. pass that I see Abrie carrying around buckets of mud. So in the house she goes for a quick wash down in the tub. After I finished up with her I went back to check on Kaleb only to find him flinging massive amounts of mud balls at our apartment building. He was having the time of his life...a boy in his true element. Well, that was until I came outside. His instincts kicked in and he quickly covered his bum and said, "mommy, mommy it was an accident!"...Yes, I've heard that one before, but on this occasion that wasn't going to work. So it was back up the stairs for kid #2's bath.

As there are with all actions there are consequences that follow. There's nothing like hard labor to teach the kid a lesson...right?

(Kaleb and some of his partners in crime)

WRONG! The idea I had to make him clean up his mess backfired. The combination of mud+water+bubbles+more mud= HEAVEN. Now he'll be throwing mud just so he can clean it up. At least he's got a good arm! The mud managed to make it to the second floor, Nate should be proud.
The aftermath of the days chaos. I needed some motivation to clean it any way, oh, and don't you just love the blue bathtub? it goes great with my blue toilet.
Now I couldn't leave out Macie in all this chaos, now could I? No...she must of been feeling left out. She managed to climb up on to the table and practice her creative art.

Some time's I wonder why I even try.

Here's is Macie caught red handed...or should I say blue handed?

At least she managed to pick out the right shade for her lips... it really brings out the color of her eyes don't you think?

Hair today, gone tomorrow

So I thought it was time to get a haircut since the last one I had was two months ago and I was the one that cut it. (Jessica is probably laughing by now, I'm sure this brings back memories of me cutting my own bangs and failing miserably.) Lets just say there is a reason why I didn't go into cutting hair. And yes you heard me right...I had bangs. You can all laugh now. Not only is it funny that I had bangs, but it's that I had bangs up until 3 years ago that makes it even funnier. You may all laugh harder now. My sweet friend Jessica, who used to cut my hair, tried MANY times to get me to grow my bangs out. Finally her persistence paid off. So along with growing my bangs out I decided to see just how long my hair could get.

Well I said I wouldn't cut my hair until Nate graduate's from school (Don't ask me why, I think it's quite odd myself) but I couldn't hold out any longer. 9 months shy of graduation I decided it was time. So here you have it, the before and after pictures (which I hate) but for the sake of blogging I had to put them in.

First off lets start with my "bang days". They could be classified in 3 different categories; 1st we have the "bad bang days", this would be when the bangs would fall completely flat and the bangs did not reach the full potential of the "arch" to give the full effect of the bangs. 2nd category is the "mediocre bang days". These were the days where the bangs had sufficient arch but the curl was bad. The bangs weren't spread evenly across the forehead but still it was good enough to give it the sassy-ness needed to pull off the bangs. And last we have the "freakin' awesome bang days". These days would go a little something like this, "Oh my gosh, look at her bangs, they are so big. She must be one of those hot guys girlfriends!" And then Nate would follow in by saying, "I like big bangs and I can not lie, no other brother can deny. When a girl walks in with an itty-bitty face and some big bangs in your face you get...." I'll let you fill in the rest. But you get the idea.

Here I am in all my glory during the bang days. This would be considered a "mediocre bang day". I must say, I think I pulled it off quite nicely. Wouldn't you agree? And check out the serious yet sassy look on my face. That is a face only someone with bangs could pull off...Nate is one lucky man.

Here I am post bang days practicing my modeling skills. I know you're thinking with modeling skills such as mine, I could probably model for Kmart or Walmart...I will consider that.
My hair has never been this long. The unfortunate thing about my hair being this long is that it spent most of it's time up in a pony tail.
And here you have it, the end result. I hope I didn't make a mistake cutting it. And if you noticed there's a little bit a bangs...just for old time sakes.
(Now this is the part where you reassure me I did the right thing by cutting my hair)

Questionable material

So the other day, while at the gym, I was reading a magazine to pass the time of the dreaded cardio. It was one of those celebrity gossip magazines. You know the ones that say, "Look, celebrities are just like us!" and then proceed to show pictures of celebs doing "normal" every day things like taking the trash out, driving a car, picking a wedgie...that sort of stuff. Well I came across an advertisement titled PORN FOR WOMEN and yes, I do have to admit it caught my eye. And yes, I also have to admit I did smile just a little bit. Underneath the large bold print it showed several pictures of men with chiseled jaw lines and bulging biceps (fully clothed) flexing the muscle that really counts, THEIR CLEANING MUSCLE. (Seriously people, what else did you think I was going to say?) One picture was a a man vacuuming the house, while another one was doing the dishes. And to add more appeal, one man was down on his hands and knees scrubbing the bathroom floor..."porn for women" , now that's what I'm talking about! That ad could not have been more accurate and I'm quite sure that ANY married women reading this right now are nodding their head in agreement (or maybe not). Isn't it funny how having your husband clean the bathroom let alone do the dishes is better then say... a box of chocolates or jewelery.

Now I have to say that I have been blessed with a wonderful husband who does help out around the house if I ask for help. But if Nate out of no where said to me, "Ginnie you've had a long day, why don't you go sit down and I will cook and clean up dinner and after I'm done with that I'll put the kids in bed. And I know you haven't cleaned the bathroom in at least 3 weeks, so you know what,.. I'll give it a good scrub down for you as well." Wow, just the thought of that makes me melt like butta'. For the sake of keeping this PG-rated I have to stop right there, but you get the idea. So the question is, how do we get the men in our lives to do that for us? Maybe you could direct them to reading this blog and well, if that doesn't work there's always "Porn for Women" I enjoyed taking a peek. (Does that mean I need to go talk to the bishop now?)

The saga of the coveted "heart chair" continues…

When we last left off, there were two heart struck lovers torn between one immaculate chair. For the one who sat upon this chair received unimaginable power and control over the other one, who was left desolate and dejected. This chair (although it may be coveted), has been the cause of many heartaches and struggles in the Nate & Ginnie household. The parents of the two “heart struck lovers” had many sleepless nights, and prayed fervently that there would some day be an end to this seemingly endless battle and that peace would rein once again.

We are told that we aren’t given trials that we cannot overcome, well brothers and sisters I believe this to be true. Because of the faithfulness of the parents (and one heart sticker) peace has been restored to the home at last. Once where there was malice; now there is love and once where chaos & confusion dwelt; now calmness and harmony resides. Oh, how I am thankful for heart stickers and the resourcefulness of my children.

The original coveted "heart chair"

Coveted "heart chair" #2. This was the kids idea to make it so they could both be able to sit on "heart chair". Isn't that sweet?

Abrie on "heart chair" #1, Kaleb on "heart chair" #2. (This is what Nate likes to call "synergy")

I wish I had a shirt for that

So last year, after I had Macie, I decided it was time to hit the gym. So 4 weeks or so postpartum my friend Emily and I made a visit to our local gym. After walking through the gym doors I suddenly found myself surrounded by all these thin, rock hard gym goers. They were weightlifting and stair stepping as if there were no tomorrow. I then got a good glimpse in the mirror of my excess stomach rolls, and my motherly hips and thighs (which seemed to make a clapping noise every time I would take a step). And no matter how hard I tried I just could not suck in my stomach, not even a good girdle or duct tape could hold that sucker in (You know it's bad when you walk and you feel your stomach bouncing along). As people passed by me I almost felt the need to explain to them that it was OK that I looked like this because I just had a baby. Then I had the ingenious idea that instead of explaining myself to everyone it would be great to have a shirt that explained all. The shirt would go a little something like this;

"No, I"m not fat (well maybe just a little bit), I just had a baby".

Here are some other shirts that would come in handy;

"No, I'm not fat (well maybe just a little bit), I'm pregnant"

As you can tell, shirt #2 is very similar to shirt#1. But I felt it was the only way to clearly get the point across. This shirt would obviously be worn during those "hard to tell" months of pregnancy. I will also be making a velcro attachment that says "I'm bloated". Simply place it over "I'm pregnant" and there you have it...two shirts in one. And yes, the velcro attachment can be interchangeable with both shirt #2 and shirt #1...(I know, I'm thoughtful like that). Next we have;

"Yes, there real"

This one I hesitated to put on, but I just couldn't resist. Only a few of you will find humor in this. This shirt is intended for those women who are not "well endowed" like myself, yes it is true...sad, but true. So you ask yourself "why would I want to wear a shirt that exaggerates how flat I am?" I haven't quite figured that out yet, but some where in my odd little mind I find humor in it. *rules or stipulations for wearing this shirt: this shirt is not intended for the "well endowed" (that would take the humor completely out of the shirt, therefore making you look conceded) or those who've had an "enhancement" (that would be considered false advertising).

"Yes, they are all my kids, and no, they're not triplets"

Would you believe that someone actually asked me if my kids were triplets. I guess Kaleb is a little small for his age, but honestly people... triplets?

"Yes, I know what causes pregnancy"

I did attend my 5th grade maturation program , and might I add I passed with flying colors. In fact I was so knowledgeable that the teacher asked me to teach the class.

"I'm just multiplying and replenishing"

...no comment.

Honorable mention;

"Sarcasm...just one of my many talents"

I can't take credit for this one. I saw some guy wearing a shirt that said this. Nate would probably say, forget the shirt, you should have it tattooed on your forehead. I'll have to consider that one.

All of these shirts come in an array of colors and sizes from S/M/L/XL. Please note that I do not carry XS seeing as it is an unrealistic size that only my 4 year old daughter could fit into. And if you'd like, I do have a bedazzeler to add some jewels to your shirt to give it that extra little something. Shirts are going fast so place your order soon.

Just curious, if you had a shirt what would it say? Please share, maybe we could go into business together.

Playing around

Today we went to Mill Grove bird sanctuary. I wanted to play around with the camera. Here are just a few pictures from our little adventure today.

Here is little miss macie reaching for her daddy's face

Love this picture!

My sad little Macie...I just had to take the shot
So there you have it, my attempt to try my hand at photography. I have SO much to learn so just bare with me.

A camping we won't go...

A group of dental students went camping last weekend. We opted not to stay the night. But what kind of parents would we be if we didn't at least let the kids go up to roast marshmallows with their friends?

Some of the guys just hangin' out

Me & my honey (if Nate looks sick that's because he is)
She couldn't have had too much fun since we made her sit in the stroller the whole time. Some people call that neglect. I call it smart.

Our sweaty little boy and his tiger flashlight (a must have accessory for all you hard core campers out there)


Kaleb & his little girlfriend Gracee. I know she's a little taller then him but hey, if Tom & Katie can pull it off then why can't they?

Amy, me, & Emily. I know what you're thinking, we're not supposed to look that good camping. But we can't help it if we're naturally beautiful.

How to be a GOOD WIFE

HOW TO BE A GOOD WIFE
Home Economics High School Text Book, 1954

"Prepare yourself. Take 15 minutes to rest so that you'll be refreshed when he arrives. Touch up your makeup, put a ribbon in your hair and be fresh-looking. He has just been with a lot of work-weary people. Be a little gay and a little more interesting. His boring day may need a lift. Minimize all noise. At the time of his arrival, eliminate all noise of the washer, dryer, dishwasher, or vacuum. Try to encourage the children to be quiet. Be happy to see him. Greet him with a warm smile and be glad he is home"

I would love to tell you that this is the quote in which I live my life by, but sadly that is most definitely NOT the case. In fact it is quite the opposite. This would be a more appropriate quote;

"Make sure your husband prepares himself for what he is about to come home to. Take 5 minutes to put your deodorant on and make sure you don't reek of any child bodily functions. Hurry and brush your teeth then make sure to pull your hair up so that he can't tell that you're sporting yesterday's unwashed hair-do. When your husband walks in the door make sure you unload all of the days stresses on him because after all, misery loves company. Tell him you had the best of intentions doing the laundry, cleaning the dishes, and vacuuming the house but you just couldn't get to it. But since he's home he can just do it all for you. Make sure you give him encouraging smiles while he is cleaning so that he will know he's doing a good job. Then when that's all done and the kids are in bed greet him with a warm smile and be glad he is home."

Lately I have found me "letting myself go". I remember the days when Nate and I were dating. I always had a reason to dress up, shave my legs and actually put make-up on. Now I'm lucky if I even manage to get ready for the day...isn't showering over rated any way? Seriously, I don't remember the last time I've actually done my hair. Poor Nate. I have officially become the poster child for the frumpy haggard house wife.

So the question is, how do I get from this....

to this?

Any one thinking extreme make over?

(a shower probably isn't too bad of an idea either)

In the name of fashion

My friend sent these pictures in an email to me.

I thought they were too crazy not to share.

And people think I'm crazy for wearing my 4 1/2 inch heels

(what can I say I love high heels).

I've never consider that cramming my foot into one of Macie's shoes could have ever been an option before. They do make some really cute shoes in her size.

Step aside J-lo and beyonce' there's a new booty in town

$5425.00The Cadaver Calculator - Find out how much your body is worth. From Mingle2 - Free Online Dating

Mingle² - Free Online Dating

-K- I know this is a little odd...but I couldn't resist. I was hoping my body would be worth a little bit more since I don't have any prosthetic limbs or any balding areas on my head (at least that I'm aware of). Looks like I won't be insuring my body for a million dollars any time soon. And no, I'm not searching for a new husband, "Free Online Dating" is just the website that sponsors it.

The aftermath

For the majority of the day today I babysat my adopted children. No, I didn't get all crazy and decide that 3 kids just wasn't enough, and no, I don't need medication (I'm beyond medicinal help). I say adopted children because I love them like my own... "awe how sweet".

With that said, I watched my friend Amy's two kids, ages 5 & 2. One of which is Abrie's "boyfriend". I also watched my friend Emily's kids, ages 6 & 2. And if you add my kids to the equation, ages 4, 3, & 1, that adds up to be a whole lotta' kids in NOT a whole lotta' house.

Now usually when I'm babysitting I give the kids a little pep talk (for lack of a better word) about if we take a toy out then we need to put it back, no using normal everyday objects as weapons of mass destruction, and no it's not OK to jump off the bed and try to grab the fan and swing off of it...that sort of routine stuff. Well after the first hour or two we did OK following the rules but slowly and surely this started to change. My motto changed from "Do as I say" to "whatever gets broken can {hopefully} be fixed". I just decided to sit back and watch the chaos instead of trying to control the chaos.

When my friends came back to pick up the kids they found 4 happy kids in relatively the same condition they were dropped off in. There were only a few bumps and bruises and thankfully no severed limbs. I would say I did I pretty good job. Now I'm looking for a maid to come clean up the mess. I can't offer much in the form of payment except for maybe a stick of gum and a lotta love...any takers?