It's been a Monday! Running a little late, seeing kids, meeting with my boss, lunch with my ladies (added bonus), seeing more kids, getting up to the school...Ugh, it's already 2:30? Try to hurry through paperwork which is completely pointless because when it comes to special ed, it is endless! Time to pick up the kids, Chance poops as were walking out the door, Hunter won't get into the car because he's playing football, Blake wants me to chase him around the sitter's garage which did not amuse Chance that he had to wait. I get in the car and get a text from Beau to grab pops. Not possible. Both debit cards (and my ID) were in his wallet from date night and guess who used the last check and forgot to tell me. No dinero. I get home and Chance is starving, the dogs need out, they are out of water. I start feeding Chance and Blake wants juice. I tell him he has to wait and he kicks the swing, throws his toys so he goes in time out. He screams the highest pitched scream I've ever heard. "Mom! MOm! Can we have candy?" the older two chime in. At this point I'm like, "Yes! Take the damn candy and shut up!" (Ok I don't actually say it, but I am thinking it!). They go outside to play and within 10 minutes Hunter comes in hysterical because Cole hit him, Hunter's trying to slam Cole in the sliding door and once they both get in I forget Blake's still outside.
Do you ever just have an epiphany moment? I just had one as I was chewing out one boy for lying and yelling at one to knock it off (did I mention I was still nursing?) Beau was barking back at me. I asked, "Why are you so crabby?" He replies, "I feed off of you!" Hmm..... Here's my moment. I stop and think, Who the heck am I? Who is this crazy lady screaming at her kids, giving them candy to shut them up and barking at her husband? I vowed I would never be this person and that's exactly who I am!
I think every parent struggles. You can never be perfect all the time. Mom's constantly think about all the things were doing wrong and how were going to severely screw up our kids so they turn into mask murders or end up in jail for drugs or pregnant by 15, all because they had a crappy mom. And the truth of the matter is: We are humans and just like everyone else. We make mistakes, we screw up. But in the end, for the most part, our kids still love us. They forgive us. They don't see us like we see ourselves.
A friend of mine shared this video and it touched my heart! You have to check it out!
http://www.faithit.com/moms-kids-video-confession-touching/#.UnAerAXTVK4.facebook
(Cole and I made a deal btw. I stop yelling and he stops lying! Let's see how that works out)
Monday, November 4, 2013
Saturday, September 28, 2013
A Matching Set of 4!!!
The day had finally arrived. Although I seriously considered waiting until B4 was ready to come on his/her own, I just couldn't take it anymore. You see, I feel the need to be in control of all situations at ALL times! If this baby came on it's own, would it be in the middle of the night? Would I find someone to come to our house at 2 am? Would they know the boys' routine? Would the baby come when I am 111 miles away from the hospital for work? The longest length of time my sisters went from their water breaking until baby being born was 90 minutes...Would I follow in their footsteps? I do NOT want to have my baby in the car! I want MY doctor to deliver my 4th child like he had done with the last 3. Then there was the whole size thing! Hunter was 9 lb 11 oz. When asking my doctor how big he thought this baby was, he just said that it's measuring on the big size and I just have big babies. What if I wait until after it's due date and is 13 lb and then I have to have a C-section? I can't afford to be down for that long! (although the extra 2 weeks of maternity leave would be nice). Nope. I decided to be induced.
My morning started out at 3:45 am. I couldn't sleep in anticipation of the big day and had to be at the hospital by 5:30 or 6 and it's an hour drive. I showered and shaved and was on the road. We decided that I would take my old work car, Beau his truck and then the person picking up the boys would have the Trail Blazer and we wouldn't have to switch car seats.
I was off and ready to go, the only soul on the road at 4:30 am. I stopped in Wayne for McDonald's. Hey-no judgement! My last two were born at 6 at night! That's a long time to go without food! I got to the Wakefield turn off and all of a sudden everything went dark! What the heck?!! My interior lights went out (except for the radio clock) and my headlights went out but my parking lights were still on. Are you kidding me! Who the heck am I going to call at 5:30 in the morning, and I'm going to be late!!! So I got behind the only other person on the road and drove the 15 miles to Pender in the dark.
Whew I was there. Then the usual happened. I got changed into the gown. Does the opening go in the front or the back? Seriously? I've had 3 kids and can't remember. I get into the bed and then they put my IV in...or try! I was pretty swollen so finding a vein was tough. The first nurse tried twice with no luck and they have a 2 poke policy so another nurse came in and finally got it, on the backside of my hand but down by my wrist, so everytime I moved my hand it hurt..Lovely.
Then Beau calls. He is running late because he took an ice cold shower this morning. The fuse blew and he had to get one in town. He dropped the boys off at daycare, bought a fuse and went home to change it...He bought the wrong one :( So good thing we have an awesome sister in law that went into town, got the right one and then came over and put it in.
Ok. Are these the pregnancy God's telling me that I shouldn't be getting induced? My Pitocin was going but I'm sure I could just go home at this point. About that time the doctor came in. I was 3 cm dilated and he decided to break my water! Eek! They usually didn't break my water until after lunch. Beau wasn't even there yet! What if I had this kid by myself?!
The Pitocin started to kick in and water was broke...Now for the waiting game. Beau was in the room and so was one of my great friends Amanda. It was on her bucket list to watch someone take their first breath. We made bets at what time he/she would be born. We all guessed between 1-2pm. Contractions really started coming hard and strong. I was ready for an epidural. The hardest part is sitting still through it. Beau really wanted to watch and they actually allowed him to this time. Amanda was amazing and stood in front of me, forehead to forehead, letting me squeeze the crud out of her hands. And what could I think about? Man, it felt like my breath really smelled :) While getting an epidural you feel pressure and I could hear this weird clicking noise. I thought it was some piece of plastic that they were twisting. Beau watched until he heard the noise..It was them hitting my bone in my back. Ick! He was done after that!
Whew! Relief! It was about noon by this time. We changed our bets on time to around 4pm. Beau and Amanda went and got Subway and I slept for about an hour. At this time the babies heart rate started "deceling". When they said this about Blake, I had no clue what it meant. His heart rate was dropping to about half of what it should be. I was told to lay on one side, then the other. We were trying to find a position B4 liked. In that process something happened with my epidural...It no longer worked. Holy Cow! I can't begin to describe the pain. I could feel it coming on, would brace myself, focus on a spot on the ceiling and just when I thought it couldn't get any worse, it did. I felt like one of those crazy ladies on T.V. moaning and screaming although Beau says I was not doing that. I said "OH SHIT" once then proceeded to apologize for swearing to the team.
His heart was still dropping and the rest is a blur and I'm not even sure what order it happened in. I went from 6 cm to 10cm in an hour or less. His heart rate continued to drop with every contraction. At some point they had to put an internal monitor on his head. When the doctor got there he was told what was going on and he told someone to get the vacuum and that this baby needed to come out.
YAY! Because it felt like it was going to fall out at this point. I wanted to PUSH!!! B4 was face up so all the pressure was on my bum. Great. Not only am I moaning like a crazy lady, swearing, now I was going to crap on the table! (TMI, I know!). They told me to practice push once. This was at 2:30. I pushed once more and half his head was out and the third push the doctor told me to stop. His head was out and the cord was around his neck. They got the cord from around his neck and whisked him away. There were 3 nurses and the anesthesiologist working on him. They had to bag him (which was basically resuscitate him), giving him oxygen.
He wasn't crying. Why wasn't he crying? I kept asking what was wrong. My doctor told me he came so fast that he's having a tough time adjusting and kind of "in shock" about the whole delivery. I kept telling them to make him cry and eventually I heard it. BEST SOUND EVER! The continued to give him oxygen, check his stats and work on him. Honestly this was one of the most terrifying times in my life! I could care less if it was a boy or girl, I just wanted B4 to be ok! By the way Beau did tell me as soon as he was out that it was a boy. I proceeded to apologize and ask if he was mad at me :)
After what seemed to feel like FOREVER but was more like an hour, I got to hold my baby boy! He was absolutely perfect!! An 8 lb 4 oz, 21 1/2 inch long little miracle. After many hours we decided to name him Chance Merlin! We couldn't be happier. He has had no other problems since birth and is thriving.
I thank God that he chose me to be Chance's Mommy and am so excited to have him a part of our life and be able to watch him grow!
Here is a slide show of the pictures that my friend Amanda took during D-Day!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bxCzocnYMrE&feature=youtu.be
My morning started out at 3:45 am. I couldn't sleep in anticipation of the big day and had to be at the hospital by 5:30 or 6 and it's an hour drive. I showered and shaved and was on the road. We decided that I would take my old work car, Beau his truck and then the person picking up the boys would have the Trail Blazer and we wouldn't have to switch car seats.
I was off and ready to go, the only soul on the road at 4:30 am. I stopped in Wayne for McDonald's. Hey-no judgement! My last two were born at 6 at night! That's a long time to go without food! I got to the Wakefield turn off and all of a sudden everything went dark! What the heck?!! My interior lights went out (except for the radio clock) and my headlights went out but my parking lights were still on. Are you kidding me! Who the heck am I going to call at 5:30 in the morning, and I'm going to be late!!! So I got behind the only other person on the road and drove the 15 miles to Pender in the dark.
Whew I was there. Then the usual happened. I got changed into the gown. Does the opening go in the front or the back? Seriously? I've had 3 kids and can't remember. I get into the bed and then they put my IV in...or try! I was pretty swollen so finding a vein was tough. The first nurse tried twice with no luck and they have a 2 poke policy so another nurse came in and finally got it, on the backside of my hand but down by my wrist, so everytime I moved my hand it hurt..Lovely.
Then Beau calls. He is running late because he took an ice cold shower this morning. The fuse blew and he had to get one in town. He dropped the boys off at daycare, bought a fuse and went home to change it...He bought the wrong one :( So good thing we have an awesome sister in law that went into town, got the right one and then came over and put it in.
Ok. Are these the pregnancy God's telling me that I shouldn't be getting induced? My Pitocin was going but I'm sure I could just go home at this point. About that time the doctor came in. I was 3 cm dilated and he decided to break my water! Eek! They usually didn't break my water until after lunch. Beau wasn't even there yet! What if I had this kid by myself?!
The Pitocin started to kick in and water was broke...Now for the waiting game. Beau was in the room and so was one of my great friends Amanda. It was on her bucket list to watch someone take their first breath. We made bets at what time he/she would be born. We all guessed between 1-2pm. Contractions really started coming hard and strong. I was ready for an epidural. The hardest part is sitting still through it. Beau really wanted to watch and they actually allowed him to this time. Amanda was amazing and stood in front of me, forehead to forehead, letting me squeeze the crud out of her hands. And what could I think about? Man, it felt like my breath really smelled :) While getting an epidural you feel pressure and I could hear this weird clicking noise. I thought it was some piece of plastic that they were twisting. Beau watched until he heard the noise..It was them hitting my bone in my back. Ick! He was done after that!
Whew! Relief! It was about noon by this time. We changed our bets on time to around 4pm. Beau and Amanda went and got Subway and I slept for about an hour. At this time the babies heart rate started "deceling". When they said this about Blake, I had no clue what it meant. His heart rate was dropping to about half of what it should be. I was told to lay on one side, then the other. We were trying to find a position B4 liked. In that process something happened with my epidural...It no longer worked. Holy Cow! I can't begin to describe the pain. I could feel it coming on, would brace myself, focus on a spot on the ceiling and just when I thought it couldn't get any worse, it did. I felt like one of those crazy ladies on T.V. moaning and screaming although Beau says I was not doing that. I said "OH SHIT" once then proceeded to apologize for swearing to the team.
His heart was still dropping and the rest is a blur and I'm not even sure what order it happened in. I went from 6 cm to 10cm in an hour or less. His heart rate continued to drop with every contraction. At some point they had to put an internal monitor on his head. When the doctor got there he was told what was going on and he told someone to get the vacuum and that this baby needed to come out.
YAY! Because it felt like it was going to fall out at this point. I wanted to PUSH!!! B4 was face up so all the pressure was on my bum. Great. Not only am I moaning like a crazy lady, swearing, now I was going to crap on the table! (TMI, I know!). They told me to practice push once. This was at 2:30. I pushed once more and half his head was out and the third push the doctor told me to stop. His head was out and the cord was around his neck. They got the cord from around his neck and whisked him away. There were 3 nurses and the anesthesiologist working on him. They had to bag him (which was basically resuscitate him), giving him oxygen.
He wasn't crying. Why wasn't he crying? I kept asking what was wrong. My doctor told me he came so fast that he's having a tough time adjusting and kind of "in shock" about the whole delivery. I kept telling them to make him cry and eventually I heard it. BEST SOUND EVER! The continued to give him oxygen, check his stats and work on him. Honestly this was one of the most terrifying times in my life! I could care less if it was a boy or girl, I just wanted B4 to be ok! By the way Beau did tell me as soon as he was out that it was a boy. I proceeded to apologize and ask if he was mad at me :)
After what seemed to feel like FOREVER but was more like an hour, I got to hold my baby boy! He was absolutely perfect!! An 8 lb 4 oz, 21 1/2 inch long little miracle. After many hours we decided to name him Chance Merlin! We couldn't be happier. He has had no other problems since birth and is thriving.
I thank God that he chose me to be Chance's Mommy and am so excited to have him a part of our life and be able to watch him grow!
Here is a slide show of the pictures that my friend Amanda took during D-Day!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bxCzocnYMrE&feature=youtu.be
Sunday, August 4, 2013
7 more days?!! WhAAA????
Where has summer gone? Saturday my amazing husband let me go to get my nails (that I can no longer reach) done with a good friend of mine. The lady doing my nails asked, "Did you do anything this summer?" I thought...and at the time I couldn't think of anything "BIG" we did. We surely had to have done something since none of my projects I wanted to get done had gotten done.
Today when I should have been cleaning and editing and taking advantage of naptime, I went through pictures. Man, why couldn't I have thought about what we did when that lady asked me?! We had a great summer!!!!
Here are some highlights
* Trip to my parents
* Night with my best friend and our 8 kids combined
* Splash pad with another friend
* Rodeo with another high school friend who didn't freak when my kid wiped poop all over her bathroom
* Trip to Des Moines to visit Uncle Bunny & Aunt Katie, going to John Wayne Memorial, Bridges of Madison County, the cool castle, etc...
* 4th of July bash with TONS of friends, a 100 yard slip and slide, fireworks
*Cole's 7th birthday which included a friend party at the pool in town and another family party
* Days of 56 Rodeo
*Dixon County Demolition Derby
*Trip to Neligh to watch a drive in movie
*A week of Vacation Bible School
*Cole's baseball season
* Memorial Day get together with the Blatchford's and McGhee's
*Photography for 2 weddings
* Lots of time in our pool (till the Cows ruined it)
* A trip to the Beach with the Olander Clan
* A few dates with the hubby
* Laugh Your Way to a Better Marriage with 2 other couples
* 10 days of work
Yeah...I blame the comment, "Nothing" on pregnancy brain. Although we didn't take a BIG vacation to somewhere far away, we were constantly doing something! It was a great summer and have very mixed feelings about going back. I love staying home with my children and watching them grow and laugh and experience new things. Some days are great....But other days are pure hell. It starts with early mornings and constant fighting and bickering and wrestling and breaking/destroying things followed by no naps and me counting down the minutes until Beau gets home!
Going back to school means the boys continue to grow into the men we want them to be. They get to hang with their friends and learn new things. I get to continue what I love to do (for a month anyway). It means that much closer for Baby B making it's debut and that I can't wait for!!!
So, as always, I made a little slide show about what we did this summer :) Enjoy!!!
Today when I should have been cleaning and editing and taking advantage of naptime, I went through pictures. Man, why couldn't I have thought about what we did when that lady asked me?! We had a great summer!!!!
Here are some highlights
* Trip to my parents
* Night with my best friend and our 8 kids combined
* Splash pad with another friend
* Rodeo with another high school friend who didn't freak when my kid wiped poop all over her bathroom
* Trip to Des Moines to visit Uncle Bunny & Aunt Katie, going to John Wayne Memorial, Bridges of Madison County, the cool castle, etc...
* 4th of July bash with TONS of friends, a 100 yard slip and slide, fireworks
*Cole's 7th birthday which included a friend party at the pool in town and another family party
* Days of 56 Rodeo
*Dixon County Demolition Derby
*Trip to Neligh to watch a drive in movie
*A week of Vacation Bible School
*Cole's baseball season
* Memorial Day get together with the Blatchford's and McGhee's
*Photography for 2 weddings
* Lots of time in our pool (till the Cows ruined it)
* A trip to the Beach with the Olander Clan
* A few dates with the hubby
* Laugh Your Way to a Better Marriage with 2 other couples
* 10 days of work
Yeah...I blame the comment, "Nothing" on pregnancy brain. Although we didn't take a BIG vacation to somewhere far away, we were constantly doing something! It was a great summer and have very mixed feelings about going back. I love staying home with my children and watching them grow and laugh and experience new things. Some days are great....But other days are pure hell. It starts with early mornings and constant fighting and bickering and wrestling and breaking/destroying things followed by no naps and me counting down the minutes until Beau gets home!
Going back to school means the boys continue to grow into the men we want them to be. They get to hang with their friends and learn new things. I get to continue what I love to do (for a month anyway). It means that much closer for Baby B making it's debut and that I can't wait for!!!
So, as always, I made a little slide show about what we did this summer :) Enjoy!!!
Sunday, July 21, 2013
How do I play with my kids?
It's a VERY important piece of parenting that I realized tonight I have forgot how to do. All 5 of us headed out to the pool after dinner for some fun (and a little vacuuming since the pool is looking swamp-like again). I vacuumed for awhile while I watched Beau and the boys play. They played basketball, monsters where Beau chased them around. He threw them up in the air, did some pile drivers, etc.
Let's face it...When Beau is around, I am chopped liver to the older boys. This makes me happy and sad. The boys are so lucky to have such a good relationship with Beau. He is a great Dad who is very attentive and loves to kick back and just "play". Then it makes me a little sad. Why is Dad the coolest? What am I doing wrong? We take turns reading to the boys every other night and whenever it's my turn the boys are bummed because it's not Dad.
I've been reading the book, Bringing Up Boys by James Dobson. It explains how much little boys need their mom during the infant and toddler age. When they hit about preschool the relationship between Dads and sons is very important. The boys need acceptance from their Dad's and a role model to show them "how to be a boy". Is this why I feel a disconnect?
In May I was so excited for summer! No classes, very little work and lots of FREE time to "play" with my boys. Boy was I wrong! I think I feel busier now than I did in school. I'm still doing things to prepare for my last 2 classes in the fall. I have now assumed the "housewife" responsibilities carrying on all the house work, cooking, etc. I have to balance checkbooks and pay bills (only because I am to OCD to let Beau do it). I am thinking about church meetings and responsibilities. I am trying to finish up all the photography sessions before Baby B comes. I am editing like a mad woman. I have been working all summer on "organizing" the office and since Beau finally put up shelves after I had asked him for a month. I've been researching and buying stuff for the new baby.
Now, don't get me wrong, the boys and I have made some trips out to the pool and have taken long naps and watched movies. However, I just haven't "played". If they ask me to play a board game it's a ,"Yep as soon as I am done balancing the checkbook....and one game because I need to load the dishwasher and make dinner." I can't get all this "HAVE TO" stuff out of my head to simply enjoy "playing" with the boys.
There is absolutely no purpose for this post. I don't have a magical answer and while I'll try to do better about it, I probably won't get very far. Just had to vent. Some days I want to have zilcho responsibilities and just PLAY all day! I've obviously forgotten how. Maybe I will someday be able to! I hope.....
Let's face it...When Beau is around, I am chopped liver to the older boys. This makes me happy and sad. The boys are so lucky to have such a good relationship with Beau. He is a great Dad who is very attentive and loves to kick back and just "play". Then it makes me a little sad. Why is Dad the coolest? What am I doing wrong? We take turns reading to the boys every other night and whenever it's my turn the boys are bummed because it's not Dad.
I've been reading the book, Bringing Up Boys by James Dobson. It explains how much little boys need their mom during the infant and toddler age. When they hit about preschool the relationship between Dads and sons is very important. The boys need acceptance from their Dad's and a role model to show them "how to be a boy". Is this why I feel a disconnect?
In May I was so excited for summer! No classes, very little work and lots of FREE time to "play" with my boys. Boy was I wrong! I think I feel busier now than I did in school. I'm still doing things to prepare for my last 2 classes in the fall. I have now assumed the "housewife" responsibilities carrying on all the house work, cooking, etc. I have to balance checkbooks and pay bills (only because I am to OCD to let Beau do it). I am thinking about church meetings and responsibilities. I am trying to finish up all the photography sessions before Baby B comes. I am editing like a mad woman. I have been working all summer on "organizing" the office and since Beau finally put up shelves after I had asked him for a month. I've been researching and buying stuff for the new baby.
Now, don't get me wrong, the boys and I have made some trips out to the pool and have taken long naps and watched movies. However, I just haven't "played". If they ask me to play a board game it's a ,"Yep as soon as I am done balancing the checkbook....and one game because I need to load the dishwasher and make dinner." I can't get all this "HAVE TO" stuff out of my head to simply enjoy "playing" with the boys.
There is absolutely no purpose for this post. I don't have a magical answer and while I'll try to do better about it, I probably won't get very far. Just had to vent. Some days I want to have zilcho responsibilities and just PLAY all day! I've obviously forgotten how. Maybe I will someday be able to! I hope.....
Saturday, July 13, 2013
In the blink of an eye.....
This week has been a whirlwind of emotions and NO not because I'm pregnant (ok, maybe that a little). We got back to find out that a 4 year old boy from Hartington was killed in a 4-wheeler accident on the 4th of July. Dylan was one of my first "clients" when I started taking pictures 2 years ago. He was such a ham and so full of life. At the time he lived and breathed John Deere tractors. We borrowed a pedal tractor to incorporate into the photo shoot. He was a healthy and happy boy. Within a blink of an eye, he was gone from Earth. As a parent I know that is my worst fear...loosing a child. He was a beautiful child with great parents and honestly, it's just not fair!
I spent the week trying to get up on housework and laundry and dealing with 3 very active, independent, defiant boys. UGH! I just wanted 5 minutes of someone not needing a drink, or a boo boo kissed or reading a book or playing a game . The boys and I ran into town yesterday before Cole's Birthday #1 that night (What the heck was I thinking? I am fat and hot and not a pleasant person right now). We were getting ready to pull out of the gas station when the funeral procession went by. Hundreds of cars drove by me and I sat there and wept as silently as I could without letting the boys notice. Cole being kind hearted did notice and asked why I was crying. I thought for awhile. Do I shelter him from the pains of the world and not tell him the truth or should I be honest and explain what happened so that he can be prepared for things like this in his future. I very carefully explained that a little boy about Hunter's age was on a 4-wheeler and there was an accident and he passed away to go be with Jesus. He didn't ask any questions (and if you know Cole, you know this almost NEVER happens) and when the procession passed we drove home.
In those few minutes of silence a million thoughts were racing through my head. This poor child, someone who had his whole life ahead and so much more to experience was taken too soon. How did his parents feel? How could they continue to function every day? Did his 15 month old brother wonder where he was? As a friend of the family, what words could anyone say that would help in any way? I was physically ill. I can't even begin to fathom what it feels like to go through this, and I hope I never do.
Then I began thinking, how selfish can I be? I am ticked off because I can't go to the bathroom by myself, because I am constantly telling them to be quiet or pick up after themselves or put the toilet seat down when they are done. They are always screaming and running around like crazy men. All I wanted was some peace and quiet and didn't know how much more I could take!!! What was I thinking?!!! Here I am crabbing about all of these little things while two parents are putting their child in the ground and saying good-bye for the last time.
Right then and there I decided I needed to LOOSEN up! So what if the house was a mess and there was someone always screaming or sitting on my lap while on the pot! They were here with me! I needed to celebrate every moment and work my best to make them as happy as possible.
Yes, I threw 2 birthday parties for Cole and between the two hosted over 50 people. I spent money I wouldn't need to, to see my first born smile big and laugh and run around with his friends. I cleaned my house for hours so he could hug his Nana and Baba who he doesn't see near enough. I stressed myself out and may have chewed out people I love because it wasn't going exactly how it should have gone.
I just wanted this one day (or in Cole's case 2) to be dedicated to that little boy who is my life. He has to share toys, his parents, his bedroom and everything else with his brothers. He deserves one day where everyone drops everything and focuses on him! Forget the mower that needs fixed, or the internet that need searched. Forget that you want to do something besides watch this boy jump off the ladder the same way a bazillion times and have to act as excited about the first stint as the 50th, and focus your whole heart and mind on HIM! He is so worth it!
My heart aches for parents who have lost a child. I never want to experience it. But if I do, I want to be able to look make and say, YES! I made his days here on earth the best I possibly could have for him! His life was full of happiness and love and laughter. He got to experience as many things as he possibly could. That's exactly what I did this weekend. I apologize if I seem so uptight and worked up about a "kids birthday party", but this is for them as my whole life is.
I say that we did a pretty good job of making him feel special! We rented the pool Friday night and spent a few hours with 20+ friends swimming, jumping off the high dive, going round and round on the merry-go-round and opening presents. Today he was surrounded by family and went swimming (his favorite pastime), counting up his money to realize that he has enough to get a Kindle Fire he has been looking forward to and making a sand castle with his brothers (well, at least that's how it started). Yep, this little guy is loved and had a great weekend! I wouldn't change all this "spoiling" for the world. He deserves every minute of it.
Tuesday, July 9, 2013
Mini-Vaca Fun!
What a great few days! I wasn't sure I was ready to come home and get back to cleaning and all my other responsibilities. We had an amazing time in Des Moines with Uncle Bunny and Aunt Katie! Here's some highlights from our trip!
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
Trip to Bass Pro Shop!
.JPG)
All 3 of the boys got cap guns :)
.JPG)
Dear Baby- please stop having a dance party in my belly!
Trip to Winterest, IA
.JPG)
Throwing rocks into the creek
Bridges of Madison County
Skipping Rocks
.JPG)
Trip up Clark Tower with their bestest Aunt & Uncle!
Can you find all 3 boys peeking out of the tower?
Love this guy!!
Hedge Maze
Making hot dogs for dinner
S'MORES!!!
YUMMY!
Wading in the creek!
Tuesday, May 7, 2013
This Year...An Epic Fail?
The year is almost over! I can't believe it. Remember, I am a teacher so my year starts in August and ends in May. I have 9 work days left and it is officially summer! WoHoo!!!! I can't wait! Not because I am excited for summer or to spend more time with my kids or get those million little projects I want to get done, done (ok, well maybe a little). What I want most is a fresh start!
As I sit wondering when I am going to write the report for the meeting at 8am, looking at the 10+ loads of laundry to go, the laundry baskets overflowing that have never made it upstairs. While I navigate through the disaster of a house, around toys, plates from breakfast, dirty clothes from last night, dreading moving all the office stuff upstairs that is currently taking over my dinning room, all I can think is....this year sucked!
Yep! It sucked! It seemed to be one hit after another. I worked full time last year with 4 school districts, this year I worked 10 school districts full time. No more time, just triple the work. I have logged over 18,000 miles just for work! The kids have been unusually sick this year. Each one at a different time of course. The time required for church has increased twofold as Beau is on church council and me director of VBS and on the Internship Committee. My photography business is jam packed. Not to mention my classes that take up a ridiculous amount of time and my awful ability to wait until the LAST minute then stress about it..Wait, maybe that's because those are all the minutes I could spare.
Right now I feel like I just did a crappy job as a parent, wife and professional! Today was Cole's field and track day (the one I thought was next Tuesday). I hurried over to the school to realize they started early so I missed his first two events. I stopped at home before and you think I could find my camera or memory card? Nope! Seriously I was the only Mom out there without a camera attached to their face. It took me until today to realize that next year he will be the only boy in his class. I don't know all his classmates. I don't think I listened to him as much as I should have. We always waited until Sunday night to get homework done. If I would have opened it up sooner, could he have learned more this year?
As I sit typing this the boys are playing video games. Gasp! I said I would never use video games as a form of entertainment and if they did get to play them, I would limit how long. I find myself asking the boys to go upstairs and play so I can get stuff done! I wanted to be the Mom who got up early, made them a home made breakfast, had milk and cookies waiting after school and plenty of time in the evenings to devote to them. My 2 1/2 year old is not yet potty trained and it's probably because I haven't had time to put in the time and effort to help him.
I have forgotten lots of birthdays, didn't send cards, had to miss events. I am on overload!
So, this year sucked! I have 9 more days to make it through! Then I can start fresh! Next year I want to be more organized. I want to give each child and family the time and effort they deserve from me! I want to somehow figure out how my schedule can be more routine and I can drive less.
Next year I want to remember when my kids' big days are. I want to have the camera charged and ready at a moments notice. I want to really play with them. I want to be able to drop everything and focus on them and only them. I want to give my amazing husband the attention he deserves. I want to be able to keep up with the housework. I want to really do my best for VBS and all other activities I commit to. I want down time. I want time where no one is asking anything from me! I want a pedicure and massage every month! I want to make home made meals to nourish my family.
I know most of that is never going to happen, but I can dream right :)
As I sit wondering when I am going to write the report for the meeting at 8am, looking at the 10+ loads of laundry to go, the laundry baskets overflowing that have never made it upstairs. While I navigate through the disaster of a house, around toys, plates from breakfast, dirty clothes from last night, dreading moving all the office stuff upstairs that is currently taking over my dinning room, all I can think is....this year sucked!
Yep! It sucked! It seemed to be one hit after another. I worked full time last year with 4 school districts, this year I worked 10 school districts full time. No more time, just triple the work. I have logged over 18,000 miles just for work! The kids have been unusually sick this year. Each one at a different time of course. The time required for church has increased twofold as Beau is on church council and me director of VBS and on the Internship Committee. My photography business is jam packed. Not to mention my classes that take up a ridiculous amount of time and my awful ability to wait until the LAST minute then stress about it..Wait, maybe that's because those are all the minutes I could spare.
Right now I feel like I just did a crappy job as a parent, wife and professional! Today was Cole's field and track day (the one I thought was next Tuesday). I hurried over to the school to realize they started early so I missed his first two events. I stopped at home before and you think I could find my camera or memory card? Nope! Seriously I was the only Mom out there without a camera attached to their face. It took me until today to realize that next year he will be the only boy in his class. I don't know all his classmates. I don't think I listened to him as much as I should have. We always waited until Sunday night to get homework done. If I would have opened it up sooner, could he have learned more this year?
As I sit typing this the boys are playing video games. Gasp! I said I would never use video games as a form of entertainment and if they did get to play them, I would limit how long. I find myself asking the boys to go upstairs and play so I can get stuff done! I wanted to be the Mom who got up early, made them a home made breakfast, had milk and cookies waiting after school and plenty of time in the evenings to devote to them. My 2 1/2 year old is not yet potty trained and it's probably because I haven't had time to put in the time and effort to help him.
I have forgotten lots of birthdays, didn't send cards, had to miss events. I am on overload!
So, this year sucked! I have 9 more days to make it through! Then I can start fresh! Next year I want to be more organized. I want to give each child and family the time and effort they deserve from me! I want to somehow figure out how my schedule can be more routine and I can drive less.
Next year I want to remember when my kids' big days are. I want to have the camera charged and ready at a moments notice. I want to really play with them. I want to be able to drop everything and focus on them and only them. I want to give my amazing husband the attention he deserves. I want to be able to keep up with the housework. I want to really do my best for VBS and all other activities I commit to. I want down time. I want time where no one is asking anything from me! I want a pedicure and massage every month! I want to make home made meals to nourish my family.
I know most of that is never going to happen, but I can dream right :)
Thursday, April 11, 2013
Turn that Frown Upside Down!
2 unexpected snow days home with the boys!!! What? Did you say snow days? In April? Yep! Sure did! It started with rain, then freezing rain, then sleet and onto something that appeared like a giant snow cone making machine exploded outside. Hence no school day 1! This day was tough! The boys were climbing the walls and ready to get outside and play. They destroyed the house, threw fits, picked on each other and basically drove me BONKERS! Not sure if it was feeling trapped inside or these pregnancy hormones but my patience is non-existent.
Last night it started snowing...and snowing and snowing...and when Beau got back home at 10:30 he said gravel roads were awful, even in his truck. Palm to forehead!! First of all, there is only 1 month of school left and have SOO much to get done! Second of all, I wasn't sure I could survive one more day stuck in the house with the boys!! Late start as of last night. We woke up this morning wondering how they were expecting to have school. Gravel roads hadn't been cleared. I don't want my munchkins on a bus on those roads! I also wasn't sure I wanted them home all day with me :) At the last minute they called off school.
That's when I decided to make this a FUN snow day! That's exactly what we did!
Last night it started snowing...and snowing and snowing...and when Beau got back home at 10:30 he said gravel roads were awful, even in his truck. Palm to forehead!! First of all, there is only 1 month of school left and have SOO much to get done! Second of all, I wasn't sure I could survive one more day stuck in the house with the boys!! Late start as of last night. We woke up this morning wondering how they were expecting to have school. Gravel roads hadn't been cleared. I don't want my munchkins on a bus on those roads! I also wasn't sure I wanted them home all day with me :) At the last minute they called off school.
That's when I decided to make this a FUN snow day! That's exactly what we did!
We made sugar cookies
Yes, there's a kid in a box...He was content so whatever
We made ooblek & no you don't really eat it
It's cornstarch, water & food coloring
They played with this stuff for an hour
And Mommy spent the next hour cleaning up kids, floor and table :)
The boys also played outside & I got to take a nap later!!!
I'd say snow day #2 was WAYYY better!!
Now let's hope for some warm weather so we can all get outside!
Monday, March 11, 2013
I've been looking at life ALL wrong :)
So we went out to eat on Saturday night to help celebrate my good friends huge accomplishment of getting her MBA. While standing in a circle holding hands at the end of the night it hits me. I am looking at life all wrong! I spend countless hours worrying about getting stuff done for my job, keeping the house clean, organizing, etc... I need to knock that off! This...right here, right now is what I should be thinking about. I need to put my love for others first! I need to make time for them, support them and enjoy them!
We got many calls during our dinner that the roads were getting bad and we needed to head home. Leaving Sioux City the roads were fine. Once we hit Jackson they were really bad. Huge annoying snowflakes coming down, snow packed, and icy roads that were really slowing us down! Seriously? Then we get a call from our friends who were two cars behind us...Come back here was the only thing they said. We go back wondering if something happened to their car. They jump out and Amanda says, "Look at these snowflakes! Aren't they beautiful?" Wait...what? These huge snowflakes were slowing down my fun. I stop and look. She is right! They are HUGE and AMAZING! We played in the snow and took pics! I need to do this more often. I need to stop thinking ahead as to what we will be doing next or what I have to get done. I need to just dance in the snow!!!
We get to the bar for my friends "surprise party"....There were 2 other people there. The roads got bad and no one could make it! Ugh! Her night is ruined!!!! She deserves a big bash! You know what? I enjoyed that night at the bar than most other nights. Maybe it's because I actually remember it because I couldn't drink (haha) or maybe, just maybe it was the company. Yep. Every person that I needed there was. I got to sit and talk to people I don't have near enough time to talk to. Some much needed girl time happened. I don't need a million "acquaintances" surrounding me. Nope. I need a few AMAZING friends. That's exactly what happened that night.
Honestly, I'm not lucky! I am blessed! I am surrounded by so many absolutely amazing people!!! They continuously show me what is important in life! I want to love and support those around me. I want to stop worrying so dang much and just stop and enjoy the now. I want to keep those amazing friends close and realize that's all I need :)
With that said, I do HAVE to get my classes done. 2 more and I'm done. So say a little prayer that they don't consume my life and I stay motivated enough to get it done and be done by August and then can focus on more important things...whatever that may be at the time :)
We got many calls during our dinner that the roads were getting bad and we needed to head home. Leaving Sioux City the roads were fine. Once we hit Jackson they were really bad. Huge annoying snowflakes coming down, snow packed, and icy roads that were really slowing us down! Seriously? Then we get a call from our friends who were two cars behind us...Come back here was the only thing they said. We go back wondering if something happened to their car. They jump out and Amanda says, "Look at these snowflakes! Aren't they beautiful?" Wait...what? These huge snowflakes were slowing down my fun. I stop and look. She is right! They are HUGE and AMAZING! We played in the snow and took pics! I need to do this more often. I need to stop thinking ahead as to what we will be doing next or what I have to get done. I need to just dance in the snow!!!
We get to the bar for my friends "surprise party"....There were 2 other people there. The roads got bad and no one could make it! Ugh! Her night is ruined!!!! She deserves a big bash! You know what? I enjoyed that night at the bar than most other nights. Maybe it's because I actually remember it because I couldn't drink (haha) or maybe, just maybe it was the company. Yep. Every person that I needed there was. I got to sit and talk to people I don't have near enough time to talk to. Some much needed girl time happened. I don't need a million "acquaintances" surrounding me. Nope. I need a few AMAZING friends. That's exactly what happened that night.
Honestly, I'm not lucky! I am blessed! I am surrounded by so many absolutely amazing people!!! They continuously show me what is important in life! I want to love and support those around me. I want to stop worrying so dang much and just stop and enjoy the now. I want to keep those amazing friends close and realize that's all I need :)
With that said, I do HAVE to get my classes done. 2 more and I'm done. So say a little prayer that they don't consume my life and I stay motivated enough to get it done and be done by August and then can focus on more important things...whatever that may be at the time :)
Monday, March 4, 2013
Oh The Joys Of Pregnancy!
Yay! I'm pregnant, 10 weeks tomorrow to be exact! What a beautiful, magical thing pregnancy is! You are creating a miracle!! Right now baby is the size of a grape and is working on growing it's sexual organs! Oh the joy of being able to carry this child and nurture it until it is ready to enter this world!!! There is nothing better!
Pshhh!!! Are you kidding me! My dang pants are too tight and am not ready to wear full panel maternity pants! I'm at that awkward stage where no one dares ask if I'm pregnant because I just look like I've taken advantage of the 8 boxes of girl scout cookies I bought (which I have). And thank you boys for the 26 lbs of baby that has now made everything a little looser....If I hear one more person say, "Wow! Your only 10 weeks? Is it twins?" I may punch them in the face!
I spend the day like a bipolar toddler...."Yayyy!!!!! I love my job!" to (crying in the parking lot of a catholic preschool) "I just can't do it anymore." I have banned any videos involving weddings, babies, anyone with a disability, a cat, well pretty much anything because I will burst into tears! Seriously? I am crying about a girl who just won state basketball because this is her first year and she got to be a part of it? I don't even know this girl! I have the best husband in the world! My stupid ass husband does not understand the definition of clean the kitchen!! Seriously? Cleaning the kitchen is not throwing the dishes in the dishwasher! What about the jelly crusted to the counter? Or the random crap that has been brought in, or the crumbs on the floor!!! That is included in cleaning the kitchen!!!
As far as the pregnancy glow goes, its sweat!!! It's waves of nausea that occur at the worst times possible. What am I supposed to say at a home visit? "Can I use your bathroom to puke my brains out? That would be great! I promise I'll clean up after myself!" Or the car sickness I get when I'm driving! I drive over 2,000 miles a month for work. Really baby? Is this necessary?
So here's my story of what the little miracle has done lately. I drive to Santee about twice a week. On my way there the wave of nausea hits. Ugh! It's ok Jen, you usually don't throw up. Take a few sips of water, you will be fine. Oh boy. This is a really bad one. I'm not going to puke, I'm not going to puke. I am one of those people that is in denial about throwing up until there is vomit filling my mouth. Yep! Gotta pull over, I'm going to puke! I manage to get the car pulled over enough to open the door and empty my stomach on the shoulder of the road. I am still buckled in and hanging out of the car suspended by the seat belt. Good thing too or I would have fallen into the mud. If you've ever had children you know things don't always close up as much as they should. So not only am I puking but manage to pee my pants! Are you kidding me??!!!! I pull it together and shut the door. So here I sit with makeup streaming down my face. What am I going to do? I am 40 miles away from home and am a hot mess and wet pants!!! So what do I do? Well, I do what any logical pregnant woman does. I dig around the car until I find an old crusted wipe that I'm pretty sure I used for the green shoestrings my kid sneezed out the other day. I get the black streaks under control. I turn my heat way up and am them at my now damp pants. I drive to the next gas station and get some powdered sugar donuts. I don't mean the single serving sleeve you can buy. I buy the Little Debbie bag of powdered sugar donuts. I keep heading towards work. Now that I have FINISHED the bag of donuts (hey! Don't judge! I just experienced some great emotional distress) and smile. It will be ok!!! ...and in the back of my mind I think, "This better be a girl!!"
Pshhh!!! Are you kidding me! My dang pants are too tight and am not ready to wear full panel maternity pants! I'm at that awkward stage where no one dares ask if I'm pregnant because I just look like I've taken advantage of the 8 boxes of girl scout cookies I bought (which I have). And thank you boys for the 26 lbs of baby that has now made everything a little looser....If I hear one more person say, "Wow! Your only 10 weeks? Is it twins?" I may punch them in the face!
I spend the day like a bipolar toddler...."Yayyy!!!!! I love my job!" to (crying in the parking lot of a catholic preschool) "I just can't do it anymore." I have banned any videos involving weddings, babies, anyone with a disability, a cat, well pretty much anything because I will burst into tears! Seriously? I am crying about a girl who just won state basketball because this is her first year and she got to be a part of it? I don't even know this girl! I have the best husband in the world! My stupid ass husband does not understand the definition of clean the kitchen!! Seriously? Cleaning the kitchen is not throwing the dishes in the dishwasher! What about the jelly crusted to the counter? Or the random crap that has been brought in, or the crumbs on the floor!!! That is included in cleaning the kitchen!!!
As far as the pregnancy glow goes, its sweat!!! It's waves of nausea that occur at the worst times possible. What am I supposed to say at a home visit? "Can I use your bathroom to puke my brains out? That would be great! I promise I'll clean up after myself!" Or the car sickness I get when I'm driving! I drive over 2,000 miles a month for work. Really baby? Is this necessary?
So here's my story of what the little miracle has done lately. I drive to Santee about twice a week. On my way there the wave of nausea hits. Ugh! It's ok Jen, you usually don't throw up. Take a few sips of water, you will be fine. Oh boy. This is a really bad one. I'm not going to puke, I'm not going to puke. I am one of those people that is in denial about throwing up until there is vomit filling my mouth. Yep! Gotta pull over, I'm going to puke! I manage to get the car pulled over enough to open the door and empty my stomach on the shoulder of the road. I am still buckled in and hanging out of the car suspended by the seat belt. Good thing too or I would have fallen into the mud. If you've ever had children you know things don't always close up as much as they should. So not only am I puking but manage to pee my pants! Are you kidding me??!!!! I pull it together and shut the door. So here I sit with makeup streaming down my face. What am I going to do? I am 40 miles away from home and am a hot mess and wet pants!!! So what do I do? Well, I do what any logical pregnant woman does. I dig around the car until I find an old crusted wipe that I'm pretty sure I used for the green shoestrings my kid sneezed out the other day. I get the black streaks under control. I turn my heat way up and am them at my now damp pants. I drive to the next gas station and get some powdered sugar donuts. I don't mean the single serving sleeve you can buy. I buy the Little Debbie bag of powdered sugar donuts. I keep heading towards work. Now that I have FINISHED the bag of donuts (hey! Don't judge! I just experienced some great emotional distress) and smile. It will be ok!!! ...and in the back of my mind I think, "This better be a girl!!"
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
In Case You Didn't Know.....
Since Blake was born Beau and I have both been very back and forth about having another baby. When Beau and I are sitting on the deck watching the boys run around in the yard, laughing and playing so nice I think, "YES! I could have 10 more kids! These are the best moments." Then there are moments when Cole bouncing off the walls saying things that he knows will make Hunter mad, Hunter retaliates and kicks and screams and cries while in the meantime Blake has climbed on the counter and put a peanut butter bread in the toaster making it burn and smoke, I think "NO MORE! There is NO WAY I can have another baby!"
Funny....I think I'm in control of my life. God knows exactly what we need. He has a plan much bigger than mine. We found out that we were expecting our 4th baby on January 18th! We were flooded with emotions....YAYYY! Another baby! to Holy Crap! What were we thinking?!!!
I am 8 weeks along and am very excited to get an ultrasound in 3 weeks! Depending on where you look the due date is between Sept. 29-Oct 3rd and will get another guess at the ultrasound. We have embraced it and are so very excited to welcome this baby into the Bensen house!!!
Baby #4 is now the size of a raspberry. Cole asked me today "If its only as big as a raspberry, why is your belly getting so big?" Thanks buddy! Hahah! We are all excited and will keep you updated!
And yes...I would LOVE a girl!!! But, if it's a boy I am just a Mommy meant for boys :) We do make pretty cute boys!!!
Funny....I think I'm in control of my life. God knows exactly what we need. He has a plan much bigger than mine. We found out that we were expecting our 4th baby on January 18th! We were flooded with emotions....YAYYY! Another baby! to Holy Crap! What were we thinking?!!!
I am 8 weeks along and am very excited to get an ultrasound in 3 weeks! Depending on where you look the due date is between Sept. 29-Oct 3rd and will get another guess at the ultrasound. We have embraced it and are so very excited to welcome this baby into the Bensen house!!!
Baby #4 is now the size of a raspberry. Cole asked me today "If its only as big as a raspberry, why is your belly getting so big?" Thanks buddy! Hahah! We are all excited and will keep you updated!
And yes...I would LOVE a girl!!! But, if it's a boy I am just a Mommy meant for boys :) We do make pretty cute boys!!!
Saturday, February 2, 2013
Spoiled Mama
Have I ever mentioned that I have the bestest friends and family and husband and kids ever??.....Well if I haven't I do! :)
Yesterday I attended the ESU's All Staff Day at WSC. It's always nice to see everyone since I am located...well, in the middle of nowhere. I don't have a lot of connections with other specialists and when I do it's a short time, passing in the hallway, quick chat. Thank you e-mail for keeping us in contact....Oh and if you are an ESU Staff and reading this-USE YOUR ICHAT!!! :)
We had an amazing speaker yesterday! Eddie Slowiski had us dancing on the table's by 10:30, singing, laughing, crying, reflecting, dreaming. Honestly-it was by far the best speaker I have ever heard! He told us that there are ups and downs. It's life. Not everything is peachy. He also talking about living and dreaming and reaching your goals. Loved it!
This year has already been a roller coaster for us! Since 2013 I have missed 5 1/2 days because of sickness! The stomach bug decided to take two tours around our house in the last month. We've also battled with strep and virus' and icky gunk! That is not fun! But, life is a roller coaster. There will be suffering.
There will also be some pretty amazing times too! When I look back on the last month, that's what I really remember! Here's our January "highlight reel"! The good times that we will look back on with a smile!
Yesterday I attended the ESU's All Staff Day at WSC. It's always nice to see everyone since I am located...well, in the middle of nowhere. I don't have a lot of connections with other specialists and when I do it's a short time, passing in the hallway, quick chat. Thank you e-mail for keeping us in contact....Oh and if you are an ESU Staff and reading this-USE YOUR ICHAT!!! :)
We had an amazing speaker yesterday! Eddie Slowiski had us dancing on the table's by 10:30, singing, laughing, crying, reflecting, dreaming. Honestly-it was by far the best speaker I have ever heard! He told us that there are ups and downs. It's life. Not everything is peachy. He also talking about living and dreaming and reaching your goals. Loved it!
This year has already been a roller coaster for us! Since 2013 I have missed 5 1/2 days because of sickness! The stomach bug decided to take two tours around our house in the last month. We've also battled with strep and virus' and icky gunk! That is not fun! But, life is a roller coaster. There will be suffering.
There will also be some pretty amazing times too! When I look back on the last month, that's what I really remember! Here's our January "highlight reel"! The good times that we will look back on with a smile!
Mama got her ring fixed and back!!
Worked on my OCD issues by letting Hunter mix the colors of play-doh :)
It got warm enough to go ride horses
And when it was too cold to go out, we got in some good cuddle time!
Got to have a sleepover w/ a great friend like we were in junior high again!
Blake put on a fashion show!
2 of my bestest boys!
And got completely spoiled by the man below! He bought me the lens that I have wanted forever!!! A Nikon 50mm 1.8/f. The 3 Thiry One bags were a gift from out ECSE Christmas party, the ipad3 was from work (so no I didn't have to pay for it) to replace my ipad1..and the fun frame calendar was from a fun Pinterest night where I got to hang and talk to other ladies, girls...no that's not right either (I'M OLD), Mommy friends and have fun!
Hope everyone else can look back on their January and smile!
We are starting Febraury off right with a date night tonight and family time tomorrow along with friend time and the Super Bowl tomorrow night!!!
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
Boy or Girl?
As most of you know I requested some info from you on facebook. I wanted to know how old you were when you got pregnant, what month you got pregnant in and if it was a boy or girl. What?!! Why would I want to know that you might ask....
Well, we we're discussing the Chinese gender chart and the accuracy of it. Most places say that it is 93% accurate. If it's that accurate then why in the heck doesn't EVERYONE use it to get pregnant? That's a big percentage...really? Is it possible.
So instead of doing my homework or cleaning the house I launched a little research project. Here are the results!
51 babies were documented in this study.
Great care was taken that the information provided was accurate
The age range for the volunteers was 19-55 (When they gave me the info not when they got pregnant)
I used the chinese gender chart athttp://www.momswhothink.com/pregnancy/chinese-birth-chart.html
Ok so when I first started collecting data most of the people responding were all correct! WHAAATTT? How did I not know about this Chinese gender chart. The more responses I got the more "wrongs" I got. I was at about 77% when I talked to my sister who explained:
"The gender chart was created a bazillion years ago. Back in the day, months and years were tracked differently. So by using your current age, it will be incorrect. You need to go in and calculate your lunar calendar age." More information found at http://www.chinesegenderchart.info/.
CRAP! CRAP! CRAP! All that time and effort and info wasted! Then I read that most current charts take into consideration the change in months/years/calendars. So I decided to continue the research the way I had planned anyway. Here's what I found....
The chart was 63% accurate...A little higher than normal but nothing huge!
With all my data collected I also found out:
Kids don't want to hear about when their parents got knocked up!
As a parent it's fun to remember exactly "when" we got pregnant ("Fourth of July baby, husbands birthday, brother-in-laws graduation, drunken moment, college graduation, trail ride, or simply a week moment")
There were certain months that were more "popular" to make a little munchkin! Apparently June, September and November are a "No nookie" kind of time as each month only made 1 baby a piece. May came in first with 7 babies from my study to be conceived then and following close behind were April and May.
So, what have I learned from this? If you want a baby it shouldn't solely be because you want a boy or a girl! It's because you want to bring another beautiful (hopefully) being into this world to love and raise and care for! It's not in our hands. God will give us exactly what we intended to!
P.S. Many of you asked if there is baby 4 in the works for the Bensen's..... This began as a small conversation about how accurate it was not when Jen could get a girl.....Maybe.....
Well, we we're discussing the Chinese gender chart and the accuracy of it. Most places say that it is 93% accurate. If it's that accurate then why in the heck doesn't EVERYONE use it to get pregnant? That's a big percentage...really? Is it possible.
So instead of doing my homework or cleaning the house I launched a little research project. Here are the results!
51 babies were documented in this study.
Great care was taken that the information provided was accurate
The age range for the volunteers was 19-55 (When they gave me the info not when they got pregnant)
I used the chinese gender chart athttp://www.momswhothink.com/pregnancy/chinese-birth-chart.html
Ok so when I first started collecting data most of the people responding were all correct! WHAAATTT? How did I not know about this Chinese gender chart. The more responses I got the more "wrongs" I got. I was at about 77% when I talked to my sister who explained:
"The gender chart was created a bazillion years ago. Back in the day, months and years were tracked differently. So by using your current age, it will be incorrect. You need to go in and calculate your lunar calendar age." More information found at http://www.chinesegenderchart.info/.
CRAP! CRAP! CRAP! All that time and effort and info wasted! Then I read that most current charts take into consideration the change in months/years/calendars. So I decided to continue the research the way I had planned anyway. Here's what I found....
The chart was 63% accurate...A little higher than normal but nothing huge!
With all my data collected I also found out:
Kids don't want to hear about when their parents got knocked up!
As a parent it's fun to remember exactly "when" we got pregnant ("Fourth of July baby, husbands birthday, brother-in-laws graduation, drunken moment, college graduation, trail ride, or simply a week moment")
There were certain months that were more "popular" to make a little munchkin! Apparently June, September and November are a "No nookie" kind of time as each month only made 1 baby a piece. May came in first with 7 babies from my study to be conceived then and following close behind were April and May.
So, what have I learned from this? If you want a baby it shouldn't solely be because you want a boy or a girl! It's because you want to bring another beautiful (hopefully) being into this world to love and raise and care for! It's not in our hands. God will give us exactly what we intended to!
P.S. Many of you asked if there is baby 4 in the works for the Bensen's..... This began as a small conversation about how accurate it was not when Jen could get a girl.....Maybe.....
Saturday, January 5, 2013
Ho Hum
Ohhh! I should write about New Years Eve and how our traditions have changed and how were old now and we go to bed at 12:15.
No wait! I know! I'll write about my best friends that I didn't even pick! My husbands lifelong friends just happened to marry pretty amazing women who I have grown to know and love and are truly my best friends.
Hmmm. Does anyone really want to read about that? Maybe I should just post the slide show I made of 2012 in review...No one reads these things anyway.
Oh crap! 2 days ago was Blake's birthday! How is it possible that he is already 2? I should make a tribute to Chewy and talk about how he's changed our life & post some fun pictures of him!
But.....Beau shared with me this "aching head, sore muscles, stomach churning making me think I will have to run to the bathroom at any moment but this is my first day back to work, I can't be sick" CRAP!
Since I can't decide here's all my randoms combined in an unorganized meaningless blog! Enjoy!
2012 in Review Video:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jKG4so5bJ3I&feature=youtu.be
Christmas Program at Church: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9__ns3IRqi0
Christmas Program at School (Cole's in blue & yellow inbetween the Santa's: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A6XbtnvRoW8
No wait! I know! I'll write about my best friends that I didn't even pick! My husbands lifelong friends just happened to marry pretty amazing women who I have grown to know and love and are truly my best friends.
Hmmm. Does anyone really want to read about that? Maybe I should just post the slide show I made of 2012 in review...No one reads these things anyway.
Oh crap! 2 days ago was Blake's birthday! How is it possible that he is already 2? I should make a tribute to Chewy and talk about how he's changed our life & post some fun pictures of him!
But.....Beau shared with me this "aching head, sore muscles, stomach churning making me think I will have to run to the bathroom at any moment but this is my first day back to work, I can't be sick" CRAP!
Since I can't decide here's all my randoms combined in an unorganized meaningless blog! Enjoy!
2012 in Review Video:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jKG4so5bJ3I&feature=youtu.be
Christmas Program at Church: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9__ns3IRqi0
Christmas Program at School (Cole's in blue & yellow inbetween the Santa's: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A6XbtnvRoW8
FUN IN THE SNOW!
THE BOYS' FIRST COON HUNT WITH DADDY & UNCLE NATHAN
ALL THE COUSINS MUNUS ELIJAH
WE LOVE EACH OTHER-WE HATE EACH OTHER-SISTERS
HUNTER
COLE
BLAKE
HOW WE ROLL FARM STYLE
FUN AFTERNOON
HAPPY BIRTHDAY BLAKE!
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)