Kool Smiles Do NOT go there

My four year old son had a dentist appointment at Kool Smiles on Lawernceville Hwy at 10 am. This was my son's third visit to this location and ever to a dentist. When we got into the room I informed the dental assistant that I did not have experience with dentist and to explain to me what was going to go on. She informed me they were going to do a filling on his front teeth and if the teeth were to thin then they would do a crown. She explained to me what that was. I had asked to give him nitro to help him. He was very upset about putting it on his face. He was crying a lot. A male dental assistant came into the room and started to try to help calm my son. His version of help was barking a my son like a drill sergeant would to a cadet. When my son kept crying the employee grabbed my son by the chin and said, “Look at me, James, you need to stop crying.' The barking continued. He than told my son that he was going to strap him down on a board if he did not stop crying. Side note: I was not going to allow this. I would have left before they would have strapped him down to anything. The male assistant then went to get the board. At this point I asked both of them to step out of the room. Within minutes I got my son calm enough to where he put on the nitro mask. No more tears. I only have used nitro once myself did not know how it worked. I was trying to keep him calm and was helping him imagine that the mask was a special reindeer nose that helped him see Santa and he could smell the North Pole. I kept asking him to tell me what he was smelling while the Dentist got there. He was sitting there with the mask on for a good 8-10 minutes. He was relaxed, but I kept talking to him. No one told me to stop until the doctor was about to walk in because I said I think the stuff wore off. They informed me that it had not wore off, but that he needed to stop talking. It was too late at this point because the dentist was there and the poking had begun. I asked them to remove the mask. They held my son down. The female assistant tried to get my son calm. She was the only one who was kind and spoke kindly to him. She asked him a few things like what his favorite color was and if he liked certain things. I asked them to let him know what was going on. He needed to know what they were doing. This was done by the female assistant for the first part of the filling repairs, but did not continue through the processes. He is a child and needed to know they were not harming him. At the end the dentist and the two employees asked each other are you okay and thank you to each other. As the chair was raised so my son could be in the sit up position he was out of it. He had cried so much he was in a haze. This is when we were informed we had to leave. No one offered him a moment to gather himself. No one asked him if he was ok. No one said good job buddy. They acted like they were martyrs that had to endure him. When he rose from his seat he was sweating and the chair was very moist from him. We were shown the door and that was that. Kool Smiles is supposed to be geared for children. I took my son there because the dentist can be scary. They acted like he was a fool for crying, like he was not supposed to be scared, like he should know better than to cry. I will not be taking my children back there again. This was not the only bad experience we had with this location, but this is the worst of our experiences. Like I said we had only been there three times, but enough is enough. There are other dentist and I know there are ones designed for children that treat children and their needs. I do not recommend any of my friends to take any child to the Kool Smiles location on Lawreceville Hwy. Please re-post this blog to inform other parents who are looking for a dentist for their child.

Kardashians Give Big

So last night I had the most amazing dream ever. I know it was dream because this kind of thing only happens when I sleep. So there I was watching Kim, Kourtney, and Khloe Kardashian (who I know nothing about, other than their brother was on Dancing with the stars) and they wanted to do something big. Something so big this Christmas, that Oprah would look like the Grinch. So what they did was have a guy randomly ask people what their Christmas wish would be. They could pick three things, any three things what would they wish for. I happened to be one of these lucky people he asked on the street.

I answered, "I would like to be out of school debt, visit my parents, and buy my parents a van or house." As I spoke these words out pops Kim ans says, "Here is a check for $30,000 to pay off your loans." I saw myself scream with joy and then a rush of tears fell from my eyes. I could not stop crying and saying, "Thank you!" I think I hugged her to death. Then she asked me why I was so emotional. I told her not only could I know pay off our debt, but that I would have a little left over to pay for a plane ticket home to see my dad. She just grinned from ear to ear and said, "Hey Khloe, come here." That is when Khloe pops out with four plane tickets, a rental car pass for Hertz, and a hotel suite for my family. I think that's when I knew that the Kardashians were always going to get Christmas cards from my family. I could not believe their generosity. Off we went with film crew in tote to see my family. We surprised them for the holidays. It was by far the greatest feeling ever. I didn't think there could be more for I was in Heaven for sure.

This is when the best part of my dream happened. You thought that part was amazing, just wait until you read what Kourtney and Kim did. SO there we were hanging out as a family tears like Niagra when Kim says she has a holiday surprise friend she wants us to meet. So my family and parents go off in a limo to this beautiful home. At the door we are met by Kourtney and her special friend Ty Pennington (I told you this was a cool dream!) He welcomes us into his home and it is beautiful. We have dinner with them and then he gives us a tour. He shows us his cool basement with this pool table that turns into a hockey table and ping pong table. Down in the basement is three treadmills, so he and his buddies can walk together when it is too hot to go outside. If you have ever experienced n Arizona heat, you know he is one smart guy. He then shows us this beautiful back yard with a coll playset, which my siblings play on for the next 30 minutes while we eat dessert. We are getting ready to go and Ty says, "I have a surprise for you" out pops a brand new mini van for my parents. This is a HUGE deal. My family has not been able to ride in the same car together in years, too many people. They are in desperate need of a new car. You can now imagine Niagra is a leaky faucet compared to the tears that are beginning to flood the desert sands of Arizona. He hands my mom the keys and says to my mom and dad, "Oh, by the way, welcome home Camarena family, welcome home." We look at each other surprised and then it hits us he not only handed her keys to a new van, but to a new home. The very home we were just in was a gift from the Kardashians and Ty. I was overwhelmed with the joy on my parents faces with the weight that had been lifted from their burdens when I felt a knee jab into my back and a small body cuddle next to me saying, "Mama, t-u wake up?"

I was dreaming. Oh, but it was a beautiful dream. I wish it was true. I was so sad being ripped away from the joyful faces of my family. I was so ready to just call the Kardashians family. At this point they deserved that title. They had given big. They, in my book, had blown Oprah out of the box.

Kim if you ever read this and you want to make my dream a reality, please do. I already have a title for your show, The Kardashians Give Big!

James

"What are you thankful for, James?"

"My sister."

Shout out to Picnik.com

I am one of those people who cannot afford really cool shots of my kids by a pro. I would LOVE to have someone take our picture and mount a photographers artwork all over the walls of my home. Some day I will be able to do this, but for now I get to play photographer. On occasions I get some really great shots of my kids. Like the following one of my daughter.

It is really cute, but the coloring is all wrong.

Look what I did in about 3 minutes.

My secret:

Messing with the exposure button on PICNIK

If you have not been to this site you should.

Two reasons:

1. It's FREE

2. You can make your

pictures look this cool!

You can also do this!

Sunday Talk

Sundays are always days to get back into the sweetness of life.

I was able to give a talk today at church on charity.

I spoke on how charity can be shown in three ways.

1. We can show others the pure love of Christ and

put off the natural man by showing them we love them

I expressed this with my conversion story, how my sweet (step)mother INVITED me to church on a Sunday, as she often would. I sometimes declined and sometimes accepted her invitation. I wonder if she ever felt like inviting me, but didn't because she was sacred to? If she did I am glad that that day she had no fear. She showed me that

"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends."

I used to think this passage meant I had to die for my friends, but I have become smarter and know it means that I should put others before myself. That Sunday she did that for me. She showed me she had no fear to share with me the most beautiful part of her life with me. I am eternally grateful for that. I hope she knows that.

I am also grateful for my Father who had enough love for me to bring me up in a way that gave me pride in who I am. He taught me from an early age that I was a child of the Most High. He taught me to respect myself and others. He taught me to work hard for what I have. he taught me life has no short cuts. He taught me that God knows me and what I do. He taught me how to pray and the importance of scriptures. I remember as a child sitting on my Dad's bed as he gathered my sister and I to read scriptures and to pray before bed. I remember he would play spiritual music every Sabbath morning as we got dressed for church. I remember how diligent he was in showing us to respect the Sabbath to spend that day worshiping and reverencing our Father in Heaven. He taught me that I was special to him as he came to my soccer games, cheer practices, and wrestling practices to get me. He taught me that I was smart and I could be anything I wanted to. He taught me to never give up because God would help me when things got tough. My Father taught me a lot for a man who was on his own a lot. He may not be a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, as I am, but he prepared me for the day I would find God's church restored. He helped me prepare myself for the blessings I have at this moment, my children and my husband.

2. Charity towards our families

Sometimes we think that helping someone we don't know, like the Good Samaritan, is when we are showing true charity. I used to think this way. One day I heard a talk that spoke on motherhood and how it was one of the greatest things we could do in this life. I thought, "Really?" The more I have thought about it being a mother is the best and most essential job on the planet. I did not have a mother for most of my childhood, but I had a Father who taught me things I am sure his mother taught him. I have learned that great charity is stop reading my book and look at my child's new Lego building. Stop fussing about my dirty house and take my children outside. My husband shows me charity when I am tired from caring for the children ALL DAY and he will do the dishes or pick up toys without being prompted. He does it because I know he loves me. The Savior would do that if he were here. I know he would. If we show those who are closes to us the love of Christ when they grow up they will do the same to those around them and to those closes to them.

3. We need to show ourselves charity.

You are special.

God knows you.

He made you.

He loves you.

He sent his only Son to die for you.

If you ever get to a moment where you doubt who you are and you will do as Enos. Enos prayed until he KNEW who he was. God told him a lot about who he was when Enos finally got his answer. God said, "Enos, thy sins are forgiven thee."

In that moment Enos knew he was special, God knew him, God loved him, he could be forgiven, he had a purpose on this Earth, he was of some worth, the things his father had taught him were true, and that no matter how rough things got he had someone to turn to. We need to have enough love for ourselves to spend time with our Heavenly Father. Life gets busy and we let everyday life take us away from those things we know we should be doing. I do not know one person who spends time in the scriptures and on their knees daily, regularly, and with devotion that feels alone and without. I know that once we do not spend time with our Father in Heaven we slip out of his sight and into darkness. For some of us this is a slow processes and for others it is quick. Show yourself love and do not allow yourself to get away from what is important. I have had to many special and sacred experiences to let all that I have learned and love slip away from me. I have at times not been fully invested, but I cannot allow that for I know this gospel means to much to me. My Heavenly Father's love mean the world to me. I want to return to his presences with my spouse and children at my side. Some may say that we don't know if such a thing is possible, but I know the feelings I have felt are real. I know them for myself. The beauty of the Lord's gospel is that we can all feel it for ourselves.

I am glad I was able to write some of my talk down. This is not word for word what I said today, but close with some added thoughts I felt like I wanted to express. I hope to increase my knowledge of my Heavenly Father. I also hope that my family both here in Georgia and Arizona know how much they mean to me. I have been blessed with the greatest and most loving family one could ask for. I do not know why I am so blessed, but I do not question it I am just humbled to have what I have. I could not ask for more. I love you guys so much and I miss you guys more than anything! I hope someday soon I can show my Arizona family my children and that I can just spend sometime with you all. I hope it is sooner than later. Love you!

Pre-Halloween fun!

Happy Halloween from my little ones!

Pre-fall fun

It is being to look like Fall!

Can you say that I am excited? YES!!!!

I love the way I can go outside and play with my kids AND husband. He is not a fan of the heat and can take a lot of persuasion to go outside with us. When there is a crisp smell in the air and a cool breeze he is the one saying let's go outside. I love it!

I also love having baking smells in the air. My Mother-in-law happens to be a master baker. She makes the most yummy things. I sometimes have to stay out of the kitchen because I think to myself, "One more bit won't hurt......okay just one more.......one more.......no more....well maybe just one more........" If you have never had her baking you are missing out! NO you cannot have her. Find your own awesome in-laws.

One last thing about fall that I love....can you guess?

CLOTHES!!!

Fall has the best clothes. I can also hid my post pregnant belly in sweaters and stuff. I am getting down with my big self, but it is harder than last time. I don't have a walking buddy. Anyway back to the clothes. The fall clothes for children is so adorable! I can't afford many of the cute things, but if you wait long enough Target always have nice clothes for cheap! I got three pair of jeans, 1 khaki, 1 black pant, a pair of tennis shoes (James), a leotard, and tights for $44. Yes 5 pants, shoes, and the other two things for that price. I love the sales at our target.

Happy beginning of fall (while it last, but it will be back!)

Stationery card

French Toile Scarlet Birth Announcement

Find hundreds of cute baby birth announcements at Shutterfly.com.

View the entire collection of cards.

Sunday, I love you!

I love how quiet Sundays can be.

It is nice to have a day to

turn off the TV

go to church

sit and listen to hymns

have the children play quietly

take a nap

hang out

play a game

go for a drive

sit and read

stare at the wall

ponder

pray

relax

unwind

just be

It is nice to have Sundays.

What?

I love my children

BUT

Three children will wear you out faster

than a full day at Disney World.

Being a mother of three has been hard. Only hard because I am so tired all the time. I think if I was not so tired, about to move, school starting for my other half in two days, a sick child, and a new born things maybe a little easier.

I keep saying to myself once......... happens things will be a little easier.

I hope HOPE that once we move to our new place (things are in there place) things can finally get back to "normal." I need a routine as much as my toddler does. I don't function well with uncertainty and boxes everywhere (if I spelled something wrong SORRY I need sleep).

I cannot wait to move. Did I mention that already. Our new place has a yard, enough said.

It also has windows. I love natural light. I function better when my home is well lite. I do not know why, but it makes me happy.

It also has ceiling fans in all the bedrooms!!!!!!

Isn't it great to know what makes me happy. Natural light and ceiling fans. Oh, and a yard.*

*This is my blog my blog and I can type like I want to. This is for your grammar nazis.

Moving on........

I know you are looking for pictures of the children and other fun stuff, but this time you just get text. When I get fancy and when I get some time I will post them. You know who you are.

I am off because my 3 minutes are up and the children are....

BRACE YOURSELF FOR THIS WONDERFUL QUOTE FROM MY COUSIN

"Scattering like roaches"

I must go coral them back in and make dinner.

PS. If you know a dinner fairy please send her/him my way.

Thank you.

Nora update.

We are the hospital again. Nora has Jaundice and is under a light. It looks like she is in a tanning bed. She has this little mask she wears over her eyes. It keeps falling off. well it's fallen off like four times. I am afraid to go to sleep. The light can harm her eyes. I know I don't need to worry, but who can sleep in a hospital anyway. We were starting to get on a routine and now she has this little problem. She is a sweet girl and tough.

They gave her an IV in her tiny arm. She slept right through it. They drew her blood. She slept. She is brave, like her sister. I am glad she was so brave. I don't think I could have handled her crying. I almost cried when they put her under the light and were not going to wrap her up. She loves to be swaddled. She was so mad and I could do was pray that she would be comforted. I am so grateful the nurse changed her mind and let Nora be swaddled. She has been happy since.

She has been having difficulty eating. She eats a little and falls asleep, but tonight she ate for 16 minutes! I was so proud of her. Her last feeding was a whole 3 minutes long.

Little by little we are getting her on the right foot. I hope she heals soon. Elizabeth has a test on her kidney reflux later this week in Atlanta. Adam is going to the Netherlands later this week as well. I know all will be okay. It is just a little unsettling. I know Heavenly Father is watching out for us and he will do what he can take support and help us get through this little bump in the road.

I am so sleepy. I know I should be asleep right now, but it's hard to sleep when things are up in the air. I will pray she will be okay while I sleep. I hope her mask stays on and doesn't go over her nose. She will be fine. Someone will come in and check on her. They always do, right?

Please keep us in your thoughts. Let's hope little Nora's body weight goes back up and that her Jaundice goes down. Maybe we'll go home tomorrow if things improve.

James meets Baby Nora

Welcome!

Nora Denise Paulukaitis

2:03 am

7 lbs 14 oz

20.5 in long

She barely cried.

2 pushes and she was out.

Loved cuddling on her Mama and Papa.

Baby update!

Dr. just broke my water!

Van

We are getting a van! Yay! I am excited. I was really worried how we were going to be able to fit all three carseats in the back of our car. It would fit, but it would be a tight squeeze.

Number three is making her appearance in 26 days! I can't believe it. I feel so unprepared for this baby. I need to get her things ready so she has stuff to wear and diapers. I have just been so out of it for a while. My body has not been wanting to do everything I want it to. PLUS, I have two other children to teach and entertain. It can get a little rough, but my wonderful husband has really helped.

(Side note: Elizabeth is trying to sneak up on me right now. It is really cute.)

Details about the van. It is a 2000 Ford Windstar. How are we getting such a vehicle? It all started a few weeks ago when Adam's Aunt Karen and Uncle Steve came to visit for Brynna's high school graduation. We were just talking about the baby and when she was coming. Aunt Karen said, "I have a van I need to get rid of before July. It's in good condition and I'll sell it to you for a dollar." WHAT?!?!?!?!? YES!!!!!! I tell you this was an answered prayer.

Heavenly Father keeps blessing us. I know that if we continue to do what we can that is right we will be blessed. I can't believe how much we have been given by so many these last few years as we try to figure out how to be adults and parents. I married a great man and into an awesome family. I also was raised by amazing parents who taught me many things in order to survive being a grown-up.

When I get pictures of the van I will post them. Adam is bring the van home today from Alabama. He got to go on a road trip. I know that made him happy.

Some thoughts

I would like to express my gratitude to being born in a time and country where modern technologies have kept my little girl healthy and safe. If she had be born in another time and maybe in another country she would have just been seen as a sick baby with a fever. She may have never been treated as to having a problem with her internal organs. This makes me grateful for smart doctors and nurses who take their jobs seriously.

Paying for medical expenses is not my favorite thing in the world, but I know that this simple operation saved my baby from further damage, sicknesses, and possible premature death. I was humbled in how much Heavenly Father loves us all. I know he helped my little girl be calm as she went through this whole ordeal. She was a trooper.

The morning of her surgery Adam gave her a blessing. He laid his hands on her head and with priesthood authority passed on to him, not because he is special, but because he is worthy to hold this power, he was able to receive comforting revelation for our family. As he laid his hands on her head I know he became the mouth piece from our Heavenly Father. He blessed her that all would go well and that she would be calm and peaceful as the doctors and nurses did what they needed to. She did. She allowed them to check her, poke her, and more. She did not fight too much. I know it is because God has been close to her.

She is such a sweet girl and I am grateful to be her mother. I am grateful that she will be better and that she is so strong. I love her and look forward to watching her grow up. I look forward to teaching her what I and God would have her learn. She is my little angel girl.

I never knew how beautiful motherhood could be and is. I am grateful to have both my children and soon a third. Bearing, having, and raising children is the greatest gift I have been given. I hope all mothers realize and understand how valuable we are. I did not grow up having a mother. Once I got one I was grateful, but it was not until I became a mother did I appreciate my father and mother.

My father was my "mother" for many years. He did a great job. He did the best he knew how. I could not imagine myself in his shoes. His shoes were big and difficult. I love him for all he did for me. He sacrificed so much so I could have all that I have. He is my hero. He will always be my hero and he never failed me. So with Mother's Day coming up I say, "Thank You, Dad for being my mom and Thank You, Suzie for being my mom, too." I love you both. You have taught me and given me more than I can ever repay either one of you.

Bebe's Update

She is out of surgery and on her way to recovery. We will get to see her in about 45 minutes. Pictures and more to come. (This is for those of you who don't use FB).

Pre-op

Her cuteness did a great job getting ready to come to the hospital. She came with out a big fuss. She let them check her heart beat without pulling the monitor off her finger. She didn't really cry when they put the arm band on. She let them give her the meds that made her all loopy. I am so proud of her. The pictures are of her before they took her to the OR. She was very comfy as they rolled her away. She had her new blanket, that smells and looks better than her old one, and she had her Ollie. They have been really nice to us and made us feel very comfortable about the whole thing. We will know more as she comes out in a little while.

Thanks for all of your thoughts and prayers. It has made Adam and me feel better and relaxed about this whole thing. Lots of love to you all!

Bebe goes to the hospital

Tomorrow is the big surgery day. We will get there around 11 and she will get operated on at 1pm. I am a little nervous, but mostly I am just ready for them to do it so we don't have to worry about any more daily medicine. I know she will be okay once it is all done and over with.

She has Kidney reflux meaning urine makes it's way back into her kidneys. Two of Adam's sisters had this procedure done. They are fine now. They both were little girls.

We will probably stay in the hospital for two or three days. We are thinking Friday she will be able to come home. I will keep you posted. Please keep her in your prayers. It should be a fine routine operation, but prayers always help. =0)

Bebe gets stuck in the car

I babysit a little girl now and for the last few days I dared not go anywhere. Today we decided to head to the library. I thought I would be smart and get the Bebe out of her seat and put her in the front. She got out of the car when I was getting the other two out, so I put her back in, and shut the door. The door was unlocked. I got the other two out. I walked over to Bebe and discovered she had locked the door and on the floor was my purse with my keys and phone.

The story of my life!!!!!

Good thing a lady was getting out of her car next to me and that it was really overcast outside. I asked to use her phone and I called 911. I was like this is not an emergency, but I locked my daughter in the car. She is fine and while I was on the phone she unlocks the door. I was too slow, of course! I got off the phone and waited like 5-8 minutes for the police to show up.

As we waited the two bigger kids were so kind and played nicely in a pile of sand the found. I was grateful they were so happy just to be there. It would have been hard had they been crying or something.

Meanwhile, Bebe was in the car and cried a little until she discovered a booger. Yes, I said a booger. She made this booger her new found friend. For the next few minutes she began to decorate her arm, the window, and the side of the car door. I just stared at her and laughed. She had found a way to make a bad situation fun for her.

She loves being cute and in charge of things. The moment the motorcycle cop pulls up next to us she unlocks the door. She was free and happy. Thanks Mr. Cop for coming out, but she rescued herself. She is so Ms. Independent.

I must say that my first experience with having three kids with me was different, but ended well. I may survive three children as long as I can keep my keys and purse on me. I should have learned by now, but my keys have never been something I could keep track of. I should get a pacifier clip for my keys and wear them on my shirt or sew an extra key into all my pants.

Baby girl announcement

My friend announced her baby by giving each of her family members a Valentine's candy box with a onesie that said, "Uncle Dave" with a heart. I thought what a cute way to announce their baby. I thought this would be a fun way to announce our little bundle of joy to our families.

Once again my craft funds were out!

I had to think fast so I could have my creation done before we Skyped with family later that evening. (This was a few weeks ago).

I found some white onesies, some tulle I had used on a tutu (that I never sold, so I took it apart), and some fabric paint. The only one I could find was glitter.

I used my Silhouette, that my wonderful mother-in-law and father-in-law gave me for Christmas, to cut the letters out on Freezer paper.

30 minutes later with quick sewing and painting I had these two beauties done.

My family (In my hurry no "A's" were done right)

My husband's family

We are only having one girl, but we showed the onesie as our way to tell the gender of the baby.

We had fun telling them and then posting on FB that it is a girl.

I love fun frugal crafts like this!

New blog!

I made a new blog so I could archive blogs I like and stuff I make. I am excited! Check it out

Pig Stuck in Jello

Let me know what you think.

Bebe. Ready to potty train?

So I was sitting on the couch reading my Facebook when I hear Bebe whining and falling. I thought what is she up to now? I see her trying to exit the bathroom with no diaper on. The reason she was falling is because she had peed all over the floor. My question is, "Was she trying to use the potty?" Maybe, the world may never know. All I have to say is that it would be awesome if my 16 month old decided it was time to start to potty train. More money in my pocket and less in Pamper's pocket.

Brother Gary Bengtzen

I found out a few days ago that one of my favorite people from my mission had cancer. I was heart broken. When I read his family blog I found out he had grade 4 cancer meaning it was too late to cure him. He was diagnosed January 11th and he took his last breath yesterday. He was surrounded by family. He has been since he found out. He was a good man with a big heart. I know he was suffering with a lot of pain from his cancer. I know it must have been hard to watch this healthy happy man go through what he did. He was loved and will be missed. He was a good father, husband, and friend. His family is in my thoughts today. I am glad I was able to see how he treated his wife and the smile on his face. He was my friend. I will miss you very much Gary. May God bless your family and until we meet again, we love you and your beautiful wife.

Link to his family blog: Gary

Motherhood has it's boundries

Snuggle time should not while you are in the restroom. Seriously I draw the line there. I don't mind, every time, when my kids walk in and out of the restroom, but come on let me have a moment to myself. Snuggle with me when I am in the living room or in my bedroom. The joys of Motherhood.

My body

stayed home from church today and slept. My back and now my neck hurt pretty bad. I am going to see my doctor tomorrow to see what can be done for relief. I feel like the pain has crept up my back and is giving me a stiff neck. I do fine, most of the time, standing. Sitting has been such a chore between the aches and pains and the nausea and sometimes headaches that I get. The headaches have decreased except for the pressure that builds up between my eyes almost like a migraine. This pain usually occurs later in the day when I sit.

I have been trying to be a good sport and to do almost everything that is required of a mother of two and a wife. Some days, like I had two this week, are awful. I want to feel good today. I really do.

I have not been wanting to eat, but force myself because I need to. Food is just gross and makes me feel all gross inside. Yesterday/this morning has been the worse. I finally just had to eat a PBJ. You know it taste pretty good right now.

I just hope all the heat patches and Tylenol I am taking are okay. I don't want to hurt the baby. The doctor prescribed them so I should be fine. I just worry about that. I just want it to be okay and healthy, as any Mother would.

I hope to have good news or some relief tomorrow when I go see my Dr. I am kind of nervous to hear what will be said. I don't want to be put on bed rest. I just can't do that right now. There is too much going on. Adam doesn't need the extra pressure to take care of us with all his classes and teaching.

I know everything will be okay in the end, but it is hard when you are going through something that you have not before. I am grateful for friends and family who have been supportive with love, good advice, and help. It has been very humbling to know so many people care about my family and that everything is okay with us. Thank you!

Kroger

Kroger had a great sale this week and mine is located by a Pet store and JoAnns. Both convenient for me. I remember why I don't shop there. They have a MILLION different kinds of Kroger yogurt, but five flavors of Yoplait. I am a yogurt snob. I will admit it openly. For some reason I must have my yogurt in that little Yoplait container. I just can't eat it any other way. I have tried. I really did. Come to find out my husband is a yogurt snob, too. He must have his in a Yoplait container as well. So I must say good-bye to Kroger and hello to my other options. Publix and Wal-Mart have the best Yoplait selections, including Blueberry Pomegranate and Acai Pomegranate. they are so so so so so so so YUMMY! I want one now...., but I went to Kroger so I must settle for Very Cherry. Next week I will be back at Publix where milk is expensive, but they sell my yogurt.

I have been really wanting to do something with my kid's room, but I have none money. I have been wanting to do this for a really long time. I have been reading some really good craft blogs lately and you know what? You can do crafts for almost nothing, in most cases. So I decided to do an Extreme Makeover: Frugal Edition. I will show you what I had to work with and what I spent extra. So if you think you want to do something like I did you can do it with what you have lying on at home and in many cases what you find at the dollar store. Most of my friends are in the same boat as me. So I hope you enjoy while I toot my own horn.

Bebe's side of the room before the makeover.

Bebe's decorations.

This is fabric I had left over from James Birthday last year that I never used. The only things I bought new and extra were the felt castle and ribbon, both from the dollar store. My projects total cost $2. It took me like 30 minutes to do!

This is a white board I bought at the Goodwill 2 years ago for like a $1. My father-in-law made me this awesome frame. I had stopped using this board like five or seven months ago. I no longer have an office so it was sitting behind my bedroom door.

Buddy Boy was helping me as he Irish danced on the board.

Bebe joined in on the fun.

Bebe's new hair bow holder.

Second craft: Thia is the stuff I had lying around.

I got the Letter at Hobby Lobby for $1 and the frame from the

Dollar store for, you guessed it, a $1.

I cut the fabric.

I glued the fabric.

Bebe's new room!

We had everything lying around except the flowers.

I got them at JoAnn for $2.50. My expensive find.

Shown here with two hair bows.

I am planning on adding some vinyl onto Bebe's wall that says, "Once upon a time.." I got some for $5 and I will be able to use my new Silhouette machine. Now I am going to start on James side, but I think I will wait until next month. He wants a baseball theme. I can do that. My total cost on my make over is $8.50 (including the rose ball hanging from the ceiling and the one I have not, yet made). I will have to see how much of the vinyl that I use and I will include that in my makeover final count. I am excited. I want to see how frugal I can be with Buddy Boys side of the room.

Valentine decor

I got bored/ ambitious today. I made some slip covers for my pillows in my living room, a conversation heart Valentine banner, and flautas for dinner. I have to make dinner before 2 otherwise food grosses me out.

I am really proud of my decorating on a super budget. My pillows and banner cost about $6. The banner was not as cool as I wanted it to be, but the pillows look nice. They could use zippers or buttons, but they work. I have to work on my name plaque and wall art. I am excited.

Dear Child With In

Today was one of those days where my body could not keep up with my schedule, meaning it wanted to sleep, BUT I have two toddlers. My son ever so sweetly tried to get his little plastic balls and Buzz Lightyear into my blanket as I snoozed on the couch. What did I do? I did what any big fat meanie head would do, I yelled. I said, "I am sick, don't you understand that!" He cried. I wanted to cry.

Dear Baby in my Belly,
I love you very much, but you have two amazing siblings that want to play really badly. I am trying really hard to play with them and do all the things I did before my energy was zapped out of me. I understand you need me to survive, but leave a little bit of energy so I can play catch and "fight" with James. He loves to play a lot! So keep that in mind the next time you eat, breath, move, and whatever else you do in there.

Love,
Mommy
PS Love James, Elizabeth, and Daddy
PSS Love the dishes, cooking the meals, the laundry, and all the other stuff that must be done

I felt like this needed to be said because after dinner James came up to me, hugged me, and said, "I miss you, Mama." I wanted to cry. I miss me, too. Being pregnant is a short, yet lonnnnnnnggggggg time.

I hope all five of us survive the next few months. Five being James, Elizabeth, Adam, me, and the baby. If you have any energy boosting ideas please feel free to share.

I know birthdays for my kids are far away, but two of my friends have been picking my brain for birthday ideas for their kids. So my brain started to wonder what kind of party my kids should have. I have decided on a baseball theme for James since he loves the sport. I asked him if that is what he wanted and he said, "YEAH, MAMA!!!!" So I think that one will be a go. Now for Elizabeth I am debating between ladybugs, bugs in general, jungle, or Raggedy Ann. I have found this amazing blog that shows so AWESOME birthday ideas. I also have found several decoration ideas and tutorials on how to make my birthday dreams come true. Let's be honest some of the birthday preparing and "making it happens" are because I wish I had had "THIS" when I was a kid. So a part of it is for me. I am just being honest, call me self-fish if you wish, but moving on. So here is the link to my new favorite amazing blog Kara's Party Ideas.

I know you will be amazed and you too will fall in love with her blog. I wanted to throw a party after I saw some of these pictures.

If you are impressed here is another blog that will get your creative mind going for your kids birthdays, too. The Cake blog

I really love these blogs! If you know of anymore let me know.

It's a Baby!!!

So it is true, we are expecting number 3!!!! I am about 12 weeks along. I will know more once I see my doctor. I think it is a boy, but we shall see in a month. We are really excited and we have known for a while. It was so hard to keep it a secret! I wanted to tell everyone, but I was able to hold this secret for a while. I have been feeling a little ill, mostly tired, and I have had a lot of back pain. It's okay because we shall soon have a new edition to our little family. If it is a boy we are wanting to name him Joseph Kazimir and if it's a girl Nora Denise or Catherine Julia. We shall see. I think it's boy so I am banking on that. Maybe it will be quadruplets and we'll have to think of others names like Spongetta or Tater P or Spud or James Too or George Foreman. Only time will tell.... So check back and I will keep you posted!

Pictures with Santa

I finally got our copies of our pictures with Santa. I think they turned out pretty good. My kids really liked the big guy. At least we got our picture taken, right? I think we still look pretty good crying, frowny faced, and all.

First day of Primary

Today was James first day in Primary! He is officially a Sunbeam. I just about cried when he walked into the Primary room. I had to look away. My little man is all grown up and I can't believe it. Time flies so fast. It's a good thing I am told, but I wish I had more time to with him in at his different stages in life. I love him being little. There is just something sweet about a small child.

Back to Primary. He was a little bummed not to be going to Nursery. He almost wouldn't stay in the Primary room without his Dad, but I told him he could have some chocolate if he stayed. When it was all over he got his reward. He was happy, but he also had a blast in Primary. He told me he, "Sang songs, Mama, SANG SONGS!" He has been singing, "Hello, hello" since we got home. I think he likes that song.

I think it was a good experience for him. He has been a pleasure to teach knew things to. He knows the first four Articles of Faith by singing them. This month we are going to be working on number 5. He is so smart as all little kid "sponges" are.

Daddy and James showing off their, "Diamond ties!"

More Diamond tie pictures.

She was too cute not to include in this post.

Ready to go!

He just looked cool in this shot.

Happy New Year

Happy New Year! Ate my cheese, drank my cider, and kissed my Sweet heart! The new year is starting off to a good start!