The Little Things in Life....

I never thought I would

2012-02-17T00:16:00.000Z

I'm going to home school Madison. It's a long story...I really don't want to say too much other than that...I could go on and on...but basically my little girl no longer wants to go to school because she is terrified of her teacher. That isn't right and after trying to talk to her teacher about what was going on, I was getting the "teacher" lecture from her that basically she's right and I'm wrong since she's "investigated" with her "credible resources" and Madison is a liar and bully. I believe my credible resource, my daughter, who I can tell when she's lying about something...that she's not and the fact the teacher was quoting things Madison "says"...I realized she is so wrong. Madison has come home and told me so and so called her this...I ask if she told on them...she said no or I tried, but the teacher didn't believe me...she said I called her it. I don't know...but I'm pretty open with my kids...and we have a pretty tight relationship. I have never heard my daughter say the phrases she said she used and we don't say "idiot" in our house. The only time I can imagine Madison saying it would be in a situation where someone called her it and she'd say, "I'm not an idiot." I am not going to have her stress out over this old lady who is horrible. I don't call too many people that...she is one of them. What I find so maddening about this whole situation is the other kid involved is KNOWN for making trouble. Madison has always been an excellent student and gets along with everyone and has never been in any kind of trouble. The only thing I've heard is she is giggly. I've told her to stay away from this kid...the kid follows her on the play ground AND the teacher has them in the same groups in class. LAME! Madison already has enough stress in her life for an 8 year old...her dad is away for a year, she's moving from a place that is her home...ummm...yeah...I will suck it up and remember never to say never....

It did feel pretty good when I told the teacher that this is the first time Madison has ever hated coming to school. She hates her class. And she most likely won't be returning but I will have to talk to her father before I formally pull her out. I had been stressing about meeting her...it took 4 days to get to talk to her since she didn't realize I wanted to meet with her. Seriously...I left a message...I need to talk to you about Madison being put in the red book. I felt that was pretty clear.

Life

2012-02-16T00:32:00.001Z

Abs and Bells have been very sick. High fevers, coughing, throwing up and snot have been a part of my life for far too long. I want them to be healthy again. The past 5 days we've done a lot of sitting on the sofa watching Winnie the Pooh.

I'm a vegetarian

2012-02-14T22:25:00.002Z

Hannah has stated she is a vegetarian. It went something like this:

"I'm a vegetarian except I can eat bacon, hot dogs and eggs."

I seem to remember this conversation a long time ago...except I was the vegetarian and my exception was Taco Bell...

Planning

2012-02-13T22:21:00.005Z

I was so excited to talk to Dan today....it had been 2 days since we had been able to Skype. We were talking about how he looks forward to being back together as a family and I think it's great that he is getting 45 days off after he PCS from his current job but I was not looking forward to having all this time and living out of a suit case. So we were talking about it and what he wants to do but then he mentioned he wanted to see the Grand Canyon. First off, I CANNOT believe he has not seen it or the Arches in Utah or Yellowstone...it is just crazy to me!!! And so we're going to do a big family road trip...just the six of us! I'm so excited! He also mentioned how he would like to stop in Utah to see my sisters...yes Christina and Nicole...feel special. Perhaps an Oregon Coast trip as well and of course some rafting down the Rogue River and he wants to go fishing with his dad. I'm beyond excited we're not staying in Southern Oregon the whole time and he wants to go out and see things. And so while I should be looking at what I'm going to do about home schooling my Madison....that is another post in itself....I am looking up possible places we should go. YAY! I'm so looking forward to this...5 months!!!

Happy 1st Birthday Abs!

2012-02-12T20:27:00.001Z

I'm not really in the mood to arrange these in order. I have been trying to upload them since her birthday on the 28th! Blogger has not been liking me lately...

So we had a quiet birthday. Poor girl was ill on her birthday...she's been sick since the beginning of December...she's still sick and we're in the middle of February. Madison, Hannah and Shannon decorated....she loved all the balloons. My favorite was the fact that Madison and Hannah drew on several of the balloons...some of them were HILARIOUS! The girl loves Winnie the Pooh...so naturally the girls picked out that cake. That is why she's crying in the cake picture...she wanted to hold him. Luckily, after we started to sing, she was happy once again. Love this girl! She is such a joy to have in our home...Dan and I are pretty lucky we were blessed with yet another beautiful, smart, funny, strong willed girl. (3 apparently wasn't enough....)

Snow!

2012-02-04T20:05:00.001Z

It has been sooo sooo cold here the past few days. It started snowing this evening. The girls were excited. I'm just happy I washed my car and cleaned it out yesterday. I had let it just go...it was the worst I've ever seen it. Oh this weather...wait...the school car park...it is killing my poor car.

Lazy Sunday

2012-01-30T11:11:00.001Z

My poor Abs...still sick. We've just been hanging out at the house...
Hannah is an animal....

Bells was dancing with the fireplace shovel and brush....

Madison has learned to crochet...Aunt Shannon taught her....

Abs is on the go...she really wants to walk...

Changing our verbals

2012-01-29T10:57:00.000Z

When I told the girls we were headed to Japan next, Hannah was excited and instantly thought of the fact she could take Judo from a real Japanese person...oh Hannah. Madison was a lot less thrilled. It kind of went like this:

"We're going to Japan!!!"

"I don't want to go to Japan, I thought we were staying with Grandma Nancy for awhile before we moved to California."

"Your dad and I decided to take orders to Japan. It will be better. We will get to see dad more and he won't have to leave for 8 months like he would have to in California."

"No. I still want to live with Grandma Nancy."

"You can skype Grandma Nancy everyday."

"How about I live with Grandma Nancy for 2 years and I will skype you every day."

"I'd miss you too much!"

"I can do every 6 months there and then maybe move in with you for 6 months."

Yes....she is now easing up to the idea. I've been more than positive about the whole decision. It's rubbing off on everyone. Dan is getting super excited too. It was a really hard decision in the fact that California was his "dream" job but the one in Japan will allow him to be home A LOT more and it still checks the O4 sea tour box. It helps that he hears the CO is a great guy and the guy he is replacing asked for an extension...who asks to be extended on a sea tour???!!! Seriously....

I think we bummed out some family that we're not going to be close to "home"...I think some forget that it is not our home anymore....yes we were raised there...but like Dan said when he came back for his R&R during Christmas...he felt this was like home. England has been our home for nearly 4 years...the longest in our married life...it will always hold a special place in our hearts.

It also is better for us as a family taking this job instead. I much rather see my husband more than being close to extended family. Harsh...but it's the truth. Yes, the girls have missed some seeing some grandparents...but their relationship with their dad is so much more important. Especially with him being away for a year. That, and the super selfish side of me figures we have this wonderful opportunity to do this...why not?! And I'm so looking forward to traveling a little bit over there!

The funny part about this whole thing is that I'm so extremely excited about moving to Japan. Just a few weeks ago I told Shannon how I just was not really wanting to ever be stationed in Japan...we have had orders there before but Dan asked to switch them for me...I had just had Hannah and the thought of taking a newborn over to a country I knew nothing about scared me! I haven't heard anyone ever say anything bad about it...just that it's super humid and the mosquitoes...but I can deal. It's funny how I find out that this job is available a couple of weeks later and I encourage him to talk to the detailer about it. It happened in about 6 hours....we were considering Jacksonville, FL but the job did not seem like something Dan would want to do after we found out more about it. And why do a job he won't like after all, he did Bahrain so he could pick something he would enjoy. While I've been listening to my iPod in the car...one of the songs I tend to listen to more often lately...a part of it says...

"And when I'm not with you, I know that it's true, That I'd rather be anywhere but here without you."

It's the truth. And so that's the story of the quick decision to request our verbal orders to be changed. Okinawa it is...and we are thrilled!!!

Change of Plan....

2012-01-26T21:05:00.001Z

We're no longer going to California. We took verbals instead to Okinawa, Japan!!! We're so excited and feel good about this instead of Dan being on a carrier for 8+ months. It all happened so quickly...Dan saw the billet and asked if he could switch it and it worked out all within a couple of hours. I really feel it's where we need to be and the big thing is it's still a sea tour but we will have him around a lot since he won't be actually going out to sea. It will be a year when he completes his tour now and I'm getting tired of not having a husband physically here these past 6+ months. YAY!!!!!!

Abs

2012-01-24T23:30:00.001Z

I just love her....she's all over the place thanks to Aunt Shannon who taught her how to use the walking thing...she now knows how to maneuver it so there aren't as many fits like she shows in the video below. She is adorable...she makes me smile. I can't believe she's going to be 1 in just a few days...this last year just flew on by. I'm not going to have a baby anymore soon...exciting...but a little sad.

Abs walking with some help

2012-01-18T19:38:00.001Z

New wellies

2012-01-16T19:00:00.003Z

After the Christmas break, Bells went to school and eyed some Peppa Pig wellies that were not hers. She had a fit pretty much every day I picked her up and told her to put those wellies back, they were not hers. Last week I bought some online...today they came. I picked her up and her eye balls were the size of saucers when she saw them and when I told them they were hers! She apparently thinks she needs to sleep in them. She came down from bed...I told her to get up, I didn't want her to wake Abs, and she had them on. Crazy kid...she's so young but KNOWS what she wants. Pick ups won't be so hard anymore...and I think her friend who is the owner of the wellies will be happy she won't have Bells taking them away.

Madison and Abs

2012-01-15T18:59:00.001Z

These two have been doing this all day...Abs thinks it's pretty great.

A very frightful moment that seemed to last forever...

2012-01-14T13:38:00.000Z

Abs choked last night. She turned blue and I was about to do anything in my power to get whatever was stuck and causing her to not breathe out. I was on the phone...my sister picked up her up and thought she was going to cry...she tends to not breathe for a few seconds before she throws a fit...no...she couldn't breathe. I stuck my finger in her mouth to see what was in there...a tiny piece of chip...I eventually got that thing out by making her cough it up. I was shaking...my sister was shaking...my friend was still on the phone that I dropped on the floor and heard everything going on...I've never seen one of my kids not able to breathe. Not a good sight to see and the things that run in your mind just are not good and I just knew I had to get it out. I cuddled her...checked her out to make sure she was fine and tried feeding her some baby food to make sure she was able to swallow and keep things down. She ate about half of the jar and then I gave her a bottle. She cuddled with Shannon afterwards and fell asleep. Poor baby girl was exhausted. THAT was traumatizing but she's ok...we got the piece of food out and life is good.

Saturday morning...it's been a lazy one. It's 1335 and I'm still in my pjs. It's been one of those kinds of days...

So behind

2012-01-11T16:10:00.001Z

Bells and me doing "airplane." Usually it's the other way around but I wanted a go....

I have so many things I want to make note of but I don't want to...Christmas was really great...but perhaps I will just keep it as a memory in my brain because I don't have a desire to type it out.
I was talking to my sister in the car today while driving home...wait...HER driving us home...after we picked up Bells from school and we were talking. She mentioned how we should have recorded Madison and Hannah's Christmas concert...it was seriously the funniest/cutest/most thoughtful thing ever!!! Madison wrote it all out...Hannah and her switched speaking parts. Madison would play a song on the piano and the girls would then explain the different symbols in the lyrics and how it involved the birth of Christ. Dan and I couldn't stop smiling...my cheeks were hurting....we were so blown away by our girls. It was one of those moments you are just so proud of your kids....it's something so little but you get this glimpse of what a great person they are and how much they know and understand things...it's pretty amazing. Then you think about how grown up they seem and how did that just happen...they were just in your arms...Madison always faced out and Hannah always swaddled and cuddled tightly...and it's just makes you want to have more moments like this as a family since I feel at times life is just speeding right along. That was one of my favourite Christmas moments.

And then there are the other moments you are dying of embarrassment. Like how Hannah brought in an empty Martinelli's glass bottle to school to show and tell. The best part was when she told the class that this was her favourite present Santa gave to her....AND how she saw her teaching laughing when she said this. Yes, please don't mention that American Doll you got, or the American doll horse...or clothes, riding hat, Figit....and so many more toys that were your ACTUAL gift since the bottle came from New Years. I will from now on pay attention to what goes in her backpack.

Bells is now throwing temper tantrums that come along with a "no" and a foot stomp. It's hilarious. Ok...like the first time she did it...now it's just annoying. I ignore it....we had a moment in the Commissary. She threw a fit...she was stomping...rolling on the ground and I did absolutely nothing. I'm hoping it's just a short phase...oh the Bells.

Abs is cruising along the furniture. She is huge...she's not just solid...but she's tall. She is in 18 month clothes since the length is too short with 12 month. I can't believe she is turning 1 at the end of this month. She is such a sweet girl....most of the time. She sure knows how to be heard and get mad. She does this fist clench and shake thing...so funny!

I feel as though I'm experiencing living with a teenager with Madison. Besides that...she has this laugh...like she doesn't laugh with her eyes...it's just her mouth opened and a noise coming out of her mouth. It's so fake but not if that makes any sense at all. I have to record it sometime...it's quite the laugh.

Abbers

2012-01-08T21:25:00.002Z

Poor girl...she has a viral infection...she peaked up with a temp of 104.8...so sad. She can still smile...and show off her gorgeous hair. Seriously...she's 11 months! Shannon styled it...

Super Girl and Bat Girl

2012-01-08T21:22:00.001Z

Sometimes you just need to wear a costume...even when it's WAY to short....

I have a camera!!!

2012-01-06T17:02:00.003Z

So I've had a camera...a snapshot which I HATE. My good lens was broken last Easter and I just hadn't bought one. Dan bought me one for Christmas and I got it in the mail today. YAY!

Christmas

2011-12-28T23:50:00.001Z

It has been a crazy 2+ weeks here. With Dan home, I didn't want to do anything but spend family time with him. And so it's what we did. Dan and I were able to go out and see a couple of movies and go out to dinner....Sherlock Holmes, Mission Impossible, (I also saw Girl with the Dragon Tattoo) and we even had a little overnight get away. Shannon came...the girls LOVE her of course....and we had Christmas with our little...ok...not so little family.

Dan was able to take the girls on daddy daughter dates...the girls really love that one on one time. Dan is so good about wanting to spend time with his girls. Abs was loving on him by the end of week one. She was reaching out for him and slobbering him with "loves" (kisses) and he was loving it.

Hannah and I picked up my sister on the 21st. She is such a trooper and stayed up while my girls asked her five million questions and climbed all over her.

She also was willing to watch all of them while Dan and I headed up to York the day after she arrived. We have been up there before but Dan wanted to go up there again. We both love it there...we had an early start so we arrived around 11 am. We headed to the railway museum, ate some lunch in the town centre, walked around the shambles...it was a beautiful day...headed into the York Minister and looked around...checked into our super cute bed and breakfast and then headed back out and grabbed some Mexican food at the "Mehicana" and did some shopping and more walking. It was so relaxed...it was so nice just to be able to hold his hand and talk. I really missed my best friend.

We came back Friday evening and Shannon and I had some major shopping to do which we wrapped that night until 2:30 am...thank goodness we don't wrap Santa presents. I was a total procrastinator this year and so I was shopping for presents on the 23rd and what we were eating for our Christmas Day dinner on the 24th! Shannon and I then picked up Nandos for dinner...we ate, opened up our pjs, went for a drive to look at lights, watched movies and then the girls went to bed.

Christmas Day was fun...all up by 6:30 and the girls loved everything they received. Phew...I was a little worried I was going to have some melt downs...roller blades didn't come this year...hello...we live in England...when and where are they going to roller blade outside?! Madison was so excited about her secret password journal...Hannah her Figit...Bells her doll house and Abs her pink car.

Dan sadly had to go back yesterday...27th....it was a night flight so we left our house around 5:30 pm. None of the girls wanted to go so it was just the two of us. The girls were a mess and we left Shannon with them. I fell asleep on the way there for a little bit...I couldn't sleep the night before...but we arrived early and sat at the coffee shop and spent about 45 minutes before he had to start heading to the gate. I was a wreck...I have been pretty strong and not one to cry during these last 5+ months of him being away...I think it all caught up with me yesterday. I made it home through tears....Dan made it safely back to where work is.

Today was a challenge. The girls were in moods I was not wanting to deal with. Madison was being a pill....oh that girl...I love her but holy cow. Hannah was a wreck...we both decided it would be best if she took a nap...she and I fell asleep in my bed. Bells is looking for her dad and Abs I think was just reacting to the vibes people were giving off. Shannon is a saint and let me sleep in this morning. It was so nice...so nice. Tonight Madison is sleeping in my bed after I gave her a hug and she cried about her dad...she's in my bed and fell asleep to me telling her stories about when she was little. She doesn't really cry...it breaks my heart she's so sad. It was so nice to spend Christmas with Dan. I am very grateful...seriously...best present ever. I just hated seeing him have to go again. Like I keep telling the girls...the last 5 1/2 months went by pretty quickly...I'm sure the next 6+ will too. Hopefully.

Home!

2011-12-11T15:46:00.003Z

The girls had no clue! It was hard, very hard keeping this secret but so worth it. Bells has not wanted to leave his side. He took a shower and she was so happy when he came back downstairs... She jumped right back into his arms and has been like this ever since....

Disco

2011-12-08T23:05:00.007Z

It was that time again...where music blares and it's like a sauna in the gym. The girls had their school Christmas disco. We all went. Let me tell you, Bells is a dancing machine. She danced pretty much the whole night...we'd hold hands and dance (I still had Abs in my arms). She danced with her friend from school, Madison's friends, Hannah's friends...or by herself. She was loving it. I just had a smile on my face the whole time...well except when I needed to leave the room and get some fresh air. She even had a little girl crying because she wouldn't take her hand to dance...she was busy dancing with her friend. It was so sweet. When I asked Madison why she wasn't dancing she told me, "I don't dance. I talk with my friends and I buy things." Hannah was, "It's too embarrassing to dance." She use to be my dancing machine...I remember THIS two years ago...

And Abs was rocking out in my arms as well. And they still played Cotyon Eye Joe and the Macarena...

Pictures

2011-12-03T21:43:00.012Z

Vanessa took the girls' pictures...of course I LOVED them! She's so patient with my girls. Madison was being Madison...not being very photogenic and Hannah was loving the camera.

Do you see my little doll? She looks like one. There have been numerous times people have mistaken her as one. My favorite was the guy at the Commissary who jumped after he saw her move and said, "She's real! I was wondering why a grown woman was strolling around a baby doll!"

The Bells...always on the go...

Hannah...she hardly ever takes a bad picture...

Madison...she's growing up way too fast....and way too pretty.

Oh I forgot!

2011-12-02T22:13:00.004Z

I went out a few days later for my birthday with some friends. They took me to see Breaking Dawn...oh how we had the giggles. I think I laughed through the entire movie. I kept getting asked if it was good...well to be honest...I have never thought any of the movies are great...it's entertainment. The acting is horrible and it's so cheesy but it's nice to watch something like that once in awhile. And to be honest...Jacob did not take his shirt off enough in this movie. HAHA! It's even better when you watch it with friends who can take a joke and laugh. I will always have the memory of what I asked during the honeymoon part...the laughs that came after for awhile...and how my friends apologized my gift didn't have one and I then said that it could work. Yeah...bet you don't get that but I totally understand and it makes me laugh out loud right now...even more so since the gift is right around the corner. Then we had a delicious dinner with some great conversations. I love having friends you can just talk about anything to and not get this weird glance when you have the strangest, random thoughts and just laugh. It can get crude....funny...but crude. It was a great way to spend my 30th.

Name changes

2011-12-01T21:14:00.003Z

Today, Madison asked me if I knew any moms with the name of "Madison." I thought about it and told her no. She then said, "That's it. I HAVE to change my name now. My new name will be Elizabeth."

I told her she could just not have kids...

Hannah then interjected and told me she would NEVER change any of her names. Not even Brown since she's never getting married and going to live with Dan and me forever. Lucky us....

Bells now says, "Ohhhhh Mom!" It's pretty cute. It doesn't seem as cute when I type it but hearing her little voice is the cutest thing. Which reminds me...a boy in her class has nicknamed her, "Ewok." One of her teachers told me a couple of weeks ago. While I was dropping her off last Thursday the little boy was dropped off by his dad...it was Thanksgiving...and he says, "Dad, that's Bells...the one who talks like an Ewok. Look at her hair...she kind of reminds me of one too." I laughed...I told his wife today that I think it's adorable and a great description of how she talks when she gets into her ongoing gibberish babble thing. I never knew how to describe it...and then a 5 year old thought of the perfect description. Got to love kids.

No, we did NOT have a Thanksgiving

2011-11-25T20:35:00.002Z

Dan isn't here, the girls had school (no, England doesn't have Thanksgiving...it cracks me up when people back home ask...it's an American holiday...why would the girls have the day off) and riding lessons...I don't cook turkey...we did not have a Thanksgiving dinner. We had a Happy McD's dinner since the girls were hungry after riding lessons and I had forgotten to bring snacks. Madison and Hannah really don't know what Thanksgiving day is about anyway...a little sad...but to be honest...I was never that big into it. Just a day to eat way too much and have the TV on football all day...no, I'm still not that bummed we didn't celebrate.

16 days...I'm excited!!! I had a moment today...I don't have them very often. I think having a positive attitude and not dwelling on the fact he's gone helps the girls. They have a positive attitude about him being gone. The song...Switchfoot...Your Love is a Song...was playing on the radio...well through my iPod...I started crying while driving home. It was so strange and I like couldn't stop. I've done this three times since he's been gone...luckily it was dark and the girls couldn't see me...but I had this overwhelming feeling of just missing him. And so I decided to help get my mind off of him...we put up the tree and decorated. The girls were excited...we had a Christmas movie playing and it was so cute to watch Bells. She's starting to understand things...so it's fun. Abs was in heaven when I brought out the bead garland...and then had a fit when I put it on the tree. It was so sweet when Madison mentioned how she wished her dad was here so he could put on the star...he always does it...and asked if we could take plenty of pictures so he could see our decorations since he won't be here. Sometimes it is so hard to keep that secret....they are seriously going to go crazy when he shows up.

Bells...

2011-11-21T14:24:00.004Z

I hope we never stop dancing in the kitchen. It makes me smile...and is one of the highlights of my day. I love how when it's a fast song we dance fast and when it's slow, you want me to twirl you. You even pick up a corner of your clothing as if you're wearing a ball gown. I don't know where you picked that up...but I love it.

Happy Birthday to me!

2011-11-19T21:20:00.006Z

I have some pretty amazing girls. They decorated the dining room all for me the night before (we celebrated my birthday Saturday which worked out great since Abs was very sick Sunday and Monday was just crazy busy)...

They made me pizza....
They made me a strawberry short cake....

They sang to me as I blew out my candles....

They even wrote a message out of stremers....

I love my girls so much. Remembering what they did for me melts my heart...I even have a few tears. They are such sweet, caring, thoughtful girls. I really am blessed. Madison and Hannah did it all by themselves...they really stepped it up since Dan wasn't here to help to make my day extra special. Mission accomplished girls...I had the best 30th birthday (minus Dan) I could have asked for. And on my real birthday...a dear friend made me dinner that was delish!!!

Adios!

2011-11-13T22:08:00.002Z

To my 20s that is. It's my last night being 29...I think my 20s flew by but not if that makes any sense. So much happened...so many exciting times...sometimes some hard times. Is it weird that I thought I was older in my early 20s? I felt so much older...but apparently looked very young. I will never forget the couple waiting in line behind me at the Commissary asking where my mother was...I had Madison and Hannah. It shocked them when I said they were mine...and I was 23. I had braces...I looked like I was 13 when I had those things on for 18 months. I always thought I was going to have a nervous break down when I would hit the big 3-0. I know I'm not there yet, but I don't foresee it happening and I really can't have one since what would my children do since I'm the only adult around. So and I must wait 4 weeks to have one if it is going to happen.

No really...I've been so blessed in my 20s. 4 beautiful, healthy girls. A loving husband who understands me and knows how to make me laugh whenever I don't want to. Sometimes I hate that trait especially when I'd like to stay mad at him for a little while. I also have realised what a great family I have....as in a mom, dad and sisters and brother. I've lived in 5 different states, 2 countries and have lived in 7 different houses these past 10 years. I've had so many good memories have made some really good friends which is hard sometimes with the military since I eventually have to leave. Sometimes I forget some of them...the memories that is....I blame pregnancy not "old" age on that....and then something reminds me of it and I just think wow, I've had such a great decade. Married, 4 kids, and moved and have visited lots of places...and I've been so blessed I've never had to work.

I kind of had this fear of getting older...I still think holy cow, my life is more than 1/3 over...but it just makes it easier I have such a great man in my life. I look forward to getting old and senile with him. I hope we're still able to walk but we like to tease each other that we're going to be in Jazzys riding along the road...holding hands....probably crashing into things. I am past the point of regretting choices I made...19 and 20 were hard years for me...but it all worked out. I am not going to lie...it took until I was around 27 to realize this and to move far away from everyone I knew...but through trials and consequences, if you truly are sorry, blessings do come out of it and you start to see those blessings and just accept how things were and never regret how it was. If you live your life in regret...it doesn't make you a very happy person.

And despite what Madison and Hannah are saying, I'm still "young." It makes me laugh that now I am "old" mum. But then I have to remember...it was only 6 months ago I thought 30 was "old."

You make me smile

2011-11-13T12:55:00.010Z

Abs...she thinks she's all that since she can sit in the tub now by herself. I have this adorable clip of her just screaming and splashing (screaming is usually a good thing in our house...it is a house full of girls.) I love how she just is so excited about life. I just sit and wonder what her little brain is thinking when she's just sitting there. We have a crawler...I'm a little sad about that...I liked her immobile...and she just wants to stand up now. She's ready to go and be one of the "big" girls. It makes me happy...and it makes me a little sad. My last baby is growing up and looking like my mom. Dan can't get over how much she looks like Grandma Nancy. He says it every time we skype with him.
Bells refuses to have her hair up. She rips those hair things right on out. The other day I tried a new hair style. I showed it to her in the mirror. She said, "me, pretty." She doesn't take them out. This means food is no longer in her hair and she is no longer trying to eat her hair while she's eating. It's also nice to see her beautiful face. I also love that "belly" laugh. It makes Abs just crack up even if she was in the middle of crying.
The Hannah....I love when I'm driving and I can see her in the rear view mirror dancing and singing. There have been many times I have considered the possibility of having to pull off to the side of the road. She's hysterical. I love our conversations in the car...they are always the best. Madison...my little mini me. We were having a "rough" day the other day. I asked if it was at all possible she not argue every time I ask her to do something. She said it was nearly impossible. I asked her why...she said she doesn't know why she just does it...that I must have just passed that trait on to her and that is why she has been doing it since she was 1. I love how she is honest with me...and when she's not...I just give her the look and she'll fess up. We have a complicated relationship...sometimes more like a "sister" type thing going on...but she knows I love her...and I love how she trusts me. I hope that never changes.
What also makes me smile...the fact I tried on my new jeans that were a size smaller that I had just prewashed and dryed in the dryer and they fit! And I didn't even have to squeeze into them. Pre-Madison size is looking hopeful in the very near future!

Veteran's Day

2011-11-11T21:07:00.002Z

I am so proud of my veteran. I think of all the sacrifices the past and present veterans have made and it makes me feel so blessed. I read this quote:

"Freedom is never free." -Author Unknown

Isn't it so true. Every time I stand up for the National Anthem when we're at the movie theater on base (it's the only time I really here it while living here). I tend to get teary eyed every time I watch all those men and women in uniform. I know...pretty silly...and I can't blame pregnancy anymore. I never really understood the sacrifices our service men and women made and make until that day I was sitting in the foyer at church in Lemoore. It was class time. I saw two men in uniform come into the building who were not members I had seen or didn't even know they were members. I remember a mother's cry from the Bishop's office. I instantly had tears running down my face as well as another woman who was out in the foyer with me. She had her husband to cling onto...I had Madison. I didn't know who was in the office at the time...I just felt pain and sadness for her and her family and a sense of reality of what our service men and women do. They risk their lives...some don't make it home...this has been happening for hundreds of years. I truly am grateful for those who have served and are serving. Almost every time I see an American flag, I think of them and how many have served to fight for the freedoms I have today.

Sometimes you just have to be blunt

2011-11-10T14:03:00.003Z

So I called the doctor's office this morning. I asked for a nurse consultation right away for Abs and her rash on her diaper region. I was surprised when I received a call back in less than 30 minutes! It wasn't the nurse I like...it was another one. I was explaining about the rash and I told her about how it started about a week ago after her first dosage of the other antibiotic. She started to rag on me about why I didn't call. I was not in the mood and so I told her straight out I didn't because one, it might have just been a regular diaper rash and I wanted to wait it out to see if it cleared up on it's own. And 2, it takes forever to get an appointment. She surprisingly agreed with me. As I'm describing the rash she's telling me what I should be doing. I said I have been (diaper rash ointment, airing it out, making sure it's dry....) and I told her this was not a normal rash. She then proceeded to tell me about rashes and I (this isn't really like me) interrupted her and told her I know what a diaper rash looks like, this is my 4th kid, and they are all girls and this is not a normal diaper rash since none of it is around her butt area. She gave me an appointment for today. I was quite pleased.

So Abs is on the verge of a yeast infection. It doesn't look like a normal one but the doctor gave me some yeast ointment and she should be good in a week or two. I was just happy I received verification that this was not a normal diaper rash. (Thanks Christina for the yeast suggestion.) I was pretty sure it was because of the amount of antibiotic she's been on for the past three weeks. The doctor did check out her ears...there is still some redness and fluid so he's keeping an eye on it. Three months equals tubes. We've been lucky and hadn't had to do that but I rather it get taken care of soon than later. Hopefully we are on the road to a healthy, happy baby again and I will be able to get some sleep!

Something that reminds me of Shannon

2011-11-09T22:03:00.003Z

I was taking a picture of Bells and me...she kept doing the "kissy" face in EVERY picture. And so I joined her...I look a little silly and don't mind the bags under the eyes...lack of sleep does that to a person. I'll take bags over wrinkles though!

sigh

2011-11-09T19:46:00.006Z

Why do my girls...ok...mostly Madison...feel the need for me to entertain her all the time? I get this constant..."mum, what are we doing? What are we going to do?" It is annoying sometimes. Monday they had girl scouts and I had to laugh. Total side note...they both have Girl Scouts on the same day...Madison is at 4:30-5:30 and Hannah's 5:45-6:45....ANNOYING! People are like...oh how nice...it's done in one day. Are these people serious...try having to entertain 2, 2 and under for nearly 3 hours...not fun. Especially on a base that has pretty much everything closed on Mondays!!! Back to my story...so they are sitting in a circle and each one sharing what they did that weekend. I loved Hannah's answer..."we just sat around my house and watched TVs because mom was not in the mood to go anywhere." I love that kid!

Back to the base thing...so I hear Air Force bases are nicer...ok....so not the case here. I feel like the things we have available here are very limited...okay....so we're overseas. Now they have the post office on the main base closed Mondays, Wednesdays and Sundays (I get Sundays.) AND, we can't pick up packages on Mondays anymore AND not until 12 and they close at 4...minus I think today they are open until 6. I just don't get it. They are there anyway...why can't they be open?! I've kind of had it...I like living here...I'm just not liking the hours and how things are like closed and how it's so hard to get a doctor appointment....I know...I'm complaining...but this is my blog. Unfortunately I have to call the appointment line tomorrow. Abs has had this nasty rash in the diaper region and it's just not getting any better. Oh how I dread that call tomorrow morning.

In other news...the girls are doing well in Judo. They are going to be testing next week. I didn't think they were going to be ready but they are.

And Hannah is beyond excited to go to riding lessons tomorrow. She gets to canter by herself. She's doing really well. Madison was doing well until last week when I heard her name being called quite a bit to trot correctly. She apparently doesn't want to canter...it just looks too fast. I think she was just being LAZY and not wanting to trot last week. She's silly sometimes...and not the funny kind.

And Bells...she is now going Wednesday to school as well. I have to admit it was nice to have just one kid. Oh how I look back and think how easy it was with just 1...even 2 kids....

Abs...she is being a booger. The girl is sleeping even less and waking up more during the night. Like today, she was up 4 times last night and woke up at 630 and took maybe a 20 minute nap during the entire day. I was sure she was going to fall asleep in the car when we went to go pick up the girls but she was awake...and it's 8:11 and she's still not asleep. I had to laugh to myself when someone who stopped by said, "well, I hope you get some rest." I have just come to the conclusion I will not be able to get a full rest until I'm 6 feet under the ground. And so I will trudge along with little sleep and keep my head looking up...I just read that talk. It was just what I needed....especially after the night before with a baby who cried for 2.5 hours...she stopped as soon as I picked her up and cried as soon as I put her down.

On the road...

2011-11-04T20:24:00.005Z

Sometimes I take the back roads to pick up the girls from school. I have hope two little ones will fall asleep...

Too bad it's a two way road and it fits only one car. I'm grateful the bushes are thinning out though...make it a little easier to see on the bendy parts.

Exciting news!

2011-11-03T20:14:00.005Z

Dan asked if he could take his R&R during Christmas and he CAN! I'm so excited...he's so excited...the girls would be excited if they knew but we're not going to tell them. He's just going to show up at our house or at school pick up depending when he gets in. We were not expecting it since it's a few weeks before his 6 month mark but sometimes it pays to just ask. We have been skyping like crazy. I really miss him. We're approaching 4 months in a couple of days. This is the longest we've been apart at the same period of time. With his last command which was "sea tour" he would be gone for 2-3 months and then be home about 6 weeks...more or less...and then take off again. I think that was worse in a way...you'd get use to each other again and then he would leave. Dan misses his 5 ladies...sometimes we both wonder if we made the right choice...but then he would have been stuck doing a sea tour he wouldn't have been thrilled about for 2 1/2 years. Oh life...good thing is that the girls have been happy. They of course miss their dad but they are so busy with school and their other activities...they don't have time to miss him. It just reassures me we made the right decision in staying here in England.

Bells did ask for him the other day. He was online so she sat and they Skyped for 30 minutes...as in she just sat there and they talked to each other (Bells doesn't just sit usually)...and he sang to her...and she giggled and showed him some of her toys and her Abi. It was one of the cutest things.

What's not so cute...the fact it's 8:37 pm and Bells is still awake. I hear her running up and down the hall...that kid...she's driving me crazy with her ability not to sleep like a normal 2 year old. And so guess what I did this evening...I talked with her teacher and she is now going 3 days a week to the Montessori.

Happy Halloween!!!

2011-10-30T18:38:00.004Z

We celebrated Halloween early this year. Friday night we had the church Trunk or Treat. The girls had fun....and got way too much candy! I didn't decorate my car but I had the help of Minnie Mouse (Bells) and my little pumpkin (Abs) to help pass out candy and sit there and look cute. I didn't really take any pictures. I was busy doing other things like chasing Bells!Saturday night we had the base trick or treating to go to. We ate dinner at a friend's house and then got the girls ready and we headed on over. I had a slight panic attack as I lost Bells at my friend's house just before we were about to leave. They have 3 ponds that are pretty deep in their back yard so I of course look in those to see if I see her. One of their daughters was watching out for her and on the other side of the garden. We had a great time with friends and the girls filled their bags. We were there for 1.5 hours...the girls were wanting to take a break from walking so much. Luckily my friend took some pictures of the girls...I had two cranky babies...they had just woken up from a nap before we got to their house so my mind was somewhere else.

I forgot Abs' tights that went with her costume...and so she had pink fleece pants and Bells was not in the mood to wear her ears or keep her hair up...oh well! We have to choose our battles!

We still have Monday night...I spoke to my neighbor and they get quite a few trick or treaters around here. So costumes on once more and we'll hit a couple houses but I think the girls will find passing out candy will be just as much fun.

A nephew!

2011-10-30T17:51:00.005Z

Christina and Andrew had their baby boy on October 16. Easton Clyde...he's pretty cute!
Your crazy, loud cousins can't wait to meet you!!! Well, and your Aunt too!

Flash back

2011-10-26T21:23:00.003+01:00

I use Netflix. It's my way of getting "American TV shows" since I now just have local channels here. I decided to rent the season of "My So Called Life." I've only watched the first 3 DVDS of it. I remember watching it in middle school and thinking I wish I had the guts to dye my hair red and longed for Jordan Catalano to go to my school and lean by my locker. My friends and I would talk about it...oh the mid 90s...when shows like Party of Five and Second Noah were on. Anyway...so I still love it. I still don't understand why it was cancelled...such a good show. I can't help but think about their fashion though...was it really that bad and I really hope I did not wear those tapered jeans! (Oh but I did.) I saw some pictures of my sisters in the mid 90s as well...it was a church picture and it made me laugh. All the girls were wearing these dresses with these white lace collars...and then there were my sisters...luckily they weren't exccept one of my sisters was wearing this multi colored sweater...not so cute. I then remembered we had just moved from LA and obviously Medford, OR was a little late on fashion trends and I made a mental note to thank my parents for never buying us one of those hideous dresses.

Our chats

2011-10-25T13:54:00.003+01:00

The girls and I talk about a lot of things. I try to be as open with them as possible. I want them to feel comfortable asking me things about everything and anything rather than asking someone else and getting the wrong answer. The girls asked me about sex the other day...or rather Madison told me what it was. My mom was in the car...I think that made it a little bit more awkward for me. I avoided the "birds and the bees" talk with my parents. And so when Madison told me what she thought sex was, which was mostly right, just one of the body parts was wrong...it took so much not to want to burst out laughing. The girl part was wrong...that's all I'm going to say. I asked Madison where she learned this information and she told me in a book about bodies they have at school. She saw a picture of reproduction. Hannah snickered in the back...she was in the third row and asked if we were talking about "sexy" things. She then went on her version of what sex is...it involves a willy, legs, and kissing....and my mom looked as though she was about to die! I laughed. They dropped the conversation eventually and I think I have Hannah convinced we still have to pray to Heavenly Father to have a baby; Madison knows that is not the case.

It was about a month ago when I had just the big girls in my car...Madison was going on how I was going to be 30, which to her is "old". (I still don't get how I'm "old" and my mom is going to be 50 but she's still "young"...) Anyway...Hannah then tells me to make sure I bring my mobile with me when I die and go to heaven...she would really like to call me so I can tell her what it's like up there.

If it only it were that easy.

And Bells...well our conversations consists of one sided ones where she just gabs about something important. She has her own language.

Abs, she's a screecher...but she has to be. The poor girl is competing with 3 older sisters who are anything but quiet!

Pumpkin picking

2011-10-22T19:33:00.005+01:00

We went along with the girls scouts to Hill Farm in Peterborough to pick some pumpkins. Madison and Hannah both wanted to join this year. It was a gorgeous day. I wish I had my nice camera...but this one works.

Abs was a trooper. Poor baby girl...she's feeling a little better.

We ended up leaving with 7 pumpkins and some strawberries that were so delicious!

33!

2011-10-21T21:59:00.002+01:00

Not me! Dan turned 33 a couple of weeks ago....I can't believe we started dating when he was 23! Ok..so it was like a month before his 24th birthday but still! We Skyped...the girls and I sang to him. It was sad he had to work the night shift so he basically slept all day and then headed to work. My package didn't get there on time but luckily my mom is awesome and sent hers 3 weeks prior to his birthday so he had that to open. He was super excited about his "Bobbie Doll." Sounds a little kinky I'm sure but it's not what you think. My mom made the girls these dolls and Dan mentioned he would like one, but my size...so that's what my mom did along with some other things. I am so lucky to have such a great guy. Seriously. He makes me laugh...he drives me crazy...he's a great father...he works hard to provide for us so I don't have to work outside the home and I can spend time doing my favourite hobby...shopping...I'm super proud of him and am pretty thrilled I get to spend the rest of my life with him. I love him. A lot.

Mom

2011-10-20T21:54:00.005+01:00

My mom came...it was so nice to have her here. It was kind of on a whim...Abs was getting an ultra sound on her head done...my mom came out on a plane for support. Prayers were answered and Abs does not have hydrocephalus. She will still be monitored...her head grew 30% in 2 months so we were kind of worried...okay...I was REALLY worried. And so she flew in the morning of the procedure...I picked her up...a wonderful friend let the big girls spend the night and took them to school in the morning...so I just had to the two little ones...and we headed straight to the military hospital. I took Abs in and I wasn't feeling too confident when the tech said that Abs was a little too old for this kind of scan. 6 days later we received the call from her doctor that nothing unusual had been seen and that we will just go back in for a head measurement at 12 months. If it still is growing in a crazy curve, we will have another test done. While we waited anxiously for the results my mom and I did a total clear out in my house and garage. It's funny how some things were not hard but I was hesitant to get rid of and my mom couldn't believe how easily I could throw other things away that were hard for her to. She made me pillows...we decorated my office...went to IKEA and bought a few things...and my house is ready for my pack out and so organised I have a hard time finding things! My garage is totally cleaned out and organised...my mom should hire herself out to other people...she's amazing. I'm a clean person...I just hadn't done some things I've been wanting to since single parenthood with 4 kids can be a little tiring since we have so many things going on. I just want to veg by the time they are all in bed. We really didn't site see...we went to Cambridge...but we had a lot of good laughs, good times, good food and just some really good bonding time. Bells LOVES my mom. She would go to her all the time. By the second week, she told me to "go away mom." She calls her "gam ma." Super cute! Abs cuddled plenty with my mom too...they had some long nights together. We had a great time. I love my mom. She's the best...and I love how my kids have a special bond with her. I was worried about Bells...now I know I will have no problem leaving her when I leave them at my parent's house. Yes, I plan on taking full advantage when I'm back in California....oh the trips I already have planned.

Now back to reality...it was so nice to have my mom for 3 whole weeks. We can't wait until she comes again...like to save me from flying back to the states alone with 4 girls...and 2 under 2! Okay...so maybe she won't...but I can at least hope.

Ridiculous!!!

2011-10-20T18:58:00.002+01:00

I was turned away at the clinic today. Why...I was 5 minutes late to their last appointment of the day. My appointment was at 3:20! Seriously...must be nice to start appointments at 9 and end have the last one at 1520. I was so furious. I was told to wait and the desk lady would ask the doctor...I waited and she returned telling me he said no. I love how I'm 5 minutes late and I get no service and yet 4 weeks ago he was running 1 hour and 5 minutes behind. And my appointment was at 1030! I went out cursing under my breath. Maybe not the best I was cursing like a sailor but I had just dropped my mom at the airport, I'm tired, and this whole thing started Monday. I called Monday morning and I got the lovely (*cough) appointment lady. I told her my 8 month old had been running a low grade temp the past 3 days but has had a cough for about a week and a half with a lot of congestion and she's not getting any better since her appetite has decreased and she now has the fever and more chesty cough thing going on. She told me that she would get me a telephone consultation with the nurse (she didn't feel it was urgent enough for a sick visit) but that they wouldn't be open until 9 am? Seriously? What military doctor office isn't open and ready for 8 am appointments? Oh yeah...this one. And so I patiently waited. Wednesday morning I get a call from a nurse but I don't think it was a nurse since it was not an officer rank, and she told me that yes, I needed to bring her in but they didn't have any appointments for that day. She was able to get me in on Thursday. Then I get turned away with 4 kids in tow since I was 5 minutes late. I am filing a complaint. I can say I've been late one other time and I let them know and the nurse practitioner said it was fine. I'm always there on time and I don't come in there just because...there is usually something legit that needs antibiotics if it is a sick visit. And so I was told to call the appointment line that is open until 1600. I left the clinic at 1535...I called numerous times...go figure...nobody answered. I told Dan. Dan was mad (not at me) I didn't demand for the doctor to tell me no he wouldn't see her and then if he did talk to the CO. I love how my husband tells me things...like I could really do that. Well maybe...if this ever happens again...or like when I do get another appointment and find out my daughter has pneumonia or bronchitis. AAAGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHH!!!!

I saw this

2011-10-19T10:15:00.002+01:00

I thought of the many times I wish I had Dan right here by me. I miss him. And not that I'm counting all the time but it's been over 3 months; 3 months, 1 week, 5 days.

Abs

2011-09-20T22:44:00.007+01:00

My four girls...I love all of them...and I just couldn't see my life without any of them. I love what each one brings to the family. I love how they all look so much alike...well especially to others...I see all their little differences. This little girl is trying with all her might to crawl. She succeeds to a degree...she can go backwards. This frustrates her...she screeches and one of us come to help her out. She tends to get stuck under the book case. She is loud. You wouldn't think it, she's so little...well not in size but in age, but she can sure let you know she's in the room...or even better...in the building. Abs laughs a lot...she loves playing peek-a-boo. I think she enjoys the her and me time we get twice a week. We talk...she gives me lots of loves and kisses. I love how she just grabs my face and plants a wet kiss on it. She is such a sweet girl...despite the fact she lives on two cat naps a day and STILL doesn't sleep through the night. I sometimes get irritated...but then she grabs my finger and smiles and my heart instantly melts and I am no longer bugged she woke me up...again...for the third time. Every night in my prayers I thank Him for my four beautiful daughters...I like naming them...I ask for a little help with knowing what I need to do for them and how I can be a better mom for their needs. I know they are going through a lot. I'm going through a lot and sometimes we just are all in a bad mood. Oh goodness...I just had a flash forward to when they are teens...scary!!! No, not really. Dan and I talk about it...we look forward to it. Each stage is so different...I wish I had spent more time relishing in the baby stages with the two older ones. It's not that I didn't...it's just I was so young, and life was just crazy. I have since learned what really matters most...and it's not the floors being clean, or laundry all done and put away in a specific order...I enjoy just sitting down and playing with my girls. Letting them get messy...(like the ice cream with Bells at the estate gardens...it took me a moment to just relax and not worry she looked like a homeless, rugrat...she looked like a HAPPY, homeless, rugrat)...it does come clean and if it doesn't...oh well.
It's been a rough couple of days. I have been sick and with no sleep and it just being me, the only adult in this house...it's been a challenge at times. I'm not complaining...it's just been a little tough. The other day I was feeling a little down and so I decided to eat something sweet...I'm usually pretty good...but I was having a moment and remembered there was Pillsbury Cinnamon Rolls in the fridge. I thought about baking them, but I decided it would just take too long and so I just ate the dough....3 of them. And then I regretted that decision soon after. Oh well...it tasted good while I was eating it.

We are going through another little rough patch. I'm trying to not think about it...it's hard though...I'm a mom. You want things to be perfect...your kids to be safe from anything and everything. I have a feeling they are...but I still worry they may not. And so we play the waiting game. I hate this game. But it's life...and with prayer, occasional melt downs and lots of cuddles with my girls, I'll try to patiently wait. I'll try not to google too much. Luckily, I have a lot keeping me busy...days go fast, answers will soon come. And then life will be just great once again...not that it isn't now...it will just be super great...especially if my two little ones start sleeping through the night! I do really miss Dan right now...I wish he was here to tell me not to worry...and even though I would go on about how can I NOT worry, he would still be here...to hold my hand and give it a squeeze or just give me a hug and it would help. And it's tough to be so far away from my family right now....to have a Father's blessing for comfort and strength...to be able to just have the support of my mom...she has always been there for the tough times...and my sisters and brother...just to talk....or better yet...get a killer back/head massage. I do look forward to next year...having my husband again under the same roof, being just a day drive away from my parents and siblings...it will be nice.

And the 2 big ones

2011-09-20T22:09:00.004+01:00

I can't believe Madison is in Year 4 and Hannah, Year 2! I remember 4th grade...I remember 2nd grade....how can I have children old enough for these grades?! I was a terrible mother and didn't take a "first day of school" picture. It was a crazy morning...I was just happy we got to school on time.

Both the girls have new teachers. Madison wasn't too excited about hers since she was known to be strict but after the first day, she changed her mind and decided her teacher wasn't that bad. Hannah was a little sad she didn't get the teacher Madison had when she was in Year 2, she just had a baby, but she's doing fine with her 2 teachers. She's been doing so well with her reading lately. She is fantastic at math...she hates reading. I bought her some horse books the other day and she's really liking those so reading hasn't been so boring!

Madison has started gymnastics. Hannah would have liked to but they are only doing it for Key Stage 2 at their school. They both have started Judo and LOVE it. I love it since it's done at the school and I don't have to pick them up until 1630. Madison and Hannah did "Own a Pony" day twice over the summer holiday and they liked it so much they have started riding lessons. I was able to watch them and I was in total shock that they were just riding them without anyone holding them and steering them and getting them to stop all by themselves. Madison was even riding the pony that was being moody with the other horses and she kept him at a distance from the other ponies just like the lady told her to. I don't look forward to taking them when it starts raining...oh what a muddy mess....oh and it's so expensive! But they love it...and I like that it's not cowboy style.

I just felt I should post on the older girls. They have been doing so well. They miss Dan but it really hasn't affected them. I am so glad I decided to stay in England instead of moving. I strongly believe it then would have totally torn their world upside down not having their dad and losing all their friends. They are excited to go back to the states eventually...they told me I can leave to visit their dad anytime. I know their plan...they just want to stay at my parent's!

Bells first day of school

2011-09-15T20:40:00.008+01:00

Bells started at the Montessori school. It's the same one Hannah went to. I was so excited that they took 2 year olds. And so Bells had her first day on the 5th. She was excited at first and then as soon as I was about to leave she started crying. She was over it as soon as she didn't see me anymore. She's funny like that. She only goes 2 days a week. Just enough. She is really enjoying it now. She doesn't really cry when I drop her off anymore. She does have her Minnie Mouse slippers to wear after all. She is a tornado there too. I do have to mention that on her first day when I went to go pick her up, I was a little early so I jetted across the glass windows so she wouldn't see me while they were doing story time. I then hear a tap on the window and it's one of her teachers telling me to come over and have a look inside. There are all the kids listening to the story sitting oh so nicely on the floor and then there is Bells, rocking away on the rocking chair not even caring that story time is going on. She does her own thing
obviously. We talk about what she did when we're in the car...she does her talking...with occasional words I can make out but usually she passes out mid sentence. It's been really good for her. She is more social with people so that's been nice. She was even saying "bye" to some of the parents when we were leaving. I think she's enjoying it so much that she's going to be upped to 3 days a week next term...okay...so I'm enjoying my time with just Abs. With the big girls back in school, I don't know why I ever complained with 2 kids! Seriously...just with 2 of them gone....life it easy. Oh, I have to include this little message from one of her teachers:

"Hello. A Bells update. She loves it. She settled well today, very well!! We caught her with 10 cookies in her hands...With the biggest smile on her face. (I had to laugh) She loves to get the scissors and just spends ages snipping. She rang the bell today, (the one we use to get the children's attention,) I think she realised she shouldn't have rang it, as she then covered her eyes, and tried to hide, but sadly she walked into the cupboard, as she couldn't see where she was going. She loves to be outside, and looks very sweet wearing the fireman's hat. "

I just love my little tornado. She's pretty cute...and very sweet. Like Wednesday when we went to the Commissary...she was so well behaved. She walked right by me the whole time...except after we went down the bread aisle and she saw the refrigerators. She went running to the coffee creamer section and opened the door and grabbed the creamer Dan uses and said, "Daddy this." I got a little teary eyed. And she put it right back when I told her we didn't need that right now since Daddy is working far away. She is my little love bug.

The Wizard of Oz

2011-09-12T21:44:00.003+01:00

Madison, Hannah and I went down to London to see The Wizard of Oz at the Palladium. We actually went on a bus...they were selling tickets on base...I find it so much easier taking the girls that way rather than the train. They are exhausted by the time the show is over and trying to catch the tube and then train would have been a nightmare! We LOVED it! The set was amazing...the show was amazing...they had amazing voices....it was just amazing! And I was surprised that they had "American accents!"

Madison was not in the mood to take a picture....so we have Hannah and Madison holding the book.

Such a great time walking around Oxford Street and Piccadilly Circus with my girls. We spent a good portion of our time in Hamley's Toy Shop. I think my girls could have spent forever in there. I loved seeing their faces light up....with the toys...and then watching the show. It was a great night...and I was so happy to spend it with my Madison and Hannah.

Sesame Street

2011-09-11T21:23:00.003+01:00

And so we went on base today to return a movie. We skipped church...I was BEYOND tired. It was a rough night...Abs hasn't been feeling to hot lately and I've been a single mom for over 2 months and dealing with the no sleeping thing my two youngest kids have been doing for pretty much the whole time Dan has been gone...I can take a day off. I ran into someone...and they asked if we were going to see Sesame Street. I was totally not planning on it...but Madison mentioned how she thought Bells would really enjoy it since I had just taken them to see The Wizard of Oz (I got to post on that) and so we should take Bells to see it. The girls and I went to the park to kill time and then headed to the Youth Center to wait in line. We were one of the first people there and so we were sitting in the front. I was concerned with Bells and how she was going to be...okay...I was really worried she was going to be running all over the place but she didn't. I wish I had my camera...I wasn't planning on going remember...and so I missed capturing her face when Elmo came out...and Cookie Monster. So, so, so cute! She's turn around to see me, mouth wide open and say, "Mom! Look!" It was so sweet. She doesn't even watch the show and she was excited. She clapped and would turn around to make sure I was clapping after they were done singing a song. I HAVE to take her to see Disney on Ice if it's here again. The other girls were good. Abs sat on my lap and gave me kisses pretty much throughout the whole show, and Madison and Hannah held on to their awesome light spinning thing we got for free! We had a great time. I was just thrilled to be there and see my Bells so happy. And it was super sweet seeing her older sisters excited for her. I just love my family...I love my girls. I'm so blessed.

I did get some pictures of the girls at the park....

Why...

2011-09-10T20:26:00.003+01:00

Today while we were eating lunch on base today at Subway, I had to do laundry there since my dryer has decided to die, Hannah and I had a conversation like this:

"Mum, why did you ask God for so many kids?"
(I told them that's how you have a baby....still a little young for the sex talk."

"Because what would I do without any of you. I love the chaotic, fun and craziness they goes on in our house. Don't you?"

"No. I think you should have asked Him for just one kid. Just me."

My sister reminded me of how we use to wish it was just the 2 of us. It was all about having our own rooms. Now I am happy I had to share. I love my sisters and brother. It's so nice when we all get together...it's been awhile but when I'm back in the states it will be easier...it's chaos and just feels like my other "home" when were all gathered at my parent's house. I hope that will be the same for Dan and my girls. Even though my siblings and I don't always talk, well one of them I do but if I don't my nephew notices, we know we will always be there for eachother...even if we don't agree.

Audley End House

2011-09-06T21:08:00.003+01:00

It was such a gorgeous day last Friday, the girls and I went and explored. We didn't go into the house...me with 4 kids alone walking around just didn't seem like a great idea. It's not bad with the older ones I just didn't want to chance it with the 2 younger ones. And so we walked around the gardens. It was so nice to feed the ducks, pet the horses and just sit and watch the girls run around on the grass. They had ice cream....Bells enjoyed it....

I love this picture of these 2. Hannah can be such a sweet and caring older sister.

And then my camera ran out of battery.

Oh well...we had a lovely day...and the sun was out the whole day!

Bells is 2!

2011-09-06T20:19:00.004+01:00

I'm a little behind on blogging. I haven't had my computer set up since Dan has left and I can't stand blogging on my iPod...it just takes too long!

Bells turned the terrific age of 2 on the 28th of August. We had a quiet, little celebration with some friends. We ate spaghetti and meatballs...one of her favourites! She loved all her gifts...but she was pretty ecstatic about anything Mickey Mouse. She gets soooo excited when she sees anything Mickey Mouse. She opened up my sister and brother in law's present early and plays with the Mickey Mouse set they got her every day! She now has the stuffed animal set that she takes everywhere and has to sleep with.

She opened a few presents at a time so she had something new all day. She ate some cake...and enjoyed jumping on the trampoline with our friends. We missed Dan of course...but she still had a fabulous day!

I can't believe she's 2! She tries to be such a big girl. She is a ball full of energy...she's always going. I love that about her. She also has this contagious big belly laugh. It makes me smile just thinking about it. Bells likes things that are "pretty." She loves flowers and loves wearing dresses. We were school shopping and she was walking around by me and saw a dress she wanted...she grabbed it off the hook and then said, "Mom! Ooooooh, pretty!" How could I not buy it for her after that?!

She tends to sneak in my bed in the middle of the night, Mickey gang, pillow and her big stuffed dog in hand. I'm woken up by a, "Mom! Up!" My bed is kind of high. And so I reach over and grab her hands to pull her up. She's thrown all her things already on the bed, and she snuggles right next to me. I love that girl! She is something else.

Park and Acid reflux

2011-08-22T13:09:00.003+01:00

I was able to make Abs an appointment for this morning about her vomiting. I like the new doctor. He checked her out...I gave her brief history of formula and he came up with the conclusion she most likely just has acid reflux. It makes sense...I think she's been battling it from day 1, she just now can hold her own bottle which means she's lying down which isn't good for her if she has an underdeveloped muscle. And so she's on ZanTac and we're giving it at least 2 weeks to see if it solves the problem as well as the little things I can do for her. Oh it'll be so nice if this is the end of this issue.

On the way out of the medical clinic, I was caught off guard by a stranger coming up and talking to me. She just wanted to let me know she sees me around a lot and is amazed I always seem so put together and how well behaved my children are. I'm not writing this to brag...it was just so nice to hear...especially after yesterday...when I felt like I was falling apart. Between that and Dan's email he sent me this morning, it encourages me and I don't feel like I'm always failing at raising my girls.

We then decided lunch on base sounded like a good idea, so we headed to the park first and played.

Oh and the comment that made me laugh today...."Weren't phones the size of shoe boxes when you were my age?" Madison...what a booger!

Life with 5 girls under one roof

2011-08-21T19:42:00.006+01:00

I am still so surprised how fast this summer is going. The girls and I have been sick for a good majority. We had another battle with the stomach flu...I didn't get it this time...I'm just lacking sleep from being up with the girls. Madison cut the inside of her ear with a q-tip...yes it's possible...and came down crying that her ear was bleeding. I saw the blood...was concerned but not enough to drag 3 other kids to the ER. And so later that night she complained of being dizzy and I again felt it wasn't an emergency (I didn't know it was the q-tip at this time) we stayed up watching Time Machine and I took her in the next morning. She luckily didn't hurt her ear drum...just the canal...and so we've been drowning it with hydrogen peroxide hoping she doesn't get swimmers ear. Abs has been throwing up like a mad woman. I was talking to my sister and she suggested it might be the food. I will need to take her in tomorrow. I've never been so thrown up on I was completely soaked. She's also managed to pee on me...yes my fault since her diaper wasn't on, I was taking her to the bath tub, but she peed on me! Hannah decided to give herself some front layers. Luckily she didn't go that short this time...I say this time since we're on I think the 4th time. My aspiring hair stylist...she could save me a fortune if she goes into that profession. My girls have been super tired too lately. I tried putting Abs in the crib with Bells in her bed...we did that two nights...I'm very tired with the one or other one waking up every hour. So Abs will just continue to sleep in my bed since that's where I get the most sleep...maybe some day I will have the bed to myself. Although, when she was sleeping in her crib, Madison managed to make her way into it....it makes me laugh...this bed thing was such a BIG no no with Madison and Hannah. I'm slowly not caring anymore...life is too short...I'm not going to stress about kids climbing into my bed in the middle of the night. That and the fact Dan isn't here. I've been able to get away at least once a week. It's been nice...to be honest, it's not that hard being a "single mom." Dan does help out a lot but honestly, once we got our routine down, we're just fine. It's not that hard to cloth, bathe, feed and clean and entertain 4 kids. I miss more the moral support and talking with my best friend. I miss him seeing all the things the girls are doing. Abs now crawls backwards. She's really wanting to be a big kid...I love how she sticks out her tongue when she's concentrating or laughing. She's also big into giving me kisses...sometimes I feel like I just washed my face. They are that slobbery. It's adorable...all my girls are so adorable.

Think good thoughts

2011-08-12T18:36:00.003+01:00

We really like listening to Colbie Caillat in our house...whenever she comes on, we all start singing away. I tend to think of Madison being 3 years old and knowing the lyrics to all her songs when she first became popular with the "Bubbly" song. This song has been a song we play a lot in our house lately...we start our mornings with it:

I love the words...we've been trying to be a lot more positive around our house lately...it's hard sometimes when I'm at my wits end with the girls and don't have Dan around to help me out...but really I can't complain...I have fantastic girls...each with their own strengths and I know it's hard on them not having their dad around. I have been able to see those strengths come out lately...and how they are just growing up way too fast. I love Madison's heart...she is really sweet and thoughtful...I also love her argumentative side...it's annoying at the time and frustrates me so...but I see a lot of me in her...I sit back and laugh sometimes after our conversation because I think I've had it before but I was on her end. Hannah is my comic relief on a daily basis...the things she says...oh Hannah. Like today was how she really didn't want to listen to Brad Paisley's "Remind Me." She doesn't like vampires...and she is convinced he is one since he wants to kiss her neck which really means he wants to suck her blood...that kid...where does she come up with these things?! Bells is just so much fun...I love how she just sits on me and cuddles. That was her and Dan's thing but she's found it is OK to use me as a seat. I also love how sweet she is to her baby sister...and how she says "night night" and yells "mom" if she hasn't heard me in the last minute. She gets excited when she sees an airplane and windmills thrill her...she loves the drive up through Chatteris so she can see them. Abs is just so happy. Her sweet smile melts my heart...and I love how she squeals since she already knows that in this family, you have to speak up....especially when there is Hannah who has the volume of loud and louder. She's learning things every day...and it makes me all fuzzy inside when the girls get just as excited when Abs does something new that day. And Dan, even though he's far away...I love how he gets all mushy...it's cute...and how he laughs at my cheeseballness...yes that is a word...and we can just look at each other via FaceTime and not say anything and just be happy that we're kind of together...although sometimes it just makes me miss him that much more. We are down 35 days....who knows how much longer in the big picture, but I just like the fact that this past month has gone by pretty fast. I have so much to be thankful for...I have so many great people in my life...life is good.

My little thrill seeker

2011-08-08T12:56:00.005+01:00

That would be Bells. We were at a friends house and she has girls Madison and Hannah's age. Their girls have these 4 wheelers that can go...as in pretty fast. Hannah was down by Bells and Bells got on and figured out how to get it going! My friend and I panicked as we saw Bells zoom away on this thing...luckily, and I say luckily because things could have been so much worse...she ran into one of the brick columns and it stopped the bike. She came out with just a few scratches on her face. I think the vine that wraps around the column saved her...it acted as a cushion. That Bells...and we were worried about the ponds she has in her garden...who knew she'd figure out how to make the bike go...she had to turn the key, turn the handle to switch it into gear and then press the pedal. She's just too smart for her own good!

A request

2011-08-08T12:23:00.002+01:00

Hannah and Madison both have asked my mom to make them a quilt when she has asked them what they want for their birthday. Madison's came in the mail today...she was beyond excited.

My mom asked her what colors she wanted and she came up with this! Madison LOVES it! She also did what my mom said to do...wrap herself in it and feel a big hug from Grandma Nancy. She still has the blanket wrapped around. I think she'll be like that all day.

She's 8!

2011-08-07T16:00:00.003+01:00

I can't believe it...Madison hit 8 yesterday. I kept telling her we really should be celebrating it the 9th here in England since technically she was born at 7:59 pm in Virginia Beach and with the time zone difference...she didn't buy it. And so we celebrated her birthday with lots of laughs, food and presents...the most important part! The only person we were missing was Dan. She decided she didn't want a party and so the girls and I will be seeing The Wizard of Oz in London instead. They are excited. They love seeing shows and so do I!

I can't believe how grown up she's looking lately. She's a beautiful girl...both inside and out. We're too much alike...personality wise...that can make things a little hard...but we're both learning. She's always so thoughtful, making cards and notes for everyone, cuddling with Bells when they are watching TV, helping me make dinner and setting the table as well as doing her "many" chores I make her do. She's really stepped up since Dan has been away. I love that girl!!! I just can't believe she's 8...it feels like Dan and I just brought her home from the hospital!

Summer break

2011-07-31T19:21:00.002+01:00

The girls have been off school for just over a week now. They have had all sorts of fun...own a pony day, Twinlakes Park, friends coming over, staying up late and watching movies...it's been fun. Madison and Hannah wanted their hair cut short and so we did that yesterday. They both look adorable. I still haven't given Bells a haircut...I just love her hair and her little braids. Abs has not been feeling the best...she started coughing today...I hope it ends there. We were just at the doctor for her 6 month well baby check up. She's a big girl...20 pounds 4 ounces and 26 1/2 inches long. Her head is growing pretty fast so we have to go back to the doctors to get her measurements done again. The doctor isn't too worried...the other girls have big heads...Abs he thinks is just playing catch up but he wants to be on the safe side since she hasn't been following her growth curve. Next week we have another week full of things to do...although, we do like to just hang around the house some days and just relax. The girls have been getting along really well. They also have been big helpers around the house. Dan is doing well...he's melting like butter out there...he informed me while he was laying out by the pool his toe was sweating...it was that hot. We get to talk pretty much every night so that has been great. Last night we talked forever...which if you know Dan...he doesn't like talking on the phone or FaceTime for very long so I was surprised when he stayed on for over an hour. It was nice hearing about his work...I never ask about it...not because I don't care but because of what he does...so it's nice to kind of get a picture as to what he's doing.

Well girls are finally asleep...well minus Madison. She's been my little night time watching TV buddy.

Happenings

2011-07-21T11:10:00.002+01:00

We've been keeping busy here...sometimes I feel like I'm just going nonstop...especially when my 5 month old feels like she doesn't need to ever nap...or sleep at night. She's actually on the sofa, sleeping...I was able to work out..take a shower, get dressed, dry my hair and put on make up...this is a rare occurrence....I usually have to choose between hair or make up...or it's really one of those days I just have to pull it back and do neither. Bells is enjoying her mango and quesadilla...we're going for an orange theme for lunch.

Madison got back yesterday from her trip to Burwell House. She left Monday morning...it was kind of crazy not having her here. It makes such a difference minus one kid...Hannah stepped up and did a great job helping me out. Madison had a blast on her trip. While I was dropping her and Hannah off at school Monday morning...I glanced over at Madison who was sitting in the front and just had a moment...when did she grow up? It's flown by way too fast...she's off going on overnight trips...looking so beautiful and little lady like....it's just weird to me. Anyway...she had a blast exploring, talent shows, staying up until 1 am giggling with her friends. She's amazing...I'm blessed to have her. She's my little mature girl...this morning she woke up, got Bells, came into my room and told me she'd take care of breakfast and fed Hannah, Bells and herself Eggo Waffles and fruit. I just love that girl.

Hannah has been Hannah, silly, loud, talks about everything. She's a funny girl...she helped out with bath time at night, got bottles ready for me...she is such a good girl when she hasn't had loads of candy....thanks Aunt Nicole for the package...it took me awhile to figure out why Hannah was so willing and eager to take out the recycling and trash all the time...the box was still out in the car and she kept sneaking some....the little booger!

Bells has been growing up too. She's really trying to talk...it's hilarious. She's been missing Dan and the Cat...every time we come home she calls out "dad, meow?" Yesterday she saw Dan's picture and carried around the house all morning. Sometimes I'd see the picture just laying down on the ground and so I'd put it back...she'd then get it down and set it by her. I sent him a video of her sitting by his picture...it was pretty cute...kind of sad....but sweet that even though she's just 23 months, she's find her own way of coping without her dad.

Abs is a rolling machine...although, she can't seem to roll from her tummy to her back. And so after awhile she gets mad and lets us know she needs help. She's so happy...I don't know why or how...the girl never sleeps...or at least for very long. She does this thing where she grabs her hair...maybe she's going to be a hair twirler...

Well the nap has now come to an end...I think Bells is trying to comfort her...this could be a problem...

Another day...

2011-07-12T18:36:00.004+01:00

Well I'm just going to say I'm so ready for bed! I think we're over the craziness and hopefully can move on and things will be a little less stressful. I would love to write everything down...but unfortunately some people take things the wrong way and so I just told those who could just laugh with me about the whole thing...and that's what I need to do...just laugh. I think of the past 5 days and it's been crazy...at times...totally insane and overwhelming and something that would be in a cheesy day time soap...I remember being younger and my life being somewhat like a soap...and now I laugh about it...and so that's what I'll still do. I love this picture...these past pictures I've been posting were taken by Vanessa...if you're in my area and need a photographer...she's great.

I'm so grateful for technology. It's been so nice to talk to Dan every night and see him. I have to admit...it gets annoying when people ask me how I do it...I just do...I need to. I understand people are just trying to be nice but life must go on...we're a military family...deployments, or our in our case unaccompanied orders, happen. It kind of annoys me when people are going on and on about their spouse being gone...I want to say...what did you expect? I know that probably sounds insensitive but we're so much better off now than our previous military families. Can you imagine just snail mailing everything and not being able to call at all? I was reading some posts in an group I'm in on Facebook. A lady was venting about her husband being deployed for 3 months...another lady commented on how when they started in the military and her husband was deployed...she wasn't able to communicate by phone, just letters. I can type an email and I know Dan will get it that day...if he checks his email...and so I feel as though I can't really complain. That and the fact I still have my four girls...Dan is alone. It's still hard, I understand that, but I'm trying to look at brighter side of things.

On another note, Madison had her school play today...I saw about 20 minutes of it...that's all Bells could handle. She looked cute in her poor, villager outfit...and she was singing away. She has a program Thursday night...apparently she's in the school choir...something I learned yesterday....and they are having a performance at the church. Monday she's off on her Year 3/4 trip...I'm going to just have 3 kids for 3 days. That will be crazy not to have my Madison for that long. Only 8 more days off school...I'm excited for summer....our day trips...and just being able to have lazy days and watch movies.

Yes! We're approaching 7 pm...time to start doing our before bedtime routine...then I plan on organizing my house...it's kind of a mess since Dan's pack out...we had to move things around....but honestly, I'm probably going to get my pjs on and watch a movie and fall asleep. Now I just hope Abs stays asleep....so I can do one of the two...she's been kind of a booger lately between 5-9pm.

Another bad day

2011-07-11T20:53:00.002+01:00

It's just going to get better now. We have to have bad days...that way we know the good ones...that's what I keep telling myself. Today we had to say goodbye to our Cat...she's been suffering long enough and after just watching her deteriorate to just a skeleton...I called the vet again...told them nobody would take her in...and so after I picked up the girls from school, we headed to the vet. Luckily it was the same one we saw Thursday and she saw how bad she was getting. (We were all hopeful she'd pull through since she looked "healthy" Thursday.) She examined her and unfortunately her kidneys seemed as though they were failing and even though she was willing to just take the cat...she said there really was no point since she felt there was nothing that could be done. And so I signed that paper...I said my sad, tearful goodbye and sorry to our sweet, feisty kitten...and she was taken into the other room and now is sleeping and in a much better place. I didn't think I would be so upset about it...wait...I did but I never had to put an animal down. It was one of those times I thought being the grown up sucks...the girls were crushed...yes I could have lied and told them a sweet story...but they are smart...they knew she was sick and I couldn't fool them since my eyes were swollen from crying. Now I'm hoping to get her cremated since the ground is just too hard to dig very deep in our garden....times I need Dan here. I called Dan and told him the news...it was his cat. He was sad...he felt bad...but I think he was more upset he wasn't here to help me out. I'm thinking we're just not animal people. We have the worst luck with them...minus Coco...they have all turned crazy...and now this one...sick. I think we'll stick to Fur-Real pets.....

Hardest Day

2011-07-07T21:43:00.004+01:00

Well sure seems like it today...we woke up bright an early at 5 am and left the house by 6:30 to drive down to the airport. Dan wanted us to take him...I didn't mind...although...I think I cried pretty much the whole 2 hour drive. Traffic was kind of a booger. I told Dan I changed my mind...he laughed and said the detailer probably wouldn't change his orders at this point. We finally made it to the right terminal and tried to make the goodbyes quick. I think Dan took off quickly because he didn't want to get all emotional. That's okay...and so Hannah, Madison and I just bawled for a good 20 minutes...it didn't help we were listening to songs that reminded us of our favourite guy...and we made it home. We ate...watched Pride and Prejudice and then noticed Cat wasn't looking too well. I called the vet at the other American base...they couldn't book me an appointment because she wasn't registered there...and so I called the vet that we usually go to, I didn't want to go back to the one Dan took her to on Monday, and they got me in within the hour. The girls were so good to make the trip to the vet, stay in the car...3/4 of them were sleeping and the vet is in a little village where you just park in the front and I could see them the whole time....and the vet just listened as I told her what has been going on while I'm crying. She checked her out...felt something in her intestines...I told her I can't afford the surgery...she said she still looked well and gave me numbers for some cat charities to call to see if they would take the cat...I just can't justify spending over $3800 on a cat. And Dan would kill me. I felt so thankful she did not charge me the usual £35. I think she just felt bad. And so I'm hoping I get some calls back because the people that I did get a hold of can't help me because I'm not on benefits. Nice! I wasn't looking for money...just a place that would take the cat...get her the medical help she needs and then pray that she goes to a good home. And so we just are praying here that some miracle will happen and she will just pass out the rest of the bottle nipple...I just can't take it looking at her the way she does. Should have gotten that pet insurance...oh wait...the cat was going with Dan so that's why we didn't get the insurance...

Oh life....I'm praying things work out...my cat doesn't suffer anymore...these next months...okay so 12 months pass by quickly...or at least get us half way so we can see him for the 2 weeks...and I stay sane. Today I just didn't feel that way....I just wanted to pull the duvet over my head...but life must go on...I do have 4 kids...and I did know what we were getting into...well not the cat thing but the Dan leaving part. Yay! He's calling....got to love FaceTime.

I'm really going to miss...

2011-07-05T20:55:00.002+01:00

There are so many things I'm going to miss about Dan...just two more sleeps and then he's off for a year...which in reality is going to be more like 14 months! AGHHHH! We just got done with watching a family movie...Dan went upstairs to tuck the girls all in. I heard him singing...I started to tear up...Dan always is singing...mostly making up his own songs. I love that about him....sometimes I don't love it as much...like when it's about me being grumpy...but it made me sad to think about us not hearing his songs every day...him going up to Bells' room when she wakes up in the middle of the night and him humming a song to her. The girls all love it...we just really all love that man....we're just all going to really miss that man.

One of the longest weeks ever...

2011-06-17T16:31:00.005+01:00

Poor Abs...not the greatest picture I know...but the poor girl has been feeling not so hot...but really...she was super hot....since Monday night. Dan and I woke up to her crying...she was burning up. I wasn't sure where my thermometer was so I didn't take her temp...but I was seriously worried and praying her temp would go down after a bath and some Tylenol. Luckily she cooled down quite a bit and so I didn't feel the need to rush her into the hospital...I'd just wait until the morning and make an appointment with her doctor. Tuesday I call to make an appointment...yes...the lady answered...no appointment because of some meeting they had going on that day. I am so not impressed with Air Force medical....serioulsy...it's the middle of the week, they only have like 2 doctors here as it is....stay later and have your meeting. I so look forward going back to a NAS station with a pediatric clinic that has appointments Monday - Friday...

So I decided to wait it out because I don't want to take her to my other option...Lakenheath ER since what they tell me is usually some useless information which isn't worth the hour drive. Every time I go there I can tell they all don't want to be there....they have attitudes and I didn't want her to be prodded for them just to tell me to give her some pain/fever medicine.

Wednesday she's running high 103s...Dan decides to go with me to Lakenheath but half way there...we feel her and she's cooled down. We just decide to go home. They don't know how to do an infant catheter...and Dan and I didn't really feel like being sent home without answers.

Thursday I called and was actually able to make an appointment with her doctor for that day...AMAZING! I took her in at 10:30...her ears were clear...lungs clear...so he wanted to check her urine. I asked if we could do the bag instead of the catheter...he was willing to try that way. So Abs and I hung out until about 2...she peed. Everyone at the clinic..well who knew what was going on cheered. We waited for the lab results....she did in fact have a UTI and so she's on antibiotic...luckily not the pink stuff...my kids never do well on that so the doctor surpassed that and gave her the better stuff that I don't have to give as much and for so long.

She's still be running a temp...she's at least smiling again though so that makes us happy. Poor kiddo...we're still waiting to see what's in the culture they made...she had quite a bit of blood so they are checking it out a little further. Luckily, I've been there...done that...with Madison so I'm not freaking out. I'm also so grateful Dan has been home...he's such a big help and sometimes she just needs her dad as much as she needs her mom. I'm just hoping she's feeling better by Saturday...babysitter is coming over and I really need to watch a comedy!!!

H.A.I.M.

2011-06-11T00:46:00.005+01:00

Mornings...I look forward to when school is out and we can have mornings like this. I walk into the room and I see this....it makes me smile how much you love each other and how my two big girls take care of the two little ones...most of the time at least. I love how Madison, Bells and Abs are totally into watching TV and Hannah sees the camera and flashes me a cheesy smile. Do you see how long Abs' hair is getting???!!! It still loves sitting straight up...LOVE that! That baby...always so happy...but seriously...how could you not be happy all the time with crazy hair like that??!!!

Madison has been leaving notes all around the house. Dan and my favourite was from yesterday. She was upset...I'm pretty sure she was just being a booger because Hannah was getting all the attention from yesterday...I apparently didn't ask her how her day was in the car when I picked her up from school and she was hurt by that. I felt bad...I went upstairs to look for her and found a note...a rather LONG note stating not to come into her room. Her feelings were hurt and I was being mean. Dan mentioned I should have taken a picture of the note...although we knew she was upset...the note made us laugh because it just went on about why she was so mad and how I was not to ask her to do anything because I hurt her feelings. She easily got over it. It's amazing how she changes so quickly when you show her physical love...Dan and I "brownie squeezed" her and life was grand once again.

Hannah is hilarious....she loves looking at herself in the mirror and anything that works as a mirror...car windows for example. It makes me laugh every time because sometimes she'll just talk to herself quietly...this reminds me of someone....one of my sisters and I can't help but smile. She also loves dancing...Dan and I are going to have to keep a tight rope on this one when she's older...

Bells has been talking like crazy lately. It's still hard to know everything she's saying but there are times I do a double take when she's talking because it's something totally clear and like this long sentence that comes out of her little body with big hair. She loves the cat and she holds her in the most awkward positions you'd think the cat would run away...but she doesn't...she will squirm out of her arms sometimes and then just sit by Bells so she can just pick her up again. Bells is also obsessed with the song by Dev, Bass Down Low. She gets pretty mad when the song is over and lets you know she would like it back on....funniest part....she tries to sing with it. I know...probably not the best song for a little girl to sing...but there are worse...AND I much rather hear songs I can actually tolerate than nursery "happy" songs all the time. I don't know how parents have those songs in their car...I'm like...kill me now. So my kids don't know nursery songs....ask them to sing a Top 40 song and I'm sure they can name it, who sings it and sing along.

Abs...that kid is just a joy. She smiles...and smiles and smiles. She also drools....a lot. She is super ticklish...I think it's a credential you have to have to be in the family. She laughs and laughs when you tickle her and she loves music....yes...it's not your average baby songs. Her new favourite place...on Madison's bed with the music on.

She's 6!

2011-06-10T12:53:00.006+01:00

Dan and my sweet, Hannah turned 6 yesterday. She loves to laugh...really loud. She's so sweet to her sisters...especially Abs...she has a bond with her...I think she likes it that Abs looks like her. Her favourite colours are black and white...I know...crazy...my mom actually let me in on this new thing...what happened to my rainbow girl? Oh...she's 6 now....but don't call her an old lady...she does not like that!

We did trick candles on her...Bells loved the fact they sparked...Madison was responsible and told Hannah to pull back her hair before she caught on fire and Abs could careless about anything...she was happy on the floor and Dan was on top of opening the windows so the smoke detector wouldn't go off. She opened her gifts...I think Dan was a little jealous of the quilt my mom made her...he mentioned how it would look great in his GTi....yes, I think that was a hint. She loves horses...she loves clothes....shoes...she's a girl. She's so thoughtful and appreciative. I love her and her cheesiness. She's always excited about life...and when you're around her...you just can't help but smile...even when she tells the same joke like 100 times over again but she says she isn't telling the same one because she didn't say it EXACTLY the same way. Oh Hannah...she's growing up way too fast!

10 minutes with Bells...

2011-05-29T13:02:00.011+01:00

I had to make Abs a bottle...so I left Bells in the TV room and hear an, "oh no!" I come back and see this:

Nice...I don't remember Madison or Hannah ever breaking anything. At first I thought, well I guess it's back to Ikea...I was just there yesterday...I love that store...but now I'm afraid if I do buy a new stand...what are my chances of Bells breaking something on that one again?! And so I'm going to try and fix it...maybe I'll just take the doors off.

Then while I'm feeding Abs...I hear an "ohhhhhhhhhh, pretty." I get up...I've heard this phrase before and it leads to not so good things...

You can hardly see it, but she used pink and orange and it's all across that bit of the wall. Yes, I always liked the murals on my grandmother's walls at her house...Bells seems to think she's doing a great job. I know you're probably like, well don't put the markers down where she can get them...I did....I went through the whole house, threw away all of them except for the ones that were tucked away in a craft bin and she still finds them (the ones in some secret hiding place!)

This stool...it helps her open doors, particularly the front door so she can go outside. She did yell, "Oudside, mom." I guess she was letting me know.

I caught her with food up in her room...nice. I love how she can open the fridge, pull out a snack and just takes it up to her room. (We have a food only in the kitchen and dining room rule...Bells tends to think she can break that rule. The sandwich is right next to her on the floor)

After I just threw away 2 markers...she found yet another one...

This time...her baby sis needed some coloring. She's bringing me peas from in the freezer...guess it's time to go and see what damage she's done in the kitchen!

Life

2011-05-21T16:13:00.004+01:00

Abs wakes up every morning just so happy. I'm not a morning person but seeing her smile when I go get her out of bed makes me smile and helps my mornings be more cheerful. It's amazing what each kid brings to a family. When you have it...you just can't imagine life without it.

I have had a horrible week. I'm not going to go into it...everyone I really wanted to know about it knows...a lot of tears, times I wanted to just curl myself in a blanket and just hide out for awhile...I'm not depressed...I just was at a loss as to what to do and hiding from the issue just seemed like a great idea. I also have THE countdown constantly going through my mind...today is 46...46 days and then I have to be without my best friend for more than a year....oh how life can be a roller coaster...I love roller coasters...these past few roller coasters of life...not so much.

Now totally off that subject...the other day, Hannah told Dan she wanted to be a "Doochess." She meant duchess of course, but it cracked us both up. Hannah...she always does or says something funny.

Bells

2011-05-18T13:50:00.005+01:00

How could I not love this kid. She thought she was pretty sneaky snatching my sunglasses. Another thing I love...how she says, "Oh no!" It's the cutest thing...that and how she says, "Oh toodle," when she'd like to watch Mickey Mouse Club House. Dan and I can't wait to take this kid to Disneyland when we get back to California. She'll go N-U-T-S! She's rambling a lot more...she wasn't really trying to talk for awhile...she was so talkative when she was a baby, but she's picking up again. She says quite a few words but sometimes she'll just talk jibberish when you ask her a question and you are suppose to know what she's saying. Dan and I just usually respond with a "wow!" That seems to satisfy her. Unfortunately her sleeping habits of NOT sleeping have come back. She's waking up around 1 am...just chilling downstairs or playing in her room with her toys. Abs on the other hand is a super sleeper....down around 8:30 and up around 6 and then goes back to bed until 7:30. She does occasionally just skip the 6 am feeding and wake up at 7:30....thank goodness one of them is sleeping.

Motivated

2011-05-15T23:14:00.003+01:00

I have been organising like a mad woman. I'm loving it. I went on a little shopping escapade yesterday for more things...like I need more stuff to go in my house when I have a garage full of stuff...but I needed a few small items to help and a new crib for Abs. I'm terrible...I didn't like the one we had for Bells (Dan picked it out) and so when we moved...I just had him take it to the dump. That and the fact Bells would shake her bottle all the time...I'd wipe her crib down but I never really paid attention to the backside facing the wall and that was gross. I think I would have needed a scraper and high water pressure machine to get the milk dribbles off. Ewww! Anyway...so Bells and Abs now have a room and all decorated...well minus my signs I have for them and the new curtains...the blackout shade was still too small that I bought for the window and so I didn't want to bother hanging up their new curtains. I also bought the big girls a desk for their room and took out the all the toy bin under their bed and moved them into the playroom since I bought another cabinet thing for their toys. The toy room looks great minus the curtains that I need to replace. I know...this isn't my house but these "old lady flower curtains" are just irritating me! Tomorrow I'm hoping to finish up the upstairs with decorating...and then move on to the downstairs and hopefully get to the garage and I'm sure dump a whole lot in there. I could probably have a garage sell...or boot sale as they call them here...but I'm too lazy and so I'll just end up dumping it. We did sell our old TV, AFN converter box and a satellite dish and made some money so that was exciting! Now I'm debating if I want to sell that sofa that we have in the garage. I found my list of items we have in storage up in Washington State...I forgot I had so much living room stuff...and Christmas...and other miscellaneous items...yeah...I really need to clean out the garage...the spiders are just out and everywhere so I tend to be unmotivated to go out there. Soon...someday I'll be done...my goal...this week. Perhaps Dan will then be able to enjoy it for a little bit.

Can you believe this?

2011-05-14T10:33:00.005+01:00

This kid has hair...not that my others didn't but good grief it's getting long fast! I was talking to my sister yesterday and she mentioned how it went down to her shoulders (she wasn't here physically but FaceTime...like greatest invention ever!) She's 3 months! Anyway...so I gave her a bath and used the hairdryer like I always do but this time I brushed it while doing it and we got this:

Dan and I were laughing hysterically, I was almost in tears for like a good 3 minutes...I'd say 5 but it wasn't that long. She reminded us of the Gorgon's head from the temple pediment at the Roman Baths in Bath. That made us laugh even more.

Life

2011-05-11T19:24:00.000+01:00

I can't believe we're nearly half way through May...where is time slipping? Abs is 3 months now and so we tried out the Bumbo seat. She loved it! What baby doesn't want to see things from a sitting position...I'm sure looking up at people's noses get old. And so here she is...

I caught this rare moment on SD card...

This kid is an animal...oh she's wearing me out! I love her but seriously...she could calm down just a bit and I'd be alright. She's starting the, "I don't need naps" stage...she's 20 months...she still needs a nap!!!

I'm looking forward to next week...Dan took some leave. Then he has to go back to work for 2 weeks and then he's off for a month. Then it's going to be tough...we chose it...it's how it is...but I still can't believe he's going to be away for 1 year...well really it's going to end up being more like 14 months or so. I have to admit...I've been emotional about it all. I'm not like crying all the time or that sort of thing...I'm just like dreading not having my best friend around. He's so good with the girls and helps me out so much when he gets home...but really, I'll just miss him all around.

Dan can sure get this little girl to laugh. She loves him. He loves her...it's the cutest thing ever. Aunt Nicole bought the most perfect shirt!

Mother's Day

2011-05-09T01:43:00.002+01:00

Mother's Day and the plans it had in store were a complete surprise. I have been wanting to go to Sulgrave Manor since we moved here. It didn't look that grand but it is George Washington's ancestral home. So this morning after breakfast, Dan told me just to get ready, we were going for a drive. And so we headed to this manor home which was quite adorable. I didn't bring my camera and Dan didn't think about it, so no pictures, but the girls enjoyed listening to the tour guide tell them about homes and children back then and I learned a few things...like how they use to literally hang their babies on the wall back in Tudor times because their smell from being swaddled and not changed attracted RATS! EWWWW! They swaddled the babies until 6 months so the baby was not able to move any limbs and they believed this would help their bodies grow straight. After 6 months, the would let the arms out and still hang the baby on the wall. Dan made us all laugh with question with multiple hooks for visitor's babies and then I got the mental image of like 5 babies...just hanging there. Anyway...we then walked along the garden and looked at their collection of George Washington's belongings...we saw his blue, velvet coat and learned that they did have a set of his wooden teeth, but sadly, they had a break in and someone stole the teeth. We then drove back and went through Kettering where we got Nandos to bring home and enjoyed my tasty dinner. I got a new camera...just a little snap shot I can slip in my purse and a spa certificate...I can't wait to get a massage and pedi. We had beautiful weather and we all had a great time on out outing...even though Bells is at the "you seriously expect me to listen to this" stage and wanted to run around and touch everything I'm sure. She didn't...and was really well behaved...I just needed to point out pretty much everything in the room so she could, "ooohhhh" at it. A great day...I feel so blessed to have my girls and be a mom to them. They keep me entertained...and as my dad said, "where would you be without them?" I couldn't imagine life without...it'd be super boring I'm sure.

Beautiful

2011-05-03T14:15:00.003+01:00

Dan and I are some pretty lucky parents...our kids are funny and entertaining, smart and healthy and kind of cute!

Look what Bells has...

2011-04-26T10:49:00.002+01:00

She now likes it. We had some issues the first night but she is over them and sleeping through the night once again. And that would be a sippy cup...we've been off bottles since she was 13 months....it took a month longer with her....she has specific sippy cups for certain beverages. Ask my parents...I'm not exaggerating when I say she refuses to drink water or juice if it was ever in her milk sippy cup. Although, she's been a big girl for awhile and uses just regular cups now....sippy cups are now just for the car and for her warm milk just before bed.

Some advice

2011-04-13T14:03:00.007+01:00

It's the kids break between terms here...they are off for nearly 3 weeks with that and then the wedding and some May bank holiday. I have the big girls at the day camp they went to last summer...they are only going today, Thursday and Friday. Dan has taken leave...I didn't want to do the final inspection, so he did it for the house. I didn't want to deal with the landlady that was horrible, so horrible, I'd instantly get that tune from The Wizard of Oz when the lady is riding her bike after she took Toto...so I left as soon as I saw her. I'm running on about 4 hours sleep the past 60 hours...woo hoo! Cleaning the house took FOREVER...I painted it too that's why...we're really not that dirty of people. Anyway...so yesterday I HAD to go to the Commissary to get some food. The girls needed packed lunches for camp and I just didn't have anything at home. So off we go...all 4 kids...I hate going with just one...okay so Abs I don't mind taking. I was standing in line...Bells is running all over because her two older sisters are egging her on...Abs is just chilling in her car seat in the cart and this lady behind me says, "Those can't all be yours! You look to young (I love it when people tell me how young I look...I'm hitting 30 at the end of this year...I'm having anxiety attacks about the whole thing. No, it's not because I'm one of those people who still want to be a teenager...I just hate the thought of getting old and aging and then dying...yeah...I know...I have issues about death...it scares me no matter what.) Wow! You have your hands full!" She then told me very nicely how it's not looked down upon to put a harness on your toddlers in England. I usually get annoyed when random strangers tell me how to raise my children but she said it so kindly and she could see that Bells was a handful and was just trying to give friendly advice to a woman with 4 kids...(seriously...a year being single...I'm going to have to find me a whole lot of babysitters around this village.) I laughed and told I her how I did have one at home and have been meaning to try it. I just always forget it...Madison and Hannah were just content staying in the cart...not my tornado of a girl, Bells...she wants to explore and she's just so darn cute, I HAVE to let my free spirited child run free...or maybe it's just the fact I'm so tired all the time, I just don't have the energy to care what people think and I now have the frame of mind, as long as they aren't touching something gross (although, I sometimes find Bells just deciding to randomly crawl on the floor at the store...that grosses me out but I usually have my hands full with Abs so she just continues and I just look away. We then come home and I bathe her in a tub full of bleach (not really...just lots of soap.)) I'm learning a lot more patience...or it's probably more like the attitude of just letting it go...picking my battles with my kids. I don't want my kids to be perfect (ok..sometimes I do). I think life would then be pretty boring. And I just realized this is the most scattered post ever...well probably not ever but I have 5 million things going on in my mind...10 million I need to do and I'm blogging...hmmm....I think I have some priority issues...I will blame lack of sleep right now. I'm so looking forward to tomorrow...London...no kids...no husband (I love going places with him...not London...he stresses and I just don't enjoy it as much) just some adult time...me time....it's nice to remember who I am once in awhile...without spit up on me, or a kid needing to be on my lap or 2 that ask questions galore...I'm not just mom. I'm also looking forward to having an organized, clean house...maybe some day....soon...hopefully. I'm starting to get so antsy to just make all the boxes go away, I want to just toss what's inside...that's probably not the best idea...but I figure...if I'm not missing it yet, I can't possibly ever need it again...maybe??? Yeah...I don't think that's going to work. I'm just going to have to find a place for everything....

I won't ever have any time!!!

2011-04-04T15:48:00.003+01:00

I want to blog some day about our little trips around the UK with my parents...life is so busy though. Movers come in 2 days....YIKES...I'm so not ready and I'm in panic mode. I then have one week to get the house we are currently in ready for our final inspection...AGGGHHHHHHH! I really wish my Abs would feel better and Bells would just settle down for a day or two...I can't say forever since then she really wouldn't be my Bells. Today I had a moment. I was opening the house door and just Madison and Hannah were with me, Bells and Abs were still in the car, and I had this super brief memory of it just being the 3 of us...and how super easy things would be...the fact they are pretty much self sufficient and all. And then I turned around and went back out to get a crying Bells...she wanted out of the car...and a sleeping Abs and then reality hit. And to be honest...I like the reality of how things are now...I would be bored without the chaos...well at least that's what I keep telling myself....the bored part of course.

It's official!

2011-03-31T20:02:00.003+01:00

We get to stay a whole more year! The man stamped our request and so we sign our new lease to our new house tomorrow! I'm so excited it's all working out. We were going through the process and everything but we were still waiting for the money approval....I didn't want to live here without COLA and OHA. It would have been done long ago...wait...we thought it was done long ago but admin was slow..go figure...we have the worst of luck with them all the time...they ALWAYS lose Dan's paperwork. We were only a little concerned since there were so many budget cuts but other than that we knew we would get approved. Now on to the next two weeks...CRAZINESS!

It's a girl!

2011-03-31T12:29:00.007+01:00

Yes, we've added yet another girl to our family. She's not a human this time...she's a kitten. Dan has been looking like crazy for a Blue British Short hair. We finally came across one...we call her our $1000 kitty. It's been a journey to get her. She's 7 weeks old and just as cute as can be. We are naming her Katherine but she goes by "Kat."

The girls all love her and she loves all the girls including Bells who's a little "rough" with her. She doesn't seem to mind since she goes right back to Bells. She's just perfect for our family. She was definitely a PAIN to get. Dan has been looking for MONTHS for this kitten. We wanted a kitten but originally wanted a male. These types of cats go fast though and so we were so happy when we talked to someone in Wales that had 2 kittens, a male and female and were going to hold them for us until this last Saturday to go purchase them and bring them home. Well Madison and Dan drove the 4 hour drive to them and found out it was a scam! Apparently, there is AT LEAST one person looking for kittens or puppies at this house every week. Luckily we're not as naive as some and gave any sort of information or money to this person. So Dan and Madison drove back the 4 hours empty handed and sad. I thought we were going to be done with the kitten search but while I was picking up Tylenol for my sick children the next day, I get this call to come home quickly. I thought an emergency happened but no, Dan has just spoken to a lady up near Blackpool, another 4 hour drive, and she had 3 girls left but 2 people were coming that day to buy one. So Dan and Hannah went up this time and came home at 1 am Monday morning with kitty in hand. The bonus part of her is she is on the active registry so we can breed or show her. So with a total of 17 hours worth of gas and her price...she is seriously like $1000, but she's so worth it! Dan loves her...she's warming right up to him which is good...she's going to be his little buddy and go with him. And Kat is so smart being so small...no accidents and is so even tempered and mellow...I think we're going to get another one!

Oh and Abs LOVES this mat. I had it for Madison and Hannah and they loved the thing. Abs isn't too fond of not being held so I caved and bought this mat even though we already have 2 others (I gave the one like this away since I was so done with having children after Hannah). It works...she is now content on it and not being in my arms...hence why I can post!

Blessings

2011-03-24T12:29:00.004Z

I feel so lucky right now and blessed. This move has just been kind of a whirlwind thing. The house we found had just been put on the board and we were able to get it. I was begining to stress out about if we were going to be able to find a house close to the girl's school. Life is crazy with 4 kids...2 of them being 18 months and 7 weeks so I wasn't sure if I was going to be able to get our stuff packed in time and be able to move things...we sign our new lease on the 1st of April and we have to be out of this house by the 14th. Then there was the cleaning and yard work and all that. Well, we found movers who are packing and moving all our stuff for a VERY reasonable price. Today I was talking to my cleaners about scheduling a move out clean and can I just say I have the two nicest and sweetest cleaners ever! They are always so sweet to me and my family for holidays and for my kid's births (they always give the nicest gifts) and now they are doing this favor me. The carpet cleaner guy I always get is giving me the price he always gives me even though he's covering more carpet and so I'm spending less than I imagined on this move out. (I do usually clean the house but I just don't have enough time or energy.) Our deposit, even if the landlord takes some out will still cover this move. Then I've had volunteers to help watch kids or do whatever which has been so nice. I don't like accepting help (it's the Trapp in me) but it has been so nice to have all these special people in my life and I just feel so blessed especially since I've been feeling SO overwhelmed. My house has been a mess (ok, so to my standards), I don't always have dinner planned like how I like and my family has been more than willing to help out or even better, just look away and wait patiently until I get to it. I feel since things are running so smoothly even though at the moment I'm stressing out, things are falling into place and our prayers were answered and I am doing the right thing staying here. Perhaps some day soon I feel on top of things once again....then again...maybe not.

Mini me

2011-03-17T22:19:00.003Z

I'm around 6 in this picture...it cracks me up my kids do the exact same smile...Madison and Hannah saw this picture...they both loved seeing me as a little girl and how much they look like me.

Then there is this girl...my mom came up with the nickname..."tornado" for her. It suits her. She is everywhere all the time. I love her...I love how happy she is all the time. She's getting so big...she's looking more and more like a little girl rather than my baby Bells. I registered her for preschool today...the Montessori here takes them at 2. I'm going to need a little break...she is a shy girl but she was loving it there. I was really surprised she ventured off to explore. She never does that with new places.

3+ years ago...

2011-03-17T12:00:00.003Z

This is Hannah a couple of months before she turned 2....she loved She-ra and swords. The filming is horrible and I sound silly but I just laughed watching it...especially the last few seconds of the video...

YIPEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2011-03-17T10:23:00.001Z

DAN'S CAR IS READY FOR PICK UP!!!! I can't wait to drive his brand new, little sporty car!

8 years!

2011-03-14T22:21:00.003Z

Well it was a couple of days ago actually...the 8th. Dan and I celebrated early and took advantage of the fact my parents were here and left all 4 kids...yes...ALL 4...and took a train to Cardiff, Wales, Friday (4th) night and stayed until Sunday morning. I took my camera and didn't take one single picture! We didn't want to stress about taking pictures. Some times I think I focus on getting pictures I'm not able to enjoy what I'm seeing and who I'm with...my best friend. And so we stayed at this super cute Victorian hotel right on St. Mary's Street...P-A-R-T-Y central......it was in the building on the right just before the neon lights to the 80's club....clubs were every where...people were all over the street and just having a good time. Cardiff is known for it's night life and man...do they party. We could hear it all night long.

We went to the castle and just walked all around the city and saw other sites. It was kind of nice not having to drive. We met the Lord Mayor of Cardiff without even knowing it. This super friendly old man was just talking away to us for about 15 minutes while we were at the castle. We knew he was somebody because of his medallion around his neck but didn't know who. We also saw the big protest that was going on and actually for a minute was a part of it...well walking down the street since we had to cross the street and had to go through them. We had a nice dinner and just enjoyed time together. It was cold and super windy so we opted not to walk along the bay. We did take the city sight seeing bus and saw all the major things. Super cute city with a BIGNORMOUS (Hannah word) mall! A real mall...with heating inside...just like home...except this place was so big! We even caught a movie...a movie that was not at all what we expected but oh well. It was a perfect weekend. We did miss our girls...lots of things reminded us of them and by Saturday late morning I was missing them a lot. I got over it...Dan got over missing his Bells...(he missed all his girls but Bells and him have this special bond) and enjoyed our last weekend get away for who knows how long. So beautiful there...people so nice and the thing that I found most interesting...the Welsh language. I thought it was kind of cool they have all their signs there with Welsh first and then English. But seriously...what a CRAZY language!

Busy, busy, busy

2011-03-13T21:34:00.002Z

That's what we've been up to. Well that and we've had a wonderful 16 day visit with my parents. We had a blast, did a lot of exploring around the UK. Dan and I celebrated our 8th anniversary in Cardiff, Wales ALONE, and 4 kids keep me busy!!! I'm hoping to that I'll have some time soon to write about our adventures...fun times..lots of laughs and how Bells just loves gmm-pa and mmm-ma! But now, it's 9:36 pm and I'm ready to crash.

It's been decided...

2011-02-23T15:50:00.003Z

The girls and I are staying in the UK instead of moving back to the states. It was ultimately my decision...Dan will be gone so that's why I say it that way...and I figured it would just be better to stay in a place we call "home" since this has been the longest we have ever stayed in one place. I won't have to deal with a move...change schools for the girls...I have my friends and support over here...yes, I won't have the sun...but to me the positives outweigh the negatives. And so that's that...Dan put in the request for the OHA and COLA for me and the girls, he's talking to the visa man since the girls and my visa run out this June, and I've told our property management we're staying another year. So it's a go...well as long as we get our visas sorted...which shouldn't be a problem...I feel a lot less stressed out now. It will help the girls as well...I think they will already have a lot to deal with since their dad is leaving for a year...it broke my heart to move them from their friends and their home as well...and so that is that. Now we are just debating whether or not we want to go back to the states for a couple weeks with Dan...Dan and I are actually leaning towards taking a big road trip...make our way to Italy...I have to admit....that sounds a lot more appealing! Oh life...it can change so much in such little time.

And she does it again...

2011-02-20T21:57:00.002Z

Hannah makes me laugh with her little random comments...

Like yesterday.....

Just sitting on the sofa, singing, "It's a hard-knock life."

Stopping mid song and telling me I have a hard-knock life because I have too many kids.

It made me stop what I was doing and have a laugh...I did tell her it wasn't that hard...only some days when kids don't listen....

In reality though, I couldn't imagine my life without my kids...the craziness that happens day to day....the loud, random conversations and noises that happen in the car...even with my 23 day baby...I don't remember being without her...well I do but it's different. I wonder what I did all day since it seems as though I don't have any time anymore...life is busy...feeding, changing diapers, conversations of all sorts with my two older ones, trying to have a moment with my husband...even when it's like today....our Sunday drive...holding hands...and me trying to tune out everything that's going on (Bells singing, Madison and Hannah talking nonstop the whole trip about who knows what and Abs just sleeping through it all), feeding kids (they are all home since the girls are on a 10 day break at school), and sleeping...well at least trying to. It all makes me kind of laugh...the chaos....the so unexpected of having a house full but loving it and not wanting to be without. (Most days at least.)

I caved

2011-02-19T12:31:00.006Z

I have been postponing buying a double stroller for awhile. I searched for my "perfect" stroller and found it...too bad the price tag that came along with the Phil & Teds Explorer stroller was just a tad high and it's in £ and I convert to $ still....I just couldn't justify buying it...well I could...we really haven't had to buy anything for Abs...but it was still so hard to click the purchase button every time I put it in my basket. Then in my email, I received a 10% off coupon...AND it was already 10%off with the bundle package....but I still waited. The other day, Dan told me just to buy it already....so I did but was so mad to find out it was no longer 10% off! So I didn't get the 20% off...only 10% but can I just say...I'm so happy with it. I LOVE how compact it is and I LOVE the one hand release. So after all that delay...seriously..it's been months...I can now contain my two littlest ones....although some days...I feel like I need a stroller that seats 4 so I can just contain all of them. That would look a little strange though to have my 7 and 5 year old in a stroller....

Always something....

2011-02-17T19:16:00.004Z

This was taken with my phone....we were in the car right after school to go to the Commissary. I hear Hannah say, "The comb is stuck in my hair." I look back and see this...I was kind of mad...I was wondering what would possess her to do something like that but I didn't let her know I was mad...then 5 seconds later I'm laughing...uncontrollably. Madison is in the front telling me I better stop laughing or Hannan is going to start crying. She starts crying...I'm laughing even more...the whole situation...Madison telling me how I'm being a bully and that I better stop laughing so hard or I'm going to crash the car. It doesn't help that I hear a snort or two coming out of Madison's mouth (she's wanting to laugh too but she's being the nice big sister) and hearing Hannah occasionally laugh. The whole thing is just ridiculous. I have to run into the store...Hannah starts crying she can't go in looking like this...I laugh some more and with Abs in my arms, Bells in Madison's we go in and try to get out quickly. We head home...but before that stop by a friend's to drop some things off and there the two of us have a good laugh about it. I see how tangled and twisted the hair is...I'm worried I'm going to just have to snip the hair. We get home, we eat, I meanwhile snicker every once in awhile when I see Hannah with a comb stuck in her hair...we are calling her comb head at this point....I get some wire cutters after dinner and work on just breaking the comb to bits...trying not to get the hair...and after what seems like an eternity working on it, we get the comb out! Hair comes too...but it's not all the hair so there is no complaining. I now no longer have a comb head!

Hanners

2011-02-15T19:52:00.001Z

Hannah asked me today why boys sing about girls and girls sing about boys. I told her it's because boys like girls and girls like boys....she said she was "bored" of those kinds of songs and would start writing songs about herself. That would be a lot more interesting. I laughed out loud...the guard on base did too...he heard the conversation as well.

The Red Book

2011-02-12T07:37:00.003Z

The red book is the "naughty" book at the girls' school. That is the worst consequence besides going to home and being suspended I guess. Hannah had her name written in it Thursday. It's all quite comical actually.

Thursday just before dinner, my friend called me and asked if I had heard what our two kids did to get in the red book. I was thinking they got into a fight or something horrible...I mean it's the red book. Hannah hadn't mentioned it and her teacher didn't talk to Dan so I had no clue. Apparently, Hannah and her friend decided it would be fun to climb over the bathroom stalls. Hannah went first and her friend followed. I went into the kitchen to talk to Hannah and see if I could get it out of her.

"Hannah, did something happen at school today?"
"I can totally climb the walls in the bathroom!"
"Who's idea was that?"
"Mine, I did it first."
"Oh, someone else was with you?"
"Yes, (And then she said her friend's name.)"
"And did something else happen."
"We got our names in the red book, no biggie."

She was totally unaffected by the red book consequence. I had to try my best not to laugh. Her teacher while telling my friend what had happened had a grin on her face the whole time. They were put in the red book so they could see how serious and dangerous climbing over the bathroom stalls were. I don't think they had to put their names in it but oh well...Dan and I just let Hannah know how dangerous it was to do that. How were we suppose to ground her for that???!!! And so my daughter's name is in the book for all those who follow will see her name...oh that daring Hannah.

2 weeks

2011-02-11T14:32:00.002Z

It's been 2 weeks already....crazy! We had Abs' doctor appointment today. Oh but first, yesterday we had her hearing test. The equipment was broken at the hospital when she was born so we had to wait until we could get her an appointment with the ENT there at the hospital. I was stressing about it since this baby doesn't wake up with the doors slamming, kids crying, kids shouting...nothing makes her stir. She passed and her hearing is great. She is just use to all the loud noises from the womb and knew she was coming into a crazy, loud family apparently.

Everything else is great too with her...she now weighs 8lbs 6 oz and is 21 1/2 inches long. She's grown a lot! She replaced her 9% weight loss and added 5 oz and has grown an inch! I can't remember her exact head circumference but that was in the 75th percentile. The weight and height were in the 50th...smallest baby I've ever had...well with weight and head! She is amazing. We're so blessed to have her in our family. Yes, she's only 2 weeks old but she already adds so much. Oh, and I have to mention, she slept 6 1/2 hours STRAIGHT last night....and I had to wake her up to eat so who knows how much longer she would have gone. I woke up thinking I had a really good sleep...then I look at the clock and realize I'd been asleep for 6 hours straight! She ate, pooped, we cuddled and she smiled and then went back to bed until 8:00. I love this kid!

A name!!!

2011-02-10T22:20:00.003Z

So after discussing the spelling of the name we have come to an agreement...

Abigale Danielle

I got it the way I wanted...after Dan agreed I felt bad and was just going to let him have Abigail....but being the sweet husband he is, he told me I could have it the way I liked because of the hard work I do. I seriously love that man! Who else is happy...Grandpa Gale...I can now "officially" say Abs is named after him. He was also the first I called to let him on the news.

And a new friend who happens to be a photographer took these amazing pictures of Abigale...like the one above...so I can't take credit...well the adorable baby I can....not the super cute photo.

I know....I keep saying this...

2011-02-07T13:42:00.002Z

Bells LOVES her little sister. She loves her so much that she is now taking up the responsibility of waking up every 2 hours at night to tell us, "mom, dad...sister." It's pretty much the cutest thing to hear her call it out from in her room. She gets very concerned with every noise Abby makes. She is very tired today...her poor eyes have purple rings underneath....Bells that is.

Yesterday Abby was in our lounge sleeping and then she woke up and started crying. I was in the middle of washing bottles and Bells came running from the other room to check on her baby sister. The door was closed and Bells is still too short to reach the door handles. She starts yelling for Dan and me to come help her sister...meanwhile she's on her tippiest of tippy toes trying to reach the handle. Dan comes and opens the door and Bells goes running to her sister, saying, "sister," finds a bottle and hands it to Dan. I just can't get over how motherly she is towards her when she's only 17 months herself.

And lastly Dan and I were up talking one night and he was looking around at the pictures I have around the room. He looks at me and mentions how in all future pictures he is just going to be surrounded by women. It made me laugh. I love how Dan is totally fine with having his 4 girls. I can't stand when people say something along the lines of, "why don't you have a boy? Or what did you do? Are you going to try for the 5th to be a boy?" Seriously...girls aren't that bad! Dan and I are just grateful we have 4 beautiful, healthy girls...I can't stand when people get so upset about the gender of their baby....I seriously feel they should just feel blessed they were able to have a child. Anyway....there's my rant about that. I love how Dan also makes up songs about being just a diaper changer...it's a pretty funny song...if only I could catch him on video singing it without him knowing.

1 week old!

2011-02-04T19:26:00.004Z

Bells really likes her baby sister...Abby was hungry...Bells was trying to comfort her.

Her birth

2011-02-03T21:42:00.002Z

No, we haven't finalized the name or spelling...we both avoid the conversation.

I feel so blessed to have made such great friends here. Madison, Hannah and Bells stayed at a friend's house Thursday night since my surgery was Friday morning in Lakenheath...about an hour away from our house. I was worried how Bells was going to be but my friend told me she was great...she slept through the night and had a blast. I wasn't worried about Bells...I was worried about my friend taking care of my "wild" child. It was so nice not to have to worry about them and know they were in good hands...Dan and I went out to dinner after we dropped the girls off and then headed to the Air Force Inn and tried to get some sleep. I say "tried" since I was up every hour...I was a little anxious. We had to be at the hospital at 7 am...my surgery was scheduled for 10...and so we got there...they checked me in...I had all my labs done the day before so we just stayed in the triage room and talked with all the doctors...then the anesthesiologist. Then he came back after speaking to us about 10 minutes later and said they were just about ready for me. It was 8:30...I started getting super anxious and nervous...hello...surgery....spinal block....not fun. So I walked on back with the docs to the OR room and they started right away. I handled everything fine...the spinal block doesn't really bother me physically but I always get nervous what if they totally screw up....I can handle the "sting" from the numbing shot...I got really sick....really, really sick. I never had that happen to me before. I got scared...I couldn't move...I just kept throwing up....I felt super nauseated and I was tipped down towards my head so they could get blood to my head which made me feel like I just wanted to be put out...I couldn't take it. They kept giving me stuff to make me feel better...after the third try of meds and them making my heart beat as though I had just ran 10 miles....I started to feel better. Dan came in about this time to hear, "we had to stabilize her." He looked confused...held my hand....and I just remember saying, "I'm sorry I got sick." Apparently the spinal block worked GREAT on me...so great I went from 0 -90 in about 5 seconds so my blood pressure dropped super low. I felt much better after what seemed like forever which was maybe 10 minutes and they started the c-section. It took a little bit longer than it normally does...4th c-section means a whole lot of scar tissue to go through. She came out at 9:28 and I heard her cry, Dan looked at her...they pulled the curtain down so I could see her and her little head full of black hair...I cried...I usually get a little teary eyed when I first see them..this one was a little more emotional...we're done...this was it...last baby....they asked me once more if I it was a go on getting my tubes tied...I said yes....and so they finished up the procedure...Dan decided to stay with me since until they were done with the surgery....he was worried since I guess he still wasn't sure what had happened before he came in. He went with the baby, I went with the docs and then we all met up in my room. I was able to hold Abby for the first time...so sweet...so little....I was in love instantly.

Dan went and picked up the girls...before he left we had a friend who was getting his pre op appointment so he stopped by to say hi and see our new addition. We chatted...he took some "great" pictures and then they left and I had my first moments with Abby by myself. I love her soft hair...she likes it when we rub it. The nurses were great...so nice...so helpful. I kept wondering why I didn't have Bells there. The girls and Dan came back...they met their new sister and Bells wanted nothing to do with Abby. It was really great to see all my family together though...kind of crazy how big we are now.

Night time came and the nurses weren't so nice. Before the nice shift left, the doctor came by to check on me...he asked me if I was ready to get the catheter out and walk around...I was so ready. I hate laying in bed. The nights shift came on...she took it out...I walked around just fine. It felt good. I only had to do the dreaded "pee" show. She took it out around 7:30 pm....It was 12 am and I still hadn't gone. She was pressuring me...she told me if I didn't do it by 1, I'd have to get a dry catheter in to see what was going on. I was stressed out! I took a shower, ran all the water faucets in the bathroom...nothing. And so in went the catheter....out went a lot of pee...I had tons of water. She was giving me another chance...4 am. I was totally stressing out, chugging down water...oh and Abby was also not really wanting to eat so that was stressing me out as well. At 3:45 I peed. I was relieved. I apparently had a relapse in the medication they give me with the spinal block which caused my bladder not to work properly. Now I had to deal with Abby and her only wanting to sleep and not eat thing. I tried the breastfeeding thing...it seemed as though all the nurses I had were all lactation consultants and so they encouraged it. I was in pain by the 24th hour. It just isn't for me....really. And so luckily I had a super cool nurse who was all about comfort for the mom and getting the baby fed and she brought me in a pump. I was so happy. She also brought me in formula since I told her I've always had to supplement the first week or so and she didn't give me a long speech about the benefits of breastfeeding. I was so happy...we slept a lot better...and they even took Abby for 3 hours and I slept for those 3 hours. It was so nice and such a great night.

I had spoken to the doctor Saturday and he asked if I wanted to go home Sunday...I said yes. I was tired of that room. 5 am the pediatrician came in...Abby had lost a little more than they wanted....9% of her birth weight and so we were going to have to get her weighed Monday. They asked me if I still wanted to leave...I still did...I figured we would just stay at the inn that night. Other than her weight she was healthy. I just had to wait for my doctor to discharge me. I fed Abby and then we fell asleep. I was so asleep that the doctor had been trying to wake me up for about 5 minutes. I was out...exhausted...I know I would hear Abby cry but everything else was ignored. I checked out just fine and by 11 am we were out the doors of the hospital.

It was a great stay...besides my uptight nurse the one night, I was super happy with everything. And really, I can't complain too much about her...she was just doing her job. And most importantly, my family was able to visit me whenever...they didn't have those crazy hours like last time.

Monday's appointment went well...Abby hadn't gained as much as they wanted...really...how much is she suppose to gain in one day...but I had just fed her before they weighed her and so she was a little heavier which helped since her weight loss was now at 7.5%...enough to not have us go in again until her 2 week check up!

Abby is such a good baby, yes we have to wake her up every 2-3 hours to feed her, but she goes right back to sleep if she already isn't asleep. She hardly cries and is so cute when she's awake. She's very alert and loves her sisters. Bells has warmed up to her quite well and is Abby's little protector. When Bells hears Abby, she goes running and says, "sister." She also likes to check on her first thing after she wakes up in the morning. I do occasionally find some odd toys in Abby's bed...play food, toy car, phone...Bells is looking after her little sister and making sure she has toys.

I'm trying to adjust to life. My feet are still very much swollen...I'm suppose to rest but I can't....too much to do. I was out at the Commissary on day 4...today we ventured out to the post office. I'm feeling pretty good though...minus emotions being everywhere. That will hopefully be sorted out in a few days since I'm even getting tired of myself being this way.

She's here!

2011-02-01T12:00:00.004Z

She arrived Friday at 9:28 am London time, weighing 8 lbs 1 oz and 20 inches long with a full head of dark hair. She's beautiful...we have a name...we haven't decided how we are going to spell it and we're not sure about her middle name. Her sisters love her...we love her....she fits in our family perfectly. My fabulous birthing story will come once we have her name settled...seriously...Dan should just give in to my way. I'm too exhausted to discuss it...and so it remains unknown...but at least we don't have to call her "baby."

I'm about 5 hours away

2011-01-28T04:34:00.002Z

from holding my baby girl!!! I've been so excited I have been waking up every hour...I just can't wait!

3 minutes....

2011-01-27T00:00:00.005Z

She took the chair from the kitchen to the front door, pulled the chord for my vacuum, took the chair back to the kitchen, checked on the dryer, climbed up onto the table, moved two chairs to the counter so she could get into the butter...and that is my day...chasing after this kid.

The Little Things in Life....

I never thought I would

Life

I'm a vegetarian

Planning

Happy 1st Birthday Abs!

Snow!

Lazy Sunday

Changing our verbals

Change of Plan....

Abs

Abs walking with some help

New wellies

Madison and Abs

A very frightful moment that seemed to last forever...

So behind

Abbers

Super Girl and Bat Girl

I have a camera!!!

Christmas

Home!

Disco

Pictures

Oh I forgot!

Name changes

No, we did NOT have a Thanksgiving

Bells...

Happy Birthday to me!

Adios!

You make me smile

Veteran's Day

Sometimes you just have to be blunt

Something that reminds me of Shannon

*sigh*

On the road...

Exciting news!

Happy Halloween!!!

A nephew!

Flash back

Our chats

Pumpkin picking

33!

Mom

Ridiculous!!!

I saw this

Abs

And the 2 big ones

Bells first day of school

The Wizard of Oz

Sesame Street

Why...

Audley End House

Bells is 2!

Park and Acid reflux

Life with 5 girls under one roof

Think good thoughts

My little thrill seeker

A request

She's 8!

Summer break

Happenings

Another day...

Another bad day

Hardest Day

I'm really going to miss...

One of the longest weeks ever...

H.A.I.M.

She's 6!

10 minutes with Bells...

Life

Bells

Motivated

Can you believe this?

Life

Mother's Day

Beautiful

Look what Bells has...

Some advice

I won't ever have any time!!!

It's official!

sigh