I want to write a few posts about my babies' birthdays recently, but I feel like something needs to be said beforehand.

These children aren't mine. I have been reminded of this recently with a few acquaintances/friends losing their precious bundles before they would expect. It's reminded me of how much I don't deserve this life that I have. Three healthy children whom I carried to term and have lived to be 6 years old without any major issues is simply miraculous. And I didn't even do everything right. I probably drank too much coffee during my pregnancies and gained too much weight. I probably let my babies cry too much and didn't feed them the right foods at the right time. I know I haven't watched them every second to make sure they don't swallow something dangerous (googly eye incident).

It is purely God's grace that we have these three children, these three blessings. God may take them from me at any time, no matter what I do or how I try to protect them. This, of course, doesn't mean I take any chances, but my faith is not in what I do to protect them from harm, but it is in Jesus.

I write this partly to remind myself. It's hard not to put faith in my own efforts.

Day 23: A Youtube Video

Some girls from church made this rap for a baby shower and it's too hilarious not to share!

Pregnancy Rap

Today I am thankful for...

washing machines! And dishwashers! And heaters! And crockpots!

These things make my life so much easier. I love hearing the hum humming of things working around my home that I don't have to stand over and make sure it gets done. The freedom that comes with having a dishwasher and clothes washers and dryers allows me to do what I really would rather, like play with my kids or read a book during their quiet time.

Children are a blessing! The washing machine is way more valuable to me than the Pill, another modern "convenience."

Besides, if you have enough kids they can do all the work! Think of all the money we'd save on electricity that way! (I kid, I kid!)

Re-posting an interesting article about washing machines vs. The Pill. Just for kicks. :)

Day 22: A website

I regularly visit several blogs, and one of my favorites is Mommy Life. The author, Barbara Curtis, covers many topics from Jesus and faith, mothering and homeschooling, to politics and issues. I don't always agree with everything she has to say, but generally I trust her for a solid view. She is somewhat of a hero to me as she has 12 children, four of whom have Down syndrome and three of those whom are adopted.

Day 21: A recipe

I recently made this for dinner, and Bill loved it: Fisherman's Quick Fish. I picked this recipe because potato chips were on sale at Cost Cutter (where else?) and if I didn't make something with them, I knew I'd eat the whole bag myself. Not cool. As a side dish I made quinoa, which is a new discovery for me, and so delicious!

Bon Appetit!

Butts

I went to a family reunion a few years ago and my cousin (actually 2nd cousin, and Facebook friend) Ray was telling me how their family had been on vacation for several weeks and just returned. Upon returning, their family was in dire need of a Costco run. He turned to me and said, "Addie, I spent more money than you can imagine on our butts. Toilet paper, wipes, diapers, etc." It was so hilarious, especially if you can imagine Ray saying it (if you know him). It's made me think how my job as a wife and mother is closely tied to butts.

I spend all day wiping butts, washing butts, feeding mouths which in turn work the butts, washing and folding clothing for the butts, not to mention preparing to find the best deals on what covers and cleans the butts, then in turn procuring said deals. This doesn't even touch on cleaning up the bathroom. It doesn't stop when all my kids are done with diapers. We're in for the long haul.

And while yes it's nasty with the butt chooses to touch me whilst being covered in poo, or when one of the girls (or Bill) toots in my face, it's also hilarious and makes my job so much more interesting and joyful. I'm thankful that God has given me these butts. If these butts didn't work, we'd have a lot of worries. God has given me three healthy butts and it's my service to God and them in caring for them and keeping them healthy.

So maybe it's a pain (in the butt) to continually buy diapers and wipes, toilet paper and new underwear, but I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world.

Day 20: A Hobby of Yours

I like a lot of things, but my favorite (guilty) hobby is watching FRIENDS and folding laundry or working in the kitchen. I don't know if that would count as a hobby for real, but it does for me. I used to spend an insane amount of time doing this, but the demands of three kids, homeschooling, and a house to run, combined with less naptime means it hasn't been happening as much. This is probably a good thing, something God has used to teach me to manage my time better. It's convenient we have kids because otherwise I think my old habits would have gotten pretty bad by now.

Day 19: A Talent of Yours

Obviously I've fallen off the "30 days" wagon but that's not going to stop me from deliberating on another random topic.

Can one be talented at committing to something but not following through or getting overwhelmed? I do that very well. How about checking Facebook? That would be something I'm really good at too. Compulsively checking my email? Making crafts a 4-year-old could do? Or forgetting to take Amelia to the bathroom? Dang, these aren't very good talents. Rather they are areas I wish weren't talents but weaknesses.

Merry New Year!

Hello 2011!!

Right now Bill is making a "to-do" list for this coming year titled "2011 Let's get this shit done already!!!"

I love the fresh feeling of a new year (and no it's not just because of my awesome-smelling new deodorant). It's just a new day, a new year, with some much potential. I am looking forward to the new season of homeschooling, finishing this school year well, Wesley's mobility and chasing after a toddler, a new season of outdoor projects, long runs, seeing how much I can save using coupons, a new season of women's group and the replication and sending off of Lauren's group, Caley turning 6 (!), Wesley turning 1, Amelia turning 4.

What else will this year bring? I can't wait to find out!