Blogging Time

Hello all my faithful readers! Thank you so much for sticking with me. I am so sorry that I haven't been doing too much personal blogging lately. I can give you all an update this evening, so I am jumping on the opportunity. Being a new mom (this time around) is a bit more challenging. Having 4 children can sure be tiring, and demanding. I love being a mom, and I wouldn't trade my children (or position in life) for anything. I do question my sanity some days, though. Some days I feel so much older than I am, and I really do think that I am getting wrinkles. I have a hard time deciding if they are wrinkles or tired marks. My son Caleb has been my big-time work load lately. Age 3, almost 4, is a patience-trying time. He has so much energy, and doesn't seem to listen very well. Quite honestly, I think he purposely ignores me just to get my goat. There are days that I just want to be a child again so I can go on time out. Why is it that all the things we "had" to do when we were younger, we enjoy and long for as an adult? I would love to HAVE to take a nap...I would love to HAVE to play outside, and I would love to HAVE to be on time out~ or sent to my room!! Seriously, if we could have looked into our future, maybe we would have enjoyed our time outs and free play more as children.
Anyway, updating on my children. I know this post could be about 10-15 pages long, so I will try to summarize a bit. Nathaniel is doing OK. I had a report on his grades this last quarter, and all of his grades have gone down. I am not totally sure why this is happening. One of his classes he didn't turn an assignment in, and the result was a D+. Needless to say, we weren't happy about his grades. I fear that he is just not liking school, the teacher he has this year, and longs to be homeschooled again. I have a hard time with the teacher he has this year (and I won't get into that now), but I just have a feeling we may be taking him back out of public school and homeschooling him again. My husband thinks that this is the best option, but my fear is that Nathaniel and I will suffer in our relationship as we did in the past. Please be in prayer with me over this decision. I could say so much more about this, but I know my post is getting so long already. Nathaniel is a great helper, and he is growing up so fast. He loves to learn facts, and he has such a good head on his shoulders.
Caleb is still very funny (comical) but his actions have been so naughty, too! He is at a difficult age. He wants to be independent, wants to grow up, wants to bully/control his sister, and fights with his brother. Most days he is like a ping pong ball bouncing off of everything! I think he really needs to get outdoors to wear off some of his bottled energy. I think he is also feeling the need to have quality time, and my husband and I know he needs more time with us. I think he is having a bit of a hard time adjusting to Cole's entrance into the family. I try so hard to make sure he knows he is valued and loved. Potty training is good during the day, but he has been having accidents at night time. We need to buy some heavier duty pull-ups for nighttime.
Madelyn is talking a lot more, and she is still as feisty as ever. She has learned to point her finger at us and tell us "NO" in a stern voice. While she does this, she gives you a glaring look and scowls at you. NO, it isn't very fun at all. At first it was kind of cute, and now you just get upset with her. She is our strong-willed child. She is also very sweet and loving, too. She loves to be cuddled, gives lots of hugs and kisses, and is our little co-sleeper. She is also cutting a ton of teeth right now, which could be reason for a bit of her mood.
Cole is growing bigger everyday, and I can't believe he is 5 weeks old already! He is getting cuter everyday, too. He has lost some of his hair on the top of his head, but his hair is still darker. His sores have healed up nice and the blood pooling is going down. Still has a lot to go down, but it is improving. Right now he is a bit congested. That is something new. I hope it doesn't turn into anything. I don't want to isolate him from everyone, but I really don't want him catching anything nasty, either. So, I hope he gets healthy, and it doesn't turn into anything worse. He is in the 0-3 month clothes now. I will try to post pictures of all my kids soon.
This weekend we had some good times! Friday night was my favorite night of the month~ Ladies Night Out! I always look forward to this great night of friends, laughter, food, games....and just pure fun and therapy for the soul! Thank you friends for the great time! Saturday was my monthly stamp club. I missed last month (that was sad) so it was great to be back enjoying my hobby. It was fun showing off Cole, too. We had some yummy treats, chocolate, and made some great cards. On my way home, Terry called me and said that we were going out for dinner. My wonderful MIL sent us a package of Valentine's Love. She sent us money to go out for dinner, cards and gifts for the kids. Thank you Cheryl! You are so thoughtful and giving! It was a fun time. Then, Saturday night, we had some friends over to play games, and have dinner together. It was great to spend time with them. Sunday, we went to church~ heard a great sermon, visited with friends, and then had a relaxing afternoon. It was a great weekend.
I will try to write more personal posts to update you on my life. I do have some funny stories to share, and I will try to post some tomorrow. Right now I need to sleep. I have shorted myself on sleep too much lately. GOOD NIGHT~

Weekend plans

Today I was home with the kids. I usually babysit on Fridays, but it was an exception today. I brought Nathaniel to school this morning, because he was going on a field trip to the MN Science Museum! I was hoping to be picked as one of the chaperone's, but unfortunately my name wasn't one of the lucky draws. Hopefully I will make the next field trip. I really like going on those, because I can get to know his teacher and classmates better. That way, when he mentions someone from his class, I know who he is talking about. I wish that I was able to volunteer once a week, but that would require getting a sitter...not really realistic.
I did some straightening up around the house today and did dishes. I will have extra company all weekend, so I have decided NOT to clean until Monday when my house isn't full of people. I really don't feel like cleaning it twice. Today, my father-in-law sliced wood for us, and that was greatly appreciated. It is a big job out there with the slicing and stacking. Our pile is huge and winter is coming...so, it is a must to get that done. We are hearing of possible snow on Sunday already. I am looking forward to the snow and winter. I am not a huge fan of the ice and freezing below wind chills, though. Tonight, Terry's mom and sister will be showing up for the weekend. It will be great to see them again! Tomorrow, Nathaniel will have a few friends over in the afternoon for his birthday party. That will be about 4-5 extra boys. I think Terry is going to be getting the boat and pontoon out of the lake, and finish winterizing the outdoors. We have a faucet that needs fixing before snow flies, too. In the evening, my parents will come over for dinner. We will be having a Grandparent supper celebration for Nathaniel...and to have a get together for them to visit. Like I had mentioned before, Terry's Dad is here from Alaska...and we haven't seen him in over 4 years. My parents have just met him on our wedding, so it will be good for them all to get to know each other.
Sunday, we will be heading down to bring Terry's Dad back to the airport, and then I believe we will just relax the rest of the day. A Day of Rest. I think we will need a day of rest after the busy weekend. I will try to post some this weekend, but if I don't~ you know why. :) Have a super weekend everyone!