Yesterday

So I missed posting a message yesterday but that is allowed 'cause it was my birthday. I love my birthday. Its my very favorite day of the year. I am one of those gals that will be wheeled out to my cake on my 80th birthday and still insist on making a wish and blowing out my candles even though I lost my teeth some years before. I do not fear growing old. I am enjoying the journey that the Lord has set me on. No need to fret over things I can not control or regret things that I can not change. So to catch up I am going to list two things that I am thankful for.

First I am thankful for birthdays. For those of us who happen to like ourselves it is a great excuse to make the day all about you. My advice is to milk it for all its worth.

Secondly I am thankful for a husband who is willing to step up to the plate and take care of the kids. Not only does my husband do this, he also understands my affection for December 3rd and allows me to indulge without complaining. You see, here is a secret that I didnt want to tell you all. My frog is really a prince.

The Sickies

So I had the stomach virus today. I have been lucky these past years with little kids to only get it a handful of times. Still, its no fun. BUT, it does lead me to what I am thankful for today.

Today, December 02, 2008 I am thankful that I had the stomach flu and it is gone. Soon by body will be back to normal and life will go on. There are many people in the world who do not have the luxury of feeling better. Thank you God my Father for healing me today.

A Grateful Heart

Hello friends new and old. It has been many months since my last post. Life in the form of three tiny faces and one burly man has taken much of my time. I was sitting here tonight reading some emails and devotions. I was prompted to start making a daily list of thing that I am thankful for. Tidings of my thankful heart you could say. I started to write these things down on paper but instead logged on to my trusty blog (even after 6 months its still here!) to share my thanksgivings with those who choose to read them. So for the rest of December I am going to challenge myself to list at least one thing in my life that I am thankful for. Here goes nothing:

Today, December 1, 2008 I am thankful for my children's voices. In between a day full of "She hit me" or "MOM", screaming and crying, or my favorite line from the potty "Mom, I'm done!" are just enough giggles and tiny "I love you's" to make it all worth while.

Long Time, No Blog

Well, I have found myself doing something terrible. I have been neglecting my blog. How can I beg of thee kind readers to comment and let me know you are checking me out when I am not even taking a minute to say hello? Well, today I am going to sit down and put an end to this madness. After I post this note of apology I am going to hop on over to Candid Carrie and see how she has been. Then I need to catch up with Just A Girl and see what Lindsay of the Adams Family is doing. I will of course check out every single one of my fav reads and you should too. Just click on the link and poof you are right there! Now go on, you know you want to. See ya there!

Growing Up

Time flies doesnt it? Frog and I took the Drama Queen to register for preschool this week. She starts in the fall. Just like real school. She is so excited. I am not sure what I am. I honestly started to get a little choked up when the secretary was telling me about her teacher. I will admit here and now that I am one of those moms who is going to have a hard time letting her chicks out of the nest. I hate it when they spend the night at Mama's house. Not that I dont like some me time or a date night with Frog but I also like to wake up to a full house. The kids love staying the night at Mama's house so I let them of course but that doesnt make it any easier. I thought I would surprise Frog two Christmases ago and take him to a romantic weekend getaway. Well, I was ready to come home after the first night. The girls on the other hand? Having the time of their little lives with my mom staying here with them. What I am trying to say is I am going to be a certified mess the day I have to drop her off for her first day of preschool. And this is just two days a week. I am going to need a whole box of Kleenex or a straight jacket when she starts Kindergarten. I have plenty of time to prepare for that thank goodness. Where does the time go?

Taming Rafe Review

This book is the second book in Susan May Warrens Noble Legacy (the first one is Reclaiming Nick). Not only is it a book about finding your pot of gold at the end of the rainbow but it is also a book about discovering that God loves you despite of your past. The two main characters in the book, Rafe and Kat, discovered not only a great love for each other but also a great love for God. Susan Warren is one of my favorite authors. I really enjoy reading her books because she has quite the range in writing. I have read series of hers that keep you on the edge of your seat with the suspense, I have read series such as this one that really make you examine your relationship with the Creator, and I have read series such as Chill Out Josey where my stomach hurts from laughing so much. I would definitely suggest checking out the Noble Legacy series at the library for a great summer read.

Psalm 61

I came across these verses last night and wanted to share them with you all. They are very powerful and they don't really need a lot of explanation. Here they are:

Psalm 61:2-4 "...When my heart is overwhelmed; lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For You have been a shelter for me,..." "...I will trust in the shelter of Your wings".

Thank you God for Your shelter in my times of need.

Twilight Review

I finished up Twilight last week. In 6 hours actually (that should be the first clue on how much I liked it). It was phenomenal! I am not going to go into a bunch of detail on what the book is about because I have a link to the right that will send you to a nifty little web site. It will educate you on the whole Twilight series. I do think that like the Harry Potter series before it Twilight is exceptionally well written. I didnt want to put it down. Stephanie Meyer is a talented writer and really did her research on vampires. It gave me a whole new perspective. I didnt feel terrified like you do in the movies. She somewhat humanized them to the point where you have feelings for them like empathy and excitement. The love story between Edward and Belle is sizzling. I cant wait to get my hands on the next book in the series.

Twilight is also in production for a movie. It will be released in December.

Friday Foto Finish Fiesta

Some people may have been intimidated to post this picture. Because of my obvious sense of style and great hair I am not afraid. I imagine I am going to get bombarded with questions as to where one could purchase an outfit such as this one. Well, sorry to break your hearts girls but these fine one piece numbers are not avail be these days. This picture was actually taken Summer 1990. I know I know. Shock isnt it. Or maybe the hair gave it away. Who is to know. At any rate this is me at the ripe ol age of 13 with my baby sister who is now 18 years old and a student at Ohio State (she made deans list too, yeah sissy!). Enjoy!

For more fun, hope on over to http://carriestuckmann.blogspot.com/.

Grandparents

Grandparents are very special. Especially grandma's. I never really had grandfathers growing up so I am not as familiar with that bond. I do know that grandma's are wonderful and even a little magic to a child. It seems that they are so loving, so fun, and so soft when you run into their open arms. I am very glad that my girls have such close relationships with their "Mama's". Its funny to me how the Mama's can get my kids to do things that I can not get them to do on my best days. How can they be little devils one minute and when Mama gets here they are perfect little angel? I have decided it must be some kind of magic. Kind of like the Mom Magic you acquire the moment you bring your precious child into the world. You know what I am talking about. The magic that mothers somehow know what their kids are doing at all times even if they are not in the same place. I never understood that as a child but I totally get it now. In case their are any Dad's reading this I can not give out the secret, but I am sure that you Moms are nodding your heads right now going "Uh huh, I get ya sister". My point is I am sure that the Grandma magic is something like that. Something you earn when its your time to be a Grandma.

I bring this up because yesterday I had the stomach flu. It was awful and I felt terrible all day long. It started early (1am) and lasted till I went to sleep around midnight. As I always do when I am sick, I told Frog to go ahead to work yesterday when he woke up because I thought I would be feeling better sooner than I was. Well, lets just say I wasnt. So I called my Mom in Law and asked her if she could save me and come and get the kids. Of course she said yes and 30 mins later she was there much to the delight of the Princesses. Being a Mom who does not really like it when her chicks are out of the nest I called several times to check on them. I dont do it because I dont think the Grandma's can take care of the Princesses. Its just something I do. Of course they were doing fine. They were having the time of their lives actually and didnt seem to miss me at all. Something she told me really struck me though and is basically the reason for this post. She said that my Baby Princess took a really long nap on her bed. Why is this such a big deal? Well, Baby Princess has been having sleeping issues most of her little life and will not sleep in her crib, or anywhere where she is laying down flat for that matter. She just doesnt do it. She has acid reflux and we are just now getting it under control but she still prefers to sleep in her swing or her bouncy seat.

So as I lay on the couch near death I couldnt help but wonder why she would sleep so long at Mama's house flat on her back and not here. I remembered the many times I called to check on the Princesses and have heard something to the same effect for all of them. They ate something they would never eat at home for me, they would go somewhere and behave, or they would sleep till 9 in the morning whereas at home they would be getting up at the crack of dawn. I talked to Frog about this phenomenon and he explained it perfectly. He said, and I quote, "Its just Mama's". I dont think I could have said it better myself.

Reading Fanatics Stop Here!!!

OK. I know that you are stopping by my little place and reading about my wonderful crazy life. Dont try to lie. I have a hit counter. And I can read. So, even if you have stopped by and never commented and you are starting to feel a little guilty because you feel sneaky here is your chance at redemption. I am an avid reader. So much in fact that I thought it would be fun if I kept track of how many books I have read this year. Well, I think it sounds fun. You might think it sounds dorky. That is not the point. The point is that I am asking you to comment, yes comment, and let me know what you are reading, what you have read, or what you want to read. I will check out your blog (I will too, I havent lied to you yet have I?) and leave a comment or two. I am also going to post a weekly summary of suggested books and books that I have read. That way you can check back and get some ideas for yourself. See, everyone wins. So why dont you stroke my ego a little bit and follow along with my grand plan. You know you want to.

Weekly goals

I am going to publicly post my list of goals for the week. In my meager little mind I think this will hold me accountable and they will actually get done. Feel free to question me on these any time you wish. Here goes:

1. Wake up each day and thank God first for all of the good things in my life. End this prayer by laying Frogs, the Princesses, and my day at His feet for His will to be done.
2. Get all of my chores/housework done before Frog gets home from work so we can do more family things in the evening.
3. Be in bed by 9 and asleep by 10 (they get harder as I go can ya tell?)
4. Loose 5lbs (this will be more like a miracle than an accomplishment. Good thing I believe in miracles).
5. Count to 10 and calm myself when my kids are bad instead of yelling at them things like "Come on guys give me a break".
6. Work on potty training Sammie.

I think the hardest one is going to be the weight loss. I have been struggling to loose the baby weight I gained from Reagan for 3 years. If I didnt have such an infatuation with cookies, cakes, and all things chocolate I think this would be much easier for me! Good thing Frog loves me so much just the way that I am.

Just Counting my Blessings

Its almost Sunday morning (officially) and I am reading up on some devotions. I am staying up way too late the night before church but my husband has a lot of company left (card game going on) and I dont want to be a bad host. At any rate it gives me time to catch up on my bible devotions. And some time to reflect. God has really blessed my life and I want to publicly thank Him for that. This time last year I was working a miserable job with miserable people. I was the only christian there and all I wanted was to be at home with my girls. As I grew in my relationship with Christ he rewarded me with showing me that He knows the desires of my heart and wants me to be happy in this life. I prayed and prayed for answers on what to do about my job situation. I thought that maybe finding a new job was the answer and I started looking around. I applied for a job that I thought I would like better and had a interview lined up. I was still really confused about what direction to take and wasnt really sure this new job was right for me either. I think that the real issue was that in my heart no job would be the one I wanted. The real job I wanted was to just be Mommy 24-7 and devote my time to my family. Financially however it just didnt work out (and I tried to figure it out nearly every day). Well, two days before I was scheduled to go to the job interview I took a pregnancy test. I really didnt think it would be positive but I was late and wanted to make sure. Much to my surprise I was pregnant. I called and canceled the interview and kept praying for answers. I sat down one more time and worked out a new budget. Much to my surprise it worked this time! I talked to my husband (Frog) and he agreed that I should quit my job a couple of months before the baby came. I felt like a huge weight was lifted off of my shoulders. God not only answered my prayer but He gave me such a wonderful gift. Even on the days I think I am going to go crazy because the Princesses are driving me nuts I still thank Him for this opportunity.

Delight thyself also in the LORD: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.Psalm 37:3-5

Mr. Smarty Pants

Sometimes Frog feels the need to rationalize things to me. Apparently after many conversations with me he hasnt figured out that I (like most women) have issues that just are not going to change. Like the fact that I have a fear of running out of gas. Perhaps I never will but I still dont like the idea of being stranded on the side of the road or having to walk miles because I forgot to fill up my tank. So we are on our way to a friends house tonight and I am a little antsy because I am going below a forth of a tank and we are headed to the country. Here is the conversation that we had:

Me: "I am getting low on gas. You think we should stop and fill up?"

Frog: "You have plenty of gas."

Me: "Are you sure? Its almost below a forth a tank."

Frog: (and this is where the lecture starts) "This van has a 16 gallon tank. If you divide 16 by 4 you get 4 (thanks honey, I did graduate and last I checked you have to be able to divide to get your diploma). That means you get 4 gallons of gas to each quarter of a tank. This van gets about 22 miles to a gallon. Lets just say 20. You are at a forth a tank now so you have at least 80 miles before you run out of gas." (I guess that not only is Frog an automotive tech, he is also a math genuis. Lucky me)

Guess what I did on the way home? Yep. I stopped and filled up the tank.

Friday Foto Finish Fiesta

"Mommy dear, get my Big Wheel ready will you? My public awaits".

This is one of my fav pictures of my oldest daughter. She was 2yrs old at the time. She is still this girly but she has traded in the fake makup for real make up.

For more great photos jump on over to http://carriestuckmann.blogspot.com/ and check 'em out!

From Queen to Superwoman in 2.2 seconds

Have you ever had one of those days where you are running every which way but loose? You feel like your mind is going to explode with everything you are thinking about? Then at the end of the day you sit back and are pretty darn impressed with yourself? I am having one of those days.

It actually started last night. I took the princesses to Grandma's house to spend the night. Right before it was time for me to leave Sammie started acting funny (by funny I mean she was laying down on the couch, being quiet, watching tv). Frog stopped by there after work and picked her up only to exclaim "She's burning up"! Frog has been known to be a little dramatic in his day but yesterday he was dead on. She had a pretty hot fever. So I dutifully went to the store to get her some Motrin. After a while she started to feel a little better so I conceded and let her stay with Grandma too. Well, its nearly 24 hrs later and she still has a fever and has been throwing up.

The reason the Princesses were staying at Grandma's is because Frog had some minor surgery this morning. After being blessed with 3 beautiful little girls, Frog and I decided that we are finished having children. A few facts helped out with this decision. For one, our girls are 2 yrs or less apart in age. 3 girls, 3 proms, 3 weddings, 3 college tuition's. I guess I am not so pleasant to be around when I am pregnant either. Or so I have been told. I am not sure I believe this though. There is no documented proof at any rate. Anyway, I told Frog after I had Josie that I would get my tubes tied. When i broached this topic with my Dr she suggested Frog get things taken care of because it was easier and much less invasive. My response was "Good Idea". I quickly gave Frog the message and told him that my kind Dr even sent me home with some references. Lets just say he was less than enthused at first. It was only after my pep talk he began to see things more clearly. The talk went something like this:
" I spent 30 months of my life harboring another being that continually sucked the life right out of me. That is not counting the 24+ hours I spent in dire pain (until I got the epidural but I let that out) trying to get a BABY to come out of a hole that starts out closed and really doesnt get that big. I did all this while allowing my pride and humility to go right out the window with each of the 30 or so strangers that felt the need to stick their entire arm all the way up my lady parts. My body will never be the same that it was and I have hemorrhoids. I really think you can handle 30 mins and one little cut."

Frog then told me to make the appointment. I really appreciate him taking one for the team. He seems to be doing really well. Happy Fathers Day Frog!

Did I mention that my 3yr old is really afraid of storms? Well, she is and we are having a bit of thunder. So I am trying to make sure my infant gets fed, her medicine (she has acid reflux), and her diaper changed, making sure Frog is comfy and has fresh ice and his meds, making sure Samantha is not puking and is getting her meds to reduce her fever, with my oldest daughter having panic attacks and clutching me for dear life. Not too bad for a days work. I think after everyone is asleep I might try my hand at figuring out this world peace thing...

Clarification

Ok. I noticed a need to clarify something about an earlier blog. As much as I love shopping, retail therapy is used only when careful consultation of the bank account allows. In extreme circumstances, such as a whole week of endless fighting, screaming, whining, and a visit from Aunt Flow I may resort to my friend Discover Card for help. Otherwise I may do something that would either A) Land me in prison with a roomie named Fran the Man or even worse B) land me on the local news looking like someone out of a Tim Burton cartoon.

Addicted

I am totally addicted to blogging. This is no lie. Its so bad that I found myself downstairs wondering how I could convince the Frog to invest in a laptop so I dont have to sneak upstairs to our bedroom to use the computer. I seriously need some help. Maybe there is a group I could join. Bloggers Anonymous or something. I can just see it now:

" Hi my name is the Queen (by the way this is short for Drama Queen) and I am addicted to blogging. I have been a blogger for 3 days, 6 hours , and 29 minutes (this is a guess dont quote me on it) and I cant seem to stop. I spend my days thinking about my next post and trying to find some time to read up on other post I find hilarious (Barbies, Bottles, and Boys keeps me in stitches). I believe that my limited adult contact could be the cause. Alas, is there a known cure? Do I want to be cured? My husband the Frog is already making fun of me. I already have quite the long list of addictions to start with (tv, books, shopping, my birthday, ect) and I really dont need another. Is there anyone out there feeling my pain?"

Maybe I should search for a blog about this......

Retail Therapy

So my life is pretty much an open book. I have never had the knack for lying (although I have been known to pull off the occasional prank) nor do I have a poker face. Anyone who knows me is well aware that when I really like something, like my birthday for instance, I give it all I got. I am very passionate (some people would use the word obsessed) about several things. One of which is shopping. I have and will always love to shop. I like to refer to it as retail therapy. When I have one of those days where the kids are pushing me to the brink and I feel like I am going to do something drastic that may land me in the clink all I have to do is hop in the Whitesel Wagon ( my beloved mini van) and head off to Target. An hour or two later and a new purse or pair of shoes and all is well with the world again. Its amazing how this kind of therapy works. I swear this is true. There are many levels to this therapy. If I am having a particularly bad week, Target just wont do. In that case it is simply necessary to get dolled up and head off to Easton. I firmly believe that they pump a special kind of oxygen in that place because as soon as those buildings are in my sights I start to feel lighter and I smile like I won first prize in a contest. You can verify this with the frog. I can be in a terrible mood then head off to Easton. Several hours later I come home and nothing can bring me off of my cloud.

Now there are certain things that I am passionate about buying. Purses are very important to me and its a big deal when I set off to buy one. I cant just go into a store willy nilly and pick out any old handbag. For example, last weekend was my five year anniversary. The frog and I spent a wonderful (as if its possible to not be anything but) evening at Easton where we shopped and ate at the Cheesecake Factory. I decided that my anniversary gift to myself would be a new purse. I hadn't bought a new once since December (my birthday gift to myself-see the pattern) and I was well overdue. I went to Macys where I knew I would have plenty of purses to choose from. After 20 or so minutes of looking at, looking in, and putting on my shoulder I found the right bag. I felt like a million bucks afterward and was happy to do whatever the frog wanted to do after that (this was also the case after I talked the Frog into buying me a bracelet at Tiffanys a few years ago. I am pretty easy to please.).

I also enjoy buying makeup, nail polish, and shoes. Well, actually buying just about anything makes me happy. I should say that makeup and body products make me extra happy. The people who started the Sephora stores should be given some kind of metal. They have brought many happy times to my life so far. What a great variety of beauty products. OPI nail polish is so fun. I am totally the sucker who falls for the gimmicks and the quirky names make my day. I am currently looking for Pompeii Purple. Very fun summer color. What women doesnt love to buy shoes. I think its in our DNA.

FYI- Do not ask the Frog his opinion of my shopping habit. Needless to say, he does not feel the same way I do. In my defense, its not like I am passionate about something illegal. It could be alot worse! Lets just leave it at that shall we?

Lived to tell the tale...

Well, I took all three of the girls to the doctors office today and lived to tell the tale. Samantha and Josie had appointments and shots. It went better than expected. Apparently my children are better behaved than I give them credit for. Of course, the doctor and nurses that tell me how great they are do not see them when they are kicking each other or when Sammi is writing on something (like the couches, the floor, the wall, ect). At any rate, it is nice to hear that you are doing a good job as a parent. I also got some good advice on potty training for Sam. She hasnt been all that interested. Her answer to when she is going to pee pee on the potty is "Not yet". I will say that Sammie burst Reagans bubble because she didnt cry when she got her shot. After warning Reagan ahead of time that shot were involved with this visit but for Sammie and Josie not her she gladly told Sammie a few times that she was getting one. Now they are all asleep and I have a few minutes of peace....

Watch out!

I feel (kind of) bad for the frog. I am having major PMS and have been a little hard to get along with the past few days. For instance, yesterday (after complaining about everything under the sun) I told him that he needed to take the kids to his mothers without me because if I didn't have some time alone I was going to snap. He apparently believed me (perhaps it was the deep red shade of my eyes) because he left at 5pm and stayed away till dusk. Smart frog.

Greetings from the Queen

OK. I will admit it. I asked myself the big question. Who would want to read about my life? I spend the majority of my time with my three girls who are under the age of 4. Then I sat back and took a look at how my normal (I use that term loosely) day plays out and realized that some people may find humor and enjoyment in this comedy/circus in which I live. I decided to name my blog "Three princesses, the queen, and a frog". While I do not really think my husband is a frog (well, he used to be but I kissed him and he is now a prince) he is low man on the totem pole in a household full of females.

Let me take a moment to introduce the characters of my drama. First, the princesses:

Reagan- 3yrs old. Likes: playing dress up, makeup, the Disney Princesses,talking, and chocolate milk. Dislikes: not being able to speak, not being the center of attention, cleaning her room, sometimes Sammie, and loud noises.

Samantha- 2yrs old. Likes: Scooby Doo, writing on things with crayons, making Reagan cry, and french fries. Dislikes: taking naps/going to bed, washing her hair, being told "no", and sitting down/being quiet.

Josie-2mths old. Likes: eating, sleeping, and looking at the fish on her swing. Dislikes: Nothing yet.

Next let me say a few words about myself-the queen:
I enjoy many things. I especially like shopping, reading, watching TV, and although sometimes it may not sound like it my favorite thing in the world is being a mom and a wife. I have a good relationship with Jesus Christ that I am continually working on to improve. He has truly blessed me and I try to do the best I can to deserve it. Oh yeah, and I just turned 30!! Yikes...

Last but not least let me tell you about my husband (Jimmy) the frog:
Let me just say for those of you who do not know me, I aptly named us because just as a queen and a frog have nothing in common, neither do Jimmy and myself. He is a country boy who grew up in the city. I am a city girl who grew up in the country. My type of man was clean cut, athletic, pretty boys. It seems that God had other plans because my husband is 6'6, 265lbs of redneck. He is as simple as they come. He also has several tattoos. He has no sense of style and no desire to have one. HOWEVER, he is the most wonderful man I have ever met. Not only is he a perfect husband he is an outstanding father. When I saw him waiting for me with the pastor at the end of the aisle on our wedding day I didn't think it would be possible to love him any more than I did at that very moment. Five years later I can tell you that I was wrong. Each passing day I wake up and love him a little bit more.

So, now that you know us a little bit better( or you just read a bunch of malarkey that you already knew) I hope that you return to my blog to keep up with our lives. I can promise you it will not be dull. Until next time may God Bless you..

Dee