Walmart

So the other day I went to Walmart and of coarse I went after the kids were in bed because I am getting smarter. But being an exhausted prego woman I thought I had earned the right to wear my pajama pants (It is either sweats or skirts these days).

I walked in the door and the greeter starts making a big deal about how I should have let her know it was pj day so she could have worn hers. I roll my eyes [Whatever lady] and I just keep going trying to maintain dignity.

I enjoyed the rest of my shopping til I was waiting in the long line at the self check out and heard her yelling across the store from her spot at the door...

"Hey, hey, you! Don't feel bad that you are in your pajamas. You are not the only one. I just saw another and I told her all about you!"

At this point the hoard of people in self check out are all staring at me. Thank you very much!

-If I were to get a job outside of the home I would definitely choose a lab worker at the hospital. I love sitting in there and feeling so normal no matter what I look like. Everyone there looks tired, and in their slippers, and without makeup. It is so REAL and INSPIRING!
#Living without Fluff! #Walmart is too classy for me!

Counting Down Days/Hours till my Hospital Resort

What does 

           39 Weeks Pregnant... with #4...

                                            look like in reality?

Today we went to Daphney's soccer practice and I was so excited because I wanted to not only be there but WATCH it since I will miss her first game due to the baby being born. 

PS. She has had a rough little while as in weeks and has been pretty grumpy, but at practice she was having so much fun and participated in all of practice without complaining about needing a break to rest or drink water (her two favorite parts last season). 

I however spent my time waddling/jogging after Paisley as she dodged players and coaches on other fields who were trying to catch and remove her. I finally had to sit and hold her down because honestly I am a slow chaser. This is when she decided she wouldn't wear her shirt and little boys started making a big deal about the distracting half naked baby. The whole practice ended with her thrashing on the ground half naked and refusing to head to the car and if that wasn't attention grabbing enough the other two were yelling from across the field, "Unlock the car!" I of coarse would have done so just to stop the stares of other parents... had we been close enough to the car, but sadly Paisley and I still had that far to make it. 

We get home and the kids are starving because apparently the dinner I made before soccer practice was not worth trying. So they made their own disgusting Miracle Whip sandwiches while I cleaned up syrup that had spilled in the fridge. Then I heard Paisley yelling I need more sugar! [Correction] Miracle Whip/ 1/2 cup of sugar sandwiches...  I turn around to catch Demitri drinking out of the milk carton.

I hear my mom's voice in my head as she reminded me this morning to take it easy today. Bahaha! Just doing the basics of parenting is not taking it easy.

I can't wait to find out what mom of four looks like!

Fun Stories Update

1.) So, I have been working for four months now, and how do I help you understand working mom life: 

Well my daughter ate a bowl of shredded cheese for breakfast, AND I was so proud she ate it at the table and with a spoon. 

Life is not picture perfect, but we are all learning and loving and pulling together.

So I am perfectly satisfied! 

2.) Daphney was laying on the couch during Conference and says to Shane, "Dad look at my feet don't they look like a butterfly? - Well I mean a butterfly without any wings though?"

 -What is a butterfly without any wings?! Yes just like that dear! :D

3.) The kids got lots of candy =wrappers at the local Easter egg hunt. During conference the kids ate them and I told Demitri to make sure and be careful not to make a mess because we would have to clean those all up. To which he proudly said, "I know mom that is why I am shoving them under the couch see?! 

-Oh yes what a beautiful stash of wrappers. Thanks for your consideration kid.:D

Almost Spring

 Who knew all I needed to get simultaneous smiles is a water hydrant.

Demitri loves drawing karate! I don't see it I am sure there is a mighty battle there.

Grandma

Grandma came to visit and the kids helped make bread, cinnamon rolls, and pizza! One weekend we also were able to take a trip to Omaha and play in a hotel pool, kids museum, and go to the temple. Thanks Grandma!

Winter Fun

We had several opportunities to go sledding this year and Demitri was always the last one off the slopes! Paisley went down once and face planted after like five feet, and from then on this prego momma had to ride caboose. 

Current Thoughts on Life

       This Thanksgiving I created a calendar for 2018. My brother-in-law always has a theme for every year, so I stupidly decided to title my calendar "The Year of Bravery!"
Why is this stupid?

       Well, because it sounds nice, but in reality who wants to be brave. It is hard, stressful, and scary.

My calendar took it literally....

       Day One back from Thanksgiving we found out the baby will be a boy.
       Day Two back... Shane got laid off from work.

       What an emotional roller coaster! Many things are in motion now as we decide how to proceed. It is amazing how the world changes tint and I notice the pain in other people that are also struggling with instability. How did I not sympathize or notice the pain before? I am grateful for the understanding I am gaining. I keep being in awe of those that are brave around me: children in our primary asked to bare their testimony that can barely walk up to the podium out of fear, but they do slowly manage to step up and hold a photo while their mother helps them full fill the task. So many brave people in so many ways!

       Drawing on the strength of those examples around me I have had courage to apply for VIPKID and demonstrate my teaching ability in the interview process. Lots of fear- can I do this while pregnant- while life feels so unsteady. While in college I mentored a freshman who had applied for 12 jobs and been denied. He came to me wanting guidance, and I doubt I helped him as much as his experiences have helped me to take chances and not give up this month.

       One particular day I felt stressed and decided to look up the affects of stress on an unborn baby. Don't google it. If you are not stressed at that point.... you will now be stressed about trying not to be stressed for sure.

        In the Book of Mormon there is a family that follows the Lord out of their home and through the wilderness and arrive at a beautiful place that is called the Land of Bountiful. There they had their needs met and they were happy. But then the Lord told them to build ships and cross a huge ocean to a promised better land. I know God is aware of our circumstances and that everything will be okay as we are called to move forward through good and bad, but with change comes a feeling of loss for the life we did have. It is important to appreciate the life situations in the moment and then move on when needed with BRAVERY.

Even with all of these new ways of thinking and blessings that have come out of this stress....

I still think I will think more carefully next year when I make the calendar...
"The Year of Rest! The Year of Slothfulness! The Year of Partying"?!! -Something along those lines.