My Crazy Piece of HAPPINESS

Why Being a Mom isn't HARD!!!

2011-03-14T20:12:00.000-07:00

I SO needed this insight today... and so I post it here on my blog that is painfully neglected because I am busy being a Mom to my four AMAZING, WONDERFUL, ENERGETIC babies!!!

“Being a mom is hard.” They’re just words; words that we’ve earned, right?

Except, our words will define what motherhood means to us. Repeat that phrase long enough, and any mom will begin to resent her work, look for an escape and lose sight of the love that motivated her to do it in the first place.

Whenever I’ve fallen prey to words of frustration too easily spoken, I lose my focus until words of love nurture me back. Many people, through many years spoke words that helped me see that I could succeed as a mom. I heard words of encouragement, not discouragement. I heard positive words of praise versus negative words of disappointment. And I heard the best words of all, “Mom, you’re the best. Mom, I love you. Mom, I need you.”

With such words—even when we speak them ourselves—we remember we’re not doing a job, we’re creating life. Recently, my husband reminded me that the word sacrifice actually means to make sacred. A little change of understanding gives new meaning to the sacrifice we make as a mom. We turn from labor to dedication. We turn from exhaustion to devotion. We turn from worthy of a vacation to worthy of respect. We turn from what we sacrifice to our children. We turn from the words “this is hard” to “this is holy”.

I admit that being a mom seems hard. But I also know it’s is a stage in our development; we’ll outgrow it. And, someday we’ll see that what we receive as a mom is more than we ever give.

More PhotoShoot Photos

2010-05-09T19:56:00.001-07:00

Here are some more pictures of our BEAUTIFUL Ava!!!

Ava's Birth Story

2010-04-18T14:36:00.000-07:00

After what seemed like an eternity of waiting, my little sister Gina finally arrived on April 3rd to help with our home birth. It was then that we gave baby the go ahead to make an entrance. We were blessed to have a wonderful Easter Sunday. As we finished giving the boys their baths, I once again felt the contractions that I had been experiencing for a few weeks. They always did the same thing becoming consistent only to fizzle out after several hours. After the boys bath, Gina and I decided to go for a walk through the neighborhood to see if we could help things along. We walked for about an hour and a half…all the while the contractions were steady and tolerable, and we spent plenty of time laughing and chatting between them.

When we returned home we found Rick watching TV…I know SHOCKER! We joined him in the living room and sat down as we drank some water. We started a conversation that I feel blessed to have had with my baby sister. We were able to open up as a group and had a healing conversation that ended with all three of us hugging and crying. We went to bed with full hearts and open arms for the miracle that awaited us.

I had a restless night with the persistent lower back pain I had been experiencing for a few days. I tried every position possible to relieve the pain, but at 4am I decided I needed to get up and take a shower to relax. I woke my husband up half way through my shower to come and sit on the bathroom floor and keep me company while I finished up. I just felt that I needed him close to me while I was experiencing this discomfort. When I got out of the shower my very sleepy husband asked me if I was OK and if I needed him to call the midwives. I persisted that I was fine and he went back to bed. I busied myself with some laundry and a few other chores (all the time thinking how I was just trying to pass the time since I couldn’t sleep anyway). At about 6am I woke Rick again to be by my side…I was starting to need his companionship more with each contraction.

Once on the birthing ball Rick observed a few unpleasant facial expressions and started calling the troops. At my request he told the midwives and the doula not to hurry, that we were sure there was still plenty of time before the delivery but that we were certain the baby would arrive some time today. Within 30 minutes I asked him to call the doula back and ask her to give us some ideas to relieve the back pain I was having. She listened intently on the phone while I had my next contraction and told Rick she was on her way…apparently she heard something that Rick and I missed! Thank you Genny for being so in tune with me and listening to the labor tones I was denying!!!

Gina came out of her room around 6:30am and found me sitting on the birthing ball. She had a pleasantly shocked expression on her face when we told her we thought that this was going to be the day. Genny, the doula, arrived shortly and I stopped trying to find things to “get done.” The contractions were very close together (about a minute and a half) and were intense but I was still convinced that I had more time until the job would be done.

My doula was the first of the birth team to arrive and I was glad she was there. I had been having pain in my lower back and I couldn’t find any position to help with the pain. I was hoping that Genny would be able to help me work through the pain and find ways to be comfortable through this journey that awaited me. Soon after Genny got here the nurse midwife arrived and began bringing her equipment upstairs in preparation for the birth. I stood there for a second taking this all in, disbelieving that I was actually going to meet my baby today…a day that I had anticipated for 39 weeks and 5 days. I was overjoyed yet extremely focused on my work.

I was kneeling down trying to help my sister get a toy for her son and I had a contraction. Luckily, I found a supportive structure to lean on…the LEGO table. After one contraction leaning on the table I decided that it was not a good place to labor and started searching for another source of support. I wondered over to the couch and knelt in front of it in time for another contraction. My doula silently provided counter pressure on my lower back. After the contraction passed she quietly asked me if I would like Rick to give me a blessing. I responded that I would love that and called for him to get someone to help him. He responded without hesitation and the time passed quickly before Dixon (a church friend of ours that lives a block away…lucky us) came up the stairs into my bedroom to assist my husband in delivering much needed peace to me in my final moments of pregnancy and labor. When the blessing was over I felt great peace and was ready to proceed with renewed strength for the job ahead of me.

It was at this point that we started to fill the bathtub. My doula asked me what I wanted to do as I swayed through a few contractions standing in the bathroom. I responded that I wanted to get in the tub, but that I didn’t want to slow down the labor (I still couldn’t grasp that I was so close to holding my sweet baby in my arms). My doula looked me right in the eyes and gently said “Linda, you are not going to slow these contractions down…you are almost there!”

I got into the tub as our friend and neighbor Candace showed up to help with the boys (who had slept in until about 7:30…unheard of in our house) everything was falling into place. During the first contraction in the tub I felt something different and was a bit surprised by it…I felt the urge to push. I’m not sure why but I tried to quietly work through the contraction without calling any attention to myself. Seconds after the contraction was over my doula leaned over to me in the tub, my eyes still closed, and she asked me if there was anything different about that contraction. I responded saying “I was pushing” with shock and amazement in my voice. I just couldn’t believe how fast this labor was progressing.

After this first pushing contraction I remember looking over and seeing the second midwife enter the bathroom. I started laughing when she said “Rick told me not to hurry!?!?” I knew that I was the one who didn’t want an audience, but I nearly got just that. I was glad that my birth team was now all accounted for and ready to go.

I am not sure how many contractions I had in the tub but it seemed like minutes until I found my breathing pattern and started moving through the most intense contractions yet. I remember the contractions coming nearly one right after another and it was in a brief break between contractions that I quietly stated that I was scared. Almost as soon as that thought entered my mind I pushed it out of my consciousness and pushed past the fear through the next contraction. I remember feeling a pop and asking the group “What was that?!?!” and in the seconds it took for the midwife to respond that my water had broken I was already aware by the sensation of the baby crowning! My sister and Rick were in place, and with one more contraction a baby was born into the loving arms of an Auntie and Daddy ready and waiting.

I sat up a bit in the tub and took the little bundle into my arms. I embraced this precious little one and took in the overwhelming joy for a moment. After embracing my baby I realized that we didn’t know yet if it was a boy or a girl. I immediately lifted up the baby’s leg and exclaimed, “It’s a GIRL?!?!?” I was in complete shock. “We made a GIRL?!?!?” I quickly asked “Someone else check!!” The room was filled with laughter and I exclaimed, “Seriously, it’s a GIRL!?!?” I’m sure this became extremely comical but I just couldn’t believe it!! I remember putting the little pink hat on her head, and laying back against the tub and holding her close to me saying, “She is here…Ava is finally here!!” Weighing 7 lbs 12oz and 20 inches long…SHE IS HERE!!

For the longest time I have felt that we would have a daughter… we have always called her Ava and knowing that this was our last pregnancy I was afraid that she would never be united with our family. I had already prepared myself to have another son but still longed for the daughter I knew was waiting. I still feel so blessed to have her here with us! She has already added so much to our family and although she is just over a week old we cannot imagine our lives without her.

And so after 2 hospital births and two home births…four AMAZING children and an overwhelming number of wonderful memories, we finally are the family we were always meant to be.

Thank you to our families for supporting us, to the midwives and doula who believed in us, to our children for being patient with us, and most importantly to our Father in Heaven for blessing us more than we ever thought possible!

Ava's Birth in Pictures

2010-04-18T13:14:00.000-07:00

Turning to Rick for support while a strong contraction is underway...

The first contraction in the tub...

"Wow, these are really comming FAST!!!"

My doula is heaven sent!!! She is the BEST...

Blowing through this pushing contraction... do you feel the intensity???

Auntie Gina catching her first baby... she is a ROCKSTAR!!!

Here comes baby... sweet victory, nothing else like it in the world!!!

Proud and estatic... and we still don't even know what the gender is yet!!!

A moment with baby before I check things out :)

I'ts a GIRL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Complete shock...

"Someone else check!!!" Yes, I really didn't believe my eyes...

The boys first glimpse... what a special moment to see Mason become a big brother for the first time!!! Ethan screamed when he found out it was a girl...

The boys getting a look at their little sister...

Mom and baby take a break...

The big boys just couldn't stop looking at sweet baby Ava... they found the perfect spot to observe!!!

Ava getting weighed... 7 lbs 12 oz 20 inches long

They are still keeping an eye on her... they have her back for life!!!

The sign the boys made and hung up on our swing set in the backyard for all the neighbors to see... already proud to say they have a sister.

Jaderbug holding his little sister...

Mason unsure of what we are subjecting his sister to...

A happy BIG brother...

A proud auntie... first girl on my side of the family in 13 years!!!

Ava's Photoshoot

2010-04-14T10:33:00.000-07:00

As many of you know we have a new little one... a baby GIRL!!! I know, you thought it couldn't be done but she is here and she is a sweetheart!!! Ava Ginelle Duree was born on April 5th at 8:30 am weighing 7lbs 12 ounces and 20 inches long.

She is WONDERFUL and we are enjoying every second. Her AMAZING birth story will be posted soon....

This dress in this picture is the dress I came home from the hospital in when I was a baby. Being born at 26 weeks gestation thirty years ago I was given a one in a million chance of survival. I am SO grateful that my little Ava does NOT fit into this dress but instead has sweet baby cheeks and a rosy glow!!! I thought it would be fun to get a size comparison in this photo... oh, how we love our baby girl!!!

So exciting that I can FINALLY make bracelets for my baby girl!!!

We have enjoyed staring endlessly into her beautiful eyes (even in the middle of the night)!!!

I'm SORRY!!!

2009-05-23T20:32:00.000-07:00

Boys... Mom has been impatient lately and I AM SORRY!!! At the end of the day I look at the three of you nestled in your beds and I reflect on the things we have done. The last few days I have had some regrets. You are all changing SO quickly sometimes it is difficult for me to know how to help you and I get frustrated.

I want MORE THAN ANYTHING for you each to feel SECURE and LOVED!!! I will ALWAYS do my BEST to meet your individual needs and our needs as a family. Know that I am trying and that I am still learning. I pray every day that I will be able to know how to help each of you in your challenges. I also pray that I will always be there when you have success... I LOVE you guys!

Know that your MOMMY will ALWAYS be here for you and will ALWAYS love you NO MATTER WHAT.... even on the days when it seems like you will never get out of timeout.

Night night, sweet dreams

Mason, Mason

2009-03-21T09:22:00.000-07:00

I CAN'T believe that you are already one!!! Over the last year you have gone from a tiny newborn to a thriving toddler always one the hunt for something to do. I cannot imagine my life without my sweet little man... you always seem to brighten my day with your snuggles and babbling.

When you were born I worried about how your brothers would treat you. I have to say you three have your moments of sibling rivalry... in fact there are days that it doesn't seem to let up. I do see OFTEN the love that your brothers have for you and in those moments you all melt my heart.

Jaden is closest to you in age and has had the hardest time adjusting to your presence in the family. It is when Jaden follows you into a room and shuts and locks the door so that you will have no choice but to play with him that I chuckle at the way in which his love manifests. He can't wait for you to run around and play with him!!! Ethan is your protector (OK, most of the time) I find you on his lap snuggling when he thinks no one is looking. He helps you down the stairs and out of the highchair even when it may get him in trouble. I think your brothers will one day become your greatest allies.

Mason you have been blessed with the sweetest temperament and oodles of patience. I am often saddened when you are forced to wait to get your needs met or to have that extra cuddle time that you love so much. It's no wonder that many have commented on the death grip you have on me when you are in my arms... I can only imagine what is going through your little head. "If I hold on tight she can't put me down!" There are time when I literally peel you off of my shirt/pants/dress one finger at a time. I try to limit the times that I put you down unwillingly because I know that one day my arms will ache to hold my sweet baby Mason once again!!!

Mason my world was forever changed by your AMAZING birth and you are an even more AMAZING little person. I am SO blessed to be your Mommy and I will continue to try to be worthy of the job that I have been entrusted to do, raising my three precious little boys.

The MIRACLE of birth

2009-03-20T18:39:00.000-07:00

I am in awe of the AWESOME power that women possess. I have been blessed to deliver three beautiful sons into this world,but today I have seen birth from a different side. My sister-in-law Amy asked me to attend the induction and birth of my nephew David. I was so glad to be there to assist in whatever she needed (from comic relief & sock finder to photographer & cheerleader).

I knew it was going to be difficult to watch her experience the discomfort that accompanies childbirth but it was worth any tears shed out of sympathy for my dear Amy when I was able to witness her deliver her BIG/little MIRACLE. At 9 pounds 11ounces Amy astonished all present when she managed to deliver her son with 4 short pushes. SHE IS AMAZING!!! I don't think anyone would have guessed that this was her first baby... she pushed like a pro.

I think we have all thought (or said LOUDLY) that men have it easy... but I am TRULY PRIVILEGED to have the title of woman and mother... I think we have the sweetest gig!!!

My "Jaderbug"

2009-03-04T19:35:00.000-08:00

My sweet Jaden... today was a BIG day for you. I can NOT believe that today you are three years old. Oh, how it seem like I can scarcely remember life without you but days like today I am reminded that you have only been with our family for such a short time.

You have added SO much to our lives and I am AMAZED to watch you grow every day. One of the best parts of being a Mom is celebrating the day that you made me a Mommy for the second time...

You are such a sweet little boy and I hope that you are always able to maintain the gentle nature that you have been blessed with... it will serve you well.

I know that it is hard at times to be a child learning rules, butting heads with your brothers, hearing the word "no!" for what seems to be the hundredth time in a two hour period. I can see in your interactions with others that you are kindhearted and will easily give (normally to one of your brothers) even though your three-year old mind is struggling to fight the urge to hoard all the toys in the house.

I will be walking through the store and strangers will come up and want to talk to you commenting on how cute you are. You are so magnetic and everyone who spends time with you falls in love with you and your SUPER personality!!!

Today we celebrated as a family and you wanted a "HULK SMASH PARTY" and that is what I tried to give you. You were SO excited... it is amazing how such simple things make you SO happy!!!

After pizza and cup cakes you were satisfied but not until you licked off the last bit (you are TOO funny)

You were SO excited to get a SUPER Mack truck for your birthday... Daddy made sure you learned all the tricks with your new toy.

You even let Mason give it a try...

Jaden... Daddy and I love you to the moon, we could not imagine life without our Jaderbug, Jadertatter, or our lil guy. We will be here for you FOREVER!!!

UDesign Jewelry

2009-02-12T10:37:00.000-08:00

UDesign Jewelry has officially come to Utah!!! Last night I was there to help Michaelene (my new sister-in-law) with her first party as an official UDesign Jewelry Rep. Needless to say we had a BLAST!!! There was a lot to teach her but I think she has the basics down and is ready to run with it!!!

The tables were set and ready for our guests. We were pleased with the boutique look we had established!

Our display was full of fun treasures for our guests to swoon over !!! We swung by this AWESOME fabric store yesterday before the party to add a touch of class to our table and I have to say I am TOTALLY jealous of the assortment of GREAT craft items at AMAZING prices here in Utah... don't worry Rick I am not going to make us move again!!!

This is jewelry making at it's finest... don't be afraid of the thousands of beads. DIVE IN with BOTH hands... LOL!!!

My sweet Chantel (my good friend's daughter that I babysat ages ago) came to the party and it was a BLAST to hang with her even though it was only for a short time!!! I miss you Chantel... Joe(her sweet husband) you are a rock star. Thanks for taking such GREAT care of my sweet Chani!

A completed design, with heart dangle... just in time for Valentines Day!!! This sterling silver design is SUPER cute for the season of LOVE.

UDesign Jewelry is a home party business that allows women to put their creativity to good use while getting the highest quality jewelry at affordable prices.

I am SO in LOVE with these party's.... come out and play with me at my next one!!! Feel free to check out my site

www.udesignjewelry.com/rep/lindaduree

If you are in Utah look up my SUPER sister in law at

www.udesignjewelry.com/rep/michaeleneduree

She would be happy to set up a party for you or customise something one on one.

A Baby Shower

2009-02-07T16:25:00.000-08:00

Aunt "Nani" Amy is due to have a baby boy (David William Duree) on March 4th. In preparation for the little one we had a "baby bash" at our house today.

I decorated the empty shelves in our family room (so sad they still don't have much on them)

I made gift boxes for the guests ... these were full of special goodies as a thank you for supporting our sweet Amy!!!

The baggies of sweet popcorn were PERFECT for all of the energy deprived Mommies!!!

And they even revealed the new baby's name!!!

Mason even managed to sneak himself some sugar treats and had a GREAT time!!!

Most importaintly we invited the Mommy to be... we LOVE you Amy. Hope you had a GREAT time!!!

When all the guests were gone Mason was ready to hit the sack... too much fun for such a little man!!!

Rub A Dub Dub Three Boys in the Tub

2009-02-04T20:49:00.000-08:00

OK... so I am not a big bath tub picture person but now that Mason is old enough to hold his own in the tub with his big brothers I had to get some pics...

OK... so maybe it is still a bit overwhelming for him... rub a dub dub three boys in the tub!!!

ME... as described by Ethan

2009-01-29T08:45:00.000-08:00

All about me, by my son... I saw this on my friends blog and thought it would be fun to get Ethan's take on me. I have to say his answers are a bit too revealing. I had a good laugh!!!

1. What is something mom always says to you?
Be good.
2. What makes mom happy?
Being good!
3. What makes mom sad?
Being bad. (I see a theme here)
4. What does your mom do to make you laugh?
Tickle me.
5. What was your mom like as a child?
Umm mm?! I don't know.
6. How old is your mom?
50 years old (wow, I think I need to put on some make-up or something)
7. How tall is your mom?
50-80-100 feet tall
8. What is her favorite thing to do?
Um, do crafts.
9. What does your mom do when you're not around?
Go upstairs with Jaden.
10. If your mom becomes famous, what will it be for?
Cause you're SO a movie star! (Nice)
11. What is your mom really good at?
Doing crafts with me.
12. What is your mom not very good at?
Cause you're not very smart... cause I'm so smart, right? (WOW... ouch. guess a Master's
Degree doesn't matter mucu in the world of a five year old)
13. What does your mom do for her job?
Sell jewelry... and um, crafts.
14. What is your mom's favorite food?
Lasagna
15. What makes you proud of your mom?
Being good (here we go again)
16. If your mom were a cartoon character, who would she be?
Johnny Test's sister... the one who gave Dookee (the dog) tea... that's which one you would be.
17. What do you and your mom do together?
Crafts. (OK so I DON'T really do crafts all day...LOL)
18. How are you and your mom the same?
Cause we do crafts together.
19. How are you and your mom different?
Because we don't do "stuff" the same sometimes. (I'm just glad he didn't mention crafts)
20. How do you know your mom loves you?
Cause you give me toys when I finish filling up my whole chore chart!!!
21. What does your mom like most about your dad?
Taking him on a date. (No honey... I didn't pay him to say that!)
22. Where is your mom's favorite place to go?
Walmart.. to buy stuff, right?

Big Brother

2009-01-19T21:26:00.000-08:00

If there is one thing we have alot of in our home it is brothers!!! Brothers are good for many things... playing games of all kinds, telling jokes (Jaden always has the funniest jokes), wrestling, singing songs, and helping each other find food (sometimes this gets messy)...

Ethan has really been helpful over the past few weeks and has started doing all sorts of chores around the house and has been willing to help me from time to time with his little brothers. I didn't expect him to assist me in feeding the baby. He got a bananna and mashed it (just like he has watched me do so many times) and was even willing to get his hands dirty all in the name of brotherhood.

In the end Mason had a full tummy and a little stashed away for later.

My Future Missionaries

2009-01-06T20:59:00.000-08:00

Ethan and Jaden got "Future Missionary" name tags for Christmas and they got the chance to try them out this past Sunday. It was difficult to get a good picture of the boys after a long day at church but we gave it a try...

After changing out of my dress clothes I realised that there was a missionary on the loose... OK well he was playing Battleground and it isn't "P-Day."

Well, I guess Jaden and Ethan have a few more years before they have to follow the rules of Missionary life. I am grateful that I have a few more years until I have to send them on the plane to the MTC. Boys, enjoy being young... you will be grown-ups before you know it!!!

Back To LIFE

2009-01-05T19:50:00.000-08:00

Well all good things must come to an end.... even the Holidays.

We have had a GREAT Holiday season with a trip to Utah a new baby cousin (Bella Horton)and lots of family time. I must say this has been the best Christmas season I can remember full of magical memories that will be with us for a lifetime!!!

Today was Ethan's first day back at school and at first he seemed disappointed to be going back "Mom, school is SO boring!!!" by the time he got home he had fallen back into his old ways eating popcorn and drinking chocolate milk (his favorite afterschool snack choice)and talking nonstop about his friends and the days events.

Even though we are sad at the sight of the living room without a pretty Christmas tree (the boys had a BLAST taking it down with the needles falling everywhere but were sweet enough to help me clean it up) all good thing must come to an end. Only 10more months until a new holiday season is upon us. For now it is back to life... and what fun it is!

Christmas Coupons

2008-12-31T20:22:00.000-08:00

In addition to presents this year each child in our family got a set of special coupons from Mom and Dad to redeem when they desired. Ethan noted that his coupon from Mom had an expiration date of 12/09 and decided to redeem it quickly, less he forget and run out of time.

As you can see along with the coupon he received a festive apron, oven mitts and a chef's hat (which he adores).

Even though Ethan could have picked out any type of cookies he choose to bake the ones we had in the fridge and was delighted that he could do it on his own while I photographed the whole process.

Not to worry... Ethan ate every single one of these cookies by himself :)

The purpose of the coupons was to give our boys some one on one time with Mom and Dad doing activities that they LOVE!!! I hope you guys know that even when life gets busy Mom and Dad are ALWAYS here for you. ALWAYS know that we will do our BEST to get your needs met... even of the cookie baking variety.

Ethan I loved spending this time with you watching your excitment as you got to dictate each step of our "cookie baking extravaganza." You are SO full of personality... I LOVE hanging out with you and watching you learn about the world around you. You are SO curious and never stop investigating until you discover what makes things work...don't ever abandon that curiosity it will serve you well!!!

Time with DADDY

2008-12-30T21:36:00.000-08:00

Our family has been blessed to have a Dad who works for himself so that he can have the flexibility to be at home more than most Dads. It seems like Ethan, Jaden and Mason just can't get enough of their Daddy. This past week has been a special treat with Dad around for days at a time for the Holiday. We have had plenty of "play time"...

Just take a look at this picture of the boys building a track with Dad utilizing nearly every piece of track we own and that is A LOT of track!!!

Even Mason got in on the action... he really likes the new GeoTrax Airport Santa left for the boys. Yeah for Santa!!!

Now that Dad is back at work all Jaden can do is ask when he will be home... Jaden I hope you ALWAYS want me and Daddy around as much as you do right now. We LOVE YOU three!!!

A Magical Christmas

2008-12-30T10:36:00.000-08:00

Oh, how I love being a Mom.

Christmas time with three young boys can be exhausting but this year I am FULL of joy and overwhelmed by my many blessings!!! I have three wonderful sons who I love dearly!!! I am amazed by how quickly they have grown... it has been wonderful seeing the magic of Christmas through their eyes!!!

Rick and the boys made the gingerbread house on their own this year (until Rick begged for my help... after adding too much water to the icing) and even though it only stood up for a few moments it was still the "best gingerbread house EVER" according to Ethan.

The fact that the gingerbread house never really stood up didn't change the fact that it tasted yummy!!!

From soft and fuzzy winter hats to matching nurf guns that drove Daddy crazy.

Even baby Mason enjoyed himself eating Christmas paper on the floor! We ALL had a fun filled Christmas morning...

Before breakfast we realised that Mason had been eating more than Christmas paper on the floor... I had just changed him into his new Batman PJs when he hit the jackpot with a chocolate Santa from his brother's stocking... he was in heaven!

Utah

2008-12-18T14:44:00.000-08:00

It feels like I haven't blogged in ages and well... I haven't!!! We had the opportunity to go to Utah this past week for Rick's brother's wedding on the 16th and we had a BLAST. We got to visit with alot of people that we love and miss and most importaintly got to be at Robert and Michaelene's wedding.

The flight to Utah was managable with the three kids in tow and we safely made the drive to Park City where we would be staying. We changed our clothes and off we went on the many adventures that awaited us.

That night we met my brother Brian and his family at Temple Square... what a sight!!!

We were all a little silly because it was SO COLD outside!!!

OK... so I was the only one being silly... guilty!!!
Mason managed to stay toasty after I was through bundling him up for our outting.

Late Night Elf

2008-12-10T00:38:00.000-08:00

The end result of a sleepless night :)

OK... so I am aware that it is after 2:30 am CST but an Elf has to work uninterrupted sometime. I have to document my hard work for the years to come.

I found a GREAT hiding spot... there is a bathroom in my craft room that is seldom used. To tell you the truth boys it was getting too hard to keep you out of the craft room (you are way to persistent). After some REALLY close calls I moved everything to the bathroom.

Tonight I tackled not only the gift wrapping but I finished all of the projects I have going for our Duree family Christmas Party that is at our house this year. All of the cousins (that are old enough to keep them out of their mouth) are going to get antlers with their names on them... I finally made them tonight.

And no prancing reindeer can leave the party without a bag of sugar to replenish their energy (thanks Ethan for helping me with the goodie bags).

Each member of the family will be getting an ornament with their name and the year on it... I managed to make them tonight as well.

Finally it is time for some sleep!!! Oh, boy I don't know how those Elves do it!!!

A New Auntie

2008-11-24T16:20:00.000-08:00

Rick's younger brother Robert has announced that he will be getting married on December 16, 2008.

Robert and his fiance have come to visit from Utah for Thanksgiving. We have had the privilege of having our new family member stay with us on her visit.

Michaelene my kids are smitten with you and have enjoyed getting to know you SO much. I will never forget the day you arrived in our house. It has been a while since I have seen Ethan try so hard to impress someone... it was TOO cute. He was doing every trick in his repertoire from cartwheels to karate kicks and then there was him showing you how loud he could burp... OK so some of his impressive tricks I am sure we could have all done without.

Welcome to the family... we look forward to getting to know you better and making many more memories with you!!!

A Visit from "Nani"

2008-11-16T20:51:00.000-08:00

Amy married into the family almost one year ago and we have LOVED having her in our lives!!! It has seemed that we have seen very little of her over the past few months and we have missed her terribly. Oh, by the way Jaden named her "Nani" when she was living with us while her and Jason (Rick's younger brother) were engaged.

Today was a special day... Nani came to visit!!! Our house was full of germs with Jaden, Mason and I sick but she came any way and we enjoyed her while she was here.

(Nani holding three babies! Jaden, Mason, and the baby in her tummy... SUPER Nani!!!)

As you can see from this picture Jaden put aside discomfort he was feeling due to being sick to play with his "Aunt Nani." Then he felt sick again and his Nani was there to comfort him... THANKS Nani!!!

When the boys were finally in bed Nani and I got to spend some time in the craft room being silly. This is us trying out the vinyl cutter... Nani, you should have gotten a shorter hair cut!!!

Thanks for taking the time out of your busy life to come and hang with us... see you again soon!!!

Recycle Heroes to the Rescue

2008-11-05T09:28:00.000-08:00

Today was a very windy recycle day here in Wentzville. I took the boys for a walk after breakfast and we saw trash blowing everywhere so my little superheroes jumped into action. Recycle heroes to the rescue!!!

They were on their power wheel speeding through the neighborhood picking up trash as they drove.

The boys even stopped to clean up some trash left by the construction crew working on a new house down the street.

After our third trip back to our house to drop off the trash the garbage truck showed up and my little superheroes helped the trash men get the trash in the RIGHT place once and for all!!!

Recycle heroes... mission accomplished!!!

Spare Time

2008-11-05T00:31:00.001-08:00

OK... so even though I have had little spare time in the past month my boys have had their fair share. It seems that they have gotten themselves into some interesting situations and I have had to hurdle over mountains of boxes to get to my camera in time to get a picture of their predicament.

Jaden trying on every bib in the house (I had just unpacked them and found a new home for them in our new kitchen).

Jaden trying to take off every bib in the house... SO FUNNY!!!

Jaden walking around with Tupperware for boots...

I had to delete the picture of Ethan doing the same thing from my camera after realising that he was wearing only his power ranger underpants while preforming the stunt. Hopefully you appreciate the fact that I deleted the image Ethan... it was hard for me to delete such a FUNNY picture!!!

Mason wishing he could walk so that he could try on those cool Tupperware boots!!! Note that Mason is sporting some shiny NEW teeth... CONGRATS Mason!!!

The infamous "stuck in a box" pictures that is a must have for anyone moving with young children.

So it is now past 3am CST and I better drift off to sleep so that I don't miss any funny moments tomorrow may hold. These guys keep me on my toes and I have to admit I laugh ALL the time!!!

All Moved In

2008-11-01T20:30:00.000-07:00

OK... so it has been a while since I have posted and let me tell you there has NOT been a shortage of comical things to write about!!! We are officially moved into our new home in Wentzville, MO and with three little ones running around it has been a GREAT workout. It feels like I have not sat down in weeks... I am the new energizer bunny I just keep running and running and running.

I am one that cannot stand to look at boxes waiting to be unpacked... I am like Alice in Wonderland even though the boxes don't actually say "unpack me" but I just can't stand being half done with anything.

The boys have done really well adjusting to the new house and even Rick (who originally protested the move) has fallen in love with all of the space that he has now claimed as his own. It seems as though things are falling into place for each of us and we have already made a few friends in the new neighborhood.

Halloween is ALWAYS a fun time for our family and this year was NO EXCEPTION!!! We were able to construct our haunted Halloween gingerbread house just in time for Halloween (this tradition could NOT be passed up, move or no).

This is the ONLY picture I got of the construction of our Halloween house as I was busy making more orange frosting for decorating... the boys were just SO excited they were using icing as fast as I could make it!!!

We got our pumpkins carved on Halloween when Daddy came home from work. Ethan and I made the most original pumpkin EVER... Rudolph the red nosed pumpkin!!! Ethan started drawing the face on the pumpkin and made the eyes so big that there was little room for a nose... I quickly ran to my craft room and got some supplies. We hot glued a glittery red pom pom on the pumpkin and gave it some antlers. Ethan thought this was the best solution ever and quickly changed his sad demeanor.

Jaden and Daddy finished their happy pumpkin and we got ready in our costumes.

Ethan chose to be a green Power Ranger, Jaden wanted to be Spiderman, Mason was forced into the CUTEST Batman costume ever, and Daddy was the Incredible Hulk (to stick with the theme). I was lame and didn't pull a costume together for myself... so I was SUPERMOM!!! I think anyone who is the mother of three boys and can unpack a whole house in one week is a SUPERMOM so it worked!!! We had a GREAT night and despite all the energy the boys used up they still had a hard time coming down from the sugar rush that accompanies the holiday but we did get them to bed eventually!

Pig Roast

2008-10-11T19:42:00.000-07:00

Today we went to the house Aunt Amy grew up in for her parent's annual pig roast. Well I have to say I had to do some convincing to get Dad to come along but we all had a GREAT time!!! There was a hay ride, sheep (that Nani helps take care of), a horse, basketball, volleyball, fishing, and a really big dog and timid grey cat (that tolerated Jaden's curiosity).

On the hay ride Dad tried to teach Ethan how to blend in...

Ethan looked SO cool that Mason gave it a try...

Jaden had a GREAT time on the hay ride looking at all the animals... we are SO grateful that he actually didn't fall out!!! This is the look he gave me after I asked him to sit on his bottom the 100th time.

No pig roast is complete without a bonfire... which I have to say my boys enjoyed immensely!!!

The bonfire ended in a brutal brawl between father and son over the last marshmallow. Shame on you Daddy...you would think that you could refrain from taking down your 2 year old son over a silly marshmallow!!! JUST KIDDING... but it was the only excuse I could come up for this picture.

You know they had a good time when you get home and no one argues about going to bed... night, night my little ones!!!

Monkey Man

2008-10-10T17:48:00.001-07:00

Tonight after dinner Rick, the boys and I were chillin after a long day. I had put some juice boxes in the fridge for our trip to the new house tomorrow. I normally water their juice down to get them to drink their share of water, so the sweet juice boxes were TOO tempting.

Jaden had already gotten into one and Ethan though it was unfair that we were not allowing him to indulge in one as well. When Dad headed back into the kitchen after a brief absence he saw Ethan climbing into the fridge and said "Ethan... don't climb the fridge" to which Ethan firmly replied "But I'm half monkey you know!!!"

Oh, Ethan you always have been quick witted... you sure keep us on our toes!!!
WE LOVE YOU!!!

Playing Doctor

2008-10-06T19:11:00.000-07:00

I have to say my boys have done some CUTE things... well I have to say this tops the list. Jaden and Mason I think you are the CUTEST!!!

Mason not knowing what he was in for...

Mason squeeling with glee that his big brother is still playing with him...

Taking a break while holding hands... SO SWEET!!!

I LOVE MY little GUYS and all the laughter that accompanies them.

X-Rays for Mason

2008-09-23T14:28:00.001-07:00

Yesterday the boys and I were at the new house. Ethan was at school working hard and I had just put some toys out for Mason to play with while Jaden watched a cartoon. I had been out of the room just long enough to get downstairs when I heard Mason cry. I ran upstairs quickly as I could hear the distress in his cry. When I got upstairs Jaden and Mason were both in the places I had left him but Mason's lips had turned purple and he had a little indention on his face as if something had pushed against his skin.

I quickly picked him up and held him in my arms and tried to get Jaden to relay to me what had happened to his baby brother. As you may have guessed Jaden was not too helpful in communicating the events as they had happened. I was nervous at first because of his seemingly purple/blue lips indicating a lack of oxygen but soon had a new concern.... Mason spit-up and there were streaks of blood. My heart sank as I tried to comfort my sweet baby boy. I held him and rocked him assuring him that it was OK all the while I was in agony not knowing what was wrong with my little Mason.

Mason was breathing fine and his color had returned to his lips and I put him in my wrap to keep him close to me so that I would be aware if anything was wrong with him and got the other boys ready to go back to our house in Ofallon. We got home and Mason seemed fine but I have to say I didn't sleep well because I kept waking up to make sure he was breathing OK and that nothing was wrong with him.

This morning I was running errands when he spit-up and there were blood streaks again!?!?! I called the doctor immediately and they scheduled an appointment. I made the appointment at the doctors office (with the other two boys in tow) and the doctor could not find any reason for the blood so she sent us to the hospital to get x-rays to make sure that he hadn't swallowed anything. I took him to get the x-rays and they came back clear of any forgin objects. I was relived but then he spit-up again with blood streaks.... and then again. I called the doctor again and she said that she had a call in to a pediatric gastrointerologist and that she was waiting to hear back from this doctor before ordering any more tests.

And so here I sit... in my gut i think he is fine and then on the other hand I am terrified of the possibility that he is not fine. Mason... these past few months with you in my life have been priceless and I am so privileged to be your Mommy. It is because I am your Mommy that I feel a huge responsibility to make sure that you are safe and protected. It is at times like these when you get hurt that I wish I could shelter you from anything that might cause you pain. You are my precious little brown eyed boy... your smile warms my heart. I love you to the moon and back!!!

A Baby Story

2008-09-15T08:47:00.000-07:00

I have not posted in a few days because I have been busy helping Heather with the delivery of her sweet baby Austin. I got a phone call at 2:55am Friday morning that Heather was at the hospital in Saint Charles and was about to get an epidural (to help with pain management). I showered and got Mason ready and rushed off to the hospital knowing that we would have a full day ahead of us. When I arrived at the hospital the anesthesiologist had already began placing the epidural and I waited in the hallway for him to finish the procedure.

When I walked into the room Heather was waiting for the relief from the pain medication and Grandma Bonnie was waiting for relief from a pillow (she looked very tired). From the time they arrived at the hospital Heather had been surprised by the pain of childbirth and decided that even though she would have liked to have a natural birth she was in need of some assistance. After the medicine took effect Heather was able to get some rest.

As the epidural took effect Heather's contractions slowed down and decreased in intensity... I think both Heather and Bonnie were frustrated by the effects of the epidural and I tried to serve as a support for the two of them. When the Dr Brondz arrived (the same OBGYN that delivered Jaden 2 1/2 years ago) he decided to break Heather's water and start pitocin to stimulate contractions that would progress the labor.

When Dr Brondze broke the water he discovered that there was marcionum in the water and had to start an amniotic flush where they try to clean the marconium from the sac before delivery. They started the pitocin after wating an hour to see if Heather's uterus would regulate the contractions on its own. After increasing the dosage several times the contractions were coming too fast and not giving the baby or Heather's body a break and was causing Austin distress. The nurse realised this by watching the monitor from her desk and rushed in to turn off the pitocin.

OOPS we did it again!?!?!

2008-09-10T19:14:00.000-07:00

We purchased a new home in Wentzville and have now started the myriad of construction projects that has become tradition for us.

Ethan was at school when the truck arrived with the lumber we purchased for framing in the basement. I took pictures so that he wouldn't miss out on the experience. I have to say is was neat to see this truck lift the wood out over the yard and swing it to our sliding door with the front wheels off the ground.

The first comment out of Jaden's mouth was "look Mommy?!?!? It's Lofty (from the cartoon Bob the Builder)... it's Lofty Mommy!!!" followed by a brief pause "Where's Scoop???"

I think Jaden was impressed!!!

You call that FOOD?!?!

2008-09-09T19:08:00.001-07:00

As Mason nears the 6 month mark I decided that it was time to introduce a little bit of variety to his diet. He has been happy to be strictly nursing but is demanding more feedings than I can keep up with. I was hoping that rice cereal would interest him.... who was I kidding?!?!

I have to say that I put off the shock of introducing food to my babies as long as I could and I now remember the reason for my logic... it is a mess and they hate it. I know that soon food will interest Mason but for now we will continue to take it at his pace. And while we are taking it slow I will continue to chuckle at all the silly faces he makes along the way.

Finally Asleep

2008-09-08T19:33:00.000-07:00

We just purchased a new home in Wentzville, MO. The home is only about 10 minutes away from the home we live in now and has alot more room for our growing family. We got to close on the house on August 22nd and Ethan and he was surprised when he got to be the one to unlock the front door for the first time (after all it was his 5th Birthday)!!!

For the last few weeks I have been taking loads of our belongings to the new house with the boys. Most of the time the boys have been sad to leave the new house and Ethan has started to call our home in O'fallon "old and rusty."

Today we drove out to the new house so Ethan could go to school. We had spent the morning shopping and the boys were already tired. When we got to the house I got the kids their lunch and then got them back in the car to get Ethan's carpool buddy. With all of the kids on board off we went to school. I dropped Ethan and Marissa off and went back to the house to get the little one down for their naps so that I could get some things accomplished. Ya, right?!?!? Needless to say the kiddos didn't go down for their naps as planned and it wasn't until Ethan walked in the door from school that Jaden fell asleep on the floor due to exhaustion.

After Ethan walked in from school he saw me working on some jewelry that I had to get done for some customers. He desperately wanted to help and I let him...I didn't get my work completed but I did get to spend some time with Ethan.

Jaden woke up and I began to chase the boys around braking up fights and trying to find something fun for them to do in this BIG... EMPTY house. I took the boys out to pick up some dinner and as we went through the drive through (yes, this was a fast food day)three times before they FINALLY got our order right. I was just glad all of our tummys were full.

We were home from dinner less than five minutes when in walks one of the contractors bidding on the basement. Thankfully no one got seriously hurt while I explained the project for the 20th time in two weeks... LOL! At 7:35pm I got all the boys in their car seats and locked the house up. Now it is time to go back to the O'Fallon house and get my monkeys to bed.

I have to remember through these busy days while you three are little and there is LOTS to do that this time is precious and I only get it once! I love you three more than you will ever know (at least until you have your own sweet children). I pray for stregnth EVERY day that I might have the patience to be the Mom to you that you deserve. Remember that I am learning and I will make mistakes...I am sorry for these mistakes!!! It is through learning these life lessons that I grow.

Good night you three...you are each SO amazing to me. Oh how I love to watch you when you are FINALLY asleep!!!

Errands

2008-09-05T17:52:00.000-07:00

Today was a busy day we had a lot of things to do and many places to go... we started off at City hall getting a copy of some documents. While I was waiting for the clerk I realized that the boys had brought a small soccer ball into the building with them and started to kick the ball in the waiting area "Oh, my... whoops!?!?! How did they sneak that past me" I sat them both down (as two police officers walked past us) and told them the "this isn't a place where we play soccer!" Ethan turned to Jaden after I headed back to the clerk and said "Cause the cops will take you to jail Jaden and that's BAD mister!!!" I tried not to laugh out loud but I am glad he understood that it wasn't a good idea.

We then went to Walmart to pick up a few things before heading to the new house and to my surprise the buckles in the shopping cart didn't work. Trust me when I say my boys need to be contained inside Walmart!!! Without working restraints I had my hands full trying to keep the boys on task... "Mommy, I saw this on TV can we get it PLEASE!!!!" says Ethan "Peaseeee!!!" Jaden chimed in. When I explained that we should try asking Santa Jaden threw himself on the floor in the middle of the walkway and proceeded to roll around... no screaming just rolling around. I almost purchased a camera to capture the moment. It was SO funny... my little Jaden trying to throw a fit and failing miserably. Hey, don't get me wrong I will take rolling around on the floor any day.. trust me he can wail but for some reason he didn't see the need to exert the energy this time around.

FUNNY DAY!!!

School Days

2008-09-03T20:11:00.000-07:00

Today was a BIG day for me and the boys. The big boys got their checkups with the doctor. Jaden weighed in at 37.5 lbs and Ethan at 47 lbs... my boys just keep growing!!!

I promised the boys luch out with Mom if they behaved themselves at the doctor's office. Well... they did OK if you don't count Jaden running down the hallway in his diaper when the doctor asked me to strip him down. But hey, who could resist a chance to run free?!?!

After lunch Jaden, Mason, and I took Ethan to his first day at a new preschool. Ethan is an old pro at school now with one year under his belt. Going to a new school this year is exciting for him. I hope it is going to be a GREAT year full of new friends and lots of memories.

Good Luck Ethan!

Water Baby

2008-09-01T18:33:00.000-07:00

Today for Labor Day we went out to the annual Warrenton Ward BBQ with the whole Duree family. After a few hours of hot weather we decided to head to the neighborhood pool to cool off. Jaden and Ethan have oodles of confidence when it comes to the water and have gotten used to the rules at the pool. We have only had our pool passes for a few weeks but we have gotten good use out of them.

Mason is still getting used to the bright sun reflecting off the pool so I decided to help him out and dug up Jaden's sunshades from his first summer. The shades not only looked "super cool" but they seemed to help Mason with the glare off of the water. With his sunshades strapped on we all had a good time and managed to wear ourselves out for a good night sleep.

"Swing with me!!!"

2008-08-31T20:05:00.000-07:00

With Mason sound asleep Jaden and Ethan seized the opportunity to have some quality time with their Mom. Jaden took my hand and lead me to the back porch and into the backyard. The sun had already set and it was dark outside but for the three of us there was still plenty of time. Did I even need to guess why they brought me out to the yard?!?! No, not for a second.... "swing with me Mommy" they chimed in unison.

I couldn't resist their plea and we swung until the Mosquitoes chased us inside. I got Jaden and Ethan ready for bed. While I was tucking Jaden in he turned to me and said "swing me higher Mommy" and we pretended to swing while laying in the bed. He is NEVER done playing and I am never done helping him use his imagination... night, night boys!!! I love "flying high" with you!!!

Little Piggies

2008-08-29T19:54:00.000-07:00

Tonight I was attempting to settle my little ones to bed as Jaden refused to leave Mommy & Daddy's room. I was sitting on my bed nursing a wiggly Mason and heard a sweet voice by my side "this little piggy went to market, this little piggy played ball, this little piggy went to MARKET!!!" (full of excitment) Jaden had been playing with Mason's piggy toes for a while as his Mommy zoned out after a long day. Jaden's sweet playfulness was refreshing and with renewed energy I also began to play with Mason's sweet piggy toes while they are still little.

Jaden you make life FUN and ENTERTAINING!!! Mason is SO lucky to have such a GREAT big brother... you seem to always make him smile.

OUCH!!!

2008-08-28T08:44:00.000-07:00

I took my three boys to get their shots today and boy do I feel like a JERK!!! Ethan misses the cutoff for kindergarten this year so he really didn't have to have any this time around but I thought it wise to space his kindergarten shots out. I chose to get him two of the four required immunizations this year and two next year before school starts. Jaden needed four shots and Mason needed five (available in three needles... thank heaven!!!)

The story goes like this... our insurance doesn't cover immunizations so off to the county health department we went. The four of us arrived and the waiting room was not crowded so I had high hopes of a speedy departure. To my disappointment it took 45 minutes from the time I completed the paperwork to the time our name was called to receive our shots. WOW... was it fun!!!

When our name was called I still had not broken the news to Ethan (5) that he too was going to be getting some shots. He had kindly informed EVERY person in the waiting room that his brothers were here for their shots and that he didn't need any... WOOPS. The nurse said "Big boys first!" and I put Ethan on my lap with his arm behind my back to keep him still. As the nurse came towards him with the first needle he exclaimed "you are going to shoot me!?!?!" My poor son... and with the second needle even more tears from my oldest son.

The nurse asked Jaden (2) to get on Mom's lap and he did. as soon as he was sitting on my lap the tears started flowing. Despite the tears my brave little man held his arm out for the nurse and took his four shots (two in each arm) like a "mini man." You are SO compliant Jaden and way too sweet!!! Thanks for being such a good listener... I am afraid I couldn't have followed through with all the shots if you hadn't been such a trooper.

Mason's (5 months) turn was next and he got three shots in this chubby little thighs. Thank goodness for baby chub... I would like to think that it makes it less painful!!! By the time Mason's shots were over all four of us were in tears and we were escorted out the door.

By the time we got through traffic and arrived home Jaden was fast asleep despite Mason's persistent crying. As we were walking into the house Ethan stated that his arm was "pooped" as it hung by his side... my sweet boys battered and bruised all in the name of preventing illness.