My sweet girl is FIVE!!

 I cannot believe it- I swear it was just yesterday I was bringing her home from the hospital and now my sweet, sassy Sophia is five years old. I sent the kids to daycare today, only because it would be their last day at Miss Amanda's house with all of their friends (we start the daycare at our house next week). I picked them up in the afternoon and we headed to Splasher's of the South Seas at the Canad Inn for a fun-filled waterpark fun night. Sophia chose a Rapunzel party at the waterpark and I was determined to give her what she wanted, since last year I was VERY pregnant and barely got the poor girl a cake let alone a party. She had a blast with her friends, and all of her cousins came along with Auntie Kelcey, Auntie Nicky, Uncle Kelly and Grandma Susie. The best part of the night was that we went to the arcade after swimming and Sophia hit the jackpot on a game and won 846 tickets! No more than five minutes later, my mom hit the jackpot on another game and won 1000 tickets! Needless to say, we have a lot more JUNK at my house after cashing all of those in. She also got some great presents that I know she'll put to good use! Happy birthday, my sweet peanut!!

Sophia and Noah down the slide

Daddy playing with Noah and Sophia

Blowing out the candles!

Merry merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas!

 It's the most wonderful time of the year! I absolutely LOVE Christmas, and this year there's even more to celebrate as it's Bennett's first Christmas as well. We were able to spend the holidays this year in Baldwin Wisconsin with B's family; this is the first year since Sophia's first Christmas that we were here for the actual holiday! We were even able to spend a day with each side of B's family. B's brother Justin and his wife Amanda were also able to come back, and we all stayed at B's parents' house (the five of us in one room can get really interesting sometimes!). We had some sweet fellowship with one another, and it's always great to be able to benefit from B's mom's phenomenal cooking abilities!

The Wevers Clan

 As you can see, I found some GREAT Christmas outfits for Sophia and Noah. I'm basically keeping these pictures as collatoral for when they get older... the best part is that they both loved wearing their Santa gear!

Santa babies

We also got a few great "awkward" pictures, which really is the Wevers specialty. Here is one of my absolute favorites (and one of the reasons I truly love my husband)...

Awkward photo!

 It was a wonderful Christmas and we had a great time with family celebrating the birth of Jesus. This was the first year Sophia started to understand WHY we celebrate Christmas in the first place; that made it all the more fun!

She did it again...and so did I.

 My four-year-old has a problem. Whenever she gets access to scissors, she is inclined to cut cut cut- her hair!!! This time it wasn't cute or funny- it was infuriating! All day her biggest worry was that her hair would get cut short and people would think she was a boy. And that was exactly what we had to do- I darn near cried the whole time. My friend Lisa did her best but there were some parts that were just not able to be salvaged- thank goodness for hair clips and headbands! I hope this time she'll learn her lesson.

   I was angry with her all day and very frustrated with all I had to do (clean the house, get Sophia to dance and then to get her hair cut before heading to church for supper and small group). I find myself feeling that way often- overwhelmed with everything I have to do around the house, frustrated with trying to raise my children to be good, God-fearing young people, trying to do everything and be everything to everyone all the time. I don't know why we do this to ourselves! I had the opportunity to nap today (and I needed it~ I woke up with each of the kids last night and was up about every two hours) and instead of doing that, I cleaned the house and put stuff up on the walls. My husband was the smart one- he got home from work and went straight up to bed for a nap.

  I took a shower, then went to pick the kids up and take them all to dance class. I had to keep the boys entertained while Sophia danced, then take all three kids to the hair salon by myself. I called my husband a few times to see if he could come and help me (and left progressively more frustrated messages) until he finally answered. By then, it was 5:45 pm (we were supposed to be at church around 6 pm). Instead of staying calm, I got upset and took it out on Brandon who just took a nap! Granted, he didn't set an alarm or have his phone nearby, but I didn't need to be so angry at him either. We rushed to church after Lisa cut off the majority of Sophia's hair and had just enough time to scarf some pizza before dropping the kids at the nursery and heading up the stairs to small group. The message tonight (we're doing Sheparding a Child's Heart, and it's been really enlightening to this point) was on changing the heart and not the behavior. This leads me to think about why I act the way I do as well- and that I need to change my heart and show my children what they need to do.
 
  Sophia disobeyed me tonight by taking all her princesses into bed with her so we talked about selfishness and what that means. I asked her who we should put first, ourselves or ______, and she answered "other people." I'm hoping this means that she's starting to understand and that I really can get to her heart! This whole parenting thing is much harder than anyone ever told me it would be- but it's also entirely more rewarding! We have our moments, but it melts my heart when they, out of the blue, tell me how much they love me (it's "to the heavens" at our house).  I just pray that I can lead them the way God wants me to.

Sophia with her new haircut and Lisa

Shopping Extravaganza!

 It has finally arrived! The time has come for my yearly shopping trip to Albertville with my friends. For me, this is the third annual trip. We have progressed each year- the first year there were just four of us and we left at 7am and returned at 1130 pm; that turned out to be a long day.... too long. The next year, we ammended it and spent the night (the four of us). We still got home late that night, but got WAY more shopping in. That year, I got smart and opened a savings account for the trip so I'm not spending too much money. This year, we finally got more people to come! There were seven of us total that ended up making the haul. We left around 930 in the morning and went to the Mall of America for that night, then stopped at IKEA (my new favorite store!) on the way to the hotel. We drank a few bottles of wine and had some great conversations, then went to bed. The next morning, we stopped by McD's for some brunch and we were off. We spent a fun-filled and shopping-filled day in Albertville (I changed my pants in the back seat of Kristina's car) before heading home. I got my Christmas shopping about 75% done and had a great time with some good friends. I look forward to each October and that sweet time away from my family. I love my husband and children more than I ever imagined possible, but I need a break every so often! Now I just have to wait until next year!

Mommy time!

  Today was kind of a "Mommy" day! I've been working nights lately, and today was my one day off by myself with NO KIDS! I had a meeting scheduled for noon, so I went back to sleep after I helped get the kids ready and off to daycare (and had a dream that I slept until 2:30 pm and missed the meeting- I was frantic when I woke up, and realized that it was only 10:30!). At my meeting, I was asked "what have you done for yourself today?" Women, especially moms, often go through life worrying about everyone else and not making any time for themselves. We need to make ourselves a priority as well! I don't know if you all feel this way, but I tend to live my life with a feeling of being overwhelmed; there's always a
to-do list that I just can't get finished (and yet, here I sit blogging instead of sweeping!). I always think that if I had a day or two without the kids or work, I could get caught up. You all know that doesn't happen- life gets in the way: I get called in to work, I have other errands I have to run, etc. Sometimes I wish there were two or three of me (though that would drive my husband crazy)! So- moral of the blog today: take at least 5-10 minutes each day to do something for YOU... listen to some music, read a book (or your Bible), take a power nap, make a scrapbook page or two- whatever you love to do, but make sure you do it! We mommas need to take care of ourselves as well- we are WORTH taking time out for a little "me" time without feeling guilty.

The little things...

 I just wanted to share what a typical evening meal in mi casa with my kiddos. Sophia has taken it upon herself to say the prayer prior to the meal and she usually does a great (and thorough) job. It generally goes something like this... "Dear Jesus, thank you for our food and thank you for our family. Thank you for our Jesus. Please help to heal Grandpa. Please help other Grandpa in heaven. Help mommy to have a good day at work, and Daddy too. Amen." Around this time, Noah chimes in "Don't forget me, Dophie!" so she amends it "and help Noah to be good....and me too!" The whole spring and summer, she often would pray for Bennett and his heart. Some of her prayers melt my heart ("Please help to heal baby Bennett and make him not to hurt anymore") and some of them are funny ("Thank you for the chicken, and the lettuce, and the chicken). Sometimes she doesn't want to pray, which is when we explain that we praise God when we want to and more so when we don't. She's starting to ask so many more questions about God and faith now- it's amazing to watch her little brain work. What a blessing these wonderful children are- and how much they teach us!

Happy Birthday Noah!

  Unbelievable! My little Bubba Jones is already THREE! Where has the time gone? As you can see, we had (yet another) Cars-themed birthday party for the big day. He and I went back and forth for days between Thomas the Train and Cars, and finally I just picked one and went with it. Later that week, he asked about his Thomas party (go figure!). My entire family came for the party (which was held the Saturday after his actual birthday, since September 21 was a wednesday this year), so my kids got a lot of Grandma and cousin time in the month of September! One interesting fact- my son Noah shares his birthday not only with my mother, but with my father's mother as well! Three generations on one day! I am so grateful that God put this sweet little boy in my life and I can't wait to see the man he becomes someday. I just hope I can help him have a lot of fun while he grows, and that I can steal a few more cuddles while he's still little enough to want them! I love you to the heavens, Noah Doyle!

What a day!

  Today started like any other work day- I got up, got ready, and got to work a little before 7am. I learned upon my arrival that I would be again training as a triage nurse (something everyone but me seems to think I'm ready for!). Things went as well as they could, and I learned a lot from Karla (just like I did from Liz and Sherry when I trained with them). Around 10 am, I was working with a great student nurse when my manager Diane asked if I could meet with her for a few minutes. Even though I knew better, I first thought was that I was in some sort of trouble. I felt better when Diane invited Emily (the student nurse, and a friend of mine) to come with; surely she wouldn't talk to me about anything troubling with a student in tow! Diane stated "this would be great for a student to be in on also." That intrigued me a little...
  We headed to the break room, and upon opening the door I was greeted by about 20 smiling faces (and THREE boxes of cinnamon rolls- you know you're a nurse when you notice food right away!). I was presented with the DAISY Award for Excellent Nurses! I couldn't believe it! I didn't even know I was nominated. I had heard about the award when they first started implementing it at Altru (it's given every quarter) and thought it was a wonderful program, (if you're wondering what it's about, see the website at http://daisyfoundation.org/) and I often see many of my co-workers exemplifying what it means to be an excellent nurse. I learned I was nominated by my friend Tiffany, whom I cared for during the delivery of her baby boy Kyson when he was about 20 weeks along. I didn't do anything special, I just cared for her and baby as I would and do for any of my other patients. I am proud to be an OB nurse and I just hope each day that I prove that and give my patients the care they not only deserve to get, but the care I deserve to give. I love my job, and I am so humbled to even be nominated, let alone to win. Needless to say, it sure made for a great day, and made me proud to be a nurse!!

Dance class has begun!

 It's that time of year again- Sophia has started her favorite activity: dance class!! She started classes last year at North Dakota Ballet Company, so we continued with them this year as well. Ever since she danced on the big stage in May, she has wanted to get back to dance class. Sophia loves to express herself, and dance is the perfect outlet for her. Since she isn't in preschool, I wanted her to have an activity where she needs to learn how to take direction and learn patience and perserverence as well. I hope that this is something that she continues to do (I'm kind of living vicariously through her- I was in dance for a few years when I was younger, but those of you who know me know about my lack of grace), but I won't push her too hard. It's exciting to see how my children are growing and learning new things about themselves, but it's all going too quickly! God's blessings are abundant!

   It's been quite a busy week- a good thing since it's most likely our last week of nice summer weather! I started the week out at the spray park in University park with all three kids. Bennett really enjoyed it, as it was his first time there. His favorite part was to sit next to the sprays that shot up from the ground and try to "catch" the water as it shot out. In the picture to the left, he had wiggled his way ON TOP of the spray and was giggling at the fact that he was getting sprayed in the bottom with water!  He is such a little clown! The older two also enjoyed themselves, and they got to take a break from the water every so often and play in the playground next to the spray park. Sophia can go all the way across the monkey bars without any help! I've always said my kids were half-monkey, half-fish, but now I really know that's true! Bennett and I would take a break  occasionally too and sit on a towel in the shade and watch the older two play. We stayed for almost TWO hours (a feat in this seemingly ADD family), and by the end, all three of the kiddos were playing with the spouts (see left). We all had such a good time, and the kids had fun playing with some older kids there as well. It was a perfect way to spend what I knew would be one of the last summer days of this year! It's terrifying to think that by the end of next summer, my baby will be 18 months old, my Noah will be nearly four years old, and my sweet Sophia will be starting kindergarten! It sounds so cliche, but time really does go by so quickly. I remember bringing Sophia home for the first time like it was yesterday, now she has two little brothers to play with! We must be having a lot of fun, because the days are flying by!

The Wevers family bike train!

 Tuesday through Friday days and evenings were spent pretty much at work (with the exception of our co-ed kickball match on Wednesday~ it still feels silly to tell people I'm on a kickball team!), where it is the busiest I remember it being for many years. I try not to work both Thursday and Friday if possible, because B works every Saturday through Wednesday and then I don't get to see him very much. Yesterday, we all rode our bikes to the park that is about six blocks away from our house. Bennett rode in the pull-along behind B, and the other two kids rode their little hearts out, super-excited to get to "the park!!!" After playing for about an hour, we all packed back up onto the bikes and rode on- all the way to Happy Joe's, which is another 6 or 7 blocks away! We enjoyed a nice family pizza buffet and rode ALL the way home! I was so proud of the kiddos, they didn't complain once and had so much fun. (Not to mention, they all took GREAT naps when we got home!) I'm trying to really enjoy all these little moments we have together, because I know that they will get less and less as the kids grow. It's funny, ten years ago when I thought about my future, THIS is not what I imagined. Believe me when I say, it is SO much better!

Oktoberfest!!

  We walked in the door about an hour ago, back from a weekend in Pierz, MN for the famed "Oktoberfest" with our friends, the Kahlhamers. We stayed at Max's parents' house (Kathy and Dennis), along with Max and Erika and their two children... meaning there were five children under five (as well as six adults) in one house! Kathy and Dennis had turned their finished attic into "Casa del Wevers," complete with a mattress, an air mattress, a made-up couch and a crib for Bennett! They even installed a window air-conditioner that night for us so we were more comfortable. What a wonderful little get-away for us!

  We left Friday afternoon (after I had worked two night shifts and had a short nap, making my patience level less than stellar!). After touring the house, which was EXACTLY as I imagined it would be, we all ate supper together. The Wevers' have eaten many a Kahlhamer meal from when Max lived with us, so we were excited to again partake in Kathy's delicious cuisine. We went on a walk around town that night (only Kathy and Liesel stayed home) and got to see where Max grew up. It's such a quaint little town! We were off to bed before 10 pm, and everyone in the attic but me and Bennett slept all night!

Noah and Sophia looking out the plane window!

  Saturday found B and the kids heading to the airport with Dennis, Max and Henry to see Dennis' airplane. B and the kids even got to go for a ride! They flew over the house twice and the girls (and Bennett) were out on the porch watching and waving! The kids loved it, and B got some great pictures from above. Not only did everyone have a great time, the trip reignited B's love for aviation and now he's thinking of buying an airplane as well! We'll see how that goes for him; but we have also decided to budget so that B can get up in he air at least twice a month and stay current. He is happiest when he is flying, so it would make me happy to know that he's doing what he loves to do!

  After the boys' (and Sophie's) return from the airport, we had a quick lunch of brats (of course!), hot dogs, chips and fruit and it was nap time for pretty much everyone. By the time everyone fell asleep and took a decent nap, it was 5 o'clock.

We packed up the kids and headed down the the "swimming hole" for a bit of Pierz-style swimming. Of course, by this time the sun was going down and the bugs were out, so we stayed less than an hour. The kiddos had fun though, going down the slides and shooting each other with the squirt gun. Even Bennett had a good time splashing his feet in the cold water! Needless to say, we got out of there pretty quickly. Upon our return to the house, we looked at Sophia's back and it was COVERED in mosquito bites! Even I had about 10 on my legs. That poor girl is like me- every bite makes a huge welt. The boys had a few bites each, but we could barely tell (they, luckily, are like their father in that respect).

We got home and threw them all in the tub before eating some of the best spaghetti I've ever eaten! The kids played for a little while Max headed off to the store for some supplies. When Max returned, he made the four of us some Pink Squirrels (yum-o!) while Erika and I got the kids ready for bed. We enjoyed our adult drinks :) and headed off to bed with the kids pretty early in anticipation of the exhausting day we had before us the next day!

  Sunday morning found us early! Sophia woke me up once, almost peeing her pants in the process, and Bennett-bear woke me up twice to eat (I have GOT to get him out of that- he's almost eight months old!), so I was exhausted at 0730 when we had to wake up. We all showered and got ready because 10 am brought Sunday Oktoberfest brunch, and about fifty people to share in it! The house was hopping for a couple of hours, then we all headed out front to watch what was probably the best parade I've ever seen... and it went right past the Kahlhamer's house! The kids got a bunch of candy, and I got a sunburn on my feet. There were awesome floats- we even got to throw water balloons at some people on a float at their request (I hit one guy in the face through the fence!). After the parade, we all got situated and hopped the shuttle (a school bus, which Noah thought was the coolest thing EVER) down to the park for the Oktoberfest festivities. The kids rode ponies and a camel, fed a bunch of different animals, got their faces painted, went down a huge slide, ate some brats and candy corn, and won some tickets for prizes. B also beat me at a baseball-throwing booth, so I had to change all of the diapers for the rest of the day! We got everyone tuckered-out and took the shuttle back to the house. Since the kids were exhausted, we packed up quickly and headed for home, after thanking Dennis and Kathy for their hospitality. We only stopped once in Fosston to eat at the A&W, and finally I am in my own bed, documenting the fun we had. It was the best weekend vacation I've had in quite some time, and I hope we get to go again someday. How wonderful that we have friends that are willing to include us in their family functions, and Pierz sure knows how to put on a party!!

Getting so big!

     It's the end of summer already! This time next year, I'll be getting my sweet Sophia ready for her first day of school. I can't believe how fast this is all going- it feels like I just brought her home from the hospital. B and I were just talking last night about how it's so neat to be able to have real conversations with her now- how she gives her input and actually makes sense with what she's saying. Noah is getting bigger and easier to understand now too, though you do need to be slightly fluent in "Noah" to get what he's saying most of the time. He's got his own ideas and tries to share them often with us (after a few moments of trying to decipher what he's saying). And my sweet Bennett... he's getting closer and closer to crawling and is turning into a very vocal little boy. He squeals and talks constantly (mostly when he is eating, much like his brother) and gets on his hands and knees and rocks now. I wish I could just freeze them where they are now and keep them this way forever, but I'm also curious and excited about who they will become! No one told me it would be this hard to be a parent- to watch my babies grow and have no control over how quickly it goes! I'm glad that Bennett will always be my baby, but I will really miss the "newborn" stage, where they're so tiny and totally rely on you for everything. I love every stage my kids are in right now; I just don't want it all to end.

Noah and Sophia watching the planes

  On a lighter note, the restrictions have been lifted at the tower, so we can go visit B at work again! They restricted visitors the last year because an ATC in NY (I think) let his 6-year-old talk over the radio (granted, the ATC was controlling the traffic and told his son EXACTLY what to say, but still...). Apparently, they didn't want that happening again, hence the restrictions. Needless to say, the kids were ecstatic about being able to bring Daddy lunch and see the "airpanes!" Noah was super-excited and kept jumping around trying to look at all of the UND planes and the "heckticopters" take off and land. I think it's great

Bennett's first time in the Tower

that B has a job that he loves and that my kids can take interest in as well. How fun for them to be able to go see what Daddy does! This was also Bennett's first time out to the tower, so he was looking around with wide eyes trying to take it all in. I'm sure at least one of my kids will have some sort of interest in aviation (there goes my retirement fund!), since B has been hammering it into their brains since they were babies! Any time we are outside and Noah or Sophia hear an airplane, they drop everything and look into the sky to try and find it. I'm sure Bennett will be the same way when he gets bigger.
     Anyway, I'm just getting a little nostalgic lately, watching my babies grow before my eyes. I bought all of the stuff for Noah's 3rd (!) birthday party not too long ago. The two of us went back and forth for days trying to determine if it would be a Cars 2 birthday or a "Thomas" birthday. He decided on Cars (finally!) only to tell me after everything got here than he wanted a "twain birfday." Nope, sorry buddy- now we're sticking with the Cars theme! I think I get more excited about the parties than my kiddos do! That's all the craziness in my life so far- we're in for a whole ton more craziness soon- so stay tuned!

Happy birthday to me!

  Well, it's finally arrived. Today I turned 29. My sweet husband continually played "the Final Countdown" on his phone today, reminding me that in just one short year, I will be 30. I'm not sad, though. I always said I wanted to be done having kids by the time I'm 30- check! I feel like I've really accomplished so much in my short time on this earth- I try to live for Jesus each and every day (and fail miserably, but I DO try!). I found and married the most wonderful man in the world and was blessed to have three beautiful, joyous children with him. We have such a blast together! I have found the job that I know God made me to do and I do it well and with I passion I always dreamed I would have. I truly believe that I have the greatest job in the world- who else gets to see a miracle each and every day they work? Even the sad parts of my job are rewarding, and though it gets frustrating at times (what job doesn't), I do love my job.
    Though my wonderful family lives far from here, my husband and I have formed a pseudo-family here with our friends, and we know that we are never alone. I'm not saying all of this to brag or anything- I am truly amazed each day at how blessed I really am. This is more of an illiteration of all of the great things I have in my life, and an attempt to keep me looking up, instead of wishing for the the things I don't have. I can't think of much that I don't have anyway.... I am just so thankful the God created me and put all of you glorious people in my life. What a happy life, and a happy birthday to me!

Sometimes I just wonder...

 It has again been an eventful few weeks in the Wevers household. A couple of weeks ago, we got a call from my mother-in-law that Brandon's dad had fallen at work and broken his right clavicle, and had some other injuries as well. Long story short, he was misdiagnosed and, though told initially he would not need surgery, found a week later that he did indeed need surgery and that his bone would have to be re-broken to align it correctly. Needless to say, both he and Brandon's mom were quite upset about the diagnosis and had a decreased trust in the medical system as a whole.

  We were able to visit with B's parents, both B's brothers and sister-in-law, some family friends and Brandon's grandparents for a few days at a family friend's hunting lodge. The 10-hour trip to WI with three kids under the age of five was actually worth it, and the kids did a pretty good job considering. At the lodge, we were able to go swimming in the indoor pool (with a slide), watch movies in the theater, play outside on the tennis and pickle-ball courts, and go for rides on the 4-wheelers and rangers. The kiddos had a wonderful time and we were able to spend some quality family time together, which has been sparce lately.

  Bennett is getting bigger and stronger every day, and now is rolling around the house and even sitting up on his own for a few minutes at a time! He is still the happiest baby I've ever seen and continues to amaze me each day. He loves to watch his older brother and sister, and I know it won't be long until he is keeping up with them. However, with him getting so big and strong, his siblings now think that he can be carried around without issue. This poor boy is getting so tough! Those kids love their "baby Bennett" a little TOO much sometimes!

 We got home from our vacation (the last big trip of the summer) on Sunday night. Monday Brandon stayed home to help me get squared away after being gone for so much this summer. We all went to my softball games and then we headed back home and got the kids ready for bed. B went to bed early that night too. Around 1145 pm, I was sitting downstairs looking at some recipies I wanted to try when I heard a loud thud followed by some loud crying. I ran upstairs to find Sophia lying on her hardwood floor in tears and favoring her arm. Mind you- we had just recently moved her to a twin bed and that night was the first that I hadn't laid pillows on the floor in case she fell. She kept crying that her neck and shoulder hurt and she wouldn't let me touch either. She kept telling me she didn't want to go to the doctor, and she didn't want to get a shot. I convinced her to come sit with me on the couch and watch some TV to calm down. She got some tylenol and some water and, after debating whether or not to take her into the ER, decided that if she could sleep I would leave her alone and call the clinic in the morning. She finally fell asleep around 2 am.

  The next morning, I went into Sophia's room to wake her. She awoke with a smile: "My arm doesn't hurt so much anymore, Mommy." Then she moved. And so came the tears. "Nevermind, it still hurts a LOT Mommy. I think I need to see the doctor today." She was still very tender on her right arm, and now there was a big blue bruise on her right shoulder. I called and made an appointment for that afternoon. I dropped all the kids at daycare and gave the girls instructions to watch Sophia closely due to her arm. That afternoon, I picked up Sophia and off to the clinic we went. We got in to see Dr. Swank and she ordered the standard x-ray.

  Down in the radiology waiting room, we checked in and were waiting for our turn. While there, I saw a friend of mine come from ultrasound. I knew she had an appointment that day to find out the sex of her unborn baby. Unfortunately, she and her husband got some bad news about her baby and she said she thought of me right away (because of all I went through with Bennett, and she remembered all of the stuff I went through with Sophia as well- I couldn't believe she remembered that!- and how I had been so blessed as to have healthy babies, even with relatively bleak outcomes). We hugged and I tried to reassure her that God has a plan and His plan will bring good from this situation. I hate that anyone else has to feel the way we did when we first got the news about Bennett. I remember the guilt and the ache in my heart just wanting my unborn baby to be perfect and not suffer. When Sophia and I went back to x-ray and were waiting for the tech, the two of us said a prayer for my friend, her husband, and her precious baby and they have remained in our prayers daily since then. When the tech returned, she brought the machine over and Sophia remarked "that's a really big camera!!"

 After the x-ray ("Mommy, I think it is so neat that they can take a picture of my bones. Can you take a picture of my bones, or is your camera too small?") we went back up to talk to Dr. Swank again. She showed me the x-ray and there it was- a clean break at the end of her right clavicle (same one as Grandpa!). So Dr. Swank sent the nurse in with a Snoopy sling. We went from the clinic to Dairy Queen (for some chocolate ice cream for my tough girl), then to Wal-Mart to buy a RAIL for her bed! She's doing great now and we're just waiting for the next act in this circus we call life!

My crazy life!

 I cannot believe it. Six months ago, we welcomed my sweet Bennett into the world- with both excitement and fearful anticipation of what was to come. Now, every day is filled with wonder and joy knowing now his heart is as perfect as the rest of him! It is crazy to me that just 10 short months ago, we learned of what was to come, and now it is all done and we just have to live the rest of our lives. Bennett went back to daycare yesterday (to my dismay, but to the joy of Miss Kristina), so I've been trying to catch up from our crazy lives. I took all three of the kids home to Dickinson with me last week for my 10-year high school reunion. It was really fun to see some of my friends who have moved far away and it was great to see my whole family together again. The reunion really put my life in perspective... a lot of people were either still single or married without kids. Not that I think there is anything wrong with that- I just realized how much I love my life the way it is and that I woudn't change a thing! I thought I would regret marrying and having kids so young in life, but I really don't- God's plan definitely is perfect! It was a crazy-busy weekend and I'm glad to be home; however, I am NOT excited to get back to work tonight! Hopefully soon I can cut back at work and spend more time at home with B and the kiddos. My life really is a circus, but I wouldn't change a second of it. Praise God for His goodness and for the gift of my sweet husband and children!

Finally getting into a rhythm...

  We've been home now for almost a week, and it's finally starting to feel like normal again. Bennett had his heart surgery on June 3rd, so I've been doing most of my blogging on his caringbridge website for the past couple of weeks (www.caringbridge.org/visit/bennettwevers if you haven't seen it). It is so wonderful to be home! On Thursday night, B took the older two kids camping- in our backyard. He set up our huge tent, blew up the air mattress and hunkered down outside for the night. We all spent some time outside roasting marshmallows and visiting, and I got to sleep in our big bed all by myself! It is just so good to be home! Thankfully, friends of ours from church have been bringing us supper every night since we returned, so I haven't had to cook at all! All I have to do is worry about my sweet boy and getting him better. We have such a great church family- they are so supportive and always there when we need them (and even if we think we don't but really do). I can't believe how wonderful everyone has been. My friend Amanda even got a benefit set up for us on June 30 to help cover medical expenses. We just got the itemized bill from our hospital stay this afternoon- it's 20 pages long!!! We are just so thankful for all of the people in our lives- we are a lucky bunch, that is for certain!

Good Grief!!

  It's Sunday night, and I'm smack-dab in the middle of a five night stretch. Sophia has been acting up lately, more-so than usual. She's a good kid, but boy is she ever dramatic! (I have NO idea where she gets it!) She threw an absolute fit on Friday when I left for work, so maybe she's just trying to pay me back...
  On the weekends I work nights, I get very little sleep because my husband works every weekend, usually around 2 or 2:30 pm. Our sitter doesn't come until 6:15 pm, so I'm in charge of the kiddos from when B leaves until Kristina comes. Generally, B puts them down for a nap, hoping they'll all sleep or play quietly until 3 or 4 pm, but I'm rarely that lucky (often I get woken around noon, then again at 2 or 2:30). On Saturday, I woke to the sound of my front screen door slamming and went downstairs to find Sophia and Noah OUTSIDE (by themselves) on the chairs on the porch with our candy bag, gorging themselves on suckers, tootsie rools and mini snickers. This bag is not easily accessible; we keep it in the top of the hall closet. However, my daughter is apparently a monkey and grabbed one of our tall stools and climbed up and grabbed the bag and pulled it down. There was one benefit to the situation; Sophia did share with her brother without fussing or fighting.
  Today was a little better- they let me sleep until about 3:30. I woke up to the smell of poop. Really? This again?? It's been at least three weeks since I've had to deal with poop, and today I am five days out from my baby having heart surgery and I am pretty sleep deprived and even more stressed, so why not?? I went into Sophia's room, where she was playing quietly (Noah and Bennett were asleep in my room with me) and tried to discover the origin of the smell. I asked Sophia when I walked into the room,
   "Where is the poop?"
  "It's in a garbage can." She was right- sitting at the bottom of her pink plastic garbage can were two little turds. I picked up the can, grabbed Sophia's hand, and into the bathroom we went. "You, my dear, are cleaning this up." So, she grabbed some toilet paper, picked up those turds and threw them into the toilet (where she SHOULD have put them in the first place!). Then she grabbed some Clorox wipes and cleaned out the garbage can. She apologized and went back to her room to play.
  A few hours later, Kristina arrived and I was getting ready to go to work. I was telling Kristina about Sophia's poop incident and how she had pooped in the garbage can again (I should never have to say those words- really?) when Sophia ran through the kitchen and stated "No, Mommy, I pooped in the hat and THEN put it in the garbage can!" Well great, now I have to disinfect that stupid hat (it is a play hard-hat Noah got with some of his trucks) too. I am glad she told me though! Hopefully they will let me sleep today. Tuesday and Wednesday morning they all go to daycare, then we leave for Bennett's surgery Wednesday afternoon. What a life we have! There's always SOMETHING going on. It's crazy, but honestly, I wouldn't change it for the world. I love my kiddos and am everyday reminded of what a blessing they are. My new favorite saying is "God, please give me the patience to deal with my blessings." That fits me to a T!

Showing some appreciation...

Mustache Wevers'

 For any of you that know my husband and his friends, the phrase "Mustache May" should be familiar to you. Every May for the last four years, B and his closest friends have grown mustaches during this month just for the sake of growing a mustache. To be honest, I think they all look like pedophiles, therefore I have renamed the tradition "Molestache May." June tends to be my favorite month- just because it means the end of the mustache for another year! Last night, our friends decided to have a "Mustache appreciation barbecue" to celebrate another great year of mustaches, and to celebrate the growing number of participants (it now rivals the "Christmas Combover."). Even the girls and the kids joined in the festivities- there were mustaches everywhere! We even invented a game for the night: "Pin the mustache on the Noob." Our friend Max shaved off his mustache mid-May, so the other guys were giving him a lot of crap for it. For the party, B drew a stick man and cut out over 10 different types of mustaches and we spun people around and had them try to get their mustache on the "Noob's" face. There was food, drinks and a great appreciation of mustaches- it was a great turnout! I hope everyone had as much fun as the Wevers family did!

The Girls

Bennett and Anaka

Pin the Mustache

Fun times and fellowship with friends...

Double rainbow!! (The second is to the right)

  Today we had the pleasure of meeting with the other families in our small group for an end-of-the-year barbecue. We all ate some hot dogs, brats, chicken legs, and all the picnic fixins and watched the kids play as we enjoyed each others' company. To me, the most special part was when the whole group (children included) gathered around Bennett and me and prayed over us for Bennett's surgery next week (I can't believe it's next week already!). It helped to have so many people around us praying for us. I know there are many people we don't see praying for us- it's overwhelming the response we've gotten since we first got the news about Bennett's condition. Praise the Lord for putting so many wonderful people in our lives! We had such a good time of fellowship with our friends- and leaving we got to see a double rainbow!! My kids thought it was the most wonderful thing they've seen and proceeded to tell me all of the colors in the rainbow. Noah made me stop four times in one mile so he could look at it again (which I did happily). I told the kids that a rainbow was God smiling down on us and showing us his love. Sophia asked if Jesus had a big mouth... I love my kids!
  When we got home, it was straight to the bath for my filthy kiddos. Clothes off for a tick check (they were playing in the long grass in the country where the barbecue was) and each of them had two ticks- gross!! Sophia had one on her belly ("Is that a spider??") and one on her back that were both attached pretty well. Noah's were both in his hair (only one was attached), which made me very glad for Sophia's short hair as I searched diligently for ticks on her head as well. They scrubbed and scrubbed to get off all of the dirt and blood. Yes, blood. They were climbing a few trees and got scratched up on their heads, especially around their ears. Can't have too much fun without a little dirt and blood, right? After they were finally clean again (as was my bathroom floor since that's where most of the water ended up), it was jammas on and off to bed- without a fuss!! It was great not to have to fight for bedtime! B got home and tucked them in, then it was cuddle time with us and Bennett for a while. B even brought home some ColdStone ice cream for me as a surprise- yum! It was a fun-filled Sunday- thankfully, since it was the last we'll all spend together until after Bennett gets home from the hospital. His surgery is in 12 days, and we leave in 10 days. It's all coming so quickly! God bless you all this coming week!

What did you do?

Sophia after seeing my look of shock

 I'm sure every girl does this at some time in their lives- but my four-year-old cut her own hair today. Not trimmed but full-out CUT her hair- chopped, gone forever! The look on her face after seeing the look on mine was priceless... (see left). I tried to reassure her. She asked if we were going to put more hair on... Nope!
"Do we have to cut all of my hair off?"
"Not all of it, but a lot of it!"

The back

 I tried to fix it the best I could, but it was a lost cause so I jumped into the shower, got the four of us ready and off we went to Cost Cutters. Luckily the hairdresser there was able to salvage the 'do a little, and now she's just as cute as ever, minus about 4-5 inches of hair in the back. Oh, my Sophia, what will I ever do with you? We were able to show off the new hairdo at a barbeque and a wedding dance tonight. The circus never ends around here. I'm just glad I didn't get super upset with her. Just rolling with the punches- another day at the Wevers'.

The "fixed" back

Happy Saturday!

  Hooray- the weekend is here! I don't work now until Tuesday night, so it's Mommy-kiddo time until then. I'm excited, but exhausted thinking about it. I don't know how those stay-at-home moms do it- I love my children more than I can ever explain, but going to work is a great break for me (my time off from my kids consists of delivering other peoples' kids)! I'm pretty sure I'd go nuts staying home all of the time. I admire SAHM's very very much- you have the hardest job in the world and you NEVER get a break (or paid enough). Yesterday was a great family day- I think the last we will all have together until Bennett has surgery. The kids played and tore the house apart- but what's the point of having a house with kids if it doesn't LOOK lived in, right? I guess today will consist of cleaning up and getting ready for the 2 grad parties and the wedding we have to go to today (why is everything on the same day all the time?).

The kids relaxing watching a movie

  I just gave my kids the choice to watch "Despicable Me" or go for rest time. Their choice: jumping on the guest bed while singing "No more monkeys jumping on the bed!" I don't remember giving an option C. And now, one of my monkeys just fell off (and hurt his ear). All done now! Thankfully, they are starting to listen a little better- and (crossing my fingers) it's been almost a week since Sophia's last poop incident, so I hope we're done with that nonsense now. And... Bennett is thisclose to rolling over from his back to his belly! He gets almost all the way over, usually to look at something next to him. They change SO quickly when they're little!! My favorite thing to do is just hold him and talk to him, and him smile and talk back to me. What a joy it is to be a mother!! I hope today is a great day for everyone- and congrats to Paul and Hayley on their marriage and to Gloria and Amanda on graduating from grad school!

Maybe we can count TODAY...

Happy boy, even after shots and medicine!

 What a great day! I kinda think my family is celebrating Mother's day a day late for me since yesterday turned out so awful! Last night when Brandon got home, some good friends of ours stopped by to see the house. Of course I was a mess, the house was a mess, the kids were in their swimming suits of all things, but Bob, Lila and Lisa just visited and played with the kids with no judgment (SO nice!). Then Lila offered to watch the kids this morning while I took Bennett to the doctor which was also so nice- I didn't have to get all of the kids ready and out the door, just the little one. It was a nice, calm check-up where we discovered our baby is growing (albeit slowly: 13th percentile for weight, 23rd for length and 3rd for head circumference) and has an ear infection I never even suspected since Bennett is such a happy boy! So we came home with owie legs from 4-month shots and a bottle of Amoxicillin. Surgery is still on for June 3rd, so only 25 more days until the longest day of my life!

  After we got home, the kids ate some lunch (PB and J with cut up peppers and some craisins, chocolate milk to drink- yum!) and then came downstairs and the older two cut paper while Bennett played on the floor. Noah went pee on the potty ("My go on the potty Mommy- My want a pooper!"- which he got), and then a little on the floor as well ("Oops Mommy- my not done peeing- sorry!") then off to bed for rest time. So far it's been a great day- and I still get to go grocery shopping BY MYSELF when B gets home from work. Happy mother's day to me- TODAY! You know you're a mother when going to the store by yourself is your "me time," and you love every minute of it!

What a day...

 Happy Mother's Day to all you mommas out there. I hope it was a great day for you all- it was sure interesting here. We spent the morning visiting with the neighbors, then we came home, had lunch and played and watched a movie for a while. The kids were fighting, like siblings do, but they also played nicely together. Bennett was in a "hold me or I'll scream" mood for a few hours too, limiting my ability to do most anything else (not that I minded all that much- he was pretty smiley when he was held).
  Finally, we all laid down to have rest time together (I thought that would be nice, especially today, to cuddle with my kiddos for nap time), except it was anything but! The older two were rolling all over and yelling and screaming until I finally put in Lion King. After a little while, Sophia asked to get up and I agreed. She was quietly playing for some time until I got suspicious. I went into the bathroom and was welcomed by the smell of - you guessed it- poop. There was poop on the floor, on a magazine, and most interestingly, in a toy airplane. I nearly lost it! How many times do we have to do this??? I yelled and disciplined, then spent 30 minutes cleaning my poop-infused bathroom while all three of the kids were screaming. Happy mother's day indeed! I sat with Sophia afterward and asked what kept possessing her to poop in places other than the potty. First she said it was dangerous- that mean guys were in the potty. I reminded her that she went pee in the potty and she changed her story- "I just don't want to." I explained that was unacceptable and that sometimes we have to do things that we don't want to do. I told her how yucky it was for me to have to clean up her poop all of the time, and then I realized that for the last couple weeks she was sporadically asking for "poopers." (Poopers are these little knit animals from Auntie Sara that have skittles come out of their butts- used for potty training) I explained to her that she doesn't get poopers because she already knows how to use the potty, and that Noah gets them because he is still learning. (Highlight of today- Noah voluntarily went poop on the potty!!) I told her that I don't get anything for using the potty; "Because you're a big girl?"- "Yep, and so are you." I really hope that's the end of this nonsense!

My Mother's Day bouquet from my family

   After we all calmed down, I made a quick supper. While sitting together, I had the kids all copy me in taking a deep breath to calm ourselves. Then we took turns apologizing to each other: me for yelling, the kids to me for misbehaving, and the kids to each other for not playing nicely. The rest of the night has gone MUCH better. Sophia told me she loved me so so so so so so much and all the kids played very nicely for about an hour. Bennett is now content laying down playing with his baby gym and the kids helped me clean the living room. The day didn't turn out quite as bad as I thought, and I just keep reminding myself how very blessed I am to have three beautiful, wonderful (albeit sometimes naughty) children. God is so good! And I just got a bouquet of the most beautiful flowers I've seen. Thank you to my husband for not forgetting me! I hope you all had a wonderful day. There's always something going on in this circus of mine, but what's not to love!

Happy Ending

Dance costume

 Today it ended- all of her hard work since September has paid off. Sophia had her first dance recital today, and was she ever cute! We sat in the front row, and as soon as she came out on stage she started scanning the room looking for us. Once she saw us, she waved frantically and then started her dance. I thought for sure she'd have some sort of meltdown once she saw us, but she was great! She got a little ahead of everyone else, but it was perfect for a 3-5 year old group. It made hauling her to class each week and all the money we paid for everything worth it! I would say her first involvement in a group activity was a success, and I can't wait for her to start again next year. If she's going to be my only girl- we're going all out!

Something funny I heard...

Noah being silly, as usual

  My favorite thing about my Noah right now is the way he talks. He has such a deep voice for a little boy, and the things that come out of his mouth kill me. My favorite was a few weeks ago when it was just starting to get nice outside. Sophia was riding her scooter along the sidewalk and calls out to her brother "Noah, come ride scooter with me!" Noah was already on his scooter, half-way out the garage when he calls "My are!"
  Everything is "my" instead of "I" or "me." I love it! And his sister is always "Do-dee," or at least that's what she's been since he could talk. However, today he started calling her "Do-fee." He's growing up- and I know I'm really going to miss this stage, although I will NOT miss the attitude or fits being thrown. He's such a sweet boy though, randomly giving hugs and/or kisses and trying to hold up his hand for I love you in sign language or saying "wuvs you mommy" unprompted. He LOVES to play and often asks "pay tars (cars) wif me" or "mommy pay outside me!" I have to oblige- he's just so cute! I wish he could stay this little forever!

Again with the poop?

There is something going on with this kid... mind you, Sophia has been completely potty-trained for well over two years and has only had 2 accidents since then, until recently. I walk into our bathroom downstairs to wash my hands, right into an overwhelming stench of poop. I look to the garbage can and see a garbage bag full of diapers. As my mom is in town watching the kids this week (we have no daycare just this week), I look at the bag and think "Mom must have left one of Noah's poopy...wait... what is that??" I look in the clear, plastic garbage can to see a large turd lying in the bottom.
  "Sophia, come in here!"
  "Yes, Mommy?"
  "Did you poop in the garbage can?"
  "Yes Mommy?"
  "Why???"
  "I had to go potty." (matter of factly)
  "The potty is RIGHT THERE!" (the toilet is literally 6 inches from the garbage can)
 I proceeded to give her some clorox wipes and made her clean out the garbage can. I also learned today that Brandon had to clean out the garbage can in her room because it smelled like urine, AND that she pooped in the tub the night before. Something's really going on with this girl, now to try to discover what it is. Noah won't even look at the potty- let alone use it! Correction... the other day, he DID want to try to go, but once I grabbed his seat to put on the toilet he yelled "No, tand up!" So I grabbed the step stool and helped him climb up. He stands there, his penis pointing straight at the floor. I tried to get him to aim into the toilet, but he was having none of it, so what do I do? I spent the next two minutes aiming his "peenie" into the toilet as my 2-year-old grunted and tried to pee into the potty, to no avail. Well, at least he tried, right? What a zoo!

My life as a circus...

Sophia and Noah loving on their new brother Bennett

 Since I've been told how funny my children are, I've decided to start this blog- if for no other reason than a written account of the everyday happenings at my house. With three kids age 4 and under, life can get pretty interesting at times. I've always kept track of the funny things my kids have SAID, but now I can keep track of the funny things they've done as well. I feel as though my life is a three-ring circus and I'm the ring master, trying to keep everything organized- right now I'd settle for keeping them all in the rings!

  Example 1: On Thursday, I was making lunch for the older two kids while they played outside (Sophia is 4 and Noah is 2 1/2). Being the end of April in north eastern North Dakota, it was the first warm day in MONTHS, so the kids were having a great time being out in the sun. My four-month-old Bennett was in his swing in the kitchen playing. I look out the kitchen window to see Noah wearing only his polo shirt. Yep, that boy was walking around the backyard naked from the waist down.
  I decided to go outside and investigate, knowing full-well Sophia was a part of this somehow (she tends to involve her little brother in her schemes, and in doing so, get him in trouble right along with her). I calmly asked: "Noah, where are your pants?"

He replied "In a shed- my poop!"

Sophia chimes in: "Noah's trying to pee and poop outside!"

"Why on earth would he do that? Noah, do you want to go inside and go poop on the potty?" (At this point, I got a little excited, as we have been attempting to potty train him for months now.)

"No Mommy, my poop outside, like Dodie (his version of Sophie)." OHHH- NOW life makes more sense!
 "Sophia, did you poop outside?"

"Yep- right over there, see? I peed outside too!"

We then proceeded to again go over where we should be attempting to go to the bathroom ("In the potty!!"). I then got Noah dressed and into the house I went to finish making lunch. I looked outside again to check on the kids and... really? Again? Noah is missing his pants and now SOPHIA is running around the yard completely naked. Out I go- and in they come. They both ran upstairs- past my husband who is now inquiring about why our children are yet again naked. Of course, he thinks it's hilarious that Sophia pooped in the yard, but he thinks it's even funnier that the dog was trying to eat it. Gross!! Later on, I asked Brandon if he had seen Sophia's gift in the yard. He replied that it was gone- "Sophia said you cleaned it up." I didn't clean it up...where did it go? We looked at each other as we came to the same realization. Nobody let the dog lick them- yuck!!

The rest of the day went off without a hitch- but there's always something going on in this circus I call life!