Martha and Whoopie

I'm having one of those days.  I put my feet on the floor and instead of making the bed I ripped the sheets off and said, "I'm going to wash these."  Yep.  I'm inspired today.  I feel my inner Martha, circa 1950's housewife coming out.  Wait, where's my apron?

Caroline, Aubs and I took Anna and Brynn to school.  I was still sporting my pajamas and pink fuzzy slippers, no brush had touched my golden locks and I didn't even put in my contacts.  One of my biggest fears is that I will have to get out of my car one of these mornings and I will die from embarrassment. But getting myself dressed it too much trouble so for now I will take the risk.  I do some of my best work in my pajamas. Serious productivity. 8am the whole day ahead of me.

I got out my Pioneer Woman cookbook, Southern Living magazine and flipped through the pages and got excited at the possibilities for dinner this evening.  I think we are having homemade chili,  skillet potatoes and onions, salad and blackberry cobbler.  No scrambling at 5pm to come up with dinner tonight!

Rain, rain go away, come again another day. There is a steady stream of refreshing rain falling softly on the pond in my back yard. It's raining and the thought of toting the toddlers around is not appealing, so this Monday I am working on my sanctuary, a little vacuuming, sheet washing, furniture rearranging and cooking.  I know I am a dork but rainy days are a perfect excuse for productive days like these.

Mental picture, are you ready?  Hum of the vacuum cleaner and this white girl (me) belting out the lyrics of Joyful Joyful like some african american gospel singer.  Caroline looked at me like I had lost my mind.  I kind of did.  Something so therapeutic about singing a song at the top of your lungs.  Try it you'll like it (Ever seen Yo Gabba Gabba?) If not,  ignore that comment.  But anyways where was I?

And yes I am letting my babies watch too much TV.  It's only 9:45 and I think they have watched 3 shows.  Don't judge. They look so content cuddled up on the couch together in their footie pajamas. Soon enough life will mandate that my sweeties are in the morning grind along with the rest of the world. We're not going anywhere so let the couch vegetation begin.  Plus it is really hard to run the sweeper with two toddlers hanging on your legs.  Ever tried it?  I guess it could be considered some form of exercise. A cross between weight lifting and cardio.

My husband will be so pleased.   A tidy house, clean sheets and a fabulous dinner.  I'm filling up his love tank.  Maybe our Sunday school class on marriage really is paying off.

But if you come to my door at 1:30pm  and I am still in my bed clothes as my Grammy Raine used to call them please know I really am doing my job.  No bon bon eating or soap opera watching going on at this house! Just a little side blogging. 

Two things I'm on struggle street with:  Why do seven year olds keep every piece of scrap, metal, trash, or paper ever found and call them treasures.  These treasures are always all over my girls bedroom and it drives me bananas.  Secondly, why does Aubrey always throw her food and dump her plate in the floor?  She just did it and I am seeing red at the moment. Just curious.

Go ahead don't be scared bring out your, inner Martha Stewart/ 1950's housewife and belt out Joyful Joyful like Whoopie Goldberg in Sister Act it will help you get a lot done and if nothing else it's very fun.

Happy Day!

Joyful, Joyful
Lord, we adore Thee
God of glory
Lord of love
Hearts unfold like flowers before Thee
Hail Thee as the sun above
Melt the clouds of sin and sadness
Drive the dark of doubt away
Giver of immortal gladness
Fill us with the light
Fill us with the light
Oh, fill us with the light of day......

Joyful, Joyful
Lord, we adore Thee
God of glory
Lord of love
Hearts unfold like flowers before Thee
Hail Thee as the sun above
Melt the clouds of sin, sin and sadness
Drive the dark of doubt away
Drive it away
Giver of immortal gladness
Fill us
Fill us with the light of day
Light of day!

(Check the rhyme)
Joyful, Joyful
Lord we adore Thee
An' in my life
I put none before Thee
Cuz since I was a youngster
I came to know
That you was the only way to go

So I had to grow an' come to an understandin'
That I'm down with the King so now I'm demandin'
That you tell me who you down with, see
Cuz all I know is that I'm down with G-O-D
You down with G-O-D?
(Yeah, you know me)
You down with G-O-D?
(Yeah, you know me)
You down with G-O-D?
(Yeah, you know me)
Who's down with G-O-D?
(Everybody)

Come and join the chorus
The mighty, mighty chorus
Which the morning stars begun
The Father of love is reigning over us

and by the way

What have you done for Him lately?
Ooh, ooh, ooh yeah
What have you done for Him lately?

He watches over everything
So we sing

Joyful, Joyful
Lord, we adore Thee
God of glory
Lord of love
Hearts unfold like flowers before Thee
Hail Thee as the sun above
Melt the clouds of sin, sin and sadness
Drive the dark of doubt away
Drive it away
Giver of immortal gladness ( won't you)
Fill us ( Fill us with the light of day, Lord, fill us)
Fill us ( oh we need You, yes we do, fill us)
Fill us ( yeah..., oh, oh yeah)
Fill us ( with the light of day, Lord)
....
( We need you, come right away,
We need you, need you today, we need you,
I'm here to say fill us, fill us, fill us, fill us...)

Fill us with the light of day ( oh, yeah)
Light of day!

Weekending

Weekends are for spending time in warm cozy beds with white fluffy comforters, painting your toe nails, having a second or third cup of coffee, big breakfasts with eggs and pancakes, playing outside, reading magazines, Sunday afternoon naps, hanging out with friends, wearing cozy sweatshirts and sweatpants, long showers, date nights, watching tv, taking walks, playing board games, worshipping God.

We are weekending.  Trying to do a little of all of the above. Just got out of a most relaxing shower.  Actually, I wasn't rushed a bit.  Unusual for me..  However, I will say I have yet to take a shower in the last five years without a little one peering through the glass staring at me.  At least I didn't have anyone physically in the shower with me.  I usually do.  I know one day I will miss their little faces smooshed up against the glass, hands cupped at the sides of their face telling me something so important that it could not possibly wait until I get out of the shower.  Pay backs.  I did it to my Mama.  I'm sure she misses it but then again maybe not.

My girls are getting older. Anna and Brynn share a bedroom.  Yesterday they organized their room, changed around the pictures on the wall.  They wanted to make it more hip they told me.  Anna colored a sign and put it on their bedroom door.  It read, KOWCK.  I walked into their bedroom obliviously and Anna replies, "Mama you didn't see our sign?"  "No, what sign?" I answered.  "The sign that says please knock."  Ohhh of course kowck.  When your last name is Kneisley why wouldn't a K sound like an N?

Privacy is a big deal here these days too bad it's not reciprocated. Even Caroline tells me all the time she needs her privacy.  I will respect her wishes and try not to be bitter that if I want everyone in my house to show up for a conference all I have to do is turn on the shower.

We tried out the water table yesterday. It was a hit. Not Only did Aubs love it, so did the older kids. I had to remind them it was purchased for Aubs. By the end of the day Aubrey was standing on the drive way in soaked clothes. It was on the driveway and not in my bathroom so who cares. I ended up taking off her clothes and there she stood for all to see topless with a bulging diaper as content as could be. Stay classy Fleming Island.

Last night Ben went out with his buddies.  The Tiger Sharks finished their final basketball game of the season.  Onward and upward.  Soccer begins next week.  No rest for the weary.  Tonight is date night.  First date night since Caroline has been ill.  Very needed date night!

For now we are still weekending and I am loving every minute.  Enjoy yours.

Birthday Bliss

Birthday day at the Kneisley nest. Exciting times!  We of course had to play our favorite birthday song....

The Disney Birthday song.  Look it up. # 196 on my playlist  Very catchy.  You will be humming it all day.

Happy Birthday.. Happy Birthday... Happy Happy Birthday to you! My Aunt Mary sang it to me when I was little girl.  I had to pass it on to my girls;)

We had Aubrey's favorites for dinner, Grammy Raine's spaghetti and a chocolate birthday cake with almond icing.  Caroline insisted we had to put jelly beans on the cake.  Not so sure about the combo but what kid doesn't love jelly beans oh and Aubbies loved the jelly beans.

By the way maybe someone could shed some light on why it is so hard to write with icing on a cake. It was so difficult I wimped out and just wrote Aubrey instead of Happy Birthday Aubrey.  Brynn took one look at my completed cake and  told me I was extremely talented and that my cake should be on Food Network.  I think I snorted because I was laughing so hard.  I knew I loved that girl.  My love language is words of affirmation...

I get by with baking but I've decided lately through self awareness that I would much rather cook than bake. Baking is too precise and I like to ad lib and add my own flava (yes that's right flava not flavor) to stuff.  Always discovering new things about myself as I age.  Thought I would share. I digress. Not that you really care. Am I rambling?

I think spaghetti and chocolate cake all in one night nearly put my neat freak, obsessive compulsive husband into a panic attack but he survived and so did we.  Nothing a little dust buster and bleach cleaner couldn't fix...  However, the broken glass jar of Costco size spaghetti sauce Brynn knocked off the pantry shelf and shattered into a million pieces as I was cooking dinner nearly put me into a panic attack.  I took one look at that mess and didn't even know where to start.  That was a Mommy moment where I talked to myself the whole time, "Remain calm, it was an accident, no big deal, do not raise your voice."  I got it cleaned up and nobody has shown up with glass in their foot as of 8:46 pm.

Yes I realize Caroline has no clothes on in this pic.  This blog is about real life and I was tired of telling her to put her clothes back on for the 100th time.  At least she is wearing panties...  Also, we were having spaghetti and chocolate cake.  I just saved myself  20 minutes standing over the washer with the stain stick.

Skype dates with the grandparents in Ohio and Kentucky to end a perfect day of birthday bliss.  82 degrees in Florida today.  You know I just talk about the weather all the time on my blog to torment all the northerners.  I apologize.  Kind of.  Move to Florida you won't regret it.  Well, maybe during the summer.... 

Aubrey's BIG gift was a water table. Very fitting Huh?! Maybe she will use that outside instead of getting in my bathroom sink fully clothed. A mama can hope can't she?

Seriously though, Aubrey Charlotte today I celebrate you.  You are a ray of sunshine. My little snuggle bug, paci hoarding, blankie toting, cutie pie.  My heart running around outside of my body. Truly.  I love you baby girl!

Thank you Jesus for her precious life.  What an added bonus, a perfect surprise, what a gift over the past two years.  Help Ben and me to raise her to always seek your face.  Guide and direct us as we counsel her in life, may our words and actions point only to you Father. Bless Aubrey's life. This is my prayer. My birthday prayer.

Hit me!

Ben has a week off this week. Time for some welcome co-parenting. He works a crazy schedule and it is either feast of famine. He is either really here or really not. Every five weeks Ben gets 1 week off. He is always trying to get me to go and spend time alone during that week to rejuvenate. I have tried to explain for years that I don't necessarily want to go places by myself (Well sometimes maybe). I just need someone to share the parenting burden with, someone to help lighten the load a little. That is what I am getting this week. Hallelujah Amen!

Why do I need co parenting? You ask...  Please view the following pictures.  hurricane Aubrey filled up the sink and then got in fully clothed.

Oh and Friday I get my hair done. What is it about going to the hairdresser that is so wonderful? I love it! I read magazines that I probably shouldn't read and would never purchase at the store and just sit in complete silence under the dryer. Then I emerge feeling like a new woman. Nothing like some blonde highlights for my soul;)

Yesterday we worked on reports. Yes, my second graders are already writing reports. Brynn was researching the ever important Tiger Shark (Not to be confused with her basketball team The Tiger Sharks) who knew a tiger shark actually exists but they do. For black history month Anna had to do a report on an important african american person. She was assigned Oprah Winfrey. Since when was Oprah Winfrey one of the most important figures in black history? Just curious. But we learned about her and wrote a fabulous report. Wonder what my grade will be on that one? Ha!

Last evening we did a few laps around the lake, sitting down and writing reports is tough on 7 year olds. They needed some energy release! We ate an early dinner, got ready for bed and then sat down for a night of cards. I was thinking we should teach the girls gin rummy or play goldfish. Nope. Daddy wanted to teach them blackjack. A night of gambling with the bambinos at the Kneisley Nest. It turned out to be great for the math skills. It was hilarious to hear Caroline, who just thought she was playing, say, "Hit me!" Brynn turned out to be the blackjack champion. I don't know why I was surprised she could totally be a card shark. We ate bowls of kettle corn while playing. Aubrey was totally enthralled with the concessions at our card party. I think that child consumed 4 bowls of popcorn.

 Today, Caroline and I are making Aubbies birthday cake! Tomorrow is the big day. The big 2. I'll have to admit it makes me a little sad. My last baby is not really a baby anymore. I'll get over it. Sunday night we were walking out of church and all my girls were walking behind me in a line okay not really in a line but you get the picture. It hit me like a ton of bricks. They are all walking. I'm not carrying anyone. There is no stroller. Weird. The first time in 5 years. We are entering a new stage. I kinda like it. Mourning the baby years...just for a second.

Caroline update: Unfortunately Caroline will have to continue on her blood thinner shots for the remainder of the three months.  We are currently 6 weeks in.  I am bummed but trying not to be.  In the grand scheme of the ordeal this is just a minor set back.  I was just hoping we could be done.  But we will be, soon enough.  Can't retire my nursing duds yet....

I have run into so many people this week who have told me they read my blog. Thank you so much for reading about our crazy life!

Ahh that's more like it!

Aubrey Charlotte

Wow Little Mama, it's almost your 2nd birthday!  How can that be?

I'll have to admit.  I don't take birthdays for granted anymore.  Another beautiful year of life and the privilege of being your mama.  So many memories of who you are, what I've learned from you, how I've changed, how you have changed.  I don't want to forget any of it.

I have reminisced all week about everything that led to your birth and the months and years that have followed.

Before you were born your dad and I went back and forth about the need for a fourth child.  He insisted we needed another baby.  I was not so sure.  I could barely meet the needs of the three children I already had let alone add another.

Just this once I guess I will have to admit I was wrong and your dad was right.

Well God answered it all for us.  I became pregnant with you 5 months after giving birth to Caroline.  It had taken 8 years to conceive Caroline so of course I was not expecting to be pregnant so soon.  And in fact I didn't even know I was pregnant until my first trimester was almost over. 

I remember like it was yesterday the day I found out.    When that stick turned out positive I about collapsed on the floor.  I had spent years desiring to have a family and now I was going to be the mother of four.  God sure does have a sense of humor.

I have to admit I was scared.  I felt like I had made a mistake.  Caroline was just a baby.  I felt you two would be cheated somehow, that there wouldn't be enough of me to go around.  I remember your first ultrasound.  It wasn't just a dot on the screen it was a whole head.  You were already 12 weeks old.  Your heart beat strongly. I was in shock.  I didn't even have to tell anyone I was pregnant.  All I did was show up at the pool in a bathing suit and everyone knew;)

As your birth grew closer, the reality that Caroline would only be 14 months old when you were born paralyzed me. I resented the questions from strangers in stores.  "Are those all your kids and are you having another?"

February rolled around very quickly.  My mother arrived at 7pm the night I went into labor and my water broke at 2am as I was leaning over Caroline's crib to comfort her. 

Your birth was easy and you rolled into this world with chipmunk cheeks and a full head of hair.
Daddy and I went back and forth on your name. We had already used all the girl names we agreed upon. We finally settled on Aubrey Charlotte and it fits you perfectly. 

The first few months were rocky.  You had colic and were unhappy. There were beautiful moments followed by tears of frustration that I couldn't comfort you. I remember thinking really God?  You gave me another baby so soon knowing how hard it is going to be and she has colic and cries all the time?  Couldn't you have given me a break here?  But after about 5 months your personality came to life.  You began smiling and laughing and you have been a breath of fresh air ever since.

I love so much about you Aubrey Charlotte.  Oh let me count the ways.

I love that you are a peanut.  Only in the 3rd percentile for height a weight.  Small but mighty. 

You are not shy a never hesitate to use your voice. This could be that you are the fourth child and have had to scream the loudest to be heard.

I love that you dance like it is your business.  You can shake it down Mama!  It is the most priceless thing to watch. 

You love to play baby dolls, as did I when I was younger.  It will prepare you to be a great mother.

You are so happy and loving.  Love flows through your finger tips and in your touch.

I adore the hilarious faces you make when you hear a fire truck or police siren or see a duck.

I love that you make us laugh.  Like at dinner the other night when you were talking away and the entire family was falling out of their chairs they were laughing so hard,  you were eating it up.

I thank God for the priceless moments of rocking you staring into your big blue eyes.  You love to rock and oh how I love to rock you.

I love the relationship you share with your beloved "Ine" (Caroline). 

You are so passionate and persistent. We can't easily redirect you.  That will work in your favor one day. 

Dr. Soha says you will be my smartest kid.  She called you my Harvard baby.  I believe it. You are a determined little soul.

I love your nicknames...Aubs, Aubbies, Aubrey Char Char.  You answer to them all.

And finally, I love that you have been singing happy birthday to yourself for the last three weeks and that everyday you wake up and say, "Birthday, Mommy, birthday?"

It's almost here punkin.  Finally.  You have been so patient.  But don't grow up too fast.  You are my last baby and I am savoring every single minute.

I just love you so much.  I'm sorry I wasn't cool enough to know how much we needed you, how much  I  needed you.

You are the perfect book end to our little family.  I know it's cliche but you complete us.

So as we approach your second birthday I want to celebrate and scream from the rooftops that God really does know best what we need in life.   Thank you Lord for my Aubrey Charlotte!

Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God.
Philippians 1:3

Praying for your life as it unfolds.  Excited for what God has planned for you my precious Aubrey.  Cling to your Heavenly Father always. 

I love you forever,

Mama