Need Proof?

that I'm awesome

Today I went to the dentist.

With the kids.

All three of them

Ages 3, 17 months and 17 months.

They came into the examination room with me. And waited for almost an hour.

There were no meltdowns, crying fits or panic attacks.. Plus the kids behaved too.

I got a clean bill of health.

No cavities.

Ever. In almost 28 years.

I am that awesome.

It's the 14th Anniversary of Your 21st Birthday!

In true "Irene style" we celebrated Patrick's 35th birthday this year with enough food and drinks to feed a rowdy crowd of fifty! Enchiladas, red chile, two types of salad, three different sides and two desserts....no one has ever left her home with an empty stomach, (except for maybe Sophia who exists on popcorn and air alone). It's cliche but it really does seem like just "yesterday" we were celebrating his 30th at Irene's (sans three crazy kids of course!) I'm sure if you had asked us then where we'd be in five years neither one of us would have guessed correctly. Definitely not back in New Mexico with three small kids and another on the way... just kidding Mom!

So where will be when Patrick crosses into MIDDLE AGE in five short years? (Just had to get that jab in, ha ha!! That's what you get for marrying someone 7.25 years your junior!)

Hopefully five years wiser, one million dollars richer and 15 years younger looking. Okay so maybe not all that but happy, healthy and together would be good. And we could definitely do without the addition of three more crazy kids. Mass production of children is better left in hands of those fun loving Duggars. Incidentally don't you think that over the last five years Michelle Duggar, AKA Momma Duggar, has actually gotten wiser (she's always full of 'soft spoken' parental gems), richer (thanks to TLC!) and younger looking (okay maybe not younger but she doesn't really seem to age either) despite giving birth to something like 31 more children? It's all just a little bit too eerie.

Daddy's Day 2009

The Dawning of A New Era: Art Project Gifts

June 21

June 21st 2007... Today we were introduced to Baby and Baby B. I'm shell shocked. I'm thrilled. I'm scared of losing one or both. I'm feel sad and guilty for what this means for Sophia. I'm excited that she'll have two siblings to play with one day. I'm unsure about what this means for us financially. I'm feeling tired, nauseous and pregnant. I'm ready to move home. I can do nothing but cry, pray and plan. Today was a big day.

June 21st 2008.. Today baby Alex and baby Max are over four months old. I'm sleepy. I'm running on caffeine and sheer will alone.  I'm madly in love with my three beautiful babies. I'm sore and achy from nursing two babies around the clock. I'm hopeful that Sophia won't be forever impaired by how much TV she's taken in over the last four months.  I'm close to my family again. I'm watching every dollar but am always blessed with enough.  I can do nothing but smile, pray and be thankful. Today was a good day.

June 21 2009. Today Alex and Max are over 16 months old. I'm always running after someone. I'm finding time again to do the things I enjoy. I'm scraping mac and cheese off the kitchen floor. I'm happy that Sophia and the boys can finally play together. I'm in my new home. I'm thinking that one more won't be that bad. I'm madly in love with my wonderful husband and best friend. I'm sweaty, tired and cranky by 8pm. I can do nothing but laugh, pray, and enjoy every day. Today was a great day.

Puppy Love

Cupid's arrow struck Alex hard. The moment he spotted those strawberry blond curls and baby blue eyes he was smitten. He ran across the playground, dodging swings, past sliding five year olds and avoiding Nerf balls in order to get a better look. At first he was shy, exchanging goofy glances from behind my legs. But after a few mutual smiles and undecipherable words exchanged, he went for it wrapping both his arms around her tightly. At first she laughed. Smiled. Cooed even. But thirty seconds later she was over the love affair and wanted nothing more than to run away. Alex, however, was still in love. For the remainder of her time at the park he chased behind her, intermittently trying to hug her, kiss her, and woo her with gifts of sippie cups and fish crackers. Not even the old "pulling her hair" trick could regain her attention. Alex was crushed. Finally it was time for her to leave the park, Alex waved sadly as her mother wheeled her away in a stroller. Yet heartbroken as he was to have loved and lost, he soon discovered two "older" girls, three years old both, who were more than happy to dote on a charming, smiling 16 month old boy. Alex was in love again.

He has a lot to learn about wooing a lady!

Behind Closed Doors

Sophia may not have the baby sister she's been asking for but two unsuspecting little brothers will do.

Isn't the admission price for playing in Sophia's room a tad bit steep?

One day he'll appreciate this picture... and so will his prom date!

No longer a Trike..

She's on a real bike now!