Summer is almost over

I can't believe the end of summer is this week!  School starts Monday for the girls.  Maddi will be going into 3rd grade and Ella into 1st.

In some ways it went by way too slow, with six (yes 6!) kids under one roof I was ready to throw in the towel most days.  By 6 kids, I mean my three plus Savannah, plus the two kids I was babysitting.  The four oldest were girls (ages 10, 8, 6, and 6) and then two little boys (2 and 3).  My days were spent breaking up fights, consoling Ella (who was always crying and nothing was ever fair), being the bad guy by making the kids play outside, and telling the boys to leave the girls alone.  All those kids plus being huge and pregnant, made for some very long days.

In some ways it went by way too fast.  It feels like yesterday that it was May and the girls were just getting out of school for summer.

I hate the feeling that I didn't do enough with the kids while they were out for the summer.  We didn't go on vacations, we didn't stay up late watching movies and eating popcorn (most days I was ready for the kids to go to bed at 8), we didn't swim as much as I wanted to, we didn't do any cool crafts, we didn't get out of the house to do as many fun things as I wanted to do (Science Spectrum, dollar movies, etc.), and I didn't take very many pictures at all.  The list could truly go on and on.

With the start of school, our busy schedule comes back.  We have 2 birthdays to plan for.  Brayden will be turning 3 next week and Maddi will be 9 at the beginning of September.  Then we will be having a baby some time in September.  Plus both girls are starting fall soccer next month.  I am not sure what else we could fit into our September schedule.

I wanted to post more and update throughout the summer, but all my posts would have been very negative.  It was very hard for me to see the good most days.  Marco was blessed with a new job, Savannah was able to come in for the summer, and I made extra money by babysitting, but honestly, most days I was negative nancy.  I let my frustrations get the best of me, and I did not enjoy the moments that I should have.  I regret that now.  That is time that I will not get back.

Since I was so blah over the summer I think it is best that I figure out what I am looking forward to in the coming months.

Finishing school shopping
Meeting the teachers on Friday
Brayden's birthday party and my baby shower this weekend, which will hopefully include my mom driving in for the week
Getting back on a school schedule
Maddi's birthday and her birthday party
Start of fall soccer for the girls
Hopefully a baby sooner rather than later in September

How was your summer?  Did you do everything you wanted to do?

What are you looking forward to with the start of fall?

 



4th of July Fun

Yes, I realize this is SUPER late but I just wanted to post some pictures from 4th of July.  We had a good time, and stayed very busy through the holiday.  We went to a parade, saw a huge fireworks display and the next night had some good country fun!  It was nice to have Marco off and to hang out with friends.

The morning of the 4th we woke up super early and made our way downtown to watch a parade.  We got there early to get a good spot, and the kids had a good time hanging out with their friends, seeing the floats, and of course they loved seeing all the animals that passed.


Maddi and her friend at the parade

 

That night, we loaded up the kids, snacks, drinks and glow sticks and headed out to watch a huge fireworks display.  Waiting wasn't as much fun as it normally is because we were on the side of a busy highway, so the kids were stuck in the back of the Expedition.  But they were excited to see the fireworks and couldn't wait till dark.  To pass the time, I taught them how to play the slap game.  It was pretty funny to see them trying to play with each other.  There were tons of people setting off fireworks all up and down the road we were on.  I was getting worried when it got dark and the show didn't start.  Marco had faith that we were in the right spot and that we would see a great show.  I, on the other hand, grew very impatient, even asking Marco when he wanted to leave.  His patience paid off though, because we had a great spot for the huge fireworks display!

Waiting to see the huge fireworks display

The girls

We were invited out to the country about 30 minutes from us for some 5th of July fun.  The smoker was going with tons of meats and sides.  There were tons of people and kids.  The kids had a blast riding the donkey and the horse.  And once the sun went down, we were given our own private firework display by the men.  The kids had a blast playing outside all day, and they came home dirty and crashed out in the car a few minutes after we left.  I would say it was a successful day!  

 

I would say that we had a very successful 4th of July holiday!

Summer Catch Up

Wow!  I have really neglected my blog the past month, I am so sorry.  I am not sure why it keeps happening where I go through phases of not wanting to update, but I do. 

 I wish I could say it is because we have been so busy that I haven't had time to write, but that would be a HUGE lie.  I am babysitting 2 kids, so we tend to stay at the house.  Boring, I know!  But going out with 6 kids in tow is not really the greatest option.

My step daughter has been here for the summer, and the girls go through their moments of loving and loathing each other.  Almost daily (or hourly in most cases) there are serious laughs and playing great together, then fighting and arguing over a toy or where some one was sitting!  It seems very hard for the 3 of them to get along for more than a few hours.  This drives me crazy!  Just get along!  They are all 2 years apart, so I guess it is just a girl thing.  So I mainly spend my days sorting out fights and yelling at the kids.  I would love to not be involved all the time, but none of the girls ever budge so a fight could honestly last forever.  "Ain't nobody got time for that."

I didn't have a sister growing up, and I am sure to my older brothers, I was just the annoying little sister.  I played by myself or outside with the neighborhood kids.  I didn't have to share a room with anyone, so my stuff was MY stuff.  My brothers wanted nothing to do with my barbies, and I wanted nothing to do with their toys (whatever they were). 

My girls, not only share a room, but when Savannah is in town, they also share their beds.  They take turns sleeping 2 to a bed and 1 alone.  I understand how hard it must be, but there is really nothing else that can be done, especially with the arrival of the new baby.  Her crib and stuff is in Brayden's room.  It is a tight squeeze, but one that we have to just make the best of.

Speaking of baby, I am now 32 weeks and I have a HUGE bump to show for it. 

For more pictures of the bump, follow me on Instagram @ mamavsqz.  I know I haven't posted anything really on the baby, and I promise to soon.

While we haven't really done much this summer, besides a trip to Dallas, it has been pretty interesting.  Marco finally gave Carino's his notice and quit.  While Carino's was great and brought us to where we are today, he definitely needed a change.  He is still in the restaurant industry, but he is now with BJs.  I think he has really enjoyed the change of scenery, even though he is still in training.

Wow!  This post is all over the place!  I know I should update more often! 

Here are the key points:

• We have had a boring summer.
• I normally have 6 kids in my house.
• The girls fight constantly and I yell constantly.
• My bump is now 32 weeks.
• Marco got a new job.

You are now caught up.

400th Post Wordless Wednesday

I can't believe another milestone has come along in this little blog of mine. 

400 posts!

Wow!

Crazy!

 

Here is what has been happening lately:

 

Baby girl is getting bigger

 

I found cute crib bedding online

 

 

All the kiddos are back home

 

Brayden likes to wear his ice cream

 

And Brayden is SO happy to have his "nanna" back

 

If you follow me on Instagram (@mamavsqz), you have already seen these photos.

 

P.S. I have never been good at the "wordless" part of wordless Wednesday.

 

Till next time!

 

 

My Week with Brayden

After a full week with grandparents, the girls have made it back home safely.  We met my dad in Abilene (halfway between Lubbock and Dallas) on Saturday to pick them up.  And in the process, we gained a girl.  Savannah's mom drove her into Dallas last Sunday and my dad met up with them to pick her up.  She is back for the rest of the summer.  Bring on the craziness!


While the girls were gone, Brayden and I had lots of fun!  It was nice having one child for a little bit.  It was so quiet, there was no fighting, and Brayden loved getting all the attention.  He didn't ask where "Didi" (Maddi) was till Thursday.

Here is a quick recap of my week with B:

 

 

First up was a 3 hour drive home by myself after meeting my mom to give her the girls.  It was crazy quiet and I really did not enjoy it very much.  I love singing and being silly with the girls, Brayden pointing out the cows, windmills, and trains, and having the hubby with me for those questionable gas station stops.  But I made it home safely.

 

The rest of the week went by way too fast.

 

We took daddy donuts on Father's Day.

 

He painted a letter B for his room.





 

We went to the Science Spectrum and played.

 

We went on a dinner/movie date to Carino's and then to the drive in.

 

It was a great week and we had lots of fun!  He was royally spoiled and loved every minute of it!

 

I did miss my girls laughter and hugs and I am so very happy that they are home!

 

Till next time!

 

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The girls trip

I am writing this tonight, sitting by the tub while Brayden plays in his bath. 

The girls are cleaning their room before their week long trip to my mom's house.  This will be the first year that both girls are going to my mom's together.  I should be very sad to see them go, but as of tonight, it is the opposite.  They have been fighting, arguing, and just not getting along, and I am so ready for a break from them.  I know that sounds terrible, but it is the truth.

I am sure after a few hours of the house being quiet and having to totally entertain Brayden, I will miss them.  He loves playing with them, even when they don't want him too.

There are many pluses to them leaving like less laundry, less groceries, less mess, less fighting, but the negatives will be less laughter, silliness, and hugs.

I am excited to spend a week with my baby boy and I am sure he will love having mommy all to himself for the week.  That boy is attached to my hip and very dependent on mommy.

I would love to surprise the girls with a room makeover, but I am a slacker (and a cheapo) so it probably won't happen.

I hope they have a mega blast with my mom, and they cherish the memories that they are making.  They always have a good time at her house, and I know this time will be the same. 

Another plus of this trip is my step daughter, Savannah, will be driving into the area and will be spending the week with the girls and my mom, and then will be with us for the summer!  We will have a house full most days, but I don't think I would want it any other way. 

Ok, I need to wash and get Brayden out of the bath.

Till next time!

We have BIG news!!

Are you ready for my news?

 

Are you sure?

Are you sitting down?

 

I guess you probably are sitting down if you are reading through blogs.

 

Our big news is:

 

At the end of September, we will become a family of 6!

 

Yep, that's right.  We are expecting baby #4.

 

You are probably as surprised as we were.

 

A baby that must sense I am talking about HER (yes, I said her) because she is kicking me right now.

 

Our family will be adding a new baby girl around September 24th.

 

We are not the greatest with planning these things.

 

Birthdays will now be as follows:

Savannah (step daughter) August 15th

Brayden August 26th

Maddison September 3rd

Baby Due September 24th

Gabriella October 20th

 

It must be all the moving!!  Maddi was born in Dallas, Ella was born in Waco, and Brayden was born in Frisco.  The hubby and I seem to grow "closer" with each move.

 

The girls disagreed on what they wanted me to have.  Maddi wanted a girl and Ella wanted a boy.  When we revealed to them what we were having, Maddi was overjoyed and Ella cried bawled.  It was heart wrenching to see my little girl so disappointed.  She seems to be better, but we haven't really talked about it much.

 

Brayden is going to be a big brother soon, and I am not sure he realizes what he is in for.  Sometimes when you ask him if he wants a baby, he says yes, but most of the time he says no.  He will stay the only boy, and I am sure be as spoiled as ever.  But, I am hoping he will be a great protector of his sisters as they grow up.

 

I will write a post soon on how I am truly feeling about the whole pregnancy, because it will take me a whole post to get my feelings out there.

 

Plus, I promise I will post some ultrasound pics soon!

 

I just wanted to let you in on the secret that I have been keeping for months!

 

Till next time!

 

 



Wordless Wednesday

Summer Visit Has Ended

It has been a crazy fun few weeks with my mother in law and step daughter, but sadly it has come to an end.  Marco is in the process of driving Veronica and Savannah home today.  Maddison and Gabriella decided to tag along for the road trip, so it is just me and the grumpy baby here at the house.

Here is a run down of their visit:

We swam a lot.

Marco and I got some date time in.

This isn't our date night picture, we forgot to take one.

 Brayden loved playing with Grandma and Savannah.

We celebrated Marco's birthday in style, at a hibachi, that we had to leave before they cooked our food, to take care of Brayden, who decided to swallow a coin.

We all had a great time these past few weeks, I just hate that they went by so fast!  Can't wait till next year!   

Skinny Girl Problems

Good afternoon everyone!

I hope y'all are having a great week!

I know I am!

My mother in law and step daughter made it in on Saturday and we have been having a great time!  We plan on swimming and going to lunch today and not sure what else but it is shaping up to be a busy day.

I went back to the gym finally yesterday and I am sore today in my thighs and hips.  I know that I am so out of shape, because all I did yesterday was the treadmill and the elliptical!  UGH!  I feel like I am starting over, but I know it is my fault.  I just need to get back in to the rhythm of working out and eating right. 

Skinny Girl Problems:  This morning Maddi (my super skinny mini, the one that has to wear pants with adjustable waist or they fall off of her) came down and said her shorts were poking her side.  I asked her if her pants were too tight and she said, "Yes mom they are!"  I asked her how she knew, and her response was "Because I had to unbutton them to get them on!"  "Really Maddi?  I have to unbutton my pants every time."  Oh, the problems of a skinny girl!

Veronica and Savannah

The next few weeks are bound to be crowded but fun filled!  My mother in law (Veronica) and step daughter (Savannah) are coming in this weekend for a few weeks, and I cannot wait! 

I love when my mother in law comes, because she makes some overly delicious Mexican food; my hubby was taught very well!

My girls are counting down the days till Savannah gets here.  Due to some things out of anyone's control, we didn't get her for the whole summer like normal so we are ready for her to be here.  One of the things we need to invest in is a camera for our computer so the girls can Skype with each other while they are separated.

Marco and I will still be working while they are here in town, which kinda sucks, but having them here will still be amazing!

What are your plans for the rest of the week? 

I will be working and hanging out with the kiddos!

Handprint Elephants

I saw a cute hand print elephant craft on pinterest, and I thought it would be fun to make.

I really figured my older girls would think it was too young and easy to make a hand print elephant, but to my surprise they had a blast.

We started by painting grass and a sky.

Then they had fun painting their own hands grey, and sticking them on the paper.

Adding little details to make it look like an elephant {an eye (just a dot from a marker) and an ear (just an oval cut out from some scrapbook paper)} was also fun for them to do on their own.

Their elephants turned out super cute, and I love all the extra touches of birds and flowers.

I saw on Mom to 2 Posh Lil Divas where they made hand print zebras and giraffes, I can't wait to try that!!

We also made scrapbook letters.

I cut out each of the girls letters from cardboard boxes, and cut up some scrapbook paper into small, thin strips.

We put tacky glue on the letters, and I let the girls go to town with the strips of paper.

*Not sure why I didn't get an after photo, sorry!*
It was very interesting to see each of their different personalities come through the letters; Maddi's letter was perfectly aligned with groups of matching paper. :)  She will be my OCD child!!

We had such a fun day!

My girls are crafters at heart!!!

Countdown to a new school year!

Wow!  I cannot believe how quickly the summer flew by!  Is it really the middle of August already?  Where does the time go?

I am feeling a little bit guilty because we have nothing to show for our summer.  We didn't take any trips, we didn't go any where awesome, we didn't do....well, anything!  With the temps soaring the past month, can you really blame me?? 

It has been anywhere from 100 to 110+ and that is with out the heat index, no joke!!  It takes all my strength just to go get groceries with all the kids, much less get out and do something fun!

I have started watching 2 little girls Monday-Friday, so the idea of getting out by myself with 6 kids is just unbearable to think about!  No way, not happening!!

This is the last week of Savannah being here, and I am sad to see her go.  As hard as it is with the 3 girls fighting over toys, movies, bed space, well{everything}, she can be a huge help!  She loves to help clean, help with Brayden, and she is seriously funny!!

With all the kids running around, I have seriously neglected my "job" as a Park Lane jewelry consultant!  I have not had a single sell in months, and for the most part, I am okay with that.  I do love selling jewelry, so I hope that I can get my business back up and running!!

For our family, the approaching school year means birthdays!  Starting with Savannah's, who will be 9 tomorrow!  Next is Brayden, who will be 1 on August 26th, and then Maddison, who will be 7 on September 3rd.  It makes me love Ella so much since her birthday is in the middle of October, thank goodness, so we get a little break from the birthday maddness!

We have finished back to school shopping for uniforms and school supplies thanks to my dad and wonderful step mom, Sandie!!  They have been a huge help, and took on the burden of shopping for us!  Maddi will be decked out to the 9's in her awesome school uniforms!  They also went above and beyond and bought her school supplies, a new back pack and lunch box!  She is definitely ready!!  Thanks to Dillard's and Target for putting up with my rowdy children that day! 

Savannah, had the choice of getting school clothes or regular clothes, and she choose new, awesome {not school} clothes!  She is a fashionista, and was not about to pass up an opportunity for in style attire!!  She did get a new backpack and lunch box though!!  And just for being so cute, Ella got a new outfit and a new journal to color in, so she did not feel leftout of school shopping!!  I love my dad and step mom so much for taking that burden off of our shoulders!!!  They are truly amazing!!

My mom has also been a huge hit this summer, taking Maddison for a week and Ella twice for a week by herself.  My girls love going to hang with their Grani {or Goopey or Sparkle, depending on the day you ask them}, and it means a lot to my mom to get that special time with them.  We don't let Savannah go, because her time is already limited with her dad, so she gets to stay in our boring house all summer!!

The countdown is on!  One week left, and school officially starts!  Am I ready for an empty {for the most part} house?  Am I ready to have a first grader??  I guess no matter what, I have to be!!

I hope you all enjoy your last week of summer!!  I know I am going to!

Wordless Wednesday *Fun Times With Grandma

As promised, here are some photos from my mother in law's visit!

Sorry some of the pics are blurry, my camera is dying a slow death!!

My wonderful Mother In Law, Veronica :)

Brayden, the remote stealer

Watching the Bieber movie

Dancing to Bieber singing

Alone time with mommy :)

Wii time

Veronica had so much fun clobbering the girls at Wii

The girls had a blast too

My Diva

Silly Vannah

This is my mad face :)

Spotlight for the singers

The singers were on the top bunk

Everyone got a turn being in the spotlight

Along with Marco's mom being here, we also celebrated Marco's birthday!!

Veronica stayed home with the kids and Marco and I went to happy hour at Razzoo's,

then we went and picked up some fajita meat to grill!!  It was a great night!!

Here's to a great year babe!!

My hubby turned 30!!