Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day!

I am very grateful to be a mother on the earth at this time. I am grateful for my children and the joy that they bring into my life. There is nothing I have wanted more than to be a mother and I feel truely blessed to have my four children.

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I am also grateful for the mother's in my life. Most especially for our two mothers. I am also grateful for our grandmothers, aunts, sisters, cousins, friends, and our two beautiful daughters. There are so many women in my/our lives that mean so much to me, and I am grateful for each one of them.

The First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day-Saints in 1942 said it all when they called motherhood "the highest, holiest service... assumed by mankind."
"Nothing. No diplomat or CEO or billionaire philanthropist does anything that comes anywhere close in importance to what a mother does. No trophy or status or honor of man begins to compare with motherhood in terms of its eternal impact and glory. Period." -Jane Clayson Johnson
"Your success as a family...our success as a nation...depends not on what happens inside the White House, but on what happens inside your house." -Barbara Bush

"Mothers go longer on less sleep and give more to others with less personal renewal for themselves than any other group I know at any other time in life. It is not surprising when the shadows under their eyes sometimes vaguely resemble the state of Rhode Island." -Jeffrey R. Holland

"Cleaning and scrubbing can wait for tomorrow,

For babies grow up, I've learned, to my sorrow.

So quiet down cobwebs. Dust, go to sleep.

I'm rocking my baby, and babies don't keep.
-Author unknown

"You are doing God's work. You are doing it wonderfully well. He is blessing you, and He will bless you, even--no, especially--when your days and your nights may be most challenging." -Jeffrey R. Holland

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"I'd rather be a mother than anyone on earth

Bringing up a child or two of unpretentious birth...

I'd rather tuck a little child all safe and sound in bed

Than twine a chain of diamonds about my [carefree] head.

I'd rather wash a smudgy face with round, bright, baby eyes

Than paint the pageantry of fame or walk among the wise."

-Meredith Gray

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"We can all rejoice in the sacred calling of motherhood. To give birth is only part of this sacred mission...But to help another gain eternal life is a privilege that is neither denied to nor delayed for any worthy woman." -Ardeth Kapp

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I am so grateful for all the amazing women in my life. For their hearts, their service, their love, their laughter, their smiles, their spirits.

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Most especially, I am grateful for our two mothers and all that they continue to do for us and our children. I have never known two greater women. I am also grateful for my two beautiful daughters and the opportunity I have to be a mother.

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Happy Mother's Day.

Labor...(The husband's point of view)

Well, I have been blogging for Sheena while she has been recovering. And because Sheena is still recovering and people want to know the details (Women...) I decided to post my side of the story. (Of course, I got Sheena's permission before hand.)

Note: While reading the story everything in 'italics' will be my thoughts not necessarily what I said. Also some points maybe a little exaggerated but pretty close on.

It all started off at 5:00am in the morning. Sheena woke up to call the hospital to see if there is room for her to come in at 7:00am and be induced. (I told her not to wake me up until 7:00.)(I need sleep too.) Sure enough, like the sweet wife I have, she didn't wake me up till 7:00am and said the hospital is ready for us. "Okay babe, let's get going" (meanwhile I was thinking, Crap, here we go again.)

At the hospital we got all checked in and got her started. At first it was taking a long time and Sheena was not looking forward to doing this again. She claims she could still remember the last time she was in labor. (I could too!) "Oh, you will be fine and I'll be here to help you through it." (This is not fun, but the damage has been done and I have to Man-up!)

By lunch time there wasn't much progress (we are going to be here all day and night before the baby comes) However, I was able to watch the 'Today Show', some 'News' and 'ESPN' while lying down on the extra soft couch (who knows how many other men have slept and sweated all over the couch, oh well I am one of them now.)

After lunch the contractions start to get harder, (crap!) "Babe, do you want to get an epidural?" Sheena, "No!" The nurse and I then said, "You sure you don't want one?" and her answer was, "I don't want one." (Babe, this would be so easy if you get one) So WE went the whole labor without one and boy it was hard. (Yes, it is hard on the Man too, but I do have to give "props" to all the women out there for what they do. Crazy).

Close to the evening now, we are moving along.
"Daniel, can you rub my back while I have contractions because it hurts?"
I said, "Sure babe. Every time you have one?"
Sheena: "Yes!"
"Ok" (that is like every minute).

While she would have a contractions I would rub her back and watch TV at the same time. (I wonder if she would get mad if I got up to change the channel.)

{{There is a point where Sheena got some type of pain medication that made her a little crazy, but I am going to leave that part out for now}}

Note: when Sheena is in labor she gets to a point where she needs oxygen. (That is when I know we are close to being done.) Well, we are at that point. I push the nurse's call button.
Nurse: "Yes?"
Me: (in a calm voice) "My wife needs oxygen, she is having trouble breathing" (Get in here now my wife can't breathe.)
Nurse: "Ok."

The nurse then hooks up the oxygen and says, "Oh, I didn't get a long enough cord. This one won't reach her."
I said, "Do you want me to move the bed across the room so it reaches?"
Nurse: "No that is fine I will get a longer cord." (as she slowly walks out of the room)
(why in the world is she walking so slow, my wife needs oxygen. she better hurry up or I am going to start screaming.)

About 10 minutes later (it was probably a couple minutes later, but still...) "I have a longer cord." (GOOD!, now hook it up.)

Now the OBGYN is here. (Sweet!) Time to start pushing.
Sheena: "Aaaaaahhh!"
Me: (what the heck was that? you never scream.) "you are doing good babe, almost done, breathe..., relax.... (note: Sheena has never screamed with any of our kids)
Sheena: "Aaaaaaaaahhhhhhh!!!"
Me: (Holy cow that was loud, My ear hurts now.) "Good job babe. One more and we are done. (Please be one more).
Sheena: "AaaaaAaaaaAaaaHhhhhhhh!!!!!!"
Me: (Dang!, I am a little embarrassed." I wonder what the nurses think?) "Good job Babe the baby is here, Look!, You are done. You did an excellent job!"
OBGYN: "Here Father, cut the cord."
Me: (What??? Why don't you just cut it? Why does the Man have to anyway?) "Sweet, Okay, don't let me cut you" (ah, this is weird.)

Nurses and Doctors: "Congratulations"

Me: "Thank you all for your help."
Babe: "Get the camera and take pictures."
Me: "Sure" (I am tired, let me compose myself first)

Addie Lees was born at Tuesday evening. And she is a beautiful girl. I couldn't ask for a more precious gift than this.

Thank you to all those who helped out and especially thank you to my wonderful wife.

Happy Mother's day! (to all the Women out there.)

***I apologize for the format and errors. I hear someone calling my name for help. (Should I pretend I don't hear her.) "Coming Babe."

What...Four Kids?

Addie Lees

(7.6 lbs. & 19.5 inches)

Watching Daddy Mow the Lawn, Sick, Popsicles

The kids are lined up watching Daniel mow the lawn in the back. At least they were entertained :)

The kids each went through a round of fevers that lasted about 48 hours the other weekend. Staucie fell asleep on our bed one morning and woke with a fever. Parker was parking cars on our bed so that Bensen wouldn't get them.

Parker was sick the next day. He needed his sunglasses on too. Bensen got sick the day after that.The kiddos and Daniel

Popsicles!

Bottoms & Bows

Some friends in my ward threw me a "Bottoms and Bows" baby shower. It was so nice and fun. I got lots of diapers and wipes for my kids. We had a good time eating a talking. Thanks so much to Jentry and Holly and for all of those that came and brought gifts. It was awesome!

Bensen is Climbing

Bensen loves to climb up on the little chairs and stand up. He gets so excited about his accomplishment. He stands there and screams with joy. I, Mom, on the other hand, do not get excited about it. It makes me nervous. I have caught him a couple times before he landed on his head. Good thing the chairs are not that high. He also likes to be on the couch and runs back and forth. Makes me nervous!!

Look at all the great things to fall on here!
He also likes to help with dinner

And doing the dishes.

I don't like when he climbs up the step stool either. Sometimes I turn around and he is on the top step. I still remember how awful labor was with him, when he was a newborn, and he is growing up too fast. Tonight, Daniel said, "Our kids are no longer babies, what happened?" I don't know what happened. It happened too fast. I still see them as babies though. And Bensen really is still a baby :) He won't like it when there is a new baby.

Wagon Pull & The Backyard

Baron lives across the street and is a little older than Staucie, but is in her preschool class. Staucie and Parker love when he is outside playing. They like to "talk" to him and watch him ride his bike around. He can go in the street but they aren't aloud so they stand on the curb watching him, or they ride up and down the sidewalk chasing after him. On this day they got to go for a ride in his wagon. They loved it! Baron's little legs got tired pulling those 2 kids though.

These are pictures of the kids playing in our backyard. They are afraid of our backyard because the neighbors dog ate through the fence a few months ago and was running around our backyard. Not only are they afraid of dogs, but this was one big, scary looking dog. I had to keep the blinds shut so that they could hang out in the living room until Daniel was able to fix the fence.

So, sometimes it is hard to get them to go out back. When they hear the dog bark they run. It makes me kinda mad that the neighbors' dog scares my kids. There are also dogs running around our neighborhood all the time freaking my kids out. They just roam free. I did call the pound on some mutts a little while ago and haven't seen them since.

They are all sitting in the hole in the grass together.

Bensen likes the broom.

Not only are there scary dogs, but our yard is scary because we don't take very good care of it. It is just a rental though :) Someday I would love to have a nice yard, but it is hard to spend time on one that doesn't belong to me. We are going to have a heck of a time cleaning it up when we move though. ha.

And when it rains it turns into a swamp for a couple days.

Making Changes

With baby #4 coming soon we have been slowly getting ready. We started in January by taking the front of Parker's crib off to get him used to that. Then a little while ago we moved the other twin mattress set into the room and rearranged the beds so we could fit 2 twin beds (really, just 2 mattress sets on the floor) and a crib.

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Then we did something horrible...Well, really it was me. One day I decided it was time for the pacifier to go for good. Parker was still sucking that thing and Staucie, well, Staucie sucks her thumb and I can't take that off, even though I want to. So, I decided we would put the pacifiers, or "FIRE" as Parker would say, into a bag. Then I drew 2 thumbs and put them in a bag. They each got their bag and we drove to the store. They picked out a $5 toy and traded in their pacifiers and thumbs for the new toy. Staucie got a water color/paint book thing, and Parker got a Nerf gun. It's been a challenge to keep that thumb out of Staucie's mouth. There is nothing we can do during the night, but we remind her during the day. Usually it is just when she is tired or sad, and she has to hold her blanket too.

Starting the first week of April we moved Bensen into the room. Getting the kids to go to bed has been a challenge ever since we put Staucie and Parker's beds next to each other. They play and talk. They also wake each other up TOO EARLY in the morning.

We have had some very grouchy kids lately. They won't go to bed and they wake up too early.

This room is also very crowded with all their beds and toys. At least they have a walk-in closet.

Parker has become our most difficult child lately. Man oh man can that boy make me go crazy! He is VERY stubborn, which makes it all the more difficult. He has a hard time sleeping and it has been really bad lately. We just aren't getting any sleep. And although he is awake all night crying or coming into our room, he is still waking up at 6:30 or earlier and he wakes up Staucie and Bensen. Daniel ends up laying in bed with him in the middle of the night so he will stay there and fall back to sleep, but then Daniel will fall asleep too. Anyways, it is really making the days even more difficult to get through. I have a hard time staying awake, but can't take a nap with these kids even if I tried. Some mornings I lay on the floor and get really close to passing out, but then one of the kids will attack me, scream, cry, or need something.

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But Parker, he has been passing out in the afternoons lately in some funny places. This is one afternoon. I only allow him to take a 5-15 minute power nap because I want him to sleep at NIGHT.

Staucie is tired too because she won't go to bed at night and is awaken early by Parker.

Bensen is able to still take a nap so he is happy!

The rest of us are all grouchy these days. Especially ME!

Now I am slowly trying to get the baby room ready. I need to go through baby clothes and things like that. Too tired to do anything though. Parker better start sleeping by the time this baby comes. His 2-year mollars are coming in so hopefully that is the problem and it will end soon. He is also not eating anything and ran some random fevers this week. He said that his mouth doesn't hurt though, so WHO KNOWS! I love the one-year-old stage, but two-year-olds are quite the challenge.

Easter/ General Conference Weekend with markers, bats, and candy

To start off the Easter weekend, the kids got a package from Grandma Lees that they painted one afternoon while Bensen was taking a nap. They love to paint! And they got super messy this time. We will have to paint at Grandma's house someday. Ha ha :)
Friday night we rented an Easter movie. Something about Peter Cottontail. I don't recommend it but it was fun anyways. We laid out blankets and pillows on the floor and ate popcorn. Bensen loved it since it was his first time getting a bowl of popcorn. He would finish and go over to the kitchen with his empty bowl and make his little whimper as he held his bowl up to the big popcorn bowl.

I think Daniel took this picture on Saturday morning when I was "sleeping" in. I don't really sleep anymore. Plus, it is too hot anyway. We actually had to turn on the air conditioner this weekend because I thought I might melt away. Anyways, the kids are eating their breakfast. Conference doesn't start until 11:00 here. Ugh. I liked it at 10:00 in Utah.

Then at the end of the second session of General Conference, the 2 kids were in the kitchen and Daniel and I were on the couch with Bensen and we were actually able to listen to Elder Holland's talk. The kids were being awfully quiet, but we just listened away thinking it couldn't be too bad, whatever they were doing. Then Daniel went to find them. They were under the table coloring with marker on themselves. Pretty. It was washable though and they went straight to the bath while I started dinner.

I think they were pretty proud of their artwork. They also colored on some of my dishes. Again, glad it was washable. I started laughing, but tried not to because it was NAUGHTY, not funny :)

Parker has a hand print on his forehead.

We decided to BBQ some chicken because the house was already 100 degrees since I decided to turn on the oven and make brownies earlier that day. What was I thinking!!! No more oven until November. Anyways, Daniel went back out to check on the chicken and found a bat on the patio right in front of the back door.

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He didn't see it there before so we have no idea where it came from. We are pretty sure it wasn't there when he turned on the grill, then started the chicken. Daniel got a shovel and poked it and it was alive. It wiggled and I got creeped out and ran away. The kids were glued to the sliding glass door.

While Daniel was trying to scoop it up with the shovel it was HISSING and BITING the shovel. It was moving around and spreading out its wings. But it wouldn't fly. We are pretty sure it was sick since it was out during the day and not moving. We also think it had rabies since it was hissing and screaming and biting the shovel. Gross.

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I was laughing inside while Daniel was trying to get the stupid thing on the shovel. He took it behind the shed. The kids enjoyed the show. They are not dressed because this was right after their bath from the markers. Then we learned from our neighbors that bats are an endangered species. Are they endangered everywhere or is it just Texas that loves creepy creatures????

Easter Morning!

Of course, our little angels woke up before 7:00am and found their Easter baskets while Daniel and I were trying to sleep. We made them put it back and climb in bed with us. We made them wait until 8:00 to go back out.

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Bensen dropped a plastic egg and out popped M&M's. He immediately ate them and kept bringing us more eggs to open so he could eat them. I have no idea how much candy he actually ate that day. He even got a hold of a red jelly bean at one point and was covered in red jelly bean drool. Too cute!

We had a very small Easter egg hunt, but they each got a balloon which was a big hit!

Then during the break between the Conference sessions we colored our eggs. Bensen was taking a nap. He would just throw them because anything that resembles a ball gets thrown or kicked.

Hope everyone had a Happy Easter!