Hallelujah for Fall!!!

     Fall is FINALLY here! :P   I am so excited, too. The past few days have been wonderful and the highs have only been in the 80s. :-)  This time of year is the best for me because I always seem to be really on the ball when it comes to my writing. I guess it has something to do with the inspiration the changing of the seasons gives me...I don't really know. I do know I"m looking VERY forward to pumpkin spiced lattes from Starbucks, making autumn crafts with Noah and Haleigh, and being able to go outside at 4pm without feeling like a melting Popsicle.  
     Also, I found out today that me and Caleb got accepted for Diamond Dash 2011, so here's to winning some $15,000 bling! Although, I'd probably try to sell it so we can pay off our car...oh the joys of growing up. *grin*  Getting ready to get off of here and get in some one on one time with Bug. Haleigh decided she only wanted to sleep for 45 minutes earlier while Noah was napping, so she is asleep again now. Ciao friends.

Sleepy

      Got woke up by our rude neighbors this morning at 4am. I honestly wasn't really that upset about it because it's not worth my time or energy to get mad at something that isn't going to change. But so help me, if they start waking my babies up, then I'm going to have to say something. They blast their music until at least 11pm most nights and it is so loud. We normally have to end up turning off our TV and heading to bed because we can't hear what's going on, on the television. Then, they are up at weird hours every night, last night was 4am, making a ton of racket, yelling at each other and running back and forth across their apartment. It is seriously annoying, especially since I am normally up around 6ish. 
     We went ahead and signed another one year lease here because we LOVE the apartment complex. Almost everyone here is really nice and the grounds are beautiful. Plus, we can't beat what we are paying in rent, which leaves plenty of money to save and spend on our babies. I shouldn't complain at all because at least we are our of "ghetto salem". That's what I used to call our old apartment, haha. There was so much drug activity and violence on that street so I'm so thankful to God to be where we are now....just a bit confused at people's rudeness. :-(  
     But, I'm putting that aside and forgiving and moving on. Today I'm taking the kids for a walk as soon as Halebop wakes up. We found a new walking trail out near Black Dog Salvage in Roanoke which is really nice. The only problem is that a large portion of it isn't shaded so we will have to go early mornings or wait until it starts to cool off a bit. I hope everyone has a blessed day and is doing well. 

Vagueblogging

      Which I am choosing to do, lol. There are certain details that I will keep to myself about yesterday evenings events.*grin*  I will say that last night was a BLAST and it was so nice getting to feel like an adult again. I actually went entire evening without using the word "potty" so I feel quite accomplished. :-)  This morning Caleb and I got up, took our time getting ready and headed to Hardees and Starbucks for biscuits and coffee...YUMMY. Then, we went for a 2 mile walk, which I was proud about. We totally could have lounged around the house all day being lazy but what fun would that have been, right? We were close to The Grandin so we stopped in and watched The Help, which was A-MAY-ZING. Seriously one of the better movies I've seen in a while. Then, I went to pick the kids up from my parents and had a great time snuggling and getting in my baby lovings. :-) I seriously missed them so much when they were gone, but I got a much needed break, for which I am VERY thankful.
      Well, it's off of here now to head to bed as I am quite exhausted.

Party Time!!!

     Today I will be reintroduced to society...at least that's how it feels, haha. My parents are watching the kids tonight and I'm going out partying with a large group of friends. First we're hitting up Bdubs and then heading downtown for some clubbing. I haven't done that in YEARS! So, even though I will probably be exhausted by 11 tonight, I'm going to push through the sleepiness and have an awesome time. And the great news is that I get to sleep in as late as I want tomorrow morning; as long as our rude neighbors aren't being loud at 5am.
     Ok, well, off of here now to play with my babies. Even though I'm so excited to have a night out, I'm going to miss those little boogers like CRAZY!  Hope all of you have a great Friday.

Sesame Street Saved My Life

     I know, I know. I shouldn't use the TV as a babysitter. But Noah absolutely LOVES Sesame Street so it's an hour out of my day when I can get breakfast cleaned up and get started on the laundry. As a parent, we learn to utilize every tool available, and I have to admit, a bit of bribery with that big yellow bird has come in handy more times than I can count. Meltdowns are erased when I threaten to take away Elmo if a certain little boy doesn't behave and that makes for a much smoother day. Upon saying that, we watch very little television in our house. Normally, the kids and I are out for at least two walks a day, hanging out at the library or making frequent trips to my favorite place...STARBUCKS! 
      Recently, though, I have felt quite alone most of the time. It's hard for me when I go for walks and see girls hanging out with their friends and I sometimes feel like I am pretty alone. It's hard enough being a stay at home mom, but then feeling like you're going through it without a friend to vent your frustrations to is just really difficult. I know that things will get better and I always do my best to have a positive outlook. Yesterday was really hard, though, because I got another rejection letter in the mail for a job I had applied for. It feels like no one cares that I have a Bachelor's degree, because I've spent the last two years "out of work". Well, for anyone who is a stay at home parent, you will agree that just because we are "out of work" doesn't mean we aren't working. Sheesh. So yeah, that's my little rant of the day. 
      Well, it's off of here to start this day. Praying that God keeps the toddler tantrums to a minimum today and that we are able to get out of the house for a while without it raining too much. 

     Let me start this post by admitting that I used to have a horrible bad habit...I bit my nails. But then, when I got pregnant with Noah, I had no desire to do that, what so ever. Perhaps it was because the prenatals I was taking made them grow super fast, and they finally looked pretty. I haven't bit my nails for TWO WHOLE YEARS!!! But tonight, that all changed.
      I watched Final Destination in 3-D and now all I have left in place of my nails are sad little stumps. I blame this totally on Caleb of course as he forced me (kicking and screaming) into the theater to watch that terrible movie. Can you keep a secret? I actually was excited to go but don't let him know that, hee hee hee. *grin*  It was pretty good and I was impressed that they didn't overuse the 3-D but my nerves were totally shot.
       Then, we got back home to a screaming Halebop (she missed her mommy and daddy) but was fine as soon as she was in Mama's arms.
       All in all, it was a great evening. The day was stressful but getting to go on a date with hubby was so much fun...and much needed. And we're even more blessed because my parents are watching the kids Friday night and all day Saturday so hubby and I are heading out to Bdubs to party it up...drinks and fun with friends!  Night everyone!!!

Earthquake?

    So, I've been reading about the earthquake that just happened on Facebook. Apparently, EVERYONE felt it except for me, lol. Maybe I was just too busy running around playing with the kids to really notice it. Or maybe it's because the neighbors upstairs run around and make a ton of noise and ruckus everyday, that I just didn't notice it. Somehow, I feel a bit left out, lol. Anyways, that's my random post of the day.

Kid Pics

19 Months Old
Helping Daddy Make Pizza

Five Months Old
Cute as a Button

Growing up Way Too Fast

     So, Noah is officially 19 months old as of Saturday...BOO! :-(  In 8 days, Bop turns 5 months. I just can't stand it somedays...my kids are growing up WAY TOO FAST! I have new pictures of them but I haven't uploaded them to the computer yet, but as soon as I do, I will post an update. Right now it's off of here to fix Noah some breakfast, as he is a very cranky little boy until he gets his belly full, which reminds me so much of his Daddy, it's not funny. :-)

Perfection

     Today was a great start to the weekend. The weather was beautiful today and being able to spend it with my family made everything perfect. :-)  Caleb worked this morning but when he got home we headed to Bellacino's for lunch (YUMMY) and then went out to Bubblecake for dessert. The kids had taken naps early and were in pretty good moods so we headed downtown to do some shopping. It really was a perfect day and I'm so thankful for it. Now, it's off of here to take a quick shower and then get the little ones ready for bed.

Another Chapter Finished

     Well, I'm starting on a new chapter of my book. It feels like I work and work and I can never seem to get anywhere. I'm starting to consider myself Queen of the Roadblocks, lol. But, this evening, I think I'm going to have Caleb drop me off at Starbucks while he takes the kids for a walk so I can have some peace and quiet to really think about the direction I want to take my novel. I want this to be great, and am hoping to get it published one day. I know it's a far stretch, but my parents always taught me to "dream big"...and that's just what I intend on doing.

SLEEEPPPP!!!

      So yes, I'm going to whine a bit. What is it with Noah wanting to get up at 6am EVERY SINGLE MORNING? Before Haleigh was born, that kid would sleep until 8:30 or 9:00 most days, which was great because even though I rarely slept that late, it gave me a ton of time in the mornings to get things ready...fixing his breakfast, doing laundry, cleaning. But now, even though Hales sleeps later than he does most mornings, he still wants to be up super early.
       This is just how sleep deprived I am. Yesterday evening we were supposed to head over to Craig to have dinner with my grandparents and get my Dad's internet hooked up. Well, what should have taken 30 minutes took over two hours (due to the insane back up of traffic caused by blasting up near Christiansburg yesterday). We finally get to their house and I put Noah in his high chair. For some odd reason, the kid started freaking out, kicked the tray off, along with his plate, and started screaming at the top of his lungs. After having to listen to Hales scream for two hours while we were stuck in traffic, Noah having his breakdown, and me being totally sleep deprived, I just broke down. I started bawling in front of everyone (totally, embarassing, by the way) and had to explain to my Granny Spitzer that I was having a rough week. She was so sweet and gave me a hug and told me she understood. It was nice to have that...it made me feel so much better.
       Well, after we finished dinner we left and went across the road to my Dad's house to hook up his internet. Again, what should have taken a short amount of time resulted in us leaving there around 9:00. The kid's bedtime is at 8:00. So, we finally had them bathed and in bed by around 9:45 or so...and then I couldn't get to sleep until after 1:30 (and ended up having to take a melatonin). I guess I was so on edge from everything that I kept tossing and turning...I had way too much on my mind. But, the melatonin helped and I was finally able to fall asleep...but not for long because Noah woke me up right before 6am. I sure will be glad when he gets over this stage where he screams until I go into get him in the mornings...it's downright exhausting.
        Sorry if I came across as being negative. I'm just so tired and I know that after some yummy coffee I will perk up. :-)

Baby Fever

    OH MY GOSH!!! Seriously?!?!?  I have baby fever so darn bad...AGAIN.  Sheesh. I seriously just can't get enough of my kids. They are just so stinkin' cute and that makes me want to just keep having them. *sighs*  Although, this time, I'm going to be smart about it. Even though it's something I desperately want, I'm forcing myself to wait. I know I'm going to be crazy busy in a couple of months when Halebop starts becoming more mobile...because then I'll be chasing two of them around. Afterall, I did have twins the hard way, lol...two pregnancies. *grin*  That's what it feels like anyways, especially with them being so close together in age. 
      Caleb and I are planning to wait until next Fall but that is just sooooo far away. Really the only thing keeping me from giving in is that we are planning a week long vacation to Key West next summer and I know that if I get pregnant anytime soon, that will be out of the question. :-)  And getting away with my hubby on a romantic vacation is just the thing I need. 
     

Brother/Sister Love...She spit up on him!!!
*GIGGLES*

Shopping Day

     Today I am taking the kids shopping which should be fun, lol. Or not. They tend to have major tantrums when we are in public...obviously because that's the place that causes their Mama the most embarrassment, lol. *grin*  Oh well, just another one of the joys of parenthood. I'm hoping to  find the kids some new clothes because Noah is now wearing 24 months and Haleigh is in size 6-9 months. My kids are growing WAY TOO FAST and along with that comes constantly having to buy new clothes to accomodate for their off the charts growth spurts. At least I love to shop, because if I didn't this could become tedious. 
     Oh, we also are bought Noah a new kind of diapers yesterday; Huggies Little Movers Slip Ons. I'm super excited to see how he does with them. They seem to be a transition between regular diapers and pull ups and since we are in full swing potty training mode, this may make it easier for him. He can get himself dressed from the waist down now, so this should make things a bit easier if he feels the urge to go. :-)  
     I also wanted to uipdate on Tyler; his surgery went well and he seems to be doing all right. Thank you for continued prayers in this situation. We do serve a wonderful God!!! 

Updated Pictures

    Well, in just one week our little Noah Bug turns 19 months old. It's hard to believe that in just a few short months we will be planning his 2nd birthday...wow! And Haleigh will be five months on the 30th. And as hard as it is to believe I'm already getting baby fever again. *sighs* It seems like as soon as my kids turn 4 months old I'm ready to have another one, but this time, I'm listening to my body, and not my mind, haha. Caleb and I decided we are waiting until next Fall to start trying for baby Johnston number 3, and I'm doing my best to stick to that decision. My body definitely needs time to rest as I was pretty much pregnant for two years straight. So, yeah...that's the plan, lol.
     Anyways, I wanted to post a couple of updated pictures of Bug and Bop because it's been a while. Here are a couple....

HOORAY FOR SCHEDULES!!!

     Well, it took almost five months to do it, but I've FINALLY got the kids on the same schedule. Hooray for that, because that means that after many LOOOONNNNNNG months, I am finally able to get a break during the day again. Praise the Lord. We  normally start the day around 6:30-7am with breakfast, then changing diapers and getting dressed. After that, I always try to take the kids for a walk or to the playground (or both!!) so that they can get some fresh air. Let's just say that today was AWESOME because it was 70 degrees when we went out...in my opinion, the perfect temperature. Then, it's back home for snacks and feeding Haleigh her solid food...I can't believe it, but she is finally eating cereal, fruits and veggies...yay for Miss Hales. Then, it's nap time for both the kids and free time for me. Which I normally spend doing laundry or other housework. But still, it's a couple hours of quiet time and I very much enjoy that.
      When the kids wake up, it's lunchtime and then the majority of our afternoon is playtime, but occasionally watching a movie. Noah really likes Charlotte's Web and The Bee Movie right now, so I have those two pretty well memorized. :-)  Then, then another favorite time of the day....DADDY GETS HOME! So yeah, I'm blessed to have such an amazing family. God is so very good to us!
       Anyways, it's off of here because I've decided to watch a couple of shows and saying heck with the laundry for now. Hope all of you have a wonderful MONDAY!!!
 
PS...Please continue to pray for Tyler. I will update as soon as I know more. Also, Eli (one of the Smith triplets) is coming home today!!! PRAISE THE LORD!! Baby "Elliana had another spell so she will be in the NICU for a minimum of eight more days" (from Des' Facebook). Please continue to pray for her, her two brothers, and her Mom and Dad. :-)

Prayers Needed

     Good morning! For all of my prayer warriors out there, I would like to ask you a favor. Please say a prayer for Tyler Jones. They found out yesterday he has a brain tumor and was sent to UVA for surgery. He is only 17 years old and has his whole life ahead of him. God is so good and I know His will, will be done in this situation.

Jeremiah 30:17
"But I will restore you to health and heal your wounds," declares the LORD.

Saturday Mornings

     Before I get into my post of the day I just wanted to offer up a praise to God. One of the triplets is coming home today (Easton) and another one (Eli) on Monday!!!!! God is so good. Please pray for Des and Clif as they  begin this part of their journey as parents.
   
      Today is going to be a good day. Caleb was supposed to work overtime but no one was going to be at the office so he has the day free, HOORAY! Which means that we get to spend the entire day together which is something I'm very thankful for. Caleb got up and fed the kids this morning while I took my bath...which was nice. Morning baths are a luxury these days as I normally have to wait until the kids are in bed at night...but that's fine with me.
       This morning after we all had our breakfast we started the day by watching Saturday morning cartoons in our jammies. Generally, I get the kids dressed as soon as they have their breakfast but the weekends are an exception to that rule. Sometimes, it's fun just to sit around in our PJs relaxing and forgetting about the fast paced world.
        Well, it's off of here because Daddy is getting all the cuddles from the babies and I don't want to be left out of such a good thing. Hope everyone has a blessed weekend!!!

Praises and Prayer Requests

     There for a while I thought things would never get better. Life just had a hold on my family and would not let go for anything. But finally it seems that things are getting back to normal around here...hooray for that. I have so many praises to lift up to God right now.
      Praising God for Desiree and Clif's triplets...that they are doing so well; gaining weight and well on their way home. :-)
      Just found out my best friend is pregnant with another little miracles. Praising God for this new life.
     Praising God for the health of my family; we were all so sick for at least a month between us, with strep throat and oral thrush.
     Praising God for losing my sight in my right eye...this is making me stronger and making me cling to HIM even more. I feel truly blessed.
     I do have a prayer request also. Caleb's nephew Kase is in the hospital with Crohn's disease. He is on a feeding tube and has lost a considerable amount of weight. We are all very worried about him and need prayer for this situation.
     Well, that's about ti for now but I do hope each of you is having a wonderful week.

A Better Outlook

    My last blog post was born from sleep deprivation and raging hormones. I had a MUCH better day yesterday, got to spend time reading my Bible, and got plenty of sleep over the weekend. I'm worried that my last post came off as me being frustrated with my kids, which is totally not how I intended it. I really just wanted to get across that I was completely exhausted and needed a bit of a break....as everyone does at some point.  But yeah, just wanted to put that out there.
     Yesterday, both of the kids were as sweet as they could be, too. Noah has reached this absolutely adorable stage where he wants to sit on my lap and be cuddled all day. I just love it so much and I'm really going to be sad when he doesn't want hugs, kisses, and cuddles from Mommy anymore. And oh my goodness...Halebop is rolling over on her own now (back to belly and belly to back). She HATES laying on her belly though so once she gets there she gets FURIOUS and starts screaming at the top of her lungs. It makes me laugh because she just keeps doing it.
     Oh, and I was on the phone with one of my friends yesterday evening when the most hilarious thing happened. I didn't see it but Caleb told me all about it. Noah was cuddling Haleigh and she ended up spitting up all over him *giggle*. Noah looked down, pushed her away, and rolled away as fast as possible. Caleb said his reaction was super funny. I wish I could have seen it, haha.
     Well, it's off of here now to get the kids ready. I think I'm going to take them for a walk before it gets too hot.

Patience is a Virtue

     My kids are driving me CA-RAZY. Noah has reached this stage where he can't go anywhere without his blankets and at least two of his stuffed animals.

Noah and his Blankies!

 It wouldn't be so bad but if I forget one of them, he throws an enormous temper tantrum. Not only is it embarrassing but it makes me just want to sit down and cry. I hate complaining but I am just so tired. Not only do I feel like I am physically worn out, but mentally too. Every time Noah has a melt down or Haleigh is screaming because she is tired or hungry, I have to keep telling myself not to get overwhelmed but to stay calm and maintain a positive attitude. And some days (pretty much every single day this week) that is SO hard to do. From the time I wake up in the morning (normally around 6 or so) until the time we put the kids to bed at night (around 8:30ish) it's GO, GO, GO!!! And then, I have to take my bath and get ready for bed (normally around 10:00). That leaves very little time to read my Bible during the day and if I don't have that, I feel like I'm losing every single battle that I face each day. I'm stressed, super tired, and at the end of my rope. I NEED a bible study with friends, I NEED at least an hour a day to spend in uninterrupted prayer and studying God's word, but the devil is trying to stop that from happening every way possible. Please just say a prayer that the Lord will provide the answers that I need right now, patience to get through these rough days, and plenty of time to spend in His word.  Even my blog writing takes hours to finish a post because I'll write  sentence, run to take care of something for the kids, write another sentence...and so it goes. I know this phase won't last forever and that I will miss it one day. I don't want my readers to think I"m complaining about my little ones, as they bring me SO MUCH JOY, but this life is a hard one to live. Some days, all that gets me through it is that the Lord has given these children to me to bring up in His word and that we will one day be together with Him for all eternity. Oh, God is SO VERY GOOD!!!

Sweet Baby Girl.

Lifffffeeeee

Yet again, SLEEPY. Story of my life. :-(  Getting ready to get off of here and head to bed. I'm turning into such an old lady, lol. Kids have been in pretty rotten moods the past couple of days and my hormones are RAGING so that hasn't made for a good combination. I am praying that tomorrow is better than the rest of this week has been. It should be because I get to see my Granny Jones and I haven't seen her in what feels like forever. I haven't been able to drive to Craig because the eye doctor said I could drive but to keep the trips short...as in 15 minutes or less at a time. So yeah, but anyways, I hope each of you is having a very blessed day.

PS...and thank you for your continued prayers for the Smith family and their three little babies, Easton, Eli and Elliana!

A few of you have asked about it, so here is the link to my new creative writing website. :-)
http://momofpoetry.wordpress.com/

HOORAY!

    I am currently only 13 pounds away from my goal weight. I was a size 14 at the end of my pregnancy and I'm now down to a size 8-10. Some things I can wear size 8 and other brands I am still in a size 10. Either way, I'm ecstatic. All of this working out sure is paying off. Since having Haleigh I've lost 33 pounds...and I couldn't be happier. 
     Hubby and I went to the Kirk Y tonight and walked/jogged around the indoor track. It was the first time we've done that and it was pretty fun. I liked being able to see the view of downtown Roanoke. Plus, getting a break from the kiddos was good, since the past couple of days have been pretty rough with tantrums and meltdowns. Ohhhhh, the joys of Motherhood! *smile*   
     Anyways, I'm off of here now to get ready for bed before Caleb gets back in from playing with the little ones. We have a new routine where after we get home from working out, hubby takes the kids out to play/swing. He loves getting to spend one on one time with them and I like getting a break. So, it works out for everybody. Anyways, hope each of you is having a great start to your weeks.