30 Things My Kids Should Know About Me: #13

What’s the hardest part of growing up?

 

I'm not going to sugar coat it.  Growing up is hard sometimes.

 

I think the hardest part of growing up is moving away from your mom and dad.  It can be exciting...but it can also seem scary.

 

You have what is called bills.  They're extremely stressful.  And expensive.

 

You have to take care of yourself whenever you're sick which makes you feel extra miserable.  And after you have kids it gets even worse because they still have to be taken care of no matter how lousy you feel!

 

Sometimes you have to be brave enough to check out what's going bump in the night.

 

The holidays are a lot of fun, especially when you have kids, but there's also a feeling of sadness deep down inside when you can't go home.

 

I could list many more things that are hard, but I don't want to depress you. ;)  You'll figure it out on your own in due time.

 

Not everything about growing up is hard.  There are some things that are wonderful!  You will experience young love, feeling rich when you get your very first paycheck from your first job, learning how to drive, your wedding day, your first baby...plus much, much more!

 

God has granted us all a special gift -- He gave us life!  And when we have Jesus living in our hearts, we enjoy our lives all the more!  Don't ever change Zoe, Max, and Titus.  Always find beauty in the little things.  The leaves we find on our nature walks are beautiful, the ants we see working hard on the sidewalks are amazing creatures, the sky is a beautiful blue, and snowmen are our favorites because they make us happy.  Enjoy this life and every stage in it.  Even adulthood. =)

30 Things My Kids Should Know About Me: # 12

Describe a typical day in your current life.

 

5:30 a.m.

The alarm is going off and I quickly scramble to find it tucked in my pillow somewhere so I can hit the snooze.

 

6:00 a.m.

Your Dad and I finally decide to get out of bed.  We can't push the snooze any longer.  I take a shower and put on a warm robe and head straight to the coffee.

 

6:45 a.m.

I kiss your Dad goodbye and then I read my Bible and devotions while drinking my yummy, hot coffee.  Once I'm finished my reading, I will check Facebook and my email.

 

7:30-8:00 a.m.

You guys wake up and want to snuggle.  We sit there for no more than 5 minutes before you realize you're "hunry" and want breakfast.  Right now you guys are on a PB&J phase, so each morning I tell you to wait till lunch and offer cereal or eggs and toast.

 

9:00 a.m.

You guys watch Elmo, Daniel Tiger, or Dinosaur Train for about an hour.

 

10:00 a.m.

I turn off the TV (you get mad with me every.single.time.) and say it's time to do chores!  At first you get excited and you make your bed like I make mine, then you help me collect all the dirty clothes.  After that you guys get bored and end up playing together -- which is fine with me. :-)

 

Every time I go to the bathroom to clean everyone finds me and asks what I'm doing.  I tell you the same thing everyday.  Just cleaning. :-)  You must be worried that I'm trying to use the bathroom ALONE.

 

11:30 a.m.

You can't handle it anymore.  You have to have PB&J for lunch now!  I will make you your sandwich with either chips or carrot sticks with ranch and you both get so excited.

 

12:30-1:00 p.m.

Max and Titus go down for a nap and Zoe stays up with Mommy -- because you're too big to take naps.  Ha!  Zoe sits on the couch while Mommy folds her laundry for the day.  Some days she "helps" and Mommy is very thankful..

 

This is normally Mommy's turn to watch something so Zoe will either watch too, or end up playing with her babies.

 

2:00-3:00 p.m.

Mommy lets Zoe watch one of her shows and she gets back to her chores.

 

The boys will wake up eventually and, if Mommy isn't done, they will watch shows too.

 

4:00 p.m.

Mommy is ready to get out of the house so we all walk down to the school playground.  Lately we bring Hurley to be our "protector."

 

5:00 p.m.

We walk home and Mom starts working on dinner.  Daddy should be home soon!

 

6:00-7:00 p.m.

We have dinner together as a family.  Some nights it is at the table...some nights it's while we watch a movie.  Shame.

 

You kids will play together till it's time to get ready for bed.  Even Titus will play!

 

8:00 p.m.

Bath time.  Brush teeth.  Read a story.  Sing songs.  Say prayers.  Hugs and kisses.

 

9:00 p.m.

Goodnight, sweet babies!

 

Mommy and Daddy finally get to watch their shows! Haha!

 

Next week Zoe will be starting preschool (at home) so our schedule will change again.  Just when we get into a routine something changes!  Zoe is excited, though, and I know she will do great in her schooling!  I am excited for the school year!

30 Things My Kids Should Know About Me: #11

Describe 10 pet peeves you have.

(In no particular order.)

 

 

1. Lip smacking/open-mouth chewing:  Oh. My. Word.  It's like nails on a chalkboard.  I know that's a little dramatic, but it's how I feel.  I can't handle it!
2. Negative Nellies:  The Bible tells us to rejoice in the Lord alway, and again I say rejoice!  With that being said...I don't like negativity.  I try to rebuke my own attitude if I feel it coming on!  I choose happiness.
3. Shoes and coats left in the middle of the floor:  Kids (husbands)...you gotta love them!  I try to give them a designated spot for their shoes and coats but they're still all over the place and I have to pick them up.  Will they ever learn?
4. Cupboard doors/drawers left open:  It obviously wasn't hard to open it...how hard is it to close it?!
5. Crazy kids:  Let me explain.  When I'm at Walmart and kids run amuck like a bunch of crazies and you wonder if you're the only parent in the store...that's what bothers me.  Unattended, crazy children who have no manners and run into my carts and think they're funny.  Guess what...you're not! :)
6. Being ignored/interrupted:  If you ask me a question, or if I'm telling you a story, don't interrupt me to talk to someone else.  And if I have to repeat my answer/story to you more than once because you're clearly not paying attention to me, don't even bother asking me anything anymore.  Ugh.  I just want to leave the room and read a book --- uninterrupted. ;)
7. Hazy facebook statuses:  Kids (and adults) who use their facebook as a soapbox and post rants that are obviously directed towards someone in particular but it's a secret so they can't talk about it.  How about you go to the person who has offended you and tell THEM how you feel --- not them and all 500 of your friends.  We all get frustrated.  I understand that.  But don't talk about people --- talk TO that person.
8. Lying:  Lying is bad.  It's annoying.  Stop it.
9. Spitting:  HATE spitting.  I turn into the Incredible Hulk.  I'm serious.  Don't believe me?  Spit in my presence.  I dare you.
10. Being late:  It drives me nuts when we end up late somewhere --- or if other people are late simply because they're late for everything!  Please be considerate of others.  I know I try to be!

 

So there you have it!  10 of my pet peeves! :)  What are some of your pet peeves?  I am interested in seeing them!

30 Things My Kids Should Know About Me: #10

Describe your most embarrassing moment.

 

This is going to sound really silly, but, I can't think of my most embarrassing moment.  AND, if I did, why would I want to share it with anyone? =)  Just kidding.  I really can't think of anything off the top of my head..

 

I will say this about myself, though.  I used to get embarrassed very easily.  I could feel my cheeks get red and I would get so flustered if I did/said anything embarrassing!  I used to get so mad at myself for allowing those things to happen -- like I had control over it.

 

But one day, thanks to your amazing Dad, I realized that laughing about your embarrassing moments when they happen make you feel so much better.  It's just something silly that happened that you will most likely laugh about in the future anyways, so why not start now?

 

Sorry to everyone who read this post hoping for a juicy story. =)  If I think of one later I'll make sure to tell you all about it!

30 Things My Kids Should Know About Me: #9

List 10 people who have influenced you and describe how.

(I do not have 10 people who have influenced me, but here is my list.)

 

Papa Shu

Your Papa Shu, my Dad, is a wonderul person.  He has tough love, but he is also the most tender hearted person you will ever meet.  I act a lot like him in many ways.  I always go to your Papa when I have a question about the Bible, and also when we have plumbing problems.  Your Papa's praise has always meant the world to me.  I love and miss him.

 

Gramma Shu

Your Gramma Shu, my Mom, is such an amazing, hard working woman.  I constantly think WWMD -- What Would Momma Do?  She is the energizer bunny.  She is everywhere making sure everyone is taken care of, whether one needs a hug or a bandaid -- Mom has it under control.  She is so strong.  I want to be like her in so many ways.  I love and miss her too.  You have a wonderful family.

 

Grandma Babe

You kids will never know your great-great Grandma Babe, but she is waiting for you in Heaven.  Grandma Babe was the tiniest, most feisty woman, but she also was so loving.  Your Gramma Shu would call Grandma Babe for everything and she always had the wisest answer.  Her age never got in the way of her doing anything.

 

Grandma Bunny

Your great-great Grandma Bunny is another hard working woman.  Her life story is such an amazing one, and I cannot wait to tell it to you one day!  She inspires me to work hard and do my best everyday.  She is the queen of us energizer bunnies.  Your Gramma Shu and I thank her for that. =)  She cannot rest until the job is done.

 

Your Dad

Your Dad, my husband, has taught me so many things in the past 5 years we have been married.  He constantly reminds me to think positively, and he has definitely taught me to fly by the seat of my pants!  He keeps me laughing all day everyday.  He is such a hard worker when it comes to the Lord's work as well as his job at Sherwin Williams.  He is such a great guy!

 

These 5 people are so amazing to me.  They have taught me to work hard, tough it out, love the Lord with all of my heart, and to laugh!  I love each and every one of these people.

30 Things My Kids Should Know About Me: #8

What are 5 passions you have?
(I needed help with this one!)

 

1. Obviously I am very passionate about Jesus Christ.  I love the Lord with all of my heart and I want the world to know how amazing He is!  Life without Jesus is no life at all.
2. Your handsome Dad and you, my beautiful children, are a huge passion of mine.  I would lay down my life for any one of you.. I will protect you the best I can each and everyday.
3. I now love to cook and it has definitely become a passion of mine.  Thanks to Julie & Julia and Pinterest I just love making new meals!  It's so much fun!
4. Organizing is slowly becoming a passion of mine again -- your dad is happy about that! =)  I love reading magazines and finding websites that give me organizing ideas.
5. I love traveling.  Whether it's by plane or by car, I love going on vacations with my little family.  They make me so happy!

30 Things My Kids Should Know About Me: #7

Source: bigicetees.com via Grace on Pinterest

 

What is your dream job, and why?

 

I am working my dream job right now.  I am your mother. =)  Being a mother is the best yet most stressful job I have ever had!  I don't even know how to describe the happiness I have..

 

When you, Zoe, were born I was pretty much scared.  I was the oldest of 6 kids, I knew what I was doing from the beginning.. but I was still intimidated by this beautiful, tiny human being. Grandma and Papa Shu stayed two weeks after you were born -- plenty of time for me to get comfortable with you -- but as soon as they drove away I rocked you while I cried all alone because I didn't know what to do.

 

Then you started to cry.

 

It was like a lightbulb turned on.

 

I became your mother.

 

The next year we had you, Maximus.  Our handsome little boy. And then the year after that, you, Titus, came along!  Quite unexpectedly.  With each child I learn something new.  Also, with each child I have to learn to multitask all the more!  But I love it.

 

We may not have planned to have three under 3, but God knows best, and I realize now how much fun it is to watch my babies grow up together!  It is obvious how much you all love each other, and I know you will be the best of friends.

 

I really am working the best job.  My dream job.

30 Things My Kids Should Know About Me: #6

If you could have three wishes, what would you wish for?

 

1. A new home.  I absolutely love the little house we live in right now.  It is cute and cozy.  But 5 people living in this tiny little house is a little cramped.  It doesn't matter how much stuff I get rid of it seems.  The house still seems over stuffed.  So one day (soon!) I hope to upgrade.
2. Better health.  Don't worry.  I'm not dying.  I just need to lose weight, eat healthy, and get my acid reflux in check!  I'm working on it now.
3. A massage.  It's been a long time since I've had a massage.  It sounds wonderful!

30 Things My Kids Should Know About Me: #5

What are the 5 things that make you most happy right now?

 

1. Jesus.  If I did not have a relationship with Jesus Christ I would be a sad, miserable person.  He gives me joy unspeakable!
2. Andrew Paul.  Your dad's sense of humor keeps me laughing all day, everyday.  I also loves when he gives me a big hug.  It doesn't happen often so I melt when he wraps his arms around to give me a big squeeze!
3. You -- my adorable kids.  Without you guys in my life I would be so lonely.  Every morning I love hearing you yell for me and I go into your rooms to see such big, contagious smiles.  Everyday I get to watch you grow into the beautiful people you will one day be!
4. Coffee.  You knew I had to put it in here somewhere!  Coffee makes me happy because it's hard for this Momma to wake up in the morning.  Coffee helps me keep my eyes open so I am more pleasant to have around and play with!
5. Vacations.  It doesn't matter where we go, really, I just love to go on trips where it's just your Dad, me, and you beautiful children!

30 Things My Kids Should Know About Me: #4

List 10 things you would tell your 16 year-old self, if you could.

(This is hard!)

 

Dear 16-year-old self,

 

1. You make a great cup of coffee, but learn how to boil water.  Oh, and maybe how to cook.
2. Pick up a magazine for Pete's sake and learn how to layer and wear stylish clothes!
3. Hug your family more often.  They get on your nerves now, but one day you'll move away and the quiet is going to get on your nerves even more!
4. Don't get discouraged about the boys in your life. Your knight in shining armor is coming and he is so worth it!
5. Learn how to multi-task.  You're going to think I'm crazy, but one day you're going to have three babies under the age of three and you're going to feel extremely frazzled because you can't figure out how to do more than one thing at the same time.
6. Don't resent other people for the things that happen in YOUR life that you may not like.  Everything happens for a reason, just trust God to take care of you and count your blessings.
7. You'll be surprised at what friends come and go!  Remember to love each one and be thankful for the experience they've given you whether it's good or bad.
8. Guess what. That beautiful long hair of yours.. those gorgeous curls.. they fall out.  Seriously.  Right off of your head.  Don't worry, your hair grows back -- but it's pin straight.  You can thank pregnancy for that.  Three times.
9. There's this song/dance called Gangnam Style that is incredibly famous and they match the dance skills you already have.  If you dance like a nerd now on YouTube you just might get rich and famous.  Please give it a shot!
10. By the way, you will have three babies under three, and it is not going to be what you planned, but they are the best kids you will ever meet!  They make your days full of laughter and joy.  Get ready for a ride!

30 Things My Kids Should Know About Me: #3

Describe your relationship with your spouse.

Source: ilovefarmweddings.com via Grace on Pinterest

I don't even know how to put into words your Dad's and my relationship.

Your Dad and I were pretty young when we got married. Just babies in the eyes of our parents! About 7 months after we got married we moved across country so your Dad could go to college.

We had big dreams of him going to college, us both working jobs, and traveling before settling down and having little ones. We planned trips to Disneyland as well as a trip somewhere in Europe.

God had different plans for us, though. Instead of waiting till after Daddy graduated from college God gave us children almost right away!

I wake up to my best friend every single day.

I look forward to every hug, kiss, and any kind of affection he gives to me throughout the day.

I look across the room and feel like my heart will burst with so much love when I see your Dad playing with you kids, laughing, or playing his music.

I talk to your Dad about everything. I love when we end up just driving simply to talk and have a conversation.
(You will find that your family does a lot of driving around with no destination in mind. For some reason the best conversations take place in the car!)

I am still deeply, madly in love with your Dad. Even more so now than when I was 16. My love for your Dad will never fade. It will only grow stronger and sweeter.

I love you Paul. =)

30 Things My Kids Should Know About Me: #2

Describe 3 legitimate fears you have and explain how they became fears.

 

1. Dolls and dummies.  Mostly the ones that have eyes that open and close and stuff.  They scare the living daylights out of me.  I'm not really sure why..  The scariest thing I've ever watched was Family Matters when Carl and Steve Urkle became dummies on a Halloween special.  It was scary for me as a kid.  That's the only thing I can think of that would make me afraid of such a silly thing.
2. Clowns.  Oh.. My.. Word..  I don't know why, but I can't trust their painted smiles.  I've never watched a scary movie about a clown, but I have seen plenty of covers going through the movie rental section to confirm that clowns are evil.
3. Spiders.  They're just gross and scary!

30 Things My Kids Should Know About Me: #1

20 Random Facts About Myself

1. I do not like being pregnant. Being sick for 9 months (more like 3 years for me!) and the back problems I have made it not fun. All three of my babies are worth it, but being pregnant stinks! Haha!
2. Before I got married I was very OCD about my room. Everything was organized, color coordinated, put in alphabetical order, etc. It has taken me 5 years to somewhat get my groove back and I still am nowhere close to being as organized as I used to be when I was single. Don't ask me what happened.
3. I (obviously) love coffee. I got my first drink from either Grandma Babe or Aunt B when I was 2. I honestly still remember them slipping my spoonfuls when your Grandma Shu wasn't looking and thinking it was the yummiest drink ever. It was fate. =)
4. I FREAK OUT if I get a sliver or paper cut. I can be in labor med-free for 12 hours but if I get a sliver I feel like I'm going to die. Your Dad calls me a spazz. I know I am. But I can't help it!
5. I am easily stressed out when it comes to movies. It doesn't matter if I'm watching a simple kid cartoon, chick flick, suspense.. I get serious anxiety when things don't go right for people in movies!
6. I do not like being barefoot. Ever. Even in the summer when it's over 100 degrees outside I'm wearing flip flops or TOMS. By the way, I hope you know what TOMS are when you grow up. They're only the best shoe on the planet. Anyways, I am terrified of stepping on nails or any other pointy object. Therefore, I wear shoes.
7. Ever heard of the yucky band KISS? Ever seen the long tongue? I have that. It's gross but really cool.
8. Sometimes I'm embarrassed by my laugh. It's a little loud. But for the most part it makes me laugh all the harder.
9. I love being short. I may be the butt of some jokes here and there, but I think it's hilarious.
10. I'm allergic to cinnamon oil. It makes my tongue swell and cuts it up really bad. It's gross.
11. I secretly wish I was a professional dancer!
12. I love bubbles! I wanted a bubble machine at my wedding but I was talked out of it by someone.. I can't remember who..
13. I can't whistle to save my life.
14. I hate the wind. It stresses me out.
15. I have the worst time using scissors. I have never owned a pair of left-handed scissors so I have never learned how to properly cut paper!
16. When I was around 15 I started to learn how to play the fiddle. I eventually gave up because I was insecure and thought I would never be good enough. I really regret quitting!
17. When I was younger I never planned on getting married or having children. For some reason I had it in my mind that I would go to school to be a doctor and live in an apartment with my Doberman. When I think about that now I tear up.. I am so thankful that God blessed me with the complete opposite!
18. I absolutely love reading and learning about the human body! I am amazed by God's greatest creation and all of the wonderful things we can do, how we can heal ourselves, etc. It's awesome!
19. If you ask your Grandma Shu she would say I am morbid because I also love murder mysteries. I am interested in watching crime shows and trying to figure out what happened to some poor victim. That is why BONES is my favorite TV show and has been since it's first day airing which was about 8 years ago I believe.
20. Paul is the only man I have ever been attracted to. Other guys were interested in me growing up but I knew immediately they were not for me. You can call me a snob if you want, but I knew what I wanted -- and most importantly what I DIDN'T want -- which is why your Dad is the only one I have ever loved. I thank God everyday that I was able to marry my best friend!

30 Things My Kids Should Know About Me

I found THIS on one of the other blogs I read and decided to tag along!  Feel free to do so too!

THE LIST:

1. List 20 random facts about yourself.
2. Describe 3 legitimate fears you have and explain how they became fears.
3. Describe your relationship with your spouse.
4. List 10 things you would tell your 16 year-old self, if you could.
5. What are the 5 things that make you most happy right now?
6. If you could have three wishes, what would you wish for?
7. What is your dream job, and why?
8. What are 5 passions you have?
9. List 10 people who have influenced you and describe how.
10. Describe your most embarrassing moment.
11. Describe 10 pet peeves you have.
12. Describe a typical day in your current life.
13. What’s the hardest part of growing up?
14. Describe 5 and weaknesses strengths you have.
15. Describe when you knew your spouse was the one or how I fell in love.
16. What are your 5 greatest accomplishments?
17. What is the thing you most wish you were great at?
18. What do you think your spouse loves most about you?
19. How did you feel the moment you became a parent?
20. Describe 3 significant memories from your childhood.
21. Describe your relationship with your parents.
22. Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 10 years? 15 years?
23. What’s your favorite holiday and why?
24. What’s your favorite and least favorite thing about parenthood?
25. If you could have dinner with anyone in history, who would it be and what would you eat?
26. What popular notion do you think the world has most wrong?
27. What is your favorite part of your body and why?
28. What’s your favorite quality in your spouse?
29. What are your hopes and dreams for your prosperity?
30. List 10 things you would hope to be remembered for.