The Wischmeier Words

Jack's first hair cut

2012-02-13T10:40:00.004-06:00

Baby Boy Jack got his first buzz cut. It managed to take all the sweet golden red hair away, and that's sad, and it also managed to make him look like a toddler and not a baby, and that's really sad.
He looks much more like Ben now too.

Can't write anymore, or I'll cry.

Boys

2012-02-13T10:21:00.005-06:00

Mac and Finn's favorite thing to do, is to take all the cushions off the couch and have a hay day. They do this at least once a day, if not twenty times! They both also love the Nintendo DS, Mom's iPod and Mom's cell phone.Dad is getting put in the inner-thigh mega death head lock...and Jack loves it!!

We don't call him Happy Jack for no reason!
Finn likes to get pictures taken of himself and then check them out on the camera.
This one Mac took of Finn.

Mac wanted his Lego girl on his head. Silly boy.

For awhile Jack liked to shove his whole binky in his mouth...kinda scary.

Aren't they the cutest most sweet boys ever!!

Christmas 2011

2012-02-13T10:12:00.003-06:00

Happy Jack!

Granny and Grandpa after church...looking good! Grandpa reading a fun story to Mac. He's really into it!

This year for Christmas, Granny and Grandpa Dean came down for a visit. The kids were in heaven, seeing how Granny pretty much spoils them to their hearts content!! It was cold enough in Houston to be able to have a nice warm fire, and everyone enjoyed that! Christmas was fun, low-key and full of yummy food.

January 2012

2012-02-09T10:20:00.008-06:00

Hello 2012! It's going to be a great year! Things are busy as usual for us. Abby started swimming again and she's in heaven. Her coach has been having them run a mile and a half at practice..which I think is super far for a 6 year old..but she does it and it's so fun to see her be proud of herself! Mac is back in preschool and learning tons! Finn is ornery, but sweet at the same time. (its maddening!!) And Jack is almost walking!
Mom and Dad started another 12 week "body for life" challenge. So far so good. I think putting it here on the blog will make me stay committed! I look forward to my birthday as it falls on the end of the 12 weeks, and I seriously and desperately hope I can reward myself with a new pair of fabulous jeans that look cute on my healthier and better looking body!

This years goals for the family goes a little like this:

Mom: Run a 5k, lose some weight, read 12 books.

Dad: Have a flourishing garden!

Abby: Come in 1st place in one event at a swim meet, & hit a home run.
Mac: learns his ABC's, count to 100, and learn to ride his bike

Finn: Get potty trained, so he can play on a 3 year old b-ball team!

Jack: walk, talk and grow!

Busy-ness

2011-11-15T13:12:00.004-06:00

Most days in the Wischmeier household are spent doing the same ol' same ol'. Laundry, Dishes, Diapers, Breakfast, Lunch, Snacks, Legos, Wii, Toy Room, Grocery shopping, Costco. You know..same ol'.

And I LOVE it. And I wouldn't have it any other way. People don't understand why I don't shower every day or why I can't call them back. Well now you know. I am busy putting my children and Husband first. And that's perfectly find by me.

Love

2011-11-15T12:56:00.003-06:00

Ben and I often stare at our children, then look at eachother and say "We have really great kids!!"

Each one of them is different, but they are also very much alike. They all share with each other. We started ordering adult meals at McDonalds or other places and we basically don't give them any other option but to share..and you would think it would cause a problem but it doesn't! Abby and Mac have been playing baseball these last months, and after each game they each get a snack, which they willing share with each other and their younger siblings! So sweet. Abby will play baseball inside the house with her little brothers, and she's so patient!

Several times each day Finn just randomly walks up to Jack and kisses him on the head.

Mac will just walk up to you and tell you " Mom you're my favoritest Mom in the whole world."

Abby begs us to cuddle with her. And she is always wanting to "help" us.

Jack will take his sweet little chubby hands and pull at your neck and face until you look at him. And when you do look at him, he looks at you like he's missed you. It's like he's looking right into my heart.

Our children are sweet and tender, loving and kind and it comes all from their Daddy.

Summer of 2011

2011-09-06T17:36:00.010-05:00

Where does the time go? I say that a lot lately...

Abby is in 1st grade. Mac is about to turn 4. Finn turned 2 and Jack is almost 6 months old!!!

The summer was fun! We had a family trip to Utah and Montana and we had a blast. We wished we could have stayed much longer, but the bills have to get paid somehow! We toured temple square with the kiddos and that was so very neat. Uncle Spuddy hung out with us for a couple days and it was really nice. Uncle Spud was a great helper to us and Mac LOVES uncle Spud. Which is saying a lot because usually Mac doesn't say a lot! We went down to Cedar City for Great Grandpa's 80th birthday. Great Grandpa is the sweetest man ever and we so enjoyed the time spent with the Rasmussen side of the family. Jack was blessed in Grandpa's ward on Grandpa's birthday, so thats fun. After the reunion and birthday party we drove something like 18 hours to get to Hamilton Montana. We had a nice pit-stop at James and Lyndsi's adorable new home in Twin Falls and wished we could have spent more time. The kids actually did fabulous in the car, thank goodness for a DVD player!! Hamilton was beautiful and peaceful and it was so nice to be in the Wischmeier home. We celebrated Finn's birthday, we ate lots of yummy food and we got to spend time with both sets of grandparents! HEAVEN!!

The rest of the summer was spent pent up inside the house because it was so stinkin' hot. Even the swimming pool is disgusting...it feels like a nice warm bath! Oh well..here's looking forward to the fall!!
Jack is growing and growing and he is the sweetest thing on the planet. It's safe to say that I kiss him at least a thousand times a day. EASY.
Finn is hilarious and super athletic. He will seriously play catch and shoot hoops with you for an hour straight. He also is an amazing helper.
Mac is tender and sweet, but is also getting a little more spunk in him. His vocab is really growing and he has the world's cutest voice. He loves all things batman, wii and legos.
Abby is beautiful and loving. Can't beat that! She loved playing with her cousin Madison this summer in Utah and also loved playing basketball at the YMCA. She's enjoying school, and pretty much any sport!

Life is busy for Mom and Dad. Most times it's all we can do to even look at or kiss each other before 9pm everyday. But we're making it work! We both adore and love our kids desperately and we wouldn't have it any other way.

Swim Fast Abby!!!

2011-05-23T08:56:00.007-05:00

Abby just started swimming for our local swim team. Just a month ago Abby could hardly stay afloat, and now she's swimming like a champ!! We are SO incredibly proud of her and all her hard work that she has been putting in.

The swimming world is completely new to us, but after going to our first swim meet we are hooked!! Abby's first 25 yards was timed in at 49 seconds..lets see how much that improves over the summer...Go Abby..Swim Fast!!!

Finn and the Mower

2011-05-08T19:33:00.003-05:00

Meet Finn and the Lawnmower. They are the best of friends. Finn found him at a second hand store and they have been inseperable ever since. Finn likes to take Mower on walks, and on car rides and he even likes to take Mower into Walmart. He really loves to use Mower while Daddy is using his Mower too.
It's pretty sweet how happy Mower makes Finn!!

The many faces of Baby Jack

2011-04-28T08:43:00.003-05:00

My Favorite

2011-04-27T19:55:00.004-05:00

I hope this memory and picture is forever implanted in my mind. WONDERFUL HAPPINESS!

Something's missing...

2011-04-26T13:35:00.005-05:00

Abby's two front teeth have been loose now for what seems like months! Finally the first one came out at school, Abby's story is that she went to the bathroom and pulled it out! Then the second one came out at Ikea, but it came out in a french fry that Abby accidentally ate. Opps! Here's hoping that those permanent front teeth come in as straight as the baby ones did!

Numero Quatro

2011-04-23T15:34:00.005-05:00

Jack Benjamin Wischmeier arrived on March 15th. He was big, real big...9lbs 4oz big. His hair hasn't decided yet if it would like to be light brown or red. We are all holding out hope that it will be red. (I mean have you ever seen Abby's hair before?) He has all ten fingers and toes and he looks identical to his big sister Abby. His labor was everything I hoped and imagined that it would be. It rocked my world...in a seriously awesome way and I am very proud of my body for finally figuring labor out. Jack is a sweet and easy baby. All I do all day is hold him and kiss him...and I would really like it if the newborn stage lasted longer than a couple months because it goes by too fast. Abby and the boys have been so good adjusting to life with four turkeys. So Tender and Innocent.

An hour after having Jack, the kids were able to come and met him, and the moment they stepped into the room I was a wreck. I felt so happy and complete, but most importantly I was overwhelmed with love and gratitude. Heavenly Father has been so good to us, we have four beautiful and sweet children, who make us so happy. Our whole life is our children, they all rock and have the best personalities and I love them forever. Life is good!

Did I mention?

2010-11-29T10:12:00.003-06:00

Did I mention that we have baby Wischmeier #4 on the way? It's kinda old news...but fabulous old news at that! We are due in March... here's to 16 more weeks of pregnancy. This baby was a total oh-no surprise.. but after a few hours of total shock and worry I was pretty excited! That just means life will be a little more hectic in the Wischmeier home..but let's not pretend it isn't already hectic enough! Oh well..what's one more right?

Almost unheard of...

2010-11-29T10:03:00.002-06:00

Abby came home the other day from school asking for a pair of jeans. This is almost unheard of! She hasn't wore a pair of jeans since she was 3 months old! She has always disliked the rough feeling of jeans, but that has all changed. Apparently jeans are the cool thing to have at school...but we thought we'd jump on the opportunity. So off to kids consignment store I went in search for a starter pair of jeans. As luck would have it, I think I found a perfect pair. Abby LOVES them! They are too big..but the little girl is doing nothing but growing so I think they're just fine. I actually love them on her.. she's so sweet and cute.

Halloween 2010

2010-11-02T08:52:00.004-05:00

One Biker Dude, one Geisha, one Pirate, one Spiderman, and one penguin.. make for a fun Halloween.

Third for the second

2010-11-02T08:39:00.002-05:00

The McConnell turned 3! Yes it was a couple of months ago and yes I did accidentally erase all of his birthday pictures off of my cameras memory card, but that doesn't take away from the fun that he had!

He had a super hero birthday party with all of his best buddies. We mostly just put them outside with a sprinkler and water guns and let them have at it. It started to rain, and apparently that was the coolest part. (it was warm rain, so they stayed out and had some wet fun)

When it came time for presents Mac was in heaven. Literally every gift he got he thought it was a magical treasure. When time came for cake and ice cream, he wouldn't even move away from his toys, he was just so sweet and content playing with them all day long.

McConnell is wonderful, quiet, sweet, happy and tender. Sometimes I think he's 5 because he's just so easy. Most times I don't worry about where he is in the house, because I know he's just in the play room playing with his toys, making up some sort of wild story in his cute little mind.

Happy 3rd birthday brother.. we love you forever.

"A little awesome."

2010-08-27T10:42:00.002-05:00

The day has come! Abby's in kindergarten! She has been waiting for and talking about this day for a long time. At first she was a little bit shy, but quickly she realized how much fun she was going to have.

The whole family got to walk her into her class the very first day. It was sweet to see her so excited and nervous at the same time. Mom got just a tiny bit choked up when we had to leave, but all in all it was a smooth and painless delivery.

When Abby came home from her first day I asked her how she liked kindergarten and Abby says " It was a little awesome." PRICELESS!!

The house is much different without her, almost so much I can't think about it or I get emotional. So far she has gotten good behavior stickers every day the first week, we are proud parents!

New Orleans for Ben's 30th

2010-08-26T09:43:00.006-05:00

Remember Ben's birthday last year? If you don't that's okay.. it's because it was so LAME! So I told myself and Ben that for his 30th I would blow him out of the water. That didn't really happen either. Why am I so horrible at this? I was planning on a fabulous one of a kind gift for him, but due to an unforeseen circumstance it just didn't work out. So instead of getting him something awesome, I just asked him if he wanted to go away with me for the weekend. Yup.. just me and him...no kids! He of course said yes, and before you knew you it we were on the road to New Orleans! We've both never been before, so we thought it would be a great little weekend getaway. The drive to NOLA (that what they like to call New Orleans) was six hours. And honestly I think those were the best six hours of the whole weekend. We just sat and talked and talked about everything. I can't tell you the last time that has happened, so it was blissful. We arrived late friday night. We stayed in a beautiful hotel in the French Quarter, which is close to just about everything. After we got checked it, we decided to head out and see a little bit of the French Quarter night life. We wondered over to Bourbon St. which is crazy famous, so we thought it would be pretty cool. We were wrong. It was filthy, gross and awful. I guess the nice way of saying it, would be it just wasn't our scene. So we quickly left Bourbon St, and we were off to find some divine beignots. And divine they were. After that we were pooped, so off to bed we went. In the morning we planned on heading to a famous breakfast spot called the Camilla Grill. To get there we needed to take the street car. The street car was both one of our favorites as well. It took us through the main street, where the street is lined with million dollar homes after the other. It was amazing. Those homes were AMAZING! After a long, but totally worth while ride on the street car, we found the Camilla Grill. There was a line of about 20 people in the front so we knew this place had to be good.

After about an hour wait we finally placed our order and waited for the deliciousness. We both ordered an omelette with hashbrowns. This was our plate. Unfortunately you can't see all the butter the omlette and hashbrowns are wading in. It was a pretty good and indulgent breakfast. The atmosphere was almost better then the food, so that always makes it fun.

After breakfast we walked around the French Quarter. Which is blocks and blocks full of crazy expensive antique stores and other random stores. The architecture is stunning. The colors everywhere are beautiful..even on random doors. We could have walked around all day if it wasn't 100 degrees outside.. literally! When we weren't walking around enjoying the scenery we were in our hotel room napping. It was perfect. We ate a yummy fancy dinner one night, and after that the next morning we were headed home. We had a wonderful time. We got 12 hours of conversation in while driving and that was the very best. I am so in love with Ben. He is my very best friend, and my eternal companion. To just say that I love him is never enough.

July Flew By

2010-08-23T18:12:00.006-05:00

It really did. July was a quick and fun month for us. It started off with Aunt Jessica moving in with us. She got an awesome nursing job here in Houston and she'll be staying with us for awhile. When she moved here she brought the Granny Dean with her as well. Granny doesn't get to stay though... she was only here for a short week... but a fun one it was. Aunt Jessica and Granny Dean pulled into Houston on July 4th, so we needed to make sure to play with some fireworks to celebrate!
While Granny was here she wanted to take the kids to the Circus! I would love to say it was amazing and awesome and all our wildest dreams came true... but that would be lying. It was awful and boring, so much in fact that the kids asked to leave early! BUMMER!

The rest of July we spent either at the pool or splash pad.. or inside playing in the air conditioning, because this has been a HOT summer!!

Abby has been counting down the days until school starts. I think she gets kinda bored around the house!

Mac is growing like a weed! He is wearing Abby's flip-flops that she just grew out of!! His favorite new thing to say is " Mom you make me sad.... Mario Bros makes me happy." He is completely obsessed with Super Mario Bros Wii. He doesn't technically play, he just sits and holds a Wii-mote while acting like he is Mario. It's hilarious to watch. All he really wants is to save the Princess.

Finn is cute and growing fast as well. He is a master stair climber and a good eater. He's becoming less and less demanding, which is a nice change of pace.

Drenched

2010-07-02T09:04:00.003-05:00

When life gives you a trenchel downpour... make construction paper boats and float 'em.

1st for the 3rd

2010-06-29T16:46:00.005-05:00

Happy Birthday Finn-Bug.

I am not going to lie.. this year has been a hard one for Mom. From about two weeks of age, Finn cried at least 2 hours a day. I would always say "maybe when he's three months, he'll calm down and get used to this life." Then a month after that I would say "Well maybe when he's able to eat solids, he'll be happier." Then after trying solids I would say "I think that once he can crawl he'll be a much happier baby." Yep.. none of that talk worked. He was still HARD. That is until he learned how to walk. He's a changed little man. My millions of prayers have been answered. Now-a' days he is sweet, really sweet.. and even funny. His little personality has grown so much. He understands what we say to him, he plays in the toy room all by himself and he walks everywhere.

His only word so far is "Mama"... which is total sweetness to my ears.

He loves to climb up the stairs... so much in fact... that's the very first thing he darts to in the morning, until I break his heart by putting up the gate.

His favorite thing to play with is his tongue.

His other favorite thing to do it to knock down anything we build up... like our "towers" with the wood and foam blocks.

He sleeps almost 12 hours straight every night.

His inner thighs are delicious.

He is so tan, we joke that he's half mexican.

His smile is the very best part of him.

Though we have had what feels like so many hard days.. I know and feel his little spirit and his sweet heart. I know he loves and adores our family.. and we are so very thankful he chose us. Because we all love and adore him right back.

Makeover #1

2010-06-23T08:32:00.004-05:00

We took this...
And turned it into this....

And I think it's FABULOUS!!!

He's pretty cute too... and I am not talking about Buzz.

Our Daddy Rocks!!

2010-06-20T19:27:00.002-05:00

Happy Father's Day Dad!

Words can't describe your awesomeness. If you had your choice you would stay and play with us all day long and not have to go to work... that's pretty cool. If you had one hour to do whatever you wanted, you would choose to wrestle and play with your babies. You make up funny songs that we all laugh to. You read us books and tell us your silly stories. You make us crepes on demand and let's not forget about your delicious smoothies. You even help us eat ice cream out of the tub. You clean up stinky bums and do all the yard work. You build us furniture and even let us help... And most important you love us and we LOVE you.

Dad's don't get better than you. You are the GOODS! Happy Father's Day.

Finn's First Hair Cut

2010-06-20T19:17:00.006-05:00

This little boy was in need of his very first hair cut. Though I must say it was hard to cut his golden locks at first... He wasn't quite sure what was going on...

The end results are so cute....
I think he just grew up right in front of our eyes.

Compost Surprise

2010-06-14T15:19:00.004-05:00

We started a compost bin a few months back.. and we have kind of neglected it just a little bit. Even though we haven't really taken the best care of it... it has been kind to us.... While snooping around in the beautiful vines, we have found 2 watermelons, one roma tomato plant, and one almost ripe cantaloupe. We think it's pretty cool.
"Mama look a WATERMELLON!!"

Winding Down...

2010-06-10T14:32:00.006-05:00

It's officially summer, and things have been so busy around here that it sounded fabulous to have absolutely nothing on calendar... so we took Abby out of Karate and T-ball just finished! Now we'll be hitting the pool almost everyday and trying to do our best to relax. This is the summer before Abby starts Kindergarten and I want to just sit back and enjoy it.

Abby has really improved in T-ball.. her hitting is pretty much amazing and her throwing and catching skills are picking up as well! She is so looking forward to starting school.. she already has her Nike backpack all picked out.

McConnell is so easy and hilarious. The other day while driving to T-ball practice, there was a peacock crossing the road and Mac took one look at it and yelled "WHOA!! That's a big chicken!!" Seriously I laughed for like ten minutes and I think it's one of my favorite things I have ever heard come out of a child's mouth. He stills grunts and runs around the house like a crazy Man Beast.. and it's the best. (Don't you LOVE his shoe choice!)

Finnegan is growing up. He's getting a little less demanding, but he still definitely has hard days. One day I'll figure him out. As for now he loves to play on the couch, hit you in the face, and give you sweet kisses... the open mouth kind. He also loves to splash like a mad man in the bathtub and he likes to wave bye bye.

Aunt Jessica Dean has moved to Houston.. and that's so fun for us! She just got a nursing job here and we couldn't be more proud of her! She is hilarious, and the kids love having her around because she's so much fun. Thank goodness for some family living close to us!!

As for Mom and Dad. We are great. We are really looking forward to seeing each other each night before 10pm, nothing beats an open schedule!! We plan on completely re-doing our master bedroom... Ben will be building the bed and I can't wait!! So with the kids and getting stuff done around the house, we'll be plenty occupied!

Self- Portraits

2010-05-26T10:41:00.004-05:00

I love these kids. Love 'em a lot. They do just about everything together and self-portraits seem to be their new favorite things.

Blue Bell

2010-05-09T09:43:00.006-05:00

Blue Bell ice cream is arguably one of the most delicious brands of ice cream in the history of the world. We heard about their fun tours (and free scoop at the end) and thought, since we were heading to Austin anyway, we might as well take advantage. The tour was fun. Abby and Mac really enjoyed watching the machinery and the ice cream filling the buckets and heading down the line. They had this really cute video about the history of the creamery at the beginning of the tour, and when they asked for volunteers to be the "caboose" of the line, we gladly volunteered...so we got an extra scoop! Bonus!

Here's Mac enjoying his scoop - Summer Berry (soooo good).

Abby was in heaven and couldn't decide what flavor she wanted. She seems to be more of a sherbet kind of girl, so Rainbow sherbet is what she decided on.

Here we all are enjoying our tasty flavors. On that table we've got Rainbow Sherbet (Abby's choice), Summer Berry (Mac's choice), Groom's cake and Banana Pudding (Ben's choices), and Cookie dough and Pecan Pralines (Allison's choices).

Thank you Blue Bell for your delicious ice cream and fun tour. We'll be back again!

5 for the first

2010-05-05T08:03:00.006-05:00

The birthday girl blastin the enemy.

Abby and the Sergeant.

Blastin' the enemy

Shooting Practice

The Obstacle Course

Finn loves to smile for the camera.

Abby and Mac playing with Abby's coveted birthday present ( a nintendo DS)

Can't believe my baby girl turned 5. Can't believe she'll be in full day kindergarten in three months. Can't believe how sweet and fabulous she is. Can't believe some of the outfits puts on herself... most of all I can't believe how much I LOVE her.

We threw her an Army birthday bash and it was pretty great. We had boot camp for the kids, complete with gun shooting, grenade throwing, and obstacle running. Abby was in 7th heaven. Ben played the role of Sergeant... the kids loved that.

Happy birthday Abby.. we are so proud of the beautiful wonderful silly girl that you are growing up to be. You brighten our days with your rhyming raps and your funny jokes. You are the sweetest most kind big sister to your little brothers, and you still give the very best cuddles. We LOVE YOU FOREVER.

Disneyland

2010-04-25T21:01:00.007-05:00

DISNEYLAND!!! Our three day adventure in Disneyland was absolutely fabulous. This was the first vacation that our little family has taken, and it all went so smoothly and we actually got to relax and enjoy our vacation! Granny Dean, Grandpa Dean, Aunt Jessica and Uncle Gabe all joined us during our Disneyland time, and it was so fun. Not only were they all such great help to have around, they were all so fun. They each took the kids on rides, pushed their strollers around, carried Finn in the snuggle and gave those little kids anything and everything they wanted! Like I said.. it was fabulous.

Here we are at the infamous front gate of Disney. (minus Aunt Jessica and Uncle Gabe) Oh.. I failed to mention how gorgeous and perfect the weather was.... 65 degrees.. not a cloud in sight.

Mac and Daddy enjoying a ride in the cars. This was one of Mac's favorite rides.

Finn was a trooper. He was really sick before we left Houston, so I took him in just for a check up before we got on a plane.. well low and behold Finn was super sick... he had pre-pneumonia. Poor little man. He had issues breathing and sounded horrible, but after a few days of breathing treatments and medicine, he was doing just fine. Here he is waiting in the stroller for his Bro and Daddy to get off the car ride.Here is Granny Dean and I in the astro orbiter. Yep we managed to squeeze ourselves into a kids ride together!!!Granny Dean was also such a trooper! She had knee surgery awhile back, but she was keeping pace with us all along. That is until the third day when we decided she was hurting so much she needed a wheelchair.... and I am not going to lie.. the wheelchair was so nice, because we got to go straight to the front of each ride line everytime!!! Then after the third day we couldn't help but wonder why we hadn't gotten the wheelchair earlier!!

Abby was in heaven here. She loved seeing each character even though it seemed like we didn't see that many. Oh and the tiger face... she begged for it and yes why not... we're at Disneyland, and it's her birthday so let's give her whatever she wants. It was so cute on her. She's just so cute.

Here is uncle Gabe and Dad giving Abby ride of their own. This is in California Adventure... which was so fun.

Grandpa Dean loved holding Finn. Thanks Grandpa you're the best. Isn't Finn is sweet? Think he knows he's at the Happiest Place on Earth?

Here's Abby and Granny on the 3D Toy Story ride. It was so fun.. definitely one of our favorites.

The very best part was Abby's little semi-private birthday party in Disneyland. Granny Dean planned it all. It was so sweet and special for Abby. There was this loony dude named Pat. E. Cake jumping around singing while we all got to decorate our own cupcakes. Then at the end Mickey and Minnie Mouse personally came and gave all the children that were celebrating their birthdays hugs. It was more then we expected and it meant the WORLD to Abby.

This is so sweet and heart-melting. She really loves them.

Like Mother like daughter. We are so cheesy... but having so much fun.

Seaworld

2010-04-22T10:16:00.005-05:00

The Wischmeier Family went on Vacation!!!! I know! I can't even believe it either! For Abby's 5th birthday her Granny Dean wanted to take her to Disneyland. (This has been in the making for the last year, so we were pretty pumped to finally have her birthday get here.) We decided to make it a week long trip, so we could do other fun things in Cali, beside Disneyland. We wanted to save going to Disneyland until the day of Abby's actual birthday, so our first stop was Seaworld. We have all never been to Seaworld... so it was pretty exciting!!

We got to ride some fun rides, see a cute sea lion show, hold sea stars, and most important... we got to see Shamu!!! Shamu was quite amazing. Actually there were three huge whales performing, and it was a spiritual experience. I was in awe of the beauty of the whales. Abby I don't think could really believe what was going on. She just sat there in awe as well. Mac really could have cared less, and I thought that was pretty funny.

"Push me Mama!!"

2010-03-16T10:01:00.004-05:00

I hear "Push me Mama!" at least ten times a day. It's is safe to say that the kids are obsessed with swinging. Thank goodness for beautiful Houston weather.

February in Pictures

2010-03-01T13:42:00.008-06:00

February was a sick month for us. We were all sick at one point and time, Mac was actually sick the whole month. Yep, it's been pretty miserable around here, and I'm hoping that it all ends soon. We had our first trip ever to the ER.... (five years and three kids later, I think only having one trip to the ER is quite good.) Finn woke up in the middle of the night with a awful, gut-wrenching cough, and it was croup. It was so bad that at first I thought he was choking to death. We ended up taking him ER and they gave him a steroid shot and a breathing treatment and since then he has been great. Thank goodness. Oh modern medicine.. you rock my world.

We just stayed home each and every day of February trying not to infect all of our friends. Mac fell asleep behind the chair going poo... that was funny. It really took it outta him : )

One day Mac was doing the FUNNIEST thing ever. He just stood at the top of the stairs looking down at us with his lips in full pout-mode. So Funny. He literally stood there for 10 minutes.

It was perfect for a good smooch though.

Finn is an official crawler. Which is crazy. I have to put on my crawling eyes now and make sure nothing.. and I mean nothing is on the floor for him to eat. I can't tell you how many times I have already found a foreign object in his mouth.

He has also learned how to pull himself up. Now the crib is a bit more fun for him.

He shakes his head back and forth.. like he's saying No.... and it's so cute.
Abby is beautiful. She just started T-ball again.. and she's awesome.

This is how she dresses herself most days. And I love it.

She's not short of personality, thats for sure.

That was our February. Hopefully March will be full of sunshine, healthy kids and lots of park adventures!!

Normal Day

2010-02-23T19:15:00.004-06:00

"Normal day, let me be aware of the treasure you are. Let me learn from you, love you, bless you before you depart. Let me not pass you by in quest of some rare and perfect tomorrow. Let me hold you while I may, for it may not always be so. One day, I shall dig my nails into the earth, or bury my face in the pillow, or stretch myself taut, or raise my hands to the sky and want, more than all the world, your return." -Mary Jean Iron

Love Love Love this quote. Let me please more appreciate our "Normal Days"

Relief

2010-02-19T14:54:00.001-06:00

I am feeling much better day.

Thank goodness.

Losing it.

2010-02-18T13:35:00.005-06:00

Another Mom friend of mine once said that after having a HORRIBLE day with her children that night she took 12 birth control pills. This made me laugh so hard, and made me feel much better to know that she has hard days too.

Today has been such a day that I just made my appt. to get my tubes tied. (only kidding..but slightly only kidding) The kids screamed and fought, the baby cried and cried. The oldest didn't listen and the youngest couldn't be sat down for a second without a fit. The house was destroyed and my emotions were on edge. I feel useless, tired, annoyed, and worn-out. I know other parents deal with this as well, I know I am not alone in this fight, but some days it feels awful lonely. Sometimes it's all I can do to not yell again, or to not run out of the front door as fast as I possibly could. My sweet husband reminds me that not all days are like this, the kids aren't always horrific. And I know that, I remember that too.. it's just hard to see the sunlight shining down when there's a bitter storm rolling in . I want so badly to be the very best Mother to my children. So does that count then? Me wanting to be good?? Do I get any points for trying my hardest but failing about 45% of the time?

Parenting is tough, especially being a stay at home mom. Would I change that? Never. Do I have days when I wished that I had a part time job just so I could escape?? For sure!! Blogging is my journal for our children, so children here's some advice. Parenting is tough, more so if you have three small children ages 4 and under. It's a hard road, that seems never ending and without much praise, but it's worth it. You're going to want to quit, you're going to want to sleep and function normally but the truth is, nothing is normal after you have children. Life completely changes and only for the better. You kids are lucky you're so cute, or else I would have quit on you a long time ago. I think now I'll go make some cookies. Yep.. that always make things better in my book.

** After calling Ben and crying to him on phone and basically having a huge pity party, he came home early and consoled and comforted me. Of course when he came home all was well.. but it sure is the thought that counts. (You're the goods Honey)

***This little cartoon made me laugh.. that's my life motto for sure.

(mean while there are yummy chocolate chip cookies in the oven to make me feel better)

January in pictures.

2010-02-08T14:04:00.006-06:00

Abby's certificate of awesomeness..... This is what Finn was doing while is big sister was getting her yellow belt. Oh... I could eat him.

Oh Man.. this IS the cutest pictures I have ever seen of McConnell.
Abby and Dad made their first ever homemade whipped cream. YUM!!
Mac has taken a recent liking in his little bro. So sweet.

Finn has found the door stopper thingy ma-bob.
He's pretty proud of himself. Finn is also starting the first steps of crawling....

Where you think you're goin???

I just finished my first class of my online schooling. It was super easy, but I still found myself questioning why I decided now was a good time to go back to school. Yes it will be hard with having to take care of kids,the home front and being in school, but I'm just taking it one class at time and we'll see how it goes. I am pretty sure it will only take me about ten more years to get my degree... haha.. I've got nothing but time!!!But in the mean time I am trying my very hardest to enjoy my babies before they grow up and think I'm corniest person alive.

Hiii-Yaaa

2010-02-01T12:45:00.003-06:00

Abby has been in karate for a few months now, and she just moved up the ranks to the yellow belt. She had to perform all the right moves, and she did so awesome. You could tell that she really understood that it was important to show and do all the many things that she has learned!! She wasn't even shy about it either, which is HUGE for her.
Mom has been sick all week and quite frankly is sick and tired of having a home full of sick people. (Ben has totally lucked out, actually he did roll is ankle pretty bad a couple of weeks ago in church b-ball, so I guess he did get it in his own way) But the sickness is hopefully on the outs now, and we are ready to get some things done off of our ever long and never-ending To-Do list.

House of the sick

2010-01-22T11:31:00.006-06:00

Our boys have been sick, and horribly miserable. I thought for a second that it was the flu, what with the fever, running nose, and hideous cough... but thank goodness it wasn't the flu. Just a nasty virus to make them ornery and a little bit more ornery. I don't blame them... just wished they slept more : )

McConnell was sick first, then Finn got it of course. I liked how the doctor mentioned that I should try to make sure the boys don't come in contact with each other.. that just makes me laugh. Poor Finn though. He's still pretty sick. And it hurts my heart. Every time he coughs my heart aches and my body hurts for his poor little helpless body. I finally couldn't handle hearing his congestion and the wheezing so I took him to the Urgent care and he had an ear infection. The doctor even had Finn get chest x-rays to make sure he didn't have pneumonia.. umm yeah that's an awful and scary thought! I had to hold him down while he was getting the x-rays. Poor thing. Thankfully the chest x-rays looked good and no pneumonia. Abby wanted to go with me to the doctors and me being the fabulous mother that I am, I told her that she could come with us as long as she "didn't drive me crazy." Abby was of course sweet and helpful and kept on asking me if she was driving me crazy and if she was being a good girl. Yep.. I am a horrible parent..

Abby then did something so sweet that makes me cry just thinking about it. Finn was on the doctor's table crying because he was tired and sick and I was trying everything I possibly could to get him to laugh or be happy, then Abby says "Mama play peekaboo." So I did and of course the Finn-Bug loved it. And of course Abby turned the situation around and taught me something and I LOVE her so very much. And I realized she is growing up too fast, and I felt bad telling her that she can only come if she doesn't drive me crazy. Well... there's a wonderful parenting experience. This life is all about learning and growing.. and Abby is teaching me so much. She is the coolest kid I have ever met. She still sleeps with us at night and I cherish it.. she cuddles with me and loves me and forgives me everyday for my shortcomings. And she told me when I walked down the stairs to go to church today that I was beautiful. Thank you Abby, but I'm not nearly as beautiful as you.

Finnegan

2010-01-11T14:20:00.003-06:00

I am pretty sure, babies don't come much cuter than this....

Bye Bye Training Wheels

2009-12-30T14:05:00.003-06:00

Abby learned how to ride her bike without her training wheels this last weekend. It was incredibly easy for her, and it proves that she was ready long ago. She also has had a huge growth spurt over these last couple months, and that's why her bike looks so little!! Before she left for home Granny went out and bought her a new bike, and Abby loves it. The look on Abby's sweet face while she is pedaling around the cul-de-sac is priceless.. she's so very proud of herself!! Way to go Abby!!!

Our 24 Hour Date

2009-12-30T10:59:00.006-06:00

While my family was in town, Ben and I were treated with a whole day off!!! Granny, Grandpa and Aunt Jessica Dean took care of the kids and we ran outta the house as fast as we could!

Ben surprised me with this 24 hour date, and it was a blast. It was so sweet how much thought and effort he put into it. He melts me.

In the glove box of the car were 5 separate envelopes each with the address of our next destination. First stop was a place called Dave & Buster's. Basically a huge game warehouse and tons of fun. I schooled Ben at air hockey like always!! (it's our thing, he is always trying to beat me at air hockey, he did win once, but the third time we played I beat him 7-0!!!) Ben managed to get $20 of free game play and here's the loot we got!

After Dave and Buster's we headed Discovery Green. It's an outdoor park in downtown Houston. I was feeling a little sick before we left Dave and Buster's because we played a shooting game that moves around a lot (I am weird and get sick with that sort of stuff) so Ben was a little worried that I wouldn't be able to do what he had planned at Discovery Green. All was well after some much needed fresh air, thank goodness because went we drove up to Discovery Green I saw this!!

It's not a full blown hot air balloon, but it is like a mini-version. It's helium filled and on a cord, and goes up 350 feet. Pretty cool. We've both never experienced anything like it, so we were pretty excited. After waiting an hour and a half we got our 10 minute turn and it was pretty cool, seeing how Houston is flat you can see a lot when you are 350 feet in the air. We both enjoyed it.

After the balloon we headed to the Hotel. Which was beautiful and fabulous. We attempted a nap, but just cuddled and watch some uninterrupted tube. (no picture for that)

Then it was off to dinner. Ben choose a fancy-spancy restaurant, think Top Chef type of food. We gorged ourselves to oblivion. DIVINE!!!

Then back to the Hotel for some much needed R & R. That lasted until about 2:30am when I started throwing up. Yep... not so much fun. Why can't I just get one night of peaceful sleep??? Such is life.

It was so wonderful to have a whole day with my Sugar. He is everything to me, and I wish that I could be with him more. I kinda can't get enough of the guy!!

Thank you Love for all your hard work and effort, it was fabulous.

*I know what you are thinking.. lots of feeling nauseous and throwing up... and NO I am not pregnant!!

Feeling Nostalgic

2009-12-17T09:51:00.003-06:00

It's raining here in Houston. It's drizzly. It's pretty to look at. It reminds me of Seattle.

Not much going on at the Wischmeier home.

Finn is cutting his two bottom teeth. He'll be cute with some teeth, though I don't think he could ever get any cuter.

Mac is two, and somewhat miserable with life. He doesn't get enough sleep, and that makes for some hard days. He is also talking like crazy. He makes us laugh basically all day long... when he's not throwing a fit.

Abby is getting tall and really growing up fast. My heart is breaking as she is my only girl. She'll be five this coming year, and I just don't know how that happened. She loves her preschool teacher and she is starting to learn how to read.

Mom and Dad are planning an Ugly Christmas Sweater Party. We can't wait. Good times are to be had. Ben got to rake the lawn the other day and that made him feel more manly... so that's good. Mom got to take a shower three days in a row, so that's really good!

We painted our kitchen a divine light blue. It's fabulous and we love it. I found a cake stand that I am in love with. It's perfection. (a million thanks to Tessa my cousin for posting it on her blog)

A white December

2009-12-07T08:38:00.004-06:00

It snowed in Houston. Like actual big white fluffy snowflakes. It was nice. The kids LOVED it. Well I take that back, Abby really loved it and Mac loved it until he touched it. He quickly realized snow is cold, very cold for Houston raised children and he bawled his little head off until his hands were properly warmed back to regular temperature. It really helped us all get into the Christmas spirit. And most importantly... it was gone in an hour. That's my kind snow. After our experience in Idaho (almost two years ago) I have vowed never to drive/live in a place that snowed. But I can handle an hour or two of snow every now and then.

We had a Bethlehem themed church Christmas party, and the kids dressed up. So cute. (Abby kind of looks like a polygamist..but it's the thought that counts right?)

Tired Mac- Part 2

2009-11-16T13:48:00.004-06:00

Today I laid Mac down in his bed about 10 times for his afternoon nap. He kept on getting up and playing. So I thought it would be a fight until one of us gave in. I finally heard it get quiet in his room, so I went up to see if he was asleep. I opened his door and couldn't find him. Then I saw this...
This diaper box a little funny sitting in the middle of his room... so I lifted up the box and found this....Fast asleep curled up under the Costco diaper box. Gotta love it. Just another sleeping adventure for McConnell. (I am looking forward to many more funny sleeping spots.. to be continued.....)

Dear Ben

2009-11-11T14:21:00.002-06:00

Dear Ben,

I would tell you that you are the Love of my life, but we both know we have much more than that. You're the Love of my FOREVER.

Glad I have you. So very glad to be yours.

Tired Mac

2009-11-11T13:58:00.003-06:00

Like I said before McConnell has been moved into a big boy bed, and because of that move he has been quite tired these last couple of days. So tired that he fell asleep on the stairs. Now, just so you know it's a running joke in Ben's family that Ben can sleep anywhere, because when Ben was a little guy he had fallen asleep on a donkey, some stairs, and a pile of wood...just to name a few. So it's pretty sweet to see little Mac follow in his Daddy's foot steps.

Speaking of following in Daddy's footsteps, this is what I found after Daddy was supposedly putting Mac down for a nap. Point and Case!!

Fillin' that belly..

2009-11-10T07:52:00.007-06:00

Finn tasted his first bite of Rice cereal a few days ago and has since become a huge fan. Nothing else really going on in the Wischmeier home, besides sleepless nights.

Mac decided to climb out of his crib, so he's been put in a big boy bed in a room with Abby. They both basically play all night and drive us crazy. One night I found Mac in the bathroom brushing his teeth at 2:30am. He's lovin' the freedom. Pretty Funny.

Finn is still sleeping horrible..but we are going to fix that next week. I'll let you know how that goes.

I have been able to get a few things done around the house, which is a good change of pace!! We spray painted our hideous dull brown filing cabinet, and I redid an old chair we found on the sidewalk waiting for the garbage pick up!!

The fabric cover job is horrible but I only had one hand and two minutes.. so I do what I can.

**** Paint color- The spray paint that I used was from Home Depot. They didn't have much of a selection, and I can't remember the brand name, but I do remember the color was called Mediterranean something ( just look for a blue lid then check the bottom for color name). I would recommend going to wal-mart for spray paint, they have about 5 times more color selection.

Halloween Happenings

2009-10-31T21:31:00.003-05:00

Halloween wasn't hyped up too much this year. I put up zero decorations, and put about zero effort into getting the kids excited about trick or treating or anything of the sort. We didn't even go to a pumpkin patch, or even buy the kids a pumpkin until the day of Halloween. Apparently Houston had experienced a pumpkin shortage, so we ended up with two pretty white pumpkins and called it good. We attended our ward trunk or treat and that was good fun for the kids. Then after that we got to do some trick or treating around the neighborhoor and then called it a night. Abby loved to stay up late to help hand out the candy (and the candy was all the candy her and Mac just got from the church party, she graciously agreed to only get 10 pieces of candy and then give up the rest of her candy in return for a $5 shopping spree in the toy section of her store of choice.)

We actually got a family picture taken. It's quite cute. Dad dressed up as a lumber-jack, Mom was a witch, Abby was a pirate, Mac was buzz-lightyear, and Finn was a chicken.

Aren't we cute????

Life is good for the Houston Wischmeiers. Life has been very good to us indeed.

This is how we roll..

2009-10-26T15:19:00.004-05:00

On Saturday mornings Ben wakes up with the kids and then makes a divine morning breakfast. This particular breakfast was the most fun by far.There's nothing quite like crepes stuffed with marshmallows, nutella, peanut butter, bananas and topped off with some chocolate syrup and whipped cream.
So Mac how do you feel about this yummy breakfast????
Warning: After serving your children buckets of sugar for breakfast, they will be climbing walls for the next several hours.

You're silly look

2009-10-14T09:52:00.003-05:00

I love this look.

It's the Mama you're silly look.

Girls

2009-10-14T09:31:00.003-05:00

Abby and I were invited to a girls night out. It was quite cute. I told Abby all about it while reading to her at night, so the next day when she woke up she told her Daddy "You know Dad... tonight is a girl party only.. no boys allowed." She was excited the whole day. We told Dad that we were going to have some serious girl fun, like paint our nails and make bracelets. To which Daddy replied, "Oh yeah well me and the boys are just going to sit around farting and scratching ourselves." Pretty Funny. Abby got a kick out of that.

The party was fun. Abby enjoyed making her bracelet, and getting her nails painted. I think her favorite part was when a boy sneaked into the party and then chased all the girls around with a bat!! I can still hear her screaming. She loved it.

It was fun to spend time with my sweet Abby. I need to do it more often. I Love you Boog.

Sporty Brewster and Buzz-Mac Lightyear

2009-10-08T18:04:00.005-05:00

My kids have awesome personalities.

Here's Sporty Brewster (That's a combo between sporty spice and Punky Brewster.) This is how she dresses herself everyday.

Here is Buzz-Mac Lightyear. He likes to wear his Buzz wings all day long... sans clothing!! While running full-speed yelling out "to beyond."

Handy Mac

2009-10-02T15:03:00.003-05:00

This is an oldie but goodie. Mac was helping his Dad and Grandpa fix our fence after the Hurricane hit last year.

It warms my heart to know that I have Finn to be this age once too... Where did the time go???

3 months for the third

2009-09-29T13:04:00.006-05:00

Finn is three months today. He is sitting in his Bumbo, cooing more and more, and giving us an occasional giggle. He is also getting much less demanding, and learning to accept his new home. He adores his big sis and bro, and always give them a sweet smile. He sometimes even has a conversation with me, and it melts me. And he LOVES his Daddy's voice. I told Ben this has been the longest and fastest three months of my life. I have had days of pure joy and happiness, and have had days that I would just like to never remember again. Through it all, I know that I have been richly blessed to Mother these sweet children, and I kinda like to think that they chose me in their pre-earthly life. I just hope I am living up to what they want and need. I'll keep on trying TO DO MY BEST, while dancing to Shakira to brighten my outlook!!!!

Sweet baby Finn.... Your number three, same with your Mom and Dad, and we all know that we were the best kids our parents had... so let's keep up that tradition. ; )

Surfside Beach

2009-09-28T08:11:00.007-05:00

We decided to get out of the house this last weekend and attempt to have some fun. So off to the beach we went. Our good family friends also come, which was fun for all. The kids had a great time. Mac just kept running full speed into the water, and Abby played so well I had forgotten we even brought her!!! Finn on the other hand, was quite cranky, making Mom really cranky!! I decided that I hated being there because it was so hot and miserable for Finn, who really needed a nap, so I told Ben we had to leave after only being there for about 15 minutes!! I am pathetic!! Dawn (my wonderful friend) quickly came to my aid and took Finn and of course he fell asleep in her arms. Whatever Kid!! After he fell asleep we were all finally able to really enjoy the beach. Poor Ben had to chase Mac around just about everywhere, until he started to get tired!

The Grainmaker

2009-09-27T17:22:00.004-05:00

Okay try not to be jealous, but we have the ultimate of ultimate grain mills. It's quite fabulous. It is 100% hand made in Stevensville Montana (which is about 15 miles away from Ben's home town.) It's a hand crank type of grain mill, and boy is it a workout to crank out the wheat, rice and beans that we have been grinding. Yep you read right, not only does it grind wheat, it will also grind up just about anything. We have tried oat groats, beans, rice, and wheat, and it works so very fabulously!! We are big fans! It has been so fun learning to grind up different stuff and it's also a great way to get some energy out of the kids. Abby is quiet fond of grinding up the wheat. Check out the website, there they have much better information, as I am horrible with words!! http://www.grainmaker.com/
Ben's Dad sells these, so if you are interested let me know, and I'll connect you with him and then you could have this awesome investment in your home. If you have been waiting to buy a grain mill... this is the one you've been waiting for..it's the Cadillac of grainmills!!!

Little Man Beast turns 2

2009-09-11T16:43:00.003-05:00

McConnell had his awesome 2nd birthday a few days ago. It has been a fun two years with the little man. He is really into watching Toy Story, matter of fact it is almost impossible to pry his little eyes off the screen for more than two seconds while he's watching it. He inherited that from his Daddy for sure. So we decided to buy him a super cool buzz lightyear doll. Well little did we know how big it really was, and also how much it weighed!! I am 100% worried that Finn is going to get it thrown at his head, and suffer permanent damages!!!

So Mac opens up the Buzz toy and he's in heaven! He LOVES it! But after about two minutes with Buzz he had come to hate it already. The buttons weren't working on command, and it was hard to maneuver and play with!! He was really frustrated! He was throwing himself all over the floor and hitting Buzz against the ground. It was quite the ordeal. It was actually a perfect two year old tantrum. Pretty Fitting.

So I quickly make the decision that I really love all of my children and I don't want them suffering any brain damage because of blunt trauma to the forehead caused by the ever lovable, but slightly dangerous Buzz.So I got all the kids in the car and said "Kids were going to the Disney store." Off we went to try to find a cotton version of Buzz. And we found it.. and some jammies, and some other random stuff animals. (Man I'm a good Mom) Actually in attempts to keep Mac in the stroller I said get whatever you want and let's go!!!

So Mac now has two Buzz's and we are hoping that the big Buzz will get "lost" sometime soon!!
(j\k)

And oh did I mention the awesome Buzz costume we got Mac too?? It rocks my world.. but Mac isn't as into dressing up as Abby..but maybe one day. We got it on him once, and he melts my heart. He looked so cute in it that I decided I want to start calling him "Buzz"

We LOVE and ADORE McConnell. He melts me with every smile. He is still a total beast and hilarilous, and I couldn't imagine my crazy life without him. Happy Birthday Bubba.

Porky the Piglet: 2 Months

2009-09-03T11:39:00.004-05:00

Finn had his two month check up and all is well. He's growing like crazy.. he's almost doubled his birth weight (he's 13.5 lbs)!! That's our Boy!!

I haven't mentioned yet, just how much better he has been in fear that I would be jinxing myself, but he has really gotten much better. Gripe water has proven to be effective.. thank goodness!!! I love him so much.. he is so sweet, and the crying has really died down. I can happily say that I am enjoying motherhood much more now!!

Isn't he the cutest thing ever??? I could dip him in rainbow chip frosting and nibble on him all day..

Caution: Children playing

2009-09-02T15:18:00.001-05:00

I thought this was fitting...

We're basically shut-in's

2009-08-31T11:09:00.004-05:00

... and I am totally fine with that. I am pretty sure that I am not going out with three kids until Finn can walk, and Mac learns to stop running into the street! But like I said I am totally fine staying at home and having fun. The weather is actually getting cooler, which means it's only in the low 90's, but the kids have been taking advantage of that so that's a good energy waster.

So while were in the house, I figure I might as well take adorable pictures of my boogers.

Ben's big birthday bash..

2009-08-22T10:09:00.003-05:00

That's some what of a joke.. Ben had a really low key 29th birthday. Mom and kids had a peticularly hard day, so we really didn't do much. He came home to a messy home and cranky kids, then he opened his gifts and off to dinner with our best buds we went. And that was it.

I didn't even make him a cake! I know he understands, but I still feel bad. Maybe I'll throw him one rockin' 30th birthday party next year. And hopefully by that time Finn has stopped crying!

Isn't Ben super Handsome!!
Are you kidding me.. so cute

Little Helpers

2009-08-15T09:59:00.003-05:00

Mac and Abby really enjoy helping us when it comes to just about anything around the house, except for picking up their own toys....weird I know.

Here they are helping Daddy put together Mac's new big kid bed. Abby came running down the stairs with both goggles saying "Dad I got our safety goggles." It's super dangerous to put together a plastic bed, so she was just taking the proper safety precautions!! So cute.

Slightly Struggling..

2009-08-08T09:27:00.003-05:00

Haa.. in one of my last posts I wrote that having three children wasn't so bad. That's funny. It's been hard. Really hard. Finn is a super demanding child. He still cries a lot, and that's hard. It makes it hard for me to care for my other children, basically they are lucky to get lunch on the table before three!! Oh well right?? Time goes on, and before you know it he'll be a little bit more independent, and I'll miss the newborn stage. I think that's the really hard part for me is that I am totally missing out and not enjoying the newborn stage with Finn. It was really like that with all my children though... they just seem to have a hard time adjusting outside of the womb, which I totally understand. I mean when Finn was in the womb he was getting a weekly dose of Cinnabon, and I am sure he's screaming because that's what he really wants.

Well besides me losing my mind, things are good. Once there is a little peace in quiet in the house, I am truly back to my normal self. I actually got out of the house yesterday and went to the grocery store. I cranked up the music and instantly felt better. Thank you Rihanna.

Abby and Mac are silly as ever. Mac is funny and just walks around saying "Mama Mommy Mommy." And Abby is imaginative as ever, during Family Home evening she does all the teaching, it's quite sweet.

Our garden was some what successful, it got incredibly HOT in Houston and we also had a bad drought, so that made our garden not produce the best veggies...but it was a fun try. There's always next year.

Tender Moments

2009-07-30T10:36:00.004-05:00

Here is the first actual meeting between Mac and Finn. Mac melted my heart. He laid his sweet little head on my shoulder and just said "Baby" over and over again while looking at his new little brother. Since that moment he has been nothing but sweet and tender towards Finn.

Abby has always been an exceptional big sister. She is really helping out more around the house, and she isn't complaining about it!! I am so thankful for my happy beautiful family, though three is a handful I could not imagine life any other way.

My heart is full.

Baby Finn

2009-07-22T08:20:00.005-05:00

I can't believe Finn is already 3 weeks old! Life has been some what of an adjustment, but not too bad so far. Bonnie (Ben's Mama) has been an exceptional help. Honestly, my house would a be disaster, and the dishes and cooking for sure would never get done if she wasn't here helping.

Finn has been pretty fussy this last week, and I am kinda losing my mind. So Ben's brother James told us about infant chiropractic care that could help with fussy babies. At first I thought it was a little weird, but we are headed to the appt. now!! Hopefully it helps.

Here are some pics of the cute little man.

Astros

2009-07-16T08:36:00.008-05:00

Last Friday our good buddy Dan took Abby and Ben to the Astros game. Apparently he had a friend who had some tickets, but wasn't going to be able to use them.

Little did anyone know, but the tickets were 13 rows up from the 3rd baseline, so you couldn't beat the view.

The Astros won in the bottom of the ninth. The score was tied Nationals - 4, Astros - 4. The bases were loaded and there were two outs. Geoff Blum came up to bat and hit an RBI single to win the game!

After games on Fridays, they open the roof and have "Friday Night Fireworks." Everyone was exhausted by the time they got home (around midnight).

Thanks Dan and company for the fun game. Go Astros!

He's Here!!

2009-06-30T09:15:00.011-05:00

We got the call to come to the Hospital at 7:00 on Monday. We were a little late, and around 9:00 they got Allison a dose of cytotek (sp?) to get the labor started. Cytotek really helped her get going with Mac, so we wanted to see how she would do with it. About four hours later Allison had dialated a couple of centimeters, and the Midwife came in and said that they were just going to break the water and get Allison going on a pitocin drip (if any of you have ever talked to Allison about her wishes for childbirth, this is definitely not one of them). Anyway, the pitocin made the contractions more intense and frequent, and Allison wasn't dialating any more, so we went ahead and got an epidural (also not in her plan). Kudos to the anesthesiologist. He got it done really fast and only did a partial block so that Allison could still feel the contractions and work with her body. Shortly after that (about 4pm) Allison was at 8 1/2 cm, so it started to get really busy in the room. Allison kept having the urge to push, and finally the midwife came in and had her push to see where things were. She told us to hold on tight because he was really close, so she ran over and got on her gown, booties, and gloves, came back, and 4 more pushes and the baby was here! 7 lbs. 9 oz. and 19 1/2 inches long. He has dark hair, so we're excited to have a red-head, a blonde, and a brunette. We'd talked aboout naming him Spencer if he had dark hair, but we've been calling him Finn throughout the whole pregnancy, so here he is - Finnegan Robert Wischmeier.

Our sweet friends watched Abby and Mac all day and all last night (Chapman's you rock!!) so they came to the Hospital a few hours after he was born. Abby has been so excited to have another little brother, and was really excited to hold him when she got to the hospital. Mac just stared him down for a while and then pointed at him and said, "Baby!" about 7 times in a row.

Now everyone is doing great! We're excited for family to come and visit and help out for almost the whole month of July! Mostly we're just excited to have a happy, healthy baby who's been sleeping and nursing really well.

At one point Finn's heartbeat dropped a little low, so they moved Allison over on to her side and gave her oxygen. Everything was fine and got right back to normal, but we had to take advantage of the opportunity.

This really made us laugh. Here are the up/down controls for the hospital bed. If you notice, the image is of a pregnant person. Everytime Allison adjusted the bed she broke out into laughter.

Some Belly Lovin'

2009-06-27T17:14:00.002-05:00

Here are the kids adorable belly loves. The first one is of Mac going in for the smooch, then the second one is the final result. ...nothing like some nose lovin'. Abby posed so sweet.. it made us melt.

And lastly here's an adorable picture of the kids playing around in their costumes... so cute!!

The Real Ticker Countdown Begins!

2009-06-27T16:01:00.002-05:00

I am getting induced on Monday. I hate it, but I have to do it then, or else I have to wait another week! My family would miss the birth, and not be able to see the baby, so I opted to go with Monday. Apparently there are tons of inductions this coming week, and Monday was the only option. I am still hoping and praying that I will be able to go into labor on my own.... I think I have prayed all day for it actually!

Does anyone have any tips on going into labor on my own? Besides the obvious ones?? I heard about a cocktail concoction that makes women go into labor... anyone heard of that one?? I am desperate!!

Today was all about getting stuff ready and done before Monday and actually, I am totally ready to have this baby! I am sure not ready to have to wake up four times a night to nurse, but I am SOOO ready to see and hold this little boy!

Wish me luck!! We'll keep you posted with info and pics as soon as possible!!

The waiting game...

2009-06-21T19:16:00.002-05:00

Well no baby yet. Actually I would be shocked if he decided to arrive in the month of June. This whole pregnancy I have been convincing myself that I would carry late again.. and I am pretty sure I will. I am hardly even dilated (I know you wanted to know that) and my body doesn't even really feel ready yet. Though I have been having lots of contractions that tease me, nothing has come of it. So my Mom, Dad and sister fly in on July 1st, so I am going to try to push this little man out while their here. (Fingers crossed)

Abby and Mac are adorable. They both LOVE to swim at our community pool, and Abby actually has gotten really good. At first she was scared to death, but with the aid of her arm floaties and a noodle she developed her balance and now she's doing great. Mac is just plain crazy in the water, half the time I think I am going to lose my tight grip on him and he'll be off and swimming!

Well that's really it. We'll keep you updated on Little Brother #2 as soon as something progresses!

Good news

2009-05-29T10:13:00.001-05:00

I found a mid-wife!! She's great and she'll 100% work with me and my birth plan! I can't tell you how much relief I feel! Now just 4 weeks to go!

Summer Lovin'.. and a worm

2009-05-28T21:31:00.004-05:00

I just found out about this nifty little device called a memory card reader... they are great! I was able to borrow a friends (Thanks so much) and download all the fun pictures I have on my camera! Horray!

We are all really enjoying the nice warm weather..and I am totally dreading the HOT weather to come, but I'll take the 85-90 degree weather we have now. We have one of those cheap Wal-mart plastic pools..but it does the job. The kids love that, their water table and their squirt guns. Easy Pleasers!

I ask Mac and Abby to cool down mom and they do it with pleasure!
They found a worm, and they both instantly fell in love. With a worm???

I could eat this kid he is that cute!!And this is what Mom gets to do when the kids are playing. Hey it's a tough job! Here's a shot of little baby brother. He's just chillin'

Bad hair and Fish

2009-05-26T21:25:00.004-05:00

My sweet friend Dawn just sent me some pictures of my kiddos that she had on her camera. Mac loves loves loves Dawn's awesome fish tank. If you look close you can see his sweet little reflection in the tank.
Check out Abby's awesome hair. After I saw this picture I cut off all of her long bangs, to make the bangs look a little more even! They were really short for a few days, but now they are looking pretty cute. Just about every day I ask Abby... "So are you ever going to cut your hair again?" And she sweetly replies... "No mom." And by sweetly replies.. I mean she is using her stop asking me that question voice. So I think she gets the point!

Got dropped by the OB

2009-05-25T20:45:00.003-05:00

My OB dropped me as her patient. Crazy Huh. You would think that there would be some sort of crazy reason why an OB would drop her patient at 35 weeks.. so here it goes.

This OB is an OB/GYN-Plastic Surgeon. Weird combo huh? So the lady is super materialistic..which really isn't me at all. I searched and searched online for a mid-wife in Texas, but there are none! So I just decided to go with this OB because she is the closest to my house, and she is in our insurance "network." At my first appt. with her, she tells me that she'll most likely induce me at 38 weeks, because that is what most mothers want. My jaw dropped and I told her how I was almost 42 weeks pregnant when I delivered Mac..and I let her know that I in no way wanted to be induced. I also told her that I like to deliver natural. She seemed totally fine with that.

Fast forward eight months...

She hasn't really ever asked about my birth plan, so I made my own and brought it into her. She read the first line (which talked about how I don't want to have continuous fetal monitoring) and she almost dropped her laptop on the ground. She then looked at me like I was crazy, and told me that she could in no way comply with my birth plan. She then went on to tell me that she has never had a patient not have continuous monitoring. She told me that once I was admitted into the hospital, that I needed to be in my hospital bed with the fetal monitors always going until I had my baby. I AM FLOORED!!! I can't believe what I am hearing. All I want is to be able to walk around in my room while I am in labor... you know getting gravity to work with me. I don't want to be strapped in a bed in intense pain..and then have to get an epidural...ahh no thanks. So I am sitting there in total shock. Is she really telling me that I need to get a new doctor at 35 weeks? REALLY? Then she tells me that it will be incredibly hard to find an OB that will comply with my birth plan. My birth plan is 100% normal in my book..and I am starting to feel so discouraged. She's totally making me feel like I am the weirdo! I had such a wonderful experience with my mid-wives in Seattle during the birth of McConnell and no one ever made me feel like a crazy weirdo lady that wanted to have a natural birth! Well Texas is much different! I took me at lease 20 phone calls later to find a doctor that would take me, and my potential birth plan. And the other 19 doctors wouldn't take me because I am so far along in my pregnancy.

What's a girl to do??? I just hope and pray that this OB will be willing to work with me and my birth plan. I'll keep you updated! Oh yeah did I mention that I cried for one whole day, because I was so stressed out about finding a doctor. I can't handle much more stress.. hopefully everything works out just right.

Besides my crazy drama with my OB, things are great with us. The kids are silly. Abby just finished her first year of preschool, she really loved it and learned so much! Mac is growing like a weed, and really starting to develop his adorable personality. Both the kids are excited for the baby, especially Abby. She is forever talking about little baby brother. Mac just lifts my shirt and hits my belly.... that's how the boys must communicate I guess! I would have pictures but our camera and computer don't get along..so we'll have to figure that out. That's all for now.. I hope to have pics up soon.

Mariner's Opening Day

2009-04-15T10:52:00.003-05:00

Ben is the best. For our birthdays (Abby and Mine) Ben bought us opening day Mariner tickets. It's special too because this was the comeback of Ken Griffey Jr...and we're big fans of him! My Mom and Dad also went, everyone besides Ben. He's in Cali doing some work. So we finally get to our seats after driving around for an hour looking for parking, and I started to really miss Ben. It was so hard to be there without him. So after the second inning, my mom tells Abby and I to look up at the big screen for something special. And sure enough Ben had put a message up there for us! It said "Happy Birthday Allison & Abby. I love you two. Have fun at the game- Dad. I was shocked and so surprised. I started crying. I married such a good man. Words really can't describe how much I love him. He is everything to our little family, and we miss him terribly.

Thank you Dad for our awesome presents, and the sweet message on the Jumbo-Tron!! We both felt so loved.

Mac enjoying the view. Griffey at his first at bat back home! Our message. (Sorry I couldn't zoom in anymore..but you get the idea!)

Finding Happiness in Shoes

2009-04-08T17:26:00.003-05:00

I think today was just my day for shoes. And it totally helps that payless makes hip and cute shoes in wide width... oh the sweet joys of pregnancy! I actually wanted to buy five different pairs, but I just settled for these three! The pictures don't quite do the fabulous colors justice. Take it from me..they are wonderful!!

Montana Trip

2009-04-07T18:04:00.004-05:00

We had so much fun visiting Montana! It was a short trip..only 4 days, but we really enjoyed being with family. No one knew that Ben was planning on making the trip as well, so that was quite the surprise for his whole family. We had a mini-birthday party for Abby, an easter egg hunt with cousins, and we ate so much GOOD food! Bonnie (Ben's mom) makes the best cinnamon rolls I have ever had!! All in all the four days went by way too fast, and though it was about 40 degrees the whole time, we all survived! Look at the kids awesome U of M gear!! We love comfy sweats in our home!

That's a mouth full of yummy Easter candy

Thanks to all the Wischmeier Family for all you do!!! We love and miss you all!

Did I mention that we made Abby a rice crispy cake! Three layers of crispyness.. one layer of each, chocolate and peanut butter, and homemade frosting all over!! It was delish!!!

Camping

2009-03-20T07:47:00.003-05:00

A couple of weeks ago we decided to try out a little camping trip. We were all so excited, we could hardly stand it. The weather was going to be gorgeous, and we were going with one of our favorite families the Mangums. Dan the dad of the family is in scouts and knew right where to take us...so it worked out perfect. It was in this beautiful little camping park called Double Lake, and it was only about 2 hours away. So we got there and instantly started setting everything up, while all the kids enjoyed the great outdoors. Mac and Abby were in heaven. Mac actually just really like the dirt and the bubbles that we blew! Abby just loved to see whatever the Mangums kids were doing, then follow along! Then as night fall approached we ate something called Frito-pie for dinner (it's just chili, cheese, and frito chips..and it's yummy!) And after that we tried and tried to get Mac to sleep but he was having none of that and I honestly was starting to wonder if we should head back home! But Ben decided to take Mac on a drive and that did the trick! So the night went okay, but the kids woke up 5:30am, so that wasn't too great, because no one in our tent slept well. Oh well. We decided since the whole camp was still sleeping that we would go check out the nearest little town and we found some awesome antique shops. Of course they weren't open at 6am, so we waited to go back until 10... and then found some amazing finds! I would post pictures, but my camera is being dumb again. Then it was back to the camp to do something fishing and vegging out. I actually caught my first ever fish!! It was a baby bass... that's right "I caught you a delicous bass." I was stoked!! But grossed out! Dan thankfully unhooked it, showed it to all the kids and then released it back into the water. After fishing our kids started to get cranky and the whole no sleep thing had started to take affect. So we decided to head on home! That's right... we only lasted about 24hours...but for our first ever family camping trip that's not so bad!! We had a blast, and we can't wait to do it again in a few years : ) Thanks Mangums for being so fun, and taking us along on your camping adventure!

Lately...

2009-03-01T10:27:00.009-06:00

It's been a busy last couple of weeks. I am already in full nesting mode, so the ever long to-do list was made up and now it's just a matter of getting things done! Ben has been hard at work turning our garage into his own "shop." I think it's sweet whenever he calls the garage his shop.. kinda like the fourth bedroom is my craft room. So he's been working hard at organizing and getting some shelves up, and he also made us some fabulous garden boxes. Next week we'll be getting dirty planting everything.

Ben also has been waiting to get his augmentation done, and here are the finally results. I think they look really natural..and Mac really enjoys bouncing on them, and I just missed the picture with Mac's mouth on them!!! (This is what we do on slow Sundays..we just play!)

Abby made the clever decision to cut her own hair. I was shocked at first, I didn't know if I should discipline her or laugh. I ended up laughing a lot, and I tried and tried to tell her never to do it again. It's my fault because I have been saying for the last month that she needs a hair cut. She was sneaky about it and hid majority of the hair under the couch. I didn't find that hair until this morning! Then it really sunk in just how much she cut!! Ohh... her hair is so pretty..it's hard to see it go. Now hair her is totally 80's, sweet mullet and all.

Mac is just silly and crazy. He is really starting to talk/babble more, and it melts our hearts. He loves all things balls and talks about balls all day long. He's an easy pleaser! Here he is smiling for the camera! What a goofball!

I have just been busy with small house stuff and other crafts. I am really trying to get this home decorated to the nines before this baby comes and I just put up some wall words over my bed and I love it. And I am really trying to get my Esty store up and going, so I am sewing sewing and sewing!. I also started reading again, which in my opinion is much better then late night tv!
All and all we are happy and having fun. We are going camping this next weekend and we can't wait! More on that to come!

#3...

2009-02-09T17:40:00.004-06:00

As you can see # 3 is a Boy! We are all so excited to have another brother running around the house. And as you can also see he has found his winky little bit earlier then Mac! This was actually the only good shot of the baby... it was a really good ultrasound and you could see him really well, but for some reason our ultrasound tech took really bad pictures! Oh well. All that matters is that he's healthy, and he is. Here's to a little more craziness in the Wischmeier home!

Man-Beast Mac

2009-01-24T20:45:00.004-06:00

Man-Beast is what I like to call Mac, and it's quite fitting. Let me just fill you in on some of the Man-Beast qualities this little boy possesses.

--This afternoon while we were hanging out in the front yard, I was reading the newspaper... only to look down and find McConnell playing with and tearing apart dog poop!! And he was enjoying it!!

-- The boy climbs, climbs, and climbs.

--He also throws throws and throws anything. ( I am honestly starting to worry about this next little baby being hit over and over again with random Mac objects)

--Look out or he'll whack you... he whacks/hits everything within a three foot radius.

-- He eats pine cones, chalk, and dirt and drinks his bath water.

--He uses anything as a weapon, like a tennis racket or sock!

--He loves his new found toy... the Winky.. he can't get enough! (Should I be worried about this?)

Really the list could go on. I am always finding myself saying.."Really? Are all little boys this monsterous?" or "Should he really already be doing that?" His Man-Beast abilities never cease to amaze me. But the kid also has a soft side...

--He worships his Lovey. ( I'm jealous of the tight bond these two have)

--He LOVES anything soft, and even if it is soft and fluffy.. then he'll throw his body on it and give it a good lovin.

--He has recently learned how to hug, and he's totally into it.

--He dances like a fool.. the boy has got some sweet moves.

All and all he's a really sweet and totally monstrous kid! I couldn't imagine life without him and I never ever have a dull moment in this house with him and Abby. Actually just tonight while giving him a bath he surprised me with another Man-Beast quality.. he deposited a turd in the bathtub!! (This is me... "Umm Ben you gotta come in here... I am not sure this really just happened!!!") Nothing like ending your night, scooping up a Man-Beast turd!! I love you my Man-Beast Mac.

T-Ball

2009-01-19T15:14:00.005-06:00

Three Words...

That's my Girl!!!Words can't describe the overwhelming feeling of joy I experience when I see Abby up at bat. Softball was always such a big part of my life, so it's really fun to watch her experience it for the first time. And yes it totally helps that she ROCKS!!!

Galveston Texas

2009-01-12T19:14:00.006-06:00

Wanna go in Daddy?
I LOVE water!!!
How can it possibly be 70 degrees in November??

These are old pictures from when we went to Galveston during Thanksgiving time. It is so beautiful, and nice to know that we live so close. There is nothing quite like ocean air!

San Fran Fun

2009-01-07T19:09:00.003-06:00

Wow. San Fran is quite the pretty place. A little too over populated for me.. I have never seen so many homes pushed together in such a small space.. I got a little claustrophobic!!
Anyhoo.. we were able to go off and venture to some cool places, like Fisherman's Wharf, Coit Tower, and lots of beautiful parks. These parks are the best I have ever seen!!
Enjoy the pictures.

Long time no post..

2008-12-15T14:31:00.005-06:00

Man... our stinkin camera won't upload photos right now, so I have been putting posting off for awhile... but our camera still isn't working. I guess you'll just have to imagine my kids being adorable! Not too hard to do..right?

For thanksgiving Ben's parents came into town, and we had so much fun. We started their trip off with a trip down to Galveston, which is still pretty much destroyed from the hurricane. But it is right on the coast, boasting a wonderful beach. Don't think white sand beach, think rocky awesome beach covered and I mean covered with glorious shells. We have never seen anything like it! Bonnie and Bob were amazed with it.. and we all couldn't stop collecting awesome shells. After that we spent some time at the Houston Space Center.. which was very cool, but not so fun with kids. We spent the rest of the week just hanging out. Bob and Ben got their man duty on and fixed a whole bunch of stuff, including rebuilding our backyard fence. It's beautiful. They also reorganized our garage, which doesn't look like the hurricane that anymore. Nice work Men! It was so incredible to have family stay in our first home.. it helps make it feel more like home when you are with family.

We planned on surprising Bonnie and Bob with the pregnancy news, but me barfing on the way home in some random neighbors yard.. kind of made it seem like something was up. I usually try not to barf at all normally..but from some reason pregnancy does that to me! So while they were eating yummy chick-fil-a, Ben gave Bonnie the picture of our little nugget and told them that's why I am not partaking of the yummy food. They were both very happy and still somewhat surprised!

For Christmas we made last minute plans to go to San Fransisco, where my sister lives. My Mom and Dad will be there too... Ben and I can't hardly wait to get out and maybe have a date or two! Nothing like instant babysitters!! My sister lives a few blocks from the beach, so that's where we'll be for the Christmas week! Not too bad.

My pregnancy is going really well. I mostly get sick at night, so I really can't complain.My due date is June 29th! For the most part the nausea is going away, and I am feeling pretty good. (knock on wood)

We really wanted to get out Christmas cards, but yeah right...

We are all wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas and a happy New Year!
(This is where a cute family photo will hopefully go sometime soon)

Party Of Five

2008-11-24T13:50:00.003-06:00

Yep... We've got another one of these cookin'!!

I am 9 weeks along and I have my good days and bad with preggo sickness.

We are all so excited... Abby thinks she pregnant with five babies, so she totally gets it!

National Toy Hall of Fame

2008-11-12T06:49:00.007-06:00

So here's one for you, and I thought it was worth taking 15 minutes out of my morning to post this...

I was listening to the Rula and Ryan show on the radio on my way in to work this morning, and they were talking about the National Toy Hall of Fame. On November 6th, they announced three more toys had been inducted because they have "engaged and delighted multiple generations, inspiring them to learn, create, and discover through play." The criteria for induction includes: Icon Status, Longevity, and Innovation. To date, there are 41 toys that have been inducted, including the Yo-Yo, Frisbee, G.I. Joe, Legos, Play-Doh, Slinky, Roller Skates, Silly Putty, and the Easy Bake Oven.

So, what were this years' inductees? There were three altogether:

The Skateboard

-Tony Hawk, you're just playing with toys.

The Baby Doll

This is fine as long as it doesn't pee, poop, burp, or cry at/on me.

And finally, Drum roll please:

The Stick

So let's hear it for the stick! If you think about it, it totally makes sense. Great food, like Corn Dogs and Kabobs come on sticks, you can bond with man's best friend by playing "fetch" with a stick. You can use a stick to go fishing with, or to support you while hiking. Truly, the stick is totally amazing. Do you have any great memories of playing with sticks when you were younger (sling shots, hot dog roasts, sword fights, gun battles, etc.)? Or do you have any ideas of toys that should be nominated for the Toy Hall of Fame?

If I may boast....

2008-11-03T16:02:00.004-06:00

Yep.. that's right my chili won best overall at my ward trunk or treat party. I was shocked!! There really is no rhyme or reason to my "recipe"... I just dumped a whole bunch of stuff in and hoped it would taste good!! Oh man it felt good to win... especially being the new girl in town : )

Fall Festivities

2008-11-03T15:45:00.003-06:00

Here are just a few pictures from our fun fall activities. Abby loved making the caramel apples, and she really loved cutting into a pumpkin. Mac and Ben dressed up as lumberjacks for our ward trunk or treat even though it was 80 degrees! Abby of course was spiderman.

Calling her out

2008-10-14T13:18:00.003-05:00

Today while eating lunch at the ever delicious Chick-fil-a ( if you haven't ever eaten there... do!) celebrating Abby's first day of preschool... we encountered a bully!!! After we ate our lunch we all went into the little play area. Abby loves it here.. so she is in heaven, but I was a little bit perturbed with the other moms in the restaurant because they just dump their kids in the play area and then go sit and chat it up with other moms. I am kinda anti dumping off the kids.. simply because I want to know what's going on. So we are just playing around having a good time.. and then enters the bully. Of course her mother just dumped her off... and she was instantly devilish! She was even pushing over little babies.. that's too much! After a little while of the taunting, hitting, and yelling by the little girl, I was getting a little upset. So I probably shouldn't have but I kept watching the little girl and telling her not to hit anymore and to apologize to the children she has hurt/yelled at. She gets all rude and I am thinking to myself... where is your mother?? Why isn't she watching you? Why are you such a little brat?? Pretty soon she gets out of control and I decide to go rat her out!! I know I know I'm such a tattle.. but it was too much. So I walk out and find her mom and totally call the little girl out. It actually felt really good. I tried to be as nice as possible to the woman.. but I still really wanted to emphasize that her daughter was a little fart! But now I feel kinda bad and mean... So now I am wondering if I did the right thing? Am I horrible?? Would you as parents have done the same thing??

Worthless Baracade

2008-10-07T13:31:00.003-05:00

This is my useless attempt to keep Mac from climbing up the stairs. I am not prepared for him as well as I thought... is it just him or do all little boys learn how to climb weeks after learning how to walk???

Abby totally eggs it on though.....

Learning Young

2008-10-04T21:25:00.002-05:00

There are no words for McConnell's cuteness...

R.I.P Oak Tree

2008-09-29T14:29:00.006-05:00

Here are little more details about the happenings of Hurricane Ike. Like I said it was quite scary for me. I think the worst part was that it hit at night... nothing is really fun in the dark... well you know what I mean! The noise was unreal... at any point it sounded like all of the windows in the house would break open and the furious winds would be in the house with us. I stayed up all night listening to the radio, just hoping for the best. I prayed all night. I take it back the worst part wasn't that it hit at night, the worst part was worrying about my sweet little innocent children. I could just envision all the horrible things that this storm would bring, and I couldn't bear the thought of them getting hurt... yes that was the hardest part. I am still pretty sad about my gorgeous oak tree blown over... it was the only shade we had in our HUGE backyard, but oh well we'll just plant a new one and wait another 15 years for it to grow as big as ours once was. Eghh... what's 15 years?? We are still waiting for our insurance adjuster to come and access the damage. Hopefully we don't have to pay too much out of pocket. On a crazy note.. the farmers almanac predicted Ike, and it also is predicting another one to hit Houston on October 10th. Oh man... are you kidding me?? This wasn't the best year to move to Houston apparently!

On a good note the weather here is fantabulous! (that's a word) The nights are especially gorgeous. We are still LOVING our new home, I acutally just redecorated our master bedroom, and we love it! Abby and Mac are wonderful. Abby has a lot of new adorable friends, and she can't wait to start preschool in two weeks! McConnell has been sick, but still just as cute. He gives me good little kisses...and if I can say this without being self-absorbed..I think he really loves me. Here's a cute Abby moment :

Abby wanted to put something into the microwave, so she pulled over a chair and tried to open the microwave.....here's her convo with the microwave. *she didn't know that I was watching her from the stairs*

"open saysme" (like sesame)

"open saysme"

(The microwave magically opens!!)*I have no idea how this happened!!!*

" Hey it worked!!!!"

Oh she's too fun and cute for words. The pure joy on her face when it opened was too much! I love her!

We survived IKE

2008-09-14T11:37:00.003-05:00

We safely survived Ike with just a few damages to the home. Currently we have no power, but our good neighbors brought over their generator for us to use and a small a/c unit. Our big georgous oak tree blew over and knocked down our other pine tree next to it taking the side fence out with it. We think we might have a crack in our foundation because water has been seeping up from the ground soaking/ruining our beautiful carpet in the formal dining room and living room so we just pull up 20 feet of the damaged carpet and padding. We lost some shingles on the roof but nothing major. As far as riding out the hurricane it was a horrible experience for Allison, she stayed up all night while Ben, Abby and Mac slept soundly. It sounded like a train was going to rip through our house at any mintue, but all and all we are safe, healthy, and just a little unconfortable due to Texas heat. We are thankful for wonderderful neighbors and friends.

Hunckerin' Down for Ike!

2008-09-12T10:12:00.004-05:00

As most of you know Houston is preparing for Hurricane Ike. This is quite the deal! Being so new to all of this, I think that we are doing pretty well for ourselves. Right now we are just preparing the house as much as we can and I can safely say that we are prepared to our best abilities. Thank goodness I have my wonderful husband... he's so cool, calm, and collected about this whole thing, that it really helps out with my nerves. We also are blessed with good neighbors, friends, and wonderful ward members that are prepared to help us out. We are just hoping and praying that the windows don't bust out and that we aren't out of power for too long. But if we are out of power for a few weeks... I would happily eat a PB&J for every meal...and be perfectly content! Are diet still in effect when you don't have power? Oh yeah and if we ended up needing a new roof.. that would actually be really nice.

So if you wouldn't mind praying for us this night, we would really love that. The worst part of the hurricane will hit in the early morning... about 2am. We could always use prayers : ) We'll be fine... I have faith.

Happy 1st Birthday McConnell!

2008-09-08T16:13:00.006-05:00

I can't believe you're one already.. I know everyone always says that.. but it's so true. This last year has really flown by. You are just the sweetest little boy. Some of our favorite things about you include:

-Your never ending smile
-Your silly little laugh (he laughs whenever he hears someone else laughs)
-The way you walk and talk
-How you worship your lovey
-How much you love to play by yourself
-How you love to throw yourself on top of pillows and blankets laying on the ground
-How you throw your balls all around the house
-How much you sleep at night!

His birthday celebration wasn't much. Actually it was pretty sad not having a party for him..but oh well it's not like he'll remember it! He loves to watch us vacuum, so we thought his own vacuum would be the perfect gift, and he thought the same. Ben made the gusty move to try to make his cake, and it didn't turn out so well. Ben was using Fondant (homemade) for the first time...and it turned out good at first, but then after sitting for a few hours the cake literally fell apart. Ben was clearly disappointed with himself, but he was clever enough to make Mac an extra cake just in case the cake was horrible. Thank goodness for that! All and all it was a fun birthday, Mac really enjoyed the rainbow chip frosting...Yep he's definitely my son!

Small but simple things....

2008-09-03T15:58:00.006-05:00

can make a world full of difference.

My heart aches for this family. I recently fell upon this family's story while doing some blogging of my own, and now I'm hooked. Their story is one of tragedy and full of hope. Husband and Wife Christian and Stephanie Nielson and their flight instructor were in an airplane accident, and they are both badly burned and are currently in the hospital in critical care. Their flight instructor passed away shortly after in the hospital. Stephanie has burns over 80% of her body and her husband has burns over 30% of his body. Christain actually just started talking today..which is amazing. I am not doing their story justice so look it up and see for yourself.(look on my sidebar-Nie Recovery) They have four adorable children... too adorable for words. I don't know Stephanie, but through her blog.. I have come to love her. She is just the best person.. so fun and loving. I can't stop asking myself all throughout the day... "How can I help her family? Can I make a small difference..can I raise money for them somehow? What can I do?" I can't stop thinking about them, I need to help them.

So this is my call out to all of you amazing readers of the Wischmeier Words. Read their story and help make a difference. I am thinking about starting up my own Esty store and selling baby blankets and other crafts and donating all my profits to her family... that's my idea for now... We'll see if I can sell anything!!

I hope and pray that they can recover quickly so they can get back with their children and their beaufitul lives can continue on together. God Bless and keep them.

Mac's first hair cut

2008-08-29T09:48:00.005-05:00

The before:

The During:

The After:

Seriously, what a cute kid. He was so good the whole five minutes, of course the toothbrush helped out a lot. And he is currently training for the 2012 Olympic swimming team.... we're hopeful.