Tag Archives: kids

March 10, 2013 · 11:09 pm

Getting CrAzY at the McDonald’s Playland

My kids are nuts … we are talking banana crazy … do-wack-a-doos!

Doug and I took all the kids to the local McDonald’s for dinner and to run off a little steam.  The triplets are still just a little too little to get up in the tunnels on their own.  I usually end up having to get in there with him and help them up.  Weston has way more adventure in him than his little body can handle just yet.

Today was no exception.  The babies wanted to follow Jaden up to the slides but couldn’t quite pull themselves.  I start crawling in right away and Doug said “Ummm, Mel, the sign?  You must be between the ages of 5-12 … you are 29!!”  Does he know me?  I’m certainly 12 on the inside!  I just giggled and kept on climbing.  I embarrassed Doug – but more importantly … Mom of the Year Award over here please!

If I hadn’t been up in the tunnels with them, how would I have been able to take these cute pictures?

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It was just the three kids and I playing for the longest time – we had the whole thing to ourselves.  Jaden and I played hide and seek in the tunnels.  I actually hid in the slide (thanks to keeping my shoes on for traction – Doug pointed out that it was yet another rule broken).  We made a four person choo-choo down the biggest slide.  We practiced our tumbling in the open area up top.  I tickled all three boys to the point where you couldn’t understand them … it was the best time ever!

Logan and I came down the slide and Doug was shouting for me to get back up to the top.  In my head I was thinking “what did I do NOW?”  But I looked up and saw just a diaper butt running in the big open area up top.  Told you my kids were banana crazy!  Weston was the only one still in the tunnels and took the opportunity to strip down into just his diaper!

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ImageOf course I snapped a few pictures before trying to get him clothed again – come on – this is funny!  A part of me wanted to laugh out loud, the other to disciple and yet another part of me was jealous of how confident he was!  Only my kids would get naked in such a dirty place like the McDonald’s Playland!

I’m thinking after that stunt, Doug was a little happy that I was able to crawl up there and chase him down.  Needless to say it wasn’t an easy task.  He is much faster in those tunnels than my fat butt is.  It took a great deal of effort to tackle him and force him to get his clothes back on.  He was loving all the freedom a little too much!  I was just thankful he kept his diaper on!

Yep … my kids are “those” kids!

Love, Mel

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April 27, 2012 · 11:36 pm

Music & Muffins 2012

Doug is finally home from his business trip!  Now there is at least a 1:1 ratio of parent to crazy toddler :)

This morning, I heard Jaden ask Doug if he was going to come to his Music and Muffins concert.  (Mind you I asked Doug WEEKS ago if he thought he would be able to go …)  Doug asked Jaden what it was all about.  Jaden said “Well we are singing … so there is music.  And then when we are done, we have muffins … and there is milk.  You love milk Dad.  Want to come?”  What a charmer!  And it worked too!  Doug called into the office this morning to let them know he was going to take a half day of vacation.

Jaden was super excited to see us all there.  Here is a video of his performance:

So Jaden might not have a career in singing & hand movements.  Did you notice the striped tie with his plaid shirt?  That was ALL him this morning :)  The bus driver even commented this afternoon that he is his best dressed student. Oh Jaden …

It was a great day today!  Not only was Jaden the proudest kid at school because his dad was there … but we also had our first family bonfire in the fire pit Doug gave me for Mother’s Day last year.

It’s the little things these days that reminds me to keep fighting.  Not going to lie, I’ve started to think and worry about May 26, 2012 already.   It was nice to have a pleasant and calm day to offset the worry.

Love, Mel

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April 17, 2012 · 11:22 am

Rummage Sale Preparations

I have way too much to do these days … so what do I do?  Blog of course!  haha

My supermom’s group (from Ascension church) is holding their first ever rummage sale this weekend.  We were aiming high with hoping for 25 sellers.  Guess how many we have, just guess …. over 40!  We are so excited (and a little nervous) for the great turn out!

Last fall, I participated in my first ever triplet rummage sale.  It was emotional to say the least.  I insisted on pairing all my triplet clothes together in matching sets of three.  In my mind they were going to go to the perfect family, also expecting triplets.  The clothes my blessed three wore would be worn by another special trio.  I knew I was being irrational, but I just couldn’t find the strength to talk myself into splitting up the clothing.  They had already been torn apart by death, I wasn’t going to disperse the only items I had left that were proof that I gave birth to three boys.  I remember the panic I felt when I saw a pregnant mom who was purchasing several of my sets of three clothes.  ”Are you having triplets too?”  No, she was having twins, she just couldn’t pass up the great deal.  She figured she would just have an extra outfit.  The only physical evidence I had left was an “extra” so someone else.  I don’t think I was ready for the sale.

This time is different.  I’ve gone through all the clothes again and pulled out a few outfits that I’d like to keep in the boy’s baby boxes.  I’ve grown into the idea of only needing clothes for two of my triplets.  My third baby is already clothed for life … in wings.

As being one who is always comparing something to another, I find this experience to have so many differences than the last rummage.  I broke apart all my “sets” of clothing, in hopes that they will sell faster.  I am excited to make some extra money – hopefully to be put towards a vacation for my next birthday.  My husband reminds me that some of the profit will have to go back into buying the kids bigger clothes.  He’s so practical …

Maybe I’m a little more experienced this rummage.  Perhaps I’m a little more healed.  Perhaps I’m looking forward to working two full days side by side with some of my best friends.  Whatever the case is, I praise God for the strength to see something good in this.  I am thankful for the fact that there is less pain in my life during these days of rummage preparation.

Now … COME AND SHOP!  Here is my pubic service announcement to all those who live in the Milwaukee area:

When: Friday, April 20 at 4-8pm and Saturday, April 21 at 8am-2pm

Where: Ascension Lutheran Church — 1415 Dopp Street, Waukesha

What: CHILDREN & MATERNITY CLOTHING ♦ SHOES ♦ TOYS ♦ BOOKS & VIDEOS ♦ BIKES ♦ BLANKETS ♦ SWINGS ♦ EXERSAUCERS ♦ AND MUCH MUCH MORE!

Please share this information with your friends and families!

For more information and a printable flyer visit: http://ascensiononline.org/CaringRelationships/Supermoms/ChildrensToyClothingRummageSale.aspx

It’s going to be an anwesome event with tons of really great clothes and toys for sale.  Just check out a few pictures taken after only 9 sellers dropped off their items!

Hope to see you there!

Love, Mel

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March 26, 2012 · 8:47 pm

We survived our trip to the zoo!

Two weeks ago (when it was just about 80 degrees outside!) I took all three boys to the zoo … by myself!  I’m not sure if I was brave or out of my mind!!  I was too terrified to take the triplets out of the wagon, so they just stayed strapped in the whole day.  They were pretty good about it … lots of stuff to look at I guess.

Jaden was pretty good too.  He liked being the big brother and being able to make all the choices.  I pretty much let him lead us all around for the day.  We saw the fish, tigers, monkeys, lions, bats … you name it Jaden took us to see them.

The greatest part?  We SURVIVED!!  And I think could do it again.  It’s a little hard to sneak in a zoo visit while Jaden is in school (we either run into nap time or we wouldn’t get home in time to get Jaden off the bus).  BUT this summer, when I’ve got all three boys all day long (I’m tired just thinking about what it’s going to be like) the zoo is going to be a savior!  Can the zoo be voted best mom of the year?

Love, Mel

Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dumb

That face pretty much sums up Jaden …

All I asked for was one picture of them all … and they are all looking in a different direction!

Jaden walked around the entire zoo – I thought I’d be a nice mom and let him ride to the car – all three boys all together.   Makes this mom smile ear to ear :)

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February 26, 2012 · 9:00 pm

I’m the Queen of Yes

I hate the word ‘No.”  I like to say “yes.”  I am the Queen of Yes and Doug is the King of No.  Jaden asks for tape for an art project he wants to work on … before he can finish his question, Doug is already saying no.  I, on the hand, am excited that he is working on an art project rather than watching Sponge Bob and get him his very own roll of tape.  Or, when Jaden has finished his dinner and asks for hash browns (the kid is addicted to hash browns! they can be a pain the butt to make.  Not really, but these days anything that isn’t heated up in the microwave is a pain to cook haha)  Doug says “no, you’ve had enough to eat.”  I say “sure, give me a few minutes.”

But do I say yes too often?  Is there such a thing?  Do I say yes so much that I’m raising a spoiled brat because I don’t say “no” enough?  To be a good parent do I need to say no so he learns not to be greedy?  That he doesn’t need “things” to be happy?  So he learns that people can tell you no and the world doesn’t end?  He doesn’t need to get his way all of the time?

I know discipline is not my strength as a mom.  I don’t like to “boss” others around … I know it sounds silly … they are children – they need to be taught what to do.  But I like to let Jaden make his own choices.  I like to see him work out his problems on his own – figure things out his own way.  I learn from him by doing this too.  There is a delicate balance of letting him make his own choices and just saying yes to everything.

I’m a big fan of Love and Logic.  The key for me is that you set parameters that work for your family.  Some of the examples I find to be extreme for the Bissing residence.  For example, they suggest bedroom time rather than bed time.  The rule is that they need to stay in their rooms – they can go to sleep when they want.  Lights on, music playing, reading books.  They will learn from their own choices the importance of going to bed at a reasonable hour.  Doesn’t really work for us.  So we toned this example down by saying he can look at a book with a flashlight and listen to the radio, but the lights are off and it’s quiet.

Just as much as I don’t like to say ‘no,’ I don’t like to hear someone else tell me “no” either.  If I ask Doug to help me with something – I expect him to say yes.  He is my husband and he is supposed to want to help me.  It doesn’t always work like that though.  He is his own individual and if he doesn’t agree with what I’m trying to accomplish.  He has the freedom to say no.  When I ask my sister if I can barrow something of hers, I expect that she’ll say yes.  Most of the time she says yes…well I actually can’t remember the last time she told me no … ok that was a bad example :)

I take it personally when someone says no.  I sometimes feel like that 13-year-old girl, with raging hormones when Doug tells me no.  For example, I really want an iPhone.  Doug says no.  My reaction?  I want to kick and scream and tell him he can’t control me.  Gosh it sounds so immature, but it’s true.  I hate to hear someone tell me no.  Maturity, for me, comes from not changing the way I feel, but what I do with those feelings.  Do I yell “I hate you!  You are ruining my life!” as I storm down the hallway and slam the bedroom door shut?  I can’t say that I’ve never done that in our marriage but for blogging purposes, no I don’t respond this way.  Instead, I try to figure out why he is saying no.  Is it financial, can we really not afford it?  Is it a power play?  Does he want something in return?  Then I use it to my advantage.  I start making deals.  Sometimes it works, other times it doesn’t.

I guess what I am discovering about myself is that because I like to say yes, I expect others to say yes too.  Kind of a selfish view-point on the world.  I do it this way so others must do it the same way.  Not the case.  There must be a respect of other’s view points in order for peace to be reached.  I need to learn how to not take the two letter word “no” not so personally.  I need to do some praying and reading on what the correct balance is between Yes and No in parenting.  I ultimately want to be a parent that God is proud of.  I want to be the parent that He designed me to be.  A parent like Him.  A godly parent.  Sounds like a huge responsiblity and I suppose being a parent is.

Love, Mel

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February 15, 2012 · 11:59 am

Proof that my kids are monsters!

I desperately need to take back control of my house.  I don’t mean this in a whining sort of way.  Or in a way that implies I’m looking for pity.  I fully acknowledge that it’s all my fault my babies are out of control!

In spite of the chaos of the house and the naughtiness …. I can’t help but laugh (sometimes hysterically) at the things these kids come up with!  AND I usually find the time to grab my camera when things get really nuts.  Making memories right??

Why not play in Mom’s cupboards?  They look pretty fun to me … if only I would fit in there!

Jaden couldn’t stay away for long :)

I mean come on!  How cute is that?  Two boys all snuggled in their “fort”  If only this wasn’t happening when I was trying to make dinner :)

and yes … Jaden isn’t wearing any pants.  What is it with boys that they come home from school and drop their drawers?  ALL of my kids take off their pants and run around nakie.  Is it a boy thing?  Or a Bissing boy thing?

Oh yes … making memories!  Come on moms … what crazy stories about your kids do you have to share?  I know I’m not alone in this nut house named motherhood!

Love, Mel

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November 10, 2011 · 7:00 am

Spread the Word

Only 9 days until our first Little Warriors event … and wouldn’t you know …. the front page of metroparent has a huge headline about volunteer projects for kids.  Totally got me excited.  I really pray that I”m on the right track with this idea.  The more I become aware, the more places I notice these kinds of things.

I want to remind those who are interested to sign up for the event by clicking here.  We’re asking for parents and kids to register to make sure we have enough materials the day of the event.  Also, the Interfaith Organization sends thank you notes to their volunteers so we’d like to be able to give them your information to ensure you get the note :)  You are the ones putting in the time and effort into these ornaments!

You can also download a copy of the flyer here:   Flyer for Interfaith Organization Xmas Ornaments Event

Help us out by handing out to interested family/friends/coworkers.  Perhaps you could post on a bulletin board at church or work?  Your help in getting the word out is so appreciated!

If you have any questions please send an email to we.care.warriors@gmail.com

Looking forward to the 19th!!!

Love, Mel

 

 

 

 

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April 25, 2011 · 11:16 pm

Our Easter Extravaganza!

Our Easter morning started with the snooze button.  I had every intention of getting up at 5am so I could have time to shower and feed the babies before Jaden woke to find his basket.  That didn’t really happen.  We woke up at 7am … but Jaden was still sleeping!  I jumped into the shower and got Doug up after me.  By then, Jaden was awake and ready.

Picture Jaden running down the hallway, with his short legs, dressed in bright orange sweatpants and orange jack-o-lantern shirt.  Wrong holiday – silly boy!  In his basket there were three eggs.  Each egg had a picture drawn on it.  The first was the fridge.  Jaden ran to the refrigerator and found a Dr. Seuss book.  The next egg had a picture of a potty and sink.  Jaden knew right where that one was!  The bathroom, under the sink there was a marshmallow shooter.  This is sounding very strange as I write this down … what bunny hides presents under the sink next to a toilet.  Oh well!  The last egg had a picture of the oven where Jaden found the game Guess Who.  He was a very excited boy!

Once the eggs were all opened, we started getting all the boys ready for the trip up to GB.  We left only 20 mins behind schedule.  That’s only 5 mins per kid … not bad!

We were greeted with open arms by Doug’s mom and dad (as always).  Mom Bissing had an Easter egg hunt planned for the boys.  Jaden was in charge of finding all the eggs, even his brothers.  Each one had their own color.

Jaden and Eric went looking for the eggs.  Jaden would run back into the living room and hand Dad Bissing the egg.

Each egg had a strip of paper in it that said what prize the boys got.  There were shoes, books, toys and diapers for the boys.  Jaden got some candy, a book, toys, a new shirt.

I love how Jaden is standing with his hands in his pockets here … with everyone else looking at him.  Just waiting for what Jaden is going to do next.

The triplets, just hung out on a blanket on the floor.  Thanks to Mrs. Tully for the great first Easter outfits!

After lunch, we packed up to head to Great Grandma Van’s house.  Cracked me up seeing all three boys in their seats, wide awake!

It was a beautiful sunny day out, but still a little cold for the babies.  Logan looks like a nun in this picture!

The guys hung out in the usual circle of chairs, while the ladies were inside with the babies.

Great Grandma even had an Easter egg hunt for Jaden.  Can you say S-P-O-I-L-E-D?


Jaden tried to shoot out the egg with his gun …

no such luck!  Good thing Auntie Kris was there to lend a lift!

Great Grandma Van with her four great grandboys!

Funny how babies can turn grandpas into softies!

Jaden didn’t fall asleep at all on the car ride home.  Doug and I were really hoping for a little quiet time.  I swear that kid had something new to say every two miles.  ”Knock Knock, haven’t you ever heard of candy-are?” the joke on the Swedish fish egg box.  Or “Daddy, when we get home, wanna feel my muscles?”  Just random Jaden-isms.  He fell asleep as soon as his head hit his pillow at home.

I walked back into the kitchen to be greeted by this:  The aftermath of our GB trip.

I was too exhausted to unpack that night, but the trip was worth it!  As the boys get older, these trips are going to get crazier and crazier.  But in the best “this is my family” sort of way!

Love, Mel

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January 11, 2011 · 4:28 pm

A Jaden Cheese Story

This Jaden story needs a little background …

After school Jaden, YaYa and I were playing with Moon Dough at the table.  The orange container has a mouse and cheese mold on the lid.  While mom and I are chatting I was making a bunch of Moon Dough cheese.  I look over and Jaden has a pair of scissors and I announce that “Jaden is cutting the cheese!”  All I got was a confused look.  So I, in my greatest teacher moment, go on to explain that cutting the cheese means to fart.  THEN I got the giggle I was expecting!!

I thought we talked about cheese a lot in our house with all of Doug’s facts … now we talk about cheese even more - thank you to “school a la mom”!  Sesame Street has the letter of the day, I teach a saying of the day.  I’m not sure which is worse tho … the saying of the day or this t-shirt!

Now the moral of this posting …

Jaden announced yesterday that his brother cut the cheese.  Trying to turn it into an educational moment I ask him “what kind of cheese did the baby cut?”  Without missing a beat he said macaroni.  Doug and I almost died!

 

It’s times like this I wish our house had security cameras (like a store) so these moments were captured on video.  Oh the fun I would have with those videos when the boys bring home their girlfriends!

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January 10, 2011 · 4:54 pm

Real Moms Unite!

Marcy and I have talked about having a play date for some time … and we finally made it happen.  I was all excited and asked Doug to find something to do with himself for the day so Marcy and I could have free reign of the house.  Marcy laughed and asked “are you sure we can handle all seven of our kids?”  Marcy couldn’t see my face over the phone, but my eyes bulged out of my head … SEVEN kids?  That’s only three less than 10!  I double checked her math … sure enough, her three kids and my four made seven.  What on earth did I sign us up for?  Maybe Doug could stay home … then we’d have an adult on both levels of the house.  Is it even legal in the state of WI to have a home daycare with two adults and seven kids?

Saturday came and the Schaefer family arrived ready and raring to go!  All decked out in Owl outfits I might add!  The Schaefer girls are themed!  After a bathroom orientation (to ensure no accidents) the kids went into the basement to discover new toys and play, while the mamas sat upstairs with the babies – drinking coffee.  There was the normal amount of questions, mommy calls from the bottom of the stairs and disagreements on what to play.    Things were going well!

Now you need to know that Marcy is both a huge supporter of me AND she brings out the gosh honest truth in me.  So when she asked me how things were going, I had a moment of bare naked truth.  I told her it was rough.  I expected being a stay at home mom would be hard, but thought it would also have its perks.  What a crock!  It’s hard … really hard!  And … take this with a grain of salt, I don’t like it!  I love my kids to the moon and back, but sometimes I just don’t want to be a mom.  For just one day.  Just to get a break.  But being a mom is one job you can never really escape.

When going to the bathroom, Jaden is talking to me thru the door.  In our family, we don’t always close the bathroom door, but since staying home, I close it just to have a few mins where I can’t be climbed on or touched.  Getting thrown up on and peed on.  Not being able to do what you want to do – the kids decide that!  No matter where I am in the house, I think about if the triplets are really ok on their own.  Of course they are!  They are all in their car seats, not driving the car for the first time!  And when I’m in the same room as them, listening to every grunt and groan making sure they are still breathing.  Now I know I need a chill pill … in fact I wish I could take 15 chill pills and let the afternoon roll by.  But being a mom never escapes you.  Let’s be real, I wouldn’t be able to check out … the guilt is haunting.  So what do I do with all this?  Let it consume me?  Take over my life and make me miserable?

Hell no!  I’ve got to find a way to conquer.  It will not control me!  (ok I’m starting to feel like I’m leading a rally of moms in bathrobes, curlers in their hair and a cup of coffee in their right hand).  My husband told me point-blank – “This is your life now.  You need to find a way to adjust”.  While at the time it was infuriating (since I was looking for a few “poor babies” and a pep talk on how great I was doing) – he’s right.  (Don’t tell him I said that tho haha).  Marcy hit it right on the head – survival mode.  Yes, I laugh and I find something to enjoy each day – but I’m surviving.  I need to do what needs to get done.  I’m a real mom.  I struggle and I have my bad days (Doug can confirm that if you don’t believe me!)  Some times I don’t like being a mom, but I love my kids!

We survived our Saturday playdate and dare I say we enjoyed ourselves?  We took a picture just to prove that we did in fact have seven kids and survived!

Here’s proof they even had fun!

Jaden kept asking Marcy if he could hold her baby.  We got the two on the couch and Jaden kept “whoochie cooching” Mira.  Holding her hand … intertwining their legs … Marcy had to remind him not to get fresh a few times!  Oh Jaden, starting so young!  She is SO darn cute, I can at least say he’s got great taste!

c

Chapstick is awesome!  Not sure how we started talking about it, but Jaden and Veda tell how awesome  Chapstick is.  The Japanese even use it (says Jaden).

So three cheers to a great playdate, getting the coffee shakes because I forgot to eat breakfast with my five cups of coffee and to being a real mom!

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