We really enjoyed the Childrens' musuem in Houston. My Mom and Meg went with us. Little Mexico was our favorite exhibit. Gwen and my Mom worked on building a bridge which required a lot of brains. Gwen of course embraced it with all she had.
I really enjoyed playing in the exhibits that had props for role playing. Claire's favorite was the red mustang that she could get into. Ever since then she keeps telling me, " Mom I really need to get a car!"

While in Houston, Claire met a kitty named Claire She absolutely loved this kitty. She followed the kitty around for at least half and hour and when the kitty had had enough, Claire didn't get the hint. Therefore, we have the pic of Claire holding a very scratched up arm!
The pic of Race is thanks to Gwen and her latest "fashion idea."

Why Blog Breakfast? Because my Dad was totally sweet every morning by setting out cereal and pretty bowls all ready for us each mornin. The best part was those small bowls of fruit and nut mixes because I could snack on them while I got the girls situated and poured my coffee.........which he already prepared all I had to do was push a button and fresh brew was on the way!
The pic of my Mom is of her and Gwen playing and conversing about something extravagant I'm sure. Gwen could hang out with her MiMi forever and be in complete heaven. My Mom has the gift of playing pretend like no one else and the gift of staying with it for as long as Gwen can!
Thanks Mom and Dad for making our stay so comfortable and being sure we all felt loved!

My mom kidnapped us last week and took me and kiddos back to Houston with her for a week.
She thought I needed a bit of a break and some family near by. She was right..........of course she's my Mom! This is my youngest sis, Meg, and here are the girls getting in her Jewlery. It was great just being there when Meg got home from school or hanging out with her and her adorable boyfriend in the evening. Meg is in cosmotology school and is passionately pursuing a singing career. She sings all over Houston at different style venues and even has a spot at South by Southwest this week in Austin. Very HUGE deal if you know anything about music. Her and her partner Danny will have a concert at the University of Houston on May 19 that will raise money for a Mental Health Organization. To check out her music go to www.lost2gether.com. Meg writes all her own stuff and even plays the guitar. Yeah, not your typical pop star. She is real and has a very pure heart. God gave this girl a gift and she is giving it her all!

Well, I'm gonna start blogging again. This pic is from Valentines Day. I love the girls in these matching pink sweaters. That was a great day. The girls was so psyched to give their hand-made valentines to their friends. Kirby got us all prizes and he hid Dove chocolate in my coffee mug cabnit. So my day began well.
Since then, Race has gotten even more handsome.........I know pretty unconceivable huh! Claire seems to be getting taller by the day and becoming such her own person. Funny Funny Funny.
Gwen is just "happy as a lark" as I heard her tell her Mimi on the phone. She really is happy lately, which makes me at ease. The girl still has her moods, don't get me wrong they are just dissolved much easier lately. Thank you Jesus! He is the only one that could give me wisdom in that area. One day I felt like he just told me " Sunny appeal to her loving side, not her controlling moody side." WOW. It has worked wonders, when I remember to do it.
Today, I was gone most of the day to a Beth Moore Simulcast. It was really good. I highly recommend the book she recently wrote, "Get out of that Pit." Anyway, Kirby had the girls and Race and spent the day playing with them outside and playing with his new toy a Solar Oven. Which is much more than just a toy because it really works and he gets such a kick out of cooking with it. I love to watch him do stuff that he enjoys, and if you know Kirby it 's not your everyday watch sports and sit on the couch stuff. When I returned home he had successfully cooked, sausage, carrots and some muffins!
Tomorrow is Sunday. I have GOT to exercise a little and so some laundry. The girls keep having to make trips to the laundry room to find clean underwear! We also have church tomorrow and then some furniture shopping. I'm not sure which I'm more excited about. That sounds bad huh, but Jesus knows how bad I've been wanting new couches!
gonna go read. I've just started "Into Thin Air" about a MT. Everest climb that turned into disaster. Kirby read it in a matter of days, so I'm gonna get in on the action.
well, no pic on this post, blogger is being testy.

I am totally stealing Kirby's pics that he just put on our family blog, but I just don't have any of my own right now and wanted to do a short post.
Finally there was sun this morning and Kirby took the kids to the beach. After ALOT of days of being a single mommy (kirby has been illin) I relished a morning alone in my bed, drinking coffee and reading. So Nice! I finally began a book I have been wanting to read for a long time. "Breaking Free" by Beth Moore. It is seems like it is going to be very powerful. One thing I read today that stuck out was, " A Christian is held captive by anything that hinders the abundant and effective Spirit-filled life God planned for him or her."
Good Stuff. Well, I have a baby crying and lunches to be made. Exactly the reason there hasn't been much blogging going on!

I am NOT Reserved..

when I work out on my Eliptical machine. I sing loud and off key. I raise my hands when singing "Devotion" by the Newsboyz, dance like I'm back in highschool during No Doubt and seriously get my grove on to Michael Jackson. Yes, all this on a exercise machine. There are many times I get completely off beat and nearly fall off. I figure this allows my body to work different muscles and that can't be a bad thing. Since Kirby set an IPod up for me my workouts have been way more fun. Something about tuning everything out while I'm excersing is very freeing. I'm sure Claire will break something pretty soon, while I can't hear her, but for now the girls just keep peeking in the room watching mommy act crazy. It's very exhilarating to worship God, get my groove on , and just have fun not worrying what others will think.
Somehow once we become real "grown ups" there are certain things we don't do, and I'm just not buying that anymore. So here's my challenge to everyone. Bust out and be free and let your kids watch you. It's going to make your day go so much better.
My girls never knew a White Mama like theirs could do the moonwalk until this morning..............they were in awe! ( I wasn't on the machine for that )

Girls Night In

Gwen said this was the funnest night of her whole world. Claire could not believe she was allowed to put on as much lipstick as her little heart desired. We did each others makeup and hair. The living room smelled like girl heaven with so many scents of lotion and lip gloss. Gwen kept looking in the mirror and tossing her head around............so hilarious.
Race was very amused watching us.

This is my friend Jen.
This is her nursing. I think this is so hilarious every time she does it that I had to blog it.
I love Jen.

It's All Good.......

When Mom leaves the house.

Kirby had the kids for an extended amount of time for 2 days in a row. The first day I came home to a "pillow pit" in my living room and something that looked like a cupcake bomb in the playroom.
The second day was much different. He had vaccumed the rug, done laundry, swept the entire house, washed dishes and had fresh coffee waiting for my return. So, I'll end with the same saying
"It's all Good."

My Mom brought back some treasures of mine when she visited last. Stuffed in bags for over 20 years were my favorite doll, and my favorite dress. I almost teared up when Gwen came out of her room in this dress. I hung it up in her closet hoping she would find it quickly. It took about half a day and there she was prancing out of her room asking me to button it. The Doll............yes I know she is a little on the scary side..........was my friend for many years. I was kid who could play alone for hours because I had many other "make believe" friends there too. Happy, the doll, was always there and she didn't used to look so scary.

The Many Faces of Claire.

The cutest boy in the WORLD!!!
Race gets dressed up real cute at least once a day. I realize I'm changing his clothes, more than I did the girls!
Here he is in his Christmas outfit and in a pink head band Gwen decided would be cute. It's just the beginning, I know. I'm certain Claire will attack with makeup very soon.

We just had to have HOT CHOCOLATE after watching the hot chocolate scene in Polar
Express!
Such a fun movie.
Race is not so sure.

This week the chaos has died down considerably.
Its seems we have fallen into some kind of routine ( I'm positive it's not a normal one, because that would deffinintly not be Reed style)
After two days of trying I got a Mocha Bunt Cake made, which was soo good , my friend Alisa put in on her blog. She is a true baker so when she says something is good, it REALLY is! Mariah and I got Chocolate Pretzels made to hand out , while our kids ran around and ate chocolate chips for dinner. I've been able to excercise enough to actually be sore, and that feels GREAT to me. I have actually made dinner several times and have established a laundry day, so as to not do laundry all day and get nothing else done. Im sure this is a no brainer to most, but for me to establish a day for something is huge. Usually, if I tell myself I have to do something on a certain day every week , it last about week because by the second one I'm bored with it. This has been fun because I have actually seen Gwen in other clothes besides her fav. outfit, because it's not clean everyday anymore.
I've also been able to have a few phone conversations , by locking myself in the bathroom with Race on my lap and that has actually taught the girls that I'm serious when I say they need to stop talking to me , when I'm on the phone.
With all that said, my house is still relatively dirty and I haven't been able to straighten or blow dry my hair in over 2 weeks. Claire still runs around naked alot and I drink WAY too much coffee.
I owe my renewed sense of peace to God for all those times lately I can hear him saying " Your doing well , Sunny, keep it up, I love you." Sometimes this when I'm in my rocking chair with Race, sometimes it's when I'm cleaning up something Claire spilled or when I'm helping Gwen learn to write letters. He's always there. Just like He says he will be.

Merry Christmas!
love,
Kirby, Sunny, Gwen, Claire and Race

Print this up, hang it on your fridge and consider it your card from the Reeds.

She's 5! I can't believe I have been a parent for 5 years, actually having 3 by now, it feels more like 10 but anyway back to Gwendolyn. Here are some reasons I love this girl so much.

1. She is almost as curious as her Daddy 3. She really thinks about things

2. She has a HUGE imagination 4. She loves to sing with her Daddy

5. She wants to do what's Right and has a good sense of Right from Wrong

6. She knows her Maker and has the sweetest prayers to him everynight.

7. She has a really good laugh. 8. She teaches me about myself

9. She is part of me 10. I feel like she has been with me my whole life.

Can't beat that for a Christmas card, but it's missing our newest member, so it doesn't make the cut.

Gwen and Claire effectively showed their true personalites this night.
First up was Claire. As she stood with her class she decided she would take up thumb sucking for the first time and did this through her classes entire 2 songs. She had already told me before the program she would not be singing. Then Gwen. She sang the loudest was on perfect pitch and did every cute move she was suppose to. I love them both soo much and are so thankful for their different takes on life. They do have one thing in common for sure: They know how to pose for a picture!

Everyone has time to BLOG, but me!!! Whaaah.
Well, to all my fellow bloggers, esp you new ones. I'm still reading everyone's just haven't found the time to do my own.
Such is my life right now. Cute Pics on the way.
for now I'm sitting in bed reading about everyone's life and hoping none of my children wakeup.

Well, the majic is wearing off in the Reed home. This has been a very trying week. I won't be fake and say, " It's great!" Kirby and I have been completely worked over by the girls. Race still is by far the easiest right now, but that's nothing new to anyone who has mulitple children.
I'm really praying for wisdom and SLEEP! I can deal with waking up to feed Race but not to console screaming and crying little girls who decide 2am is the time they need extra love and attention.














It was great to go to church today though. I put all three in "Tiny Town" ( childrens' church) and bask in an hour of sitting with Kirby and worshiping God. Some friends gave us encouragment saying " Every day gets easier." I'm so glad for a church family on days like this, when I'm literally at the end of my rope. Tonight I watched a flick with a girlfriend across the street and everyone went to bed really well. I'm praying the quiet will last until at least 6am!
The pics are of Claire feeding Race for the first time and of Race in his fav. chair.

okay, did a little better with the morning routine today and yesterday. Figured everyone with small kids did just about the same thing, but I just needed to set some limits for myself and the girls. All is well this morning. Here we are all doing our own thing.
I received some very insightful information from our good friend Paul via Kirby yesterday. Paul was explaining to him why 3 kids seem to make everything so different. Kirby and I couldn't figure out how one little baby that is relatively easy and mostly sleeps could make our family change so much. Why are we mentally and emotionally soo tired? Well, Paul being the number cruncher he is, made a math formula of this problem . Now that Race is here each of us have a new relationship, plus Race has a relationship with each of us, plus we all relate to eachother a little differently now that there is someone new to share in the mix. So there are actually 10 brand new relationships and 12 relationships that have changed due to Race.
Whew........ just wanted to jog everyone's brain this morning!

Morning Rituals.

I need some help here. My morning rituals are all screwed up because now i have a third little one who needs me. Please tell me what you do in the morning right after waking up. My girls are super needy during this time and I have realized i cater to them and their specifc needs and wants way too much. So I just need a fresh new way to do mornings. I absolutely love mornngs and i would like to see them peaceful and nice gain. Suggestions???

Everyone dressed up, except for me. Gwen and her best freind Jack were the cutest Ninga turtles.
Can you tell who the woman with Mariah is?
And Claire are Mia were were precious in Pink.

This was BEAUTIFUL day at the beach. Kirby said if he didn't get to the beach he was going to "freak out." So the whole family went and had a blast. Race hung out with me in the snuggli and we all had fun watching Daddy skim on his board.

We're still in Boy Heaven over here.
The girls adore him. Here is Claire smothering the poor child and I love the expression on Gwen's face in the pic of the three of them.

I ventured out with all three of them today, for the first time. We did the library and very briefly.
Claire insisted upon bringing her baby in it's car-seat so we were quite a scene marching in.
I am feeling very good and pretty much ready to resume my regular activities. I've had GREAT care over the past week and a half and it has really helped make the transition smooth.
Even though I could still probablly sit and stare at Race for another solid week, I've been given alot of time to do just that and I am very thankful for this special time.

journal entry from Oct 14th: 10:30am

I am overwhelmed with thankfulness and blessed beyond measure. You, God, have given me a son! A boy to grow up and become a man, like his father. I am given this gift of a son, to raise and love and enjoy. You , God, have given Kirby a follower, an apprentice. That there could be another man like Kirby is such a wonderful gift to this world in which we live. I feel as though you heard my deepest prayers and knew how much I would treasure this precious boy.
Race Samuel Reed, you have made me even more complete as a mother and you have made our family grander than we ever imagined it to be.
Praise you God, for this creation. I give Race to you for always.

The anxiously awaited water bottle........

arrived!!! At least I could count on one thing to come in a matter of days. I have been obsessively waiting for the door bell to ring and my fancy RED water bottle to be on the doorstep. I have had water bottle issues for about 6 months, and with the prompting of a friend I finally ordered an expensive one ($10.95.....Gasp!) It is not suppose to crack when I drop it, leak when I put in my back pack and my ice cubes fit in it. All very big deals for a water bottle carrier arounder , like myself. I have included the picture of Gwen with the bottle also, because she was totally excited for me and knew all the specifications this purchase had to meet. Kirby too, was happy for me and okay with me spending $10.95 on such a thing.(Double Gasp!)

yes, Mariah is eating out of a diaper!
Our friend, Jen, had her baby shower this weekend. Alisa and Christina did a great job hosting it and Jen was the perfect "mother to be." She was so excited about each gift, it was fun to watch her experience all of this for the first ime. This is her first baby and we are so excited to meet her little girl. Jen, you are going to be FANTASTIC Mom and you are already such a precious friend to so many of us.