Being a mom

So I find myself sitting here and wondering how on earth my mom raised six boys. I have three and some days I feel like I have no sanity left. Today is one of those days. I feel like my life is spinning out of control and I have no way to stop it.
Landon has really taken to school and has up until recently been a great student. Over the last 2 weeks, he has gotten in trouble quite frequently. I've talked to him and his teacher and have yet to come up with a reason as to "why?". He has never gotten in trouble before and now he is making a regular habit of sitting in the hallway during writing time.
At the same time, Brett is well into his terrible 2's and throws tantrums quite regularly. Adam is my happiest most of the time, but when he gets mad, he stays mad. And lately, it seems that they all 3 need to be acting out at the same time.
Where we live so far away from family, I rely heavily on the support of Ben and our friends. But, when your children are acting like that, it makes it hard to do anything but sit home and feel sorry for yourself. There is no going out to lunch with the other moms.... not when your kids act out all the time. There is no going on a date.... not when no babysitter in their right mind would come and watch 3 rowdy boys and now a puppy!
So, most of you who know me are saying "what's new?" Well, dealing with the chaos is not new, but the overwhelming stress of wondering will it get better before we add number 4 is. Or am I doomed to have screaming as a background noise. Being pregnant and trying to stop the spinning is harder than it has been in the past.
We had a lesson in YW about finding the joy in womanhood. With all the craziness that comes with being a mom, its easy to forget to look for the joy in it. I'm guilty of it, I think we all are, but when all is said and done, I am a mom. I would not trade my worst day as a mom, for a day without my kids. I love them dearly and that is why I deal with the whining, crying and yelling.
That is why I change the diapers, clean the house and fix the food. Because everyday, even bad ones like today, I can find things about my kids that bring me joy! So, now I know how my mom raised six boys and still had enough love to have 2 girls.... it's called being a mom!

The newest McClurg!!

On new years eve, we welcomed the newest member of our family into our home. We picked up our French Mastiff puppy, Beau, Wednesday morning. He is a cute little puppy who seems to make people fall in love with him. You just can't help it!
So far, he is doing great with the potty training. He is learning very quickly and hasn't made too much of a mess. He is very inquisitive and wants to know what every new sound is. Otherwise, a very healthy, happy puppy.
He used to prefer Ben over me, but after today's visit to the vet, he hasn't left my side for too long. We'll see who gets the attention when Ben gets home. Probably Ben, but a girl can dream:)