Kesler Crew

Busy Little Fellas

2010-11-03T16:09:00.012-05:00

Here are some recent photos of our guys playing outside in our yard. They are ALL over the place! More photos to come soon, I promise...

Pizza

2010-08-12T09:15:00.005-05:00

Here are some photos of the boys eating the pizza that I made the other night. I made everything from scratch and it was YUMMY! Be sure to check out the random expressions on the boys faces...

Random Summer Photos

2010-08-12T08:30:00.007-05:00

Here are some random photos from our summer with the boys. They are growing so fast!

Random photos

2010-04-28T11:47:00.008-05:00

I just can't help it

2010-04-27T17:20:00.001-05:00

What can I say? I love getting good deals. I've come across some pretty sweet deals around town lately, but honestly haven't had any extra time to document them. I know you all love seeing them. Humor me, okay? :)

Here is a photo of some deals I got a Walgreens today. Everything in the photo should have cost me $43.00, but I only paid $14 (before taxes). Here are my deals:

Schick Quatro Disposable Razors - on sale from $7.99 to $5.99
used $4.00 off coupons
Received $2.00 each Register Rewards
Paid $.99 each

Imperial Sugar 4 lb - on sale for $2.19
used $.75 off coupon
Paid $1.44

Children's Tylenol and Bendadryl - on sale for $5.99 each
used in store coupons for $2.00 off
used $1.00 off coupons
paid $2.99 each

Infusium 23 Conditioner - on sale for $7.99
used in store coupon for $2.00 off
used $3.00 off coupon from ALL YOU MAGAZINE
Paid $2.99

Tractors

2010-04-26T23:05:00.008-05:00

To put it mildly, our boys LOVE tractors. Anything that is not a car or truck, is a tractor. Our boys have a lot of toy tractors that they play with all the time. They even make tractor noises! Here are some photos of the boys checking out a tractor their Dad borrowed to cut some tall grass on our property.

Super Savings!

2010-03-05T08:37:00.006-06:00

I know how you all love looking at my "savings" posts, so here you go! It was a great shopping trip...

Total BEFORE coupons without tax: $89.03. Total AFTER coupons without tax: $ 40.54. That's a 54% savings!!!!
I also received an addtional savings to use on my next shopping trip - so I REALLY only spent out of pocket $39.54! :)

Here is a photo of everything that I was able to purchase for the low price of $39.04 out of pocket. (I know how you all like looking at photos of my groceries! C.G. tell Coffey this photo is for him.) My super deals were:

Kashi Heart to Heart Cereal - priced $4.79/bx

purchase one box - PAID $0

used coupon for FREE box of Kashi Heart to Heart cereal

Betty Crocker cookie mix - priced $2.35/bag

purchased 3 bags - PAID $.70 each

on sale for $1.50 each, used 3 coupons for $.40 each that doubled to $.80 each

Betty Crocker bag of instant potatoes - priced $1.15

purchased 1 bag - PAID ME $.13 OVERAGE

on sale for $.67, used $.40 coupon that doubled to $.80 each

Nature Valley Granola bars - priced $3.79/bx

purchased 2 boxes - PAID $1.29 each

on sale for $2.29, used 2 $.50 coupons that doubled to $1.00 each

Fiber One Yougrt 4 pack - priced $2.49/pack

purchased 1 pack - PAID $1.00

on sale for $2.00, used $1.00 off coupon

Chex Mix bars - priced $3.75/bx

purchased one box - PAID $1.29

on sale for $2.29, used $.50 coupon that doubled to $1.00

French's Worchestire Sauce - priced $1.79

purchased 1 - PAID $.79

used coupon for $.50 that doubled to $1.00

Satin Care Shave Gel - priced $2.99

purchased 2 - PAID $.78 each

on sale for $1.88, used 2 $.55 coupons that doubled to $1.10

Bounty Paper Towel single roll - priced 1.00 each (on sale)

purchased 2 - PAID $.50 each

on sale for $1.00, used 2 $.25 coupons that doubled to $.50 each

Quilted Northern T.P. - priced $5.29

purchased 1, 6 pack - PAID $2.99

on sale for $3.99, used $1.00 coupon

Pampers baby wipes tub - priced $2.69

purchased 2 - PAID $.99 each

on sale for $1.99, used 2 $1.00 off coupons

2 years ago Today...

2010-02-04T10:25:00.005-06:00

The Kesler Crew came home!

The photo above is the VERY first time that we saw our boys all together, side by side. This photo was taken February 4, 2008 at my parents house. It was the day that we brought our boys home and it was when I officially moved back home after being away for over 3 months.

Here are some photos of what our boys look like 2 years later! Such big guys!!! In the photo above the got in the chair by themselves to watch their favorite show - Yo Gabba Gabba. I rounded the corner and this it what I saw, so I quickly grabbed my camera to get this photo.

Here are the boys sitting at our table playing with some of their favorite toys - puzzles!

Time is flying by, but we are loving every minute of it. I can't imagine what life would be like with a single child - I think we might be a little bored! There is never a dull moment around our house and I don't think there ever will be. Our little miracles...oh, the stories we will be able to share!

We love being outside!

2010-02-04T09:36:00.007-06:00

Grocery Savings

2010-02-03T13:34:00.005-06:00

Above is a photo of my grocery receipt from last week. Can you believe the savings? I spent $67.44 and saved $72.50. That's a 54% total savings!

Our local grocery store ran a pretty incredible sale last week and I was able to "stack" almost all of my purchases with coupons. By "stack" I mean that I was able to use a coupon for almost every item that was already on sale! Some of my great finds were:

Oscar Mayer hotdogs

normally priced at $3.29/pack

purchased 3 for $.99 each

Pampers baby wipes

normally priced at $2.69

purchased 3 for $.99 each

Finish dishwasher tabs

normally priced at $5.69

purchased 1 for $.49

Yogurt (4 pack)

normally priced at $2.29/pack

purchased 3 for $.88 each

Goldfish snacks

normally priced at $2.00

purchased 2 for $.49 each

My local grocery store is running another great sale this week, so I am anxious to see what other great savings I can get. I'll try to get a picture of my items this time!

Cupcake wrappers by Orange1

2010-01-28T09:22:00.007-06:00

As most of you know, we recently celebrated our boys' 2nd birthday! Wow, doesn't time just fly by? Here are a couple of pictures of the cupcakes that our very dear friend, Rebecca, and I made for their big FARM YARD party.

Rebecca designed and made all of the cupcake wrappers and picks that you see in the photo above. Aren't they just great? Please stop by her etsy shop and check out all of the great party items that she has listed for sale. You can visit her here. Be sure to tell her that the Kesler Crew sent you!

Her shop name is ORANGE1 and another direct link is http://www.orange1.etsy.com

Walmart savings

2010-01-28T08:55:00.005-06:00

**Please note, I also purchased a gallon of milk and a loaf of bread that are not in the photo above.**

I know you have all been missing my photos and updates of my savings, so here is my most recent Walmart shopping trip. Before coupons and taxes my total for the items posted above was $34.77. After coupons, I paid only $12.75! That's a 63% savings!!!! My items and savings are listed below:

Blistex Lip Care - priced at $.98 each
bought 4 and used two $.35 coupons and one $1.00 off 2 coupon
paid $.55 each

Post It Notes - priced at $.50
bought 1 and used $1.00 off any post it product coupon
received $.50 OVERAGE

Always Infinity Pad - priced at $3.96 each
bought 4 and used two Buy1 Get1 coupons and two $1.00 off coupons
paid $1.35 each

Renu travel size contact solution - priced $1.47 each
bought 2 and used two $2.00 off coupons
received $1.06 OVERAGE

Fleishmann's 3-pack yeast - priced $1.08
bought 1 and used $.40 off coupon
paid $.68

Beachnut Let's Grow Toddler soup - priced $1.08
bought 1 and used $1.00 off coupon
paid $.08

Nabisco Cheese Nips - priced $1.50 each
bought 4 and used two $2.00 of 2 coupons
paid $.50 each

Please feel free to check out this link from Money Saving Mom to see how you can get even more savings from Walmart!

Real photos!

2010-01-06T15:03:00.011-06:00

Here are some "REAL" photos of our boys that were taken back in November by our dear friend and photographer, Chris Jenkins. He and his son met up with us one afternoon while we were home during Thanksgiving and Chris got these wonderful photos of our boys. Chris is a dear friend of ours and we have a TON of his photography work around our house. Please be sure to check out his blog page when you have a chance to see some of his other work.

http://chrisjenkinsphotography.blogspot.com

Chris, we can't thank you enough for these great photos! You were a champ to put up with us on this day. I had been up since 3am shopping and our sweet boys were WAY past their normal lunch time. It's hard enough to get picture of our triplets on a "normal" day, but Chris went above and beyond our expectations when he was able to capture these!

This is Chris' son, assistant, and our friend!

S

P

C

This one is my favorite! The boys are standing in front of a glass door and Chris was on the outside taking this photo. P's face is smooshed against the glass - just adorable!

Birthday

2010-01-03T07:53:00.002-06:00

Today is Clay, Paul, and Seth's 2nd birthday!

Happy Birthday our sweet little boys! We love you more than you'll ever know!

Finally, some new photos!

2009-12-08T10:14:00.004-06:00

Here are some recent photos of our crew. It's hard to believe that they are almost 2 years old. They amaze us every day with new ideas and challenges. Keeping us SUPER busy is their newest trick. We are just along for their journeys and loving it!

The brothers hanging out on the couch.

At the zoo - it was super cold, but a really fun day!

Free stuff and Walmart savings

2009-10-14T20:22:00.004-05:00

I just couldn't resist bragging a little bit. I won 8 months of FREE soy milk from "Today's Soymilk, 8th Continent"! I was beyond thrilled when I checked my mail and had a letter along with a TON of coupons for free soymilk. As you know by now, I have become a BARGAIN shopper. Finding a good soymilk bargain can be pretty hard to come by, especially as often as we go through it in our house. I entered this promotional contest a few months ago with hopes that I would win, but really forgot about it as it has been a while. Little did I know what would be coming my way! So, THANKS A TON 8th Continent - we love your soymilk!!!

I also know how you all like looking a photos of my shopping sprees, so here is a new one for you. The photo above is of a recent trip that I made to walmart. I was able to purchase these 22 items for only $43.00. (These items all retail for over $83.00 - that's a $40.00 savings!) I was able to use a coupon for every item that you see in the photo (with the exception of the toys). Some of my super deals are as follows:

There were some great markdown on toys, so I decided to grab a few to save for the holidays and the boys' bithday. They were priced SO LOW, it was hard to just pick out the items that I did!

2 boxes of Renu contact lens solution

Priced $1.47

used 2, $1.00 off coupons

Paid $.47 each

2 pkgs Nature Valley Nut Clusters

Priced $2.28

Used 2, $1.60 off coupons

Paid $.68 each

Honey Bunches of Oats

Priced $2.50

Used $2.00 off coupon

Paid $.50

Air Wick Freshmatic I-Motion Kit

Normally priced $13.97, but on "roll back" for $6.00

Used $6.00 off coupon

Paid $0 - FREE

Eating like BIG boys!

2009-10-14T19:19:00.008-05:00

The boys have a new "trick" they can pretty much eat by themselves! The photos that you see at the top were taken at the beginning of their lunch. The photos you see below were taken towards the end of their lunch. It can get pretty messy, but they have to learn. Right? They are getting better at it each day.

Weekly savings

2009-09-24T23:32:00.007-05:00

Walgreens has some pretty nice deals going this week, so I decided to try and "stock up" on a few items:

10 boxes of Royal jello

PAID $.20 each ~ $2.00 Total

6 bottles of Peroxide

PAID $.33 each ~ $2.00 Total

5 candy bars

PAID $.49 each ~ $2.45 Total

4 cans Campbell's Condensed Cream Soup

PAID $.39 each ~ $1.56 Total

I was also able to get some great deals at Walmart this week. I was able to purchase 26 items worth $72.00 for only $28.50! That's about a 62% savings. Some of my SUPER deals were:

4 Airwick I-motion smell goods - on sale for $5.00 each

Used 4, $4.00 off coupons

PAID $1.00 each

6 Pull ups flushable wipes - $1.64 each

Used 3, $2.00 off 2 items coupons

PAID $.64 each

2 pkgs Bic Markers - on sale for $.50 each

Used a $1.00 off 2 items coupon

PAID $0 - FREE

2 boxes of HUGGIES wipes - $2.47 each

Used 2, $2.00 off coupons

PAID $.47 each

1 pkg Nature Valley Clusters - $2.94 each

Used $1.60 off coupon

PAID $.68

2 boxes of Zantac (8pk) - $4.23 each

Used 2, $5.00 off coupons

OVERAGE $1.54 total - THEY PAID ME!!!

4 pkgs White cloud TP - $2.00 each

Used 4, $1.00 off coupons

PAID $1.00 each

If April showers bring May flowers, then what do September showers bring?

2009-09-21T15:44:00.006-05:00

It's been a while since I've posted any new pictures, so I wanted to share some recent photos of Paul, Seth, and Clay. The photo below is from one morning last week. We had a break in the rain, so the boys and I decided to go outside and pick some tomatoes and peppers from our garden.

These 2 pictures below are from earlier today. It feels like it's been raining for a week straight and we have not had the opportunity to get the boys outside to play. (Even our back deck is soaked.) The ground is pretty saturated, so we decided to take a walk to our mailbox to check the mail.
Here are Clay (solid blue), Seth (green), and Paul (blue/white stripe) holding the mail as we walked back to our house.

Best shopping day to date

2009-09-02T09:35:00.002-05:00

My local grocery store, Kroger, runs their sales from Wednesday through Tuesday. I got such great deals last week, that I decided to go back for some more deals before the sale closed. (Priscilla, you inspired me to go back.) So, I ran out to the store last night and I am SO happy I did. I think I had my best shopping experience yet! In summary, I was able to purchase 39 items worth $109.01 for ONLY $33.26 - that's right I ONLY PAID $33.26 for all of my groceries! That a 71% savings of $75.75!!!!

I was looking at this week's Kroger ad this morning and I think I was kind of able to get the "best of both worlds" last night. It looks like they had already started marking the sales for this week, so I was able to take advantage of last weeks deals with some of this weeks deals. If that is the case, then maybe I'll just have to start doing my shopping on Tuesday nights!

Kroger - super savings

2009-08-28T01:53:00.003-05:00

I hit the mother load during this trip. Kroger is currently running some great sales that I was able to combine with some great coupons. In addition to running a sale that allows you to purchase 10 items for $10, they are running another similar sale on random products which are already marked down and if you by 10 of these specially marked items you get $5.00 back. Even if you don't have coupons to match them with, you can still walk away with some really great deals this week. I was able to save a total of $63.65 by purchasing items ONLY on sale and using coupons! Here is a list of my super sweet deals:

8 boxes of General Mills cereals

Regular price: $4.79 each

Paid: $.99 each

4 boxes of Betty Crocker Fruit Snacks

Regular price: $3.79 each

Paid: $.99 each

2 boxes of Nature Valley Granola Bars

Regular price: $3.49 each

Paid: $1.64 each

2 boxes of Hefty zip lock freezer bags

Regular: $1.85 each

Paid: $.80 each

Kroger brand marinade

Regular: $1.99

Paid: $.65

Kroger salad dressing

Regular: $1.50

Paid: $.65

Betty Crocker Peanut Butter Cookie Mix

Regular: $2.35

Paid: $.69

Country Crock Spread

Regular: $2.35

Paid: $1.15

Pampers wipes

Regular: $2.79

Paid: $0 ~ FREE

Two 4-packs of Dannon Yogurt

Regular: $2.79 each

Paid: $.88 each

Hillshire Farm Sandwich meat

Regular: $4.29

Paid: $1.89

Walmart - super savings

2009-08-28T01:32:00.003-05:00

I found some REALLY great deals during this shopping trip. I had to purchase dog food for our dogs, because I am not willing to let them starve, and it kind of threw me off a little. If you subtract what I spend on the dog food alone, I would have only spent $15.93 for everything you see in the photo above! Some of my super finds were:

2 pkgs of Chinet plates

Regular $2.54

Used 2 $2.00 off coupons

Paid: $.54 each

2 pkgs Carmex Lip Therapy

Regular $1.08

Used 2 $1.00 off coupons

Paid: $.08 each

Welch's Strawberry Jelly

On sale for $2.68

Used $.75 off coupon

Paid: $1.93

2 pkgs of Pull Ups Flushable wipes

Regular $1.64

Used $3.00 off 2 coupon

Paid: $.14 each

Travel size skintimate shave gel

Regular $1.47

Used $1.00 off coupon

Paid $.47

Tyson Chicken Nuggets

On sale for $5.50

Used $1.00 off coupon

Paid: $4.50

4 pkgs of BIC Pens

On sale for $.50 each

Used 2 $1.00 off 2 items coupons

Paid: $0 - got them for FREE

2 Glade 2oz soy candles

Regular $2.97

Used 2 coupons for FREE 2oz Glade soy candle

Paid: $0 - got them for FREE

We love the weekends

2009-08-28T00:41:00.007-05:00

We had a great time last weekend! We took the boys over to my parents house to play and eat dinner. The dinner that Yaya and Papa-Al prepared was yummy. It was just an absolutely beautiful afternoon so the boys were able to just play around and we were all able to eat the delicious dinner outside. Here are a few photos of the boys playing in the sand with their Dad.

We all got up on Sunday morning and met up with my parents, my brother, and nephew at our local park. Again, it was just a beautiful day and the boys had a grand time running all over playing with new things. We just couldn't have asked for better days!

Here is our nephew, Tyler, playing with his little cousin Paul.

We have another exciting time planned for this upcoming weekend when we go visit Shane's parents. So, be sure to check back in on us to see what kind of fun and trouble we can find while we're visiting with Nana and Big Daddy! We can't wait! :)

Saving our garden veggies

2009-08-19T23:56:00.006-05:00

Some of the "fruits" of our labor: squash, bell pepper, banana pepper, jalapeno pepper, cow horn pepper, Roma tomato, better boy tomato, purple hull peas, and green beans.

I wanted to try a new technique for putting up corn. All you do is take your fresh corn and wrap it in foil. You then put the foil wrapped corn in zip lock bags to freeze. When you are ready to eat them you just boil the corn with the foil still on.

I chose to "flash freeze" the bell peppers.

New Play Area

2009-08-19T23:27:00.007-05:00

The boys have a "new" play area on our back deck and they LOVE IT! In the picture above they are coloring at their picnic table. The rest are just random photos of them playing on the deck. Enjoy!

Weekly Savings Update & Giveaway

2009-08-13T23:30:00.004-05:00

We decided to take this week and do our monthly "restock shopping". We spent a little more money earlier in the month, so that we could spend significantly less in the weeks to follow. I made several shopping trips so that I could get the best deal on things we needed. I was able to go by Walmart, Kroger, and Walgreens and got some really great deal at all 3 stores.

The photo is of one my trips to Walmart, here are my SUPER deals:

2 bx of Eggo waffles ~ paid $1.00 eachon sale for $1.50 each and used a coupon for $1.00 off purchase of 2 bxs.

Jack Links Chicken Jerky ~ FREE!!!

Found a coupon for FREE product in All You Magazine

Tyson Chicken ~ paid $4.00

Normally $6.50, on sale for $5.50, used $1.50 off coupon

2 Travel size skintimate shave cream ~ Paid $.47 each

used 2 $1.00 coupons

Suave body wash ~ Paid $.25

Found on sale for $1.00 (in clearance) used $.75 off coupon

AXE shampoo ~ FREE (Thanks Shane - he found this deal)

Used coupon from Details magazine

I did end up making a second trip to Walmart this week to get a few more things. Again, I was very pleased with some of the great deals that I came across:

8th Continent SOY Milk x 2 ~ FREE

normally $2.73 each, used 2 free coupons sent to me from the company

Wacky Mac Veggie pasta x 2 ~ paid $.67 each

Used 2 $.75 off coupons

Dentek Floss sticks x 2 ~ FREE

They were on sale for $1.00 each and I used 2 $1.00 off coupons

Travel size RENU contact solution x 2 ~ $.47 each

These sell for $1.47 each and I used 2 $1.00 coupons

Suave Body Wash ~ Paid $.25

Found on sale for $1.00 in clearance and used $.75 off coupon

I also managed to squeeze in a trip to Kroger early this week, these deals are still running at my local Kroger until Tues, August 18. They had some great buy 10 items, pay $10 deals going on this week.

B10/$10:

Purchased 4 chef boyardee cans for $1.00 each ~ paid $2.60 ($.65 each)
used buy 3 get 1 free coupon, also used $.35 off 3 coupon which doubled

Purchased 4 loaves of SaraLee wheat bread for $1.00 each ~ paid $4.00

This would have normally cost $11.56

Purchased 2 packages of dry spagetti pasta ~ Paid $2.00

This would normally costs $2.98

Other Great Kroger Deals:

Wheat flour ~ paid $2.99 (on sale)

Franks's Hot Sauce ~ paid $.50

Regular price $2.24, on sale for$1.25, used $.75 coupon

2 boxes of fish sticks (42ct) ~ paid $3.99 each

Regular price $7.99, on sale for $6.99, used 2 $3.00 off coupons

2 packages of BIC pens (10ct) ~ FREE

Regular price, $1.99, on sale for $.50, used buy2/get $1.00 off coupon

3 packages of Baby Goldfish (A favorite around our house) ~ paid $.99 each

Regular price $2.00, on sale for $.99

2 bx of EGGO waffles ~ paid $2.00

On sale for $1.50 each, used buy2/get $1.00 off coupon

4 bxs of Post Cereal ~ paid $1.38 each

Regular price $4.35 each, on sale for $1.88 each, used 2 buy 2 bx/get $1.00 off coupons

In honor of my great savings week I would like to offer a giveaway to 5 different people.

I will randomly chose 5 different people who will receive one coupon each for $1.00 off any one package of Kellogg's Rice Krispies Ceral (11oz or larger, any flavor).

In order to enter this giveaway you must leave a comment on this post with a super savings story of your own. It doesn't have to relate to groceries, just any way that you have saved.

I will randomly chose a winner by 7pm central time on Sunday, August 16. Only one entry person please. (Family and friends, you are allowed to enter this contest so come join the fun!)

Good times outside

2009-08-11T23:16:00.008-05:00

Our garden

Beautiful Tabasco pepper plant

Playing together

Toy Box

2009-08-11T22:55:00.005-05:00

Here is a photo of the "toy corner" of our living room before.

Here is an AFTER photo of the "toy corner" - notice the awesome toy box that Shane refinished. Doesn't it look great? I found this piece a while ago at a local antique/consignment shop for a great deal. Shane has been working on it stripping the old paint off, sanding, and staining this wonderful toy box. I think he did an awesome job. Having this big toy box in our living room definitely cuts down on the clutter.

Gardening update & super shopping deals

2009-08-05T16:49:00.007-05:00

I have been so busy lately, that I've forgotten to grab my camera when I am working with our veggies. I hope to do better with garden photos for upcoming posts. We have been enjoying our summer garden and are already thinking of things we want to do with our fall/winter garden. Recently, I have been cooking squash and tomatoes on a regular basis. We harvested some green beans over the weekend and let me tell you they were yummy! Shane's parents also brought some cucumbers and a huge watermelon last weekend. I don't know exactly what I'm going to do with the cucumbers, but I am looking forward to coming up with something. I also can't wait for the boys to try the watermelon. Don't worry, I will make sure to have my camera ready for that!

Pictured are my finds from a recent Walmart trip. I don't really like shopping here, but they had some pretty sweet deals that were hard to pass up. My super awesome deals at Walmart were:

Angel soft 4 pack TP ~ $.50
with coupon

6 pack Nestle water ~ $.50

with coupon from All You magazine

4 packs of Huggies Flushable baby wipes ~ $.14 each

purchased 4, priced $1.64 each

used 2, $3.00 off 2 coupons from coupon

Electrosol Dishwasher Tabs ~ $1.32 each

used $2.50 off coupon

Kraft dressing ~ $.06 each

purchased 2, priced $1.56 each

used 2, $1.50 coupons
All You Magazine ~ $1.74

used $.50 off coupon

I also made a trip to our local Kroger grocery store this week for milk, produce, and a few other items. Here are some of my really good deals:

Charmin 12 pack TP ~ $4.99
saved $4.60 with in store sale and coupons

Pampers diapers/wipes ~ $30.75

saved $6.00 with in store sale and coupons

Silk Soy milk ~ $ 1.99

saved $1.50 with in store sale and coupons

Tyson fresh chicken ~ $3.08

saved $1.70 with in store sale and coupons

2 Hormel meals ~ $.25 each

saved $5.08 with in store sale and coupons

Brothers

2009-08-03T23:07:00.003-05:00

Rainy days, won't keep the Kesler Crew indoors!

2009-07-29T22:34:00.009-05:00

It has been pretty rainy and overcast for the last couple of days. I believe it's suppose to be like this for the rest of the week/weekend. When there are breaks in the rain, we try to get the boys outside to run off some of their energy. While we were outside on this afternoon it started to sprinkle, I don't even think our little guys noticed. They were too busy "working" outside. Here are some photos of them working in our flower beds. Soon after this, they were running around our garage with brooms. They are so funny!

Clay and Paul, playing with the water hose in the mud. Where is Seth? Oh, he's way over in the back sitting in their swimming pool/water park. Don't worry, his Dad is back there with him!

Paul and Seth, clearing the rocks out of the bucket.

Chester is always near. Here he is watching Clay to make sure he moves the bucket with the rocks just right.

Super deals and cooking

2009-07-29T21:51:00.007-05:00

Walmart Deals

Some of my super deals were:

2 cans Chef Boyardee mini ravioli ~ $.24 overage (They paid me!)

3 cans Pork&Beans ~ $.40 each

French's mustard ~ $.50

Travel size Dove deodorant ~ $.03 overage

2 Travel size skintimate shave gel ~ $.50 each

3 pkgs Kotex ~ FREE

2 bx Crayola crayons ~ $.25 each

Dawn dish washing detergent ~ $.50

Cascade Rinse Agent ~ FREE (A $3.47 value)

Every item that I purchased was on sale. This trip cost me out of pocket $21.42 for 27 items. I was able to save an additional $14.82 with my coupons. I would like to add that the cashier that was checking me out was not very pleased that I was using coupons. She kept mumbling stuff about how they get written up if the coupons are wrong, blah blah blah. I assured her that my coupons were correct - I'm OCD like that. I also explained to her that coupons were part of my income and that I needed to use them. She let me use them, but complained the entire time I was checking out. It will make me think more about taking my business to Walmart. Unfortunately, I do not live in a big city so I really don't have much choice on some things.

If you have any specific questions about these deals, please feel free to leave a comment or email me. I am happy to share my deal scenarios.

KROGER DEALS:

I happened across this SUPER deal while I was walking by a clearance cart. I was able to pick up a bottle of this Aveno shampoo and conditioner for ONLY $.99 each! How? These normally sell for $6.99 each and my local Kroger had them marked down to $1.99 each. I also had 2 coupons for this particular brand of Aveno shampoo/conditioner for $1.00 off. I'm so glad that I thought to look in the bin! I was able to get 2 products worth $13.98 for only $1.98 - that's what I call sweet!

I usually go to our Kroger for my diapers, milk, and produce because I can get a better deal on them rather than at Walmart. Not only did I find a SUPER deal on shampoo/conditioner, but I needed to pick up some more canning jars. For some reason, I thought that I was going to have to take a trip to Walmart and get some because I just knew the jars would be cheaper there. I am proud to say that I was WRONG! I was able to pick up 12, 8 oz BALL canning jars for only $6.50! These normally run somewhere between $7.50 - $9.00. So, this was a super great deal day for me!

I wanted to share some of our other "food savings". When I'm not taking care of 3 busy toddlers and searching out good shopping deals, I really enjoy cooking - especially with veggies from our garden. Most of the time I have more veggies than I can cook at once, so I've been searching out different ways to save them for a later time. Here is a picture of our 2 different types of squash that we have growing in our garden.

This is squash that I have sliced and layed out on a cooking sheet pan that is lined with wax paper. This sliced squash is ready to "flash freeze". Flash freezing is a really easy technique in freezing certain fruits and veggies. It doesn't take long and the food should last for a while in the freezer. Isn't this a neat photo?

Doesn't this look good? This is an easy Greek White Bread. Why Greek you ask? Well, I've tried my hand at cooking Greek food before and it was really fun. My 2 prior Greek cooking lessons were not easy, but I made it through and have been dubbed an Honorary Greek by the Gianakos Family. I wish I could remember the names of everything we made... (K, help me out.) Anyway, when I found this "easy" recipe on line, I figured I had to give it a try. As it turned out, it was really easy and tastes just as good as it looks!

Daddy's boys

2009-07-27T15:06:00.009-05:00

The boys have been busy today! Here are some pictures from this morning. The amazing part is that I got these photos in this order. Clay, Paul, and Seth remind me so much of their Dad. Each of them are VERY different, but they each share some of their Dad's same characteristics...They like to work on their cars, they enjoy staying busy around the house, and they LOVE to be outside!

Clay flipped the 4-wheeler over and decided to work on the tire.

Clay working on the front tire, while Paul supervises.

Paul working on the front tire.

Seth had to work on the front.

After they were all done, Clay was ready to go!

Seth fixing the bug.

Seth, Clay, & Paul watching the humming birds fly around the feeder out front.

Another SUPER savings week!!!

2009-07-24T00:21:00.008-05:00

This was a really great shopping week at our local Kroger. I'll still have to go out and get diapers and a few more items for canning, but the grocery shopping was awesome!

I have had several people ask me how long it takes to get my shopping list together each week. Well, this week I decided to try and keep track of how long it took me to find/cut/sort coupons, then match them with deals. I would say it took about 3 hours of my time. In my opinion, it was time well spent considering my savings this week! Check it out.

EVERYTHING that I bought was ON SALE at Kroger this week. I had a coupon for about 92% of my items. Some of my super finds were:

6 boxes of Kleenex: $.66 each (normally $2.39 each)

2 boxes of Mini-wheat cereal: $1.74 each

1 box of Electrasol dishwasher tabs: $1.90

2 boxes of Zatarain's mix: $.62 each

2 jars of pickles: $.89 each

3 blocks of Kroger brand cheese: $1.66 each

1 Snickers bar: FREE

8 jars of Santa Cruz Organic juice: $.50 each (normally $3.25 each!!)

2 half-gallon SOY milk: $1.99 each

2 Box pizza: $1.50 each

2 pkg Bryan hotdog: $1.50 each

After all was said and done I got 39 items worth $109.33. I only paid $42.40 (before taxes and after a $1.00 Catalina). That's a savings of: $66.93!!!!

I would say my 3 hours spent working to get this deal together was very much worth it, wouldn't you? It's like I paid myself right at $22.00/hour! Maybe I could start my own business doing other peoples grocery shopping for them. Oh yeah, wait I have 3 toddlers to take care of - that's why I'm sharing it with you on line! If you do have a question about any of the specific items, please feel free to comment or email me. I would be happy to share any specific deals.

I've also been working a LOT on freezing/preserving items from our garden. Here are some tomatoes that I put up on Wednesday. I had to boil the tomatoes, remove the skins, seeds, and bad spots. Then I had to remove most of their juices and vacume seal the bags (which is kind of hard to do when you don't have vacume sealer). It took forever, so let's hope it was worth the time and effort. I hope to try my hand at canning some tomatoes this weekend. As always, I welcome your suggestions!

Containing the chaos

2009-07-21T23:16:00.006-05:00

We always tell people that it is easier to watch the boys at our house because we have "proofed" it so that the boys can pretty much roam all around without the temptation to get into trouble. Well, we were proven WRONG at the end of last week! I thought we were going to go crazy chasing the boys around the house and off of the stairs. We have had a barrier that did well at keeping them contained for quite a while, but these smart little guys figured out how to get through that barrier. We even duct taped the joints of the barrier together and they STILL figured out how to get through. Shane has had an idea of what he wanted to do so that the boys could go up a portion of our stairs and look out the windows. He was able to complete his idea and project this past Sunday. I am so proud of what he did. The boys have a much larger area to play in now and I have no fear that they will go tumbling down our steep stairs.

The stair barrier that my handy husband built!

See how high our stairs go up?

The boys playing on the stairs, safely!

My very first batch of pepper jelly; made from a variety of green peppers from our garden. I have to say I was a little hesitant to make this jelly, but it really wasn't hard to do at all. The only downfall is that our house now smells like a bunch of peppers. I also baked some fresh bread earlier in the morning and the smell was delicious. I am happy to report that it tastes just as yummy as it smelled! I do think that next time that I will reverse my cooking order and make the bread in the afternoon. You know, to cut down on the strong pepper smell.

I have plans to preserve my squash and some tomatoes (Roma and Big Boy). I hope to share more information on that later in the week. Again, I welcome any suggestions? Speaking of, does anyone out there have a recipe for squash relish?

Our garden

2009-07-15T16:20:00.006-05:00

I've had a lot of people ask, so I thought I would show you... On rare occasions when I take the boys shopping with me, this is what we look like. I wonder why so many people look at us? :)

A recent photo of our corn, after a terrible thunder storm.

The boys helping us work in the garden.

Our first pick of purple hull peas.

The "fruits" of our labor - yummy! Now, to figure out a way to use all this stuff. Any ideas?

Super Savings - Walmart

2009-07-13T22:56:00.007-05:00

I had another great shopping week this week! I am pretty fortunate that my freezer is stocked with various meats and frozen veggies. We have also started harvesting some great produce from our garden. So far, we have been able to pick: bell pepper, Roma tomatoes, squash, and other various peppers. Our poor corn is struggling to survive. This will probably be the only year we try corn in this particular area of our yard. We have had to plant it twice this year because we received so much rain at beginning of summer. Our second batch of corn was doing alright until earlier this week when we had another BIG storm come in and blow it all down. It kind of looks like a tornado ran through our corn, but it wasn't. There was just a lot of rain and wind. I will try to post of picture of it later this week.

Back to my super savings....

I had some great finds at Walmart this week! I was able to get several items for FREE!!!

Reach floss
2, 6-packs of Nestle Water
Digiorno Flat Bread Melt
Vaseline travel lotion - $.03 OVERAGE
Toothpaste - Thanks to my Mom for this :)

Some of my other great deals include:

2 boxes of Eggo Muffin tops - $.94 each
Kashi Frozen Waffles - $1.04
2 Travel size Renu contact solution - $.47 each
Coffee Mate creamer - $.82

I was able to purchase 19 items worth $33.76 (before tax and coupons) for $20.76! That's a savings of $13.00!!! All said, it worked out to be approximately $1.09 per item.

I also had to make another quick trip back for diapers and soy milk. I was able to use a $2.00 OFF coupon for the diapers and I had a coupon for a FREE half-gallon of soy milk - which saved me $2.73 just on the soy milk!

As promised...

2009-07-10T00:46:00.016-05:00

The Kesler Crew took a quick trip to see Shane's Grandmother, Aunt, Uncle, and cousins in FL. This trip was long overdue! We were very excited to introduce our little guys to Shane's family and about taking the boys to ocean for the first time. We were just thrilled to be there and able to visit with family and vacation at the same time. Shane's Aunt cooked us some GOOD food, my mouth still waters when I think about it! We had such a great time seeing everyone, but were super excited to introduce the boys to their Great-grandmother.

Shane and the boys walking around Shane's Aunt and Uncle's property. Our boys fell in LOVE with their dog. I wanted to bring him home with me, but we couldn't find the extra room. Maybe on our next trip? :)

Mom and the boys sitting by the pond.

Shane's cousin-in-law and 2nd cousin helped us out getting to the beach. That's all the guys in the photo. It was this perfect little spot that Shane's cousin told us about. The water was shallow enough for the boys to play in and the water from this area ran off in to the ocean. The boys had a blast playing in the water and the sand.

The boys playing in this great shallow area that Shane's cousin told us about. It was the perfect size for us. It ran right in to the ocean and so did Clay! Shane had to keep chasing after him. He LOVED the ocean and had no fear of just running in to it. It was hularious and scary all at once!

Dad and Clay

Seth and Paul having such a good time!

We were WORN OUT when it was time to leave the beach. We did have some help getting to the beach, but it was just us (the Kesler Crew) playing and then leaving. IT WAS SO HARD!!! We will definately have an extra set or sets of hands the next time we take the boys to the beach. It was so fun watching them play, they were really having a good time.

Our silly guys at Shane's Aunt and Uncle's house. The boys LOVED being outside and roaming around at their beautiful home. This photo was taken the night that we actually left to come back home to MS. Shane's family cooked out for us and it was YUMMY!

We found this great playground not very far from where we were staying. This was probably the first time that the boys have been to a real playground and played. They had such a good time running around, but it was SO HOT! They were NOT happy when we had to load up.

Sweet P, what else can I say?

Silly Seth, he just makes us laugh. He's always acting so goofy!

Curious Clay, he's not afraid of anything. He loves to look around and discover new things.

Back at home....Here are the boys with their Dad playing in their very own water park at our house. This toy is awesome! It's too bad that Seth was more interested in running around the yard, Clay was more interested in playing with the water hose, Paul really the only one that "played" at the water park.

Super Savings - 2 weeks worth

2009-07-08T23:17:00.006-05:00

All of the items in the photos below were items purchased last week before we went on our vacation. I decided to go ahead and stock up on some things so that we would not have to buy much while on vacation and so that we would not have to buy much when we got back home. So far, so good. The only shopping that I have had to do so far this week was for fresh fruit and milk.

Pictured above was my BIG spending shopping trip at Kroger, but I got some really great deals.

All of the meats that I purchased were on sale.

Cheese B1G1 - still on sale this week.

Ketchup - paid $1.00.

TP - paid $.50 each.

Kraft BBQ - paid $.25.

There were also some great 10 items for $10 deals.

I purchased a total of 53 items worth $80.49.

Total money that I spent: $44.21!!!

This photo includes some great deals that I got at Walmart.

My sweetest deals were the items that I got for FREE:

4 ice cream sandwiches

snickers bar

travel size lotion

travel size contact solution

Reach dental floss

1 pack of TP

My other great deals from this trip include:

2 Eggo bake shop apple twists for $.94 each

Bandages for $.50

Another 4 pack of TP for $.50

Toothpaste for $.25

Soy milk for $1.73

That's just a list of my SUPER sweet deals. Everything that I purchased was on sale, plus I had a coupon for something additional off of each item. All together I purchased a total of 27 items that were worth $34.96.

Total money that I spent: $13.96!!!

Ok, this was my FAVORITE shopping trip. I had a TON of coupons for this trip and I knew that I was going to be a little hassled. So, I went to Walmart later at night and tried to let people in front of me. Let me tell you about these sweet deals.

All of the juice pictured was purchased from Kroger, I got 8 jars of organic juice for $.50 each.

Everything else you see what purchased from Walmart.

MY GREATEST DEAL THUS FAR has to be the 40 blue bunny ice cream sandwiches that I got for FREE with my coupons. IT WAS AWESOME! I also got the snickers bar for FREE with a coupon! So, if you're heading to my house any time soon, come prepared to eat a yummy ice cream sandwich! :)

My other great deals from this trip include:

2 Eggo bake shop muffin tops for $.94 each

3 bx of HH for $.96 each

Bag of Tyson Chicken Nuggest for $4.75

All said and done, I purchased 57 items worth $105.33.

Total money that I spent: $15.33!!!!

THAT'S A GRAND TOTAL SAVINGS OF $147.28 ~ pretty awesome huh? :)

I would also like to make note of a GREAT savings that I happened upon at Walgreens this week. Our boys have pretty sensitive skin, inherited from your's truly I'm sure. Anyway, we have to use Cetaphil lotion on them which is usually pretty expensive. It normally costs $13.49/jar. Walgreens is running a great sale on this Cetaphil lotions this week and you can get it for $7.99 - what a great sale price. BUT THAT'S NOT ALL - There are some of that jars of lotion that are packaged with the bar soap, which is great, but it normally sells for $4.79/bar. Because of this deal I was able to get the lotion and the soap, which are normally valued at $18.28 combined, for ONLY $7.99!

I will be posting pictures from our recent vacation soon. In the meantime, tell me about some great deals that you've come across recently.

And the winner is.....

2009-06-27T22:55:00.002-05:00

The Buki Family! We've spent right at $1,600 over the last 12 months for diapers. I should note that our guys are partial to Pampers. We have tried many other brands, but Pampers work the best for us. I have hopes that Pampers will just send me some for free, but no such luck. I'll keep dreaming.... We go through about 25/day!

I will email the winner and send your prize. Thank you all for the GREAT responses! There will be more awesome giveaways to come soon.

Weekly savings - giveaway

2009-06-24T21:58:00.008-05:00

My new goal is to post at least once a week about our family and once a week about our weekly savings. I am finding out more and more that I am really enjoying researching the best bargains out there. I've always been somewhat of a bargain shopper, but since I've been blessed with a healthy hungry husband and 3 hungry little boys I have found that I really don't have a choice in the matter. I am just thankful that this is something that I enjoy and that I feel comfortable sharing with all of you.

I would also like to say that we can NOT wait until the boys are out of diapers. Whew, those things are expensive - we go through A LOT! That being said, I did not post an earlier shopping trip where I stocked up on dog food, diapers, and milk. We are also having to buy 2 kinds of milk right now, Regular and Soy. We have a suspicion that one of our guys has a milk allergy. We'll know for sure next week.

Would any of you readers care to guess how much money ($$$) we spend on diapers in a 12-month period? Leave a comment on my blog page and I will randomly pick the person who gets closest without going over. The winner will receive a pack of 6 of my handmade Daffodils & Dragonflies greeting cards, shipped to you FREE anywhere in the United States. So, come on leave a comment let me know what do you think?

I should note that some of my items in this photo were a gift. (Thank you, you know who you are.) Most of these were items that we needed to have and I believe that every item I purchased was on sale. My Super Sweet Deals
High efficiency Laundry detergent ~ $3.24
4 containers of organic juice ~ $.50 each

This trip was probably my favorite, most of the items in this photo were given to me as a gift as well. (Thanks you, you know who you are!) My favorite part is that I got the 4 containers of ORGANIC juice for a total of $.45 - that's $.11 each people!!! These normally sell for $3.99 each, but they were on sale 4/$5. These were not ringing up right, so by the time the cashier discounted and used my coupons I only had to pay 45cents!!! It was AWESOME!!!

I did not pay full price for any of these item, but here are my Super Sweet Deals:

2 Lysol spray, 2 wipes ~ $.50 each

2 shave cream ~ $.99 each

2 travel body wash ~ $.10 overage

1 toothpaste ~ $.75 overage

Total savings this week (includes only items shown in photos):

Retail value: $88.10

Total spent: -$23.30

Total savings: $64.80

Don't forget to leave your comment for the greeting card giveaway! Winner will be chosen Saturday, June 27 by 7:00pm.

All about the pictures

2009-06-22T21:17:00.010-05:00

We've been having a great summer! Clay, Paul, and Seth are growing up so fast; it's so hard to believe that they are almost 18 months old. We took them for their last shots about 2 weeks ago and our pediatrician is very pleased with their progress. They are right where they should be in their growth and development, it's hard to believe that they were born 2 months early! We are preparing to take a short vacation next week to FL. We are so excited to introduce them to Shane's Aunt, Uncle, Grandmother and cousins. I can't wait to see how the boys react to seeing the ocean and beach for the first time. It's going to be a hoot for sure!

The boys playing in the dirt at a friend's house. They were having the BEST time! I should note that our friends have 3 year old twin boys, so our little guys felt right at home.

Your truly, feeding the boys lunch at a friend's house. We love their wagon, it's a easy way to contain and entertain the boys.

Paul, making a mess with cookies.

Clay, making a mess with cookies.

Seth, making a mess with cookies.

Our first picks from our garden. Aren't they pretty? I have NO idea what I'm going to do with all the peppers. I'm sure I can come up with something. I welcome any suggestions.

My new hobby

2009-06-17T00:20:00.003-05:00

Since the “Kesler Crew” is on a super tight budget, I have begun clipping coupons and searching for the best bargains. My new goal in shopping is to purchase items, only when they are on sale. This week I snagged some great deals at Walgreens.

All of the items that you see in the photo:
2 Schick Quattro razors
2 packages of Schick Quattro Refills
1 Reach toothbrush
1 Dry Idea Deodorant/antiperspirant
3 Right Guard Deodorant/antiperspirant
2 cans Maxwell House Coffee, ground

All of these items retail for $64.12. Wait for it…I paid $14.73, that’s a savings of over 77%!!! I saved $49.39 by waiting for deals and using coupons.

This week I also went to Kroger and had some pretty significant savings. I was able to purchase $71.33 in groceries for ONLY $34.29, which is…. wait for it…. $37.04 that I was able to save waiting for deals and using coupons.

This is one of my new hobbies; it’s like a game. I love clipping coupons and researching where the next “deal” will be. What do you all think?

PS – If you have any coupons that you don’t use, especially from your Sunday papers, please feel free to send them to me. The more I have the happier I am! Feel free to contact me if you need my address. Thanks!

Time

2009-06-11T13:10:00.002-05:00

I have no idea where my times goes these days. Oh yeah, my time is spent chasing these 3 sweet boys around! :)

Clay, Paul, and Seth are all walking. Actually, they are running every where. They are also climbing on to everything! Their new favorite past time is moving furniture around so that they can crawl on to it and turn "on" and "off" the light switches. It's pretty funny to watch because they work as a TEAM to move whatever furniture they may need.

These guys are keeping us on our toes for sure. We went through a "biting phase" where they were biting each other to get toys that they wanted. Clay was probably the worst about it, but they just kind of stopped. I asked around to get some advice about how to stop the biting and just about everyone that I talked to said that we should just bite them back. Well, we didn't really have to bite them back they just kind of stopped one day. Although, a few days ago we caught Clay biting Paul because he wanted Paul's toy, so Dad just bit Clay pretty gently and that was the end of that. So far, no more biting!

We've been working with the boys to teach them sign language. So far, they know how to sign "eat" and "drink" we will work on "more" next. It is obvious that they want to communicate with us and we can tell that they are getting frustrated. They are very good at pointing at things and sometimes they will try to repeat things that we say. I am sure that I hear them say "Chester", "dog", "hot", and "fan". They know their Mom and Dad too. As soon as their Dad comes in from work they run to him and say, "Da", it's the cutest thing.

They also understand what we are saying very well. If we ask them to bring us a certain toy, they usually can. For example, if I ask for the blue ball they will bring it to me. If I ask them to give me a hug and kiss, they will. Our biggest problem now is getting them to understand "NO". It seems like when we tell them no that they do the exact opposite. Maybe we should just start telling them "yes" and see what happens?? :)

I have some new pics to post soon, it just takes a while to down load them on to our site. We have got a HUGE garden going this summer, we hope to have a lot of produce to chose from. The boys have been having a big time outside while we work on our garden. They LOVE to be outside!!! We are VERY fortunate they we don't have picky eaters. Thank goodness these guys take after their Dad in that respect; you all know how picky I can be! Clay, Paul, and Seth will eat just about any veggie that you put in front of them. I can't think of anything that they don't like.

It's been a while...

2009-04-15T15:49:00.005-05:00

I know it's been a while since I've updated our blog, these boys are keeping us SO busy! This photo is probably one of my new favorites, it was taken on a beautiful March afternoon. You can see part of our Golden Retriever in the background keeping a close eye on our boys. It is getting harder and harder to get all of the boys in a photo together. Don't they all just look so happy? :)

Here are some updates on each of the boys:

Paul: This little guy is walking VERY well. He can wave goodbye, give good kisses, and loves to give high "5's". He also loves music, all kinds of music. Anytime he hears music he starts dancing around, it is absolutely adorable!

Clay: He too is walking VERY well. I predict it won't be long until he starts running everywhere. If there is something that he can hold on to while he walks, he is usually running. This boy has got to be one of the happiest children that I have ever been around. He LOVES to laugh! He also loves to play "chase" with anyone. He too loves music, and will stop to listen when we have music playing - something we usually have going on in the Kesler house.

Seth: This little man has got to be the fastest crawling little guy that I've ever seen. If Clay and Paul are walking, Seth will zoom past them crawling. He too loves music! When any music comes on he will clap his hands and start dancing. He has the sweetest laugh that is truly contagious. He is getting more confident in his walking and it gets better every day.

We are so proud that all of our boys love music and love being outside - these are our passions. They don't watch TV at all and do really well entertaining themselves. Every day is a treat and I am thankful that I get to stay home with them and see it all.

***I would also like to ask again that you support The Kesler Crew in our local March of Dimes walk. This is such a great organization to support. If would you would like to walk with us on May 2, please feel free to join our team. Any support that you could offer would be greatly appreciated. There is a side bar link located on our blog page that you can donate to directly and visit our page. Thank you in advance for any help that you may be able to provide.***

Join the Kesler Crew in support of the March of Dimes

2009-03-12T14:35:00.005-05:00

Seth, Paul, & Clay (L to R)

The Kesler Crew has joined March for Babies because the March of Dimes champions the needs of moms and babies in our community and across the nation. The money we raise for March for Babies will help:

- support all-important research offering preventions and solutions for babies born too soon or with birth defects

- educate women on things they can do to increase their chances of having a healthy baby

- provide comfort and information to families with a newborn in intensive care

- push for newborn screening and health insurance for all pregnant women and children
Please help by donating today!

The mission of March of Dimes is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth, and infant mortality. I encourage you to look back in our blog and follow our journey while our babies were in the NICU. http://keslercrew.blogspot.com/2008/01/meet-our-boys-born-january-3-2008.html We know that our boys would not have had such wonderful and top notch care while in the NICU without research and donations from the March of Dimes organization. Please click on the link posted above and see how far our boys have progressed over the last 14 months - we are SO amazed!

Unfortunately, there are lots of babies born every day that are not as healthy as our boys were. We are walking for our babies and well as those that need support now, tomorrow, or months from now. We know that these are tough times in the economy, but if you feel like you can find a way to help support a great organization we would love to have your support as the Kesler Crew takes this walk on Saturday, May 2.

There is a button on the side bar of this blog page where you can donate as little or as much as you would like, should you feel that you can. We would greatly appreciate as would other families that are or will be in need. In addition, if you would like to join our team in this walk we would love to have you there. :)

Please feel free to contact Hope directly if you have any questions. Thanks you in advance for any help and support that you may be able to provide!

Dump trucks

2009-02-25T11:24:00.005-06:00

The boys have been having such a great time playing outside! They love these TONKA dump trucks that they all got for their birthday. It's awesome to watch them push and run behind them. They are almost walking....

The great outdoors

2009-02-10T14:49:00.005-06:00

As I am sure most of you know, we have always been outdoorsy people. I am so thankful that our boys share our love of the great outdoors. Our weather last weekend and this week has been so great, so we have been spending as much time as we can playing outside.

We took the boys on a picnic to Sardis Lake over the weekend and all of us had such a wonderful time. The first 2 pictures are from our trip to Sardis Lake. I can already forecast that we will be spending a lot of time there when the boys get older. If anyone has a boat they would like to donate to the Kesler Crew in the future, we would gladly take it off your hands! :) Sardis Lake is HUGE and from what I understand, it's the place to BE in the summer time. There are several different picnic and camping areas as well as lots of playgrounds. The lake itself is surrounded by a beach, which really surprised me. There were a lot of people riding dirt bikes and 4-wheelers along the beach front. It looked like tons of fun. Yes, a 4-wheeler is something else for our wish list - hint hint!

The last picture that I have of the boys was taken this morning in our front yard. Again, I can't believe that I got them all to sit still while I took this photo. Aren't they just adorable?

Hot Mess

2009-02-06T12:37:00.003-06:00

This is my new favorite term to use - my boys are a HOT MESS!!! My house is a wreck and today I'm just going to let it go. Maybe I'll let it go all weekend! At least they keep us laughing....I am finding it rare that I can catch them all sitting still long enough for me to get them in the same photo. I know they will all be running around before long and then I will be in REAL trouble. The photo above is from the morning. Can you see Clay's busted lip, he can thank Brother P for that. Can you tell they love being in the kitchen? It's bright and they get to see a lot of the outside. We are SO ready for spring time!!!

PS - Who knew that I could carry 3 approx. 20lbs babies at one time? I didn't until just now....they pulled a box off of the table that had a glass coaster and picture frame in it, which broke into SEVERAL pieces when it hit the floor. Better to protect my boys from broken glass that to wonder if I could actually grab them all at once. Well, now I know that I can get them all at the same time. I hope I don't have to try it again soon! Don't worry, we are all okay! :)

A quick look

2009-02-01T20:36:00.003-06:00

Seth, Paul, and Clay (back to front or left to right)

Getting ready for a walk around our property.

Isn't this the CUTEST wagon?!?! They LOVE IT!!!

Paul, Seth, & Clay (left to right)

Hanging out in the kitchen while trying to get the attention of Chester, one of our sweet dogs.

Since I haven't had the chance to update my blog in a while, here are a few quick photos.

Trip to the Mountains

2009-01-13T14:54:00.011-06:00

Here are some photos from our recent trip to the Smoky Mountains with my family for the great birthday bash 2008. This was something that my folks cooked up about a year ago and it was a wonderful time for all of us involved. There were 5 families from all over the country; CA, MS, TN, MO, and VA - 20 people total. It was the first time that we've all been together in a very long time, it was really nice. The Kesler Crew had a blast - it was our first BIG road trip with the boys. All went very well. By the way, if you are interested in vacationing in that area let me know. Our parents have a beautiful cabin there that they would love to rent out to you, so feel free to contact me and I'll put you in touch with the right people. (Papa Al and Yaya, I hope you don't mind that little plug.)

I'm sure that most of you know that we LOVE being outdoors, so this trip was a big treat for us. Shane and I were so looking forward to doing some hiking. We were able to hike to Abrams Fall one day while Yaya and Papa Al watched the boys. Let me tell you, it was WONDERFUL to be outside in nature. Shane and I have been missing it. We discussed as were hiking along that we hiked this same trail almost 9 years ago on a camping trip with Shane's sister Shannon. It was just as beautiful as we remembered! :)

The boys hanging out with Mom on the front porch of the house.
Relaxing with Dad.
Seth (with Yaya)

Paul

Clay

Cades Cove Loop

Some beautiful ice strings that we saw on our hike to Abrams Fall. They looked like sugar ribbon. They were so delicate and pretty.

Shane at Abrams Fall.

What a beautiful day!

Today is their 1st birthday!!!

2009-01-03T22:15:00.002-06:00

Happy 1st Birthday!!!

Paul, Seth, & Clay

I have tried to sit here patiently and write a post that included pictures in honor of Paul, Seth, and Clay's very special first birthday; however, the pictures will have to wait until tomorrow or another day. You all know that I have no patience! ;)

So, I thought that I would post some updates.....

This time of the year has been very bittersweet for my family and I. We were in such a different place last year....all excited and scared. It's hard hard hard to believe that this much time has passed and that we are celebrating my sons birthdays today! Really, where did the time go?

Most of my time is spent running around chasing and taking care of the boys, something I truly LOVE to do - especially when they are being good, which happens to be most of the time!

Here are some updates on each of my guys....we go in for their actual one year check up sometime around the middle of the month. So I will try to post more accurately then.

WE ARE DONE WITH FORMULA!!! Yay!!! We finally got the boys on to plain old whole milk right around Christmas time and they seem to be doing really well with in. Do you know how much $$$ this switch is going to save us? I am now working to completely get them off of baby food. I try to do most of their cooking, but some days I simply just run out of time. I am ready for them to start chewing just a little better so that I can trust them more to eat right. Let me tell you, it is hard to keep a close eye on 3 babies - so the easier things can be sometimes, the better it could be for me!

All of the boys are pulling up. Paul, the man, is the master! He will pull up and walk along anything. I anticipate that he will be the first to walk and that it won't be long! Clay pulls up and gets down very well, but he doesn't move along things so much. He would rather crawl in order to get something he wants. Seth is BUSY! He was the last to pull up, but that's not holding him back. He scoots along things and can army crawl really fast to get what he wants. Seth loves to hang up-side-down and jump around on things. All of them LOVE to jump and hide with all of our pillows. It's the cutest thing!

All of the boys are also jabbering away! I don't know what they are saying, but they are having whole conversations and they seem to know what they are saying. I don't think they understand each other at this point either, but it sure does sound cute!

They all respond very well to each of their names and seem to understand when we ask them to do things. They love being free to roam our house and explore, they are all very curious!

Another post coming soon, I promise!

11 months and 5 days old

2008-12-08T22:27:00.008-06:00

Paul, Clay, Seth - ready to go eat some breakfast!!!

I am in complete shock that this is where we are right now. I feel like I say it in every single post, but this past year has just flown by. We are just SO thrilled with how healthy the boys have been; with the exception of this week. The entire Kesler Crew is pretty much down for the count. We are all just taking care of each other at this point! We are thinking that this funk started a couple of weeks ago because we had to take the boys in for their flu shots. Paul was already not feeling well before that and now he has passed his germs over to his brothers and parents. Our poor little Clay has the worst of it though, probably because he was the last to get it. It could be worse, I know, but I am not use to having to take care of a less that stellar me, my sinusy husband, and three infants with the runniest noses EVER! I could probably win some sort of weird contest with all the snot being produced in the Kesler House.....not really....I don't even want to think about snot. Let's just nix the contest before it happens and have hopes that we are all better soon.

The boys playing in the kitchen. They LOVE that big window!

Paul and Clay sitting still long enough for me to catch their adorable faces!

There is Seth, just taking it all in....or his he plotting his next move? :)

I've really been taking time everyday to think about my life this time last year. In case you were wondering, I was LAID up in a hospital bed, and little did I know that I would be there almost a month longer. I didn't really get into the Holidays last year, for obvious reasons. It's just hard to celebrate when you uncomfortable, anxious, and just plain scared about the future to come. Being home with my boys is the sweetest thing. It has not been easy AT ALL, but it's worth it to us to make it happen and have faith that it will all work out. I am actively looking for work from home, so if any of our followers have some good leads to send my way....I welcome the conversation. I am sure that this first Christmas/NYE/1st Birthday with the boys is going to be very bitter sweet for us. My sweet little babies, I can't wait to see who they become....BUT NOT TOO FAST YOU HEAR!!!

We've been working on our holiday card to send out. It is TOUGH TOUGH TOUGH to get these guys to stay together to pose for a photo. But you all know me, when I am determined to do something I find a way to get it done! I'm sure it will be funny anyway! :)

Please leave me comments!!! I love hearing your thoughts on my blog entries. I have also been toying around the idea of doing a post where I answer questions for you. What do you think? You could post a comment or write it to me in an email. If I get some questions, I will happily dedicate a post to that. If I don't, well I may just post some questions that I know you people want to know. Let's work this out together, I'm all about the team work! Until we meet again....

10 months

2008-11-03T09:45:00.005-06:00

Seth, Clay, and Paul (L to R)

Playing outside (Seth, Paul, & Clay - L to R)

Paul, Seth, Clay (L to R)

Wow - I can hardly believe that our little guys are 10 months old today. I was SO pregnant this time last year and now look what we have. We just look at them in disbelief everyday. We are still keeping them on a very tight schedule, it's the only way for us to remain sane! As winter is approaching our doctor has warned us about taking the boys out and having lots of visitors. You know, germs for 3 boys equals BAD NEWS!!! (Especially for their Mom who has to stay home with them.) So, fair warning - if you're wanting to visit please make sure you are well and get ready to wash your hands a LOT!!! More pictures to come soon!

Be sure to get out and vote tomorrow. History is going to be made, be a part of it!

9 months and counting

2008-10-09T17:18:00.002-05:00

The boys are ALL over the place! They are crawling like mad and scooting around in their walkers like professionals. Shane and I are getting lots of excercise chasing after them, we're also getting bruised toes from them rolling over our feet in their walkers. It really is funny, we let them pretty much roam our entire downstairs area. They LOVE having the freedom! I'll post some more pictures soon, finding time is tough these days! ;)

Happy Anniversary!

2008-09-22T15:10:00.003-05:00

Today is the first day of Fall and it's also our 7th wedding anniversary!

I know I say it all the time, but TIME is really flying by. I can't believe that we are celebrating our 7th anniversary already. It seems like just yesterday that Shane and I graduated college, moved to St. Louis and got married. (I would also like to note, that we dated 4 1/2 years steady before we got married....get your calculators out, that's 11 1/2 years!!!)

So, what were you all doing this time last year?

This time last year I was SO pregnant with triplets, but still having a good time! Shane and I were actually in Memphis with lots of friends for a 2-night concert run with our favorite band WIDESPREAD PANIC!!! Guess who was the designated driver for the weekend? ;) I didn't mind because I was driving our friend Chris Jenkins' awesome ride. It was such a good time, but I was SO tired. Who's idea was it to drive all the way back to our house from Memphis after the concert? Oh yeah, that would be me...I'm glad it was on the weekend.

Happy Anniversary Shane!

No turning back......

2008-09-03T10:43:00.004-05:00

P, S, & C (left to right)

S, P, & C (Left to right)

We've achieved another milestone for our sweet boys, they are 8 months old TODAY!!! People say this often, but time is flying by - there is no turning back the clock.....

Updates on everyone.....

Clay has 2 bottom teeth, he loves to smile and show them off! He loves it when his Daddy kisses on his neck, he always throws his head back laughing. The last time I weighed him, he weighed in at about 15 pounds.

Paul also has 2 bottom teeth, whenever we hold him he holds on SO tight....it's just the cutest thing. He is VERY aware of his brothers and loves to reach out and touch them when he is near Clay or Seth. He also loves it when his Daddy tickles him, his laugh is SO cute! The last time I weighed him, he weighed in at about 15 1/2 pounds.

Seth is the "King of all Teeth" - he has 2 bottom teeth and has 2 top ones coming in! (He's ready to eat one of his Daddy's steaks.) His laugh is funny, there is really no way to describe it. Only his Daddy can find his tickle spots and make him smile, but I can just look at him and he gives me the sweetest grin. The last time I weighed him, he weighed in at about 16 pounds.

3 boys

2008-08-25T13:00:00.006-05:00

Here are pics of our happy boys! Can you guess who is who?

New gadgets

2008-08-02T10:11:00.005-05:00

(Left to right) Clay, Paul, & Seth enjoying their new highchairs! No more feeding them propped up in their boppy loungers, they are strapped in now. Our first feeding went very well!

The boys trying out their new bottle holders from Yaya and Papa Al. I would recommend these for any parent with multiples! They are SO light and easy to use. Why didn't I invent these?

Adventure for 4

2008-07-23T14:24:00.003-05:00

Clay, Seth, Paul, and I decided to take a little adventure today. We went to the pharmacy, grocery store, and to visit their Dad all by ourselves!! Now, this is not our first adventure in the car with just the 4 of us, but it is our first adventure OUT of the car.

Going to the pharmacy and to see Shane was easy as we didn't have to get out of the car. It was the grocery store adventure that would be the REAL test. I have to give kudos to the staff at our local Kroger, they were so nice, friendly, and helpful. Picture this: me walking through the grocery store with Clay in the backpack while pushing Seth and Paul in the double stroller. We were getting a lot of looks! It was kind of weird having people just stare....don't you know that as soon as I would look at them they would turn and look in the other direction. Others would look at me with this unmistakable expression as if seeming to say, "that poor girl". I just kind of chuckle inside at all of these people, they have no idea how great it really is.

It was too hard to push or pull an actual grocery cart while I had the double stroller and Clay with me, so I decided to get just a few things and put them in the bottom of the stroller. Thankfully, I was able to get what I needed quickly. As I went to check out, a Kroger employee unloaded my stroller of goods while another bagged my items and got a cart to help me outside. They helped me unload the items in my vehicle and I was thrilled with our accomplished adventure!

In the words of my dear friend, Krilecia, I am embracing my new life. This little adventure was tough; a real work out! But now I am confident that I can take the boys out on my own - people staring at us and all!!! :)

Big Boys

2008-07-18T09:40:00.000-05:00

Everyone sitting around watching CARS!

Seth (L) and Clay (R) playing together.

Paul (L) and Clay (R) playing together.

Seth wants you to meet Frank and Lefty, who appeared over night!

The boys went in to see their doctor last week for a check-up and more shots - UGH!!!! They all did VERY well and were just glad to get it over with. We did get news that we can switch their formula from the expensive high calorie formula to the regular Similac Advanced. The switch went very well, I don't even think they noticed. The boys are also doing really good eating their cereals, fruits, and veggies. It's messy, but they enjoy it!

We've also had a change in their sleeping habbits this week. They are FINALLY sleeping through the night! YIPPEE!!!! They still stir in the wee hours of the morning, but they are getting there. :)

Now on to their new weights: Seth - 14 lbs, 13oz and 27 inches long. Paul - 14 lbs, 3oz and 26 3/4 inches long. Clay - 13 lbs 10oz and 26 1/4 inches long.

We just can't believe how much they have grown! They are getting to be such big boys!

Hanging out with the boys

2008-07-08T16:26:00.000-05:00

The choas that surrounds "feeding time"! :)

How cute are they? (Paul, L/Clay,R)

Need I say more?

Seth - entertains himself!

Paul (left) Clay (right) - aren't their legs cute?

Seth (left) Paul (right)

Clay

Everyday changes.....

2008-07-01T14:42:00.000-05:00

Paul

Clay

Seth

Here are some recent photos of the boys. They were all taken one morning after they finished breakfast. Don't they all look happy? They are all really good babies and seem to always be happy. Usually, the only time they get upset is when they're tired or hungry. (They get that from their Daddy!)

We've taken a couple of road trips and the boys have done SO well when we travel. It's a hoot to see my Tahoe loaded down with babies and all of their gear. Honestly, it wears me out to pack up all of their stuff. I am a list maker, so I make lists of everything we'll need a few days in advance. Don't you know, that I usually forget something....these kids are sucking away my brain cells!

The nights have gotten better. They boys are sleeping a LOT longer and we are SO happy! We usually have them in bed around 9:30pm and they are sleeping until about 4:45am. They will get up and take a bottle, then go back to sleep for a few hours. We can not wait for them to sleep on through. Because they are sleeping longer they are skipping a feeding. I use to make 18 bottles for a 24 hour period, now I make 15. It still equals out to A LOT OF FORMULA!!!

The boys are eating cereal now, with a spoon, and we're trying some fruits and veggies out with them. Let me tell you, it is NOT easy to feed them. It takes about an hour to get through each meal and it is really hard on my back. (I should note that my back is still not right since giving birth.)

Seth, Clay, and Paul are all REALLY good at flipping over. Seth is a little ball of energy, we know it won't be long until we have 3 crawling babies all over our house! It's going to be complete madness I'm sure!

We also discovered that Seth has 2 teeth!!! I can hardly believe it, but he does. His 2 bottom teeth just appeared over night and he is just TOO cute! He loves to smile and show them off. They don't seem to be bothering him that much, probably because he sprouted them overnight. ;) He gets those pretty teeth from his Mom. Yaya (my mom) told be that my big brother, Ben, and I both got 2 teeth in when we were 3 months old. So, Shane and I are curious to see when Clay and Paul will start getting some.

The number 3 is BACK. I'm turning the BIG 3-0 this Friday, the 4th!!!! Yaya is going to babysit so that Shane and I can go to a local Blues Festival - we are SO excited. :)

We go back to the doctor next week with the boys for a check up. I will post new stats on them then. Until then.....

Some new pics

2008-06-02T15:41:00.000-05:00

(From left to right) Clay, Paul, & Seth

My first lilly to come out in my new lilly garden.

Clay, hanging out with his cousin Avery

Clay, playing with his cousin - Ana Collins

P ... being silly

(From left to right) Paul, Seth, & Clay

We're still here.....

2008-05-26T12:38:00.000-05:00

Wow! I have NOT had time to post any new blogs in a while!!!! I know it probably goes unsaid, but it sure is hard to find the time when you have 3 infants to take care of. :)

We just got back home from taking the boys on their first BIG road trip. We took them to our "home" town and it was really not that bad! I had no idea what to pack, so we just took a little bit of everything. It was about a 2 hour road trip and the boys pretty much slept the whole way in the car going and coming. It was SO nice to get them to our home town and see so many people. We stayed at Nana and Big Daddy's house and did not leave, it was so nice having everyone come see us. In the past when we go "home" we usually spend most of the time driving from one place to another. We had a lot of visitors, but it was nice to just sit still. The boys got to meet Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, Second Cousins, Great Aunts, Great Great Aunts, Great Uncles, Great Grandmothers, and LOTS of friends that have been waiting to see them. It got REAL crazy at Nana and Big Daddy's Saturday night, but the boy were eating it up - they LOVED getting all the attention, I loved just having a "break"!

I'll post some new pictures soon. I promise not to wait another month to update!

Our next adventure

2008-04-24T17:47:00.000-05:00

So, we all ventured out to Wal-Mart today. Shane had 2 of the boys in the double stroller, and I had the other with me in a cart. We split up when we got there so that Shane could exchange some formula while I grabbed a few things. We were feeling adventurous, but we didn't want to make a whole day of it or anything. We just wanted to get what we needed and get out. You know, just to try it out.....

We got a lot of looks from everyone, but we were practically running through the store. So, no time to sit and make conversation or anything. The few people that were around us long enough to get a sentence out kept saying, "Is that 3 babies?" I wanted to say, "No, people it's 5!" You know, just to get a good laugh. I felt like Bill Engvall....."here's your sign."

We did meet a worker at Wal-Mart that had twin boys that were born 4 months early and in the NICU for 4 months. Both of them had to have a couple of surgeries. Don't worry, they are doing great now - 16 months old according to their proud Father......Boy, my family sure has been fortunate!

Off we go!

2008-04-21T13:09:00.000-05:00

Getting ready for our big adventure!

Mom and the boys

Seth & Paul

Dad and the boys

This one is just a funny picture!

Here are some recent photos of our crew. We decided to take the boys on a picnic Sunday and it was really nice! The weather was perfect and the boys did really good. We took them for a walk and then sat for a picnic. Thinking back, I don't think any of them got upset the whole time! It was really awesome.

Three!

2008-04-03T13:19:00.000-05:00

If April showers do bring may flowers, I hope they won't be drowning mine! I can't wait for some prettier weather. We are so ready for May to get here so that we can leave the house with the boys. All of us are looking forward to getting out and doing something as a family - it's been a while! I am sure it will be an experience worth sharing with all of you. Something for all my readers to look forward too......

The boys are 3 months old - TODAY! We can hardly believe that we've already had them for 3 months. It has made us realize that time truly does fly by. The boys are growing and changing every day, each of them with their own distint personalities. It's amazing to just look at our 3 babies and know that they were all created at the same time. It still blows my mind.

Hanging out

2008-04-01T14:43:00.000-05:00

Paul, Clay, and Seth

hanging out in the recliner

Luke and Clay

The boys

Here are some recent photos of the boys. As you can see, Luke had to make his way in there too! I'm sure some of you are wondering why Luke is in the house and in these photos........hasn't he been banished to live outside? Well, Luke has been letting us know in his own way that he is not an outside dog. Since his last little adventure cost him a trip to the vet and 5 staples in his leg, we have temporarily allowed him back inside. We'll see how this works out!

2008-03-18T09:23:00.000-05:00

Seth (Big Boy)

8lbs 6oz

Paul (Sweet Pea)

7lbs 6 oz

Clay (Baby boy)

7lbs 4 oz

The boys hanging out together

(Paul below, Clay & Seth together)

Our first snow in our new house

2008-03-14T10:54:00.000-05:00

Our house, early that morning

Our back deck

Part of our yard and the land behind us

Our LONG driveway - yes that's ice!

We're still here!

2008-02-25T13:12:00.000-06:00

I have not been keeping my promises to update my blog; however, I feel like I have 3 great excuses. So I know that you will all forgive me! :)

Things have been going suprisingly well since we've all been home. The first couple of nights were different, but things are getting better. The first night we were all home, Shane and I were jumping and checking on the boys with any noise that we heard. Funny story: we bought a humidifier for our room that gurgles like a water cooler. Anyway, it gurgled while we were both sleeping and it scared us to death! We both jumped out of our bed and went to check on the boys. We were so confused when we saw they they were all sleeping soundly, it was then that we realized it was our new humidifier! :)

We run a pretty tight ship around the Kesler house now! I am sad to report that all of our animals now live outside. We just can't have all that dust and dander in the house with these boys. Also, we are still limiting visitors to the house. I'm afraid that it will be that way for a while per our Pediatrician's instructions. It's just a real heavy RSV and Flu season and we can't risk the boys being exposed to any of that.

Just to give everyone an idea of what goes on as the Kesler House......We feed the boys every 4 hours. Right now, we are on a 7-11-3 schedule. That means that we are feeding them at approximately 7a, 11a, 3p, 7p, 11p, & 3a. We try our best to make sure that none of them eat at the same time because we want to make sure that one person can handle the feedings - this way I know that I can take care of them alone during the day and Shane and I split the feedings at night so we can both get some uninterrupted sleep. An example of a feeding is: 7a - feed, change, etc for Clay. 7:30a - same for Seth. 8:00a - same for Paul. Sometimes we can get them all done in under an hour, sometimes it takes up to 1.5hours - each feeding is different. From what I can calculate we go through 18 bottles and approx 25 diapers in a 24 hour period. So, that's about 126 bottles, about 4.5 cans of dry formula, and about 175 diapers in one week! Holy Cow!!!

Shane and I both consider ourselves so lucky that our boys are home and doing well. They are very happy babies and usually only get fussy when they are hungry (especially Clay)!

People keep asking what we need: We will always need formula, diapers, and gift cards. Our pediatrician has told us that we can use the Enfamil, Enfacare and Similac, Neosure formula - both are a higher calorie formula for premature and small babies. Again, we can't thank you all enough for your love and support. I won't make promises, but will strive to do my best to blog more often.

We're HOME!!!!!

2008-02-06T14:09:00.000-06:00

Paul, Seth, & Clay (in that order)

Ready for the ride home to Oxford!

Clay, Paul, & Seth (Left to right)

Asleep in one of their cribs, upstairs in our bedroom

Wow - I can hardly believe that we are ALL finally home!

I know that everyone is wondering how we are doing......

We are all doing really well! Shane and I have kept the boys on a pretty tight schedule, a benefit of them being in the NICU.... We've got our schedule worked out and are able to get sleep and keep it together without freaking out! For the last two nights, Shane and I have been splitting up the feedings so that one of us can get uninterrupted sleep. For example, I did the 12am feeding and Shane did the 4am feeding. It's been working out great for us so far.

We take the boys to the pediatrician tomorrow afternoon for a check up with our new doctor. We will also get a current weight then. I can tell that they are all growing right before our eyes.

Oh Boy! Well, boys! There are some good times to come. Be sure to check back often for updates and pics. My blogging should get a lot better now that we're home. (Again, Meg - I am aspiring to be like you! I LOVE YOUR BLOG!!!)

4 weeks

2008-01-31T11:15:00.000-06:00

I can hardly believe that our boys are 4 weeks old already! I can hardly believe that they've been in the hospital for 4 weeks. I can hardly believe that it's been 2 months and 4 days since I've lived at home.

Everyone is doing so good! I was informed just this morning that Seth and Paul may be released from the hospital in just a few short days. They are taking their bottles regularly and if they continue to do so, then they will get to leave. Clay is not too far behind either, just a little smaller. Because he is a little smaller, he just doesn't have the same strength as Seth and Paul. So, he's not able to take his bottles regularly like them. He is taking full bottles, but is not able to do so on a regular basis. I think it will only be a matter of days before he's able to do so! :)

Paul weighs: 5lbs 1 oz
Seth weighs: 5lbs 1 oz
Clay weighs: 4lbs 12oz

Shane and I are SO ready to take them all home!!! We should also let everyone know that we really have to limit our visitors for a while. At least until the boys are a little older. We know that everyone is anxious to meet them all. But you have to remember that they were born 2 months early, so their immune systems are not very strong at all. We have been told by our doctors, nurses, and case managers that we can not expose them to a lot of people. They can especially not be around children and adults that are around children because this is a heavy RSV season. RSV is a respiratory virus that affects infants and small children, especially premature babies. RSV season lasts until April.

I promise to post new pictures soon, I am just not able to for a few days. I am staying at the hospital in a "sleep room" outside of the NICU so that I can take care of the boys every time they wake up. I only have a dial up connection on my computer while I'm at the hospital, so you can imagine that it would take forever for me to post new pics.

Movin' on up....well, movin over anyway! :)

2008-01-24T21:27:00.000-06:00

I was shocked not once, but twice today when I went to visit my boys in the NICU......

This morning when I walked in Clay was missing! Well, not really - he just got moved over during the night near his sweet brothers. Of course, not being use to change just yet, I was shocked when I didn't see him in his usual area. I said very loudly as I walked in and noticed my missing child, "where is my baby"! The nurses kindly pointed out to me that he was just a few feet over by his brothers. (Everyone should note that this is the FIRST time that they been so close together since they were born.) It was wonderful to be able to sit in the middle of all of my boys, whose beds were placed in a U-shape to that I could see all of them together.

When I went back for the afternoon visit, my boys' nurse kindly came to see me at the scrub sink to let me know that 2 of my boys had been moved to the step down NICU. Let me tell you, it was REALLY weird to go in to the regular NICU and see just Paul in the little back corner area where all 3 boys have been for the last 3 weeks. BTW, today is their 3 week birthday! (Got to love the number 3!) Anyway, I made sure that Paul was okay and of course he was. Then I went right next door to check on Seth and Clay in the step down unit. It is really quiet in the step down unit and I think my boys are just going to love it over there. Don't worry, Paul will be going over first thing in the morning. They can only allow 8 babies in the step down until and one little baby is going home tomorrow (not mine of course), but this will allow room for Paul to come over. Then, we will ALL be happy because my boys will once again be in the same area.

All of the boys are doing so well. When they are in the step down NICU the babies are referred to as the "feeders/growers". They are only on apnea monitors - which just makes sure that they are breathing - and in open cribs. Shane and I will get to take a more "hands on" approach with them and WE get to take care of them, not all the wonderful nurses. The boys are at a good weight to come home, they just have to learn to take their bottles.

Everyone is practicing on their bottles and doing so well. Big Paul actually took a WHOLE bottle the other night!!! I couldn't believe it!!! :) It was the only time that he has done that, but I know he is going to do it again any day now. (I am hoping that his daddy will be able to have a talk with him and convince him this weekend!) Paul and Seth are taking about half of their bottles everytime we try with them. Sometimes we offer them a bottle every 4 hours, but if they look real tired we will wait until the next feeding. Clay is taking just a little less that half of a bottle when we try with him, about 20cc. It just takes SO much energy for them to drink from their bottles. Our goal is for them to drink a whole bottle, but we don't want them to work so hard that they are losing weight. It's a hard balance. We want to push them, but not too hard.

All of the nurses and doctors just keep telling us that they will take their bottles one day and it will just click with them. Shane and I know that our boys are like us - they will do what they want and in their own time! ;)

Their updated weights are as follows:
Paul: 4lbs, 13.8 oz
Seth: 4lbs, 10.8 oz
Clay: 4lbs, 7.7 oz

2 weeks old

2008-01-20T22:33:00.000-06:00

Mom & Clay

4lbs 1oz
Dad & Seth
4lbs 6oz

Mom & Paul

4lbs 7oz

Happy Late Birthday Ricky (Big Daddy)!!!!

We are all thinking of you Aunt Priscilla

Raising 3 boys is going to be wild..........

2008-01-17T23:14:00.000-06:00

Clay's bed/incubator for the last 14 days - approx

(He wanted out SO bad!!!)

Guess what?!?!

He got out today! :)

This is Clay in his new "big boy" bed.
He's so happy - there is a ton of room to move around.
Mom and Daddy are SO proud of him for Movin' on Up!

Now, I'll get to my title for this blog entry! I learn A Lot of interesting things being in at out of the NICU several times a day. Most things I learn about my boys, some things I learn about other people. Well, today I learned a lesson from my smallest son, Clay. It was a BIG lesson!!!

Let me begin by saying that I know you've got to watch little boys when changing their diapers, as they tend to "void" aka "pee" in all sorts of directions. I didn't know they could poo in other directions as well! I was changing Clay's diaper and I had him good and clean, it was a pretty nasty diaper. Anyway, I lifted both of his legs up to get another diaper under him and what did my sweet baby do???? He projectile pooed about 1 and 1/2 feet and it landed on the inside of his incubator that he was moving out of. It was the craziest thing I've seen. I think that he was REALLy ready for that "big boy" bed and wanted to make sure that he wouldn't have to go back into that incubator! It was hands down the funniest thing that I've witnessed in a while! I'm sure it won't be the last! Maybe it was funny this time because it wasn't at my house.....oh no, what have Shane and I gotten in to??? ;) LOL

Our growing boys!

2008-01-16T23:09:00.001-06:00

Clay

3lbs 10oz

(He's always wiggling around - spending those good calories! LOL)

Clay has been putting on about an ounce each night.

Paul
4lbs 3 oz

(Look at those cute chubby cheeks.)

I just want to squeeze those cute cheeks, but I just can't do that to my sweet P!

Seth

4lbs .4oz

(His first "big boy" outfit.)

Nurse Christy was showing him off to all the ladies, which he was loving!

His daddy was so proud! ;)

How is Hope?

2008-01-15T01:08:00.000-06:00

First - HAPPY BIRTHDAY CARLEY!!!!

Several people have been asking.....how is Hope doing?

So far so good! I'm sure that I don't really have to say this - but I am ready to go home! It's been way too long since I've been living on my own homestead. Hopefully, it won't be too much longer. The boys are getting better each day, but this living day to day is kiling me!

I am healing wonderfully! I had my 2 weeks follow up today. (It actually was a 1 week 4 day follow up, but we'll round up!) Anyway, all went very well. My encision looks great and I should be able to return back to all of my normal activities in 4 weeks, after my next and final "follow up" appointment. I was given permission to drive - little does my doctor know that I've been driving since last week with no problem!

I'm ready to have my body back. Can someone tell me when that will happen? I didn't gain that much during my pregnancy and have already lost 26 pounds in just 11 days.

I feel great! I probably do too much going back and forth to the NICU as much as I do, but it can't be helped. I have taken a few nights off or a long morning to sleep in, but it's not something I can do everyday. I need to see my sweet boys!

So, not much more to tell about me. Except that I am back on my coffee/Starbucks addiction - so if anyone has any extra gift cards feel free to send them my way!

How is Shane? He's doing good. He's back at work and it's "killing him"! He wants to be able to stay in Memphis and spend time visiting with the boys. However, we need him to save his vacation days for when we have everyone at home. So, he will continue working until we are all home. He LOVES his boys!!! I say they all look like him - they've for sure got his sweet nose!

Thank you all for your thoughts, prayers, and well wishes. More posts to come soon!
~The Kesler's

The boys, 10 days old

2008-01-13T23:47:00.000-06:00

Mom & Paul, Jan. 6
Dad & Seth, Jan. 7

Mom & Clay, Jan. 6

I have got to get better at updating my blog page!!! I promise to try really hard and blog more often.

Our boys are doing really well. We are still just taking things a day at a time. The neonatologists change things daily with the boys, so I will just post the latest update on everyone. Here goes!

Seth is our Big Boy, we also call him "jimmy legs"! He is a solid 3 lbs 13 oz that likes to move around constantly!!! He is not on any IV fluids or feedings, just formula. The amount of formula that he gets changes daily. Right now he is taking 36cc of formula at each feeding, which is 1 oz and 6cc - they like to send the babies home taking around 2 oz. Right now, we are working on bottle feeding him. (Really all of them.) Babies usually do not learn to suck, swallow, and breathe until about 34 weeks. This is not something that we can rush them in to doing, they will learn at their own pace. This is really the last thing that "my big man" needs to learn to do. His nurses and doctors tell me that they don't want to rush him, for fear that they will stress him out. It just seems that one day he will just know how! He was moved out of his incubator tonight and in to a regular open bed. This is a wonderful thing because it means that he is regulating his own body temp., it also means that he can wear clothes. It was so cute to see him in clothes today! :)

Paul is our quiet, content boy. He is 3 lbs, 12 oz and is pretty content no matter what you do with him. He LOVES to be held by Mom and Dad! He gets so comfortable in our arms - it's just the sweetest thing! Again, the amount of formula that he gets changes daily. Right now, he still has an IV that he's getting very little lipids and glucose solution. The more they go up on his formula then they will go down on his IV feedings. I think it won't be long now until his IV is out! He is being feed 22cc of formula at each feeding. Paul was also having some problems with a little apnia (I'm sure I didn't spell that correctly), so they started giving him caffine to help stimulate him. However, he is completely off of that now! He was also moved to an open bed tonight because he is doing such a good job a regulating his own body temperature. He was able to start wearing clothes yesterday and of course looks just adorable!

Clay is our curious little guy. He is 3 lbs 6 oz and is always bright eyed and looking around. He loves to be held by Mom and Dad and just stare at us! He does NOT like to have his diaper changed, but quiets down real quick once it's over. His IV was taken out today and we are SO happy!!! He is taking 30cc, which is 1 oz of formula at each of his feedings. He just needs to put a little bit more weight on until he can move to and open bed. With a few more oz on his weight he will be able to regulate his body temperature better.

The physical therapist, nurses, Mom, & Dad have been working with the boys and practicing their bottle feeding. They don't want us to try all the time, maybe just once every 12 hours because it tires and stresses them out too much. Something we don't want to do. Again, it's just something they will learn on their own when they are ready!

We were able to suprise Nana (Shane's Mom, Diana) and Yaya (Hope's Mom, Gloria) this weekend by letting them hold the boys! Both of them commented that they had never held babies SO small. I guess Shane and I never have before now either! They are growing and changing everyday. I just stare at them all the time. Shane and I can't wait to get home with our new family and BE HOME. We're going to take a few days by ourselves and then call out for "the troops" aka Nana and Yaya to come help. We still have a while until we cross that bridge.

Meet our boys - born January 3, 2008

2008-01-05T17:46:00.000-06:00

Paul Alan Kesler

3 lbs 10 oz

18" Long

Born: 12:56pm

Clay Ellis Kesler

3 lbs 2 oz

16" Long

Born: 12:57pm

Seth Reedy Kesler

3 lbs 12 oz

17" Long

Born: 12:58 pm

31 weeks

2007-12-29T12:47:00.000-06:00

Happy Birthday Mom! (yesterday)
Happy Birthday Meg! (today)

31 weeks down and still counting! I can't believe we've made it this far.....I can't believe that I've been in the hospital for 33 days!

This week was pretty sureal. It did not feel like the holidays to me. Not to be "Debbie downer", but everyday pretty much feels the same in here. I had some great visitors and that helped time go by. Corey stopped by on her way home Christmas Eve. Mom and Alan were with us on Christmas Eve. Shane was of course with me at the hospital all of Christmas Eve and Day. I did get a special treat on Christmas Day - I was allowed to go outside!!!! This was the FIRST time that I had been outside in 29 days! Can you imagine? It was almost overwhelming. Shane took me out in a wheelchair for about half an hour and walked me all around the hospital and this little man made lake. IT WAS SO GREAT! The air smelled SO good and it felt SO good to have the sunshine on my face! I was also able to outside the day after Christmas. So, Mom took me outside for a minute and on a little tour of the hospital. The weather has not been so good over the last few days, so I've been on "lock down" again. However, I am hoping that it will be nice tomorrow so that I can go see our new vehicle FINALLY!!!

Yesterday was a tough day. I did not sleep well the night before. I also felt really strange all day. I don't know how to describe the feeling that I had except that I felt REALLY full. My belly was super tight and I felt like my abdominal muscles were being stretched. I got a great night's sleep last night and feel 100% better. My doctors think I felt bad for a couple of reasons....1) they believe that I was retaining water because 2) the babies had A LOT of fluid around them. Today, they still have a good amount of fluid around them, but not like yesterday.

The boys are still doing so good. They move around a LOT! If you catch it at the right time or are patient, you can actually watch them move. I think it's hularious! They move around mostly in the morning and at night. They like to sleep during the day. They each get the hiccups a lot and I feel so terrible for them when they do. I personally HATE having the hiccups! The other night two of them had the hiccups at the same time, it was too funny! They are still doing superb on their biophysical profiles each day - their scores are still perfect. They have yet to have a day where each of them did not get their perfect scores. Yep, these are MY boys! :)

We were originally scheduled to do their weights again on Monday, December 31; however, we're going to wait until Wednesday, January 2 to do their weights. Christy, who does the majority of the ultrasounds, is off work until then. It was simply my preference to wait until she gets back to do their weights. There are some other girls that come in when Christy is off of work, but they are not nearly as good a Christy is. I just want to make sure that we get the most accurate readings that we can. (My doctors agree!) So, look for another post from me then.......

30 weeks

2007-12-23T13:31:00.000-06:00

Hope @ 30 weeks, 4 days

We hit a milestone this week in making it to 30 weeks! Our next goal is 32 weeks. My doctors are telling that they see no reason why I can't make it to that goal. I personally feel pretty confident that I will make it to 34 weeks or longer.

The boys are doing so good. I am amazed every day when I go have my ultrasound done; they move around SO much. I just can not comprehend how they each find the room to move around. I should also note, they don't just move around a little......They turn around completely, switch sides, go from head down to head up. It's like we play this little game everyday to see what they've done! They are continuing to get their points each day on their biophysical profiles - they haven't gotten below their high score of 8 yet! :)

There was not a lot going on with me this week. My contractions seem to be under control, much to my relief! Other than that, there's not a whole lot to tell. Everyone (my doctors and nurses) tells me they are proud that I am behaving myself. I guess there not proud enough to let me go outside though. They did tell me that I could start misbehaving at 34 weeks, so I plan on holding them to it!

I have had a pretty steady stream of visitors, which certainly helps time go by pretty quickly! Mom, Alan, and Shane have been by several times and are always sweet enough to bring me something good to eat when they come. (In case you're wondering, I am SO tired of this hospital food!!) Reba came by to visit for a while and brought me the BEST hot fudge Sunday ever!!! (Don't worry, I checked with my nurse ahead of time and got her approval.) Shane's family (Ricky, Diana, Nathan, and Jordan) all came to visit yesterday and do Christmas with us. We had a good time visiting and hanging out. Later on Jason, Braley, and Addie paid us a wonderful suprise visit. It was great to hang out with them too. It certainly helps to have company and pass the time away. Marcus and Sally are on their way as I type, so I'm excited to see them as well.

It is definately different being in the hospital during the holidays. I feel like I'm missing out out on so much. But, I have to keep reminding myself that it could be a lot worse! There are some patients in here that are on hospital bed rest and they already have children. I imagine that it's super hard being away from them so much. I'll just keep hanging in there and taking it a day at a time. Happy Holidays to you all! More posts coming soon.....

Pictures of our boys

2007-12-19T15:57:00.000-06:00

Triplet C @ 27 weeks, 6 days (hand by mouth and moving a lot!)
Triplet B @ 28 weeks, 6 days (cord in front of face and trying to hide)

Triplet A @ 29 weeks, 3 days (part of Baby B trying to block his cute face)

I can not say enough nice things about the staff at the hospital. They are constantly doing nice things for me. The make me coffee when I'm craving it, the bring me chocolate when I'm craving it - they have all been really great to me during my extended stay.

Today, during my ultrasound I was talking to Christy, who does my ultrasounds most of the time, about all the photos that I have in my album. I asked if there was any way that I could get pictures burned on a disk and she said, "certainly"! So, she burned me a cd with all of the 4D photos that have been taken of the boys so far.

Here are some of the better 4D images that have been taken since I've been in the hospital. Please keep in mind that they are "wiggle worms" and do not like to sit still. Some areas of the images are blurred, but you will get an idea of what we try to see. Most of the time we are just able to see them in the regular ultrasound - these are when they want to "show off"! :)

Updates

2007-12-17T19:36:00.000-06:00

We did the weights of each of the boys today. Suprisingly, it did not take as long as we thought to determine their weights. I won't keep you in suspense anymore.....

Baby A: 3lbs 6 oz
Baby B: 3lbs 3 oz
Baby C: 3lbs 6 oz

We can hardly believe that they have grown this much in only 2 weeks! All of the boys are STILL growing at a normal growth rate with what a single baby would be at this point. Actually, Babies A & C are above average and Baby B is the average size. Just a reminder, Babies B & C are the identical triplets, and their weights are a little different - but not by much!

The boys still have plenty of fluid around each of them, which means that there is still room for each of them to grow. I can tell that they are getting crowded in there, but they still find a way to flip around every day. I honestly don't know how they do it. I can sure feel them moving around all the time! Their movements are getting more pronounced each day.

Shane and I also finalized all of the paperwork to purchase on our Tahoe last week. I was able to see it before I was put in the hospital, but I have not been able to drive it. It's so strange to me that Shane and I have purchased a car that I have not driven! I asked my doctor last week if Shane could wheel me out to at least look at the inside of the Tahoe, he just laughed at me! Laughed at ME!!! So, Shane took a bunch of pictures of the inside and it looks SO good. I can't wait to take it for a drive.

29 Weeks

2007-12-16T14:15:00.000-06:00

20 days in the hospital and counting...Another week down and I hope several more to go!

This week was pretty interesting. I had a pretty crazy night Tuesday night. I was apparently having some contractions, and had no idea at the time. While I was on the contraction monitor, which I am on twice a day, the nurse came in to inform me that I was having contractions. She called the doctor and gave me a shot in the back on my arm. The shot made me feel really weird! The best way to describe the feeling was that I was anxious. I was assured several times before taking the shot that it would not affect the babies. Amazingly, the shot calmed everything down and presto - no contractions!

Wednesday morning they decided to start me on a pill that helps control contractions, which I now take twice a day. They also decided to give me steroid shots that help with the babies lung tissue development and caused my face to become really red!

Thursday morning I woke up pretty early with contractions again, that I felt this time! They decided to put me on an IV drip of fluids in case I was dehydrated and also game me another one of the weird shots. It was a pretty crazy morning for me. I was SO glad when Alan and Mom got to the hospital to keep me company. Things again calmed down after I had the shot and I felt a lot better. My doctor came in to talk to me and calm my fears - he's so good! He basically said that my body is just really confused right now. I am carrying 3, 3lb babies - my body can't tell the difference in 3 babies verses 1 baby. So, my body thinks that I am carrying a 9lb baby and that it's time to deliver. He also told me that there were probably a few other reasons that I might be contracting......1) the pill that I am taking needs a few days to build up in my system and work properly 2) I have to drink LOTS of water, which I am not able to do at night when I'm trying to sleep.

I must assure everyone that I am doing much better! Since Thursday morning, my contractions seem to be under control. I am not getting much sleep at all because I wake up about every hour to use the rest room and drink more water. I am tired, but don't mind. I am doing this all for my boys - who are going to LOVE their Mom!! :)

My doctors are being so great! They see no reason why I don't make it to 33 or 34 weeks. We just have to keep a close eye on things. I am reassured that I am in the right place right now for me and the boys. My boys are doing so good!!! They have passed their biophysical profiles everyday with the highest points! I am SO proud! They still have plenty of fluid around them, which means that they have more room to grow. They move around and do flips constantly! We are having a BIG ultrasound tomorrow to determine their weights and growth over the past 2 weeks. I can hardly wait until then. I will definately post another update tomorrow, so please check in.

Love to you all-
Hope

28 weeks

2007-12-09T09:44:00.000-06:00

Happy Birthday MamaDoris! :)

This week has gone by pretty quickly! I have officially been in the hospital 13 days and 12 nights, with many more to come. Doesn't that sound like a long time? It really isn't when I compare myself to other mothers on my hallway. There one lady with twins that has been here since the first of October and another lady with twins that has been here since the first of November. I was also told that the last lady that was here with triplets, about a year ago, had to come in a 18 weeks and delivered at 35 weeks. So, I consider myself fortunate because I don't have to be here as long as any of these other ladies.

Don't get me wrong, I am going a little stir crazy! However, I have lots of things to keep me busy. Mentally, I am doing great. Physically, I feel myself getting more and more tired. The staff is just wonderful and takes real good care of me. I will admit that I have gotten pretty lazy since I have been in the hospital. But in my defense, I can't really do much of anything except lay in bed. I get to lay around in really comfortable clothes all day and night. Don't worry, I am still taking showers, brushing my teeth and my hair - that's about the extent of my grooming! This is why there are no pictures being posted of me! ;)

I get to see the boys every day now. I have an ultrasound every morning and they are doing the biophysical profiles everytime I go. These boys definately take after their dad because they have had some stubborn moments. There have been times when we need them to move around, but they want to sleep. I have to have a little talk with them and then they get to moving around. The boys don't have any problem moving around at night when I'm trying to sleep! I am also being hooked up to a monitor twice a day to monitor their heartbeats and for contractions. No contractions, and the boys have really strong heartbeats. It's actually kind of hard being on the monitors and something that I really don't enjoy. I have to lay pretty still on my back and it's really hard with the weight of the babies pressing on me. It's only for about 20 minutes each time.

I received some great news about my gestational diabetes this week. Because things have been going so well, they are only checking my blood sugar once a day now. The time that I am being checked varies from day to day. For example, tomorrow they will check my blood sugar after breakfast, then on Tuesday it will be checked after lunch. I am glad that I get to be just a little bit more relaxed with my meals. However, they still won't let me have a Hershey bar. I keep asking, but no one wants to bend the rule on that one!

I also got to take a tour of the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) this week. It made me feel so much better! The NICU at this hospital is truly top of the line. Shane and I have prepared ourselves for the fact that our boys may and probably will have to go to the NICU. The longer I carry them, the less time they will have to spend in there. Triplets are considered full term at 37 weeks, so I am trying to make that my goal for delivery.

This coming week will be my last week of work for a while. I will be finishing up some last minute things and getting my teams prepared to work without me for a while. I am sure that you all know this is going to be really hard for me, but I am sure that I will survive. This will give me a chance to watch some of the movies and read some books that everyone has sent to me. In all honesty, I'm looking forward to some good nap times!

Shane was "on call" for work this past week, but snuck over to see me when he could. He was able to spend the night over the weekend. I was so glad to have the company sure sure! We did sell our Maxima this week. I was sad that I didn't get to say a proper good-bye to that lovely car. Things should be finalized this week on the purchase of our Tahoe. I can't wait to see it! We are hoping that Shane will be able to take me outside for a minute to see it when the purchase is finalized. Shane's stepdad, Ricky, and our friend Scott Chilton were able to come over this weekend to help Shane finish the dog house and fence. Shane and Ricky put a lot of work into the that project two weekends in a row! Shane was able to send me pictures - it looks so good! It's just so crazy to me that all of this is going on while I am stuck in the hospital. You all know that I'm use to having my hands in everything. :)

I am still committed to blog more often, but that probably won't start until next week. I know I'll be busy finishing up some loose ends this week. I do not think that there will be too much exciting going on this week anyway. They are not going to do the baby's weights again until next Monday. I will be sitting on pins and needles until then. I can not wait to see how much they have grown.

~HK

Growing, growing, growing.....

2007-12-03T19:27:00.000-06:00

Krilecia, Corey, & Hope December 2006

(This is what Hope will look like again December 2008!)

Today was a great day! My high risk doctor ordered an ultrasound to determine the boys weights this afternoon and all went well. I know you are all anxious to know how the boys are growing, so I won't keep you in suspense.

Baby A: 2lb 9oz

Baby B: 2lb 7oz

Baby C: 2lb 10oz

Can you believe how much they have grown in 3 short weeks? Shane and I are just thrilled with their progress. I was not expecting that much growth in such a short amount of time! That's almost 1lb for each baby.

They also did a "biophysical profile" on each of the boys today. This is when they check to make sure that they have plenty of fluid around each of them. Also that their little hearts, stomachs, and bladders are working good. Lastly, they look to make sure that they are all moving around, turning, and practicing breathing. The profile is done on a point scale, with the highest point of 8 being achievable. All of our boys got an 8 out of 8! Again, Shane and I as well as our doctors are just so thrilled with how they are doing!

I also got to see something really neat when they switched to the 4D ultrasound. All of the boys were moving around, Babies A & C had the hiccups! They all had their backs to us until the very end when Baby A turned around. I was able to see him open his eyes. It was SO cool! :)

I am hoping that they will give me permission to go out in a wheel chair tomorrow. My high risk doctor said that he needed to think about it. They did take me about 3 halls over today in a wheel chair to have the ultrasound done. Let me tell you, it was a real thrill to actually leave my room after 6 days! Then to see how well my boys were doing, it was truly a good day all around!

27 Weeks

2007-12-02T23:24:00.000-06:00

Happy Birthday Shane! :)

As of today, I've been in the hospital 6 days. I have been doing my best to keep myself busy during the day. All of our family and friends have been SO kind with their phone calls, emails, and visits. I am enjoying ALL of the communication for sure! Please keep it up as I am bound to be here a while.

My day starts pretty early and doesn't end until late at night. In between the visits from all the staff I am able to continue doing work for my company. I really like being able to still work. Everyone keeps asking if I need books or anything. Shane brought me a few from home, but I have not had time to start any of them! All in due time, I suppose.

Shane's step-dad, Ricky, was kind enough to come over to our house on Saturday to help Shane with the dog fence and dog house. Can you believe that our puppies are being banished to live in the great outdoors? Well, everyone except my Luke - I hoping! Shane's Mom and cousin, David, and Ricky came over on Saturday night to visit me at the hospital and to help Shane finish stuff around the house. I have not had a chance to do any of to wash any of the baby blankets, sheets, or clothes. So, Mrs. Diana was kind enought to come over and do that for us. It was SO nice to have some company at the hospital and SO nice of them to come help Shane do some work. I just wish that I could be there to help too.....

My Mom and Alan are doing all they can to take care of me. They have both been running errands for me, even doing my laundry! Between everyone helping us out and the nurses and hospital staff waiting on me, I don't know how I will adjust to life at home when I have to go back home and fend for myself.

My friend Corey paid me a suprise visit tonight, it was such a nice suprise and she came bearing goodies! :) She has assured me that my belly has grown over the last few weeks, but we are both sure that I have more room to expand.

I will go for an in-depth ultrasound sometime tomorrow. We will be able to see how much the boys weigh and I am just too excited! I get to hear their heartbeats 3 times a day and they all sound great. I am doing great also. We're just taking it a day at a time.

Love to you all
~Hope

27 Weeks and counting

2007-11-28T19:56:00.000-06:00

I have been meaning to let everyone know of the baby wipe count.......Shane and I took an average number because there were a lot of different packages of baby wipes. We've come up with a final count of: 100 packs! That's just awesome - thanks to all who contributed.

This 27th week has already been eventful, which is why I've decided to post a blog in the middle of the week. I had an appointment with my high risk OB on Tuesday. At the appointment my high risk OB decided to consult with my regular OB because there were some concerns about me. (I won't go in to great detail as I feel they are a little personal.) Basically, I am doing good and the babies are doing awesome. But as a precaution, my doctors have decided that it would be best for the 4 of us to move in to the hospital for an extended stay. I feel certain that I will be here for several weeks until we deliver. Yippee, I get to spend the Christmas holidays in the hospital!

You can imagine that I was really upset when they told me the news. However, all of my doctors have reassured us that this is simply a precaution. THERE IS NO NEED TO BE ALARMED FOR ME AND THE BOYS! We are all doing great, I promise! They just want me at the hospital where they can monitor me all the time.

So, I was admitted to the Baptist Women's Hospital in Memphis on Tuesday without any forwarning. Shane is on his own at home with the puppies, while the boys and I are being taken care of at the hospital. We have a REALLY nice room that I am free to decorate as I want. Reba has already brought me a little Christmas tree! I just need some presents under it ;) Corey, I have already hung the 3 Peas in a Pod wreath that you made - it has recieved a lot of compliments! Drew and Krilecia, I have all of your dvd's with me - thanks a bunch for sending them. Little did we know that I would need them so soon! Mom, Shane, and Al are bringing me things as I think of them.

I am afraid that Shane has gotten the raw end of this deal. It has not even been 2 days, but Shane and I know that we are facing yet another challenge. When will it end? We know that this is going to be another part of "one of the hardest things we will face". My poor Shane works all day long, goes home to see the puppies, comes to see me, and then goes back home to sleep - only to do it again. I just get to hang out at the hospital with the boys and get taken care of.

Have no fear, I am still working! I am not hooked up to any I.V.'s or anything - just on some pretty serious bed rest. I have access to a fax machine and my laptop with me. So, my company is still letting me work. How awesome is that? :) My doctors are telling me that it's good for me to keep working, it helps with my mental state. They don't want me getting depressed staring at the same walls all day long. It's good for me to have stimulation from the outside world, apparently it will keep me sane!

So, I have been inspired by my step-sis Meghan.....I will commit to "blog" more often. Sorry Meg, I don't think I will be posting any pictures from my hospital room. Well, maybe on a good day. Shane and his mom will be working on the nursery this weekend, hopefully I will get some pictures that I can post.

Please check my blog often and leave me comments. They stimulate my brain as well, so I welcome any comments! The boys and I will continue to rest and relax. Another post coming soon......

~Hope

26 Weeks

2007-11-25T21:20:00.000-06:00

We had another appointment with my regular OB this week and things are still looking great. He just talked to Shane and I, answering our questions. They did not do an ultrasound, but did put this machine that allowed us to hear the babies heartbeats. My doctor said that it may be difficult for him to locate the 3 babies. Shane was amuzed when I was able to point to 3 different locations on my belly, telling my doctor where the boys were. Don't you know that I was right on the money! He put that little machine right where I had pointed out their 3 locations and we were able to hear 3 strong little heartbeats.

I am now on very limited activity. It's really not that hard to adhere to, as I get SO tired so easily. Basically, I can go places but I have to be able to sit pretty quickly. I can not go shopping anywhere, not to the grocery or anything. So, Shane is on shopping duty. He is not liking it so much. For his sake, if you are heading our way please give me a call as I may have you stop and pick up a few things on your way. (Thanks Mom and Reba for bringing me some stuff when you came to see us.) I am being told that I basically do not need to stand for long periods of time and I need to get as much rest as I can.

We go back to my high risk doctor this week and again we are SO excited to see the boys. I am anxious to see how much they've grown in 2 weeks. I can definately see some changes in my belly, but there is still room to go. (My belly button is still there!) Things have been going well with my diabetes, so I am hoping that they will tell me that I don't have to check my blood sugar 4 times a day. My regular OB suggested that maybe I could start testing twice a day instead of the four, but I have to check with my high risk OB and get their opinion.

Our Thanksgiving was nice and relaxing. We were pretty lazy and it was nice! Because Shane and I were home alone on Thursday, we made a turkey breast and Mama Jean's hashbrown casserole - good stuff! We did go over to my grandparent's house on Saturday for the real Thanksgiving feast. It's only about a 15-20 minute drive from our house. My parents, Aunt Margaret, Uncle Steve, brother Ben, sister-in-law Sandy, and nephew Avery were all there. It was so nice to see them all, my grandmother was just thrilled to have us all there. Afterwards everyone came over to see our place and check out the nursey. It was nice to be able to show off our ideas and Shane's hard work.

I can tell that they boys are getting stronger each day. Their movements are getting much more pronounced and coming more frequently. They love to move all around when I am laying in bed. I honestly do not get tired of feeling them! Shane and I talk to them constantly and are getting anxious to meet them. They still have a lot more growing to do, but I can't wait to see what each of them look like. We are still on the look out for a new vehicle, we know that patience is the key. The right one will come along for us. Keep thinking of us and sending us your messages. More posts to come.....

Much love to you all
~Hope

25 weeks

2007-11-18T17:40:00.000-06:00

The Kesler Crew has made it through another week! Now, we're ready for Thanksgiving. Yummy!!!

We got to see the babies this week, they are just too cute! My doctors are amazed at how well they are all doing. My high risk doctor calls us his "Rock Stars"! Baby A weighs: 1lb 10 oz, Baby B weighs: 1lb 10 oz, and Baby C weighs: 1lb 11oz - that's almost 2lbs each!!! Everyone is just thrilled that they are all weighing about the same and that they are growing just as they should be. We are being told that "the boys" are really about to start putting on some weight now!

With my new found gestational diabetes, I have to adhere to a pretty strict diet of counting carbs. I am also having to test my blood 4 times a day. To be truly honest with everyone, it is not fun. It is reassuring to know my accurate blood sugar throughout the day. So far, so good! My levels have remained within the limits set out by my doctors. Don't get me wrong, I am having some strong sugar cravings. Have no fear, I won't cave in to the cravings - you all know how strong willed I am! Please keep that in mind, I expect LOTS of hershey bars to be delivered to me as soon as I deliver the Kesler boys! :)

Shane was excited to go deer hunting with his brothers this weekend, unfortunately none of them had any luck. I am convinced that men just use hunting as an excuse to get together. Do they really hunt?

Because my movement is pretty limited, Mom decided to come stay with me Saturday night. We made the mistake of watching Charlie and the Chocolate Factory when she first got here. (I have never wanted a Hershey bar SO bad!) We just hung out, watched movies, and ate pizza. It was nice to have some girl time while the boys were in the woods hanging out, I mean hunting! I got to sleep in this morning and Mom went right to work unpacking the last of our boxes (all of my fine china), doing laundry, and taking care of me!

The boys have been moving at all hours of the days. I can't tell you how comforting it is to feel them move around. I am feeling more than one moving at a time now, it's just so wild! We go back to my regular doctor this week for a check up. We are also hoping to look at a new vehicle too, so wish is lots of luck - we need a good deal! I hope that everyone has a great week and enjoys your Thanksgiving eats, feel free to send any left overs our way!

~Hope

Pictures

2007-11-13T13:06:00.000-06:00

Here are some pictures of me (courtesy of Krilecia) so that you can see what I look like carrying triplets! There are also just a couple from the shower that my girlfriends threw for me - they are so creative. I am hoping to post a few more from the shower soon.

Lecrisha and me (Hope), at Lecrisha's wedding shop.

From left to right: Mona, Lecrisha, Krilecia, & me - feeling "the boys" move around.

3 peas in a pod baby shower cake, made by Lenny Ring.

Lots of wonderful gifts for "our boys"!

24 weeks

2007-11-11T21:33:00.000-06:00

Wow, this last week was a piece of cake compared to last one! All is going well at the Kesler house. My work has been great, I have been fortunate enough to have a lot of work to do from home so I get to take it easy when I need to. Shane is SO excited because deer season is right around the corner. I'm excited that Thanksgiving is not far off either. We are just trucking right along......

I did go in to my regular OB for the 4 hour torture, I mean glucose test, which was horrible! (Katy - you were SO right about it.) It had to have been one of the most miserable times that I can remember. I won't bore you with all of the details, but I will highlight some of the more memorable moments....Basically, I was not allowed to eat or drink until I got to my doctor's office. I could not even drink water! Once I got to my doctors office I was told to drink this orange drink, this was after they pricked one finger. The drink was absolutely terrible! It was like this thick orange syrup that I had to chug down. (Drew, I had visions of you and Eric acting silly downing maple syrup at Cracker Barrel. I have to say this had to have been WAY worse than that!) To make a long story short I had to sit at my doctors office for several hours while they tested my blood for the sugar levels, all the while NOT EVEN DRINKING WATER!!! (It should be noted that they pricked every finger on my left hand - it did not feel good.) I did have intentions of writing notes or reading a book, but I could not concentrate on anything. The absolute icing on the cake was when they told me that I had indeed failed the test. (ME FAIL?!?!) They diagnosed me with gestational diabetes. :( So, no sugar, candies, or goodies for me - you can all imagine how upset I am about this. Isn't this the time when I am suppose to be able to just eat guilt free? I know, it could be worse so I'm coming to terms with my new found diabetes.

In case you haven't noticed, I have already mentioned cake twice in this blog. I am hurting for some sweets! ;) Actually, I'm just trying to be funny about it. I know that cake and all of my sweet goodies will be back in my life soon.

Shane was able to finish staining the concrete floor in the nursery. I am just so proud of him, it looks superb! We are both really pleased with how it turned out, especially considering this is his first time doing something like that. Shane was also able to get 2 of the cribs put up in the nursey. It's all happening now! We still have a little work to do......our next nursey project is to put a new closet organizer up so that we can start loading it up. I am hoping to work on the curtains this week. It's going to look great when we're done! For those of you that are wondering, I have not had a chance to count the baby wipes that we've received. Vinnie says that I should take a poll......so, posts your guesses!

It had been so hard for me to just sit around and watch Shane do all of these projects around the house, but he keeps assuring me that he loves it. He has been working on the nursery, the shed, taking care of all of our animals, cooking, cleaning, doing laundry, rearranging furniture, etc....All I want to do is help him and I do what I can, i.e. he does the laundry and I fold, he cooks dinner and I eat! My doctor says that I have to rest as much as possible. Shane just tells me to enjoy it while I can. He is constantly checking on me and making sure that I have everything that I need - all the while working right along.

We go back to the high risk doctor this week and are so excited to see "the boys". They are moving constantly and I just love to feel them. It is the weirdest and most beautiful thing to be able to feel all 3 of them moving. They like to move at different times, but it truly never bothers me. I have been getting tired real easily and am trying to take it easy as much as I can. My belly is still growing, but have no fear - my belly button is still there. It's definately smaller, but it's there! My belly feels really tight, but my Mom assures me that I've got lots of room to grow.

More posts soon to come so keep checking in. Much love to you all!
~Hope

23 Weeks

2007-11-04T10:57:00.001-06:00

This was a busy week for the Kesler Crew! I was busy with work, doctor appointments, and visiting friends. Work is really crazy! I feel like a "super star" when I go in to my hospitals because I am surrounded by so many people that are asking questions. Kanta can attest to this as we were trying to meet this week and had to move several times, just so we could have a conversation without being interrupted. Don't get me wrong, I do like the attention - but it is really overwhelming too! My doctor appointments went well, they are telling me that I'm progressing right along. I am still on "moderate activity" and feel I will remain so until they put me on bed rest. My travel and general movement are still limited, which I do not mind as I get so tired so easily.

It was wonderful to see my girlfriends, their families, and our families as well over the weekend. My girlfriends threw me my first baby shower, which was a huge hit! We received so much stuff!!!! We have so many baby wipes, bibs, and new-born clothes, it's just amazing! (I'll post a count on the baby wipes as soon as I can.) I have to say again how superb the shower was. Thanks again to you all (Reba, Carley, Mrs. Deborah, Lecrisha, Corey, and Krilecia) for working together in order to do such a great thing for me and my growing family! Thanks also to everyone that was able to attend and those that were not, but sent gifts. Shane and I are honestly dumbfounded by all the love and support we have been receiving from everyone.

Shane is steadily working on the nursey and has hopes to have a finished floor by week end. He's just been working SO hard! I wish I could help, but all I can do is really stay out of the way and bring him what he needs while he works. He told me last night that I was lucky to have a "handy man" for a husband. He was being his silly self, but I know that I am truly fortunate that he is able to do so much. I have never seen him turn down a challenge when it comes to doing things around the house, it truly is wonderful to be married to him.

This week should not be as hectic as the last, although I do have to go see my regular OB for another test. I have to go in for a really long glucose test. My dear girlfriend, Katy Edwards, has forwarned me about it - I know it's not going to be pleasant! I have already taken the one hour glucose test, but it did not give my doctor the definitive answer that he was looking for. He just says it's too hard to determine in one hour as I have 3 babies and me all producing sugar. This one will go much more in depth. I ask that you all wish me luck - you ALL know how much I love my candy and carbs! :)

The boys have been moving A LOT. They keep me awake, but I really don't mind. It's a comfort to feel them moving around all the time, day or night. I am amazed every time! I will see them again in two weeks when I visit my high risk OB again and can not wait. Please keep checking in....there are more posts and pics to come!

Much love to you all
~Hope

22 Weeks

2007-10-23T18:10:00.000-05:00

This is week 22 for our growing boys, and my growing belly. Each day I get bigger and bigger, my clothes just get tighter and tighter. I'm okay with these changes as long as these babies come in to this world happy and healthy. I asked Shane today if my belly looked bigger than it did yesterday and he said that it did. What do you know, I'm growing right before his eyes! :) For once in my life I don't mind getting bigger, it's just my disappearing belly button that I worry about. I sure like having it there! It is getting a little hard for me to move around, so I have to take things really slow - which you all know is not something that I like to do.

Every day I am amazed by how much love, support, and well wishes we get from family, friends, and even strangers. Shane's "honey do" list seems to be never ending, and he is such a trooper about it. Shane's parents came to visit last weekend, it was so nice to see them. They rolled up their sleeves with Shane and got to work on the nursery floor! Do we have any other volunteers? Come on down, just be sure to call before you haul - you never know what we'll have going on.

I go to the doctor again on Monday afternoon just to see how I'm progressing along. I am hoping they won't put me on best rest then. I'm really hoping that I can hold out until Thanksgiving. I can't imagine missing all of that good food, especially now when I can eat guilt free. You know that Shane and I have never had Thanksgiving at our house, I don't think this is the year to start!

~Hope

PS - Everyone that keeps asking for pictures, I promise to post some soon.