Ideologically frustrated

So.  I am frustrated.  Chad and I have distinctly different ideologies (in all of the major issues: religion, politics, and social issues) from our friends and families.  I like to think of myself as a pretty tolerant person.  Now don't get me wrong, when I was on facebook, I completely got sucked in to the soapbox status updates.  I hate that about myself and that is one of many reasons I'm not planning on returning.  It's unhealthy for me and for my friendships.  But back to my mostly tolerant ways. . . not having any like-minded folks to vent and discuss these things with is so, so crushing. Of course, we know some people that have similar views and we do talk to them but nothing like having close friends to share these things with.  And not having anyone open-minded to discuss these things with turns my tolerance  sour.  I begin to resent those folks that refuse to be civil or even the least bit open-minded to consider that our views might possibly be right or at least as right as the ones they adhere to.  I know that a lot of my predicament mostly is a matter of geography and that I would likely feel less isolated if I were anywhere but here.  But for now, here is where I am and I grow more frustrated by the day.  It makes me resentful of those around me.  How can they be so close-minded? Why do they refuse to try and see alternate world-views?  I understand the ideals they hold dear so why can't they understand mine?  Why must they be so intolerant that I can't even be honest with them about what I really think.  [Sidenote: I was much more free with my thoughts on facebook, again, the dangerously abrasive me that took over.] They barely even know the superficial bits and already shun us.  I just hate it so much.  So ready to get out of this place and find at least a few semi-likeminded friends.

One of those nights I don't feel like a failure!

Chad has class on Wednesdays so I was flying solo.  Fail one, McDonalds.  Fail two, we watched a lot of Phineas and Ferb (with a little Wonder Years for Mommy).  Outside of those two faux pas the night was so uneventful that it's noteworthy.

I bathed the boys, something that is way more work when you have a needy 13 week old baby to simultaneously keep happy.  I got them dressed and got the bath ready for Em.  I bathed her and fed her.

She's always eats after a bath, so she had to be last.  She's taken to cluster feeding in the PM which I'm mostly okay with since she sleeps a long time at night.  However, it makes doing anything with the boys more difficult when I'm solo.  Enter TV time.  She ate and ate but then went to sleep. She sleeps in a pack n play in our room.  We were gifted an amazing one (since I had given away the one I used with the boys) and it had a "newborn napper".  She slept awesome in it from the day we brought her home.  Sadly, she outgrew it and we removed it last week.  Since that time she is hit and miss about sleeping in the regular flat bassinet part of the pack n play (what the boys slept in when we first brought them home).  So, there have been nights she has either had to start the night in the swing or at least ended in it since it has a similar shape but better fit than the napper.  However tonight was a hit!  She went down in the bassinet and I didn't even have to go in and replace a paci once!

The boys finished the show that was on, I read them a book, and they went to bed.  They have gotten out a time or two but for the most part I think they are now down for the night.

And that, my friends, is a successful night.  Though I'm nowhere near super mom rank, I think I may be okay.

Some pictures of my sweets

I've become a bit neurotic (I know, I know, you've known I'm neurotic for some time now but I'm just coming to terms with it) about posting pictures and other information on the internet which is one of the many reasons I'm not on Facebook anymore and have no plans on going back.  Even though this blog isn't searchable on Google, I still don't want my sweets getting out there for the use of others.

But here, for your viewing pleasure are some pictures of my lovelies.

Outside playing after dark. 

One day old.  One funky looking mama.

The boys couldn't get enough of their little sis!

Grumpy and Em

Ready to head home. 2 days old.

Just got home. J is in love!

In her coming home outfit.

This was going to be her announcement picture but Mommy let herself get talked out of it.

To date, the only time she's slept in her crib, she has a pack n' play in our room.

A boy and his cars.

Some little fingers smudged the lens.

All stretched out!

Excavating a triceratops.

L is really bummed he didn't get to hold her first.  Poor guy.

A promised late night camp out in the living room to celebrate the end of school. 

Big smiles after eating.  (That big bump is my nursing pillow.)