Dialogue of a Wallflower

26 Weeks

2012-01-25T09:26:00.001-06:00

Not much change from last week. My hips still hurt, I (feel) like I am waddling a little more, it's harder to get off our deep couch, i have to sleep with a pillow between my knees, my tummy feels heavy...

After Bambino's plea last week, my kind and loving mother brought me not one, but TWO loaves of fresh cinnamon bread, which have both disappeared. This week, smoothies are my main source of joy and sustenance. But not sweet smoothies, because sugar still makes me feel sick. So I have been making numerous combinations of superfood, detox smoothies that involve spinach, kale, pomegrantes, bananas, flaxseed meal, berries, and mango. Delish (and uber healthy)! The next best meal I have had all week was a salad of organic spring mix with baby spinach. I could not get enough. Apparently after all that cinnamon bread, baby was in desperate need of some nutrients!

One thing to note that I have been meaning to mention, is that my body is much more sensitive and "touchy" this time. I get contractions from any amount of exertion. I even get them if I sit in the wrong position. Just thought it was worthy of a mention.

26 Weeks

25 Weeks

2012-01-20T10:07:00.000-06:00

Every week I am shocked that another week has gone by. My life with three little ones keeps me so busy that I don't even notice the time flying by. My body is starting to notice though. A few changes this week-- my hips are starting to ache, and my tummy feels noticeably heavier (maybe because of my hip discomfort). I have started to waddle a little after getting up from sitting for a long period of time, because that is when my hips hurt the most. Perhaps baby is in a growth spurt, because I have also felt very tired this week. More so than usual.

My next appointment will be at 28 weeks, and I will have the glucose test already. I am excited for this appointment, because I scheduled this one with a midwife. I have seen midwives for all of my previous pregnancies and really liked the care I received. This time I tried out an OB doctor for awhile, and just haven't felt as pleased. So back to the tried-and-true for me.

This week, Bambino wrote an email to my mom pleading for a loaf of her homemade cinnamon raisin bread. She responded, "All you need to do is ask! Tell Mommy I'll call her tomorrow when it is out of the oven." Aren't Grandma's the best!?

25 Weeks

Pregnancy Dreams Continue...

2012-01-11T16:26:00.000-06:00

Jared and I hide out in a hotel room, with the kids. We are trapped here indefinitely, because of the recent sequence of events. You see, last week Jared sat on my sister, Anna and tickled her. My parents are pressing charges. Then, Jared and I ran a red light and were not wearing our seat belts. Mysteriously, my mother knew about our indiscretions, but we did not get caught. She is VERY upset that we got away with illegal actions. Our court date is in a few days. And here we are, hiding out in a hotel room to avoid court. Because frankly, we think it is completely ridiculous to go to court for tickling someone (which is the focus of the court date, not the actual illegal actions).
In a desperate act to try to erase this nightmare, I go meet my mother to plead our case. I pour out my heart, and my frustrations, explaining that we just cannot understand WHY they would press charges over tickling. Anna wasn't even upset. We are just so confused. She stares me down in cold silence, refusing to budge an inch.

As soon as I get back to the motel, there is a knock on the door. I peer through the peephole and see that it is my dad, and brother, Andy, who flew into town for the hearing. Figuring Andy wanted to hug me and show his support before the court date, I cracked the door open. In a flash, my dad snapped a tracking bracelet around my wrist that was attached at the other end to a handcuff. I just look at him in shock and disbelief, and slam the door closed on four of his fingers, then continue to lean into the door, smashing them. After a few seconds, my conscience catches up with me, and I open the door and apologize. To which my dad responds, "No, that was a fair reaction," and then proceeds to close the door on his own fingers again.

Then my eyes fly open...

24 Weeks

2012-01-11T16:07:00.000-06:00

I finally got a boost in my appetite this week. I can't stop thinking about eating. While I am eating, I am planning what I am going to eat next. After I finish eating, I dream about eating more until I have waited the "appropriate" amount of time until I can eat again. It is quite a change from the past several weeks, wherein eating was more of a forced duty I endured.

I was asked this week if I had the choice (assuming the baby was fully developed and ready to come out), would I be ready to have the baby this week. My response was an emphatic "Yes! I would have it today." Buuuuut. While most of you know my impatient stance on pregnancy, I am trying to enjoy it. I lay in bed every night with my hands on my belly, relishing the little kicks within, knowing I may never feel them again.

As my belly grows, I am being reminded of the uncomfortable aspects of pregnancy now too. I cannot (comfortably) lay on my back anymore. Or my stomach. Side to side I go at night, flipping back and forth. Comfort may be out the window for the next 15 weeks or so...

But all in all, I feel well and have no complications. Baby is healthy, Mama is healthy. We are truly blessed.

24 weeks

23 Weeks

2012-01-06T13:18:00.000-06:00

Twenty-three, folks! Getting ever closer to meeting this precious babe (did you see that adorable face?!) Now that we had our ultrasound, and got a "sneak peek" at Bambino, I am more in love than ever, and can hardly stand the thought of waiting another 4 months to meet him/her! However, I am convinced that my remaining time will go very quickly. Life with three little ones is never dull, and the distraction makes time fly.

We have been doing some rearranging this week in the kids' rooms to prepare room for B. We jammed a set of bunk beds in Brody's room, so eventually when baby kicks him out of the crib, he will have somewhere to go. It looks great, and I am very pleased with the results!

I have been feeling very well the past few weeks. I still have aversions to most sweets, but would take nearly any kind of salty food (junk or not) any day. Tortilla and potato chips have been especially "on the mind" (and in the mouth) this week. Red meat always sounds amazing, though we ain't no money-bags around here, so haven't gotten much of that. But it sounds amazing nonetheless.

Babers kicks mostly at night between 10-12, but is not NEARLY as active as Jazlyn and Brody were. This may, in fact, be the least active babe so far. We'll see what the next few months bring.

23 Weeks

Oh Hello, Baby!

2012-01-05T15:34:00.000-06:00

We had our ultrasound today!

We spent a good portion of last night debating whether or not to find out the sex of this baby. I was really torn this time. It being our last one (God willing), we thought it might be a fun new experience to find out this time. After a long discussion, we decided...

For the first time ever, we got to see our precious babe in 3D! It was very exciting, though I wish we got more than just this one image in 3D. But, I am happy nonetheless.

Bambino's precious face

Does this look like the face of a boy or girl to you?

What a SWEETHEART!!!

Doc says everything looks great! Baby is healthy and growing perfectly. We are so extremely blessed. And Bambino looks every inch as cute and precious as our current three did. Now, after seeing that precious face, it is going to be even harder to wait another 15 more weeks to see it in person.

...to not find out.

Etc.

2012-01-04T22:27:00.000-06:00

My sister, Anna, created a blog finally! Head on over to Etc. and check it out! You are in for a treat. She is an aspiring photographer/photo editor, and a generally silly, fun person. I am anticipating an entertaining read.

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-23T21:01:00.002-06:00

Pregnancy Dreams...

2011-12-22T08:37:00.001-06:00

Last night, I dreamt that an 800-lb shape-shifting rhinoceros was trying to eat me and my friends Reggie and Ronelle, in France (that was actually more like the Philippines). We were using the bathroom in a dilapidated outhouse-shack of sorts, when suddenly a rhino snout as big as my body was trying to bust the door down. I scurried up onto the roof of the shack (leaving my friends inside), and the ginormous rhino reared up on its hind feet and slammed its body against it, trying to knock the whole building over. But then (never fear!) Dr. Cullen magically appeared and fed the rhino some mysterious food, and the giant beast turned into Antonio Banderas. We all laughed and went home.

Pretty creative, right? How many great (weird, dumb) movies have started as a dream do you suppose? Think I could sell the rights to Hollywood?

21 Weeks

2011-12-19T21:50:00.000-06:00

Officially 21 weeks today. I have been feeling a bit on the touchy side when it comes to food lately. I would prefer not to eat dinner at all, and most nights I don't. But then around 10pm, my body (and my baby) get irritated with me and demand some sustenance. So I whip myself up a quick snack that always involves peanut butter. Another constant favorite anytime of the day is Honey Crisp apples. Things I avoid because they make me sick: anything overly greasy, anything too sweet. I suppose it is a good season to be sickened by "sweet" things. It'll keep the extra holiday pounds away. I am much more inclined to salty food items.

I am feeling the wee babe kick a whole lot more now. I even felt it through my stomach with my hand last night! Jared has not gotten to feel it yet, but I suspect this might be the week. Perhaps Bambino is planning on giving that to Daddy for Christmas.

Merry Christmas all!

21 Weeks

20 Weeks!

2011-12-15T17:17:00.000-06:00

HALFWAY, folks!

And as my wonderful friend pointed out, probably more than half way in my case! (I usually go early).

Every thing is pretty normal again this week. I haven't felt too queasy, though I have noticed a "sluggish" feeling in my belly, which I'm positive is my metabolism slowing to a crawl. I have also noticed that I usually feel pretty gross after sneaking even one Christmas cookie. Perfect timing, right?

I have been getting more excited about baby this week. I looked back at some pictures of the other kids as newborns and started getting all warm and fuzzy. I also bought some yarn that I LOVE, and am going to start knitting a wee baby blankie.

That's all for now!

20 Weeks

Christmas Through the Years

2011-12-15T15:49:00.000-06:00

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

Our Christmas 2011 is still to come. Tune in after Christmas to see the latest and greatest of our clan!

Decoratin'

2011-12-13T21:44:00.000-06:00

Here are some pictures I missed of the kids decorating the tree.

"Deeeez"

Jazi mostly looked on in approval

More Amazingness

2011-12-13T21:33:00.000-06:00

My incredible sister is at it again!

Check out Anna's latest photos...

19 Weeks

2011-12-07T16:42:00.001-06:00

Not much to report this time. Everything has been much the same as last week. I will add that I am feeling those precious wee baby kicks more frequently, and with more strength. I cannot wait until Jared can feel them too!

I finally had my first Dr appointment this week, but I may as well have skipped it and saved the money. It lasted exactly 4 minutes, and consisted of the Dr walking in and asking, "Do you have any questions? Have you had any issues you want to talk about? Your blood pressure and weight gain are great and you look perfect on paper, so unless you have any questions there is nothing left to do here. Let's listen to the heartbeat and then we're done." Sophia and Jazlyn were present and so they got to listen to the heartbeat, which was cool. The look on their faces was worth it. We are planning to bring them to the ultrasound too, which is scheduled for January 5th. I will be 22 weeks for that, so it should be good!

Other than that, I am feeling pretty good. My stomach is just starting to get mildly uncomfortable, but I know I am going to kick myself later for saying that at this stage. I know what's coming, and this is nothin in comparison. Blah.

19 weeks

Tree Hunt

2011-12-01T09:58:00.000-06:00

We went on a Christmas tree hunt out in my parent's field this year! At 5:30pm. Which, as any upper-midwesterner would know, was pitch black. But it was an adventure. The three kids were each equipped with a flashlight, Mama with a headlamp, and Daddy had his high-intensity LED flashlight. So after tromping (and falling) through the field, we chose our tree and Daddy heroically sawed it down.Well... the top 10 feet of it at least. We left the bottom 5 feet firmly planted in the ground. It looks awesome. Half a pine tree. No really.

Jared dragged our 10-ft of enormous pine up a steep hill to our car, then in one Herculian motion swung it effortlessly up on top of the van with one hand. He's mine.

The Fam (minus one, who was NOT in the mood for picture taking) with our tree!

Set up...

And decorated!

My Sugar and Spice

2011-11-30T00:28:00.000-06:00

18 Weeks

2011-11-29T22:13:00.001-06:00

My 17th week was the first week that I felt "well" and normal all week. No queasiness or food aversions. Yay! Here is a picture at 17 weeks...

17 Weeks

I am now 18 weeks along. I am still feeling good as far as the pregnancy goes, though I have been sick all week with a sinus/throat virus of some kind. I have noticed a slight increase in appetite over the past week. I eat a normal portion of dinner, and find myself not feeling quite full, and wanting just a little more. Strangely (very strangely for me!) I have not been all that interested in sweets this week either. As I type, I considered getting a bowl of ice cream (because it's 9:45pm, and the kids are in bed, and let's face it... that's where my mind goes when it's 9:45 and the kids are in bed), but then I very quickly realized I don't really want ice cream. It doesn't hold the delight it used to. Sad.

I also have been struggling to make it through each day without feeling like I could fall asleep standing up. It hits around 3:00 every afternoon. So far, I have successfully made it through each day without falling asleep and landing on the stove or one of our children. So that's a plus :)

I have begun to feel the effects of the relaxin hormone now. On occasion, my hips stop trying to stay together like they are supposed to and just give up. This is very painful for Mama. Dislike.

Buuuut... I have started feeling Bambino move! The first time was about 4 days ago while I was laying on the couch. I felt several little kicks, that were so little they almost felt like a muscle twitch. But I have felt the same little kicks at least once a day since then. So I know it's Bambino finally saying hello!

I have my first real appointment with the Dr this Friday. So far, I have only seen a nurse, and had an ultrasound to date the pregnancy (which I told him was unnecessary since I knew the date we conceived, and gave him my due date. Guess what? I was right. The ultrasound was exactly 1 day off the date I gave him. I'm an old pro, trust me Doc.)

18 weeks

I added a video below that gives a brief description of the development that takes place between 15-20 weeks. Watch it if you'd like to see what Bambino is up to.

Click on image to view video

15 weeks

2011-11-08T13:31:00.001-06:00

I had to come check my blog to remember which week I am now. I told someone yesterday that I was 13 weeks. Oops. I can't keep track anymore. I was happy to gain two weeks overnight!

The madness with the sauteed onions has subsided. I ate them in various ways for three days straight, but now their charm has worn off. They're nothing special. Eh. No new obsessions have taken their place...yet.

Thank you all for the name suggestions! We got some beautiful ideas. I guess, to be fair, I should admit that we already had names picked out before the request for ideas. We wanted to see if there were any great names we missed and liked better. And no, we are not telling anyone our chosen names. Check back in late April, and we will tell you then. We will also reveal if we tweaked any of our names using your suggestion =)

14 Weeks

2011-11-03T16:04:00.000-05:00

In the first few weeks of this pregnancy, I felt pretty gross. Nauseous, queasy, sick to my stomach. That cleared up around Week 8 or so, and I have felt pretty normal until the past few days when I was hit with a fresh batch of hormones. I have felt pretty sick to my stomach again for the last couple days. I am hoping this is a (very) temporary state of being. I just need to come out and say up front, I am a HUGE fan of babies. Love them to death. Adore their sweet little selves. I am not a huge fan of pregnancy. I would go for a month gestational period. Or I could skip it. Either way. That would suit me just fine.

BUUUUUUT... I'm as happy as a clam that Bambino is growing healthy and big, and so is my bel-lay.

I cannot leave you without this story. I wouldn't deprive you of this small glimpse into my pregnant, hormonal life. A few days ago, my stomach was being a rather picky bitch, while at the same time screaming at me to feed her. I was starving, but was absolutely revolted by the thought of eating anything. Anything. So I stood in front of the pantry, sobbing (naturally), searching for something, anything, that seemed remotely palatable. After a solid 5 minutes and not finding any suitable substances, my eyes fell on a bag of onions. And suddenly it came over me. I needed to eat sauteed onions. I stood there shocked and disgusted. But the more I argued with myself, the more pleasing they sounded. So I snatched the bag, stomped into the kitchen, chopped, cried and sauteed. And that night for dinner, I ate the most delicious sauteed onions I have ever had.

Through the Eyes of a Child

2011-11-01T10:50:00.000-05:00

My conversations with Sophia and Jazlyn get cuter everyday. Here are two snippets from Sophia's mind this week.

CONVO #1
After seeing me eat a plate of scrambled eggs for breakfast...

S: "Mom, why do you eat eggs, and they turn into babies in your tummy?"

Me: "Haha, no, Sweetie, I don't eat eggs that turn into babies. Girls bodies have eggs in them that turn into babies. You already have some eggs too, right in there." (Pointing to her tummy.) "And when you get older, and get married and have a husband, you can turn your eggs into babies too."

S: "What's a husband?"

Me: "Well, your husband is the man you marry. Daddy is my husband, because Daddy and I got married. You can fall in love with a man someday and get married and he will be your husband."

S: "WHAT?! NO! I don't want a man. I'm gonna marry your husband."

Me: "What!?"

S: "Yeah, Mom, I'm gonna marry Daddy. Sorry."

CONVO #2
Background: We had the girls annual check up last week. When the pediatrician looked in Sophia's ears, she said "Oh look! There is Sleeping Beauty in that ear! And Belle in this ear!" So ever since then, the girls walk around telling me that said princesses live in their ears.

S: "Mom, will you clean my ears?"

Me: "Sure, Baby."

While cleaning...

Me: "Well, looks like Sleeping Beauty is a pretty good housekeeper. There is no wax in this ear. Let's see if Belle is as clean as Sleeping Beauty... Oh nope! Belle is more messy, here is some wax."

S: "Ha... ha, ha. Yeah, I think Belle went poopoo!"

Il Bambino Nomina

2011-10-18T15:13:00.002-05:00

My dearest darling (Jared) has some Italian blood in him. He actually has more German than Italian, and also Scandinavian and a hodge podge of other mingled bloodlines. I have mostly Swedish in my blood. But Italian has the coolest names. So we are pretending to care about naming for heritage, and have decided to choose an Italian name for this little bambino.

Here's where you come in. We are scanning lists of Italian names, but have noticed that every list has different names on them, and no list is ever complete. So if you have any Italian favorites (male or female), send 'em on over. You may just have a hand in naming our fourth-born child (not quite the same ring to as first-born, but take what you can get.)

Apple of my Eyes

2011-10-13T13:31:00.000-05:00

Look at all these eye pictures my sister, Anna, edited. She has become quite the accomplished photo editor, and I am super proud! Isn't she amazing? (She is sixteen!) This should be her profession, should it not?

Naomi

Anna

Happy Birthday, Angel!

2011-10-13T13:16:00.000-05:00

Jazlyn turned THREE on October 7th!

She wanted her ears pierced "like Sophie and Mommy"

Ears pierced, matching red butterfly necklace, and a sucker... a good birthday!

Happy Birthday, Big Girl!

2011-10-13T12:46:00.000-05:00

Sophia turned FOUR on September 27th!

And had her first night of AWANA the next night!

I'm Pregnant!

2011-10-13T12:33:00.000-05:00

We are expecting wee baby in late April!

After three babies over the past four years, things tend to move right along in the "showing" department.

9 weeks

This is actually 11 weeks.
I know the sign says 12.
Whatever.

Sophia and Jazlyn informing me that "there is a baby in there, Mama."

My daughters insisted this was a better look for me...

Go Find It!

2011-10-13T12:10:00.000-05:00

Me: I am very sorry, girls, I lost my temper. I should not have shouted at you. Will you please forgive me?

Jazlyn, crying: Maaamaaa, you need to go find you temper!

Blowin' Berries

2011-10-10T21:22:00.000-05:00

One of Brody's latest obsessions is pulling up my shirt while I am sitting on the floor, and blowing raspberries on my back (or on yours...). A couple of days ago, he was back at it...

Jazlyn: What is he doin Mama?

Sophia: Ooooh, ha ha. He's blowin' blueberries!

Five Minutes Peace

2011-09-13T09:19:00.000-05:00

Jazlyn laid out a pillow and blanket on the living room floor, and guided me to it.

"Lay down, Mama. It's time for nigh-night. Lay down, shhhh, good girl, go to sleeeep...go to sleeeep," she crooned as she covered me up with the blanket, and stroked my hair.

I willingly submitted. The girls continued with their playing. Just as I was really starting to relax, Jazlyn grabbed my face with both hands, one on each cheek, and got about two inches from my face, "WAKE UP! TIME TO WAKE UP!!!"

My eyes jerked open, startled by the sudden shock back to reality. Sophia was sitting next to my head as well, and declared with wide eyes, "Mama, you slept for FIVE MINUTES."

My eyes grew wide, as I said, "FIVE WHOLE MINUTES? That's the most I've slept in yeeears!"

Sophia solemnly nodded in agreement.

School Girl

2011-09-05T15:53:00.000-05:00

Today marks a big milestone for us.

It is Sophia's first day of school.

HER FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL.

I cannot believe how fast she has grown and reached this point.

We have made the decision to homeschool, and her first day went very well. She couldn't get enough. After two hours, and five subjects, I told her school was done for the day, and she stuck out her lip and moaned, "Noooo! I want to do more school."

A good start, I believe.

Alphabet!

Learning about the World

Diligent and focused

That Be True

2011-09-02T23:18:00.000-05:00

Jazlyn, wailing: Iiiiiit's not fair... Iiiiiiit's noooot faaaair.

Sophia: What's not fair, Jazi?

Jazlyn: It's noooot faaair.

Sophia: WHAT'S not, Jazi?

Jazlyn: MY LIFE.

The Outting

2011-09-01T22:34:00.004-05:00

This afternoon, I thought I would take a nice jaunt to the store. I strapped in the kids, and off we went. All I needed to get was two pairs of infant's pants. Easy.
We arrived at the store, and immediately upon entering, Jazlyn took a seat and removed her shoes. Sophia thought sitting looked fun, and plopped down next to her sister. They conveniently chose a spot that would block the most traffic of entering patrons. Meanwhile, I was strapping Brody into a cart, dropping my purse, picking it, then dropping my keys, then tripping as I turned to the girls to remove the dam they jointly created. Great start.

We proceeded to the baby section. While I searched vainly for the perfect pants (they apparently don't have their fall collection out yet. Shorts galore.), the girls played cat-and-mouse, chasing each other throughout the entire baby section, screaming each time one of them rounded a corner. I always knew where they were. So did everyone else. Meanwhile, the distinct smell of diarrhea prickled my nose. I looked down at my young son, who looked back at me innocently. The diaper bag was in the car. Okay, pick the pants quickly and let's get outta here. Brody did not like that decision and tried with all the desperation in his body (which was a lot) to let me know just how miserable and unhappy his life was. Jazlyn, where are your shoes? Brody wanted freedom. So I plucked him from his cart cage and set him on the floor. I turned back to the pants, which I had not actually had a chance to look at yet. Three seconds later, I flicked my eyes over my shoulder to check on the boy. Gone. I found him on the other side of the baby section. How?! I scooped him up and returned him to his cart cage. NOT HAPPY.

Back to the pants. Blue. Good. Brown. Good, but khaki or chocolate? Hmm. Khaki. No, chocolate. Khaki? Chocolate? Mommy, my dress is all wet. I had a accident. Chocolate. WAHHHH. I don't want to wear my shoes, they are all wet. WAHHHH. Jazlyn, put your shoes on!

Moving on. A brief stop in the toy section would make everyone happy, right? Right? Wrong. Brody, who was nearly hoarse from crying at this point, neeeeeded to look at the toys. So, loving mother that I am, I unstrapped him, and set him free. He ran straight to the bottom shelf and cleared it as quickly as his little arms could do so. While I dutifully returned each item to its proper place, Brody ran to the other side of the aisle and cleared it as well. Back to the cage. This is war. Time to go. Jazlyn, put on your shoes. I ripped the girls away from their Barbieland fantasy, and quickly headed to the front, not waiting for the guaranteed objections.

I scanned the crowded check-out lanes and chose the shortest one. Can I have this candy, Mom? No! By this time, Brody was a writhing ball of screaming baby. How about this one? No! He clasped my shirt and pulled with all his might. I picked him up and I hugged him to my body. He pushed away. This one? No! We are not getting any candy! I put him down, he wanted up. I picked him up, he tried to wiggle down, whining like I was really starting to annoy him. (Me annoy him!) People were starting to sneak glances in our direction. Ten minutes passed like this. Was the person in front of me buying the whole store?? Mooom, Look! Look! Jazlyn opened a candy!

That's it. We are outta here. I threw the two pairs of baby pants on top of the Coca-Cola case at the end of the lane, grabbed the candy and shoved it back on the shelf and turned to make our escape. Jazlyn was sobbing about wanting the candy. Brody was sobbing because he wanted freedom. The lady behind me looked so startled at my blazing eyes of fire, that I think I froze her. With my fire. She made a feeble attempt to move out of my way, but I wasn't going to wait. I circled her, and marched out the door, with every eye upon us. I was the horrible mom, with two sobbing children, with blazing eyes of fire. We marched out into the parking lot. Sophia, the only one not crying, dutifully stuck by my side, until she tripped and fell, scraping her knee. There we go. Now all three were crying. And where was our car? Wandering the parking lot with three sobbing children, and every eye in a three-mile range heaping their judgements upon you, is not fun. I'm just sayin.

We finally found it. I changed diapers. I breathed deeply. I gave hugs. I asked for forgiveness. We went home. Glorious home. Shopping is overrated.

The End.

P.S. Jazlyn's shoes never made it home. And I am not going back for them.

Same Difference

2011-08-29T21:01:00.002-05:00

A worried woman went to her gynecologist and said: "Doctor, I have a serious problem and desperately need your help! My baby is not even 1 year old and I'm pregnant again. I don't want kids so close together."

So the doctor said: "Ok, and what do you want me to do?"

She said: "I want you to end my pregnancy, and I'm counting on your help with this."

The doctor thought for a little, and after some silence he said to the lady: "I think I have a better solution for your problem. It's less dangerous for you too."

She smiled, thinking that the doctor was going to accept her request.

Then he continued: "You see, in order for you not to have to take care 2 babies at the same time, let's kill the one in your arms.This way, you could rest some before the other one is born. If we're going to kill one of them, it doesn't matter which one it is. There would be no risk for your body if you chose the one in your arms."

The lady was horrified and said: "No doctor! How terrible! It's a crime to kill a child!"

"I agree", the doctor replied. "But you seemed to be OK with it, so I thought maybe that was the best solution."

The doctor smiled, realizing that he had made his point. He convinced the mom that there is no difference in killing a child that's already been born and one that's still in the womb. The crime is the same.

"Love says I sacrifice myself for the good of the other person. Abortion says I sacrifice the other person for the good of myself..."
　
　(received via email, author unknown)

Ignorance is Bliss

2011-08-28T17:31:00.002-05:00

Accomplishing anything at my house automatically involves crying. If I am making dinner, there is at least one child crying at my feet that they are staaaarving. If I am folding laundry, there is at least one child crying as they topple over my piles of folded clothes. If I am washing a floor, there is at least one child crying after slipping on the floor. You get the picture.

People have often told me that they "just don't know how I handle all the chaos so well." I always nod my head and politely thank them. But I'm going to let you all in on a little secret:

I have not learned to handle it really well, I have learned to ignore it really well.

House Cancer

2011-08-25T13:40:00.000-05:00

Our house has cancer. Ceiling cancer to be exact.

The tumor

The surgeon

Circa 1987

2011-08-25T00:13:00.000-05:00

Me, Mom (Becky), Ben, Dad (Jim), Andy

Growing

2011-08-25T00:05:00.002-05:00

Check out my new pages. Above.

Bloomed

2011-08-23T21:11:00.004-05:00

At eighteen, when I was thrown from my comfortable life into college, I felt lost. I hear this is common. My love of creative arts was just about to blossom, but was still only a bud showing its first hint of color. I didn't find any majors in scrap booking. I toyed with the idea of jewelry-making for about a minute. Cosmetology teased my thoughts several times. I always found a reason to reject concentrating in any one area, because frankly, I was lazy. I couldn't wait to graduate high school, and to be perfectly honest, only went to college because my loving parents urged me to. (This is not news to you, right, Mom and Dad?) The closest major to anything "artsy" that my small Christian college had was Liberal Arts. So after a year, I transferred to a state university. When I started my second year of college, I looked into Early Childhood Education, hoping that would satisfy my creative side. After sitting through my first class, I dropped it, and changed my major to Liberal Arts. (The official major of Un-decideds everywhere.) I was really only interested in one major at that point: marriage. I didn't even want to finish my second semester. I had a wonderful man who wanted to marry me just as much as I wanted to marry him. Why bother finishing? But once again, loving parents to the rescue. After reminders that I only had one semester left to get my Associates in Liberal Arts, I trudged back to school and graduated.

Fast forward ten years. I am now a twenty-eight year old mom of three. My oldest is three. I stay busy. My interest in creative arts is now in full bloom. (Who knew it took seven years of marriage and three kids to open that bud?) My interests have matured, and now I see a dozen different paths I would love to run down. Photography, writing, interior design, painting, wedding planning, sewing, fashion...

But for now, my biggest interest is my family. My children. My husband. Perhaps someday I'll have time to pursue these passions more intensely, but for now, I photograph my kids, I write on my blog, I decorate our house, I paint art for our walls, I sew blankets for our beds and curtains for our windows, and well, my fashion right now is thrift store made. (Who am I wearing? Oh, my shoes are Goodveel, but this top is Valyoo!) But I love it. I love it all. I love how easily my interests fit into my daily life as a wife, mother, homemaker.

Conversation

2011-08-02T15:46:00.000-05:00

Sophia was in the midst of instruction after committing a series of heinous crimes, when the following conversation ensued...

Me: Sophia, you are letting sin win in your heart. Jesus is fighting against the sin in your heart, but you need to need fight against the sin too, and help Jesus to win in your heart. Do you want sin to win? Or Jesus to win?

Sophia, (pointing to her chest): Mom, Jesus is playing golf in there?

Moving Forward

2011-08-02T14:12:00.000-05:00

I must confess, I have had a hard time posting again, (even though I have no shortage of material to post) because as soon as I publish a new post, that means that the posts about Flynn aren't on top anymore. They aren't the first thing I see when I log on. As the days march on, the hurt of losing Flynn grows a little dimmer, and that terrifies me. So I log on at least once a day to watch the "Tribute to Flynn" video. I don't want to forget. I want to remember Flynn and what he meant to me, to our family, just as much as the day we lost him.

But God is healing my heart, and teaching me that I will never forget our precious babe. That it is okay to continue with normal life. That moving forward, does not mean forgetting. So here come the posts... Flynn will always be in my heart, even if he is not the topic of my latest post.

Tribute to Flynn

2011-07-27T18:03:00.003-05:00

This is much more for my benefit than any of yours. It was a crucial step for me in grieving and moving forward. I need to make sure Flynn's life, though it was very short, is still recognized as a life. He was here. He was part of our family. Part of our present. Part of our future. So I made this video to capture the memories we made as a family during his short life. So I can look back and remember these days.

Celebration of Life

2011-07-25T19:27:00.000-05:00

We set today aside as a celebration of life in honor of Flynn. Jared took the day off, and we spent the morning together as a family.

First thing this morning, we woke up and headed to Lakefront Park to feed the ducks

Next stop, the CANDY SHOP. Naturally.

Knokes

Then, off to the park...

the boys chillin at the park

Sophie Cole

The Brode Toad!

Restin with Mama

Jazi Lu

i love him.

By that time, the kids needed naps, and Mom and Dad needed some quality time alone to digest everything. So my amazing sister, Anna, came to play with the kids while we escaped for awhile. We enjoyed a delicious lunch at Agave Kitchen, talked, cried together, and made the final decision on his middle name, Vidal (full of life).

It wasn't all smiles today. Many tears were shed. I broke down (again) when our onion petals arrived and this was the first one Jared picked up.

YUM-O

Chimichanga!

Me and my loves

Tonight, to finish off the celebration, I am making a big batch of banana smoothie. For the past several weeks during the pregnancy, one of the things that always sounded good when nothing else did, was a banana smoothie. Ironic, since I'm normally not crazy about banana flavored things. But I guess Flynn was ; )

Flynn Vidal

2011-07-25T17:09:00.000-05:00

Flynn Vidal

The good Lord saw fit to invite our sweet precious baby to live with Him in heaven today. Through our deep sadness at missing out on Flynn's life here in our family, we know in our hearts that he got the best life possible right from the start. So we have cause to be jealous of sweet baby Flynn.

We told Sophia and Jazlyn how wonderful their brother's life is in Heaven, and that he is playing with Jesus, and Grandma Jan, right now. Sophia has shed several tears for her lost sibling, which is one of the first glimpses of true compassion we have seen born in her heart (and thus makes Mama burst into a fresh round of tears).

HIS NAME

FLYNN

I was seven weeks along when Flynn went to his new home. We asked Sophia and Jazlyn if they thought the baby was a boy or girl. They both shouted "BOY!" So there ya have it. It was a boy. And when asked what we should name our baby boy, Sophia dreamily crooned, "Flynn Ryyyyder." (Tangled, anyone?) Jazlyn agreed wholeheartedly. And that's how Flynn was chosen.

VIDAL

Jared has a lot of Italian blood in his veins, so we had decided last week that for this baby we wanted to choose an Italian name. After I realized I was miscarrying, I felt an urgent need to find a perfect name to honor our precious baby. When I read the meaning of the name "Vidal," I couldn't hold it together anymore. I knew it was the right name. It was perfect. Vidal means "full of life." We know that Flynn is more full of life now than he ever would've been here.

We love you Flynn Vidal.

Family Photo

2011-07-18T20:07:00.000-05:00

Check out our new family photo we had taken this weekend...

Oh Brody! You Shouldn't Have!

2011-07-06T23:41:00.000-05:00

Ok, perhaps a little self-indulgent.

I'll take my thanks however I can get it right now.

I'm T-t-t-t-tired

2011-06-23T08:27:00.000-05:00

We hung this up, well, for Father's Day. Four days ago.

Apparently, I have a stutter when I write. OR an extreme case of sleep deprivation, which would also explain why I just noticed this now.

Momcation

2011-06-21T21:47:00.000-05:00

Sophia, with bag slung over her shoulder: "Mom, you won't see me tomorrow. I'm going on a trip."
Me: "Oh! I'll miss you! Have a fun trip!"
(Sophia leaves, throwing kisses as she walks into her room. Re-enters five minutes later.)

Me: "Oh! Are you back from your trip? How was it?"
Sophia: "There were kids all over me."
Me: "Ooooh, yep. Sounds about right."

My Garden is on a Diet.

2011-06-20T11:23:00.001-05:00

This "summer" is doing wonders for my garden...

...and my waistline.

Nathrena

2011-06-20T10:34:00.003-05:00

CONGRATULATIONS

NATHAN & SARENA!

It rained ALL day during their (outdoor) wedding, but in a sheer stroke of genious last winter, they decided to order a white umbrella for each guest on the off chance it would rain on their wedding day. I think the pictures are going to be positively charming. A sea of white umbrellas. The wedding party also did a series of pictures with the umbrellas, which I am just dying to see. It was a gorgeous wedding, and everything went amazingly well. And the dance was a riot. Fun times had by all.

Nate and Sarena, we pray that your marriage will reflect Christ's love for the Church, just as it was created to do. We pray your marriage is centered always on Christ, and that you grow together in love and devotion, so that you may experience a small taste of the extreme love Christ has for us. WE LOVE YOU!

Huz and Wife

First dance

Cake!

My new sis and me

Me and my dearest Love

Screen Shot

2011-06-15T16:02:00.000-05:00

The screen on our digital camera broke.
Or rather, got stepped on.
Or dropped.
I'm not sure which.

The point is, it looks like a rainbow... on steroids. And this happens to be a very modern camera. Modern cameras have no need for viewfinders, cuz hey, you've got that 3 inch HD screen on the back.

Until...
It gets stepped on.
Or dropped.
I'm not sure which.

Here She Comes Again...

2011-06-13T19:25:00.001-05:00

Here Comes the Bride(s)...

2011-06-13T10:21:00.000-05:00

With all of the wedding buzz we are in the midst of, the girls have discovered the transforming power of a veil. It instantly makes them feel like the most beautiful princess that ever existed. That much is apparent with one glance at the tender glow emanating from their eyes. Their whole face and body language changed drastically as soon as that veil touched their little heads. It made Mama a little emotional.

Jazlyn Lucia

Here comes the bride

Ready to kiss her groom

Sophia Colette

The bride and her daddy

Mr. and Mrs.

2011-06-13T09:59:00.001-05:00

Last weekend, I got to play wedding coordinator at Kyle and Haylee's wedding! It was a long couple of months, and a lot of work, but it all paid off that night. It was the best wedding I've been to in a long time. (Thank you AGAIN, to everyone who helped set up/clean up!! You made my job easy!)

Me and the GORGEOUS Mrs. Sommer

BFFs

Wiggin Out

2011-06-13T09:49:00.002-05:00

I get another sister this weekend!

Sarena is marrying Jared's brother, Nathan

(Sorry Sarena, I gave you fair warning)

Ha!! Love you!

Sarena and me partying hardy at the bachelorette party!
(Yes, I am a closet poet)

Irresistable

2011-06-13T09:22:00.003-05:00

Night and Day

2011-06-13T08:48:00.001-05:00

Every morning, without fail, Jazlyn springs out of bed at 7:30 with a smile on her face, enthusiastically greets the day, throws open the door, skips down the hallway to our room, and jumps into bed with me. She is the happiest (and most annoying) alarm clock I have ever had.

Every morning, without fail, Sophia sleeps until breakfast is a distant memory, scowls at anyone who dares to enter her room, and rolls out of bed only after a good 30 minutes of forethought, blinking slowly as if she can just not handle the thought of wakefulness.

Bustin' a Move

2011-05-29T16:35:00.000-05:00

Full Moon

2011-05-29T15:52:00.000-05:00

Brody Turned 1...

2011-05-12T09:00:00.000-05:00

...in March.

Upon returning home, we spent the week painting and unpacking (next post), and then in our insanity, braved the 8th largest blizzard in the history of the Midwest to get a Christmas tree...

Ready to conquer the elements

Marshmallow man

Brutal...

and insane.

The girls with their favorite man in the world!

How can this many people ALL be so crazy?

Decorating the tree!

Please note the amazing ornament placement. This is my FAVORITE Christmas tree yet...

Our deck after the storm

Our picture perfect picture window.

Each morning brings a new delightful present!

On Wednesday, we brought the girls to their first movie at the movie theater!
Please note: they both wore their Tangled dresses that they got for their birthday. So funny :)

We saw Tangled (HIGHLY recommend!) and they have not stopped talking about it since.

And THAT has been our December so far.
Now, on to Christmas...
Here we go.

Home, Sweet Home

2010-12-02T15:31:00.000-06:00

We have a house!!!
This has been a C-R-A-Z-Y adventure, that I'm overjoyed to be done with. We started actively searching for a house last September (as in, 2009). We attempted to put offers in on 3 houses, but all three times, another offer was accepted before we could even write ours. We succeeded in putting an offer on another house, but got beat out with a higher offer. That's when we started to watch the housing market with an eagle eye. As soon as an interesting house would pop up, we would schedule a walk thru as quick as possible and submit our offer same-day. We found a suitable house (though, not ideal) that was a short sale and submitted our offer, and then proceeded to wait.... FOR.EV.ER. Seven months later, when we still had not received an answer from the bank (no acceptance, OR denial of our offer), we began our search once again. We found this gem, scheduled our walk-thru, fell in love, submitted our offer, and had an acceptance from the bank all within 36 hours!!! What?! Yeah!
After two full months of playing games with our broker, we scheduled our closing date for Novemeber 15th. But our broker wasn't ready. So we requested a two week delay, and rescheduled our closing day for November 30th, with the understanding that if we did not close then, we would have a difficult time persuading the bank to delay again. After two more weeks of shenanigans with our broker, we arrived at November 30th, closing day, with still no concrete promise of closing that day. We didn't even know for sure if we were closing until 11:30am... closing was scheduled for 1:00pm. We arrived, signed papers, and then waited for the funds to wire transfer to complete the process. They didn't come. So we left, with our closing incomplete. BUT! At 5:00pm, we got a call that the funds had transferred and the house was now ours. OURS. Yes, ours.

And we moved in.

Amazing, God. Thank you.

Monkey Butt

2010-11-24T23:02:00.000-06:00

Ever since Brody solved the mystery of crawling a few days ago, all I see is his rear end. I missed his sweet face smiling at me all day...

Problem solved.

Step Aside, Elvis

2010-11-19T17:03:00.001-06:00

We are getting festive over here this afternoon. I have my "Christmas Tree" candle burning. We're sipping on egg nog. I set my phone to the Christmas station on Pandora, and let the music blare. After a few minutes, a deep, sultry voice crooned, "I'llllllll be hoooome for Christmas..." Sophia's eyes light up. She looked up at me with excited eyes and squealed,

"That's DADDY singing!! Mama! It's Daddy!!"

"Oh! Really? I think that's Elvis."

"No! It's DADDY!"

Lovely Locks

2010-11-17T16:10:00.001-06:00

Sophia and I have really been enjoying our afternoons together while the young'ns are napping...

Sophia worked her magic once again!

Camera ready

Picture perfect

Ready for a date with my little man

He reeeeallly liked my hair... I'm not kidding. He wanted to eat it.

Me and my personal hair dresser

(And by the way, Sophia took a lot of these photos. Not bad for a 3 year old!)

Tread Lightly

2010-11-16T14:49:00.001-06:00

Brody is a funny little sleeper. He sleeps in our room in a crib. He can sleep through some of the girl's screams from the other room, but when we make the almost inaudible noise of pulling back our covers to climb in bed, he wakes up. It has become a running joke between Jared and I. Last night, as we climbed into bed, Brody started to stir. I got an inch from Jared's ear and whispered,

"Shhh! You're breathing too loud!"

He came right back with,

"No, I think there was some lotion on my hands that just evaporated."

A loud laugh exploded from within me and I could not contain it. Brody did not wake up. Go figure.

Snow Much Fun

2010-11-13T14:32:00.001-06:00

Guess what we woke up to this morning?

The view out our back door

Instant winter

Heavily laden branches bent over under the weight of the snow almost touching the ground

"I wanna get on my snow coat, and my snow mittens and go outside in da snow, Mommy."

First steps in the 2010 winter wonderland

She was so delighted, she was giggling.

Playing with Mama

Makin snowballs!

"I like snow, Mama!"

Snow throne made by Daddy

Snow princess on her snow throne

Booster chair

Trying out the booster!

Happy Heart

2010-11-08T18:05:00.000-06:00

Sophia was born with a VSD (hole between two chambers of the heart). When she was less than a year old, the hole closed rapidly, but not entirely. So today, we had what we were hoping to be her last cardiologist appointment. We prepared her ahead of time by telling her she would get to have stickers and wires all over her tummy. She was SO EXCITED to go the heart doctor, and told everyone she was gonna have "stickers and fire on her tummy!"

Sophia at our last visit

Hooking up for the EKG

So happy about all the stickers and wires!

She had to lay very still during the EKG. She did excellent!

After we were finished, she wanted them to put the stickers and wires back on! It went to fast for her.

The Dr concluded that she does still have a teeny tiny hole, but it is nothing to worry about at all. She asked us to come back when she is six to another check up.

Ring Bling

2010-11-08T17:48:00.002-06:00

I guess Sophia thought Daddy's ring needed a little... something extra. She asked him to take it off, and handed it back to him like this a moment later...

I think it's an improvement.

When Mom's Too Busy...

2010-11-05T19:28:00.000-05:00

...writing on her blog, sometimes you've just got to do things yourself.

Like get your sister changed and dressed.

Grown Up Speak

2010-11-05T18:58:00.001-05:00

As Sophia gets older, she uses more "grown up" phrases everyday. It always takes me by surprise, and always makes me laugh.

Here are two from today:

#1~~

Me: Sophia and Jazlyn, are you in the bathroom?

Sophia, walking out of the bathroom: Mamaaa! We're hangin' out.

#2~~

Me: Soph, I'm going to put Strawberry Shortcake on now.

Sophia: That's a-MAZ-ing, Mama!

Bad Dreams

2010-11-03T15:54:00.000-05:00

Every single morning the following scene plays out:

Walking into the girls' room...

Me: Good morning Angels, how did you sleep?

Jaz: Goot!

Me: Good! Did you have any dreams?

Jaz: YAH!!

Me: What did you dream about?

Jaz: Baby Jesus!

Me: Baby Jesus?! That's wonderful!!!

Sophia, sad face: I have bad dreams.

Me: You had bad dreams?? Oh no! What were your bad dreams about?

Sophia: NOT about baby Jesus.

Every morning.
Without fail.

Shout Out

2010-11-01T22:25:00.000-05:00

This one's for you, Jared.

I had a prior commitment on Sunday evening this week (Halloween night), and I missed part of our girls' first time trick-or-treating (I was able to join them later). As I drove away in one direction, and watched Cinderella, Tink, and Blacktooth pile into the van with Yanni, I lost it. I cried hard. I hated missing this. And it was just Halloween. Not that important, but I wanted to be there. I wanted to see their shining faces, and hear their shouts of delight.

Driving away and missing it because I was honoring my commitment was difficult and I only got through it with tears.

This is what Jared does every day. He goes to work nine hours a day, five days a week, knowing full well that he is going to miss a whole heap of "firsts." And yet I have never once heard the words "It's not fair" fall from his lips. I have heard the way his heart aches over missing these treasured moments, but I have never once even detected an attitude of resentment. Every time he leaves this house, he honors the commitment he made to provide for this family. Every time he walks out the door, he ensures us of the extreme love bound up in his heart for all of us. Every time, he knows he will miss something amazing, but he sacrifices the joy I get to experience daily, to provide for our needs.

Jared, you are quite a man. Thank you for sacrificing so much for the sake of your family. It does not go unnoticed or unappreciated. You are a hard worker, wonderful husband, and amazing daddy. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I love you.

Happy Halloween!

2010-11-01T09:43:00.000-05:00

BEST Halloween yet...

Cinderella

Tink

Pirate

Arrr!

Our princesses ready to go!

First up, trick-or-treating with the cousin Emma!

Next, over to hang at Minnie Mouse's house!

We spent the evening with Baboo, Uncle Tom, Josh, Shinae and Phoebe!

Yanni (obviously) and his pirate baby

Yanni, Yanni's wife (obviously), and their pirate baby

YARRR!

Sophia RAN from house to house, exclaiming after each one "Oh Mama! This is SO FUN!"

Stopping to inspect the potentially dangerous pumpkin

Ding dong!

Best Halloween ever!

What a perfect little pixie

Going through the loot

Stuck

2010-10-28T22:51:00.001-05:00

Gettin' Around

2010-10-28T22:45:00.000-05:00

7 Months

2010-10-28T22:36:00.000-05:00

My little man is going to be 7 months old on Halloween. He is seriously a little man, not a baby anymore (seriously, just LOOK at him!) He never stops moving and always has a ready smile. We're best buds. :)

He just decided one day last week that sitting around was waaaay overrated. So he moved... and hasn't stopped since.

Lil Dude

2010-10-28T22:15:00.000-05:00

There is a special place in Mama's heart for this little man...

Consider Yourself Warned:

2010-10-28T22:08:00.000-05:00

Apparently, I'm not supposed to flat iron my eye brows? Dang.

Soren and Freya

2010-10-26T19:25:00.000-05:00

"Jazlyn, please put away all the movies you took out."

2010-10-26T12:47:00.001-05:00

Thanks.

Heaven

2010-10-23T01:25:00.000-05:00

Sophia: Mama, where is He (God)?

Me: He is with us all the time. We can't see Him, but He is always here with us. We will go be with Him in Heaven when we die. And you know what? Grandma Jan, Daddy's mama, is living with Jesus in Heaven right now! We can see both of them when we go to heaven!

S: Where is it? We go dare?

Me: We can't go there right now, but after we are done living this life, we can live with Jesus in Heaven if we love Him with all our heart.

S: But we go dare?

Me: We can't go there now, Honey, but we do have to go in the car. Let's get our shoes on.

[Later... in the car]

S: Where we goin, Mama?

Me: We're going to JoAnn's (fabrics)

S (squeals): YAAAAY!! YAAAY!! We gonna see Grandma Jan and Jesus!!

Sometimes Mama confuses JoAnn's with Heaven too.

Life as a Mom

2010-10-19T22:37:00.000-05:00

Sophia's favorite thing to do these days is care for her new twins, Soren and Freya, "just like Auntie Ariel."

This morning was a busy one caring for the twins. First, they needed a nap...

2010-10-19T21:45:00.000-05:00

After she put the twins down for a nap, she walked straight to the kitchen, got my pump bottles, hooked them up, climbed up in the rocking chair, and informed us that she was pumping milk for the babies...
She asked me to pour the milk she pumped into a bottle for the twins, because it was time for them to eat.

She got them up from their nap, laid them on the couch, and took turns feeding them.
The twins were both very happy after eating. (See?) She proclaimed "See Mama!?? They like it!"

Bewfull

2010-10-19T21:37:00.000-05:00

Sophia: Mommy! No dance!

Me: Why not?

Sophia: Eecuz it's not so bewful.

Me: God thinks it is. He always thinks its beautiful when Mama dances, even if you don't. It is not very kind to tell someone that they are not beautiful, Honey. Can you please say sorry to Mama for saying I'm not beautiful?

Sophia (completely serious): Sorry you're not bewful Mama.

Head On Collision

2010-10-18T21:32:00.000-05:00

Fat lip...

Tooth-hole...

...but still best friends

Soren and Freya

2010-10-16T13:48:00.001-05:00

Welcome precious little ones!

Congratulations Ben and Ariel!

We love your new family of FIVE!!

BEAUTIFUL.

Clean Up!

2010-10-12T22:06:00.000-05:00

Oddly, my children don't like to clean up. (Shocking, I know.) So I made up a song to sing while we're cleaning, in hopes it would make it a trifle more enjoyable. Sophia's version is even better than mine...

Changin' Jazi's Butt

2010-10-12T21:27:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday, Beautiful Jazlyn!

2010-10-11T22:27:00.000-05:00

My precious girly-bug, Jazi, turned TWO on October 7th. She is such a rascal, and always keeps us on our toes. She is vibrant and energetic, and we love her vivaciousness. She is always going, always moving, always discovering new things. She is affectionate and cuddly at times, and loves playing with (i.e. tormenting) her big sister.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MY BEAUTIFUL DAUGHTER!!!

Princess Jazlyn and her faithful friend Tinkerbell

Princess sisters

When asked what they wanted for their special birthday dinner from Papa, they both agreed on McNuggets. So Papa bought about 50 nuggets from McD's for dinner. When asked what they wanted for birthday dessert, they shouted "Canny! Canny! Canny!" So this is what we came up with...

Birthday Sisters. It makes me happy to think that there will be years and years of pictures just like this one. :)

Goin' to the Chapel...

2010-10-06T11:54:00.000-05:00

...and they're gonna get maaaaaaaarried.

I'M GONNA BE A SISTER... AGAIN!!!

Nate and Sarena go engaged this past weekend!!

Welcome to the family Sarena! We love you already and look forward to many, many years of making memories with you. You crashed into all of our lives so quickly, and we all fell in love with you just as quickly. I am thrilled that I get to call you not only "sister-in-Christ," but now also just "Sister."

WOOT! WOOT!

Rules

2010-09-28T08:24:00.000-05:00

I am determined to make a little gentleman out of my boy. So everyday, while I change his diaper, we go over the "rules of being a gentleman." All of the rules are based on his short life experiences, and here is what we have come up with so far. Feel free to add your own rules. We will work them into our daily lesson. Our conversation usually goes like this:

"Now Brodes, you need to grow up to be a gentleman, and treat the ladies right. First rule of being a gentleman: don't pull on a lady's hair! Second rule, don't yank a lady's earrings! Third rule, do NOT under any circumstance bite a lady's nipple! And fourth, do not poop on your mom."

To which he always sweetly smiles and replies "Yes Ma'am."

Cupcakes

2010-09-27T20:59:00.000-05:00

It's my Birthday!

2010-09-27T20:48:00.000-05:00

Happy 3rd Birthday Sophia!

2010-09-27T18:26:00.000-05:00

Sophie with her super special princess cupcakes

Birthday picnic

Party Time!

2010-09-27T15:02:00.000-05:00

We celebrated Sophia's and Jazlyn's birthdays last Saturday! It was so much fun, and perhaps a little chaotic, with ten (count em, TEN!) children under 3 running around!

Ready for friends

Auntie Shinae brought a princess dress up box, which was, of course, the hit of the party!

Princess Jazlyn

Princess Sophia

Some of the kidlets

Even Easton wanted in on the dress up action :)

All the kidlets!

Birthday girls

Sophia talked about having a princess cake for a solid MONTH before the party. Here she is...

Cake time!

Our growing family!

Rich and Jared's mini-me's

This is how it usually goes between Jared and Richard too.

Having a blast!

Playin with SJ

This is SO MUCH FUN!