Today is 9/11. We have spent the day trying to explain to our older two girls the importance of what today means to our country. They don't get it. They try but to them war, violence, terrorism happens so far away from thier lives. Those are things that happen on TV and in other countries. I am so grateful that my children's lives are like that, that there innoncence has not been taken by those horrible things in life. But as far as Jeremy and I, we understand. On that day 10 yrs ago, something was taken from us. Maybe innocence is the wrong word, but we know now what we did not know then, the USA is not invincible and terrorism can happen anywhere.
It was the day before my birthday, we were both 20 yrs old and had recently gotten married. I was 11 weeks pregnant for Caroline and was excited about my first dr.'s visit that day. Jeremy was woken up by a phone call from a friend in Mandeville telling him that one of the World Trade Center towers had been hit by a plane. We both jumped up and watch the horror unfold on TV. We both had classes that day but I don't remember making it to any of them. We made it to school but ended up watching the TV at the NCM. I know that as I watched all of it, the magnitude did not sink in, it was surreal.
Later that day, we had an appointment. We both saw Caroline on an ultrasound for the first time. We watched her cut flips, seeing her face, then her feet, then her face again. The moment was so precious to us but the dread that hung over it was awful. After the appointment, we looked at each other and we both had the same question. "How could we bring a child into such an awful world?"
I spent the afternoon at work. I worked at the daycare on campus and I think that is when things began to sink in. I remember moms coming in with huge tears in their eyes asking for thier babies. They could not be apart from them that day.
Today, 10 yrs later, I still cry when I see the footage. I am not a political person but I am a patriot. I learned that day how precious freedom is, and I pray each day that I can instill that gratefulness in my children.
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Friday, September 9, 2011
A Walk
After a long and overwhelming summer, school has started again and so has the urge to blog. I have been so busy, sitting down to blog was WAY at the bottom of my to do list. Now that life is returning to a normal school routine, I realized how much I missed blogging. I know that this means we are in need of an update but today is just a simple blog, the update will come later.
The weather has finally started to cool down and so this morning we decided to go for a walk. My two boys have had some kind of cold and we have been holed up in the house for a week now. The walk was so much fun. Thatcher kept commenting on how beautiful it was outside.
Blake enjoyed riding in the stroller and being pushed by her big brothers.
And Ayden would just plop down in the road and enjoy the view.
At the end of the walk, we realized that somewhere along the way Ayden had lost his pacey. Thatch refused to walk back to find it. Since he has been sick, I didn't push him, so we all climb in the car, drove down the road and found Ayden's pacey. The things mothers do for thier child's favorite pacey!!
The weather has finally started to cool down and so this morning we decided to go for a walk. My two boys have had some kind of cold and we have been holed up in the house for a week now. The walk was so much fun. Thatcher kept commenting on how beautiful it was outside.
Blake enjoyed riding in the stroller and being pushed by her big brothers.
And Ayden would just plop down in the road and enjoy the view.
At the end of the walk, we realized that somewhere along the way Ayden had lost his pacey. Thatch refused to walk back to find it. Since he has been sick, I didn't push him, so we all climb in the car, drove down the road and found Ayden's pacey. The things mothers do for thier child's favorite pacey!!
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Pictures from this week!
Blake dressed up for Mother's Day.
All the kiddos.
Ayden being a boy!
Notice his fluff!
Our girls!
Naptime and snacks!
All the kiddos.
Ayden being a boy!
Notice his fluff!
Our girls!
Naptime and snacks!
Friday, May 6, 2011
Making Friends
I wrote a few weeks ago about coming out of my fog from years of having babies. Well, my new challenge is I am bored!! I know, I know, I watch 3 kids all day long, I do laundry, dishes, and keep a house clean for 7 people. I am still bored!! Now that I am not overwhelmed with diapers, feedings, and lack of sleep, I want to get out and do stuff. I do have to say, my house is never really clean. I am have come to the conclusion that housework is just not a strong point for me. Maybe one day, I will be able to afford a maid. Anyways, back to being bored. No more fog, means I have to occupy my time more efficiently. I really need to start a hobby. My mom has said she will teach me how to sew, which sounds okay. At least it is something to do. The other thing I would like to start doing is making friend again. I now feel like I could be a decent friend. Before, by the time I finished with all my kids and my husband, I had no energy to be a good friend. I can now officially say, I think I am ready to socialize again. There is just one BIG hiccup in that plan, keeping all my kids well. UGH!! Everytime I have tried to schedule a playdate with someone, somebody in my house has caught something contagious! Last week during spring break, we all had 5th's disease.
I miss going to church! I know I would make good friends at our church but to get there seems impossible sometimes. I guess, this is one of those lessons you learn when you have a big family. Especially when your big family, has little ones in it. Just because your ready to move on to the next step in life, does not mean the rest of the family is. What I do know, is that things continuely get better. A year ago, jumping up and going to the lakefront would have been impossible. Now that is a weekly thing. So maybe by the end of this summer, Jeremy and I will be social bugs again. I have so much faith that God has people out there that are suppose to be apart of our lives. I get all giggly thinking about it. :)
I miss going to church! I know I would make good friends at our church but to get there seems impossible sometimes. I guess, this is one of those lessons you learn when you have a big family. Especially when your big family, has little ones in it. Just because your ready to move on to the next step in life, does not mean the rest of the family is. What I do know, is that things continuely get better. A year ago, jumping up and going to the lakefront would have been impossible. Now that is a weekly thing. So maybe by the end of this summer, Jeremy and I will be social bugs again. I have so much faith that God has people out there that are suppose to be apart of our lives. I get all giggly thinking about it. :)
Friday, April 29, 2011
Wonderful Photos from a Great Photographer and friend!
If you remember a while back, Jeremy and I took Blake and Ayden to take pictures. Well, I must share!! These photos were taken by the same friend who took the other photos shown on this blog. She is unbelievably good!! She has a knack for capturing beautiful pictures, without making small children pose. She is also one of the sweetest people I know! If you are in the Southeast Louisiana area and need a good photographer, she is the person to call!!! (and yes, I am shamelessly promoting her business!)
Here are a few of my favorites pictures from our shoot.
If you would like to see more of her pictures, go to her blog.
ambervphotography.blogspot.com
Here are a few of my favorites pictures from our shoot.
If you would like to see more of her pictures, go to her blog.
ambervphotography.blogspot.com
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
And now for an update...2011
Two posts in one day!! I can't believe I am doing it!! So I am sure it is time for an update on The Rich family. Here goes:
Jeremy: He is working his booty off a very long drive away from home. He has had some blows lately. His car breaking and me being sick. He really has been handling alot of stress lately. He is doing well since just having a wife and 5 kids is normally stressful. He is still an awesome husband and Dad!!
Caroline: She is 9 now. :( She is growing up so fast. This is her last year in elementary school and will be going to middle school in the fall. She has lost about 15lbs and is fitting in clothes that were too tight last summer. She looks so pretty and I am so proud of her for working hard to get into shape and be healthier. She is also playing softball. Her team has played two games and not lost yet.
Kylie: She is 7 now. She lost both front teeth. ;) She is so much different than her sister. She is taking tap and ballet and is also playing violin. She excels at everything she attempts without much effort. Her "Make Mandeville Clean" poster won at her grade level for her school. Kylie loves to learn and spends alot of time looking up facts so she can tell us new things.
Thatch: He is 3 1/2 now. He is definitely our comedian. He does anything to make us laugh and is always smiling. He has the biggest heart! He went for a speech evaluation and qualified for a further assessment in articulation. They will also check his fluency at that time. Right now, his two favorite things are superheros and dinosaurs.
Ayden: Ayden is 1 1/2 now. He is much happier than he used to be. He is still my problem child but we do not have days where he screams continually. He is more light hearted and spends most of his time making sure Blake doesn't play with any of his toys. He is starting to talk. His vocabulary is Da-dee, Kylie, Jack, Mo (for Nemo), Bolt, Down, and more.
Blake: She is now almost 9 months. She is the sweetest, happiest baby anyone could ask for. She is round all over and has the sweetest smile. She absolutely LOVES her big siblings and always wants to be in the middle of them. She is crawling, pulling up and has two teeth.
Me: Well, most days I am good. I do get overwhelmed, alot! I was sick with a kidney infection for about 2 weeks. Those things are awful. I am coaching Caroline's softball team and having so much fun!! I still stink at housework but I am working on getting better. I have made it a point to find every way I can save money. Most days, by the end of the day, I am exhausted! Sometimes, I feel like thier is just not enough of me to go around! That is why my house is a mess. (or at least, that is the excuse I am using :)).
The most important thing Jeremy and I have learned in 2011, is how EXTREMELY BLESSED we are to have each other and our beautiful children. They teach us new things every day!
Jeremy: He is working his booty off a very long drive away from home. He has had some blows lately. His car breaking and me being sick. He really has been handling alot of stress lately. He is doing well since just having a wife and 5 kids is normally stressful. He is still an awesome husband and Dad!!
Caroline: She is 9 now. :( She is growing up so fast. This is her last year in elementary school and will be going to middle school in the fall. She has lost about 15lbs and is fitting in clothes that were too tight last summer. She looks so pretty and I am so proud of her for working hard to get into shape and be healthier. She is also playing softball. Her team has played two games and not lost yet.
Kylie: She is 7 now. She lost both front teeth. ;) She is so much different than her sister. She is taking tap and ballet and is also playing violin. She excels at everything she attempts without much effort. Her "Make Mandeville Clean" poster won at her grade level for her school. Kylie loves to learn and spends alot of time looking up facts so she can tell us new things.
Thatch: He is 3 1/2 now. He is definitely our comedian. He does anything to make us laugh and is always smiling. He has the biggest heart! He went for a speech evaluation and qualified for a further assessment in articulation. They will also check his fluency at that time. Right now, his two favorite things are superheros and dinosaurs.
Ayden: Ayden is 1 1/2 now. He is much happier than he used to be. He is still my problem child but we do not have days where he screams continually. He is more light hearted and spends most of his time making sure Blake doesn't play with any of his toys. He is starting to talk. His vocabulary is Da-dee, Kylie, Jack, Mo (for Nemo), Bolt, Down, and more.
Blake: She is now almost 9 months. She is the sweetest, happiest baby anyone could ask for. She is round all over and has the sweetest smile. She absolutely LOVES her big siblings and always wants to be in the middle of them. She is crawling, pulling up and has two teeth.
Me: Well, most days I am good. I do get overwhelmed, alot! I was sick with a kidney infection for about 2 weeks. Those things are awful. I am coaching Caroline's softball team and having so much fun!! I still stink at housework but I am working on getting better. I have made it a point to find every way I can save money. Most days, by the end of the day, I am exhausted! Sometimes, I feel like thier is just not enough of me to go around! That is why my house is a mess. (or at least, that is the excuse I am using :)).
The most important thing Jeremy and I have learned in 2011, is how EXTREMELY BLESSED we are to have each other and our beautiful children. They teach us new things every day!
My New Obsession
It has definitely been a while since I have written and we have done so many things that I should update about. But first, I must get this particular blog out of the way. I have a new obsession!! CLOTH DIAPERING!! WAIT!! Before all of you think I am crazy and on some impractical binge of buying things that I will never use, I must inform everyone, cloth diapers have evolved. But first, let me begin at the beginning.
It all started about 2 months before Blake was born. A very good friend of mine started cloth diapering her son. She began explaining the whole process to me. No more pins, or folding like the old diapers. The new ones have snaps and are as easy to put on as a disposable. The biggest problem (she told me) was the I would have an extra load of laundry every other day. Well, I really considered starting then, but to be honest, I was a grump when I pregnant for Blake. I could not imagine adding any extra housework to my daily or weekly routine.
Fast forward to about 2 weeks ago, and I started considering it again. To be truthful, we are struggling financially in Mandeville. Jeremy drives 128 miles a day and does get mileage, but when gas prices went up, his mileage rate did not. So I started considering CDing again, to save money. Now that I am out of my grump phase, and I actually read all of the info, I am HOOKED!! We figured we would save about $80-$120 a month by cloth diapering. Do you know how much money that is in a year????? I started by buying used ones on diaper swap pages. I got my first "fluff" mail Saturday and I was so so so very excited. I immediately washed them, so we could start.
By Sunday night, Ayden was demanding cloth instead of disposable. (we did not have enough cloth to go a whole day without some disposable use) That was all it took to sell me. Since then, I have been shopping and finding deals trying to up my stash, so we can go solely cloth. And yes, my friend was right, all it is is an extra wash daily (right now, b/c we don't have enough).
So you ask? How did it turn into an obsession? Well, cloth diapers are expensive to get started with. Most name brands run about $20 a diaper. So I really had to shop to find good deals. Well, as any girl knows, finding deals is so much FUN!! I have gotten diapers as cheap as $5 a diaper!!!
This new adventure had done so much for me! As a SAHM, finding something that makes you feel accomplished is very hard. Cleaning does not do it for me. I have too many kids, so once my house (or I should say a room) is clean, it takes about 5 mins before it is messy again. This CDing is helping me save money and help out the enviroment!! Can't get any better than that!!
Hello, my name is Kendra and I am a cloth diapering addict!!!
It all started about 2 months before Blake was born. A very good friend of mine started cloth diapering her son. She began explaining the whole process to me. No more pins, or folding like the old diapers. The new ones have snaps and are as easy to put on as a disposable. The biggest problem (she told me) was the I would have an extra load of laundry every other day. Well, I really considered starting then, but to be honest, I was a grump when I pregnant for Blake. I could not imagine adding any extra housework to my daily or weekly routine.
Fast forward to about 2 weeks ago, and I started considering it again. To be truthful, we are struggling financially in Mandeville. Jeremy drives 128 miles a day and does get mileage, but when gas prices went up, his mileage rate did not. So I started considering CDing again, to save money. Now that I am out of my grump phase, and I actually read all of the info, I am HOOKED!! We figured we would save about $80-$120 a month by cloth diapering. Do you know how much money that is in a year????? I started by buying used ones on diaper swap pages. I got my first "fluff" mail Saturday and I was so so so very excited. I immediately washed them, so we could start.
By Sunday night, Ayden was demanding cloth instead of disposable. (we did not have enough cloth to go a whole day without some disposable use) That was all it took to sell me. Since then, I have been shopping and finding deals trying to up my stash, so we can go solely cloth. And yes, my friend was right, all it is is an extra wash daily (right now, b/c we don't have enough).
So you ask? How did it turn into an obsession? Well, cloth diapers are expensive to get started with. Most name brands run about $20 a diaper. So I really had to shop to find good deals. Well, as any girl knows, finding deals is so much FUN!! I have gotten diapers as cheap as $5 a diaper!!!
This new adventure had done so much for me! As a SAHM, finding something that makes you feel accomplished is very hard. Cleaning does not do it for me. I have too many kids, so once my house (or I should say a room) is clean, it takes about 5 mins before it is messy again. This CDing is helping me save money and help out the enviroment!! Can't get any better than that!!
Hello, my name is Kendra and I am a cloth diapering addict!!!
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
The truth of the matter is we all have something that is a weakness. For me it is my weight, I like to bake and cook but I also like to eat those things too. Add in the genetics of a slow metabolism and here I am, overweight. But that is something,that if I work hard enough, will go away. I can be thin and in shape, with enough willpower, dieting, and workouts. My husband is not so lucky.
Jeremy stutters. His mom noticed it when he was about 4. She noticed he was trying to say something but his mouth just wouldn't let it come out. I don't know all the history but I know that when he moved from New Iberia to Mandeville, the stress of the move effected him and he was considered a severe stutterer. He has told me horrible stories about being bullied. Stories of no friends and crying himself to sleep. Junior high was miserable for him. Somehow, in high school, he fell into a group called Pride. This group gave him the confidence he need to beat back his speech problem. By the time he was a senior in high school, most of his friends did not realize he stuttered.
When Jeremy and I met, he had just moved to college and the stress had gotten to him again. He could no longer hide his stuttering. It got better as he became more comfortable with us (his friends) and school. After we married, Jeremy grew up alot very quickly. One of the things he had to face was his speech. It was one thing that was holding him back. It took a lot of praying and conversations with God but Jeremy finally realized that his speech was a part of him. That for whatever reason, God had given him this " thorn in his side" and that Jeremy would have to embrace it.
At the begining of this year, Jeremy started a support group for young stutterers. He has two little girls that go. They talk about how they are treated in school and how they can make people understand what stuttering is. He is starting to consider talking to different school kids so that he can maybe help childern understand stuttering and stop some of the bullying that goes with it. I can not express how unbelievably proud I am of him.
Now, I know that stuttering is not as horrible as everyone thinks it is. In fact, I go to Jeremy's group with him and try to help teach these kids that stuttering does not have to define who you are or what you are going to do with your life. But there is a hiccup in all of this, Thatcher has begun to stutter. Not nearly as bad as Jeremy did or even does now, but we have seen it. When he is nervous or scared, we see his mouth and neck tighten and nothing comes out. Now, with all the facts I know, I am struggling with this alot. I don't want my sweet little boy to get picked on. I don't want him to have all those problems his daddy had with friends and school.
I know that I will have to turn this over to God. I knew when Jeremy and I started having children that this was a huge possiblity. I guess, I am just shocked at how much it really does bother me.
Jeremy stutters. His mom noticed it when he was about 4. She noticed he was trying to say something but his mouth just wouldn't let it come out. I don't know all the history but I know that when he moved from New Iberia to Mandeville, the stress of the move effected him and he was considered a severe stutterer. He has told me horrible stories about being bullied. Stories of no friends and crying himself to sleep. Junior high was miserable for him. Somehow, in high school, he fell into a group called Pride. This group gave him the confidence he need to beat back his speech problem. By the time he was a senior in high school, most of his friends did not realize he stuttered.
When Jeremy and I met, he had just moved to college and the stress had gotten to him again. He could no longer hide his stuttering. It got better as he became more comfortable with us (his friends) and school. After we married, Jeremy grew up alot very quickly. One of the things he had to face was his speech. It was one thing that was holding him back. It took a lot of praying and conversations with God but Jeremy finally realized that his speech was a part of him. That for whatever reason, God had given him this " thorn in his side" and that Jeremy would have to embrace it.
At the begining of this year, Jeremy started a support group for young stutterers. He has two little girls that go. They talk about how they are treated in school and how they can make people understand what stuttering is. He is starting to consider talking to different school kids so that he can maybe help childern understand stuttering and stop some of the bullying that goes with it. I can not express how unbelievably proud I am of him.
Now, I know that stuttering is not as horrible as everyone thinks it is. In fact, I go to Jeremy's group with him and try to help teach these kids that stuttering does not have to define who you are or what you are going to do with your life. But there is a hiccup in all of this, Thatcher has begun to stutter. Not nearly as bad as Jeremy did or even does now, but we have seen it. When he is nervous or scared, we see his mouth and neck tighten and nothing comes out. Now, with all the facts I know, I am struggling with this alot. I don't want my sweet little boy to get picked on. I don't want him to have all those problems his daddy had with friends and school.
I know that I will have to turn this over to God. I knew when Jeremy and I started having children that this was a huge possiblity. I guess, I am just shocked at how much it really does bother me.
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Our day of fun!
For Christmas, I got Jeremy an aeral flight tour over New Orleans and the Mississippi River. (and before you think I spent a ton of money, it was through groupon.com) He was suppose to do his tour yesterday morning. Well we decide to meet him afterwards and spend the day (or most of it) at the zoo and having a picnic. Well, the flight got cancelled and we ended up driving over there all together.
We made it there 15 mins before the zoo opened. Gosh, I really didn't realize how crowded the zoo was on a Saturday. It was hectic but we made it through about half the zoo in 2 hours before the kids got hungry. Our kids had a blast at the zoo. They love animals and had the best time looking at everything. The hardest part was that we have little ones that just like to look at the animals and move on. Then we have two big girls who like to read all the information on the signs and watch any presentation on the animals imprompt to or not. Lets just say J and I had our hands full. Thatcher was so excited. We learned while we were there, that it was Earthfest and Ironman, Spiderman, and the Green Goblin were there. Thatch got to take a picture with them! He was so excited he could barely talk to them.
By noon everyone was starving, so we left the zoo to find a place to have a picnic. The picnic was a blast. Last year I bought this picnic blanket that zips up into a pouch and can handle any spills. It is a great investment if you have kids. Our thing is we probably need two now. LOL!! The kids ate and then ran around for a bit. We then headed home.
At home we opened these kits we had bought. It was dinosaur bones in a block of clay. You dig the bones out and then put the bones together to make a model dinosaur. Kylie and Thatch are into dinosaurs right now, so they had a blast. Caroline even had fun. It took forever to get the bones out of the clay so we are going to build the dinosaurs today.
Overall, we had a blast yesterday!! Life it getting easier for us everyday, as Ayden and Blake get a little older. J and I enjoy our family so much, we would never change a thing. It has taken a while but we are finally seeing the benefits of those sleepless nights with babies and so many dirty diapers. Life is great!!
We made it there 15 mins before the zoo opened. Gosh, I really didn't realize how crowded the zoo was on a Saturday. It was hectic but we made it through about half the zoo in 2 hours before the kids got hungry. Our kids had a blast at the zoo. They love animals and had the best time looking at everything. The hardest part was that we have little ones that just like to look at the animals and move on. Then we have two big girls who like to read all the information on the signs and watch any presentation on the animals imprompt to or not. Lets just say J and I had our hands full. Thatcher was so excited. We learned while we were there, that it was Earthfest and Ironman, Spiderman, and the Green Goblin were there. Thatch got to take a picture with them! He was so excited he could barely talk to them.
By noon everyone was starving, so we left the zoo to find a place to have a picnic. The picnic was a blast. Last year I bought this picnic blanket that zips up into a pouch and can handle any spills. It is a great investment if you have kids. Our thing is we probably need two now. LOL!! The kids ate and then ran around for a bit. We then headed home.
At home we opened these kits we had bought. It was dinosaur bones in a block of clay. You dig the bones out and then put the bones together to make a model dinosaur. Kylie and Thatch are into dinosaurs right now, so they had a blast. Caroline even had fun. It took forever to get the bones out of the clay so we are going to build the dinosaurs today.
Overall, we had a blast yesterday!! Life it getting easier for us everyday, as Ayden and Blake get a little older. J and I enjoy our family so much, we would never change a thing. It has taken a while but we are finally seeing the benefits of those sleepless nights with babies and so many dirty diapers. Life is great!!
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Our Week
I am interrupting this month of blogging about love ones to write a little bit about Jeremy and I's past week.
Thursday, Jeremy took the day off to spend it with me. It was our late Valentine's date. Our morning started with a photo shoot with Amber V. Who, by the way is AWESOME!! She got some great photos of Blake and Ayden. Midday was spent mostly buying stuff for Kylie's birthday party. The Valentine's date was to be Thursday night. We were going to the Winter Jam, a christian concert featuring 10 different artists/bands. We got to the concert early, since it was general admission and we wanted good seats. We stood in line for about 15 minutes when a man walks up to us. He explains that some of the volunteers for the concert did not show up and they needed extra help. He wanted to know if we could help. Of course, Jeremy and I said yes. We understood that we would miss some of the concert, well it ended up being most of the concert. We stood at the door taking admissions money for most of the night and then helped with the love offering the rest. Our date night turned into a work night. I did get to see Francesca Battisteli (who is my favorite) and Jeremy got to see Kutless ( who is one of his favorites) but it was definitely not the night we were looking forward too.
The next two days (Friday and Saturday morning) was dedicated to Kylie's birthday party. She is turning 7 on Tuesday and wanted an Alice in Wonderland Tea Party. I think I did pretty good considering we started everything Wednesday. We had about 10 kids show up and they had a blast! I have to admit Jeremy and I had a blast too.
Kylie in her dress
The Cake Table
The Table
Two Views of the Cake
Jeremy and I are so tired but it was all worth it!!!
Thursday, Jeremy took the day off to spend it with me. It was our late Valentine's date. Our morning started with a photo shoot with Amber V. Who, by the way is AWESOME!! She got some great photos of Blake and Ayden. Midday was spent mostly buying stuff for Kylie's birthday party. The Valentine's date was to be Thursday night. We were going to the Winter Jam, a christian concert featuring 10 different artists/bands. We got to the concert early, since it was general admission and we wanted good seats. We stood in line for about 15 minutes when a man walks up to us. He explains that some of the volunteers for the concert did not show up and they needed extra help. He wanted to know if we could help. Of course, Jeremy and I said yes. We understood that we would miss some of the concert, well it ended up being most of the concert. We stood at the door taking admissions money for most of the night and then helped with the love offering the rest. Our date night turned into a work night. I did get to see Francesca Battisteli (who is my favorite) and Jeremy got to see Kutless ( who is one of his favorites) but it was definitely not the night we were looking forward too.
The next two days (Friday and Saturday morning) was dedicated to Kylie's birthday party. She is turning 7 on Tuesday and wanted an Alice in Wonderland Tea Party. I think I did pretty good considering we started everything Wednesday. We had about 10 kids show up and they had a blast! I have to admit Jeremy and I had a blast too.
Kylie in her dress
The Cake Table
The Table
Two Views of the Cake
Jeremy and I are so tired but it was all worth it!!!
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Jeremy
Since yesterday was Valentine's Day, I figured I would write about my one true love. And that of course, would be Jeremy. There is not much to say that I haven't said before about how we met and fell in love. So I decided to write about the man he is today.
He is a wonderful father. He plays with our kids and tucks them in at night. He cleans puke and dirty diapers. He helps with homework and listens when one of them has a problem. He cooks dinner, washes dishes, and clothes. He helps me in whatever or whenever I need help. He is also the spiritual leader of our house and keeps God at the center of our marriage and family.
People joke about how much I enjoy our quiet time together at night. They say things like "that's why you have 5 kids" or "uh oh, here comes another baby". The funny thing is that our quiet times don't involve that part of our relationship. Sometimes, they are long serious chats and others all we do is laugh and giggle at our own silliness. We are not only husband and wife but best friends. Now of course we fight. There are times when I wonder how I could love and hate someone so much at one time. But when we fight, I never worry that he will leave and not come back. I know that he will love me no matter how many times we argue. He is the first person I have shown every side of me and yet, he still loves me. And of course, I love him more than any words on this blog could ever describe.
He is a wonderful father. He plays with our kids and tucks them in at night. He cleans puke and dirty diapers. He helps with homework and listens when one of them has a problem. He cooks dinner, washes dishes, and clothes. He helps me in whatever or whenever I need help. He is also the spiritual leader of our house and keeps God at the center of our marriage and family.
People joke about how much I enjoy our quiet time together at night. They say things like "that's why you have 5 kids" or "uh oh, here comes another baby". The funny thing is that our quiet times don't involve that part of our relationship. Sometimes, they are long serious chats and others all we do is laugh and giggle at our own silliness. We are not only husband and wife but best friends. Now of course we fight. There are times when I wonder how I could love and hate someone so much at one time. But when we fight, I never worry that he will leave and not come back. I know that he will love me no matter how many times we argue. He is the first person I have shown every side of me and yet, he still loves me. And of course, I love him more than any words on this blog could ever describe.
Monday, February 7, 2011
Thatcher
I remember every time my mom was pregnant for one of my little sisters, I prayed and prayed for God to send me a little brother. Then for both Caroline and Kylie's pregnancies, I was sure each one was a boy. I wanted a boy so badly. Then God sent us Thatcher, and all I can say is that he is well worth the wait. He was a very laidback baby, who slept alot. Little did I know, he would become the sweetest little boy. I know all mothers think thier little boys are the sweetest but I don't think all little boys act like Thatch. He always says "thanks you" and "please" with out prompting. He sits by me and say " I wuv you, Mommy. " for no reason than just to say it. When Jeremy is away for work, Thatcher automatically steps into Daddy's place. He sleeps with me to make sure I am not lonely and makes sure all day long that I don't need any help.
Lately, he has started helping me bake and he loves it. He loves to beat box and dance. He also loves superheros. He is always saving someone or something. He is very comical and is always doing something to make us laugh. Anytime we go to the park or McDonald's to play he makes a dozen friends.
He really is my sweet little boy.
Lately, he has started helping me bake and he loves it. He loves to beat box and dance. He also loves superheros. He is always saving someone or something. He is very comical and is always doing something to make us laugh. Anytime we go to the park or McDonald's to play he makes a dozen friends.
He really is my sweet little boy.
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Pud and JC
The next two people I love are not exactly family. Well, that is, if you consider blood relations family. So no, that are not related to me but they are more apart of my family than some people that are actually related.
Before I was born, my mom became friends with JC and his wife, Pud (and yes, that is thier nicknames) at the place where she worked. Pud and my mom became best friends. After I was born, and then my sister, my parents divorced. We had no place to go and they took us in. Not for a week or a couple of days but for 6 or 7 years. They became our surrogate grandparents. We stayed with them when my mom went to college and after she graduated they helped us get our own house. Even after we moved into our own house, we would spend weekends at thier house while my mom worked.
Some of my favorite memories as a child involve Pud and JC. Pud use to go outside in thier driveway and play one on one basketball with me, coaching me the whole time. JC use to read to us and he taught us how to change the oil in a car. Even now, they are a part of my children's lives. My kids don't understand why every one doesn't have a Pud and JC.
One of the most important things they taught me was unconditional love. They have loved me through my mistakes and triumphs. Even today, we butt heads but I know they still love me no matter what. They gave up thier home and thier lives to help us. I know Christ as my Savior because they taught me about Him. There is no way I could ever repay them for all they have given me. All I can do is hope that one day, when God calls me give, I can give as unconditionally and lovingly as they did for us.
JC holding Blake
Pud holding Blake
Before I was born, my mom became friends with JC and his wife, Pud (and yes, that is thier nicknames) at the place where she worked. Pud and my mom became best friends. After I was born, and then my sister, my parents divorced. We had no place to go and they took us in. Not for a week or a couple of days but for 6 or 7 years. They became our surrogate grandparents. We stayed with them when my mom went to college and after she graduated they helped us get our own house. Even after we moved into our own house, we would spend weekends at thier house while my mom worked.
Some of my favorite memories as a child involve Pud and JC. Pud use to go outside in thier driveway and play one on one basketball with me, coaching me the whole time. JC use to read to us and he taught us how to change the oil in a car. Even now, they are a part of my children's lives. My kids don't understand why every one doesn't have a Pud and JC.
One of the most important things they taught me was unconditional love. They have loved me through my mistakes and triumphs. Even today, we butt heads but I know they still love me no matter what. They gave up thier home and thier lives to help us. I know Christ as my Savior because they taught me about Him. There is no way I could ever repay them for all they have given me. All I can do is hope that one day, when God calls me give, I can give as unconditionally and lovingly as they did for us.
JC holding Blake
Pud holding Blake
Friday, February 4, 2011
The ones I love...Blake
February is the month that we celebrate love. I figured I would dedicate my blog posts to the people I love in my life this month. Hopefully, by the end of February, I will have had a blog on everyone. The first up is the newest member of our family, Blake.
Blake stole my heart the moment she was born. I know I cried when I found out I was pregnant for her and it was so not worth it. She has been a joy from day one. A happy baby, that is always smiling and being silly. She has these HUGE blue eyes (that we are still trying to figure out where they came from) that light up when she sees me. When she smiles, she squinches up her nose, which makes her so much cuter. She is rolling over and cooing. She adores her older siblings and loves to be apart. I can not seem to hug or kiss her enough. I also can't wait to see the little person she will become. God has blessed me beyond measure by giving me my Blake.
Blake stole my heart the moment she was born. I know I cried when I found out I was pregnant for her and it was so not worth it. She has been a joy from day one. A happy baby, that is always smiling and being silly. She has these HUGE blue eyes (that we are still trying to figure out where they came from) that light up when she sees me. When she smiles, she squinches up her nose, which makes her so much cuter. She is rolling over and cooing. She adores her older siblings and loves to be apart. I can not seem to hug or kiss her enough. I also can't wait to see the little person she will become. God has blessed me beyond measure by giving me my Blake.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Coming out of the fog
Well, hopefully life has calmed down enough for me to get back to blogging more frequently. Blake turns 6 months on Saturday and it feels like I am finally coming out of the fog. Jeremy and I are both basically getting full nights sleep and this is making a world of a difference on our attitudes throughout the day.
I find myself having a little bit of free time during the day and I am rediscovering me. For the past 9 years, I basically have been a mom. I have had no time for anything else. Now, with no more pregnancies and no more infants, I am starting to remember those things I use to love dearly. I am starting to want to make friends and actually feel like I could be a decent friend now. I have been drawing again and remembering how much I loved it. Shooting basketball with Caroline has made me realize how much I miss those pick up games I use to play. Jeremy and I both miss playing volleyball and softball. All of these things and more are starting to pop back into our minds and some back into our lives.
I was 20 when I found out I was pregnant for Caroline, 21 when I had her. I had barely started to figure out the person I was to become. Now I am 30, and all I have done for the last 9 years is be a mom and a wife. Even though, I love those two parts of me, I don't want to be defined by just that. I also want to be me. Now, I guess is the time to figure out who me is.
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