I know...I know...

I've been trying...but life is just so nutty. I feel like I forget what to blog about immediately after it happens! Lots to catch up on...so, here's a start....

We ended our summer with a few camping trips. One at the end of August with our awesome friends the Fulks and the Franklins. It was H.O.T. and we slept (all six of us) in a tent for the first time. It was interesting and fun. We definately plan to be a camping family. I would LOVE and RV (a pop-up camper is much more likely, at this point) :).

We then went camping with Joe's family...we staying a really (for a rustic) nice cabin. The kids had a blast playing with their cousins...and we enjoyed it. It was less H.O.T, but lots more rainy. I definately prefer a cabin over a tent. Shocking, I know.

Joe and I celebrated our TENTH wedding anniversary the last day of August. I am so thankful for 10 years...and cannot believe how life has changed for us. I asked him if 10 years and 4 kids, meant 10 more years and 4 more kids. He quickly shot that idea down. Again, shocking.

I was selected for jury duty the day after Labor Day. I have ALWAYS wanted to be on a jury. ALWAYS, that is, before I had FOUR kids whom I planned to begin homeschooling that week..so, alas, our plans changed. Joe ended up having to take them to their first day of our new co-op (Day 1 of said trial) and being home with them the rest of the week (save one day that my BFF helped out :)). The trial lasted 4 days, putting our school plans on hold until the following week. So, we are now only on our 7th "official" day of school, which I am trying not to stress about, but I am, cuz, that's me.

I L.O.V.E. homeschooling and having my kids with me all day. Yes, they make me nutso, NO, I am not a patient person and NO it is NOT easy, but worth it. 100 and a 1,000,000%.

That's all for now.

Bubble Blowers 2012

I found a swim class in our area that was geared for kids ages 3-6. This was a BIG thrill for me because it meant that THREE of my four kids could be in class at.the.same.time. This rarely happens for us. So...for the last 5 weeks we have been at the Trenton pool Monday-Friday for an hour. It.is.a.lot.of.work. I forgot my camera on the last day, but my new friend Kirsten took some photos of my little swimmers!

LittleMan enjoying the BIG slide!

He actually began to BLOW bubbles...WAHOO!

PunkerDoo LOVED swim class...she was a natural!

GigiBear was not quite sure why Miss Kirsten was taking her picture with such a BIG lens!

                                                  

Lilibug and Elliot became VERY good buddies while waiting for their siblings to finish swimming.

Back to the Blogging Board!

After almost a YEAR of nothing to say...I'm back! :)

Much has changed in our lives and I have become guilty of just "getting through the day," to the point that I forget our blessed "day-to-day."

So...here we go...again!

Lily-4 months

She is SO stinkin' cute it makes me want to cry. Literally. She melts my heart. And makes it want to burst. I.AM.SO.IN.LOVE.WITH.HER. And, seriously, she needs to stop growing.

Lilyann Jean

Born March 25th at 5:32pm. Our "little" girl weighed 10lbs and was 23 and1/4 inches long.

Okay. I tried uploading a TON of photos...and this is the only one that actually loaded. So, for now, it will do.

We are doing well. Lily is an amazing baby. She is sleeping 6 hours a night (except for last night) and is eating like a champ! We are totally blessed by her.

Her siblings love her to pieces. Right now we are spending most of our time focused on them and their CRAZY behavior. I feel like we went to the hospital and came home with a new baby and three different "big" kids. They are all acting out in different ways AND Maddie and Kate have been sick, so that is adding an extra dimension to their personalities at the moment. I am working really hard right now to find the balance between strictly enforcing our family rules and allowing them to have a period of transition...and trying to determine how much of their behavior is because we have a new baby and how much is just plain acting out. I NEVER expected for all THREE of them to be having such a struggle--and it is definately making our transition to four kids a big challenge.

To my friends with multiple children--any advice on this?? Encouraging stories?? I am not sure how much longer my patience is going to hold out...

Hangin' In...

We are in full-on nesting mode in our house...or I am, anyway. The baby is "due" 30 days from today....which, with my history means somewhere between today and 44 days from now I will meet the little one.

Of course there is SO much to be done before we could possibly bring a new child home...beacause I am sure he or she will care about the insides of all of the cabinets and closets in the house. The curtains being made and put up will be of utmost importance, and of course, we will HAVE to have a new couch by then.

I think I drive Joe a little (A LOT) crazy toward the end of my pregnancies...the sense of urgency is almost overwhelming...and a little fun.

10 years ago I was: In my last semester of college at MSU.

5 years ago I was: Teaching 2nd grade in Detroit and 4 months pregnant with my Madison.
1 year ago I was: A stay-at-home Mommy to a 3 and 1/2 year old, 2 year old, and 9 month old.
Yesterday I was: Spending a "typical" day at home with my family.
5 snacks that I enjoy: Ruffles potato chips with Dean's french onion dip; chocolate chocolate chip ice cream; french bread; chips and REALLY good salsa; spinach or queso dip


5 songs I know all the words to: Amazing Grace; My Savior, My God; Jesus Loves Me; the ABCs; Twinkle Twinkle (can you guess what Kate's favorite songs are?)


5 things I would do with a million dollars: move; donate a chunk to worthy ministries; save a bunch; travel; have Joe take time off of work


5 favorite TV shows: Real Housewives of... (shame, shame); Biggest Loser; most HGTV shows; Parenthood; Army Wives


5 things I am thankful for: God bringing me through some rough childhood years; Experiencing birth 3 amazing times and witnessing a beautiful death; My precious husband and children; Standard household appliances; Running water


2 names I go by: Mommy, Momma

2 parts of your heritage Perfectionism, Passion


2 things that scare me: Losing a child, Dying young

2 of my every day essentials: A toothbrush, Deodorant


2 things I am wearing right now: stretch pants (that I will NEVER wear in public, but are oh-so-comfy; warm socks


2 of my favorite bands/musical artists (at the moment): Brad Paisley; Aaron Schust


2 things I want in a relationship (other than real love): Time; Authenicity

2 truths: God is good; I am never alone


2 physical things that appeal to me in the opposite sex: Strength; Muscles (in a good way, not too much!)


2 of my favorite hobbies: Scrapbooking; Reading


2 things I want really badly: Guarantees; to move


2 places I want to go on vacation: Europe; Hawaii


2 ways I am stereotypically a chick: I LOVE Lifetime movies; I cry a lot


2 things I normally wouldn't admit: I would love a large glass of wine right now; sometimes I want to run away


2 things I am thinking about right now: Taking a bath; My baby


2 stores you shop at: Target; Kroger


2 people I would like to see taking this quiz: Keri; Jo


2 people I haven't talked to in a while: ??

We are here!!

I am wondering who might actually notice that I have update our blog??? :). It has been a little while...over 4 months to be exact, but who's counting (besides, S :)).

We are getting over a NASTY stomach bug...which is, incidently, why I have time to blog. I am laying in bed, for like the millionth hour today and cannot sleep, and don't want to watch anymore STUPID tv. So, after reading all of my friend's blogs, I thought...hmm...I could update ours!

We are blessed. Doing well. Maddie is growing up before my eyes--she'll be 5 in just a few months...which BLOWS ME AWAY. She is such a big helper, is VERY senstitive, and just about the sweetest little girl you could ever know. I think she may be a nurse or a dr. someday. Jack is 3 now...and SUCH A HANDFUL. He is so stinkin' cute, but is such a little stinker, at the same time...we are working on a LOT with that little man. He is very thoughtful, kind, and loving...and a spitfire at the same time. I think he's gonna be a pastor when he grows up :). Kate...ah...Kate. I have begun referring to her (mostly affectionately) as velcro-baby. She is still TOTALLY a momma's girl and could literally be velcroed by her ear to my leg, if that was possible. She is getting somewhat better being left with people, but it is still a challenge. She is precious--such a sweet little face and she really is so sweet (especially when it's just OUR family at home :)). She is a very passionate soul--perhaps a future Bible study leader? 

All right. Not feeling SO hot right now, so signing off. Pray that Kate gets spared from this ugly bug and that the other two littles are completely over it by morning. I am towards the end of it, I think. Poor Joe is just starting. But, in spite of that all, we are BLESSED.

Seriously...

...could he BE any cuter?? I think not. I am in SO much trouble with this little man!

One Year Ago Today...

...she made me a momma for the third time. Little Kate Grace, I cannot believe that you are already a year old. You bring so much joy and laughter into our lives. I am in denial that you are growing up. I love you to pieces and am so blessed to be your momma!

Even when this is the face that I get......anyone who knows you, knows that you are famous for giving people this look! We laugh everytime!!!

I think they love you, too...

...seriously, could a momma be more blessed?

Happy Birthday, Bug-Lynn Grace. We love your sweet little face!!

(Now, could you PLEASE start saying "momma?!?")

Months and months...

...have gone by since my last post. I am sad that I have missed out on blogging over that time, because so much of what happens escapes me, if I don't write it down, immediately. I, again, hope to work on it...and blog more frequently...but, we'll see :).

Here's what's goin' on today:

She...

...is SEVEN months old today. She is literally the apple of all eyes in this house. Jack adores her. He spends all day talking to her, loving her, and helping care for her. It amazes me that they have such a "bond" already. She is too cute. Her smile lights up her whole face. We cannot imagine life with out our little Kate-kate. She is a precious little bug.

He...

...is 31 years old today. He is a fantastic husband and a wonderful father. He works so hard for us all and is such a Godly man. He has been working so much lately that we don't see him as much as we would like to...but when he is home, our family time is priceless.

She...

...is going to officially begin preschool, at home, this week. We won't start our formal "curriculum" until after Christmas...but we have made the decision to homeschool her. I am so excited. She is such a sweet, kind, and inquisitive little lady. Watching her learn makes my heart burst!

He...
...is HILARIOUS. He cracks me up all day, every day. He challenges me in so many ways and I simply love him to pieces. I could eat him up, he's so stinkin' cute!

I am busy, busy, busy keeping up with the wonderful people shown above. I am learning more and more each day how to meet their needs to the best of my ability. I am learning to depend on God so much more and trying to teach my little ones about Him and His love as often as I possibly can. We are SO blessed in this house...and could not ask for more. God is good...all the time.

Look at YOU, YOU, YOU...You're TWO, TWO, TWO!!

I cannot believe that you are TWO, little man.

Seems like just yesterday, you were this little (my "little" 9 and a half pounder!). You came into the world looking so BIG!
Ah...and then you turned ONE!! You certainly enjoyed your cake...a little too much!!

And, now, you are my BIG two year old. You are SOOOOO full of life. Energy, energy, energy. You make messes wherever you go...you are loud and crazy. You are ALL.BOY.

You are one of the sweetest parts of my life. I could not be prouder to be your Mommy. You light up my world in so many ways and make my heart so full, little Jack. I "wuf" you.

Happy Birthday, Butter!!

Seven Years!

Happy Anniversary to my beloved husband!

Thank you for making me your wife seven years ago today. I love and respect you so much and am honored to call you my husband.

You are a fantastic provider and an amazing father to our three little ones.

I look forward to continuing to grow with you.

Memories...

Trying to get a "nice" photo...turns out like this: Or this:

These are the easiest to get nowadays...

We have had a VERY busy few weeks. Hopefully I can update more soon! We are all doing really well...enjoying making summertime memories as a family of five!

Happy 3rd Birthday, Maddie Moo Punker Doo!

The day my life changed forever...your very first "birth" day. Sweet ONE year old!Adorable TWO year old! Your mommy can hardly look at this picture without tears...you are so special to me...words cannot express how much I love being your mommy and having you for my daughter. Ever since I was a little girl, I prayed that I'd have a daughter someday and God gave me you.
You're THREE now! Can you believe it?

My precious Maddie...I can hardly believe that three years have passed since you joined our family. You bring me incredible joy each and every day. I absolutely adore you and cannot imagine what I did before you were here. You make my life so smiley and sweet. Happy 3rd Birthday, baby girl. I love you "back to the moon and back."

Maddie's 3rd Birthday Party

We celebrated Maddie's 3rd birthday on Saturday with a small family party. She decided to have a Barney birthday, so we decorated in Barney purple and Baby Bop green. It was a great time.

Our big girl before her guests arrived...

Jack, fascinated by the bayoons...I literally snapped 80 pictures of the three kids sitting together, in hopes of getting one of them all facing the same way with a decent look on their faces. Well, that did not happen...but these are quite cute, I must say.

Maddie literally got so close to the last candle, we thought she'd burned her lip. As always, Aunt Keri made the perfect cake for her Maddie!

Kate-kate. Two weeks. Already. *sigh*

As I post this, Kate is actually 3 and 1/2 weeks old...so I am only a *little* behind in my posting about her...now the entire year before her, well that's a different story. I got some makin' up to do. I'll do it. I will.

For now, though. Let me relish in the fact that this sweet face belongs to my child. Is she not precious? She is wearing the absolutely.ADORABLE. outfit that Aunt Keri...I mean Maddie bought for her (while she was staying with Aunt Keri...I believe that Aunt Keri actually BOUGHT the outfit...but we let Maddie believe it was her idea...and that she actually bought it...anyways...).

Have I mentioned that I LOVE this face? And I love polka-dots. Sometimes. And usually only on babies. Or small sweet kids. Not on me.

So, the outfit. Kate has worn it twice. And twice she has completely showered it in spit-up only minutes (okay maybe an hour or two) after it being put on her.

I am hoping that one day SOON she'll actually wear it ALL DAY! I. LOVE. THIS. BABY. (especially when she is sleeping:)). I am emotional today about how fast this time is just passing by. My baby will be one MONTH old this week. It is so hard to believe. Much of it is a blur. I hate that. I want to remember it all...even the hard stuff. I want to write more about it and take more pictures and literally DRINK IT ALL IN. I want to live more in the moment...make that second (except when there is spit-up, blow out diapers or three hour crying marathons involved).

I love being a Mommy (not Momma anymore, huh Jack?) and know that I don't really live the love that I feel for my family as much as I should. I am workin' on it...

Mothers' Day 2009

Here is our family at church on Mothers' Day morning...it was our first time going to church as a family of five.

In this first photo, we are all happy, except perhaps poor Kate. We did not realize she was slumped until after the picture was taken. I am pleased that Jack and Maddie look happy, at least!Okay, well, now Kate is positioned more nicely...and Jack looks completely irritated that we are still sitting still for a picture. Can't win 'em all...
By the way, I am completely THRILLED that Joe and Jack match. And no. I did not plan it. I dressed Jack and Joe realized that he, too, had a navy polo and khakis that he could wear. I think I've grown on him over the years...

After church, we went home and Grandma Donna came for a visit to meet Kate...and spoil Maddie and Jack.
Yes, Maddie is "loving" Jack in this picture...and he is loving it, too...a bit disturbing, I think.

Thirty for my Thirtieth (year)

So...I am turning 30 in a few short weeks. I am actually looking forward to it. Although, I do remember when I thought 30 was VERY.OLD. and that 30-year olds had life all figured out.

I don't think those things now.

Anyhow, I am looking at this coming birthday as an opportunity to look at my life and see what areas I want to grow and mature in over the next year. To that end, I am compiling a list of "30 goals for my 30th year." I may or may not post the list here...as some of the goals are quite personal, however, I would love your prayers as I work through the list...and feel free to ask me how it is coming from time to time. I'd love the accountability.

Great Quote

I found this quote on a blog that I L.O.V.E. to read and wanted to share it...

"Quit living as if the purpose of life is to arrive safely at death. Grab life by the mane. Set God-sized goals. Pursue God-ordained passions. Go after a dream that is destined to fail without divine intervention. Keep asking questions. Keep making mistakes. Keep seeking God. Stop pointing out problems and become part of the solution. Stop repeating the past and start creating the future. Stop playing it safe and start taking risks. Expand your horizons. Accumulate experiences. Consider the lilies. Enjoy the journey. Find every excuse you can to celebrate everything you can. Live like today is the first day and last day of your life. Don't let what's wrong with you keep you from worshipping what's right with God. Burn sinful bridges. Blaze a new trail. Criticize by creating. Worry less about what people think and more about what God thinks. Don't try to be who you're not. Be yourself. Laugh at yourself. Quit holding out. Quit holding back. Quit running away. Chase the lion."
- Mark Batterson