The Cole Family News

New Blog Site

2008-07-26T17:44:00.000-07:00

http://and1moremakes6.blogspot.com/

Here is the new blog site, I will no longer post on this one so please check the other one for updates on our family.

Going to change Blog Names Soon

2008-07-08T17:42:00.000-07:00

Well as you all know the Cole Family of 5 is now 6 so we will be changing our blog site soon and hopefully you will be able to find us with a link. I'm still working out the details.

Well it's been a rough week home, recovery from baby has been easy, but the other surgery has definitley been a challenge. I cannot do much with my left arm and I am not allowed to lift up anything more than 5lbs (Praise God Jaden is only 4 1/2 lbs), Madison has definitely been a little clingy to Michael because of it, she really wants Mommy to hold her so we are working around her climbing up on things to get to my lap. Every day I get better but it is a challenge to hold him on the left side to nurse him, I know God is answering my prayers every day by making me stronger and helping him with nursing so it is not too much work for both of us.

He continues to amaze the doctors we went on Monday for your 2-4 day follow up after you are discharged, interesting having all four kids in one small doctors office at one time, but since Jordan had her 7 year check up and Jaden his 3 day check up we all had to go. Jordan did GREAT better than I thought since she got two vaccines - she didn't even cry. We were so proud, of course her arm is still sore where she had one shot but I can't complain too much. As for Mr. Jaden, again he amazes the doctors for his size and ability. They all expect to see this little sickly baby at 4 lbs and quite frankly I was quite convinced he would have lost more weight with still learning to breast feed, but we are supplementing although he seems to not want much of it after breast feeding. I don't know if he's just worn out from nursing (it takes so long in the beginning) or he is just full. But he has gained back almost all of his weight, he is back to 4lbs 5.5oz in less than a week (not that he had much to lose - but you know they always lose a little before they check out), his coloring is perfect (his billirubin sp? stabalized so it never got higher than 8.7 - great for our kids they all top out around 11 or 12) he's alert, active and just so darn cute! OK I'm bragging. He is eating the typical 2-3 hours so there is definitely that adjustment again but hopefully he will gain weight quickly and can hold more food in his tummy and sleep longer because right now Michael is here to get up with the kids but in another week he is going back to work and then it's almost all me.

Hope you like some of the pictures.

The story of how God heard by Mike

2008-07-03T06:15:00.000-07:00

As you are aware we have struggled with a name for our new son ever since we found out he was a boy. We have run the gamit of names from Riley to Parker to Conner we even narrowed it down to 2 by the day of his birth. Parker and Conner were the favorites. Of course for those of you who now us they where not going to be chosen as we can not do anything easy. When our little guy showed up Monday morning we where sure he was going to fit one of those two names. Not so, Parker was eliminated early which left us with Conner, a favorite of mine for multiple reasons. However Michelle thought it sounded to rough and tumble and at 4 lbs 6 oz he was not either of those. We then came across Aiden which sounded great and means, little fire. "Little Fire" very appropriate for how well he was doing and of course his size. But Michelle wanted to think about it, I went into the office for about an hour and came back to an undecided wife. We fired up the laptop once more, this time we came across Jaden. I liked the sound and thought it fit without knowing the meaning. Michelle liked how it sounded but was not fully decided and wanted to sleep on it, which meant look for more names while I was at home when she should of been resting. Now you have to understand the Birth Certificate lady was going to call the next morning at 9AM to get his name. At 8:30 I called Michelle and found a still undecided mom, I finally had to call in the Dad card and we decided on a name. The meaning which is also part of the title of this post is God has heard, as I have prayed for a son and God has provided as he always does, of course it took 4 children to get there, but all worth it. So if you haven't figured it our yet we named our son....

JADEN MICHAEL COLE.

NO longer Thor or FNU or any other concoction of names I can come up with our boy has a name. Thank God our boy has a name.

As a side note Michelle will get to see him today after her surgery is complete and she has rested for a couple hours. That is a huge answer to prayer as she thought she wouldn't see him again until tomorrow when everyone goes home. Thanks for all the support and prayers.

Baby's Here posted by Mike

2008-07-01T19:35:00.000-07:00

As many of you have heard I was pushing for the name Thor...

However as he entered this world at a wopping 18 inches and 4lbs 6oz that name does not quite describe his massive pressence. So we have yet to determine a first name so First Name Unknown (FNU) Michael Cole has arrived as of 1:15 AM on July 1st. Here are some pictures and I am sure Michelle will return to posting once she is out of the hospital sometime later this week.

Seriously why do we take these pictures.
He looks like he went ten rounds with Rocky.
Mom and FNU at 1:45 AM. I was sleeping I think.

Ooops no I wasn't sleeping, see here's the proof. Michelle, Me, FNU and Dr. Hodges we all look pretty good for 1-2 AM, especially Michelle, she did all the work.

Yes the Girls love him.
We will have to protect him from all the love Madison wants to give him....

Baby Doll that moves and squeaks.

Just for a size comparison.

Scrambling to get things done

2008-06-26T01:38:00.000-07:00

So I'm scrambling and in panic mode, don't know why, I know the doctor will tell me that I will be induced sometime in the next week. I'm hoping it's not Friday, I just want to make it to July 1st. Trying to get some things accomplished, like Madison's room finished, curtains, rug, bedding etc. Moved her bed and some clothes in, she really likes her room. We can't begin getting the nursery ready for our little boy (sorry no name yet), until I move her completely out. (I know there is time since he will be sleeping in a bassinet for at least 2 months but, honestly can't see it getting done once he's here. Packing a bag, his clothes are so little, it's hard to imagine he will fit into them, it's like he will be a little doll (a little panicked that they made a mistake and he is actually a girl) and I have no idea what to pack for myself. Wanting my house to be a little clean (it's falling apart and I can't keep up) and doing the usual worrying about EVERYTHING. The kids are in dance worship camp in the morning, thank goodness they are having fun and my wonderful friend Donna is bringing them home (so I can rest of course.....which I'm not doing). I'm spending some time with Madison while getting stuff done, I'm most worried about her since she has no idea what's happening (the girls think the baby's coming home this week - trying to explain that it's not) and Michael's got some really great stuff going on at work, but very busy, it's weighing on me. I know I just need to continue to give it God and let him take my load, not doing such a good job, hence why I am posting at 4:45am. I know I will sleep better once I have a date and hopefully stop contracting as much as I am, I don't know how people go into labor on their own, it's nerve racking.

Mural

2008-06-23T19:13:00.001-07:00

Inspiration

Interpretation

So Michael found the first picture on the Internet when we were searching for some kind of decoration to do in Madison's room (we never do anything simple). We were originally going to just frame some posters of shoes (Madison LOVES shoes), and then hang some shoes up on the wall on some small shelves, but he decided to really take it to the next level (because we have so much free time on our hands). However, after working on it almost every night for a solid week (it has to be at least 4 feet tall and 3 feet wide) this is what we have come up and I think it turned out pretty well. With the exceptions of curtains we are ready to move her into this room, hopefully this week.

Happy Birthday Jordan

2008-06-23T19:06:00.000-07:00

It's hard too believe my baby has turned 7. It's scary and funny and so sad for me. I can remember everything like it was yesterday, all the things she's done and all the things I know she will do. I pray for her daily, and for our relationship that it would be strong and she can always know that I love her no matter what. I hope that I can continue to foster her love for the Lord and grow it so that she knows she can trust in him to calm her fears. She's got such a heart on her and I can see where she has grown over the last year. She's so sweet, I want so much to protect her from so much but my prayer will always be for the Lord to take care of her when I can't be with her and that we show her unconditional love no matter what.

Pictures for Father's Day

2008-06-23T16:18:00.000-07:00

So Michael got to play golf for a day and a half with his Dad, so I took the girls to get one last picture of the four of us before the baby is born.

You can't even tell I'm pregnant in this picture.

A little late for a one year old picture but at least we got it taken before she turns 2.

35 Weeks

2008-06-23T16:09:00.001-07:00

OK So here I am at 35 weeks, feeling rather large, although apparently I have not gained a whole lot of weight in the past few weeks and the little guy is just LITTLE!

At 32 weeks the doctor's told me to start taking it easy, so what do I do, the complete opposite.

1. Hold a garage sale (need room for new baby's things).
2. Plant the garden in my front yard (it was looking kind of sparse - Michael was in Kansas City at the time.)
3. Empty out room for Madison (used to be Kaleigh's old room and then a play room)
4. Help paint mural for Madison's room.
5. Take pictures for father's day for Michael and Madison's first birthday a little late (will post later).

Hallelujah it's all done.

Computer Trouble

2008-06-23T16:08:00.000-07:00

Been having some computer trouble lately and I can't stand it, I haven't been able to do anything for the past week or so because it's been so intermitten, not that I need to add another thing to my already stressed out plate.

Haivng some trouble with Pictues

2008-06-16T06:18:00.001-07:00

Having some trouble with my computer and posting pictures, but I will try to get it fixed so I can do post some because we just had some really cute ones done for fathers day.

Last day of school

2008-06-16T06:15:00.001-07:00

Yeah, the last day of school was Friday and we are looking forward to some time off, and hopefully sleeping in. Looking back I see so much of how Jordan has changed and I'm so excited for her, we were extremely blessed to have the teachers she had this past year. What an answer to prayers. She has really benefited from the teachers that she has had and their loving ways. Now I need to continue praying for her 2nd grade teacher so that she receives the best teacher possible to help continue to grow my daughter to become an amazing young lady.

Kaleigh's prayer

2008-06-16T06:11:00.000-07:00

"Dear God thank you for this day, thank you for what you have given us, and please God help me with my behavior so I don't act so bad sometimes.. Amen"

I'm guessing she's tired of being in so much trouble some days.

Conversation between Michael and Jordan at the dinner table

2008-06-16T06:06:00.000-07:00

"Daddy I love you" (random out of nowhere - happens a lot)

"I love you too Jordan"

"Daddy, do you love me when your mad?"

"I will always love you, even when I don't like the things that you do."

"Like God, he loves us no matter what"

"Yes, God always loves us no matter how much we sin and make mistakes, he still loves us just like I love all you and I forgive you when you make a mistake."

Few minutes of silence iwth deep thought

"I'm glad."

Every once in a while she comes out with some good ones that realy touch my heart, because I know she is listening to what we are saying.

34 Weeks

2008-06-14T17:23:00.000-07:00

I had a little help with my 34 week photo.

A Good Day

2008-06-11T17:42:00.000-07:00

Today was a good day, very well balanced which never happens in our house, it's either too much play (not often enough) or too much chores, errands, get stuff done. Today was a good mix, after I fed everyone breakfast Kaleigh, Madison and I took Jordan to the bus stop and went on a nice walk to enjoy the beautiful weather this morning. Of course it took a lot out of me to walk that half a mile, but the girls had fun, then we hung outside for a while before we came inside to do some chores (make beds, clean up, etc.). After that grabbed a snack for everyone and set out to get the car inspected, it was up this month and was waiting for the early morning rush to pass. Got back threw some laundry on and put Madison down for an early nap (normal time is 1:00 today it was 11:30 because we had to be at Jordan's school at 1:45). While Madison took a nap, Kaleigh and I did the dishes together (she actually likes this chore, once she gets the dishes away, she likes to wash the ones in the sink - likes to play with water). After the dishes were done, we sat down to wrap Jordan's birthday present and make father's day cards for the grandfathers. (Really it's a way to get in some writing and reading). That took about an hour we had lunch, then threw in some more laundry. Madison woke up around 1:30 gave her a quick lunch and headed for Jordan's school, where we visited her FLAT STANLEY museum - very cute. After we picked up Jordan went to do some errands, shopping for father's day stuff, gas up the van (this kills me every time), and the post office to mail our cards. Got home in time for dinner (already prepared) and then got to play outside until it was time for bed. All in all a good day with a good balance. Wish I could say all the days could be this way. Got time alone with Kaleigh (some times she gets the short end of the stick because of Madison and chores) and still got to spend fun time with all the kids. Now that Jordan's last day is Friday I hope I get to spend a little more alone time with them before this little guy comes and all chaos breaks loose. Next weeks challenge, finding the right activities for each child and still squeezing in 4 doctor's appointments and finishing up Madison's room to move her in before the baby comes.

Coffee Night

2008-06-06T10:47:00.000-07:00

After I had Kaleigh there were a group of women from my church, who were meeting for a playgroup, once every other week (I think - it was a long time ago and I can't remember with baby brain), we had a great time, but it became increasingly difficult to meet once we all had so many children - some of us had 2 or 3 and a group of 6 moms well that's a lot of kids to let play together and keep track of, so we came up with coffee night. At first it was a good size group 6 or 8 moms. We had a blast, a few have moved away and we have added some here and there. Courtney (standing directly to my left) has been doing it since the beginning. I met her through the nursery committee at church when Jordan was one and Diana (all the way to the right) I've known since Jordan was about 3 months when we met in the cry room at church. Meghan I met through Courtney and Diana, these women are AWESOME, for a long time our friend Jean (who I miss terribly - she's moved to Boston) was coming before Meghan and I thought no one will replace Jean, we've had some deep conversations, but Meghan is amazing. All of these women are we can talk about some very deep and Godly issues to the most mundane of topics. We go to this coffee shop and we always close the place down, they are litterally politely kicking us out by putting up the chairs and sweeping around us. I love these women, they are my sisters in Christ and they are my balancing of part of still being a women, not just Wife, mother, sister, etc. I miss them when we don't get to meet and sometimes I wish we could meet more than once a month but sometimes like this last time it's been several just because our schedules have been crazy, and now both Courtney and I are about to have our fourth child (she is due 10 days before me and she looks incredible) so I know it will be a while before we can get together again, but I know that no matter how much time passes we just pick up where we left off and I'll always have a good laugh.

I really like these pictures

2008-06-02T17:41:00.001-07:00

I keep forgetting how big a heart this child has. In my exhaustion and hormonal days I just forget how much she puts out there of herself. I worry about her heart because she is so sensitive to everything, she loves whole heartily, some times to her own detriment. Her moods can be like tornadoes calm and peaceful before the funnel and forceful and destructive after it's touched down. It can be exhausting for us but I forget it can be exhausting for her too. She loves on so many levels. As you can see she even loves our dog. If it weren't for me and Jordan the dog would have been gone a long time ago, because while Kaleigh, Madison and Michael like the dog, (OK maybe like is a stretch for Kaleigh - how about tolerate) they certainly could be very happy without the dog. I know it would really hurt Jordan and if the dog went to another family, she is ours and she will be part of this family for as long as she is alive. So the compassion that my daughter has for the smallest of things is truly an amazing gift.

Pig Tales

2008-06-02T17:31:00.000-07:00

This is the first time I was able to put pig tales in Madison's hair. Though it took some convincing she finally left them in for a short while I was able to take a quick picture. The girls just think she's a baby doll, they fuss with her worse than I do. She also has a mouth full of teeth, it's incredible how fast she is growing up.

Some cute pics

2008-06-02T17:22:00.000-07:00

We took the kids to a strawberry festival on Memorial Day weekend and it was a lot of fun. There was lots to do there, hay rides, face painting, horse back riding, petting zoo, games and of course food. The kids had a great time and though we didn't actually get to pick strawberries, we purchased them there and ate through them in lightening speed. They were delicious. Sorry I didn't get pictures of that, we ate through the small bunch so quickly. Nothing like fresh fruit.

32 Weeks and No photos

2008-06-02T17:17:00.000-07:00

OK so I am 32 weeks pregnant, sorry I didn't take a picture, not that I didn't want to I just haven't had the time. We had a garage sale, not so great (not tragic did get rid of a lot of toys). Feeling very sluggish, hormonal and tired. Had a sonogram done last Thursday, the little guy is doing great (except he doesn't have a name) he's weighing in at 3lbs 6oz and still there are 6 - 8 weeks left to go. I am ready to be able to breathe again and roll over from one side at night to the other without the huge belly in front of me and having to rearrange some small pillows. It could be worse I could not be sleeping at all so I better be grateful I am at least doing that. Praise God. Other than that, we are doing well, getting swallowed up by chores that need to be done before baby comes and balancing that with spending fun time with the kids before baby comes so no one gets shirked. Lord please help us have the strength. Will keep you posted.

Kaleigh's Singing at her schools Graduation Party

2008-05-27T18:02:00.000-07:00

Kaleigh got to sing for the graduation party at her school it was so cute.

This is a cute age, I'm just glad she didn't pick her nose.

31 Weeks

2008-05-27T17:45:00.000-07:00

OK so I know in this picture I don't look very big but you really can't tell until you see me in person how big this belly really is. I am currently at the same weight I was when I was pregnant with Jordan. (She was the one I gained the most with because she was my first pregnancy).

Mother's Day 2008

2008-05-12T18:30:00.000-07:00

I had a really nice Mother's Day and I wish all you mothers a wonderful day as well. We went to a nice lunch and the kids were so excited, they really wanted me to have breakfast in bed but Michael and I agreed it would be better with them especially Madison if I came down to breakfast. It was really sweet and they were so excited, hugging and kissing me. It was so nice to not have to lift a finger the entire day. If I could, I would declare everyday Mother's Day. I had a really nice, although huge lunch, at a nice restaurant the food was DELICIOUS, I couldn't eat the rest of the day, and then just sat around napping and watching TV. You can't get any better than that and I am getting a new video camera, so I just have to pick it out (which is actually really hard) but I hope to post some new videos soon. Maybe even our little guy (name still not determined).

Disney 2008

2008-05-12T17:11:00.000-07:00

So we took the plunge and took the kids to Disney. Now when we booked this trip and put our down payment down we did not know I was pregnant and going forth again, thank goodness I won't be pregnant ever again, I would not do Disney World Pregnant. It's very hard to walk around in the warm weather (thank God it wasn't really hot) and try to visit every park while you are there. We did however have a really good time. The girls loved it, albeit through some of the meltdowns and tantrums and since we wound up not going on our cruise because apparently you cannot travel on a cruise when you are more than 23 weeks pregnant, we didn't get to do the relaxing part of our vacation. So we stayed two extra days at Disney and did Typhoon Lagoon and Animal Kingdom. So while it was not relaxing we did have fun and the kids loved it.

Magic Kingdom

Hollywood Studios

One of their favorite rides the Teacup.

On the Dumbo ride.

A good rest.

And then the happy smile.

It's a small world ride, another big hit with the little one.

Lunch with the princess was a highlight. We got to meet Cinderella, Snow White, Princess Aurora, Belle and Mary Poppins, but Kaleigh did not want to take a picture with Mary Poppins because she was not a princess.

A must at Disney, especially by day 3.

Her first real Carousel ride, she loved it!

Speed Racer.

An unhappy princess.

A real highlight for us was breakfast with Mickey and pals they loved it and it was the best day we had a Disney.

Such a difference a few years makes, 4 years ago Jordan was almost 3 and wouldn't go near any characters this year she was just so excited and wanted to hug them all.

Madison wasn't exactly crazy about them but she was willing to give Pluto a kiss on the nose.

Disney Market - Madison liked the dragon from Lego World.

The Finding Nemo ride was cute at Epcot but the Finding Nemo show at Animal Kingdom was really good, the girls really liked that, it was really well done.

The Hoopdy Doo Review - A really fun show that involves the actors and the audience. A little pricey for what the food was (barbecue) but the shows was fun.

Our last night at Disney, everyone had a lot of sun and we went to see a really good friend of mine from High School and her family (two of the cutest boys on this earth) who live outside of Tampa. I'm so bummed we didn't get to take one picture, it's not like we didn't bring the camera but I think by the last night there we were fried, not just our skin but our brains as well. We all had had enough of the meltdowns and we were all exhausted. I hope I don't have to wait another seven years to see them.

28 Weeks

2008-05-06T06:25:00.000-07:00

Getting bigger by the minute. I know it doesn't look too big, but I feel so sluggish and huge.

Golf Lessons

2008-05-06T06:11:00.001-07:00

Learning the art of golf, something she can do with her dad!

Tennis Pictures

2008-05-06T05:50:00.001-07:00

We put Kaleigh in tennis to try to channel some of that energy, she loves it and it will be something she gets to do with just Michael.

The partial talk

2008-04-16T18:00:00.001-07:00

So I had to have the conversation today, you know the one. How is the doctor going to take the baby out? They have been asking this question for weeks and I have been side stepping the question big time, who wants to really have this talk, but I sucked it up and did half of it. Jordan wanted to know if I was going to have to have a needle in my back, which is what prompted the question to begin with this time. So I explained that yes that is called an epidural (not sure where she got that information from). I then went on to explain proper terminology of a woman's private areas and that this is how the doctor takes the baby out. I wish I had a camera for the look on Kaleigh's face. Jordan just kind of took it all in, but not Kaleigh the look was priceless. So she then had to lift the covers and point to herself and ask again if this is what I was talking about, just so she would be clear. I then had to explain how this is a very private area on our body and that only Mommy and Daddy and the doctor are allowed to see this area and some day their husbands. To which Kaleigh said not friends, so I said no, not friends. I explained how God made girls with these special parts in order for the babies to come out that way, I also explained briefly about a c-section, but they were clever enough to figure out that I hadn't had any since I don't have any scars. They could however relate to the c-section scar and surgery part as they wanted to know if it was like when Jordan had surgery on her eye. They give you sleep medicine and you wake up and hve a baby. So I said no becuase they give you medicine so you don't feel it so much but you are awake the whole time. Kaleigh was still a little confused and I could honestly see the wheels turning when she asked "How do you get the baby out if you can't feel anything?" So I said "you have to push it out" to which she sat up in bed spread her legs and began to bend over and push. I knew it was coming. Now of course the look on Jordan's face was totally bewildered like she wanted nothing to do with it and she was sorry she asked. It was priceless. So I said yes that is how you do it. They of course asked about boy private parts which I said they needed to wait for Daddy for that conversation, yes I chickened out of that part, but they will learn soon enough when the baby comes. They also asked about some other very big questions, boobs, hair etc. I had to end the conversation at that and say those things will come when they get to be teenagers. Kaleigh is still not sure what that means, but I said lets just leave it at that, you both have a long way to go before you become a teenager. Then we had to go through cousins to see who would be a teenager first and who would have hair on their privates. It was time to say goodnight, in no uncertain terms.

Busy Weekend

2008-04-14T17:53:00.000-07:00

We had a really busy weekend we got much accomplished with the beginnings of moving the girls around. We bought Jordan and Kaleigh a new dresser to combine them in to one as opposed to having two dressers in their one bedroom.

We bought it at Ikea for $270 bucks you can't beat it, it's huge and the drawers are really deep so it's perfect. So I'm going to change the knobs to glass ones to pretty it up, Kaleigh wasn't too happy it didn't have any animals painted on it like hers, but once I explained that she is now a really big girl and needs big girl things she could no longer have the animals painted on her dresser, but she wasn't buying it too much. Oh well.

Madison will now get Jordan's old dresser, which I think we are going to paint it white since that is what the new convertible crib color will be that our neighbor is giving us, then changing the knobs to something girly as well. I wish I could find cheap pulls with shoes on them since that is the theme we are going to do in her room, Kaleigh's old room, which since last summer was the extra playroom. We are now seriously downsizing our toys. Some of which went into Jordan and Kaleigh's room, some are going to stay in Madison's room and some are going into the garage sale along with Kaleigh's old dresser, which was my very old dresser from High School, and I'm ready for it to go, it's not in good condition. But the garage sale is coming either this weekend coming or as soon as we get back from vacation. I'm ready now.

Hopefully we can fully clean out the playroom for Madison and paint it a light shade of pink and move her in some time in early June, so we can then begin converting the nursery from pink to blue for our little boy. A lot of work to do in what feels like a short amount of time. All this cleaning and 10 loads of laundry all before Michael left for his trip to El Paso. Yuck. On top of that I caught Michael's cold so I am not only at half speed from pregnancy but this cold is killing me. I also went to the Allergist today. If you have allergies and have never been to an allergist unless your a sadist don't go! My arms look like swollen tree limbs. I always knew I had seasonal allergies but I had no idea, I am allergic to every outdoor and indoor pollutant. I wish I could take a picture of my arms it's kind of gross really. However, I now know that all trees, mold, dust, dogs (apparently she can't sleep in our bed anymore), cats, grass, and some weeds cause serious allergic reactions and that is why Sept through early Nov and March through June are absolutely horrific for me. So now I have a choice to do my current wave of medication Zyrtec and Rhinocort for 6 months out of the year or beginning in the fall get allergy shots once a week for 2 years. I don't know, busy mother of 4 going weekly to the allergist to get shots, does that sound like an easy task or suffer with my allergies seasonally for the rest of my life. Tough decision. Other than that we are surviving without Michael for the next few days. He has my camera otherwise I would post pictures of Kaleigh doing tennis and Jordan doing golf with Michael, so we'll have to wait a few days until he gets back to post those but they are really cute.

My litte one is getting too big

2008-04-14T17:46:00.001-07:00

So my little 14 month old is growing up too fast. She's too smart for her own good. It touches my heart that she just knows so much. I love this little dress my parents bought for her.
I love that she is trying to figure out how to do buttons, look at those chubby little fingers.

She obviously knows how to do velcro already and take them on and off, she isn't taking the shoes off but she can definitely get to the velcro, I know it's only a matter of time.

25 Weeks Pregnant

2008-04-14T17:40:00.001-07:00

Different shirts make me look bigger or smaller depending on the shirt, truth be told I haven't gained much weight but it's all in the belly and certain spots I'm not too happy about, but hopefully I will have the energy and the strength to lose the weight afterwards, nursing will defintely help. Pray I can nurse this little guy the way I was able to nurse Madison.

An Insightful Question by a 4 year old

2008-04-08T18:13:00.000-07:00

We continue with week 3 of no sleep, took Kaleigh to the doctor said she might have parasomnia a sleep disorder that starts in preschool, and gave us the number to sleep disorder center that I will cal tomorrow and try to set up an appointment as soon as possible. Having taken Kaleigh to the doctor this morning it threw off the schedule for the grocery store and Target. Had to wait until Madison took her nap, which try to bring a cranky toddler to the store and you are asking for trouble, so went home and she decided to play for a while before having lunch and taking a nap. Conveniently she decided she was not going to go to sleep until 1:00 so we had to wait for her to wake up. Of course by that time it was almost time for Jordan to come home from school. Managed to get some quiet time in and an hour nap which quite frankly felt like 10 minutes and poor Kaleigh was on the computer for an hour, never happens. Once everyone was awake and Jordan came home I was praying my neighbor would watch Jordan and Kaleigh so I could go to the supermarket with only one child, but she was sick and Michael came home sick from work today. So you see where this is going. After everyone has a snack and we pack up to go to the supermarket at 4:00 in the afternoon the 4 of us. Not a good start. We get there and the kids are actually well behaved. No fighting or arguing and 45 minutes went by quickly. Call Michael tell him I'm on my way with a rotisserie chicken and get home at 5:30. Finally eat around 6:00 not too late but in our house that is very late. Michael goes to bed and I am left to clean up kitchen, entertain Kaleigh and Madison while I help Jordan with homework. By the time everyone finishes and we we clean up to begin homework it's 7:00 at night, exhausted and aching from having done about 15 loads of laundry in 2 days, and pushing a car shopping cart full of food through the grocery store, I'm ready to quit. So I do homework with Jordan and send Kaleigh to watch TV (again). As I struggle through Madison begins to cry at the top of her lungs, which I ignore for about 15 minutes till finally I can't take it anymore. I scream to Michael to come get Madison as I hear him mumble something not so nice under his breath as he comes down stairs to pick up our screaming baby. I finish up with Jordan, get Kaleigh and Jordan upstairs and I'm already fighting with Michael about not having to put Madison to bed jut to entertain her while I was finishing homework with Jordan to which he replies this poor baby is exhausted and needs to go to bed. Feeling like an eel already because I should at least be able to put them to bed (supermom complex wanting to let my husband rest and heal) I continue to pick a fight about letting me do it and Kaleigh's putting on a the same pajamas she had on last night even if she doesn't want to (normally it doesn't matter but I'm tired of doing laundry after 2 days)while Madison continues to whine. After I think I can't take another moment literally. Kaleigh nails me "Mommy how are you going to handle two screaming babies?." Is this kid perceptive or what. She kills me she always knows the heart issues. She just sees things as clear as a bell. I have no answer for her I just look at her and say "I don't know." Because quite frankly I don't have any idea how I can possibly take care of all these children, I know I'm not doing it on my own, but only God knows, but I know that only he will give me that strength, I just need to rely on him more.

Swimming Lessons

2008-04-04T08:18:00.000-07:00

Started the girls on swimming lessons so they would be OK while we were on vacation in a few weeks. I was a little concerned that they would be frightened of the water since we haven't been in a pool since last summer. They were so excited and jumped right in, it was great. Of course Jordan almost drowned the third class when she slipped off the wall and being in 4 feet of water she can't reach the ground, but lucky Daddy was there to save her, as her teacher was helping another student. However she was a brave trooper (so not like her) and got right back in the water. We were really proud of her, the safety issue at the pool with all the managers has been addressed, thanks to my conversation with the two aquatic directors and Michael's letter to the rec centers general manager. Not only will there be two teachers teaching the class now for a class with 11 kids but there will also be a life guard walking around in front of the class, during the session. Let's hope Jordan still wants to get in the pool, the next class.

It's been a few weeks

2008-04-04T08:11:00.000-07:00

Sorry all haven't posted in a while, we have had some very busy couple of weeks. We have had 2 weeks of no sleep, between Kaleigh's nightmares and Jordan's getting out of bed because of them, we haven't had a good night sleep since we left for New York. I have been extremely irritable and praying about it a lot, Kaleigh and I haven't been getting a long because of it, so I prayed that God would help me with rest and lots of grace for Kaleigh. Well he decided to give me rest alright, 2 days in Fairfax Hospital with chest pains. I didn't think it was that big a deal but aparently with my history of heart stuff they decided it would be best for me to stay overnight for observation. All of this happened when Jordan had her first grade field trip and Kaleigh started her first tennis lesson (yes she has to get some energy out). Thanks to my mother-in-law she was able to come and fill in and take Kaleigh to tennis, while Michael went on the field trip. I got sit around and Fairfax hospital reading for 2 days. Not quite the rest I had in mind but I'll take what I can get. I of course did not sleep, because someone is in your room checking your vitals and in the coranary care center your room has one wall that is completely glass (think of the show HOUSE on tv) so you can hear every single conversation that goes on all night long. So we are now beginning week 3 of no sleep. Now when I need it most. So I am trying to catch up on some sleep while the kids are in school and Madison is taking a nap.

22 Weeks Pregnant

2008-03-24T18:14:00.000-07:00

Here I am at 22 weeks pregnant, my stomach doesn't look too big in this picture but in real life I looked like I was wearing a tent.

Easter and Spring Break

2008-03-24T17:53:00.000-07:00

So the girls and I went to New York for a few days during spring break it was great to see some of our family even if we were there for only a few days. It's hard because I really wanted to see so many more people, which is why we spend almost a whole week in the summer and usually 4 days around Christmas, so that I can get to see everyone while we are there. Unfortunately this time around I was only there for 2 days, a short trip to do alone, just me. Michael had to work and is saving his vacation for our vacation and delivery of our little baby boy (still can't help but smile at that one). So pregnant, and tired I went to New York. The girls are usually pretty good when we go, but this time they were having a bit of hard time, don't get me wrong they love visiting their relatives and playing with cousins, they really get spoiled while we are there, but they were definitely out of sorts. They don't sleep well or eat well and they really miss their Dad. They just don't like it when we are all apart. Even with all the fun we have, we miss having him around. So we were glad when we went home, although we already miss our family. The girls like going in the summer because they get to go to the pool and be out at the parks and play and this time it was just too cold to do any thing but visit people in their homes. Below are some pictures from our trip. The last couple of weeks they kept asking if we were going to Mima and Papa's for Easter and I said I think so and then they wanted to know how the Easter Bunny would find them there (what a racket) and I told them maybe the Easter bunny wouldn't bring them any thing because we know what the true meaning of Easter really was, so we had been doing Resurrection Eggs with them until Easter Day. On Easter day we drove from Mima and Papa's house to Grammie's house, 5 hours away. The kids were great in the car ride both ways, the rest stops were definitely a little dicey and I can tell you this I won't be traveling to New York by myself with 4 kids until all my kids can walk, speak clearly and follow directions. I digress.. We got to Grammie's shortly after lunch and did an Easter egg hunt and finished our Resurrection eggs, the girls really liked doing them and wanted to keep doing them, even though we did the last one on Easter. They had a lot of questions and surprisingly knew a lot of the stories already, it really touched my heart. Their souls are so pure at this point. Their love untarnished. Of course the Easter Bunny still brought them a few things, but they kept the true meaning in their hearts and that to us was the most important thing.

The last of the Resurrection eggs with Michael.

Easter Egg Hunt at Grammies

2008-03-24T17:50:00.000-07:00

The dog kept smelling the chocolate in the plastic covered eggs.

Some Easter Pics

2008-03-24T17:48:00.000-07:00

This was our Easter Bunny!

Easter pics at Mima's house

2008-03-24T17:44:00.000-07:00

As you can see Madison was not too happy, she was in no mood to take pictures.

Playing the piano with Papa.

An absentee Madison for meltdown reasons.

Spring Break (American Girl Store)

2008-03-24T17:27:00.000-07:00

For those of you who have never heard of the American Girl Doll store it's quite a marketing ploy. They have these dolls they sell at a premium and then market all the clothes, accessories and items any girl could possibly want. The girls grandparents have each bought them things to go with the dolls, first it was the Bitty Babies now it's the big girl dolls. They are cute but I swear you can get a very similar doll for a fraction of the price at Target without the marketing. They of course have a catalogue so that each girl can choose the type of dolls they want, they have era dolls from different periods through out history, they have the Bitty Babies and of course the Just Like Me dolls, which you can choose and pick, everything, from hair color, eye color, skin color to hair texture to make the doll look exactly like you. Now while my girls were not interested in a doll that looked similar to them they were interested in picking a doll that had what they wanted, hair color, skin color etc. Grammie was all to happy to provide for Christmas. We have since purchased them some accessories and Mima also bought them some clothes this time around when we went to the store. Now the store is quite an experience.

This is the store directory, as you can see it 4 floors, with the main floor being the Just Like You doll floor. Not only do they say it's a Just Like You because you can pick it out but you can also purchase clothing that matches your doll. I kid you not, there are girls walking through the store matching their dolls clothing. There is a hair salon, theater (where you can catch a fashion show), restaurant where you can have your doll sit in a high chair at the table with you, and of course the Bitty Baby level.

This is Jordan's Doll with her new outfit. It comes with a bathing suit, pants, a top, hat, sun glasses and flip flops. Quite a bargain really.

And of course Madison loved the Bitty Baby stroller we were hard press to leave the store, leaving the stroller behind, she was not too happy about it. One of the many disappointments in life.

More Spring Break Pics

2008-03-24T17:20:00.000-07:00

With Abuelita! My 87 year old grandmother, she just adores them.

An Elmo impersonator on the street who does this for money.

14 Month Old

2008-03-19T18:07:00.001-07:00

Now and

then.

Hard to believe my little girls is 14 months old, the time has just flown on by, I am amazed at how her little brain works. She is so much fun, everyone just adores her. Jordan and Kaleigh are really into getting her to play with them, like chase and hide and go seek, she loves it and they think it's the greatest. I just love it, it touches my heart in so many ways. To think in just
another few months she won't be the baby anymore.... well she'll always be my baby.

Silly but Cute

2008-03-17T17:57:00.000-07:00

Press play to see our spinning ballerina. I swear the only one who taught her that was Kaleigh.

Why we love hats

2008-03-17T17:52:00.000-07:00

OK so at 13 months old not only is Madison a shoe hound but also a hat fiend, she's such a girl and nothing we did to encourage this behavior but have two older siblings.

New Swimsuits

2008-03-12T08:31:00.000-07:00

So I have slowly begun shopping for summer and our vacation and today I had to return the two bathing suits I purchased for the girls. It killed me to have to have to buy Jordan a size 7. I'm not ready for that, I know it's not such a big deal, but it is to me, my oldest little girl is growing up and it's breaking my heart. It kills me when I have to buy new clothes and move up in size, I go through it every fall and spring. Plus I'm extra hormonal being pregnant.

20 Weeks 3 days and A Boy

2008-03-10T16:22:00.001-07:00

OK so here I am at 20 weeks and 3 days a little more than half way through and we had our sonogram today although I do not have the pictures to prove it, but yes we are all very excited about having our first BOY. Yes you heard it right a boy! After 3 beautiful girls God has graced us with a son. We are very excited and a little anxious as we have never had a boy, but we can't wait to meet this little guy. Thank you for your prayers!

New Shoes

2008-03-09T12:56:00.000-07:00

I know I am raising girls, I have three and they are all shoe hounds. Went to the store to buy Madison a new pair of shoes because she has outgrown her shoes we just bought in January. She has grown a shoe size in less than two months. Kind of surprising for us since our girls tend to have small feet and take a long time to grow. Madison is already a size 5 pretty average for this age but she has the biggest foot so far, all the other girls were either a size 3 (Jordan for her whole first year) and Kaleigh was a size 4 for at least 6 months) so it was a little surprising when I had to buy Madison new shoes. When we got to the shoe store she was like a kid in a candy store, so many shoes to try on and so little time. Every time we put a pair on she didn't want us to take them off, even if it was to try another pair on. Such like a woman, couldn't decide. Finally we bought a pair that was easy to get on (especially for a pregnanty mother) and off. Of course she has already figured out how to undo the velcro, that took all of 2 days and still does not like to take them off when, even when we get home.

Chore Chart

2008-03-08T06:50:00.000-08:00

I was asked a lot of questions about my chore chart so I thought I would put up a couple of pictures of it so you could see what I was talking about. I took some time to make but it has been pretty successful in our house. We have a little more trouble with Kaleigh keeping up with it she is only 4 but she is doing a good job with it. Each week the girls have their chores to do, and some of the chores alternate on different weeks. There are chores like Clean up toys, clean up room, make bed, eat dinner (this is a big struggle with Kaleigh being pretty picky and desert did not work) put away laundry, Awana verses and Bonus, those chores never change and are the same for both girls. With the exceptions of homework for Jordan (Kaleigh doesn't get homework) and breathing treatments for Kaleigh (she does this every day from Oct. through end of April and hates to do this one) those are the only ones specific to each child. The rest change sides from week to week, like unloading the dishwasher, feeding the dog, set the table and clear the table (which includes pushing all the chairs in and wiping down the table and making sure all condiments are put away). We have pictures next to each label since Kaleigh can't read and Jordan is just really learning to read. A Bonus star is for something Michael and I see that is unexpected, being kind to each other out of the ordinary, helping with dusting or something out of the ordinary. Jordan received one recently for getting a really good grade on a quiz she did all by herself (she gets a lot of help from her teachers in school with quizzes and work).

There is a day marked for each day of the week with each chore, yes this took a long time but was well worth it, the girls were an excellent help with this. They put the velcro on everything, each square and each star and they helped decorate their own Bonus tab, everything has velcro attached so it can be changed maybe something is working for us, it can easily be changed with something else. There are a total of 77 stars and each star is worth $0.10, they average about 32 stars a week. We are not super strict with them about the stars but we do encourage them to earn them. There are some that absolutely need to be done, like unloading the dishwasher and feeding the dog, the dog needs to eat and I can't cook without clean dishes. Since they cannot reach the upper cupboards I allow them to just stack the dishes in front of where they go, like glasses and plates. I do the sharp knives. Each child does better at some chores than others, like Kaleigh unloads the dishwasher and can make her bed quite quickly, but hates to do laundry breathing treatments, and of course eating dinner (she's very picky). Jordan easily will out away her laundry, pick up toys and eat dinner. She doesn't like unloading the dishes, or making her be (her beds a full bed and a little more of challenge ...sometimes she gets Kaleigh to help, pretty smart if you ask me.) No one fights about putting the shoes in the bench or feeding the dog, but each child is an individual and they each have their own personality. We try to encourage to keep things going, like if we see it's been a good week we try to spend one one one time seperately with each child. When there are not a lot of stars we say we know you had a rough week, how can we make it better next week. Then on Sunday we count up starts and divide up the money. The girls have 3 envelopes, one for church, one for savings and one for spending, we use the little manila envelopes for that, and they decorated their envelopes once I put the picture on them so they understood. Kaleigh has an extra IOU envelope because she is a little more destructive and is putting money towards the things she has broken ie..a cut computer mouse cord. For the past month they have diligently saved up their money putting things in their envelopes, we tried to take them to Target so they could spend their money after 2 weeks but they soon realized that they couldn't buy a lot with $6, finally this weekend they each have about $15 they are very excited, because they know they can finally buy something substantial. Plus they have been great about putting their money in the tithing at church and leaving some in savings. It has been a good lesson for all of us and worth the long effort to put it together.

So I hope this answers every one's questions and feel free to call me if you have any others. I like our method we may have to make some minor changes, (especially to help a shorter term memory like Kaleigh) but overall it works well.

RENEWED, REFRESHED and RESTORED

2008-03-03T05:45:00.000-08:00

I just got back from my retreat and I feel so refreshed. I love going away on my retreats because it really me a chance to be renewed and restored in my faith. I don't get a spa treatment (although going away for a spa treatment would be nice) I don't sleep great (I'm not in my own bed or laying next to my husband), I don't even eat well (lots of heavy ..delicious..comfort food) but I just feel so at peace when I get back. I just always feel great. It's my time away, alone with God and some wonderful friends. I miss my family terribly, but the time away always makes me appreciate them more. Thanks Abi, Heather and Linda, I had a blast, my sides still heart from laughing so hard. Thanks Abi for talking me into going even if we had to have a later start.

Too Funny

2008-02-29T12:13:00.000-08:00

I'm packing for my retreat and I ask Kaleigh "Can you help me pack my toiletries?" She says "sure" stops and takes a few minutes to think and then asks "Mom do you need to take your toilet with you on your retreat?" I just forget how literal they are..

Funny Pictures

2008-02-28T16:55:00.000-08:00

Madison went into the closet, pulled out Michael's shoes and

asked for help to get into them, it was hysterical, she was

just so proud of herself once she had them on.

OK so they like haming it for the camera after bath, too cute.

Good Days and Bad

2008-02-28T16:48:00.000-08:00

So pregnancy hormones are just ugly, add that to lack of sleep and a very testy 4 year old... your in for a bad combination. Thank you God that you are so forgiving and that my 4 year old no matter how much trouble she gets in, still wants me to snuggle and love her. I'm getting ready to go to a ladies retreat for the weekend which I know I will enjoy but I know I will still miss them...even if it's only for a few minutes a day...

My Birthday

2008-02-25T17:24:00.000-08:00

So here I am celebrating another birthday, I won't tell you which one because I truly do not want to count them anymore. I realize how important they are to my family and how truly

special my husband makes me feel on my birthday. He really puts a lot of effort into leaving

me notes every where and trying to make me a special dinner. The kids love to have cake

and sing happy birthday, even Madison got into it with a big smile. I realize age is only a number

and I am so blessed to have the family that I have including the new baby (yes this is me at 18

weeks 3 days pregnant). A friend of mine is adopting a baby and to read her words of discovery and love for this child she has prayed for and has only been able to meet at (16 months) for 3 weeks is truly amazing. It makes me realize and appreciate how fortunate I am to be a mom, even on the days when I am exhausted (which are many) and worn out that it is such a short time that we have with them. If I live to be 70 or 80 I'll have only given up a short time to spend with them while they are little. I pray every day that I could help them become these incredible young women, some days I see peeks of it with their words or actions and others I'm just too caught up in the daily routine to notice. But I know that they won't always want to fight for who gets to sit on my lap or see the love they have for each other. I know my time is short with them being small and even though some days it seems forever, I know I will miss those days when they are gone. I know how fortunate I am to have a husband who still adores me, even after being together for 11 years. That he wants to spoil me and love me unconditionally, Thank You God for my family, thank you that you have given me a love I never knew possible.

I love these pictures

2008-02-25T17:14:00.001-08:00

Madison just loves bath time, she loves to splash, she loves to be in there with her sisters
and just loves the fun. She does not however like to get out of the bath, that is a big project.

Girl Scouts Think Day

2008-02-25T16:54:00.000-08:00

Think Day is a big Girl Scout event where all the troops in our area come together and display
a country and facts that they learned about. This having been our first year, we didn't do too bad. We picked Thailand, and the words Mae Nam mean river in Thai. This is our booth, plus we made a thai desert of oranges (clementines) and simple syrup with rose water. Interesting you either like it or you don't.

These are 4 of the 7 girls I have in our troop. I co-lead with another mom and you would think that having 2 grown women to seven 6 year olds would really be enough and yet, somehow they over take us every time. It really helps me to appreciate my Jordan's behavior and the teachers who take care of these children on a daily basis.

2008-02-25T16:51:00.000-08:00

Feeling pretty miserable

2008-02-19T08:51:00.000-08:00

So I have again hurt my back, I did the same thing last summer and it took forever to heal, I hope it doesn't take forever this time, but I'm hoping to recover soon. I also feel like I'm coming
down with something, so the combination is not good, because I can't fight off any virus if I can't take deep breaths because my back hurts, this is no fun. Thank goodness my parents were here
this weekend to actually help me and Michael with the kids.

Valentine's Day

2008-02-14T18:20:00.000-08:00

We're not so into the exaggeration of Valentine's

Day celebration but we do like to do a few fun

things, like paint crafts for our loved ones and of course

making chocolate covered straweberries, an absolute

must on Valentine's Day.

I don't like the whole idea of spending oodles of money on flowers

or jewelery I got mad at Michael one year for spending a

fortune on flowers, to which he has never bought me red roses on

Valentine's day again. However, he brings me flowers

all the time, sometimes he can just tell I'm having a

bad day and he'll just show up with a boquet.

So for us Valentine's is not about roses, candy and flowers, but

having fun together making special crafts and havinge fun

making special foods.

Then of course I have to remind the girls that God tells

us to love one another every day not just Valentine's Day.

I'm glad they get it.

I love this picture of Jordan she is just

getting so big and beautiful, it kills me

every day.

Kaleigh always in a dress or skirt and headband. She's such a girl.

Our smiley drooly sweet pea.

One of our last date pictures

2008-02-14T18:18:00.000-08:00

We don't get to go out too often but we got to go to

Michael's holiday party for his company and we had

a great time. Anytime the two of us have time together

without the kids is always cherrished.

Big Girl Chair

2008-02-14T18:16:00.001-08:00

On top of her fetish for our magazine rack

Madison loves chairs, it makes her

feel like asuch a big girl its so cute.

Fun Pics

2008-02-14T18:13:00.000-08:00

Yes you are seeing this correctly, one of Madison's favorite things

is to sit inside our magazine rack. Can't tell you why, but she

insists on pulling out all the magazines and climbing in.

Getting By

2008-02-06T17:33:00.000-08:00

So now that the shock of being pregnant has passed I'm not feeling too bad, I'm just about at that 16 week mark where you start to feel pretty good. I have to say though I'm pretty tired, by the
end of the day my body is ready to plop. Most days I struggle out of bed at 6:30 but feel pretty good in the swing of things by 7:30. However, here in lies the deceit, because I feel good I think I can keep up my pace, you would have thought I would have learned by now that trying to squeeze in that last errand would cause me damage. Most days the girls are great they allow me to rest for half and hour so around 3:00 when Madison takes her second nap, which then allows me to function again and get through dinner and bedtime. But the days I don't rest, like today, Preschool, Girl Scout meeting (including errands before hand to prepare for meeting) getting home at 4:15, wiped and exhausted make dinner, to which Michael leaves at 6:30 to go to TFM at church, leaving me to homework, baths and bed time routines. So by 8:15 the bed is calling my name!! Hopefully tomorrow will be better and I'll have a time to rest.

Took this from my friend Courtney's Web Site. It's long but worth it.

2008-01-25T18:04:00.000-08:00

Being a Mom

We are sitting at lunch one day when my daughter casuallymentions that she and her husband are thinking of “starting a family.”“We’re taking a survey,” she says half-joking. “Do you thinkI should have a baby?”“It will change your life,” I say, carefully keeping my toneneutral.“I know,” she says, “no more sleeping in on weekends, no morespontaneous vacations.”-But that is not what I meant at all. I look at my daughter,trying to decide what to tell her. I want her to know what shewill never learn in childbirth classes.I want to tell her that the physical wounds of child bearingwill heal, but becoming a mother will leave her with an emotionalwound so raw that she will forever bevulnerable.-I consider warning her that she will never again read anewspaper without asking, “What if that had been MY child?” Thatevery plane crash, every house fire will haunt her.That when she sees pictures of starving children, she willwonder if anything could be worse than watching your child die.-I look at her carefully manicured nails and stylish suit andthink that no matter how sophisticated she is, becoming a motherwill reduce her to the primitive level of a bearprotecting her cub. That an urgent call of “Mom!” will causeher to drop a soufflé or her best crystal without a momentshesitation.-I feel that I should warn her that no matter how many yearsshe has invested in her career, she will be professionally derailedby motherhood. She might arrange forchildcare, but one day she will be going into an importantbusiness meeting and she will think of her baby’s sweet smell. Shewill have to use every ounce of discipline to keep from runninghome, just to make sure her baby is all right.-I want my daughter to know that every day decisions will nolonger be routine. That a five year old boy’s desire to go to themen’s room rather than the women’s at McDonald’swill become a major dilemma. That right there, in the midstof clattering trays and screaming children, issues of independenceand gender identity will be weighed against the prospect that achild molester may be lurking in that restroom.However decisive she may be at the office, she willsecond-guess herself constantly as a mother.-Looking at my attractive daughter, I want to assure her thateventually she will shed the pounds of pregnancy, but she willnever feel the same about herself. That her life, now soimportant, will be of less value to her once she has a child. Thatshe would give herself up in a moment to save her offspring, butwill also begin to hope for more years, not to accomplish her owndreams, but to watch her child accomplish theirs. I want her toknow that a cesarean scar or shiny stretch marks will become badgesof honor.-My daughter’s relationship with her husband will change, butnot in the way she thinks.I wish she could understand how much more you can love a manwho is careful to powder the baby or who never hesitates to playwith his child. I think she should know that she will fall in lovewith him again for reasons she would now find very unromantic.-I wish my daughter could sense the bond she will feel withwomen throughout history who have tried to stop war, prejudice anddrunk driving.-I want to describe to my daughter the exhilaration of seeingyour child learn to ride a bike. I want to capture for her thebelly laugh of a baby who is touching the soft furof a dog or cat for the first time. I want her to taste thejoy that is so real it actually hurts.-My daughter’s quizzical look makes me realize that tears haveformed in my eyes. “You’ll never regret it,” I finally say. Then Ireached across the table, squeezed mydaughter’s hand and offered a silent prayer for her, and forme, and for all the mere mortal women who stumble their way intothis most wonderful of callings.

My baby is 1.

2008-01-25T17:45:00.000-08:00

My heart is just aching at the thought that my baby is now ONE!

I can't even believe it, where did the time go, this

year has just gone by so fast and you are this

adorable, sweet, loving little girl.

I will miss your baby year but you are

becoming this fun little, happy little toddler.

I'm so lucky to be your mom.

Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer

2008-01-25T17:34:00.000-08:00

Hit the play button to hear Kaleigh's rendition of Rudolph.

Christmas dresses

2008-01-25T17:29:00.000-08:00

The insanity of Christmas in our house

2008-01-25T17:24:00.000-08:00

Ok so after spending 4 days in New York for the holidays the Friday before Christmas until Christmas day, these girls literally celebrated every single day. All of our relatives that we visited every day, had presenst for them and when we finally came home this is what awaited them, Christmas from Santa and Michael's side fo the family. It's kind of crazy, really. We have to really remind them during this time what Christmas is really about.

Christmas Morning at my parents house

2008-01-25T17:20:00.000-08:00

Some more Pics from Christmas

2008-01-25T17:14:00.000-08:00

Pictures with the Grandparents from an after New Years Celebration.

Pictures of the kids on my side of the family.

Crazy Season

2007-12-13T11:41:00.000-08:00

OK so I know I hadn't posted in over a month, it's kind of been crazy since Jordan's eye surgery was canceled, but it happen today and I am mixed with emotions. I am relieved and sad and hurting for my child. She seems pretty good today we'll see how the rest of the day goes and keeping her home for a few days to recover. We know get into the full swing of the holidays and I'm having wisdom teeth pulled next week, right before christmas, oh fun, but I'm most grateful for the time we get to spend together and that everyone is OK.

Some Family Portraits

2007-12-13T11:28:00.001-08:00

We went to have our pictures taken as a family, noitce our new family one on our profile but here were some extras. I really like the way everyone cam eout.

Tree Pics

2007-12-13T11:26:00.000-08:00

Getting in the holiday spirit

2007-12-12T19:54:00.000-08:00

It is less than 2 weeks away and we are finally getting into the holiday spirit, after weeks of the girls asking when are we going to decorate... we've been a little busy, we are finally able to say OK, lets get out the decorations.

Eating as a sport

2007-12-12T19:48:00.000-08:00

Madison loves to eat, she reminds me a lot of Kaleigh as a baby, she loved food and was a good eater, we're not sure what happened to Kaleigh though, we're pretty sure Jordan has had some influence on her to become such a picky eater, but we hope it never happens to Madison. She loves food. She especially loves, rice, pasta, vegetables (especially peas), meat and fruit (bananas and grapes are her preference). It's awesome to watch her eat. The only thing she doesn't like is baby food, unless it's pureed fruit to mix with her otmeal.

Thanksgiving

2007-12-12T19:43:00.000-08:00

We went to Atlanta to see Michael's sister for Thanksgiving and we all had such a wonderful time. All except Madison who decided she was going to be sick the entire time we were there with a fever of no less than 101. I had to take her to an urgent care facility the Friday after Thanksgiving because she had 104, despite that we really enjoyed spending time with everyone. The kids can't wait to go back and spend time with their cousins. Hopefully we can go again next summer, the kids all did remarkably well in the car considering it was a 10 hour trip.

Apple and Pumpkin Picking

2007-12-12T19:34:00.001-08:00

It was really cold but we had such a good time going apple and pumpking picking. It's something we have done with the kids in the past but we couldn't do it last year because I was pregnant so I'm glad we got to go this year. The kids are already asking when we can go again.

We just have so much laundry

2007-12-12T19:28:00.001-08:00

Finally some pictures

2007-12-12T19:21:00.000-08:00

Jordan wanted to be Leo from Little Einsteins, so we had to create

the costume, I guarantee that next year it will be available.

Kaleigh was our Fairy Princess with wings.

Of course Madison was our strawberry, unfortunately the times we put

on her costume she did not want to cooperate.

NO Pictures -Sorry

2007-11-08T11:41:00.000-08:00

OK Sorry I haven't posted pictures, it just seems that my days are getting crazier and crazier, I can't seem to catch my breath. AAGGHH. Between, kids activities, birthday parties, girl scouts, ballet and AWANA all included it seems I have no time to do anything at all. Jordan's surgery was canceled because of Strep throat and Madison hasn't slept in a week I'm pretty sure she is cutting some new teeth but the lack of sleep has managed to make me completely forget some very important things - Yikes. Sorry! I will post some very cute pictures from Halloween and some nice family pictures, we are looking forward to Thanksgiving although that doesn't seem to lend any down time since we will be traveling to Atlanta to see Michael's sister. I can't keep up.

Birthday Party for Kaleigh

2007-10-18T18:32:00.000-07:00

We had a birthday party for Kaleigh and yes it was a princess theme and yes you are looking at shoe on a pillow cake and yes Michael made this cake. He is the one who makes all the kids birthday cakes and does a great job at it, they always come out awesome.

Posing in front of the castle.

Playing Simon Says.

Playing Princess and the Pea.

Fun with Daddy

2007-10-18T18:28:00.000-07:00

Michael is doing some landscaping in our front yard so he got a wheelbarrow and the girls wanted a ride around the house before he took it out side, the older ones were having a ball but Madison was not too sure.

The Birthday Girl - Oct. 10, 2007

2007-10-18T18:13:00.000-07:00

OK so this is crazy my Kaleigh is 4 - FOUR can you believe it FOUR! It seems like only yesterday I was watching her doing the army crawl and moving furniture to climb things it's
so wild to see this beautiful girl turn 4. She is so smart and funny and impossible. She has
a ton of attitude and love it's incredible. I hope that I am worthy of being your mom and
that with God's help I can shape you to be an amazing young lady, woman and daughter in
christ.

My almost walker

2007-10-18T17:57:00.000-07:00

Can you believe it she's standing all by herself. It's incredible

she's not even 9 months in this picture, we went from crawling

rocking to crawling to pulling her self up to standing alone all in

the span of 6 weeks. It's awful, my baby is going to be walking

before we know it.

The crazy month of September

2007-09-29T18:00:00.000-07:00

So this has been the craziest September EVER and that is no exaggeration. We are all exhausted and worn out. Between the start of school, ballet, girl scouts and Awana, Michael has done more traveling in the last month than he has in his entire life. It started out with him going away for the Men's Retreat at church to going to South Carolina, Miami and then St. Louis and finally away for a golf weekend that was planned three months ago with his dad. In between all of this we had Madison dedicated at church. YES! he owes me big, and sometime in the future we will discuss my time away for the weekend.

Pictures from Madison's Dedication

Yes this is very cutesy. I have to do it while I can.

AWAKENING FEST

We managed to squeeze in Awakening FEST (christian rock concert) with 15,000 people, it was a beautiful day, a little cooler than we thought but we had all had a good time just spending the day together.
Of all the people in the world we managed to sit right next to my friend Felicia

who I haven't seen in over a year completely unplanned.

We were in a Lamaze group when we were

all pregnant with our first children. That's her son Austin her first child, she

subsequently has 2 other children. I'm still friends with the other ladies,

though we don't get together that often anymore, but I wouldn't have

made it through those first few months at home with out these ladies.

She's such a Daddy's Girl.

I love this picture just me playing around with the camerae with the girls.

Here is Madison trying to stand with while she was trying to figure out how to crawl. Yes another over achiever. Watch the video below to see more. It's funny this is her at the beginning of the month, now at the end she's up, she's crawling, she's even starting to slowly cruise.

We've already had to drop the crib to the lowest setting because she's pulling herself up in her crib. She wasn't even eight months yet. YIKES.

I'm so not really ready for all this.

Hit the play button to watch., it's a little grainy, but cute.

More of the first day

2007-09-10T18:35:00.000-07:00

Kaleigh and her little friend Anna pick up right were they left off last year, best of friends.

First day of school for Kaleigh

2007-09-10T18:33:00.000-07:00

Today was Kaleigh's first day of Pre-school for the second year. She actually has Ms. Gail who was Jordan's pre-school teacher when she went to pre-school. Ms. Gail will be great for Kaleigh she will know how to keep her challenged yet keep her in line. I'm looking forward to this year. Although I have to admit, I sobbed when I dropped off my little trouble maker.

First good picture of the teeth Madison has

2007-09-10T18:30:00.001-07:00

My Cinderalla Princess

2007-09-10T18:16:00.000-07:00

This is so funny, so Kaleigh has turned in her crown so she can begin wearing her cinderella cape, gloves and purse ( I wish you could see it), I got some wild looks with her walking around stores with this child. I'm so glad she has her own sense of style. I had to say no to the glass slipper that light up.

Our first week of school and the Men's Retreat

2007-09-10T18:09:00.000-07:00

So we got through our first week of school it was long and I'm glad it's over. Jordan had a great week but she was so tired and a little tempermental. Kaleigh was so excited to have her sister home and someone to play with, but Jordan was in no mood for her sister, so it made for quite a few issues. Not to mention the least of which was Kaleigh feeling left out because she didn't start school until today. Thanks Goodness. To add to the icing on the cake, Michael went on a men's retreat with our church, he was gone all weekend, we all really missed him, but we managed. Thanks to my friend Elizabeth for coming over on Saturday and helped me with the kids, we even made it to church Sat night and out to McDonald's with some other mom's, it was awesome. While we were having dinner together our husbands were having breakfast I thought it was funny when Michael told me. I'm so glad he's home.

It's Finally Here - the first day of school

2007-09-04T09:27:00.000-07:00

I can't take it, it's finally here the first day of 1st grade. It's a official I am the mother of an elementary school teacher. I have so many feelings running through me. I asked Michael to

stay this morning and help her get ready for school because after the wreck I was last year with just kindergarten I knew I would be a wreck today. I feel like a big hole is in my heart, she'll be gone all day and I know I'll miss her terribly. I'm excited on the one hand and nervous on the other. I pray that we have layed the foundation well as we begin this new and exciting chapter of our lives. She will no longer have just our influences but the world's as well and I trust that God will protect her and guide her, as long as we continue to teach her to trust in him. Not so easy for an adult to accept let alone my little six year old.

A Mom's Prayer On the First Day of School

Here we are again, Lord. Their backpacks are loaded and their faces are scrubbed

and their lunch accounts are full.

And I know you'll walk with them, Lord.

You always do. But a mom still has to ask.

Will You walk with them?

Will You whisper to them what they need to hear,

when I'm not there to whisper it?

Will You please, oh please, cover their school with the protection

only You can give, and will You keep harm far away?

Will You make their minds strong and ready to learn?

Will You help them understand that hard work

honors the One who created them?

Will You guide their teachers, giving them patience

and wisdom and creativity and more patience?

Will You bless them for their efforts?

Will You love all those children there,

the ones whose lunch accounts aren't full, the ones who feel alone?

Will You teach my children to be kind

and unselfish and to love those who are different from them?

Will You point them back toward home

just as soon as you can?

Lord, I give them to You today and everyday,

trusting them to Your care. Amen.
(taken from another mom's blog)

I can't beleive it's Sept. 1st

2007-09-01T10:15:00.001-07:00

I'm in shock really, it's hard to believe that our summer is over. Where did it go? It's so hard for me to think of Jordan going into 1st grade, it puts such a lump in my throat, I fight back the tears. On the one hand I'm so excited for this chapter in her life to begin but now for sure she will be a big kid, one that's in school all day.....At least I still have Kaleigh and Madison. Although if it were up to Kaleigh she would be going to 1st grade with Jordan or at least Kindergarten. Slow down there sweetie there is still so much time. This time is so fleeting I need to savor every moment. As for Madison I need to put weights in her diaper she gets closer to crawling and pulling her self up on things every day, I'm not ready for that! I didn't tell her she could do that, I do not give permission for my kids to grow up, because it's just not fair!! Do I sound like a 4 year old? You bet.

This has been a quite a summer, beginning with a trip to the beach, a trip to NY to see family, summer school, VBS, the girls doing an awesome job learning to swim and finally ballet camp. What a world wind, no wonder it went by so fast, good thing I didn't blink, because I might have missed it all.

Ballet Week

2007-08-31T14:54:00.000-07:00

This week the girls got to go to ballet camp and had a blast. They loved it and they looked so cute, I didn't realize how much they would enjoy it and how much they missed doing it after taking a year off from doing it because of my pregnancy and Madison's birth. We'll just have to see how the rest of the year goes with ballet and tap.

The Movies

2007-08-27T08:34:00.000-07:00

I got to see a movie!! Yeah! I love going to the movies although I have to confess I hate parting with money to see a lousy one, not to mention if it's not clean, but my friend Diana invited me to a movie and it was good! We went to see Becoming Jane, about Jane Austen the author,total chick flick. Thanks Diana for inviting me and thanks Michael for staying with the kids so I could have a great night out with my friend for some much needed me time.

My nephew came for a visit - it was too short

2007-08-27T08:24:00.000-07:00

My nephew came for a visit with my parents it was too short a visit and I missed
seeing him. He was so much fun and the girls love having their cousin around, just
a glimpse of the energy that would have been in our house had we had a boy. So
fun.

I'm trying to learn to crawl

2007-08-27T08:08:00.000-07:00

Hope this works. Click on video to see Madion try to crawl.

It's been reigning princesses in our house lately

2007-08-27T07:55:00.000-07:00

Dress up is a favorite in our house except for Jordan, she lasts all of 5 minutes and only if Kaleigh initiates it, but Kaleigh LOVES to dress up. She has been wearing her tiara out of the house every day for the pass month. We get all kinds of looks and comments. A waitress in the

restaurant told her she loved her tiara and that she had one just like it at home. I know it's only a phase but it is so darn cute.

August 13 - Happy Birthday Michael

2007-08-27T07:48:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to the most wonderful husband a girl could ever have. You give so much and ask for so little, thanks for being my spouse. I love the man and father God is making you.

ALL SMILES

2007-07-30T18:25:00.000-07:00

I love their smiles, it's one of the best things I get to experience every day.

Feeding myself by Madison

2007-07-30T17:59:00.000-07:00

This is Yummy.

That spoon is stuck, it feels good against my soar gums.

Oh oh...