Jazz, Family, Showers

Wow…can I just saw WHAT A WEEKEND!! There is nothing that I love more than being with friends and family and that is just what this weekend was about! It all started when my lovely sister, Kristen, came home from PA school for the weekend! She left her wonderful cadaver friends (Bob and Louise) to spend some time with her family. She has been studying her little behind off at school and needed a break for sure. So…as soon as she got into town we took her and the rest of my family to the Jazz Festival in downtown Elkhart. Now, I know what you’re thinking…Jazz, really? Yes, really. We didn’t really listen to the music, but we sure enjoyed just relaxing and socializing. We ate dinner at Mad Anthony’s and then walked down the streets and ran into a lot of people that we know. Hayden loved the freedom of running in the streets without cars driving down them. She was completely filthy by the end of the night but the important thing is she had fun and didn’t get hurt…hehe! I also ran into 3 girls that I went to college with…one was my roommate! It was so nice to catch up with them and to see where they are in life.

The BEST part of staying out so late was Hayden didn’t wake up until 10:00 the next morning. Jesus was definitely looking out for me! After I got the kids ready, we met my parents, sisters, and Tim at the lake for some boat action. It was another beautiful day that we enjoyed being outside. Hayden is now realizing that when we go to the lake that means wave runners. So, of course, she runs to my dad takes her out for LONG rides. Thanks to the Parkers (friends of my parents) we were also able to get out and be on land when we wanted to. They live on the lake and welcome us every time we are up there, which is wonderful when you have 2 kids under the age of 2.

Later that evening, Tara and Steve were able to come to my parents and enjoy some pizza with us. It reminded me of when I was living at home and would invite my friends over! So, mom and dad, thank you for feeding us and letting us hang out!! Aren’t my parents so generous and wonderful?! After everyone left, Kristen and I had a sleepover just like the olden days and watched a movie until 1:00 am. Let me tell you, it was the STUPIDEST movie I have ever seen…besides Napoleon Dynamite…When in Rome. The funny thing is, both of the main characters in that movie were in this movie! Kristen and I couldn’t believe we watched the whole movie! I thought it was going to be some cute love story! Oh well!

Oh, but wait, the fun isn’t over yet! Well, at least for me! Today was Tara’s baby shower. We were hoping and praying it was going to be outside with beautiful weather. But, God had other plans. It poured like crazy right before the shower so everything was moved down in her parents’ basement. It still turned out BEAUTIFUL and everything went so smoothly and nice. There was lots of help and Kelsey gave a great shower! Tara and Steve were very blessed today in everything they got. So, Miss Spivey, you may come out now…we are all very anxious for your arrival and now your mommy and daddy have a car seat so they can officially bring you home!

After the shower, the kids and I met Nic at his dad’s house where we enjoyed some delicious chicken and got to visit with family. I finally got to meet Uncle Frank! It cracks me up that I have been with Nic for 10 years now and am just now meeting him. He is quite the character! Just from the little bit of time I got to be with him tonight I can tell that he is just a lot of fun to be around. The best part of the night was when Hayden’s grandpa Minder got out the Slip n’ Slide! Of course, Hayden had a ball! Nic, Jack, and Allison also joined in on the fun! Boy, was that a sight! It was a fantastic evening!

When we got home, I was talking on the phone to my sister and we were both watching the sunset. We were both reminded of God’s beauty. She was telling me that she knew God had placed her in an apartment with a balcony so she could have a place to rest and be refreshed (is that a word?). Isn’t God amazing? Kristen was telling me that she had a very hard, kind of discouraging week with school. Everyone kind of took a beating and were a little disheartened. Even though I can’t even come close to comprehending what she is going through with her schooling right now, I was reminded of God’s faithfulness. There is a song called “Hold On” and it is kind of like what Jesus is singing to us. Here are the words:

Hold on- 33 Miles

I've been there a thousand times,

I've felt the rain like a thousand knives.

And it hurts,

I know it hurts!

I've been there like a fighter plane,

Tryin' fly my way through a hurricane.

And it's hard,

I know it's hard!

Don't be afraid,

You'll make it through,

Just call out to me and I'll come running to you!

Hold on, hold on!

When the current pulls you under,

And your heart beats like thunder.

Just give me your hand,

And hold on, hold on!

Until the storm is over,

And I'll be fighting for you.

Just give me your hand and,

Hold on!

I'll give you hope, I'll give you faith!

And if it's dark, I'll light the way,

For you, for you!

By your side, until the end,

Until you're standing tall again!

I'm here, I'll always be here.

And if the tide sweeps you out to sea,

When your strength is gone, and it's hard to believe!

Hold on, hold on!

When the current pulls you under,

And your heart beats like thunder!

Just give me your hand,

And hold on, hold on!

Until the storm is over.

And I'll be fighting for you,

Just give me your hand!

Breath of Fresh Air

First of all, can I just say I have the best parents?! They knew that if I didn’t get out of the house soon from all the commotion this week that I was going to go completely crazy. They offered to take Hayden, Colton, and I to downtown St. Joe, Michigan. It was just what all of us needed…a different surrounding for just a couple of hours. No cleaning, no laundry, no throwing up, no injuries, no storms…just bright sunshine and a cool wind. God knew exactly what we needed.

We started off by going to a little store where Hayden and Sarah (even though she is 18..ha!) stuffed their own animals. Hayden got to stuff a very soft bear and Sarah stuffed an elephant. It was like Build-a-Bear, but was called something else, which escapes my memory at the moment…actually I don’t think I ever looked at the name of the store! Everywhere we walked there would be dog statues all decorated funky...Hayden had to stop at each one and pet it!

We then walked to a little children’s boutique…once again I didn’t look at the name of the store. They had the most adorable little outfits there for girls. I absolutely love having my own little girl to dress up. We also came across a little blue square blanky just like Hayden’s brown one. She doesn’t go anywhere without her brown blanky or pink blanky from Aunt Jac. I love that she is attached to these blankets as silly as that may seem. I still have my blanket from when I was a kid and felt so secure with it. Laugh all you want…but I know over half of the people reading this had a security blanket of some kind..haha!

Enough with the shopping. There was a new inside carousel built since last time I was there and a place where water shoots from the ground (I don’t know the actual name…surprise!). I think Hayden would still be on that carousel if we would let her. She rode it 4 or 5 times in a row. Thank goodness my dad was there with her. I rode that thing one time with her and I thought Sarah and I were just going to hurl from going round and round and round. I think that is a sign I am getting old. It was so good to see Hayden just so content and happy. My mom explained that each horse on the carousel was donated by some family or company and each one had a story to it as to why it was decorated the way it was. Hayden rode on Freedom. We then ventured over to that water thing I mentioned earlier. Once again, Hayden was in heaven. After that we went to the beach and played on the playground and visited the water. My favorite part was when Hayden would walk to the edge of the water and when the wave came she would run away from it. Oh and of course we can’t forget the ice cream from grandma…I am telling you…these children are absolutely spoiled!! But I have to tell you, it brings joy to my heart and a smile to my face when I watch my mom and dad with their grandchildren. Pretty much priceless. (Now, in the following pics you will notice Hayden is just in a diaper...I promise we do have bathing suits for her, but we didn't know we would be getting wet!)

So mom and dad, if you are reading this, thank you for such a wonderful day and all your love.

We finally decided maybe we should head home from our wonderful outing. But my day wasn’t quite over yet. I got to spend the rest of the evening with a great group of girls…my best friends. We made (and by we I mean not me) LOTS of yummy dipped pretzels for Tara’s baby shower. I should know by now I shouldn’t plan on things like this and honestly think I will get anything done with a 19 month old who is ALL over the place and a 9 week old who loves to cuddle. But I enjoyed just being with these girls.

Now…I have a little problem I need to discuss with my blog friends…how in the world do you teach an almost 2 year old the difference in throwing a ball and throwing something hard or food (anything you aren’t supposed to throw)???? Hayden has started throwing…and I mean THROWING…everything she touches. She doesn’t do it out of anger or anything…she just throws. And man, does she have an arm! She threw fries across the table at lunch, threw her paci to the front seat while I am driving (several times), threw a peace of a train at poor Emma, and even threw a little football into the nicely decorated dipped pretzels that were still drying. What do I do? Any advice? Anything would be much appreciated. Oh, and it doesn’t help when she smiles that heart melting smile after throwing everything.

Stitches and Sickness

Above are some pictures from Father's Day. The one of Hayden and Nic is my all time favorite:)

WARNING: DEPRESSING POST BELOW. IF YOU DON’T FEEL LIKE BEING DEPRESSED CLICK ON THE RED X IN THE CORNER OF YOUR SCREEN

I didn’t know it was possible to be this emotionally and physically burnt out as I feel at this moment. When I thought about this coming week on Sunday, I pictured playing outside, maybe going to the lake, enjoying time with my little family. Boy was I WRONG. Monday morning I woke up to a child that had thrown up in her bed. So I got her washed up and was about to get my other little crying baby to feed him when I didn’t feel so right. Let’s just say I have NEVER been as sick as I was yesterday. I got dominated by a little thing called the flu. I am not so fond of that bug. I felt so helpless. I couldn't even get to the swing to get Colton out and hold him when he was crying. I could barely walk from the bathroom to my bed without Nic's help. Then there was Nic…bless his heart. He took care of both of the kids all day, cleaned the house and took care of me, which is no easy task. He had his hands full that’s for sure. Then night came and Hayden didn’t feel like going to sleep until like 10:30 and Colton was screaming until 2 in the morning since I couldn’t produce enough milk for the poor little guy. Ya know, I thought I was going to get a lot of rest since I was sick…not so much.

So after a restless night the kids woke up early and whether Nic and I liked it or not our day had to get started. I was still light headed due to the fact of not eating in the last 30 hours so I was trying to take it a little slow when I heard Nic yell from the kitchen, “Tori, we need to go to the hospital NOW!” Not something you really want to hear. When I got up to see what was going on my baby girl’s face was covered in blood and so was the towel Nic was using to try to stop the bleeding. Hayden took it like a champ though and only cried for about a minute. So we packed everything up that we could as we rushed out of the house. My poor little baby just laid on my lap at the emergency room and then fell asleep on the bed in the little room. Needless to say I had a shirt covered in blood and almost passed out from everything going on around me. I have a weak stomach and don't do well with blood. Every time I looked at the cut it broke my heart because I knew what had to come next…the stitches. I have never experienced a broken bone or stitches so I had no idea what to expect. I was just trying to hold down everything and be strong…but Nic said I handled it poorly…ha. When they finally came to stitch her up I couldn’t handle it so I went to a little room to wait with Colton and Nic stayed with Hayden. That didn’t help because I could hear her screaming from there. I just sat there and bawled my eyes out as I prayed. They had to restrain her and cover her eyes. I finally decided to go back and try to be strong…but they had just finished. The look in Hayden’s eyes broke my heart even more. But once we got home Hayden was running around again like her old self. She fears nothing…which is why she was in this situation! She even took it upon herself to jump on the couch and bounce right off. She got up and went to do it again. Nic says it was only a matter of time. I know this probably won't be the last time something happens like this but I pray with all my heart that it doesn't happen again anytime soon. The rest of night went smoothly, which was what we needed.

Don't worry...my 19 month old was comforting me

And this is the wonderful gash

On the bright side, gammy got her a little kitchen that occupied her for quite some time:

So there you have it…I truly think it was a God-thing that these two days were Nic’s days off…If all this were to happen, I am thankful Nic was able to be here is for his family. He was and is truly amazing! In the midst of all this action, Colton turned 2 months old yesterday. My baby boy is already 2 months old...where has the time gone? Every so often I write letters to my babies to put in their scrap books. This is what I wrote for Colton as he turned 2 months old:

My sweet baby boy,

You have now been in our lives for 2 months. You are starting to form your own little personality already. You stare at us and focus on us. You smile when we smile at you. You also talk a lot! I absolutely love listening to your little squeals and noises. Sometimes I like to think you are saying “hi.” You are a very content baby and just so happy. You are starting to sleep a little longer at night and you eat like a champ! You have the most beautiful eyes that are starting to turn a little more brown as the days go by and your hair is starting to grow back...it looks like it is brown. You love to be held super close and love to swing. You also love to watch Praise Baby. On the other hand, you still don’t like bath time or diaper changes. Every night I pray for you and your sister. I pray that God will keep you safe in his arms and that you will continue to grow to be a healthy and man of God. I pray that you will hold tight to Him and follow Him. I thank Him every day for blessing me with you and your sister. You are both my biggest joy in life. I love you both more than you will ever know. I will always love you and be here for you.

Your Mom

My Dad, My Husband

There are 3 very special men in my life: Nicholas, Dad, and Colton. Today, on Father’s day, I want to honor 2 of those men: my husband and my father. Today at church Pastor spoke about how the father is to be a godly example, the head of the house. He should lead us to Christ and look to Him. He should not give up on his children, but pray for them and be there for them…no matter the circumstance. On TV most shows poke fun at the dad and make him look like the joke of the family. But that’s not what God desires of a father. I want to tell a little about these special men in my life.

First, my father. My dad is probably the most generous, compassionate, hard working man that you will meet. He gives. He gives time, he gives advice, he gives encouragement, he gives love. Although my dad is a doctor who works a lot of hours and is on call almost every other day it seems, I have NEVER felt like he didn’t have time for me, his daughter. He always had time to go to school functions, to father/daughter sock hops, to ballet and tap recitals, to every important event that happened in my life. He has always kept his promises. He always has time to talk and time to have fun. I remember as a high school student it seemed like I ALWAYS needed help with my homework. It didn’t matter how late at night it was or how early in the morning it was, he would always find the time to help me. He never got frustrated with me, although I would have if I was him. He always showed patience…a quality I have always admired about him. I always thought, and still do think, that my dad could do anything. He can fix anything, whether it is something in the house or something personally. It seems like he always knows what to do, no matter the situation. I have always felt like I can go to my dad and just talk about life. I can talk to him about anything. He listens. Even though I am 25, a married woman and have 2 kids, I still find myself wanting to make my dad proud of me. Ever since I was young, I never wanted to disappoint my father. I looked up to him and still do. He is my hero. There has never been a minute of my life that I have doubted his love for me or his family. He loves through his actions, not just his words. I feel completely blessed that I have a father like the one I have described and the thing is, this doesn’t even come close to describe everything he has done for me, for his family. Thank you dad for all you have done for me and all you have taught me. Thank you for working hard for your family and for loving us. Thank you for teaching us to have fun in life and to smile. Thank you for your sense of humor, even if you did hide under my bed and grab my feet as I was falling asleep and scaring the pee right out of me. Most importantly, thank you for the Godly example you have been to us. Happy Father’s Day, Dad!

I always knew since I was a little girl that I wanted to marry someone just life my dad. Which brings me to the next man in my life, my husband.

Nic is the most incredible husband and father to our children. I love watching him play with each of his babies and seeing the joy it brings to his eyes. I love that even when he is completely exhausted and almost falling over after work how he goes in the back yard and pushes Hayden on the swings and teaches her how to play catch. I love that he talks to Colton as he holds him in his arms even though Colt can’t talk back. I love how when he runs to the store he sweeps his baby girl up and takes her along with him. I love that he helps feed Hayden and then cleans her up, which can get real messy. I love that he spoils his children. I love that he gets down on the floor and wrestles and swings Hayden all around the room. I love that he lets her jump all over him and sometimes hurts him. I love how he looks at each of his children. I love that I never have to ask for help. I love that he works hard to support me and the babies. I love that he wants to be a Godly role model for his family. I love his patience with his kids when personally I want to pull my hair out and scream into a pillow. I love that God chose Nic to be the father of my kids. I am so thankful for my husband. Happy Father’s Day Nic!

To end this post, I want to share a song that describes my heavenly Father. Some people don’t have a father figure in their life like I have described, but they do have a Father in heaven.

Unfailing Love by Chris Tomlin

You have my heart

And I am Yours forever

You are my strength

God of grace and power

And everything You hold in Your hand

Still You make time for me

I can’t understand

Praise You God of Earth and sky

How beautiful is Your unfailing love

Unfailing love

And You never change God You remain

The Holy One

My unfailing love

Unfailing love

You are my rock

The one I hold on to

You are my song

And I sing for You

Sun and Storms

Can I just say that this weekend was absolutely beautiful?! For the first time all summer we got to go on the boat yesterday and it was just the perfect afternoon. Nic got off early and my sister and Tiny Tim asked us to meet them at the lake. Chad and Christina (Tim’s sister) were with them as well. So as soon as Nic got off, we hauled the troops up to the lake where we spent the next 4 ½ hours on the beautiful water. Hayden LOVED the boat…as usual! She was the perfect angel. Tim even let her drive the boat….HA! Poor Christina and Chad were on the back of the boat when Hayden decided to go a little faster! My parents met us up there with the wave runner, so we took turns taking Hayden on it. She is going to be quite the water gal. Colt just chilled! There is just something about water that is so calming. It makes all other worries disappear!

We left the lake at the perfect time…as you all know the weather wasn’t quite so perfect by the evening. Let’s just say I have never been in the mall when everything went black and the alarms were going off. I won’t lie….I almost peed my pants…seriously. I have always hated storms so you can imagine how I felt when we were walking out and things were flying through the air and the skies were pitch black. Not my idea of fun at the mall. Poor Nic. He had to deal with me AND Sarah. But we finally got back to safety at my parents and enjoyed some pizza in the dark. They lost power so we had a couple lanterns and candles…we had a candle-lit dinner…haha!! I sometimes make myself laugh. It was some good ole family bonding.

Skies were back to perfect today though. Nic played in a softball tournament with some of his old teammates and I got to catch up with the wives…it amazes me that none of us were married when the guys first started playing together and now we are married and all of us with kids. WOW! Colt got to meet his first girlfriend…Tori Schramski. Can I just say ADORABLE. She is so precious and beautiful. They make the perfect couple! But I can officially say that I am exhausted from the weekend’s events…and burnt to a crisp. It was all worth it though.

Meet Sam Minder

Well, the last couple of days have been a little crazy. On Tuesday we got to bring a new family member into our house, Sam Minder, a 9 month German Sheppard. Don’t let the age fool you. He is the biggest 9 month puppy I have ever seen. He has already captured our hearts and is Hayden’s best bud...well at least she think so! She follows him everywhere and basically attacks him thinking it is the funniest thing in the world…ha! He seems to be settling down quite well and is learning his role in the family. Wednesday was my first day with just me and him (without Nic). I have to admit…I was a little nervous because of his size and having my 2 babies as well. But he did ok. We all did. He does great at night and was potty trained when we got him, so that is always a plus. On the negative side, we have to make sure the food is pushed out of the way on the table and counter…his head is taller than the table so….byebye hotdogs!!

Yesterday, my mom was generous enough to take on my little angel for the day as I tackled my dirty house. She was spoiled by grandma, as usual. They have such a special relationship already. They went out to lunch, went shopping (notice the BRIGHT shoes!) and just had a special day. Hayden adores her Mamaw and Pappi. She also enjoyed the one-on-one time she received. Colton stayed with me and was such a good boy! For those of you have ever seen my house you know that it isn’t that big…but somehow it still took me 7 hours to clean completely…crazy huh? Let’s just say my back is quite sore. But don’t worry, this morning there was already grass clippings and cotton stuff from the trees trampled through the house. Oh well…just let it go Tori.

My friend, Sarah Scheuer (mentioned in a recent post), had her beautiful baby boy yesterday. I got to visit her and the little man today and I am talking gorgeous baby here! Watch out little ladies…Mr. Heartbreaker himself just entered the world! Matt and Sarah will be such great parents! They are already! I love watching a new momma look down at her baby with such indescribable love. It reminds me how God looks down at us. Now if Tara, Kara, and Jamie would just get their babies out…it is so exciting seeing all of these babies coming into the world. Come on ladies…do those squats!

On another note, my mom got Hayden a cool Water Table….it is awesome! And yes, I love it too! She has had such a blast with it outside…but somehow she gets SOAKING wet! I absolutely love to watch her play and giggle in her high pitch voice…she is so precious. I couldn’t thank God enough for giving me a baby girl like her. She makes my heart overflow with love and joy. She is still dragging her doll around the house and acting as mommy. She will make a good one someday! She is learning more and ore words as the days go by. Today she told Sam boy to sit! It was so cute!

Colton is now 8 weeks old. Seriously?! He is smiling so much more now and I swear he laughs! He is just so precious I can’t get enough of him. He is awake a lot more now-a-days. He talks often, and cries very little.

Alrighty…I am going to go save Sam from my daughter…poor dog doesn’t stand a chance!