The Business of Life

It has been almost 2 years since my last blog post. I miss it. I miss the outlet it gave me. I miss recording everything that is going on in our lives and how our kids have been growing and thriving. I miss the honesty that it gave me...to be myself, knowing no one can say anything or interrupt that time.  I guess I let the business of my life to take over and one of the things to go was blogging. unfortunately.

Speaking of the business of my life, I need to slow down. I go, go, go and then fill the little bit of free time I have watching Netflix or checking my email or Instagram. God has been pressing on my heart to really figure out what's important and to let everything else go.

One of those things has been Facebook. Let me tell you a little bit of background on this huge part of my life. It controlled me. It took my attention away from my kids, my husband, my house chores, everything. I NEEDED to know who was doing what, who was liking whose posts, what was going on in the world (mostly everything around the whole blue lives/black lives matter movement). I was constantly reading articles or posts totally berating my husband's job and how day after day another cop was killed, or another killing at that. It was pouring fear into my soul to the point I couldn't sleep and I feared every day that my husband walked out the door in his uniform. I came to a point where I was about to break from it all. I know that sounds completely stupid...to let FACEBOOK run my life. SO...I deleted it. I deleted my entire account. And it was FREEING. I haven't regretted my decision. I am not saying Facebook is horrible and everyone should delete it...I just did what was best for ME.

It's hard to find that balance in life. You know, balancing being a mom, a wife, a teacher. I don't regret going back to work for one second. God has gifted me with the ability to teach other children, and that's what I will do until He tells me otherwise. But does it make it hard to balance everything else in life? Of course. My cooking skills (or lack of) has been a challenge. I get home from teaching 5 year olds all day and the last thing I want to do is start cooking. Or cleaning. Or laundry. I feel guilty when I do have to do those things because I also want to spend time with the kids. Sooooo, it's all a balancing act...one in which my balance is way off most days. Those are the days I lean on God's grace. I find myself begging him to show me mercy and show me how to do everything I need to do but also glorify him in doing so. When I just feel totally overwhelmed and totally lost, I know it's those times that I am not spending time in His word and I can feel it emotionally, spiritually, and physically I start feeling lost and totally wanting to have a breakdown.

I am hoping that I will have the time to keep blogging, which is something I love to do. Not because everyone reads my thoughts, but because this is me, and I can type until I want to:) I just need to make sure I am not filling up my free time (what free time I have) with meaningless things.

Our Life

This past week has been a struggle for Nic and I and the kids....all because of sickness. Hayden and Colt have both had nasty colds and Colt has had another ear infection. I can't tell you the difference between him tonight from him the other night when he was in pain. So much more pleasant:) He is back to his happy, flirty, funny self. Hayden is also feeling MUCH better, thank the Lord. Nic and I, on the other hand, are almost over the worst part of our colds, popping vitamins and medicine like it's our jobs. I just wanted to record a couple of incidences from the past week so I can look back on them when the kids are older and congratulate myself for making it through this time in our lives:) Hehe! Here we go:

*As we were watching a football game the other night, Nic was yelling at the TV (he still thinks the players can here him through the television). All of the sudden, we heard, "Pass the ball, dang it!" It was Hayden. Apparently we need to seriously monitor what we say.
*Hayden has been having a hard time going to the bathroom and has been taking medicine to help everything go smoother, if you get my drift. Well, last night after going #2 in the toilet, she looked at it and before I could flush it, she said, "no, I wanna show daddy. It's big." Awesome. She is her father's daughter.
*Colton has learned how to tackle. And by that I mean he full out will take Hayden out in a blink of an eye. He has learned to play at the same level as his big sister. The other day Hayden was yelling, "NO BUBBY!" in her whiny voice, so I just assumed she wasn't sharing with him. After calling out, "Hayden, you need to share" over and over, I finally went in the other room to see what was going on. Colt had grabbed Hayden's head from behind and was on top of her and wouldn't let her move. He was smiling. She was not.
*Tonight I was sitting on the bean bag playing with Colt and Hayden. All of the sudden I looked up to see Colt running at me in full force and before I could stop him, his head went into my face. He smiled. I had tears in my eyes and have a fat lip.
*The other day Colt kept crying and crying in his crib. I waited and waited, thinking he would eventually just fall asleep. After 30 minutes of crying, I figured maybe he really did need something. He did. His legs were stuck in slits of the crib. Mom of the year award right here, folks.
*Colt didn't sleep for 2 nights in a row. He was up every 1/2 hour. He slept the next night. Hayden didn't sleep the next 2 nights. We will see what happens tonight. I'm tired...Nic's tired. We will get through this stage of life with 2 small children, right? Word of wisdom: DO NOT take "drowsy" medicine if you think there is ANY chance your child might not sleep that night. Not cool.
*Hayden thought she would potty train Colt one night this week by taking him to the little potty and take his diaper off. It was full of poop. Potty training failed Hayden that night...as well as our floor.
*On a sweeter note, the other night I was in a lot of pain due to my monthly issues (ladies, you understand, I'm sure), and I was bent over on the floor almost in tears when Hayden started rubbing my back. For those of you who know my little Hayden, sympathy isn't one of her strong suits:) She looked at me and said, "Mommy, you ok? Daddy will take care of you when he gets home." Such a sweet moment.
*Tonight Hayden was climbing on Nic when he looked at her and asked, "Did you poop in your pants?"  Hayden replied, "Noooooooooooo. I beep beeped." Again, her father's child:)

So, as I read through this, I realized there is a lot of personal information about my children's bodily functions...I apologize....kind of.

Through all of this, I can honestly say I wouldn't trade a moment of this for anything. This is our life. It's crazy. It's loud. It's messy. It's full of parental mistakes. I learn every day. It's so worth every second. I love it all.

It's late, I can't sleep, So this is what you get!

Rundown of the week...

1. Lots of playing outside thanks to the cooler weather. Played with chalk, played down by the creek, played on the slip n' slide, played in the toy cars, played with rocks, played with water, and even tried playing with play-doh with 7 children outside. Probably not the best idea that I ever had.

2. Built a "pillow floor" in which we gathered EVERY pillow in the house and put them on the floor, covered them with blankets, and then jumped from the couch onto the pillows...fun? OF COURSE! Bad habit forming? MAYBE! Oh well, it was worth it to see Hayden teach Colt how to jump. Well, he got the whole standing thing down and the whole falling thing down, just not the jumping part:) Needless to say, we have to watch him every.single.time he is on the couch...or he just belly flops to the floor...oops.

3. Watched Nic play softball with Jas as Whit and I ate ice cream with the kids. And then of course got a stuck in a downpour in which Whit was with 2-2 year olds who weren't so happy about it. I found that it is not easy and quick to pack 2 kids, a diaper bag, balls, a double stroller, and other items into the car without getting soaked. It makes me laugh to look back on it...ha. 

4. Hayden learned the song, "Clean up, Clean up"...you know, the one from Barney. The best part is, she actually CLEANS up when she is singing it! She cleaned up ever block, lego, stuffed animal, and dinosaur all by her lonesome while she sang the song today. It was a beautiful sight:)

5. Colton has learned how to say "cheese" while smiling into a camera. It sounds more like "eese" but still cut none the less. BUT you have to have a phone or a camera while asking him to say "cheese" or he knows it isn't real:)

6. I decided since I couldn't take 4 kids to the Salon to get our hair done and mani's and pedi's, that I would bring it to our house...complete with hair brushes, all sorts of clips, hair bands, nail polish, hand messages with lotion, a bowl of warm water (because that is what they have at the real places, although I am not sure why), nail clippers (although for some reason none of the girls liked that part), the thingy that cleans under nails (also not a big fan pleaser). The girls loved it, I loved it, my scalp didn't. The best part of this was when I got all done with Reagan's nails and did the whole sha-bang, I asked her why she was just staring at her nails. She then goes on to tell me, "Well, I don't like nail polish." Me-"why did you have me paint your nails then and not tell me to?" R (with a weird look on her face)-"I was bored". Awesome. 

7. Nic started Insanity this week. I must admit...I am extremely proud of him. He is doing a great job. The only problem with this is, he does it when Colt and Hayden are around so they end up hanging all over him which results in tripping and colliding...yikes.

8. Hayden has finally learned how to peddle her bike. She loves it!

9. I realized that some days I feel like I should be wearing a black and white shirt with a whistle around my neck. 

10. Spent time at the good ol' parents' house.

11. Learned that my daughter can tell us how to get home from my parent's house...she knew where to tell us to turn. Weird. She even told me how to get home from McDonald's after we treated ourselves to ice cream thanks to Reagan's birthday. She was upset because I went right instead of left. I hate turning left out of places so I turned right and went the back roads. She didn't like that at ALL.

12. Hayden is having a hard time sleeping in her room due to "the sounds" in the corner of her room. Creepy? Totally. So we are trying to figure out what is going on there. She told my parents that she "cies (cries) at night and mommy has to come get me. I wash (watch) Mickey Mouse so I don't hear the sounds." Not cool one bit.

13. Nic worked tonight so I watched a movie with Tara and Steve. I am pretty sure Steve wanted to punch us girls in the face for talking so much:) hehe.

14. Tried a new kind of wine this week which was SUPER amazing, because, well I only like one kind of wine...but I forget what it is called. 

15. I haven't been able to fall asleep at night. Like at all. Thus I turn to my friend....the good ole' blog. It seems that after I spill my guts to my faithful blog, I am tired enough to close my eyes. 

16. Remember back when there were good shows on? Wholesome, funny, appropriate shows where parents loved their children and even their spouses? You know, Full House, Family Matters? Well, Sarah found Boy Meets World and got 5 seasons of the show. She has let me borrow some so when I need some sound on in the background or can't sleep, like right now, I just turn it on. I love that show:)

17. Nic and I took the 4 kids to Ox Bow Park for the first time this summer. We packed a lunch and ate it by a playground. The kids loved running around and going down the big slides. We then walked over to the "canoe launch" where we allowed the children to splash around for a bit...even though the sign said 'NO SWIMMING'. But technically, they weren't swimming, they were just splashing around. Hayden learned how to go to the bathroom in the woods. I am pretty sure we should have been kicked out of the park...we are such rebels. The only problem with teaching her this is- later that evening while we were outside in the back yard she told us that she had to go potty. We told her to go inside and go. Instead, she promptly started taking off her shorts and squatting...she just assumed she should go outside again. Again...bad habit? By the way, this should be like number 11, but I don't feel like changing all the numbers. I'm lazy. 

I admit it...I am CRAZY:)

Today I realized something. I am crazy. I like my house clean and picked up. I like every toy in it's place...in the right basket or cubby or bin so it fits perfectly (I know that is insane because they are toys...meant to be played with). I like my family room clear of toys. I can't stand to have the dryer full of clean clothes for long periods of time....but I can't stand to fold them and have them sit anywhere either...but I can't find the time to be constantly putting laundry away. I like the kids bedrooms spotless. I like Hayden's books put away according to the size of the book. I like my dishes clean and put away. I like our dresser and hope chest completely cleared off except for the lamp and little box thingy my brother and sis-in-law got us. I like looking out a window...a clear, clean window. I like clean toilets...that are flushed. I like my closets organized. I like my kleenex box to contain kleenex.
This crazy OCD thing, or whatever it is causes great anxiety within me and I start to panic watching all these things not keeping up to my expectation especially with having up to 8 kids to help this panic set in.
Like...
Going into the bathroom to see my son has thrown the whole roll of toilet paper in the toilet and then looking the other side of him only to notice that my daughter tried emptying her own toddler toilet but didn't make it into the big toilet, which results in poop and pee all over the floor.
OR
Walking into Hayden's room to see that the nice, neat books are now spread over the floor as well as EVERY blanket pulled from the drawer, and every piece of clothing from the lower half of her closet now spread on the floor with hangers thrown every which way because heaven forbid she stay in the one outfit that she had on at the beginning of the day.
OR
Noticing the spilled milk/juice on the "just swept" kitchen floor as well as dog hair flying across the floor  that now is sticking to the floor because of the juice.
OR
Finding that the play doh that is definitely now stuck into the area rug.
OR
Seeing handprints/footprints/faceprints that are now smeared over every window, door, TV, or anything that is touched.
OR
Looking at the folded clothes that have not found their homes for going on 4 days and are just sitting in the hamper, on the dresser, or on the bed.
OR
Walking by the playroom to see that EVERY toy is out of the basket, bin, cubby and is covering every square inch of the playroom.
But I have also realized something. If I keep going at the pace I am doing what I am doing, I am going to miss out. I am going to miss out on spending time with my babies, I need to take every single moment and remember it. Not a memory that brings on the stinkin' anxiety that makes me want to cry, but as a memory that made my children smile. Although I want to just scream and go around picking up every single thing that is out of place, I need to just relax and take those moments to enjoy WITH them. Those little footprints, faceprints, fingerprints won't always be there....I need to remember those little smudges. Instead of watching every toy being brought out to play with, I need to just sit with them and play with them, and then use it as a learning time to show how to clean up with their toys when they are finished. Instead of going crazy making sure everything is spotless, I need to just hold my babies and love on them. Because the truth is, my house will never be clean or spotless for another 18 years or so why panic over it?  It's amazing how time and children change things...in a good way:):)
My babies are only going to be this little for so long. I want to take every moment and cherish it...every smile, giggle, everything. But I need this panic stuff to go away:) So here is my first step-instead of picking up all the misplaced toys right now, I am going to snuggle with my sleeping baby girl that is laying on my lap! Goodnight!

Walking Boy, Gorgeous Weather

Man, I feel like I have not blogged forever, when in all reality we it has only been like a week! But you see, the sun has been out (well, some days) and the warmth has been calling my name. I seriously can hear the sun saying to me, "Toriiiii...come out and let me soak into your skin!" Well, let me tell ya something. I am not 20 years old anymore. The sun can't just soak into me. You see, when I gave birth to my precious baby girl, something happened to my skin. It no longer soaks in the sun like it used to. I no longer look tan...my skin just looks...blah and red. Seriously, I can't explain it. BUT, I still love to be out in it and just enjoy God's beauty. So, all that rambling to say...the kids and I have been enjoying the sun...a lot! Nic has too...he just built a garden for us!! Now, I don't know the first thing about gardening...so I am going to have to find a book called "Gardening for Dummies." Do they have one of those? He has been working really hard on our yard, and I am just loving it! 

 Let's see, what have we been up to recently...
Considering the reason I made this blog was to write down memories and knowing my memory has been lost, I will try to record what has happened this past week.
My sisters have been home from school, which has been a lot of fun. Hayden and Colt are growing more and more attached to all of their aunts.
Brooke graduated last Friday from Penn...and yes, she has already been in college for a semester:) We are excited to celebrate with her at her open house on Saturday.

Saturday evening and Sunday we spent out at the Eby Pines Campground with the Wass'. Of course we had to go when there were Tornado warnings and all that good stuff. But, everything was fine and we all had a blast. It is so weird now that Hayden is at an age where she can run off (in plain sight) and I don't have to chase after her. She knows how far to go and can just enjoy herself. I wish I had pictures, but I totally forgot my camera was in the bag in the car:) OHHHH...and the best part was, Colton took a couple steps...and Anita was a witness! Now, he hasn't since then, but it still was AWESOME to watch him do that!
Monday was Memorial Day. We spent the day at my parents' and had a cookout. It was such a beautiful day. That evening, Nic, Colt, and I went to Jason's baseball game. My mom asked to keep Hayden, so I would only have to chase after one child...both children did absolutely wonderful!
Last night Tara, Steve, and Hannah came and ate with us. Nic and Steve went to play basketball and us ladies stayed with the children. I just had to sit back and watch all three of them. All of them are just growing too fast and doing new things all the time. Hannah was standing, crawling super fast, and giggling her heart out...I feel like she should still just be a little baby. Colton was getting in good with his future mother in law...kissing all over her, blowing kisses, and hugging her. I attempted to put him in bed 2 different times, but he knew his girlfriend was out there and just couldn't leave her:) As for Hayden, she just ran around in circles as usual, talking her precious head off about who knows what!!
And I am pretty sure that is all that has been happening, other than I have been super busy with our little business...which is always a good thing:) OOHHH AND...Nic and I took my Sarah to get a piercing at the tatoo shop. As we were there, Sarah asked me why I didn't get a piercing in which Nic responded, "she is too chicken." Now OF COURSE I had to prove him wrong, even though my head was screaming ABSOLUTELY NOT...I hate needles, I hate pain...I run from my own dad when he gives me the flu shot. However, like I said, I HAD to prove Nic wrong...so I braved it, laid on the chair, closed my eyes (after repositioning myself 15 times), and let Mr. Piercer jam a longgg needle through the middle part of my ear. Needless to say, I am still complaining about the pain and can't sleep on my left side. I am that big of a baby...can push 2 kids out my you know what but can't deal with an ear piercing! Goodness! BUTTT...I proved Nic wrong:) And that's all that counts.

Can you believe it is ALREADY June?!?! I hope that you all have a blessed week/weekend and enjoy the GORGEOUS weather!!

THERE YOU ARE SUN!!

What a B-E-A-U-TIFUL day it is here! What a blessing to wake up to the sun shining and the weather already warming my skin when I walk out to the car. I was actually sweating when I was out with the kids! It was a great feeling! We have spent most of the day outside and Hayden is pretty much in heaven. She is in her element when she is running around free with the wind blowing through her hair. Colton loved it too! He chased his ball around. Today was also a special day because it was Whitney's baby shower. I can't believe in less than a month little Brigham will be here! As I was watching her open her presents with anticipation, I couldn't help but thank God for a friend like her. Nic and I have been blessed with her and Jason's friendship.

I got to see both of my sisters this weekend...not together...but still! I took the kids over to my parents yesterday and spent the day with my mom and Kristen and Nic joined us after work. Kristen should have been studying, but let's face it...nothing really gets done when me and my crazy kids are around! Sarah was at the shower, so I got to talk with her a little bit and spend time with her! I can't believe she will be 19 years in a couple of weeks...my baby sister is growing up:(

Ok, now let me vent for a minute.

Can I just tell you how upset it makes me when people complain about cops? Yes, I know sometimes they can be jerks, I am not blind to that fact. But I think the reason why I get so dang upset is because people don't understand AT ALL what comes with the job, I don't even understand fully. But do people realize these "bad, rude, cops" have families that worry like crazy over them when they have to step foot outside of our safe home so they can protect others and put their life on the line every day? Do people realize what they deal with on a day to day basis? No, I don't think they do. Do people realize how hard it is for the people who love these men/ladies to hear about others totally bashing them?

Again, I realize that sometimes cops aren't exactly the nicest people, but if you don't want to deal with them or their attitudes, then don't speed or do something you know is against the law. I am not saying that I don't speed sometimes but if I get pulled over, I know I deserve it. If you don't want to buckle your seat belt, then don't complain when you get a ticket.

Like I said, I will be the first person to say they aren't the nicest at times, trust me, I have been in the car many of times while pulling people over. But if you are honest with yourself, sometimes it is the people getting pulled over that starts with attitude. Anyways, I am not trying to be rude or anything, just remember that when you want to run your mouth about a cop, not to do it around me. I am a little protective if you couldn't tell:) I am a police officer's wife...that's how I am.

Ok, I just had to get that off my chest because this is something I have been struggling with since the moment Nic first became a police officer.

Ummm...April already?

Can you believe that we are already 8 days into April? I know it is only 8 days, but for some reason I am having a hard time remembering those 8 days...is that normal? We are now on Friday, the last day of the week and for the life of me I seriously am having a hard time remembering Mon-Fri morning! I guess that is why I like to blog...because I forget everything not even a week later and I need something to remind me of this crazy life! Ha! From what I do remember, the weather hasn't been all that nice, which was a bummer because I really had plans to take all 4 kids to the park for a picnic, take walks, play outside, and just enjoy the weather. Even though the kids still went out to play, it was overcast and kinda chilly. But they were having fun, so I guess all is well! It has been a little strange this week...in a good way though. Having 4 kids has been an adjustment-making sure everyone is fed...and fed some more, keeping track on who went out and who stayed inside, going from room to room trying to make it look decent over and over, finally giving up on that and having to put my "clean freak" mode away for a few days, and all the other duties of taking care of a 1 year old, a 2 1/2 year old, a 5 year old, and a 7 year old. All of this and trying to run my business was quite the challenge...but also a blessing. I was able to stand and work on my own time and when the house wasn't in total chaos! BUT...it has also been a lot of fun to have the age groups of the grades I used to teach around again. The girls are SO much fun and I just love having them around. They are the sweetest girls and make my heart smile. They are so helpful with the kids and the dog and have the manners that I hope my kids have as they grow. They are patient with my kids...which sometimes isn't easy. I will miss hearing them running through the house laughing!

Here are some of the highlights from the week (these I do remember!)

Tuesday- We needed out of the house, so we met my life long friend, Sarah Scheuer and her little boy, Ronan (who I used to babysit), at McDonalds so the kids could run wild and us adults could talk...well...play and talk!

Wednesday- We stayed home, hoping to go to the park, but the weather wouldn't allow us to. We watch Romona and Beezus instead! We colored, painted, and played. Nic and I watched Switch when the kids went to bed...it felt like a date...even though we were in our own house! I cherished the time though:) We also saw 4 dear in our backyard when we were going to bed! and YES...this is a highlight!

Thursday- Tara brought the little boy she babysits over with Hannah and her sister Maddy. The girls LOVED having another younger person around! We were able to go outside for a little bit, which the kids loved. My parents were AWESOME and watched the kids for us last night while we ventured to Huntington to watch Adam, Sarah's special "friend", play baseball.

Friday- Started off the day with a dance party in the kitchen during breakfast to some children's Bible songs...it brought back some wonderful memories of church from when I was younger. Sarah and Ronan are coming over again today so I am excited about that! I get to share some products with her and I am stoked!! They just bought their own house and I get to share about the cleaners. I also get to go to a little party tonight to hear Sonja (who joined the team a couple months ago) share her passion with other ladies tonight!

So that was a shortened version of our week!

On another note, I have rekindled my love for reading lately. Unfortunately, I don't have the time I used to...so I make the time...usually after the kids are asleep and read until the wee hours of the morning (yes, I know it's my fault for being tired). I have always loved Christian romance novels and am a complete sap. It is so easy for me to jump into a book, like I know the characters personally. It's like I enter a whole new world. This will sound sooo stupid, but I seriously get so emotional when I read my books...when the character is upset, I am upset, when they are happy, I laugh to myself. I know, I am a complete nerd! Anyways, there is a series that I read before Hayden was born and I just reread them because I fell in love with the characters. They are Christian fiction, but are suspenseful. It is called The O'Malley Series by Dee Henderson. I have also been reading other books from other authors that my mom suggested. I was laughing to myself last night because I just finished another book and I have found a common thread through the last 4 books that I have read. The girl characters are always poor, come from a bad background, and are the ones being pursued. The guy characters are always wealthy and totally in love with these girls...too perfect if you ask me. But yet I still read and read until its done.

So...the other day Nic had some training and came home to inform me that he has a book that I need to read. I got real excited because I thought, "finally, he understands my love for books." He held up the book and it said, "I Love a Cop." Hmm...I don't think this falls in the same category as my mushy Christian fiction romance books. But, I smiled and said, "thanks. I will get right on that." So, it looks like my next book is going to inform me how to love my husband. I know it is important to him that I read this book, so I will. Goodbye mushy gushy fake love stories for now...I am on my way to learn how to love my cop:)

Not so interesting post:)

Well, well...I can hardly believe that it is April already. The birth month of my baby boy. Seriously?! Nic and I ordered Colt's invitations, ordered the paper products and decorations and are going to be ordering the cake soon. Can't believe the planning has started. And let me tell ya, planning a birthday party for a boy is SO different than planning one for a girl. It is a bittersweet month because while I love watching my son grow and learn new things everyday, it still reminds me is a year old. When I was first pregnant with Hayden I lost count of people telling me how fast the time goes and to take in every moment of every day. You don't realize what they are talking about until you hold your baby for the first time. I know my children are only 2 1/2 and almost 1, but I feel like the first year of both of their lives just flew by. I have been so blessed and am just so thankful that God has given me the opportunity to be a mother.

Ok, breathe, Tori, breathe.

Anyways, nothing really interesting has been happening in the Minder household. Thursday and Friday I had the opportunity to share with 2 moms about Shaklee, which was fun. They are both girls that I went to high school with and really haven't seen since then. They are both now married and have kids so it was so fun to catch up and talk about life. This weekend we just kind of relaxed and watched basketball...well...kind of. The Spivey's came over on Saturday night and Tara and I were too busy talking and bathing/feeding/changing/playing with kids to actually pay attention to the game...but let me tell ya, it was fun and filled with laughter. Colton and Hannah are already getting snapshots for their future wedding slide show...they will kill us later, but for now the moms are loving it.

Sunday I took the kids to church (Hayden didn't cry when I dropped her off to her class!!) and then went to brunch with my parents and grandma. I had met with Sheena and Sonja to map out our goals for the next month and am just so excited to watch them grow. I have been learning so much from them. In the evening Nic and I were able to see Starla and Brooke for dinner, which was fun considering we don't get to see Brooke that often.

It is now Monday. This week is going to be crazy busy, but I am looking SOOO forward to it!! It is Spring Break for a lot of my friends, so I am going to be able to spend some time with them. I also am going to be watching 2 girls this week which I am so excited about. Their father works with Nic and their mom has become a great friend over the last couple of years. The girls are 5 and 7 and are SO much fun. For one, they have manners, which makes it easy and just have fun. For two (is that even a saying?), they like my children and are great with them...even when Hayden can get on their nerves...they are gentle with them. For three, they don't take much to entertain...they are content. We have been coloring, stamping, playing outside, playing in the playroom, making the couches into a jungle gym, eating, and watching TV. Hopefully it will be nice the rest of the week so we can go to the park and get out of the house.

Nic will be working a lot again this week with over time and working at the bank, so hopefully I won't have any of my weekly melt downs:)

Ok, I better go check on all the kiddos.

Seeing the light from sickness!

Is it just me or am I getting lazy with my blog writing? I think I am. I started this blog not as a way for people to look at me through a fish tank, but as a way for me to document our life's adventures and record events going on. I want to be able to have this so someday I can look back and remember what we have done as a family and the every day happenings that went on at home.
So...some of it may be boring, but like I said, this is my blog...don't read it if you are bored:) Anyways, I think we are finally coming out of this whole "sickness" stage with the kids and finally getting into our normal routine again. Colton continued to throw up all day Saturday and Sunday...and then had major blowouts all day yesterday. Thankfully he has been able to sleep a lot during the day. Unfortunately that makes for long nights. But, I just have to keep reminding myself this is a stage. One very positive thing that has come out of it is he has been falling asleep on my chest, which doesn't ever really happen. I love holding a sleeping baby...especially my sleeping baby:) He has also been able to stay a content, happy little boy despite the sickness that has taken over his body. He still wants to follow Sissy everywhere and laughs at her constantly.
Then there is little miss Hayden. She has been learning to test her limits and how to push my buttons...and let me tell ya...there have been A LOT of buttons in the past couple of days. She hasn't been as hyper lately, but she just has been ignoring my commands and doing her own thing. She has seen the time out chair frequently. On the other hand, at night she is all snuggles. She just wants to be close to Nic or me and wants to cuddle. I love her sweet voice as she says, "cuddle, mommy, cuddle." How could I NOT want to cuddle after that?! She has been talking A LOT over the past couple of days which has been a riot. I can't understand most of it, but I will take it! For some reason she is still not really sleeping through the night. She does occassionally but the last 2 of the 3 nights she has been awake for a couple hours straight in the middle of the night. I am not sure what is going on, but it makes for one tired momma. Maybe a growth spurt?? Her pants have been getting shorter and shorter and yesterday when I put on her pants, they were capris:)
We have had some BEAUTIFUL days lately and I am grateful for that. I can tell already that Hayden, Colt, and I will be outside EVERYDAY during the Spring and Summer. Hayden is such an outdoors girl and I love to watch her just run free and smile the whole time. Getting her inside is a different story!
I have been going into ECA the last couple of mornings to help with ISTEP testing. It is a bittersweet feeling. While I am in the building I truly miss the kids and the teaching, but once I am out of the building I know I am exactly where God wants me to be and I am thankful for that.
Nic has been working like a maniac, as usual. A security job has opened up for the past 2 weeks which has been a blessing in a financial aspect, but at the same time he is just running his body into the ground. Shaklee is doing well, and I am so thankful for God allowing that...we just need to get it really taking off so Nic doesn't have to do this anymore.
That's been really about it for the past couple of days. Oh...I did take the kids over to Tara's today after testing and let Hayden play with Alex, the little boy she watches. They were so cute together! I love this stage where she is actually interacting, even though neither one of them can be understood...I still think they have this understanding that only 2 year olds have! It was nice to just sit and chat with another human being that is my own age and not a toddler and infant!
Ok, the kids are sleeping so maybe I should get off this thing and just relax!

Memories

Some things to remember from this week:

*Hayden running around EVERYWHERE naked!

*Snuggling with Hayden watching American Idol

*Watching Colton inch his way from room to room

*Watching Hayden vacuum in her diaper

*Having Colton fall asleep on my chest like he used to

*Watching my grandpa hold Colton and repeat "God bless you."

*Yelling at the TV while watching the Bachelor thinking that maybe Brad could hear me say to kick off Michelle

*Going to Chili's with just my little family (thank the Lord for gift cards!)

*Sleeping through most of the night...Hayden and Colt are getting back into a good routine...for now:)

*Hearing Hayden YELL at the TV and pointing her little finger "Rarah, Rarah!" at a girl that had dark long hair on American Idol

*Seeing my 2 sisters on Sunday for about 2.2 hours

*Singing and dancing to Mickey Mouse Clubhouse with my 2 babies

*Realizing that basketball season is almost over:)

Where's my flag?

It's been awhile, my friend, since I have visited you. I apologize. This past week was a little crazy with basketball, meetings, and ended with full out sickness on my part. Not something I planned for my Saturday and Sunday. Kris and Sarah were in town for homecoming, it was a big night for Nic, and I spent it in the bathroom or in our bed in PAIN. Let me tell you, I do not want to experience that for A LONG time....actually NEVER again. For the few seconds I could open my eyes at a time, I kept thinking, "what bad timing." Those three words kept coming to my mind. They were the only words I could manage to think about. Not only did I miss my sister crowning the new queen, I had to miss my husband's game. I am, however, very grateful for my father for coming bright and early (actually, it was still dark) to take the kids for me since I couldn't even move. I don't know what I would have done if it weren't for him, mom, and Kris.

As I sit here right now, I keep trying to wrap my brain around 5 other words. 5 words that I have been trying and trying to figure out for so long but just can't find the answer to. 5 words that have me on my knees every night and in tears at just the thought of them...."what is God teaching me?" They are some of the hardest words that I have come to face in this past year and the words that just keep me coming back to. Just when I think I have the answer, God says, "no, you don't." What is it that God wants from me right now? These questions aren't a "pitty me" party. They are real questions. They are questions that I feel have me going in circles.

All my life I have struggled with worry. Everyone who knows me knows that one thing about me. I think our natural tendency is always to worry over something or someone. I also know that God wants us to trust Him. Sometimes I find that the hardest thing in the world to do because I want so badly for things to me on MY timing, MY grounds, and in MY control. I want to know answers. I want those answers right away. And when I don't get them all those insecure questions start haunting me. The anxiety builds and then lets loose. I doubt, I question, I slowly pull my open hands away and start to close them.

The thing is, because I know this is my biggest weakness I have been trying, praying, and crying out to God. Every single time I start to doubt, question, or pull away, I remember His words, "present your requests to Me with thanksgiving, and My Peace, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your heart and mind."

I think the thing that frustrates me the most is yes, He is in control of everything. He does know everything that happens before it happens. But I don't. I know I need to trust God. I know I need to let Him lead me. But that's my next question...where? What is it that He wants from me? What more can I give Him. I have given Him everything. But why can I just not be content with knowing that I can't know the future or what it holds. I WANT to trust God. I WANT Him to lead me. I DO trust God and I AM letting Him lead me. I just don't know all the answers.

See...it has me going in circles.

After I wrote all the above, I went to a different blog, of a lady I don't know but whose blog I came across one day. I have found great encouragement from reading her blogs and in sometimes I feel like God has sent me to her blog for a purpose. And what do you know...these are the words I read:

Last night I was up a lot.
For all of us, if we are following Christ, there will be a time (or two or three or four...) where in our christian journey we will wrestle with God all night long. . . eventually dawn must come and a time where we lay down our will, our plans, our reputation, or whatever, and declare that it's His will we are after, and not our own.
Last night was one of those nights. I was born with an inborn determination to run my own life. Don't tell me you weren't - because we all were. Last night I finally came to a point, not sure when but it happened, where I felt like I could have just pulled up our white sheet and waved it in the cold out on our deck up to the heavens and said, "God, I surrender."

I surrender my way, plans, ideas, my time, reputation, being understood. I surrender my health. My comfort. My sleep. Everything Lord, I surrender.
I've said these words before, but I will say them my whole life. And at different times in my life, different things must be surrendered. We get in our minds surrender to mean weakness. I really hate the word. Honestly, surrender makes my nose wrinkle up. When in reality surrender is what I need most - to finally get strength.
It's one of those paradox things.
By surrender, I finally had peace with what God was/is doing - and He is doing something so very out of my comfort zone! It takes a lot to shock me, but I've been shocked. But quite frankly, now that I really think about it with His perspective, this is all going to be something so very great, wonderful. Something beautiful.
But today I have my bed sheet out as a literal reminder to me that I am surrendered to God in this that He has done. Not just fully surrendered, but rejoicing with a new found thrilling excitement.

I wake every morning to face battles against the "beast" of self - I need a stack of white flags to wave at God!
I do think our biggest battle we wage is against our own flesh and it's desire to control and be god. The beast that is self wants to fight against God being God all the way, but when we surrender to Him - that is when the battle is won for our souls.
We don't win all wars all at once. We win them one at a time. One day at a time, sometimes one moment at a time.
Let Your will be done, Lord. In Your power AWAKEN me - for YOU and You alone, awake my soul and sing!
And I do rejoice! My white "flag" is waving.

This is what God wants me to do...Surrender.

Starting of the year with a BANG..of sickness

Well we survived our first week of January. It amazes me how slow the week can go while we are going through it and then how fast it seems it went by the end of the week. Weird. We started off 2011 with a bang. A big bang of sickness. Wonderful. My little boy had his first ear infection and was just miserable...because of all the drainage he had an awful cough and was just plain miserable. I felt so incredibly bad for him I just wanted to cough for him when he couldn't get it out. I guess it doesn't help when he has 4 teeth coming in all at the same time. My lovely husband so graciously gave me his sickness as well. You know, the typical sore throat that feels like you are swallowing razor blades, a headache that feels like someone is hammering you on the head, ear hurting like someone jammed a Q-tip into it, a nose running like the flowing river and the next moment you blow and blow and just nothing comes out of that darn nose...you know...the usual. You know what stinks about being the mother though? You don't get to just crawl back in bed and sleep it off. You don't get to take a break from real life to get all caught up. Life has to keep on going. The kids still need to be taken care of. The house still needs to be picked up (kind of). The kids still need to eat. Hmm. I asked Nic the other day if he remembered when we were young and when we got sick our moms would take care of us, making sure we were getting liquids into us, making sure we had our meds, making sure we were getting our rest. I kept singing that song, "I don't wanna grow up" in my head. Those were the days!!

Thankfully I have a wonderful mother who came to help me with the kids the night Nic had a game and I had a bad reaction to the antibiotics. What a life savor! Nic also showed what an amazing husband he is when he took the kids out for a little bit last night so I could get some what of rest. He gave me strict instructions that I was not allowed to do any housework, which was killing me because I thought of a million things I could do when he left...but I DID sneak in a load of laundry! Shh..don't tell him! Anyways, I was VERY thankful!

On top of all this sickness, Hayden has not been sleeping well at night at all. She is having a hard time falling asleep and wants to cuddle with Nic and I which is not like her AT ALL! She has also been waking up around 5 screaming at the top of her lungs. She has always been my award winning sleeper...all I can think of is maybe an ear infection? The only time in her life that she doesn't sleep at night is when she has ear infections. However, the good thing about this is she is in the mood to cuddle...she is laying on my lap as we speak!! Nic got a call out for SWAT so her and I are just cuddling:) And watching I Love Lucy!!

So...for the positive side of this week...Nic and I have been getting really excited about this coming weekend and have been calling people like crazy for our 2011 Shaklee kickoff. We can't wait to see how it turns out!! We just keep thanking God for providing for us and showing us a way that brings in income while I still get to stay home with my babies. Another positive note-Nic's JV won again tonight...by almost 60 points! I am one proud coach's wife! oh, and just one more positive note-even though Bubby has not been feeling well, he has been sleeping VERY well during the night, only waking up once around 5 and then falls back asleep until 7:30. Go figure, one child starts sleeping and the other doesn't!

So if you are reading this, please say a little prayer that our family will just get healthy soon. I know this is going around like CRAZY and I just think personally that it needs to end...ha. Also, if you are reading this, please say another little prayer for the Carpenter family. A year ago today their little boy met Jesus. As you can imagine (well, a lot of us CAN'T imagine) this is an extremely difficult time for them. Pray that God will comfort them and just wrap His loving arms around them and their 2 other children.

I need a morning re-start

After a restless night with Colton, my alarm went off at 8:00 this morning right when he was starting to get hungry and right as I was starting to fall asleep again. So, I thought I would feed him as I drifted off to sleep for 15 more minutes of sleep. As I waited for the alarm go off for the second time, it started to feel like these 15 minutes were taking forever...and then it hit me, I had drifted off into that state of sleep where I had a fuzzy dream about my best friends, Tara and Steve were being very mean and decided not to be my friend anymore. I immediately woke up, almost in tears wondering if that dream was really true (don't worry, I called Steve and texted Tara and it wasn't real) and glanced at my phone...8:45...Sweet Jesus, I had Colt's appointment in 15 minutes in downtown Elkhart. I am telling you, I have NEVER gotten ready so fast, and what I mean about ready, I mean I: rushed in Hayden's room, scaring her to death, throwing a shirt and pants on her and then had to take the pants back off to put on a dry diaper (oops), shoved shoes on her feet, then had to take them off and put them on the RIGHT feet, ran and changed Bubby as he was screaming his face off, put on tennis shoes without socks, ran Colt out the door and strapped him in his seat, ran inside to get Hayden, well...search for Hayden, found her playing in the canister of sugar (great), strapped her in her seat to find that her hair was a crazy rat's nest and her face was covered with dried drool, figured I should maybe put on a coat to hide my pajamas (that's right..didn't even put on real clothes), ran inside to grab the first coat I saw, ran out to the garage for the 15 millionth time, glanced at the fridge on my out, looked at the card with the appointment time on it, stopped dead in my tracks, realized it said 9:50....took a breath, WALKED to the garage, unstrapped Hayden, bring her inside with her eyes in wonderment, walked to the garage, unstrapped Colton, bring him inside...still crying...and took another breath, realized I wasn't late and that I am a retard...SOOO...I walk to the bathroom because now I know I have time to actually get to looking decent, so I look in the mirror...hellooooooo white trash...I couldn't believe I was actually going to go out in public looking the way I did, brushed my teeth, brushed my hair, put REAL clothes on with the proper under garments, brushed Hayden's hair, put socks on Colt after realizing he had nothing on his feet (my poor children), fed Hayden, wiped her face, change Colt, headed back out the door...this time feeling like an actual human being, got to the appointment right on time, carried both kids inside because heaven forbid Hayden use her legs, held Colt while he got his shots, watched Hayden's face in complete terror, watched Hayden hold her legs all the way out to the car (even though she isn't the one who got the shots), put the kids back in the car and headed home....now it is 10:30 and I can breathe again. Hmmm...maybe next time I will make sure I have the right time the night before.

Oh October

Can you believe that October is already HALF over? That is just down right crazy to me. God has been working in amazing ways this month and Nic and I are so thankful. Each day brings something new and we are so thankful that we serve a faithful God.

In my last blog, I told how Sarah was home on Fall Break and that Kristen was coming home as well! I am telling you, I was in heaven…the only thing that could have made it any better is if my brother, sister-in-law and niece were with us…which by the way…they are coming in NOVEMBER!!!!!!!! Can you tell I am a little excited?!?!?!?! Ok, back to the weekend. My dad had gotten 4 tickets to the Notre Dame game on Saturday, so Nic, Sarah, Megan (Sarah’s roommate), and I (and Colt) went. It was Colton’s first game! He did such an awesome job, as always. Seriously, what an amazing little boy I have. It was the perfect day outside, not a cloud in sight. I take that back…not until the end of the game, where out of nowhere quarter-size rain drops came crashing down to the earth. Awesome. Needless to saw, we left then.

When we got back to my parent’s house, we celebrated Hayden’s birthday since both my sisters were home. Grandma and Grandpa came as well. I cannot believe we were seriously celebrating my baby girl’s SECOND birthday. She had a BLAST! Ok, to be by mom and dad’s daughter is AWESOME….but to be their grandchild…WOW. Spoiled to the max!!

This is her awesome gift!

We had a magnificent weekend, but unfortunately Mr. Colt got his first cold. Bless his heart. So stuffy and just very clingy…more than usual anyways! I forgot that you can’t do much for them at that age…he did sleep in his swing for a couple of nights. Let me re-phrase that…he sat in his swing at night. Still not sleeping the best at all. I am one tired momma. Oh well…I have to keep reminding myself that this is just a part of life and it won’t last long…hopefully.

As for this week…Monday Nic worked in the morning and then spent the rest of the time with us…I was in heaven once again. We don’t get to spend a whole lot of time as us four because of all the hours he is working right now (again, I have to remind myself this is just a moment in life that won’t last long). We laughed a lot and just had a great day as a family. He had to work at midnight till 7 and then SWAT training Tuesday all day so he pretty much crashed when he got home yesterday. Poor guy. All I know is I am so thankful for such a hard-working husband. Last night was our Shaklee meeting and I am telling you...I look so forward to Tuesday nights because of how encouraging they are. Suzanne talked about the “ladder of health” and how we have a choice of which way we want to go on the ladder. We have a choice if we want to live a healthy lifestyle or not. All I know is…I need to get myself going the right direction. Not only me, but my whole family.

Today Nic and I took the kids to the pumpkin patch and met my parents there. Hayden was loving every second of it. She could have cared less for the pumpkins…she wanted to stay by the donkey and goats…ha. She also loved running up and down the little aisles of pumpkins and the HUGE tractors! I think she would live outside if we would let her. Bubby was a little overwhelmed and wanted to eat the hay more than anything. He just watched his sister and was Mr. Cool. All-in-all…GREAT DAY!!

Catching My Breath

After a week of feeling like I couldn’t sit still long enough to catch my breath because of running around like a chicken with my head cut off trying to look for my patience. I just couldn’t find it. I found it yesterday around 3:30 when my baby sister pulled into our driveway. She is on fall break from college, which means this is the first time being home since she left 7 weeks ago. Just sitting with her for the little time she was at my house, I felt a breath of fresh air. All the anxiety that was building up from the week from being trapped in the house was released! Maybe it was because I was talking to an actual adult and not four children under the age of two! Anyways, back to Sarah…can I just say, “OH MY GOODNESS”?? She looked so grown up. It was weird to sit there and talk to her about college when I remember helping her with her homework when she was like 10. We talked for awhile and then she went to be with mom.

Later that evening, the kids and I went to my parents to spend some more time with her. It was soooo good to just sit and hear about her new life and all the awesome times she is already having…I feel like a proud momma!

Today didn’t go quite as I thought…which is not a bad thing…just different. I planned to go back to my parent’s house where BOTH my sisters were going to be AFTER Hayden and Colt took naps. During their naptime I had a whole plan to clean the house. I don’t get to do that much during the week so I thought it would be the perfect time. Let me tell ya…there was not much cleaning or napping. Hayden was in her crib for an hour just talking to herself, which then turned into SCREAMING!! She hasn’t done this since she was about 9 months old. She always goes down…not today. I think it might be from last night’s events…could be wrong, but just a guess. My poor baby girl…it was like she was afraid to fall asleep. Ok, back to the day. While she was in her crib determined to stay awake, I tried my best to get Bubby to take a little nap, which was also unsuccessful. Instead, I snuggled with my 2 babies while both of them just relaxed in my arms. Not what I had planned…but it was way more enjoyable than cleaning. I think God knew I needed this time with just my babies. My heart was satisfied. I did manage to get a couple of loads of laundry done…with the help of my almost 2-year-old…oh how she brings joy to my heart! After admitting to myself there was going to be no nap or cleaning, we headed back to my parent’s house and spent the evening with Kris, Sarah, and mom. I absolutely love having my sisters home!! Tomorrow Nic, me (and Colt), Sarah, and her roommate are going to the ND game!!! SOOO EXCITED! Then we are going to celebrate Hayden’s birthday with my side of the family since Kris and Sarah are here…nothing big…but something that we could all be together for.

Oh and by the way…I know that Hayden and Colt will kill me one day when they read this…but we have a situation…she has found a fascination in her little brother’s boy part. Every stinkin’ time I turned around yesterday, his pants were off, his diaper was off, and she was just staring. My poor boy is going to be scarred! I talked to her about it and then started disciplining her…yeah that didn’t do a darn thing. No matter what I did, she still went ahead and did it. Spankings, timeouts…NOTHING WORKED. I was so upset to my stomach because I remember as a child I was like that and remember my thought process…crap…I have a daughter just like me. I remember as a child being spanked by my mother and laughing and running around the house. I also remember finishing counting to 3 for my father. I am very scared for the future!

Good Night!

OHIO!!!

The following was written on Friday, October 8:

Today is a very special person’s birthday. She has been my number 1 fan since I was born. She has always stood up for me, always loved me, always encouraged me, and always inspired me. She brings a smile to my face every time I think of her, see her, and talk to her. She is my grandma. My sweet gram-gram. My friend. I can still remember as a child how she would always stand on my side (even when she shouldn’t have). She was and is very protective of me and my siblings. I can always count on her to listen to my woes and then make me laugh about my woes. Whenever I go to her house, I can always count on her to make me gain 5 pounds within one visit. She is an amazing woman. Anyone who meets her loves her immediately. So, happy birthday Grandma!!!

Last night we got to celebrate her birthday at my parents’ with some Olive Garden. I cherish every moment with my grandparents and am so thankful that God has allowed us to have the relationship we have. I sat back and just watched everyone interact and was reminded yet again how blessed I am.

Friday:

Today my mom, the kids, and I headed to Ohio for a baby shower. This is a special shower because it is for a special woman. Our families have grown up together and have use to go on yearly vacations to Hilton Head together. There are 7 of us kids between the 2 families. Four of us are now married, one engaged, three with kids, and one pregnant. Although we all live different places now (California, Texas, Chicago, Indiana, Ohio, and Arizona), we still manage to see each other, not all at once, put as many of us possible at weddings, wedding showers, graduations, and baby showers. And although we all live busy lives, we still some how find a way to reconnect, which has been very special. We are known to do our trademark picture every time we can, which is our staircase picture. We all line up from oldest to youngest-Kristen, Adam, Lindsay, Me, Matt, Kristen, and Sarah. It used to really look like a staircase…ok…well, that only lasted for a couple years until I got passed up by both Matt and Kristen and now Sarah. Thanks. Anyways, we have always had a great time together playing hide-and-seek, pretend weddings, video games, watching movies, and laughing until our stomachs hurt. There are so many memories that are in my heart with the Sivards. I hope and pray that my kids will have memories like these to hold on to and smile back on. Even though we carry on with our separate lives, we always reconnect and it’s like we start where we left off. So…back to the beginning of this story, we are here in Ohio for Kristen’s baby shower. She is the oldest of the 7 and the leader. I always thought we were alike in a lot of ways…both brown hair, both teachers, both LOUD, both crazy, and so on. I always looked up to her and Lindsay both. I remember thinking I wanted to be just like them when I was younger. We got to stop over there this evening after Kristen (my sister) met us at the hotel. Lindsay’s little boy, Sam, and Hayden played very well together. They were hilarious together! I can already see the next generation beginning their friendship.

Saturday:

Today went by in a flash. We had a lazy morning in the hotel after another sleepless night thanks to Mr. Cole Bob himself. We all took our time getting ready and then headed to the lobby for some breakfast. Hayden flirted with the workers as usual by batting her big brown eyes and saying, “hi!” to everyone that looked at her. After we got back in the room we still had time to kill so we let Hayden entertain us by dancing to Kristen’s music. We were laughing so hard that we had tears streaming down our face. I have to admit…the girl does have some rhythm! I haven’t laughed that hard for a long time. She got her little knees bending up and down and her little pointer fingers waving through the air as she jumped around in circles with her squeaker shoes. After we lost about a million calories thanks to laughing, we headed over to the Sivards for the shower. When we got there we were excited to see that Matt and his fiancé, Kate, were there as well! Kate is the next person to join our little cult and we are so excited for another shower and wedding to come! Although we were missing siblings and spouses, we still had a FANTASTIC day with each other. Kristen got so many wonderful gifts and is now ready for her little girl to enter the world! Well, she has to wait until her daddy comes back! Of course, our time went by way too fast…and before we knew it the kids were packed up in the car and we were hugging each other as we set off back to Indiana. And now I am sitting here in my living room wishing we could have spent more time with each other. Oh well…until next shower!

Kristen, Lindsay (and Sam), Me (and Colt), Kate (the soon to be Sivard), Kristen (and Hayden)

Then we added Matt

While I was in Ohio, Nic was in charge of our first vendor/auction even with Shaklee. He said that it went great and he was excited for what’s to come. Since this was our first event, we weren’t sure what to expect. But thanks to Suzanne, Kara, and Kyle, the whole thing was a success.

Wow…it’s only Saturday!

Sunday:

Ok, it’s official…I am just going to be a zombie for the next couple of years. Why does he not sleep…why??????????? I’m tired.

Beginning of a Great Month!

Man, I am getting lazy with my blogging…well…lazy to me. The thing is, nothing too exciting is happening around here. October has started off great and is about to greater!

Saturday was October 2^nd. On that day Nic and I celebrated 10 years of being together. For those of you who don’t know, that is a WHOLE decade! I thought a lot about how him and I started as a couple and every time I am reminded how good God is. Although there were bumps along the road, I would have it no other way. He has given me a husband who loves me and his family. He has given me a husband who is a hard worker. He has given me a husband who is loyal, trustworthy, and encouraging. He has given me a husband who can make me laugh until my stomach hurts and at the same time who lets me cry on his shoulder for no good reason. He has given me a husband who is strong, the kind of strength that I can’t find in myself sometimes. He has given me a husband who is determined and perseveres. He has given me a husband who is my best friends, someone I can share my hopes and dreams with…although he laughs at a lot of them…but believes in me when I don’t. He has given me a husband that is totally opposite of me in every way, which has made us balanced for the last 10 years. This is my husband and I am so proud to call him “mine.” He is AMAZING and I love him more and more as the days go on. Who would have thought 10 years ago that I would have actually married my high school sweetheart and have 2 kids with him? Oh yeah, that’s right…I knew from the day I met him that I was going to marry him…just took some time for him to realize the same thing!

Anyways, he had to work that morning so I spent some time at my grandparents’ house. Of course they fed me and the kids…hehe. I love going to visit and spending time talking to them. They make me laugh! And of course grandma made one of her DELICIOUS cherry pies that I devour! After that, we met Nic and headed to Mishawaka for his softball tourney. It was a tad bit nippy so I met my sister for some lunch real quick. She was studying her little heart out at mom and dad’s while they were in Fort Wayne for parents’ weekend at Taylor. This week is really important for her and VERY stressful so I wasn’t allowed to see her…am I really that distracting? Maybe it is my 2 crazy children? Buttttt…she called me so I figured that was ok! So we met for a quick lunch and headed back to the park while she headed off to her 4 inch books. After the ball games the Spiveys and half of the Millers came over to watch the football game. The girls socialized while the guys got annoyed...it was a great time. Below are some pictures over the years as a couple.

Sunday I knew my parents were not going to be at church and they are the ones that help me in and out of church with the kids. Well…I was on my own today. Colton only woke up 2 times during the night and slept until 8:00am so I obviously didn’t make it to the early service. However, I did have both of the kids and myself ready by 9:30, which made me happy. Usually, no matter how early I wake up and get ready, we still manage to be 5-10 minutes late…never fails. But this Sunday I was going to prove to myself I can be ON time and get the kids in and out of church by myself. Nic works Sunday so it is just me. And 2 kids. Under the age of 2. When we got there I figured I would carry Colt’s seat in while Hayden walked holding my hand. Not so much. Hayden had other plans. She wanted me to hold her as well. So…here I come holding Hayden on one hip and holding the colt in his seat in my other arm…can I just say that I need to work out a little more? No wonder I feel like my biceps are getting bigger. Anyways…so I huffed and puffed all the way to the nursery, trying to avoid talking to anyone in fear I might just drop one of my babies. I then was able to breathe and enjoy the entire service. It was wonderful. I made if back to the car after the service and felt like the day was successful…no major fits and no one got forgotten. Seriously…I give props to moms that have more than 2 kids. If you do have more than 2 you are probably laughing your head off at this because you are complete pros at this. Oh well…I am still learning.

Monday was back to our routine. Kinsley and Hayden played together most of the day and Bubby enjoyed his spot in my arms. We enjoyed the evening with the Steve, Tara, Hannah and Max. Tara and I took pictures of Hannah and Colt together and laughed and talked to them.

Today was much like yesterday, but with a 4^th baby. It is so fun to watch the girls take care of Colt and Ronan…they love them and love to make them smile. Tonight we have a Shaklee get together and I am soooo excited for it!

Tonight we are talking about Shaklee Baby Products…Kara will we talking about how to make sure your child is healthy and safe…especially entering flu season. If you would like to hear about it, come and join us!! Anyone can come! It will be fun!

Alright…back to my babies and husband. At the moment Nic is playing with a baby guitar that plays music and looking at books with the girls…seriously, I love this man.