Misc. update

I have done a terrible job lately with keeping my blog updated. It worries me because it is so important to me to document the stories and special moments I have with these kids. They are growing up so fast. You hear it said all the time, but experiencing it causes you to feel the heartache of another day gone. The boys recently got haircuts, much-needed haircuts, and it caused them to look so much older, escpecially Gabe. Isaiah has always been a very mature boy. On a daily basis, he says and does things that show how sharp he is. Up to this point, Gabe has still really felt like my baby. As I watched each clump of hair fall to the ground, and how well he behaved for the hairstylist, I realized that he is really a little boy now. Quite independent, with a personality that melts you. Having this baby feels a little bitter sweet. I remember feeling like this weeks before Gabe was born. I was a little sad to give up the relationship that Isaiah and I had, not realizing how much the love of another adds to the equation. I guess I just don't want to miss any more than I already do now. I never realized that my heart could fall in love this many times and all at once. The weather has caused cabin fever, producing some pretty frustrating behavior, but I must say that since we've been able to get out these past few days, I have seen a side of my boys that makes me so proud. They love each other and Justin and me, even though I have no idea what I'm doing in this whole parenting thing. I make mistakes on a daily (hourly) basis when it comes to discipline and stuff like that. I'm reading the parenting books but I can never get it quite right. But kids are so forgiving. The very next morning they'll be right there climbing into bed with us and wanting the comfort of our "snuggle". I can't put into words how much that means to me. This whole parenting experience is quite a ride (I love the bumper sticker that reads "discover wildlife - have children") but there is nothing else in the world that could give me the joy, purpose, and heart felt satisfaction that motherhood brings. Here are a few random pictures. My kids are just the cutest and I can't help but brag sometimes. Enjoy.

I couldn't resist...

My Mom forwarded some pictures from their annual New Year's Eve party. For over 10 years now, the four couples have gotten together for New Year's. I think it is so wonderful that they stay in touch like that. Well, you've probably noticed the caption underneath my blog title. So I'm going to take a moment to brag about my Mom, the beautiful blond in the white blouse. Is she not stunning! Would you have believed she was a grandma!!! And I'm so comforted to see a real smile on her face. It's been a miserable year but she's getting through with a beautiful, graceful strength. I wouldn't mind taking after her in the looks AND character department. I love you Mom. Glad you had some fun with the girls!

I have been hooked on looking at old pictures the past few days. It all started when I cleaned out my closet and found a bunch and the boys and I sat there for over an hour looking at each of them when they were babies. Gabe says he was never a baby. I think he thinks it's an insult. Isaiah is a lot of fun this pregnancy because he really understands what is going on - that there is a real baby in my tummy and that we are going to see him soon. He loves to sit with me and watch my belly move and feel for kicks. He was too young to understand when I had Gabe but this time he's really soaking it all in. It's wonderful to watch his excitement. I came across this picture of Justin holding Gabe on the day we brought him home from the hospital. I remember taking the picture. We were so stinking tired. The labor and delivery floor of the hospital was undergoing renovations, so during our stay all we heard were nail guns, vacuum cleaners, and hammering. It was awful. I couldn't wait to go home. Gabe was born a whopping 8 lbs. 6 oz. but he still looks so tiny!!! I forget how to hold and handle them when they are so little! My excitement is about to make me burst. While I know the realities of bringing home a newborn, I still can't wait to hear his little grunts and snuggle up with this little miracle in my belly!

Christmas at Marathon Key Florida

Maybe I'm just an emotional pregnant Mommy right now, but this literally brought tears to my eyes...

'Twas was the night before Christmas, when all thru the abode,
only one creature was stirring, and she was cleaning the commode.
The children were finally sleeping, all snug in their beds,
while visions of Nintendo Wii and Barbie, flipped through their heads.

The dad was snoring in front of the TV,
with a half-constructed bicycle on his knee.
So only the mom heard the reindeer hooves clatter,
which made her sigh, "Now what's the matter?"

With toilet bowl brush still clutched in her hand,
she descended the stairs, and saw the old man.
He was covered with ashes and soot, which fell with a shrug.
"Oh great," muttered the mom, "Now I have to clean the rug."

"Ho-ho-ho!" cried Santa, "I'm glad you're awake."
"Your gift was especially difficult to make."
"Thanks, Santa, but all I want is some time alone."
"Exactly!" he chuckled, "I've made you a clone."

"A clone?" she asked, "What good is that?
Run along, Santa, I've no time for chit-chat."

The mother's twin. Same hair, same eyes,
same double chin. "She'll cook, she'll dust, "
she'll mop every mess. You'll relax, take it easy,
watch The Young & the Restless." "Fantastic!" the mom cheered.
"My dream come true! "I'll shop. I'll read., I'll sleep a whole night
through! "

From the room above, the youngest began to fret.
" Mom my?! I scared... and I 'm wet."

The clone replied, "I'm coming, sweetheart."
"Hey," the mom smiled, "She knows her part."
The clone changed the small one, and hummed a tune,
as she bundled the child, in a blanket cocoon.

"You?re the best mommy ever. " I really love you."
The clone smiled and sighed, "I love you, too."
The mom frowned and said, "Sorry, Santa, no deal. "
That's my child's love, she's trying to steal."

Smiling wisely Santa said, "To me it is clear, "
Only one loving mother, is needed here."

The mom kissed her child, and tucked her into bed.
"Thank you, Santa, " for clearing my head.
I sometimes forget, it won't be very long,
when they'll be too old, for my cradle-song."

The clock on the mantle began to chime.
Santa whispered to the clone, "It works every time."
With the clone by his side Santa said, "Goodnight.
Merry Christmas, Mom , You'll be all right.

Cleaning up after my own mistakes...

I made a major boo-boo this year. I underestimated my almost 5 year old. Too lazy to find a real hiding spot for their Santa presents, I ended up wrapping them and putting on the top shelf of our bedroom closet. The kids used to play in there, behind the piles of stuff that would accumulate after I cleaned and de-cluttered the house, but they hadn't stepped foot in there for several months, so I thought it was safe. Isaiah went in there the other day and looked up. His eyes lit up as he asked me "Are those for us?!" (a big Homer Simpson "DOE!!!") Did I just totally ruin the whole Santa thing for my boy? I decided to tell him that we had lots of other people to give gifts to, and those gifts were for them. ("Few" I thought. I think I managed to get out of that one.) Well, tonight, just to make sure that Isaiah believes me, we are going to load up the presents into Justin's car so he can "mail" them to our family and friends tomorrow. (I must say, I think it's a pretty clever idea... well, for someone who made the mammoth mistake of hiding the presents in such a crappy place!) Just pray that none of them make noise while we're carrying them!

Here's the deal...

I am so frustrated with our current computer situation!!! I used to do all of my blog updates from my laptop, but that got totally fried from a virus. Even our neighbor who works on computers for a living couldn't figure it out. So I've been using the ancient computer in our bedroom that doesn't even have Windows on it. Justin installed Ubuntu... It's terrible. When I upload the pictures, I have no idea where it's going to save them. It's like a 5 year old designed it... no offense Isaiah. Anyway, I need Justin's help figuring out how to work with this old computer. He has a very busy week this week so there are no guarantees that I will be posting again until the weekend. I plan on getting back on track after our Christmas in the Keys with Mom and Hil! I love telling you all our crazy stories so stay tuned...

Isaiah's 5th Birthday Party

We had a lot of fun celebrating Isaiah's 5th birthday today. I will do a full post tomorrow with all of the pictures. Here's a great one of the whole gang doing their silliest faces! You gotta love the sight of a bunch of happy kids!!!

We're still here!

Sorry it's been so long since I've updated. Today is Isaiah 5th birthday party! We're celebrating early just to spread things out a bit. I promise to have updates from the party, our tree, and more tonight! See you soon!

Thanksgiving

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving family reunion in Hilton Head. Never a dull moment, lots of laughs, interesting conversation, and lots of catching up. I love my family. Each one brings such a special uniqueness to enjoy. Along with case after case of specially selected wine that I couldn't enjoy ;) My Uncle Rick and Aunt Theresa brought sweatshirts for everybody with "Kaiser Family Reunion" on the front and "Illigitimus non Carborundum -Art Herbert" on the back. That's something my Dad used to say. It means "don't let the bastards drag you down" ;) It was perfect. I always wonder what he would say in different situation and conversations. Sometimes I feel like I can hear him. Like he would complete the conversation. My Dad was full of clever sayings. Like when he gave me advice on dealing with someone with an ego, he said, "they act like their sh*t don't stink!" The mark that he left on each of us will never die. We will carry these stories and memories forever. Something to think about in our own lives. Priorities. What mark am I leaving behind? Anyway, what could have been a miserably depressing time actually turned out to be a sweet gathering of loving family members who all have a mutual sadness and wanted to honor a man we all miss. The spirit in that house was very sweet and I came away realizing how much I love each one and that although we were born into thesame family I would choose them for my friends. I did a poor job of picture taking this trip. But it was only because I was too busy enjoying myself to worry about the camera. Gabe loved to get a hold of the camera. Here are a few shots from his perspective...

Uncle Rick being silly...

Gabe kept taking pictures of the floor so Mommy tried to get low enough!!!

Gabe had a fever on Thanksgiving Day, so if mac 'n cheese hit the spot then mac 'n cheese it is!!!

Looking at Gabe's eyes, you'd think he had a few too many!!!

One of many cheers!!!

My prophetic son to the rescue!!!

Where do I begin? .....well, it all started when Justin suggested that we ride out and get something easy like take out or the drive-thru since I was in the middle of doing a lot of cooking for the Thanksgiving lunch for the guys at the shop. I planned on making stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy, and a gallon of tea. This afternoon, he asked if I would mind baking an apple pie. I told him to bring home the ingredients and I would make it tonight. When he got home we started chopping apples together, and I made my Mom's famous homemade pie crust. So I put the pie in the oven and we all got in the car and headed for a drive through somewhere. Just as we were going over the lake, the car began to shudder... we had a flat. (I just had one fixed a few weeks ago, different tire) It was pitch black. I mean PITCH BLACK. No street lights. Nothing. But my four year old son just so happened to bring along a flashlight! Of all the toys he could have chosen! So I stood and held the flashlight for Justin while he changed the tire. We continued towards town and Justin pulled into the gas station. I thought he was going to check the pressure in the spare, but he wanted to pump up the flat one that he took off. He wanted to see how long it would stay full. Then I realized that we didn't have time to go through a drive-thru, because the pie was going to be finished! So we headed back home... and then... the shudder again. The spare was flat!!! Seriously!!! Thankfully Justin stopped to fill up the original tire, so we put that one back on! We finally made it home... and the pie wasn't burnt!!! That was a miracle because it was in there LONG after the timer went off. It was quite an adventure. Not the kind of adventure you sign up for, but I am thankful for the greatest husband in the world. He knew what to do, and we laughed quite a bit. Love makes the "bumps" in the road a lot easier to take.

If we could see our baby today...

This baby was born premature at 25 weeks (on an airplane!!! don't worry Mom, you know I'm ALWAYS late), which is what I am now. Naturally, I am growing very impatient and wish I could hold him in my arms, but at the same time want him to "cook" until he is strong and healthy and ready for the zoo that will be our home! I just love to see what he looks like at each stage. It's just amazing!!! Did I mention I'm excited?

How cute are they?!

Justin was on his was home from work and was going to take the kids to Barnes & Noble while I did the grocery shopping. Gabe has become quite the Daddy's boy and couldn't wait for him to get home. So he sat outside on that very cold afternoon and waited...

It snowed!!!

The boys got quite a surprise the other day when they woke up to everything covered in snow! I had no idea it was coming! So naturally, at 7:00 that morning, they were out exploring. Here are a few pictures.

Daddy's arms...

After an evening of running wild around the house, the boys settled down on the couch to watch a show. At one point Gabe got off the couch and climbed up on Justin's lap. He was asleep within 60 seconds... and it was only 6:45!

Aunt Hairy!!!

I had been telling the boys last week that Aunt Hilary would be coming to spend the weekend at our house. This would send them into chants of "Hil-a-ry, Hil-a-ry, Hil-a-ry!" But all that Gabe could say was "Hairy!" it was so cute. We all had a lot of fun just hanging arould. As you can see, the boys didn't let her do too much relaxing!

belly update!

Well, here's the belly at 22 1/2 weeks. I still have a long way to go! Mama's gonna get big!

about the election...

My Mom forwarded this prayer to me a few days ago and it was so timely. I have had a very hard time this election season, finding a "side" I can believe in. To be honest, I flipped back and forth. It has been very confusing for me. No one "side" encompasses the way I feel in my heart... but this prayer does. After a lot of hard searching, I have come to the conclusion to not vote this year. I know some people have very stong feelings about that, and I completely understand. But at the same time, it just didn't feel right to throw my vote out there when I just don't feel sure. My Dad, a very passionate Republican, had strong views and knew what he believed. I am trying to find that, amidst the mess that our society is in. Raising young children today is a bit scary. What is accepted as "norm" just does not fly with me. The following prayer speaks to my heart. No President can "change" our nation... I truly believe it is up to us...

Billy Graham's Prayer For Our Nation
>
> 'Heavenly Father, we come before you today to
> ask your forgiveness and to seek your direction and
> guidance. We know Your Word says, 'Woe to those who call
> evil good,' but that is exactly what we have done. We have
> lost our spiritual equilibrium and reversed our values. We
> have exploited the poor and called it the lottery. We have
> rewarded laziness and called it welfare. We have killed our
> unborn and called it choice. We have shot abortionists and
> called it justifiable. We have neglected to discipline our
> children and called it building self esteem. We have abused
> power and called it politics. We have coveted our neighbor's
> possessions and called it ambition. We have polluted the
> air with profanity and pornography and called it freedom of
> expression. We have ridiculed the time-honored values of
> our forefathers and called it enlightenment. Search us, Oh
> God, and know our hearts today; cleanse us from every sin
> and Set us free. Amen!'

Halloween

Well, better late than never! Here are the boys enjoying the Halloween festivities in their new costumes that Grandma surprised them with! Ironman and the Red Ranger.

i... can't...wait...

... that first moment I lay eyes on him when they place him in my arms... my heart flutters just thinking about it!

IT'S A BOY!!!
We are excited to announce that in March we will be a family of 5 when Luke Arthur gets here!!! Or like the boys like to call him, Luke Skywalker! May the force be with me...

STAY TUNED!!!

The ultrasound got rescheduled for tomorrow morning at 9am!!! Check out the new poll in the sidebar...

GRANDMA!!!

My Mom came for a visit and it was great!!! I hated to take her to the airport. We made a Halloween/Birthday cake, played Cooties and Spiderman Memory, tried to go to the park ;) and surprised the boys with Ironman and Power Ranger costumes! It was short but we had a blast!

Showing off their Cooties! Grandma came from way behind and won!

Decorating the cake (Gabe ate more than he decorated!)
A surprise from Grandma! Their two favorite superheros!!! Grandma was well-protected!
Even Ironman gets tired!

Let's help find a cure!!!

Here are the boys decorating t-shirts for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Fund walk in support of my totally awesome nephew Zach who is 5 and was diagnosed with type 1 about a year ago. He is doing so well health-wise and spirit-wise in that he has adjusted to the pokes and the food guidelines like it's no big deal. He's quite the trooper and we're all very proud to support him. We love you Brick!!!

A moment of reflection

I don't intend to ever get too serious on this blog, but as I was sitting outside on a picture perfect day watching the boys and their cousin Conner playing, I had a moment of reflection. They were playing under the oak tree in the sandbox. We planted that oak tree the first spring that we moved into the house, Isaiah was about 6 months old. At the time, it was just barely taller than Justin. Now, as you can see, a lot of growing has been going on... including those special boys underneath it. I realized that almost 5 years have gone by. As I try to cherish every moment, time has a way of getting away from you. I am so in love with my little fellas and can't believe I get to meet another one before too long! I'm glad I had a moment to appreciate with awe and wonder the miracle that's in my lap.

I've got to share this!

So Jon and Shannon invited us over for pizza tonight. Justin wanted to get in a bike ride today, so he decided he would ride to their house and the boys and I would drive and meet him there. Justin got a head start while I got the boys and myself ready to go. When I got the boys into the car I told them to look out their windows becausewe would be catching up with Daddy. Well after a few minutes, Isaiah got impatient since we hadn't caught up with Justin yet. In all seriousness he said "Mommy, where's Daddy? ...he's beatin' the crap out of us!" :o I had never heard that phrase come out of him before. I burst out laughing so hard I almost had to pull over! I guess that's not the most effective way of letting know that is unacceptable talk. We'll see if he tries to use it again.

some impressive bedhead... can anyone say ace ventura?

precious moments between a boy and his dog

Gabe saying "stormtrooper"

Emerald Isle

Isaiah singing in the bathtub

Isaiah loves when the water is just high enough to cover his ears when he lays down in the tub. Apparently he likes the way his voice sounds when he's listening under water :) So last night I got Gabe out to get his pajamas on and Isaiah wanted to stay in. He started making up this song. Unfortunatly, I hadn't downloaded the pictures from our beach trip soI didn't have much memory left on my camera. This is what I captured:

"Mommy is the best Mommy in the whole, wide, world... amen!"

cute stuff

I'm usually pretty good about writing down the clever, adorable and usually hilarious things the kids say, but lately I've been only keeping them in my head... things don't stay there very long. So, let me never forget these things:

Our neighbors Billy and Vonda are like an extra set of grandparents to my kids. They share food from their garden, always take the time to have patient conversations with the boys, they love playing with Angel and spoiling her with dinner scraps, share movie coupons all the time, and just plain love of them! It's such a wonderful feeling having them next door. Anyway, yesterday we were both mowing at the same time. I finished the front and took a break to push Isaiah on the swing. Billy got out his blower and cleaned off his driveway and then came over and cleaned off our driveway. Usually, I get blisters from using my tiny broom, so this was hugely appreciated! Isaiah looked at me with a very grown up face raising his eyebrows and said "he is a nice man". I couldn't have said it better myself!

The other day I put on a sundress to go to Justin's grandfather's birthday cookout. I never wear dresses, so when I came out of my room Gabe's jaw fell to the floor as he said "Mommy, you're a princess!!!" That totally cancelled out the time he spanked me and said "big butt!"

Isaiah got into the car after school today and showed my three stickers on his hands. That's the teachers way of communicating to the parents how the child behaved that day. Two stickers means they had a great day. One sticker means they got a warning for something. No stickers means they got put on the "Oops column" for not correcting a behavior after they were warned. Anyway, I didn't know they ever gave out three, and Isaiah said "I was like forty-one hundred good!".

Gabe is potty training a doing a great job. I am so proud of his enthusiasm for it. I knew I wanted to try to have him trained before the baby came, but my style is a lot more last minute! I never expected it to go this fast! It feels weird to hold him and not feel the bulky diaper. I still think of both boys as my babies. I'm a little scared of that moment that they walk into the delivery room to see their new little brother or sister. Isaiah looked so big right after I had Gabe. It makes me a little sad. But I am also very proud of having the two greatest little boys on the planet! (no offense, I'm sure yours are pretty good too! ;)

the belly

well, here it is!
15 weeks & 2 days

This is great... enjoy a great laugh!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1cNDSPutas8