Rice Krispy Treat and a Rose

Here I was just sitting at the computer going through mail, checking blogs, doing my end of the night thing when I hear Craig come up the stairs. He smiles and then hands me a freshly made rice krispy treat with a freshly cut rose laid across the top. How sweet is he?

The First of Many...

Lost teeth that is!! On Monday afternoon Tyler lost his FIRST tooth!!! Craig had kept saying he felt it getting loser and loser and Tyler continued to help it along by pushing on it with his tongue. He was playing video games when it finally just poppped out!! I for one am really happy that the first one was such a painless, easy experience! The whole losing teeth thing gives me the willies...well anything having to do with any amount of blood gives me the willies!

Here he is in all of his toothless glory!



As you can see my little guy also has to wear glasses now. He has been wearing them for a full week and is doing really well with them. Poor thing had such bad eye sight that we are sure he is just happy he can actually SEE his world clearly now! He was just unsure the first day but asked his daddy,"I look good don't I Daddy?" Oh such a sweetie! And I was worried that kids would say unkind things. We went over to our good friends house a few days ago. Beforehand she had prepared her son by saying Tyler has glasses now, be sure to tell him he looks good. To which he replied "Well Mommy, he's my best buddy what else would I say?" Oh that just melted my heart...if only they could all be so sweet!!

Church Shopping Wrap Up.

I was just going through my Blog and realized I had never updated our Church shopping saga. Thankfully, we have been attending a Church we enjoy for a few months now. It's in Riverside so is a bit of a drive, but the drive has been worth it. We found out about the Church through the web. They were having a family night at a local restaurant so it's funny that we went to that first. Makes a good story when meeting people there! =0)But that actually made it easier when visiting the Church because there were familiar faces and people recognized and came up to us. What we both love about "Sandal's" is there desire to be "real". Their "tag-line" is being real with yourself, others and God. Pastor Matt is younger but longs to be real and get others serious about their faith. I especially have craved that honesty. To not feel like I'm going somewhere I can't truly be myself. Or to not know when the next big Church secret is going to blow up in my face. Not that I won't ever experience that at Sandals, but it brings me comfort to know that part of their main purpose is to "hang it all out there" for lack of better words!

We have jumped right in and are attending a Wednesday night small group. We have really connected with one family that also has 3 small children and are in the same life stage. Right now the Church rents space at a baptist college but they are finally looking for a place of their own. We are looking forward to that as the children's classroom situation is the one major drawback. They are so small, there isn't enough room for the kids to even move around. The thing that worries us is that they will move deeper into Riverside. But, we are thankful to be there now and know that God will move them and us where HE wants. He got us to Sandals in the first place and I have already experienced a lot of growth and healing. I trust in whatever comes next!

Crazy Pain

So we had a great trip, pick up the boys and everyone is so happy to see one another. We go home, get settled in and then eat dinner. While sitting at the table, I have the worst, most severe lower back pain I have ever experienced in my life. I felt like I was on fire and being shocked all at the same time. It was all Craig could do to grab me and get me onto the living room floor. And there I lay, face down for the next four plus hours. Everytime I moved, my whole back would spasm. Eventually Craig pulled me by the arms to the restroom and eventually into the downstairs bedroom. The pain was unbearable. So today I have been on the couch unable to move around. I had a scrapbook party planned that I needed to postpone. I hate being out of control. I despise being layed up and not able to do anything. It's a hard place to be all the while being in pain. I am so thankful though, that I am now at least able to move without being reduced to tears. I just keep wondering what in the world that was all about! Ouch!

First Time Away.

Craig and I are coming up on our 10 year anniversary. We are both unsure of how that came around so quickly!! To help celebrate the occasion ( a bit early), we thought it time to take a trip sans the kiddos. Now Craig has left the boys before for business trips and such. But the only time I have been away from them is to be having another one of them...and even then I still saw them everyday. Even though I am tired all of the time, it is really hard for me to be apart from them. So all of that to say, this was a really big deal for a lot of reasons!

So this past Wednesday, we met my parents and dropped the boys off with them. We then went to Desert Hot Springs and stayed at a Spa for two nights ( a good test run for me...not too long and not too far away!) Two Bunch Palms Resort and Spa was a great place to be...so quiet I was actually not sure what to do with myself at times!=0) The Spa also had great history. Turns out it was one of Al Capone's getaway spots complete with his actual vault and underground tunnels! We spent a lot of time in the "grotto" area. This was a warm pool surrounded by palm trees, plants and water falls. We saw lot's of wild life including rabbits and road runners. We had meals where we ate in peace and that were not centered around a schedule. We were able to see "Hancock" and just go when the time suited us instead of planning it all out. And we received a couples massage in one of their cabana's. I felt so rested and peaceful just after those two days, I realized how important it is for my sanity and our relationship to get away once in awhile. It was a great trip and I enjoyed my sweeties company! Oh, and I only called to check on the boys about 5 times...not too bad!=0)

Reflections on becoming a Mother....Tyler turns 6!

Today is my "baby" boys 6th birthday!! I guess that sure doesn't make him a baby anymore...but he will always be my baby! (as in the words of Mariah!) I really began reflecting yesterday, on when Craig and I became parents for the first time. How long and scary my labor was and then how terrifying was the c-section that followed. But then, I had a beautiful, tiny 6 pound, 13 oz. baby boy in my life. I was telling Tyler the stories about his first day of life. How his Daddy was in a deep sleep, he was crying and I couldn't move to get him because of the "owie" on my tummy. How I was frantic to get to my sweet baby, looking for anything to help wake Craig up!! I ended up throwing a slipper at him and that finally did the trick! Tyler was in hysterics over this and wanted me to tell him over and over again! And how Daddy tried so hard to change his diaper while he squirmed all around and put it on backwards! How has it been SIX YEARS since that day??? It feels like a lifetime ago. Now that little bundle of sweet smelling baby is about to finish his last week of Kindergarten. He is going to enter into first grade in a month. He reads, spells, adds, subtracts, draws amazing pictures and is one mean video game player! He is friendly, kind and even won the "cheerfulness" award at school! He has a huge heart and adores each one of his family members. He loves to run, play games, sing and dance. He is still so sweet, and untouched by the world. I wonder how long I will be able to shelter him. I pray that God will protect him and continue to grow him into the boy He wants him to be. (I can hardly bare to say "man" yet so we will stick with boy for now!)

I know everyone says it goes by so quickly...and it does! I even find myself telling others that now..to enjoy every moment!

I just thank God for giving me such a beautiful little boy, and for giving us time with him.

Prayer for the Chapmans

I learned this morning that Christian artist, Steven Curtis Chapman, lost his youngest daughter, Maria, to a tragic accident last night. She was struck by a SUV and the driver was her brother. My heart hurts for them as I think about what they are going through at this moment. The thoughts that are running through their heads..the memories that her 5 short years held. How her brother must be grieving like no other...please pray for peace to come to him. I can't even imagine the pain he is feeling. If all of us could take a moment to pray...especially those with children. Pray for them as if imagining what it would be like to lose your own child.

My heart grieves for them.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tn8ajucsXr8

Funny Four Year-old!

On the way home from dinner tonight, I turned around to see Zachary, nearly falling asleep, with his finger up his nose. I asked him, "Zachey, are you picking a winner?" to which he replied, "No, I'm picking a Shamu!".

Happy Birthday Zachary James!

My sweet Zachary turned 4 early this morning. It's been quite the week for us as I turned 29 on April 26th and 2 days later, on the 28, my baby turned 2! This has lead me to think a lot about the past, and over the events of my life and my little ones lives. Craig and I have been enjoying telling the boys stories of "when they were little", as if they are so big already! I wanted to reflect on my "middle" child though, as today is his special day (and hopefully I will get to Jacob soon since his special day has already come and gone!).

I have heard so many stories of the "middle child syndrome". The feeling of never fitting in, never feeling special or quite belonging to the family. When Jacob was born and Zachary was "promoted" to middle child, I did worry about him. I tried talking to those who grew up as a middle child, asking them what they felt could have helped them growing up, what would have helped them feel more included. But as Zachary is still at the young age of 4 (but I yet I still can't believe he is 4!!) I feel that he is going to be OK as our second born, middle child. He is so amazingly vivacious! Everywhere he goes he gathers smiles and attention. He is charming and oh so funny! His eyes literally SPARKLE! And those long, dark lashes! Every time I attempt to remember something funny he did or said, I am at a loss of how to write about it. He is so unique! At a very young age he was walking. He was talking full sentences by 2 years old. He looks at you with eyes full of understanding beyond his years. The things that come out of his mouth, the reasoning and insight going on in his head..often scare us of the years to come! And his stubbornness....whew!! From the day he was born that little boy showed us exactly what he thought about everything. It's hard at times but we are grateful for it too as we know it will help him later in life to be strong, to be his own person and to not just follow the crowd.

We have had many friends, family and complete strangers comment that there is something "special" about him. And we know there is! He is our little gift from God and I thank Him daily for giving us such a wonderful child! One that loves to run, put together puzzles (even 100 piece ones!) and loves to give hugs more then anything. Who loves trains, cars, Peter Pan, and adores his brothers. Who enjoys eating all fruit, especially bananas and strawberries. Who loves sliced cucumbers and drinking milk. Who loves animals and babies and will stop to look at them whenever he has the chance.

Stop and think about the wonderful memories of your little one today...even if they are not so little anymore! God brings some people into our lives to greatly bless us... I certainly feel blessed to have Zachary in my life!

A Work in Progress...

We have now lived in our new home for almost 6 months! Craig and I have been reflecting on how half a year has already gone by. Wow! And the time has finally come for us to get our backyard landscaped. Since we have moved in we must have received at least 100 different fliers. How in the world do you choose someone out of that stack? Thankfully God does provide for us in all areas, even when we are not always so trustworthy. We have had a great experience so far and are very excited to see the end results...a beautifully finished yard for our 3 little boys to run and play in!! The work began last Tuesday and should already be wrapped up by the end of this week! I wanted to give you a peek at the progress but can't wait to show you the end result! =0)

Full Speed Ahead...

I'm tired. Anyone else?? Everyday I think, " I need to write a blog" and then the thought passes and I am on to laundry, wiping a bottom, making lunch, or dinner or a snack or cleaning up after one of those meals, or returning an email or a phone call or taking Tyler to school or picking him up or taking Zachary to school in Whittier and spending half the day there or cleaning one of 3 bathrooms, the kitchen, and every other part of the house...I'm just tired!! But here I am, after a full day of house cleaning in preparation for Jacob's birthday party tomorrow, taking a minute to finally listen to the voice saying, "Slow down, take a minute to write about life, to reflect on it a bit." When I really stop and think of all there is to "do" in life I get so overwhelmed. But then I try to remind myself to slow down, and enjoy the good stuff. Just being. Being with my kids. Watching them play, playing with them. I am still trying to find that balance of getting everything done but also enjoying the time when my children are small. Has anyone figured that out yet?? Tonight I was frantically trying to fold and put away mounds of laundry before the boys went to bed. Zachary came up to me asking me to hold him. He rarely does that. I told him mommy needed to hurry and put away clothes and then I would hold him during story. He was then called away to brush his teeth and I felt guilty. I should stop. I should hold him. When I finally did, I just enjoyed smelling his sweet, clean little head. Rubbing his warm, round belly...how I love that belly! I am one that needs a constant reminder to SLOW DOWN! Life doesn't always have to be lived full speed ahead.

Headed out on the town...

Craig and I are about ready to leave for a night in L.A. For Christmas I bought him Bon Jovi tickets. He has been a long-time fan. The day has finally arrived to use them. The band Daughtry, (Chris Daughtry was on American Idol) is opening and we are both fans of them. Now living in Corona we are not looking forward to the long drive (especially since I just drove to Whittier and back to take Zachary to school!) but it will be a nice amount of time to spend together, just the two of us! Dinner out, time for uninterupted talk, good music. We do feel old though worrying that the concert will not start until 7:30...a time where we are usually winding our night down to get the kids ready for bed! Man, it's hard to remember back to the day where we would go to a 10:30 movie showing and not get out until after midnight...and it was no big deal! The last concert we went to that late we were falling asleep on one another!=0) But, even if we are tired, it will be a night to build memories! And I'm looking forward to it!

Sick with the Flu...but blessed!

It is no fun being sick...especially with the stomach flu! I was hit with the nasty bug Friday night and it had me down all day yesterday. I despise being so sick I have to lay down. I fight it with all I can until I just can't fight anymore.

Yesterday, we were set for a fun-filled day to Legoland with some of our friends and I was still planning to go. Even though I had emptied my stomach that morning...and it still held the contents of dinner from the night before (I'm sure that is far too much info for you!) I figured I must of ate something bad and I just didn't want to pass on our fun day. Craig, my sweetheart, gets so upset at me when I won't stop, slow down and take care of myself. He was pleading with me to stay home. Finally, I agreed. We don't always know what is best for ourselves and I truly value having Craig to help me see the error of my ways!=0) It makes me grateful to have that other half, the one that knows me so well and cares about me so much.

So instead of running around the colorful land of Legos, I spent most of the day on our couch dozing in and out of sleep. Dealing with wrenching stomach cramps but also just enjoying the peace of knowing I was where I should be. And taking comfort in being with my family, watching the boys run and play in our home. Seeing how much they enjoy just being together. And making our way through four episodes of Grey's Anatomy which we are watching on DVD! =0) (Thanks Melinda!!)

Even in sickness, I realize how blessed I am!

Band-aid's

This morning Zachary got a little scratch on his leg and asked for a band-aid to make it better. I told him it wasn't bleeding so a band-aid wasn't going to help the scratch feel better. The boys LOVE band-aids and are always trying to find a way to sport one. We probably have about 4 or 5 different boxes of them, all with different themes. So, a few hours later, Zachary gets an actual cut on his foot. He asks again for a band-aid to help it feel better. I took him upstairs and asked him which one he wanted, placed it on his foot and like magic, he felt much better! What is it about band-aids that hold such healing power for a child?? And I wish they still worked that way on adults!

Not little Forever....

At night we always pray with the boys. Sometimes Craig with Tyler, I with Zachary and then we switch. Tonight I was sitting with Tyler on their bedroom floor and we were cuddling. He told me that he wanted to "give me all the love!" I just love it when he gets in his lovey dovey mood...it's just the best! Then he told me he wanted to be 25. The boys talk a lot about getting older. Sometimes they say they want to stay little forever. Other times, like tonight, they say they want to be older (mostly to get a reaction from me!). So I told him I absolutely didn't want him to be 25 because then I couldn't hold him in my lap, kiss his sweet soft skin and smell his freshly washed hair. He said, "But Mommy I have to grow up sometime!" Man, it's true. I know it's going to happen but I wish it didn't have to!! So I will cherish every minute that I have with them as "babies". As my sweet, innocent little boys. When I'm frustrated with day to day things, I'll remind myself...they won't stay little forever.

10 Random Facts About Me....

I was tagged by Susie to tell 10 facts about myself and I NEVER do these things! But because it was you Suze, I'll do it! And I have to mention here that I just spent forever putting this together, was on NUMBER 8 and somehow touched a key that erased it ALL!!! Auggghhhh! So this may take awhile!

Alright, drum roll please....

1. I have only flown twice in my life. Once was for our second anniversary to Cabo San Lucas (nice short flight for a freaked out flyer!!) and the second was for my dream trip to Hawaii in Sept. 2005!! (Not so short!) We went to Maui for 8 days with a 1 and 3 year old so it was a lot of work but also a ton of fun!

2. #1 brings me to #2...I will be taking my third flight this June to my next dream vacation spot...Florida! And not just anywhere in Florida, the part where there are miles and miles of Disney fun!! Craig has a convention in Orlando and there was no way we weren't joining in on that! I have always wanted to visit Disney World and can't wait!

3. Which brings me to #3...I am a HUGE Disney fan! I have had a pass to Disneyland since my sophomore year in High School...with no breaks! I started collecting Disney movies long before I had children of my own. I love all things Disney!=0)

4. The first band that I got "into" was, "The Bangles" when I was in Elementary school. I even had posters of the girls and thought they were the greatest! About 4 years ago Craig sweetly surprised me with tickets to see the band live for the first time at House of Blues. So fun! Accept that I ended up throwing up everywhere...and I mean everywhere.... right after the band finally started playing!! I was pregnant with Zachary at the time and if anyone knows me, they know that pregnancy does NOT agree with me! That could probably stand for one of my most embarrassing moments as well!

5. Some (because there are so many!) of my all-time-favorite movies include, "So I Married An Axe Murderer", "The Princess Bride" "Beauty and the Beast" "Two Weeks Notice" and "Legends of the Fall" (Although I often wonder why on this one because it is SO sad and I typically hate sad movies! But I think a big part of it is the loyalty of the brothers at the end and how they band together. And it has Brad!)

6. So some of the movies that I think are the most-sad, made- me -cry -puddles, Kleenex -are- no -use, were: "What Dreams May Come"(hold this as the worst ever as I cried from the first few minutes until the end!!), "Titanic", "Steel Magnolias", "Beaches" ,"Legends of the Fall", "Dads" and "Million Dollar Baby". From my childhood (and would still make me cry today!) "Old Yeller" and "ET"!

7. I haven't been to very many places besides California ( I do love my state!) The list is short and includes Nevada, Arizona, Utah (just driving through) Colorado, Hawaii (the BEST!) and Mexico. Wow, that is short! I hope to add to the list more in the coming years! And to start that off we will be going to Colorado for my second time in about a week and I can add Florida in June! =0) High on my visiting list is the East Coast...especially New York!

8. I am a huge Amy Grant fan! Have been since elementary school. I am reading her book "Mosaic" right now and am loving it! A huge life highlight for me was meeting her back in 2002! We went to a very fun and personal concert of hers. There was a children's room in back as the concert was being held at a church. Tyler was just a baby at the time so we took him back to change his diaper. Who was in the room? Her little daughter, Corrina!! She came right up to me and pointed at Tyler saying "baby, baby!" (ha, ha??!) It was great to interact with her. But the best part was after the concert! I finally got to meet AMY in person, blubbered something that probably wasn't intelligent and had her sign my coupon envelope because I had nothing else with me! It was great!

9. I adore children. Especially babies!! Ever since I was old enough I worked with the babies at church and could sit for hours holding an infant and be perfectly happy and content. When Tyler was born, that's what both Craig and I did with our spare time! We sat and just stared at our beautiful baby...for hours!=0) When there is a tiny baby near, I just melt.

10. I have 3 life-long friends, Susie, Melinda and Hillary! I consider them sisters and love them bunches!=0) Want to know anything extra or embarrassing about me, they would be the good ones to ask!=0) .......And Craig of course!

Kids + Dirt = bathtime!

The weather has been beautiful! Yesterday afternoon we decided to enjoy it and play outside. Our backyard has yet to be landscaped so we have lot's and lot's of dirt. Of course the boys love it! Especially Jacob. He likes to get right in there, really dig his finger nails in (literally!) So after about an hour or so of great fun, they were covered head to toe with backyard! That resulted in fun of another type. Bath time! I love seeing all 3 of my little guys lined up in the tub! And they could stay in the water forever...their little skin turning all wrinkly! Mmmm, and the way they smell when they first get out...wonderful!

A trip up the Mountain

A few weeks ago we took a 4 day trip up to Arrowhead. This is the 3rd year in a row we have gone and it has become a nice tradition. We go with our friends that also have 3 small children. Sometimes I think we are crazy. 6 children to 4 adults doesn't initially seem like a good idea! But luckily everyone gets along pretty well. And it's a tradition! (I'm all about traditions!)

So the past two years, there has been a lack of the white stuff. Every year I am so excited to see it snow, only to find that it doesn't, and there isn't even any on the ground! Our first year up, there wasn't even a muddy patch to be found! The second year, there was at least some on the ground and a weather forecast that looked promising! But, once again, no snow. (I swear I have a snow curse! Dates way back to Jr High camps!)

This year, however, there was more snow on the ground then we could have hoped for. And then some. When we pulled up in front of the cabin, there was SO much snow, that we could not even pull in one of our vans. The road leading up to the cabin is very narrow without the crowding of snow, so there was really nowhere to park! This resulted in Craig going back into town, buying snow shovels and then proceeding to join our friends in digging a parking spot out. The 3 were outside dealing with that while I was tending to 6 restless children inside who were hungry, bored and wanting their toys! It's always an adventure isn't it? But hey, it's tradition! =0)

And the kids were not cooperating for our lovely family pic. by the lake!

Yes, 5 boys and 1 girl!

We really did have a great time!

My Silly 3 Year Old!

Zachary is one funny little boy! He loves music and when he hears the right music, really knows how to move!=0) This video of him always makes me smile. Whenever I'm down, all I have to do is watch this! Hope you enjoy my silly little man too!

Church Shopping

Just the title of that bothers me. Church Shopping. My entire life I have had just two "home churches". They are right down the street from one another and I am able to greet people every few steps. So familiar, so comforting.

Now here we are in Corona. I have been putting off "the hunt". It makes me very uncomfortable. How do you know where to go? How do you know there will be solid teaching, solid teachers, loving caregivers for our boys?

We have tried a church here called "Crossroads", the past 2 Sundays. Our first impression was mostly good. Both Craig and I really liked the Pastor and his sermon (which brought both of us to tears!) I was very excited. My one major drawback was the lack of Sunday School classes for adults. This is a very large church. Big campus, lot's of people. I couldn't understand where the list of classes was. Yesterday I was talking to a friend about this absence and she brought to my attention that Sunday School classes are the "old" way of doing things. The old way??? All I have ever known is that there are Sunday School classes for everyone, of every age, of every life stage...that's how it goes, right?? I guess not anymore! Now at just 28 years old...I am left feeling...old!!

The next drawback came when we went to pick up Jacob. He seemed happy but when they handed him to me, he stunk to the high heavens!! I could smell him before the tranfer was even complete!! I just thought they had somehow missed it,(like maybe they all had really bad colds??) took him to the car and immediately changed him.

Fast forward a week later to this morning. It was raining, we got there a bit late. The check in process for the older boys is quite lengthy. After filling out both forms, and all the name tags, we were informed that there was no room in the inn. For any of the older children. So, we had to take them to service with us. We dropped of Jacob first specifically asking them to check Jacob since he has been fighting a rash (very sensitive skin!). We then set off for the service. Surprsingly Tyler and Zachary behaved very well (not easy for a 5 & 3 year old to sit through a sermon!). We once again enjoyed the pastor's message. Afterwards we all went to pick up our sweet baby...always so fun to return to his huge grin!! As soon as we picked him up the ladies chimed in that he may have a dirty diaper...but they weren't sure. Once again we were sure!!! (whew, SMELL-E!!!) But his diaper was SO bad, that it had broken open and all of those little crystals had burst everywhere. His little bottom was raw and he would just say, "ow, ow!" We felt SO bad!! So, needless to say, we are not planning on going back next week. And that means the hunt is still on.

If anyone has a chance, please pray for us to find a good church home. One that fits the needs of everyone in our family and will be a place to further our relationship with Jesus. And a place where we feel our children are well taken care of. And if you are happy with your home church, I would just remind you to give thanks for that today. It really is a great blessing!