Our Thanksgiving Tree

I stole this idea from another blog. (Unfortunately I check too many to even remember where I stole it from to give any credit.) I thought it might help the kids understand the reason we have Thanksgiving and help them understand the uncountable blessings that we have in our life.

They really got into it and we had a lot of fun with it.
Lauren was thankful for things she said other people might not have; family, a bed, water, food, a house.
Avery was thankful for her grandmas, her friends and my parent's old dog, Maggie. I have no idea where that came from, Maggie has been dead for 2 years. I didn't know Avery even remembered her!
Sullivan REALLY was loving telling me what he was thankful for but he kept coming back to two things...he was really thankful for the leaves that he could color on and the tree that he could tape them to. It doesn't take much to make a two year old happy!

I think this will be a good tradition for us. They could have gone on listing their blessings all afternoon if I'd have continued to cut out the leaves!



(And thanks Melanie for making the tree!)

Village of Lights

Our town does a great job of kicking off the holidays with a celebration every Thanksgiving weekend. There are tons of things to do up town on that Friday night...a living Nativity, trolley rides, an ice sculptor, hot cocoa, cookies, kettle corn, Santa, the tree lighting and even a marshmallow roast!
Our kids look forward to it every year and so do I! This year Trina and Garrick were in town so we got to share it with them.


Lauren, Aaron and Avery 'patiently' waiting for the Trolley!


Sully was anti-pictures. Again, he is SO TWO!


This is how Tess spent much of our time uptown...asleep on Daddy's shoulder. SO sweet!


She woke up for a smile!

Thanksgiving.

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving Day. We woke up and watched the parade and then headed to my mom's house. She had a FULL house. Approximately 40 people were there and what felt like about 26 kids. My grandma even got to come for the day and that made it even more special.
We had a great time with cousins and other family. The time went very fast.
Then we headed to Jordan's grandparents to see his side of the family.
It was a day of family and food and being thankful. Just what it should be.


This was my attempt at a picture of all our kids. It isn't great.

Ok, a couple pictures

I was in the kitchen just before 6 this morning getting a bottle for Tess. I peaked out the window and saw the absolute beauty of God's winter wonderland.
The tree branches were heavy with snow and the ground sparkled in the early morning light. I felt blessed to have witnessed it before anyone had the chance to mess it up with foot prints and snow blowers. It really was beautiful.
The kids were SO excited of course and after church and naps/rest time Jordan took them out. I ventured out long enough to snap some pictures.


Sully had a great time but wow, he is so 2. And SO naughty and LOUD lately!






Avery was just plain cute out there!




Lauren wanted to build something, she and Jordan made a fort.


And this one? Well, I just love him.

Christmas memories

We had a completely JAM PACKED Thanksgiving weekend. When I think about everything that we did I can hardly believe it was really just four days. No wonder I'm tired tonight. (Pictures will have to wait.)
We capped the weekend off by decorating the Christmas tree tonight. When we finished I looked at it and realized it leaves a little to be desired. But I also realized something else. Someday 20 years in the future, I will have a beautiful tree. It will be perfectly coordinated and all the ornaments will be breakable and not to be touched.

But for now, we have a child-friendly, child-decorated, child-loved tree. And I LOVE it. I love every ornament and every memory that comes to mind while we decorate. I love it that Lauren and Avery yell out, "I remember this one" over and over. I love the memories we are creating with them.

There are two things that always happen to me when we decorate for Christmas.
1. I always want to wrap each of my kids up and just hold on tight. I want to keep them exactly the ages they are and just stop time. There is something so very special about kids at Christmas.
2. The other thing is that I miss my dad, like crazy. After the lights are out except for the tree and we are all just sitting and admiring our work, my tears start to fall. I'd give just about anything to be transported back 20 years and be sitting in my parents' living room listening to my dad complain about the lights and my mom telling him to calm down and have fun. He didn't really like decorating for Christmas but he loved buying us each our ornament for the year and I remember how excited he would get to present us with them each year.
I miss him. Its probably the childlike feeling we all get at Christmas that brings it out in me. I want to go back to a time when I didn't have a care in the world. I miss my daddy. Even though I'm over 30...I miss my daddy. I want to sit in his lap and see his smile and feel his scratchy beard. I'd like just one more Christmas that way.

And I guess that's what makes Christmas now so special. Knowing that someday my kids will look back and wish for one more Christmas just like this one...

Here's to a wonderful, memorable holiday season...

So I guess he had fun!

Sully and Tess started at the new daycare today. This was a tough decision for us to make and I had some sleepless nights over it. I was nervous dropping them off today. We've always had in-home providers. But I would say that I felt completely at home at the new center. When we walked in Sully was a little overwhelmed. He tugged on my shirt for me to come down to his level and he said, "Mommy, I want to go home now." I stayed with him for a long time, ate breakfast with him and got him all settled. Jalen showed up and he was good to go!
I picked him up and he cried because he didnt want to go. He got to sleep on a cot. He made the outfit pictured below. Sully LOVES making stuff like that. He got very upset with me because I wouldnt let him wear it home. VERY UPSET!
Tess had a great day too. The gals in the baby room might possibly be the most patient women ever. And I guess if a baby gets cranky they just pass it around amongst each other. Works for me!
I'm feeling much more at ease and very blessed tonight.

The babies

Grandma Cindy got the babies these matching shirts and so we had to have a photo session. It made me sad to put the babies side by side and see how much bigger Tess really is than Adele. They are 15 weeks apart...should there really be that much difference?!?!?! They just grow so fast.












All is well, we found our fists.

Cousins

We got to see Trina and family for a little while this afternoon. It was one of the highlights from the weekend for the kids.


These two are just so fun. I really love two year olds!


Aaron was explaining this picture to Lauren and Tess. They were quite intrigued.


Avery was so proud to be holding Adele. You'd think that she didn't have her own baby sister!

Snowballs

These pictures in no way describes the pride that Sullivan had over this tower of snowballs that he and daddy built. He absolutely loved the snow!

Movie night

Last night we had movie night for the kids. We watched ELF and had popcorn with M&M's and licorice. Sully kept calling the M&M's 'Emmes'. Cute.

The kids chose ELF because I said that this was our Holiday kick-off weekend. Earlier in the day I took them to the Festival of Trees uptown with Mel and Jalen (forgot my camera), today I'm taking Avery up to look at all the pretty Christmas things in the shops uptown while Lauren attends a birthday party. Tonight Jordan and I are attending the evening showing of the Festival of Trees and the social event. Tomorrow my brother Robert and his girlfriend arrive from New York for Thanksgiving week.

We woke up to snow and they really want to put the tree up today. I said that would have to be next weekend. I just cant have a tree up till after Thanksgiving.

Its getting pretty exciting around here!

Tesser

Tesser has been my nickname for her lately. And all the kids seem to be picking it up.



Thanks Courtney, Tess loves her shirt! And no, the button didn't freak me out, I love it!

Short!

Lauren has been begging to get her hair cut off again. I held her off as long as I could. Last week she went short. SHORT!!!
When she got home Avery instantly said, "I want my hair cut short!"
(I've actually been asking her to cut it so I was thrilled when she wanted to, her hair is much easier to care for short.)
So this week Avery went SHORT!

Now I'm slightly biased, but I think they are darling!

Thursday

Tess had her 4 month dr.'s appt. today. Just about 50% for everything...
weight 13 lbs 15 ou.
height 25 inches

Sully at 4 mo. 15 lb 11 oz, 27 inches
Avery at 4 mo. 12 lb 9 oz, 24 1.4 inches
Lauren at 4 mo. 14 lb 11 oz, 25 3/4 inches

One worrisome thing is that Tess still has the heart murmur that the dr. detected at her 2 month appt. He said that he feels fine with just continuing to monitor it because she shows no signs of a heart problem - she is growing and doesn't struggle to eat. But there are possibilities of something wrong even without the signs. Although he is fairly confident that she is just fine and she will out grow this.

But he also said that for peace of mind an echo cardiogram wouldn't be a bad idea. He said if the murmur is still there at 9 months we would definitely do the test.

Jordan and I talked about it and we decided that we like peace of mind. And if there is something wrong, we want to know sooner rather than later. So we'll be getting that scheduled for December some time. I'm truly not really worried. She is so healthy and happy and I am confident she'll outgrow this but like I said, peace of mind...

Sisters

Oh...my...heart....

Party pics

I'm finally getting around to posting some pics from Lauren's party.

They made a butterfly craft. I couldn't believe how long they worked on these. I think they'd have sat there all day if I'd kept bringing them supplies.



They are a fun bunch of girls!!!

My random Wednesday thoughts...

I love how each of my kids say Avery's name:

Lauren - A VA REEEEE - Big stress on the middle syllable and usually in an exasperated tone

Avery - A VREEEE - Big stress on the V

Sullivan - A Day

Proof through Pictures

What? What do you want me to do?






Almost there...


closer...


Come on!


VICTORY!!!


You're all in trouble now!

When Tess rolled over today I had this horrible feeling in my stomach that I just watched my last baby roll over for the first time. That is not a fun feeling. So I'm taking lots of pictures.

And we're rolling...

I took Contessa to the nursery this am to change her diaper. Afterwards she was lying on the floor while I cleaned up and she rolled over. Very exciting.

Now that she has figured it out she seems to want to do it constantly...diaper changing should be a blast!!!

Happy 7th Birthday, Lauren!

The last week my thoughts have been consumed with Lauren. How can she be turning seven? Seven!

It seems just yesterday, and yet, almost like it never happened that my water broke at 1:18 am and we raced to the hospital. Raced to the hospital to wait EXACTLY 12 hours for her to make her grand entrance into the world at 1:18 pm. I'll never forget when they laid that tiny body on me and I stared into her face. Suddenly I was so very scared. What had God done? He really thought I could do this? He gave me a person for goodness sake! A real person!

Lauren turned our world upside down as we learned to be parents and for the first time learned what self-less love was all about. I remember being so scared that I would do something wrong and hurt her or scar her for life! My how things change by the time number 4 rolls around!

Lauren has always acted a little older than she is, a little better than she should. Her first thought always seems to be for others. I wish I could say that Jordan and I were the ones who made this come out in her. But it is all Lauren. She never wants to leave anyone out, never wants to cause hurt feelings and always wants to thank people and make people feel good about themselves.

She says she wants to be a teacher, a PE teacher to be exact, when she grows up. I have no doubt that she would be a wonderful one. She has far more patience than I do with her brother and sister!

Lauren is very precise, she loves things in order and in time. She plans and prepares things days in advance and she puts things away when she is done. She worries about things that do not need to be worried about, long before they are even a thought in anyone else's heads - she gets all that from me...poor, poor thing!

She is very social and loves friends and fun. But it seems her favorite place is still at home with us. She still calls us "mommy
and "daddy", I love that. I dread when that turns to mom and dad!

Lauren, at seven you are a true joy to your mom and dad. We stop and watch you and remind each other what a wonderful child you are and that we are often way too hard on you. We expect a great deal from you and I suppose that is becuase you have never once failed to come through. But we know that we need to let you just be little too; those days are fleeting from us now as you seem to grow faster and faster each day.

Lauren, I pray that you always keep your sweet giving spirit. That the thoughts and needs of others are always at the front of your mind. I know that your tender heart will be easily broken but I also know that you will learn where to go when it needs mending. We already see in your heart and mind a love for Jesus Christ. You seem to have an understanding about the relationship you need to have with Him that I doubt many 7 year olds hold. He holds all the answers for you baby, He and only He can calm those worries and mend your heart. He can use you for such mighty things.

He has a wonderful plan for you and one of my greatest joys in life will be watching that unfold. I cannot wait to see what wonderful exploits He has for you to complete. Always know that your mom and dad are waiting for you, ready to listen, ready to encourage, ready to hug you and give you the strength you need from us. You can never disappoint us..if anything you show us things in ourselves that we need to do better...never the other way around.

I am ultimately proud of you and just as I felt on Thursday, November 15, 2001, I know I am in no way worthy of having you call me mommy...but I am blessed beyond meaure that you do.

All my love sweet baby girl...all my love. Happy Birthday!

Thank goodness for Birthdays

Really if it were not for my kids' birthday parties there are certain areas of my home that would likely never get cleaned or organized. Its sad I know but there is only so much time in the day and I only have so many hands.

Lauren's birthday and party are tomorrow...so that means today is a mad cleaning day. I have organized some things that have been sitting since Tess was born and I've cleaned better than I have in quite awhile. Sad, I know...still, its getting done and it feels so good.

I love my kids' birthdays. I love making them feel like they are the most special kid in the world. I love talking to them about the day they were born and about the things I love about them that make them who they are. I love reminiscing about when they were 'little'. Its just plain fun.

Last night we had Lauren open her presents from us. Her main present was a new 'grown-up' bible. She LOVES it and is reading away in it.

Tomorrow our house will be filled with 9 giggling 1st graders for a butterfly birthday. We are all excited. Yeah for the age SEVEN. I truly am loving this stage.

Avery antics

I had an all day training today that started early so Jordan had to take care of getting the kids delivered. As he was getting Avery out of the van at my mom's Avery said, "When I smell the cold gets in my nose."

I love how she says just what she is thinking and feeling and that she is able to put those feelings into words so cutely. She just makes me laugh and smile.


Also, last night Jordan picked Lauren and Avery up from AWANA and when he did he found out that Avery had kissed her friend Carter good-bye. When he got home he asked her about it and she was VERY embarrassed. Eventually she said, "Well, why cant I just kiss my friend goodbye?"

That's kind of a hard one to explain to a 4-year old.

Dream Days...

Lately I feel like each of my kids individually is getting too little attention. And as a whole it is hard to really enjoy them ... at least for long periods of time! ;)
I also feel like I am getting the bad end of the deal because I am missing out on some time with them that I don't want to miss.

So I started thinking that if I had four dream days I'd spend them like this:

1. I'd spend a day with Lauren. I would let her read to me for hours without getting up. Then I'd read to her for awhile too. I'd do countless crafts with her and never say, just a second...or maybe when we have more time. I'd listen to her tell me stories from school without fixing supper at the same time or folding laundry. I'd look through her school bag with her and let her explain each and every paper. I'd hold her hand and take her out for an ice cream treat. I'd let her feel big.

2. I'd spend a day with Avery. I'd cuddle with her as long as possible. I'd just take in her 4 year oldness and hold on very very tight...because she loves that right now.
I'd color with her and help her draw things the way she wants. I'd play school and barbies and doll house with her and never get up because I had to feed the baby. I'd take her up town and let her look at all the pretty Christmas things in the specialty shops. I'd let her look for hours. I'd bake something with her because she LOVES that.I'd let her sing and make-up songs and I'd sing along and laugh and laugh!

3. I'd spend a day with Sullivan. I'd let him be 2...instead of expecting more from him. I'd play cars with him and watch him build roads with legos and trains with legos (2 of his new favorite things). I'd let him put the movie CARS on although he never even watches it once I put it on. I'd take him on a walk and we'd play our matching game. We pick out a color and he finds everything around him that matches. I'd count semis and diggers with him. I'd let him eat messy and play rough. I'd let him be a boy.

4. I'd spend a day with Contessa. I'd let her take her naps with me on the couch. I wouldn't set her down. I'd sing to her and make her giggle. I'd lie on the floor with her and play toys the entire day. I'd let her stay in her bath for a very long time.

Oh my sweet kids I pray that you know how much I love you. That even when you cannot see it in my face, you feel it from my heart. That when I lean in at night to get one last sniff of your hair and to feel your soft cheeks against mine one last time before I turn out the light and close the door, that you know, deep down, that you are my world. Even when it seems a little turned upside down, you are my world.

Something's missing...

On Monday we finally made the transition to Isabel (our cat) living with my mom.

All day today I have been feeilng weird.

Turning around looking for something and not finding it, shutting doors behind me and then thinking...why? She isnt here.

This afternoon before nap Sully asked why Izzy had to go to Grandma's. He asked if she was naughty.

I think this is going to take some time to get used to, she's been living with me since 1998...10 years. Longer than I've lived with Jordan. The kids of course have always had her around. And she has always been so patient with them, letting them pull her tail, sit on her and chase her everywhere...she seemed to almost love it.

At least we can go over to my mom's when we need our Izzy-fix. For today I just want to cry about it.

We miss you sweet kitty.

Mr. Lansky

Lauren's school hosted author Bruce Lanksy yesterday. The kids had the opportunity to purchase some of his books a couple of weeks ago and after his assembly with the school he held a book signing.
Lauren thought this was really, 'cool'. I loved her being able to have this opportunity...she loves reading more than anything so this was perfect for her.


Lauren and Bruce Lansky

Home again

We made it back from our weekend away...it was perfect. I decided long ago that one night away is not worth it. It takes a lot to get 4 kids ready to be away from their parents for even a night, not to mention packing for myself. So we went for 2 nights. We relaxed, played cards, went out for a great dinner, all but finished Christmas shopping and just enjoyed being together...we actually had uninterrupted conversations - imagine that! It was great.
On Saturday night I checked my email and had these pictures of Tess waiting for me from Cindy. I could have gone home then, I missed her a lot...but we held out until Sunday.
She was happy to see us too!




Yep, I'm pretty cute! Look at my adorable toes!




Okay, fine, take the keys!