New Year, New You

Happy New Year (2013)

The kids and I had a wonderful Christmas and New Year.  We spent some time in Florida with my parents, rang in the New Year at a Poolside Party at the Nickelodeon Hotel, and watched Michigan play a great Outback Bowl game against South Carolina, even though they didnt win.  We ended our trip with a great day spent at Magic Kingdom.  I sure love Disney.

(I was going to post a picture but I cant figure it out, I think I am really slacking in my blogging abilities)

2012 for me as I have said was a lot of tears, sadness, and growth.  Trying to move forward and heal from Josh leaving, and then going through divorce proceeding which will be final this year.   From feeling sad that there was nothing I could do to change his mind or fix it.  Im not perfect, and I know I made mistakes, but I would do anything to fix and keep my family together, but I also know that this needed to happen for me to change and realize certain things in my life.  I still pray for reconciliation at times, but I also pray for acceptance of things I cannot change, and to move forward with God's plan.  I'm ready to continue the healing process by focusing on who I am as an individual, as a mother, as a daughter in Christ, and as a friend.  To move forward and walk the path God has before me.  To accept these challenges and just do better.  I dont always agree or like where I'm headed, but I am putting my trust in God, that there are bigger and better things ahead.  Ive already experienced some of them. 

So for 2013 my restart and goals (not resolutions) are that I want to be healthier, more organized and less cluttered, and financially smarter all at the hands of God.  So there it is, thats what I hope 2013 has in store for me.  And man o man is there a ton of info out there to help with these goals.  Almost overwhelming, but Im not going to be overwhelmed, Im going to take it slow, one step at a time, with God as my lead.  We'll see where I end up......so any of you peeps that read my blog, if you ever have suggestions for me, LET ME KNOW!!!  I love help!!!

I have broken down my goals to some smaller goals to help me achieve them, i wanted to be realistic so that I dont fail at achieving them.

1.  Healthier :  I want to participate in a 5k.  I want a 5k where I can get a medal.  And i want to complete the 5k with my kids!!

2.  Oganization and Less Clutter:  This has to start with the toys, they have overtaken my house.  So my goal is to pick one thing and get that done.  There are so many areas i need to work on, but the first one is going to be creating a play room in the basement for the kids.  All toys will be in that room and that room only!!!  (maybe wishful thinking, but it sounds good). 

3.  Financial Smarts :  Create and keep a budget, save $1000 and get out of debt!!!


I wish all of you success on your own goals, resolutions, restarts, or whatever you envision for 2013. 

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18   Always be joyful.  Never stop praying.  Be thankful in ALL circumstances, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus!

I know I can trust You

Steady My Heart by Kari Jobe (Great song - check it out)!!!

Christmas Time is absolutely hands down my FAVORITE time of the year.  Has been since I was a little girl, and every year it continues to be my favorite, and my love for it grows even more each year especially as a parent, and getting to share that with my kids. 

I can remembr when I first had Justin (in September mind you) I was not very well versed on nursery songs and lullaby's.  I knew a couple but being the fussy little guy he was, I would run out quickly of the ones I knew, and found myself singing christmas carols to him - lol.  But I am one of those that can hear a christmas song in July and smile.  Now I wont go so far as to listen 24x7 at that point, but one little song can't hurt!!!

I asked the littles the other day, what season of the year it was, totally expecting to hear Advent since we've been talking about it at church, and they all shouted with great excitment, Winter!!!  Except Madison, she was still in Fall.  But considering I asked for season, I cant fault them too much.  ;)

I then proceeded to ask what we celebrate at Christmas and they proudly declared Santa, and with a disappointing look on my face one of the littles got the hint and said Jesus (good job Jacob).  Jesus IS the reason for the season.  Its hard as a parent to compete with that magical old saint nick.  I mean, dont get me wrong, I love Santa, but more importantly I want my kids to know Jesus.  I have a goal to have a whole tree dedicated to Santa, so maybe thats where I'm going wrong in my lessons - ha. 

With that being said, some friends and I have decided to have a little christmas party for the kids.  A tradition we intend to keep.  Kim and I often talk about whether or not our kids will be friends way late into life.  I think it would be awesome, as her friendship is one I treasure greatly.  I have a few friends who I have known for a LONG time and still talk to regularly and I find that to be pretty awesome.  Anyays, I digress.  We had so much fun with the kids, and bringing them together and starting these traditions is sooo much fun. 

Santa showed up at the house, jingle bells in hand, and visited with each of the kids.  He and Mrs. Clause were telling us all about the busy life at the North Pole, and they sang some Christmas Carols with us, and had a small gift for each of the children. 

Once santa left we made Reindeer Food, decorated sugar cookies, and then got into Pajamas to watch Polar Express (although I dont think there was much watching as the kids were too busy playing and having fun).  We mad the most delicisous Polar Express Hot Chocolate (thanks Pinterest) and just enjoyed a fun evening of friends and family. 

Magic Reindeer Food

Sprinkle on the lawn at Night,

 the moon will make it sparkel bright. 

As the reindeer fly and roam,

this will guide them to your home!!! 

 Decorating cookies.  The kids goal was to get every sprinkle they could onto the cookie!!!  Talk about sugar highs!!!

Woops

I tried to change my background and messed it all up.  NOt sure what to do from here.  Yikes!!

At last, my love has come along

I hope I dont sound too contradicting in my writing.  I am in a very good happy place in my life, but I also think its important to know that its not always easy to wear the smile.  And there are times where the pain hurts, and the divorce hurts.  I dont fully understand what happened and Im not sure I ever will, and it seems when the other person makes the decision its over, you tend to bear a lot of that weight on your own shoulders.  Why wasnt I good enough, was i not skinny enough, was i not pretty enough, was it because I dont love to cook and clean, like i said, i have self evaluated myself to tears, but I also know I have a lot of love to give, and I have Jesus in my heart, and I have a lot of good qualities, no Im not perfect, I would never pretend to be, but I am Me, and each day I grow a little stronger and a little better.  I am not the same person i was a year ago. 

I find my biggest struggles happen when the housework gets overwhelming, and there is so much to do and I feel like I'm all alone.  Or nights when my little angels seem to have misplaced their halo's and turn into crazed monsters.  Single parents have a tough job, i always knew that, but man, firsthand, its no joke.  It took me a while to even think of myself as a single parent, a reality I certainly didnt want to believe.  A lot falls on one person's shoulders.   Sure you have parenting time, but its been an adjustment thats for sure.  Josh doesnt have a place to take the kids, and so its impossible for him to take them overnight, he usually spends his time with the kids at our house, or they go and do something for the day and come back in the evening. 

 Its hard to not feel anger and resentment toward the other parent when things are tough and you are the one making dinner, cleaning up dinner, trying to get through 4 kids laundry who seem to wear 4 different outfits each day, plus your own laundry, and the umpteen towels we seem to go through as well.   Making sure their homework is done, notebooks are signed, spelling words are studied, lunches are made, are the kids learning their sight words, can the older kids read, dont forget we have to get our reading logs done, and how are they doing in math.  Bath time is always fun, deciding who goes first and who helps the littler kids or babies and Jacob and Justin refer to Joey and Madison.  Thank goodness they get more and more self sufficient every day.  Then aside from keeping them bathed, clean clothes, fed, and ready for school, you still have to parent them and teach them so that you raise a kid who is a valuable part of society, deal with their emotions of the divorce and explain to them if you could fix it you would.  Help them to understand something that I as an adult struggle to understand.  They had so many questions in the beginning, it was heartbreaking.  Asking who their dad was going to be, why wouldnt I let him come back home, and it never seemed like they asked Josh, it was always me that had to answer those questions, me, the one who didnt want this divorce.  I was the one wiping those tears while wiping mine, and explain that no matter what, Daddy and I loved them soooo much.  Nothing would ever change that, no matter where we lived or how often we saw them.   For a long time Madison just thought Josh was at work all the time.  I think she's finally understanding it now, but it takes time.  Justin takes on a major role as big brother.  He always reminds me that there are 4 of them and only one of me.  Sometimes he tries to help be the parent, and I have to remind him, he doesnt have to take on that responsibility.  He's a kid, and he should just enjoy that time.  He will have plenty of time in life to have to be responsible and worries of this adult world. 

There's an emptiness that exists for sure, but my kids rarely leave time for me to have a pity party, which is a good thing.  They keep me on my feet and they always seem to have the right words and the hugs when I need them most.  I really think that God works through them.  I believe God is so at work in my life, and its fun to see it when it hits me smack in the face.    

It's also funny how when you have been through or are going through a heartbreak, things effect you differently than they did before that life event.   I went through a phase where I could not watch any TV.  I couldnt bear to see a break up on TV or the opposite and see a love story being played out, it was just too painful.  I spent most of January, February, and March reading my Bible and reading devotions.  I also couldn't listen to any music besides Christian music, and Im really grateful to that experience, because I realized how powerful that Genre of music really can be.  I slowly started to watch American Idol, where I got to watch Colton Dixon show his love of worship songs and talk about his Faith and what it meant for him.  It was so nice to see God at work, even on my favorite TV programs. 

Slowly but surely I let myself watch more shows, especially since the DVR was threatening to erase shows I missed, I couldnt bare the thought of that.  I remember watching shows and commercials for Christmas would come on and it would confuse me for a minute then I remembered I was a little behind.  I am also a huge believer in signs, and things happen for a reason, however sometimes trying to figure out the reason can be quite perplexing.  Sometimes its a battle of will, what I want it to mean and what it really means, you know Gods plan.

I've learned you cant battle God, He wins, and I can make it harder on myself, but if i just step back and let him lead me where I'm supposed to be, its much easier.  Its still a struggle but I will tell you its been an enlightening journey.  I would like to share a few experiences I've had over the past year, not all at once but as I continue to write on this blog.

First of all, Becky and I have been extremely close through this whole situation.  Both of us going through a heartbreak, and having to look at our precious babies and stay strong for them.  Oddly enough the boys who broke our hearts were brothers, who ended up living together.  It almost felt weird, like they were over at aarons together doing their thing, and here we were at my house doing our thing with the kids.  It seemed pretty messed up actually, but it is what it is.  At times, it almost seemed so perfectly timed with them, but then no, they wouldnt plan this out, its just the way things were supposed to work out.   And although our situations were slightly different, we both had a lot of pain.  We leaned on each other, cried together, laughed together, and moved forward together.  Texting each other deep into the night, even at 3 in the morning when neither of us were sleeping.  We grew stronger together as well.  Becky and I dont alway see eye to eye, but we both know that we come from a place of love for each other.  She and Olivia have been a huge part of my life, and I love them both a lot.  I love seeing the kids together, and the relationship that they have.  I always wanted lots of cousins for my kids, and Olivia was the first cousin that lived close to us.  To see them have this relationship is just awesome!!!  People are put in your life for a reason.  I can remember at times I would share bible verses with Becky that would help me when i was sad or angry.  Becky and I were at different levels in our faith, but we both believe in God.  I would encourage Becky to read the Bible and seek God's word, and while she didnt resist totally, she wasnt as quick to get there.  I remember becky telling me that she had gone to the store on two different ocassions and she ended up holding the door open for two different elderly woman at two different place and different days.  Both women thanked Becky and said that there would be a place for Becky in heaven.  Then when Colton Dixon who was one of Becky's fave singers on idol started to sing worship songs and tweeting Bible verses, it was another way God was working in Becky's life.  I used to tease her that God would hve to work a little harder to reach out to Becky, but that he knew how he would do it!!!  :)  He got her where it meant the most, music!!!  Oh and her grandmother.  What are the odds she would find a letter hand written from her grandmother about always keeping God in her heart!!!  Man I love how God works. 

Until I write again!!!  LOL

I Will Lay Down My Heart

The last post I made was about A New Year's Blessing.  It has a totally different tone for me today than it did when I originally posted it, but both times it was so powerful, be it in very different ways.  I originally posted this blog last year in January, at the beginning of one of the toughest emotional journey's I have ever been through. 

May God make your year a happy one!

Not by shielding you from all sorrow and pain,
But by strengthening you to bear it as it comes;

Not by making your path easy,
But by making you sturdy to travel any path;

Not by taking hardships from you,
But by taking fear from your heart;

Not by granting you unbroken sunshine,
But by keeping your face bright, even in the shadows;

Not by making your life always pleasant,
But by showing you when people and their causes need you most,

And by making you anxious to be there to help.

God’s love, peace, hope and joy to you for the year ahead.

Last year when I first read this, this poem encouraged me that I would be ok and I would get through this storm.  That by putting my trust in God, I would come out stronger.  Today I stand living proof of this poem I'm sure.  Nothing in life is a guarantee, especially tomorrow.  I have gone through this year, taking it one day at a time, learning that no one promises easy, but these experiences definitely make us better and stronger.  And I can tell you, its a completely new way to look at life.  And those of you who experience this first hand, know that difference.  Its easy to get caught up in ourselves and the worries, but when you step back and really process things, its a whole new way of life.  I know we have all experienced loss in some way or form.  Everyone's journey through life is different, but it all leads to a greater love than we could ever know here on Earth.  The love of our Heavenly Father and the life in eternity with Him is what matters. 

Im not sure how many people or who even reads this, but Im just sharing some thoughts, feelings, and emotions I have gone through over the year.  I have spent a lot of 2012 reflecting on things, and self-evaluating.  By now I think its safe to say most people know that Josh and I are separated and going through a divorce.  It hurts and is still hard to say and write those words.  It sort of forces it to be real when you have to write or say it, its total admission.  I absolutely abhor the "D" word.  Its more than a hatred.  I can't tell you how many forms i've looked at for way longer than i should when it asks you to check the box single, married, or divorced.   Ugh!  It almost feels shameful to check the box that says divorced.  Its sort of embarassing too.  Like it really can make you feel like such a failure.  Who knew that it would be such a challenge to get through, and people probably look at you like whats the hang up lady.  I also have a hard time using the word "ex".  Its all so negative, and thats one thing I am not, nor will I ever be.  I also dont like defining myself democrat or republican either.  I have my beliefs and morals that I feel are important to me, and I dont think I should be boxed into a category, but what does my opinon on that matter - lol!!!

On that note, however, I have had moments where I was bitter and angry, I still do, all part of the grieving process I know, but I refuse to let it take root in my heart.  I remember vividly attending two weddings this year and thinking to myself, what is the point of all this, these vows dont mean anything, because in 10 years people can just decide they are not happy and leave.  I couldnt help but feel the pain of the broken vows in my own life.  And its sad to see that so many people take these promises so lightly.   I was always saddened to hear people were getting divorced, but its a whole new sadness today, going through the process myself.   Some people say, "people change" or "you were so young" or "people fall out of love"......ugh i hate those statements by the way.  I dont know that I will ever fully understand what happened, or why it happened, but I choose to trust its for Good.   I also found myself feeling jealous of poeple who were happy in their marriage, and being a "family".  Its hard to be camping and see so many Dad's with their kids and then feeling like, man i have to do this all by myself, and I wish I had someone to help me, or whatever pity party I wanted to throw myself at any given moment.  But then I realized, there is also something liberating about being able to do things on my own, and being able to show my kids that life doesnt come easy or always go your way, but you just make the best of things, and never let it get the best of you.  And I hope and pray everyday that I can be a good example to my children.

I've also had to deal wiht the kids feeling like they are not a family anymore, which again is heartbreaking, but we have also learned how to redefine our family.  And although it may not be like everyone else's, it is ours.  And that makes it special.  Although sad to say, i think divorced families are becoming more normal than not. 

Divorce is not just sad for the people being divorced, its so much bigger than that.  It affects so many people.  Friends feel like they have to pick sides, parents feel like they have lost a child, parents worrying about their own child and if they are holding up through all of this,  kids having to share time with mom and dad and where they live and who is going to be there with them and when.  It hurts.    There are a few times I cant even admit im divorced, my hair dresser for instance doesnt know im going to be divorced, but I will say it does make for some awkward conversation when I see her - lol.   And now I feel like, ok, how do I let her know that we are divorced without number 1 crying, and number 2 being like, you were just here 6 weeks ago, what happened - lol.   That one I will have to still figure out!!!    You really learn a lot about friends and family, and I have an amazing support system, and they have been everything to me. 

Josh and I have been together for 17.5 years, and married for 10.5 years, more than half of my life.  This has been a heartbreaking but humbling experience.  Josh is a wonderful person, and father, and I will always have a spot for him in my heart.  My first love, everything, and as the father of my 4 beautiful children he will always be a part of  my life.   

I have spent this year growing my faith and reading my Bible.  Babtizing all 4 of my children and firmly taking a stand in their faith.  I have been attending several Bible studies and learning so much about God and being able to share that with my children.  I think I have become a better mother, and my children are my highest priority next to Heavenly Father.  I, as any mother would, wants to shield their children from any pain they may experience, and a tough lesson as a mother is that you just cant do it.  But, I will tell you, there is great pride in helping your children to look to God in tough times, and teaching them how to handle tough situations in a positive manner.   I can say that although there have been moments that have been extremely tough in this year, I can honestly say there have been soooo many more GREAT moments that I will never forget.  I can remember thinking that I hope one day i can look back and think that 2012 didnt exist, that it will be just one bad year in the grand scheme of this journey we call life, but in all actuality, this has been a very good year.  Im not trying to sugar coat what has happened becuase it is extremely painful and difficult, but I wont let this be what defines me, and I wont let it stop me from enjoying the life i still have to live ahead of me.  And i will be grateful for all of my blessings. 

Josh and I have been able to remain very civil and communicate very well, and I will always do that so that my kids never feel like they have to pick sides or choose between us.  Neither Josh nor I come from divorced parents, but I know many people have, and I always want to know what to do to make this as seamless as possible on the kids.  I dont want to mess things up, and I dont want to make light of divorce you know.  But I do know they will see Josh and I respect one another, work together to parent these kids, and make the best of a situation that isnt what either of us ever thought would happen.  Sometimes its hard to put on that happy face, but knowing its best for the kids, I will do it with a big smile.  I'm not sure why I felt the need to type this, but I did, so here it is.  I hope that it can be viewed free of judgement and just a small glimpse into the reality of a tough time in my life. 

New Years Blessing

A New Year's Blessing

May God make your year a
happy one!

Not by shielding you from
all sorrow and pain,

But by strengthening
you to bear it as it comes;

Not by making your path
easy,

But by making you
sturdy to travel any path;

Not by taking hardships
from you,

But by taking fear
from your heart;

Not by granting you
unbroken sunshine,

But by keeping your
face bright, even in the
shadows;

Not by making your life
always pleasant,

But by showing you
when people and their
causes need you most,

And by making you
anxious to be there to
help.

God’s love, peace, hope
and joy to you for the year
ahead.

Memorial Day

Happy Memorial Day!!

Had a wonderful long weekend with the family enjoying the warm weather and sunshine. We went swimming, had a BBQ, and even made it to Greenfield Village for the Civil War Remembrance at the village. The kids really enjoyed the village, we got to see a bayonet drill, they got to enlist in the military, and saw the soldier's camp.

Here are pictures from the rest of the weekend!!

In honor of Memorial day, I found this poem and thought I would share!! Thanks to all the men and women who proudly and fearlessly defend our freedom, and my heart goes out to all the families who have lost loved ones who were fighting and protecting our freedom in this great nation!!!

FREEDOM IS NOT FREE!!

I watched the flag pass by one day.
It fluttered in the breeze.
A young Marine saluted it,
and then he stood at ease.
I looked at him in uniform
So young, so tall, so proud,
He'd stand out in any crowd.
I thought how many men like him
Had fallen through the years.
How many died on foreign soil?
How many mothers' tears?
How many pilots' planes shot down?
How many died at sea?
How many foxholes were soldiers' graves?
No, freedom isn't free.

I heard the sound of TAPS one night,
When everything was still
I listened to the bugler play
And felt a sudden chill.
I wondered just how many times
That TAPS had meant "Amen,"
When a flag had draped a coffin
Of a brother or a friend.
I thought of all the children,
Of the mothers and the wives,
Of fathers, sons and husbands
With interrupted lives.
I thought about a graveyard
At the bottom of the sea
Of unmarked graves in Arlington.
No, freedom isn't free.

Yard Work & Opening Day

Last Friday night after work, I came home and worked diligently getting our flowers planted and our front yard landscaping completed. We have lived in this house for 5 years this June and never did the landscaping so this year we decided it was time to get it done. For our first year, I think it turned out great!!! I want to find one more little shrub to put behind the weeping cherry, and then maybe a little lawn ornament of some sort to go in the flower bed. I'm gonna wait for the street fairs to see if I can find something, or maybe I'll have the kids do stepping stones with their hand prints, not sure yet. I need to paint the posts on the front porch, but the awful red color on my house is impossible to match, so I'm thinking of painting just the wood portion of the posts a greyish white to match the siding and hopefully it wont look as bad. Josh and I want to get our windows and siding done, all in due time I suppose.

Saturday was opening day, and we had a beautiful day. It was sunny and warm, and just perfect. The parade was in the morning, and the boys seemed to have a lot of fun. Josh walked with the team to help out, and he said it reminded him of when he used to play baseball. My mom and I watched the parade, stayed for opening announcements, the Anthem, and the traditional Take Me Out to the Ballgame. After that, her and I left to go stand in line to buy tickets for Madison's upcoming dance recital, and Josh stayed with the boys to finish up the opening day ceremony and baseball pictures. It was a busy busy Saturday, but lots of fun!! I think the sun shining is what really made the day, thats been few and far between this Spring.

Later that afternoon, the Orioles had their first game. They played great but lost a close one to the Angels. The final score was 8-7. Pee Wee is so much more exciting than t-ball. I expected it to be much better, but its actually a structured game with outs, strikes, and a score - hahah!! Looking forward to a fun season, here are a few pictures from their first game!!!

Summer Time

I can't seem to keep my blog updated on a regular basis, Im not sure what my disfunction is, but its slightly annoying to me. I love reading other bloggers, and get a little disappointed when they dont update theirs regularly, but yet I dont hold up on my own end of the deal. I went with a red, white and blue theme to get me through the summer just in case I dont get on here to update at least the background is relevant - hahahah. It says 4th of July, but truthfully it represents summer all the way, starting with Memorial Day, in the middle is Independance Day, and wrap up summer with Labor Day.

Personally, I feel we should honor and respect these colors every day of our lives. I am so blessed and grateful to the men and women who have served and continue to serve and protect our great nation.

Sorry hit a tangent there for a moment.......

Anyways, we have moved beyond winter here in Michigan, but Summer is taking its time to arrive. Spring has been soooooo rainy, Im pretty much done with rain and cold, and for some reason, mother nature is not getting the hint. We do have leaves on the trees again, and many animals have returned from hibernation, so the earth looks alive again.....winter can be so dreary.

Baseball season has started, Justin and Jake are in the Pee Wee division on the Baltimore Orioles. Opening day is this Saturday, and we are hoping for sunny skies and warmer temps. They will walk in a parade in the morning and then their first game is in the afternoon. Joey just got done with swimming lessons, and is playing t-ball through the Cabrini program since he does not meet age eligibility for the RBA. He doesnt start t-ball for another few weeks, but we will be busy at the baseball diamonds this summer. Madison is wrapping up her dance class, and has her recital on June 18th which I am sooo excited to see. She is doing a tap dance to Mony Mony, and the little sneak previews I've seen, are absolutely adorable. Its amazing to me how much joy you can get out of things seeing it through your childrens eyes. She absolutely loves dance, and i love watching her. Next year she will be doing tap and ballet which is pretty exciting.

I keep telling all of my kids that I dont want them to get any older, its not working, but I'll keep trying. They are all at such great ages, and they still like me, so thats an added bonus. Im only 5 short years away from a teenager, and it freaks me out. I try not to live in the future and savor every minute in the "NOW" but I can't help but think about it once in a while.

We are in for a busy summmer, and I say this all the time, i'll try to keep this updated, but no promises. Maybe i'll shoot for a weekly update.....i'll put a reminder in my phone, that might work. Here are a few random pictures until then, and ill try to be more specific to events and not so general so the pictures are a little more coordinated........

Here are the boys enjoying a drink in the back of the van after our day at the Village to see Thomas the Train!!



Madison - Enough Said, but I sure love this little girl!!



Picnic on the Front Lawn.....taking advantage of one of the very few nice spring days!!!

A Little Early

I might be early in posting about Spring, being that we are in the dead of winter up here in Michigan, but it cant hurt, right!!?!? There are parts of winter I love, and would totally miss if I weren't here in Michigan, but the problem is, I dont want them to last for as long as they do up here. One month is enough for me, then it can warm up and the snow can go away!! :) So, I'm channeling spring through my BLOG.

I keep thinking I would love to move somewhere warm, I have Arizona on my brain right now, but Texas would be good too. The good thing about Texas is the fact that AT&T is down there, so maybe we would have transfer rights. However, if we move, there are a lot of other people that need to be moving along with us....otherwise it will never happen, but a girl can dream right!!!

I definitely think i have the winter blues right now....everything i have to look forward too happens in the spring and summer!! So hopefully that will at least get me through the next few months.

We have been so lucky this winter, and aside from a couple coughs, and a round of ear infections, we have been a pretty healthy bunch, the last few winters have been brutal flu seasons, so I am SUPER greatful for that!!! *Knock on Wood*

The kids have so much energy, and if it werent for sub-zero temps, i'd be sending them out the door, so instead we are trying to find creative ways to entertain four kids indoors. My suggestion of sitting down for a good book doesnt seem to be the fan favorite amongst the Shupe kids, so instead we have been having bey blade tournaments, attempting to beat LEGO Harry Potter on the Wii, and the boys love playing their DS games, and Madison loves to play with her dolls. Then of course they love to wrestle each other and run through the house.....this will get old at some point, right???

Soon the swing set will reveal itself from under the snow, and the sun will peak through the clouds again, and the birds will come back, and we can go outside to ride bikes, play catch, and run, run, run. My kids sooooo need to run!!! Where do they get this energy, I wish they could pass some on to me. So, here's to hoping Spring will knock on our door VERY soon!!

In the meantime, we are thankful for our house and our furnace, hot chocolate, and our super warm fireplace. Although the gas bill isnt so fun - ha!!

Christmas Time!!

Oh how I love Christmas time!!

Let me count the ways:
1. Shopping
2. Christmas Music (non-stop every day)
3. The hustle and bustle at the malls
4. The joy and excitement in the kids
5. Christmas Plays
6. Wrapping (sometimes)
7. The joy of giving
8. Celebrating our Savior's birthday
9. Family, Family, and More Family time
10. Good food
11. Baking (or enjoying other peoples baking)
12. Time off
13. Snow (only on christmas day, then i want it to go away)
14. Christmas Jammies
15. The trees and lights
16. Christmas Nouggat Candies
17. Candy Canes
18. The excitement of what a new year will bring!!

Ok, i think i've made my point!!!

Christmas Eve we will spend at my parents, my mom will be making us a wonderful dinner and we sit around and enjoy each others company, play games, and of course open presents!!

Christmas Morning everyone comes over and joins us for the kids to open their presents. We exchange gifts with Josh's side of the family that morning, and have a wonderful Christmas morning breakfast. We stay in comfy jammies all day, turn on the fireplace, and watch christmas movies and football all day long!!! Its such a great tradition and I love every minute of it!!! We dont let our family leave, or we try not to let htem leave because we want to spend all day with them. Later on in the evening we have ham and turkey and cheesy potatoes and all kinds of yummy food. The kids get to play with all their new stuff, and its just good fun. Last year we had a nerf gun fight, but that wont be happening this year, we asked Santa to skip the nerf guns this year!!! As fun as it was, those darts get everywhere, not to mention you have to watch every corner you turn, you never know when one is coming at your head. And most of the time its coming from Josh and not the kids.....hmmmm!!

Anyways, to all of you out there that read my blog when I post on it once every 8 months, I hope you have a wonderful and blessed Christmas. Enjoy yourselves and whatever you are doing this holiday, and I hope that Santa brings all that you need, and I wish everyone a wonderful new year! May 2011 bring lots of good things to everyone!!!

Love always,
Sara

Day 2: The meaning behind your blog name

Well I'm not super creative when it comes to blogging, so I think its pretty self explanatory....

Shupe Family of 6 = 6 people in our little Shupe family!!

:)

At least it was an easy post - ahahah!!!

30 Days, Day 1

So I totally copied this from Nikki's blog, but it seems fun. I'm a little late though cuz it was supposed to start December 1st I guess. Oh well, better late than never I hope. Maybe it will keep me blogging more often....we'll see!

30 Days
Day 1: Recent picture of you and 15 random facts about yourself
Day 2: The meaning behind your blog name
Day 3: A picture of you and your friends
Day 4: A habit you have that you wished you didn't
Day 5: A picture of somewhere you've been
Day 6: Favorite superhero and why
Day 7: A picture of someone/something that has had the biggest impact on you
Day 8: Short term goals for this month and why
Day 9: Something you're proud of in the past few days
Day 10: Songs you listen to when you're sad, happy, mad, hyped up, bored
Day 11: Another picture of you and your friends
Day 12: How you found out about blogger and why you have one
Day 13: A letter to someone
Day 14: A picture of you and your family
Day 15: Put your ipod on shuffle-first 10 songs that play
Day 16: Another picture of yourself
Day 17: Someone you would want to switch lives with for one day and why
Day 18: Plans/Dreams/Goals that you have
Day 19: Nicknames you have and why you have them
Day 20: Someone you love
Day 21: A picture of something that makes you happy
Day 22: What makes you different from everyone else
Day 23: Something you crave a lot
Day 24: Your last five facebook status'
Days 25: What I would find in your bag
Day 26: What you think about your friends
Day 27: Why are you doing this 30 day challenge
Day 28: A picture of you last year and one from today, how have you changed since then
Day 29: In the past month what have you learned
Day 30: Your favorite song
I dont really like pictures of me, so here are some recent ones of the kids....



Justin

Jacob

Joey

And last, but not least, Madison!!!

15 Random Facts(Thoughts) About Myself

1. I totally have the best family and friends in the world, everyone thinks they do, but I really do!!

2. I LOVE CHRISTMAS (Lights, Trees, Songs, Presents, Family, Cookies, Jesus, EVERYTHING)!!

3. I am afraid of scary movies and someone could get hurt if you attempt to scare me.

4. I love to scrapbook, wish I had more time to do it!

5. I really do like my job, and I am so grateful for it!

6. I have a bad temper when I get really mad and frustrated.

7. There is nothing better in life than living life through a child's eyes!!

8. I have a mild shopping problem.

9. I love technology

10. Cant wait to someday take an ultimate disney vacation

11. I love Dave Ramsey

12. I love to laugh!

13. I hate making lunches and doing laundry

14. Wish I could sing.

15. Loves to dance when no one is watching!!

Whew....October 22nd, Already!!?!?!

Wow! What a quick fall this has been, as we are just about headed into November, which I have no complaints about, because its my FAVORITE time of the year.

So, Justin and Jacob started 1st grade. They are just getting so big. The homework for first graders is NOOOO joke. Within the first two weeks, they were doing spelling tests and math tests. Mom and Dad were not quite ready for all of that business. So every night we sit down and we read, we write, we spell, we do math, and whatever other fun things those teachers can send home!!! They both seem to enjoy it, although they do say its a lot of work!! They have great teachers, both of them are MSU fans, so the boys have a lot of bad influence while they are at school.

Maddie and Joey are in 3yr old and 4yr old preschool. They seem to really enjoy it, although Madison is learning that at school, she is not so much the princess like she is at home. She has managed to rule the roost at home, and I think her and Miss Pam are butting heads a bit. But its a big adjustment, she is only 2 still. Joey also goes to speech 2x a week which he LOVES. Its him, the teacher, and another little boy, and he really seems to love it! Only a couple weeks in and he was talkign so much better, we have missed speech over the summer.

I lost my camera so I am not able to post any new pictures at the moment, but stay tuned, hopefully the camera will show up!!

Josh went out of town the beginning of October for work for about 2.5 weeks. Always puts our household into a little bit of chaos, but we all managed, and all survived which is GOOD!!

We are going to a trunk or treat tonight, Cabela's and Greenfield Village tomorrow, and Sunday we have Jake's last football game, and Justin has a birthday party. Whew...should be busy. But this makes me realize how much I need to find my camera!!!

Random Thoughts

My kids are everything to ME

1st Grade Homework is no joke

I'm a new Aunt to Miss Olivia Ann Shupe

I have the most amazing family

Im pretty sure i suffer from ADD

I have the most amazing team at work

I love my Woshy

Its been forever since I've updated my blog and I have a new goal to keep it updated

I'm addicted to facebook and my iPhone

I cry when I'm stressed, its how I cope

I am a Gleek through and through

I love arts and crafts

Wish I could somehow squeeze more into a day

Also wish i could have 3 clones, one to go to work, one that could be home with my kids, one to clean my house and cook

I love daisies

I look forward to my evening TV

I am very easily scared, and probably qualify as having a panic attack when i am scared

I love being with people at all times of the day and sharing life with them

i love the holidays

i love life!!

Madison's 2nd Birthday

Madison is 2 now, holy cow. We had a little birthday party for her to celebrate her special day. Last year we had to cancel her party cuz one of the kids had the flu, so this was technically her first birthday celebration. I am so glad our friends and family could be there to help make the day special.

Here are some pictures.

Jacob

Last night Jacob came into the kitchen as i was making lunches and mentioned that his leg was hurting him....this is our conversation:

Jake: My leg really is hurtin

Me: What happened? What hurts?

Jake: I think its broken

Jake: It hurts when i walk in circles (as he is walking in circles - ha)

Me: Well stop walking in circles.....and why are you walking in circles anyways??

Me: I dont think you would be walking on it if it were broken, but let me look at it.......(so i set him down and pull up his pant leg to see like 4 huge bruises from his knee to his ankle, and i'm talking the big, deep, purple bruises)

Me: Well honey, you clearly hurt yourself, what happened?

Jake: I dont memember (remember)

Me: (lightbulb) Oh, well do you remember when you thought it was a good idea to try to stand on top of the fire hydrant

Jake: Yeah (sad face)

Me: Remember when you then fell off of the fire hydrant.....this is the boo boo from that falll.

Jake: I dont like being hurtin.....

Me: I know, it will feel better in a couple of days, just take it easy

Jake: Ok, i think you should carry me everwhere we go, that way it wont hurtin as much

Gotta love it......

The Red Table

Ok, so I read Amanda's post on her blog, and I would love to elaborate and tell you the joys behind our daily, 3 meal a day, battle of the red chairs.

As a gift, we received a red ikea table with 2 blue chairs and 2 red chairs, at first it was perfect, the "babies" as Justin and Jacob so kindly refer to Joey and Madison didnt have a color preference, however, as the "babies" get older, and get more opinionated themselves, everyone seems to want the red chairs. Madison not so much right now, but I expect to be painting the 4th chair very soon! Maybe she'll go for a pretty pink or purple chair.....anyways...I digress.

After 3 meals a day, 2 snack times a day, and sometimes a before bed snack, Mom, Dad, and Nikki, our beloved care taker, are quite done with the constant chair battle. So we thought we would rectify the situation with a little spray paint! VOILA!



Now, the picture you cannot truly get a good understanding of the color difference, but there is a slight shade difference between the two natural red chairs, and the spray painted red chair, but for now it works! No more meal time drama! But i'm sure one day we will be fighting about who gets the odd colored red chair.

Pre-School Graduation

Schooooool's Out For Summer!

And the boy's couldn't be happier!! Justin and Jacob both had their last day of preschool on Monday, and graduation was held on Tuesday and Wednesday. The theme of Graduation was Red, White, and Blue to pay respects to the men and women who have and continue to serve our country. Heading into Memorial Day Weekend, this couldnt have been more fitting. The kids learned the Pledge of Allegiance and showed their support for the soldiers!! They sang some songs and shared a lot of what they learned through out the year. Here are some pictures from graduation.

Here are some random shots of the kids playing around the house!!

Chi-Town

In just a few short hours, the Shupe Family is heading to Chicago! I am sooo excited! I have a million things to do before we leave, and I am at work getting none of them done. It happens to be a beautiful "spring-like" day here in Detroit, and I am suffering a little bit of Spring Fever.

No matter how hard I try, I can't seem to get anything done at work!! So, I thought I would blog about my trip that I am so excited to take!! :)

We are leaving at 5pm, probably more like 6pm when all is said and done, and we hope to be in Chicago by midnight!!! Late night, but well worth it. Saturday the plan is to drive into Schaumburg, Illinois and check out lego land. I am very excited for that.....and since Lego Land is right next to Woodfield Mall, we decided that we will head over there for a few and go to the Rainforest Cafe for Dinner. While at Woodfield Mall, we are going to be building cars at a fun place called RideMakerz....the boys should love that!

On sunday we are checking out downtown and visiting the American Girl store, Nike Town, sears tower, Ed Debevic's, and all the other fun places downtown Chicago.

On Monday we have plans to go to the Field Museum, they have free admission on Monday which is perfect for our family, that way if it only last 5 minutes, you dont feel bad that you paid a ton of money in admission, and if it lasts all day, we got a heck of a deal!!

Tuesday we'll head back home! It should be loads of fun, and I am so very excited! I'll be sure to post lots of pictures when we get back!!!