Recent Photos

The boys and i recently had our photos taken.  This is something we do every year and i'm so thankful that i capture these sweet memories.  This picture pretty much sums up my life... constant laughter...

Superheroes

This month Noah has been learning about Superheroes at school.  Today at pick up his teacher told us that each of the children had to choose someone to be their superhero.  When i realized that Noah had chosen me as his super hero my heart felt so much job.  It got me thinking... Who's my super hero???

Well, I have a lot of superheroes in my life.  

For starters my boys...

Micah for example... Last night as i went to walk out of the house for parent night i said to him.  Be a good boy and a great helper.  He said, "Don't worry mom i've got your back"  And he did.  I was later told when i returned that he tucked his little brother in and even sang him the train song i sing every night and said a prayer with Noah.  He has is moments when he challenges me but he is incredible and truly does have my back.  For this he is my Superhero.

Josiah for example... He has one of the most incredible hearts.  He constantly reminds me how much he loves me and that i'm the best mommy he could ever ask for.  He's always ready for a hug and isn't afraid to so affection.  This is why Josiah is my Superhero.

Then you have Noah... His contagious SMILE makes everyone around him happy.  His joy for the simple small things in life makes him my Superhero.

My Friends...

I could list them all but i'll save that for another day.

My Family...

My sisters have truly been incredible to me and i don't know what the boys and i would do without them.

Twas the Night Before School Started

Twas the Night Before school started and all through the house not a creature was stirring not even a mouse.  All the cookies are baked and the lunches are made.  Three (only 2 go) little boys just await. The Jitter Glitter has been spread and their backpacks are ready for 3rd grade and 1st grade oh am i ready?  I'll walk them this day and send them on their way, holding back tears i don't want them to fear.  Its a New School year!

Tomorrow is Micah and Josiah's first day of school for the 2016/2017 school year.  Summer went way to fast, i hope the boys have as many great memories as i do.  It feels like just yesterday i dropped Micah off for his first day of PDO.  Now, hes starting 3rd grade.  Where did the time go?  And then you have JoJo... His biggest fear is he wont read good enough, i reassure him that hes read lots of Dear Dragon books this summer and he'll do just fine.  I remember the fear i felt on my first day of school each year and hope my boys feel excitement not fear.  They are truly amazing little men and will do just great.  Every time they share a concern i remind them what nice, well mannered little boys they are and that they'll do just fine.

I'm excited for them but at the same time i'm going to miss them.  I've enjoyed our long summer days at the pool and the adventures that we find.  

Micah has Mrs. Kulaga which i've only heard great things about.  Josiah has Mr. Rakas (Mrs. Nemcek will return 1/2 way during the year because she just had a baby) Micah actually had Mrs. Nemcek for 1st grade and i really liked her.  Noah will go later this week for his sneak peak at pre school where his teacher will be Ms. Tammy.

My boys are growing SO fast that i can hardly keep up.  This night i pray specifically for this upcoming school year.  For the things that they will learn and the friends that they will make.

Mommy Loves you sweet boys, you'll be just fine!

Fitz and the Tantrums - HandClap

My Boys go crazy every time they hear this song come on.  You probably saw the video I posted earlier of my boys dancing in the car.  They truly are incredible and have ALL the moves.

One Proud Mama

This year i decided that i wanted the boys to be a part of our clubs swim team.  They had private swim lessons last summer but were still a little unsure about swimming.  After talking to some other moms that had done swim team in the past i decided to sign the boys up.  Micah was a little reluctant but Jo was super excited because he heard he would get a trophy.  When Micah heard Jo was on board he couldn't have his brother show him up so he too was on board.  

The boys went every morning to swim practice for 45 mins and even attended private lessons with one of the coaches after.  The progress they made was unbelievable.  The never gave up and kept going.

Josiah never actually swam in any meets but will surly be ready next year.  Micah did swim the freestyle and backstroke.  The skills they learned this summer will stick with them for life.  Some mornings they would ask me if they could skip practice but i encouraged them to keep going.  Today we went to a local water park.  All that practice payed off!  The two older boys saw all the slides and when we read the rules it said... You must know how to swim to ride.  The boys were so excited because this is now something they can do with confidence.  They were a little nervous at first but once they went down they didn't want to stop.  

Noah who has been attending private lessons now for the last few weeks is also making a lot of progress but not ready for the slides just yet.  While he watched his brothers slide he was sure to let me know that he too wants to be on the swim team next year so he can slide too.

I really couldn't be any prouder of my boys!  They truly are incredible...

Tonight the boys had their end of the year dinner/party for swim team.  They surprised the kids with trophy's and even passed out a few special awards.  Jo proudly accepted his participation trophy!  Micah not only received a participation trophy but also received the most improved swimmer plaque.  He was super surprised and even a little shy as he went to accept it.  

I'm one lucky mama to have 3 amazing boys!

Danny Gokey - Tell Your Heart to Beat Again

Danny Gokey, tell your heart to beat again is one of my favorite songs (i usually end up crying when i hear it but happy and sad tears)  An incredibly wise person sent this song to me a few months ago and it was exactly what i needed and still need.  

I'm sharing this song because today at church Phil Vischer was our guest speaker.  You may better know him as the veggie tales guy.  He shared his journey about a dream he had.  He spoke about God giving us dreams and sometimes he takes them away from us.  Why would he do this if he is an all loving father.  He rounded the story out by saying sometimes our focus needs to be brought back to him and not our dream.... Sometimes our dream can come back us or not.  

When i was driving home this song came on the radio and it brought the dream i have for the boys and i to the surface.  I Love my boys and can't wait to see what dream, God has for us... It's going to be beautiful because its going to be his.

Pool Babes 3 years ago...

Today when i went on Facebook these were the pictures that were on my news feed.  I remember this day like it was yesterday.  But, in reality it was 3 years ago.  Noah was just a year and a half.  Josiah was 3 and Micah was 5 (the summer before he started kindergarten)  This summer actually one week to the day later our lives were changed for ever.  These smiles mean more to me than anything.  I feel so blessed and thankful for them.  I hope you enjoy this throw back just as much as i do.

Afraid of the darkness

I'll often wake to one of my boys standing over me asking if they can sleep with me because they are afraid.  Or requesting that i leave their bedroom door open and the nightlight on.  As a young child i can remember being the same way.  My mom and dad never let us actually get in their bed but did allow me to drag my blanket and pillow into their room and sleep on the floor.

I've been attending Calvary church here in Naperville for sometime now (i really liked the fact that i could go unnoticed)  But, more recently I've been going to the Compass Church (i can't hide as easily, since i go to one of their smaller campuses) This past weekend they had a guest speaker Dr. Michael Rydelnik from Moody Bible.  What do you do when the Lights go Out? Isaiah 50: 4-11
His sermon really resonated with me and got me thinking.  How do i handle the darkness, am i scared? and i faithful? Do i hide? Do i run?  Do i make my own light?

Much like a small child i often feel helpless and lost in the darkness just looking for the light.  I have to remind myself daily that even in the darkness i am not alone.  Even when i can't see him, he can see me... He will never leave my side even when the day is so Dark.  Dr Rydelnik used the analogy of the small child in a burning building,  His father calls out to him.. Jump i'll catch you.  The young boy says but i can't see you.  His father reply's by saying.  But i see you, jump... i'll catch you.
I need to remember to just JUMP, he will catch me.

Recently when i returned home from the pool with the boys (i need to do a long over due update on the boys) i went into the basement to grab something out of the freezer and thats when i saw for the 2nd time this year sewage coming up the basement drain.  It took everything in me not to cry,  Thankfully this time it had not reached the carpet or drywall.  I quickly took action and called out a plumber who showed up in 30 mins.  He assessed the problem and came up with a solution.  After a second gentleman showed up with more equipment and a lot of money later they hopefully solved the problem.  Dark days are hard and sometimes linger... Leaves you asking why?  Why because he knows you can handle it.  It was a put on your big girl panties kind of evening. Bleach in one hand and a glass of wine in the other.  I managed to handle it all.

I am ready for the light to break!  Recently i saw what i thought Gods plan was for me only to realize maybe it wasn't so.  Just another lesson... Lately I've been clinging to Ruth 3:11  He is going to catch me and see me through this time.

Being a mom is hard and no one has all the answers.  I just have to assure myself and my boys that the darkness is nothing to fear.  If a nightlight helps, or a door cracked... let it be.

Boys, Boys and more Boys...

I am SO thankful for my boys... with my boys comes all their little friends which is complete boy overload.  Growing up with a sister close in age we did things a bit different.  On average i break up at least 3 fights a day (thats on a good day) This leads us to our most recent emergency visit...

Micah and Josiah were running around chasing one another.  I asked them to stop put of course they didn't.  Just as i was stepping out of the office to stop them, Micah gave Jo a huge push and into the wood door trim he went.  Landing of course with his face.  I picked him us and his face was covered in blood.  I cleaned him up the best i could to determine where the blood was coming from.  I couldn't tell if his tooth was broken or shoved back up into the gum at first.  I called the dentist and they said he needed to be seen ASAP.  So i quickly packed everyone up.  Jo had a washcloth and Popsicle in hand.  When we arrive he had calmed down and wasn't as upset. 

X-rays were taken and as far as they could see the tooth was not broken up inside the gum but he sure did jam it up there!  There surly is never a dull moment in our house.  My boys have knocked out or chipped more teeth than i can keep track of.  Their energy is endless, i'd pay for even just a quarter of it.  I'm just thankful we've avoided broken bones and stitches so far... Knock on wood!!!

Here is my sweet boy and his newest look...

Valentine Party Prep

I've been keeping busy preparing for not one, not two but three Valentine parties for the boys.  I'm also planning a small party with the boys friends here at our house Friday evening. (that's actually a surprise for the boys)  We may even have a sleep over (Lord help me, i'm only doing this to myself)
My office looks like a heart exploded all over it.  The desks, floor and shelves are all things Valentine.  Even though i'm not necessarily feeling the love this year i love to get into the spirit for the boys and make it as fun as possible.  They love all the little silly touches that i add.

Valentines Dance

This past Friday evening the boys had a Valentines dance at school.  I let the boys choose my outfit right down to my shoes.  I have to say i think they did a pretty good job.

We started with a craft, making some crazy heart headbands as well as hit the photo booth.  The boys had a great time as did i.  My little Noah has some great dance moves and his big brothers aren't far behind.  The dance ended at 8:30 which is way past the boys bedtime.  Noah even tried to go to sleep right there on the gym floor. Probably my favorite moment of the night was when they played the song, one call away by Charlie Poth.  I was dancing with my boys singing it to them.  I hope they always know that no matter what i'll always be there for them. I wish i could say that i got some great pictures, but i didn't.  Every time i went to take a picture with the boys or even a gown women they both didn't cooperate.  Heres's what we ended up with.

Counting to 100

So, Josiah came home with a note yesterday about a game they have been playing in class... Here are the rules...
The children form a standing circle.  Starting with the first child the children count off.  The first child says 1, the next child says 2 and so on... all the way beyond 115.  Easy?  Yes, but the rules are hard! (I'm guessing especially hard for my JoJo)

If you say the wrong number, you have to sit down.
If you say the right number, but it was not your turn, you have to sit down.
If you talk during the game, you have to sit down.
If you have "beans in your jeans" or "ants in your pants", you have to sit down.
If you laugh at someone who had to sit down, you have to sit down.
If you have to sit down, you must be a good sport! This is the most important rule of all.

I have a feeling my sweet and loving JoJo has to sit down most games... He always has "ants in his pants" and usually cant contain the sillies... But, that's my JoJo and just one of the many reasons i love him!

Daddies Little Helper...

I'm starting a new project... Check it out and Let me know what you think... I'm open to feedback and know this is just the beginning... I hope to make lots of improvements.

http://daddieslittlehelper.blogspot.com/

My Boys

My Boys are Truly Incredible!

 Micah

Micah is the oldest and his personality is just that of any oldest child.  He likes to rule the roost and set the rules for his younger brothers.  He is confident but yet cautious as well.  He is now in 2nd grade and I couldn't be prouder of him.  He's a math wizard and enjoys reading the magic treehouse series.  He also has a sweet and sensitive side.  He often offers to help me with house work and offers plenty of hugs.  He is  child of routine (yes, I did this to him since birth) he likes things to happen the way they usually do.  I usually need to give him a heads up if something is going to change or be different.  I love the way he is, and wouldn't change anything about him.

A few of his favorite things:

Animals

Red Velvet Cake

Shrimp

Visiting new Zoos

Drawing/creating

Big and Little Dino

 

Josiah

Jojo is my sweet mischievous middle child.  I know this child well because I was that child.  Like myself, he's constantly on the move and enjoys new exciting adventures.  He's constantly running and jumping and making loud noises.  Jo is now in Kindergarten and is enjoying himself especially the social aspect.  His teacher described him as the child that everyone wants to be friends with.  Jo has a very easy go with the flow type of personality.  He just wants to keep up with his big brother and boss his little.  I'm so proud of my sweet boy who likes to snuggle.  I love that every night before bed he has to not only give me hugs and kisses but also kiss my forehead, my nose and hands.  He can't sleep without this routine.  He often wanders into my room around 5am and asking if its time to wake up, please just sleep past 7 sweet boy.   

A few of his favorite things:

Dinosaurs

Animals

Movie night (w/popcorn)

snuggles

frosted cookies w/sprinkles

His Giraffe and green blanky

 

Noah

My sweet Baby Noah, or nuenue is nothing but a ball of sunshine.  People often comment on his smile and how happy he is.  He truly is one of the happiest kids I know.  Noah is in his first year of preschool and is perfecting writing his name.  He could spend hours building and playing trains.  He loves to play with his brothers but, is also great at independent play.  Noah also has some amazing dance moves, at any given time he'll stop what he's doing and just break into movement.  Every morning never fail he says:  Mommy, do I have school today?  I may say, No.  He says, Do I have Bible Study? I may say No.  Then he starts to jump up and down and says Yeah I get to stay with Mommy.  He tells me at least 10 times a day that I'm his best buddy and often tells me i'm the best mommy in the world.  Don't make him mad because if you do he'll remove you from his birthday guest list.  Last but not least, I love that every night for the past 3 years he has requested I sing the choo choo train song before bed (that only we know... bc I made it up.)

A few of his favorite things:

Danimal smoothies

Fresh muffins in the morning

Trains

Books

Milk

turtle dreamlite and train blanket

 

 

My Heart is Full