8 Years Ago

Yesterday as I was talking to a friend early motherhood came up.  We were talking about how different things were.  She was sharing what it was like for her and I started thinking about what those days were like for me.  I would pack our days full of activities so i would exhaust the boys.  My end goal everyday was a smile on their faces and deep sleep.

Most specifically I was thinking about what my life looked like 8 years ago.  Micah was 4, Josiah had just turned 2 and Noah was about 5 months.  I remember those days like they were yesterday.  (As i share this story keep in mind the boys dad had taken a job in Miami and was gone for a couple weeks at a time) 

We would wake up bright and early.  We would eat breakfast out on the deck, followed by some backyard play, a zoo trip, the park, the arboretum you name it we were there. Before we knew it we were having lunch, maybe it was a picnic outdoors or just another date out on the deck.  I was a very routine mamma so I would put the boys down for a nap daily.  Once they woke it was time for our next adventure.  While the boys would nap I cut fruits, cheeses and prepared our simple but healthy dinner.  The pool bags would be packed I just needed the boys to wake.

Upon waking I would load everyone up and we headed for the pool.  When we arrived I loaded the older boys into the wagon and Noah into the strolled.  Yes, some how i manged both and all of our pool gear.  We would play in the pool for hours, enjoying dinner 'pool side.'

When we would leave we would head into the locker room where I would bath each child changing them into their pjs loading them back into their wagon/stroller.  I gathered our things and back home we went.  When we got home I prepared the boys each a cup of milk and we headed up to bed.  Once the boys were asleep I would unload the car and start laundry.

The craziest thing is that I LOVED every moment of the chaos that I was living.  I wouldn't have changed it for anything.  This summer is bringing back a lot of those memories and feelings.  My boys don't need me like they used to. But, we're eating more meals out on the deck and playing in the yard together.  I wouldn't change a thing!  Hold tight because they're growing fast!!! XO

Simple

The other night we were driving home from a baseball game and this song came on.  Almost instantly all 3 boys started to sing along.  Micah looked at me and said, hey mom... can this be our theme song.  Yes, sometimes we pick a song and its ours...we play it endlessly and sing every word at the top of our lungs.  I think this one is a keeper.  SIMPLE it is... One Two Three its just as easy as can be.  Together my sweet boys we can do anything.  Our journey isn't complete but all we need is US, the rest will fall into place. No need for complicate it, we know that's overrated. 

The Perfect Punishment

So, my boys have been fighting a lot.  Mainly my oldest Micah and my youngest Noah.  They just seem to argue about everything.  I've been trying to come up with ways for them to work on their relationship.  I have such an incredible relationship with both my sisters and i want that for my boys.  I know they're young and they have time to work on this but... i need the fighting to come to an end.  So here is my solution...  I know it is going to get worse before it gets better but... I've decided that Micah and Noah need to share a room.  They need to learn to work together and be together.  I told the boys that i was going to do this before they left for school and Micah said, "no you wont"  This only pushed me more.  So today after the boys left for school i got to work.  I moved all of Noah's things including bedding, lovies, things on the dresser even the letters on the wall into Micah's room.  The boys are officially roomies, I'm not sure how this is really going to go but i hope it works because my next option is the 'get-along-shirt.'

December is Here...

December is finally here and it's the final month of 2017.  I can't believe how quickly time has passed and how much the boys have grown in just one year...  I sent out my Christmas cards (one of my very favorite things about the holiday season) last night dropping them so they could start to arrive just after the 1st.  I know the joy i feel getting cards from friends and family getting a tiny glimpse into their lives.  I've never been one to write a letter about our happenings but thought i'd give an update on each of the boys.

Micah

Micah is 10, celebrating his Birthday a little over a month ago (completely blew my mind that i have a kiddos in the double digits) .  He is now in the 4th grade.  His favorite subjects in school are math and recess (i keep telling him recess isn't a subject just he refuses to believe me)  This year he has Mr. Rakas as his teacher and really seems to enjoy it (he was Jo's 1st grade teacher) Micah still loves animals and is a tiny (not so tiny anymore) fact machine and constantly keeps me on my toes.  His best friend is still by far the one and only Charlie.  They still run "pup team" from my basement only allowing the elite in.  This summer Micah swam for the stillwater stars and becomes stronger and stronger with each season. He also enjoys reading in his free time and wrestling with his brothers much to his mothers dismay.  Everyone tells me it's normal and i just need to get used to it.  

Josiah

Josiah is 7 1/2 (i must include the 1/2) and is full of energy.  He is now in 2nd grade and his teacher is Mrs. Pettit.  He also loves math and exploring on his crome book.  This year all 2nd graders were given a crome book to use for school.  He has been super responsible remembering to plug it in each night and return it to his bag in the morning.  Josiah is also a lover of animals and Dinosaurs.  I'd say the best way to describe my JoJo is that he operates on love and food.  Each day before i go get the boys from the bus i make sure i have a snack waiting for him.  I can get him to do almost anything with a bag of Popcorn in my hand.  Josiah is still my sweet, sensitive and snugly boy.  He's the first to offer a hug and tell me how beautiful i am.  Josiah also swam for the Stillwater stars and participated in a couple meets this year.  Josiah will tell you his best friend is Sid, and all three of the boys LOVE our weekly play dates.

Noah

Noah is just a month away from being 6.  He has probably grown the most over the last year.  He started Kindergarten and has Mrs. Dornbos.  He got on the bus the 2nd day of school and never looked back.  His favorite thing about school is visiting the Library.  He checks out a book almost everyday, we read it and he returns it just so he can get a new one.  Noah still loves his trains and just about everything his brothers do just so he can keep up.  Noah is my one child that always leaves a trail behind making him easy to find.  His heart is full of love and is often found smiling and being silly. Noah also swam for the Stars, every morning kicking his way across the pool screaming i'm going to die in his very dramatic form.  Kindergarten is always a hard friend year because there are so many new faces so his best friend is still to be determined but i bet if you ask, he'll tell you i'm his best friend.  

My boys are changing everyday and i feel so blessed to be their mommy.  I have a very special and unique relationship with them each.  I know that my most important job is mom but i'm excited to be taking on a new one.  Just after the 1st of the year the boys and i will have a new weekly routine with mom returning to work.  When i first shared the idea with them they were upset and one even started to cry but i assured them that i would always be there to get them off the bus and keep our evening routine the same.  This will just be a part of our regular week now.  I'm super excited about it and have been praying about change for awhile.  December will pass before we know it, keep your eyes open and enjoy as much of it as you can.  

Hamburger Cookies

Hamburger Cookies

Nilla wafers (Bun)

Grasshopper cookies (Burger)

Shredded coconut (lettuce)

Green food color

Sesame Seeds 

Orange Frosting (cheese)

I Usually have the boys create stations.
1. Nilla Wafer + sesame seeds = top bun (the trick to making the seeds stick is a little egg whites)
2. coconut + Green Food Color = Lettuce (easiest done in a ziplock bag)
3. Frosting bottom Bun and placed the burger in place. (Grasshopper Cookie)
4. Frosting burger and sprinkling lettuce on top.
5. Frosting top bun and placing on top.

Easy enough right...

Happy 10th Birthday Sweet Boy!!!

I can't believe that my baby is 10... Where did the time go!?!?  Today i sat down and went through some photos of him from his very early days.  Of course i cried.  I couldn't imagine what this day would look like 10 years ago. 4lbs 5 oz of nothing but joy.  I'll never forget the emotions i was feeling the day he was born.  At just 34 weeks, terrified i just wanted to hear him cry.  

Micah is a silly, sometimes shy but very loving boy.  His favorite thing above anything else is animals.  He knows more facts than most adults.  He'll eat just about anything you put in front of him but hands down his favorite thing is moms chocolate chip cookies.  I Love You To the Moon and Back my sweet Moo Moo

Here are just a few pictures i found today...

This Crazy Roller Coaster Called Life...

Life, motherhood can be one of the most thrilling rides of your life.  If you had asked me years ago i would have never been able to describe the highs, lows, twists and turns my life would take, in seconds it can all change.  

One moment you're climbing a hill feeling on top of the world, everyone is listening and doing just as you ask.  Then seconds later you're screaming for your life.  Someone darts into the road, throws themselves into a fit, you have absolutely no control.  These are just some of the rides a mama takes on her daily journey.  

Summer has gotten off to a slow but steady start.  All three of the boys are swimming on the Stillwater Stars our neighborhood swim team.  Some mornings are easier than others but we always make it there on time and manage to get a few laps swam.  Noah may scream 50% of the time but he keeps kicking so i'm not stopping him.  Micah and Josiah have made great progress and i couldn't be prouder of them.  They're actually swimming in tonight's meet if this rain would go away.

Just over a week ago my baby sister got married.  I'll be sure to make a post about that soon, lots of pictures and great memories to share. (I Wanna Dance With Somebody)

We're headed to Michigan for a week for the 4th of July.  I'm looking forward to time with family and my boys (ask me then, when i'm away from home if i'm still having fun) Our summer adventures are just getting started, we've already been kissed by the sun and ready for fun. 

I've been busy preparing for my new role next year as PTA president at the boys school (yes, all three at one school!!!) this is going to be a whole new experience for me and i'm excited about the challenge and adventure.  

This next year is a fresh new start for the boys and I.  My role as mom home with little ones is officially over.  So i accept this new challenge and can't wait to see where it leads me. I'm hoping for baby hills to start but mountains to climb later.

Birthday Eve... Josiah's 7!!!

My middle boy... Josiah

Josiah is the light in a room, he can make anyone smile and almost always laugh.  His smile is contagious.  His affection is perfection.  He loves and cares for people and animals harder than anyone i know.  7 years ago on this night i knew in the morning that i would be headed to the hospital to have my second son.  I was scared because this time was different than the last.  I was excited but nervous at the same time.  I couldn't have imagined the joy Josiah (who wasn't named until the day we left the hospital) would bring into my life.

Josiah is just about to finish 1st grade and has made incredible growth.  His teacher has described him as the kiddo everyone wants to be friends with.  After going on a field trip last week with his class i could see this was true.  When the kids were asked to get a partner everyone in our group wanted to be partners with my JoJo.  Being the middle kiddo can sometimes be hard but Jo does it beautifully.  He keeps up with his big brother but also plays nicely with his little brother.  He's the first to offer to help me or anyone when requested.

I couldn't be prouder of my big boy!  Mommy Loves you to the moon and back JoJo, XOXO

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.