The Shoe Box

If you have never read The Show Box by Francine Rivers YOU NEED TOO! And you need to read it to your children!!! My mother-in-law bought this book for us a few years ago...this year we have let the kids pick a Christmas book each night to read. Last night Chase and Cooper choose The Shoe Box. This book is about a little boy who due to some different circumstances is in foster care and he always carries around a shoe box. I do not want to give the book away but in the end the boy hands this box, his only true possession, over to Jesus. It is amazing how God puts things in our life...this past week and a half has been REALLY rough for us...Cayden scared us again when he had to have another head ultrasound, Christopher's car broke down and it has been a challenge to find out what is wrong with it, and yesterday we learned of some new financial struggles! It has been ROUGH! Christopher and I have really felt beaten down this week...don't get me wrong it can ALWAYS be worse but in our present situation it is hard right now. Last night, while reading this book, I completely broke down as God was reminding me and Christopher to hand it over to Him! As Timmy hands his precious little shoe box filled with things that only he and the Lord know about...God was telling us to do the same. Give it all to Him...the stress, hurt, worry, hopes, dreams, goals, etc. He is our Father and He will take care of us no matter what. I am praying for God to turn all of this around but no matter what we have Him, each other, our beautiful boys, family, friends, job, church, etc. We will over come this...it just might not be the way we intended to do it but then again it isn't our plan, is it? Thank you God for reminding me of all these things but most important for reminding me that You are here, ALWAYS! Family, friends, bloggers, and followers...please add this book to your Christmas traditions. I promise you, you wont regret it! Also, a special thank you to my MIL Nancy for giving us this book...at first it was a sweet book to read and last night it became a bold reminder of God's promises to us! Thank you!

It's beginning to look and FEEL a lot like Christmas!!!

It is December 7th and it is 15 degrees outside...BRRR!!! We are so happy and blessed that God brought us back home to Indiana but I have a confession...I MISS CHARLESTON, SC!!! Last year, we attended the tree lighting ceremony in downtown Charleston wearing jeans and a sweatshirt, we took walks on the beach, and went to James Island Park to see Santa (the boys wore a sweater)! Now, having confessed this I will say we missed our family and friends and we would much rather be here but we are struggling a bit getting into winter mode! We have lost two hats already, Chase HATES his coat, and I never know how many layers to put on the baby!!! I love the snow but the wind that cuts through your body like glass I hate!!! Well I think that is enough confessing and complaining about winter!!! So now for the awesome Christmas stuff we have done...our tree and decor is up and looking great! We have watched a bunch of Christmas movies already. We read a Christmas book every night. We went to Christmas at the Zoo and drove through the Reynold's light display. We saw Santa but no pics to show because the one of Chase was terrible, Cooper Baby was TERRIFIED of him, and Cayden can't be exposed to the germs so we are going to wait for his first Santa visit next year! But the most fabulous Christmas thing we have done so far is teaching the boys especially Chase since he can somewhat understand is the real REASON FOR THE SEASON! If you ask Chase why we celebrate Christmas he will tell you "its Jesus birthday" He loves to play with his nativity scene and we often talk about how baby Jesus and baby Cayden are both babies...I love that he knows why we celebrate Christmas! If you ask anyone they will tell you I LOVE buying gifts at Christmas especially for the kids and I admittedly go overboard BUT I truly know THE TRUE MEANING OF CHRISTMAS and am working every day to teach our boys the love and story of Jesus Christ. AND if all the shopping and gifts went away Christmas (also Easter ) would still be my favorite holiday!! Thank you God for the blessing of your Son and the amazing story of His birth, life, and sacrifice!

Cayden Six Month Checkup

Cayden is now 6 months old. We had his sixth month checkup last Friday, here are his stats: He now weighs 15 lbs and is 26 inches long. Typing that is making me tear up because for the longest time we were just praying for 8lbs, 10lbs, etc. and now he is 15lbs!!!! The last 3 times he has been weighed he has gained several ounces...it's amazing! He is hitting most of his milestones but is struggling with his upper body so we are having First Steps come and evaluate him. i think its because his noggin is just so much bigger that the rest of him :) Speaking of big noggin...his head measurements jumped up again so Dr. Davis sent us to Peyton Manning for a head ultrasound again. Thankfully, it was normal again! Praise the Lord! We started his Synagis vaccines which is a vaccine of antibodies that help fight against RSV. It is given to children who are at high risk for RSV. He will get one vaccine every 28 days until April. We are so blessed that God has watched over our littlest bug and has helped him eat, grow, and is keeping him healthy. We are praying for him to stay well through the winter and continue to gain weight so that he will be ready for surgery this spring! So many blessing to be thankful for with this little one...we love him so very much and we thank God everyday for him!!

Have you done your Christmas shopping yet?

Tomorrow is December 1st which means 25 days until Christmas! Do you have your shopping done? Well, if you are looking for some awesome personalized gifts for mom, sister, teacher, grandma, etc. have I got a website for you! Amy Cornell Designs Amy is incredible at creating awesome personalized necklaces,bracelets, key chains etc. It's an awesome gift for the person who has everything. Not sure what they would like...try a gift certificate! I have a few products of Amy's and a wish list a mile long!!! Check out her website and become a fan of hers on Twitter, Facebook, etc. If Amy gets to 1000 fans by Christmas she is going to give away gift certificates!!!

Season of Thanks Day 25 Thanksgiving!!!

So I made it...even though I had to combine a couple days here and there...I officially blogged about something I am thankful for everyday of Novemeber until Thanksgiving! I thought it was a good assignment to myself and look forward to doing it again! So for today, the last day, I am thankful that I did this and I feel truly blessed in my life!

Thanksgiving was a nice relaxing day...family come to our house ( my inlaws, mom, sister&brother in law, and Janyce) We ate dinner then the kids did a few crafts...my mom took Chase and Janyce to see Tangled that afternoon and Christopher and I took a nap to rest up for Black Friday shopping! This was the first year that Christopher has gone with me. We started on Thursday night at 7:00pm at Old Navy. Then we headed to ToysRus, Walmart, Steak N Shake, HHGregg. Then I dropped him off and picked up my mom and headed to Kohls, Target, Christian Bookstore, and then Kohl's one more time! Wow, just writing that makes me tired!!! The rest of Friday was very low key...naps and early to bed. Saturday we put up our tree and decorated the house then I hit a wall so I layed down and woke up 4 hours later to Christopher telling me to get ready for a date. He had already taken the boys to Grandma's! So I got ready and we headed to Five Guys for a quick dinner so we could catch the 7:30 show of Love and Other Drugs...which was very good by the way! We had a great Sunday of relaxing at the house and watching tv...overall it was a great Thanksgiving Week! I am so very blessed to have such a great husband, wonderful boys, and a great family!

Season of Thanks Day 23 and 24

Day 23-I am thankful for my boys playful imagination and their energy. They are so much fun watch...they play together and play "games" and make believe...I love that I don't have to entertain them yet they are entertaining me by how much fun they are having. God thank you for my awesome children!

Day 24- I am thankful for the awesome day we had as a family! We got up, Christopher got his flu shot and then we headed to the Children's Museum. The boys had a blast! Then we had lunch and headed back to the house and my awesome husband helped me get the house in order for Thanksgiving tomorrow!!! Excited to have some yummy food and time with our family....I also SUPER excited to go shopping tomorrow night...praying we are able to get everything on our list for the prices we can afford...love black Friday sales!! P.S. Christopher is coming this time too!!! So much fun!!!

Season of Thanks Day 20, 21, and 22

So the weekend got away from me and I didn't blog my days of thanks....so better late than never...here goes:

#1 I am thankful for KLove...yes the radio station! I love it! It has awesome music and people sharing their stories. It keeps me positive in the car and keeps my road rage down...ha!

#2 I love that my kiddos dance and sing to worship music! I love that some of there favorite songs are Happy Day, The Desert Song, and Lead me to the Cross. And of course, Veggietales! So thankful God has blessed us with these amazing artists and that my adorable little boys enjoy it too!

#3 I am so thankful for this awesome weather! I mean we are four days away from Thanksgiving and we have the windows open!!! Love love love it!! Thank you God for the beauty of the earth and the changing of the season...and can we please have a little snow for Christmas??? Thank you!!!

Season of Thanks Day 18 and 19

Yesterday, I was focused on and thankful for Christopher's job. Not only does he really like his job but he is really doing well at it! He is successful and enjoys going to work each day. It provides for our family and we are truly blessed to have a good job that Christopher enjoys so thank you God for Mobile Mini and for my awesome hard working husband!

Today, I am thankful for Christopher's vacation this next week. The boys and I are so excited to have time with him that isn't dedicated to any plans or to do lists! The few things that are planned are fun things...Chase's preschool luncheon, shopping, and of course Thanksgiving with the family. I am so excited to spend some great time with our little family of five!!! We are so blessed!!!

Season of Thanks Day 16 and 17

(Yesterday) I am thankful for our awesome pediatrician. We go to Dr. Davis at Carmel Pediatrics. She is very good with our children and she isn't quick to prescribe but also is very cautious and thorough. She was the one that caught Cayden's coarctation and if she had not ordered that echo "just to be safe" then we would have ended up in PICU not knowing what was wrong! She is patient with me and always answers my questions with patience, kindness, and understanding. Our boys are comfortable with her and I am thankful that I have a doctor I trust to help us take care of our babies. Thank you God for giving Dr. Davis the gift of working with our little ones and providing awesome care for them!

Today, I am thankful for our MOPS group. I love meeting with all the other moms, having conversations, and a little "mommy time" I really enjoy my small group at MOPS and I am enjoying getting to know them. I have been blessed by this ministry and am very thankful to be involved with it!

Season of Thanks Day 14 and 15

(Yesterday) I am thankful for my sweet baby Cayden turning six months old. I am thankful he is eating well and gaining weight. I pray for all of my boys everyday but especially for Cayden's health, his future surgery, and a long life of health. God thank you for blessing us with all our babies. We are truly blessed!



Today, I am thankful for my sister and the awesome Tete she is to my boys! She is the best aunt...we are so blessed that our schedules allow us all to spend a lot of time together! Thank you sis for being a great sister and friend to me but also a great Tete to my boys!

Season of Thanks Day 13

Today, I am thankful for my mom. Not just because she blessed us with a date night tonight but because she is one of my best friends. She is always there for me and Christopher and our boys. She helps us with anything we need and I appreciate her for everything she does for us. She is by far the best Grammie our boys could have ever asked for and they are spoiled rotten by her! I am blessed to have such a devoted mother and I thank God everyday for her. I am blessed to be able to talk to her everyday...confiding in her, sharing with her, and even complaining to her. She is always there no matter what I may do and I know I can always count on her. Thank you God for my amazing mom!

Season of Thanks Day 12

Today, I am thankful for the great deals I have found for Christmas. It may sound trivial but when staying at home and only having one income deals and savings are important to our family. So I am thankful for coupons, early sales, and rebates so that we can afford to get our family and friends gifts that they will enjoy for Christmas! I am so excited for them to open their stuff but even more excited that when I ask Chase why we celebrate Christmas he says "because its Jesus birthday" and that is the one and only reason for the season and the shopping and gift giving is just icing on the cake!!

Season of Thanks Day 10 and 11

(Yesterday) I am thankful for my friends...friends to chat with, cry with, laugh with, and just sit with. Friends that are willing to take care of my children like they are their own and love them like they were their own. I am thankful that God has blessed me with true friends who are their through good and bad and love me for who I really am even if its one of my worse moments and love me even more when I am at my best! So to all my friends and you know who you are :) I am thankful for you!



Today, I am thankful for Christopher's hard work. I know I have already dedicated a day to him but I have to give him another day because this man, a man I am truly blessed to have as my husband, is the hardest worker I know! He works so hard everyday to provide for us and our beautiful children. He is very successful at his job and is really striving. I pray that he gets everywhere he wants to go and that his company no matter where is works realizes the incredible, talented, and devoted employee they have. Thank you God for an amazing husband who works hard at his job each and every day!

Season of Thanks Day 9

Today, I am thankful for God hearing me...I have been struggling the last few weeks with some things and though not everything is worked out or perfect...I feel God right next to me helping me through. I feel comforted and supported and know that even though I am still searching, praying, and finding my way...God is hearing me and guiding me. I feel blessed to have family and friends that are praying for me and with me and I know that God is hearing them all and I will reach the place I need to be. Thank you God for ALWAYS being here even when I may not realize it right away. I am looking forward to where He is taking me and our relationship.

Season of Thanks Day 8

Today I am thankful for my family. I am thankful we live close enough to see each other and help each other out when needed. It was very hard not having them around in Charleston and now that we are back we appreciate them even more! God, thank you for our wonderful family.

Season of Thanks Day 6 and 7

Even though the day got away from me and I didn't have time to blog about yesterday's "thankfullness" I did think about it all day. So for yesterday, November 6th, I am thankful for our church home White River Christian Church. After church shopping for months we felt like God led us to WRCC.It was very hard to leave WRCC when we moved and were very thankful to come back. We enjoy the sermons, the children's ministry is great, and we got involved with a small group. Which brings me to day 7...I am thankful for our small group. We have gone through some changes and are finding our way again, it is a great support system and encouragement to me. Having been away from home and without our small group we appreciate it even more. I look forward to continuing to grow closer to those in our group and grow stronger in my relationships with other members of WRCC all in the pursuit of being closer to God. Thank you God for providing us with an awesome place to worship you and a great church family!

Season of Thanks Day 5

Today is the perfect day to be thankful for my sweet Baby Cayden...he gained 1 and 1/2 lbs!!!!! God blessed us with Cayden and we have learned many things in just the few months he has been with us. First of all, enjoy each day and appreciate all your blessings each day. Also, to not get so wrapped up in the "norm" Cayden's heart condition has put him behind in almost every marker there is and that is okay! I used to get so wrapped up in percentages and milestones, gauging the boys on their progress...now, I am just happy Cayden ate a bottle and gained an ounce. He is perfect just the way he is and no matter how long it takes him or where he ends up it is okay! Cayden is a super smiley baby. He is working on his first tooth and is rolling over. He LOVES his big brothers and is watching every move they make! He still has a little bit of a road ahead of him...one more open heart surgery and then he should be on the road to "perfect" health. I cant wait to see him continue to grow and enjoy him as the baby of our family of five. Today, I am thankful for my beautiful youngest son!

Season of Thanks Day 4

Today, I am thankful for my adorable easy going Cooper Baby! Cooper is hilarious...he is starting to talk more and laughs all the time. He is ornery. He loves Elmo, Toy Story, Mickey Mouse...he loves to eat and sleep! He likes to dance around and tackle his big brother. He is super sweet to Baby Cayden, always giving him his binky, blanky, and LOTS of hugs and kisses! He has a best friend named Chase and I pray that all three of my boys stay best friends through life. Cooper Baby loves to snuggle and is very loving. He plays with his toys a lot...he likes Handy Manny's tools, cars, and books. He will sit down and watch Toy Story all the way through...he likes Elmo and other toons but usually plays throughout those shows. He is our Cooper Baby and he will always be our Cooper Baby which will probably embarrass him sooner rather than later. I thank God everyday for Cooper and I cant wait to see him continue to grow up although I think it goes by way too fast!

Season of Thanks Day 3

It goes without saying that I am thankful for all three of my boys so I am going to dedicate one day to each boy! So for today, I am thankful that God blessed me and Christopher with our beautiful sweet Chase Christopher Thomas. Chase is really starting to grow up...he loves preschool and being a big brother. He loves to sing and dance...being silly is second nature to him.He loves Toy Story, trains, Veggietales, and lots of other things. He uses a blanky at night and sleeps with his Monkey that he made at Build a Bear before he was 1 year old! He is very loving and kind. He of course has plenty of three year old meltdowns but that is just growing pains :) I know God gave us Chase first for many reasons...first of all Chase gave us a run for our money in the sleep department when he was a baby...his first full night of sleep was when he was 10 months old! He was very verbal very early on so communication has been pretty easy with him...I truly believe God blessed us with him first to have an amazing big brother that could communicate to us as well as his brothers and really be a big helper for me. Also, it made us appreciate the easy nature of Cooper especially in the sleep department and not be so anxious when Cayden has rough nights since we been there and done that! I pray everyday that God will bless us with a long life we our boys...I can't wait to see what Chase grows up to be and how he will continue to experience this amazing world. My sweet loving big baby boy is what I am thankful for today and everyday. Something said to us on his dedication day was that these our not our children but God's children and He has chosen us to take care of them while here on earth...so to God I say thank you for blessing us with Chase and for entrusting me and Christopher to raise this amazing little boy!

Season of Thanks Day 2

I am thankful for my wonderful hardworking husband. He is loving and giving. He works hard every single day to make it possible for me to stay home with our boys. He is my best friend and I know God made each of us for the other. I am very blessed to have such a great man in my life. I look forward to all the adventures we continue to take!

Season of Thanks

I am stealing this idea from a friend's friend...with November upon us it is time to reflect on what we are thankful for. So in the spirit of Thanksgiving I am going to blog something I am thankful for each day of the month! Here's to being thankful and really reflecting on the blessings the Lord has given us! November 1st: I am thankful that God sent His Son Jesus Christ to die for all sinners and that by simply confessing to Him and honoring Him as my personal Savior I am forgiven and that I belong to Him eternally!

Trick or Treat and Happy Halloween

We have had a very busy Halloween season...starting with Feasting with Witches at the Children's Museum. We spent an afternoon at Stoney Creek Pumpkin Patch, Trunk or Treat at E. 91st street, ZooBoo, and finished it up with Trick or Treating on Sunday evening in our old neighborhood Roudebush Farms. Chase wanted to be Stinky Pete the Prospector from Toy Story 2...mommy spent a lot of time on his costume but he was the hit of every event we went to...random people were taking his picture because they loved his costume so much! I'm not really sure what to do with it now but really don't want to throw it out either! Cooper Baby was a monkey although he was really a baby monkey because he constantly had his binky! Baby Cayden was a banana...so cute! We had a great time at all the different events and have enough candy and treats for the rest of the year! Here are some pictures of our family fun halloween season...ENJOY!

Cooper's getting his words!

Cooper Baby is finally starting to use his words...He loves to say no and AHHH, yeah! He says all the regular "first" words, along with words like Toy Story, Manny (Handy Manny), Mouse (Mickey), OOOH, Baby, and B (this means binky and/or blanky) I love how much he is learning. He is in a toddler bed now and he shares a room with Chase. He is growing up so fast! He loves playing with toys and adores his brothers. I am so blessed to see everything each and every day that he experiences!

Imagine That!

Chase has really been using his imagination during his play. He mimics movies and stories. He pretends to do all sorts of things. I cant wait to see where this imagination takes him...I love watching him play and invent different things. Its so much fun to watch him grow. I am thankful that God allows me to be home with my boys and be apart of their days!

Pictures

We got the boys pictures taken...Chase's 3 yr pictures, Cooper's 18 month pictures, and the first pictures of the three boys together! They did great and were so cute...I bought way to many pictures :)

October

So the last couple weeks has been stressful...Cayden had an ear infection which led to stomach issues, and then to dehydration. Then an ER visit turned into a 24 hr hospital stay! Fortunately, he is feeling much better and we can finally start getting to the fun fall activities that we love to do...this weekend brings Feast with Witches and Skeletown at the Children's Museum, Stoney Creek Pumpkin Patch, and a Halloween Party!

Play Dates and Fun with Friends

We were very lucky to have some great play dates over the last few weeks with some great friends. First, Cooper Baby, Cayden, and I met with our MOPS small group for some park play. Cooper loved it although seemed a bit confused as to what to do with out his big brother there coaching him on what to do but soon he got the hang of it and was running around the playground like he owned the place. His favorite things were the slide and the horse! Later that week we had the pleasure of having Christen and Miss Kinley A.K.A. Cooper Baby's future girlfriend over for a play date. Before we played, we headed over to Target. I think we may have scared Christen a bit with the ratio of 3:1 on the kid count but nonetheless it was a good time! After, Target we headed to our house and all the kiddos played together...it was nice to sit and talk with Christen and watch our kiddos play. I'm looking forward to many more play dates with the Young's! Finally, yesterday we headed to the Children's Museum with Jackie and her son Parker. We took a quick stroll through the dinos,played trains, enjoyed playscape, and finished it all with a carousel ride! It was a great day and the kids and the mommies really enjoyed it! I feel so blessed to be able to have play dates and be involved with other mom friends! Looking forward to many more play dates with many more friends!!

Cayden is 4 months old

Cayden had his 4 month checkup this week and a cardiology appointment last week. He now weighs 12lbs 9 oz and is 24 inches long. He is in the 10th percentile for both. His big noggin is off the charts but that is perfectly fine since he has had it all checked out and is perfect in the noggin department! He is my tiny little baby bug but he is working really hard to grow. The cardiologist says he is doing well and that most likely he will have his second surgery this spring to repair his ASD. Such a positive and negative with this...on the positive he will be "fixed" and should not have any future problems...on the negative two open heart surgeries in a year is rough! We are preparing for the winter...trying to stay super sanitized and healthy...Cayden should stay out of the "group" daycare situations such as church nursery, MOPPETS, etc. Luckily, MOPS is super supportive and we are trying to figure out a plan for church since he is getting a little chatty for service these days...but its all in the interest of keeping him healthy during cold and flu season! He is hitting all his marks developmentally. He LOVES his big brothers and they LOVE him! He "talks" and makes funny faces, he is holding up his big noggin amazingly, and hopefully will be rolling over soon...he also loves to scoot himself across the floor using his legs. He is still only about 4 ounces in a feeding but hopefully he will pick that up too...he isn't sleeping through the night but it's only because he needs to eat but he usually goes right back to bed...thank goodness! Looking forward to many more milestones with my tiny baby bug and loving every minute I have with him!!

Relax??

I realized today that Cayden will be four months old tomorrow and I never took his 3 month pictures! I have heard it from many moms that the more kids you have the less pictures you will take...well I told myself that I wouldn't do that...I would continue scrapbooking, photo taking, and I even started this blog so that I would not "forget" our memories of even the little things. I think that because of Cayden's heart condition I have forgotten to relax and enjoy him. As I just typed that it breaks my heart...it is very hard to admit it to myself and to all who will read this...but it is true. I am so focused on his color, breathing, medications, tempermant that I am not enjoying the "babyness" I don't feel like I am neglecting him or Chase or Cooper...I have my special time with each of my boys everyday but my time with Cayden is full of analysis...making sure he is okay. So, I am starting tomorrow on his 4 month birthday to one take some pictures and get back on track to documenting his growth for memory sake not medical! I also am going to try to relax with him just a bit...I do not want to look back and all I remember is heart problems...especially since this will eventually be taken care of and he is doing well today. I am handing it over to God and enjoying the beautiful family He has blessed me with and will continue each day trying to be the women He has created me to be.

Preschool!!!

Last night, we got Chase's backpack ready and packed his lunch. He went to bed right at 8pm and was super excited for his first day of preschool. This morning he woke up and was ready to go immediately. He ate breakfast with Cooper Baby and then Daddy helped him get dressed. Chase and Daddy both wore their Cubs polos today. He put his backpack on, grabbed his lunch out of the fridge, and headed out to the car. When we got there we took some pictures and headed inside. He turned his lunch in and hung up his backpack and took a seat and started coloring...he didn't even say goodbye!!! I called his name for a quick pic and said goodbye and we left...no tears :) I picked him up along with Miss Emily (she and I will be tackling the pickup together that way neither of us have to get all the babies out of the car...thank goodness) and he told me all about his day. Needless to say, he LOVED it!!! Looking forward to all that this year has to offer him...

We are not kids anymore...

Christopher and I headed to Cincinnati, OH last weekend to hit Kings Island for our anniversary. We were both looking forward to a fun kid free weekend of roller coasters and water slides. It may seem like an odd choice for and anniversary but neither one of us could remember the last time we did anything at an amusement park our water park where we weren't attending to our kids or when I wasn't pregnant! So we left Indy in the afternoon and hit the park from 5-10pm, we had a great time. It wasn't busy at all...we rode everything we wanted to some even twice...with only one problem...WE ARE OLD! After the first ride, we both look at each other and said "we are not teenagers anymore!" The rides were rough but well worth it. We had a great time...we cant wait to take the kids next year...well at least Chase since he will be the only one tall enough to ride!

It's Rough...

So we have been having some rough weeks...Christopher has been traveling for work. Chase and Cayden are having some sleep issues...Cayden is just restless, I think this is a side effect of one of his meds. Chase has just decided he isn't going to sleep or if he does sleep he wants to be in our bed...ugh! Needless to say, Mommy and Daddy are exhausted! Preschool orientation was last night, Chase LOVED it and the school is awesome. Mommy, one the other hand, is having a tough time. I didn't think I would react this way but it is really sad to me that he is starting school because I know this is the beginning of me not having my babies at home with me anymore and I feel like I just got started! I did sign up as a Room Mom and I hope to be able to help at times. Tuesday is his first day and he is really excited and I'm hoping I will keep it together...we also had our first day of MOPS today. I am excited for this year and what the Lord will bring through this experience. The boys had a blast and I am looking forward to the friendships we will make. This weekend is Labor Day weekend and we have very little plans other than visiting with friends and family...we are looking forward to a low key weekend!

Lovin' the blog thing!

So Im trying something new...I entered a contest via another blog to win some Amy Cornwell Designs!!!! Wish me luck and check out this new blog for moms everywhere!!!

Ahhh...no kids!!!

Christopher and I had a KID FREE WEEKEND!!! We headed to Chicago for a four day weekend to celebrate the marriage of our friends Eric and Beth. We picked up Jenny on our way up there and met up with Melinda for some shopping, swimming, and movies on Thursday. We stayed downtown so we walked everywhere and soaked up the city. Friday we went to a Cubs game...they lost of course but it was still a blast! We stocked up on Cubs gear for us and for the boys. Friday night Brad, Caitlin, and Derek arrived and we hit the town for dinner and drinks...it was so nice to get together, relax, and catch up! Saturday we got up early headed down to Navy Pier, took a speed boat tour, and had lunch. Saturday afternoon was Eric and Beth's wedding and that night was the reception...super fun! We all had a blast dancing, taking pictures, and watching our friends celebrate their love for each other. After, the reception we went swimming...well me and Jenny hit the hot tub...it was very nice to sit in a hot tub because it has been quite some time since I've basically been preggos for the last four years! Sunday we got up and headed back home reliving the weekend with stories, recaps, and pictures...we were very glad to get home to our babies but absolutely LOVED the quality time with each other and friends...its such a blessing to be able to devote time to each other and invest in our marriage!!! Thank you to my awesome sister and soon to be brother in law for taking such great care of our babies, thanks to my wonderful husband for the awesome weekend and thanks to our friends for making it a blast!! Looking forward to next years get together...maybe a wedding again??? Melinda??? Derek???

Just some things...

Here are just a few things I experienced this week with the boys...Everyday is a battle with Chase to get him to eat...well this week he started asking me if he could have Buzz Lightyear (insert whatever food here) or Woody or Slinky or Rex...so now every meal has a toy story name! Cracks me up because it works!! After church today we asked Chase what he learned about in church and we got the typical answer " we talked about God" then I ask what else " and Jesus" So then I asked, what did they say about God and Jesus? And this was the response I got..."Never mind Mommy it wasn't learning church today it was just playing church today, we didn't learn about anything!" LOL! Apparently, it was just to much to explain to me so he just decided not to! Now on to Cooper Baby, AKA, the screamer!!! Cooper only has a few words in his vocabulary right now but he understands everything so when he is told no or doesn't like the situation he drops to the ground and screams or if he wants something he points and screams which by the way is incredibly annoying and frustrating but we are working on it and hoping he starts using more words but for now his facial expressions say it all! He gives us a look that basically says "Do you know who I am? I'm Cooper Baby...you can't tell me no!!! Something I also learned is that if I threaten to get the vacuum out they will pick up the living room/bedrooms for fear I will vacuum up their toys! So needless to say I vacuum almost everyday!!! I'm sure that is on a "not so good parenting list" but it works so I use it! Cayden is becoming very smiley and jabbering all the time. We are still trying to get him to eat a little more but taking it one day at a time! Chase and Cooper Baby love him so much...Chase talks to him all the time, holds him, plays with him, etc. Cooper always makes sure Cayden has his binky and blankie! They are all so sweet to each other with the occasional conflict of course! Christopher and I are having a four day vacation this week to Chicago...I am very excited and looking forward to investing in our marriage but I will miss my beautiful babies!

Summer Fun

Over the last week we have taken advantage of the summer...Saturday I took Chase and Janyce to the waterpark at the Monon Center with some help from Kara A.K.A. Aunt Karella. It was a blast! We all had a great time. Then we took in some baseball games...some of Christopher coaching and some of him umping. It was nice to enjoy the weather and time with the kids although I was short one...Chase had a sleepover at Grammie's Saturday and then Te-te's on Sunday. It isn't harder with three but man is it easier with only two! Also, I turned 30 years old on July 12th...30 with 3 kids!! Can you believe it??!! Kara watched our boys for us so Christopher could take me out the night before to celebrate my birthday. We did dinner and a movie in downtown Indy. He and the boys gave me beautiful diamond earrings...I'm a very lucky girl!! Christopher was in Atlanta for work this week so it was just me and my boys...we hit the library, had a play date, and a doctor appointment! We had a few "OH MY" moments this week...poor baby Cayden doesn't have a chance with these boys. First, Cooper Baby almost pulled him off the bed by his legs! OH MY!! Then, Chase picked him up out of his swing and carried him to the couch!!! OH MY!!! Needless to say, I will not be taking a shower without the baby in his bed or unless the big boys are sleeping! Thank God I was close by and was able to prevent harm...man these babies keep me on my toes! Looking forward to lots more summer fun and hopefully less "OH MY" moments!

Recovery

Chase using his new markers he earned during potty training

Cooper Baby knocked out after a big day at the pool

Cayden's First Trip to the Pool


We have all been recovering over the last week and a half. Cayden had surgery on Monday, June 28th. He was in the PICU until Wednesday June 30th when he was moved to the 3rd floor. He got to stay in this amazing Peyton Manning room that has a ton of signed stuff...enough that I'm sure if we could have gotten our hands on it, it would have been enough to pay off all our upcoming medical bills, LOL! He then was released from the hospital on Thursday, July 1st. Chase and Cooper were very well cared for by friends and family but they were very glad to have us home! We had visits from friends and family and spent the weekend at home...Saturday our good friend Melinda came and took Chase and Cooper to Monkey Joe's with our other friend Jenny and her boys. They had a blast and we really appreciated them taking the time to give some much needed attention to our boys! We had a couple of cookouts at our house and some fun time outside with the kids. Christopher also took the older boys to church and to see fireworks. We have all been trying to get back in the swing of things...Christopher is getting caught up at work, I'm trying to get the boys back on their routine and trying to get back on my "diet"! It's slow moving but we are all getting there. Oh yeah, and in the middle of all of this Chase, with a little help from Grandma, decided this is the time to potty train!!! He is doing a great job and we are VERY proud of him! Cayden is healing well and gaining weight. He has another checkup in six weeks. God has completely blessed our baby and guided us through our faith during this entire experience. We continue to look towards the Lord each new step we take and pray that all of us will continue to do well and get back to our "normal" day to day life...we even got to go swimming today with my sister and all the kids! Chase and Cooper Baby loved the water and Cayden loved lounging in the shade. It was a great summer day and I look forward to many more.