So tired of sickness

Can this winter be over yet? Or was there even a winter? Seriously, up to 70 today and 50 tomorrow, no wonder my family (and myself) are sick all the time! Just to name a few: random high fevers for Austin and diarrhea, cough and congestion for Logan...seems constant, Mike has been feeling like he is on the edge of a healthy breakdown for a while, drinking Airborne every day, I had pneumonia two weeks ago, OUCH, and poor Everett seems to get it the worst. We were "sick free" for about 5 days and now Everett has another ear infection and croup. It came on so suddenly it frustrates me! I put him to bed last night totally healthy, going for a follow up app today and he woke in the middle of the night with the worst croup he has had yet. And yes, he has had this about 4 or 5 times. I had to sleep in his room because I was so concerned about his breathing and every time I didn't hear him breathing I woke up (his breathing was so noisy). Like I said we already had an appointment today for a follow-up for his last ear infection with ear drum burst. I went in with the hopes of getting some steriods for his throat and going home. But nooooo, another ear infection and they gave us steriods for his throat, but it didn't work. My girlfriend has recommended some home remedies for both, so we are trying that out as well.

Seriously, this is so draining! I just want a healthy family so I don't have to overstock in kleenex and tylenol, or run out and buy a humidfier just in case the vaporizer isn't working. Anyways, I need to see the good in all this...thankful for doctors that are available and for being able to get care when I need it. There...I am thankful:-) I am just praying that Everett isn't an ear tube kind of guy.

Like I said, Everett was fine last night, and I have pictures and video to show of it. Usually when mike isn't home during the evenings (which has been 4 out of 5 nights lately) we have a dance party after dinner because I am procrastinating with the dishes:-) Everett found his "cheesey" face for the camera and every time I went to take his picture, he would make this face:

He looks so much like Logan in this picture:

Austin was doing a few dance moves:

Then I scolded Everett for getting in the TV cabinet and he shot me this face...no noise behind it, just a whiny face:

Wanted to share these few...I was practicing with my new backdrop...love my boys

Moving Forward

Well, he did it! My hubby passed this PT test that he has been trying to pass for months. I know that may sound bad to him, but he has worked harder for this than I have seen him do for other things. We have prayed harder over this and had some tough lessons learned. And today he did it! Not to brag...but I am gonna...:-) This is a HARD test! 15 pull-ups, 90 situps/3min, 80 push ups/3min, 3 mile run in 22:30 (that is a 7:30 mile) and a half mile swim in 14 min. Just to try and give a little example of how hard it is, I was at the gym the other night and I thought to myself...why don't I try and run a mile in ...lets say...8 min? So I started off feeling pretty good and then it started to wear on me...and I had only been going 2 min!! HA! Also, after having 3 kids the whole "peeing when you cough" thing came true and it wouldn't have been safe for me to continue running that fast. Sorry if TMI.

AAAHHHH....what a relief! I think this was so important for him to just pass it to say to HIMSELF that he passed it! Now we can move forward...he still needs to train and get ready for a possible new job. Still all in God's hands and that is one lesson we have learned and have had stamped into our minds and hearts lately.

Also...one thing out of this is teaching his boys to not give up. Despite the times he failed, he did it again and again, worked harder and kept focused. I am just beaming right now I am so proud of him!! Anyways, just had to share that...thanks for letting me air out my excitement!

I title this photo: "He has the whole world in his hands:-)"

Pictures Galore of my sweet boys!

Everett's double chin. Gotta love baby chunk! So squeezable, kissable and lovable...

Everett is definitely his own man, but I see parts of his brothers in his face. He is so sweet and LOVES to eat. I have made him peaches, apples, bananas and sweet potatoes (need to increase the veggies for sure!) My girlfriend Laura gave us this awesome baby-food making machine and it is a breeze to whip him up some delicious goodies! I did it the old fashioned way with the older boys (hand held blender and ice cube trays) but now these containers have little smiley faces on them and a mini-blender to help! I will have to take pics for you.

These pictures are a little out of order, but when the hurricane hit last weekend we got OUT of here! We have several large trees in our back yard and they have been known to throw down massive branches that have broken our deck and fence. We did not want a tree coming into our house. So our good friends Casey and Joe graciously opened their house to us once again. That saturday we decided to give our friends a break and went to a Children's Museum (as stated in the previous post) and here are a few more photos of the wonderful event!

Austin having so much fun. I remember Logan being absolutely obsessed with Monster Trucks during this age, always having one or more in his hands. Austin is passionate about cooking and his food. We have a ton of play food here at our house, but no kitchen. So he just pretend plays where ever and almost always asks to help us cook dinner. He is so funny when he does help, always trying the ingredients (even the oil to heat up the pan) on the tip of his finger. We keep him safely away from the hot stuff, but he is a great helper.

Two mini chefs
It does something to a parents heart to see a child so passionate and enjoy something so much. I know he is only 2, but there is something special about this chef thing. At this huge kitchen at the museum, Austin was in a different world. He went right to work making his work station and gathering food. He sucked his cheeks in a bit and had a very concentrated look on his face. As you can see, we think he is going to be left-handed...always coloring and cutting with his left hand. If we could go to this kitchen ever day, I would just to see the happiness and joy on his face:-)

Mike went off with Austin while I played with Logan and built a jail around him:-)
This is what I came around the corner to:
Everett just chillin in momma's arms:P
LOVE my Beco! (the carrier)
Working with REAL tools...yes, REAL tools
Sawing the wood with Daddy (ooo those strong arms look good:-)

Building their own cars to race...this was a neat station that I would love to have in my house.

Grocery shopping.
Everett in the stroller...I think he looks like Austin here...just a bit. So edible though!

Fireman Logan!

Now just some random photos. This was before we decided to leave for the hurricane. Caught my hubby off guard, but so glad I actually get photos of him. So handsome:-)

The emergency light for the "big storm"
Austin...yes you are a character
Everett's arm chunk...or should I say muscles?
Logan...yes he is starting to be goofy in pictures. Now it all begins.

He starts three day a week preschool next week. I can't believe that next year I will be getting him ready for KINDERGARTEN! Oh how my sweet men grow up so fast!

Everett doing his thing...we are thinking he will be sitting up by the end of his 5 months and I think crawling in 2 months. We shall see if that holds up! (after I posted this I realized you can see some spit up...sorry!!)

This is what I have been needing the past several days to weeks...my lovely coffee in my clean crisp white mug. Everett has been making my mornings quite early while getting up a few time during the night still. I think we might have to start doing some night training. I was spoiled with Austin who started sleeping through the night at 6 months while nursing...but Everett likes the night feedings too much. Sometimes I wonder how long he is awake at night before he starts making noise...because he plays quietly a lot in his crib! ANYWAYS...going to go make myself some coffee right now. The boys just woke up and Mike decided to go run a half marathon this morning...just another day in our house!

"________" kind of man, makes a "_____" kind of Daddy

Happy Fathers Day to all your Dads, husbands, etc! I am sure there are no dads reading this:-) Just wanted to share my love and appreciation for this wonderful man in my life. He amazes me every day as I watch him parent, love and guide our boys. His patience surpasses mine by a mile, and the fun he has with them is priceless. I am so grateful that our children have a Daddy like him to raise them! Here are a few photos of the man and some thoughts of mine:-)

"Cuddly" kind of man, makes a "sensitive" kind of Daddy. I like how he appreciates Everett's smiles, and loves to make him coo and laugh.

"Gardening" kind of man, makes a "growing" kind of Daddy. He learns how to grow and adapt as the boys get older. He also realizes that each one is a different kind of "plant" (silly analogy huh?).

(Just had to include this card Logan made at school for Fathers Day)

"Passionate" kind of man, makes a "crazy" kind of Daddy. When Mike gets an idea in his head, gets his sights set on one thing...he goes full force! Mike has been very passionate about running lately and pretty much just woke up one day running 7 or 9 miles! He got a crazy idea in his head to run BAREFOOT! Now...he already wears minimalist shoes, but for some crazy reason he got up one saturday and ran 7 miles barefoot...this is what happened (picture below). This makes a crazy kind of Dad because he is always up for anything! Wrestling becomes an adventure in super hero land, poles become magic bean stalks, and all characters in stories have an english accent:-)

"Compassionate" kind of man, makes a "treat others as yourself" kind of Daddy. Austin gets frequent nose bleeds and this is one way we are trying to stop them. (I get many and I can't imagine having them as a 2 year old!) Mike often says "Am I whinning? Then you don't whine...Am I crying? Then you don't cry" So in this situation Mike showed Austin that sticking a kleenex up his nose doesn't hurt. They both sat there like this until it stopped bleeding. Compassionate in his own ways, but very loving as well as growing masculine men.

"Strong" kind of man, makes a "Hero" kind of Daddy. Sorry Mike, yes, I posted this picture. Mike puts an importance in eating right and working out and it is fun to see the boys doing the same. Food has "tools" (like hammers and screw drivers) and exercising is a contest. Austin can pretty much do a real push-up! Logan has said that he wants to be a good guy like Daddy when he grows up and it makes my heart smile to hear that.
Thank you so much Michael for loving our boys and desiring to be the best you can be! Happy Fathers DAy!

Our Family is whole again!

What blur these past few days have been! Still so surreal to have Mike home and also surreal to think that he wasn't here for the past 6 months. We are adjusting slowly but surely, soaking up every moment we can. Mike goes back to work tomorrow and we will hopefully establish a routine.

My girlfriend was able to come to the airport when Mike got back and used her amazing skills as a photographer to capture our wonderful and special moments. I have been putting together a slide show of some memories from the past 6 months and the homecoming. Please enjoy the the movie!

Yes...he is home:-)

Yes he is Home

Yes I cried

Yes we are complete again

Yes I made a dinner that everyone ate because he was home

Yes I have made out several times

Yes the boys have wrestled themselves tired

Yes I never want to let him go again...

Yes I have some AMAZING pictures to show you...we are quite busy and distracted, so I am going to get a slide show up soon! Stay tuned! Thanks again you wonderful people for all your love and support!

The Embrace

Musical Monday Valentine's Day

I can't believe that I haven't posted anything all week! It's not like we have been SUPER busy, there haven't been any sicknesses, and I have plenty of photos to share! Guess the week just got by me faster that I thought!

I came up with the idea for this Musical Monday months ago and it was pretty hard to not share the idea with Mike! I created this slideshow with many great OLD photos. Before the baby weight, and years of worry. (yes I once was skinny). I scanned in most of them because they were from before we had a good digital camera (10 years ago) or a computer to upload them (so they were printed). There are lots of red eye and blurry photos, but it was fun to see a bunch from before we were married and the early years. Don't get me wrong, I had a hard time choosing which photos to add and share, but I decided to leave the kiddos out mostly (then it would have been a 20 min video and not 5 min:-). They are featured, but not the focus. My first and true Love is the focus:-)

Anyways, here you go my husband, a reminder of where we started, the fun that we have had AND the fun that we will have. The first song is a remake, but I love the artist Jimmy Needham, and the second song is one that has already been featured on Musical Monday. Happy Valentine's Day my love, I hope your day has been and is a wonderful day full of love:-)

Musical Monday

Can you believe that I am actually on time with the Musical Monday? (maybe a bit early?) I guess our time is really getting close to being done and I am just so excited with each Monday that passes us now. Thank you Jesus that it is February this week!

When thinking about my hubby returning home and Valentine's Day coming up, I am smitten by thinking about the Love that I have. A Love that I have been blessed with, a Love I get to give, and a Love that grows. Each and every deployment and time apart teaches us different things. I have to be honest that this one has probably taught us the most about marriage and loving each other. I know that it will be hard to take Mike for granted ever again (something I never wanted to do anyways), that every touch and kiss will be savored, and all the moments together will be cherished.

This song, Brandon Heath's "Love Never Fails", I love because it speaks of a Love that a marriage bond should have, a love that has been shown to us through Jesus Christ. I sit and hear the lyrics and think about my loving husband. I also hear the name of God in place of the word Love. Remember this blog post. I know that the relationship between us and God is how a marriage should be. Be encouraged and uplifted with this song. I know I will be as my weeks turn into days and then days into hours and hours into minutes:-)

"Having a hard time..."

So Logan wanted to talk to Daddy on the computer like I do...with it resting on his lap. So we set him up and the first thing he said was

"I'm having a hard time Dad" in the most serious and sad voice

"I'm having a hard time in Ms Jessicas class, I just wanted mommy" I immediately turn my head and I am like...what??

(pause from Logan)

"Maddelyn likes me Dad"...oh my good ness, could this really be coming out of my almost 4 year old?

Well, the conversation went on and really didn't make sense, but that beginning...so hilarious:-)

Musical Monday- Anniversary Edition

When I first started this Musical Monday I thought about when I would be able to post this song and decided on/or around our anniversary. Seven years ago yesterday we wed in the same church I was able to go to for Sunday Church. There have been some years where we have made it a big deal and other years just another day but with a sparkle in our eyes. Most years we have spent it on the road driving back from Christmas vacation to our designated home.

What a fun day our wedding was...here are some high lights that I can remember now:-)

-it was unusually warm and sunny that day...at least 30

-I absolutely loved my hair...there was a ribbon tied through it with neat curls

-we waited until I walked down the isle to see each other for the day...that would be 6pm!

-I could barely eat once we got to the church, but I know I needed to so I ate an apple

-I wasn't nervous, but so excited and very at peace

-my mom saw my second tattoo for the first time when putting on the dress...haha! It was of Mike's initials...good thing she saw it on our wedding day!

-we got to ride in a vintage (well 80's) limo driven by one of Mike's neighbor to the reception...we got no privacy and it was pretty funny

-I didn't get to eat anything at the reception, or let me put it this way, it wasn't a priority for me. We only had appetizers and desserts due to the late reception, but I wasn't even slightly concerned about food!

-I was in a dream world....I was all about my new husband and I could kiss him all I wanted and not get looks of disgust or "they shouldn't be doing that!". He was now my HUSBAND!

-It was fun to walk into a hotel in a wedding dress

Our first song we danced to as a married couple was Dedicated to You by Coltrane. Mike picked this song for us during his first deployment to Iraq. To this day I still sit and dream of our romance and dancing with him when I hear this song. I don't think he could have picked a more perfect song for us. Our marriage isn't a perfect marriage and to some would seem old fashioned, but I love our life together, I love the way my husband treats me and wouldn't have it any other way. Yes the deployments and separations have been hard and trying on our marriage, but they have also strengthened it in ways that wouldn't have been otherwise. This deployment has grown us together more than anything in the past 7 years and for that I am grateful for this time apart. I love you dear husband and can't wait to celebrate 8 years together next year (hopefully together) and many more January 2nds:-)

Here are some wedding photos taken by family members...I will have to put up some of the professional ones another time. 7 years ago they, or at least our photographer, didn't put our proofs on a CD.