Dad's Club T-ball Parade

 The "blue" team. Tommy is the 3rd on in the back row, standing.

 This year we were able to participate in the Dad's Club Parade and it was great fun!  The parade route is about 2 miles and it was a sweltering 10,000 degrees out.  We lucked out though and were offered a ride on the Rocket Car!!

 It was still hot, but it made the parade that much sweeter!  We threw candy at the crowds and had a great time waving to fans....lol!

The boys loved it....and so did we!

Perfect Bliss

This morning I woke up to a small boy standing next to our bed. He was bending down as close as he could to my face, binki in mouth, he tried to whisper (the boy did NOT come with a volume control button!!), but try he did.  "Mama, is it twime to go to Wicoles (Nicole's). I wanna put on my costume.  Can I wear the mask AND the cape?"  It was 5:30am.

By 6:30am both boys were up and I strategically placed them on opposite ends of the couch with cups full of milk and a fruit bar.  I figured it would buy us another thirty minutes of sleep, as long as little sister kept on snoozing.

8:15am came with the hustle and bustle of book bags, coats and school shoes.  One last check to make sure the costume was in the bag where I said it would be and that the treats were ready to go.  Three carseats buckled, Daddy at the wheel, coffee in hand and we were off.

The air was cold, frost on the car windshield.  The sun was peeking out from behind a handful of clouds and the trees sparkled in jewel tones.  It was beautiful and I wished out loud that everyday could be like this.

Trent and Tommy spent most of the day on search of a last minute STAR WARS costume for Daddy.  After a few attempts they came home empty handed. But with a little imagination and a few yards of fabric we had a cape that would make any Emperor proud!

After a quick trip to Wicoles :) for Tommy to show off is Darth Vader costume, we were off to the Halloween parade at Charlie's school.  I don't know who was more excited, me or the kids!  Penny was a good sport and let us squeeze her into the cupcake costume that I had picked out for her a few weeks back.  Seems our little cupcake has had a growth spurt since :)

How fun it was to watch all the little kids come parading out of the school and around the park.  Charlie looked so proud when he saw us.  He immediately started posing and acting like the real Luke Sky Walker.  Light sabers weren't allowed at school, but that didn't keep Charlie from acting as if.  He was adorable!  We were so happy for him.

After our Halloween fun for the day it was time for party planning. While Penny napped I set to work making tasty treats for Penny's birthday party and putting on the last minute touches for our not so scary Halloween party.   When she awoke from her slumber she joined me in the kitchen while we finished up.  Daddy helped put the eyes on our ghosts and whipped up that last batch of cupcakes.  There is something about being in the kitchen with my family, especially with Trent.  I love it.

After a long day I started to feel my energy drop so I headed upstairs for a quick rest.  I laid there snuggled in between our flannel sheets, my head resting on Trent's pillow.  Downstairs I could hear Trent preparing dinner for the boys.   Tommy fussed that he had mustard on his hand, Trent got a wipe to clean him up and spoke sweetly to Penny from across the room.  Charlie's laughter filled the house, some show had him going.  My heart was full.

I gave Penny her bottle and snuggled her close.  Her hair is so soft and fuzzy against my check.  She reached up and patted my face then grasped my hand with her fingers.  When she was done she buried her face in my neck and gave me a hug, something new for her.  She then proceeded to "zerbert" my neck and blow raspberries.  A new trick and we both laughed.  She is the sweetest girl.

The boys needed second and third warnings.  Tommy held my hand and tried to keep sleep from his eyes.  I rubbed noses with him and he smiled underneath the bink.  I know he is too old, but I don't care.  He has one left and then these sweet last bits of baby will be gone.  I am going to hold onto them for as long as I can.  He quickly drifted off to sleep.

Trent carried in dinner.  Our Friday night usual, Chipotle.  After a few bites a small voice came from upstairs "Mama, I can't sleep.  Dada?"  I snuggled with Charlie for a few minutes and listened to him as he spoke about what costumes his friend wore, a video they watched about needs and wants, and HOW excited he was the Ben H. was coming to the party tomorrow.  I rubbed his head and settled him down a bit.

And now I sit with my honey on the couch.  He is watching another horror Halloween flick, and I am taking the opportunity to jot down the memories of a perfectly blissful day.

Today I choose Joy, it was an easy choice.
*written on Friday, October 28th

Grateful

Tonight I am feeling overwhelmed with gratitude for the life that I live, bumps, mountains, valleys and all.  Life can be difficult, more then once I have been thrown a curve ball.  And each time I have fallen to my knees and reached out to my Lord and Savior for guidance, love and help.  I have often stumbled but I have never fallen so deep that God could not pick me up.

There have been times when I felt alone, scared, and uncertain of what the future would hold.  There is no promise of a tomorrow and that can be frightening at times.  However, I find great comfort is knowing that there is a promise of eternal life with Jesus, if I only believe.  And believe I do, with all my heart, with every fiber of my being.  There is nothing or no one that could make me believe otherwise.

To know a God that is all loving, full of mercy and grace.  To have that intimate relationship with Him and know that no matter how lonely I feel, how scared I get, that He is always with me.  He never leaves me, not for a second.  He is all powerful, mighty and majestic.  He is sweet and loving, comforting and caring. 

During my moments of weakness I often think of God our father.  What would my Dad here on Earth do if I was hurting, in pain? He would comfort me, probably give me a hug, bring me a milkshake :) and tell me that he loved me.  I know that our Heavenly Father would do the same and on an even great level.  I find so much comfort knowing this, it makes choosing happiness even in the valleys or climbing the mountains of life just a bit easier.

I feel so blessed to have a loving Heavenly Father.  I am grateful for the people that he has put in my life.  My husband, the man who has taken care of me, comforted me, gently rubbed my head and calmed my fears.  The man who has literally put everything on hold to help me get well.  He has shown his love for me and our family, time and time again through his actions.  Our family is stronger because of Trent.  Our family is happy and loving and kind and good, because of his example and love.

I often pray for Trent as the leader of our family.  What an incredible responsibility to hold.  And yet, he leads our family with such ease and confidence.  I know the experiences of the last few weeks have made him an even greater leader.  He has had to do things that he had never done before, make difficult decisions, and be brave and strong when I am sure he felt weak and alone.  But God has been right beside him, leading him. 

I feel as if our family has been protected, literally covered by God's grace these last few weeks.  My heart is full of gratitude tonight for my life, for my husband, our three sweet healthy children, our family and friends that have reached out to us in our time of need.  The daily phone calls checking in, emails, cards, flowers, dinners, babysitting, rides, and most importantly, prayers.  There have been so many people loving on our family, it has been amazing.

I thank God for all things. 

Life if good.

In Sickness and in Health

I think that there must be many times in a marriage when you look at your spouse and you truly know that they have your back.  That they love you, flaws, illnesses, quirks and all.  And it is in the safety, the comfort of that love that you are able to grow strong again, to heal.

The vows we made to each other on that hot July day, are not just a group of words, a pretty sentence.  They are real, they have meaning and are to be lived.  I have witnessed in our marriage how when one is weak, the other one is strong and helps pick up the slack.  But never before has there been a time in our marriage when not only was one weak, but one was  not able to participate in the day to day basics of life.  Not until two  weeks ago.

Postpartum depression/anxiety isn't fun.  In fact it is rather painful, mentally and physically.  It takes its toll on not just the individual but the family as a whole.  I am getting better everyday but it is a process.

I am thankful for a husband who has graciously and lovingly, without complaint,  taken care of me and our children during these last few difficult weeks.  He is my partner, my best friend, greatest fan, hero and forever love.

I love you honey Trent, now and forever!

Happiness is...............

  celebrating the awesomeness that is my husband and how hard he has worked over the last 4 years to get his degree in Business Management!!   

Honey, I am SO proud of you!!  The journey was long and difficult at times but you did it and you did it well!!  Thank you for working so hard for our family.  You are an inspiration to me and a wonderful role model to our children!

Love you baby!!

Life Lessons

Trent and Charlie, March 21, 2006

Life lessons I have learned this week.

*I don't need a break (a few weeks, days or hours) from my kids, my husband or my "life".  And if I feel that way then I just need to stick closer to the Big Guy, you know, God.  Even though I have learned this week that I get way more accomplished around here when one kiddo is off doing fun stuff, I have also learned that then the house is strangely quiet and I would rather have the noise and all my little buddies,  then an empty yet clean house :)

*It is really ok to leave dirty dishes in the sink over night.

*A stern, loud voice can break a spirit.  A gentle, yet firm voice can settle even the silliest of boys.

*Chocolate chip cookies don't taste as good as they use to.

*Life and death happen, but God has it all under control.

*I need to be more flexible and I am not talking about my body.

*I love my husband, I really, really, really love him. ( I didn't just learn that this week though!)

* The kids daily devotion was about letting vile things come from your mouth.  They used a story about 2 little girls that were talking badly about a friend. The story went on to say how God wants to be nice to others and not say mean things.  I think I need to be a better example of this to our children and my husband.  How often do they hear me not using the nicest words to describe someone or something.  How often do I run to Trent and "unload" my opinions and judgement of others.  Not too pretty.

*One of the biggest gifts I have been given is TODAY, right now.  So, what am I going to do with it?

My 4 Loves

The title says it all.

Just Like Daddy

 Thomas wants to do anything and everything that his Daddy does.  One of his favorite things to help with is mowing the grass.  He asks to do it even when there is 3ft of snow on the ground.  So, you can imagine his delight when he actually got to pull out his lawnmower and get down to business with Dad!  And Trent is so good with his "mini me", letting him help right beside him....or a little behind him :)

Happy Birthday Baby

Trent's birthday was last week.  The kids and I spent the day making cards and a cake for him.  Charlie worked for 2 days on the present he made for him, a dinosaur sticker mosaic picture.  He was really concerned if Daddy was going to like it or not.  He was really proud of it and asked Trent to not take it to work to display but leave it at home where it would be safe.  He is so cute!

We had a nice dinner, Trent's pick of pizza. We sang Happy Birthday and he opened his presents and cards while the kids scarfed down their cake.  Then it was time for everyone to clean up and head up stairs to watch our evening viewing of Little Bear (Daddy's favorite cartoon).

Trent is such a super guy.  He is a wonderful Daddy, playing with the kids and always letting them help out with a project....even when it would be easier or quicker for him to do it himself.  He reads them bedtime books at night and helps Charlie with his nightly reading.  He wrestles with the boys and lets them climb all over him and then laughs as to why they typically only attack him (honey, it is because you let them:).  I just love watching him with our children, it really warms my heart.

And words don't even really do justice to the kind of husband he is.  He is always kind, even when I don't deserve his kindness.  He is always loving to me, kissing me when he gets home or before he leaves.  He always makes sure that we have what we need and works really had to make sure that we have a lot of what we "want" too.  He never complains that I don't have dinner made or that the house is dirty.  He will sweetly remind me if he needs clean underwear and socks or just go down in the basement and throw a load of laundry in himself.

I hope you had nice birthday baby and I pray that your year will be blessed!

I love you!

It isn't just snow blowing

 

There has been a lot of this going on the last few weeks.  The boys love to help Daddy out in the snow and Trent is so patient with them and their "help".

 

I am so glad that the boys get to spend time like this with their Dad.  I know that not only is it really teaching valuable life skills, but more importantly it is building the bond of father and son. Which in my book is priceless!

mon coeur

mon coeur = my heart

Dear Mr. Lydic,
  You know I don't need a holiday to express my love for you.  But I will never refuse a reason to tell you how my heart is filled with love, love just for you!
  I woke up early this morning to feed a certain small child and I glanced your way.  Your head was laying sweetly on your pillow, one hand tucked under it, the other one  lightly leaning on the bedroom wall.  I could hear your breathing, long, shallow breaths.  You slept soundly, snuggled up in our warm blankets.  I thought you looked beautiful laying there and my heart swelled with love for you.

I said a prayer and thanked God for you. I love our children, I love our families, I love our friends and where we live.  I love our life.  But nothing matters if you are not laying next to me.

So Mr. Lydic, Happy Valentines Day.  I pray you know how much I love you, today.and.everyday!!

Apple Picking

Every year we have wanted to go apple picking but haven't gotten around to doing so. This year we made out way out to Eddy's Orchard and picked apples to our hearts content.

It was such a nice Fall day, cool, crisp air, slightly overcast with a mix of brilliant blue skies and warm sun rays.

It was so relaxing, not busy at all with crowds of people, and just a great family outing. Not to mention that we never want to buy apples at the grocery store again!!!

Wow, it is amazing the difference FRESH off the tree apples taste!

I think we all ate about 3 apples in our 30+ minutes that we picked, they are that good!
We will definitely be apple picking in the future. In fact we had to tell Tommy we would go back as soon as we ate all 18lbs of apples that we picked.
Which will probably be next week :)

Getting Ready For Baby: The Season of Slow

About a week ago (at 34w) the realization hit me that I have entered a new season in my life, the Season of Slow. No longer can I pack our schedule with playdates, Bible studies, school, doctor's appointments, house projects, cleaning or fun outings. Sure a few of those a week are fine, but not daily and not with the intensity that we have been going at. It is time to slow down, or so my body and God are telling me. When I am quiet and still and actually listen, I can hear God's direction for me to follow. This time I am listening :)

We have only a few shorts weeks before we will be blessed with the birth of our daughter. We can't wait, but we also know that it will be a time of transition and many sleepless nights (sleep is HUGE in our house!). I want to go into this beautiful time with as much inner peace, serenity and joy as possible.

I want to spend these next few weeks doing what is most important, spending time together and enjoying each other. It will never again be just Trent, I and the boys. And even though we are anxiously awaiting our little lady, we are also wanting to enjoy this time with just our favorite fellas.

So the calendar has been cleared. The necessities will continue to get done and we will fit in a few more fun outings before the big day arrives. We will still visit with friends and continue on with our schooling. And doctors appointments has become like playing trains at our house, something that happens almost daily :)

I am so grateful for this time. I am feeling pretty good most days and feel blessed for these next few weeks that I can spend preparing our family and home for another little person! I am grateful to have our boys close by and with me most of the time. And I couldn't of made it through some of these hard days and difficult situations that have presented themselves in the last few months without the love and constant support of Trent. I am forever grateful!

Baby Update: 35 weeks

(33weeks pregnant, photos courtesy big brother Charlie)

A lot has happened in the last few weeks. Baby girl is growing like a weed, she is healthy and strong and quickly filling my abdomen up! I easily become out of breath and depending on the way she is laying keeps me from standing still for more then a few minutes at a time. I am starting to have some mild swelling in my legs and feet and feel like my toes are more sausage like these days then actual toes. I think it is amusing, really.

Physically I am feeling better. For several months I was feeling horrible but it wasn't like any other pregnancy symptom I have ever experienced. I was exhausted beyond belief, just lifting my arm to blow dry my hair took great effort. I was shaky, dizzy and often felt like I might pass out. The worst times were in the morning and it was all I could do to get the boys breakfast and play with them for a few hours. By nap time I was done.

About 6 weeks ago I was diagnosed with Gestational Diabetes. After being put on a strict diet and following it to a tee, I was unable to maintain my blood sugar levels and was put on insulin. The insulin, though a pain in my bum, well actually stomach :), is making me feel SO much better. I check my blood 4 times a day and take insulin before each meal. I go every week to Diabetes Management to meet with my nurse, who inevitably ups my dosage of insulin at each meeting (this is typical, as the baby grows I will need more insulin), and monitor my levels. They follow pregnant ladies very closely, more so then even their typical diabetic patients. It is a good thing.

I am also now going to my OB every week for ultrasounds and non stress tests to make sure that the baby is not in any distress. Last week little Miss measured in at a whooping 6lbs....that is 2lbs above what she "should" weigh at this point and from here on out she could possibly gain 1/2 to 1lb a week. I don't even want to do the math at how big she could get, it will just be what it is going to be! I am doing my part and that is all I have control of :)

Little lady was breech last week but managed to flip and is now head down...for the moment anyways. My OB and ENDO are at odds about when I should be induced. My ENDO who manages my diabetes says that I shouldn't go past 38w which would put delivery about a week before Halloween. However, my OB won't induce me that early and is planning an induction for November 3rd, which is only 2 days before my due date...ugh! Of course this too could change but this is the plan at the moment.

At this point I am feeling the best I have during this pregnancy. The boys are getting settled into a good school routine, my energy is returning a bit, projects are quickly getting crossed off our list and we are getting excited to see our sweet girl.

Trent has been wonderful! He has listened to all my complaints, my groans, and my fears. He has rubbed my back and feet almost nightly, gone out to get groceries, cleaned the house, ran errands, took the boys out to give me a few minutes to myself, the bottom line.....he is just the best! I feel so blessed to have him as my husband and that God choose him to be the father of my children! This little girl is going to have the best Daddy in the world!

The backyard, yesterday and today

The other day I was fed up with our backyard. We had it all nice and pretty looking at the beginning of the summer. Mulch down, Daisies planted, porch painted. And then life happened. The kids strategically moved the mulch around the yard in their dump trucks, the dog dug up and ate the Daisies and we are in the midst of porch renovations. Oh and did I mention that I am 8 months pregnant and haven't the energy to pull weeds or fill in holes in the garden beds that said children and dog have dug?

Unfortunately, I voiced my disdain for the backyard to my dear, overworked, tired and sick husband and in not such a nice way either. I even think the word "Trashy" was used. Immediate shame and remorse filled my being. I hate it when I catch myself complaining about something so silly as the current state of our flower beds, it is ridiculous really.
*******

Today is a new day. My expectations are more realistic for the season of our lives. The boys and Miss S. are busy in the backyard playing. Miss S and Tommy are pretending that they are "going to Nie Nie and Papa's house" and Charlie is mining (digging holes on the side of the house), the dog eating an orange sand bucket and I am planning curriculum for the next week of school and blogging. The sun is out in full force and the sky is a bright blue, not a cloud in it and it is cool enough for a sweater.

The backyard feels so warm and inviting today, our own little green paradise. It is bright and big and full of laughter, it is beautiful and peaceful.
******
I apologized to my tired, sick and overworked husband last night. He is so forgiving and loving. He kindly reminded me that there had been a lot of big changes to our little oasis this summer...his way of telling me it is all ok, and it is, it is better then ok!

Lake Chautauqua Summer 2010

We had a great time at Lake Chautauqua, Ny on our annual summer lake trip. The first few days it was overcast and rainy, but that didn't stop our troops from having a great time. We found plenty of ways to enjoy the water. Charlie and Tommy waded in to their tummies, Charlie even lots a shoe but Daddy came to the rescue and fished it out of the mucky bottom of the lake:)

Charlie loved digging in the sand. He made a really cool sand "attraction", that had several tunnels and pathways, moats around castles and stone walls. He and Tommy had a great time filling up their buckets and letting the water rush through the chambers.

Tommy and Daddy had fun fishing on the docks and catching minnie perch. He loves to fish and it is a great tool in teaching him patience ;)

We also spent a lot of time painting rocks we found as well as a few wooden kits that I had picked up at the art store. Who would have known that 49cent wooden trains and boats would have kept us all busy for hours?

Daddy and the boys on the rocks (that Daddy use to play on when he was little) outside of the Casino in Bemus.

We spent a few days on Lake Erie and Grandma Pam and Grandpa Brian's new house. The boys had a fantastic time running on the beach and playing in the water.

Tommy cutting the grass with Grandpa Brian

Grandma Pam kept the boys busy having fun playing golf in the backyard.

We spent some time at the Choo Choo playground at our lakeside resort. They have an orange train (can you imagine the excitement???!!!!), tug boats, swings etc. It is really a cute set up and the boys LOVE it!

A visit to the Bemus Point Fire Department. Tommy was in Heaven!
Having fun in Bemus Point in front of the Lenhart Hotel. I think the bearded lady was all our favorite :)

EARLY morning snuggles.

We went on lots of rides, played a lot of games and rode the train as many times as we wanted at Midway Park.

And we walked the entire trail through Panama Rocks. Trent took the boys through all the caves and in all the nooks and crannies of the huge rock formations. This place is so beautiful and amazing. I can't wait until the kids are older and we can really explore all the caves and fun hideaway sites this place has to offer. It was a great hike, but I literally thought I might die by the very end. I am pretty sure that not many other ladies have attempted to hike the rocks at 8 months pregnant....anything for my guys!

Arent' these fellas just the cutest?!
Charlie loves to go into this tree each time we are at the Rocks. I am not sure if he and his little side kick will fit in it next year.

Once again the Lake provided us with a great week full of fun and adventure. We make so many great family memories there and love to visit all of our family and friends when we are in town.