Monthaversary

Today is Kevin and my Monthaversary. We have been married 9 years and two months. It was something I watched my parents do. Every 30th of the month they would see who could say happy monthaversary first, and that person would win. I don't know if there was much of a prize, but just maybe some friendly competition. A friendly competition I have won most of the time, yet he seems to win when it counts.

I got thinking we will be celebration out 10th anniversary this year, and I am chuckling to recall where we thought we would be by this year. Or what we thought we could do for it. Like 10 years ago large, extravagant trips, and worldwide travel would be commonplace in our life....and it is not. During our last anniversary I was sick with a fever, and that was a new way to celebrate, but it made me think I need acknowledge the important things more, and not just wait for a certain day to come around.

So here is my challenge this year, to highlight on this blog the things I appreciate about Kevin...hopefully posting on the 23rd of the month. Technically I guess I have missed a few months out of this year, but with all the posting about the kids and the changes in our lives, I want to acknowledge the man who is the biggest part of this families success, and that is my very own husband. So check back over the next few months and see what I see in Kevin.

A New Perspective

I am pretty proud of myself, I uploaded these pictures from my phone. Granted I do not have a smart phone yet, but I think we'll upgrade when our contract is renewed.

The kids have been a little sick, from colds, to stuff up noses, we have been a little busier than usual. But it is also nice to have some down time and rest time.

Here we are at a play date with some friends. Here Daniel is with his first admitted girlfriend. He just likes to play with her toys.

The weather has been unseasonable beautiful. We broke out the sunglasses and played in the yard. I am bracing myself for the snow, but until it comes we will get out of the house!
This year so far has already brought a few changes, and for me it is a new viewpoint on life. While having some fellowship time with some friends, Kevin and I were prayed for, and it came out that I had fear in my relationship with God. And it was true. I was afraid to talk to God about my situations and life because I was afraid of His response. That it was going to shake and change God if I really opened up to him. Life hasn't been the easiest, or what I would have expected. With the walls breaking down in my life, I am realizing a new perspective on God and His love. What life as a Christian really means. Who can separate us from the Love of God? We battle not against flesh and blood, that He loves us so much that He gave His all...and my prayer this year is that I can share His love with my family and friends and receive it in a deeper way.

Merry Christmas and to a Great New Year.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Here is what has been going on since Thanksgiving. Here are the boys in front of the house, we were able to decorate this year, and that was a highlight.

We have been visiting the Syracuse Science Museum, which has been very fun, and here Daniel is in a heart :-). It is really fun watching them get all into the exhibits.
My cousin delivered her second little girl, Annabella. She is so peaceful, and looks a lot like her sister.
Here we are getting our tree and wreath. Notice the lack of snow?
Here are the kids Christmas morning. We went to a Candlelight service on Saturday and gave the kids PJ's. We don't do Santa Clause, but give the kids each three toys to represent what the wise men gave Jesus. I don't have anything against Santa, but that was on of my family traditions. Kevin filled up the stockings, one of his family traditions, and it was great videoing it all for future reference.
I hosted Christmas for the first time, and this was the first time we had it at our house. The Turkey came out perfect!
Rachel was at the hip helping out and trying to cook with me. I also enjoyed using my mom's cookies recipes and making all of the cookies I remember making with her.
So this season is still bittersweet. My Dad and sister left today for Iowa, for a year, and even though we will see them a few times this year, I felt like I was just getting used to all of us being together. I do know the change is good, and know God can use the time apart, as much as He can use the time we have together. 2011 was definitely a time of adjustment and change. I am looking forward to getting back into shape, running a few races this year, watching the kids learn and grow, going camping and enjoying even more of upstate NY. God willing, I am ready for 2012 and all that it will bring.

Thanksgiving 2011

After having a horrible sickness on our anniversary and spending it in bed with fever, I thankfully (by the grace of God) was well enough the next day for us to travel to north Philadelphia to spend Thanksgiving at Kevin's brother's new home. It was a quick 4 1/4 hour trip, and we had a great time. Well, better for me because it is so easy to travel without diapers, pack-in-plays, and strollers. Here are the kids with their cousins Lila and Juliette.

We were about an hour away from the Crayola factory, so we made the trip and the kids really enjoyed it! It was very interactive, and Daniel got a picture with the world's biggest crayon.
It was in the same building as the Canal Museum, and the boys almost enjoyed that just as much. They loved navigating their boats through the locks.
Daniel and Pepere playing one of his Christmas games. He is in love with Legos now.
Here is another picture of the cousins in the front yard.
And now we are now getting ready for the Christmas season. We plan on getting a real tree (a first for us), decorating with lights, another first, and spending Christmas home...for the first time. In a few days we will mark the anniversary of us moving out here. What a difference a year makes!

You Can Prepare the Horse for Battle

But the Lord brings the victory ~ Proverbs 21:31

We are almost ready now for winter. We have the truck, the wood, the extra food, and a little more wisdom than last year. But in all that preparation, God is the one who is helping us get settled, putting the right people in our life, and directing our steps.

Evening wrestling time with Kevin.

Here Rachel is talking on the phone with Aunty Nay. All the kids are doing better sitting for webcams, or talking on the phone.
Buddy and Noah carving pumpkins...notice the same hooded technique.
Michael is now 6! It was last year for his birthday that we came out for the job interview, and it is amazing to reflect on the last year.
We just finished up our 8 weeks of co-op for the fall, and tomorrow night they have the kid's showcase. It has been a very quick 8 weeks, and I have really gotten to know a great bunch of ladies in the LEAH (loving education at home) group. They are from all over the county, and a wealth of information and encouragement. With that being said I am looking forward to getting into a groove with the kids over the next winter months.

We are heading out to Philly for Thanksgiving and will soon be celebrating our 9th anniversary. I am saying that now because it seems like I can only pull together a once a month post. Here are the highlights until I write again.

1,2,3,4

One soccer player, well at least the first time we got successfully through an organized sport. He also is doing very well on piano lessons and played his first song today.

One pile of wood, we cut and split, and put into our basement. Not enough however to fill up our basement but for our first year it is a good start.
Two dancing princesses. Rachel had Hadessa over for a tea party, and it was so cute to watch them play together.

Three, third times a charm. We ran out of diapers and started potty training, Noah is lots easier than Daniel was. He still has his accidents, but it has been a little over a week, and we are doing well.

Four. Here is our newest four year old. She loves our evening chats, and often has so much to say she stumbles over her words because she can't get them out fast enough.

We got a truck last week and sold our car, so we are getting set for the winter time. Talking about change of seasons, there is change in the air with my dad needing to take a job farther away for a year, and then retire. It is a tough change, but if there is something that brings you to your knees and closer to God(right Sandra?), then it is alright, and you know you can persevere.

Once Upon a Time

We went to a fall festival for my birthday. I love enjoying the fall. We have been to lots of orchards, eaten lots of apples, and played in lots of leaves. The kids at a corn maze...Daniel got us out!

My favorite picture of the kids right now...yes they are all naked...
Kevin and I doing our first 5K together. We finished in under 30 min, not bad for us out of practice runners.
I wanted to get this post in before October. I am finally feeling a little older, but learning to grow out of perfectionism. The more I know, the more I know I don't know. Looking forward to posting next family highlight...Rachel's 4th birthday!