Happy Belated Easter

Time is flying by over here…Currently, I am 20.5 weeks pregnant with baby # 4 (its a boy). Yes, Mr. Smiles is going to have a little buddy to wrestle with.
We have had some major diet changes over here: We are currently a “Gluten Free and Dairy (almost) free house) more on that to come!
K. Bear is riding a “big girl” bike like a champ and going to do quite well as a big sister to two little guys! Pumpkin is rocking the house with school reading at a 2nd/3rd grade reading level and delighting us with her love for knowledge. Mr.Smiles is full of energy and spunk. “Boys will be boy’s” I’m pretty sure if I looked at his toes close enough I would see suction cups on his toes…because that kid can climb anything!
Did you know if you plant jelly beans …you would get

 Suckers!!!

 Thank you to my kiddos for keeping me on my toes everyday and teaching me to savor the moment!


A Story of Mary

Yes, it is the end of February and I have not been on the blogging world in what seems like forever. However, I will say it has been with good reason….back in early December little did I know I was about to begin a new chapter in my life! One of complete “Faith” !
Growing up as a child I always played “house”, had the most “babies”, was the neighborhood babysitter, and the church babysitter. My life has virtually revolved around kids! Fast forward 8 years….my lovely husband and I now have 3 beautiful children of our own and my love cup is overflowing.
As I lay in bed one night I found myself beginning to look forward to the next chapter of my life “Preschool and Beyond” leaving behind the chapter of “Diaper Duty”!
I prayed a very simple prayer; 
“Dear God, my mind and heart are in what seems to be a constant battle….one of moving forward and one of living in my ‘comfort’ baby zone. As I look ahead to what you may have planned for me and my family I pray that my mind, heart, and soul be open to all things.”
Fast forward a couple more weeks; 
Sitting at church listening to the story of Mary (one I have heard 100 times)

“Behold thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and shalt bring forth a son; and thou shalt call his name Jesus. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of David his father; and he shall reign in the house of Jacob forever.”

The priest proceeded to ask the congregation; “Could we too be as brave and fearless as Mary to go forth and do what the Lord asks of us?” Sitting there I thought…how strong Mary had been…to not question or have any self doubt….how admirable!! Could I be as brave? Could I do as I was asked without hesitation?

Little did I know….I already had!!
Three + One = Four
That’s Right! The Wednesday before Christmas we found out we were going to be a family of “6” “Dear God!!” this is what I wanted, right? Questions, fears, and self doubt (can I seriously handle 4 kids under 7?) have filled my mind over the months all to be comforted in knowing these few things….
We have a family that is full of love!
We have shelter!
We have food!
We have water!
And yes, “Faith”!!!
I know by “faith” in doing the things we are “called” we will have peace within ourselves. The greatest gift of all! When we desire the things in life that are not ours or were never meant for us it is only then that we experience feelings of failure, uncertainty, and jealousy! Traits which are not nearly as admirable… 
Baby Blessing #4 looks forward to meeting everyone in August 2012!

From baby to big boy!!

Mr. Smiles is in a toddler bed  he is doing great and we couldn’t be more proud of our little man!


 He is 18 months going on “3” (at least). He wants nothing more than to be like the big kids. When mommy walked in to find him horizontal on the front of the crib it was time to take down the rail. He is our youngest crib to bed transitioner (is that a word?) but so far so good.

He has even mastered the in and out! Naps are a bit more tricky these days as the toys in his room are ever so tempting. However, Im happy to say when the sleepy sand starts to come…our smart little guy will make his way into his bed for a snooze! Nice job buddy 🙂

 Keep up the good work!! Love, Mommy and Daddy

O’yes, and the stats on our man;
Tooth number 9 is popping through as of today
Weighing in at 23lbs (10-25%)
Height 32 inches (50%)
Say’s Momma, Dadda, T, Nonna, Papa, Ball, Uh-O, Santa, Tree, and sign language of coarse (our saving grace with all of our kids!)
Loves; his sisters, balls, trains, trucks, to eat, and play babies with his big sisters 🙂