Fun pictures of the kiddos, updates...what is NEW!!

It has been way too long since I have posted a "personal" blog post. I am sorry about that, but really...life has been busy around our house. I have been really enjoying my children, and time on the computer has been less these days. I know that I need to blog about my life, my kids, our experiences we go through, and I am going to really try to do that more. I know that I have friends and family that check my blog for updates, and I have been slacking. My kids change constantly, and I want to journal their lives on my site. So, here are some recent photos of my adorable children.

Caleb sometimes gets creative with his food. This is a picture of a spinach leaf dressed in black olives. Caleb is really growing lately, and I can't seem to feed him enough. He must be going through a growth spurt...or something. I will feed him (lots) and less than a hour later he is asking me about a snack. So, I just assume he is in a growing stage. Caleb has been talking a lot about God, Jesus, and Heaven lately. I love his curiosity and awe. He is so inquisitive and bright. Caleb's conversations are enlightening and he is really fun to converse with. He has some great thoughts and ideas, and he has an impressive memory! If we need to remember something, we tell Caleb because he will remind us.

He always keeps us laughing with the things he says, still. His favorite things to do currently is playdoh, reading books, doing arts, playing his Leapster and watching Shaun the Sheep videos.

Madelyn is almost two, and loves to follow Caleb around. She loves to copy him and keep up with what he is doing. She is a princess, girly-girl and is really enjoying her dolls, make-up (pretend), her purse, kitchen/dishes set and fingernail polish. She is really learning a lot and her vocabulary is daily expanding. She can count to twenty easily, and knows most of her colors and shapes. She amazes me with what she knows. Madelyn loves to be cuddled, held, and really craves to have her love tank filled with closeness. I could never get too many hugs, so I am totally loving that she craves that. Madelyn is a petite little girl. She currently weighs #25 pounds. She will have her 3 year check up next month.

Madelyn currently loves to play with her dolls, reading, coloring, playdoh, doodle pad, and anything Caleb is doing. She is consistently making comments on how she wants to be in gymnastics and be an ice skater. I really think that she would be good at those two sports because she is very flexible, small frame, and loves to dance. We shall see...

Nathaniel is currently back in the public school as a fifth grader. He LOVES his teacher, and she is amazing. She is a big believer in children learning, not just getting a good grade. If her students get problems wrong, she gives them a chance to correct their work for credit. I think that is a great teacher! She has said to me that Nathaniel is a delight to have in class. She loves how he is so polite and has such great conversational skills. She says that he brightens his day and makes it special. That makes me so proud as a Mom. I think Nathaniel is very thoughtful and has such a big heart. Nathaniel is at the point that his friends are really important to him, and he would love to spend a great portion of his time with his friends. I think Nathaniel is entering the puberty stage, because he is growing lots, has the "growing pains," and goes through spurts of eating/not eating much. He excels in his studies and he is doing super in school.

Currently Nathaniel loves to read (the bigger/challenging book, the better), trading pokemon cards, playing video games, and building with his Bionicles/Legos. Terry and him really enjoy double video gaming on the computers, too...playing Age of Empire.
Cole is a very happy, and very funny 1 year old. I am seeing so much similarities between Cole and Nathaniel, when Nathaniel was little. Cole loves to smile, and if he is crying...it is because he is really hurt (feelings or physically). Cole is practically running and he loves to climb up on EVERYTHING! I haven't had a climber yet until Cole, so he keeps me on my toes. One time I was in the bedroom putting the kid's clothes away and Cole was talking away. Soon I heard Cole yell out something and I look to see where he is. He was at the top of the ladder to the top bunk! It freaked me out! He loves to climb. So, if you come to our house and see all the dining room chairs away from the table, it is our defense to keep Cole off the table. :) Cole loves music and dancing. If there is music, Cole tries to sing, bobs his head and dances around. He finishes our phrases, like when I sing, "Happy Birthday," he says, "to YOU!" It is adorable. He can wave bye-bye, blows and gives kisses (mouth open), points to everything, says quite a few phrases, and loves to greet Dad when he gets home from work. He tries to keep up with Caleb and Madelyn, so I feel like my baby is growing up too quickly. I am wrapping up with nursing, so that is a change for him and I.

Caleb loves to pose and then he says, "Take a picture of me doing this!"

Caleb and Madelyn posing. Are they trying to be spiderman poses? Too bad Cole wasn't turned around for the picture.

Madelyn in her pose to mimic Caleb's. They are two peas in a pod.

Caleb just relaxing...

I really like this picture of Nathaniel. He is really changing lately...growing into manhood. He will be getting braces this year, sometime. At his last Orthodontist appointment he was told to get three teeth out. The Doctor said, "Be one with the wiggle." Nathaniel and I thought that was funny and clever. He achieved the goal, and now he is ready for the work to be done. (we aren't ready for the bill yet, though).
Cole consistently has a smile on his face. He can be a little shy when he meets someone for the first time, and he is more of a mama's boy right now. But with a little warming up, he loves to be with people...especially other kids.

I love this picture of my wonderful children. It is a challenge to get a picture of all the kids looking and smiling. I love that I am their mom, and that God specifically chose me to be their mom. I am so thankful for them!

Updates around our house:
I have been really behind with "milestones" for my sweet little guy. I missed his 9 month check up...it was 10 1/2 months. I missed his 12 month check up, it was 13 months (he is #22) and I didn't have an actual birthday party for him...plus I have yet to post a ONE YEAR blog post for him. It is my priority this week. I tell you...I don't love him less or think he is less important, I just have been so busy with life. We did celebrate his birthday with my mother-in-law and our family up North, but timing around his birthday was crazy busy. We are planning on celebrating Madelyn and Cole's birthday together next month, though.

We have our house on the market and we are planning (hoping) on moving. We don't have concrete plans for when we move, but we would like to implement a camp ground business.

We have been going to a different church and we are totally loving it and growing in our relationship with God. God is totally at work in our lives and he is using this church in HUGE ways! Today, Terry and I renewed our vows, along with 100+ other couples. Our church did a wedding after one of the talks this weekend, and then the renewing of vows took place! It was awesome!! I will have to write more about it soon. I just want to say Thank You God!

Well, since it is after midnight I should get to bed. I am trying to get to bed on a decent time because I know it is healthier to get my rest.

Family Fall photos (with updates)

I cannot believe that my baby is already 9 months old! Seriously, time just flies by so quickly! Cole is an amazing little boy. He is very busy, too! At 9 months, he is crawling (like speed crawling), all over the floors & up the stairs. He loves to pull himself up and walk all around furniture. One of his favorite "hiding" spots is under the kitchen table.

Cole has just recently realized that the doors in the kitchen open up, and he loves to open and shut them over and over. He really enjoys hanging out where ever we are.
Cole loves to pet our dog, and he does the sign for dog. I am not sure if he realizes he is signing, or not, but it is still cute. Cole loves to eat table food, and we are loving our Food Mill to grind up his food. He loves snacking on Cheerios and cheese, and pears are one of his favorite fruits.
Cole loves to be held, cuddled, kissed and snuggled. He is still nursing, but lately he has been experimenting the chew-motion with his two new bottom teeth. Momma isn't very fond of that. So, he had better stop while he is ahead, and wants to keep a good thing (a.k.a. nursing), or we will have to find an alternative.
Cole tries his best to keep up with the other three kids. He is quick, and I don't think it will be long before he is running right along with them. He is a very happy baby, and I just am overwhelmed with love for him. Happy 9 month to you, Cole!
Woo hoo~ check out the photo of Madelyn smiling! It can be challenging getting a photo of her with her genuine smile. Many times she is posing her cheesy grin, or has a mellow look.

I love this photo! She is my princess....and I am just filled to the rim in love with my little dolly!
Caleb is getting so tall. He is such a handsome little guy! He is doing pre-school home school this year. We do what we can. I am reading a lot to the kids, and we are learning how to use the scissors right now. Caleb loves to cut things out. He does very well on his colors, shapes, what is different/same, and his counting. He loves pre-school. I am just so loving my sweet, comical, and caring Caleb!
Here is an inside family photo of our family. I am so thankful for my husband and children.
Here are my four beautiful children. Getting a photo of multiple children can be a challenge. I love this one, because of Madelyn's sweet pose. What a little honey!

Here are Nathaniel's (home school) yearly photos for fifth grade. He is such a handsome guy!
I can't believe he is going to be 11 years old this week! I can't believe I have been a mom that long either! He is so precious, and I am so blessed to be chosen for his mom. Nathaniel you are such a great son! You are the twinkle in my eye, and you bring so much joy to me. I love that you are so generous, thoughtful, giving, and loving. You are intuitive, and usually know when I would love a hug, need a kind word, and more. Thank you for being such a great son, and for being who you are! I thank my God for you! Nathaniel~ means gift from God, and that is exactly what you are!
Happy eleventh birthday Nathaniel! I am so proud of you~
Here are some more photos of the kids:




Cole was giving his "funny face," were he gets really excited and makes a surprise look. It is way adorable!
Here is another snap shot of his funny face. I think it is too cute!
Here is an outside family photo. I still am amazed how our family has grown and changed in the five (plus) years that I have been married. I am so beyond blessed with a wonderful, caring, and loving husband...four beautiful, healthy, fun-loving children, and a lake-home roof over our head. God is good~ all the time. I take my blessings for granted too often, and I owe God all the credit for all I have. Thank you Jesus!
I am currently cancer-free, and I am so thankful for that! Home school is going. I am struggling some, but I know that we will get through it. If you have any suggestions, or helpful ideas...shoot me an e-mail, or leave a comment. We have been busy getting the outdoors ready for winter. Terry has been getting a ton of wood cut, and will be splitting/stacking it for next winter. We had to buy a new furnace this year (unfortunately $$-wise) but we needed it. Work has been a bit on the slower side for Terry, but we are thankful for a job with benefits.

I want to thank my wonderful mother-in-law for taking all of these photos! You are the best mom-in-law ever! I am so thankful for you, and for raising such a great man! I love you!

I will try to keep up with the posting, but things get so busy around here. I don't get much time to get on the computer as I would like. I hope all of you are well, and that the Lord is blessing you.

What is up with you??

Seriously, I have been really rather scarce in the "bloggin' world," really. Not intentionally, either. I love blogging, posting family photos, telling stories, sharing memories, sharing funny things my kids do/say, product reviewing, hosting contests....all that blogging is for. What has been happening lately? I am really not totally sure, but I think that I got a bit burnt out. I think I said, "yes," too much, and not enough of "not right now", or "no" to the requests. I can see from the past few months, that my blogging has become less of me, and more of reviews. I am so sorry about that. I got so busy, and everything got piled up. I have some catching up to do, and I hope you will all understand.
I haven't even been keeping up with the daily reviews and personal life stories, photos, or the like. I am sorry to all my readers who have come to see what is going on with me, as a person...to find not much new posted. Actually, we have been quite busy, and I fully intend to catch up, if that is possible. I have been through surgery to remove the melanoma in my ear. I am recovering, and healing! Praise the Lord the melanoma is gone from my ear, too! I just saw the Plastic surgeon on Tuesday, and he said it is looking good. I told him that I feel like I am sleeping on a rock, and asked if that will get better. He wasn't sure, but he said he could fix it in about 6 months if I am still having a hard time. I saw my dermatologist on Wednesday, and she checked me over again. We decided to have another mole removed on my back, and the surgery is set for the end of August. This surgery will take awhile, since the mole is bigger. I have had this mole most of my life (I believe) but it does concern her. I am praying that it is a cancer free mole. So, this is a worrisome fear on my heart, and I know I need to put my trust in God for good results. I also had Nathaniel in to see the dermatologist and had him remove a mole from his right temple. I hope that the results will be cancer-free for him, too. So, we ask for prayer that any and all moles removed are free of cancer, and that our trust remains strong in the Lord.
My blogging is going to be getting back to more of personal life and less of reviews. I won't be giving up on reviews, because I LOVE doing them. Plus, I like being "in the know" of what is out there. I am going to do my best to keep you all up to date on what is going on with my family, me, and our life. I want to put up lots of pictures of my kids, and their funny stories. Also, I don't want to lose touch with all the wonderful blogging friends I have made! I am sorry that I haven't been around much, but I hope to get back into the swing of things. I know my mind has been so much on the melanoma, and just life being so busy with 3 kids under the age of 4 and a pre-teen child. Plus, it is summer...so, that is less time indoors and at the computer. Thanks for hanging in with me. I hope we see more of one another. God bless you! Happy 4th of July!!

Speaking of...

Caleb was cracking me up today, and good thing because when he wasn't saying something funny, he was getting himself into T.R.O.U.B.L.E with a capitol "T."

This morning while we were eating breakfast, Nathaniel made a comment about the very un-nutritious cereal they were eating.

Nathaniel: "They say that cereal has Vitamin D and Vitamin C in it, but if you eat too much you get a stomach ache." I told him it was misguided information and not correct. The company likes to put that on the box so it can look good to the consumer.

Then Caleb says, "Hey Mom, speaking of vitamin C, could I have a vitamin, please?"

Later on this morning, we were down stairs and Caleb said he was a candy eater. (I am not sure how that came up). Anyway, he pipes up, "Speaking of candy, can I have some candy, please?"

Then, we went over to Candace's house to babysit Claudia, and we were playing with the kid kitchen "play food." Madelyn handed me a cloth "pretend" piece of cheese. I said, "This is cheese. Can you do the sign for cheese?"

Caleb says, "Speaking of cheese, I think it is time to have some supper."

It was so funny! I am not sure where he got it from, but I am loving it! I told Terry about it when he got home, and he said that Caleb did that one other time, too, and it was pretty funny.

OH, Speaking of funny (ha ha), well...kind of weird. Yesterday, we had a flying visitor in our three season porch yesterday. Caleb and Maddie called me into the living room to see what was in there. We had a bird in our porch. Our screen door is currently broken (kind of). So, with it being cracked open slightly, and the wind blowing....the bird rose to the occasion to pay us a visit. It was pretty freaked out. I finally got it to go over to the door to make bail, but the poor little thing probably had mild heart attacks.

Here are some fun new things.... and some fun facts of my darling children!

Madelyn loves playing dress-up, and this is one of her favorite costumes. Thanks goes out to my dear friend, Anna, for the clothes she gave us!
I have the Tupperwear ball with all the shapes (love this toy!!) and Madelyn is really enjoying the challenges right now. I am impressed with her skills at putting the shapes into the correct spot. She even knows when the shape isn't quite in the correct angle, she needs to move it one way or the other to make it fit. I think that is impressive for being just "newly" two years old. She also likes to line up her crayons in a row, nicely and organized. I am not sure what the "experts" would classify this as, but I think it is adorable that she likes to line up the crayons.
Caleb makes a great head, body, legs and arms when drawing a person. He even draws the eyes, nose and mouth. I scheduled him for his pre-school screening in a few weeks, and I know that a person is something that they need to try drawing. So, when we had his birthday party (which I still need to blog, ahem....) I was drawing a person on the sidewalk in chalk. So, I called Caleb over and just showed him what a person needs. He was all excited and started drawing people. Now, when we are coloring or drawing, he is making people. He made a great looking person today over at Candace's house. He wanted Candace to have it, so it had to stay there. Caleb loves climbing trees so much, too! He also loves to "pee" outside on the trees, too. There is something about going outside that is so much fun!
Cole tries to sit up now. He will sit for a few minutes before he starts leaning over to one side. He loves to laugh at his brother, Caleb, who thoroughly loves getting him to giggle. It is so precious. Cole is drooling like crazy, and has been more spit-upy (I know it isn't a word, but it works). So, I am thinking he may be working on teeth. I could be totally wrong, though, because I think that with every kid, and I am usually calling that one too early. Cole loves his Jumperoo from Fisher-Price (totally the best jumper) and his exersauser ~which he can walk around in circles (another totally cool baby item). I had Cole in for his 4 month check up a couple of weeks ago, now. (told you I am behind a bit with blogging). He was 4 months and two weeks for his visit. He was just over #13 pounds and ranking the 88% percentile for his height. I don't have all the calculations here at my desk, but I was impressed with his growth and where he fit in the national percentiles....not that I weigh too much on the stats. He is a happy and healthy (big) boy.

Nathaniel came back from visiting his dad this weekend, and he creatively made a bow and arrow~ BY HAND! He carved a stick, removing all the bark, and formed it into a bow. Then, he shaved another stick down into an arrow. He said he had a fun time working on it. His Dad helped with the arrow, he said. It is pretty impressive, and of coarse, I had to take pictures of him with it. I think he was pretty proud of it, and he should be. I think home school has been a great start to his educational road to learning. :)
Isn't he handsome? He is getting so tall and growing so much! I can tell he is nearing the puberty stages. They already watched "THE MOVIE," as he calls it. It is a movie where they talk about the changes boys/girls go through when they reach puberty. I know they show this because many don't get the information from their parents, but I do think that parents should be the source of teaching these life lessons. So, we had some talks about all that.
Nathaniel only has 2 more days of school for the end of the school year for 4th grade. He has a field trip tomorrow (all day) and an all-school picnic with games, relays and food on Friday. He is really looking forward to summer vacation. I am really proud of him with his grades! He has done a great job bringing up his grades this year. He is challenged with spelling and essay writing, but we will work on that more in home school. I am thinking we will be homeschooling him next year. (more prayers....please pray for our direction on this). Nathaniel has scored phenomenally on his NCWA testing and MCA testing. He is in the high 90's for percentiles in Math and Reading. I am really proud of his scores, and what he has learned. I firmly believe that his 3 years of home school have greatly impacted his education and learning.

So, that is some updates. I promise to write up the blog post on Caleb's birthday (SOOOO....belated). But, I really want it to be a great post. I will also put up a contest or two tomorrow, too! Stay tuned!

Christmas time is here...

It was a great day yesterday! We went to church in the morning, and fellowship with our church family. I found out that my uncle is home after a major surgery, so that was a Praise the Lord! He had surgery on his brain to remove blood build-up from a fall he had this summer! Scary stuff! My Dad went through the same ordeal about 10 years ago. When my Dad went through the surgery, he didn't have an easy recovery, though. Anyway, I was so happy to hear that my uncle is doing great.
We came home for lunch, and made our "left-overs" into very tasty food. I had a left over roast, and neither Terry and I are big time left-over lovers....especially dry roast. Terry made up his own version of BBQ sauce, and we added some water, shredded the beef, and made a scrumptious Shredded BBQ! It was so tasty! I put mine on buttered toasted bread. Am I making you hungry? I wish there was more left-overs...isn't that funny? Well, at least I will know what to do next time we have roast. Terry is great with making new recipes from scratch.
After lunch, Caleb and Madelyn took their naps. By the way, Caleb is doing amazing with potty training! He is keeping his underwear dry at naps now! He insisted on wearing underwear to church Sunday morning. He had not been away from home in underwear yet, just pull-ups. He just keep insisting on underwear. So, we let him do it, but prepared ourselves with back-up clothing. He made it through the rides to and from church, and for the duration of church. Not only that, he made it through nap time dry, and kept it dry after nap when we went to get our Christmas tree! I am so proud of him!! I am so relieved for us, too~~
Speaking of getting our tree...it was a chillier day for it. I am so glad we got our tree earlier this year! I would love to keep it right after Thanksgiving~if possible, so we can enjoy it longer.
We have been going to the same tree farm for 3 years. It is a bit pricey, so I would like to find something cheaper. I am not a fan of the long silky needles (they are messy and the ornaments are hard to put on). I love the Scotch Fir, but those are way to pricey. So, we went with the Blue Spruce. We get the small needles, and it is very fragrant. I love it! Here are some pictures of our tree searching and cutting.
Caleb was very cold, and was not very happy...so he looks really sad in this picture.
He was a little happier in this picture because Dad said he can help cut the tree down...then, we can go home.
Caleb loves any opportunity to help out his Dad.

Nathaniel loved that he could help push the tree over. Doesn't it look like he is working tough?
Cutting the netting from the tree...
Caleb helping cut the netting, Madelyn watching in amazement...
Look how Madelyn is watching as she holds on to Daddy...so sweet!
Nathaniel was "caught" in the web-o-net. He can be such a card sometimes. :)
My three little darlings! They were so thrilled to have the tree up. We got really ambitious and decorated the whole tree, the living room, and pulled out all the other decorations! I can't believe it is all done!
Nathaniel was getting the lights all ready for stringing.
Leave it to Nathaniel to make a "chore" into something fun! He is so funny!
Nathaniel helped Terry string all the lights on! They put up 3 long strands~ one set is blinking lights.
Madelyn loved the lights. She sat right in them and was just dazzled by them!
I love this picture. She put the lights over her head and just clung on. It was like the lights were her blanket. Isn't her little hand clenched cute?
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care...can you tell Terry was a rock climber? Those tools work super on our chimney with no mantle!
Maddie got to put the star on the tree.
Caleb got to place the star at the top.
Nathaniel had his turn to put the star at the top.
Terry even got his turn to work with that Star. No, I didn't take a turn. I am not so sure my belly would allow me to get very close to the tree with leaning in.

Merry Christmas from our family to you!