Little Beauties

All four on skates

2012-01-11T09:32:00.001-06:00

Santa brought the beauties ice skates this year, per HUGE request from each of them.

They wanted to "be like sissy" and ice skate.

When Saturday morning dawned, they were so excited to be able to begin their lessons.

Chloe was as proud as they come. Running around introducing her little sisters to all her teachers. She was such a big helper, showing them how to walk and balance. She smiled the entire time the triplets were on the ice. Commenting and grading their every move.

They were so many kids waddling around, unsure of what to do. Jocelyn, Farrah and Silvie listened and watched their teacher so inquisitively, studying carefully what they were going to do when they first took the ice.

After the on ice instruction was finished, they steadily approached the ice.

Silvie was the first to go, then Farrah and then Jocelyn.

They moved slowly and carefully, standing back up each time they tumbled. So excited to keep doing it.

They did remarkably well. After the lesson came to an end, they wanted to keep going. None of them wanted to remove the skates from their cold little tootsies.
Chloe took the ice for her lesson after the triplets. She is moving right along. Is precise and steady and excited every week to learn more. She is in a lesson with just one other girl (who is much older) and is working very diligently on passing to the next level. She is almost there, just one skill she needs to master to move up.

It's amazing to me how fast they are all growing up.

Proud Momma. Proud Grandmas and Poppy too!

Take Three

2012-01-03T20:22:00.000-06:00

We were all smiles again the day after to celebrate with Grandma Val and Grandpa Dave.

We managed to get one family picture this weekend...we couldn't get Jocey to smile, but she still looks pretty sweet.

Farrah was quite excited to play Santa.

Although...so were her sisters, they were not about to let her do it all alone.

Here is what she thought about that!

Jocelyn gives a smile showing off her new boots from Aunt Ande and Haley.

Silvie waiting so patiently for her turn to open.

Sassy McSasserson

Dads Against Daughters Dating...need I say more?

It was another day with people that we love.

We couldn't be more thankful for our wonderful families.

Here's to being together!

Grammy and Poppy's

2012-01-03T15:09:00.000-06:00

So much excitement on Christmas.

After our morning nap, we continued on our day, to Grammy and Poppy's house.

We even arrived before my brother and his family. Yeah us!

I joked with my Dad, that we actually considered coming over at 6 a.m. because I knew he would have loved to have us there that early!

It's a zoo, wherever we are. Now we have hats to prove it!

Shadow box shelves for all of our "little treasures"

Poppy showing off the new holiday wreath that the Beauties gave to him and Gram!

Beauty time

It was a fantastic day of fun and family.
It couldn't have been a more wonderful day!

Christmas Morning

2011-12-29T11:34:00.000-06:00

We experienced our first year of "very early wake-up" on Christmas morning.

5:15 a.m.

It was still dark out. Matt and I were startled awake by shrills from upstairs.

Matt's response was "they need to back back to bed for a while." While, remembering back to the many years my brother and I woke my parents before daylight, I responded with, "it's Christmas, they are excited, let's let them open presents!"

The beauties and I outranked Daddy, and the gift opening was on!

Farrah was very excited about her giraffe socks.

Jocelyn of course sporting penguins.

Silvie in her cheetahs.

Chloe smiling in her giraffes.

Silvie took so much time and caution opening each of her gifts. She savored ever moment. Studying, admiring and loving her presents.

Santa brought each of the Beauties new ice skates! The triplets cannot wait to skate like their big sissy.

Farrah with her Farrah Fawcett barbie.

The Kaya doll....oh how badly she wanted this doll.

Chloe and Silvie showing off the gifts they picked out for each other.

Chloe and Farrah showing off their gifts for each other.

Chloe wanting to pose with Jocey, she wasn't in the the camera...

Daddy's holiday tie...it sings Jingle Bells.

The Beauties picked it out for him at the Dollar Store. Priceless.

After the gifts were open...somehow, Daddy talked them into going back to bed before we headed out to Grammy and Poppy's. They actually slept for almost 2 hours. I was amazed...and thankful for the nap.

Ready for Santa

2011-12-28T14:59:00.003-06:00

Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house, ~~not a creature was stirring~~, the beauties were stirring, but thank goodness...no mouse.

Sweet so longs to their elf-friend Crystal. Knowing she will be heading back to the Northpole with Santa, until we are graced with her presence this time next year. Proud of their cookies and pictures and trinkets...left under the tree for the guy with the beard.

They have been mostly nice. Trying hard not to be naughty...

The stockings hung ~~on the mantle~~ with care.

Dear Santa,

Please take care of Crystal,

she has been a good friend.

We cannot wait for her return next year

until then...

The End

Uh-Oh...Mommy has the camera again

2011-12-20T03:42:00.000-06:00

The countdown to Christmas is on.

Our precious little beauties are prepped and ready.

Of course we have to sneak in the holiday card photo shoot.

I have said it before...and I will say it again...

Photo-shoots are always full of entertainment at our house. There is always one ~~stick in the mud~~ camera shy beauty in the group. Most often, it's miss Jocelyn. However, today...It was miss Farrah. She was less than thrilled about taking a group photo. She wanted to be in the picture ~~alone~~ with the singing hallmark snowman. I, as you guessed, wanted a picture of my four girls sans singing hallmark snowman.

Here is the series of events.

I was able to get in two good photos before "the meltdown."

As we see here...Farrah begins crawling away from her sisters. She is coming to get the singing hallmark snowman. Which is on the table behind me.

And...Farrah is out of the shot, at my feet. I use the "you're going to be sad when Mommy takes a really good picture to share with everyone and you're not in it" tactic. It of course does not work. She makes it clear that she could care less.

Here we have full blown tantrum in the side view of the photo. Complete with kicking. Oh yes, I said kicking. I now pull out the "Santa is watching you" tactic. Yep, you guessed it. She does not care if Santa is watching. She is NOT getting in that photo.

Chloe with the "Mommy is getting flustered, I better smile look"

Jocelyn telling Farrah (with her eyes) to get into the picture so Mommy doesn't cry.

I will also point out...Jocelyn is IN the picture!

Silvie swoops in to Farrah's rescue. What does she bring? The singing hallmark snowman.

She consoles her for several minutes. Giving kisses and love. Trying to convince her to just "suck it up sister."

Silvie is over that. She wants her picture taken. She's not afraid to ham it up for Mommy's camera!

Neither is Jocelyn. Ham it up Baby Girl!

Chloe-girl making sure she takes part in the pretty posing contest.

Oh my sweet Farrah. Had to share this one, even crying and mid tantrum, you are beautiful.

One day, you will thank Mommy for capturing this...one day when you have children, and they will not pose for your "silly" photo-shoots.

Oh Jocelyn...Mommy loves it when you smile!

Sometimes you see Triple

2011-12-20T02:53:00.002-06:00

Sometimes is really always in our house.

Three x Three.

Cheesing it up for the camera.

Side note...big sis...would not have her photo taken in her robe. Weird, because ~~lately~~ any other time she is streaking naked through the house. We have to bribe her to get dressed.

Go figure.

Our Tree

2011-12-20T02:38:00.000-06:00

As far back as I can remember, decorating the tree has always been one of my most favorite things about Christmas. To me it symbolizes family, togetherness and celebration of the beginning of a wonderful time of the year.

When I was a child, and through my early adult years, we ALWAYS decorated the tree as a family.

My mom handing ornaments to my brother and me to hang. My Dad always sat smiling, telling us to spread them out, not to hang them all in one place. After we were finished hanging the ornaments, my Mom would put the final touch on...the tinsel. She has always loved that silver tinsel. When I moved out, my mom carefully selected the ornaments that I had collected over the years and gave them to me to take, to begin my "own" tree.

It remains one of my most cherished parts of Christmas.

When Matt and I moved in together, I remember how excited I was to get "our" first tree together. We went out and cut one down at a local tree farm. It was so much fun. Snowy and freezing, but worth it.

When Chloe celebrated her first Christmas, we bundled her up and took her to the tree farm. I have photos of her snuggled in the baby bjorn, in her snow suit, complete with rosey cheeks and a grin from ear to ear, riding along out into the field looking for our perfect tree.

It makes me smile and admittedly tear up to watch my girls decorate "our" tree. Just as my parents taught me, I am teaching them. Carefully handing the ornaments to them and watching as they carefully select the perfect branch for each one. They get so excited to unwrap the precious treasures and remember where each one came from. When they made them, or who gave it to them. They each have their favorites. They even comment on how old some of them are.

Chloe has become the "star placer" it is her very special job every year. Her Daddy lifts her to the top and she places it atop. She has become quite a pro in her 7 years.

I sit and think about what Christmas means to me...everything can be summed up in "our" tree. Joy, beauty, sparkle, memories-past, memories-present, memories-future, and most of all, the love of family.

Making Mommy Smile...as usual

2011-12-20T00:14:00.000-06:00

Silvie was proudly serving pizza pies to Matt and I. Always careful to watch when we were "finished" so she could bring us a new one.

We love afternoons at the children's museum.

As the girls get older, I am in awe watching them interact and play with each other and with other children. They are so intelligent and good mannered. Always willing to share and help other children and each other.

Jocelyn loves the market. She would spend the entire time there if her sisters didn't want to explore other rooms. She shops and plays with the cash register. When it's time to move on she always helps everyone else put their items back on the shelves.

Farrah and Silvie making pizza.

Jocelyn still at the cash register...

Chloe's favorite room...arts and crafts of course. She loves to create things. She is always drawing or cutting up something. The model activity they had on demo was "make an owl out of a toilet paper roll." Ummm, can you say perfect fit for Chloe? Owls and crafts...yes please.

After the museum, we decided that we would take a visit to Santa land in the mall.

The beauties were very excited to talk to him...they had what they wanted to ask for all planned out.

Chloe: new ice skates, american girl doll, friendship bracelet "stuff", and the vincent van gogh barbie

Jocelyn: ice skates, swimming ariel, cinderella and her horse

Farrah: ice skates, swimming ariel, "the farrah fawcett" barbie

Silvie: ice skates, swimming ariel, belle and the beast doll set and something in cheetah print

When we arrive to the line...everyone was still excited.

When it was our turn, Chloe and Silvie were a-okay with talking to the big guy, Farrah a little more reserved, and poor Jocelyn, would not even make eye contact. Scared out of her wits. Matt had to get her to sit on his lap, so I could snap a photo.

...Memories...

Oh what wonderful memories.

2011-12-16T20:38:00.000-06:00

How do you explain Heaven to little girls?
I have found myself struggling with this question over and over the last few days.
Matt's Grandmother passed away on Sunday. May she be at rest, in peace and not be in pain anymore.
Her services were today. Chloe took it very hard. She cried a lot, and kind of clung to me most of the day. The triplets were mostly curious. Obviously not understanding what was going on, yet wanting so much to understand. We visited Papa Terry's grave. Matt's father passed away 21 years ago, but we speak of him often. Matt enjoys telling the beauties stories about Papa Terry. The beauties always have lots to ask him about what he was like. We also talk about Great Papa Paul a lot. My Grandfather passed on Christmas Eve 8 years ago. We visit his grave every Christmas Eve.
The last few days they have had quite the array of questions about death. Where Heaven is? What does God look like? Why do people die? Will you die? Will we die? Where do you go? How do you get there? Is it pretty in Heaven? Can we play there? Is God nice? Is Heaven cold?
I just look at them and smile, and answer the only way I can, "I don't know, sweetie."
Because that is the truth, I just don't know.

What I do know... death reminds me to take each day I am given, and live it the best I can.
Love and cherish the ones close to my heart.
I take comfort in the innocence of my children, because they are the ones that can teach me what living life really means.
The small insignificant details that we cannot control, they do not matter. Not what we look like. Not how much money we had in the bank. Not how clean our house was.
In the end all that matters is that we gave life all we had. Gave all the love in our heart.
Lived life, everyday, to the fullest. Taking time to enjoy the sweet pleasures we are surrounded with.
Not regretting anything we did.
Again...learning the significance of life...through my children.
Being a Mom is breathtaking.

Halloween Fun

2011-11-11T22:19:00.001-06:00

Halloween this year was so much fun!

It was the first year the triplets' costumes were not something "coordinated" with each other.

Which, I will admit, at first was a little sad for mommy.

Of course I got over it, as they were happy little clams in the costumes that they individually chose.

Silly camera time = The best camera time

Everybody...Freeze

Ghostbuster girl strikes a pose.

I learned a new trick during photo time this year.

As we know, for the past ~~two or three years~~...okay, let's just say...ever since they have learned that mommy wants them to look at her when she has the camera in hand, sometimes it's a struggle to get them to look. Especially with one beauty in particular. Not to mention, getting four little girls to all look the same direction at the same time...almost impossible.

We tried a game.

We call it "POSE"

"New POSE"

Even the normally camera shy little sweetie Jocelyn LOVED this game! She would have continued for hours. I took so many great shots of all of them. Amazing.

Chloe even wanted to do some action shots! She wanted to show off how high Wednesday could jump. It was so cute to see them so excited to have their photos taken. Makes me smile.

~~Jocelyn~~ Purple Fairy had to get in on the action jumping shots too.

~~Chloe~~ Wednesday wins the highest jump.

Ghostbuster and Ladybug want in on the jumping fun!

The trick or treaters are all ready to go! Molli dressed to dazzled in her flapper attire.

They were blowing kisses to their Daddy!

Molli joins in and blows one to her Daddy too! The beauties blow a few more to Daddy, one to uncle Chad, and some to Poppy! Also some for their Grammies!

...and they are off...

Candy buckets are getting heavy...need a break.

Walking along....."POSE" Way to play a long girls!!

Silvie just vaporized a ghost.

Wednesday practicing a "no-smile" face...which is very difficult for Chloe, because she is a smiley, giggly girl.

The "witches" house.

The "witch" lives up the street from Grammy Pam and Poppy Steve.

Her house is so much fun, with all sorts of spooky things to look at and listen to.

She talks funny and wears the best witches dress ever.

Silvie liked this "Skelly"

She wanted to chat with him.

Vaporizing more ghosts.

She's getting the proton pack ready to vaporize...look out ghost.

Hope your Halloween was as much fun as our was.

Halloween 2012

2011-11-04T23:30:00.000-05:00

Farrah the sweetest little Ladybug.

Silvie the sassy little Ghostbuster. She caught lots of ghosts!

Chloe the most smiley Wednesday Adams ever.

Jocelyn the pretty purple fairy. She spread tons pixie dust.

A Perfect Day

2011-09-08T15:01:00.005-05:00

It was a beautiful day. Perfect in fact.

We were all together. Which, no matter where we are is in itself always perfect. But today we were able to take advantage of the glorious sunshine and beautiful scenery.

We looked at flowers. We looked for catapusses. (Caterpillars, if you were wondering.) We didn't find any. We climbed trees. Skipped rocks and through rocks in the lake too. We even kept our eyes out for snakes. Luckily, we didn't find any of those either.

Happy First Day Beauties

2011-08-18T23:22:00.000-05:00

Summer went by so quickly.

Too quickly really.

We had lots of fun this summer, but today it was back to routine. Back to books. Back to schedules.

New schedules, for everyone.

My Baby Girl is a Second Grader!

I cannot even believe that it seems just yesterday I was bringing her home from the hospital, so small. She is so grown up. So independent. Such a little lady now. She loves her teacher! Her friends. She loves going to school. She loves learning, loves being social. I love that she loves it. Where did my baby go?

Her first week duty assignment in class is the mail carrier. She gets to deliver mail to her classmates mailboxes, and is VERY excited about this.

She was so excited for her little sisters' first day of preschool today. She took them under her wing and helped prepare them for what to expect. Instructing them on how to listen to their teacher. What to do in certain situations. It was so sweet. I know in my heart she was thinking of them all day today.

Jocelyn sprung out of bed this morning. More excitement on her face than I have ever seen. She couldn't wait to begin the day. She knew exactly what to do, as if she had done it 100 times, even though it was her first. She was calm and ready and even smiled brightly for mommy's camera (which she never does willingly.) Her Favorite part of the day today was craft time. She was a little sad becasue she said she didn't get to do a "special job" but hopefully she will get one tomorrow.

Farrah was super excited too, although a bit more quiet with her excitement. She was the first to get into her first day outfit of course, because her shirt had elephants on it. She was anxious to show off her favorite animal to all her classmates and teacher. She posed pretty and couldn't wait to get there. Her "special job" for the day was to use her "big muscles" being the door holder.

Silvie was the most excited to go this morning. She ran around the house this morning like a crazy girl! She was ready before everyone. When we arrived at school, she found the cubbies with all three of their names on them and pointed them out to Farrah and Jocey. She also was the first to sign in. Her "special job" was to be the line caboose and she said she was good at it. She also reassured Jocelyn that she would have a job "next time."

As I stood and observed for several minutes, watching them interact and become familiar with their surroundings, trying not to break into tears, Silvie walked up to me and said, "Mommy, I thought you were going to leave?" I smiled. I hugged her. I wiped the tear from my eye and I said, "I am sweetie." I kissed them all again, and I left...I left me babies on their very first day of preschool.

Two hours later, I picked them up, Daddy went too. They had a wonderful morning. They greeted us with smiles from ear to ear, and drawings and stories of all that they had spent their morning doing.

A few hours later, we went to pick up Chloe. Where she greeted us with a smile from ear to ear. Skipping down the sidewalk. Happy as a lark. "I love second grade!"

It's going to be a great year!

On that note...

Mommy begins her classes on Monday morning...I hope I am smiling and skipping out of class too.

Playtime=Funtime

2011-08-09T01:18:00.000-05:00

We hadn't been to the museum in a few weeks. We usually go several times a month, and the summer has been a bit hectic. So we decided to check things out after Chloe's ice skating performance Friday night.

Still the crowd favorite...City Grocery.

I wish we had a play room large enough to set up a spread like this complete with carts and cash registers, because the beauties would play there 24/7. The absolutely love it.

Silvie's favorite thing the the money. She takes it out of all of the cash registers and disperses it as she sees fit. Giving each child in the store some. It's really sweet that she shares, although I will add, she does keep the majority of the cash in her little hands.

In the pizzaria...as you can see...Silvie still has her "fat stack" of bills. I think she may have smuggled some of them from the grocery store.

A new exhibit that opened since our last visit...the Music Room.

Glad this room is at the museum and not at our house. Wowsa, it was loud in there.

Another new hot spot was located in the ball room (which is normally my most unfavorable room. Golf balls flying at my children...no thanks.) However, they have added a climbing wall. The triplets found this to be fantastic!

Oops...Farrah just crashed the plane.

Our last stop of the evening was the wall of faces.

It's sort of strange at first. It tons of cut out facial parts. Eyes, eyes, mouths, noses (you get the picture) and they have magnets on the back. You can move them around and make all sorts of fun faces with them. Normally the girls love the funny face wall...read: they were tired and it was time to go home for the night. This is where their normal arguing picked up.

All in all we have 2+ hours of happy playtime.

We LOVE the museum.

Camper Chloe

2011-08-09T00:26:00.000-05:00

Chloe spent the last week in her skates at Ice Skate Camp.

She had a fabulous time and learned so much. She improved so much during this week. She would have just slept there if we would have allowed her to. It was a week long all day camp. They worked on skills and practicing techniques. As well as learning a routine that they were exited to show off on Friday afternoon.

Chloe was ready to go! She said her heart was beating really fast because she was so nervous!

She did fantastic. Said she only forgot one part. I assured her that we didn't even notice. That made her smile.

The triplets were so excited to watch Chloe's performance on ice. They watch her every Saturday morning, however, THIS WAS TO MUSIC. They were tickled to be in the front row. They kept calling out her name. "Go Chloe, Go Chloe!" They watched without missing a second, so proud of their big sister.

My Beauties. My Heart.

2011-07-14T23:08:00.000-05:00

The Simple things in life.

The ones that are right before our eyes.

The ones that grace our hearts with their innocence.

The ones we spend minutes and days and weeks with, but sometimes forget to take those extra minutes to stop and enjoy all the special details that those seconds hold. The special details that pass so quickly. The details that once they are gone...are mere memories in our hearts and minds.

My heart and mind are filled with those special memories.

My beautiful babies are growing so fast.

I look at them in complete awe of how fast they are changing. Taking in the world around them.

Matt and I have held many difficult decisions upon our shoulders over the past several months.

I have been struggling the the increased time the I find I am away from my beauties with work, and derby. I miss my girls. I miss my family. I am missing my girls. I am missing those seconds, those details that I can never get back.

When Chloe was born I left the outside working world, and began my career as a stay at home Mommy. I loved it. Everything about it. I continued that throughout the triplets (almost) three years and then began working outside the home. We needed some extra income, and with Matt working a better shift, the time was right. A part time job, turned into an almost full time one for the last year and a half. After much discussion between us, and lots of worry and tears...my children, come first to me. I have left my outside the home job. Because I need to be at home with them, and they need me too. I am missing those seconds that I cannot get back. I am not willing to watch those seconds disappear anymore. I can't.

My beauties are my world. My heart. I blink...they grow...I blink again...they will be grown.

My mind feels clear. I have made the right decision.

Matt supports the decision we have made as a partnership. We will make it.

I am ecstatic to get back the Mommy that I was before my life became too busy with too many other things.

I have a clear focus.

I am a Mommy. To four amazing, beautiful little girls. They need their Mommy. I am a wife. To a man who is my hero and my heart. I am a woman. A wonderful mother and wife. There is enough of me for many different things. But my focus is my family.

My family is my heart, my soul, my world. Without them I am nothing.

"Happiness is a Journey. Not a Destination."

They reminded me of this today. I am thankful for that reminder.

I love you with my entire heart.

Sleep Well Sweet Beauties.

~Mommy~

Happy Fathers Day...a little early

2011-06-14T00:25:00.000-05:00

To my husband. The father of my beautiful little girls. My hero. My everything.

To the man I married. To the man you have become. To the man you evolve into with each passing day.

We love you.

Happy Father's Day.

The lyrics to this song touch my heart so close.

My heart melts every time I hear it because it perfectly describes Matty with his four little girls.

Their new found thing to do together is fish...I can see the meaning of this song in his eyes. With every worm he puts on their hooks. With every squeal of excitement they let out when they know it's time to go in Daddy's boat. He loves them more than words can express. And he is their hero...every single day.

Daddy's little girls, wrapped tightly around his ~~finger~~ heart.

I’m lost in her there holdin’ that pink rod and reel
She’s doin’ almost everything but sittin’ still
Talkin’ ‘bout her ballet shoes and training wheels
And her kittens
And she thinks we’re just fishin’

I say, “Daddy loves you, baby” one more time
She says, “I know. I think I got a bite.”
And all this laughin’, cryin, smilin’ dyin’ here inside’s
What I call, livin’

And she thinks we’re just fishin’ on the riverside
Throwin’ back what we could fry
Drownin’ worms and killin’ time
Nothin’ too ambitious
She ain’t even thinkin’ ‘bout
What’s really goin’ on right now
But I guarantee this memory’s a big’in
And she thinks we’re just fishin’

She’s already pretty, like her mama is
Gonna drive the boys all crazy
Give her daddy fits
And I better do this every chance I get
‘Cause time is tickin’
(Yeah it is)

And she thinks we’re just fishin’ on the riverside
Throwin’ back what we could fry
Drownin’ worms and killin’ time
Nothin’ too ambitious
She ain’t even thinkin’ ‘bout
What’s really goin’ on right now
But I guarantee this memory’s a big’in
And she thinks we’re just fishin’

She ain’t even thinkin’ ‘bout
What’s really goin’ on right now
But I guarantee this memory’s a big’in
And she thinks we’re just fishin’
Yeah, aww, she thinks we’re just fishin’
We ain’t only fishin’
(This ain’t about fishin’)

Top Ten Reasons why I Love My Mom...by Chloe

2011-05-09T01:31:00.001-05:00

1. She helps me when I'm hurt.
2. She does special stuff.
3. She snuggles with me.
4. She is loveable.
5. She rents good movies.
6. She lets me spend tome with my Grandmas.
7. She cooks me food.
8. She takes me to the park.
9. She buys me stuff.
10. She is AWESOME

My heart has melted.

My Hearts

2011-05-09T01:27:00.000-05:00

The Little Beauties.

2011-05-09T01:13:00.000-05:00

I will climb this wall. I will. I will not, however, look at my Mommy, who is trying with all of her power to get me to look at her so she can take my picture, because I am Jocelyn. And I do not look at the camera.

Sorry Mommy, you lose. I win.

I will slide down this slide, but first I will stop and smile at my Mommy, who is of course, holding that camera. She really likes it when I smile sweetly at her. So I will ham it up, because I am Farrah, and that is what I do! How's this grin Mommy?

I will pretend to look surprised at Mommy. I know that she is pointing that camera at me. I look sassy and cute and of course sweet as can be. I will not smile right now though because sometimes I need to make Mommy work for it. I am Silvie and I know I am cute, smiling or not.

Jocelyn showing her sisters how it is done.

Atta girl, Jocey...always being a leader.

I guess I will smile at her now.

But only because I am having a blast and I cannot contain my happiness.

Mommy, Daddy and Chloe gave us our very first bicycles for our birthday.

We are very happy. See...smiling.

Chloe and her bestie Olivia had to have their "family" picture taken together.

So sweet. So grown up from the bathtub pictures we used to take of them together.

All the kiddos at the party today...but who is missing?

Jocelyn Pearl was missing!

She did not want to be in the picture.

Actually, she just wanted her purple whistle, which we realized after the picture was taken this was the major crisis. Daddy held her and although she wasn't ~~smiling~~ looking at the camera, at least she is in the photo with her sissies and her friends!

What a great 4th Birthday party.

We LOVE cake(s)

2011-05-08T23:43:00.000-05:00

The Littlest Beauties finally getting their cakes!

Of course they had their favorite animals...

Silvie = alligator

Jocelyn = penguins

Farrah = elephant

Aunt Deanna did an amazing job!

Silvie was so proud of her cake!

They are were! But she especially would not move from the table where it was placed.

There were lots of people singing happy birthday. The only malfunction of the party...

It was really windy and we couldn't get the candles to light. I was really worried about this. On their actual birthday, we sang and blew candles out four different times. Once for all three together and then once for each individually. They seemed okay with it today. I think because there were so many people standing around them singing. They just wanted to eat cake!

I still can't believe my triplets are FOUR!

Happy Birthday Babies!

Little Beauties at the Salon

2011-05-02T23:05:00.001-05:00

Silvie going straight. When the gal asked her what she wanted to do with her hair, she spoke right up and said, " I want mine straight!"

The birthday Girl kicking back reading the paper during her hair-do.

Chloe going for 1/2 down 1/2 up and lots of curls.

Farrah...hamming it up for the camera.

Jocelyn just chilling patiently.

Silvie almost straight...or is that Farrah? Nope. It's Silvie.

Jocelyn peeking through the curls.

Molli is getting some curls!

Silvie going for the straight locks into an up-do.

Farrah is ALL curls.

Jocelyn checking herself out.

Farrah...still smiling.

The birthday girl is going for the up-do now.

She is ALL smiles too.

The Beauties are...

BEAUTIFUL!

The Birthday Girl Molli is...

BEAUTIFUL!

My lovly Chloe girl!

More smiley Farrah.

A hunting they did go

2011-04-28T22:13:00.000-05:00

The hunt is on...

Farrah was the mastermind of the hunt. She went the opposite way of the other three. Smart girl. She takes after her momma.

Silvie is on the look out...for orange eggs.

If Silvie found a purple egg, she delivered it to Jocelyn's bucket.

If Silvie found a green egg, she delivered it to Farrah's bucket.

If Silvie found a blue egg, she delivered it to Chloe's bucket.

What a sweetheart.

She was so upset that her sisters were not bringing the orange eggs that they collected to her bucket.

Jocelyn's bucket is almost full.

Jocelyn finds the first golden egg.

Chloe happy as can be with her bucket of eggs. Still looking for her golden egg.

Chloe and Daddy with her Golden egg. So proud.

Papa helping Jocelyn find a special purple egg.

What's gonna work? Teamwork.

One...last...one...almost...have...it.

The beauties hunted 230 eggs between the four of them. They would have hunted all day. They had a grand time frolicking through the yard, collecting and searching and then researching to make sure they didn't miss any. When they were all finished, they sat in Grammy and Poppy's living room and sorted their loot. Making sure everyone had the "same" things. They were very good at trading and sharing.

A Beautiful Easter

2011-04-27T00:33:00.000-05:00

Easter.

A day to remember that even the difficult days wake to new beginnings.

A day of rebirth.

A day of forgiveness.

A day of family.

A perfect day to celebrate life.

All that we have been given.

What we have worked so hard to achieve.

Miracles in motion within our view.

The world is a beautiful place.

Everyday we are here is a gift from above.

Life is precious.

Life is unique.

Not one moment should be taken for granted.

Each memory held close and cherished.

Like a fragile egg to be cradled delicately at all times.

Like a flower.

Tender and soft.

Sweet and gentle.

Protecting that precious beauty with everything inside you.

I was reminded today of all of these things.

Reminded as looked into the eyes of my four beautiful little girls.

My Miracles in motion.

Teaching me the beauty of life and all that it beholds.

Teaching me that each day is a new beginning.

I look at them and I see life. I see the future.

I see a woman that is blessed more than she ever imagined she could be.

I see innocence and grace. Kindness. Precious little flowers. Growing.

Gentle and sweet.

Happy Easter. Happy Spring. Happy New Beginnings.

Happy Life.

Blessed.

Coloring Beauties

2011-04-23T02:13:00.001-05:00

There were four dozen eggs dyed at our house tonight. Truthfully...they would have been happy to have done four dozen "each." They were as happy as little larks and in their artistic glory making their beautiful creations tonight. We have tie dyed shirts and fingers too, but, the eggs turned out fantastic!

Now I have to figure out how to break the news to them that we will have to crack the shells and use them for something. Not sure that will be easy. I'm guessing not very well, as they adore their Easter Eggs. They even had to check on them twice before getting ticked into bed. So sweet.

I think we should color eggs all year long. It's inexpensive entertainment. A little messy. (Not as messy as playdoh, if you ask me.) They spent the entire evening dipping and re-dipping to see how many different color combinations they could make. We have a rainbow assortment stinking up the refrigerator, in fact, they are taking over the entire house.

Happy Easter!

Beautiful Hams

2011-04-23T01:25:00.000-05:00

These little ham bones...are ready to color some eggs.

Bring them on already Mommy!

Burr...I thought it was Spring

2011-04-23T01:15:00.001-05:00

We spent an afternoon last week taking in some of the fresh spring air. It was another frigid spring day. The beauties didn't care. They love playing at the park. even when the park is one huge MUD PIT.

My friend Laura and her dog Stella joined us. The girls always love time with "Auntie" Bat R and Stella.

Chloe spent much of her time "walking" Stella around the park. Stella is so good with the Beauties.

Why don't kids sleep

2011-04-05T01:37:00.000-05:00

That is my question. Really. It's so simple. Why will they not sleep? I am so tired. I'm always tired.

We have entered into yet another new cycle of constant night waking.

Someone seems to always be up and out of bed in our house.

I'm hot. I'm cold. I need a drink. I need to go potty. I heard something. When is Daddy coming home? I don't want to go to sleep. She's looking at me. My blanket is too small. I need a kleenex. Something is scratching me. My bed is not comfortable. I wanna sleep on the floor.

I have heard everything.

They are so tired.

Evenings have become a struggle of sanity.

They refuse to take naps during the day. Which leads to three grumpy, exhausted four year olds by 4:00pm. Just in time for big sister to arrive home from school, also drained from the day. Also on a short fuse, especially where her sisters are concerned.

They are bickering and picking at each other constantly. Almost every second, at minimum, two of them are arguing. Usually all four. Don't touch that. Get out. That's mine. She hit me. She touched me. She won't let me. She copied me. She changed the channel. She took that from me. I had it first. She won't share.

I feel like I am struggling. I am losing the battle. I have a difficult time containing my frustration because there literally is no reprieve what-so-ever.

I cannot stand yelling. Getting upset. It makes me feel like a horrible mom. I know they feed off my frustration. But I am at a breaking point.

I try to take them places after school. After I have worked all day. When there are so many things I should be doing at home. Laundry, cleaning, blah blah blah. When we go...it's a toss. Sometimes it's great, sometimes it's terrible. In the end, when we arrive back home...the nightmare of our bedtime routine is magnified by a million. Now they are even more tired. Over stimulated. Exhausted. I am left wondering if the outing was worth the added struggle at bedtime?

I repeat to myself over and over. It's normal. It's a phase. It's intensified because I have multiples. But I always stop and question myself. What am I doing wrong? What can I do differently? Better?

I am sitting here listening to them cry. Telling Chloe to go back to her room for the fifth time in ten minutes. Telling them to go back to their room. I lost count.

I'm tired.

They are exhausted.

A Touch 'O Green

2011-03-17T23:26:00.000-05:00

We participated in our first "Sapadapaso" parade today.

We drove one of the Care vehicles. The Beauties were so excited to be a part of the St Patty's parade!

Farrah was in her delight as EVERYONE and their dogs were wearing her favorite color!

GREEN!

Singing Beauties!

2011-03-17T23:03:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday to my Rock

2011-03-16T00:59:00.001-05:00

Happy Birthday to my Matty.

Even though we are not with you on your special day, we are thinking of you today.

Your little girls have spent the majority of the day talking about their Daddy and his special Happy Birthday.

We hope that you have felt all of the vibes we have been sending your way, as you study and learn at school.

We miss you so very much.

I look forward to celebrating another wonderful year of memories with you.

You are an amazing Daddy.

A husband beyond what my dreams could have led me to imagine. I could not do this without you.

Our life is beautiful and amazing every single day.

Happy Birthday to my one and only.

I love you.

My three little four year olds

2011-03-16T00:57:00.002-05:00

Happy Birthday "Babies"

I still get shivers when I stop and think about the series of events that lead us to the Beauties.

The heartache. The losses we endured. The strength we build together as a couple. The bond we grew as parents to Chloe.

I still remember the day we went to the doctor to have that very first ultrasound. I remember the doctor explaining to us that the results were so unclear. That it was still so early to really tell what was going on. that they could see a yolk sack, but that there was also a "mass" that they could not describe. We left the hospital feeling defeated. Sad. Heartbroken again. Knowing in our hearts that we were miscarrying yet another pregnancy. Feeling that we would never have another baby. Knowing that getting pregnant was was happening, but staying pregnant wasn't. What was wrong with me? Why? I cried so much over that next ten days. Waiting for our follow up appointment. Constant nausea. Constant worry.

Ten days came. We went to the hospital. One pins and needles the doctor began the ultrasound.

Slow deep breaths and eyes welling with tears, I watched Matt's face so closely, waiting for a sign. Any kind of sign that things would be okay. Nothing. Finally the doctor started talking...

"See this? Here we have a tiny little heart beat!" I was elated! A heartbeat! We had a heartbeat! "And over here, were have two more little heartbeats!! Can you see them?"

Two more? Did she say TWO MORE? Two more? THREE? THREE HEARTBEARTS? There are THREE HEARTBEATS?!?!

I still remember people asking me if I was upset when the doctor told us. We couldn't have been more HAPPY when the doctor told us. WE WERE PREGNANT! We had THREE heartbeats. Three viable babies. THREE.

From the moment we learned of three, we knew they were miracles. Three miracles. All babies are.

We also knew that in addition to all the normal worries of a normal pregnancy, we now had an entire stack of special worries that came with multiple pregnancies. But we were ready to play the hand that we had been dealt. We were ready. We took one day at a time. Looking back...we have truly won that hand in so many ways, and continue to every single day.

We were challenged with doctors advising to reduce the pregnancy. We said HELL NO. We were challenged with tests that said there was a great risk of genetic problems, which we knew in our hearts, we would love our children no matter what. In the end, no genetic problems whatsoever. I was faced with severe gestational diabetes and on insulin. Preterm labor beginning at 18 weeks. Full blown preterm labor at 24 weeks which had to be stopped with magnesium sulfate, and steroid shots for the babies lungs. In turn, landing me in the hospital for the duration of my pregnancy on strict bed rest and constant monitoring of the babies. Another round of drugs stopped labor at 28 weeks and more steroid shots. Another trip to L&D around 30 weeks that stopped on it's own. My little Chloe celebrating her third birthday in the mother baby unit of the hospital. Lots of help from Grandmas while Daddy was at work.

Lots of sleepless nights because I was so worried that my babies wouldn't make it. that they would be too sick, too little. That something would be wrong with them.

Happy Birthday to my Miracles. My Beautiful triplets. This photograph was taken in the hospital the night before the babies were born. We had no idea the they would be born the very next morning. I had been in the hospital for 9+ weeks. Having contractions continuously. Full blown labor stopped three times. Countless ultrasounds, monitoring and endless worry about our tiny little miracles. Saturday March 11th, 2007 at 10:37 10:37 1/2 and 10:38am they graced our world. Our lives were forever changed. Our everyday miracles were here.

Jocelyn Pearl - Baby A - 4 lbs 12 oz
Farrah Grace - Baby B - 3 lbs 4 oz
Silvie Mae - Baby C - 4 lbs 1 oz

We had ups and downs over the course of the next several weeks. But they grew and thrived. They reached milestones.
They spent 4 weeks and 3 days in the NICU. They all came home together.
They are truly our tiny miracles...I cannot believe they are four years old today!

Birthday Bliss

2011-02-27T00:11:00.000-06:00

Chloe chose the Ceramic Cafe for her birthday party this year.

It is a very unique place for persons of all ages.

The kiddos were very excited to chose their pieces and they all created some wonderful art!

Very Patiently waiting for the paint.

They were VERY ready to get started.

The birthday girl chose an owl jar to store all her treasure in. She did an excellent job on it.

Hattie, Chloe, Ava and Piper.

Gramma Pam helping Silvie and Gramma Val helping Jocelyn.

Tristan, Chloe, Ollivia, Shae, Alex, Molli and Ava.

All smiles.

BFF necklaces...always a hit.

The singing animal from Piper. This was the big hit! I think the battery may be running low already it has sung the Happy Birthday song so many times already. I will have to be sure and Thank Kels extra for this one the next time I see her. Wink, wink.

Gus asked Aunt Dee to make her cake the Titanic this year. She is completely amazed by everything to do with the Titanic. The boat, the history. The movie. (Yes the one with Leo) Aunt Dee did an AMAZING job on the cake! It took EIGHT cake mixes and FIVE hours of decorating! It was so cool. The kids and adults thought it was very impressive! A++ Aunt Dee.

It was Happy Birthday tune time. Chloe was all smiles as was sang to her! She wasn't sure what to do with everyone starring right at her. So she smiled big and sang along too!

Happy Birthday Gus!

Silvie working on her gator.

Jocelyn's Penguin.

Farrah's elephant.

It was a great party!

Sweet Baby Gus...isn't a baby anymore

2011-02-26T23:10:00.001-06:00

I am already fighting back tears and I am in the first sentence. Que sappy mommy alert.

It was amazing to look back through photos of the last seven years and see how much our "little" family has changed. This picture was taken eleven days before I became a mommy. Seems now, like I have always been a mommy. I'm not sure what I ever did before I was a mommy. I remember this time. I was so filled with excitement and fear (okay, I admit it, I was scared to death) anxiety and worry and tremendous happiness. Our baby Gus would be here any day.

On Thursday February 26th, 2004 we welcomed our beautiful, healthy baby girl into our world.

As we smiled and cried and laughed and starred into her tiny beautiful face, we fell in love over and over and over again. We were so blessed by this precious little girl brought into our world.

I don't remember sleeping in the hospital at all the first day she was here. I was exhausted. So many people to see her. To welcome her. I couldn't stop looking at her. I couldn't believe she was here, in my arms and she was ours.

Proud Papas and Grandmas were teary eyed and excited. Everyone fell in love with our sweet baby Gus the moment the met eyes with her. Her charismatic way was apparent from the second her eyes opened. She was a charmer from day one. She will steal your heart and keep it close.

The first days home were glorious delusion for me and for Matty. We were so tired. We had lots of cat naps. We slept when Gus slept. Which in her case seemed to be any time except the night time.

I spent the first several weeks of her life dressing and undressing her. Just to look at her. So perfect. So beautiful.

She was such a little peanut. I never put her down. I was the definition of breast feeding, baby wearing, co-sleeping momma. Very proud to say that.

Papa and his "punkins" Remembers when you only had two Poppy?

Chloe and her BFF from birth OKZ.

Mommy's girl.

Maybe Daddy's Girl?

Chloe's cousin Molli is one of her best buddies.

Grammy's Girls. Remember when you only have two Grammy?

Maybe the Aquatic Center is where she developed her love of the Titanic? She loved that place as a toddler.

Chloe and cousin Haley. I was pregnant with the triplets at the time and they thought they were pretty funny, which they really actually were the hit of the party with their balloon bellies.

Our little princess.

The birthday girl today.

She has endured so much over the last years. Mommy and Daddy added three baby sisters at a time. Which was a huge adjustment for anyone, but as a three year old child, she took it better than anyone I think. She loves them more than anything in the world.

I watch her with other children and I am so proud of her. She is caring and sensitive. She puts other people first, always. Even when she doesn't want to, she does. She is a caregiver. She is kind and gentle. She is artistic and creative. Her imagination sours. She amazes me every single day.

I am blessed to be her Mommy.

My sweet baby Gus turned seven today. SEVEN. I cannot believe she came into my life seven years ago.

She is smart, charismatic, charming and with everyday that passes I watch my tiny baby grow grow into a little girl and grow into a young woman right in front of my teary eyes.

I love you sweet baby Gus.

I have loved you from the very first moment. I will love you forever. For always.

Mommy

Tiger Mom? Not Me.

2011-02-08T23:03:00.002-06:00

I follow Joanne's blog and I really enjoyed her last post.

10minutes2breathe: Have You Heard of the Tiger Mom?: "They just don't seem to go together Recently A friend asked if I had heard about the ..."

Her post touched a special place with me.

As of late, I am struggling with some parenting issues of my own. How to handle a few things that Chloe is facing as a growing little girl. She is so smart. She is so caring and sensitive. The sensitive part is the particular part that I worry so much about with her. Her feelings are hurt so easily. She forgives so easily too, which is a good thing, I know, but I worry that it will damage her self esteem in some way. I foreshadow into the future. It is so difficult to be a teenage girl. It is difficult to learn who you are, who your friends are. What a friend truly is. I don't think I REALLY understood that concept fully, until I became a mother. For example, my friendship with Molly has always been very strong, but when we became mothers, we really and truly understood what we had within each other all along since we met at age 13. But it never really made sense then.

With Chloe, I feel like she is struggling to find a place where she fits in. Like she feels like the lost little puzzle piece. She talks about the groups of girls at school. She talks about different things that take place each day. Never speaking badly of other children, but always making me wonder why my child seems to be the one that is left out of the group. She talks about play-circles and ride-shares and games at recess. I try not to be the over protective Mommy, but I am at a point where it is literally breaking my heart, because I can see that my child is hurting. I am at a loss as to what to do. My thoughts are so scrambled. On one hand I want her to just be innocent and love and forgive. But on the other, I want to protect her and tell her the honest truth, sometimes in life, people (even children) can be hurtful, mean, selfish, not think of how their actions make someone else feel. They can love you one minute, when it is beneficial for them, and ignore you the next minute as if you were a pebble on the ground, if someone more suited to their mood comes along. They will kick you right out of the way. Sad fact. However, a sad fact that is VERY VERY TRUE. There are lots of people in the world that carry out their lives just that way. If you look around, bet you know a few. I know as a mother, as a person, I am doing an excellent job of raising my daughters the right way in this very topic. We talk about it a lot at our house. When we do something, how do our actions, our words make those around us feel? Does it make them feel happy? Or sad? We focus a lot on how we treat and respect other people. Because it is so important. So at what point do you, as a parent state the unsaid part of the lesson? That's where I am struggling. Sure, my parenting is FAR from perfect. I do not claim to know it all. I never will. My kids are not perfect. I don't wish to have perfect kids. I know Chloe is too sensitive at times. But where do you draw the line? I really am emotionally distraught on this one, so if there are readers out there that can offer suggestions, I am all ears.

Mommy doesn't like snow

2011-02-02T21:59:00.000-06:00

If winter wasn't here before, it certainly hit us last night. With blizzard like conditions starting in the early afternoon and continuing though out the night, the mid west is covered in a heavy blanket of ~~pretty~~ white stuff. Okay, I will admit, it is sort of pretty.

I have yet to hear an official total amount. Due to the conditions, the way the wind blew, I'm sure that is pretty difficult to measure. It's safe to say, that there is a ton of snow. I don't remember ever having this much pour down all over the course of one night. Several days, maybe, but this was literally ten hours.

Our backyard was nearly impossible to get to. I actually lifted the beauties over the fence. They didn't even have to walk around the wall, they just walked over it.

We the beauties played up and down the front hill for well into an hour. Until Silvie lost her glove while tunneling. She was not at all pleased to learn what it feels like to have your unbundled hand buried in the snow...time to go in. Hot cocoa and warm tub time for everyone was a great end to the afternoon.

2011-01-24T16:46:00.000-06:00

It is safe to say that when you are in the bathroom at our home, no matter what you may be doing, you are NEVER alone. NEVER. The triplets and Chloe offer support to each other and also to Mommy and Daddy, even when it is unsolicited. I remember a time in my life when the bathroom was often a place of tranquil relaxation. Baths were lovely and I frequently could be found in the tub. Bubbles, candles and maybe even the occasional glass of wine. But these days, it's like a rock concert complete with guitar and groupies.
Here is a shot of Farrah (the groupie) keeping Silvie (the rocker on the potty) company during her bathroom duties. Rock on.

Christmas In Pictures

2011-01-05T00:42:00.000-06:00

What do the holidays mean to you?

2011-01-04T23:05:00.000-06:00

What do the holidays mean to you?

Sweet in so many ways, especially as the girls are now a little older and get so excited about all the festivities. Santa of course. Just being together, though is the main excitement. Daddy took his vacation over the winter break (two entire weeks=wonderful.) We had a wonderful kick off with eight or so inches of snow dumped on us. We spent the day together, sledding, shoveling and drinking hot cocoa. Great memories I will cherish forever.
We weren't able to travel to Dubuque, due to the weather, but Matt's family understood and knew it was best to be safe than make the two hour drive.

Christmas Eve has also been tough the last seven years for my family. Great Papa Paul passed away on Christmas Eve 2003. I was pregnant with Chloe still, so none of the beauties ever were able to know him and how wonderful he was.
We always begin the evening with a visit to the cemetery. which may seem a bit sad to some, but we feel he knows we are thinking of him this way. This year we pulled in right behind my parents, and my brother and his family. My brother brought the shovel and he cleared the path and the area around his resting place. Chloe placed a special ornament she made for him on the headstone and also the "little peanut people" that the triplets wanted him to have. We share memories, share tears and share hugs. I think it is a perfect way to highlight all that the holiday season stands for. I cherish that time, even when it's cold and snowing. I also hold close to my heart how much it means to my Dad that we all meet there and remember Great Papa Paul. He was and always will be such a huge part of my Dad, of all of us. The beauties will have these memories and someday they will understand.
I know the tradition is also bitter sweet for Matty. Great Papa Terry, (Matt's dad) passed when Matt was in junior high school. It brings back memories for him because Papa Terry was born on Christmas Day. Matt feels closer to my Dad because they both lost their fathers. My Dad helps Matt with things, that a Dad would help a Son with. It makes me realize how blessed I am to have such a wonderful family. Again...what the holidays are all about.

Next stop, Nana Reta's for dinner. The house was busy with giggling, talking and trying to get a prayer out without crying before dinner. The beauties love getting into things that Nana doesn't want them into. This year, I even had the privilege of going through the trash to look for the pie servers that Nana was "just sure someone threw away or took." Of course they were not in there, but located later on her bathroom vanity, where she must have placed them for "safe keeping."
Oh well..again that's what the holidays are about.
Beauties tucked into bed...not a peep...hmm wish every night was that easy.
On Christmas morning, Matty was the first one awake. He says it was Chloe, but I think he may be fibbing. We woke the triplets and discovered that Santa had in fact made a visit to our home. The beauties were thrilled to find gifts with their names on them placed under the tree. They took so much care in their gifts. Patiently studying each one and smiling with pure delight that Santa had come through and brought them their special wishes.
We headed out to Grammy Pam and Poppys, to have brunch with my brother, Dee and Molli, Great Gramma and Papa "Bush." The beauties were beaming with excitement, but managed to eat breakfast. They had a ball, watching Grammy pass out gifts. What fun, what fun to watch them open their gifts and also get excited to see what cousin Molli was getting too. After the gifts were opened, we lounged around watching holiday movies (does Home alone count as a "holiday movie") I think it does. The beauties played with their "leapsters" the entire day! Score big Grammy and Poppy! It was a wonderful day. When we arrived home the beauties dressed their "baby Janes and Clara" in their new outfits and played with all their shiny new toys. It's safe to say, they were asleep before their heads hit the pillows.
The next morning we woke and headed to Gramma Val and Dave's, to be with Matt's sister Ande and cousin Haley. Dave's daughter and her family were also there. We had a holiday lunch. With full tummies, it was time to play Santa. Chloe and Haley got to share the task this year. I always love watching how much fun is had handing out the presents. The beauties opened and smiled and played the afternoon away. Then took a rest during a movie on their new sleeping bags and special blankets.

Christmas was a wonderful whirlwind.

We enjoy being together and no matter what we are doing, where we are or what we are looking for, all that matters is that we are in fact, together.

It's not for presents, or lavish meals, or days getting paid to not be at work. Not for fancy clothing or going somewhere exotic. All those things are nice of course, an added bonus. Just being together is what matters.
I know in my heart that Matt and I are instilling that importance in our four beautiful little girls. Family. Love. That's what makes the holidays...and everyday we have together so precious.

We are truly blessed.

2010-12-17T14:46:00.000-06:00

The Beauties have been loving making all sorts of different types of crafts. I am all about handmade, from the heart girfts for the holidays.
In our craft quest, I have learned a very fascinating tidbit about my loving husband...he is pretty darn creative. He can make a pretty sweet alligator from play-doh. Not to mention, check out these peanut people magnets he helped craft!
He had all sorts of ideas...beehive hair, mo-hawks, and even mustaches. I'm not sure who had more fun, daddy or the Beauties!
The girls have had a great time picking out which peanut is being gifted to whom. It's very sweet to see them in deep decision process, to match the correct peanut to the correct person. Chloe decided her "triplet" peanuts (which are all exactly the same) have to stay here as well as one of the Lady Gaga peanuts (see Feathers). It was a great project! I have to give thanks to my friend Hitzy, for giving us the idea! It was one we will defiantly do again!

The pukies

2010-12-17T14:31:00.002-06:00

It is safe to say that our Chloe girl LOVES school. She was home sick Wednesday and Thursday with a yucky tummy bug. I felt like we were living with the girl from the Exorcist. Projective vomit is never fun...especially when you have to clean it up. Poor sweetie was so sick. She is feeling much better and was able to go back to school today. She was so excited, Daddy didn't even have to tell her to do any of her getting ready duties.
Hopefully the love of school continues all through her college years.

Three = Triplets

2010-12-17T14:28:00.000-06:00

The Beauties have a new "game" they like to play. They each have a doll stroller and instead of one baby per stroller, theirs have three babies each. "This is called triplets." Grammy Pam taught them this. Now anytime they are playing with dolls, they each MUST have three. "Because we are triplets."

Warm lights...warmer hearts

2010-12-04T21:52:00.000-06:00

The tree trimming was an amazing success. No broken ornaments, and only a few "cat fights" about whose ornament was whose and who was hanging which ones on the tree. I think the key words "a few" are the success here. The Beauties had a great time. They each are very into "mine" and "yours" right now. It was so cute to watch each of them pick one branch and try to hang as many of "their" ornaments on it as possible. Matt and I kept trying to teach them to spread them out, put them all over the tree, not just on one branch. They liked their way much better.

Daddy took turns lifting each one of them to the higher part of the tree. They thought this was wonderful. It was so sweet to see them pick out an ornament and wait in line for their turn with Daddy.

Chloe was in her glory to be able to place the star on top of the tree. Her face beamed as Daddy lifted her up. She fussed over the perfection of the placement for several minutes, before being satisfied with how it looked.

So proud of their masterpiece.

Jocelyn showing her favorite ornament...a penguin.

Posing and blowing kisses.

The tree has been up for three days now. Each day, the ornaments are rearranged several times. We have lost only two thus far. Here's to hoping the number will stay small, as they are crushed when one is broken.
We keep telling them to look with their eyes not their hands...again, they like their way better.

We visited Santa today. Farrah climbed right up into his lap, I was shocked! Silvie was fine just sitting next to him. Although Jocelyn frowned and would not talk to him, she gave him a big hug. It was amazing to watch and listen to their interaction with him. He told them to be sure and be kind to each other. To share and not fight. He told them about putting their toys away when they were finished playing and also to put their dirty clothing in the hamper...it was like he really did have a direct view into our home. (wink) The girls listened so intently with eyes wide as he spoke of the exact things that took place at our house. They were amazed that he really did know.
I so excited for the holidays this year. It makes my heart warm to think about our family and teaching our beauties the meaning of Christmas.

Timing is a strange gift

2010-12-04T21:03:00.000-06:00

Chloe was able to see her "future husband" this past week. Yes, his Mom and I have arranged their future marriage. We think they are perfect for each other. We are perfect "in-laws" for each other as well. They had a great time catching up and playing together along with his two sweet sisters, the triplets and my good friend Fiona's two boys.

Over the Thanksgiving Holiday they were home for a visit from Alabama, where they recently moved to. It was bitter sweet. The extended visit was due to the passing of Kelly's mother.

It was wonderful to be able to spend time with their family, who we grew to love so quickly last year when Chloe and Aidan went to school together.

Kelly is an amazing woman. She is kind and giving. A wonderful mother. A beautiful person.

As we said goodbye after the evening, I was in tears at how strong she is. Also because I wish we were able to stay more in touch now that we are in different states. Although our friendship is still new, we have so many things in common. Our hearts just seemed to connect so quickly (hence the arranged marriage of our children). She made me smile, telling me that her and Aidan read the blog together. (I hope you are smiling, Kelly. You all really mean so much to us.) It makes me realize that people come into our lives at such interesting times. You meet people and realize that maybe it wasn't just by chance. That there is true meaning in timing of relationships. Although they are not in Iowa, they are never more than a phone call away, and that just thinking of them, brings them close to our hearts.

We are thinking of you all. We are so sorry for the loss of your mother. We hope that you know that we are never more than a thought away, and we think of you often.

A time to be Thankful

2010-11-24T01:10:00.000-06:00

I count my blessings everyday. Sometimes many times during a single day.
I have so much to be thankful for.
My husband. A man that fulfills the definition of husband and father ten fold. He is supportive and kind. Nurturing, caring, he loves his family more than any words could even begin to describe. He is my rock.
My beautiful daughters. Not a day passes without looking at them and thinking about how wonderful life is. They are amazing. Four miracles. They are my heart and my soul. I am a better person because of them. I learn so much about myself, by being their Mommy.
I think about how fast time goes by. Even though the days are long sometimes, the years are moving so quickly. The day Chloe was born, my life was forever changed. Blissful. She is such a beautiful spirit. So sweet and sassy. She has so much love to give. The triplets, brought completion to our family. More than we could have ever imagined. I am in awe every time I think of how far we have come since that day we learned there were three tiny lives growing inside me. They are little people now, our babies aren't babies. They are full of energy and spunk all of the time. They are smart and sweet and love life.
My Mom and Dad and Matty's mom Valerie. They are such a huge part of our lives. They are always giving and helping and have so much love for the Beauties. I am so grateful to have them so close and so involved in helping to raise our family. Always willing to help whenever we ask. Being supportive and showing us the way to see that are daughters are as happy as we were as children. Showing us true examples of being a parent. I know Matt and I are the parents we are because of our own parents examples.
Our nieces, Molli and Haley. Two girls that are growing up so quickly. We cherish them. They are huge role models to our girls and I hope that the relationships will continue to grow with them, as I know that they will. Of course their parents, Chad and Dee and Ande. Always there to lend support when we need them.
My wonderful friends. All of them. So much support and love in so many different ways. Old friends, and new friends.
So many people to be thankful for. It brings tears to my eyes when I try and put into perspective how full my heart is. I am thankful today and everyday. My life is wonderful. Amazingly wonderful.
My heart is smiling.
Happy Thanksgiving.

Don't worry Tiger...I don't think they will take your spot on the Pro Tour

2010-11-19T15:25:00.000-06:00

Getting ready for the shot. Daddy teaching Farrah how to play mini golf...sort of

They literally ruled the course.

It may be true that they spent more time hoping on the holes than putting balls into them.

Silvie gets ready to try on her own.

She shoots, she scores. Chloe is actually very good. one of four not too bad.

Daddy helping Farrah again.

Almost Jocey!

Silvie may have made more shots if she would have held her club correctly.

Or maybe she made more this way.

Placing it right where she wanted it. That's legal right?

Posing on the course. Farrah is always ready for the camera.

Silvie taking a little break.

Chloe concentrating.

I think it went in Farrah.

Sizing up the mission.

Farrah hanging with the "green" frog.

This is how it's done now.

Good form.

Jocelyn literally stopped and crawled in here to try to take a nap.

She was really tired.

Chloe asking for something.

All in all it was a fun experience to watch the girls on the course. I think we learned that the triplets are not quite ready for mini golf, but they still had a great time. The course was under black lights, which was pretty neat. The music was loud, which is good when my four children are running wild in a public place. They were dancing and golfing and smiling, which is all that matters-the smiling.

My Beauties

2010-11-03T23:06:00.000-05:00

When I look into the eyes of my beautiful little girls, I cannot help but to think about how truly blessed my life is. I never could have imagined I would be where I am today. The things Matt and I have built together. This family. So full of love. Nothing else matters in the grand scheme of things. This family is my entire being. It is the reason I am here. I am the Mommy to these beautiful little people. I am happy. I am full. I love my life.

Happy Halloween!

2010-11-02T10:19:00.002-05:00

Trick or Treat...

Halloween has always been one of Mommy's favorite days. Really, what is better than dressing up and collecting candy? Exactly, not much. This year in the arsenal we had a Vampire, a Devil Girl, a Penguin, an Elephant and of course an Alligator.
We hit a new neighborhood this year and had a BLAST. The weather was very nice, chilly yet not cold enough to warrant the winter coats. Perfect haunting weather. Other than Chloe's wig being "itchy" it was a perfect night.

Daddy stopped by for a visit before we hit the houses. He handed out pencils and tattoos. Which, to our Beauties, overrule candy any day.

Farrah catching a ride in the wagon.

Silvie hitching a ride in Papa's arms.

This was one of the homes we visited. The woman was dressed in full witch costume. She had great goodies, special ones for each age group. Everyone loved her except Jocelyn, she was VERY afraid of her. Silvie made sure to lend comfort. "She's not a for real witch, Jocey, just a "tend" one." Jocelyn didn't care if she was real or not. she froze and would not move.

Chloe decided to lose the wig for the last few stops.

My Lil' Punkins

2010-10-31T23:41:00.001-05:00

Pumpkins are a huge part of fall season and Halloween night fun! I have carved some pretty sweet pumpkins in my days, especially since becoming a Mommy. This year, I had to take the "easy" approach. I am still not at my "normal" functioning level. Surgery has really begun to take a toll on daily activities. But, that being said, everyday gets better. When it came time to crave pumpkins (times four) I decided to go easy on the knee. Rather than spending a huge chunk of time sitting on the floor, digging out pumpkin goo, and then several hours tracing, cutting and carving...we broke out the good ole paint and "decorated" the pumpkins instead.

The Beauties had a great time with it. They didn't have to get "pumpkin yuckies" on their hands, they didn't have to dig out goo and they were able to do one of their favorite things, play with paint. The pumpkins were a colorful showing, although, not as gratifying as a candle lit masterpiece. I look forward to next year , when I will be back to my normal bending maneuvering self.

Silvie is well on her way to being the artist of the beauties. She takes so much time on her work. Pumpkins are no exception. She would have put layer upon layer of paint on that thing.

Farrah was so into her work she was covered from head to toe in paint by the time her pumpkin was finished.

Chloe decided to make an open mouthed pumpkin face. That way, he could eat Halloween candy. Smart thinking Chloe.

Jocelyn was so proud of her work, I even managed to get her to look and smile at the camera. Normally if the camera is out these days, she is hiding in the other room, as far away from the lens as possible.

Chloe was such a big helper to her sisters.

Birthday Games

2010-10-31T23:04:00.001-05:00

I celebrated my 35th birthday last week, and although I was unable to join in the birthday twister game, it made my heart smile to watch the game being played.

My wonderful friend Fiona, her two boys and my Momma came over to help me celebrate. Fiona cooked dinner as I referred the game of twister. It was so cute to see Chloe and her buddy Roan playing by the rules and watching Jocelyn, Farrah, Silvie and Tristin try so hard to figure out how to play. They made a valiant effort to remember which was right and which was left and to try to keep the left hand down when the right was moving to a new space. So cute.

We had a yummy dinner and then cheesecake and brownies made by Chloe and Grandma Pam. Wonderful memories I will hold close to my heart. It was a great birthday!

Fall Fun

2010-10-31T22:34:00.000-05:00

The Beauties had a great time "helping" Papa rake the leaves. As you can see, my sweet little Jocelyn wanted nothing to do with the camera, so there is no photo of her. Hopefully we will get her out of that shell soon!

An "ice" skater

2010-10-16T22:02:00.002-05:00

Chloe passed her second level and is on to level three in her ice skating lessons.
Big CONGRATULATIONS Sweetie!
She is doing so well and still really liking it a lot.
Olympics...maybe?