Our First time to the Campgrounds this year

Chloe has been with Grandma and Papa this weekend at the campgrounds. In fact she is having so much fun she didn't want to come home with me tonight. It's Matty's weekend to work, so, Jocelyn, Farrah, Silvie and I took a trip to the "Great Outdoors". The fresh air was really nice. We arrived at lunchtime and had a picnic on a blanket outside. We sat in our "tot" sized lawn chairs, which we really loved! We went for a walk, played the alphabet game, I found a four leaf clover! We had ice cream, walked some more and then the girls took a ride in the stroller. The bugs were kinda nasty, but they are everywhere. Jocelyn loved walking around in the grass and wanted to follow Chloe all around. Chloe made some new friends at the playground and even played kickball for the first time. Farrah and Silvie were happy people watching and being held. It was a fun afternoon. Hope the summer is full of many more fun weekends at the campgrounds!

To my Best Friend...Happy Hair Cut!

We did it..."The Mom Cut"...well, we are MOMS...Yep. Short. Sassy. Sexy. I like it! Molly and Kimberly. Us. Our Girls Night...A long overdue one I will add. We fit it all, well, a lot, anyway into six hours! Scissors, wine, tears, great conversation, text messages, picture messages, chili con, pedicures with foam flip flops we had to beg for, dutch tulips, my chihuahua bites, shoe and handbag window shopping, laughter, twinkies, hot dogs, peters, peanuts, china, birthmarks, husbands streaking, more laughter, skinny iced white mochas, no whip and turtle brownies, of course nothing skinny about those...oh well, they were worth it.

Life's too Short and too Precious...let's do it again soon and let's Promise to do it often! I LOVE YOU WITH MY HEART AND SOUL THANKS FOR THE NEW MEMORIES TO ADD TO ALL OF THE OLD ONES I CHERISH SO VERY MUCH!

You are my Sunshine! A day of Dancing!

It was the recital day today! All the the learning and all of the practicing, the sweat and the tears (okay, maybe no sweat and no tears)...today was the day for all to see what Miss Chloe has been up to over the last 5 months. She started her dance class the first week of January, but she looked as if she was a born dancer!

Her preschool class was a small one. Only six little girls ages 4 and 5. They danced to "Sunshine" their piece was titled "Ray's Rain Babies". They all did such a good job! They were right on cue to the music and smiled the entire performance. I was a "backstage mommy" along with Rachel, Averi's mom. We kept the girls entertained during the show, until they went backstage with Ray (pictured with Chloe) then we were able to go in and sit to watch our "Rain Babies" dance. We were tearing just watching them. What a proud moment! She came along way since her very first attempt at dance...you remember, the one where she wouldn't dance. She has been talking ever since we left the theater about taking dance still. She is so concerned the year is over. We assured her that she can continue taking dance! Maybe she will go all the way! You never know!

Big thanks to those that attended today! Daddy, Jocelyn, Farrah and Silvie,Gma Pam and Papa Steve, Gma Val, Ande Ande and Haley Bop, Uncle Chaddy and Mollimarie, Grt. Gma Gobush, Frank, Barb and Katrina! It meant a lot to Chloe to have all of you there!

A fun afternoon at the Brown's!

What a beautiful afternoon. Congratulations Hilary on your Graduation Day! We are so proud of you. Good Luck in your new endeavors! May you reach for the stars! The girls enjoyed playing the afternoon away. Sitting in the grass and running around. Chloe and Jakey-Boy reunited again! They are so cute! Chloe is always talking about her boyfriend Jake and when she will be able to see him again. When I asked Jake to pose for a pic with Chloe he smiled and his cheeks got rosey! I think he kind of likes Chloe too! Molly and I may really be related someday! Wouldn't that be crazy! The babies loves crawling around in the grass, eating fruit and climbing on the lawn chairs. They were so excited when their buddy Laila woke up from her nap! They took turns hugging her. They love their Laila-Girl. The last picture was a ime out for some snacks...yep...rice cakes. All of them thought they were pretty tastey! Even tje babies were enjoying them. At least it wasn't make sweets! It was a good day of being together! We missed you Uncle Clint! Happy Belated Birthday!

The Giggles

A New Addition to our Home...

Welcome our new addition! No, you crazy people...I am not pregnant, are you nuts!? Chloe has a Baby Hamster. Her name is "Belle". Belle is a dwarf hamster. She is very tame and loves to be held. She is grey and brown with a black stripe down her back. Her full name is "Belle Cinderella". Chloe is enjoying playing with her, feeding her and watching her run in her exercise ball. However, Chloe does not like the way her feet feel. She will only hold her in her lap, not in her hands yet. But she says she will soon. She pets her back and face, but not her feet. Jocelyn, Farrah and especially Silvie love her too! They want to hold her, feet and all. We think Jocelyn would really like to hug her to death...literally! They screech with excitement when we take her out of the cage. They pet her "gently" and want to grab her. They even try to kiss her. It's really cute to see all 4 girls crowded around her.
She is very sweet and makes a great addition to the Hendricks Family. Oh, by the way...yep another girl in the family! Sorry Matty.

Happy Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day to ALL of the Mommas in our lives! We love you and thank you today and everyday for all that you do, all that you are, and what you mean to us. Relax and enjoy this day.

Live...Everyday

I have been thinking a lot lately about life. How beautiful it is. How difficult it can be. How fragile it is. How taken for granted it can be. How fast it goes by. How some days can take forever. How much we can influence the lives of those around us. How much those around us can influence our lives. The way that people think of us. The way we treat others. The way we treat family and friends and how we treat strangers. How quickly what we have can change, with no notice, with no warning. How we learn to adjust. How we learn to conquer. How we think that it won't happen to us. How it does happen. How delicate it is. How tough you have to be to make it. How it can feel so wonderful. How it can hurt so much. How we can be so blessed. But still not satisfied...
I realize that I need to stop complaining about the little things. The things that I cannot change. I need to open my eyes more widely and look closely at all of the "life" that surrounds me each day. Remember how thankful I am for all I have been given. Do my very best to give to others. Set an example to my children. Show them how to love life and give it all that they have everyday, even when they don't feel like it. To look at life and see it how they do. Unflawed, full of innocence and sincerity. Be there for those who need you and be there for yourself. Believe in yourself and what you mean to those who love you.
We never know when it will be our last day...so "live" everyday. Take not even one for granted.
I know that I am starting today. I hope that you will join me.

"Tutus and Tootsies"

We had a fun day today. Chloe had a full dress rehearsal for her recital. She looked so sweet! Front and center for those of you not used to seeing her in make-up with a Robert Plant...I mean ballerina do! She did so well today! She knows the routine and smiles the entire time! I must say that getting her to let me put on the make-up, was a bit challenging...to say the least. Matt actually ended up putting it on her, or she wouldn't have worn any. She kept saying that it "hurt" hmmmmmm, never had that happen to me when applying make-up. I must say Matt did a GREAT job, for a first timer. Although, blush goes on the apples of the cheeks honey. HAHA! Chloe has a saying that she uses quite regularly, "Daddy is the easy one, Mommy is the hard one". Daddy loves this. Basically it means that she wants Daddy to do it, not Mommy. This happens a lot at bath time and brushing of the hair. hmmmm again. I keep telling her it is hard to be a girl!

After dance, we met up with Olivia and Laila and Auntie Molly. We had some ice cream and then went and had our tootsies polished. Spring is here, which means time to break out the flip-flops! Who am I kidding, I never put mine away...I know you are right there with me Molly! Chloe and Olivia shared a pedi chair, while Molly and I took turns saying, "sit still or your are going to mess them up!" Funny because I was sitting still, and my big toes both have a smear...oh well, what can you do.
It was a fun day, we love hanging out and just being girls!

Happy Birthday to Mollimarie and Haley!

Happy Birthday to our "two" BEAUTIFUL NIECES!
Haley Bop is the BIG 11 today. Modzer is 8 today!
We love you GIRLS! Stop growing so fast you are making us old!

We attended 2 parties this week! So much for to eat cake twice!

Another week has come to an end, almost. We have been busy around the house trying to clean, organize and make space. We have been toying with the thought of placing our home up for sale. Still not sure if we are really ready for that or not. We outgrew this one on Sept. 7th, 2006, when they said..."there are THREE". But it is so scary to think about selling, packing, moving, finding a new house, a bigger payment, new neighbors...I guess I could go on and on...no time for that...so I will stop.

Happy Hump Day.

Today is a new day...That's what Chloe likes to say now. Everyday is another day. She has a very good perspective on things. When the going gets rough, I try to think about life and how fortunate I am.

Baby Birds

This is our new favorite thing to do! We are like baby birds trying to get comfy, cozy in our beanbag nest. We love to climb and tumble. We love laundry baskets and our beanbags. We can ALL fit in both, although we fight for the space sometimes.

Spring is in the air. We spent the day yesterday landscaping our hill! The girls enjoyed hanging out in the stroller and Chloe "helped plant" bushes and seeds.

Silvie added her name to the "I am walking" list. She took her first steps on Saturday night and was so very excited!. Jocelyn is getting really good now! She has been practicing a lot. Farrah still not quite sure how to make her legs work, but I think she is getting closer! Chloe is getting ready for her dance recital on May 18th! She is going to be great! She has been watching and practicing a lot! If you would like to see her performance, please let me know so I can order you a ticket.

Think Spring!

Our First March for Babies!

What a GREAT morning we had! The weather was nice it didn't rain! The walk began at City Park and went through downtown. It was 6 miles! Yep, we made it the entire way! HAHA. Our team this year included Matt and myself, Chloe, Jocelyn, Farrah and Silvie, Grandma Pam and Grandma Val and Aunt Ande. We hope to build an even bigger team next year! The girls loved strolling around, taking in the view. There were lots of people walking. We were able to meet up with some friends. Heidi and Ed and their Triplets. Their girls are a month younger than our girls. Heidi was admitted the week before the girls were born. Her girls were born the week after we went home. It was so good to see them! I sure wish we lived closer!
We were also able to visit the "Angel of Remembrance" she is in City Park and she stands in memory of all the Angel Babies, taken from us too soon. It was really beautiful. We placed a rose in memory of our 4 Angel Babies and in memory of those close to us who have lost an Angel Baby. May God bless you and keep you safe until we meet again! You will forever be in our hearts. Being there and participating in the walk really touched my heart. We are so very blessed, our girls were two months early, and they are beautiful, healthy, perfect little girls. We count our 4 blessings everyday. I cannot imagine our lives without them. Yes our hands are full..but so are our hearts.
Thank you again for all of those who sponsored our walk! (Gma Pam/Papa Steve, Gma Val/Papa Dave, Aunt Ande, Susan, Anne, Michelle, Marlys, Kathleen, Judy, Lyn, Peg, Lauren, Jane and Heidi/Ed.)

March for Babies

Tomorrow is our first "March for Babies". We are very excited to be a part of such a wonderful organization! The March of Dimes does so much for so many babies born prematurely and for babies who are sick. A special thank you to all that sponsored our team. Hopefully next year we will have even more team members.
It's crazy to think that at this time last year the girls had only been home a little more than a week. Time goes by so quickly.

It is WARM today!

Happy Hump Day!

We had a fun day today! It was about 75 degrees...lovely day! We took advantage of it. We took a stroll to the park and around the neighborhood. Received lots of attention, mostly starring and pointing, I guess we are getting used to that. Chloe got up close to a duck at the pond. We even saw a "woodpecker" not a "turtle dove" in our yard! Ask Matt, he will explain...

They girls loved wearing their new sunhats...thanks Great Gramma. We had all four girls in swings at the park today. They loved it, as you can see in the photo.

Happy Tuesday

We are planning for a walk today! Hooray! It is 50 degrees right now, so hopefully it will warm up a bit!

The First Post...

I have wanted to begin a blog, and am finally finding a few extra moments here and there. Usually at 11:00 pm but I always have been a night owl. Well, before I had kids anyway.

Matt and I are doing well, Matt is working a ton! "Keeping our streets safe" as we like to say. I have been working hard too, being a Mommy. I get paid with lots of smiles, kisses hugs and love, that's way better than any paycheck, I think. Almost 6 years we have been married, and 4 bebes later...

Enough about us...I know you would rather hear about the "little beauties".

Chloe is 4 going on 17. We celebrated her 4th birthday at Chuck E Cheese. She had a Barbie Island Princess Cake, thanks Aunt Dee! Chloe is a GREAT" Big Sissy". She loves to help Mommy (most of the time) she helps give fallen buttons (pacifiers) gets diapers, wipes and she even shares her toys! She is attending preschool and taking a Ballet/Tap class. She LOVES dance! She is a born performer! Always dancing or singing and is a great actress too. She loves clothes and shoes (like Mommy). She is a "Social Butterfly"always making new friends. She is the most affectionate child you will ever meet. She is a true GEM. Mommy's Girl!

Matt and I and of course, Chloe too, welcomed 3 baby girls into our hearts on March 11th, 2007. That was when our somewhat normal lives, became, well, not so normal. We learned we were expecting triplets on Sept. 7th, 2006. WOW! After 33 weeks of pregnancy, 8 1/2 of which I spent "living" in the "Mother/Baby Unit" at UIHC, our family doubled. Jocelyn Pearl 4lbs 12 oz, Farrah Grace 3lbs 9 oz, and Silvie Mae 4lbs were here! The trio spent 24 days in the NICU. They had very few issues. Jocelyn and Farrah were on oxygen for a short time. Feeders and growers as they call them in the NICU. We brought all 3 home together on April 4th, 2007! We needed a bigger house instantly! It was so wonderful to finally have everyone home.

Matt was away at the Law Enforcement Academy from Sept 4th to December 7th. WOW, that was a long 3 months! I guess we are even now. Thanks to The Grammas! They were here with extra help while Daddy was away! Congratulations on being "Official" to the Daddy.

We survived the first year! Matt and I are closer than ever. We learned that we can do a lot more than we ever thought we could! Some things are getting easier and others more challenging. As they say on Jon & Kate: It's a crazy life, but it's our life and we wouldn't trade it for anything."

We celebrated the Triplets' first birthday On March 11th. THEY LOVED CAKE! They were not sure of all of the people at our house starring at them though. Farrah was especially upset when it was cake time. Too many faces and cameras flashing. It was a great day and felt like a huge milestone had been reached for them and us too.

We celebrated with a party on the 29th. We had to reschedule because the entire crew was sick with the flu...YUCK!

Jocelyn is so very close to walking! She is the adventurer/risk taker! She stands alone and smiles from ear to ear. She has taken a few steps. I think she will be running soon!

We have also named her the "bully". She picks on her sisters!

Farrah is the "little tiger" she is the Mommy's girl for sure. Daddy says she is going to be the "bookworm". She stands and crawls VERY fast. She also is the one that seems to get picked on the most.

Silvie is the lover! She is the sweet one! She would cuddle all day if she could. Loves her Daddy and Grammy! She is also crawls and standing. I think she too will be walking soon.

We are all happy and healthy, and it doesn't get much sweeter than that!

We hope that you will enjoy our blog site...be sure to visit often! Leave your comments, we would love to hear them. Better get some sleep now, before the alarm clock cries...