Escape from reality...

An escape from reality. No matter what is going on in the world/community, my beauties can always make me smile. With all of the stress and the worry and the uncertainty of the last several days Saturday evening snacks brought a fun "break" and some smiles and laughter.

Here's look at the triplets first encounter with the world's favorite sandwich cookie...O-R-E-O. As you can see, they loved them. Three little cookie monsters. The one of Chloe is the new "trick" if you will that she picked up from her Daddy. My pet peeve. I'll let it slide, since it made me smile.

Sandbagged

Water...Water...Water...Swelling Rivers, overflowing into the streets, into the homes, into the parks, into the businesses..Destruction...Unbelievable Devastation...My eyes fill with tears every time I look at a newscast or a picture. I choke on the words. I wish I could do something to help.

Matt and I joined in the sandbagging/wall building in Hills and in Iowa City the last few days. (Wow...If I did that everyday, thank God I don't have to, I would be in fabulous shape). My parents, and my brother and his wife and daughter live in Hills which is about 7 miles south of Iowa City. Hills is the town I grew up in. Even though I don't live there, I guess it will always be close to my heart. When I arrived in town about noon, on Friday I was amazed at the river. The Hills Access, just outside of town, is underwater, which I knew, but it is so much different to see it. I remember the flooding in 1993, It was the summer before my senior year of high school. I remember it was bad, but I do not remember it being this bad! I am sick to think that my families homes are in danger. The home my Daddy built with his own hands. The home I grew up in. The home my parents love living in. In the town that my family has lived since I was five years old. My mom spent the day pack up photos and and things that are not "replaceable". My dad keeps saying it is going to be okay. The sandbags are going to hold the water out. I pray that we did it all for not. We sandbagged all day and well into the evening. They called the day when severe weather moved in again. Things started back up this morning (Friday). They are saying there will be water in the town. They predict water in the basements, so many already have that and they are saying the crest is not even expected until Tuesday. Depends on so many what-ifs...Time will tell.
Matt's sister is in Cedar Rapids. She and her daughter had to leave their home yesterday. The water is about a block from their home. She is up the hill from it. We pray it stays a block away. She works downtown, so if you have seen the news, it's under water right now. Matt's parents are dry. Well their home is dry, not the corn/bean fields.
As I sit here and write I try to put it all together. I cannot. I do not understand. I cannot imagine what it is like to see your home underwater. To see you belongings washed away. I cannot even begin to comprehend how you pick up the pieces and start again. I know that the people in our communities will do it. We will band strong. We will pull together. We will rebuild better, bigger and stronger than before. But I am scared right now. I am. Just scared. Unsure. Helpless. I think we all are. I will place my trust in my Faith...that is all I can do for now. May God keep us safe. Protect us.

Just for Fun

As a mother of multiples, I am getting used to, well, for a lack of more creative wording: "Stupid Questions" and "Unbelievable Comments". So Just for fun I have started compiling of list of some of our personal favorites. The ones we hold dear and cherish close to our hearts... Right... Please feel free to add any you can think of (in the comments of this post). I will add them to the list. I am going to frame it and give a copy to the girls when they are older. I know they will grow to appreciate it!

Looks like someone is ready for a nap...
Are they all the same age?
Are they all twins?
Are they all yours?
Were they born at the same time?
Boy you must have your hands full. My response, Yes but my heart is full too!
Glad it's you and not me. my response, Me too.
I'd kill myself.
I thought twins were bad. My response, Do your twins know you feel that way about them?
You must be busy.
Did you "do" fertility?
Did you have "help"?
Were you sad when you found out there were three?
What did you do when they told you?
Did you know there were three in there?
Are you done?
Are you going to try again for a boy?
Two girls and a boy? (When they are ALL dressed EXACTLY THE SAME AND IN ALL PINK!!)
How do you tell them apart?
You almost have an entire team.
Do you have a lot of help?
Did you plan to have three at a time?
Looks like you need a new hobby. (my personal favorite, yes an older man really said this to me)
You're a brave woman. My response, nope, just practiced and tired of being at home!
Can I smell them? I just love the smell of babies?
I feel sorry for you. My response...why, because I didn't get a shower today?
Another one of my favs...when my best friend, who was 9 months prego at the time, was pushing the triple decker full of my kids, Olivia and Chloe tagging behind. Boy, she just some crazy looks!
You are blessed. My response...yes, I am, 4 times. Thank you for seeing that!
They are beautiful. My response...yes, they are, thank you for saying so.

I know there are more that I am forgetting! Please help me out! I will add them!

Slumber Party

Chloe and her BFF Olivia are having a slumber party tonight. That is right. There are 5 little girls at our house tonight! Just missing Laila! Next time sweetie! They ran around acting like crazed animals. Ate their favorite dinner... mac-n-cheese. Played with Belle Cinderella...a lot. Feed her apples and carrots and cheetos? Olivia even tried some of her food...sorry Molly and Clinton...They took a "swim" (hence the swimsuits) in the tub. They wanted bubbles in and the jets on, so there were lots and lots of bubbles! Did I mention there were lots of bubbles? After that we made "indoor s'mores" they were yummy. I think the girls could have cared less about the graham crackers and marshmallows. They just wanted the chocolate bars! It's after 10:00 p.m. and they are still awake. Oh well, that is what slumber parties are all about, right?
They ended the night with a flick. Barbie Mariposa. It is one about a Barbie, a mystical butterfly fairy named yep, Mariposa and her cohorts who save the day from the evil skeezites and a bad fairy trying to take over the land. It is actually a very cute movie! Matt even liked it! For all you Daddies out there interested in getting caught up on your Barbie adventures.
As you can tell from the photos they had an evening filled with fun!
They're finally asleep after 11:00 p.m. staying up later then Matty, and also myself. I fell asleep in bed with them. Oops. Of course had to get in the blogging "after midnight"(thanks Clapton). Goodnight.

Happy Honkers!

Happy Thursday! Here are some photos of the girlies having a tea party. Notice no tea cups. They kept "windshield wiping" them off! Oh well, they loved sitting at the table pretending to eat. They also are sporting some "honker" ponytails today. Well Silvie and Farrah anyway, Jocelyn is still trying to grow some more hair! It's coming Joce! Chloe is dressed like a princess...as always!

"Eat Your Peas" ~Cheryl Karpen~

Have I told you lately how important you are to me...how much better my life is because you are in it? You are kind, compassionate, lovely, courageous, intelligent, fun and a precious and spirited friend, I cherish you. All the stars in the universe danced on the day you were born. Imagine. There is not another you in the whole world. There is not another me. We met and became friends. Imagine That! When I think of you I smile. Sometimes I miss our time alone together, don't you? (Although I love our girls more than life) One of my favorite things about being around you is I get to be myself! Wouldn't be fun to be Queen for the day? You bring the "Coffee" I'll bring the crowns! Don't you dare clean the house before I come over! I love you just the way you are. Unconditionally. I never, ever want to hurt you. Sometimes when we're together and it seems like we've used up all our words, (has that ever happened?) just knowing you're near warms my heart. I love how you always seem to understand me. Everyday take some time to fill your spirit with things you love to do. Your whole-hearted joy depends on it. It's tough being everything to everybody. Why not cut yourself some slack? Do something just for you. Gratitude is a gift you give yourself. So give thanks for all of the wonders that touch your days. fresh water, skinny iced white mochas, clean sheets, baby toes, your daughters giggling, a soft embrace from the man you love, yes...Clinton...loving family and of course...your twinkie. Dream. Dream. Dream. Hold on to your dreams Dear Friend. Anything is possible. Believe in yourself. I do. I believe you are a very important somebody. It doesn't matter if you just won the lottery or if you have to count every penny. It doesn't matter if you have it all together or if you can never find you car keys. It doesn't matter where you work (or don't) or what anyone else you know has accomplished (or not). You are a very important somebody and I am so glad you are my friend. Thank you for all the times you've listened without judgement, for gently lifting my spirit with gifts of perspective...for reminding me that things really do get better. Whether you are near or far, I will always hold our friendship close to my heart. Cherish each day. (Indulge Yourself) Play whenever you can. (Celebrate Yourself) Most of all...Take GOOD CARE OF YOURSELF! Remember to always EAT YOUR PEAS.

Sleepytime

Have you ever wondered why children will do everything in their power to stay awake just a little later? So afraid they may miss something. They want to continue playing. Stay in the tub just five more minutes. They need to read just one more story. Have another drink. Go potty again. Be tucked in more tightly. Have the closet checked for monsters (for the 16th time). Be kissed and hugged once more (which I never mind). But then as adults (mothers you ALL know what I mean) you would KILL for a nap and a solid five to seven a night!
I remember when Chloe was born. Being a new MOM! How wonderful! I wouldn't trade her for anything. How easy it was when she wouldn't sleep to snuggle her right into bed in between Matty and I. She loved it there. Oh how she loved it there! Still does in fact...four and half years later. The triplets were a little different, partly because our bed isn't big enough and partly...oh who am I kidding...it's all due to the fact that our bed wasn't big enough!
Anyway, where was I going with this, oh yeah, as I sit here listening to the triplets babble and talk to each other from their room (yes, they should be awaiting a visit from Mr Sandman), I wonder...How in the H-E-L-L did I make it that long without sleep! Wow! I love that they are sleeping through the night now! Since they are not babbling anymore...I think I may go catch a nap...yep...with Chloe.

2007 NICU Reunion at Kinnick

Time flies we all know that. When you really think about how quickly it flies...well it is kind of mind blowing. The Children's Hospital, The Parent Connection and NICU Staff held the 2007 NICU Graduate Reunion on Sunday. It was held at Kinnick Stadium. They had a carnival style gathering for babies born/graduated from the NICU in 2007 and their families. There were bouncing houses, duck ponds, popcorn, books, coloring, and the triplets most favorite...Snocones! Chloe's favorite were the vanilla cupcakes! Of course! One of the most special parts of the afternoon was seeing some of the nurses that took such great care of the girls. Especially "Nurse Bev". She will always be so close to our hearts! We also took a trip to the Mother/Baby unit at the hospital. We met up with some nurses that took care of Mommy! Mary and Melanie, and Terri and Becky! It was great to see them and to introduce them to the girls! A big change from when they used to chase you around with the doppler to find your heartbeats!

We met up with some "old" friends the Abben Family. Elizabeth, Grace and Amelia are getting big too. We even were able to meet big sister Faith! We also met up with several other families that were there in the NICU at the same time that we were there. They all commented on how much the girls all looked alike and how blue their eyes were. There was a photo gallery of all the graduates' then and now stats. So nice to see such wonderful improvements! The photos brought tears to our eyes. So many so tiny and have changed so much and come so far.

So many miracles. So much to be thankful for. Thank you to all of those who helped to give our LITTLE MIRACLES the strongest beginning to life possible! They are doing so wonderful.

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.