What do the holidays mean to you?

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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!

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.