February's Everyday Moments

February is right about when the winter time crazies hit. We're sick of being inside and spring is just around the corner. So we have to come up with some fun things to keep us busy while it's still freezing.

The tent is a great distraction that keeps them occupied for hours:

Ryder has discovered the joy of dress up. His favorites are glasses, hats, and shoes.

Oh man, this kid cracks us up every day!

The boys adore our little Ryder. They seriously cannot get enough of him and want to do so much for him. Which isn't always great when you are 1.5 and wanting independence!! But it is SO fun to see those sweet moments of love between brothers. That is when my heart just fills to bursting and I feel like the luckiest mama alive.  

Tave has taken to having Ryder sit on his lap. And surprisingly, Ryder likes it too:

We typically have pretty good days. I probably always seem a bit frazzled since I still like to think I'll see Jeff more, but reality is sinking in and we're getting used to him being gone a lot.  The boys and I are settling into  a routine and most days, though they don't go perfectly,  are really good.
We are growing together and it is great.

Some days, though, are exceptional days. Days when the kids ALL wake up happy and in great moods. Days when they fight less, love more, and things just fall into place. I don't know how that magic happens, but it's always welcome.   This was a day like that. Everyone was in a goofy/silly mood and we had a blast:

The boys were so excited to show me their 'armies'.  They had set them all up in their room and I had to take a picture to remember this cuteness.  They were pretty serious about their armies, so we had to keep the door closed so Ryder wouldn't mess with them:

A happy happy moment when Daddy was home and got Ryder up from his nap. Oh this boy loves his daddy and loves to snuggle. So sweet!

4th.

Jeff and I were talking the other day about our marriage and all of the things we've done in the past 6.5 years. 

 Jeff has been in school 4.5 of the 6.5 years.

We've lived in three different homes and bought our first home.

I've been pregnant four times.

We've had three (soon to be four) sweet boys.

It has been Busy. Wonderful. Difficult. Rewarding. Sweet. Full.

We both agreed that Parenthood has been, by far, the best thing that happened in our lives. We are loving learning, growing, and becoming a family together. 

We are so amazed by this experience. Every day offers new challenges, new discoveries, new joys, new loves, and new hope.

Motherhood has become a defining part of my life. While I still have other hobbies, interests, loves, and desires, being a Mother comes first. It has to. Babies can't feed themselves, change their diapers, or rock themselves to sleep. Little boys can't teach themselves to read, kiss their own scrapes, and learn how to share with their siblings. Young men don't just accidentally turn into productive people and amazing husbands and fathers. They are taught, and guided, nurtured and loved.  By mothers and fathers.

I have so far to go before I am the mother I truly think my children deserve. But I am trying my best and realizing that my boys love me. Imperfections and all. Motherhood- being their mother - is not just the best job. It is my job. And I love it.

When I saw a recent maternity photo shoot, I knew that I wanted one.

I wanted to capture all the hopes and dreams that are tied up in those 9 months.

Those 9 months have made up a huge part of our marriage. 4 times over.

Those 9 months have shaped who we are and have changed us from a couple into a family. 

From a husband and wife into a father and mother.

How lucky we are to be  part of such a miracle. Each and every time.

That is what I was hoping to capture.

Thank you to Heather for capturing this moment so perfectly.

Valentine's Day!

Things have been pretty busy around here. I always have these high hopes of doing awesome, creative, and fun things for holidays with my kids. But you know, simple is the way we roll. It just has to be that way for now. (maybe forever..;)  

I didn't take a lot of pictures. But here are my little loves on Valentine's Day. I feel so lucky to have them, and of course my wonderful hubby too!

Tave - he found my mascara and gave himself a mustache. Yes, he wore it all day. Lovely, huh.

Weston showing off his muscles:

And my little Ryder - trying chocolate dipped strawberries for the first time (he was too focused to look at me!)

I wanted something a little festive, so we did heart pizzas with heart pepperonis. It was a hit:

And our delicious dessert was scarfed up in minutes:

We carried on the tradition from last year of celebrating the day of the book and the rose. 

So everyone got a new book (instead of treats and useless trinkets)

No pics, but they loved them!

Celebrating with Cousins!!

It was Aydrien's (Chelsea's little boy) Birthday while Shar & the girls were still here. So we ALL got to celebrate together.

It is SO awesome getting all the kids together. 

Between the three of us, we have 9 kids ages 5 and under. (and one more on the way!) Crazy, huh.

It is So.Much.FUN! Seriously, I love that my kids have so many cousins their age. Now if we could all live right down the street from each other things would be pretty perfect. ;)

Happy Birthday, Bubba. We're so glad we got to celebrate with you!

the crazy kiddos eating lunch:

Shar & Mom got to meet Tanneah for the first time. She is such a doll:

Uncle Shawn is the favorite playtime buddy:

We had to get all the kiddos together (Tanneah is not pictured)

And then in buddy (age group) sets:

Kapria, Syanne, Weston

Tave, Aydrien, Mila

Reverie & Ryder (born 11 days apart!)

We gave them some toys to keep them in the box...

And this shot accidentally happened...SO FUNNY:

And here's Tanneah's little buddy, yet to be born:

We LOVE our cousins!!

February Visitors!!

Shar & my Mom drove out with the girls!!  

We had so much fun playing with them and soaking up all the cousin time. We definitely miss our family!

We had such a fun week with them and didn't want it to end!!

I had already put the boys to bed, but as soon as the girls got here Weston & Tave bounced down the stairs. They couldn't wait to see them:

I love this pic of Jeff reading stories to the girls while we got their sleeping arrangements taken care of:

One of our many walks outside:

the girls were excited about the little bit of snow!

It was mine and Jeff's turn for babysitting swap while they were here. 7 kids ages 5 and under. It was awesome!

We did a lot of fun indoor activities since it was still so cold. These cute water color books were a hit:

Ryder LOVED it too and really worked hard on his picture. SO cute:

We had tons of fun and loved every second of their visit. SO much so that I didn't take a ton of photos.

We sure love our cousins, thanks Mom & Shar for making the trip!