They are back! Well... for a little bit...

Nikki, Sean and Derin are visiting us for the month for the holidays from Turkey. Unfortunately, Eko could not get off long enough to join them. We miss him big time and wish he could be with us too! It has been a long eight months for me, I have missed my sister deeply. It shocked me just how anxious I was to see her. Excited yes... But when it came time to watch for them at the gate on JFK, I felt like a crazy person. I couldn't wait... Then when we saw them the emotions just overwhelmed me. I had to quickly pull it together! Turns out Nikki was feeling the exact same way. We were standing hugging in the middle of a very busy walkway where many other families were waiting to hug and greet their loved ones. We were definitely those obnoxiously clueless and unaware people who don't notice others for a few minutes...Oops...

Not being with Nikki and Eko during the end of her pregnancy, labor and then not getting to meet Derin has been the hardest part for me. So, seeing him for the first time was extra special!! He is the cutest little guy and he looks Turkish! He is beautiful.. I mean handsome... Loving my nephews and sis around again. It's been a nutty 24 hours, but I'm loving it.

Their temporary apartment for the month/ playroom

How cute is he?????

Nikki and Eko brought us cool hats from Istanbul!!

Just being us

First Snow

I miss being a kid.... When life was simple and pure. The only better than being a kid is raising them and getting to see that innocence again first hand. Yesterday, it snowed for a brief time and the boys were PSYCHED! They got dressed quickly in their hats and jackets (which never happens) and they were outside opening their mouths catching snow having such fun. I love them and I hope their innocence lasts forever, but I know it won't. My plan is to try and encourage it for as long as I can! Here's to many more, "first snows." 

Happy Halloween

Another great Halloween! The boys loved it as usual. What's not to love? Jake was a hot wheels racer, Kevin was a puppy and William, after a last minute wardrobe change, was Batman. Our neighbors, the Scibilias had a bunch of us ver as usual for dinner which is always a great way to start the night. Then, onto the trick or treating we went. Jake and Will actually did the whole neighborhood! Kevin had to go home a little early because he was exhausted, but boy did they have fun!! 

Showing me their, "booty's," cheeky boys!!! 

October happenings

Lately, I have been so busy with life that I keep forgetting to record it!! So, here I am with a few minutes to spare... Life has felt very busy these past few months, it seems like we always have something going on and I just can't believe that it will be November this week! Where does the time go? The boys are excited for Halloween and trick or treating with the neighbors tomorrow. Jake has a school party tomorrow during the day and the little guys and I had a fall festival with my moms group today. The boys are all at an age now where I feel like I can take a breath in one way.... Then the next minute they take my breath away again! Will and Kevin definitely feel like twins right now. Into everything and constantly on the go. Jake is starting to slow down, but has constant questions about life and I find it a challenge to have the time to give the answers I want to give. Slowing things down and focusing on what is important can be tricky at times. It frustrates me that we don't have more, "down time." So, I have me a point to limit the amount of activity during the week. A typical day is starting out with breakfast and a devotional from our, "gotta have God," boys book. It is cute and often provides an "experiment" which the boys really love. Currently, we have celery in food coloring. Then, TV or playing and getting dressed then out the door we go! I try and have lunch made the night before for Jake and outfits picked out so it's not so stressful. However, getting three busy boys out of the house and in the car by 8:00 is tricky. Then, we head either home or on errands and have lunch and naps around 12. Can't imagine the day when these little guys don't nap! Afterwards, we pick up Jake and have homework and quiet time. I try and get the boys outside for at least 30 minutes if the weather in nice before dinner. Then dinner, night time show, baths and bed. It goes quick! I never fully realized how much school encompasses most of the day. I definitely know Jake is in the right place and feel so good about his school, but I miss him. I do not feel led to homeschool. But I understand it now. I wish he could be with me all day, everyday. For now... We're working with the schedule that we have become accustomed to and I fit in as much family time as we can :) here are some pictures of our recent happenings.... Oh and Nikki, Sean and Derin come to visit in three weeks. I just can't wait. I haven't seen my sister in nine months. I miss her terribly every single day and I can't wait to meet my newest nephew!!! Yay, November! 

Brooklyn for the Day

Today, we visited Mike and Katie in Brooklyn and it was perfect. I am not much of a city girl, but there is something special in Brooklyn...especially in the Fall. Mike cooked us up an awesome, cleanse friendly, feast and even made a picnic dinner for the boys! They bought toys for the boys and took us to a fun park. Jake loved riding his scooter through the busy streets and Will took a brisk run along side the stroller which he loved too. All in all a great time. I feel blessed tht my boys have such n awesome uncle and aunt who live in a, cool, city. lucky boys!! Love you guys! 

Picture Update

A few more pictures of our time with Edie. the boys loved watching her get a bath! Then a few shots of the  crazy amount of vegetables and fruits being consumed around here! It is definitely difficult, but I feel super proud of myself. I am hoping to incorporate more of this healthy clean eating into our regular routine once the cleanse is over. Jon and I have really enjoyed the challenge and are both feeling energetic and clear headed. we wake up rested and feel great throughout the day. We have been cooking together a lot more too, which we both really enjoy.  However, don't get me wrong, it is very tough... What I wouldn't give to eat one chip, piece of candy corn, scoop of ice cream, bowl of lasagna... Ugh the list of cravings is endless. 9 days to go!! 

Round Here...

September happenings, quickly became October happenings and life continues to fly by! Jake has been loving kindergarten and recently started going to Spanish club. He learns Latin in school so he was psyched when he realized he could possibly know three languages. He told me that he was going to teach Will and they were going to talk and Daddy and I wouldn't know what they were saying. Ha! He would literally stay at school all day if he could. Makes me sad and happy at the same time. He is just so big! I am very proud of the way he has adapted and how much he loves his school and teacher. Yesterday, while getting ready for school Jake said,"Mom, I miss Miss. Halligan." 

Will is growing up before my eyes. He is such a big boy now too. He has been struggling a bit with two year oldish behavior and adjusting to Jake being gone. Will loves Wii, IPad and anything dancing, he also likes to jump on the couch with the pillows off. Come to my house between 5 and 5:30 and you can usually see three little boys jumping on the couch and Will is the one with the huge smile. Will also loves snacks! I think he is going through a growth spurt because he would eat all day. He also likes to run. He loves when I have Kevin in the stroller and we follow him while he runs. The other day we were doing just that. Kevin was in the stroller, I was pushing and Will is in his little sweatsuit outfit looking a lot like a mini Rookie. 

Kevin's all boy and all cars! He can be found at any time with at least fifteen cars in his hands. His favorite thing to do is run, jump and crash cars. He was quiet for the first two years and now is very loud all of a sudden. He has a love of puppies and babies. Abby is visiting us right now with baby Edie And he is obsessed!!! He doesn't leave her side. One morning when Abby had left, Kevin woke up and kept saying, "where'd my baby go?" Soo precious. 

Just after Kevin's party, Pop Pop and Gigi came to visit. It was great to catch up and The boys loved Seeing them and had fun helping Kevin open his gifts. Kevin definitely thinks his birthday is a week long affair. He truly enjoyed the whole birthday experience, so fun! 

Mops started again and it felt so nice to see the ladies again. Coordinating Mops is truly a gift from God just for me. I am so thankful that I have the opportunity as it gives me another focus in my life, encourages mommy friendships and encourages and helps me be a better mom. Love MOPS!  

Like I said, Abby and Edie are visiting right now and she is amazing. Edie that is.. Hehe. Kidding Abs. She is such a sweet, easy going little baby. The boys absolutely love having her around! It is sweet to watch Kevin obsess over her.

Don't mind the look... Overtired, no makeup, night before first MOPS! And Edie is in town!

Kevin will not leave her alone... So we had to set up ,"picnics," for him near Edie.

Abby and I had a craft day and made some very special gift wrap.

Jon and I have started a 21 day cleanse. We are currently on day 4. The first three were awful. I was tired, nauseous and wanting everything I could not eat. Day four has brought the energy and motivation I have been waiting for. I have been making super healthy meals, I never would have made and so far I feel really good. Toxins good riddins! 

Pop and Gigi were a huge hit... They brought super perfect toys for Kevin! 

Picture day... Jake haven't a moment of Not feeling picture day....