Keeping busy

It has been soo cold around here. We are definitely ready for spring. These boys need sunshine and open spaces! Thankfully, they like playing in the snow. Personally, I have been feeling a case of cabin fever! This usually results in me over cleaning and some sort of a project. (Stay tuned... Project is in the works) I have never been one to sit around. I have a hard time relaxing typically. Completing projects and being active actually make me feel more content than sitting stil. Something about the winter makes me feel more cooped up than usual. Our boys are...Well.. Active... And they need to get energy out. So, spring can't come soon enough. In the meantime, we are staying busy and trying to be creative inside. We have had lots of jump city (all pillows off the couch, jump session), dance parties, running races, car races, crafts... My mommy creativity is running low. Yesterday, Kevin and I just stared at each other... Which caused us to laugh... And it became a game... Stare and laugh game. It's getting desperate people! Here are a few recent pics. 

Daddy's birthday! We do a birthday breakfast for the birthday boy and daddy's was superman themed.

Jake has resorted to creating long "movies" here he is setting up one of his scenes. Oh, and we are robe people.... Lots of time in our robes lately!

Neighbor snow ball fight.

Perspective

This is one of those more serious posts I do occasionally,,,, sorry no fun pictures for this one. I want my boys to know the good, the bad and the ugly... Lately I have been noticing so many negative and quite judgemental statements being made toward people who,"can't speak English," and live in America.  I've read a ton on Facebook and seen some on blogs too. Then, I was at Target waiting in line and the women in front of me seemed to be struggling a wee bit with the cashier. This immediately caught my attention and I had a hard time focusing on anything else. I noticed quickly the short, impatient attitude of the cashier. Then, as the customer went to pay it was obvious there was a slight language barrier (ignorance barrier on the cashiers part).  I felt sorry for her. It was obvious to me she was trying very hard and from what I could hear doing a great job. Clearly spoke English, but it was not her native tongue and the cashier was annoyingly intimidating. This started getting me upset and thankfully the exchange was quick and the customer went on her way. However, the cashier was not done. She started checking me out and telling me about how frustrated she was that people who live in America have,"some nerve not to at least try and speak English". I clammed up for a few minutes for fear of saying something judgemental  and hot headed Irish.... So I just listened. Then, she said, "ya know?" There it was... My opportunity... I gulped and said," I do know actually. I know that it was hard for that woman to speak to you and it must have been hard on you. So, I think that next time if you were kinder and more patient it would be better for everyone," she stopped talking and I said... "I guess."

I left appalled, disgusted and frustrated with my response. I don't know how to respond well to ignorance. I believe that god calls us to love all people. Especially those in need. I am called to love that ignorant cashier... However, I stuggle with ignorance and find it hard that people can't see outside themselves. However frustrating I find it...I've learned, It's human to not be able to understand someone's life unless you've live it yourself... But I find it very sad that people don't try too more often. 

I think being that my parents were not Americans and the fact that they were considered,"aliens," on their green cards... I've been given a different perspective on the matter. I was fortunate my parents came here legally  and spoke English. They spoke constantly about how great America was and how fortunate we are to be from here. I grew up with a sense of USA pride. I was also lucky to travel outside the US quite a bit. This I took very much for granted! I got to see different walk of life at a young age.

However, I often think about what it would have been like if they came here illegally or if they didn't speak English. They would still be my parents whom I love dearly and I would still be an American. I pay taxes like everyone else and I get that we pay for others. I understand the political stuff, but it just makes me sick. Being judgmental to others is not okay. We are all guilty of it. We judge each other before we even speak. I just wish we could try a little harder to take a second and think... Take a second to think outside our own little lives... I have experienced things in my life (sudden loss, anxiety, fertility issues, marriage, kids, adoption) so these things I find very relatable. However, there are things I cannot relate too. In these circumstances God has shown me to listen, pray for them and support them as best I can.  I pray that my kids see Jon and I trying to be empathetic to others no matter what language they speak. I pray our children see all people as equal and that we are all imperfect. Everyone walks a different walk and everyone has crosses to bare. But... That's just it...Everyone has crosses to bare. When your driving in your car and you stop at a red light... and you see the driver next to you pray that their day goes alright... Speak kindly to the cashier, the waiter and the dry cleaning guy. These are people... Just like you and me. Made in God's image and messing it up everyday. Just being imperfect in an imperfect world. 

Sorry for the soapbox... Not a political person at all.. Just had to get that off my chest...

The faces of Mom

I've been missing my mom a lot lately. Just feeling that un-filled void that only a mom can fill. As I've been thinking of her, I was trying to remember her face. The way it felt and looked. The way she would look at us when she was mad or happy. I'm having trouble remembering her many faces and it makes me sad. So, I thought... I'll show the boys my faces right now. The many faces I make. I'm sure these are watered down versions, but this way they can picture me in all my moods.

Don't even think about it...

When you've said something funny or cute or your being sweet together

Me saying, "NO."

A heart felt face.. When I am touched by your actions or heart

When Im shocked by your behavior...

Phew... When your off to bed. You guys wear me out these days. Wouldn't change it for the world! Love you boys!!! Remember no matter what my face looks like... You are my angels and I love you forever!!

Cute brothers...

Six Years

 Our biggest boy is more than one hand old! I can't get over it. I remember being at Champps eating dinner with your daddy and saying,"hm..I feel like I just had a contraction?" Then just a few short hours later... You were born! You were a surprise from the very start my boy and you continue to surprise us each day. We love you more than we could ever express. Here's a few things about Jake at six years old.

Interests:

- First and for most... Sports. You always liked sports, but now you are a sports freak. Every Sunday you and Daddy would sit for hours and watch football together this year. Well, you wouldn't sit... You jumped around while you watched and asked Daddy questions the whole way through the game. You said it was because you were just SO excited. Your starting tennis lessons this week and you cannot wait. 

- Games. You love games... Bored games, video games, arcade games, TV show games... There is no end. I love it because I think playing games is a great way to spend time together. So, I hope you never lose it! I'm just sorry we can't play more often!

- Friends. You are a social guy. You love hanging with friends and have really grown up. It amazes me to watch you interact with your friends now. Just such a big boy! You look forward to things mostly because of the people who will be there. 

Sayings/Funny Things you say:

-"just doin' my thing mom....just doin' my thing."

-"Aminals" instead of animals.. You have very few words you mix up or say funny now that your so old, but I love when you say Aminals. 

- "Little brothers...." When the little guys are doing something funny or annoying.

-"Can we go on a mommy and Jake date?"

- "can I please say bye to Miss Halligan again?" You always need to say goodbye to people at least once... Your teacher whom you love sometimes twice! 

- "I know... I know... Your proud of me...." Guess I tell you that a lot.

-You get states, towns and countries mixed up sometimes so you'll say things like... Is Baltimore three counties away?"

- You have a better understanding of money now, but you still say outlandish numbers like thousand million hundred. Love it.

- I love that when you guys have a,"guys thing" you call it boys day... AND I love how you genuinely think I play with, " dollies" when your not around.

- You told me you are going to college for one day then coming back home. After college you plan to buy a house on our court. Yay for Mommy! Hehe 

Personality

- You are busy. Always have been. Your body never quite stops moving. So, naturally sports and playing outside appeals to you! 

 -You are still a sensitive and emotional boy which I am trying to help you maintain but better understand. You are the first to hug me in the morning and always blow me kisses when I leave! 

- You are competitive and a leader at home. In public you become a little more shy and observant, but not on the sports field! 

- Your have become and excellent prayer. I love to hear you praying at night. You are so certain that God is listening and I love seeing your faith first hand. Makes this mama's heart swell. 

 - You have become a very nice big brother. Not that you weren't nice before, but it was more forced by us. Now, I am seeing you show such kindness from your heart and really think of them. You deal with a.lot from your brothers and it can be tough, but you are really learning grace and now to try and see their perspective. So proud. 

 - You are a good sport. You love playing games, but taking losing well.

  -You are creative, more than you know!

-  I think your mind works a lot like Daddy's. You seem to be more logical, good at numbers and problem solving.

- I feel the need to protect your heart as I continue to see a naive and innocence that I wish you could hold on to forever! You are a sweet boy who rarely has anything mean or negative to say. 

- You love school but don't like homework.

I could go on.... We just adore you Jake. The other night, we were laying together in your bed after prayers and I asked you what you wanted for your birthday dinner the next night. You of course said, Pancakes! Then, we snuggled for a minute and you looked at me, put your arm around me and said, "your the best." You know exactly how to melt a mama's heart!!! You were our first baby and you continue to teach and remind us of what is important in life. We are the luckiest parents to have you and your brothers for sons. We thank God for you.

Random Pics

Lately, there are so many moments throughout the day when I think,"stop growing so fast!" These boys just keep getting bigger. It drives me nuts. I love the ages that they are right now. Of course each age comes with its challenges, but they are precious right now. Kevin is so little, cute and funny. William is in school and acting like such a big boy. Jake is a little man with interest, deep thoughts and feelings. It's wild! I'm loving every minute of it.... I'd be lying if I said its always joyful and fun. Sure it's busy, tiring, loud and wild most of the time, but I know it will be over as quick as the shake of a lambs tail. So, here I am trying to soak it up and document as much of it as possible! (When I have time) 

Williams first day of school!

Jake creating a lego truck. He loves building.

It has been FREEZING LATELY!!!

Will telling dad all about his day at school.

Potty training medium boy. He has been amazing!!!

It's a rain storm!!

The boys had off for MLK day so we decided to do something fun with them in the afternoon. For a change, we drove down to Atlantic City and headed to the Rainforest cafe. We got lucky with the weather being warm and were able to enjoy the boardwalk a little too! The boys loved running down the boardwalk and it felt amazing to see the ocean! The boys loved the restaurant and seeing all the animals. We had a great round booth which was right underneath the gorilla. Kevin said he was scared the whole time, but was very curious about the animals. Between taking walks around the restaurant to find all the animals, sitting on Jon's lap and devouring his macaroni and cheese, he made it through. Their favorite part was the rainstorm that came every twenty minutes or so. The lights flicker, sounds go off and the animals go crazy. Their facial expressions were priceless. Thankful for fun family time. Love my men.

 

New Years!! Just a few hours early!

We like to do New Years a little earlier in the night. Call us wimps, dorks, whatever you want, but we can't hang until midnight these days! Especially since our boys get up by six am no matter when they fall asleep! This year we had some friends over to help us ring in the new year. It was the perfect way to celebrate and have fun. The boys loved the ball drop and we did it...at least three times. Here's to a we year full of blessings! My New Years Rez... Have more discipline! Mostly, healthy eating! 

Christmas 2013

This year was a busy, boy filled Christmas! Every year as Christmas approaches, I am reminded of the beautiful and sacred meaning for this time of year. This year we were blessed to be part of our church's live nativity and it kicked the season off just right! For above all the fun, presents and parties...it is about a baby in a manger! 

Having Nikki, Sean and Derin here Christmas morning was so much fun and I will cherish it forever. We shared some of our Christmas traditions with them and the boys loved being together. Abby, Thomas and Edie were home for the holidays too and Edie just keeps getting cuter! The day after Christmas Nikki and I drove the boys down to visit Pop Pop and Gigi. Jake was excited to drive,"two countries away," hehe. The boys always love seeing family and although its tough to fit it all in, it is important. Here are just a few pictures of the Christmas festivities. 

Dressed for church

Christmas Jammie's

Stage is set!

Hallways wrapped for the boys to bust through! Favorite tradition!

Very early creepers in my bed...

Waiting for Daddy to Check if Santa came...

Milk and cookie check...

In Baltimore the next day visiting Pop Pop and Gigi

Even more presents! Spoiled boys!!

Didn't get to take a ton of pics, but got to see all of aunts and uncles too :)

Sean doing Legos (his Fav)

Jake studying the Dulaney High school picture from 1995 looking for Aunt Nik