Easter Celebrations

What a beautiful weekend we had to celebrate Easter. The kids had a chance to see a ton of family and were spoiled with candy, egg hunts, trinkets and baskets galore. We are blessed with people who love us, that is for sure. I felt very peaceful this weekend. Every holiday that goes by, I realize how much older the kids are getting. Easter brunch- the kids lasted the whole time! They didn't need strollers, bottles or sippy cups and I didn't feel as stressed out. Jake sat through the Easter church service with us and was really listening. Watching their reactions to their baskets... A lot of joy in little moments for this mama! I was also thankful for the beautiful weather! The kids were able to be outside so much and we are all happier when that happens! 

 Each night, we tried to put more emphasis on the crucifiction and tell them about the Easter story. It is hard at this age though because you don't know how much really goes in... Jake understands it all and has a full and honest perspective of his belief. It's awesome and I am jealous of the awesome foundation he already has. My hope for the future is that all the boys will know Jesus was a real person who walked the earth, performed miracles and was the son of God. That they are thankful for His sacrifice for us and that he conquered the grave and we will see him again. This year, I mostly want them to understand Easter is much more than chocolate and eggs. (Although they are yummy) 

This year more than most, I am keenly aware of how precious our time is with family. We need to enjoy each moment together. Life is short. This I know. Although we missed a few of our favorite people.... I was very happy we got to celebrate together! Here are some pics of the fun and of course the coordinating outfits... Obviously. What's a girl without daughters supposed to do???? 

A typical morning with my Kev

Now that both brothers are in school in the mornings, it's just Kev and I. Our mornings usually involve errands, trains, hugs, cleaning, cars, kisses, more trains, a "show", more cars, maybe mom gets something done then more hugs. Love my littlest. He is a fiery, tough little guy who is by far the toughest two year old yet.... But he is as cute as they come and loves me so much and the feeling is mutual! He gives me more kisses and hugs than anyone ever has! 

Wolf says, "owwwwww"

This past weekend, we took a trip to the Great Wolf lodge in the poconos. The past few years have been very busy. With kids being so little, we are not big vacation people at the moment. However, I try hard to fit it in something small at least once a year. Nothing big, but a weekend somewhere that is simply not home. Being a stay home mom and being home the large majority of the time... I know I needed it. So, I started looking for something relatively close to home and yet suitable for little guys. We normally do Lancaster, PA and love it there. However, I wanted to try something different. I had heard of GWL awhile ago,but was waiting until the little guys were old enough to do most of the activities offered. Once we decided to go, I couldn't wait. I think I was more excited than the kids. I really needed some time to just have fun with Jon and the boys. The daily ins and outs of raising boys can get... well tough. Add on life and all that comes with it and I needed a mental check out. And that it was! It was the perfect little trip for us. We still had the daily challenges of having three little boys. For example, they didn't sleep too great at night and Jake was running through the waterpark and after being reminded 100 times not to run... He fell really bad and ended up with a huge egg on the back of his head (scary). However, not being home and having to deal with laundry, homework and making meals... Made it all worth it. Plus, the kids were occupied the whole time! At night they got to sleep together in their own little, "wolf den," which included their own TV! We got to bowl, play arcade games, listen to stories, watch shows, go on a magical "quest," together and the boys favorite... Go out for ice cream two nights in a row! I am incredibly thankful we were able to get away and I feel refreshed. Back to life.... But feeling grateful! 

Bored photo shoot

First hand written notes

After putting the boys to bed tonight, Jake came out. He had already been out once and used the bathroom. Then a second time to ask for a piece of paper and pencil. So, I was frustrated when I saw him again. Especially because we let them stay up late tonight. However, this time he came out with a personal note for me and Jon. My heart just melted. Love you Jake. 

Getting so big

Littlest you are getting too big for a mama's heart to handle. if someone were to ask you, you say you are six. Big bros age, but you act like a twenty one year old!! You are a little guy, with a big personality. You always have a lot to say..... Often. You are my biggest backseat driver. You know what you want and when you want it. Let's just say, I don't worry about bullies with you. You are too funny and you don't even mean to be. You are as tough and as cute as they come. You can already drive a car and do three point turns (power wheels). You fall down and don't even flinch. So tough. And yet, you are my snuggler who gives me the most kisses and hugs, I eat it up. I just cannot take how much you have grown and learned this past year. One day, you will be someone's boss Kev. In the meantime, you stuck with me monkey. Love you little boss man!! 

Medium boy. You are a piece of work lately. I am the luckiest mama to have you. You are our piece of work! Lately, you like to get up in the middle of night and well... Just hang out. Mama doesn't hang out at 2am. Mama gets grumpy. So, we have had our moments lately. You remain the sweet, gentle spirit you always have been while gaining a toughness too. Your sense of humor is amazing. You make me and your brothers laugh each day. Your eyes and smile can make a heart just stop in its tracks and melt. At this moment, you are struggling with a few things and are becoming a very brave boy. Out of all three boys.... You still let me rock you. You are the first to check on me if I get hurt or say, bless you mom. Thank you for that!! You love being a big boy and everything that it entails. Lately, you try and,"read," things after Jake does. I love it! Your love of music and dancing continues to grow. You told me today that ,"dancing is my favwit (favorite)." We love dancing together. So, blessed to have a fellow music lover. Lucky mama! Love you my sweet sweet boy.

Biggest, you are old. Six looks good on you, let me tell ya. You are such a kind, thoughtful boy. Your always thinking too. I can always see that mind working. You sir, will cure cancer I'm sure of it. You attempt to be a major multitasker. I do believe one day it will work, but at your age it looks like a Hansel and Grettle trail of Jake projects. I love your enthusiasm for learning and doing. You love projects and lately learning to read. One of my favorite things, is overhearing you in the hall while you read in bed at night. So sweet. You are incredibly social and love others. Everyone is still your best friend, which can cause your sensitive heart to break easily. You truly don't understand meanness and cannot see it coming. Stay that way! You love God and trust him already. You don't kiss and hug as much these days... But I steal them everyday from you and when you give them out.... Boy are they priceless. I'm proud of the boy you have become and can't wait to see more. Love you.

Visit from the Girls

Abby and Edie are visiting Jersey while Thomas is traveling and we couldn't be more thrilled! Abby always brings happiness and now so does little precious Edie. She is the sweetest, cutest little girl. Here are a few pics of Abs visit so far.