Well, I'm about to make the cupcakes so it must be party time! I've had so much fun planning this party and am so excited that it is finally here! Tomorrow afternoon we will celebrate one year of wonderful with Allie:)
Tonight we had a great visit with Matt's Grandma Vera. We were going to go out to dinner, but decided to stay in and order take out. The kids warmed right up to Grandma even though we only see her a few times a year. Her birthday is Monday so we sang to her and the kids brought her an Oatmeal Cream Pie with a candle in it! Good memories for sure...
I promise to take a ton of pictures tomorrow. I've copied a lot of great party ideas from a blog I've been reading for a while. It is called Creative Party Place and is basically a site where people can submit party ideas from parties they have hosted. It is a lot of fun to read and has really inspired me to make my invitations, decorations, and favors.
Hope you are all having a good weekend!
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Friday, November 6, 2009
Happy Birthday Sweet Allie
It must be tough to be the 4th child. And I have to imagine it will be difficult to the child "after the triplets." Oh those triplets, they get so much attention. People have a million questions for the lady with three kids the same age, and it is easy to overlook that 4th child. I guess that is why God made Allie extra wonderful, amazingly sweet, and if I do say so myself, super cute. It's hard to pass her by and I notice she gets plenty of her own attention!
One year ago today she was born into our family, making us a family of 6. Many of you already know this, but she wasn't a planned addition to the family. I say that with such a smile now because I would never want to imagine my life without her, our family without her, and my heart without all the joy that she pours into it each day. I may not have planned for her, but I KNOW that God did.
You see, my pregnancy with Allie came a a critical time in our lives. The triplets were around 9 or 10 months old when I found out I was pregnant. I was trying to decide if I should go back to work or not in the fall. I was praying that God would give me some clarification on what he wanted me to do next in life. That clarification came loud and clear! I had three babies and was pregnant with the next, and to be honest, I wasn't very excited at first. I was panicked at the thought of how we would handle another child. We had survived the infancy stage with the triplets and were just starting to feel like our heads were above water again. But after a few weeks, I decided that this baby was all part of the plan for us and my excitement began to grow. I was going to stay home, at least for another year and raise our 4 babies full time.
You all know what happened in the next months...our concerns about Brady grew. As the pregnancy progressed, our worries about Brady did too. He wasn't walking and I watched him closely day after day wondering what was wrong. This is where I now realize God had a plan and reason for bringing Allison into our lives even before she was born. Because I was pregnant, I wasn't going back to work...and because I wasn't going back to work, I was home and able to focus a lot of time on Brady and getting him the help he needed. I truly don't know if I would have been able to keep on top of his issues had I been back to work full time.
Allie came into the world on November 6th at 9lbs 1 oz. Her arrival was uneventful in our eyes. A planned C Section with only 1 doctor, a resident, a nurse, and an anesthesiologist seemed like nothing compared to when the triplets were born. My OB told me just the other day that she remembers Allie's deliver so well because Matt and I were calm and joking around the whole time. It was such a difference to have a big, healthy baby. Allie weighed more than Cara and Brady combined at birth! And she got to be in the room with me whenever I wanted. I finally got the chance to do things the "normal" way. To me, that has been another way that God has used Allie to bless my life.
We brought our pretty baby home and life didn't change that much. I'm sure you can imagine that Matt and I thought having this one baby was the easiest thing ever. She was a very good baby and I think the easiest to take care of out of all of our children.
One year ago today she was born into our family, making us a family of 6. Many of you already know this, but she wasn't a planned addition to the family. I say that with such a smile now because I would never want to imagine my life without her, our family without her, and my heart without all the joy that she pours into it each day. I may not have planned for her, but I KNOW that God did.
You see, my pregnancy with Allie came a a critical time in our lives. The triplets were around 9 or 10 months old when I found out I was pregnant. I was trying to decide if I should go back to work or not in the fall. I was praying that God would give me some clarification on what he wanted me to do next in life. That clarification came loud and clear! I had three babies and was pregnant with the next, and to be honest, I wasn't very excited at first. I was panicked at the thought of how we would handle another child. We had survived the infancy stage with the triplets and were just starting to feel like our heads were above water again. But after a few weeks, I decided that this baby was all part of the plan for us and my excitement began to grow. I was going to stay home, at least for another year and raise our 4 babies full time.
You all know what happened in the next months...our concerns about Brady grew. As the pregnancy progressed, our worries about Brady did too. He wasn't walking and I watched him closely day after day wondering what was wrong. This is where I now realize God had a plan and reason for bringing Allison into our lives even before she was born. Because I was pregnant, I wasn't going back to work...and because I wasn't going back to work, I was home and able to focus a lot of time on Brady and getting him the help he needed. I truly don't know if I would have been able to keep on top of his issues had I been back to work full time.
Allie came into the world on November 6th at 9lbs 1 oz. Her arrival was uneventful in our eyes. A planned C Section with only 1 doctor, a resident, a nurse, and an anesthesiologist seemed like nothing compared to when the triplets were born. My OB told me just the other day that she remembers Allie's deliver so well because Matt and I were calm and joking around the whole time. It was such a difference to have a big, healthy baby. Allie weighed more than Cara and Brady combined at birth! And she got to be in the room with me whenever I wanted. I finally got the chance to do things the "normal" way. To me, that has been another way that God has used Allie to bless my life.
We brought our pretty baby home and life didn't change that much. I'm sure you can imagine that Matt and I thought having this one baby was the easiest thing ever. She was a very good baby and I think the easiest to take care of out of all of our children.
Two and a half months later, when the world came crashing down on us, I remember questioning why God had given us this baby if he knew that our son would be diagnosed with cancer. How is the world would we manage our 4 children under 2 and now this? The day we left for the hospital for Brady's scans on January 21st, I had no idea that I wouldn't be coming home for days. Over the next few months, I had to leave Allie for days and even a week at time. I felt like our bond would never be the same, but God was there every step of the way and she and I always picked up right where we left off.
Those were such tough months for our family, but Allie was there to bless each of us along the way. Her sweet spirit, silly nature, adorable smile, and precious snuggles have brightened some very dark days in our home. She is a true momma's girl and her needing me has been a tremendous comfort to my heart this past year. She is the baby we always knew we wanted someday, but never knew we needed so soon.
God knew just what we needed sweet Allie. He gave us you and you complete our family....perfectly.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Perspective
Oh today...it was truly one I wish I could forget. The kids didn't make it to the flu clinic. They all have colds and Cara and Allie had fevers, so I didn't want to have them vaccinated while being sick. But, considering I have asthma, I decided that I would go. I arrived at 1:15 to get in line for the clinic that started at 2:00. I received numbers 136 and 134 for the two different vaccines. I got my shots at 4:15. I will spare you all of the details of my experience, but I will tell you that I was shocked by the lack of organization that our county displayed at the clinic. Not so much once you got into the actual "shot room," but what occurred in the 2 hours and 45 minutes before that was unbelievable.
Anyway, when I finally arrived home and had dinner with the family (Chinese take out!) I was quickly, and thankfully zapped backed into perspective by an email I received. A blog reader emailed me and brought to my attention the story of a boy, a boy who is dying from Neuroblastoma.
I don't know many details, other than his name is Noah, he is 5, and he has been battling this disease for 2 1/2 years. He is not expected to live until Christmas, so his family is celebrating this weekend. Their wish is so to have as many Christmas cards arrive to their home as possible. I'm not sure if I send one out tomorrow that it will make it there this weekend, but with your help I'd like to see MANY cards sent to Noah from all of Brady's friends. Here is his name and address:
Noah Biorkman
1141 Fountain View Circle
South Lyon, MI
48178
Thank you for your help on this! Most importantly, help me keep this family lifted up in prayer. I don't have any website or caringpage info on him yet, if I do I will pass it along.
Perfectly sweet Allison turns one tomorrow. We are celebrating her birthday officially on Sunday. I'm so grateful for her little life...more on that tomorrow...
Anyway, when I finally arrived home and had dinner with the family (Chinese take out!) I was quickly, and thankfully zapped backed into perspective by an email I received. A blog reader emailed me and brought to my attention the story of a boy, a boy who is dying from Neuroblastoma.
I don't know many details, other than his name is Noah, he is 5, and he has been battling this disease for 2 1/2 years. He is not expected to live until Christmas, so his family is celebrating this weekend. Their wish is so to have as many Christmas cards arrive to their home as possible. I'm not sure if I send one out tomorrow that it will make it there this weekend, but with your help I'd like to see MANY cards sent to Noah from all of Brady's friends. Here is his name and address:
Noah Biorkman
1141 Fountain View Circle
South Lyon, MI
48178
Thank you for your help on this! Most importantly, help me keep this family lifted up in prayer. I don't have any website or caringpage info on him yet, if I do I will pass it along.
Perfectly sweet Allison turns one tomorrow. We are celebrating her birthday officially on Sunday. I'm so grateful for her little life...more on that tomorrow...
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Swine Flu
UPDATE: NO FLU CLINIC FOR THE KIDS...THEY ALL ARE SICK. JUST A COLD I HOPE
Never in my life have I been more confused and frustrated by a health concern in regards to my children. Honestly, I understood Brady's cancer treatent protocol better than I understand all of this swine flu stuff. It has become apparent to me that no one knows...thus the confusion. I was 100% opposed to the vaccine about 2 weeks away. No way, no how was I letting anyone inject more stuff into my kids. Then kids start dying, people I know start getting sick, and I start reconsidering the risk/benefit for my family. I've come to the conclusion that I have to put my uneasiness aside and vaccinate my children for H1N1. The turning point came when a local child died after contracting H1N1 and I started thinking "what if?"
I remember how helpless I felt when Brady's life was at risk, when we didn't know if he would live or die, when we had to hand him over to surgeons we had never met. I hated that feeling, but there was nothing I could do about it. So now I am confronted with this swine flu thing, and trust me, I'm quite skeptical person when the government tells me to do something. However my sentiments starting changing when I allowed myself to imagine the guilt I would feel if one of my children did get it, and hadn't done what I could to prevent it. I hated the way that felt.
Okay, so I have decided to get our family vaccinated (when I say I, I mean "we!" Matt and I have been 100% in agreement on this issue:) Sounds easy enough? Oh wait, no one seems to have this crazy vaccine. There is a clinic tomorrow that I will be dragging my children to (well the oldest three). The health department had an article in the paper that I literally read 10 times and still don't understand what they were saying. They tried to list what was available and who should/shouldn't come. It made NO sense. We are going anyway. How fun it will be to stand in line for who knows how long and then watch as the first, the second, and the third child gets squirted up the nose by a stranger. It frustrates me to no end that I am unable to bring my child to their doctor's office, discuss everything with my doctor, and then have her vaccinate them. But, we have to do what we have to do.
So there, that is my take on the vaccine issue. I've been telling my friends as we discuss this (and boy, I think I have discussed this with just about all of my friends) that the best I can do is pray about it, make a decision, and pray for peace about it.
I'm adding this to my list of "Motherhood is hard because..."
Never in my life have I been more confused and frustrated by a health concern in regards to my children. Honestly, I understood Brady's cancer treatent protocol better than I understand all of this swine flu stuff. It has become apparent to me that no one knows...thus the confusion. I was 100% opposed to the vaccine about 2 weeks away. No way, no how was I letting anyone inject more stuff into my kids. Then kids start dying, people I know start getting sick, and I start reconsidering the risk/benefit for my family. I've come to the conclusion that I have to put my uneasiness aside and vaccinate my children for H1N1. The turning point came when a local child died after contracting H1N1 and I started thinking "what if?"
I remember how helpless I felt when Brady's life was at risk, when we didn't know if he would live or die, when we had to hand him over to surgeons we had never met. I hated that feeling, but there was nothing I could do about it. So now I am confronted with this swine flu thing, and trust me, I'm quite skeptical person when the government tells me to do something. However my sentiments starting changing when I allowed myself to imagine the guilt I would feel if one of my children did get it, and hadn't done what I could to prevent it. I hated the way that felt.
Okay, so I have decided to get our family vaccinated (when I say I, I mean "we!" Matt and I have been 100% in agreement on this issue:) Sounds easy enough? Oh wait, no one seems to have this crazy vaccine. There is a clinic tomorrow that I will be dragging my children to (well the oldest three). The health department had an article in the paper that I literally read 10 times and still don't understand what they were saying. They tried to list what was available and who should/shouldn't come. It made NO sense. We are going anyway. How fun it will be to stand in line for who knows how long and then watch as the first, the second, and the third child gets squirted up the nose by a stranger. It frustrates me to no end that I am unable to bring my child to their doctor's office, discuss everything with my doctor, and then have her vaccinate them. But, we have to do what we have to do.
So there, that is my take on the vaccine issue. I've been telling my friends as we discuss this (and boy, I think I have discussed this with just about all of my friends) that the best I can do is pray about it, make a decision, and pray for peace about it.
I'm adding this to my list of "Motherhood is hard because..."
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Field Trip!
So with our new Tuesday and Thursday schedule (no PT), I thought maybe we should try and get out of the house once in a while. With my mother in law here to help those days, it actually is quite easy to get out on the town.
Today we decided to head to Akron to see Matt and Grandpa at work. They work within 2 minutes of each other, so it was a fun and pretty easy day. After a brief pull-over due to my carsick baby, we arrived at Matt's office. For those that don't know, he is a physical therapist, so his "work" proved to be a playground for the kids.
Cara was hilarious! She kept calling the bike her motorcycle. “Look daddy! I’m on my motorcycle! Vrooom Vroom!”
Allie followed Matt as he worked on patient.
Look Linda! Brady got some PT in today while visiting the PT clinic! Good work on that incline Brady boy!
Matt rolled his eyes when I wanted to get this picture, but he’ll be glad someday!
Then we headed to Grandpa’s office to visit with him! He was so surprised! The kids had fun stealing all of his snacks out of his desk!
They played with sticky notes…
Cara even sat in the boss’s chair! Honestly, I think we have a CEO on our hands here!
Last we went brought Grandpa to McDonald’s for lunch. What a great day!
Monday, November 2, 2009
The World Series is Killing Me
So I'm not a huge baseball fan. And this time of year I dread games that go into the wee hours of the night. My husband loves the stuff and retreats to his basement recliner to watch the game, yell at the game, cheer at the game. I find myself unable to go to sleep unless the house, and Matt, are all settled down for the night. And of course, when he finally does come to bed, he is sound asleep within 5 minutes, while I lay awake until 1am or so worried about my lack of sleep!
So please Yankees, win tonight...and I think you have to win another night too, so do that...and HURRY UP!!! (edited to add: So Matt just informed me that tonight could be the last game!) This mommy needs more sleep!
PS...why DO they have to play so late anyway?
So please Yankees, win tonight...and I think you have to win another night too, so do that...and HURRY UP!!! (edited to add: So Matt just informed me that tonight could be the last game!) This mommy needs more sleep!
PS...why DO they have to play so late anyway?
Sunday, November 1, 2009
To Everything There is a Season
You all know that bible passage, "To everything there is a season and a time to every purpose under Heaven. Ecc 3:1" I find myself saying that verse to myself many a day lately! Actually I sing it in my head...any Oakfield swing choir members out there remember singing "To Everything There is a Season" at graduation each year?
When you are in the midst of raising your kids, it's so easy to wish the days away. I can't wait for them to be out of diapers...I can't wait until they can dress themselves...I can't wait until we can get out the door in less than 30 minutes! Some older, wiser friends of mine reminded me once that I shouldn't wish these days away. This is a constant challenge for me because let's face it, these days are HARD! Today we dealt with our Brady boy who started crying about not wanting to go to the church nursery before we even left the house! And the crying never stopped until we were back in the van on the way home. Allie joined in as well, so we picked up our four kids from the nursery after church, two of them screaming, two of them just fine. At that moment, I found myself thinking, "Oh God, I just can't wait for them to be out of this stage, it's so hard!"
As we drove home, I think God caused me to stop and remember, that this is just a season of my life. It is a purposeful time that He has given Matt and I to raise our children, to mold their young hearts and minds, and to enjoy them! That doesn't meam they are always enjoyable, not even close! But, God reminded me this weekend that there will soon come a day when they won't willingly ride in a wagon that their mommy lovingly turned into a firetruck. They won't willingly climb into our laps to read a story. And there will come a day when I will no longer be bothered by toys strewn around the house. With those thoughts, my heart breaks a little, and I decide to enjoy THIS season and all that comes with it.
Someone please remind me to read this post next week before church:)
When you are in the midst of raising your kids, it's so easy to wish the days away. I can't wait for them to be out of diapers...I can't wait until they can dress themselves...I can't wait until we can get out the door in less than 30 minutes! Some older, wiser friends of mine reminded me once that I shouldn't wish these days away. This is a constant challenge for me because let's face it, these days are HARD! Today we dealt with our Brady boy who started crying about not wanting to go to the church nursery before we even left the house! And the crying never stopped until we were back in the van on the way home. Allie joined in as well, so we picked up our four kids from the nursery after church, two of them screaming, two of them just fine. At that moment, I found myself thinking, "Oh God, I just can't wait for them to be out of this stage, it's so hard!"
As we drove home, I think God caused me to stop and remember, that this is just a season of my life. It is a purposeful time that He has given Matt and I to raise our children, to mold their young hearts and minds, and to enjoy them! That doesn't meam they are always enjoyable, not even close! But, God reminded me this weekend that there will soon come a day when they won't willingly ride in a wagon that their mommy lovingly turned into a firetruck. They won't willingly climb into our laps to read a story. And there will come a day when I will no longer be bothered by toys strewn around the house. With those thoughts, my heart breaks a little, and I decide to enjoy THIS season and all that comes with it.
Someone please remind me to read this post next week before church:)
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