I have to say that over the past few months reading your blogs have been a blessing in my life. As I read your posts I see your faith, courage, hope, trials, challenges, happiness and the ups and downs that life brings. When I share things on my blog I usually share the moments in my life that bring me the most happiness, the memories I want to cherish, the little things that get me through the more difficult times.
Of course there are the challenges that have come with trying to go back to school with 3 children, moving away from family, and trying to figure out how to financially afford getting my husband through school. If any of you know anything about me, it's that I have always wanted a big family. I love being a mom, and I love the dynamics of a big family. We have been blessed with three healthy, beautiful, strong children. Our youngest will be turning 4 in March. We had hoped for another addition to our family early this year but instead we have been faced with dealing with two miscarriages. Both of them have been very different experiences. The first one, I had just found out I was pregnant and about a week later I had a miscarriage. I was sad mostly due to the fact that I was so excited to be pregnant. A couple months later we were excited to find out that we were expecting again. This pregnancy seemed to be very similar to the last 3 pregnancy's. We were able to see and hear the heartbeat. I thought I was out of scary part of the pregnancy, as I had just entered my 2nd trimester. I even announced it on facebook. Only to have to post a few days later that we had lost the baby. When I went to the ER (of course it happened on the weekend) They were able to tell me that the baby we just lost was a boy. Which made it even harder because my son Jared has been begging for a brother. There were so many emotions. Mostly sadness. I put on a brave face for most people but there were times when I couldn't hold back the tears. I was surrounded by my husband who was amazing through all of this, my kids, and my family and friends. Being so far away from my parents, my dad had sent me a huge bouquet of flowers. Every time I looked at them, it was like he was there giving me a hug. My neighbor & friend helped my daughter Rachel make a purse/bag for me and gave it to me when I came home from the ER. I can't even tell you how much that little act of kindness meant to me. I could write a book about the love and support I felt. I felt the prayers of others giving me strength.
When I came home from the ER. All the kids gave me a huge hug. I was feeling exhausted emotionally, physically, and spiritually. But leave it to Jared to make me laugh. He said, "Mama, how did they know it was a boy?" I looked at him with a strange look and responded "How do you think?" he said, "The eyebrows" I got a good chuckle out of that. What a cutie. I am glad he is still innocent.
It was hard to see other people that had babies or were expecting. It was even hard to see baby clothes & diapers when I went to the store. But I couldn't help be excited and happy for other people, what a miracle bringing a life into this world is.
Everyday get a little bit easier. I am still dealing with complications from the miscarriage. Which has been hard because it is a constant reminder. But I have a love for my children that I can't put into words and I cherish them more than before, which I didn't think was possible.. I can't help but look at them and feel incredibly blessed.
One thing I have learned through all you is that I am not alone. Which in itself has turned out to be a tender mercy. You have all been there to uplift me and be a source of strength, even if you didn't realize it. Your testimonies of everyday faith give me faith. Your examples give me hope. I am grateful to be surround by so many wonderful people.
Just put food coloring in some milk, use new clean paint brushes, or use basting brushes. Let the kids be creative and have fun. Just toast and add butter or cinnamon and sugar if you want.
This project was brought to you by purple masking tape.
David and Sonja. They had to do some pretty crazy stuff, David had to make up a poem about his arm pit.
This is a great game for large groups.
Monday morning we had to cram in some fun in the snow before David had to hurry back for work later that night. So, we headed to the sand dunes.
David & Sonja. Aww...Don't they make such a cute couple?
Alysa giving them a push over the sand dune. She looks a little too eager. Ha ha.
My parents got this sled for us in Park City last year. It fits our entire family!
David & Sonja take a turn on the sled. Thanks you guys for coming up! It was a lot of fun.
Dont' worry...I'll save us!
Jared sitting on a real alligator. He had NO fear!
Rachel sitting on the same alligator. She looks like she has a smile on her face. Crazy girl!
The kids feeding the Gators some hot dogs! Yum! I'd rather the hot dogs than my kids.
Trying to stay warm in the 40 degree weather.
Walking along the swamp path. We could still see the damage of some of the hurricanes that have passed through there.
My mom was so excited to be a part of the exotic animal show. haha
We took a train around the park.
The alligators didn't bother Rachel but the snake sure did!
Jared fishing in the lake at the resort. Didn't catch a thing. He had fun though.
Heading to Universal Studios.
Scooby Dooby Doo, where are you?
Jared trying to fit that entire Dagwood into his mouth.
Ellie go to met Dora, the explorer.
My kids ran into a lot of the Marvel Characters. I already posted tons of pics, so I just posted this one.
Am I trying to save Jared from Jaws or feed him to Jaws????
Ellie was thrilled to meet Dr. Suess. She also got a picture with Sam I am.
