Mother's Day

I woke up on Mother's Day to the sound of the pitter patter of Hudson's feet running into the kitchen and then running into our bedroom with a beautiful handmade card.  He said "Happy Mother's Day" and handed me a card that he had made.  He explained all the pictures in the card (me and him, a whale, sponge bob, stars, a rocket).  We had Hannah and Hudson for mother's day but four of our boys were missing :(  They spent the day with their mom.  I went into the kitchen and found a giant card from Brian and six little cards all written for me :)  Each of the kids had written me a beautiful card and sealed it for Mother's Day.  They spent a lot of time on these cards and they filled my heart.

I can't tell you how blessed I feel to be the mother of six.  They are healthy, happy, sweet, kind, loving, and beautiful (inside and out).  Our life can be crazy but I wouldn't trade it for the world.  God knew that I loved kids and He blessed me beyond measure with this family of mine :)  Don't get me wrong, there are days that I want to throw my arms up in the air and run out of the house screaming - lol.  Our kids fight, whine, make messes, and complain just like any other kids.  The truth is even with all of that I miss them like crazy when they are gone.  

This Mother's Day was special b/c it was my first Mother's Day with Brian.  He made my day special with little things like chocolate covered strawberries, a homemade card, and flowers.  He knows me well.  I am not impressed with big expensive presents but presents that are thought out and that come from the heart are what make my heart happy.  He nailed it :)  Simple yet beautiful.

We spent the day with MeMe, Kevin, and Auntie Anna :)  Brian and I took Hannah and Hudson to MeMe's lake and spent the day with family.  We went on the first boat ride of the season (Hudson was all smiles!!).  We played some ping pong, helped mom clean up around the lake house, and relaxed.  Hudson and Hannah loved chopping weeds!!  We are looking forward to summer and days at the lake :)  I can't wait to bring the boys!!

It wouldnt' be a Mother's Day post without me bragging on my own mom for a bit :)  For as long as I can remember I have looked up to this woman.  She has been my favorite person my entire life.  Becoming a mom at 17 isn't easy.  She loved me with her whole heart, took care of me, made me feel special, and encouraged me to follow my dreams.  I have always admired her for her upbeat attitude on life.  She doesn't let life's upsets get her down.  She presses on.  I love her so much.  I can't imagine life without her in it.  The kids are crazy about her.  They love spending time with her.  I feel so blessed to have such an amazing woman to look up to.  Thank you mom!!  You are beautiful!!

Happy Mother's Day!!!

Our first Easter :)

It was me and my two little cutie pies.  I was crazy about God.  I was looking forward to a life spent serving Him and encouraging my children to do the same. 

I had just started attending a bible study at Kingsway Christian Church.  It was taught by a man named Brian Wheeler :)  I remember standing outside the church (Nehemiah Church) to have someone take a picture of me and the kids.  Brian was driving past at that moment because he was just getting out of church down the street.  I happened to see him driving past and waived at him.  I told the kids "That's the guy that teaches my bible study at Kingsway".  I barely knew him and would never have imagined that a year later I would be celebrating Easter with him as husband and wife.   Wow!!  It still gives me chills (the good kind - lol) thinking about it.

Last year's picture was a family of three.  This year's picture, a family of eight :)  What a blessing!!

We stayed up Saturday night to stuff six baskets full of goodies :)  I picked out eight coordinating outfits. Our Easter egg hunt consisted of 64 filled eggs (thanks to MeMe).

We sat at my dad's house on Easter afternoon and watched a movie together.  Brian and I were on the couch and one by one the kids joined us :)  By the end we had five of six kids on the couch with us.  Granted I couldn't move an inch because I had two on my lap one on each side - lol.  I was filled with joy as I thought about how full our life had become.  Don't get me wrong our life is also full of chaos!!!  That will be my next post "The Reality of Six!!"

My mom stuffed eggs for the adults and allowed the kids to hide eggs while we waited upstairs.  They squealed with delight as they told us to run down the stairs for the hunt.  It was so cute!!  I don't mess around when it comes to egg hunts.  My mom hid a "golden egg" and I was determined to find it.  I think I made out with the most loot in the end ($21, two car washes, a gift card, and candy) woot woot!!!  I felt like a kid again counting my eggs and prizes - lol.

It was a great day!!!

The kids are very aware of why we celebrate Easter.  Our day ended with worship songs (the kids picked out their favorites and Brian played guitar).  Each of the kids prayed and thanked God for sending His son to die for us on the cross.  Without Jesus there would be no Easter.

Thank you Jesus!!!  We love you :)

California and our first Valentine's Day :)

We took a trip to California in February.  Just the two of us.  It was our first Valentine's Day :)  We stayed in Laguna for the first part of the trip.  We visited my brother Andrew.  It was beautiful every day. 

My brother took us to a remote beach and showed us a cave along the ocean, amazing cliffs, and beautiful waters.  The next day he took us to the top of his neighborhood and down an awesome path that led to the most breathtaking view of the ocean.  I looked out at the vast ocean and soaked in God's greatness. 

The most amazing day in California was the day that my brother took us sailing.  His roommates and girlfriend, Elsa, joined us.  It was gorgeous, peaceful, and amazing!!!  We came across a pod of dolphins numbering at least 200+  and if that wasn't enough we came across two whales, a few sea lions, and some seals!!!  I could have reached down and touched the dolphins as they swam along our sailboat.  It was a day I will never forget. 

We enjoyed the San Diego zoo one day and explored downtown that evening.  Fun times!!

My brother has been on assignment as a nurse in California for a while now.  We are all waiting for him to tell us he isn't coming home.  We miss him.  It's not the same without him around :(  Let's hope he gets home sick soon!!

Brian and I visited Temeculah during the middle of our trip.  We spent the day in wine country.  We tasted wine, learned about the families that make it, and met some wonderful people along the way.  The trip home was an adventure to say the least.  We took the Ortega highway which goes up the side of a mountain and if you veer off you will be heading down a huge cliff into the ocean!!!!  I was on the edge of my seat the entire trip home.  I was so happy to be back to our condo :)

We spent the last part of our trip with my family in Newport Beach (My dad, Brenda, Emily, Ross, and Jessica).  I have two siblings that are the same ages as my kiddos.  Emily is 9 and Ross is 7.  It was fun to spend time with them one on one.  We played Dance 2 on the Wii as a family.  I played American girl with Emily until all of her dolls hair had been done into awesome hairstyles :)  This was no easy task as she has at least 20 dolls!!  Ross and Brian played Ninja and spent time doing boy things.  I was able to go to my sister's Cheer and Baton practice and visit her school on Valentine's Day.  We enjoyed meals together, laughed, played, and we tucked them in each night and sang to them :)  We hugged long and hard the day we left.  I cried and so did they.  Oh if only the miles weren't so long between us.  I miss them!!! 

Our last night in California was Valentine's Day.  We spent our first Valentine's day on Huntington Beach.  We watched the sun set, walked along the beach, and wiggled our feet in the sand.  We had dinner at Duke's, a restaurant on the beach.  Brian surprised me with flowers, a giant cookie, a beautiful card and a lovely dinner.  We held hands and I stared into his eyes thinking of how blessed I was to have this man in my life.  He makes my heart beat faster, puts a giant smile on my face, and makes me feel like the most beautiful girl in the world.  He is an answered prayer.  I am madly in love with my best friend.  I look forward to growing old with this man.  He is smart, thoughtful, kind, loving, generous, incredibly handsome and has made my life sweeter and my kids lives more full.  Thank you God.

We brought the kids goodies from California.  They bring us such joy.  They were so excited to see us and to hear about our trip.  Next time we are taking them along :) 

Our Honeymoon - A dream come true :)

We have been married for 5 months now.  It sounds like a short time but I feel like I have known this man forever :)  He is my best friend.  Time only increases my love for him. 

I have been meaning to post about our honeymoon but I couldn't locate our honeymoon pictures.  Well I found them today so I thought it was the perfect time to blog.

I remember when we first started talking about where we wanted to go for our honeymoon.  Brian thought we should take a three week honeymoon - lol.  He was completely serious.  That's what I love about him.  He doesn't do things the way everyone else does.  He wanted us to have three weeks to just be in love, to relax, to be free of the world and it's pressures for a short time.  We compromised and went on a 10 day honeymoon :)

We had been counting the days to our honeymoon for quit a while.  I couldn't wait to be Mrs. Wheeler.  We knew that this relationship was rooted in God and we wanted to do things His way.  This means waiting to live together until we were married and waiting on other important things as well (wink, wink).  It felt like it was going to be forever.  I felt 100% sure that it would be worth the wait and so did Brian.  We had done things our own way in the past (with other relationships).  We knew that this only led to heartache.  God's way is always perfect and we knew there would be blessings in doing things rightly this time around.

We decided to go to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico for our honeymoon.  We stayed at the Riu Palace.  It was beautiful!!!  We had the most amazing time.  The weather was perfect every day.  Sunshine, blue skies, clear waters, and my best friend!!!  It was a dream come true.

We took a boat to "Lover's Beach", went on a Zipline adventure, were nearly swept away by a giant wave, spent a day in Cabo, visited Cabo Wabo, won the ping pong tournament at the resort, enjoyed a couple's massage on the beach, enjoyed lots of good food, met some amazing couples, and soaked up the sun.  I will remember our time there forever.

I can tell you that doing things God's way was worth the wait (that's all I will say - lol).  We are still experiencing fireworks and I have a feeling we will be for a long time.  I feel so blessed to have Brian in my life.  He loves me with everything in him.  He takes my breath away.  It's not just the big things he does but the everyday little things that make me love him so much.  Taking the time to play board games with the kids, fixing their hurts with kisses and laughter, talking with them, listening to their hearts, singing to them, and praying over each one of them at bedtime.  He plans our meals, cooks, goes to the grocery, helps me with the house, surprises me with massages, flowers, and dinners out.  I am truly blessed.

We are looking forward to going back to Cabo one day!!!!  We would love to have some friends/family join us :)    

Happy Birthday Hannah :)

Hannah,  Happy 8th birthday!!!  It's hard to believe that another year has passed and here I am writing you another birthday letter.  It's been a big year for us.  You gained four brother's this year when mommy married
Brian.  You have adjusted well and seem to love being our only girl :)  You have no problem bossing the boys around and making sure they act according to your girly ways - ha ha.  The first thing we hear in the morning is "Boy's get in here and flush the toilet"  "Put the seat down"  - lol.  Life with boys is messy but you have so enjoyed having them around. 

You are in second grade this year and your teacher is Mrs. Allspaw.  She told us at your parent teacher conference that you have a great personality.  You have the potential to be a great leader but at this point you do more following than leading (whether good or bad) so she is making it her goal to get you to lead by the end of the year.  She said you remind her a lot of herself :)  You are doing great in school and made all A's and one B on your report card. 

You love to jump rope.  You asked us if you could try out for the jump rope team at school (coming up this Spring).  You are playing soccer with the YMCA this Spring.  I don't think you are really interested much in playing but the boys are playing so you decided to sign up :)

From the time you were a little toddler you have said you wanted to be a doctor.  That has not changed.  You have said you want to be a pediatrician.  We told you how much schooling it will take and you are still persistent on it.  I guess we have a few years before you really have to make that decision - lol. 

We had your birthday party at the church this year.  You invited Lily, Maegan, Julianna, Isabella, Nevaeh, Ella, and Ava.  Gabe had his party at the same time.  We played hot potato, pin the tail on the donkey, musical chairs, and had a relay race.  It was a great time.  You were thrilled to get squinkies, zoobles, a bracelet making kit, and a friendship stone.  MeMe took you to get your ears pierced for your birthday.  She said you almost came home with one earring.  You realized after the first one that it was pretty painful so it took them 10 minutes to convince you to get the other one done - ha ha.  You came home with the cutest Hello Kitty earrings. 

You have a high energy personality.  You are silly and fun and you have a wonderful giggle :)  You ask lots of questions and you are not afraid to voice your opinion (which often leads to a time out).  You are the first to stick up for someone that is getting disciplined.  You love old people and could spend hours in a nursing home loving on the elderly.  You also love babies :)  At Christmas you wanted to hold your nephew, Elias, as much as possible.  He was as big as you but that didn't stop you.

I love you so much.  You have been through so much change and transition.  I am so proud of the way you have flourished through it all.  When times were hard it was your sunny personality that got me through.  I have so many memories of you being the light in my life when everything around me seemed dark.  I am so thankful to God for you.  You are my sweet girl.  My only daughter.  A true gift from above.

Happy Birthday!!!  I love you to the moon and back :)  ~Mom

Happy Birthday Gabe!!!

Gabe, This is my very first letter to you.  It's hard to believe I didn't even know you one year ago.  Our lives have changed so much in just one year.  I remember meeting you for the first time.  You were a bit reserved and a little unsure.  I realized you might be the hardest one to get to know.  I prayed about our time together and asked God to help me to get to know you more.  That was the start of something special :)

What I have learned about you in the year I have known you is this . . . . You have a big heart, you have lots of questions about life, you are super sweet, you have a natural skill in art, and you love to read.

You and I have had many long talks since those first prayers I prayed.  We talk about life, God, family, love, and just about everything in-between.  You won't go to sleep without getting a big hug and kiss from me.  In fact you usually need two or three (it makes my heart so happy).  We have developed quite a bond :)

You gained a sister and brother this year.  I think you are enjoying it although you and Hannah are so much alike that at times I think you are unsure about this sister thing.  We laugh at how similar the two of you are.  Hannah always tries to give you a big hug and kiss before bed and you usually try to run :)  If she forgets to give you a hug and kiss then you are upset.  It's a game between the two of you.

School comes easy for you.  You are in the accelerated programs at school.  Reading is your favorite thing to do.  We find you reading just about everywhere (even in the bathroom - haha).  I am amazed at your reading level and the amount of homework you are able to complete in one night.  I think you are going to outsmart me before too long!!  Everyone was amazed at your art skills at your school program this year.  We are very proud of all your talents.

You played football this year and really enjoyed it.  I have noticed that you are not super in to sports and would probably be ok without them.  You love legos, computer games, and chess.  We signed you up for soccer with your brothers for Spring.  I think you are happy to be on a team with Logan.  It should be a fun season.

Your personality is a bit high energy like Hannah.  You are sensitive, caring, aware of the world around you, and sweet.  You gave your birthday money and slinky to Grandpa Jack on his birthday (so sweet).  You are concerned for the homeless and less fortunate.  You would be the first to give up your toys or make pb&j's for the homeless.  Like Hannah, you get upset when others are in trouble.  You love family and you thank God for giving you a family almost every day.  You can also be slightly dramatic when you have a scrape, a bump, or any other condition that you are sure that you have :)  We do a lot of reassuring you that you are perfectly fine and that we are almost certain you will live - lol.  We get a kick out of it and we love you for it.

We have had many spiritual conversations and I believe you really understand what it means to follow Jesus with your heart and life.  I am so proud of the boy that you are.  You have taught me about faith and believing in things that seem impossible.  I love you so much and I thank God every day for bringing you into my life.  I am so excited to have a lifetime to get to know you more.  You are a very special boy and I love you with all my heart.

Happy Birthday!!  I love you to the moon and back!  ~Mom

Our First Christmas :)

Last year on Christmas Eve I looked up at the mantel and stared at the three stockings hung on the chimney with care.  I remember feeling sad that there was one less stocking there.  It had been a tough year on all of us.  I thanked God for my two precious children sleeping in their beds.  I prayed that this year would be a new start and a time of refreshing for all of us.
 
This year on Christmas Eve I again looked up at the mantel and was filled with joy as I stared at eight stockings crammed on the chimney with care :)  I reflected on all that God had done in our lives in a year's time and how He had grown our family from three to eight.  I couldn't be happier.  I cried as I reflected on God's amazing love for me, Brian, and our kids.

Christmas morning was filled with noise, laughter, flying wrapping paper, and lots of love!!  We told the kids they could come out at 8am so at 7:59 we heard them counting down.  30,29,28,27,26......3,2,1 and then screams of delight as they ran from their bedrooms to the living room.  My entire family came over to help us celebrate our first Christmas together.
 
My dad and Pam got the kids games, clothes, and other goodies.  My mom got the kids colts gear, books, and stuffed animals.  My siblings went together to buy the kids tons of games (aqua doodle, break the ice, moon sand, pixie sticks, etc...).  My parents also got us a family membership to the aquatic center.  We had to get two memberships for a family of eight!!  We are already getting tons of use out it.  The kids love it!!!  We got all the kids a pillow pet, a game, and other fun stuff.  It was a great Christmas.
Brian got me a brand new camera (total surprise) and a new printer for labeling cd's and dvd's.  I was more than excited as I have been wanting a new camera for some time now.  I bought him shoes, a fun hat, clothes, and other fun surprises.

It was great to see my little nephew, Elias, and let the kids get to know their cousin.  They live in D.C. so we don't get to see them very much.  Elias loved his new Uncle "B". 
Hudson was the first to notice that Santa had eaten his cookies and milk :)  Of course Santa left half a glass of milk on the mantel that ended up on the floor later in the morning - lol.  Christmas is still a magical time in their eyes.

We talked about Jesus, read the story of His birth, and prayed for all the kids in the world that wouldn't experience the kind of Christmas we would.  This will be a Christmas I will never forget.