Happy Birthday to my Huddy Bear (Hudson Malakai)

Dear Hudson,

I can't believe you are turning six today.  Six years ago today you came into this world weighing in at 5lbs and 14oz.  You are now 36lbs!!!

You will start Kindergarten one week from today.  I have a feeling there will be some tears on my part.  I am so used to having you here with me.  I will miss the "mommy build blocks with me" and "mommy what will we do together today?".  We've had a lot of good times you and I :)  Now it's "Mommy can I ride the bus" and "Mommy can I bring my lunch to school".  The days just won't be the same without you :(  So I am now down to one (Leo) during the day.  Leo won't be allowed to attend school - ha ha!!!

At six years old you can ride your bike faster than any kid in the neighborhood.  You can swim and jump off the diving board with ease.  You love football (you had your first flag football practice last night).  Everyone says that you are "small but mighty".  We are amazed at how coordinated you are at baseball, soccer, football and just about everything you try.

I love your smile.  It brings great joy to my heart.  You are easy going, sweet, full of laughter, and a joy to be around.  You are sensitive and can get your feelings hurt if someone leaves you out or doesn't treat you fairly.  You are also giving.  I remember taking you to some garage sales this year.  You spent all of your money buying things for your siblings.  Everyone thought you were so sweet.

When I asked you what you wanted to be when you grew up you said "A Zoo-Keeper".  I am not surprised b/c you LOVE animals!!!  Your favorite animal is a cheetah.  You love to watch the animal channel and you are friends with every dog and cat on the block - lol.

This year has brought four new brothers and another dad to your life.  You love all of them dearly and they love you right back :)  I know the five of you (brothers) will be best friends for life.  You stick together like glue!!  Leo looks up to you and wants to be just like you :)

I am sure it's obvious to see . . . .I am crazy about you!!!  I love you to the moon and back - and more than that!!!

Love you,  Mom 

The honeymoon stage and my thoughts on a blended family

I have gotten behind on blogging.  Mainly because I have been busy living life :)  I do want to keep up on this though.  This is my journal of sorts for my family.  I will have our blog printed in book form each year so we can look back on all the fun we have had as a family.

Brian and I have been married for a little over 9 months now.  I find myself looking at Brian and wondering how in the world I ended up with such an amazing man.  I love him more and more each day.  People probably get tired of all the affection we show each other but I can't keep my hands or eyes off him :)  He is my best friend.  I know people call this the "honeymoon" stage of marriage but I really don't see it ending anytime soon.  He has the same sense of humor that I do (which is rare - lol), He tells me I am beautiful and cherished every day.  He takes care of me and loves me in a way I have never experienced.  He is the real thing.  I think I will be pinching myself for a long time :)

Our kids have done amazingly well with their new life and family.  All kids want to see their parents in love and all kids want to be part of a family.  Our kids life fell apart for a few years.  They didn't see God's example of marriage lived out and they certainly didn't feel like they were part of a loving family for a while.  Although we loved and encouraged them in their faith they still longed for security, stability and family.

I have seen each of our kids come to life over the past nine months.  They love to see Brian and I loving each other and encouraging one another.  I tell the boys all the time that they have the smartest, best looking, most amazing dad in the world.  They beam with pride :)  We dance, sing, and laugh in front of the kids and they just eat it up.  Almost every night one of the kids thanks God for bringing Brian and I together during prayer time.  It melts my heart.  I am tearing up now just thinking about it.  I told the kids last week that I had a huge crush on someone.  They all rolled their eyes and said "We know it's Dad!!!"  Well it's true I have huge crush on their daddy :)

Many of you have asked "How do you do it?"  "How have you made the transition so easy and how have the kids gelled so well?"  The answer is Love.  Brian and I have loved our ex-spouses and have vowed never to talk negative of them.  We constantly lift them up in our kids eyes.  We reassure them that we are all in this together and that we are not in competition with them.  We let the little things remain little things and try not to get caught up in things that don't matter.  Too many people hurt themselves and their kids by talking negative of their ex's or by living in anger, resentment, and bitterness.  We love Jessica and Kenneth - period.  Beyond that we also love our kids.  I love Brian's boys as my own.  He loves Hannah and Hudson the same.

Is it easy to love kids that you haven't raised from day one and that haven't known you since birth?  It can be difficult in the beginning to love and be loved.  I remember feeling like a bit of an outsider in the beginning.  The boys had a lot of pain in their heart and they weren't going to let someone in right away.  Even though I felt rejected at times I still chose to love them anyway.  I tried to talk with them about what they were feeling in their hearts and reassure them of my love for their dad and for them.  All of the kids would have wanted their mom and dad to stay together and live happily ever after.  Each one of them was dealing with the loss of the life they once knew.  We understood their pain (we felt it too).  Each day we pressed on in love and slowly but surely their hearts began to open.  They wanted to be loved.  They were longing for this type of affection.

I remember people coming up to me that I hadn't met to tell me that they noticed a huge difference in Gabe.  He was happy again.  He was a different kid.  Hannah was the same.  People would say that they noticed Hannah light up in a way they hadn't seen for a while.  The kids started bonding and they started loving.  It can be scary and you have to be willing to be vulnerable in order to make a blended family work.  You may have to get outside of your comfort zone a bit.  In the end, it's all worth it!!!  I now have six kids that call me mom and I call them my kids.  I haven't replaced their mom and Brian hasn't replaced Hannah and Hudson's dad.  We have given them a mom and dad here in this home that can comfort, protect, love, and encourage them while they are with us.  We have given them a family.  They have enough love to go around and so do we :)  The kids wanted to call us their mom and dad.  I think it gives them a sense of unity.  No one wants to feel like an outsider and everyone wants to feel loved.  Their are no favorites in this house and everyone is loved the same.  It makes sense to me that they desired to call us mom and dad b/c it does away with the lines in the sand and says "We are a family and we are all in this together."

Life with six kids isn't always easy; in fact it can be down right crazy at times :)  Our kids fight, they write on the walls, jump on the furniture, have an attitude at times, and can be selfish and rude.  I do A LOT of laundry and we go through an amazing amount of food each week!!  I don't want people to think that our life is perfect but I do want people to know that this life is perfect for us :)  I wouldn't change it for the world.  On top of all the crazy times we share with the kids we also share some of the sweetest moments on the planet.

A year ago my life was good and I was in love with God.  Almost a year later my life has become GREAT!!!  I have six kids to love and to be loved by.  I have a wonderful husband to walk this life out with and I once again have a FAMILY :)  I am truly blessed.

Well I better go  . . .  I have about five loads of laundry to do, the dishes from lunch need to be loaded, and I promised the kids a game of hide-n-seek.

Love you!!!!!! 

Happy Birthday Logan :)

Logan,

Happy Birthday to the best eleven year old on the planet!!

I could write an entire book on all the beautiful things about you.  You are such a great example to all of your younger siblings.  Hudson and Leo used to count down the hours until you would get home from school.  You would come right in the door and immediately play with them.  You have no idea how much you mean to them.  You are their hero :) 

You are super responsible, honest, hard-working, smart, fun, and beyond your years in your faith.  I am so impressed with how comfortable you are in your own skin.  You aren't concerned about following the crowd.  That's what makes you stand out in the crowd :)  I am so proud of you.

I can't believe how smart you are.  You don't have to work very hard to make great grades.  Math comes easy for you (I am pretty sure you are already beyond me in this area - lol).  You are in the advanced classes.  I don't think you asked for help with your homework once this year.  I am proud of you for always helping your sisters and brothers with theirs though :)

When it comes to spiritual things you are right on target.  You care about the world around you.  You understand what it means to have Jesus in your heart and to make him Lord of your life.  We always know we can count on you to lead a devotion, to get the other kids thinking, and to help them understand spiritual things.  I told you - I am blown away by you :)

When people ask you what you want to be when you grow up you say a professional football player.  If that doesn't work out you will play basketball and if that fails you will be happy to be a Financial Advisor like your dad :)  Whatever it is that you decide to do in life I know you will be a huge success!!

I couldn't ask for a better kid to be the oldest :)  I love you so much and I am so proud of you.  You have had a tough few years yet you handled it with grace and love.  You kept going, didn't let life get you down, and forged ahead.  There are many adults that can't even get to that point. 

I see so much of your dad in you.  I think you look the most like him out of all the kids.  You have his disposition.  Kind, caring, accepting of all people, smart, sweet, and full of joy. 

Happy Birthday Logan!!!  Only four more years and you will be driving with a permit - Ahhhhhh!!!!!

I love you!! 

Mom (Loree)

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 :)