Normal Rockwell

We have all seen the paintings of Norman Rockwell, and I assume have all wondered what a perfect life would be like. Some of you may know that Jesse's Grandmother has just "entered the Gates of Heaven." This to some may not seem a blessing...loss is difficult and also very hurtful. Imagine if you were one of those paintings...so perfect; so simple...you wouldn't know love or loss. God has given us "Faith, Hope, and Love," and if we did not feel loss of any kind, we would not appreciate the love that we have felt. What do you consider to be normal? Is it one of those "American" paintings; or is it real life, hard as is may be at times?
We all have many things to be thankful for...just some of us don't realize just how thankful we should be until it's too late. After the death of my Uncle, my Aunt had shared a poem about loss and sharing kindness. The author was Unknown...probably because what he had to say was hurtful, but true. He simply states that it is better to tell someone today how you love them, how thankful you are for them, and how much you'll miss them NOW, rather than sit in sorrow after they have gone to be with our Savior.
Without the grief of loss, how can we be empathetic or how can we console our grieving friends? Without sorrow, how can we know real happiness?
After my 30 days of thankfulness, I realized that I found it difficult to find things that I was truly thankful for...I found that there are many things that I take for granted. My family is one of those things. Jesse is one of those people and there are too many others to list...but when we need a shoulder to lean on most, are we really there for our brothers, sisters and spouses like we could be or should be? Do we learn from our mistakes and use them to teach others and ourselves? Do we embrace our hypocrisies and turn from them, our do we continue with "what works?"

I challenge you and myself to try to show appreciation, love, and sympathy more often. I sometimes would rather sit back and feel more sorry for myself...inflate my problems to BIGGER than the "next guys." In the grander scheme of things...life is difficult enough so why should we go about alone, and why should we allow our friends and family to do the same?

Friendly Reminder

Sometimes when you seem to need it most your children say or do something that just leaves you laughing. Last night Jesse and I both decided to have some "snuggle time" with the two girls. We went in and started to "sneak" into their beds when Ella yells out...I mean whispers..."Cassidy don't wipe your BOOGERS on Daddy!"
I have to say I'm thankful that Ella reminded her sister so kindly...but WHY exactly did she have to remind her!?

Self Disciplined...

The other day, after Christmas, Cassidy decided that the whole behaving and acting appropriately was just too much for her...it seemed to "cramp her style" a bit.

So this is how it all went down...from my perspective anyway, I'm sure in a few years there will be some spin and somehow she was framed...but for now this is what happened.

Brody let out a whale of a cry...Cassidy starts running toward Me..."don't worry, I'm going for a time out!"
I couldn't even get her to stop to tell me what she did at first...but I did see her standing over her brother with a long neck dinosaur! After getting an explanation...it seems that the gratification of hitting her brother with the present she got him for Christmas FAR out weighed the punishment of a "time out!"

Isn't she soo cute! Oh... by the way, Brody didn't sustain any injuries in this particular attack.

Do You Believe In Magic?

This year we certainly found out that there is definitely a REAL "Magic" in Christmas....We made to church on time...actually early! The girls are learning why we celebrate...and why it is MORE important to give than receive, not that they don't really enjoy the receiving better.

I hope and pray that all of you are resting right now or getting ready anyway.

Today I need to remind myself that everyone is tired and cranky...so I'm annoying them as much as they are annoying me. I need to remind myself to focus on our Savior. I need to remind myself that the cookies I'm eating probably are not fat free, and I can no longer blame the pregnancy for the extra pounds.
I think I hear Santa...remember he won't come unless you're SLEEPING...I wish i could just get Joseph and Jesse to believe that.

GOD BLESS and Merry Christmas!

Dinner Conversation...

I started with a simple question.... "what are you most looking forward to this Christmas?"

Ella: "All the presents I asked for!"

Daddy: "What if you don't get any?"

Ella: "I was good some days."

Cassidy: "I was Good."

Daddy: "Oh Yeah...When?"

Cassidy: "Was is Friday...What day was that?"

We are all getting excited for the Holiday...No matter if we were naughty or nice we've already received the best present already...A SAVIOR! Merry Christmas!

Jewelry for Ella...

The other day we found that our little Ella is now really becoming our BIG girl Ella. She announced her first "loose" tooth. Could it really be that she is coming to an age that she will start to lose teeth, and look like she comes from someplace north of Route 49.
I'm Hoping that it is not the never ending flow of "soda in a sippy cup," or the extra piece of Mommy's Birthday Cake, or the Milkshakes that she requests while going through the Drive-Thru of that nutritious restaurant "Old McDonald's," or could it be the candy that Mommy uses to bribe her for picture taking purposes.
Isn't great that God gives us "baby" teeth...who cares what we do to them, they're all going to fall out anyway...Guess it's time to invest in Crest and Oral B!
But all of that aside...Ella is not quite sure that she wants to leave her teeth for the "Tooth Fairy"...which is not me by the way so don't even bother making any "FAIRY" jokes... I don't look good in tights and they are quite uncomfortable (from what I've been told), and I'm way TOO MANLY to be called a FAIRY. So back to Ella not wanting to leave her tooth out to be stolen by some strange intruder in our home...she has decided that maybe instead she will use it for a "Necklace or something."

Motherly Advice.

The other day I was lying in bed resting, while Jesse and the kids were getting ready to shovel I heard some very GOOD advice. As I was trying to sleep I couldn't help but laugh out loud.
Jesse: "Don't eat the YELLOW snow!"
Kids: "Why Not!?"

I'm ALIVE!

I know that I haven't been all that great about my Blogging, but it really is a lot about nothing anyway. I'll be returning soon...just as soon as I start to feel a little better!
Hope you are all having Blessed CHRISTmas Season!

B.R.A.T.

Bananas, Rice, Apples, and Toast! Over the past few days we have been on a "B.R.A.T." diet. As most of you know children may only be really good a sharing one thing...sickness. It all started with Cassidy spewing all over Jesse and seems to be ending quite peacefully with Ella.
We've tried to keep sippy cup sharing to an extreme minimum.
We have added Ginger Bread Cookies to our diet as well as Ginger Ale...allowing them to have soda in a sippy cup once again.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Today I am thankful for many things, like FAMILY. I am thankful for waking up with "four year old" feet in my back and messy hair in my face, that had a party of aliens in it last night. I am thankful for two little boys. I am thankful for a beautiful wife who loves us all.
I am very THANKFUL...maybe even most thankful...for a TURKEY FEAST and all the DESSERTS!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING and GOD BLESS!

Shiny Messy Stuff!

There are many things to be thankful for and I know that I should be positive, but I've said that I'm a "glass half empty" person...maybe you will understand or sympathize a little.
After a rather bad day at work I came home to shiny messy stuff ALL over the place. I am thankful for creative children and artistic minds and all that other stuff, BUT I can still be "unthankful" for the "shiny messy stuff" that goes along with it. No matter what you do...you can't pick it up with a vacuum, you can't wipe it up with a sponge, and trust me micro-fiber mops don't work either...don't even bother with the dust buster, it doesn't work either!
So short story long...I am thankful for Thanksgiving crafts and the rug rats that make the messes, but I'm not thankful for the shiny messy stuff...aka glitter!

Spell Check

Today we had a SMALL family party for Brody, small is not really an accurate description of either one of our families.
After the party was over, the girls went about their usual routine getting ready for bed. They were really not quite sleepy, but up they went. After Brody was settled and the baby was asleep, Jesse and I decided to snuggle with the girls and TRY to calm the little beasts...children. We were talking about what they liked best about the day and generally what happened today...I spelled a few things to Jesse so the kids wouldn't know that we were talking about. Things they had done or were going to be forced to do later. Ella asked with such good manners..."could you stop spelling things please, I need to know what you are saying!"
Why do you think she NEEDED to know what we were saying...I think she has figured us out! Anyone know sign language?
Today I am thankful for large healthy families and beautiful little kids. Some of my best memories are from when I was a kid...spending time with my Aunt Peggy and Cousins Kelly and Jeff, My Grandparents, and getting to know my family histories by listening to stories my Uncles' wives would share with me.
I have said in the past that "we can't choose our families, just our friends"...but I am beginning to realize that we can choose to be friends with our families.

WORK, WORK, WORK!

I certainly am not thankful for "Holiday Toy Catalogs." Ella has found a few lately and REEEEEALLY enjoys looking at the pictures...she also seems to enjoy telling you exactly which toys she wants and the other stuff that may be good for her baby brothers and sister.
As we were getting ready for dinner she found one of those ads and began her usual routine...so I though that I'd "nip in in the bud" and tell her that we could NOT afford all those fancy gifts. She responded most sincerely, "Then you should just work more!" First I obviously thought that she sounded rather spoiled, then I thought that she sounded like my Boss!
Though I may not be thankful for the ads or the sassy little girl that Ella can be sometimes...I am thankful for the reason we celebrate this season.
I just hope that we can teach her how to place more emphasis on the MANGER and less on the gifts.

Birthday Boy!

Today I'm most Thankful for "Birthday Boy Brody."
I know that it has been a few days since I shared my "thankful thoughts," but today is a great day to start over again...it's the second anniversary of when I had my first SON! What Dad is not proud of HIS boy.
There are many memories I'd like to share, but my sleep deprived wife beat me to the punch...who in there right mind posts something at 1am...other than a College Student?
We've had a blessed two years and are so proud of this little guy...He's smart, Cute, Funny, and he likes to snuggle with his Mommy...HMMM...that sounds like me doesn't it.
Happy Birthday to you Brody and Happy Birthday to you too Mommy...you do great work!

Forgive Them...

"Father, FORGIVE them; for they do not know what they are doing."
Luke 23:34 NAS

http://www.lansingcitypulse.com/lansing/article-2302-gay-anarchist-action-hits-church.html

The above link reminded of two things that I am very thankful for...1) I have a gracious, loving, and forgiving God. 2) That I have a wonderful "living" word by which I can live and use to teach right from wrong.

I have been taught to love people like this...though it is difficult. I have been taught to "forgive," even when forgiveness is not sought. I have been taught to respect and treat others the way I would expect them to treat me. I have been taught to be thankful that God has given me the love needed to be tolerant...even when others are not. I have been taught to be thankful that God is who he is, and that he has given me grace.

Computer Time.

I am thankful for time on the computer...My wife is a Computer hog! I haven't checked my
e-mail in three days and haven't looked at my usual "blog roll." It is nice to see what is going on in everybody's world... I felt so out of touch.

Short and Simple.

I am thankful for Tylenol and Bedtime!

Colorful People

Brody and I were able to spend sometime today with my Grandparents, who my generation calls Papa or Red and Moo Moo...yes we call her Moo Moo.
Now Brody and his sisters call them great Nana and Papa... the Camp kind, because they have a camp up on the river.
I'm thankful for them and the time my children have with them. Brody is a lucky kid just like I was... I remember having fun fishing, blowing bubbles, and eating LOTS of candy. Not only do they have "special" names but they are truly "special" people.
My Grandmother has been a major influence in my life, and I didn't know how much of an influence my Grandfather was until I started to realize the wisdom he gave me.
My Grandmother and Grandfather can be "kids" even though they are in the eighties...umm...I meant late fifties...(sorry Gram). They were comforting yet, firm with us as children and that has yet to change. They are always welcoming. They are always truthful...even if the truth may not be what you are looking for. Gram has always had an ear for listening and an understanding "look."
I'm thankful to have been blessed with these Grandparents and I am thankful to be able to share them with the kids.

First Date...In a while.

Today the things that I happen to most thankful for are Hafner's Restaurant, Chery Frezza (my Mother-in-law) and "semi-alone time" with my Wife.
Jesse and I decided to go out for an early dinner since we were going to an appointment together. Jesse had her post-partum check up today, so the three of us went to see her Dr. then went on a date.
We left the house...to put it simply...TRASHED! When we came home dishes were put away and laundry was folded...and the kids were fed...now I guess we know were Jesse gets it from.
Jesse and I had a nice dinner, Joseph won't get his meal from Hafner's until a little later. We've had some nice talks with her Dr. who happens to be quite the Godly man himself. He is always willing to share advice for both marriage and child rearing, and we are always willing to accept it. Jesse and I had a great talk at dinner and in the car...sometimes I forget what silence sounds like and what the sound of a "quiet Jesse voice" is like. I don't "miss" the unlimited alone time we used to have...I just appreciate to alone time we have now more. I can't express thanks enough for the opportunity to have this time together and also the time we were able to spend together tonight because the house work was caught up.

Thank God For Sleepy Babies

Today was a great day...the boys and I stayed home while the very loud and active older sisters and Mommy went shopping. Brody helped make lunch and was a great snuggle buddy... he and I read a few books and watched "boy shows" before his nap.
Joseph found my increasingly large belly especially comfy, he slept while we read, he slept while we watched This Old House, he slept while we ate lunch, he slept while Brody took his nap... get the pattern.
I'm sure that he wasn't comforted by my smell, I wasn't able to shower this morning. I'm sure he wasn't comforted knowing that I had no way to feed him if he screamed. He went over 5 hours with out a feeding... Mommy kept calling to check in... every time she called he'd stir, but thankfully not wake. The only explanation I have is that he was extremely comfortable on my Big Mushy Belly.
So today I'm most thankful for Mushy Bellies and Sleepy Babies!

Resolve and A Strong Stomach!

Again...I am having a hard time determining what I was most thankful for today. I'm not quite sure if it is for my strong stomach and warped sense of humor or Resolve stain remover.
This evening we (Jesse and I) chose the long way home from my sister's house... Jesse and I love to drive through the University Area and other areas of the city that are still safe enough for us to take our kids. We love to look at the old houses and the character that they have... but that is something to be thankful for later.
I'm not quite sure how or why it happened but.... IT did! Ella began to complain about being tired, then hot, then thirsty, then SPEEEEEEEEEEEEW! IT was completely visible from the rear view mirror. IT was completely all over her little brother Joseph, who happens to be in a rear facing seat, directly in front of her without the head rest so Ella can see him better, which tonight meant also to SPEEEEEEEEEEEEW on him better.
Joseph was thankfully unaware of this event...but we weren't. Ella was stripped down to nothing in the driveway, Brody couldn't wait to get in the house, and Cassidy was plugging her nose while waiting very patiently to be unbuckled from her seat.
So that brings me to what I'm thankful for... Resolve...for the obvious reason...and strong stomachs because nobody else SPEEEEEEEWed at the sight of the disgusting GREEN GOO that was brought forth by this beautiful little girl.

Are You Crazy?

I've got quite a few things today that I feel are quite deserving of praise and thanksgiving and I'm not quite sure which one I'm most thankful for. It seems that without one the others are not possible.

I'm thankful for the weather today, the Zoo, and my moderately INSANE wife.

Jesse and I just spoke on the phone and since it is such a nice day and the kids love the Zoo, not the one on Topsfield Lane but the one by Fowler High School, she has decided to pack up the little monkeys and bring them to the Zoo.

So I mentioned that I was thankful for the moderately insane wife I have, this is one one the many reasons I love her so much. How could a person in their right mind decide to go to the Zoo alone with four children... well I guess we found her. I'm sure the kids will have a great time.

I suppose that this means I should probably help with dinner tonight.

Thanks For Everything.

Since it is November, I'm going to share some of the things I am most THANKFUL for. Hopefully this will help me express my gratitude toward people; Also I hope that it will help me to become a "Glass is Half Full" kind of person, rather than the "Glass is Half Empty" guy that I am naturally.

So here it goes.... I'm THANKFUL that I don't sit next to Cassidy in the car. The other day while we were driving down the road there was much yelling and commotion coming from the WAY back of the van. After calming Ella, we found out Cassidy was trying to wipe a "Booger" on her sister. Cassidy simply excused her self by saying "it's not a red one." So I guess the dry green ones are used as some form of sister bonding, please correct me if I'm wrong?

FAMILY

family - Definition
[făḿə-lē, făḿlē]
(n.)
A fundamental social group in society typically consisting of one or…
All the members of a household under one roof.
(adj.)
Ask Dictionary · The American Heritage® Dictionary ·

I've mentioned recently how difficult a task voting really was... but I also pointed out how thankful I was to be "burdened" with such a task.

Something I am equally thankful for and also find just as difficult at times is Brotherhood. Whether it be associtiated with the above definition, or be it a Brother-in-Christ, or a Brother-in-Law, or Union Brother... they are all very difficult tasks. A wise brother will admit defeat and congratulate his worthy opponant... Much like our Political Brothers.
A Brother may be honest about his feelings, though they may hurt, he tells you with good intention. A good Brother should also work hard to keep a family together, though he may get hurt in the process. A Brother's love is one with out condition, and should not change because of harsh words and dissapointing actions. A Great Brother can say Sorry. I also feel that a Good Brother can accept that an apology may not be given, but forgiveness granted anyway to a possibly undeserving recipient, much like our Savior has forgiven us.
I someday hope that I can teach my Little boys to grow up to be Great Brothers... to each other and to the rest of our communtiy.

Election Day!!!

November is obviously here and I'm guessing you don't need me to remind you that today is The Day. A day set aside for voting for new political officers. Are we all really informed enough to make such a BIG decision, I don't think so. What is more important; Social Issues, which are a Huge Deal Breaker for the Democrats or Economy, which neither party is really totally there either. I won't talk about or bore you with my own political commentary.
As much as it seems to be predetermined... It's still important to vote. If you are not going to be part of a solution, then don't complain about our problems!
We have much to be thankful for... and voting is one of our freedoms most taken for granted.

I Got Tricked!

My little boy was too cute dressed as a phone guy, but by the time they all got ready to raid the neighborhood he wasn't "union" anymore! He wouldn't keep on that hard hat and the tool belt kept pulling his pants down... showing his "little pencil holder." Every fathers worst nightmare came true.... My son became a chick and went out with a couple of fairies! I guess a baby chicken costume wasn't all that bad, but I wanted him to be like me!!!! Yes, I am whining and pouting. They all had fun and I got a lot of candy... UH... I mean they got a lot of candy!

Trick or Treat?

So far a wonderful day... the girls are all ready to raid the neighborhood and Brody has NO clue what all the fuss is all about!
It has been quite the process this year trying to figure out what we were going to be... mainly because the girls are now at the stage were they want to make choices for themselves and don't want to match!
We have one "Fairy Princess" and one "Snow White Fairy Princess"... if you see us don't mention anything about the fact that Cassidy looks NOTHING like Snow White!
Then we have the Good Son who wants to be a worker like his Daddy... he did have a little coaching, but it is really cute. I hope he realizes that worker and union are not usually used interchangeably, but anyway you look at it he's cute and flattering to me!
Jesse is going out as a wonderful wife/ mother and I will be dressed as a "Baby Bjorn Carrier" model.

My Protector

Sometimes our little guys and girls simply amaze me. The world really is quite simple to figure out... people are either mean or kind, things are either good or bad... things really are black or white to children.
Tonight Ella was not all that co-operative going to bed or getting out of the bath. Just a few minutes ago I told her how tired I was, that I had a bad day, and that she wasn't making life easy for me. She asked, "Why?" (did I have a bad day). I just said, "Work!". Then as most 4 year olds do she asked, "Why?"again and again. I thought about giving the same answer, but I didn't want to be asked "Why?" 50 thousand more times! So I decided to explain that not everyone has the same heart we do... not everyone has love in their hearts like we do... not everyone knows Jesus. Now she insists on going to work with me to teach people about Jesus and His love. Though some of them may benefit from her "teaching" and some of them may understand it better coming from someone of their own intelligence... I don't think that my boss would allow a four year old in the garage with all those big trucks!

Flu Season... Already!

The kids, Jesse, and I all went to the doctors for their annual Flu shots. They all were given the option of shot or nasal spray. The little peanut Cassidy thought she'd be brave and try the shot. Ella could not be out done, so she thought the shot would also do. I think she realized either way, it was not going to be pleasant.
Usually we have arguments based on whose going first... not whose going last, not that I don't understand why.
Senior Volunteer, Junior Force... Union rules at home too!
Brody went first... "Ow"... and almost some tears but none really to speak of. Cassidy second... Some tears and a loud screech. Ella went last... lots of tears and very loud sobs.
The office manager met us on the way out to meet little Joseph. She asked the girls some questions... small talk. The shots were mentioned, so we asked, "could you hear that noise?"... she replied (with a smile)..."YES!; and so could the person I was on the phone with!"

My Friend, My Son.

It's amazing to me the things that this little boy says. You sneeze, a "God Bless You"... or something that sounds remotely close it anyway. You cough, an "Okay" or "K"... is shortly to follow. He is full of hugs and kisses... really wet kisses.
My little boy Brody is becoming my little friend. Friends are there for you when you need a laugh, a hug, or even a slug on the shoulder. Brody is pretty good at the hugs and the slugs, he's great at the laughter also. His little laugh is contagious.
Last night he was in bed and we heard a little voice... "DaDa... DaDa... DaDAAAAAAAAA!" I went upstairs to check things out of course. The pillows cases were off the "piwwows" and the little man was asking "elp... elp." He happened to say it with a little urgency, because Mommy would get mad if she saw this mess!

Family

Every time we bring home a new baby the other babies don't seem so baby anymore... Brody seems a little taller and smarter, Cassidy seems a little more Mommy, and Ella seems a little more "Hannah Montana" meets "Martha Stewart".
Our newly proclaimed BIG brother has started to "poopie" on the "poppie", only when he deems it necessary though, like at bedtime when he knows he'll be sitting in it for a while. He is showing lots of real affection toward all of us, what an awesome little man.
Cassidy, my little peanut, snuggle buddy, a.k.a. the real trouble maker, wants to really help and actually knows what to do to really be a help.
The oldest of all these beautiful gifts, Ella is... well just like her mother. She is soo loving, then when she gets hungry.... just watch out! She knows soo much... almost too much already! I'm praying for that young man that is going to be her husband already. She is strong, smart, and funny! Just yesterday she was walking around the house on her cell phone, Verizon of course, saying " no way! no way! REALLY... NO WAY!".... what an imagination. She is a little woman, who does little woman things.
I love them all and thank God for this new little guy. I've been Blessed by wonderful children, giving friends, helpful family and most importantly the perfect wife!
I Love You, Jessica!

Buk... Buk... Gen...

Every night we all have our little routines that should under no circumstances be changed, all of us with children anyway.

Brody and the girls usually start with potty time and the brushing of their teeth, then we part ways according to gender and start our snuggle/bedtime rituals. Brody and I leave the girls with the same "blow kisses" and "smell you later" almost every night. He has got an arsenal of books, but it seems we read only about ten of the hundred or so he has in his room. My favorite happens to be "I Love You... Good Night"... as boys always do, we make it fun by reading while making pig noises, windy sounds, and froggy ribbits ( you'd have to be there to understand what I'm talking about)!

When we finish one book, we move onto the next with Brody saying "buk buk". Then we finish with a song... yes that's right a grown man proud of singing "Itsy Bitsy Spider", just don't tell the guys at work. After we sing Brody seems to think that we should start all over again or as he'd say "gen".

Aren't these little creatures so amazing, they already know that we can't help but want to snuggle... and who wants this almost two year old to start screaming and possibly wake up the neighborhood!

Some... Some... Share!

Today Mommy and Baby Joseph came home from the hospital. They were welcomed with much love from sisters and the new big brother.
Mommy was missed very much... by all of us... Ella missed her snuggle buddy this morning and I missed my snuggle buddy last night...besides I had to get up with one of them last night, I couldn't just pretend I was still asleep... because there wasn't anyone else here!
All the kids rushed to help change diapers... I decided to give them space and alone time with Mommy and Brother. They all wanted to hold the little boy... after I was done of course. Today they were able to play outside while Mommy shot a few pictures, but were still comforted to know Mommy was still here.
Nursing time was a little more interesting... Ella wants Jesse to promise that she will be able to give brother a bottle some time. Brody... well... he uses few words but we all understood what he wanted.... "Some... Some... Share!"

Why Joseph?

After all that talk about how special and thoughtful a name should be for a child, you may be wondering "why Joseph?"

Joseph; God will increase.
Abram; Exalted Father (God the Father)

Joseph has much more meaning than what is described in a baby naming book... it does have some tradition behind it. It does happen to be my middle name given to me in honor of a truly great Great-Uncle, meaning he was an awesome man... from what I've been told by ANYBODY that has shared a story of his life. But this little guy was not named after Myself or that Great-Uncle; instead he was named after a Great-Aunt. No, that is no mistake... our son was named after a woman, a truly wonderful woman.

My Grandma Riley has used the words "very special" on several occasions to describe my Great-Aunt. I really hadn't ever realized how much she had understated how "special" she really was. Some of you may recall Jesse sharing a story about Sister "Dorofy"... in the words of Cassidy. Sister Dorothy is known to my mother as "Sister Joe"... when I say Sister you may wonder why... She is a Sister of Saint Joseph.... Sister Amelia Joseph. I think I could add just one more name... Sister "Simply Amazing."

Just under a year ago she was involved in an accident... in which she was severely injured. She will remind you of something that most of us know, but don't understand...there is NO such thing as an accident. She understands and reminds us all that Our Heavenly Father has a good and perfect plan for us... sometimes we may not understand... sometimes we may not like the paths that He leads us down, but as she has reminded me and most likely others... this was no accident and we must TRUST in Him.

I personally have been faced with loss before and wondered, "what good could come from this?"... Through all of our trials I think God intends for us to become closer to Him and to become more like Him.

Sister Dorothy has shared love and compassion for and with many people over the years... and that did not change... she found ways to care for others while they cared for her. She has always been "special" as my grandmother says, but I never really understood why, until she shared this with me. After all that she has been through... hospitalization, surgeries, rehab, and even a coma... she hasn't stopped thinking about how she can continue to serve God and the Church. She took the time to write a letter, a letter of forgiveness, love and concern for the person who some may say was responsible for her "accident". How could she be so understanding and forgiving... "Sister Joe" understands Gods Love and more importantly she understands how to share His Love. He has forgiven us, He has Loved us, He has given us His son.

I think this explains best why we chose Joseph... if our little boy becomes a man with half the character, love, and compassion showed by this truly "special" and Godly woman, than we've been blessed twice.... once with a beautiful son and also with an amazing Great-Aunt.

Are You Ready?

7:26 am
October 7, 2008
8 lbs. 8 oz.

Joseph Abram Svoboda

Mommy is doing quite well and so is the new baby brother... we are all on our way to visit right now... wish Mommy Luck!
Ella and Cassidy can't wait and Brody is still clueless... kind of like his father.

Thanks for your prayers and thoughts.

In Christ's Love,
Patrick

Official Name Announcement!

I'm sure that all of you have wondering what name we are planning on using. It has been reeeeally difficult with this little guy. There were/ are so many things to consider.
You will all soon find out, once you start praying for Jesse to have this kid... ASAP!

And then there was ONE!

One little BOY all alone with Mommy and Daddy... what is he to do? He did almost anything he wanted... The girls went to POOL Nana and Papa's for the night and we all got a little rest and relaxation. Brody got his deserved alone time and late morning snuggle time with Mommy and Daddy. He ate dinner out late with us. Went shopping early for Matchbox cars, one of my favorite toys as a young boy. We also went and looked at the fishies, gerbils, birds, dogs, and cats at the Pet Store, he loved that and so did Daddy, because we got to leave the cats there.
Thank You Nana and Papa for the Girls treats and the R&R for Mommy and Daddy... and Brody too!

Table for 5?!

Hopefully tonight will be the last time we will need a table for 5... I've been practicing.... Party of 6 please, 2 boosters, 1 high, and a lot of crayons please?
I think that Jesse is really less anxious than me, I keep wondering where will I be... Work, AWANA, Sleeping, or maybe in the middle of something in the bathroom?
I can't wait to meet this little guy, and I can't wait for his brother and sisters to see him for the first time also.... but most importantly I want Jesse to be able to see her toes again, I think she has had enough.

@ My Expense!

How do you get a group of boys and leaders to laugh at you? Tell them they need to be quiet, because they are being too Loud, and they are going to disturb the DEAF Ministry.

In my defense... we really can be distracting to some of the people in that room.

Law and DISOrder

As you are all well aware 'Swim Season... OH NO!'... is still underway and that means I'm still stuck with the rug rats EVERY NIGHT... oops; I keep making typo's, what I meant to say was... I get to spend "quality time" every night with our beautiful children.
I really do love being a Daddy... I just happen to like it better when they act like they were raised in a loving home... not a ZOO... I'd even settle for a barnyard... It's slightly more domestic than MONKEYS and ELEPHANTS; they are already pretty good at acting like pigs.
As most of you know children of their ages don't always transition so well... so there is usually chaos when I get home, for a little while anyway. Although I'd have to admit that being part of the disorder is kind of fun since most of the time I'm the "Enforcer". I am beginning to learn that chocolate milk, hot chocolate, and s'mores aren't always the best ways to get them to calm down?!?! Captain Obvious Struck Again! But they are things we can make together, and they are things we all enjoy.
Any healthier suggestions?
Apples and peanut butter are just a for Daddy; knives are sharp and Ella is too much like me.
Cleaning Grapes isn't all that Fun with out spraying water all over each other... not that we'd ever use the kitchen sprayer for a squirt gun when Mommy wasn't here.
Cookies are fun, but just as bad when you put 2 tablespoons of frosting on each one.

Back By Popular Demand!

IN... still with me?... Means in the Belly of this whale of a wife I have for the next couple of days. The food mentioned is in reference to what she seems to prefer these days... still with me... what she usually eats, ingests, or consumes during her normal pregnant day.
OUT... Keepin' up so far?... Means after the birth of number four, this child that is currently IN... OUT also meaning outside of the belly, in the world not the womb, or more easily stated OUT. Milk, the stated food in the end of this lesson refers to what is produced in the breasts after the birth of a child... what in many cases if possible a child would drink, formula may be a substitute for this MILK, but is still often referred to as MILK.
So summing all this up... still with me?... Start eating junk like spinach, strained peas, squash and macerated turkey and this child will leave the IN position he is holding right now and got OUT for some good tasting MILK... Get it...
I know that my thoughts are Random... and make little sense from time to time... well... mostly they make very little sense to those of you in the right mind... and I still hold on to my excuse of being sleep deprived.
Thank You for you patience. Also, I might add...I was asked in person what that post meant...so don't feel bad that I had to simplify it for you all.

Name Game

What's in a Name... Didn't Shakespeare ask that question in Romeo and Juliet? Has anybody really taken the time to answer our great writer's question? Not to my knowledge, so I'll try!
With every one of our children we have given much thought and consideration to their legacy called a NAME. We have considered the respected relatives of prior generations. Biblical definition or history. Admittedly Brody's first name did just happen to be one that we liked with an Irish twist, but his middle name Aric actually translates from German to Richard which is one of his Great-Grandfathers. Cassidy is mostly a tribute to our Irish ancestors and Her middle name Riley is my Mothers Maiden Name. Ella, Ella, Ella... well she is a testament to our family's belief and trust in God. Gabriella means devoted to God and Renee means to be born again or to be made new, which we can credit or Savior and Creator for.
Our forth has given us such a challenge... is He our last or does God have other plans for us. Should we show thanks for all that God has given us with a Name like Samuel, which means Gift of God Or God hears, as if to say that he has answered our prayers again with another son. I have had many relatives that have touched my life in ways that can't repaid with simple "thank yous" as I'm know Jesse has also.
We would LOVE to give this child a name he can "live up" to... and Name that he can be proud of... and almost as important... something he won't be made fun of for having.

Volunteers Needed!

One of my most vivid memories from my childhood was going to get Dough nuts after church from SweatHeart Bakery... of course it's a memory of food. My children have started to follow in my footsteps... they enojoy "Nough Nuts" on Sundays as well.... one minor difference is that they get theirs before services... Don't YOU think that loading them up with sugar is a great idea before sending them off to Anette Davie and her Army of Volunteers in our children's services at Church each Sunday... Like any 4,3, and 2 year old need help with their hyper-activity. Really I enjoy seeing the kids pick out their own "Nough Nuts" and then get home and share/trade to get the one that their brother or sister picked out that became tastier the second we sat down to enjoy our SUGARY TREATS... One tip my sister and I could share from our own youth was to order at least 2 of whatever you wanted, because MOM... "Camp NaNa" would always seemingly take THE ONE that you ordered for yourself.
So... Long story even longer... If you see a Volunteer in the 4 yr old room, 3 yr old room, or Walkers... wish them luck because the Boda's are on their way to Church right now.

Best Friends.

Hunter, our dog, truly is Man's Best Friend. He is quite hyper-active, but has a calming affect on me. He is a great companion for walks in the evenings or early mornings, we both don't care for the Fox Terrier down the road, who usually walks in the morning. He will fetch whatever you throw where ever you throw it... Hunter never complains. He seems to understand his purpose... for our pleasure and entertainment... just as God intended.

But I must apologize to all my neighbors for playing fetch at Midnight!

RIDDLE???

How many MEN does it take to wash your windows?

One Great Husband... ME.... Do you hear that... that is the sound of me patting myself on the back.

I think nesting extends to the MAN of the house also!

IN or OUT!

IN equates to... Brownies, Sugar Cereal, Fruit By The Foot, and Just About Anything Processed and Tasty, Yet Bad For You!

OUT means... MILK ONLY!....

Which would you decide?

Enough Already!

When is this baby going to come?!? I can't sleep... I eat everything that is BAD for me... and I'm impatient, so I can't stand the waiting... I don't know how you women do this whole pregnancy thing?!?

Anatomy...

Enough about children and the gross stuff that they have learned from their mother... it's premier week... Grey's Anatomy tonight 9:oopm. Who has time to blog.... kids to bed, clean up, let the dog out and play fetch... only a few throws though and a quick chat with the neighbor; then get the snacks and warm blanket... and probably a few more snacks during commercials... and enjoy the show!

Kids are great at snuggling but Mommies are even better!!!

Fall Clean Up!

Cleanliness is close to Godliness, Did your Grandmother use to say that when you were a kid? Mine didn't either, but it certainly does sound like something a Grandmother would say doesn't it? Without knowing when this baby is going to slip out and make his debut, we have been doing things a little earlier than usual... So this year we started our "Famous Fall Clean" First Annual to be exact. We... meaning us men, you know... Brody and I... started shortly after the girls left for school. We picked squash... and then mashed up the ones that the rabbits and squirrels already tasted for us. The pumpkins were next on our list so we took a BREAK and waited for the girls to return... then we had to BREAK again due to child labor laws and our union heritage as well. The girls really liked being able to pick out their own pumpkins and really cut them from the vine... then of course, next was our lunch BREAK. After lunch the kids went to take their naps or rest time while I went out to use the rototiller... which was quite a surprise... either someone broke into our shed and gave it a tune up or my father did it in the spring when he and my mother planted the garden with the girls while I was in Buffalo.
Then after rototilling (did I spell that right?) it was BREAK time... and I was able to go to an OB appointment with Jesse this afternoon... we left the girls at home... they know enough already. No new news... so we came home, ate dinner and then it was time to finish the cleanup... I started to cut the grass... then it got dark... So I used those lights that everyone wonders "Who in their RIGHT mind would ever use those things?" well We haven't found that guy yet... just ME.
We all seemed to have fun and didn't get everything finished, do you think it could have been all the BREAKS... I think that I must need more power tools.

WHAT?

I really don't know what Jesse does with these kids all day while I'm gone, but I must go on record as not being responsible for this one. Last night as we were getting ready for bed Ella stopped right in front of me.... pulled down her drawers... and shot a cannon at me... YUP... a BIG STINKY TOOT! Where in the world would she have learned something like that, probably Veggie Tales right?

What a Fathers LOVE Should Be

LOVE IS Patient, LOVE IS KIND. It does NOT envy, it does NOT boast, it is NOT proud. It is NOT rude, it is NOT self-seeking, it is NOT easily angered, it keeps NO record of wrongs. LOVE does NOT delight in evil but REJOICES with the TRUTH. It ALWAYS PROTECTS, ALWAYS TRUSTS, ALWAYS HOPES, ALWAYS PERSEVERES.
LOVES NEVER FAILS.
1 Corinthians 13:4-8

Priceless?

Usually our new baby finds the time on the way home from the hospital to go shopping for his older siblings... so today Ella and I were talking about a few things I may want to suggest to her little brother while he is picking out her present for HIS birthday, that will hopefully be here SOON!
The convertible for Cassidy is out... she can't drive. Brody really doesn't need too much, he'll be happy to have a brother to play trains with, although I think that will be a few weeks until the new baby is up to playing... after all being born is a lot of hard work... isn't that why they sleep soo much?
Ella would like a hamster... I let her know that maybe I'd agree to a fish tank instead, yes... she can also have the fish to go with it! Since her brother is going to be a little low on cash without a job, Mommy and Daddy will help brother out. Ella pointed out that the fish would probably be better anyway, cause water is free and they (the fish) won't need much more than that.

Picmic

What a beautiful day... we ate breakfast outside at the picmic or most commonly known as a picnic table.... drank coffee and read the paper outside on the porch while the children played in road... not with permission, I really expected them to stay in the yard or driveway, that is why I moved the cars into the road... then we ate dinner outside at a friends house as well, Mommy sure is glad not to have to clean the floor around Brody's chair before bed tonight. Fall is my favorite time of year, not too long and we'll picking our winter squash and pumpkins from the garden... then will come the dreaded snow that we hate to dive in, but love to play in!

8 Miles?

Our neighbor is an avid runner... and this evening he was getting ready to go for a relaxing 8 mile run. That really doesn't sound all that relaxing... it sounds almost as crazy as having four kids. So... as he was preparing to physically exhaust and torture himself... sorry what I meant was... while he was preparing to go for his run, he asked if anyone would want to go. Ella seemed excited as did Cassidy also, Brody is too much like me... it already sounded like too much exercise before Bob even explained how far 8 miles would really be. Bob patiently explained distance in ways a four year old could understand... Ella got a good idea of how far he was going to run... she decided we'd still join him...but take the car instead. I guess this is one of those ways that she and I are also alike?!

Round TWO

Second night of AWANA... I made it! No... I was not successfully tied up and locked in a closet. We all had a lot of FUN... and I think I may have learned a new verse, Funny how God works. These boys have got a lot of energy, I'd have to say it is still only equal to two and a half red bulls.

On the way tonight we happened to pass Miss Carrie... so we had to BEEP and YELL HI! Once we got to the church parking lot we spoke to Miss Carrie and I copied a few things she had to say...rather than my daughter finding amusement in it, as she does when she copies me... she notified me that I was embarrassing her. I thought I had a least a few more years before I did that.

All in all a Great Night for all of us.

God Bless.

Sunny Love

The past few days I've been thinking about all the ways Ella and I are alike... Also how Cassidy and I are similar in many ways too... Brody and I are the same also, we both like to laugh and be silly from time to time. Although all of us have common traits we are all sooo different in just as many ways. Why do children have to complain about every meal... even the one they just requested... you'll never see me turn away a home cooked meal, or any food for that matter. Bedtime's a real treat... who is going to refuse to brush their teeth after drinking Soda from their Sippy Cup, or who's going to refuse to go potty, or better yet just plain refuse to sleep, even when they are so tired they look like a drunken sailor. I never refuse sleep... I wish I had nap time or that Jesse read a story and tucked me in EARLY!

It's amazing to me how crazy, irrational, and just plain chaotic bedtime, potty time, or dinner time can be, maybe that is why WE love these little monsters we call children. I've said before and I'll say again... I never realized how much my parents prayed until I got a child just like me... and now that I have THREE I think I've still underestimated even that.

I've heard that a parents Love is much like the SUN, it's still there even on cloudy days, though it may not look like it.... It's very easy to see the Love on days like today.

Forgiven

Acts 2:38

Peter said to them "Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit"

Carousel

While Ella and Mommy went to a Birthday party earlier today, my blond haired blue eyed duo and I went to ride the horses. It's something we do from time to time because the kids really seem to enjoy it very much. After every ride Cassidy has to kiss her pony and tell them what a good job they did... it really is quite cute, if you can get over the germs she must be ingesting while she kisses them. Brody likes to ride on the inside so he can make faces at himself in the mirrors as the horses circle round and round, he never seems to get tired of doing that. They always work up an appetite after riding, so off to Auntie Ann's for some cinnamon sticks and usually a red or blue drink... but today we mixed it up a bit and got orange creamsicle instead.

To end our day of fun we went to Mr. Don and Mrs. Jeanne's for pizza... NO Soda in a Sippy Cup tonight... I'm sure Mrs. Jeanne and Mommy wouldn't have allowed it. The kids seem to enjoy terrorizing our neighbors... sorry... what I meant was visiting our neighbors. I was very happy that the kids used their "please and thank yous"... but must have run out of them by the time we got home. One thing that Brody must also do while saying goodbye to Mr. Don is "HONK" his nose rather than a kiss or a hug. They really are quite cute aren't they!?

Coffee Breath

What would YOU think was a necessary staple in the daily routine of a sleep deprived parent?

COFFEE !!!

What always comes with coffee... BAD breath of course! This evening Ella and I had to have a little talk about TACK...since this isn't one of my signature qualities, Mommy is a little more qualified for this one. I told her rather than wipe off my kisses... just to tell me that she is rubbing them in, because wiping them off hurts my feelings. Well, she forgot about that conversation just a few minutes after we finished it. So I asked her what was the best way to solve this problem. She simply answered... eat those little green and white or red and white candies that Great Nana has. Hmmm... more sugar, that should help keep me up too! This kid is full of great ideas!!!

MEATLOAF... YUK!

So this afternoon as Jesse was leaving for swimming she mentioned how much she wanted/ was craving MEATLOAF... YUK!!! So when she returned from swimming what just came out of the oven, but golden brown MEATLOAF... YUK!!! She also had no dishes to load or unload from the dishwasher or pans soaking waiting to be done, just us running around screaming in the front yard waiting for her to come home. Dinner and taking care of children all while doing dishes and cleaning up after the three little pigs.... how does she do it?.... WITH A SMILE. So I guess you are thinking what are you complaining about "Sallie"... if she can do it every other day of the year, you can do it for a few weeks. My response would be... WE (men) are not built the same.

Wanna Help?

First night of AWANA at church today, for both the girls and I. The girls were off to Cubbies and Cassidy wanted to do everything by herself... while holding tightly to Ella's hand most of opening ceremony. I on the other hand, may have been just as scared as little Cassidy... for a few reasons 1) I'm helping with 3rd thru 6th grade boys 2) I'm not sure that it will be safe to consume to amount of "red bull" required for me to keep up! 3) Soon I will have 2 boys of my own and this insanity that is called TNT boys will be my home on a daily basis.

The first night seemed to go quite well... the girls came home happy. I too came home happy... in one piece and actually had a lot of fun. We played games and worked in groups for a while, I'm looking forward to helping this year!

There's a Doctor in the House

This evening my daughter Ella informed that Polly pocket just got married and would soon be having a baby.... I must admit I was very happy that she put those events in just that order.
Our conversation didn't stop just yet.... before I proceed I'd have to say either she has gone to a few too many appointments with Mommy or has watched a few too many "A Baby Stories" on TLC. She very accurately told me that the baby would come out "down there" and then added not so accurately... or so I've been told... that it would not hurt! She also went as far as to share details about taking deep breaths and pushing.... What have we done to this child? Can you imagine the phone calls we'll get from her pre-school teacher this year? I am sure glad she didn't ask how that baby got there... hopefully I'll be out of town for that dissertation.

27 Days

Just 27 LONG days left... I think WE really hit the uncomfortable stage... I think WE hit the stage where you don't sleep so well... and I KNOW WE hit the cranky stage!

Forgiveness

Ephesians 4:32
"Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you."

Warm Apple Crisp

Nothing quite says welcome to the fall, like warm apple crisp. Last weekend we went apple picking... slightly earlier than usual due to the Mommy that is about to explode a baby... So with fall comes cool nights and colorful leaves, as well as apple picking and with apple picking comes apple sauce, crisp (my mother's recipe is best!!!), baked apples, and apple pie (which is my mother-in-law specialty). And with all those apples comes one FAT expectant father for the fourth time! Which reminds me maybe I should rake those leaves rather than bag them with my new riding mower?!

Soda In A Sippy Cup!

Yup! No mistake there, Root Beer in a sippy cup. Only this happens while Mommy is at swimming! Tonight we all...all minus Mommy...jumped into Daddy's car filled with "junky smell" ( I don't smell it, but Ella does) and went grocery shopping. After a relaxing trip to Wegman's, I decided that rather than make a meal for these uncontrollable monsters, oops what I meant to say was these cute little children of mine, that we would get PIZZA! And what goes best with PIZZA and wings but ROOT BEER SODA! And we wouldn't want to make a HUGE mess for Daddy to clean up, hence soda in a sippy cup!

Love,

Psalm 127:3

"children are a gift from the Lord, the fruit of the womb is a reward."

Today the kids and I were running a short errand while Mommy was at swimming. Looking in my rear view mirror I saw Ella sitting there and just couldn't believe that it has only been four short years, then it dawned on me that in about a month I would be given another gift from our Lord and Savior. This is both scary and refreshing to me. Am I really worthy of all these beautiful children and equally beautiful wife and mother. Often I am guilty of really showing my appreciation to God and my family, they both bring me such joy. I am glad to really know the the love that is unconditional, patient,and kind! Now that They all have shown me that love, now I pray that He teach me how to show it as well as they do!

You'd never guess, but that is a picture of Ella at 1 month.

Swim Season... OH NO!

For those of you who don't know, Jessica is a Girls Modified Swim Coach for our school district. Evening meets as well as afternoon practices must mean that she actually trusts me home alone with our children. So you probably are thinking that the kids and I sit in front of the TV while she is away working. Nope! Sorry to disappoint you all, but instead we made apple sauce full of sugar and cookie "samiches" with lots of frosting, then ran around getting dirty until Mommy got home. This was all in celebration of our first night of freedom from rules.... oops I meant to say Mommy's first practice.

Everybody's Doing It!

So here it is... Random, Hopefully Enlightening and Ocassionally Humorous!

Okay, I just could not resist. Every night I get on the computer to check our family blog, to see what new pictures have been posted while I was a work. Then after leaving a comment about my own beautiful children, I surf through other various blogs leaving the occasional facetious comment.

As a father and husband I have a lot of growing to do and I think this may help me; and entertain the rest of you while sharing thoughts and stories about my children (who often scare me beacuse of how much they are like both Jesse and Me as children). Sometimes they make me laugh, cry, and pull out my already thinning hair!

Welcome to My World!?