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.