6 Years!!

Dear Eli,

The Big 6 has arrived!! I can't believe we are finally here. You are growing into such a responsible caring young boy and that thrills my soul. Everyday I am amazed at what you grasp with school and the things you retain.

Your love for God and Jesus continues to grow and for that I am thrilled. I can count on you to keep me accountable as a mom in so many good ways. You always make sure justice and fairness prevails. You are also such a loving kind brother. We could not be more blessed to have you as our first born child.

I love you,

Mom








Three Years Old

1. What is your favorite color?  Red 
2. What is your favorite toy? Smart Cycle

3. What is your favorite fruit? apples
4. What is your favorite tv show? Mickey Mouse 
5. What is your favorite thing to eat for lunch? Peanut and Jelly Sandwhich
6. What is your favorite outfit? Dinousaur Pajamas
7. What is your favorite game? Farm Bingo
8. What is your favorite snack? Applesauce
9. What is your favorite animal? Pig
10. What is your favorite song? Jesus Loves Me
11. What is your favorite book? George and The Dump Truck
12. Who is your best friend? Hayden
13. What is your favorite cereal? Raisin Bran
14. What is your favorite thing to do outside? Tractor 
15. What is your favorite drink? milk
16. What is your favorite holiday? His Birthday
17. What do you like to take to bed with you at night? Blue Blanket
18. What is your favorite thing to eat for breakfast? Oatmeal

19. What do you want for dinner on your birthday? Pancakes
20. What do you want to be when you grow up? A conductor

4 Years Old

1. What is your favorite color?  blue
2. What is your favorite toy? firetruck

3. What is your favorite fruit? grapes
4. What is your favorite tv show? Little Einsteins 
5. What is your favorite thing to eat for lunch? Peanut and Jelly Sandwhich
6. What is your favorite outfit? Spiderman
7. What is your favorite game? Marbles
8. What is your favorite snack? Watermelon
9. What is your favorite animal? Elephant
10. What is your favorite song? Veggie Tales Theme Song
11. What is your favorite book? Train
12. Who is your best friend? Colin
13. What is your favorite cereal? Raisin Bran
14. What is your favorite thing to do outside? Sandbox
15. What is your favorite drink? lemonade
16. What is your favorite holiday? Halloween
17. What do you like to take to bed with you at night? Blue Blanket
18. What is your favorite thing to eat for breakfast? Pancakes
19. What do you want for dinner on your birthday? Pancakes
20. What do you want to be when you grow up? A Dog

5 Years Old

1. What is your favorite color?  blue
2. What is your favorite toy? play-doh

3. What is your favorite fruit? blueberries & grapes
4. What is your favorite tv show? Sid the Science Kid 
5. What is your favorite thing to eat for lunch? Peanut and Jelly Sandwhich
6. What is your favorite outfit? Robot Shirt and Jeans
7. What is your favorite game? Hungry Hungry Hippos
8. What is your favorite snack? yogurt
9. What is your favorite animal? Elephant &Dinosaurs
10. What is your favorite song? Veggie Tales Theme Song
11. What is your favorite book? Dinosaur Book 
12. Who is your best friend? Hayden
13. What is your favorite cereal? Cinnamon Chex
14. What is your favorite thing to do outside? Sandbox and Play in the Snow
15. What is your favorite drink? Almond Milk
16. What is your favorite holiday? Christmas
17. What do you like to take to bed with you at night? Blue Blanket, Dinosaur, Dog
18. What is your favorite thing to eat for breakfast? Homemade Gluten Free Blueberry Pancakes
19. What do you want for dinner on your birthday? Pizza
20. What do you want to be when you grow up? Construction Worker

6 Years Old

1. What is your favorite color?  blue
2. What is your favorite toy? Legos

3. What is your favorite fruit? pears
4. What is your favorite tv show? Curious Crew 
5. What is your favorite thing to eat for lunch? Corn Dogs
6. What is your favorite outfit?  Doesn't have one
7. What is your favorite game? Mario
8. What is your favorite snack? Ritz
9. What is your favorite animal? Elephants and Tigers
10. What is your favorite song? Veggie Tales Theme Song
11. What is your favorite book? Brickbeard Lego Book
12. Who is your best friend? Hayden
13. What is your favorite cereal? Oatmeal
14. What is your favorite thing to do outside? Play at the Park
15. What is your favorite drink? Apple Juice
16. What is your favorite holiday? Christmas
17. What do you like to take to bed with you at night? Blue Blanket, Dinosaur, Dog
18. What is your favorite thing to eat for breakfast? Pancakes
19. What do you want for dinner on your birthday? Chili's
20. What do you want to be when you grow up? Construction Worker that digs gold

Lensbaby Love March (2015)

Today you are in for a treat. Since I no longer have clients to photograph I can move back into more creative work for myself. The weather is dreadfully cold, and I am looking forward to getting outside soon and enjoying the warm sun without snow underfoot. It has been a nice break, but SPRING can not come soon enough. I feel myself itching to get my camera out and enjoy it again, because of that I have joined two wonderful blog circles now.

I am honored to be with this group of amazing artists. I will be honest, my work can't even compete with some of them. As I have looked through their work, I have fallen in love and been jaw dropped because of the creativity. I have always liked to tell stories with my work of the kids growing. I also love a good family portrait. That being said, fine art has not always been my forte'. Well, I can't wait to introduce you to these wonderful ladies that do have a knack for such photos.

If you frequent any photography groups, you will soon be opened to the world of the Lensbaby. These lenses are fun, different, and take a lot of practice! I have one and love it. It really gives a different perspective. Some people may never get it. I believe my sister specifically said to me once, I don't like those really blurry photos of yours. I just laughed. You learn to like them or realize the art involved.

So today enjoy all Lensbaby photos. Take a minute to click on the link below and follow the blog circle. You will enjoy some wonderful work and beautiful perspectives.

I sat down last night to play with my lens. It has been several months since I used it frequently. Ari was in the kitchen informing me he was Belle. He also wanted a banana, where upon he sat and cried and threw a fit about the fact that it had one dark spot. It was typical Ari fashion.

I can't wait to get outside and work more on this project.

Follow this link for more wonderful Lensbaby Photos from some very wonderful photographers and artists. 

http://melissamatzphotography.com/?p=533

Happy 4th Birthday to My Sweet Girl

Dear Lilliana,

4 Just may be the most traumatic birthday for you yet. You spent the last night of being three crying. You were scared of change and getting too big. We sat together and read your birth story and looked at your pictures. Thankfully you decided it was ok to have your Birthday.

You are growing into such a sweet caring little girl. I still can't believe it has been another year since you were born. I still remember that day fondly, and realize now how greatly blessed we have been with your sweet easy personality. Lately you talk about getting married and having babies. Everytime I hear you say this I smile. You even went so far as to tell Daddy that, "Your kids couldn't come play at his house and spend the night." I convinced you that they could come stay with Grandma and enjoy time with her. While I look forward to your children, I am loving just enjoying you.

Happy 4th Birthday!! I can't wait to see your grow and blossom the next year.

Love, 

Mom


Birthday Interviews 

Three Years Old

1. What is your favorite color?  Pink
2. What is your favorite toy? Hedgehog Stuffed Animal

3. What is your favorite fruit? Pears
4. What is your favorite tv show? Super Why 
5. What is your favorite thing to eat for lunch? Peanut and Jelly Sandwhich
6. What is your favorite outfit? Blue Corduroy Dress with Snowmen on the Bottom
7. What is your favorite game? Hungry Hungry Hippos
8. What is your favorite snack? Fruit Salad
9. What is your favorite animal? Cat
10. What is your favorite song? Jesus Loves Me
11. What is your favorite book? The Very Hungry Caterpillar
12. Who is your best friend? Daddy
13. What is your favorite cereal? Cheerios with Honey from the local beekeeper
14. What is your favorite thing to do outside? Play in the Sandbox
15. What is your favorite drink? almond milk
16. What is your favorite holiday? Easter
17. What do you like to take to bed with you at night? Eli's blanket that Aunt Di made....she has basically claimed it. 
18. What is your favorite thing to eat for breakfast? Blueberry Pancakes

19. What do you want for dinner on your birthday? Pizza
20. What do you want to be when you grow up? This was funny..... She said a goose. We told her no something like what people do a mom, teacher, astronaut, etc. She said to play with her hedgehog. We explained it again and this time it was an Astronaut. Then she changed her mind to a Teacher. 

Four Years Old

1. What is your favorite color?  Pink
2. What is your favorite toy? American Girl Twin Dolls

3. What is your favorite fruit? Clementine
4. What is your favorite tv show? The Incredible Dr. Pol
5. What is your favorite thing to eat for lunch? Peanut and Jelly Sandwhich
6. What is your favorite outfit? Dress From Grandpa and Grandma Crawford From Mexico
7. What is your favorite game? Connect 4
8. What is your favorite snack? Fruit Snacks
9. What is your favorite animal? Giraffe
10. What is your favorite song? Go To Sleep Lullabye
11. What is your favorite book? The Animal Book
12. Who is your best friend? Hayden
13. What is your favorite cereal? Cheerios 
14. What is your favorite thing to do outside? Play in the Sandbox
15. What is your favorite drink? almond milk
16. What is your favorite holiday? Christmas
17. What do you like to take to bed with you at night? A Purple Coat
18. What is your favorite thing to eat for breakfast? Blueberry Pancakes

19. What do you want for dinner on your birthday? Pizza
20. What do you want to be when you grow up? Veterinarian  Like Dr. Pol 

10 on 10 Febuary 2015

We made it yesterday with our 10 on 10. I think we missed pictures from lunch until after dinner, but that is ok. 

Breakfast. I have a love hate relationship with breakfast. I love it because I usually enjoy bacon and coffee with cream.

The problem is I have a Hobbit for a son. It frequently takes me feeding him several actual breakfast in an hour time to fill him up. For instance he usually has fruit, oatmeal or chex, then bacon and eggs. Somedays he may have toast too. 

Then we had school. Math time is a favorite time for Eli. He has been doing story problems the past couple of days and is now adding equations. 

During school I caught Lilliana "teaching" her "Little Sister." She has named her doll her little sister. She thinks if she does it enough she will get an actual little sister. She even colors and draws things for her "Little Sister" at church. Anthony and I laugh every Sunday about that.  Oh and this girl has a mind of her own dressing herself lately. Every day outfits look similar to this. 

Ari played Play-Doh all morning. 

Lunch, Nap, Meltdowns, Dinner........

Then we spent time playing board games and blocks. 

Lilliana is very good at Memory. She beats me probably 90% of the time and is actually better at it than Eli most times. She loves to play. We have been playing and working on her number recognition. 

Lilliana and I made some custard for their snack. It was very quiet. Lilliana kept wanting to know where the boys were. So finally we went upstairs to find Anthony and Eli playing Connect 4 and Ari doing this. 

Finally it was bed time. I had to finally get a picture of Lilliana and this coat. She loves the satin feel of anything. As a baby she kept taking a blanket Eli had for "the softness." This continued for a long time and eventually caused fights. She also had this coat she would wear. It was time to pass it on though to her cousin as she outgrew it. She kept sneaking it though and using it to sleep with because we had taken Eli's blanket back. So now she sleeps with this coat every night. I think it may be the weirdest security thing I have seen a child use. I really should go to the fabric store and buy her some more satin and make something different and save this coat. I have even begged her to let me cut the coat and turn into into a blanket, but she refuses every time! 

Finally after the kids went to bed I sat upstairs and sewed. I had this quilt top almost all together and realized it was not right due to me being lazy and not squaring up the blocks. So, I sat down during a snowstorm and ripped it all out and redid it. Now, I am putting it back together again. I am almost halfway done! I can't wait to finish it. 

Big Changes Point to God's Work

I hate to make this post about Ari, but in so many ways life became a big life lesson in FAITH when I first took that pregnancy test. He really has taught me the lesson my Grandma repeated often, "Nothing happens by accident." Who would have guessed such a tiny little baby could rock our world in so many crazy and big ways. 

The past year has had a lot of unknowns and crazy things happen.

Our house is old. It is wonderful and big and COLD! LOL It works great for us, but it has the potential for a lot of upgrading and to make it grand. 3 kids very close together has made it very hard for Anthony and I to do the work. Many days we are too tired to even think about the house. Just when we were at that point to work after Lilliana...SURPRISE here comes Ari. While we love this boy so much, he has brought a crazy dynamic to our house. His personality is fun, but beware when the crying and screaming happens. I don't want to dwell on the negative, because he really is a huge blessing and we love him. I will put it this way, he is the child we have had to be creative with. Everything I said I wouldn't do as a parent I have had to rethink with him. He keeps us on our toes. 

Last year the beginning of February we decided to begin looking at cost to replace windows. Our house was built somewhere between 1860-1890. The ORIGINAL windows are still in the house. When we bought the house it was winter. They had been painted shut basically. Needless to say that first spring and summer we were in for a wake up call. It also means our house is very cold. Last winter was terrible so we decided to start replacing them. I was less than thrilled with the cost but it needed to happen.



We had an estimate done. Needless to say it was going to cost an arm leg and maybe kidney. The light in this house is wonderful, but 22 windows later almost all being 6 feet tall.....you get the point. Unfortunately, with Anthony's job at the time he was laid off and working way less than normal. We realized it was one project that would have to wait. The cooler summer meant we had the windows open more than usual. Ari loves his cars and also anything in his mouth so he would look out the window and play on the window seals. I didn't think much of it until July.




June Ari had a well baby check up. He also had his lead test done. All the kids had them done right before 2. A month later I received a letter in the mail saying my child may have lead poisoning. I just couldn't believe it. Anthony is lead certified for removal. We follow the precautions. He cleans areas we know with lead paint etc. We follow all protocols. Meanwhile I placed a call to his Dr. to get the tests results. With the packet came a huge questionnaire to feel out from the lead safe program from the state. This meant if we qualified the state would take care of the lead. Anthony and I talked and we decided to ignore it. We really try as hard as we can to work and do what we can to take care of ourselves. It is a personal decision and very hard to accept help for me. I realize that is not just our money. It is many other American workers working hard too. Well, then Ari's test came back and it was a 10. Five and below is normal. 10 and above is VERY high. We requested to have all the kids tested and Ari again.

Meanwhile in all of this Anthony was still not working as much as he had in the past, or I should say he was working a lot but the pay was lower. It is the way it goes with his job. We were continually praying for a new job. I was working a lot more than I wanted to with sessions. I was stressed and tired from trying to finalize homeschool curriculum, sessions, running a business, and now worried my house is a toxic mess that was poisoning my child. His crankiness was probably due to some lead issues.

The lady from the state called me back and really urged me to fill out the paperwork. She basically said when it is this high the state steps in because it is a hazard. I explained I really hated to accept government aid like this because truly we could work for it. Like she explained to me, yes I agree with you and I really love to see that. Unfortunately this has become a hazard and your children could suffer. Unless you can deal with it now I strongly urge you to do this even to get a lead assessment.

So the paperwork was filled out. By this point word has spread a new position would be opening at Anthony's job. We both knew it would be a pay cut. At this point we had already taken that pay cut and while things were tight we were making it work. I was taking sessions and somehow we knew we would survive. Also, there would not be the threat of being laid off  for no work. This was huge. It was also a consistent known paycheck. The entire time Anthony and I have been married that has never been the case. Budgeting for that can be VERY hard. He also would have consistent hours. We both knew I was at a breaking point. I was beyond overwhelmed with the kids, school, and business. I was cranky. Well, he began working the job. Little did they know they were testing him for the position. We continually prayed about this. In order to be able to take the job it would have to be a certain amount and certain hours. This would be able to ensure come fall he could begin classes at college. Meanwhile, we heard nothing from the state.



November came around and they asked for people to apply for the position. Anthony was offered the job. He accepted it, but it was not a for sure thing as they needed to negotiate pay. I was thrilled. I anticipated still having to keep my business open though. This was a hard pill to swallow. Even with Anthony home more, I was drowning in sessions and homeschool. I loved both, but there was not enough room to be patient and non stressed. This school year has been the most involved and we have loved it, but it has meant more cranky for me unfortunately.

December came and the first week we received a call from the state. The lead inspector wanted to come in two days. At this point we had no clue what was going on. She arrived and I was a nervous mess. Having the state in your home can be scary. Thankfully it went way better than I ever could have imagined. Anthony told me before she even came, I promise this will be the best house she visits. She confirmed this to me that day. Usually they are in very poor neighborhoods. She has to report child abuse and drugs many times after projects are complete. She was so thrilled with our kids and house. They could not get over how polite and well mannered they were and that the house was so clean. She also explained a lot of more of the process going forth. Because his level was so high they were doing way more of an inspection that normal. It also would all be taken care of. It had to be according to her. Anthony would be able to do a lot of work though and that was a huge bonus. Usually the family has to come up with the difference in the bid from what the state awards or do the work. Anthony could do a lot of the lead work so it was really helpful.

January came and we received our date for a walk through for bids. Anthony also finally had his job pay negotiated. It was nothing short of a miracle. They offered him what we hoped we could get and not what was necessary and what we would expect. It was a huge answer to prayer. At that point I have never had so much peace about something and that was retiring my business. It was hard, sad, and bittersweet. In the end though it was exactly what I needed. I LOVED doing it and I miss not setting up sessions right now at times, but I don't miss the time it took away from family. 

We also had the walk through and heard back from all of that. The best news of it all is they have actually asked Anthony not to do the work and we pay some of it. It worked out better than we had hoped that way. The amount of work he was going to have to do was going to be a lot. I worried he would be exhausted. We do have to be out of our house for up to 10 days (it more than likely won't take that long). Either way it has all worked out.




Many times when we don't understand the trial there is a bigger picture. It all has been one crazy circle for me. Last year I was very upset at the lack of work and frustration of trying to figure out how to make everything work. Little did I know that would be to our benefit. Had Anthony not had the big pay cut/lack of work the beginning of the year we never would have met the income bracket for the lead program. Having Ari get lead poisoning was heartbreaking to me as a mother. I was mortified and scared for him. In the end it is bringing some much needed improvements to the windows. Last but not least, the pay cut at the beginning of the year taught us to buckle down even more and live on less than we were for the new position which has been a huge blessing. Nothing happens by accident and it has all been God's plan It was hard to see at the time, but it has just taught me more about faith. 

10 on 10 January 2015

I started this project a year ago this month with 3 other lovely ladies. I put it on my business blog/website. Since I am retiring my business, I have moved that project to this blog.

The purpose is to take 10 photos 1 every hour on the 10th of every month and post it. Sometimes mine don't end up every hour because of life, but I try. Sometimes we don't get them posted on the 10th thanks to life. It happens, but we try:) The other ladies post some amazing photos so take a chance and enjoy theirs too!


Things are a bit crazy around here. That is another post for another day, but a few things that are the normal.....

Morning chores.....

January bitter cold temperatures with frozen dishwasher pipes and frost on the old not warm windows that are so close to being replaced!

The temperatures are cold and there is snow, but winter brings the most beautiful pink sunrises and sunsets....

Disclaimer: This photo is terrible, but I took it and needed a 10th photo. My lens is back focusing and needs some adjustment. You get the idea, School.........

Sewing/Quilting has kept my mind sane through the cold winter days. It has made it all a little more bearable. The kids love to watch. I set up the camera to take some timed photos. This little boy came to watch and had some funny faces he was making. He loves the sound of the sewing machine and giggles hysterically saying, "that is funny!"

This doll is a beloved toy these days. She is the best taken care of baby around. I even have to be quiet so I don't wake her up. 

The boys went out to eat with Anthony. This sweet girl stayed home with me as she was sick. We made a family favorite, Trim Healthy Mama pancakes. They love them. I love them. They are a go to for an easy dinner or breakfast. Eli can make them on his own and loves to. They do not like the noise of the blender though....

She didn't feel like eating all her food and didn't, but she snuggled up in the chair with James and watched a movie. She loves this cat. 

Before bedtime snuggles with dad. 

We ended the night with Ari in the tub after a sick moment from too much coughing. It was a late night. 

Check out these ladies 10 on 10.

Jessica-http://www.jessicakubitphotography.com/2014/12/10/december-10-for-10/

Jodi-http://people.jodimay.com/category/10-on-10/

Flor_http://lifeinprogresstheblog.blogspot.com/search/label/10%20on%2010