Unexpected Summer Blessings

I will tell you something about me. Every single time the season changes, I get giddy with excitement. There is something about the feeling that something new is on the horizon, that there is room for new possibilities or another chance to really dig my heels in and make "it" happen. "It" can be a variety of things and it depends on which season is upon me.

As summer vacation approached this year, I had that same giddy excitement. I was eager for the school year to end. I had plans to really get my workouts in, to take my children to the splash pad park, to the track, to the new Super Walmart that just opened by my house! Nevertheless, I injured my knee at the start of the summer and was in a car accident a few weeks later.

This meant: no car, no workouts, no splashpad park, no track, and no Super Walmart (at least not that depended on my driving there :-). Did I have my lip poked out? You better believe it. Needless to say,  in spite of moments of dissapointment, God always seems to find a way to make challenging or dissapointing setbacks into exciting new adventures or unexpected blessings. He did that for me this summer, for sure.

Being in the predicament I was in, I discovered something important: I have a lot of folks who love me enough to make sure I have a way to be carted around town.

Not only was I overwhelmed by some friends of ours who let us drive their minivan for weeks, other friends ensured that I could get to the stores if needed, to the airport when I went out of town, and even just out of the house so I did not lose my mind! What a display of love and generosity I have felt!

In addition to these displays of love, there were many highlights this summer. One was that hubby and I took the children to a water park and a state fair. We had so much fun and made new memories. The kids are at an age where they have a pretty seriously funny sense of humor and I enjoyed them throwing me in a waterfall and their exctiement around the water slides, rides, and a hotel stay. It reminded me that you don't have to break the bank to have a good time and that simplicity is key. My children are growing up so fast, so I live for these moments!

On skipping and the wonders of childhood.

My Halle is currently 4 years old and she skips. And I mean she skips everywhere! In the kitchen, up the stairs, to the school bus, around the house, in the driveway. I must tell you, it brings me so much joy to see her skipping.

One of my favorite bloggers - Katherine from www.raisingfive.com, wrote this about motherhood:

I will never forget a conversation I had with my mom once. I was an exhausted young mother, drowning in the incessance of the job, (is that a word, even?). Somewhere in the middle of my dronings about the difficulty I was facing, she got quiet and said, "When I think about the years with you kids at home [there were four of us], it's almost like it was all a dream."

Now that I am but two years away from my first child leaving home I am beginning to understand what she meant.

These years are frustrating, tiring, monotonous, tedious. I have never been so angry, so bewildered, so entirely consumed with discouragement, fear, or doubt.

And yet...they are filled with a kind of wonder and happiness and hope and the breathtaking exhilaration of looking up one day and realizing that that amorphous blip on the sonogram suddenly resembles a mature young man or woman (or, depending on where you are, maybe they are just getting, say, potty trained). And that the circle of life is about to come around and give you whiplash.

I completely identify with Katherine's sentiments and they bring so much perspective. I became a mother at the age of 23. Now, at 33, I realize how completely not ready I was and how difficult that adjustment was for me. In some respect, I have heard moms who started their families at a much later age than I, express similar frustrations and struggles similar to what I experienced transitioning into parenthood. Perhaps certain frustrations just come with the territory. Nevertheless, now that I am ten years in (I cannot believe I have a 10-year-old, but that is another post), I can see how indeed time is fleeting. It is really beginning to feel like the past years (when I was pregnant and breastfeeding, and trying to control toddlers) now almost feels like a dream.

If I could go back some 5-10 years, I think I would have relaxed a bit. I would not have been so focused on being the perfect homemaker or mother. Instead, I would have taken more time to savor sweet and delightful things like lullabies, silly songs, and skipping.

So, yep. That's all I have for you today...skipping. I am enjoying it very much at the moment and hoping she doesn't stop anytime soon :-)

My boy is 5!

My boy is 5 years old today! Excuse me, I have to type that again for the sake of processing: My boy is 5 years old today! Okay. that helped. 

Currently, Noah is all about Batman. Thus, I have a Batman cake to pick up today around five o' clock. We have some gifts for him to open and are just excited to see him so excited to be a 5 year old. Here are some things we are just absolutely loving about Noah: 

1.Noah still loves to dress up with his ties, hankerchiefs, button-up shirts, and jackets. I secretly hope that this is not a phase, but just something about him that will remain until adulthood:)

2. Noah is still very much into singing and music and likes to pretend that he is in a band. He likes the guitar, the keyboard, and the drums.

4. Noah is so affectionate. He is especially affectionate toward his mommy (another thing I secretly hope will never change;) Hugs, kisses, and "I love you' s" galore come from this little guy and are a blessing to us all.

3. Noah, who has always been on the quiet side, is beginning to be more talkative and conversational. This catches me off guard sometimes because its new. However, I love to talk to him about things he is learning, about God, about how he loves his family, and of course, about Batman. 

Noah, 

When daddy and I prayed and asked God for a son, we knew we would enjoy having a boy. But, we had no idea just how much your personality, your voice, your humor, your quirks, and all the other qualities God has put in you would steal our hearts. You are a joy and we love you Big Boy!

Guess Who!

Yep. You got it. That's yours truly. 

When my son so sweetly presented me with this drawing, I could tell he was proud of his work. I took one look and had to put forth much effort in order to hide my amusement at the look on my face in the drawing. I told Noah it was great, thanked him, and gave him a big hug.

   

After I walked away, I couldn't help but to shake my head and chuckle to myself for at least 10 minutes. I wondered, "Is this a picture of me on a good day or a bad day?" I thought, "It definitely had to be a bad hair day if nothing else. " Nevertheless, Mr. Noah was very serious about the fact that it was a picture of my looking quite lovely. 

What can I do in response to that besides feel proud of my portrait? Thanks Noah:)

Mustaches, Time, and Savoring Moments

My, my, my! Has it really been that long since I last posted?!

I recall a time in my life when I was in a hurry to grow up. Each year of my life seemed to unfold so painfully slow. But now, it seems I am straining to grab hold of and savor each and every moment as time is flying by at rapid speed!

The children are getting big guys. I know, I know!  I just had them. I don't understand it either. But, Noelle just turned 8. Bella is 6. Noah is 4. Halle is 2 and will be 3 on Jan 25th! So, there you have it. I obviously have an agenda that consists of playing with dollls, cars, and kissing and snuggling these 4 as much as I can, before they no longer want to be touched and are embarrassed by public displays of affection!

It is the reality that time waits for no MOM that moves me to do things like put fake mustaches on my children before leaving Cracker Barrel, just for kicks.


See? Just brings a smile to my face every time I look at it ;-)

Thankful, Thankful, Thankful!

Happy Thanksgiving weekend everybody!

There is so much to be thankful for! I am particularly thankful for my hubby, Noelle, Bella, Noah, and Halle. I am praising God for my parents and my brother as well who God has really blessed in many ways this year! I'm so thankful for my extended family and friends!

We have really enjoyed Thanksgiving this year! Hubby and I made turkey, dressing, greens, sweet potatoes, baked macaroni and cheese, and sweet potato pie! We ate, and ate, and ate...

now we can barely move. 

Still, we had so much fun. On Wednesday, the kids did a Thanksgiving craft and had a ball painting. They we a mess! On Thursday, we all went to church to hear a friend preach at  Hazel Crest Assembly Church. We we blessed by the message: "Not Broken."

We came home and I set our table with help from Bella. This was the first year that I had my turkey platter, tablecloth, and used place settings. Noelle and Bella had the pleasure of writing our names on each turkey setting. 

We had the children go around and say what they were thankful for and Noah looked at Bella and said, "I'm thankful for you. I love you!" It was kind of random, but so cute. He also said he was thankful for his sisters. As a matter of fact, I think that everyone essentially said that they were thankful for each other, which is a good thing since we have to live with each other, under under one roof, for many years to come!

After dinner, we drove to hubby's grandmother's house and ate again with his family. When we got done with that we ate again at my aunt's house with my family. I am sure you can imagine that after we stubbled to our car and managed to drive ourselves home, the only thing we had enough strength to do was to pull the cover up over us after we fell in the bed!!

Here are some pictures for your viewing pleasure...

Happy 7th Birthday Noelle!

Today is Noelle's 7th Birthday! 

I was so nervous about giving birth when I was pregnant with Noelle because she was my firstborn and I didn't know much about having babies at all! I went to the hospital with a "false alarm" the day before I went into labor and was disappointed to be sent home. I had waited a week past Noelle's due date before I went into labor, and it still took about 24 hours before she was born.

Although I got the epidural, it wore off on one side of my body while I was in active labor! I was so freaked out! I was not prepared to have a natural birth, but thankfully, my mother -in- law was there to calm me down. Eventually, they tried the epidural again. It worked and I pushed Noelle out in about 5 pushes. 

She came out so alert! I remember her looking around and everyone taking turns holding her. It is hard to explain, but she never seemed like a "helpless infant."  During our first weeks at home, it seemed as though she was older, trying to hold up her own head and smiling very early. 

Since then, she continues to behave in a way that seems more suitable for an older child. However, it often turns out to be a great asset to our family since she is the oldest of 4 siblings.  I think this trait is best explained in the movie; It's a Wonderful Life, when George's father explains it to George, after George reassures him that his brother Harry is not too young to take over the the family's business because he would be the same age that George was when he took it over:

• 
  

  Mr. Bailey:   He's pretty young for that job. 
• 
  George:      Well, no younger than I was.
• Mr. Bailey:  Maybe you were born older, George.
• George:      How's that?
• Mr. Bailey:  I say, you were born older.

Noelle, 

You were born older. Embrace this maturity because it is something that God put in you. He wants to use it and He already has. You are a wonderful asset to our family, and have personally been a blessing to me in ways you are too young to understand. You are so sweet, smart, helpful, hardworking, and blessed. You make me very proud. I love you very much and I wish you the happiest birthday!!

Love, 

Mommy

Toothlessness and other Developments

Bella joined the "toothless" club with Noelle a couple of weeks ago when she lost her front teeth! This is great because its just in time for us to get a real good laugh as we sing "All I want for Christmas is my 2 front teeth!" this holiday season! If you ask me, they are so cute at this stage!

Although Noelle has been missing her two front teeth for a while. She finally has one of her permanent teeth coming in. Still, the fact that Noelle and Bella had a time where they both were missing those 2 front teeth at the same time, reminds me of how close in age they are - 18 months apart! They  also have a close relationship and I think it is so cool for them to have each other as they grow up!

My son is reaching some pretty awesome milestones as well. I finally got serious about my potty training and now he's now wearing his spiderman underpants and using the potty like a big boy! If you remember this, you remember that I dread  the whole potty training thing and I drag my feet for as long as I can! But, I have been successful for a 3rd time! 

Noah is getting better at making his bed, cleaning up toys, and has almost mastered his colors. I tell him sometimes, "Noah, you're strong. You're smart. You are going to be a man of God!" So, now he tells me, "Mommy, I'm a man of God." I just smile and say, "Yes, you are Noah!" 

I also must mention that he has gotten into another habit. He has started telling me thoughout the day, as he rubs my arm, "You're a pretty mama. Mama, you so pretty." Yeah. I know what you're thinking.  But, he's mine. You gotta get your own;) 

Things Noah has said to make me smile recently...

Noah: "Mommy, I'm going to be a doctor when I grow up."

Me: "That's right son. You got the right idea." 

Me: "You kids are going to grow up eventually." 

Noah: "Mommy, and I'm going to have a moustache."

Me: "Yes baby, you will have a moustache." 

Noah: (walking through the hallway with a diaper in his hand first thing in the morning, looking confused) "Daddy, I can't find the wipes. Can you help Noah find the WIPES!"

Because this might otherwise be forgotten...

In Lee Woodfruff's book, Perfectly Imperfect, her husband (Bob Woodruff) describes his wife's writing in a rather thoughtful way. He explains;

"It (her writing) was her catharsis, the thing she did for herself and a way to chronicle the small moments of family life, the funny and touching anecdotes that might otherwise be forgotten over the years." 

When I read this, I thought, "That is much of why I blog!" At a time when blogging has become "big business" for many, it can become difficult for many of us to remember why we started blogging in the first place.

In efforts to rekindle my passion for chronicling the small moments of family life...that might otherwise be forgotten, I thought I'd capture some of new and sweet developments of my kiddos.

Noah, 2 years old

This guy simply cracks me up.

He is a character and has actually started referring to himself in 3rd person. I think he sees this as him advocating for a third party and not himself. As as result, he seems to think that this liberates him from any obligation to be polite. So I get this often in a very firm and demanding tone;

"Noah wants some water...GET Noah some water!" To which I have to remind him that he is actually advocating for himself and needs to ask nicely.

He has also started tackling Halle, which totally freaks me out. But, she strangely seems to enjoy it. So, I'll let them have each other until this proves harmful.

Noah is learning his colors and letters (without much effort on my part to teach him).

Bella, 4 years old

Bella is always full of energy! She has enough for us both!

Bella is learning to write her name and is quite proud of herself! She tells me that she is looking into to pursing a career as a ballerina. I could completely see her doing that.

She also has an ongoing list of wants that she tweaks/adds to rapidly. Right now it looks something like this (My brain and my pocket book can't keep up):

- a purple acoustic guitar (purple is her favorite color).

- a dollhouse (I want her to have this too! In fact, I might be looking forward to it more than she is).

- a Dream Lite Pillow Pet.

Her 5th birthday is coming in May, so we may look into seeing what we can make happen in regards to her list. We are accepting donations.

Noelle, 6 years old

Noelle is rapidly losing her teeth!

The photo above is a pre-toothless shot. I'll have to post a new one so you can see how cute she is! She has lost the 2 at the bottom, and the permanent ones are coming in. Recently, she lost one of the 2 front teeth. Its wild to think she is old enough to be losing this many baby teeth!

Noelle is becoming more and more advanced in her reading. In fact, she is starting to have her own book preferences. One of her favs right now is Sheila Walsh's God's Little Princess Devotional Bible.         She keeps a copy of it under her pillow to read during quiet time. 

Noelle has invented a unique expression of love for her and Bella. She kisses her hand, holds it out in front her and says, "I love you" to Bella. Then, Bella kisses her own hand, places it on Noelle's hand and says, "I love you too." This is why I need a camcorder!

Halle, 1 year old


Well...she is always full of new developments. Of course, they include the toilet and some form of stalking me from room to room. But, they deserve their own post and a more recent picture that I need time to find. I'll update that later!

Kid-Cuteness Moments

God has given me a life that is full of priceless Kid-Cuteness Moments. I'll define that for you:

Kid-Cuteness Moments are moments that you are smitten and overcome with wonderful feelings (joy, love, adoration etc) in response to something kids do or say. These moments are usually made very special because it is done in the cuteness, sweetness, and innocence that can only come from a child.

Kid-Cuteness Moment #1

Bella: "Mommy, is today Kid's Day?"

Me: Huh?

Bella: "We had Father's Day and Mother's Day. When is it going to be Kid's Day?"

Me: "Girl, everyday is Kid's Day!"

Kid-Cuteness Moment #2

Noah wrapped his arms around my neck this morning soooooo tight and said, "I love you Mommy." I needed that at the moment and just knew it had to be the Lord speaking to me through that gesture.

Kid-Cuteness Moment #3

Here is Noelle with Kenneth's dad on Father's Day. It had been a while since they saw each other and were both very happy.

Ms. Smiley

Halle has the most contagious smile!

See for yourself...







She looks up at me at the most random times and cracks one of these big smiles. No matter what is going on at the time, I just can't help but to smile and laugh back at her! She is truly a blessing.

The Gift of an Ordinary Day

As a mom with young children, I really value the experience and insight that comes from parents who have adult children. Older people usually can't tell me enough to "enjoy your children while they're young! This time goes by so fast!"

This clip of author, Katrina Kenison reading from her book, The Gift on an Ordinary Day is very insightful and gives me a lot to think about as a young mom. It makes me not want to take one moment for granted!

Meet Halle

Halle Danielle Hutchinson

Born: Tuesday, January 25, 2011, 4:13am

Weight: 8lbs, 12oz

Length: 20in

She finally arrived at 41 weeks! We had a non-medicated birth and are doing fine. Breastfeeding is going well (this kid can eat!) Thanks for all who prayed and wished me well! I hope to get some more pics and a birth story up sometime soon.

Flattery Will Get You Everywhere

Noelle: (Referring to a woman on a commercial about depression) "Mommy, that's how you feel."

Me: "No baby. Depression means you're sad. I'm not sad, I'm just tired and big."

Noelle: "Oh, you don't look big to me."

Of course I don't have to tell you who has now become my favorite;)

Today is the Anniversary!

I held Noah in my lap the other day and told him the story of the night we found out he was a boy. That was so special for hubby and I because we had earnestly prayed for a son. Today is the 2-year anniversary of that night and I still feel the excitement every time I think about it!

Do you remember it too? You can re-live the moment by clicking here!

Tricia's Story

If you know me personally, or if you have been hanging around this blog for any length of time, you might know I have what most would consider some pretty radical thoughts when it comes to family planning, or the lack thereof.

Perhaps I will use a future post to explain my own ideas and how I arrived at those conclusions. However, today I want to share what I have found to be a very inspiring story from my very first guest blogger, Tricia.

Tricia is a mom to 12 blessings and was so kind to grant my request that she share her reasons for allowing the Lord to control her family size as well as her experiences with motherhood as a result of that decision. I hope her story blesses you as much as it blessed me!

Tricia's Story



What exactly would motivate someone to have a dozen children? And what on earth would motivate someone to have even more if that were the Lord's will? The answer: I don't know!! It is true that I have 12 kids, and would love more but to put a direct answer on it is difficult to do. It all began so long ago~at least it seems long ago!

I married the guy I dated in high school. Let me tell you, he came from a very odd family. I thought so anyway, he had what seemed to me a million brothers and sisters! Only 9 though to be exact. Why is it that when you see a family of more than 4 or so kids it seems like a million?

So we got married and started our own family. What was really weird though is that HIS family was not finished having children. His mother and I began a journey together of having children. We had our first, in laws their 10th, me my second, and in laws their 11th. I remember thinking, boy howdy, what did I get myself into!

Well, we continued to have children; not at the time because we felt led by the Lord, (Although that was exactly what was happening) but because it just felt right. To me as a woman, and to my husband as a man. After all, the Lord did say to multiply and replenish the earth.

But what keeps one going through the pregnancies, the morning sickness, the mounds of dirty diapers, the empty pocketbook and so on? Doing the will of the Lord is what keeps you going. Not just in birthing babies but in everything. I remember so many times my in-laws telling us: "We don't know how we did it, the Lord just blessed us with each baby we had." I like the word "multiplied" because indeed that is what the Lord does when we serve Him and keep His commandments.


But what about all the Quiverfull talk nowadays? The~"Let the Lord Plan Your Family" talk? Does that apply to my decision? Yes, and no. Like I said, in the beginning it just felt like I was doing what a woman was created to do and it felt so natural and right that we kept going. After baby number 7 though I got a bit, um, wearied if you will. Suddenly, I felt much like a baby making machine and less of a mother. We prayed, fasted, even looked into BC methods. (I can't even say those words!) Obviously we never began using anything because while I was wearied I/we knew in our hearts it was not for us.

Looking back I see I was trying to keep up with the Jones' and having 7 children kept getting in the way. I wanted a perfect house, always clean, fashionable, organized, etc. and I wanted to "hide" all the evidence of children so my house too could look "IN."

Well, it was that time the Lord got hold of our hearts. And let me tell you, He has a sense of humor, a wonderful sense of humor although I didn't think so then. It wasn't long until we learned of baby number 8 one the way. Fast forward about 6 months and we find it isn't only baby number 8 on the way but baby 9 too!! The sense of humor I'm talking about!! From then on, we knew we wanted to do the Lord's will where babies were concerned.

It is true, that when you trust the Lord you are blessed in abundance. Children truly are an heritage of the Lord and happy is the man who's quiver is full of them. I would never change a thing. I have no regrets, nor do I feel I have neglected the ME in myself. Whosoever will find himself will lost it, and whosoever will lose himself shall find it. That's what I did. I put the ME away and tried with all my heart to do as the Lord bid. One thing I am learning as of late, is that not only are we to trust the Lord in blessing our womb, but we are also to trust in Him when He is NOT blessing our womb. When the babies don't come when we would like, or never come again, that too is trust.

My advice to anyone who reads this~Is trust in the Lord, be content where He has placed you and with what He has given you. He is perfect, His will is perfect, and we must accept His will in all things with gladness of heart.

Tricia blogs at: mommyx12 and smith cottage

I want to be like Kim when I grow up.

Kim, mother of 9, soon to be mother of 10, is surrounded by her children in the picture above.

Her eldest daughter, Deanna posted this picture on Kim's blog in a post entitled, "My mom is Spoiled".

Deanna explains:

Need I say more?

Did you notice the footstool? Look at the woman! She's living in the lap of luxury.

This is a picture of a woman for whom mandatory dish washing, laundry washing/folding, dinner cooking, bed making etc. are a thing of the far past. The main part of her duties consists of shopping (not for long) blog maintenance, and general parental oversight.

She's been promoted to management.

Not that I mind. When we gave her the Netbook for Christmas she said "Wow, I like having rich kids." But she's been getting foot/hand massages, not to mention all of the cocoa, cocoa-mocha, frappucinos, chocolate milk, snacks, shoulder rubs, hair brushings, etc that she's been getting for years.

Again, I'm not complaining. She's earned it. Just today though I made her a ready made cocoa-mocha first thing in the morning (first thing for her. It was 10:30), and for brunch I think it was Megan that made her a cheese and bean chimichanga.

The late rising isn't normal, but the rest of it is. Far cry from the old days, eh Mom?

Cocoa, cocoa-mocha, and frappucinos? Is this what I have to look forward to?

I know one thing. Kim's not doing too shabby for a woman burdened down with all those kids!

Simply Mickey D's

Conveniently, there is a McDonald's with an indoor playground just 3 blocks from our home. This is especially dandy during times like these, when we would rather not take our children to an outdoor playground where the cold Chicago wind can get them!

Tonight, since we wanted to go somewhere we knew our children would actually eat all of their food, McDonald's was our dinner location of choice.

Here are some pictures of the girls right before they finished their nuggets and started to play:

Sure, at face value there doesn't seem to be anything particularly phenomenal about spending a Saturday night at a local McDonald's with your family. Even so, to me there is something so wonderfully special about evenings like this.

Think about it. Here I am, with my iced coffee to the right of me, and the man of my dreams to the left. Here I am, watching the man of my dreams as he holds our son, who is peacefully sleeping. The same son who we so eagerly and earnestly prayed for, and who is now almost a year old. Our blessing. Our legacy.

Here I am, watching my curly-haired, mini-versions of myself, run up and down the indoor playground equipment, enjoying one another and occasionally calling me, just so I will look up for a minute and wave. I shake my head as I realize they are trying to make friends with the other kids, amazed at how fast their growing.

Here I am, laughing and pondering life's delights and challenges with the man whom God has given me as a head, a leader, a protector. We converse about something job-related and then he somehow casually slips in that he thinks I'm beautiful. I say, "Huh? Oh Really?" and we both chuckle and move on. We reminisce on old times. We laugh at inside "you had to be there" jokes that only the two of us can understand.

In a world where so many are chasing money, power, and prestige, by the grace of God, I am sitting in a McDonald's on a Saturday night, enjoying something that money can't buy. There is just something so marvelous in the simplicity of that. This is the kind of simplicity that I am coming to value more and more.

Mrs. Anna T. writes beautifully on the subject:

I'm living a wonderful life...A life of simplicity and finding joy in the simplest things.

You will be encouraged by the stories of countless people who spend less and live more, people who made choices of frugality and simplicity, people who cut up their credit cards and have never been happier. Frugality isn't just spending less. It's being creative and resourceful, patient and thankful.

In our day and age, home life is – sadly - devalued, unappreciated, and sneered at; good home life, with its orderliness, cheerfulness, peace, contentment and simplicity is so very rare, that some people of my generation grew up without knowing it at all.

Simplicity and letting go of non-essentials has been a blessing in all areas of my life...It's sweeter than I could have imagined, to simply let go...It's so important, so essential if I truly want to delight in the beautiful and simple life of a wife and mother - a life I was so richly and abundantly blessed with.

You can read more from Mrs. Anna T. and the value of simplicity at Domestic Felicity.

The 3 Amigos

Since Noah has been getting around on all fours, he and his sisters have become an unstoppable force!

You can tell that he thinks he is "in" by the way his face lights up and his legs kick whenever he hears their giggles coming near. Hubby and I have been getting a good laugh out of seeing the way he trails behind them from room to room, trying to get in on the "action."

I don't think I grasped the joy I would feel as a parent, watching my children develop a strong bond with each other. My only reservation about their playing is that the girls seem to already have a tendency to designate my baby boy as "the monster" during their play. The nerve!

Of course, this only causes me to want to have another boy in order to even out the playing field;)