tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-265227822024-02-21T04:52:33.098-08:00Enos 6Jeff, Jackie, Veronica, David, Vanessa and Violetjackie ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07718551560926897806noreply@blogger.comBlogger320125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26522782.post-14489333306694443462014-06-07T15:51:00.000-07:002014-06-07T16:06:44.854-07:00Vaness the mess turns 5!**Another late post**<br />
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Nessa, Ness, Nessi, Vaness, Vanessa. This girl has been waiting all year to turn 5! Sadly, her birthday was on Mother's Day this year. I jokingly told her that since her birthday was the same day as Mother's Day that she wouldn't get any presents. She nodded and said, "ok, but I still get birthday cake, right?" I could have taken it further, but she takes most of what I say as truth so I didn't want to string her along like that. She has been a tough one this year. Mostly because she has tapped into her emotions a lot and she can become an emotional train wreck at the slightest thing. But, she is by far the silliest and most carefree kid. She loves pretty things, especially when she can wear pretty things, or hold them or smell like them or even be around them. She will sneak into my bathroom, when I'm getting ready for things that require make-up application, and watch me and pretend to do the same things I'm doing. I'll indulge her and put mascara on her thick eyelashes and I'm instantly convinced that she has the secret to beauty. She always wants her nails painted and to wear pretty clothes and shoes and have pretty hair. Unfortunately, I am a simpleton when it comes to that stuff. Vanessa is brave and tough. She doesn't stay down very long if she gets hurt. I've talked a lot about beauty and pretty things and I don't want to make it seem like that's all Vanessa is about. It actually goes deeper. Yes, she does like pretty things like clothes, shoes, make-up, etc., but she does look at most things and sees beauty. Her little eyes sparkle when I show her a beautiful flower or a beautiful picture. It is an important thing to be able to find beauty in our surroundings and I love that quality about Vanessa. <br />
Jeff takes her to school in the mornings and he always tells me that she says the funniest things and that he should record his conversations with her. Vanessa is always the most excited for holidays because she is festive. I have to force myself to be festive but with my Nessa it comes naturally and it's almost fun for me to watch her get excited to make decorations for birthdays or wrap presents or think of special things to do when I am grouchy pants about doing it. She keeps my life fun and light and sparkly. She has the cutest dimple, the biggest tummy, a great smile, and genuine excitement for life. Vanessaism: "I bet Pennsylvania got pregnant because of a pencil." She loves her blankie and her right thumb. I never have to beg her to do her hair or get ready for the day. She is my little alarm clock, because I know that on Saturday mornings I will never sleep past 7:30am because she will remind me that she's hungry and wants a snack. I love my 5 year old Nessa. It's so fun having her in our family and lightening things up. It's hard not to look at her and feel her happy. For her birthday she requested beautiful flowers and beautiful decorations and Hello Kitty cupcakes. I obliged - mostly.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinZtNAz-I5dQ90b6AdDZgsnzkBjv8q5h78qdPem8YacvNAjx0T59ZNgqO8DgPCL2scptfvUQcsQEsxIgK_yIzJVXJbqNTYic6wokp6Uo5uhOrkNpgkV8LUrCl_JNA_XAwp-lIv/s1600/choco.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinZtNAz-I5dQ90b6AdDZgsnzkBjv8q5h78qdPem8YacvNAjx0T59ZNgqO8DgPCL2scptfvUQcsQEsxIgK_yIzJVXJbqNTYic6wokp6Uo5uhOrkNpgkV8LUrCl_JNA_XAwp-lIv/s1600/choco.jpg" /></a>jackie ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07718551560926897806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26522782.post-47926015336572106072014-06-07T14:43:00.000-07:002014-06-07T14:43:08.611-07:00one year olderDavid celebrated his 7th birthday. I told him, if he chooses to be baptized next year, that this is his last year to sow his oats. He didn't quite understand and I was joking. I don't know if it's because I am getting older but it seems like time is happening faster than I'm willing to keep up with. (Hence this post is several months old)<br />
My beautiful and only boy. David has been a scholar this year in school although from his penmanship you'd think otherwise. He has been the recipient of many awards, and his teacher pulled me aside at an awards assembly and told me that he usually doesn't give the same kid more than one award but he said it just had to be done in David's case. Most teachers tell me how sweet David is and how helpful and respectful he is in class. And I'm usually never surprised by the sweet words people express in regards to David. David has always been thoughtful and he's usually the only one that asks me how my day was or notices when I paint my toe nails or asks me if I'm feeling better if I've been sick/hurt. He is the sweetest and most thoughtful 7 year old in my life. I'm grateful for the softness that David has. He forces me to explore different approaches to discipline and parenting in general. He is super sensitive and extremely tender. He loves learning facts - he's mastering the 50 states all on his own. He can probably tell you a lot more than I can about any given state. He loves electronic anything. He can watch me stare at my phone all day if I let him. He is an amazing, sweet, caring and beautiful boy. His sisters are so lucky to have him for a brother and I am lucky to have him as a son.<br />
When he was born it was a struggle. There were a lot of things that unraveled and I think he was the right angel for me. On occasion, he will grab my empty hand and hold it and that melts my heart all over again. I only hope that I can nurture him properly so that his beautiful qualities flourish and he continues to become the awesome that he is. I am almost positive that I had nothing to do with how awesome David is. Happiest Birthday to my David!<br />
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<br />jackie ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07718551560926897806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26522782.post-71672979130744195102014-01-22T11:32:00.001-08:002014-01-22T11:33:38.430-08:00Veronica the 9 year oldMy first born turned 9. Reading that makes me feel old. Enough about me, because this post is about the 9 year old not me. Veronica doesn't like to be called a child or a kid or young lady. Don't know what else I should call her. A girl with simple and complex needs, a girl full of creativity and imagination. She continues to read a lot, and to destroy reams of paper in an afternoon. Her needs are simple and I'm convinced she has some kind of super immunity to the common cold. Her determination cannot be broken, which is probably how she managed to stay healthy when we were all staggering with illness this past year. Anyway,this is her last year as a single digit. It's monumental for a kid, I mean child...er human. She has been talking about going into 5th grade and how she will no longer be one of the little elementary students. I'm terrified yet delighted that she does not have my anxiety about it. I was always a wreck when it came to new things, transitions, changes, or any decision that would impact my immediate future. But, I don't really see that in Veronica the human 9 year old. She is wreckless. Not in the bad sense either. She is wreckless, as a child...er human, should be at 9 years old. She doesn't worry about how awful a mess she will make if she decides to pull out every single toy in the closet just to have playtime with the other kids, or if making a peanut butter sandwich is okay when her littlest sister decides to dig into the jar with her hands. It makes me lose my cool a lot but after I think about it I know she isn't deliberately trying to promote havoc.<br />
This human is creative, questioning, compassionate, thoughtful, loving, inventive, loyal and beautiful. All things that I admire about her. If you don't know this human, you should. I think I'm a good judge of character and this one will keep you having fun, will wear you out and love you immensely. Happy Birthday, Veronica!<br />
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Sorry about the bad quality pics. I grabbed these because I didn't bring my actual camera.<br />
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Requested Olive Garden lunch on her birthday.</div>
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Birthday outfits! Ha! No, we had a church Halloween party the night of her actual birthday. </div>
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The glowing birthday cake! 9 candles makes for quite the little fire. </div>
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David, Veronica, Layla, Violet and Vanessa. </div>
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Birthday cake with the family. Cousin Layla. </div>
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jackie ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07718551560926897806noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26522782.post-30626522145125707722014-01-22T11:06:00.001-08:002014-01-22T11:07:21.118-08:00Violet turns 2?I apologize for the lack of posts on my part. Does not mean I have nothing to say, just been too lazy.<br />
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So, my little Violet turned 2 in July. I know I know. I say this about all of the birthdays but I truly feel like Violet's birthday snuck up on me. But that little girl, who is sweet wisdom on toast, has officially turned 2. Some things about my Violet, she is quite simply everything that completes this family of ours. She has stolen my heart and softens me with her shy smile or her incredibly bad temper. We were camping during my Violet's birthday. Which seems fitting. Why? Mostly because Violet came to us in unexpected desperation and although it took a while for me to say out loud that I was having a fourth baby I loved her immensely. So, what does it have to do with camping? Nothing really. But, the thought of camping with 4 children sure sounds like desperation causing leisure. Yet I look forward to these opportunities to make fun memories with my family. Yeah, it's a stretch. Violet is a girl of few words. I joke around with people that Violet secretly reads the dictionary and has a very extensive vocabulary but she just isn't interested in speaking to everyone. I don't worry too much about her not talking very much because she is very smart and understands more than her quietness lets on. One of the few words, leading up to her birthday, that she would tease us with is "wa." Wa is yes. She uses a lot more words these days but wa is my favorite. For a while, Violet would simply grab someone's hand and point in the direction of what/where she wanted to go and people would do it. So, I can't blame her for taking her time with her words. Unlike my other kids, Violet has been the most attached to me or Jeff. She is very possessive of us and to be honest I kind of find it sweet. Violet represents peace and wisdom. Sometimes I wish more adults were like Violet. Anyway, Violet is so much more than what people see. I'm still discovering things about her little personality that are refreshing to a very weathered soul. She is a good fit in this family. She is sweet but can hold her own ground when one of her siblings wants to sway her. She's got quite the temper. She is a powerful and quiet little dictator. She commands the other kids because they want to stay on her good side. Violet sits next to me while I'm trying to read and so delicately moves the hair away from my face so she can see me. She smothers me with kisses everyday and if I don't let her close the van door she will throw a fit. Violet doesn't like to be told what to do. It has to be her idea and everyone has to understand that she is not a performer. Her actions/words/gestures are all with a purpose and I truly believe that. Violet's first two years have been the balance that I have needed. I'm so grateful for how much this quiet, little dictator teaches me and for the kisses that she bestows upon me. </div>
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So, I made a piñata out of a cereal box and we had a cupcake at the campsite just for her. She got super shy when we sang to her and she was happy with the simplicity of it all. We all love our Violet and for how she challenges us and loves us. Happy birthday to the most beautiful Violet.<br />
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Violet with the pinata. </div>
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The birthday cupcake. It was really windy so we all had to huddle around to keep the candle lit.<br />
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Sitting on Tio's lap for some more cupcakes. This time she's clean and the family is all around.<br />
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Thanks for the bow, Tia!<br />
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jackie ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07718551560926897806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26522782.post-10273489618892105212013-07-19T13:05:00.002-07:002013-07-19T13:05:45.697-07:0011 years, already?Around 12 years ago, I began dating Jeff. It was a funny courtship, and at times there was confusion, annoyance, gentleness, newness, and overall happiness. A very flirty and sweet Jeff turns to me and says, "What would you say if I asked you out on a date?" A very eager but confused Jackie said, "Are you asking me out or do you just want to know what I would say?" So began our courtship. Followed by a strange group date, where Jeff and I were both there but with different dates, a note on a car, an awkward face to face, an even more awkward phone conversation and a very surprising invitation to make me lunch to...today! <br />
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We officially went on our first date on July 5, 2001. We got married on July 19, 2002. In modern terms that may seem hasty. I was barely 21 when we went over to get our marriage license. We were babies. But, in my very core I knew that the decision that both Jeff and I made to marry each other at that time was what was right for us. There was no denying it. So, most might think this was quick and not thought out but we both decided that this marriage was going to be for keeps - forever. I didn't realize how magnificently hard it would prove to be. I didn't realize that marriage requires work and love and sacrifice and compromise - from both of us. I would harbor a lot of resentment because I thought that I was doing all the right things yet I didn't feel like marriage should be so much work and communication for it to work. If it's right it should just work, right? Wrong. At least for me. I needed to communicate. I had a hard time doing that. I'm sure Jeff had his share of frustrations with me over that. I feel like I've gotten better, but I still struggle. I feel like the love I have for Jeff has grown, changed, evolved, transcended, intensified. I have grown to depend on Jeff for a lot of my basic needs for happiness. He provides comfort when I am unraveling, he stands unmovable when I need to hold on, he is annoyingly silly when I am annoyingly serious, he figures out all the percentages for me when we are shopping, he encourages me to think of myself when I forget. Jeff is not perfect, nor am I anywhere near perfect, but he is perfect for me. We are a good team and I love when we can do something together because we each bring the right strengths to the situation. I could not get along as well as I am without Jeff as my companion. When we are doing things, together with the Lord, we are solid and strong and together. That is deepest love and I'm grateful to have it. Some days are really hard but I know that our commitment to each other and the Lord is what keeps us united. <br />
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So, my Jeff. Thank you for taking a chance on me. I know I have my issues, but I am grateful that you are so willing to help me have happiness. You provide a lot of what makes me happy. You are truly my best friend and I love you so much. <br />
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jackie ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07718551560926897806noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26522782.post-56145948469094840992013-05-29T16:21:00.001-07:002013-05-29T16:25:04.249-07:00Bagels and cream cheeseVanessa loves bagels with cream cheese. She loves her pink blankie, so much that she weeps if her siblings jokingly take it from her. She loves her best friend, Jada. She loves to twirl. she loves cupcakes. She loves the color pink. She loves her baby dolls. Vanessa loves that she turned 4! <div>Vanessa has been so fun to welcome into our family. She was the game changer for our family dynamic. Something about going from 2 kids to 3 kids is a big deal for me. We had to get a bigger car and we had to get a bigger place to house all these children! She was also really hard to name. Jeff and I disagreed on our names, we settled on Olivia (my choice), Natalia (Jeff's choice) and Vanessa. Vanessa has always been a name that I liked and it is so pretty sounding coming out of the mouth. Yes, I think about these things. The dilemma soon came...why not name the girls all V names, right? We didn't agree to name her Vanessa until she was actually born and she was simply Vanessa - there was never a doubt. </div><div>Fortunately, we were so immensely blessed to get a car, for free, that had the most amazing air conditioning! Also, we were able to actually buy a house, something that we thought would not be remotely possible, given the investment predicament we were in. We searched for a house we could afford and had little luck, until we finally decided to put it on hold until later...after all, we were having a baby soon and wanted to focus on that. It wasn't until the day before Vanessa was born that our realtor called us and said that an offer we made months ago was accepted! We got the house! What a way to induce labor! So, on Vanessa's actual birth day, Jeff was on the phone with the realtor and the bank and anyone else trying to put everything in order so that we could finalize the house. Who knew such a little person could create such a chain of events? </div><div>I have had the amazing pleasure of watching Vanessa grow and to listen to her speak and say the funniest things. She makes me laugh a lot and I think we really needed that sweet and silliness that she brings to our family - at least I know I needed it! </div><div>My Vanessa has a tiny little body, stinky feet, a gorgeous smile and beautiful eyes. But more than that, she is soft but tough, attentive, tender, silly, content, loving and just perfect! I love this newly 4 year old. I see her learning new things and being such a sweet big sister and little sister. She fits so magnificently in this crazy bunch, I am so grateful to be this little chispita's mom. </div><div>My little Vanessa Marcely, happiest of birthdays to you! I love you and your silliness. </div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnzA7H7eVU36-x7aua8JtYE36uS7WOeaPeqDZIMoN2YfpCL7jhiOksawOnk6HXCGiA9HPbMvQhbkfCnQH_BoDY-_S7P35ZnyRRMMBgRUfDWz_moSXJVmeSJo9So7Vrx7RU9svE/s640/blogger-image--1409809304.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnzA7H7eVU36-x7aua8JtYE36uS7WOeaPeqDZIMoN2YfpCL7jhiOksawOnk6HXCGiA9HPbMvQhbkfCnQH_BoDY-_S7P35ZnyRRMMBgRUfDWz_moSXJVmeSJo9So7Vrx7RU9svE/s640/blogger-image--1409809304.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7scWyXL5IGAZvxfzkg3g6I7vru_o7NiNDe30OahcsTgAlvZhO-SGlzv0rrFS8aon1T6oSBdYxka7ZUEKyG0vJiHGME9wIeB0GlcJY5QTaafjD8Jm1H_E5i1gBxLlm7FDW7M24/s640/blogger-image-883833429.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7scWyXL5IGAZvxfzkg3g6I7vru_o7NiNDe30OahcsTgAlvZhO-SGlzv0rrFS8aon1T6oSBdYxka7ZUEKyG0vJiHGME9wIeB0GlcJY5QTaafjD8Jm1H_E5i1gBxLlm7FDW7M24/s640/blogger-image-883833429.jpg"></a></div>jackie ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07718551560926897806noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26522782.post-40736893470052957542013-05-08T09:51:00.002-07:002013-05-08T15:20:43.518-07:00AlohaI've been trying to avoid thinking about one of my dearest and most best of friends moving away. Her husband got the opportunity to relocate, for work, to Hawaii. Who would pass up a job relocation to Hawaii? I don't think I could. And so, I had to say goodbye to this amazing family, an extension of my own family really, a few days ago. I wasn't looking forward to it and it proved to be kind of a bitter-sweet moment. <br>
Close to six years ago, Jeff came home from work and said that he invited the new guy at work to come over for dinner with his family. Jeff said that it would be nice of us to welcome them to California, they just moved from D.C. and didn't know anyone here and they had a little girl and it would just be nice if we had them over. Okay. No big deal. Then, Jeff mentioned that they were Hawaiian and "wouldn't it be cool if we made a bunch of cool Hawaiian food for them?" Not cool, Jeff. It became annoying. So, we did. Jeff helped a lot. I'm kind of a social misfit so I worried that there would be awkward silence and what on earth would we talk about? But, we had a common thread - we are members of the same church. That always makes things slightly easier, because for some reason it's nice knowing that we have a similar belief system so I at least have something to talk about...because sometimes I can't find things to talk about. I didn't think much about making friends because I figured I wouldn't see them very much afterwards - why would we? So, they walked into our home, took their shoes off and stayed. <br>
The Tanigawa's have been like family ever since. I love that family and have loved watching it go from 3 to 4 to 5! We've been so fortunate to have them around for intense game nights, last minute babysitting, Halloween crashing, 2009 pregnancies, IKEA, Thanksgiving cheese balls, beach Saturdays, 2010 Census, many many tears over a toy, etc. As our families came together I instantly loved Sheena. She is cool, gorgeous, patient, generous, kind, outgoing, laid back, funny, and just really easy to be friends with. My life was kind of frazzled when they came to our home for the first time and I didn't realize how much she was an answer to my prayers. I needed her to be in my life and even though it kind of stinks that they aren't a short drive away, I am grateful that we had these awesome 6 years. When my oldest, Veronica, asked me why I was sad about Sheena moving away I simply replied, "Because it's hard for grown-up moms to meet people and make friends." Kids have a way of making friends with simpleness, it's just declared - we're going to be friends and it is so. I didn't declare it then, but I am declaring it now, we are going to be friends forever! It's been a blessing for my family to have this cool family to play with and share big life events with and I'm hoping, though there is distance, that we can always remember our awesome friends. My heart is heavy but happy. Aloha and Mahalo to our amazing Tanigawa Ohana!<br>
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The next two pictures are of the first Halloween we spent together and the very last Halloween we spent together. Violet isn't in the last picture because she was busy spilling water or chili or both and Sheena was still pregnant with little Eva - but not for much longer! Halloween 2007 - 3 kids. Halloween 2012 - 6 kids and one in the tummy, so 7!<br>
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jackie ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07718551560926897806noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26522782.post-76530022126660704832013-04-07T16:28:00.002-07:002013-04-07T17:35:14.176-07:00Sisters<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK-6s_zz6zM-2Dm5jpr1IpjB48w5D6oB2kTyJYGsrDfqQVYL_s9HT7H3w44ZmLJShwVOZ4C3rxk7AjnwhbGD_ECylyygg2GhSvvjFTs-NdtTMcNSccnK6eN22dEu0qeWo6BqY-/s1600/.copy.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK-6s_zz6zM-2Dm5jpr1IpjB48w5D6oB2kTyJYGsrDfqQVYL_s9HT7H3w44ZmLJShwVOZ4C3rxk7AjnwhbGD_ECylyygg2GhSvvjFTs-NdtTMcNSccnK6eN22dEu0qeWo6BqY-/s320/.copy.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX67aFr0kpvAbwbTTLezh6UC8etUhcFSorR4HMMNQGDBehttwwisCzBWD_viS_O0nSZz60CF0VBJLOfGXJBejULhkFk8Bkk7lBReXPW3k_OV6GGGS-mnOoMB_CYPWsguOQjY0s/s1600/108_0483.copy.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX67aFr0kpvAbwbTTLezh6UC8etUhcFSorR4HMMNQGDBehttwwisCzBWD_viS_O0nSZz60CF0VBJLOfGXJBejULhkFk8Bkk7lBReXPW3k_OV6GGGS-mnOoMB_CYPWsguOQjY0s/s320/108_0483.copy.jpg" /></a><br />
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Am I seeing double? <br />
I thought Violet was the closest looking to David as a baby but now I think she looks a lot like Veronica. Maybe it's the hair? jackie ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07718551560926897806noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26522782.post-55657120347505033362013-04-04T12:24:00.000-07:002013-04-04T12:24:27.291-07:00We could be sisters...Sometime last year there was talk about the Geertsen's moving into the ward. I, like many things that I hear, brushed it off. Oh wait, that's not entirely true. When I heard they had a little girl that was Vanessa's age I thought it might be nice to have an extra playmate in nursery. The reason for my attitude was simply that people move into the ward and then they move on/out - except for us, of course! I remember a lady in the ward, the very lady who's house these Geertsen's would be living in, came up to me and said that she had a feeling we - which I believe in this case was me and the Geertsen lady - would hit it off. Well, thank you Sue Davis. She was right. And not only that, their little one and my little Vanessa became instant best friends. Vanessa does not go a single day without mention of her dearest friend. It's actually pretty awesome to see how quickly they loved each other and how much they stick up for each other and how sometimes they make each other cry, but they still want to spend most of their days together. <br />
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If you know me, I'm not really the type that seeks new friendships. It's just hard for me to approach people. I want to, but I sometimes just can't. So, many things afforded me the opportunities to talk to Geertsen lady, many funny/weird/strange similarities. The reason for the title of this post is these funny similarities are what could make us sisters. I remember after talking to Geertsen lady for the first time I came home and told Jeff that she is a lot like me but really, really nice. Actually, she's a lot friendlier, more giving, sweeter, smarter, more gentle than I could ever be. Maybe that's why I like her so much. I feel good being in her presence. Even when we talk now, there are new things that we find out about each other and we just laugh and laugh and I think to myself, "Only Linda." Chinese cakes with almonds, now that is weird! <br />
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It brings me to this amazing night I had a month ago. Jeff says I'm obsessed with Alicia Keys. I think he may be right. When we're in the car together I ask him what he wants to listen to and his reply is simply, "Anything but..." And then I smile because that is what's on my now playing list already. Anyway, Alicia Keys came to LA for her Girl on Fire tour, which is so good, and I had to go. Jeff said he would go but would rather I go with someone who could enjoy it more than he. First person I thought of was Linda. Of course she loves Alicia Keys! Good friend + Good Food + Good Music = Awesome night.<br />
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Good Friend<br />
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Good Food<br />
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Good Music<br />
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jackie ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07718551560926897806noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26522782.post-92075426403598037122013-03-04T15:27:00.000-08:002013-04-09T17:32:05.692-07:00Birthday #6David had his 6th birthday. Still refuse to really accept that. I love this little man. He melts my heart, he is sweet, he is tender, he notices things, he listens, he secretly sings along with me when I obsessively listen to Alicia Keys in the car, he loves anything that has to do with video entertainment, he is <em>my</em> little boy. It's a beautiful challenge to have the chance to be his mother. I feel so blessed to have him be the only boy in a house of girls. David is a tender young man, and sometimes I forget how sensitive he really is when he gets sad when I comment of how dirty he is when I pick him up from school. I was washing the bedding, after a long battle with the throw ups, and found a book under David's pillow - My Mom is Great. <br />
David doesn't ask for much, except always wanting to play video games, so when he asked for a birthday party I was a bit stumped. Then I asked which kids he wanted to invite and he thought and thought and came up with his best buddy from school, Kennedy. Not surprising, Kennedy is a girl. We ended up doing a video game party, because David loves to play video games and he's occupied with anything that has to do with Mario. It was a nice low key event with friends. <br />
I love my David. Happy birthday to you - the sweetest boy.<br />
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<div style="text-align: left;">Thank you to everyone who made the week long celebration of David's birthday so special. David felt the love and I know he appreciated every single thing...like the beautiful Mario cake, Smash Bros, flip flops, art stuff, shoes but mostly feeling the love from everyone and sharing this celebration. Thank you to all for loving my David and helping him feel loved. </div>jackie ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07718551560926897806noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26522782.post-32134156294006627082013-02-12T16:25:00.002-08:002013-02-12T16:25:31.017-08:00Dirty Girl SD 2013<div style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
A rite of passage. Mud. Running. Friends. Sweat. Walls. Dirty Girl. Race details... not too strenuous, muddy and beautiful. <br />
I took this opportunity to have a girls weekend with friends. The race was on a Saturday morning in San Diego, so it's only logical to spend the night there. A perfect equation for a weekend getaway. I have only been away, alone, from my family (Jeff and kids) once in my life and it was just for a total of 12 hrs. This has been a long time coming, for many reasons. Mainly, I feel like I <em>need </em>to take some time and step away in order to not feel overwhelmed and exhausted. I'm not saying every mother is like this, but <em>I</em> am like this. I love being able to be a stay-at-home-mom and feel so blessed to have that special privilege of being able to witness every stage of growth of all of my children. Not every mother can be at home with their kid(s) nor wants to, but I get to. I am grateful for a hard working husband who sees the importance of having a parent available for their children at all times. It's not easy. It's work. It sometimes feels like a thankless job. I don't get days off. I am always tired. It is lonely, really lonely some days. It makes you feel inadequate, never good enough. It is hard. BUT, I also feel that I'm the luckiest to be able to know (even if I can't really remember exact dates) when my kids took their first step or said mama or said "I love you" or to know that because I am home with them I know that oatmeal with extra "love" means lots of brown sugar. Lately, I have been realizing that my kids are not slowing down, in fact, they seem to be growing faster and faster every day. I don't know how that is happening because I don't feel like I'm getting older, but in fact I am and in fact THEY are growing up. I have come to realize that I need to work hard to be present in the lives of my family. I can't just watch them, I have to be in there - getting dirty! The time when they are little and you are their world and the coolest and the strongest and the only one that can solve problems is very short in comparison to when they have to do things for themselves. And just as quickly as they are doing things for themselves they start to realize that you aren't as cool as you once were. I want to bottle up the look of hope that my little ones have, when they can't figure something out and come to me and they truly believe I am a master and will figure it out for them. I love that! My oldest always has to figure things out for herself before she comes to me. It takes a lot for her to ask me, but when she does, it tugs at my heart because I know she has a twinkling of hope that I can solve her problem. <br />
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The point to my rant? No point. I love my family. Jeff is truly my safe place. He works so hard for our family and makes an effort to maintain my happiness. He knows me at my highs and at my terrible lows and loves me and holds me up when I can't stand. My kids have turned my heart inside out, only in the best way. They have helped me love in such a way that I never quite imagined. I love these kids without end, so much that it I can't breathe sometimes. I will do anything to protect my children and to keep them innocent as long as possible because children need to be innocent. <br />
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My family dropped me off, and I took my bags and walked away from the van, full of my life. I cried. Not really visible to those around me, but I did cry. I didn't cry because I didn't feel they were safe but I cried because my whole life was in that van. I can't explain it. I needed this weekend.<br />
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It's hard for me to make friends. I'm kind of awkward and I have tried so hard to not be such a recluse but it just seems to be my lot. Anyway, I am so grateful for the friendships that I have in my life right now. I have one older brother and didn't get to experience having sisters as I grew up. I feel like my very precious friends, are my sisters in the way that counts. I don't have to have long, heart filled conversations with them. Sometimes we can connect by a glance across the room and that's all it takes. I love having girlfriends that I can talk to without censors because I know I won't be judged. I have come to realize that my happiness, in part, has a lot to do with the presence of my girlfriends. I went through quite some time without friends and the loneliness was so suffocating. I couldn't quite pin why I was so unhappy but now I can see that I needed to have friends who weren't there because of obligation but were there(in my life) because they choose to be friends with me. I don't know if that makes sense. One thing about me...If I am your friend, I will never stop being your friend. I think friendships are precious treasures. The sweet friends I have in my life are just that - treasure. <br />
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Anyway, I feel like I need to just scream a big Thank you. This weekend helped me regroup and remember my blessings. I am so grateful for my family, my friends and my life, as hard and hectic as it is...I am grateful!<br />
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Pre-race smiles and clean, matching socks!</div>
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Competitive much?<br />
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</a>One last mud pit before the pink finish line.<br />
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jackie ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07718551560926897806noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26522782.post-34892146472534912652013-01-16T15:48:00.002-08:002013-01-17T13:41:00.692-08:00Looked over my shoulder...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Why do these strange people keep calling me "mom" and expect me to give them snacks? The little one in the yellow top is especially demanding!<br />
I love these people so much! <br />
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<br />jackie ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07718551560926897806noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26522782.post-52001440280976272202013-01-15T12:05:00.003-08:002013-01-18T19:27:07.842-08:00Finally, Christmas<div>
**Warning** Super long post to follow with lots and lots of pictures.</div>
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So, we kind of had a rough welcome into the Christmas break. Almost a month of stomach bug woes, which entailed a lot of vomit, diarrhea, laundry in the middle of the night, laundry all the time, and scrubbing vomit off of carpet. So, needless to say, we were ready for Christmas break to come around so we could get away from everything! Thankfully, the kids were all in the clear before we made the journey, and journey it was, to Idaho Falls. We make the trip every other year for Christmas. I don't think I would mind if it wasn't a 2 whole days in the car driving sort of thing. But with kids, we can't really force it or we would all be screaming and in tears. We had DVD players, DS system, lots of blankets and snacks. Jeff's sister, Mindy, lives in St. George and we crashed at their place. It's sort of half way to our destination so it's a nice place to stop. Plus, it's always so fun to stay there. And, this stop made for us meeting the newest Bird twinners! I fell kind of in love with Oliver and Griffin, or maybe it was just the right amount of baby I needed to fill my baby void. I loved holding them and right before we left I had a chance to hold both of them at the same time and I was a little overwhelmed and totally in awe of Mindy's charge. We also had not seen our other nephews, Lincoln and Parker, in a while. 4 kids 3 and younger! I actually got Lincoln to talk to me a few times, and that was kind of awesome for me because I feel like he doesn't see us often enough to really know us so it was fun that he didn't mind us invading his house. Mindy and Jesse are such good hosts and so welcoming, we love you guys!<br />
Once we finally made it to Idaho, freezing but no snow, we didn't really drive much - thankfully so! The kids didn't understand why there wasn't any snow, but nature was rumbling and snow was had most of the time we were there it was either snowing or just snowed. The kids loved that! A snowman was built, just one and it by the time it came to build the head it was a bit small! It was my way of working out while on vacation, building a snowman. A couple of days after the snowman was built, I saw several children (including 3 of mine) delightfully kicking the poor snowman until it fell apart. It was a bit disturbing but they were having so much fun that I had to laugh. We went sledding and riding on fun and fast snow mobiles, Jeff and Veronica tried cross country skiing and I froze my buns the entire time. I forgot my one and only "winter" coat and I don't have proper footwear for snow. <br />
It's nice to be with Jeff's family during this time of year. Jeff's mom, Mary, made us incredible dinners every single night and always made sure she had fun things for the kids. I think it's awesome how she had the kids make chocolate houses, and let them decorate them however they pleased (that is only an activity that a grandma can do...because as a parent I would be too annoying) and there was one night that she had them do carmel apples. I think this is what Christmas is all about. Not so much candy indulgence but spending time together as family and creating memories that are sweet and tender. We did the traditional Enos family bowling, minus Mary because she volunteered to stay home with the babies (Violet and Logan). <br />
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Christmas morning. Love this!<br />
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Violet, Vanessa, Rosie and David.<br />
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Violet helping grandma make baked oatmeal. So good!<br />
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Remnants of the snowman.<br />
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David asked for a picture so long as it didn't show the pink snow pants.<br />
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Just thought this was cool looking.<br />
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This is my adorable Matthew. He's my nephew. I think he is the sweetest little guy! I wanted to give him hugs all the time. <br />
Angela, is in the background. Jeff, David, Veronica and Hannah are also in the background.<br />
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Jeff taking little Rosie and David on the sled. Since we don't own snow clothes we borrowed a lot from the Kohler's. David had to wear these pink snow pants. After a lot of tears he finally agreed and had the best time after he wasn't freezing. We didn't have the heart to tell him that the boots he was wearing were girl boots too. <br />
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Vanessa, Hailey, Hannah and Rose checking out the dog. Just looking at the dog made me shiver!<br />
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I reminded Vanessa that she wanted to make a snow angel but then I took her mittens off and this otherwise happy occasion turned into a very cold and sad affair. Sorry.<br />
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Rose with a very sticky, chocolate caramel apple.</div>
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I love this time of year because everything seems to slow down at night. I loved being in Idaho because at night it was actually quiet! I could listen to the snow, which is kind of beautiful. If you haven't tried, you really should. I love seeing family that I don't get to see very often - Rachel, Darrin and Logan Bronson; Tom, Angela, Hannah, Hailey, Matthew and Rosie Kohler; Mindy, Jesse, Lincoln, Parker, Griffin and Oliver Bird, and of course Craig and Mary. I love Jeff's family and how everyone gets along. I love all my neices and nephews! I can't wait for when all the cousins are together! Being in IF made me miss my parents and my brother and his family. We celebrate differently but the memories that we are creating with each other are the same. I love slowing down and being with family, whichever side they come from! I did miss going to the LA Temple on Christmas Eve to see the lights and coming back and eating a late night pan con chumpe. We did drive David and Veronica over to the Idaho Falls Temple, no lights but the river was semi-frozen and beautiful. I hope we all had an amazing Christmas. Where ever I am at the moment, so long as Jeff isn't far from sight I will have the most amazing Christmas. He really is the best man for me. I know I am the luckiest! Jeff and my kids are my home, my safety and my life, so long as I have that close by me I am so blessed.<br />
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<br />jackie ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07718551560926897806noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26522782.post-38241913440278949352012-12-17T12:34:00.001-08:002012-12-17T13:06:48.000-08:00Just breatheThere's a song that says, "just breathe..."<br />
Sometimes I feel like that's all I can do. I feel like so many things are out of my control and how quickly a seemingly 'normal' day can flip upside down, sideways, backwards, anyway but 'normal.' Today, I am on edge. I keep looking at the clock. I keep looking at my babies here at home with me. I keep thinking of my babies that are not home and are in school right now. I keep thinking of the brothers and sisters, mothers and fathers, aunts and uncles and cousins, who feel sorrow and heart ache that I can not comprehend at this moment. The verse in scripture comes to my brain, "Yea, and are willing to mourn with those that mourn; yea, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort, and to stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places that ye may be in."<br />
When I first heard the news I felt shock. Then when I learned more details, like it was an elementary school, 26 casualties, one class not accounted for I could not control the tears. I felt sick to my stomach, it literally sank everytime the details were repeated. My thoughts quickly turned to my 2 kids that are in 3rd grade and Kindergarten. I picked up the phone and dialed the school, but hung up. That's not happening here. I turned the television off. I thought of the times when I would go to my kids classes, and simply walk through the doors and see all the kids turn their heads to see who was at the door, the curiosity in their eyes and the pure happiness and innocence. Is that how they looked? At least for a second? Were they scared? Even as I write this insignificant post, because my sorrow is nothing compared to the sorrow of the parents, family, friends of those babies and the school workers/teachers, I feel so heartbroken, so raw, so sad. I don't know if I can comprehend such devastation but I do know that my comfort comes from the Lord, Jesus Christ. When Jesus was born a great hope was also born because this is what people heard and believed would be the path to eternal life and love. Anyway, His birth was significant, His life on earth is significant, His life as ransom for us is significant. This is what gives me comfort, what provides solace to my soul. Christmas seems to be overwhelmed with parties, presents, stress, etc. I so wish that tragedy did not have to happen to remember how significant celebrating the birth of our Savior is. So, today I will breathe. I will be grateful that I can pack my kids lunch to take to school. I will be grateful when my kids come home after school with all the healthy stuff still neatly packed in their lunch boxes. If I could remove some of the pain and sadness away I would, but I can't. But, the Lord can. He has! For you for me for everyone who has and ever will live. Don't feel sorry for me, don't worry about me. I am fine. I have a heavy heart but I am fine. My heart breaks for those backpacks, those Christmas presents under the tree, those babies, those teachers who protected those children to the end. I felt like I needed to express my heart. <br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Mosiah 18:9</span>jackie ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07718551560926897806noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26522782.post-48942673906128422002012-11-28T21:48:00.001-08:002012-11-29T12:52:05.343-08:00Family FotosWe had some family photos done. I went away from the park scene and decided to do something different. I came across this part of town, purely on accident, a few days before the shoot. I kind of love the old town feel this had, and I am kind of a sucker for brick and vintage style buildings. <br />
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Anyway, it was defnitely a challenge gettting everyone coordinated and all happy for some awesome photography from the very talented Linda. You can check out her site <a href="http://linda-geertsen.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">here</a>. Violet was pretty grumpy most of the shoot and you can't see all the candy we're handing her just to get her to even sit or want to be held. It was a challenge. But, my family loves Linda, and her husband and daughter were there making this endulgence of mine tolerable for my kids. Other challenges: UPS truck, a very busy alley, lots of wind, crazy hair, and getting 4 kids to look towards the camera without hating it! I love these moments though. Now the bigger challenge: deciding on which to display and where to display them!<br />
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<br />jackie ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07718551560926897806noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26522782.post-6775808148006190172012-11-17T16:55:00.004-08:002012-11-17T16:55:46.713-08:00Veronica's big day!<div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Veronica has been so excited this year because she was going to turn 8! And she could finally be baptized! She's the last of her primary class to be baptized so she's been so eager and anxious. <br />
It was such a special day. I didn't take many pictures...I was kind of taking it in and when I remembered to take pictures I couldn't get the right people together. <br />
Veronica's grandparents came from Idaho and her abuelos came too. Tio and tia with Layla also came. It was so overwhelming to see the support and to feel the love from everyone there. I cannot find the proper words to express the gratitude in my heart from all the support we have felt from family and friends leading up to this point. <br />
It was special. It was amazing. Veronica came to me, after we left and she said, "Mom, I feel warm inside. I'm so happy to be baptized." <br />
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<br />jackie ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07718551560926897806noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26522782.post-67070111878020761002012-11-15T16:24:00.002-08:002012-11-15T16:24:37.989-08:00Funny observationI was at playgroup this week. I love going to playgroup. Our kids get to play with each other and I get a chance to chat with some really special ladies. Anyway, it's good for both parent and child. I have come to know different ladies and have learned a lot and have forged bonds with these ladies. I love this playgroup!<br />
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Today, while I was watching Violet push a little push toy around a playroom these other two kids (not related to each other) were playing in a corner. I paid attention to Violet, because she is so cute to watch I lose track of time just watching, and minded none to the other kids in the room. Anyway, I heard crying and looked up and saw a little boy crying, he was probably close to 2 yrs old. This 2 yr old had a helicopter mom. There is nothing wrong with that, I am just not one. Anyway, she was never more than a foot away from her son the entire time I noticed her. She picked up her son and held him tight and got the attention of the mother of the child that hit her son. This other mother, was chatting with a girlfriend with her back to her little girl that had slipped into this other playroom. I am not judging this mom either, because I lose track of my kids on a daily basis. Anyway, helicopter mom told chatty mom that her daughter hit her son on the head. Chatty mom almost seemed annoyed that she had to pause her conversation to discipline her kid - which in this case was to say sorry. Chatty mom didn't apologize to helicopter mom nor the crying kid. She picked up her daughter and said, "You have to say you're sorry." The little girl said she was sorry. Helicopter mom didn't seem satisfied with the response from chatty mom nor from the little girl. And really, when a kid under 3 apologizes is it really an apology? I think it's good for them to know that they should apologize but as adults we should know that they are being obedient to their parents and probably don't really understand the whole apology. Anyway, helicopter mom was packing up her things and chatty mom kept chatting with her girlfriend when helicopter mom, as she was walking away, said that the little girl hit her son on purpose-- deliberately. Chatty mom, finally responded to helicopter mom with gusto, "I doubt it was deliberate. She's just being a two year old." I doubt this little girl intended on hurting the little boy. From watching my kids and other kids, I know that sometimes kids will hit but it's not because they want to harm other kids it's because kids are kids and they have their "turf" and will protect it...either by hitting, crying, pushing, running away, whatever. I don't know how I would've reacted. I have always struggled with knowing when to step in and "protect" my child from unwanted pushing, hitting or screaming. My kids are usually on the receiving end of the pushing or hitting, not very much because they're pretty good about stepping away in those situations. But I have had to step in a handful of times and really make known that I am mama-bear and you (seemingly innocent child) better step off. I may have reacted differently when I only had one kid versus 4 kids. Or maybe I'm more protective now than I was. When my kids get pushed around when they're playing soccer I am a mama-bear and I have to breathe and count to 10 and sometimes I feel like kids have to work it out and figure out how to stand their ground and not let kids push them around. I have been helicopter mom and chatty mom and an array of other labels. I'm anticipating that Violet will be the one pushing kids because she is #4 and her whole life has been survival of the fittest. When she wants something she will take it. She does it with her siblings all the time. She is a fighter and I feel like I have to prepare for the future. Any advice?jackie ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07718551560926897806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26522782.post-25665633090554957742012-11-14T12:51:00.000-08:002012-11-14T12:51:01.242-08:00Some futbol!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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I think Violet is ready for the game.</div>
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David in action!</div>
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jackie ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07718551560926897806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26522782.post-91082949630746316612012-11-04T22:11:00.002-08:002012-11-04T22:11:58.755-08:00It's a Mario PARTY!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Veronica requested a Mario Party for her 8th birthday. I feel like it's been her birthday for the past 2 weeks! We still have her baptism that's in a couple of weeks. So, everything that comes with turning 8, in our family, is taking quite some time! I was dreading this party but kind of excited for the outcome. It was fun and after I completed one project I would smile because it was satisfying. I only wish the kids appreciate the awesomeness of this party. I got a lot of my ideas from pinterest but mostly from my knowledge of all things Mario...which isn't much more than the first ever Super Mario Bros game. My buddy, Linda, helped me so much and encouraged me when I was so tired to make it to the finish line. We did a chat about my ideas and she even made an outline for me to keep me focused. She took most of the pictures. If Jeff would let me I would keep the decor up forever but he was over it and wanted it put away.</div>
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Some of the unfinished projects. The goody bags, Mario mustache-on-a-stick, and the pin the mustache on Mario game (pre-color). </div>
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The cupcakes. Simple, really. I used chocolate, because that's what Veronica wanted. What says Mario more than 1up cupcakes and lots of red and blue! </div>
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The whole point of the mustaches was for taking pictures in front of a back drop that I made. The mustaches were for keeps when the kids left but the kids only humoured me for a few pictures. After that I sensed the "mom, really...this is lame let us go play!" vibe. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1H5C0q1cOTga88QeH2VPZehdlHnJPeR8exwLEJ_oyYaqMIbB4ydixPXp0t2y_B8i0lxUi_QKZzgikhnPBDAm5OtblAh8jxntRekLGfjZb8mrhmqkj7A27R_KEUxejBTYrSgzB/s1600/Veronica_8BdayDSCN0170.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1H5C0q1cOTga88QeH2VPZehdlHnJPeR8exwLEJ_oyYaqMIbB4ydixPXp0t2y_B8i0lxUi_QKZzgikhnPBDAm5OtblAh8jxntRekLGfjZb8mrhmqkj7A27R_KEUxejBTYrSgzB/s320/Veronica_8BdayDSCN0170.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1H5C0q1cOTga88QeH2VPZehdlHnJPeR8exwLEJ_oyYaqMIbB4ydixPXp0t2y_B8i0lxUi_QKZzgikhnPBDAm5OtblAh8jxntRekLGfjZb8mrhmqkj7A27R_KEUxejBTYrSgzB/s1600/Veronica_8BdayDSCN0170.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1H5C0q1cOTga88QeH2VPZehdlHnJPeR8exwLEJ_oyYaqMIbB4ydixPXp0t2y_B8i0lxUi_QKZzgikhnPBDAm5OtblAh8jxntRekLGfjZb8mrhmqkj7A27R_KEUxejBTYrSgzB/s1600/Veronica_8BdayDSCN0170.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1H5C0q1cOTga88QeH2VPZehdlHnJPeR8exwLEJ_oyYaqMIbB4ydixPXp0t2y_B8i0lxUi_QKZzgikhnPBDAm5OtblAh8jxntRekLGfjZb8mrhmqkj7A27R_KEUxejBTYrSgzB/s1600/Veronica_8BdayDSCN0170.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1H5C0q1cOTga88QeH2VPZehdlHnJPeR8exwLEJ_oyYaqMIbB4ydixPXp0t2y_B8i0lxUi_QKZzgikhnPBDAm5OtblAh8jxntRekLGfjZb8mrhmqkj7A27R_KEUxejBTYrSgzB/s1600/Veronica_8BdayDSCN0170.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1H5C0q1cOTga88QeH2VPZehdlHnJPeR8exwLEJ_oyYaqMIbB4ydixPXp0t2y_B8i0lxUi_QKZzgikhnPBDAm5OtblAh8jxntRekLGfjZb8mrhmqkj7A27R_KEUxejBTYrSgzB/s1600/Veronica_8BdayDSCN0170.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a>Stars and the pipes and the piranha plants. My buddy, Linda, made the pipes out of toilet paper rolls, clever, huh?Linda also made the star rice krispies treats. They were the perfect touch to the table. They were as good as they looked! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVA7emS6EaX0WqY6HsZA6RkStSfm1P7pTtVHHjmLe6OpusKxrcJ0tGCHmh2qaUglJOFQvuNBjkx7ZrXd60aC01N4dXDoR_dyMD_76-uKYkAvUMCB9cDwvsgGmUQcE3XUuS5Jy4/s1600/Veronica_8BdayDSCN0179.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVA7emS6EaX0WqY6HsZA6RkStSfm1P7pTtVHHjmLe6OpusKxrcJ0tGCHmh2qaUglJOFQvuNBjkx7ZrXd60aC01N4dXDoR_dyMD_76-uKYkAvUMCB9cDwvsgGmUQcE3XUuS5Jy4/s320/Veronica_8BdayDSCN0179.JPG" width="240" /></a>In the spirit of Mario Bros. I thought it would be fun to have places where the kids could "bust" bricks or question boxes and get coins. <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYpfUDDZplFGtCuMAkNbN1NW8Mit4BH9M5hH9DQAtOEU2XhSfe2CF_6KedG_3YrhVkmvGrgKLtI1ZvwjHPk4h1S3AiR7hmnfpien-kXCFk4_l-8qpSk1uX2o2ndWbbgAv1AgqI/s1600/Veronica_8BdayDSCN0251.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYpfUDDZplFGtCuMAkNbN1NW8Mit4BH9M5hH9DQAtOEU2XhSfe2CF_6KedG_3YrhVkmvGrgKLtI1ZvwjHPk4h1S3AiR7hmnfpien-kXCFk4_l-8qpSk1uX2o2ndWbbgAv1AgqI/s320/Veronica_8BdayDSCN0251.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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Veronica wasted no time busting it open!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD70XTsOQYaWRy0Dzzyw6f1RH0JID9a3Kw0ah-PfZEhk1QcWEN8rfE5Upbjr7NwauUsAKJFStH51TOS47GKJea6D-Rxht2sk3PedMXQQfZWds7L4pY3b7OtvsIQDUuRp8fkRdU/s1600/103_0014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD70XTsOQYaWRy0Dzzyw6f1RH0JID9a3Kw0ah-PfZEhk1QcWEN8rfE5Upbjr7NwauUsAKJFStH51TOS47GKJea6D-Rxht2sk3PedMXQQfZWds7L4pY3b7OtvsIQDUuRp8fkRdU/s200/103_0014.JPG" width="200" /></a>We did a boo stomp. I put a coin in each white balloon before I blew them up with air. Then I used my trusty black sharpie to draw the face. It was quite simple. Then, I told the kids to try and not step on each other or hurt each other. I had Jeff put some Mario music that he found on youtube and the kids had a blast. I love this picture on the bottom of all this kids stomping the boos. Most of the kids are a blur but that's what is fun about it. They were all laughing and having so much fun.</div>
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Sorry about the Happy Birthday sign that fell. I thought the goody bags were such a good decoration I almost didn't want to give them away. Linda had these brick boxes that were perfect for the occasion. <br />
It was simply torture for the kids to not touch any of the decorations or treats or anything leading up to the party! Once I finally gave David his goody bag he was the happiest. David loves all things Mario so this was sort of a practice for an eventual Mario party of his own. The goody bags had stickers and some candy and a question mark box with candy in them.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPYL5NiBlssQp_PJXDkZGpS1qBipu20APKwsPvpEkgplJCG_icg3livE5xM5KD3kFjgGv6k2I0zRSlKJMCxw_9oR4DszvSoOcD0jMQ9GNmmo6YA7NmyoYhkD7jSh938x7NRmvd/s1600/Veronica_8BdayDSCN0177.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPYL5NiBlssQp_PJXDkZGpS1qBipu20APKwsPvpEkgplJCG_icg3livE5xM5KD3kFjgGv6k2I0zRSlKJMCxw_9oR4DszvSoOcD0jMQ9GNmmo6YA7NmyoYhkD7jSh938x7NRmvd/s200/Veronica_8BdayDSCN0177.JPG" width="150" /></a>We had the kids decorate their star-power necklaces.</div>
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The backdrop. I should've used more blue poster board to go all the way to the bottom of the wall. I ran out of time to get more, but the photo booth idea wasn't really flying with the kids. They didn't want to stand still long enough for a photo-op. Oh well. <br />
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Here are the fabulous party planners. We actually stood still long enough for this photo. <br />
I think the kids had a blast. I consider this very good practice for a Mario Party of awesomeness come one of David's birthdays! <br />
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<br />jackie ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07718551560926897806noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26522782.post-81443509374660456632012-11-04T17:24:00.000-08:002012-11-04T17:24:03.419-08:00Halloween<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Having kids in school makes for busy times come Halloween. 3 Trunk or Treats and 4 costume changes (per kid) and actual Trick-or-Treating and it's finally over! I was beyond exhausted when Halloween night came. We only lasted a few blocks. </div>
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Vanessa as Izzy the Pirate from Jake and the Neverland Pirates. </div>
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Luigi...such a change from Mario for the past 3 years! </div>
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Violet working the BYU cheerleader.</div>
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Veronica wanted to be Hermione again. This was on the first trunk or treat. </div>
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The last trunk or treat. </div>
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David's school Halloween party. </div>
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Out pounding the streets for candy! </div>
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This is at the 2nd trunk or treat. </div>
jackie ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07718551560926897806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26522782.post-61133282070231922462012-11-04T16:38:00.001-08:002012-11-04T16:38:14.317-08:00Soccer The kids are in soccer. I was actually looking forward to it. Then the week before the first game we got a call that there weren't enough coaches(volunteers). Jeff stepped up and took on two teams. They wouldn't accomodate us and put Veronica on David's team, so he had to have 2 teams...later come to find out other coaches requested that their kids be put on the same teams and their requests were granted. Anyway, lots of soccer 3 times per week. It's been a challenge but the kids are having a great time, especially the half-time snacks and post-game snacks. That's all they are thinking about. I would bet good money on that.<br />
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<br />jackie ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07718551560926897806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26522782.post-91206142896488773192012-10-25T08:47:00.000-07:002012-10-26T09:02:18.586-07:00Happy Birthday to my Veronica!!!!<div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Veronica is 8 now!! What? Yes, she keeps us on our toes. I love her so much. <br />
If you don't know this big kid, let me tell you about her. Veronica is beautiful and smart. She is independent, since she was a wee baby. Veronica has always been a self-starter and can figure things out on her own, usually. I don't know where she got that from, but I'm so glad she has that trait. I hope she can develop that. Veronica loves art, she requests reams of paper for birthdays and or Christmas. She will spend hours and hours with a ream of paper, scissors and tape. I love that she sees art/potential/treasure in garbage, but it makes for random trash all over the house all the time. We'll go clothes shopping and she'll be interested in the hangers on the ground or the tags that have fallen off and will create a wonderful toy out of it. We used to call her the trash collector but have since stopped. Veronica is really smart, taught herself how to read by 4 and taught herself to swim (although we're still trying to teach her proper technique) all on her own. I can't take the credit for how smart she is, I should have known since she was a baby. She gave up on her naps pretty early in life, which was rough on me, but I can understand why now. She doesn't want to miss anything, she wants to take advantage of her whole day with reading, playing, thinking, talking. She reads super fast. One quality that I admire so much about Veronica is that she has so much compassion. When she was a little girl, one of the babies fell and was bleeding and Veronica felt so bad she just started crying. She demonstrates this to me a lot and I know that she knows I'm trying my best with her. I have learned that Veronica is sensitive, serious, thoughtful, copassionate, independent, artistic, genuine, faithful, sincere, creative, loving and the list goes on. She is the perfect leader for her younger brother and sisters. I know that the other kids look up to her and think she's so cool, because she is! I love this 8 year old so much. I love her so much that it hurts. She gives me my biggest challenge but she has taught me how to love in a more gentle way so that I can help her. I wish you the happiest of birthdays Veronica! jackie ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07718551560926897806noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26522782.post-35246804650436208312012-10-24T19:25:00.004-07:002012-10-24T19:25:54.840-07:00Mario brings the fam together<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Because my last post was a downer.</div>
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<br />jackie ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07718551560926897806noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26522782.post-78266258062599861272012-10-24T10:56:00.002-07:002012-10-24T10:56:30.664-07:00Let me be honest...*Warning: I was a little annoyed when I wrote this post but I needed to write it to get it out of my system. <br />
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Before pregnancies and kids, I went grocery shopping with out anyone talking to me or telling me what I should do about this or that...I just went grocery shopping for the sake of getting groceries - not advice! Now, I almost dread grocery shopping. Not for the fact that prices seem to get higher and higher and quality is about the same if not less than before but for the mere fact that as soon as I enter ANY grocery store I all of a sudden turn into a big sign that says, "Please stare at me and all my children, don't forget to tell me that one of my kids shouldn't be touching that, or you should really buckle in your baby (eventhough she is buckled in she just managed to get out of it again) or why are you buying that kind of juice and please, oh please, don't forget to turn and stare/glare/snicker when one of my kids screams or cries when I tell them not to touch the gum at the checkout line." I have noticed that people are so willing to stop a pregnant lady and offer up tips and suggestions or warnings. Why is that? Do pregnant women have signs that only other people can see? Do pregnant women need unsolicited baby advice? I sound so anti-people and so not friendly, right? I don't think I am. I remember being somewhere, probably Target, while I was pregnant with Vanessa (baby #3) and I had my little crew with me. I was at the baby section and a woman was shopping right where I was. So, she noticed my baby bump and then without hesitation asked me if I was done having kids after this one. She caught me off guard so I was a bit speechless. Then she said, "Well, you have a boy and a girl. A lot of people keep having kids just to have one of each." I remember being very annoyed, mostly because David just finished spilling all the popcorn and I really wanted some, but also because I was just minding my own business and said woman thought I was in the mood to chat. Anyway, I told her that I wanted a big family and that I wasn't ready to be done having children. Woman then said, "Well, it's getting more and more expensive to raise children these days." Aw. She only asked because she is going to give me money to help pay for the expenses that come with kids. Wow, I take it all back. Oh wait...she isn't. She just thinks that I don't know that children are expensive, so she's just shining a light on my situation that has otherwise been in the dark. At that moment I wanted to just say, "Really? Tell me how expensive YOU think it is and I'll tell you how expensive it really is for me and my husband. And if you are going to help me pay for our family expenses then you by all means can give me your opinion and warnings. But if you're not then leave your advice/preaching to yourself and let me be a responsible adult and parent so I can buy my kid some diapers!" But I didn't say that. I told her that so long as we can afford it we're going to have lots of kids because my husband has a good job. Suprisingly, that type of conversation hasn't been the last. Just a few days ago, with only 2 kids in sight, an older man came up to me and said, "Wow, they get cheaper to get by the dozen." And it wasn't in a humorous tone either, it was very sharp and again I was stunned. What was that for? I had Vanessa and Violet in the cart and that was enough to warrant a comment...really? I didn't say anything but I am saying something now because it really bothered me. I don't seek confrontation or disputes but I also don't seek people telling me how many kids I should have or that I have too many. It's such a personal choice, the conditions of having children - whether wanted or not- and I don't think that just because one has a baby or is pregnant that people have any place to vomit their opinions all over them. What happens to that person who is struggling to have more kids, whether because of infertility or other conditions, that gets the "why don't you have more kids?" comment. A lot of comments aren't meant to be hurtful and I get that, but sometimes they are thoughtless and do end up hurting. The only comments I want to hear are how cute my kids are or did you know that such and such item is on sale. Don't tell me that I should put a sweater on her or that if I pull her hair tighter it will make it grow or the most annoying one of all, you must have your hands full. Duh. I will now avoid going to the grocery store with more than 1 kid and if that means we have to eat canned food, so be it. jackie ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07718551560926897806noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26522782.post-46730216610233611562012-10-18T17:25:00.001-07:002012-10-18T17:25:57.836-07:00Birth Story - Vanessa VersionSo, for the last little while I have been kind of agonizing over not really being able to remember Vanessa's birth day. I checked the blog but for some reason (probably for the sake of forgetting pain and wanting to have one more kid) I didn't write it down. I checked my emails and remembered that I have a friend, Alicia, who I like to give the detes about laboring/birthing my children. <br />
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The following is for my own sake. If I don't blog it I will probably forget again! But if you're curious, by all means read and enjoy.<br />
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A few days before Vanessa decided to make her appearance, I was having mild contractions but nothing major. So I called my parents to come and take the kids. They came but once they came my contractions were less intense and very far between. So, we asked my parents to take them anyway and Jeff and I decided to hit the mall for some walking - to try and get the labor going again. We hit the mall but nothing changed. We were almost done and then I got a call, it was our realtor. When we found out we were pregnant with Vanessa we decided it was time to move out of our 1 bedroom apartment and get some more space. After a long search and more searching for something we could afford, we decided we should put a hold on looking for a house. So, this call came as quite a surprise. The realtor told us that the sellers had accepted our 2nd offer and that the house was ours if we wanted it. (this might actually be the reason for my not remembering the birth because the house kind of happened all at the same time.) So a couple of days later, we were busy doing loan stuff, finalizing our credit stuff, everything I could think of when Vanessa decided that it was time. But I think she knew that this needed to be fast, so I call it fast and furious. <br />
Monday, May 11, 2009. The first contraction I felt was at 1am and i knew that was it. They came pretty consistently from then on and by the time my parents arrived, 45 minutes, I knew that I couldn't wait around at home much longer. So we went to the hospital and checked in. Once they found out that this was my third baby they were pretty quick and very attentive. With the first 2 they kind of left me in the room alone most of the time. The labor was intense and it progressed pretty quickly. I remember asking the nurse if I could walk around because I did not want to have to sit in that hospital bed the whole time. This time around I was going to be more open about how I wanted things to go and though I was in a hospital I wanted as little hospital as possible. So, the nurse told me I could walk around if I needed to but they would rather have me stay put since it's my 3rd baby. Something about the 3rd baby makes nurses and doctors nervous. Anyway, I was about to get up to walk around and my water broke. It was the first time that I've experienced that and I told the nurse and then I remember her saying, "Now you definitely have to stay in bed." I was so annoyed but kind of glad because I knew that it meant Vanessa would be arriving soon. It was pretty intense after that, I progressed pretty quickly. I brought my music and plugged in my headphones and tried to focus on music and not the pain. My mind trick was this: the contraction will end just like the chorus on the song will end...and it worked for a little while. Thank you Kanye West and Alicia Keys. But it didn't last too long before it was so intense that I knew little Vanessa was ready. Let me tell you, I am so grateful it went quickly after that because I don't think I could've handled much more. I just kept telling myself that it will end soon and that after all that I would be looking at a beautiful miracle and that's what got me through it. Also can I say how much I hate when they say, "Don't push." The doctor told me not to push but I pushed anyway, because that is what my body was telling me to do to relieve the pressure. I pushed maybe 3 times and she came out. The experience was so immense that by the end of it I was in a million levels of emotions and feelings. I could still feel pain and the doctor isn't the most gentle. So...she was born at 4:18am...pretty fast.<br />
I will say this, I came into this pregnancy knowing that I did not want a repeat of what happened when David was born. So, I read a lot about laboring and relaxing and allowing the body to do the work that it was intended to do. I wanted a homebirth, but our finances weren't the best and we had insurance so why not use what we are paying lots of money to have. Anyway, but I did prepare myself mentally for what I knew was going to be the hardest thing to do. It took a lot but I knew that I would be so much happier about things and be able to recover a lot quicker if things went more the way that I wanted them to. It's funny because some of the most stressful situations: buying a house, having a baby, new job promotion all happened to us in the span of a week or so. <br />
jackie ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07718551560926897806noreply@blogger.com1