Reading Time

I did a lot better at reading to the older two kids when they were at home during the day. I feel really guilty when I compare the hours I've spent reading with the little two, or rather the lack of hours. I tried to compenate some last week. One day, as naptime was rapidly approaching, I crawled into bed with Bella and Jacob and a BIG pile of books. My hope was to read several books at which point Jacob would fall asleep, read several more until Bella dozed off. Then, I would quietly sneak out of bed and be productive. Sure, it was good in theory but not really practical. I did get most of the pile read, but Jacob didn't quickly fall asleep. No, that award goes to Mom. Yep. Bella had to keep poking me as I fell asleep mid-sentence. I finally sat there with my eyes popped wide open in an effort to stay awake. I don't really remember what happened next, but I know that I awoke a couple hours later with my two pumpkins snuggled up on each side. As to who fell asleep first? I have no idea.

I may not have been "productive". The floors remained unmopped, and the bathroom unscrubbed, but I did spend precious time with my children and even got a bonus nap. I blame it on the new pillows Jared bought at Costco last week-end!!

Her first Webkinz

This is the perfect dog for this child's personality!

A Farewell to Babes

Today was a bittersweet day in our home. As I was aggravated by the cluttered cupboards and drawers in my kitchen, I realized that there were several types of items that no longer needed a place there. Down came the sippy cups from the cupboard, and out went the bibs and baby spoons from the drawers. In truth, I can't remember the last time Jacob actually used a bib or baby spoon, but his graduation from sippy cups is more recent. Maybe the spoons and bibs continued to hold a place of honor because I could not admit that they were no longer needed. After almost 10 years (if you count the 9 months of collecting these items that preceded the birth of my first child) these well used items are no longer necessary. My "baby" is now a potty-trained verbal little boy who even tried to board a school bus with a backpack in tow this week. He had no fears or qualms about boarding that bus and riding off to whatever adventures he imagined awaited him at school. I can't begrudge the fact that he is growing up. He is so darn cute as he builds towers, car cities, and jungles of animals. I do, however, miss the smell of a freshly bathed newborn and the soft skin and precious sighs that accompany a baby.



Jared has been "done" for quite sometime now and has been patiently waiting for me to accept this as well. It was much harder for me to reach this point. I was the one that could feel every move the tiny babes made inside me. I was the one anxiously and impatiently awaiting the birth (never mind that the impatience was mostly because I was so uncomfortable I was ready to pull the child out myself). I have on occasion described running a half marathon to giving birth. While participating in the event, tt is painful and you think why on earth do people do this? I'm never doing this again! But then its over and days turn to weeks and months and you forget the pain and only remember the incredible feelings of joy and accomplishment. You excitedly start the "training" process again, completely forgetting the thoughts that circulated through your head during the last few miles or pushes. Although, I think that I may give disservice to childbirth with this comparison. At the end of the race you have a t-shirt and maybe a medal but la-de-da-da who really cares? When the childbirth "process" is complete no one hands you a t-shirt or medal (although maybe they should, it could make for some humorous t-shirts, and those would be my most prized medals), instead you are handed a tiny piece of heaven. It is up to you to nurture, care for, guide, and teach this child for the rest of your life.



I was completely in love from our very first little Christmas angel to our bundle of blue whose long awaited birth came a mere hours before what would start one the the worst weeks of my life. My little perfect baby boy helped me to deal with the days to follow without a complete breakdown. There is no comparison to having a tiny baby wrap its entire hand around your pinkie and look into your eyes with her eyes filled with love and trust. Love, because somehow this infant know that you are his mother and trust that you will care for every need. Realizing that tiny baby is completely reliant on you can be a bit overwhelming and incredibly wonderful at the same time.

I was 12 when my littlest brother was born. I spoiled him rotten. I loved being the big sister and "playing" mom with him. We had a special bond and he allowed me to care for him when mom was busy with the middle three children. Still, there comes that time when every baby just wants MOM. It would bother me when all she had to do was pick him up and he'd be happy. Wasn't I holding him before? wasn't that good enough? I no longer begrudge her these moments. There is something satisfying in knowing that sometimes only you will do. When after several attempts by several family members to pacify the little angel to no avail, the crying immediately ceases when placed in mom's arms. No matter how much baby loves Dad, or sister, or grandma, sometimes only Mom will suffice. Dad usually recieved the first true smile out of our babies after a round of silly faces, actions, and noises, but Mom was rewarded by knowing that her love was sought after when comfort was needed. Its hard to always find pleasure in this. When you are exhausted to the core, and overly "touched" sometimes you just want to escape and have a few minutes just to yourself. You don't want to be needed. This in inevitably when the crying will start and only mom will do. I wish I had cherished those moments a little more because they are over so quickly. My snuggle sessions have been reduced to quick hugs or a kiss on a bumped knee on the run from one activity to the next. Although I confess that I did let Jacob nap in my bed today and indulged in a nap myself so that I could hold him close while he slept, savoring the moment before its completely gone.

So it is a little sad as I close the chapter on babies. But it will be fun to move onto family activities that don't center on stroller accessibility, nap and feeding times, and eventually physical limitations of toddlers. I look forward to watching them find their hobbies and talents. It is fun to go shopping and paint nails with the girls. I love watching Jacob play catch and watch football with Jared. If the next 10 years pass as quickly as the last have I will find myself within years of re-entering the baby stage but this time as a Grandma (Tonya and Natalie were both married at 19. Although we hope that Katy doesn't get married quite that young, with 3 girls 4 years apart in age, there is a good chance that within 15 years we will most likely be grandparents or close to it. Scary isn't it?). True, it won't be quite the same but parts will be evenbetter. I won't be in charge of the spills, spit-ups, dirty diapers, and temper-tantrums. I'll miss the special bond between mother and baby, but I'll have the knowledge that as a child ages Grandma becomes much "cooler" than mom. Don't get me wrong, I'm not anxiously looking forward to this stage. I'm in no hurry to have any more gray hair than I already do. I don't want wrinkles or my metabolism to get any slower. I don't want to think about my kids entering middle school, let alone high school or college. But, as I wipe away a stray tear as I box up the bibs and sippy cups, I smile at the knowledge that it will all come full circle. In the mean time I'll have to get my baby fixes by holding other's babies so those moms can take a few deep breaths and relax in a moment of their "me" time. And when the baby starts to cry, I can smile and hand it back to its mother or father knowing there is nothing I can do or am expected to do.

Stone Soup

For dinner the other day we read the story Stone Soup and then the girls gathered the ingredients and prepped them just as in the story. It was surprisingly good soup!

My kids got two cookbooks for Christmas that have made dinner time easier. They love being involved in the process. There are even less complaints on the night they don't cook, since they know they get some say on other days.

Bella and Jacob got the "Sesame Street: Silly Snack". It is made like a boardbook. This cookbook does get them to eat more vegetable. Last night they ate spinach wraps filled that were filled with spinach leaves and carrots, among other things. Most recipes however, involve too much cutting or other tasks that are out of the abilities of the intended audience and some of the recipes are quite strange. Bella has been enjoying using this book. Even though she mostly watches me, she still is having fun. Maybe thats all that can be expected at her age. I'm was expecting to turn the kitchen over to her though, I just thought she'd be able to help more with each recipe.

Katy and Xandy got "Paula Deen's: My First Cookbook". We LOVE this one! Each recipe shows pictures of each utensil and ingredient needed. They are learning what everything is without me having to constantly remind them. It is a nice collection of relatively normal recipes. By that I mean, the ingredients are things I usually have on hand anyway. There are some recipes at the end for crafts. I loved that the story "Stone Soup" was actually in the book by the recipe. Katy and Xandy are thoroughly enjoying theirs.

Cold Snow days

The kids had two days off school last week due to snow/cold. There really wasn't that much snow but there was enough to sled, and thats what matters. Although the below zero windchills put a definate time limit on any sledding that took place, we did manage to squeeze a little in before the temps dropped to much. It was nice to just walk down the street to sled and not brave the unplowed streets.



After sledding, the girls had fun taking pictures of each others' crazy hair. Xandy had a strand that was actually frozen.

I really enjoyed the two days with the kids since we didn't end up having any relax time at home during the Holidays. We completely clean sweeped the older girls bedroom, read books, cooked with their new cookbooks, and relaxed. Once I got home from the YMCA on Wednesday, the van didn't leave its spot in the garage until Sunday morning. We were crossing our fingers that it would start.

Buckeye madness

Nicholas is missing from this picture because he claims that when he wears his scarlett and gray that Ohio State loses. We are grateful that he did NOT wear his Ohio St gear because WE WON!!

A white after-Christmas

It has been quite a few years since I've had a white Christmas. Although St. Louis saw a few flurries Christmas day it was by no means white. We went to Cleveland the day after Christmas and I got my snow and sledding fix there. Our time in Cleveland was extended by a clever Mima whose endeavors to lenghen our stay went as drastic as being admitted to intensive care. In all seriousness, our stay was lengthened due to my mom's hospital admittance but she in no way wanted to be there. We had a few days with her before she was admitted, but she was too miserable to really enjoy them.


Saturday- we drove most of the day to get there and then opened presents from Mima and PopPop and Uncle Nicholas and Aunt Natalie.


Sunday- was the annual GAME DAY. we enjoyed a day full of board games, food, laughs, and relatives


Monday- was my cousin Emma's b-day. She choose to stay in Ohio rather than spend it driving home to Philly. Emma is two years older than Katy. Katy and Xandy went to lunch with her. Then we took the kids sledding to our favorite sledding hill.

Tuesday- we had plans to sled with friends that were interrupted by the call that mom was being admitted to the Cleveland Clinic. Natalie, Jared, and G-Grandma held down the fort while Nicholas and I went to the hospital


Wednesday- there were several trips to and from the hospital. We did con Alex into babysitting in the evening while we went out with Nick & Nat, and Todd & Loni


Thursday- mom was still in the hospital. Todd and Loni and boys came over to ring in the new year with us. Grandpa B would've been proud of the noise they made on the porch after the ball dropped.


Friday-Mom finally was released. Unfortunately she wasn't any better than when she was admitted. We spent a quiet evening- well semi-quiet, the Buckeyes were playing afterall- with Mima

No laughing at my sledding outfit. I brought snow clothes for the kids but not for me. The only coat I brought was super long and not very conducive to sledding. I borrowed pants from Alex and a coat from my mom.

Jacob and Weston

Todd and Jared rocking it out in Rock Band
My midnight kiss from my little sweetheart

Making as much noise as possible in memory of Gramps!

Christmas Eve

This post is out of order, but better late than never....

We had our traditional Ukrainian Christmas Eve dinner. I told Jared that the line is getting diluted since my girls are not particularly fond of the meal (its one of my all time favorites!!). I used chargers, and water goblets, and napkins rings etc. The kids thought it was great. Didn't know they'd be so excited by a pretty table. I'll have to remember that from time to time. There was, of course, the hay under the table cloth. We ate by candelight and tried to whisper. That part still needs a little work!

Since we had already acted out the nativity story earlier in the week, we skipped that part. But, we did read the story. Our awesome pixies had given us a beautiful book with the Christmas story scriptures interspersed with carols when appropriate. We read the verses and sang the songs.

Afterwards the kids opened presents from each other, and set out milk, cookies, and of course carrots for the reindeer.

Our tree Christmas morning the stockings that were too heavy to stay on the holders. In an effort to simplify since we were leaving the next day, we skipped plates this year. We promise to do them next year, Grandma and Grandpa!

Christmas dinner

Jon, Elise, and their kids came over for dinner on Christmas. It was a blast. We love living close enough that we can get together. Its fun to watch the kids interact. Once they put on a dance show (this happened during the SYTYCD season). This time I think it was a singing show (Paul was much more excited to be involved with this. You have to feel bad for him since Jacob is the only other boy and there is a 7 yr age difference). Their "shows" remind me of the ice-skating productions my cousins, sister, and I would perform on the slick floor in Nanny's bedroom. We always have so much fun with them and were glad to share some of the Holiday season together before both families headed east to visit with Grandparents and other cousins.

Christmas morning

Here are a few pictures of our Christmas morning

Some miscellaneous pictures

The other day Jared wasn't feeling well. He was laying on the floor resting and I found Jacob mimicking him.

Birthday Girl

On Katy's actual B-day we took the family to see The Princess and the Frog. (we remembered why we don't go very often- its expensive to take a family of six). Then we drove down to the mall so Katy could get her ears pierced. It was an exciting and big day for her, but not so much for her sisters who were green with envy. By the time Katy was done we had some disheartened little girls so we decided to stop off in the petstore in hopes that the cute faces of puppies could brighten their day. Not such a bright idea. By the time we left they were both sobbing because they wanted to buy a puppy. I must say they had some extremely cute baby puppies in there. One even tempted me to buy it so you know it must've been a really cutie since I'm not a dog/cat person. Unfortunately since the mall was packed with last minute shoppers they did not allow us to pet any of the puppies. For dinner Katy picked hamburgers and since I was about to start a 2 day marathon of cooking we took everyone to her favorite fast food place- Hardees. It was a fun day spent with the family!

(sorry Grandma but I can't find the picture we took of her opening your present. I think the girls accidently deleted it when playing with the camera)

Nativity FHE

Growing up, we always acted out the nativity story on Christmas Eve. Our ward has nativity costumes that we were allowed to borrow throughout the month. Our good friends, the Pearsons, came over for FHE the Monday before Christmas and we acted out the nativity story. It was quite amusing trying to get all the little kids to be where they were supposed to be. It was a lot of fun though!

Samuel the Lamanite

An angel and Mary


An angel and Joseph

The two little sheperds

An angel and the sheperds

A chorus of angels

sheperds at the manger

our three wise"girls"

worshipping the Christ child

my cute little sheperd boy

A visit from Santa

Minutes after finishing my last post and being relieved that my blog was finally caught up, there was a knock on the door. Much to our surprise, when we opened the door Santa was standing there. Santa came in and shook his jingle bells and the kids came running. Santa had brought us a beautiful Christmas platter filled with goodies and a cute Christmas family decoration. We pulled a chair up for him by the tree and the kids took turns talking to Santa. It was a fun visit. Thankyou Santa for our pre-Christmas visit!!




We also visited a park in a nearby town to see Santa yet again. Although, this time we went more to see the Reindeer than Santa. Santa had brought 2 of his live Reindeer with him. The kids were very excited to see the Reindeer. They all enjoyed petting them. I left my camera at home so sadly there is no pictures of the Reindeer, but we do have one with the kids and Santa in his sleigh. His elves took free pictures that we could pick up at Walgreen's the next day.