Random acts of kindness

As I ponder and pray during this last week of Advent, I continue to struggle with finding that peace.  As the scripture says...

"For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be onhis shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. " ~ Isaiah 9:6

I ask myself daily what does that look like?  As the author of my devotion urges me to focus my heart on Jesus, these last 4 weeks leading up to Christmas have been challenging for me to do so. 
Every year, I plan to have my shopping done early, enjoy the season, rest in the peace.  And, every year this never happens.  Today, I ventured out to exhange my jeans and hopefully look for something for myself at the mall.  I had Reagan, Jordan and Lily with me but I was pysched as I drove up to town at 9:00 figuring I was ahead of the game.  My excitement quickly dissipated as I wandered Jcpenney, finding a scarf for myself, which I ended up putting back after I received my text from our bank showing today's balance.  Ugh, how could it be so low and yet I wasn't finished with my shopping and still had grand ideas of sharing acts of kindness to strangers along the way- 'sharing the peace of Christmas'.  As, I started feeling sorry for myself and finally got through exchanging my jeans and spending 15 minutes at the register.  God, the Prince of Peace came down to meet me in my moment.  A man came up to the counter and gave the cashier $20 to pay my bill and kindly stated he wanted to share 'an act of random kindness'.   Wow! I was humbled.  I don't usually feel like I need to be given money, yet at this moment I felt that I could surely use it.  Thanks Lord!  However, my feeling of humility and gratitude would continue as I made our way to the playground with my rambunctious crew that grew weary, after only 30 minutes in the mall.   A young girl came by as I walked near the food court and presented me with $20, stating she had an excess of money from her work and wanted to buy us lunch.  Again, I just stood for a moment feeling God showering his love on me.    Yet, my story would continue.  After, a short while of playing we made our way back to the bathroom for the second time.  I began to grow frustrated, as I realized I wasn't going to make it to another store and would not be able to buy something for myself.  I got Jordan out of the stroller and placed him on the changing table, to find ANOTHER RANDOM ACT OF KINDNESS.  I opened the envelope, which said on the outside '  I love your hair' and found a gas card for $10.  I couldn't believe it.  I had thought I would use my money to buy lunch and I toyed with the idea of continuing my shopping but my kids were saying 'no, take us home'.   I found peace.  Although my shopping for gifts is not done and I still don't have anything new, I discovered peace in having all that I need.   I pray that you too will find peace in the midst of the chaos this Christmas.

I wish I was an Octopus

Sounds funny to say, but today I wished I was an octopus.  Most days eight arms would be nice, reaching out to catch Jordan before he takes everything out of my makeup drawer, or make lunches and change a diaper,while feeding Lily.  How convienent this would be.  But, today I felt the need for a few extra arms for a completely different reason.  I had Lillian's 2month well check this morning and took Jordan and Reagan with me.  It is always a little crazy, they usually prepare for us by giving us the biggest room, and the staff knows how hectic it gets sometimes for me.  This morning wasn't any different in that regard.  By the time I had been there 10 minutes and barely had Lily's diaper off to get weighed, Jordan and Reagan had been in a fight to play with the school bus and Jordan had eaten a whole package of peanut butter crackers and a bag of fruit snacks.  Thankfully, I found a poptart in my bag and proceeded to stuff his face in between attempting to carry on a conversation with our nurse practitioner.  After Lily got assessed and we decided to give their flu shots and her immunizations, we realized Jordan had missed his 15mth check up and needed shots too.  So, we lined them up and started the process.  Needless to say, Reagan was very offended to have a flu mist up his nose and sat and cried while Lily cried because she kept getting taken off the boob.  And, then she got her shots and needed love.  To add to the chaos, it was Jordan's turn. Of course he cried his eyes out and so there I was.  Lily in my carrier nestled in my chest, holding Jordan with tears streaming down his face, resting his head on my shoulder and Reagan reaching up also wanting me to hold him.  My heart ached so badly and I wanted to wrap my arms around them all.  I just took a moment and prayed, thanking God for them and asking that he would help me comfort them so they would know how big mommy's heart was.  But most of all, I am thankful that God has enough arms to be with me in all of my moments while taking care of the many others that call on him.  And his arms are many and wide enough to comfort the worst of days and deepest sorrows.  Maybe I can't do it all but God gives me strength to get up and do what I can.  P.S.  Jordan only needed a lollipop to ease his pain, mommy even came second after that. ;)

Daniel gets his day

No, you aren't crazy. You haven't missed anything.  Yes, I am posting about my 2nd son's 4th birthday, which occured last Sepetember.  Even though I am so behind, I couldn't stand to let it go.  Four things that stand out about Daniel's personality are:
1. he has a quick temper
2. very independent
3. not fearful of a thing. will try just about anything ( and live to tell about it)
4. will always stop to cuddle
We celebrated his birthday with an impromptu house party at the new house.  It was a little pressed considering we had literally just moved our beds to the new place and everything else was in transit.  But, thankfully Daniel didn't seem to notice and everyone knows that cupcakes can make anything special. 
Four years has gone fast and being the second child, there are many things I find I don't remember and some things pass us by without much notice.  Daniel has picked up on things easily, from potty training to learning to ride a bike; which he did this year.  He is always coming up with a question or a thought he wants to share......like telling me recently that God is very very big and is stronger than daddy's tractor or telling me how he's going to fight off the rattlesnake I keep telling him he's going to find, running through the woods.  My heart melted the other day, when he told me 'mommy, no matter if I'm six, seven, or eight I will always be your snugglebug'.  He can hardly wait to be 5.  He talks about it all of the time, especially since David has started school and I can hardly imagine him having to wait a full year to be in kindergarten because he misses the cut off.  He really likes school and seems to thrive on doing his crafts, coloring and learning his words and letters, as well as writing his name.  He moves from one activity to the next and loves to climb on everything.......the kitchen table, magnolia tree, register belt in Publix, you name it he climbs on it.  I fear the day we lose his "little green blanket' because he loves it and his newest thing is, he likes me to scratch his back.   Four years of laughter, learning self control and snuggles. It is hard to see him grow up and I dread the day his soft chubby cheeks aren't there for me to kiss.  A few of my favorite photos of my snuggle bug.

Let's play catch up

The good thing about a blog, is you are able to write things down so you can remember them.  The bad thing is, I have to write things down, so I don't forget them!  The summer has come and gone- AMAZING! Jordan is 5 months, Daniel just had his 4th birthday and Reagan celebrates his second birthday next month.  David's first year of school is going well, and I feel so grateful that he is able to learn about God and worship while he works on his academics.  WCCA is really turning out to be a special place and we are making new friendships as the year goes on. 

July - We went out to Oregon for a family reunion.  Jordan's first plane ride at 3months, which he did great.  It was the other boys who made it crazy. ( I felt sorry for us- forget the people around us! ;)   This is outside the Riesterer farm, where Brian's mom Clare grew up.  The weather was a chilly 60 degrees somedays, I couldn't believe we were wearing jackets in July.  We actually had a fire going one day while we were up in Sunriver.  The week was so relaxing. We mostly hung out but the kids were all over the place, with their cousins riding bikes (David rode w/o training wheels the whole week) , watching movies, getting chased by the big girls- which David and Daniel still talk about.  They loved every minute of it!

Jordan learned to smile this trip.  Aunt Tammy had just given him a bath in the kitchen sink and he loved to listen to her sing.  I always come home, praying that I might sound as beautiful with my voice but she is much more talented.  One night she sang David and Daniel to sleep with a silly song about their day, that she had made up second by second and it sounded awesome.  If only!!  I always look forward to spending time with she and Stephanie (sister in law).  It is such a blessed time of girl talk and motherly advice.  A few jacuzzi nights with a glass of wine were perfect relaxation from the chaos of keeping up with all of the boys and visiting with family. 

Jordan was a charmer.  All I had to do was feed him and then pass him on to the girls and grammy, who were patiently waiting to snuggle. 

Reagan got a lot of snuggles too.  Here he is with Aunt Tammy.  Unfortunately, he was sick the first few days and then managed to spread it to me, Tammy, Schuyler, Reilly, and Satchel.  Poor Schuyler got the worst of it, I felt so bad for her.  Each night, each family "hosted" dinner.  It is always a great idea, ours was good ole' bar-b-q.  Yum! And then one night we had birthday cake to celebrate everyone's birthdays since we never get a party together.  That was a big hit too.

Reagan couldn't get enough of hanging out with his cousins.  They all were outside from dusk 'til dawn. 

 Reagan was smitten with his cousin River- he puts a little peck on her, but she's not quite sure about it ;0

The kids all rode down to the village shops and ran around. The weather wasn't so good but there was a bounce house and bumper cars, which the big kids were able to do.  Last stop was the candy shop!

Pappo taking a bite out of Reagan's sweet feet.

 David got up the nerve to try rock climbingas long as  Uncle Kevin would give him a lift.

 David rode around the culdesac at least a hundred times. I think even his big cousin Jarrett got wore out. (honestly, I dont' think David knew how to stop, so he just kept going)

Our trip was a blast!  I could go on and on.  I have a picture for every memory.......dad making beignets with the boys, taking the kids to the Desert Museum, all the kids playing baseball in the backyard, Daniel getting a haircut and crying the all time, Steph's great taco night and our visit on the farm.   Definitely a cherished time with family and I can hardly wait until next time.  Thanks mom and dad "B" for such a great vacation!

Crazy kidstuff

This post is much overdue but I couldn't pass up the opportunity to write about my firstborn. David has turned FIVE and it still amazes me.  I continually remind him that he was once the size of Jordan and he giggles with delight as I try to cuddle him in my arms like a newborn.  His now lanky legs overflow out of my arms as he wiggles to try to break free, all the while he keeps saying "tickle me", again, again.  Brian has come up with nicknames for all of the boys as they have grown and David's is "Mr. Smiles". 

As our journey together continues, Brian and I pray for wisdom to teach and discipline David.  My hearts desire is that he will follow in the footsteps of David, who sought to please God and wanted to be more and more like him everyday.  I see this in David now, as we remain digilent in our training and he gets disciplined for disobeying.  There are many days that he'll drop his head to the ground and say, ' I wanted to be good for you, mommy'.  I can see the disappointment in his eyes as he realizes he failed to reach his goal.  He has such a sensitive heart yet he can be so selfish minutes later, pushing and shoving for his place in the world.  I can't help but feel a sadness for him, yet I am learning that his complex nature is a perfect opportunity to grow me in areas that need pruning........

For his birthday David was so excited to go to Chuck E Cheese.  It seemed like a "big kid" thing to do.  A few of his close friends, mainly from church joined us for the fun and a good time seemed to be had by all.  I hadn't been to Chuck E Cheese since my elementary days, and apparently not much has changed.  The game where you roll the ball up the lane and try to get it into the different holes for points, was still there.  It has always been a favorite and we couldn't help but cheat a little, letting Reagan walk up the lane and put the balls in.  2,000 or so points (tickets) later and the boys came home with two plastic spiders.  Money well spent.

This past year David has learned to ride his bike without training wheels, write his full name- which he loves to do- and recite his address and telephone number, among other things.  He draws a beautiful rainbow and likes to draw pictures of us, usually in his favorite color blue. He's finicky about how he folds his toilet paper and straightens the lines on his socks, but has been wearing the same rubberband bracelets for about a month now religiously.  His recent accomplishment was taking swimming lessons with Daniel and "graduating" from preschool.  He was so proud of himself and I got a kick out of watching him pal around with his buddies at his graduation.  It was evident he'd  made friends that a few he might remember forever, as his first best friends.  As he marched down the church aisle in his cap and gown, I couldn't help but remember the first time I held him, after he was born, and his first step, first word........and now on to the first day of school.  Five years have past and a new venture is about to begin.  Happy belated birthday to my first born. You have changed our lives forever.

Welcome Home sweet little guy

You know that saying?  Something about "tiny footprints on your heart" or 'you stomped on my heart,  or "pitter- patter go the little feet that stole my heart'?  O.k. , no not really. I can't remember it either but basically what I am trying to say is that, our little guy came into our lives quietly it seemed and suddenly (it would seem), considering his impending arrival has never been mentioned.  But, it would sound silly to say that it was a surprise.  We have been trusting God for years with our family planning (obviously) but the big surprise was, realizing that God was entrusting us to raise another child.  What an awesome privilege and gift.  Brian and I were amazed and totally excited!  I could not wait to tell him the news that I regret to say, there was no romantic prelude or scavenger hunt, or daddy's #1 button.  Only a text message and a little picture with two lines that revealed our awesome gift.  Tacky I know, but that's the way it is nowadays- sad, but true.
My pregnancy went well, as usual.  There was concern about how well my uterus would hold up, considering past surgeries but each prenatal visit, everything looked fine.  I suffered from nausea for about 3 months but eventually it went away and for the most part, I enjoyed being pregnant.  I waited impatiently to see my belly grow and delighted in the first flutters and kicks that were made.  I could sit and watch my expanding waist line move like jello, for hours and hours and never bore.  You, little guy, although you were the fourth; did not come into this world unappreciated.  I felt like I had been pregnant for the first time.  It was always exciting to me.  I do have to be honest, it was more difficult with the other boys. Reagan was learning to walk and gain independence and David and Daniel required more and more discipline.  There were those days but the big day always sneaks up on me.  We planned to have the surgery at 38weeks, just to be on the safe side and surprisingly we made it.  The morning was hectic, getting the kids ready for school and out the door but my mind stayed focused on what was to come.  What a grand day! Grammy and Pappoo Borges and Grandma and Papa Stalnaker were there for the delivery, which was such a treat.  Everything went as expected, and your little self was sprung into the world and in daddy's arms at 10:16 am April 21st. 

Your daddy and I thought you looked a lot like David at first but as time as gone on, many see resemblance to Reagan.  Your hands and fingers appeared long and you had more hair than the other boys, and blue eyes.  Two blue eyed boys and two brown eyed ones.  What a treat!  I came home early, one day, which seemed too soon but the first week was precious.  My recovery went well although very sore as expected, but having your grandparents here was so helpful and I felt that I could rest as I should.  Watching your brothers explore their big brother roles with you has been exciting and dangerous at times.  Reagan wants to love you so much that he hurts you and some days he likes to lick your hair, while attempting to kiss you.  Life is extremely hectic but our schedule is getting sorted out.  You are such a good baby, sleeping almost through the night and napping well.  I have tried to be more careful of my diet to aid with better digestion and it seems to be paying off.  Not many days of upset with your belly and I have been able to sustain you, which has been an answer to prayer.  I anticipate watching you develop as these days carry on.  You are so special to us Jordan. 

A year in pictures.......

Hi!  I turned 1 year old Nov. 7 (2010).  You wouldn't know it though, because my mom hasn't posted my pictures or blogged about it yet.  But, 'see, that's me with my presents, so it's really true'.  I had a great party! My papa and grandma from Florida were there, and some friends from church.  Our neighbors, the Minors even came- oh! and "grandma Mo".  I couldn't walk yet, but I made it around the yard anyway- mostly taking wagon rides, if anyone was willing to pull me. 

This is me enjoying my cake. I did everything just like I was told to do- see my big icing face? My cake was cool.  The lady at Publix decorated it with jungle animals, just from looking at a napkin.  My daddy's nickname for me is "spider monkey" so I guess the jungle theme was a good idea.  :) Here, I have four teeth, 2 on the top and bottom and I manage to eat just about anything.

(November)

I went to a birthday party for one of our pals Sammy.  It was really chilly but I loved playing on the jungle gym, so I didn't mind the cold.

(October)

Here are my brothers.  They are pretty cool, I can't wait until I can run through the corn maze with them.  We went to the Corn Hollow corn maze but I hung out with mommy. She's pregnant with my baby brother, and pushing me through the maze in my stroller didn't seem like fun since she was nauseated all the time. You wouldn't know about my baby brother either, because she has yet to mention it since finding out in September.  I guess she's been really busy with me and my brothers because she is way behind on this blogging thing.  Anyway, he should be here in a few months.  

(September)

                          I finally figured out how to crawl.  So watch out, 'Here I come!'

(September)

My brother David loves to wrestle with me, and I am pretty good at it, too.  My mommy calls me "blue eyes". Now you can see why. 

(August)

I may not be able to walk, but that doesn't stop me.  I am learning how to push the trains around the track so I can join in with my big brothers one day.  That's one of their favorite things to do. Now, I see why.

(July)

I went on an adventure with my family to California to see my cousins and my grammy and pappoo Borges.  Pappoo let me try on his patrol hat.  Maybe I'll be a police man one day.

(June)

I am big enough to sit in the swing and it always makes me laugh.  My mommy pushes me high, and I like it because I can be outside with my brothers when they're playing.

(June)

My mommy must've snuck up on me here, because I don't remember this one.  I am pretty cute, though- huh?

Apparently, I am very little here.  I don't drool now. Sweet pose with bum. Can anyone resist?

(May)

Seriously, just because one can't defend oneself, it doesn't mean you take advantage of him.  My mommy and daddy thought it'd be funny for me to try on BubbaQ's teeth from the kids meal.  I guess I'll fit right in living in the country.

(April)

My first trip to the beach.  We took grammy and pappoo Borges to St. Augustine when they came out in April.  It was very windy and sandy, and I don't remember liking it that much but hopefully next time, mommy will remember to bring the umbrella.

My first trip across country.  My mommy and I went when I was 2months old to visit grammy and pappoo and my cousins.  I was a good boy and traveled very well on the plane.

I was very sleepy because I had been visiting all day, out in California.  It felt good to take a big nap. (January)

(December)

For some reason I could sleep just about any which way.....at least during day, that is.  Here I am taking a precious nap. 

Probably my first bath, (note the date) but I'll give my mommy and daddy the benefit of the doubt.  Apparently, bath time is not priority with each new coming child.

(December)

I loved to snuggle down in my boppy.  I could sleep this way for hours.

(November)

My big brother Daniel. I don't think he liked me very much at first, but likes me a lot now.  He chases me around the bean bag and dances in the living room with me. 

Here I am. Brand new me. November 7, 2010.