Happy (belated) Father's Day

To the dads in my life (all 4 of them):
I am no good at cards, and really not very good with verbal words, and honestly I kind of feel like Father's day is just another way to get consumers out buying! But I want you all to know you are honored--on father's day and every other day! I love you all from the depths of my heart and am grateful for all that you do! I know this is late, but I just wanted to let you all know how thankful I am for each of you!

Finally Friday!

Yeah, the weekend is finally here! Kevin was out of town most of this week, and now he is home with us! It down poured rain all day today! I think we got over 6 inches! But our basement is still dry--Praise God for that! I was looking at all my pictures today and had some real good laughs at alot of them. I thought I would post some of the ones that gave me a good chuckle! Enjoy! And have a great weekend!

Poor Aaron-- with a big sister around he's just gonna have to get used to being "dressed-up"

Notice the pj's in both shots! I think he was sucking some air in that 2nd one! That was sure a big water bottle.

we found her like this--asleep under her night table. I think she was about 3 in this picture.

Okay, she was standing on that chair that you can barely see, and I guess she bent over and somehow got hung on the drawer pull. I was not a very nice mommy because I went to look for the camera before I would get her down. She was not real happy about that--would you be? Still, hilarious?

just funny to me. They all three have the same expression.

And lastly, I love the look on Eli's face here--I see this look often, "help?"

Happy Birthday, Ryan!

The Kids wanted me to wish their Uncle Ryan a Happy Birthday on the blog! So to Uncle Ryan, We love you and we hope that you have a Happy Birthday! We only wish we could have found some real embarrasing pictures to post! Maybe mom has some she would send to me!?

Week in review

A week ago we celebrated Eli's birthday at the house with grandparents. We grilled some burgers and ate cake, and it was nice. Eli tried the cake, but really didn't care for it too much--and that is just fine with me. He just stuck his fingers in it and made faces about the mess. On his actual birthday, which was Monday, we just spent the day spoiling him with kisses and songs! We must have sang "Happy Birthday to you" over a dozen times! He would just clap and say "yeahhh!" It was our first week at home all together since school got out. It has been a period of adjustment! Especially for me. I had a couple of "bad mom" moments that I wish I could erase. On Wednesday the kids and I were getting ready to go over a friend's home and I got a little bit irritable with the older 2--don't really remember why--but by the time we all got into the car, I was quite frazzled! I took a deep breath before I started the car--afterall, that is no way to drive, right? I looked at my sweet kids in the rearview mirror, and felt the urge to apologize for the way I had been acting. I think I said, "Guys, I am so sorry, I don't know why I acted that way," and before I could say anything else, Aaron chimed in with, "Mom, I think you weren't obeying God. Maybe you should pray for Him to help you obey." Yep! Nothing more convicting than your 4 year old calling you out! But seriously, If we would just stop, be still and pray for just a moment when it feels like we are going to just lose it! Anyway, I am glad Alexis is home with us for a couple months. She misses her friends and her teacher, but she is glad to be home with us for the time being. We are implementing a schedule I made up this weekend that I am hoping will provide some structure, responsibility, and, well, order. I have decided it is necessary after this past week. I think we all do better knowing what comes next in our day. We will see how it goes. Here are some pics of our week.

Eli clapping while we sing happy birthday

happy moment

crazy moment

What's her deal?

Sweet Granny & Papa Picture

Part of the spoiling on Eli's actual birthday. He loves to be pulled around in anything--this was his lego wagon.

look out!

I don't know--I just thought this pic was hilarious!

My big one year old!

I got this one of Aaron. He wasn't sleeping--he was a little sad because dad and Alexis went somewhere without him. He waited by the window until they got back. (They were only gone 10 minutes.)

"That's all Folks!"

Happy Birthday, Little E!

Today is Eli's 1st Birthday! I can't believe he has been with us for a year, but I really can't remember what life was like without him. That is just how it is when you have kids isn't it? A year ago this morning I was up at the same time (6 am) laying on the couch with contractions. I still had 3 weeks until my due date--but Chism boys come early in this family! It was a rainy day, and all my babies came on rainy days. I knew it would be the day Eli would be born. I had some pretty intense contractions from the beginning--not mild ones like with the other 2. We went to the hospital later that morning and when I went to lay down on the table so they could hook me up to the heart monitor, the contractions stopped COMPLETELY! They said "you're too early, go on home." We met the kids and grandparents for lunch and about 1/2 way through the meal the contractions started again. So, Kevin and I went home! We took a walk when the sun came out for about an hour. I tried to rest, but the contractions were so intense I couldn't sleep. About 5pm we went back to the hospital. By that point, it felt like I was in transition. They checked me and I had not changed--no progression? I broke into tears. With my other babies I stayed in control, kept on top of my breathing--you know, in a zone! I lost control, and couldn't stop crying. How could I have not progressed with contractions this bad? They told me to take a walk. I remember praying at that moment, "Lord, I can't do this, I am too tired, be my strength because I have none left." We started walking around the L&D wing, and Kevin was my rock--the Lord used him to be my strength. He held my hand and when I would stop to have a contraction, I would hold his arm and lean in to him, rocking back and forth. I had never really let him be a real "part" of the process! With the other 2 I didn't want to be touched or distracted. That makes me sad now. But God took me out of the pilot's seat with this one. And I praise Him for that because those moments with Kevin were so peaceful and good! Within an hour Eli was born--it was fast and furious! He came into our lives a little after 7 pm, weighing 6 lbs. 12 ounces and measuring 20 inches long. The kids came in soon after and what I remember mostly was a whole lot of joy! We sure do love you Eli. Happy birthday, buddy!