Hey Papa 4 Wheeler- We need one of these!!

Christmas Card Tries



I was having trouble trying to get a picture for our Christmas cards (that are still not out yet) because I don't know how to operate my camera but Kerry got it figured out for me. I think they are funny and fun to share. Garrett fell over... Whoops..

 

So In Love

I'm so in love with these three little boys and my husband....  I can't hardly take it.  We are having lots of fun creating memories.  I really enjoy getting to spend the holidays at home with these guys.  Tomorrow starts our Christmas break so it is going to be interesting what fun and trouble we can get into. 

Papa Old Tractor

My grandpa has watched our boys since Gavin was five months old with the help of my loving Grandma Ruth.  Right before my grandma passed away, we told her I was pregnant and she was convinced that the baby was going to be a girl.  When I discovered I was pregnant with another boy, my heart sang because my grandma had passed away at this point and I knew she would think it was awfully special I was having another boy.  When I finally told Grandpa, we were expecting another boy, he got this huge grin on his face and a little tear in his eye.  My grandpa still watches Griffin every Tuesday and he loves to hold Garrett.  He smiles ear to ear which isn't something that happens very often.  Papa Old Tractor just holds the baby and watches his every move.  It is a bitter sweet thing because I so dearly miss my Grandma EVERYDAY and I truly mean everyday but I know that she is up in Heaven looking down on us all.  And she is getting pure pleasure out of the fact that Grandpa is enjoying holding and watching the baby.     

 On a lighter note, you see this recliner he is sitting in, he is in need of a new one but he won't purchase a new one because my boys love to climb up on this recliner with him and rock.  He rocks Griffin every Tuesday in this chair and although Griffin weighs as much as he does, he still does it.  So sweet.  By I mean he needs a new recliner as in this one has several holes that you could lose body parts in.  :)

 My boys absolutely adore this Papa!!  Gavin loves to be held and comforted by him. 

The joy that is brought to all of their lives by having each other is amazing.  I love that they like and get to spend time with Papa Old Tractor.  They each have something truly special.

Garrett's first bath

Garrett has his first bath early last week and he loved it.  Well actually his very very first bath in the bathtub he hated and screamed the whole time so this is actually his second bath.  But he loved it!!!

Catching up...

So right now, I should be doing a million of other things but I just can't resist sharing any longer.  This post is a basic catch all and catch up so bare with me.  The day before Thanksgiving Gavin came home from school with these hats he made.  He couldn't wait to show me and share with Griffin what they meant and why he made them.  It was so fun to see his excitement about Thanksgiving.  Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday and with a new blessing, it was extra special this year.  I am so thankful for what God has blessed me with, I'm also so thankful for the family and friends He has surrounded us with.  It was good to share this with the boys. 

Many people wonder how the other two boys are doing with Garrett and I have to say in one word-amazing.  I thought Griffin might be a little jealous but he isn't.  They are both extremely good helpers and love to love on him.  Gavin and Griffin are constantly wanting to hold him and talk to him.  We have had a few attitude issues with both of them but it hasn't been bad at all.  They both are doing much better than I could have ever imagined.  

 Every night before they go to bed, they both want to give him a kiss good night.  They also love to give him a "good morning" kiss and "going to school" kiss.  They are very loving towards him.  I'm so glad. 

After Thanksgiving, we put up the tree.  This year the boys seem extremely excited about it.  Our tree is made of just white lights and ornaments from Kerry and I, ornaments that the boys have gotten from Great Grandparents, and family ornaments.  I love looking at the ornaments every year.  This year since the boys were so excited, I let them put all of the ornaments on the tree themselves.  Many of them are in the middle or at the bottom in the front but they took claim to the tree and took great pride in putting the ornaments on so I haven't moved any of them.  If the tree falls over due to too much weight in the front, it will make for a good laugh and great memories. 

 Yes I'm still having trouble rotating the pictures....  Ugh so frustrating.

 At the end of November, my work had a free bowling and pizza night so we decided to go.  Our family had so much fun.  My coworkers got to enjoy the baby and we enjoyed a couple of games of bowling.  The two older boys bowled on their own lane and Kerry and I bowled on our own lane.  I must say that I won 2 out of 3 games, just for the record.

 I don't think I have heard the boys laugh and have so much fun in a long while. 

Mama Sharon got Garrett this adorable Santa hat so I couldn't resist taking a couple of pictures of him in it the other morning. 

 He is so lovable.  I can't believe how much I had forgotten when the boys were this little but I'm enjoying EVERY single minute of this right now.

 On Saturday we went to the Fairbury Christmas parade. I left Garrett at home because I thought it might be too cold.  The boys enjoyed the parade except for the guns and we went to see Santa afterwards. Griffin had so excited to see Santa which surprised me. They both talked with Santa.  Griffin told him he wants all football stuff and Gavin wants an IPOD, wrestling thing, and Christmas socks.  Santa told them he needed them to set out carrots for the reindeer and milk and cookies for him so the boys have remembered that.  We have never done that before for Santa or the reindeer but we sure will this year.  I can't wait!!!

Well the post is all over the board so hopefully you can understand and follow it.  Time is going by way too quickly. 

Basketball

Gavin started basketball at the Boys and Girls Club several weeks ago.  He seems to enjoy it but like many other 5 year olds, he does get a little distracted a little at times.  He has made a couple of baskets but it is super cute to watch them all learn the game and play ball.  He is playing defense here, ready for a rebound. 

 Shooting!!!

 Someday I will figure out how to turn the pictures but until then... Look for him under the basket, he is rebounding.

 Will it go in?

Meet Garrett Daniel

Only by God's grace and many prayers answered, Garrett Daniel made his appearance on Nov. 15, 2011 at 6:21 pm, weighing in at 8 lbs 5 ozs, and 18 inches long.  I was in labor more than 24 hours and there were many scary moments but he is perfect just like his older brothers. 

Super sweet picture of my handsome hubby cuddling with Garrett the next day. 

The boys absolute love him and were so happy to finally see and hold their new baby brother.  They only have been asking to meet him for several months. 
 

Not such a great picture of mommy but oh well, I was enjoying my cuddle time with baby.  I love the smell of newborns. 

Gavin was all too excited to finally hold Garrett.  Someone would come in to hold the baby and then Gavin would want him to hold after that person held him for a couple of minutes.  He was so excited. 

Griffin was just as excited and he did so much better than I thought holding Garrett.  When Gavin wasn't holding him then Griffin was. 

Papa 4 wheeler met Garrett for the first time the next day.  Gavin and Griffin wanted to know where Garrett was going to fit in the combine and tractor right away.  Our solution is Gavin and Griffin can sit on the buddy seat and Garrett can sit on Papa's lap.  Or we are going to invest an extended cab combine and tractor...  It is so funny to hear the questions and concerns the boys have about the baby.

Mama Kathy was there as well.  As she would say she was having a "bad hair day" so she wore this "darling" (I'm quoting her terms) hat.

Mama Dolphin and Reece met him as well.

Griffin really didn't want to give up Papa's lap so he could hold Garrett so he just stayed there and Papa had to adjust.  Too funny!!

We are extra blessed this year with our new little addition and we are so thankful for all God has provided for us.  I love my husband and sons so very much!!

Ode to the Expectant Mother

A dear friend of mine e-mailed me this adorable poem.  It is very true and made me laugh out loud.  I'm ready for this beautiful blessing to come into this family although I know I need to be patient, it is difficult.  But I truly want to do what it says at the end.  Hope you enjoy the poem.

The baby moves and turns and twists
And hits me with it’s little fists
Sometimes I wish to put it down
And let others have a go around!

My back is achy, my feet are sore
I can no longer see the floor.
My face is puffy, my skirt too tight;
I look like I’ve been through a fight.
My brain is mush, my memory’s gone,
I forget the bills and we’re overdrawn!
Where are my keys? What is your name?
The world just doesn’t look the same!
My stomach’s full, but so’s my plate;
How can this be? I’ve hardly ate!
But give me just another hour
And I will ten more bites devour!

At night I cannot get to sleep,
Doesn’t help to count the sheep,
And when I finally drift away,
Blink! It’s time to start the day.
I’m always tired, I have no zip
Boy, these stairs are a huge trip!
The toilet’s filthy, the laundry a mound,
What kitchen floor? Just don’t look down.

This heartburn in my throat’s a pain.
Don’t even start about weight gain.
I have to go! What should I do?
I stop at each and every “loo”.

And yet in spite of pain and all
I guess it’s worth each bad pitfall
But one thing more will I shout
HURRY AND GET THIS BABY OUT!

Me and the little boys

This was taken right before we left to go to the Firemen Benefit!!  Can you tell the boys really wanted to take a picture?

Baby Tredennick Update

Well there is not a whole lot to report sorry to say.  Baby Tredennick wants to stay in there and grow some more.  I'm dilated to a 1 or 2, the same as three weeks ago, and not anymore effaced than 30%.  Going into my doctor's appointment today, I was pretty excited because I thought for sure she would take me in today but she didn't think he was ready.  I have to be more patient and wait for his arrival which can be very challenging for me.  Papa 4 wheeler seems to think he is waiting to be born on 11-11-11.  We shall see.          

Trike Races and Painting Pumpkis

The weekend of Gavin's birthday was really nice so the boys spent a lot of time racing their trikes outside.  They seem not to be able to do anything unless they are racing but it is super fun to watch. 

 Gavin spun out and was taking a rest so that Griffin could re-catch up with him. 

 Griffin pedaling his little heart out.  The pillow works really well but he really needs a bigger one but since Gavin doesn't have a bigger one he doesn't want one.  His legs have to stretch. 

 We also painted a big and little pumpkin.  The boys love to paint and I don't do it near enough but we painted some pumpkins last year and I thought we would try it again. 

 Griffin is really getting to know his colors so he would ask for them specifically by name and usually got them right. 

 Concentrating on making the perfect design. 

 Finish product for Griffin with a crazy face. 

In the bathtub they both went because they seem to get paint on them too.  It made for a good family night although I put the pumpkins back outside and the rain washed a lot of the paint off.  Didn't think on that one....  Good thing they didn't mind.

Another Trip to Radar Farms

While I was at my cousin's shower, my friend Bridget, her kids, and our boys experienced Radar Farms.  They had an absolute blast.  I decided to join them for a couple of hours after the shower.  Before I got there they all did the corn maze which totally amazed me.  Bridget is one brave girl but she said they did really well.  They earned a free popcorn for completing it.  When I first got there, I discovered they went on a hay rake ride.  So fun.  I missed that the first time we went. 

Then they climbed the huge tower of hay... (the picture was rotated but I don't know why it showed up sideways on here-so just tilt your head) 

Katie is queen of the castle..... 

 Griffin as prince of the hill....

 Now Gavin's turn...  No I have no clue who the boy is beside him. 

Miss Ellie Grace was getting antsy!!!  She couldn't climb because she was too little.  

 You never know what these three boys are up to.

 I did get a good picture of them all though.

 As the bigger kids went to jump on the pillow, Griffin played in the sand.

 And of course in a tractor....

 Just before leaving Gavin wanted to show me how he could lasso a horse.

 And then the sun was going down and so were the boys... they were worn out and tired.  Needless to say they slept amazing well that night.