Fathers day 2012

I pray my children soak in the goodness of their father early in life. I feel like it wasn't until my mother passed away that I saw all my dad is as a man and father. I see now being patient is a gem few people possess, I know what it truly means to be humble. I have seen the definition of cling to your wife and none else along with a man who worked hard to make a life for his family. Through my dad I have learned what hard work is, and to never treat anyone less than how you would want to be treated. He is amazing and strong and I admire him so.....

If my children were to follow their father and his example they would grow to be the happiest of people, they would learn service without end, hard work, and putting yourself last and family first. They would learn to love with all their hearts and how to treat their spouses like royalty. They would learn to be funny, and make life enjoyable for others. If my children grow to be like their father they will have faith that is unstoppable, a testimony that is immovable and the desire to follow the Lord. I hope they know how blessed they are to have this man in their lives for they have the ability to be anything they want to be with him as their father.....

Collette is 6 months old...

My sweet 6 month old Coco Collette. I am IN LOVE with you my sweet baby girl. The giggles, the smiles, the rolling, the babbles, the bubbles, the cooing, the mamammas, the toe eating it all melts my heart each and every day. You have your sisters appearance and your brothers personality and you add so much to our family. You make great company at all hours of the night and have the yummiest cheeks that I could nibble all the day long. Your mommy sure loves you!

Movie night

We have a great night eating "fufu panda " pei Wei and watching Gremlins with the kids. Love love love family nights!

welcome 2012

up late typing with one hand, the other cradles my baby Collette. The days are going by so quickly. Collette is a round, bubbly, happy little girl who wants to be awake all hours so she doesn't miss the excitement that is always taking place within the walls of our home. I love that I never know what each day will bring..... what new story from Elizabeth, what new imaginary play from Reed and if Collette will finally let out that giggle I am so badly waiting to hear. We are busy, none the less, these three little ones don't quite clean up after themselves..... but they are so helpful in their own little ways. Miss Elizabeth usually performs some random dance for us every night and Reed usually joins in towards the end. She is showing more and more that she is just a kind hearted little girl. She is so sweet to her siblings and can be such a peacemaker when she wants to be. She told me tonight that when I get upset and yell at her then she won't tell me I'm her best friend but I really still am, best friends indeed we are, but her mother above all of course. Reed is saying all sorts of sentences these days but my favorite was when I walked into his room one night as I heard him crying and he said,''mommy, I NEED you..." You better believe that received an award and he slept in my bed that night.... and of course he now says it all the time. Love my mommas boy. As soon as daddy walks into the door Reed is right there ready to wrestle. Porter and Reed taunt each other by saying,"you want a piece of me" back and forth. And let's not forget itty bitty Collette with cheeks as round as the moon and a smile that lights up the room. She gets so much attention everywhere we go.... she is a doll. She is such a joy to have in our home and so different from Elizabeth and Reed. Everything I knew about babies with my first two has gone out the window with this little girl. She is more needy than the rest of them and gets fussier more often but she is so cute at the same time its no fuss at all. Really it just boils down to when she is awake she wants to have social interaction the whole time of else she grunts and it turns into crying. Elizabeth and Reed are AWESOME when it comes to this because they love to lay by her and give her all the attention she wants and needs. I love the sibling relationship, it is so cute and special. On another note.... the holidays came and went and were as wonderful as could be. I loved the extra time we had as a family at home and going around town. With all the fun in our home there of course is the fact that things are busy and hard at times. I feel like I have been a complainer lately and it is bugging me. Obviously 3 kids is work but I don't know why I feel like I need others to notice and mention that I am working hard. I know I work hard, and it really doesn't matter if other people notice or care now does it. I think as moms or at least me as a mom we don't see our hard work as an outcome like some things in life come out. We do the laundry and bam the basket is full again..... we do the dishes and next thing we know it's dinner time and the sink is full again..... we sweep we mop we dust and it comes back nothing to show but most importantly we play, we laugh, we tickle, we read, we watch, we love, we explain, we teach, we cry, we hug, we kiss, we cuddle, we enjoy our little ones and that is where our hard work is focused and no we do not see it like a finished essay or painting... our hard work we invest in our children is developing them little by little into great outcomes. With things so busy I have a hard time reaching goals from day to day and it weighs on me and makes me feel like I am not accomplishing much but I sit back and remember I am, I am tackling loving 3 kids 4 and under who are very needy and very appreciative of the love I give..... They soak it up like sponges, and I love the hair that needs braiding, the shoes that need tieing, and the diaper that needs changing. There really is no where I would rather be or anything else I would rather be doing so I don't know why I feel the need to complain from time to time. I am blessed, I know I am and I have kids who amaze me everyday and a husband who reminds me whenever we are together that June 3rd 2005 was the best decision I ever made.... so here is to no more complaining and continuing on in my motherhood journey with a better attitude this new year!
and here are my new years resolutions... now that they are written I can better be held accountable for them...... striving to hit 12 personal goals every day for 2012 in hopes of a more organized day.....
1. scriptures
2. morning and evening prayer
3. light exercise 6days a week
4. minimum of 15 minutes quiet time for each child individually
5. home made dinner all weekday nights
6. front room and kitchen tidy before bed
7. 30 minutes towards a personal project daily (journal, craft, sewing...)
8. one load of laundry a day, no less no more ( it could take over ones whole week!)
9. read something church based with Porter each night
10. drink minimum of 64oz water daily
11. minimum of 5 servings or fruits/veggies daily
12. actively search some way to serve someone daily

Happy Birthday.....

My dear daughter is 4. I can hardly believe it. So sweet and special, so kind and lovable. This birthday was not our ideal celebration. We had originally planned to go to Disneyland to celelbrate but poor Reed came down with hand foot and mouth virus and then intantigo on top of it. It was a miserable week. Poor Reed just wanted to be held but of course Collette needed to be held and fed and that doesn't work so well when trying to keep germs from traveling. Elizabeths birthday started off with me holing Reed who was creaming and Porter holding crying Collette. I walked over to her bed and mouthed happy birthday because there was no way she was hearing it over the noise. We made the best of the situation. A new princess dress, tiara, and gloves.... a new barbie, power wheels jeep and art kit and krispy kreme breakfast, rainforest cafe lunch and a trip to her favorite place QT gas station to pick a treat. Oh yeah and Reed to the dr for a look at his rash and a prescription run. This entire week and weekend of complete chaos at our house taught me so much. I have been complaining a lot lately about how busy three kids are. I have failed to think how blessed we are that all three kids are healthy and well. I sometimes get overwhelmed having all three of them surrounding me to cuddle at the same time but with Reed sick and only being able to hold him or the others all I wanted was the three of them at once. This week of sickness I felt a lot of sadness and feelings of inadequacy as I could tend to either Reed or Colletee and Elizabeth in efforts to not get the girls sick. As I was holding Reed the girls were crying , as I was feeding Collette Reed was screaming for me to hold him hold him. The house was getting messier, the laundry was out of control as well. I realize I am taking for granted their health and the special times we have with our crazy family of 5. I need to stop complaining that things are hard because they really aren't when everyone is healthy. I am blessed beyond measure and am excited to get my healthy little 2 year old back. We have missed the snake hunting, gun shooting, loud laughing, frog jumping, entertaining, cuddling little two year old that makes out family all that it is. He hasn't been himself until today. And Collette misses her big brother holding her I'm sure, those two are buddies. Sweet Elizabeth, thank you for caring about your brother and being so understanding when we didn't go to Disneyland. Thank you for being so helpful all the time. You just got a new chore chart and you are doing amazing always asking if you can clear the table or clean up. We love and appreciate you our little princess. Thank you for being all that you are, you are amazing through and through. Oh and next time we have a mommy daughter lunch date please don't point and call a woman plump even if it sounds nicer than fat.

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My little Reedy Boy

My sweet Reed....
   As I just went into your and Elizabeths bedroom to check on you I saw you about to fall off the end of your bed. I have no clue how you wiggled your way all the way to the end but I'm glad you did because I was able to pick you up and rock you in the rocking chair for a bit before I laid you back down. You are such a special little spirit in our family. I hope you know you are capable of any and everything and that your mommy and daddy love you so very much. Last night our family had a bond fire in the backyard. We all sat around the fire in lawn chairs cuddled up in the cold with our blankets and our smores. Towards the end the girls came inside and just you and your daddy stayed outside by that fire. It was a good 20 minutes just the two of you. I peeked outside and it was the sweetest site to see my boys out there cuddled together. You are such an outgoing, fun little guy we just can't get enough of you. Thanks for being the joy you are in our little family. Even though you won't remember these little memories with both your dad and I, I want you to be able to read you these stories over the years to remind you of a time when you were a little guy I could rock in a rocking chair in the middle of the night  and I'm optimistic you will cherish these stories as much as we do. I sure do love you my little Reedy boy.
xoxoxo mommy

October 2011

Halloween was a hoot! Collette was a peacock, Elizabeth a "pink Barbie cat" and Reedy boy a Chicago Cubs baseball player.... We went to a party in Tucson ( thanks to JAMIE!) a family party and of course trick or treating... this year with her fun cousins Jacob and Quinn.

 It was so fun watching them get into the activity of going door to door! Reed would eat his candy as fast as he got it, while Elizabeth waited patiently until she was finished trick or treating, then counted them all, then began to eat them...

 Reed didn't know what to do with so much candy so he would eat a piece of candy and spit it into the trash before he could even chew it enough to swallow it so he could move onto the next piece....
That's my boy!

 We have been able to get away to the park a bit here and there for a few play dates and picnics. This one involved Reed laying on the ground and blowing the dirt. No wonder he never looks clean!

 Miss Elizabeth had fun with daddy one afternoon blowing bubbles on the porch during the little ones nap time. These two butt heads quite a bit but when the two of them get along nothing is sweeter. They are such a pair this little girl and her daddy. Besides looking alike they just have this little bond that only a daddy and daughter can have...

 Elizabeth was lucky enough to go to Tatum's birthday tea party. She loved it and had fun with all the little girls!

 We have made some yummy fall treats this past month.... and Reed has really become my little buddy. Elizabeth is in preschool 3 mornings a week while Reed, Collette and I play at home. This little guy cuddles me all the day long. Elizabeth has become less attached with cuddles and Collette does the best not being held.... believe it or not. I think with her tummy troubles she is most comfortable on her back flat. Reed was the same way as an infant with his tummy troubles too. So Reed and I cuddle the day away. If you have seen me with Reed you know he has a hair fetish. I love this about this kid.... he sits and twirls my hair whenever he can. He dropped something while sitting in a chair at lunch today and as I bent down to get it he reached for my hair as quick as he could. It's a special thing a momma and her boy.

 And miss coco Collette. She is joy. complete and utter joy. Like I said she doesn't cuddle as much as her momma wishes but I will lay back with her propped against my legs and she gives the sweetest smiles. she first started smiling on August 30th! She has pretty good control of her neck but not quite strong enough for a bumbo yet. She had her first 8 hour night this week on Tuesday, woo hoo! but went back to sleeping about 6 hours after that. This is my first baby who doesn't take binky's, actually prefers sleeping on her back and who doesn't nurse to sleep at night! She will during the day and in the middle of the night but not before her long stretch at night. Porter is a pro with her. This is the first baby that goes to bed better for him than me and I love it. I think it's hard for the husbands sometimes, or my husband because my kids cry for me whenever they are hurt or sick or sad. and the older two were really clingy as babies and still are really. This is our daddy's girl it seems and I love it. Each child is so different and Porter and I both have different ways of doing things. Some things work for some and some for the other. He really is the best team mate ever to have this parenting experience with and I am so grateful for him!

Welcome November.... can't wait to see what you bring!

A name and a blessing....

Our sweet Collette received her baby blessing this week. How perfect the day was. We made it on time to our early church where we were surrounded by family and friends.

I'm so thankful for this little girl and the joy she is to our family...

Her dress was very special, it was made from my wedding dress and the lace from it as well.

                                 I did an "our little pumpkin" theme to go with the season....

I am so thankful, and feel so blessed. Blessed to have the family I do. I am one lucky momma and love these sweet children so. They are amazing and I am so lucky to call them mine....

It was so great waking up Saturday morning and starting the day off with a family bike ride to the park. The kids are starting to become better and better of friends. They laughed and played as daddy chased them around. They were so excited to be able to go to the park since it is not a million degrees anymore:)

I love to just sit and watch them play. I love to see their imaginations in full bloom. I love to hear their giggles and watch them work together as a team. I love to see how Reed copies almost everything Elizabeth does and how Elizabeth is becoming more and more like a second mom to her little brother.

I also love how the park allows me to sit and have some cuddle time with our sweet Collette....

I want to enjoy every second of this sweet time as I know they will all grow up so fast and the park will no longer be the coolest place to go for a day. I know I will miss these days outdoors with little ones playing in the sun.

But for now, while they are young we will be spending our Saturday mornings at the park..... and I love that it's just a bike ride away

 Until next Saturday.....

Dear Diary,

     Taking three kids, 3 and under to the mall is going to get you some looks, especially if your youngest is 3 weeks old and you are in a clothing store where the majority of shoppers are teens & collage students. We had our fair share of stares as we juggled our children and stocked up on clothes for fall. Of course we had the occasional," you must be busy" or " how old are they?". Despite the typical behavior of a toddler and preschooler fighting over lip gloss, my kids were wonderful today. They endured moms need to shop a bit, their first circus show and then dinner with my family. I'm proud of my children and the individuals they are becoming. I'm thankful for the sweetness they bring into our home. I felt a little like an outcast in this store with my plethora of children but quickly realized that I am one lucky woman whose greatest blessing come in a triple stroller. There is nothing that I wouldn't do for each one of my children. I am so thankful for my son whose flat feet stir up a loud pitter padder as he runs on the hard floor from room to room. Thankful for my daughter who on her last visit to the potty (while pushing) said,"you are the greatest." and for baby Collette who lets me snuggle and kiss on her all day. Paired with my husband they are my greatest joy and I hope they know that. I hope the" I love you's" I give sink into their little hearts and that that love gives them the confidence to do anything. I really just want my children to know how proud I am of them.... especially my older two at this time with the transition of Collette coming into our family. They have been such helpers! I recently have had my parenting questioned. It has been the most offensive thing I have ever been told. I find it odd the source that it is coming from and their dealings with children but none the less the things said took a tole on my little heart. I may not be good at a lot of things but mothering is something I am more than passionate about. I thought about what was said for some time and how I needed to prove that they were wrong. I had different things come to mind that I would say or do if the comments were ever brought up again and then it hit me like a bullet ...... I don't care. I don't care! It's not about proving anyone wrong, or right for that matter. It's not about what others see you doing as a mother or don't see you doing as a mother. My mightiest mothering moments have taken place when I have a child one on one, most of the time we are alone and no one is there to see or congratulate or praise and that's OK because it's not about that. I am realizing that no one knows my children like I do therefore they have no idea what is best for these little ones and will not always understand the choices I make for my children but that's just fine because I don't make choices to please others or earn praise I make the choices I make because I love my children dearly and know what's best for them. I make certain decisions to keep them safe and make them know how loved they are. Mothering instincts are so real and so powerful. Not only can a mothers kiss instantly take away pain but a loving mothers heart can aid in the becoming of a beautiful individual. I believe we help shape and mould our children into who they will become and I can't say I would change a thing because my children amaze me more each and every day. I have an amazing husband who is a good example for these kids and I am so thankful to him for the example he sets in our home. I am thankful for mothers, mother figures and women all around me who are good examples and help me and support me in being the mother I am and strive to be. But most of all I am thankful to my own mother who in her short 53 years stayed home with us while we were young, made family dinners, helped out at school, sold girl scout cookies with me, slept with me in her arms after a bad nights dream, loved me when I wasn't so lovable, was always there for me, and taught me what the most sincere form of mothering was all about. When I think of my own mother and the mother I am striving to be to my children I think of this.....

A mother is the truest friend we have, when trials heavy and sudden, fall upon us; when adversity takes the place of prosperity; when friends who rejoice with us in our sunshine desert us; when trouble thickens around us, still will she cling to us, and endeavor by her kind precepts and counsels to dissipate the clouds of darkness, and cause peace to return to our hearts.  ~Washington Irving

Freeze!

Even with things being a little overwhelming over here, I still wish I could just pause this time and take in all it is offering. Three kids 3 and under is a bit much at times, but it is also so rewarding. It is tiring but it is so much fun at the same time. They are all so little still, so innocent and so lovable. Miss Elizabeth is so wanting to help and hold baby sister. Sweet Reed rubs his face on Collette and entertains us with his spiderman like actions. And miss Collette is perfect and precious as can be all bundled in my arms. I have felt so claustrophobic trying to feed Collette and entertain the older two with them right by my sides as I read them books but really I would not have it any other way.  Today I seriously looked like a homeless woman, I don't know how my hair was doing what it was doing but it was bad, my clothes were a mess, I had been spit up on who knows how many times but still my husband was eager as ever to come home and welcome me into his arms and make me feel great. Family is just so amazing. I am thankful for these three children who keep me busy and help me feel loved. I keep thinking of the saying..... very tacky, but true," we may not have it all together, but together we have it all." So how I feel right now regardless of it's vinyl saying appearance.

There is a special magic that creeps into a home when a newborn is present. It's magical and holds a perfect  calmness that comes over everything and everyone. Time slows down and what is truly important becomes clearer than ever. Children draw close, husband and wife celebrate what their love has created and joy is all around. The hustle and bustle of life is almost in slow motion as our little family has spent hours in bed cuddled together, holding baby, and watching movies. We are so blessed. Oh how we are blessed. 2 AM has never had such a beautiful feeling as when I am cuddled feeding my new baby girl in her peaceful nursery, with her lights dim, just the two of us share this time. A time when everyone is asleep and the house is silent. I would not trade this time for anything. I better go cuddle that little peanut I love so dearly....

Meet Collette Anne Williams

As you can see this little girl is being welcomed with opened arms. These are pictures that give a glimpse  of the last 24 hrs since she has been born. I am in love with this little girl and her full head of hair. Little Collette was born weighing 7lbs 3oz. She is our tallest yet at 22 inches. We love and adore every little bit of her. I can not even believe how blessed I feel right now with this new little girl in our family. These pictures are completely out of order and I am a little out of it with being on pain killers, we will be going home tomorrow so we are sure to have more pictures soon. As for these......

Here is Elizabeth and Reed Meeting their little sister Collette. They both had their arms straight out and were so anxious to get a hold of their sibling

last picture pregnant with Collette...

Everything went really smooth and she is doing great. She looks just like Elizabeth did and I just adore her. I will write more later when I'm not so out of it.....

Summer 2011 continued.....

We are just trying to soak up any last minute rays before baby sister comes and we are tucked inside our air conditioned home. My kids love water. Reed thinks he is invincible and Elizabeth tries some new mermaid move every time we are in the pool. They both love goggles and jumping off diving boards.