There has to be something that can help!

At one point or another all of us have wondered if there is something out there that can help. I did and I am so glad that I found that "something". I was introduced to the oils when I was pregnant with Sophia. I thought they were great but didn't think they were for me until I was sick and there was nothing that could take away the coughing fits I was having. So I called up my friend and she brought over some samples right away. Before I went to bed I applied peppermint oil to the bottoms of my feet and lemon oil to my chest. It helped so much and with in a couple of days my cough was completely gone. After having Sophia she was so congested at night and because of her being an infant there was nothing over the counter that I could give her. ***Then I remember the oils*** Now she sleeps wonderfully and more importantly can breathe! Since then we have found so many other uses for our oils from our physical and mental health, cleaning supplies, to cooking and much more! These oils have definitely changed our lives.

2 Can Taco Soup

2 cans corn (not drained)
2 cans beanless chili
2 cans tamales (slice before adding)
2 cans light red kidney beans (drain and rinse)
2 cans Italian stewed tomatoes
1 lrg can chicken (not drained)
1 small can chilis

Add everything into crockpot and keep on warm all day or cook until hot.
Eat with shredded cheese, sour cream, and tortilla chips.

You're the first to see

So must of the time, okay all of the time I post things of Facebook first and then weeks or maybe even months later it gets put on here. I figured I would switch things up a bit and let the Great Grandparents have the first look. When Sophia was 8 days old we went to Meherg Photography and had some pictures taken. Well here they are hope you all enjoy. We had a blast and are having a tough time deciding which ones to order so suggestions are welcome!

What a Lady!

So on my last post I was talking about how AMAZING my Mother is, well it's that time and this IS the story! I have come from such a great family with parents that have been great examples. My Mom has always been an example of service not just to her friends and family but ANYONE that she sees in need. (Anyone can serve but it takes a lot to serve those that haven't been the nicest to you and she does) She does things out of love and often times in secrecy. I have been so fortunate to be able to have my Mom by my side or at home with my children through all of my deliveries. I have always appreciated her kindness in the past but more so with this last baby. Life had been challenging and she made things so much easier, and for the first time in months I felt like my home was a heaven on Earth. 

She arrived a couple of days before I had Sophia and it was so nice to be able to catch up on some sleep. We left for the hospital and missed the first of many pajama party but when we got home the house was all decked out. She helped the kids make a welcome home sign, there was candy, cake and a super clean house!

She spoiled the kids with cool pancakes, Bryant and I will never be able to compete with.

She also made Sophia's crib set, take a look. It is pretty sweet!

That is one lucky little girl and one spoiled Mommy.

We had so much fun and I really enjoyed the company. The clean house, dinners, scripture stories, and everything else was just an added bonus. Oh I forgot to mention 2 other very important things she got Wyatt to nap and sleep in his own bed at night! (Oh magic)

I'm sorry if this is a little much but I really enjoy being able to enjoy my little bundle of joy and give the other kids attention when we have a new addition without having to worry about everyday life and she made that all possible. Thanks MOM and thanks Dad and Aaron for suffering in my behalf. ;)

A little piece of Heaven

Sophia Rose Hess

7lbs 7oz 19in

Born March 4, 2011 2:48am

These past couple months have been crazy to say the least. From not being able to walk from sciatic pain, to crawling on the ground from sciatic pain. Stepping off the stage onto a chair that collapsed, slipping and falling on ice and quite a few trips to the ER, we are finally done! She is here! I would do it all over again for her, but not ever again for another baby. ;) I don't think my body could handle being pregnant again. We were so blessed to have help from friends and family during that time and trust me we received a lot of help!

Things didn't go quite as planned when we first arrived at the hospital, but once the eduction got started we were on a roll. Things progressed fairly quickly and I ended up having to hold this little girl in for a half and hour until the doctor got to the hospital.

She is just perfect... a little noisy but then she wouldn't fit in if she wasn't. So happy and smiley, her brothers and sister just love her!

We were fortunate to have my Mom with us for a couple of weeks before and after Sophia's arrival. I truly don't know what I ever did to have been blessed with such and amazing selfless Mother. But then that is another story that will be told later.

 before leaving the hospital

 going home

 her proud siblings

 her Sissy loves her

 her big brother is a super hero

 she loves to be bundled up tight

Here are just a few of our pictures. She is now 2 weeks old and doing great! Grandma just left to go back home last night and so we are adjusting. Hoping we get into a new groove soon so that we can continue to enjoy our family!



Please be the last!

So I am hoping that this will be the last time that I will ever have to post something like this for Aubrey, now Sophia might be a different story.This will be the 4th time and like I said hopefully the last but I won't hold my breath.

                                                                                                                    

                                                   
 After putting Wyatt down for his nap I woke up to Aubrey being super cute. She was trying to make food for her baby doll. We sat downstairs just having girl talk for a while when she told me that she was tired of her bangs getting in her eyes. And then I saw it... she was telling me this because she decided to get them out of her eyes by cutting them. It was awful!!! The cuts all over were so random that I had no clue how I was going to fix it. After about 45mins of being on the Internet and her sitting in the chair while I just stare this is what I came up with.

When I was done I put her in the bathroom so I could style it, and when she looked Ithe mirror and saw how short it was she cried. But that was nothing. She then realized that her and Grandma were no longer twins and then she bawled!!! Her and my Mom have had the same hair cut for over 3 years.

I had to warn Joey and tell him to say nice things about it.

Trendy right!?! Well maybe a little too trendy. Now everywhere she goes people are commenting o how cute she looks, and they love her hair. Just last night we were stopped in the freezer section of Walmart so a lady could tell her that she looked like a movie star. Now I wasn't able to fix everything but unless you really look you would have no clue that it was a "fix it" job. Oh and BTW if you look closely you can tell that she had been bawling previously to the pictures being taken.

Who Does That?!?

So last night as a family we decided to go to a buffet for dinner. Kids are all happy with plates in front of their faces including Bryant and I come back with my plate full of yumminess. As I sit down Bryant says you are so predictable.  I replied that we had been married for almost 7 years and  he should be able to predict that. But the truth is it shouldn't take him that long. I am that predictable, can you guess what I go for every time I go to a buffet or anywhere that might have it?Think long and hard... okay not too hard it's not that special. If fact it's not special at all, more like irresistible to my taste buds.
Mashed potatoes, gravy, beef of any kind, and you gotta throw a roll or two in there.
But it is way better than that, when I am done I could have any thing, we are at a buffet so ANYTHING and I go back for a second plate of the same thing. And that is it no dessert no trying stuff I wouldn't normally get, that is what Bryant's plate is for. :)
So my friends how predictable are you?

Confused 2 year old

Wyatt is 2!!!!!! He is our little buddy and the glue that really puts the family together, but lately he's not too sure what is going on. Things in his little world are about to be blown to pieces. He knows he can get Mommy to stop anything she is doing to hold him and that if he cries good enough Daddy will let him stay up and even sleep in bed with us. All of which will change in March when our second little princess enters this world. So he hasn't quite got the hang of the terrible two thing yet. He likes to tease, sass, and pick on his siblings but at the same time he is the sweetest little two year old we have ever had. He loves to be held and is very verbal about how much a loves us. How could we be blessed with such a well balanced child? I don't know but we'll take it. Here are pictures from his birthday, he wasn't as excited about opening his presents as we had hoped but loved what was inside of them.

I've been told a picture says a thousand words...

What would this one say?

Everyone should have one

So me being me couldn't live without my little pup, one that I can baby and take with me anywhere. I have to have a buddy keeping my lap warm while I am driving or watching tv. So here is Tink. She is a Teddy bear just a little different than Mater. She has been a blessing and a joy. She really is a great addition to our family and is well loved by everyone! Bryant is also getting a little soft spot for her. ;)

                                     

She definitely looks like a teddy bear

Fancy is a little clumsy, but tries to be so gentle

Abby thinks it's her baby

Princess is just glad to have a buddy her size and is with her every chance she gets.

Aubrey, well... she loves her to death! But still asks everyday when Mater is coming back down.

Her favorite place to sleep is between mine and Bryant's pillows.

At least he's not alone...

What took me some time to realize, Joey could see from the beginning. "At least he's not alone Mom, he is with Uncle Dustin."

Thursday morning was kinda rough or just awful, as I lay in bed thinking of how I have out grown my maternity pants and need to buy a bigger pair the door bell rings. It rings at 6:30 in the morning over and over again, so I stubbornly throw on a robe and go to the door. The lady that stood there asked if I had a 3 legged dog. I replied yes realizing that Mater was not in bed with me this morning. She continued to tell me that he was hit by a car and how it all happened. In shock I thanked her and went back inside.

Mater was my buddy and went everywhere with me, he slept under the covers between Bryant and I at our feet every night. He was the coolest dog to have around, so fun loving, spastic at times and very affectionate. Looking out the window I realized that he was at the end of the driveway and there was no way to get Joey off to school without the kids seeing him. Bryant was at work so that left it up to me. Sobbing I walk out to the street with a sheet in my hands I covered him up and brought him in the garage. I told the kids what had happened and drove Joey to school. Thursday was pretty warm and I knew he couldn't stay there until Bryant got home.

The hole was dug and all that was left was for me to put him to rest but I just couldn't let go, knowing that this was the last time that I would be able to hold him in my arms I just sat there for a half hour cherishing the last moment I had with him. I know this might sound crazy to many of you knowing that to you a dog is just an animal, but to me they are family. Requiring just as much time and love as a kid but giving you an endless amount of love.

As I sat back and thought about how this all played out I couldn't help but think of the thought that crossed my mind just a couple days before. Looking at him get around as best as he possibly could but not as effortless as before, knowing that the accident and him losing his leg had changed him. Wondering if he was happy. So now I am sad and miss my buddy but am happy knowing where he is and that there is no pain and he now can run with all 4 legs.

Summer to Remember

This summer was filled with lots of accidents, family fun, and just hanging out. At the end of May we got our miniature horse back from being trained. The kids had a blast and really enjoyed riding him, Joey was a natural. Until a police car flew by with the sirens on spooking the horse, taking Joey for a wild ride. He fell off into a post, scraped up his head and broke his wrist making him spend the night in the children's hospital.

He was so excited to get his cast he never wanted to take it off.

Soon after this we left for our family reunion in Ohio. The kids got to meet up Grandma, Grandpa, Uncle Aaron and got to meet their "great" cousins. Believe me these kids are great in more than one way. :)

Joey and Aubrey had a blast with Gabby and Brad!

We always have a lot of fun visiting with our relatives out in Ohio, eating good good food and playing games. Although we only see each other once every couple of years it's amazing how well things just mesh. Our last night there we were having a dance party in the camper and things got out of hand. lol Or Wyatt is just clumsy.

After the reunion Bryant headed home while the kids and I headed back out to PA with Mom and Dad. We ended up spending almost a month out there. I always enjoy heading back home and just relaxing. I must admit though, I am pretty selfish with my time and it is really hard for me to do anything but spend time with my family. Many days were spent by the pool, picking veggies from the garden, singing and dancing in the rain and just letting lose. Every minute is just "SPECIAL", kinda reminds me of the days I spent and the park feeding the animals with my Grandpa. There is no need to entertain or talk just enjoy each others company.

 

Dancing in the rain then enjoying the rainbow.

Racing and boxing

4th of July fireworks

Aubrey didn't make it through the show, and the boys thought it was a to play.

Thanks the Loski's we were able to go to the Gettysburg Reenactment.

This year Grandpa taught Joey how to swim. The kid is like a fish!