Wordless Wednesday

Two Fold Reason I Havent Been Blogging

The problem I had with blogging was twofold. First, I never had time to sit in front of the computer and actually blog (because blogging from my phone would not allow me to use proper punctuation and capitalization). Second, I didn't want my blog to turn into an update about Joey's more personal issues. Mostly because those issues aren't always going to be there and if the internet is becoming a black hole for "dirt" on people, and as he gets older, this stuff I about his personal issues might be bothersome to him as a teenager or adult! But, I think I have worked out the kinks of blogging from my phone. Its hard to edit, but maybe I can get most of it right the first time! So, now if Will would redo my background, I might try this again. =)

Leaving the Blog World. . . sort of

Well, I think it is official.  I am going to end my blogging days about my family.  I have decided I do not need all of our stuff on the internet for the world to read.  As much as I enjoy blogging, I think I will keep a journal for myself and the kids as they grow up, but that's it.  At least for now.

Back to Reality. . . for me

I have been so blessed to spend every day of the past 12 weeks stressing over bonding and loving my newborn son, Joey.  This time was also amazing to have with Will, Kate, and Cali (even though I stumbled throught the first few weeks in a COMPLETE sleep deprived, post partum depressed daze because I THOUGHT I could do it all).
Unfortunately, this good thing of being paid to be at home everyday must come to an end.  Today, if all goes as planned, I will be at an NNP meeting half of the day. Then, I will have three 12 hour shifts next week.  After that, it's back to the grind working 24s.  I will miss seeing these faces every single day, but so grateful to have a job that provides for our family.  Thank you, Lord.

Cali's Birthday Party

We did it.  We finally had a birthday party for Cali.  Her "official" birthday is February 1st, but with Joey coming on January 31, she did not get a real celebration.  But, this year, on April 20th, we celebrated Cali and how special she is to us.

CALI, YOU are so special to us.  We are so glad that we were able to have a birthday party at Pump It Up, JUST FOR YOU =)

You waited so patiently for your friends to arrive.  I have never seen so much excitement about a birthday party.  

You and Kate played together and helped me and Dad with Joey before friends began arriving.  You and your sister are best friends and you don't even know it.

Here is all 42 inches of you!  (This will come in handy for our vacation this year).

This is the group of friends that came to celebrate with us.  Ethan, Ella, Ellysa, Tyler, Daniella, Alli, Ayden, Stormi, Sierra, Kate, Hunter, Sami, Isaiah. (Not pictured: Sali, Isabell, Patrick, Jeremiah and all the parents that stayed).

I had fun going through the inflatable mazes and down the big slides.  I must be getting old because I get worn out a whole lot faster than you!

After jumping, we spent time eating pizza, cake, ice cream, and opening presents. (Well, everyone else ate. . . I had grilled chicken because of the diet with Joey).

This last picture sums up how your day was.  You told me it was the best day ever.  I have only heard you call one other day the best day ever and that was when Ms. Tina and Mr. Gino came to visit and we herded all the children to the water park.  I am so glad your day was so special.  I LOVE YOU, Baby Girl.

Smiling Saturday

Cali's 5 Year Birthday PARTY

Cali turned 5 on February 1st, the day AFTER Joey was born.  She has not had a birthday party to invite her friends to since she was born.  When she turned 3, we had just moved here and didn't know anyone (I took her to Chuck E Cheese so she could at least think all the kids playing were her friends at her party).  Last year when she turned 4, we had a huge snow and noone could make it.  I didn't want her first real party to be stressful (probably shouldn't have spoke so soon), so we promised her a party after Joey was a little bit older.
Here we are at 11 weeks old for Joey and Cali's party is TOMORROW!  She is totally excited.  She has been counting down the days for weeks now.  She passed out her own invitations and packed her own goody bags for her friends.  I hope that she has fun tomorrow.  She has matured so much in the past 11 weeks.  I am so proud of her.