vacation

We'll be on vacation for the next two weeks...will have lots to post about by then. :)

Happy Father's Day

Trace-babe

The Top 10 things I Love About You

10. You are never afraid to just be you. You have integrity. You are honest with yourself and others and you are never too good or too cool to be a goofball :)

9. You are always up for a challenge. Whether it is at work or with the family - when you see something that needs to be done you tackle it head on. When someone is hurt you don't hesitate to give a hug, wipe away tears, or break out the first aid kit, even if it is just a scratch.

8. Since the day I met you...you have been my optimistic soul. You have this way of seeing people. Fully knowing their faults, you choose to see the good. If a situation seems hopeless and bleak and gray, you seem to always find the silver lining. I have to admit, at first, I found this trait to be a little annoying. But as time has gone by, I have learned to lean on that optimism, because goodness knows, I have a hard time finding it on my own.

7. You work hard and play hard. Just as with everything in your life, you always give 110%. Playing is no different :)

6. You have a beautiful heart. You are kind and loving, and your eyes sparkle. You mean the world to me.

5. You listen to me tell the same stories over and over again. I love to talk to you, even if the conversations sometimes seem to repeat themselves. You never get sick of listening to me (or at least you're smart enough not to say so out loud) :)

4. You like to laugh. I love to laugh with you.

3. You love playing with the kids...so much so, sometimes I think you are one of them. You have an endless supply energy - enough for the both of us!

2. You are an amazing husband. I know that I don't tell you enough (usually because I am busy nagging about something and yes, I do promise to work on that...). I am so glad we found each other. You are my best friend. I love you!

1. You are the coolest dad ever! I love watching you. From holding each of our children for the first time to making them "fly like superman", I am in awe. There is something so simple and sweet, yet so powerful. The love you have for our beautiful Aleana, Trent and Hannah is endless. How blessed I am to be part of this fun adventure you call life :)

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!

52 Weeks and a New Tradition

Lately, as I have been thinking about what to blog about next, I have felt that I need to share more"Joy Moments". I figure if I am going to spend all this time typing away, maybe I can write some things to share with my children (and all of you) that otherwise wouldn't be written. Sure I keep a journal (attempt to anyway...), but that is for everyday things...now. I want to write about memories, moments of the past to pass on and have fun doing it. My goal is to write a Joy Moment about once a month. So en-joy:)

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"52 Weeks and a New Tradition"

“How many weeks are there in a year?” As simple as the question was, at the ripe age of eight, I really didn’t know the answer. What eight years old knew that?!? Not me.

“I don’t know”, I mumbled, not too sure what my mother was getting at.

“Fifty-two”, was my mother’s response. Mom was so smart. She always had all the answers. But if she already knew that answer, then why ask?

Looking back, I did not realize how important of a role that a single question, that one particular moment would play in my young life. In pecking order, I am the third of five children, three boys and two girls - Brian, Aaron, Me, Jesse and Tessa. And boy, I can say that I was elated when Tessa was born. Yes! Victory! I am not the only girl! But, since I was seven when she was born, she could not really help defend me in the “being tortured by my brothers” department. Don’t get me wrong, I dished plenty out myself, but there’s only one of me and three of them and even then I knew that strength came in numbers.

I was daddy’s little girl, and mama’s pride and joy. I wore dresses, and I relished in the moments when strangers smiled at me, knowing it was because they thought I was cute (or so I thought). It was fun to be that cute little girl, but deep down, all I wanted to do, was be like Brian and Aaron. They were sooo cool. They got to play baseball, and run around, play in the mud, and wrestle with dad. They always played “G.I.Joe”, and when I tagged along, I always got “killed” first because I couldn’t make the “gun” noises right. They got to wear pants whenever they wanted. Heck, they didn’t even have to come inside when they had to go pee. Boys. Nope, I couldn’t do any of that.


I was a “young lady”, so I was told, and I had to act proper. I had to sit with my legs crossed. (At the time I didn’t understand what the big deal was…). I took dance lesson after dance lesson for almost nine years. Mom, being the great mother that she was, made sure I was taken care of and had everything that she was never able to have. I was living out her dreams. The only problem was they were hers and not mine. If I said that I wanted to quit ballet, I was called a quitter. And there were no quitters in our family. The sacrifices that everyone else made on my behalf only made the guilt trip worse. Time was taken away from my brothers, when what I really wanted to do, is be like them, especially Aaron.

I looked up to my big brother (still do) as every little sister should. Sure, he was mean, and gross, and rude and he hit too hard, but he was my big brother…that’s the way they’re supposed to be right? But when he wasn’t looking, I watched him. He has this way with people. He can see pain and hurt and love and all the other emotions that the “adults” try to hide. He could tell when dad was hurting or when mom was sad, and he knew just what to say. He even does that with me today. He knows just when to call, and knows just when to tell me that I am being a “stupid-head”.

As much as I admire those qualities, I used to be jealous of him. I could never talk to mom or dad like that. I never knew what to say. If I tried to say something to make them feel better, I usually made it worse. How did he do that? How does he do that? It’s a gift he is blessed with. But as a kid, I did not understand that.

I remember times here and there, where Aaron and Mom were talking. It usually happened after naptime, and later on after school. They would just sit there and talk. Sometimes I would try to be part of the conversation, but even at a young age, tact was not my strong suit. I ended up annoying one or both of them. It’s not that I got any less attention from Mom or Aaron. I think I just wanted to part of what they had. I wasn’t even sure what that was, but I knew it was something special.

Birthdays are always a fun day. I watched the clock slowly tick, the bell finally rang, and school was out. I ran the whole block and a half home (yes I know, such a long way…poor me), just to hear my mom ask, “How is my birthday girl today”? Today was my day, and I knew it. That youthful selfish part of me loved having all the attention. What kid doesn’t? (It only happens once a year and you might as well take full advantage of it). I then got a big bear hug… you know the kind that just makes everything okay and where all the world is good even if it is just for that moment…an all-healing mama bear hug. Ooooo, I loved those.

I put my things away. The house was still quiet. The boys hadn’t gotten home yet. I came into Mom’s room, I can’t remember why – I think I was just bored. She was sitting on the waterbed, one of those big ones with the hutch-type headboard and captain’s drawers. The bedspread was a leopard print faux mink type mess, with an avocado green background. I always thought that thing was ugly. I didn’t get it. Why make a leopard print, and then use green for the back ground? But, it was really soft. I climbed up on the bed curled up next to my Mom, and snuggled into the sea of green with black spots. Mom then wrapped her arms around me and opened a book. She said, “I have a story I want to read to you”.

She began reading, “February 3, 1979…”

“Sheri”, she asked, “do you know what day that was?” Of course, it was my birthday!

“Sheri Ann weighed 8 pounds…” My Mom was reading from her journal, an entry she had written eight years prior. It was a simple, but sweet entry. In my little mind, it was grand. Those words she read – I could feel them connecting me to her. I could feel how special they were. I felt the love conveyed in her voice as she read her words written from not so long ago. I saw a side of her that I rarely saw, someone who let her guard down and was tender and taken back in the moment. Having experienced motherhood now myself, I now know what overwhelming emotions of love and gratitude she must have felt, but back then, I didn’t understand what I was feeling or why she was crying. I just knew it was something special, and this time something special for me. It was my special moment.

She finished reading the entry, and we sat there for awhile, not saying anything, enjoying the silence, the peace. We eventually started talking again. She gave me a mother’s perspective on life, what her hopes and dreams were for me. Some pretty deep stuff for an eight year old. I finally had a connection with her.

The conversation gradually lightened up. She asked what I learned at school on my birthday. I explained to her in a very know-it-all tone (for I was a big girl now) about the Earth’s rotation, and how it takes 365 days to make it around the sun. “And that makes it a year.”

“Okay”, she said, “How many weeks are there in a year?”

It now has been 982 weeks since my mother passed away. You see, she knew she was sick with cancer when she read to me that day. She gave me a moment. She gave me her advice, and we shared a bond. I have reflected on that one conversation too many times in my life to count. When I got married, when each one of my children were born, and then sometimes for no other reason than to just want some advice.

Now I find myself in the throws of trying to raise a daughter of my own. Trying to be fair when life affords it. And trying to let Aleana be Aleana. My dear sweet Aleana turned eight this past week. Life has a funny way of bringing things full circle. While I am not in the same circumstances as my mother by any means, I still wanted to make what I experienced, a tradition, a moment to pass down, a bond to continue.

After all the birthday festivities came to an end, and the day was winding down, I invited Aleana to come sit down with me. She looked at me with curiosity, and I simply replied, “I have a story that I want to read to you”.

Hannah's 3 month pics

Baby pictures are so much fun. I thought Hannah's turned out pretty good. The last one cracks me up - her feet are huge. She got my feet, poor kid :)

The Joy of Life Comes in Moments

This past week was the last week of school for Aleana and Trent. I must admit, it was a tough week. The last week of school is always busy, then let's add two sick (by sick, I mean puking) kids on the same day and time, as well as a fussy little one (my fault, I ate Mexican food), preschool graduation, field day for Aleana, preparations for Aleana's bday party, massive yard work (we are finally re-landscaping our backyard and putting in a swing set), a trip to the Dr myself, several trips to Home Depot, loads of laundry (by loads, I mean mounds) yet to be washed, stinky dishes in the sink, and a slow drain that I (yes, me) had to snake because the professional strength Draino did diddly-squat to what I later found out was a hairball on steroids. Oh ya, did I mention it was our Anniversary on the 21st? Nine years of wedded bliss - and we both pathetically forgot until we got an email from Tracy's brother wishing us a Happy Anniversary. Sad, sad. You always hear the stories about the husband forgetting, but both of us?! What's up with that? Anyway, not a fun week.

Needless to say, by Sunday, I was exhausted and feeling...um well, defeated. How do moms do this? How do they stay sane? What was my mom thinking having F-I-V-E kids???? What was Dad and Gail thinking, putting two families together = 8 KIDS?!?! I CAN"T DO THIS!!! Deep breaths, breathe...breathe. Okay, so maybe in the moment of it all, I was letting myself get out of control and was reaching for the panic button. And I am sure every mom out there has reached that point many times.

Just when I thought I reached my breaking point, I get to experience a wonderful "that's it" moment in church. The teacher was discussing the trials of motherhood. (Quite a fitting lesson after the week I had, don't ya think?) It was something that I needed to hear. She read a quote. And it was one that I have heard before, but this time it really resonated with me. "The joy of life comes in moments".

SO I got to thinking about my week once again, trying to put things into perspective. And while I can assure you that I don't find any joy in cleaning out the puke bowl for the umpteenth time, or folding shirt after shirt, I was surprised on what I did find joy in. Having my almost five year old little boy crawling up on my lap and letting me hold him so he could have the mommy band aid that makes everything alright. I found joy in watching Aleana play with Hannah, and seeing Hannah's face light up, just because of her big sister. Remembering the same moments, I had as a child with Tessa. Seeing that sister relationship already, and just being amazed by it all. Seeing smiles on my kids faces as we take yet another trip to Home Depot and purchase a swing set. They were so excited - and well behaved for a change (a swing set makes for excellent bribery) :) I even found joy in snaking the drain - AFTER I finished it because I did it, and I didn't break anything:).

So while, there are times when I feel like that frog who's stuck in a bowl of cream, swimming and swimming, wanting to give up...if I just hang in there, soon enough that cream will turn to butter. I just wish that I could sometimes have floaties to help when I think I can't do it anymore. Until then, I just have to keep looking for the moments.

Happy Mothers Day

A tribute to moms everywhere :)
ps - stop the playlist on the right before you click "play"

The Diaper Deal

Ok - so with having to buy diapers once again, I was quickly reminded about how expensive they can be. I have tried different brands through the years, and have found that I really like Huggies. They have that elastic band in the back to help prevent leakage up the back of the diaper. Nothing bugs me worse then picking up my sweet baby, patting her back, then realize that I just stuck my hand in pooh.

With that being said, I hate having to pay extra for name brand diapers. I have checked at Sam's Club and Costco, and found that the deal wasn't that great. I could buy just as much Huggies at Walmart and maybe spend a dollar or two more (which is what I would have spent in gas anyway to get to Sam's or Costco...not to mention having to drag three kids through a huge warehouse that they consider to be a playground).

I also hate how the stores like Walmart put the "necessity" items like milk, eggs, cheese...and yes, diapers waaaay in the back of the store. Once again, it's not my favorite thing to drag the kids all the way through the store to get what I need. I always end up buying more than just diapers, and more times then not, it's something that I really didn't even "need." And then I justify it by thinking..."Well, I might as well...since I 'm already here, and the kids are unloaded." Sigh. I am sure all you moms know what I am talking about.

Have no fear! Amazon.com is here to save the day. (Well, not really, but it makes life a little easier, and anything that helps is a great thing indeed!) My friend (thanks Jennise) told me about this program that Amazon has called "Subscribe and Save". It's something that they offer through their grocery service. (Say what?!? Did anyone else know that Amazon sells groceries?) Anyway, so you go to Amazon and search grocery/diapers. I found the Huggies I needed (size 1-2, pack size 192 diapers), then I clicked on the option of subscribe and save. By enrolling in the program, which basically ships diapers or whatever product is offered to your door every so often (you choose how often you need them), you save 15% and pay no shipping costs.

Breakdown: Walmart price for Huggies diapers, pack size 96 = approx. $20.00 (so $40.00 for 192). Sams charges $37.00 for 192. Amazon charges $35.00 for 192. But if you sign up for subscribe and save, it only costs $29.74. And it gets shipped right to your door. How awesome is that?! No loading and unloading the kids, no car seats, no extra purchases. No hassle. A great deal indeed. A happy day for me :) Oh, and did I mention they do baby wipes too?

Quote of the day

Life’s Journey is not to arrive at the grave safely in a well preserved body, but rather skid in sideways, totally worn out, shouting…Holy Crap!...What a ride!!

(Found this quote and had to share it!)

Kiddos

Blessings

Wow, where does the time go? The Giles home was filled with family and friends this past weekend, for Hannah's blessing.

4/10 - Grandma Buggy (aka Mom) was able to fly out a few days early and spend some time with the kids, and meet Hannah. Aside from the blizzard-like weather, we had a great time. Of course, Grandma came bearing gifts :) (which the kids loved by the way - thanks!) One of the gifts was this really cool paint set (really cool because it isn't messy!) and some stamps. Boy, they had some fun with those. They really liked Grandma helping them and making some of her own pictures. I really enjoyed watching them with Grandma.

4/12 - Papa (aka Dad) as well as Grandpa and Grandma Giles (Tracy's parents) arrived. Great Uncle Gene and Aunt Luise also joined us for lots of visiting and food. We had Hawaiian Haystacks (Tracy's favorite), and just had a good time. I really missed the family and it was sure nice to be around everyone. Thanks for taking the time to come up and visit!

4/13 - We did it! We made it to church on time, actually we were early - for 9am church - imagine that! You all know how much of an accomplishment it is for me to be on time to anything, and that's with Trent being sick (later we found out he had step throat, poor guy, he was such a trooper, he didn't want to miss anything) But, I must admit, we had a few extra hands helping the kids get ready (thanks mom and dad).

Hannah's blessing was special and sweet. I couldn't help but get a little teary-eyed as Tracy said her name... My heart is full. We are truly blessed to have such a sweet spirit join our little family. She is well worth the wait. Sometimes I have to pinch myself, it is just amazing to look at our kids and know that they are forever...I am grateful.

Hannah Marie Giles

Family picture time!

Grandparents too!
Our friends, the Lucas family were able to drive down from WY!

After church, we all gathered back at the house and had some good lunch (thanks mom). We were able to visit while the kids played. Thanks to Rich and Rhonda for making the drive and staying for while. It was a blast.

Then I drove mom and dad back to the airport. The visit was way too short and I wished that they could have stayed longer, but I will take what I can :) Anyway, there is comfort in knowing that I will see them in a few months :)

4/14 - Tracy's parents were able to stay until Tuesday morning, so we decided to go to Manitou Springs. It's a cute little town about 25 minutes south of here. We ate at a place called Stage Coach Inn, which had pretty decent food. We also looked around in all the shops. Grandma bought the kids some "bear poop" candy, which they got a kick out of. We had planned to go to the penny arcade that has all sorts of old fashioned games to play, but we had to pick the one day they were closed. But the kids had fun anyway. The weather was great for a change, and I enjoyed just walking around and being outside.

4/15 - By Tuesday afternoon, the house was quiet, maybe too quiet. Everyone had left and it was back to just me and the kids, while Tracy was at work. But it gave me time to reflect how grateful I am for family and friends to share our lives with. We are blessed.

Aleana's Concert 2nd grade 4/15/08

Aleana was very excited to sing at her concert. She even wore her brand new yellow dress that Grandma Buggy gave her. She did a great job :)

Gonna Be A Bear

(Some of you may have seen this. But I still love it!)

Gonna Be a Bear

In this life I'm a woman. In my next life, I'd like to come back as a bear. When you're a bear, you get to hibernate for six months. I could deal with that.

Before you hibernate, you're supposed to eat yourself stupid. I could deal with that too.

When you're a girl bear, you birth your children (who are the size of walnuts) while you're sleeping and wake up to partially grown, cute cuddly cubs. I could definately deal with that.

If you're a mama bear, everyone know you mean business. You swat anyone who bothers your cubs. If your cubs get out of line, you swat them too. I could deal with that.

If you're a bear, your mate EXPECTS you to wake up growling. He EXPECTS that you will have hairy legs and excess body fat.

Yep, gonna be a bear!

snakes, snails and puppy dog tails

My Trent is 100% boy! Here's his story:

It's springbreak, and since it was a beautiful day, I sent the kids out to play. I had to stay inside and feed Hannah, so I told them I would leave the window open, that way I could hear what they were doing.

Time goes by, I hear Aleana singing and playing "pretend" in the corner of the yard, and I hear Trent come inside and go back out with his dump truck. I hear him playing in the dirt and making car noises. Then, I hear him come inside and grab a ball. He goes back outside and plays fetch with Sasha. Then all of the sudden I hear Aleana scream "Trent, Stop it! Quit chasing me! Mom! Trent, that's gross! Mom! Trent get away from me!" Then I hear Aleana take a b-line for the deck and run up the stairs straight into Hannah's room where I am still feeding her. Short of breathe Aleana continues to tell me what "no good" Trent was up to.

When Trent had come back into the house to grab the ball, he also grabbed his "claw". You know, those things you hold onto, and at the end of the stick there is a claw that grabs things when you squeeze the handle...Anyway, he took that outside. Sometime during "playing fetch with Sasha" he made four discoveries.

Discovery #1: a dead rat. The cat had brought it on the deck as a "trophy" for us to see. I didn't see it, but evidently Trent found it.

Discovery #2 - the claw can do anything - including picking up a dead rat. He proceeded the pick up the rat and "examine" it.

Discovery #3 - Girls don't like dead rats. Trent, then decided to show Aleana this rat. Aleana obviously didn't think the dead rat was as cool as he thought it was.

Finally Discovery #4. How to make girls scream. Trent figured out how much Aleana didn't like his "pet" rat, and proceeded to keep showing it to her. When she started to scream, he then continued to chase her and laugh :)

While, I too, think dead rats are just plan nasty, I had to laugh. Boy, he sure has her number doesn't he?! After all was said and done, I did make him come inside and wash his hands 3 times. There will be no nasty dead rat germs in this house! :) I love my Trent!

I'm here

This is it! I have finally entered the "bloggersphere". Hopefully I will be able to keep in touch better with family and friends (that's my goal anyway...we shall see). I have read others blogs, and they have done some really neat and creative things. It seems like fun, now all I have to do is learn how do do this blogging stuff. So here's to happy blogging!