Half of a Century.....

Well, the day has come and gone and my beautiful mama hit 50! Not only does the woman love a surprise but she also loves a good shindig. So putting two and two together, I decided to throw her a surprise party. :) My one mistake was to involve my father who has NO CLUE how to be sneaky! haha She was clueless up until the day of when my dad who is never ready on time, usually not aware of what is going on and for the most part needs to be pushed along was ready at 4:30 pm, completely aware that they were going to 'Leslie's surprise party' and pushing my mom along...... Good one dad!

It was pretty sweet and endearing that he was so excited but still...... All night he kept saying 'this is so awesome', 'she's loving this', and 'you did such a good job Lovey' haha. Thanks dad :)

 

When I asked her if she was surprised she said "COMPLETELY, but I was worried about your father" haha Who knows if she was being honest but regardless we had a great time surrounded by some awesome people.

 

I have been so blessed to have such an amazing, wonderful and full of love woman as my mom. Not only has she been such a rock for our family, but my mom goes out of her way for everyone. She is amazing with all of her kids not just her own. There are still so many of her daycare kids that continue to come say hi on a yearly basis as teenagers. I couldn't be more proud to have her as my own and even more thankful that she has raised me to be the mother I am now. I definitely owe my retardedly over the top compassionate heart to her and while I wish I could separate emotions from certain situations more (making things a lot easier), I'm glad to have that deep giving and will to love that she has. It's one of the many reasons why I have always been in awe of her. Love you mama! You're worth every little bit of effort and then some:)

**Side note: I love my new phone however, it is making me lazy with my camera! Rebecca Ann.... Take more pictures!

Longview it is!

Grandma's service was planned to happen in Longview so we packed the troops and got on the road. With kids, two newborns especially, there is no such thing as a simple quick trip. I opened that morning, came home right after work to get everyone packed up and we took off! The trip down really was not as smooth as I was hoping for! Cole had to have his Dick's Burgers and missed the 45th exit so we took Denny Street and holy shit show. Sorry for the language but that 'little spats get blown out of proportion' talk in my earlier post...... Prime example! I was OVER IT! haha There is no way I could live in Seattle. It's a beautiful city and a city I like to visit but that's it. Nothing can beat our area to me. While we were exiting the babies started crying (hungry) and Kade threw up on himself! Between the lights that were green for 2 cars and the line up of 20 at each light the frustration grew! We can laugh about it now but theres nothing like your crying babies to make you want to HURRY UP AND GET THERE!

 

I am just so in love with this little mans personality. He has become so talkative and happy, and seems to smile everytime you look at him!

 

 

Ooooo oooh oh Miss! I just can't get enough of this picture and everyone else probably can! lol This little girl is just so stinking sweet and I feel like I have finally gotten into the putting girl outfits together :)

 

 

Julie and I sat on the lawn chairs chit chatting and taking pictures while all the boys swam. I didn't get near as many as I wanted because the pool room was fogging up my lens.....

 

Kader checkin out Kallen AKA Baby Candies. When he tries to say Kennadi it comes out 'Candies' and he will not say Kallen. They are two in one and both called Baby Candies haha

 

Mama Leslie and her boys

 

After the service and once we got home Julie and I decided since both families were all dressed up and nor so ironically matching/definitely planned..... we wanted to get some family shots. Everyone had had it but of course we forced it! This was the best one.

The service was beautiful, on such a sunny gorgeous day, alongside her grave site. Julie and I kept a little space with the boys and babies and tried to keep them busy. Fruit snacks, toys and a lot of questions to keep them thinking instead of running! Chris spoke on the families behalf and said it all perfectly. A gift he definitely has. As much as Cole wanted to talk, he's more of the emotional one and would not have been able to. I love our kids and always want them with us but I wish for the graveside service, it could have just been us so I could be by his side.

Afterwards, we met for coffee punch and cookies with everyone that came to pay respects. There was half of the people there that I knew and then there was the other half I had no clue of. Half way through the meeting some very darling, petite little lady came up to me and asked if Kallen and Kennadi were twins. After telling her they were, she proceeded to ask if she could hold Kennadi.  Definitely a little forward catching me off guard, I reluctantly said yes. She was sweet but I didn't know her..... It's a little weird. She sat right next to me and we talked for probably a good half hour. After the third person asked me if I was okay I started to wonder if anyone knew who this sweet lady was. Turns out she was at the wrong service! Poor thing, so sweet and good company really but I think she had everyone else just a little worried. My only problem with her was that she reeked of stale smoke. All up in my poor baby girls face! :( Oh well she lived and I met a new friend ;)

 

Two little water rats in a pod! So fricken cute to see these two interact!

 

The boys had a complete blast together running up and down the halls, traveling from room to room *across the hall* and basically owning the joint. The first night they had ran off and actually got yelled at by an old lady 'Now I'm not going to be listening to you guys all night long' haha at 8pm. Maybe I shouldn't be laughing but really? They're 6 and under! They'll be in bed soon enough... Hopefully!

The trip over all was great. A weight was lifted, we got to reminisce with family and Grandma was laid to rest. One of the days Julie and I even got away for a a shopping day...... actually a couple hours, but glorious couple hours. Only rule was we had to walk.... haha our on going joke. We felt like 15 year olds without a license! Chris and Cole packed up the kids and took them to the park! :) What guys huh?! Can't wait to see these boys a little Miss grow up together and create more memories! 9 more weeks and my newest little nephew will be joining the crew!! CAN'T WAIT!

For what was anticipated to be a heavy serious trip turned into a fun, crazy, busy and enjoyable trip. The way Gloria would've wanted it for sure!

See you soon Grandma Gloria

June 28, 1926 - September 23, 2012

 

September 23...... This is one of those posts that I'm not even really sure how to start. As I have tears in my eyes just just thinking about it. The thing is, it was time. That still just doesn't even feel right to say. I first got to meet Gloria my Sophomore year in high school and always remembered those eyes and laugh. When Cole and I got back together the first time I saw her again I introduced myself thinking she would not have remembered and boy was I wrong. 'Oh yes dear I remember you! Our Cole always had something special for you and I'm so happy for you both! Want a glass of wine?!'. haha My kind of lady I tell ya :)

 

These past couple of weeks have been extremely hard for me to see Cole hurt so badly. I have yet to lose anyone extremely close, and can't really speak on what it feels like but my heart was breaking. Not only was it sad for me to think we wouldn't get to see her here on Earth again but it shattered for Cole and the rest of the family. It's an odd position to be in, knowing you are the 'support' and not knowing what to do or what to say and trying to be strong and make things better. Usually I can make things better my bsing or making light of a situation but there was nothing that I felt I could do. I think that when you love someone so much it just naturally happens.

 

 

I've already said it but those eyes....... Eyes she passed down to Leslie who also passed down to Cole and Chris both. I love them so much because they make me feel like there is always a little more going on up there that isn't being told.

Cole was so close with grandma and through his college years got to spend a lot of time with her between random visits, dinner dates, prescription drop offs ;) The day Gloria left us was my first day back at work.... go figure. Cole wanted to make a quick trip in to see her before I left and when he got there he called and told me he wasn't coming home because he couldn't leave her. I wished so badly at that time especially there was something I could do but I just sat and prayed, helplessly. The whole family was thankful that Cole and Leslie could be there with her and for each other. It seems a little better knowing she was so very loved down to the very last second.

 

I'm so happy I got to capture some great pictures with her and Kade.

 

She always wanted to hold Kade any second she got only he was such a strong little guy I was worried he would kick right out of her hands. I just didn't have the heart to tell her no.

 

Something that will get tears in Cole's eyes every time is thinking of how our Kallen and Kennadi were born on Grandma's birthday, June 28! How cool is that. When we went to the hospital that day and they were monitoring us we got teary eyed thinking how it was her birthday because at the point she wasn't doing well. After they said I was for sure in labor and we were going to have these babies it was an overwhelming sense of 'this is how it was supposed to be' moment. Every year will be so awesome to celebrate them and think of her. In times like these especially it feels so great to know and love a God so good and to know that she is now in Heaven pain free and having all those men she out lived fighting for her again ;) Love you Miss Gloria Jean! We'll see you soon!

 

Chuckie's gotta work too

Chuck recently took a new job that has him still working at refineries only he could be 'placed' all over where it's needed. 90 percent of the time being either in Ferndale or Anacortes so it's been great! The current job though as taken our papa to Texas. A place where he has always wanted to go adventure around and see. Trying to be positive considering he could be gone for up to two months and with holiday season around the corner we're hoping that's not the case.

Before he had to take off, Julie and I decided to pack up the families and head over there for some hangout time and pizza to send him off.

Always a bit of a joke to try and get everyone looking let alone smiling. Look at all those boys.... and then my little Miss, my little Birdie sound asleep :) Hurry home and travel safe Chuckie!

I got you babe....

Well, its been a year and most can say they've accomplished a lot and it's true. Us on the other hand, maybe are a bit competitive and went above and beyond ;) Three perfect and beautiful babies, new home, new business, a job I love and a future that just seems to be endlessly blessed! Okay it didn't all happen in a year and maybe that's why it feels like this should be our 5th wedding anniversary instead! None the less by our one year anniversary our family may be or is at least close to being complete already! So in love and so happy.

 

 

I know a lot of great men out there but the difference is 'the perfect fit'. It's the chemistry, the consideration, complete trust and commitment. Cole is that fit for me and every day whether I'm happy with him or not I am always so thankful for him. Both being extremely passionate people, stupid little spats can get a little blown out of proportion. However, on the other side of things, he makes me feel so loved and appreciated at expected and unexpected times. I LOVE seeing him love on Kade, Kallen and Kennadi and find nothing more sexy that a loving and hands on daddy.

 

We managed to get away and have my parents to thank.... at least for that night! We first went out to eat at Big Fat Fish down in Fairhaven (one of our favorite places) got to sit down and have a quiet dinner and uninterrupted conversation. It's a beautiful thing! After dinner we walked down the road to Boulevard Park and got a coffee and watched the sun go down! I wish we could've really relaxed and made a late night of it like we used to at the park, but with the Kallen and Kennadi being so little still we made sure to get our still 'newlywed' butts back home. With three kids we never want to wear out our amazing sitters ;)

 

By the end of the night, while it was cut a bit short, I was ready to see, kiss, cuddle, and squeeze all three of  my little love bugs! I guess that's the name of the game being with them 24/7 and I love that as well.

 

 

My pride and joy right there..... Cheers to so much more Cole Carl! I love you.

 

Many hands make light work

A place that definitely has a part of my heart is Desert Canyon! I absolutely love it there. Half hour drive to Chelan and plenty of people, half of which I feel like I always know, and yet so quiet and peaceful right where you're at- best of both worlds!

We weren't too sure this year how or if we were even going to attempt to make it happen with the twins being not even 2 months old yet, but when my mom mentioned it Cole and I couldn't refuse. Everyone jumped on board so we had to! Jim, Leah, Estelle and Johnny Maassen - Mom, Dad, Emma Wyatt, Anna and Rudy- and then our 'little' family of 5 all got into a condo on the golf course and had a friggin blast! haha 4 bedrooms and one spacious living room ;) Not too much room for any kind of private time and with Kade around you could bet any little time you did get quickly became even shorter!

 

The drive there and back was nothing short of unreal! I expected crying, tantrums, moments of wanting to pull my hair out and it never happened. We maybe had 30 minutes total there and back of any noise! We played dvds for Kade nonstop, his choice of course, and stopped for the twins once on the way there and once on the way back for a bottle but I think that Cole and I wanted the stops more to stretch our legs and get some food! Such an awesome drive and such a proud mama moment!

 

I have gotten used to sleeping with Kade because right before the twins were born he learned how to climb out of his bed and with my lack of energy I wasn't going to play the up and down the stairs game with him. I turned our playroom downstairs into a makeshift bedroom for now and it's actually come in very handy with nap times and bed time! So, when it came to one bedroom for all five of us I thought we would be just fine. Cole, Kade and I on the bed and Kallen and Kennadi in their vibrating chairs. A little squished, but more than enough for us. I like my cuddle time with my boys anyway!

I had to laugh a little because the Maassens thought we were crazy for cramming all of us in one room and insisted they take Kade. Estelle decided that the hide-a-bed was perfect for her and Kade and maybe with a normal sleeper it would have been but when I said 'I have gotten used to....' I meant that like it took some time. My little Booger is as active in his sleep as he is awake I swear! He kicks and thrashes, talks and 'sings' and I kid you not jumps from one end of the bed to the other. The morning after the sleepover I asked her how she slept and she laughed at me and said she had a 'blast' and said she 'loved' sleeping with him.... bless her heart, she's so full of shit! I love my Maassens!

 

Many many many hands make light work! Oh man, I love my children and I love where life is at but if I said I have a ton of energy everyday and never want a quiet moment I would be lying!! Life has gotten so much more busy than it was with just Kader! We never got to experience a family of four and I can't really say what that would've been like, but a family of five is keeping me going for sure.

Being on a golf course and not golfing would be complete torture for Cole, so we made sure that everyday he got some quiet time on the course or hitting balls to unwind. My idea of relaxation is at the pool laying out! Something I haven't done since before Kade and something I think when you have kids you just give up for a long while. Leah told me to go to the pool one of the days and said "do not come back until you've had it". She always has a way of taking any guilt out of the equation for me and I actually thoroughly enjoyed three completely peaceful hours basking in the sunshine, listening to my music and drinking an adult beverage or two.

Having two newborns and a two year old that wanted to live a the pool didn't really go hand in hand so the fact that there was always someone who wanted to take Kade to the pool was amazing. Our condo was conveniently right next to the pool and I could be within ears reach of Kade and the twins at the same time.

Kade would step out of the condo and make a sprint for it onto the course. Big no no during the day but come dusk we let him have at it. I love the picture of Cole and Kade chasing each other down.

 

Auntie Lelah and our Mr. Kallen the tank

 

Johnny and Kade at the pool........

 

 

Daddy and Kader at the pool.......

 

 

Uncle Rudy and Kader at the pool.....

 

 

Mom and Kade at the pool.... You get my point right? I literally have a picture of everyone with Kade at the pool except for Jim and Wyatt who both are deathly afraid of any kind of water. The kid couldn't get enough!

 

John thought he was wearing Kade out when really they both were getting worn out. The both crashed to Cars 2 :)

 

And the babes......

 

I had to post this. One of the bathtimes they both were screaming their heads off and everyone got to see what life has the potential of being at our house haha. Funny they are still so dang cute even when they are red faced and screaming :)

 

Wyatt was building some really cool rock art and Kade kept knocking them over so he decided to include him in the building process and finally a few of them stuck around

 

Uncle Jimmy's face looks like the perfect seat don't you think?! ;)

 

The last full day we were there Cole played 18 and swung by the condo to say hi. As soon as Kade saw the 'tractor' he was going with. Cole said that the first hole he teed off at he left Kade in the kart turned off and went to swing. All of a sudden he heard the kart start up and take off and had to sprint after Kade and the kart! Glad I wasn't there but it's funny now because they both are okay! Too smart!

 

 

Chili Bean and Wyatt Erp 

 

 

Right before we left, like the day before, my dad blew his knee out! Perfect timing considering they weren't packed up, my mom really didn't want to drive and he didn't really fully get to enjoy his vacation. He likes to golf as well and never got to :(

 

 

Mama and Stelli belli

 

The newlyweds!

 

Oh my little miss.... you are SO beautiful!

 

 

And of course my handsome little man!

 

Until next year :)

Patience Ivory

Joe and Patience Thompson are the owners of Patience Ivory Photography and are not only extremely talented but are also great people! I randomly met Patience through work and we got to talking about life in general. Joe had been deployed and not only was serving but was also a professional photographer for the military. After his deployment, he came home and they have been trying to get their photography out there in the local community.

I told Patience that I was pregnant and at the time I was about 4 months along and started picking her brain on what their prices looked like. I have a great camera and am very capable of taking pictures, however there is nothing like some professional photographs and a sitting scheduled that makes you get certain milestones. She told me their prices and I kind of shrugged it off thinking they can't be that good considering any photography around here that's any good is off the charts expensive and I hate to say it, overpriced.

I went home and looked up their FB page and snooped a bit. To my surprise, their work was amazing!! I was so excited and could not wait to call Patience and get them booked ASAP! At the time *a special* we signed up for a maternity, hospital NB, Newborn, 3 month, 6 month, 9 month and 1 year sittings all with CDs and rights to photos after every shoot all for $600! A-mazing!

I realize there are a lot of sittings but they will take pictures of the whole family individually and altogether. Eventually, there will be some awesome pictures in there that I will cherish! Here are a few of my favorites so far......

 

I got SOO big! As much as I do honestly love being pregnant, I am happy that's over ;)

 

I don't know if I have ever loved a photograph as much as I love the one of Kade grabbing Cole's face and giving him a kiss. So sweet -- Funniest part was he had a poopy diaper the whole time he was on Cole's shoulders HA!

 

Something about baby feet....

 

Our sweet babies a day old

 

I could not be more in love with this man.... seeing the person you love with your kids takes it to a whole other level!

 

Always my baby....

 

 

I really wish we had Kader in this picture! Dangit

 

So precious! My Aunt Bonnie crocheted these cocoons! Who woulda thought she had a crafty bone in her body.

 

Big brother!

 

The babies room and the accent wall I had to have! Actually turned out to be really simple and I'm just a bit OCD

 

Side note.... the decals behind us were NOT so simple to get up. So many little extensions!

 

My life right there..... So so so in love and SO incredibly blessed!

 

Life right now does have it's sleep deprived moments but they are getting so close to sleeping through the night! YAY! Miss Kennadi probably would if her brother wouldn't wake her up, but I want to keep them together. So far their last bottle is at 10 or 11 and then sleep till 3 or 4 and only Kallen wakes up for that one. He literally eats and falls back asleep before he's done. Then they both wake up around 6 or 6:30 ish and then usually fall back asleep till 8 ish. They're still pretty sleepy but are becoming more and more awake. Our weekends are rough because we're always on the go but by Monday afternoon I usually have them back on track.

 

 

Officially they are two months old today and on Thursday morning we are heading over to Chelan with the whole family and the Maassens. I can't even begin to tell you how excited we are! :) VACA!!