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Friday, September 10, 2010

1st Day of School


Wednesday, September 08, 2010

Tears

Today has been such an emotional day for me. I don't know what is wrong but I am crying at the drop of a hat and just overly sensitive. No I am not pregnant or even riding the crimson wave. Get that thought out of your head. Last night  Noah woke up with a blood curdling scream and this carried on for 30 minutes. Finally after it all we realized that he was having a night terror. It was so intense. I have been through them before with my other 4 but never to this magnitude. It was crazy. I can't believe how much it shook me up. I am really hoping for a good nights sleep tonight. Tomorrow the kids start school and I am so ready for it. I love them dearly but this summer has been long and they are bored to death. I feel like we will be back to a normalcy that the school year brings.

Monday, September 06, 2010

Dream to Reality

Today is such an exciting day for me. The Online Magazine that I am the Family Editor for launched its first issue this morning. It is a dream come true. It is me stepping out of the box. It is a dream becoming a reality. I am thrilled. If you haven't already please go to Rekindle Magazine  and subscribe. You will then receive the magazine in your email after you have completed the confirmation process. I would love to hear feedback. I am so honored to be a part of this amazing project.
I enjoyed a nice weekend with the family. Today we are having a low key day. We might wander down to the park since it is such a beautiful day. I also need to continue going through the boxes of winter clothing and see what the kids still need. They start school on Thursday. I have two that are excited and one that is not. I really hope that they like their new teachers and have friends in their classroom.
I am looking forward to the structure that comes hand in hand with school and the feeling that fall is right around the corner. Enjoy your Labor Day.

Friday, August 27, 2010

Taking the Limits Off

I thought I would take a moment and share my first blog entry for Rekindle Magazine. I will be blogging on Tuesdays over there.  You can check us out at Rekindle Magazine . I look forward to your comments


Taking the Limits Off

Being a Christian woman is not an easy feat. On a daily basis we are bombarded with feelings of worthlessness, inadequacy, and a nagging question of how can God even love us. Because of these feelings we don’t see ourselves the way that God sees us. We put limits on ourselves and on what God can do through us. Surrendering our lives to Him is a huge step for many of us, especially if we have trust issues.  Lately I have been really struggling to see my potential through Christ. I have felt an anticipation that something big was about to happen. As a mommy to 5 children I just couldn’t see with my natural eye how God could use a busy stay at home mommy like me. I knew raising my children, being a wife and a friend was a ministry in itself but I have been hungry for more. When I was approached about becoming the Family Editor for Rekindle Magazine I was in awe of what God was doing and knew right away that this was “ that something big” that He had been preparing me for. I am honored to be a part of this ministry to women and I pray that God will speak through my hands as I type and share my heart in everything that I write.  I also pray that Rekindle Magazine will leave you feeling inspired and give you a yearning for a deeper intimacy with Christ.
As I embrace this new chapter in my life I have come to realize that God desires for us to fully trust Him.  Whatever He has called you to He will  “equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever” Hebrews 13:21.
Are you hungry for more in your life? Has fear held you back from taking those steps of faith? The Bible tells us in 2 TIm1:7 that “God has not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”  What is it that God is calling you to? I would love to hear back from you and hear what God is doing in your life and agree with you in prayer.
Much Love,
Jennifer
Family Editor

Thursday, August 26, 2010

Berry Delicious Summer


Noah loves strawberries. I think that one was a little too tart to his liking

The Wonder of Pellets

I am so sleepy today. Noah is cutting his one year molars and is downright miserable. :( His poor gums are so swollen and he is really not wanting to eat. Finally I was able to give him some relief after a very dramatic temper tantrum with Tylenol and Humphrey's Teething Pellets . The pellets are amazing and very natural. You just dissolve them in a teaspoon of water and voila. Sometimes I have been known to just stick them under their tongue to dissolve. I do have to admit that my youngest son, Noah, is a drama king and very much a Mommy's boy. I know that his poor gums hurt but he is sure can bring it to the next level unnecessarily. I do love how much he wants his momma but sometimes I just feel suffocated. Does anyone else have a clingy baby? How do you deal with it? We also have a hard time getting him to stay with a sitter. I would love to hear how you got through it with your hair still on your head. :)


Speaking of Pellets, I wish they came up with a recipe that would work on mouthiness......... I think they would be fling off the shelves if they worked.

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Hubby funny


OK so my husband is a real wise guy and some days I just want to smack him. A few days ago he was not helping me around the house and I was getting frustrated. It was just one of those days and I wanted to throw a temper tantrum. (btw I am really good at those) He looks at me after I gave him the look and tells me " I'm just helping you to strive to reach your goal of being a Proverbs 31 woman".

Summer Fun










The kiddos have been enjoying their summer and I think they are sad to see it come to an end. It is weird for us though because most of our long distance friends have already started the new school year. The kids don't go back until Sept 9th.

Reynaldo went to extended school year, a day of Basketball Camp, suffered a concussion and has been home since. Dominic went to a summer camp through the recreation department, got bullied and will never go back to this poorly run program. He is now enjoying his second week of basketball camp to close the summer with a bang. Kiarrah went to an awesome Bible based camp and thrived immensely. They poured on love big time and it kept her very busy. Then she enjoyed two different VBS's. Gracie and Noah were my little tag along buddies whom enjoyed many walks and park trips. We Enjoyed a day of blueberry picking, many walks to Hoboken to the waterfont, trips for icecream, and a visit from cousins from Nevada. We also celebrated Noahs first birthday and Gracie's third.
The kids were really excited about a new sprinkler playground that we have near by. Here are a few pictures of the kids from this summer.

Introducing..............


Along with all the excitement of raising 5 children I thought I would share some other exciting news with you.

I have been so hungry to do more with my time that will make a difference. With 5 children though it had to be something that I could fit in and God ordained to work. Well, after a few months of praying I was approached and asked to be a Family Editor for a new and upcoming Christian women's magazine. I knew right away that this was it. I am extremely excited to have this opportunity to share my ideas and experiences of being a mommy, wife, sister, friend and daughter. We will be launching this new online venue in September. Currently we are taking subscriptions WHICH ARE FREE and we have a daily blog. Check us out at Rekindle Magazine and tell all of your friends. We are also always looking for Christian Women who like to write. Buckle you seat belts. I can't wait to see what God is going to do.

Tuesday, August 03, 2010

TIme has Passed




It is amazing how much time has passed by since the last time that I posted on here. Wow. I don't even know where to begin. I think I will start up by just sharing some pictures of the kids so you can see how much they have grown. These were taken at Easter

Tuesday, March 09, 2010

Kiddo Updates






My how I am slacking in the blog world. My computer time lately has been focused on Facebook and My Fitness Pal. If you get a chance check out my other blog. If you click on my profile you can find the address for it.
The kids sure have grown. Mr. Noah now has two pearly whites peeking out of his bottom gums. Man do they hurt when he bites? yes I know I shouldn't put my finger in his mouth. He is vocal now and obsessed with DADADADADADADA. Funny thing is though that he is a mommas boy. He loves his momma and needs me to snuggle with him at bedtime. Who am I kidding, he needs me all the time. It is hard to get a break from the cute little boy. Daddy sure tries to give me that break but Mr. Noah wants who he wants and there isn't any compromising for him. He is trying very hard to learn to crawl and has mastered getting stuck under the couch. He has managed to roll all the way across the living room floor. When there is a will there is a way. He is my little cutie pie and I adore him.
Miss Gracie has become quite talkative. She has such a strong willed personality and takes after her daddy with loving to make people laugh. Her giggle is quite infectious. She adores her big sister and loves to play with her. She is a little copy cat. The two share a room and are perfect for each other when it comes to the too of them being sloppy. Gracie has also started being a little tattle tailer. Her favorite thing to tell about is when in the morning she likes to announce " Ommy Ikki is out of bed. Kiarrah does get annoyed with her but loves her dearly. When I go to pick up the kids from school Gracie will only let KiKi hold her hand.
Mr. Rey Rey is quite the social butterfly. We always have kids coming to the house to see if Rey can come out and play. He is all about playing and forget anything else. I bought him a new shirt today that defines him to the Tee (haha, get it? Fits him to the tee? I crack myself up) On it is a monster and the shirt says " Monsters don't scare me but chores do" He hates chores and will do what he can to get out of doing them. He is doing better in school. We still need to work on writing and reading but he is getting stronger in Math. I wish his present teachers could move up with him to the next grade.
Kiarrah still loves school! She always has her nose in a book or a puzzle book. She loves word finds. She currently is enjoying a Nancy Drew book. She also loves to listen to her Cd's. High school musical is the current favorite and you can usually hear her singing in her room or in the shower. The other day Dominic made the comment that Kiarrah sings pretty good and he would like to see her on American Idol sometime but then he was quick to add in his typical brotherly fashion that he doesn't want to hear her sing all day though just because he said that. He loves to pick on her. She is a huge help to me and loves to help with the littler ones. She is such a little momma.
Dominic is quite the character. He is at that "I think I know everything "stage and I just want to slap him on most days. He challenges everything and at the same time loves to get you all riled up. He has been going through a big transition with the Hope program. It has taken some adjusting but he is finally coming around. At first he went through a stage where he didn't want to be smart anymore. It's not cool to be smart according to him. He got a huge wake up call when privileges started getting taken away. He is also another bookworm in the house. It gives me such great joy to see him enjoying a book and not wanting to put it down.
I thought I would include a few recent pictures for your enjoyment.

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Happy Tuesday

Good Morning all. I am so happy that the sun is out and it isn't freezing out. Maybe we will get out for a little walk. Gracie is turning into quite the funny little lady. She has such a humorous personality and keeps us giggling. Noah enjoys her antics and is probably learning a thing or two from her. I love the relationship they have together. Every morning when Gracie wakes up she runs in to find Noah and has to say good morning and squeeze his hands. I am not sure why but this is her routine. Noah just adores her.This morning when he wasn't paying attention to her she put her hands on the sides of his head and turned him to look at her. I will post some pictures later of the two of them.
The other three are doing the school thing. Reynaldo is just so ready to have it over with. He does good for a while and then gets frustrated. He was out all last week with the flu and was not happy to go back.
Dominic is liking school but the Advanced program is taking some getting used too. He really lacks in organizational skills and it is affecting his work.
Kiarrah loves school and can't get enough of it. I see a little teacher in her future. She is like a sponge and absorbs everything. She is still having a very difficult time making friends though.
I think I have finally adjusted to the craziness of 5 kids. I was really struck down with post partum depression and for the past three weeks I am starting to feel better. Check out my other blog when you get a chance. I started a whole new way of eating and am working on getting closer to God through it all.

Tuesday, January 05, 2010

My Beautiful New Niece Jocelyn




A Bitter Sweet Day


On Monday December 30th it was a bittersweet day. My grandfather who had beenbattling Lung Cancer passed away. He had been staying in a special home and was under Hospice Care. He woke up that morning fiesty as ever wanting pizza and a beer and his clothes so he could get the hell out of there. He died alittle after 1 pm. My grandmother had just missed him by 5 minutes. 20 minutes later on another side of town, my sister gave birth to my beautiful new niece Jocelyn Marie Hiatt. The Circle of Life.

I was asked to write a Eulogy for the Mass that will be this Saturday and here is what I wrote. January 2,2009
My grandpa has always been an influential figure in my life. He was a man that demanded respect and order and earned it. Underneath that tough demur was a big teddy bear. My grandpa might not have been one to say I love you or give hugs or kisses but he spoke a different love language. He showed his love in the way he provided for his family. He also showed it in his presence in our lives. Family was a top priority to him. He was always present at the major and minor events in our lives.
My grandpa loved working in his garden. I remember going over to my grandparents house and hanging out in the backyard. His garden was huge and full of delicious vegetables that he grew with love. He took great pride in his green thumb and we reaped the benefits. I think that is why I have a love for vegetables now. He introduced us to many varieties of veggies. I remember sneaking back to the raspberry bushes and sneaking a few and he never seemed to mind. Thank God I am not one of those pesky groundhogs or skunks that he had to permanently evict on many occasions.
I remember many sleepovers at Grandma and Grandpa’s house. I would wake up to the sound of their favorite Polka Station playing in the kitchen. I loved the relationship my grandparents had. I will never forget the sound of my grandpa’s voice as he would call grandma’s name whether it was lovingly or when he was annoyed. Their love was evident from the very beginning. My Grandma told me how they met at a hayride and how Grandpa was always taking her out for hamburgers and milkshakes and fattening her up. They worked so well side by side, especially in the kitchen. They made the best Kielbalsa and pickles. Grandpa also made delicious horseradish and chopped liver among other things.
Grandpa was a jokester at times too. He was always quick to ask us to pull his finger or he would try to stomp on our feet. He also taught us how to squirt water out of our fists when he would visit the Tobolski’s pool. He loved to tell us stories of his childhood days and the pranks him and his buddies pulled.
There was also the trips to Kings Island and the trips to Chain o Lakes. Sunday evenings were also spent with them at their house. We would sit outside or go inside and watch Hee Haw or the football game. Grandpa was a huge Notre Dame Fan. That was something that my husband and him had in common. He would sit in his favorite recliner and catch a snooze and Grandpa would bring out the snacks. He had a sweet tooth and they always had some sort of candy around.
One of my most treasured memories of Grandpa is when we brought
Dominic home to meet the family. At the time he was a foster child. I was so nervous because I knew that my family could be a little racist especially my grandpa. He had brought me to tears many times due to his tasteless jokes. The first time he held Dominic was out on my parents porch. I remember telling him about Dominic’s birth history and he sat there and held him with tears coming down his cheeks. In that moment I saw a grandpa’s heart---one that accepted and loved Dominic because I did. That small little baby moved him above and beyond something that had been a huge part of his past in an instant. He loved and adored all of the great grandchildren and they loved him.
Grandpa you are missed tremendously and I am honored that you were such an important part of our lives. You will not be forgotten.
Your Granddaughter,
Jennifer

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
A Time for Everything
1 For everything there is a season,
a time for every activity under heaven.
2 A time to be born and a time to die.
A time to plant and a time to harvest.
3 A time to kill and a time to heal.
A time to tear down and a time to build up.
4 A time to cry and a time to laugh.
A time to grieve and a time to dance.
5 A time to scatter stones and a time to gather stones.
A time to embrace and a time to turn away.
6 A time to search and a time to quit searching.
A time to keep and a time to throw away.
7 A time to tear and a time to mend.
A time to be quiet and a time to speak.
8 A time to love and a time to hate.
A time for war and a time for peace.

New Year

As much as I love a New year, I refuse to make New Year's resolutions. I would be setting myself up for failure. Who honestly really makes resolutions and sticks with them? I have tried in the past and will get all excited and gung ho and then BAM it ends.
This year instead I am just going to work on getting closer to God. By growing closer to God change is inevitable. With inner change comes outer change. I so desperately need to change in so many areas of my life. I want to be transformed. I want to be the person that God sees me to be. I want to take the limits off.
Praying God does great things for all of us as we diligently seek Him and take the limits off.