Well I just have to say that Thanksgiving this year ROCKED! What a great time we all had. Thank you Trent and Robyn (and kids) for allowing all of us crazy people to hang at your place all day. IT was really nice to have everyone there. I really enjoyed the family and the kids playing and having a great time. My girls just enjoy so much being with their cousins. They were sad to go. Thank you Robyn and girls for all those clothes! We love hand me downs! All the good food, all the chaos, it was just what I needed! I had my family fix for a year....haha! I just want to say real quick (I know I'm long winded, you all know that bout me) I love all of you so much, and care deeply for everyone of you. Thanks dad for your sweet speech, everyone was teary eyed and it meant alot to all of us to have you say those words. Your a man of few words, as Aaron would say, but when you do talk its meaningful and heart felt. I've always said my dad doesn't have to say a word, he says it all in his eyes. I've always known what you were saying without you even saying it!
The Lloyds need to get together more often..... see how much fun we all have, just look at Amanda's blog and all those pictures it says it all!
I'm so thankful for my family, our good health, and the many things that God has blessed us with everyday that we take for granited. There's much to be greatful for in our lives and we strive everyday to be MORE thankful for those little things and little blessings.
Love ya all!
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Monday, November 24, 2008
Weekend is over, &short work week begins!
3 days to Thanksgiving! YEA, its here almost. This is by far my favoritest holiday. I don't know why I love it so much, but I do. I think Christmas is most people's favorites but its not one of mine. ITs to busy, stressful, & so commercialized. I think that is what bothers me the most....the meaning of the holidays have been taken out and we all sorta just fall into the trap of forgetting what its all about because of the hustle and bustle of it all.
This year Aaron and I have decided to turn over a new leaf for a couple of reasons. For one, saving money has become more important then ever for obvious reasons, and for two, our children need to learn appreciation and that material things are fun but they break, get lost, become worn and no fun anymore however values, appreciation, and family is ALWAYS with you and is what makes the holidays what they are. THink about it.....if you had a nice turkey dinner with all the best food you can think of and no family to share it with, then what would you have? You wouldn't have Thanksgiving, it would just be a turkey dinner. What if you had a Christmas tree, decorated to the hill, presents galore, and everything material you could ever dream of having, and NO family to share it with, no family to wake up excited to be with, all you would have is material things laying in front of you. Family makes the holidays what they are, its not the wonderful, yummy, full of calories meal, its not the gifts, and stockings, and Christmas tree, its the family that makes them so special to us.
This is what we want to teach our children. Not only that, but Thanksgiving is about being thankful for what you have, your family, the blessings that God has blessed you with, Christmas is about Jesus, and serving others, and thinking of those less fortunate.
Each Christmas Eve I allow my girls to open one present, this present is a Christmas book always about the meaning of Christmas. The next morning, Santa gives them, before they are allowed to look at what he gave them, something to go along with the story we read. Then he leaves them a token to help remind them about that story and the lesson it brought. The first year I did this it was the story about the Chrismtas Orange about a little girl that grew up in an orphange, all they got was a ymmmy orange and they were as happy to get that as they were if they'd gotten a box of toys. Its ALL they got. SO when they woke up the next morning on Christmas Morning, in the living room where they thought they'd have their toys was a plate with orange wedges on it, and a note explaining what they should remember in the story. I didn't realize what an impact this tradition would have on them, or if it even meant anything at all to them but my girls told me last night that this is one thing that means the most to them at Christmas, and it touched me because I think that we as parents can make our kids unappreciative, and materialistic. They actually don't care how many gifts they get, or what you COULDNT give them. We put that stress on ourselves when all that matters to these special spirits is being with us, their family.
THis year Aaorn and I have decided to SIMPLIFY, and bring back more of the important things. TO not stress over what we couldn't get them, or if there is enough presents under the tree. Kids love to get things, you can't change that about anyone, but what really matters to them is family, and when they have that they are secure, happy, and have everything they want. Kids are simple, we are the ones that make it complicated.
Anyway, I just thought I'd share these thought with you all...... and I can't wait to see you all thursday.....
This year Aaron and I have decided to turn over a new leaf for a couple of reasons. For one, saving money has become more important then ever for obvious reasons, and for two, our children need to learn appreciation and that material things are fun but they break, get lost, become worn and no fun anymore however values, appreciation, and family is ALWAYS with you and is what makes the holidays what they are. THink about it.....if you had a nice turkey dinner with all the best food you can think of and no family to share it with, then what would you have? You wouldn't have Thanksgiving, it would just be a turkey dinner. What if you had a Christmas tree, decorated to the hill, presents galore, and everything material you could ever dream of having, and NO family to share it with, no family to wake up excited to be with, all you would have is material things laying in front of you. Family makes the holidays what they are, its not the wonderful, yummy, full of calories meal, its not the gifts, and stockings, and Christmas tree, its the family that makes them so special to us.
This is what we want to teach our children. Not only that, but Thanksgiving is about being thankful for what you have, your family, the blessings that God has blessed you with, Christmas is about Jesus, and serving others, and thinking of those less fortunate.
Each Christmas Eve I allow my girls to open one present, this present is a Christmas book always about the meaning of Christmas. The next morning, Santa gives them, before they are allowed to look at what he gave them, something to go along with the story we read. Then he leaves them a token to help remind them about that story and the lesson it brought. The first year I did this it was the story about the Chrismtas Orange about a little girl that grew up in an orphange, all they got was a ymmmy orange and they were as happy to get that as they were if they'd gotten a box of toys. Its ALL they got. SO when they woke up the next morning on Christmas Morning, in the living room where they thought they'd have their toys was a plate with orange wedges on it, and a note explaining what they should remember in the story. I didn't realize what an impact this tradition would have on them, or if it even meant anything at all to them but my girls told me last night that this is one thing that means the most to them at Christmas, and it touched me because I think that we as parents can make our kids unappreciative, and materialistic. They actually don't care how many gifts they get, or what you COULDNT give them. We put that stress on ourselves when all that matters to these special spirits is being with us, their family.
THis year Aaorn and I have decided to SIMPLIFY, and bring back more of the important things. TO not stress over what we couldn't get them, or if there is enough presents under the tree. Kids love to get things, you can't change that about anyone, but what really matters to them is family, and when they have that they are secure, happy, and have everything they want. Kids are simple, we are the ones that make it complicated.
Anyway, I just thought I'd share these thought with you all...... and I can't wait to see you all thursday.....
Friday, November 21, 2008
Happy BIRTHDAY KYMEE K!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY KYMBREE!
I can't believe she is three already, how times flies. ALthough I have to admit that I am relieved a little that she's getting a bit older, but as I've learned quickly the stubborness, and thick headed only gets worse.....
She came into this world on Nov 21, 2005 in the late afternoon/early evening. I remember I pushed and pushed for hours with no results. She simply didn't want to leave where she was at, either that or SOMEONE was keeping her with him. She has lots of family that has past on, but one in particular just happened to be keeping her around to help celebrate his birthday. I had to finally say, "Grandpa Lloyd PLEASE let her go" about 5 minutes later she was born just a crying. The Dr cleaned her up and Aaron placed her in my arms. This little girl and I met eye to eye, but I was taking from her eyes to her cheeks where I instantly seen what appeared to be whisker burns. I said out loud..."OH my gosh, she has whisker burns" Aaron looked at me puzzled, but I knew what it meant. I couldn't believe my eyes, but an instant warming came over my heart and I just knew that this was Grandpa Lloyds way of telling me he was there, and that he loved me, and this sweet baby too. I just sat there and cried, because the feeling was very over whelming.
Those whisker burns didn't stay long, but his personality lives on in her. She even has his unique color of eyes, so I've been told....she has a very pretty hue to her eyes of grayish blue just like he has. Kymbree is a unique little girl......and so special to us.
Although she challenges my parenting, and makes me question my sanity at times she also keeps our home full of laughter and love. Our family wouldn't be complete without her.
She loves her sisters and wants to be just like her older ones, but sometimes wants to beat up her little one.......although she loves her little JJ (as she calls her) we know she does because she constantly is her protector. When JJ gets by the stairs, or is doing something she shouldn't the whole house knows it because Kymbree is caught hauling her off by the neck, or arm as they are both screaming bloody murder.
She if full of love and life.....always so happy and pestering someone. She is a bit of a tease, and loves to just be a pest, but she is the sweetest thing ever and we love her so much!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY SWEET GIRL! You are so special to us!
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Milestones, rekindled love, & extra thoughts......
Ok, so my SIL Amanda just texted me and said..."UPDATE YOUR BLOG GIRL" lol.....so I decided I better do an update, lots has happened, milestones have happened....and love has been rekindled.
I'll start where I left off....which was wks ago, so nevermind, I have no idea where I left off....I'll start then with the most important of all.....A'JAYE TURNED ONE! Yes, our little JJ turned one...I cant' believe how fast the year has flown. She has been such a trial, such a blessing and such a special spirit in our home. This little girl went thru SOOOO much to come into this world that everytime I look at her I can't help but think how special her life is that she even made it here. She is special and will accomplish special things in her life. She has already touched our lives so much and that of her sisters. WE all melt when she enters the room you can't help it w/that smile w/her two teeth showing, and her chubby cheeks w/dipples you can barely see. We love her so much....she is a good baby with such a good temperament. She does get mad though....and when she does look out....she'll let you know it. I look forward to her nap time, and I look forward to her waking up, cuz I know when I walk in that room to get her, her eyes will light up and that smile will bring a bad day good again.
Another milestone happened too....and I WISH so bad I could post a pic of this, but my stupid computer won't allow me too. (I'm getting a new one soon) A'JAYE IS WALKING! She just took off on tuesday Nov 11th. She has been trying off and on now for about a month, but she just took five steps and was so proud of herself her chest puffed up and she smiled so big like she had done the greatest thing in the world. She looked at me and I could tell she was just aching for a "atta girl" SO I played it up big......we had a big clapping party and cheered and yelled....she was so proud of herself it was so dang cute. She still is doing the "stiff leg" walk as Aaron would call it...lol...but she is walking everywhere now. I have to WATCH OUT! cuz nothing is safe. She walks into the kitchen to say hi to mom...and she comes around the corner just clapping away, gosh, its like the best thing in the world to see first thing in the morning....your heart just melts. Her dad and I could watch her walk all day....we'll just sit there in awww, like she just became president or something. We are so proud of her accomplishment she's been working hard on that one for awhile now!
Well what else....OH yes, the love thing...... Aaron and I were able to rekindle our love this last wk and wkend, which I must add, was INCREDIBLY wonderful, and very much needed. Aaron had to go to Las Vegas on business for the SEMA and NACE conventions for the latest in Autobody technology and products. His boss sent him down there to check it all out and to talk to vendors and businessmen. SO it was half for business but half for us, and Aaron was totally amazing down there. I felt like his newlywed wife next to him. I think every couple needs that once in awhile to just refresh themselves and get away and realize what you got married for. It seems like you get kids, and a career and a household and you forget what brought you together, you get into the same rut day after day, and your eyes become blind to the love you have for one another. Getting away even if for one night brings you back to those days when a kiss on the cheek, and when he grabs your hand to hold it as you walk down the sidewalk makes you all giddy inside.
We had the BEST time together. We realized that we were getting older and Vegas just wasn't the same as it was 7-8yrs ago when we used to come down once a year in our early 20's. We only stayed out till 11pm-midnight and sitting in the lounge listening to the band people watching while we held hands became our fun together, but we had GREAT talks that we needed to have, and we reconnected which was so nice.
None of this would have been possible for us if it wasn't for my mom, Amanda, and Aaron's mom Sandy. As you all know we have 4 little girls...(duh, as if I needed to remind you all) and 4 kids for 4 days can be a daunting task for anyone....we split it up so each mom had the girls for about 2 days each which I hoped helped and worked out ok. I know the girls had a blast. The first night I was down...the night before we left we stayed at my moms after we had JJ's bday party. Aunt Amanda took Ash and Der home w/her to have a girl slumber party. My goodness did they have fun there. They are now into the Brady bunch....lol, and they now want to live with Auntee AManda. They haven't stopped talking about how much fun they had at the slumber party that night. Then thursday night and fri night they stayed at my mom and dads.....my mom turned the living room into the playroom where she had dollhouses, and barbies, kitchen sets, and dishes...dolls and strollers, you name she had it out. (which this is hard for my mom cause she hates clutter....) The girls had a ball just playing. Their cousins Pais was there with them which was great to have her there to play, and having Auntee Amanda's help was great for grandma I am sure. Grandpa took them to the park, which they ALWAYS love to go there, its always a treat. Grandma Sandy picked them up on Saturday morning and took them fishing for the day, and they went and seen a movie saturday night. They got spoiled at BOTH places, of course, and they had so much fun spending time with their grandparents. It was good for them, and SOOO good for us.
We just want to say THANKS so much to our parents....we truly appreciate this, we know its not easy taking on 4 kids sometimes but we really needed that, I can't even tell you how bad we needed that trip, and it wasn't possible without your help. SO THANK YOU from the bottom of our hearts! I think the entire trip refreshed us all....... I was kinda worried about my motherhood though cuz when I go away I miss my kids alot, but this time, I just really didn't. I mean, I did.....I missed their smiles, and their kisses and hugs, but I didn't miss the everyday work it takes to raise them. It was refreshing to be away from that for a few days. Even Aaron said to me saturday morning...."gee babe, you haven't boobed about the kids yet".....and I was like..."Nope, I havent...." I knew they were fine, and in VERY good hands, I knew they were having fun and not sad so I was fine. It makes it easier when you know the ones they are with love them just as much as we do. Its comforting.........
On the way back sunday...as we approached the house to pick them up, we both took a deep breath, and said...."OK, fantasyland is over, its back to the same ole......." but then I realized that it doesn't have to be the same ole same ole, its up to us to keep our lives exciting and full of fun and laughter. We have the most exciting life anyone could have, if we just look at it that way. Look at our girls, they are beautiful, full of life, funny, and they give us life, and keep us young if we will only let them. As far as each other, YEA, its hard sometimes to find time for each other, but we know that we have to, even if its to sit on the porch at the end of the day and talk for a minute or go for a walk together......or our famous thing to do, sitting on the bed, and talking for hours.....its important to find that time for one another....GOD first, SPOUSE second, KIDS third..... I know its hard sometimes to put your kids after your spouse, but if you want your kids to have a healthy relationship, then you must FIRST show them how much you treasure yours......I heard this at some point at a relief society lesson, and I kept thinking....How do you put your spouse first before your kids.....??? but I think I get it now....by doing this, you teach your kids your value your relationship with each other and thats important for them to see. Of course you have to keep it all in perspective and it doesn't mean you just take off every weekend for the sake of your kids, lol.....BUT, it does mean you value each other, and show your kids your love one another. I think Aaron and I are pretty good at that, our girls are always saying....."EWWW YUK" and then we'll here whispers and giggles in the background..."mommy and daddy are kissing again" thank goodness I have a husband that loves to kiss me, hug me, hold my hand, and smother me with "i love you's" daily......and he doesn't care who is around....his boss, his friend, my friends, etc......makes me feel valued.
Just one more thing and I'll shut up, I promise....... I just have to say, that I am looking SO forward to Thanksgiving this year. Its the Lloyd clan get together which is always a trip....lol, the food, the fun, the laughter, the family......crowding in to one house, one table, I can't wait! Its my favorite holiday by far. I'm so exciting to b around my family, cuz I love them so much, and I miss being around them. I can hear Trisha's laugh, and I can see Dad standing back with that proud look in his eyes (almost teary) as he watches his family, and what he's created....his chests puffs out almost, as he thinks...."LOOK WHAT I DID" or maybe he's thinking...."yea, look at what I did...." lol... and mom, just loving being with her kids, cause her kids are her life and even though its chaotic its wonderful all at the same time. The brother's the sisters..... the cousins running around playing, the babies crying......and all the in laws that married into this crazy family thinking to themselves....."This is the craziest family I've seen" I JUST LOVE IT! I can't wait, and i hope you all are there....YOU BETTER BE! Thanksgiving is the one Holiday I remember that mom made JUST right....( I mean she made every holiday just right, but....this is my fav) the jello salads, the ordervs, the turkey, grandma's rolls, MASHED POTATOES and that gravy....OMG, I am salivating just thinking about it...... I still have two wks to wait! It will never get here......lol
Anyway, just had to throw that in there......can't wait to see you all there
LOVE YA All
I'll start where I left off....which was wks ago, so nevermind, I have no idea where I left off....I'll start then with the most important of all.....A'JAYE TURNED ONE! Yes, our little JJ turned one...I cant' believe how fast the year has flown. She has been such a trial, such a blessing and such a special spirit in our home. This little girl went thru SOOOO much to come into this world that everytime I look at her I can't help but think how special her life is that she even made it here. She is special and will accomplish special things in her life. She has already touched our lives so much and that of her sisters. WE all melt when she enters the room you can't help it w/that smile w/her two teeth showing, and her chubby cheeks w/dipples you can barely see. We love her so much....she is a good baby with such a good temperament. She does get mad though....and when she does look out....she'll let you know it. I look forward to her nap time, and I look forward to her waking up, cuz I know when I walk in that room to get her, her eyes will light up and that smile will bring a bad day good again.
Another milestone happened too....and I WISH so bad I could post a pic of this, but my stupid computer won't allow me too. (I'm getting a new one soon) A'JAYE IS WALKING! She just took off on tuesday Nov 11th. She has been trying off and on now for about a month, but she just took five steps and was so proud of herself her chest puffed up and she smiled so big like she had done the greatest thing in the world. She looked at me and I could tell she was just aching for a "atta girl" SO I played it up big......we had a big clapping party and cheered and yelled....she was so proud of herself it was so dang cute. She still is doing the "stiff leg" walk as Aaron would call it...lol...but she is walking everywhere now. I have to WATCH OUT! cuz nothing is safe. She walks into the kitchen to say hi to mom...and she comes around the corner just clapping away, gosh, its like the best thing in the world to see first thing in the morning....your heart just melts. Her dad and I could watch her walk all day....we'll just sit there in awww, like she just became president or something. We are so proud of her accomplishment she's been working hard on that one for awhile now!
Well what else....OH yes, the love thing...... Aaron and I were able to rekindle our love this last wk and wkend, which I must add, was INCREDIBLY wonderful, and very much needed. Aaron had to go to Las Vegas on business for the SEMA and NACE conventions for the latest in Autobody technology and products. His boss sent him down there to check it all out and to talk to vendors and businessmen. SO it was half for business but half for us, and Aaron was totally amazing down there. I felt like his newlywed wife next to him. I think every couple needs that once in awhile to just refresh themselves and get away and realize what you got married for. It seems like you get kids, and a career and a household and you forget what brought you together, you get into the same rut day after day, and your eyes become blind to the love you have for one another. Getting away even if for one night brings you back to those days when a kiss on the cheek, and when he grabs your hand to hold it as you walk down the sidewalk makes you all giddy inside.
We had the BEST time together. We realized that we were getting older and Vegas just wasn't the same as it was 7-8yrs ago when we used to come down once a year in our early 20's. We only stayed out till 11pm-midnight and sitting in the lounge listening to the band people watching while we held hands became our fun together, but we had GREAT talks that we needed to have, and we reconnected which was so nice.
None of this would have been possible for us if it wasn't for my mom, Amanda, and Aaron's mom Sandy. As you all know we have 4 little girls...(duh, as if I needed to remind you all) and 4 kids for 4 days can be a daunting task for anyone....we split it up so each mom had the girls for about 2 days each which I hoped helped and worked out ok. I know the girls had a blast. The first night I was down...the night before we left we stayed at my moms after we had JJ's bday party. Aunt Amanda took Ash and Der home w/her to have a girl slumber party. My goodness did they have fun there. They are now into the Brady bunch....lol, and they now want to live with Auntee AManda. They haven't stopped talking about how much fun they had at the slumber party that night. Then thursday night and fri night they stayed at my mom and dads.....my mom turned the living room into the playroom where she had dollhouses, and barbies, kitchen sets, and dishes...dolls and strollers, you name she had it out. (which this is hard for my mom cause she hates clutter....) The girls had a ball just playing. Their cousins Pais was there with them which was great to have her there to play, and having Auntee Amanda's help was great for grandma I am sure. Grandpa took them to the park, which they ALWAYS love to go there, its always a treat. Grandma Sandy picked them up on Saturday morning and took them fishing for the day, and they went and seen a movie saturday night. They got spoiled at BOTH places, of course, and they had so much fun spending time with their grandparents. It was good for them, and SOOO good for us.
We just want to say THANKS so much to our parents....we truly appreciate this, we know its not easy taking on 4 kids sometimes but we really needed that, I can't even tell you how bad we needed that trip, and it wasn't possible without your help. SO THANK YOU from the bottom of our hearts! I think the entire trip refreshed us all....... I was kinda worried about my motherhood though cuz when I go away I miss my kids alot, but this time, I just really didn't. I mean, I did.....I missed their smiles, and their kisses and hugs, but I didn't miss the everyday work it takes to raise them. It was refreshing to be away from that for a few days. Even Aaron said to me saturday morning...."gee babe, you haven't boobed about the kids yet".....and I was like..."Nope, I havent...." I knew they were fine, and in VERY good hands, I knew they were having fun and not sad so I was fine. It makes it easier when you know the ones they are with love them just as much as we do. Its comforting.........
On the way back sunday...as we approached the house to pick them up, we both took a deep breath, and said...."OK, fantasyland is over, its back to the same ole......." but then I realized that it doesn't have to be the same ole same ole, its up to us to keep our lives exciting and full of fun and laughter. We have the most exciting life anyone could have, if we just look at it that way. Look at our girls, they are beautiful, full of life, funny, and they give us life, and keep us young if we will only let them. As far as each other, YEA, its hard sometimes to find time for each other, but we know that we have to, even if its to sit on the porch at the end of the day and talk for a minute or go for a walk together......or our famous thing to do, sitting on the bed, and talking for hours.....its important to find that time for one another....GOD first, SPOUSE second, KIDS third..... I know its hard sometimes to put your kids after your spouse, but if you want your kids to have a healthy relationship, then you must FIRST show them how much you treasure yours......I heard this at some point at a relief society lesson, and I kept thinking....How do you put your spouse first before your kids.....??? but I think I get it now....by doing this, you teach your kids your value your relationship with each other and thats important for them to see. Of course you have to keep it all in perspective and it doesn't mean you just take off every weekend for the sake of your kids, lol.....BUT, it does mean you value each other, and show your kids your love one another. I think Aaron and I are pretty good at that, our girls are always saying....."EWWW YUK" and then we'll here whispers and giggles in the background..."mommy and daddy are kissing again" thank goodness I have a husband that loves to kiss me, hug me, hold my hand, and smother me with "i love you's" daily......and he doesn't care who is around....his boss, his friend, my friends, etc......makes me feel valued.
Just one more thing and I'll shut up, I promise....... I just have to say, that I am looking SO forward to Thanksgiving this year. Its the Lloyd clan get together which is always a trip....lol, the food, the fun, the laughter, the family......crowding in to one house, one table, I can't wait! Its my favorite holiday by far. I'm so exciting to b around my family, cuz I love them so much, and I miss being around them. I can hear Trisha's laugh, and I can see Dad standing back with that proud look in his eyes (almost teary) as he watches his family, and what he's created....his chests puffs out almost, as he thinks...."LOOK WHAT I DID" or maybe he's thinking...."yea, look at what I did...." lol... and mom, just loving being with her kids, cause her kids are her life and even though its chaotic its wonderful all at the same time. The brother's the sisters..... the cousins running around playing, the babies crying......and all the in laws that married into this crazy family thinking to themselves....."This is the craziest family I've seen" I JUST LOVE IT! I can't wait, and i hope you all are there....YOU BETTER BE! Thanksgiving is the one Holiday I remember that mom made JUST right....( I mean she made every holiday just right, but....this is my fav) the jello salads, the ordervs, the turkey, grandma's rolls, MASHED POTATOES and that gravy....OMG, I am salivating just thinking about it...... I still have two wks to wait! It will never get here......lol
Anyway, just had to throw that in there......can't wait to see you all there
LOVE YA All
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