The Big 3-0

I don't think I ever quite "got" why women had such a time turning 30. Why every time they will reply "29" when asked their age. I certainly never thought I would be one of those women...but...

When I am out with the kids at the grocery store or simply taking a walk in the neighborhood someone will, without a doubt, think I am the kids nanny. At least once a week I get comments like "Now, that's a babysitting job," or "I hope they pay you enough." I laugh. I don't even feel the need to explain that I am not in school, it's not a temporary job or even that I am almost 30 and they are ALL mine. I just smile.

I do get asked all the time how old I am when they find out I have 5 kids. Who does that? Isn't it rude to ask a woman her age? I have no problems with it (currently) but now that 30 seems to be quickly approaching it feels a little different. I have been in my twenties for, well, 10 years now. For some reason the thought of thirty seems so old to me. Why? Good question.

I think sometimes my memories from my childhood still seems so vivid. It seems like just yesterday I was 5 and in kindergarten. Stepping foot into TCS feels a little strange too. A handful of MY teachers are still teaching there. I can still remember my first day of high school. Freshman orientation day was so exciting. I finally got a big locker and was excited to begin! My best friend and I went and bought new backpacks. We thought they were so cool...very high schoolish. I also remember getting behind the wheel for the first time. I was amazed at how awful I drove that first time. It was hard!

When I finally hit 21 I remember thinking I had arrived. Finally I was legal. I was never a big drinker, but handing over my I.D. at times was great. When I got married at 24 many people would tell me I was too young. Huh? The day Madison & Noah were born the nurse staff got a good laugh and told us they thought we were in high school!

I guess we do look young, but not that young! I guess I should be thankful that I have a youthful look. I think I would be worried if I looked 'old.' Let's hope looking young continues! I still can't believe every time I think about it now, the thought of 30 somehow surprises me. I do not know why but I think it's because I still feel 21. Even though I am married & have 5 beautiful children I don't feel like a "grown-up."

Well, I've got less than two months to get used to the idea that I will soon be a grown up. It's a
little odd right now. I am looking forward to what God has in store for thirties. I have quite a to-do list for them. I am so thankful & blessed beyond belief of all that God has given me, led me through and done for me. What an amazing God I serve.

Thanksgiving (Part 2)

What a wonderful day! This Thanksgiving Day our family had MUCH to be thankful for. This year James and I decided to try a new menu since we were taking care of the whole dinner....and the results were amazing!

We started w/ grilled turkey thighs & a bacon wrapped turkey breast. For sides we did fried green beans bundled w/ green onions, grilled chipotle acorn squash, garlic butter corn w/ cojita cheese & lime, carrots w/ butter and brown sugar, Parmesan & mozzarella mashed potatoes, cranberries, rolls, and roasted chestnut & sausage stuffing. What a feast!!! Everyone was stuffed.

My wonderful husband made a pumpkin cheesecake for dessert and we also made a dutch apple pie w/ vanilla ice cream. The kids barely ate lunch because they were too busy snacking on appetizers , dips, and chocolate covered peanuts while we were busy preparing the food. Mackenzie celebrated her first Thanksgiving by sucking on a giant carrot from Grandpa Laslo's garden;)

After James parents left and got the kids a little something to snack on, my parents & Aunt stopped over to scope out the sale ads w/ the kids. For over an hour Madison & Noah ooohed & aaahed at all the toys the stores had to offer. Dylan didn't make it past 5 p.m. He got up this morning at 5 a.m. and since he had no time for a nap today...he zonked early.

Once again I am so thankful to the One who has given me so much. A wonderful husband, 5 amazing children, a beautiful home, and family & friends who are always here to celebrate His goodness along with me.

Thanksgiving (Part 1)

While I have said many many times that I am not a huge fan of fall, I do however enjoy Thanksgiving. What a wonderful holiday. It's always a sweet time of fellowship with our families, a chance to prepare a large feast and a great time of reflection of what we are truly thankful for.


I know Thanksgiving is not the only time to sit & reflect on all our blessings, but it is a good reminder. This year I truly have so much to be thankful for...


At this time last year we found out that I was pregnant with our 5th little Laslo, and on July 16th, we welcomed our beautiful little Mackenzie Kate. In March we had our first anniversary of being here in our house. What a wonderful home we have here. We have the kindest neighbors, are blessed to be in such a nice neighborhood and have happily enjoyed being homeowners. In April we celebrated Madison & Noah turning 4! They are regular little people who are very opinionated these days, can do most things themselves (get dressed, brush teeth, clean their rooms, make their beds, etc.) and love to do their chores. I am thankful each day they make me smile, laugh and even sometimes cry.


While July brought us happiness and joy with the birth of Mackenzie, August was a little hairy. Brett broke his hand/finger while camping up in Michigan. We spent many hours and days at the doctor to help repair it. In the end we were MOST thankful that it didn't seem to be on the growth plate & was healing well. I am so very thankful that God is the great Physician and watched over & healed Brett's hand nicely. Today his hand is doing just fine. He was just a little upset he couldn't play any sports this fall.


This October life presented some challenges. I am thankful to my heavenly father for knowing our needs before we did, and carrying us every step of the way. I am also so thankful for our friends and family. Always there when needed them and never let us stray from the truth. A friend of mine recently told me that she was having some pretty difficult times too. She mentioned that there is a difference between family and relatives. Sadly, it seems to be the case on my end too. I am thankful for great friends who are like close family. I know that I can call on them to support me and our family when sometimes some "family" doesn't even seem to reach out or even care. We are SO thankful and blessed to have those people in our lives.

This year our Thanksgiving will be a little different. We usually have a double Thanksgiving day meal w/ both sides of our family, but this year we will be only doing one. James mom recently had back surgery, and while my parents wanted to warmly welcome them into their home, we thought it was best to keep the group small and relaxed. The 18 people over at my parents house completely understand;) James and I have quite the menu planned and are very excited to make the complete meal on our own!

What a wonderful year He has lead us through and what Thanks we owe to Him.

Our Growing Girl

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Halloween

We had a great Halloween weekend!

All the kids had been anxiously awaiting the big day. Trick-or-Treating in our neighborhood is HUGE! Last year I made up 50+ bags of goodies to hand out and ended up giving those all away and then taking some of the kids candy to hand out. A handful of our neighbors throw parties, have bon fires, and just simply set up outside to enjoy the festivities. We have been here at our house for 18 months now and are still meeting some of our neighbors. It's wonderful!

This year we had a pretty interesting group. Brett was a gladiator, Madison was a Disney fairy, Noah was a Cars pit crew worker, Dylan was a fire fighter, and Mackenzie was a little bumble bee.

The weather wasn't the best, cool and slightly windy, but the kids never complained. Mandy & Lisa came out with us this year. I am always thankful for a few extra hands! After we went a couple blocks we made our way over to my parents house. She had hot chocolate waiting to warm little bodies.

We finally made it back to our house to have pizza and 'wind down' from a sugar high. It was next to impossible to keep their little hands out of their treat bags;) Overall the day was great fun.