on this day last year

One year ago today we found out that our lives would once again change forever. We found out that Ben would soon join our family. Of course we didn't know on this day that he would be a boy or even what his name would be.( especially considering that we didn't have a name til after he was born) We just knew that we would once again welcome another family member.


At this very time my Uncle would soon pass away so it would be hard for us to share this great news with so much sorrow around us. But just as life has a way of doing, it kept going. Once the news was out, we had more comments like " another one?" or " you are joking, right?" Than anyone should have to hear. I will have to admit expecting again was a little bit of a shock to me but I will also say I love my children and I love being their mom! I also know that I was called to do this ( be a mom of 8). I have sat and thought about why would God call me? I feel so unequipped. Surely He could have called this one or that one but He chose to call me! I most definitely consider myself extremely blessed by Him!



Yes, I am sure a lot of folks think~ 8 kids?? But to me these are the best 8 kids ever and definitely the most precious blessings I will ever know!




I also wanted to post some pics of Ben since he made 4 mos yesterday and because of this special anniversary today :)


His new thing is to make raspberries! ( as you can see)

weekend ritual

As I have mentioned before, every weekend these days have been spent at the basketball gym. But I just wanted to mention how great of a team Jacob has once again. Last year they won State and that's how far it goes for that age group ( 7 yr old). However this year they have district, regional, state AND nationals! So far in EVERY tournament the Dynamites( Jake's team) have left in first place! Tomorrow starts this weekends ritual and they are competing for the district title. Thankfully it is at our gym, so we will be close to home and nap time won't be an issue for the youngins!

So here are some pics of Jake in uniform. Not the best pic quality being that we have to sit quite the distance away, but you get it!



This last on is not usual for Jake. Typically he is non stop on the court( which also makes for bad pic taking) But he was waiting down there as the other team was shooting free throws.

I know I am a little obsessed with this sports stuff but with a family that has this many kids playing a sport it makes for obsession. I grew up playing sports. I ran track, played softball,basketball and cheered. There is no wonder I really enjoy watching my kids! When I watch them playing it will sometimes take me back to that time. I find myself telling my kids" you know I played......" They always respond with" I know mom you have already told us." Guess that was ancient years ago to them. Feels like only yesterday to me!

Not ME, Monday!

Like every weekend these days, we were once again stuck, I mean completely delighted to be at the basketball gym! Ronnie coaches and I get the pleasure of watching Jacob play as I watch 7 other children run up and down the bleachers all the while asking to visit the concession stands for 100th time and visiting the bathroom for 1000th! So when I tell you that after my 999th trip to the bathroom I did not walk into the MEN'S bathroom, you shouldn't believe me!! My children did not proceed to embarrass me by screaming " mom you are going the wrong way"!! And heads were not turned from all over the gym!

I was not up late last night taking 4 tests to catch up on my school work because I do not spend any spare time on the computer visiting facebook instead of studying! And just so you know I am not addicted to facebook! Nope, not me!

I did not feed my child left over cake for breakfast! No way! What kind of mom do you think I am?! If you guessed the kind who gives in to her child b/c he won't stop until you do. You are so not correct! That is not me at all!

These are the best days of our lives.....

I heard this phrase last night and it struck me. "theses are the best days of our lives, we just don't know it"
I can so relate! I often, probably everyday, think about my kids getting older and how I will one day look back on it all and regret something.
I thought back to when Ronnie and I were first married and had only one child. We lived off of red beans,ramen noodles and kool-aid. It was a treat to go and get a 2 liter from the store. We had this sofa that when you sat in it you would practically hit the floor with your bottom!! We had one car that I would take him to work in just so I could use it during the day, that is until we moved closer to his work and he just rode his bike then. As poor as I have just described that we were. We were happy! Life was actually a lot simpler. It just seemed hard. Those were some of the best days we just didn't know it! I have many more stories that I could tell like when each of our children were born or my grandmother and Ronnie's grandfather were still living or when my parents were still together. Just today I was reading my bible thinking that it is probably time for a new one ( I just hate to part with it)I turned to the front page where it said to and from. It was given to me by my parents back in 1999 and it had from mom and dad. That would be the last present that they would give me signed by the 2 of them together.( they divorced shortly after) It's stuff like that. The things or the people we take for granted.
We had a family reunion in December and all I could think of were the ones that were there at the last one just 5 yrs prior and they have since past away. I wanted to take so many pics and really indulge myself in all that were there because I wasn't sure if I would ever see them again. (This past year in 2008 we had to say good bye to 4 family members)
I guess all I am saying is that these are truly the best days of our lives. Even the hard ones! Taking time to cherish these moments with the ones you are so blessed by God to have apart of your life!

champions

Most of you know, that Ronnie has coached Matt's and Jake's basketball games this season. Last week Jake finished his "regular" season in first place and then won the championship in the playoffs! Last night Matt won his championship in his playoffs! Now Jake has won many championships but this was Matt's first. Though we are proud of both the boys this is Matt's last year playing for the city so it was a wonderful way to end it all. We are so happy for him! Ronnie is so excited he is taking the team out to eat tonight! And he can't help but brag on himself a little by saying" how many coaches take 2 leagues to the championship and win ".
Both teams will be in the paper soon, so if you are local keep your eyes peeled! Just hope they didn't grab a snapshot of Caleb running onto the court in the middle of the game TWICE!!! They had to stop the game both times, but on the bright side the other team had the ball so it kinda stopped them from coming full speed and making a basket.
It doesn't end here for Jake, he is in the allstars. They have won all of their tournaments so far and we have another one this weekend!! I will try to take some pics, kids permitting of course!

Wacky words Wednesday!!

Is it already Wednesday?? Man, what do I have for you today? OK ,let me see!!

Isaac: Mom, I think I got some pamshoo in my eyes while I was taking a bath.

Me: Pamshoo??

Isaac: Yeah, you know, the stuff you wash my hair with!!

Me: Oooh, SHAMPOO!!

Me; Luke, do you want a grill cheese for lunch?

Luke: Well, I do want the bread with the cheese that you make on the oven but can you please make it with boy cheese? I don't like it to be girl cheese!!

And though Caleb can barely talk which is why he doesn't really get his 15 seconds of fame on wacky word Wednesday.` I thought I should tell you that it is the cutest think when he calls Luke " Buke"

Hoping your Wednesday is filled with the wackiest of words from your kiddos!!

funny photos

I just ,for some reason, crack up at this pic. I guess b/c Matt is like a Mr. cool and got caught playing with his siblings!!!

And Caleb pretending to be just like me. (That is probably how he sees me! Always behind the lens!!!)

And this one.....

Talk about a bad hair day!!! Love it! But of course we did have to tame it some before we left the house.