Spoiled by Dad!

Earlier this month we took the kiddos to Toys R Us for the sole reason of buying each of them a new toy. Except for Madison - she was buying a toy of her choice with money she had earned.

This is the first time we've taken the boys to the toy store with the sole intent of spoiling them. (Josh's idea - not mine - I'm a cheap skate and am over bringing more stuff into our home...but anyways, I'm getting off topic.)

The next morning. So happy to have their new toys.

They all climbed on their tables together.

And now...no more toy store visits for another 18 months.

Foto Friday - About a Year Ago...

The boys and me about a year ago...

They were SO little! Carter and Tucker are in the stroller and I'm wearing Cooper.

Foto Friday - My Madison

She's amazing. And funny. And smart. I love her spirit.

I love this li'l girl!

Foto Friday - Cool Guys...

These boys.

Cooper


Tucker

Carter

They crack me up!

4 Kids?!

Okay. Time for a post that's a bit more than 'hey - we did this - it was fun - look at these pictures!' I mean, don't get me wrong, I'm all for those posts :), this just isn't one of them. I'm not really sure, where I'm going with this post...but I had these pictures that I wanted to use, and all I could think about when I looked at them was:

"I have 4 kids. How in the heck do I have 4 kids?!?!?"

To be honest, I don't think a day goes by without that thought crossing my mind at least once.

We all have certain expectations of how our lives will turn out. Many of those things will change over time, and some are under our control and some are not. But, regardless, we have hopes and dreams and expectations and visions of our future.

Josh and I always knew we wanted children, and we thought 2 would be perfect. We knew they'd be a part of our life either biologically or through adoption or through any other means necessary.

In my twenties, I didn't know anything about fertility issues (learned about this heartache from many dear friends) or miscarriages (experienced one between Madison and the boys). I didn't even know what it meant to be a parent or how it'd feel to be a Mother.

Either way, we were naive and just planned on being a happy little family of 4.

And...instead we are happy not-so-little family of 6.

(Not the best, but the most recent, picture of the 6 of us.)

Life with 4 kids, three of which are the trio, can be certainly be hectic and stressful and li'l crazy sometimes. There are days where I count down the minutes to bed time. There are days I don't think I'll survive another minute. There are days when I feel like I'm failing them, and I question myself and the reason why we have 4 children.

I NEVER EVER thought I'd have 4 children. EVER.
(I also NEVER EVER thought I'd love a minivan - but that could be another post, too. lol.)

And yet - here they are. And, I can't imagine living one second without any of them.

They make me want to pull out my hair and run away sometimes. They confuse me and test my patience and limits almost daily.

But they have also filled my heart with more love than I can describe. Their smiles and laughter make any sadness that's invading my heart fade away immediately. They are my life and I'm SO SO SO thankful they are mine.

"I have 4 kids. How in the heck do I have 4 kids?!?!?"

Foto Friday - The Three of Us

From a few weeks ago...

Madison wanted a selfie of the three of us. :)

Madison is 5!

Madison - 5 Years Old

Favorite Color: Red ('cause it's pretty and it's on my shirt)
Favorite Animal: Giraffes ( 'cause of the zoo and their lock necks and I can feed them)
What Do You Want to Be When You Get Bigger: A veterinarian and a Mama
What Do You Like To Do For Fun: Surprise people, and I like to help people
What Do You Like To Do With Friends: Play - like at a sandbox and stuff at a park
Who are your best friends: Barrett
What is your favorite food: French Fries from McDonald's
Favorite Toy: Barbies
Favorite Show: Netflix - like My Little Ponies and Odd Squad
Favorite Disney Princess/TV Character: Snow White 'cause she's so nice, and Doc McStuffins

My little baby girl is 5. FIVE. A whole hand. Ayi-i-i-i!!!

The day of her birthday we celebrated with a trip to her favoite park, a trip to her friend's house, and a surprise early arrival home from her Daddy! We had cake and ice cream with Grandpa Dave, Grandpa Tracy, and Great G'ma and Great G'pa! She opened a few presents of course, too.

We went to Rocket Park!

That afternoon she opened her first present from her Daddy.

She loved her signing cat card from Grandpa.

After lunch (while the boys napped) we headed to Barrett's house. He surprised her with a special locket.

Daddy was working in MN and due home late that night...but he made a special trip home in time for cake and ice-cream with Madison!

Love this picture of these two SO SO much!

Her awesome Barbie remote control car from Grandma!

She LOVES it!

A new fishing pole from Grandpa. (I'm not sure why my Dad refuses to smile in pictures.)

Super cool Barbie coloring/sticker book from the Great Grandparents.

A few days later she had a birthday party at Monkey Joe's!

In the ticket booth!

And...she's already asking about her 6th birthday party...