Glasses= Pretty?

So, I woke up to my right eye being very red and watery this morning.  I seldom take my contacts out (bad girl), so my eyes seem to to get irritated every once in a while.  I decided to put some drops in my eye and wear my back up glasses.  Man, do they give me a head ache and make me dizzy.  They are not fun to wear and they are pretty darn thick, so I struggle with a major glare when I wear them.  Not my favorite thing, but I am thankful to have back up glasses. (I would only see colored blobs without something!)

Anyway, I had to brag on Jacob.  Here was our convo...

Jacob: Why are u wearing those glasses?
Me:  My right eye is red.  Does it make me look smart?  (smiling)
Jacob:  Yes. (He knew I was joking)

Some time passes...

Jacob:  I actually like u in those glasses Mom.
Me: Why because they make me look so smart?!? (continuing the joke)
Jacob:  No, because they make u look pretty.

And then he proceeds to give me a hug.

This kid surprises me all the time with how sweet he can be.  It baffles me how much I think that I fail raising my kids, but you know what?  God, thankfully, has our back and Jacob has been instilled with a natural love and compassion for people.  How amazing that we are not doing this alone.  God is constantly working with our kids through what we teach them, what they learn at church, and by the little personalities traits He has blessed our kids with.

And I must add.... Jake will make his wife very happy one day :)

Halloween Fun!

Halloween was a bit dreary this year with lots of rain and wind, but that didn't stop the fun!  With Mario Brothers and Ninjas in tow, we were off to visit with friends and family.  Nothing with 4 boys is ever a piece of cake (or candy), but we made lots of memories!

Mario and Luigi were 'stached and ready to go :)

My fearsome ninjas with the moves!

Our baby Ninja with a handcrafted costume made of old t-shirts.  He thought he was big stuff!

"I not a baby, Me BIIGGGG."

The boys had fun in their costumes and Mommy and Daddy had fun after they went to bed.  

We ended the night with wings and "Home Alone".  

Now, on to Thanksgiving!

Fall is here!

Fall is here and it is beautiful.  I have made it a tradition to wait until the tree in our backyard is the perfect shade of red and the fresh leaves have fallen.  Today was the perfect cool, Autumn day to take pics of our boys once again.  I thought it would be fun to look back at some old Fall photos.  

OH how our family has grown!

2007

2009

2010

  2011

2012

2013

Count your blessings name them one by one!!!

  I can think of 4 :)

Lead by the Holy Spirit.

I have been a Christian for as long as I can remember.  There has never been a question in my mind whether God created the universe or whether He has a plan for my life.  He did and He does and I've always known that.  I never fought the temptation of drinking, drugs, or smoking (well I tried smoking once only to say I did it).  I PRAY that my boys are the same way and it has been such a blessing, but.....  I have to say, my innocence leaves me without a very effective testimony in my opinion.  I have seen God work in my life through how I met my husband, how he got his current job, and most evidently, I can see God in the miracle of my kids.  But I have felt a little empty, needing to be filled by the Holy Spirit.  And I have never truly understood what that was like (besides feeling the tingle of His presence through worship music).

That is, until last night.

I decided to make a new recipe I found on Pinterest (oh how addicting that site is!).  It was a chicken pasta bake.  Nothing spectacular, but sounded good to me and relatively easy.  I started making it and was pouring the creamy pasta mixture into a 9x13 glass dish.  Oh boy, I had a ton left after filling that sucker and filled yet another casserole dish.  (I am famous, with my Hubby mainly, for making WAY too much food when trying pasta or rice recipes)  So, the thought of taking the extra food to a couple in my church crossed my mind. The husband has been fighting cancer and was undergoing hardcore Khemo treatments.  He could stomach chicken and pasta dishes, I was told by his wife weeks earlier.  But it was a new recipe and I was automatically feeling self-concious about my cooking.  I brushed the thoughts aside for a while, but was later bombarded with the feeling that I needed to share this food.  

Without further thought, I private messaged his wife on Facebook and asked her if she had Supper planned.  (I was thinking it was a fat chance sense it was already 5pm)  But, she said she had NOT planned Supper yet.  I took a leap of faith and said, "I will bring the food over in about 25 minutes".  No looking back now!  This may seem so small, but God was truly pushing me beyond my comfort zone (I had provided meals for people before, but only after lots of plans and preparations). But I knew this was exactly what I was suppose to be doing.

About 25 minutes later, the pasta and garlic bread was ready to take over.  I got in my van and headed over to their house.  My friend opened the door and he looked like the dear fellow I had known before his diagnoses (minus a few pounds, plus a full beard).  They were so thankful for my meal and he told me how good it smelt to him.  I told them to have low expectations and that my food needed salt (haha, I told u I was very self-concious and there is no hiding it).  He proceeded to show me the art work he had been working on (amazing) and we briefly caught up.  He had been scheduled to get a khemo treatment that day, but wasn't able to because of sickness.  He normally would still be at the hospital recovering, but instead he was home to receive my meal.  (no coincident if u ask me!)

As soon as I got in my car, I started praying that my food would hit the spot for him, strengthen him, and even heal him (I was praying BIG).  After that, I knew they would enjoy my food, all my anxiety aside.  God was in that food, and I knew it.  

Minutes after I got home, my cell phone rang.  It was him, and the first thing I heard was, "Not only is she beautiful, but she can cook too!"  I can't even begin to tell u how much of a blessing that was to hear.  Not just because he liked my food, but because I knew that God had heard me.  As small as that was, it felt big to me.  I was lead by the Holy Spirit to bless that precious family with the comfort of knowing that God is working in their lives during this hard time and He is there walking right beside them.  I would not have done it otherwise.  

Please keep the Jesfield's in your prayers.  They are faithful followers of Christ and need His strength every hour.  God can heal, God IS big enough.  The Pyle's love you, LeRoy and Wanda, and we are praying for a miracle!

My Four Boys.

What can I say about my 4 boys?  Well, they challenge me everyday and honestly make me reevaluate my purpose in life.  Why did God choose Tyler and I to raise these crazy, rambunctious boys who take me to the very edge of my sanity some days (or most)?  Not sure I will ever know why, but what I do know is, I love these boys and they make this Mama mighty proud.   Here is a bit about each one of my little men.

Jacob David, almost 7

What a ball of attitude!  He sure knows how to push Tyler and I's buttons.  He is persistent, does not let things go, and thinks he is the coolest, smartest, most talented kid alive (Humility would not be a strong suit for this boy as of yet).  He is a chatterbox, has to have the last word (I have no idea where he got that from...), and tells us "no" more often than not when asked to do something, but he has a very good heart.  Every morning before he walks out the door to go to school, he gives each of his brothers a kiss from oldest to youngest and kisses and hugs me before he walks out the door.  Then he proceeds to yell, "Adios!"  He insists on having us all stand at the door and wave as him and Tyler as they pull away.   Jake does not go a day without telling me he loves me.  He will make a girl swoon one day.  He will always have my heart...  My Jacob David.

Zakariah Tyler, 4 1/2

What a ball of energy!  He loves to play video games and computer games which keeps his attention for hours if I let it.  He snacks constantly and drinks like a camel.  He is often in his own little world and I have used the phrase, "Earth to Zak!" a few times in his life.  He has inconsolable fits some days, and he has brought me to tears more than once from frustration.  Usually after Supper, he gets tired which unleashes the bull in the china shop.  He becomes destructive, irresponsible, and darn right insane!   When he finally settles down and gets to sleep, he will sleep in until the late morning.  I can see it now, my teenage boy sleeping in until noon!  But he is also my sensitive sweetheart who tends to be my most generous kid.  He shares the best out of his brothers and enjoys drawing pictures for others.  He loves to watch his older brother play video games and misses Jake when he is at school.  He loves hugs and kisses, although he always wipes mine off... little booger.  Zak is a tough guy, but is mushy gushy on the inside.  The day I found out I was pregnant with Zak was one of the best (and long awaited) days of my life.  Can't wait to see what is in store for my Zakariah Tyler.

Thaddeus Wayne, 3

What a whiney butt!  He has been a "half empty" child from the very beginning.  He wakes up most mornings whining to be held and stays that way for most of the morning.  And you say, "just hold the kid then, it will help,"  but it doesn't!  I will struggle some mornings holding him (He is a nearly 30lb, 3 year old) while making breakfast and packing Jake's lunch thinking he will cheer up with a little lovin'.  Thaddeus wants my attention 24/7.  Poor kid.  He is a middle child and is good at it.  He is VERY stubborn and is a hard kid to break once he has made up his mind.  I once left a crying Thad to go to the store for a half hour and returned to a crying Thad who stood by the door until I got home.  His persistence will pay off one day I imagine, but for now it is challenging.  BUT when Thad is happy and smiling, it absolutely makes my day.  He has the sweetest grin in all the world and is my little helper.  He has a great sense of humor and is a total goof (Not to mention he is a handsome little fart).  He is my little Buddy and will do something very special one day I believe.  Love me some Thaddeus Wayne.

Malachi Gabe, 1 1/2

Mr. Mischievous!  Mal is great at playing the ornery little messer who can't be left alone for a second!  If it is quiet, Mal is up to something!  His specialty right now is toilet water splashing with the toilet brush and toothbrush dunking (you can imagine where).  He has the pouty/frown face down pat and knows how to use his cuteness.  He has also developed quite the attitude.  He is a busy boy, but he has been a ray of sunshine sense the moment he entered the world.  He is our happy boy who wakes up jabbering and giggling.  I always told Tyler, he may be our preacher one day.  He has the attitude and spirit for it.  He is one special, cuddly boy who makes us love parenting on those not so lovable days.  Mal may have been an "oops", but he sure completes our family.  Love my baby boy, Malachi Gabe.

Sometimes I feel like I am just trying to survive another day, but I am learning to cherish special moments with these young boys.  They are all healthy, smart, handsome, and lovable.  How did we get so lucky?  Why did God choose Tyler and I to raise these 4 boys?  Well, my guess is, He loves us so very much and He knew we were the best for the job.  God's plan is a mystery to this gal, but I trust it whole heartedly and look forward to seeing more of OUR story unfold.

Basement: Before and Afters!

So, I just came up with this brilliant idea.  How about I take "before" and "after" pictures and put them side by side for a wow-factor comparison.  Brilliant right?  (I know it's been done and I should have thought of that long before now, but we've been a little busy)  I had forgotten how crazy far our basement has come.  For those of you who have gone on this journey with us, y'all know how exciting this is!  Enjoy!

I am sitting here in awe of what Tyler and his family have accomplished.  

We are so very blessed.

Completion is Just Around the Corner!

I figured updates of the basement were in order.  I love everything about it and am so proud to show it off!  Most of the pictures are of the bathroom, because I cannot get enough of it.  By far my favorite and our most needed room in the basement.

Gabe has been doing his magic in our bathroom.  He is just about finished with the tile above our shower.  Love how it is turning out!

Tyler did an awesome job putting up the mirror, lights, and bathroom accessories.  Starting to become so real.  We have a usable toilet and sink!

This is another angle because I just love it so much.  U probably can't tell that I am super excited to have a second bathroom which happens to be gorgeous...

Down below is my laundry room.  I was not sure about the color on the floor, but I LOVE it.  Notice our white trim which makes the colors in there pop!  So excited to have a sink in MY laundry room. (I said "my" because I am the only one who uses it)

Tyler has become a very talented painter.  He has painted all the trim and doors.  This is the entry way into the laundry room and a view of our steps.

This will, one day soon, be our living area for our family of 6 and we cannot wait to move our furniture down there and start making memories.  

So much to look forward to and we cannot wait for completion!

Fun with Cousins.

The boys were very excited to have some playmates today!  My nieces Ava, Blakeley, and Karsyn came over for a few hours to play.  

The girls are definately different than my boys.  The first thing they saw were the coloring books, crayons, and markers I had on my table.  They colored nicely for quite a while and I felt it was an awesome opportunity to get my girl fix.  I asked Karsyn if I could braid her hair while she colored and she was sweetly willing.  Then Blakeley saw my spectacular work and wanted the same.  

(Oooh, I guess if I have to :D)  I just can't help myself.  

Zak and Ava took turns playing computer games.  It's hard to peel Zak off of the computer at times, so it was good for him to have to share.  Zak turned on some dance moves from Curious George.  They were getting pretty into it and doing a great job!

Thaddeus, Malachi, Blakeley, and Karsyn went upstairs and played with toys.  They play really well together, those four, and I just had to take a picture.

This picture cracks me up.  The picture is really bright, but Malachi looks like he has a really long comb over and the AC blew it straight up!  Ha ha.  

He sure is a happy baby!  He was super excited to see his cousins when he woke up from his nap :)

We went outside to play on this beautiful, sunny, cool day.  The neighbor kids were riding their electric Jeep and tractor around and the kids were peeking to see if they were coming our way.  So exciting ;)

My neighbor saw me walking back to my house with 6 kids in tow (Jake was at his friends house) and she said something about running a preschool and being super woman.  Not quite.  (but she can think that if she wants)  They really are all good listeners (usually) and the experience is pretty pleasant.

We look forward to spending time with cousins again very soon!  

(Just noticed that Zak is trying on one of the girl's pink shoes.... Oh my)

The Basement Project Continues.

March of 2012 was the beginning of the infamous basement project.  I was 8 months pregnant with Malachi when the digging began.  Little did I know that 17 months later completion would be in sight.

With four growing boys a second bathroom, large living area, and laundry room will change our lives.    I can't even begin to express how happy it makes me to see things really coming together in our basement!  It is beautiful and so much more than I ever imagined.  And we get to call it our home.  

God has really been refining us throughout this whole project and we are still learning from it.  I always thought it was patience we were learning.  Obviously right?  Ha!  No, it was contentment.  Do I want to live in tight quarters with a family of six?  No.  But can I.... yes.  Does it matter that I had a disaster of a yard with mountains of dirt for months?  Not really, I can hardly remember what it looked like anymore (Well, maybe I can).  What my yard looks like and what people might be thinking can bug my earthly mind, but it is only a blip in the big picture.  God has given us the desire of our hearts and the wait and work has been a small sacrifice for the amount of comfort He will provide for our family.  God is so faithful.   

We have doors! The door on the left is the entrance to our utility room and 

the door on the right is to our second bathroom (Y'all can't see it, but I have a giddy smile on my face).

This picture definately does not do the window justice.  

It brings in so much awesome sunlight.  We can not wait to see the finished product!

 This is the entrance way into our Laundry room. 

 Notice the "blue spruce" finish on the floor.

Lots of tools in this picture and the ceiling and floor aren't quite finished,

 but I can see how beautiful it is going to look.  I love it!

Oh second bathroom, how I love you.  The floors turned out awesome (Thank you, Gabe), as well as the trim that really makes it look clean and fresh.  I still can't believe this is our bathroom!  

I do go down and stare at it, I must admit.  

I cannot thank Tyler, Gabe, and Dave (Also, wives and other volunteers) enough for all they have done and all the time they have sacrificed to give us the basement of our dreams and much appreciated extra space.  Thank You SO MUCH!  We will have y'all over many, many times to enjoy it with us. 

 Superbowl party, I'm thinking, is in the near future :) 

More pictures of the basement to come as we draw close to the finish!