Olivia turns 7!!

Gosh, I really cannot believe how fast 7 years have just flown by. It seems like just yesterday she was born. Jason and I had a new baby, he was still finishing up college, living with his parents in Cumberland, RI. I was away from home, away from my family. Life sure was chaotic and crazy and fun and exciting. I felt so many things during that time, from excitement to pain, from pure love to extreme hate. It sure was a very long year that first one, but in the end, we have loved and cherished every moment watching our oldest grow up. Olivia is truly a smart, bright, beautiful, loving, caring little girl. She has managed to teach herself to read, write and do math. She has skipped a grade in school all on her own. She always has a book with her. She still struggles with friendships and learning about respect and honor when it comes to family and her friendships. But I think, overtime she will learn this. Though she is very smart when it comes to learning, sometimes the hardest lessons are those we have to learn around us! Here are a few pictures from the past 7 years. Unfortunately, I don't have many from when she was born. We lost all the pictures from her first year due to a house fire when we lived in Pawtucket.

Olivia 1 Day Old

 

Me, my sister Ryann and Olivia a few hours old

 

Olivia age 1

 

Olivia at Auntie Jenn's Wedding (20 months) I made her dress, Daddy gave her the boo-boo

 

Olivia at 2

 

Olivia at 3

 

Olivia's 4th Birthday Party

 

Olivia's 5th Birthday Party

 

Olivia at 6 (Baby Fair in Boston, begged to have her face painted)

 

My big girl at 7!!
will be with you today just need to download the photos!!!

Hope you enjoyed having Olivia in your life just as much as we have. Its really hard to believe 7 years have just flown by. I cannot wait to see what the next 7 has in store for us!!!

Happy Birthday Daddy (Jason)

Today is Daddy's Birthday. He is 29 today. So for his birthday I am letting him sleep in while I take care of the monkey's this morning. This is usually a daddy/kiddo time, but he has been going to bed extremely late the last couple of weeks, so I thought today was a good day to let him sleep and get those extra Zzzzzz's he needs. We aren't planning anything today. Daddy of course has to work, and we have a bazillion things that need to get done around the house and of course the good old weekend errands for groceries and what not. So for now, I will leave you with some cute pictures of my hubby and if you get a chance, wish him a HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Daddy at about 4 months old

 

Jason at 4 (poor thing had such big ears. But isn't he adorable)

 

Daddy's Graduation from Northeastern. We were so proud

 

HAPPY 29th BIRTHDAY!!

 

Happy Birthday Emma-James

Gosh, its really hard to believe that Emma is already 4 years old. It seems like forever ago that I found out I was pregnant with her and was expecting another little girl after the loss of Anabelle. She truly has been the best gift I could have ever received. Even if she sometimes can be a little turkey!! We celebrated her birthday with a small little party yesterday at our house. Nothing fancy or large. We had Steph, Mike and her family over, as well as Jenn and her two little guys. Sadly Jim was unable to make it due to work. We had a fun afternoon with food, pickies, and cake of course. The kids played Mario Cart Wii and sadly I ended up getting sick with food poisoning. So not fun let me tell you. But Emma didn't seem to mind, she enjoyed playing with her new presents, and her friends. I still am not feeling that great today, so we might just head to swimming lessons later on tonight if I am feeling up too it. Here are some pictures for your viewing pleasure.

Emma-James January 11, 2006 at 3:31pm

 

Emma at a week old

 

Emma-James 1st Birthday

 

Ugh, my mom made me chocolate cake, I don't like chocolate at all.

 

Emma-James 2nd Birthday

 

Emma-James 3rd Birthday (She loves Thomas the train)

 

Emma-James 4th Birthday (She had another Thomas Birthday again)
*picture will be posted as soon as I have downloaded them*

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BIG GIRL, Mommy and Daddy and your sisters and brother love you oodles.

Ezme is 4 months old

Hard to believe how the time has simply flown by. I am still trying to wonder how September came and went. All the major holidays are now past us, its a brand new year. We are gearing up with all the birthdays we have this month. And now in the middle of it, Ezme is now 4 months old. How in the world did this happen?? Here are a few things that Ezme is doing now.

*Loves, and I do mean LOVES to suck on her fingers
*Enjoys the swing
*Loves to watch T.V. on the rug in the living room
*Is now enjoying solid foods (rice cereal) just before bedtime. She chows that down like you wont believe
*Sleeping through the night from 8pm-8am
*Is more awake in the mornings now from 8am-12 noon
*Doesn't take a morning nap
*Is learning to grasp toys and put them to her mouth
*Has yet to roll over (the lazy bones)

Sadly I don't have any pictures at the moment, but I promise to post one as soon as I can.

My "MONEY SAVING" post of the week

As a mom of 4, I try very hard to cut down the cost of everyday living. Especially when you have little ones. So every week, if I find a bargain, or something that I feel is worth mentioning, I will post it on the blog. So this weeks post is:

Diapers, wipes and formula. We have purchased A LOT of these in the last 6 years, and I will say, we have used just about every brand out their. I decided that it was time to make a cheaper switch so we bought a few Target brand diapers and formula. I have to say, both are wonderful. If you don't use either, I highly suggest to try it out. The target diapers run about $7 dollars per package of 48 for a size 2 and about $10 dollars for a package of 48 for a size 6. Prices will vary according to which Target you shop at. We have found that along the way. I haven't had a problem with either of my little ones leaking and they seem to hold up pretty well. Especially for my 2 year old, he seems to hold it in all day, and wait when he is sleeping. If you get my drift.

So happy bargain hunting. If you happen to find something that really works yourself, I will be happy to post it! Us mommy's can always use ways to save a buck or two.

Jason's Mom

It's truly hard to believe that 6 years ago, Jason's mom passed away after fighting cervical cancer for more then 3 years. Though we not always saw eye to eye on so many different things, and that at times our relationship was very strained. I would like to think that toward the end, she understood me a little more and truly saw how much I loved her son. Jason and I were very blessed with having Olivia. Her first and only grandchild she was able to see, hold and love before her passing. There are days that I really miss her. Wishing she was still here to see her other grandchildren. Tell Jason how proud she is of him, and what a great husband, father and man he has become. I am happy that she is able to laugh, run and play with our Anabelle. That she will take care of her and watch her grow until the day we can see them both again. Until then. We miss you Ana. I continue to tell our kiddos about you and how much they are loved by you from up above.

Wedding Picture May 1977

 

Ana and Jason as a baby

 

Jason's mom (Ana) holding Olivia May for the first time

 

Jason, his mom and Olivia at Olivia's baptism

 

Happy 5th Wedding Anniversary

Not only is today my 30th birthday, but it is also our 5th wedding annivsary. On this day 5 years ago, my husband and best friend asked me to Marry him all over again. He managed to organize a wedding in less then 24 hours. Complete with a pastor, his family, my family and our friends. Everyone gathered at our then apartment to watch us say our vows. We had been planning for many years to get married, but many things would come up each time that would put our plans on hold. Jason's mom's diagnosis, Anabelle's diagnosis. The passing of them both in the same year. I am so glad that he asked me when he did, and the way he did. Because of this, I knew that he truly wanted to be with me forever. I love you sweetie, and I am so glad that we have stuck through all the hardships we have had in the last 10 years. I am very lucky to be married to you. Our love is definitely stronger because of the tests God put before us. Thank you for loving me back.

TODAY IS MY BIRTHDAY

Today is my birthday. I turn 30! 30 years ago today, I was born in Millinocket, Maine weighing in at 6lbs 3oz. I was the first to be born in the New Year. Because of this, my parents received a bunch of wonderful gifts from local merchants. A silver rattle, diapers, baby food, etc.

It seems like yesterday I was turning 20. I had just met Jason and only a few months into my first year of college. I am now 30. I have a wonderful husband, 4 great kiddos, a little angel in heaven to watch over us. A great house (though small). My wonderful husband let me sleep in until 10:30am today. I woke up to the kids begging me to open my card and present. Jason bought me a wonderful electric blanket so I will stop complaining about how cold I am. He has begged me to eat breakfast, but I am busy updating my website for all my blog readers out there. We had planned on running out today for my birthday, but with the weather, we probably will just stay inside instead. As much as I have been dreading this day, I think this year will bring more wonderful opportunities that I can ever dream off. Thank you everyone for the birthday wishes. I will post later a picture of me and the chocolate cake my kiddos are baking me for my birthday. This should be interesting.

January 2, 1980 I was featured in the Katahdin Times! I was the first baby born in the NEW YEAR!

 

January 2, 2010

 

A Year in Review

JANUARY 2009

January started off by finding out we were pregnant with Ezme. What a way to bring in the New Year. I took the test really just to be safe so I could drink that night. My Mom always buys me the greatest wine during Christmas and my Birthday since the only time you can buy it is around then. I had 2 wonderful bottles waiting for me. But I got a better gift. Ezme. So I stored the bottles until she was born, and had them as a treat! The wait was worth it.

January 2nd marked my Anniversary and my last year being in my 20's. I turned 29! For my birthday and Anniversary present Jay brought me to see Fiddler on the Roof. It was fantastic.

January 11th we celebrated Emma-James 3rd birthday. Complete with a Thomas Cake

 

We also celebrated Jason's birthday by taking him to the Boston Science Museum. Here is a picture overlooking the Charles River.

 

It was also Olivia's Birthday too. Hard to believe my baby turned 6! Here is Olivia with Emma-James on the train to Boston. She wanted to do something at the Children's Museum.

 

FEBRUARY 2009

February was pretty low key. After all the birthday's in January and Christmas the month before, we need February to recoup from all the comings and goings of the last 2 months. So needless to say, that's what we did!

MARCH 2009

March started off with Emma having her Open House at Nursery School. She had a pretty good time and met a few friends. Though no one she plays with now. She is just too shy.

 

It was also a fun month too! Here is a picture of my Girl Scout girls getting ready to ride in a limo (with their moms too) to go see Chitty-Chitty Bang Bang. We used the profits of our Cookie money in order to go see the show. It was fantastic!

 

We also enjoyed the Baby Fair in Boston this year. I went with a friend of mine who just had her little guy Tucker. It was a lot of fun, and being pregnant I was enjoying it even more. I scored a new baby carrier THAT I LOVE and a new bottle for Owen. And last, and new booster seat for Olivia that I have had my eye on for awhile. Its a booster that latches right into the car. How awesome is that?!!

Here is a picture of Olivia's face painted like a butterfly. She had it done at the Baby Fair.

 

APRIL 2009

April as always is a pretty busy month. We started off with Olivia loosing her first tooth, and then a three days later, loosing her second.

 

We then enjoyed our yearly tradition with Easter at our house. We have a friend of ours come over to do an Easter Egg hunt. Its always so much fun and we always manage to have the best weather too. Here is a little picture of the cake I made. It sure was yummy!

 

We also enjoyed a wonderful visit from my best friend (aka big sister) from Maine. I have been trying to get her to visit with her boys for 10 years, and finally it happened. Though the visit was really too short. We still had a wonderful time. All the kiddos together watching a movie. Emma-James, Austin, Olivia, and Joshua.

 

We then enjoyed Olivia's dance recital. She had a great time being with Miss. Amanda again and we were really glad we could go back. Here is a picture of her acting like the Charlies Angel Girls before she went on stage. Such a ham.

 

MAY 2009

May we celebrated Mother's Day. And kept this month pretty low key too. After a busy month before, we tend to just stay quiet on Month's that are not so busy.

JUNE 2009

We went out big in this month. It first started off by us building a new BIGGER playground for the kids in our backyard. From scratch. What a long weekend that was. And we still have a few things to do on it.
This is the beginning!

 

The middle! Yes, I was 6 months pregnant and hammering away!

 

The Finished Project!

 

We had the playground done in time for the End of the Year Girl Scout Party. But sadly it rained so bad, that we enjoyed the festivities inside.

My troop!

 

We also enjoyed going to Jaswell's Farm to pick Strawberries. The kids of course did most of the running, while I did most of the picking. At least they don't eat more then they pick. So I have that going for me.

Olivia, Emma-James and Owen trying to find the perfect strawberry

 

The fresh Strawberries

 

JULY 2009

July started off by taking a trip to Maine for my 10th Reunion from High School. I really wasn't suppose to take the trip, but I felt that if I didn't, I would probably regret it for years to come. Even though I was as big as a elephant, I still went! We managed to take the kids to the parade in town to celebrate the 4th.

Emma-James wasn't in love with the loud noise. So she went to the top of the hill with Papa to watch the parade.

 

Owen enjoying the parade. Complete with Baby penguin and truck in hand.

 

Olivia my wonderful daughter has been bugging Jason and I for awhile now to be in a parade. Because we really don't have those options down here in RI, the little stinker managed to score a ride on a FIRE TRUCK for the entire parade. A little girl she was standing next too went on with her Uncle. Of course Olivia spoke up, and the people felt so badly, that they let her go on too. I guess speaking up sometimes really does pay off!

Olivia inside the Fire Truck

 

Taking one last picture with the Fire Truck she rode on

 

We managed to take the kids bowling for the first time too! It was an interesting adventure to see two 3 year old's and a 6 year old try to bowl. It was a LONG GAME for sure.

 

I also enjoyed growing some pretty window boxes!

 

AUGUST 2009

August was a busy month for us. With a few trips with the kiddos here and there. We were preparing the last month before Ezme's arrival. Gearing up for Girl Scouts to start. Working on cleaning the backyard and front yard before the fall leaves came. And lets not forget Emma-James and her first broken arm. All she worried about was having an "ORANGE CAST". Such a funny little girl.

Emma-James with her Orange cast. Complete with Dragons from Auntie Ryann

 

We took the kids to the local "Touch A Truck" Show. It was a huge success I believe. A free day with the kids. And they had a lot of fun visiting all the LOUD and BIG trucks that were there. Here are a few pictures of our outing.

Olivia standing in front of a large wheel

 

Emma-James favorite truck. A small CAT. She asked if we would buy her one. And then said if we didn't, she knew her Papa would.

 

My pregnant belly, in relation to the very large truck. Not much difference in my opinion. LOL.

 

Owen in one of the big trucks. Gearing to pull the horn. A boy, his sucker, and a loud truck. What more could he ask for.

 

SEPTEMBER 2009

September brought so many good things. My sister and nephew came to visit. Ezme was born. We went apple picking, enjoyed a trip to Boston and even had fun at the Apple Festival here in Johnston.

Ezme Anabella September 8, 2009. Coming home day!

 

The Cute onsies my sister decorated with the kids. Aren't they adorable.

 

 

Emma-James first day of Pre-School

 

Ezme's first trip to the Apple Orchard

 

Our trip to Boston. Owen pictured with a frog at FROG POND

 

Ezme enjoying the baby carrier in Boston

 

OCTOBER 2009

October was a busy month. We celebrated Owen's 2nd Birthday. Watched Ezme turn a month old. Had a fantastic Halloween party with the Girl Scouts. Was invited to spend the morning at Emma-James Pre-School for some Halloween Fun and even enjoyed Trick-or-Treating with good friends.

Owen blowing out his candles. It was a TRUCK THEME BIRTHDAY

 

Emma-James enjoying her Halloween Party at Pre-School

 

Girl Scout Halloween Party

 

The kiddos before they head out Trick-or-Treating

 

NOVEMBER 2009

In November we celebrated Anabelle's 5th Birthday. Drove to Maine for the first time with all 4 kiddos for Thanksgiving. And geared up for the Christmas holiday. All in all, it wasn't a busy busy month.