At least we had the party on time.

 

 

You may not believe me, but on my list of things to do since January 5th has been to download these pictures and do a blog post about Mara's 3rd birthday party.  Not kidding.  Every single day, my beloved Erin Condren planner has said, "Mara's post".  And every day there have been other things that have required my attention before this.  Thankfully, with an early afternoon home due to snow, I'm catching up a bit.  And so...I give you a very belated post about our sweet baby and how we celebrated her entrance into being three.

 

If you've spent more than 5 minutes with Mara, you know that this is a little girl who LOVES babies.  Real babies, pretend babies, it doesn't seem to matter.  She likes to hold them, feed them, dress them, walk them in her stroller, sing to them, put them to sleep and wake them back up again.  She has her most favorite "purple baby", and about a hundred other babies that she plays with daily.  I even try to take some of the less favored ones to the basement from time to time, but she realizes they are missing and ends up going to look for them.  Every time this happens, I pretend to have no idea how they got down there.  So far, she believes me. 

 

So we decided that it would be fun to have a baby themed birthday party for her.  All of the kids were encouraged to bring their babies with them, and they all seemed to have a wonderful time playing with them.  There were lots of American Girls on the scene, and everyone from age 11 all the way down to 2 seemed to love playing dolls together.  Quite frankly, if I had my beloved doll, Victoria, I would have jumped right in with her.

We had lots of yummy snacks, because, let's face it, I need very little in the way of a good excuse to cook things to eat.  And a house full of people certainly qualifies, so I worked on coming up with a menu that would reflect our party theme.  We had "little" smokies, "mini" meatballs, and a lot of the other normal party favorites.  It was a bit of a dip-a-palooza because I went a little wild on dips of all different varieties-- banana pudding dip with "mini" Nilla wafers, caramel dip for apple slices, Neen's yummy salsa dip with nothing mini or baby related, but just for the simple fact that the bowl is always licked clean at every party we have.  We had mini cups of fruit salad and veggie shooters.  And all of the kids ate their goodies using little cocktail sized spoons and  forks (baby sized).  It was pretty cute...if I do say so myself.  And even more critical than cute was that it was yummy.

 

The kids were so excited to get to play with Brooke and Hayden, and the Mowrys. Thank goodness for Cooper to rescue Joshua from all of the girls.

 

These two together just about melt me.  I swear...if they were any cuter together, I wouldn't know what to do.

 

The kids decorated little doll sized t-shirts for their babies.  It was a project that worked a lot  better in my mind than it did in reality.  The fabric markers didn't exactly want to move on the fabric, so I think the girls were a bit frustrated.  But it occupied them for a little while, anyway.

 

We had to remove the cute baby doll from the top of the cake in order not to burn down the house, but Mara loved her cake.  The little baby doll had a small cake just like the big one.  The kids gobbled up the cake just like usual.  And thankfully, almost all of the cake was eaten so that I wasn't tempted to completely wreck my diet with irreparable consequences.  

 

And just look at this crew.  I took about 80 pictures like this, and not one of them has all six of the girls looking in the same direction and smiling.  And so I give you this one.  I never claimed to be a photographer.

 

In the end, we had a very happy little girl, and a great afternoon to spend with our family and friends.  I still can't quite believe that Mara can really be three--- that is, until she has a complete temper tantrum that can ONLY come from a three year old.  But it doesn't seem possible that it has  been three years since she was born.  In some ways, though, I can't remember what life was like before her.  No doubt, she has completed our family in a way that only she could.  She pushes me, stretches me, challenges me in ways the other kids never have.  She frustrates me, frazzles me, and melts my heart at the same time.  I can't explain it any other way than to say that she is everything I never knew I needed--- but is a true and cherished gift from God.  I only pray that we can parent her in the way that she needs to be parented in order to grow into the person she was born to be.

Mara and Katelyn

This weekend, we experienced another parenthood first. It seems that each child gives you different challenges, different struggles, even different joys. I would put this latest development in the category of funny stories that I never want to forget...another reason I love this blog and the way that I can quickly freeze these little moments in time to be able to remember when the kids are bigger and I somehow can't remember all of these little things that, right now it seems impossible that I would forget. 

Sunday afternoon Mara started referring to Katelyn and talking about her in very detailed descriptions. She has been extremely vivid in her imagination lately- even having temper tantrums about not being able to go to school for a tap dancing show she needed to be there for. She even carried her "tap shoes" with us to church in the hopes that I would take her to her school after church. But Katelyn was a new one. She told us she was 4 and had purple hair. She was drawing pictures for her and asking us to take her to deliver them to Katelyn.  We dismissed it as pretty normal imagination type stuff- we are no strangers to the imagination stuff. Remember all of the long hours we sat on the stairs while Joshua recited lines from The Polar Express at this same age?  Or all the days I spent being the Green Goblin from Spiderman?  But this was a new one. 

On Monday when I came home from the office, I was immediately greeted with information about Katelyn. Apparently she was coming for supper. When Grandma opened the garage door to leave for home (happily, by the way since apparently this Katelyn talk had been going on all day long) Katelyn came inside. After that she ate dinner with us (we had to get her her own chair after Lauren caused all manner of calamity by apparently sitting on top of her...quite a risk when no one besides Mara can see her.). She had her own plate too. Of course. She got tubs with the girls and even communicated through Mara that the water temperature was too hot. She decided to stay overnight and shared Mara's pajamas and her bed. In the morning, we learned that she snores. 

I will be honest and tell you that while I am amused. I don't know if this is normal 3 year old behavior or whether we are dealing with some sort of problem, but it seems innocent to me at this point.  So far it is very comical and has had all of us literally laughing out loud in recent days. 

Who knows how long Katelyn might be with us. But hey...welcome to the circus, Katelyn. Make yourself at home. 

Christmas Shoes

Although it is a bit (ok, a big bit) behind schedule, I wanted to share a few pictures of Josh's big night when he had an opportunity to sing with the Christian group, Newsong during their Christmas concert at the Community Arts Center in Williamsport. It really was a night we all will remember for a long time!

Sometime late in November, we got a phone call from a former pastor who also works at a local Christian radio station saying that he was working on a project and wondered if we would be interested in an opportunity for Joshua. He was responsible for finding a little boy between the ages of 6-8 who would be willing to sing with Newsong during their show. He said he had never heard Joshua sing, but had always enjoyed his "character" when he was working at our church, and especially the way he always liked to play Pastor Dave's drums after church. There would be an audition scheduled with all of the radio station people to choose from a few boys that they knew. 

Given the fact that during this particular month, Joshua's main pastime was putting on concerts for us using YouTube videos on the iPad and Lauren's working microphone (ie. the best $30 we have ever spent), I figured I knew what he would say, but I told Pastor Dave that I wouls talk to him after school and let him know. I was a bit apprehensive because Joshua had never sung anything in front of other people, and certainly not in front of a crowd like the one that was sure to be at the Arts Center. 

So we practiced the song, "The Christmas Shoes" (which I am pretty shre I sobbed through thr first 300 times he sang it because that song tries to rip your guts out) and he auditioned.  He was really nervous to audition, but had never experienced anything like that before, so I couldn't blame him. But the next day, Pastor Dave called and told us that he had gotten the part. He was thrilled. 

We were told to dress him in raggedy clothes- and this was tough for me. I wanted to find him something nice to wear, but he was supposed to resemble the little boy in the movie that was made about the story in the song. We arrived at the Arts Center a few hours before the concert and were expecting to meet with the band for a little while, and hopefully run through the song. But that never happened. A few minutes before the show started Joshua met with one of the band members and was basically told when to come backstage and what microphone he would use. He did sing through his part for the band member, but only once and without any music (his challenges were tempo and pitch with the music). But that was the extent of our prep. We went out into the audience and enjoyed the show-- Sanctus Real, Danny Gokey (awesome!), Newsong and Josh Wilson (who was amazing on his guitar).  Of course, Christmas Shoes was next to last.

The clip of the movie started and we headed backstage. Josh was nervous but seemed to be handling it all pretty well.  I, on the other hand, was a nervous wreck. I was so afraid that he was going to be scared. He stood with the band member we had met earlier, off to the side, singing along with Mr Billy (as he was referred to).  And when it was his turn, he marched out there and sang his heart out. In front of 1000 people.

I cried. And cried. Thank goodness there were a few videos rolling to capture it for us. Libby and Zig had travelled nearly 2 hours to see this little 2 minute piece of history, and Grandma and Aunt Sheri were there as well. Friends of ours were actually in the first few rows and had amazing seats for filming. We were so grateful for their help because our view was really cool- but not good for video or pictures.  Most of the photos I am sharing here were sent to me from the radio station and were taken from the balcony view.

To say we were proud of Joshua was a serious understatement.  He was so brave, and seemed to really enjoy this experience.  We are so grateful for Libby and Zig and Grandma and Aunt Sheri making the trip to support him.  Joshua's teacher, Mrs. Cross, was also in the audience.  Her story really touched my heart.  When she found out that he had been selected for this opportunity, and what the song was, she said that she thought she would go to the concert to see it.  She lost her Mom on Christmas Eve, and with the basis of the song being a little boy who was trying to make his Mama beautiful in case she met Jesus that Christmas Eve, she said that this song has been extremely difficult for her to listen to in the years since her Mom passed.  But since Joshua was going to be singing it, she wanted to hear him.  She told me afterwards that she was really blessed by being there, and we were so glad.

Following the show, apparently the radio station had listeners asking about the little boy who sang the song at the concert, so they asked if he would be willing to come and speak live on the morning show with the DJ's (one of which is Pastor Dave).  He was thrilled to be asked, and seemed to have a good time.  They asked him about singing and how it felt to be up there on the stage, they asked about Christmas and his favorite Christmas song, and his favorite sports teams.  It was really cute.

2015

I love a new beginning.  And so, I think that's what I like most about New Year's Day (aside from getting the tree down and de-cluttering the house because by the time Christmas is over, I cannot take it one more second) - the chance to start fresh, with the proverbial clean slate.  I love writing the first words in my Erin Condren planner and decorating the special days in it that we have events planned. (It is a sickness.)

I spent New Year's Eve and New Year's Day pondering what I wanted this new year to hold in store. Last year I had vowed to continue my weight loss, insert some exercise and maintain what I had lost in 2013. I was largely successful at that-- not perfect-- but pretty respectable. I fully plan to continue that in 2015 and get rid of the last pesky 25 pounds that will get me to what I think is a maintainable, healthy weight without starving or being grumpy or needing to completely swear off everything that tastes good. And let's be honest, that's just no way to live. 

And then I thought about some other things I would like to do more of in the new year. More cooking. More time with people who fill me up spiritually and emotionally. More notes sent to friends to make them smile. More encouragement for others. More writing. More cups of hot tea. More connection with my husband. More snuggles with my children. More of the good stuff. 

I also decided that I was going to be intentional about writing. Having lost so many grandparents in recent history, I am thinking more and more about legacy and what people will know of us once we are gone from this earth. I also have been trying diligently to make sure that I am focused on my blessings.  So each day I have decided to write down at least five things that I saw Jesus' hand in my circumstances during the day. I already love it. For me, it is an easier way to journal than to write narrative in a journal- which I have tried and always seem to fizzle out on. This project is akin to the list in One Thousand Gifts...and I am so excited about it. I am finding that most days I have way more than five things that God has blessed me with through the day. It is keeping me focused on the positive- and when I do that I am so much more likely to see even more. It's a win win for sure!

Happy 2015!!

Santa Came!!

We had a nice Christmas Eve at home, and enjoyed going to church after supper.  The kids did relatively well, thanks to being there with the Mowry's!  Mara just loved being able to play in the pew with Kinley. Add in some snacks and some coloring pages, and they were all able to make it through the service with little catastrophe.

 

Christmas morning started with an unfortunate beginning.  Joshua had been into our room no less than 4 times before it was actually time to get awake.  But around 6 am, he came in and made a bee line for the bathroom. And before we knew it, we were dealing with a stomach issue.  He threw up a few times before it miraculously passed and he felt well enough to open presents.  I was really worried that our Christmas plans were all out the window if we had a puker in the house.  Poor buddy was so sad.

 

But by about 8, we were downstairs marveling at the treasures Santa had left for the kids. They couldn't decide how to start.  But don't worry...it didn't take them long to figure it out.

 

Lauren asked for very few things this year.  But her first American Girl doll was the one thing she wanted.  She was thrilled to open up Isabelle!

Joshua's had two big wishes this year.  The first was an iPod.  Santa thought that he might enjoy a basic level tablet a bit more, so that's what he brought.  Josh was thrilled.  His other wish was for a drum set.  I told him that it is illegal for Santa to bring drum sets.

Somehow I missed a picture of Mara opening up her big present- American Girl Bitty Twins.  Our baby doll loving little Mommy adored the babies, and immediately got to work taking care of them.

 Wait.  What?!?!?

 

 

We cleaned up the morning mess and I got to work in the kitchen preparing our goodies for that afternoon and dinner with Jason's family.  Later in the afternoon, Grandma, Grandpa, Aunt Sheri, Jai and Gage all arrived ready for another round of gift exchanging and dinner.  We all had a great time.

 

We had a great day!  At the end of it all, we cuddled up in our pajamas (some of us matched our baby dolls) and felt very blessed. 

Home for Christmas - Part II

This chapter will be titled..."Christmas with the Sickos".

We returned home from Stacie's on Saturday evening around 9:30.  I would like a special Mother of the Year nomination for forgetting to feed the kids supper.  Richard family Christmas is famous for all day grazing, but I forgot that the kids don't graze nearly as much as the grownups.  So, as we left McVeytown, Mara asked, "Was i already supper time?"  And so, we made a run through the McDonald's drive through for three packages of chicken nuggets for my hungry kids! Jason was still in bed when we got home, and he remained there for the rest of the night and most of Sunday morning.

The kids and I got up and headed to church to hear the Maitland cantata. It was lovely.  And the kids managed to behave themselves relatively well and enjoyed seeing Nana, Pap and Freda up front.  Lauren even sang along with some Christmas carols as they  appeared in the songs.  I would love to be able to join in next year.

After lunch, we were planning to celebrate Christmas with Mom and Dad and Lib and Zig and the kids.  Jason joined the land of the living, and Brooke came up from her sick spot on her couch from the day before.  At this point, Libby was turning a few shades of green but she powered through like a champ.

We packed up and headed for home shortly after the gifts were opened.  The kids all had school on Monday morning, and everyone was feeling pretty crummy.  Poor Lib headed for home almost immediately because she was feeling bad.  It definitely wasn't our most energetic Christmas, but we enjoyed being together all the same.

I love this sweet girl so much!

 Mara was thrilled with her baby crib.  She kept saying, "I got a crib for my babies!"  And she has played with it non stop ever since.

 

 Nana and the kids looking at some pictures from the year.  And Joshua having one last bag of Hartley's chips before we returned home.

 

Home for Christmas-- Part I

I feel like I could just let the pictures do the talking for this post.  But operating with few words really isn't my thing.  I am feeling slightly accomplished since these Christmas pictures are only a week late.  Last year's Christmas pictures are still on my camera card, shamefully.  They never made it to the posting stage for no good reason and a million not so good reasons.

 

The weekend before Christmas we headed to Lewistown to celebrate Christmas with the Richard side of our family.  This trip was the 4th round trip I had made to Lewistown in the course of the week, after being home several times to be with my family as we paid tribute to my Pappy Ray and laid him to rest.  To say we were all weary was an understatement.  In fact, when we woke up on Saturday morning with a packing list a million miles long and a to do list equally as daunting, it was not a welcome surprise for Jason to wake up very sick.  I tried to talk him out of making the trip with us, but he was sure he could manage the trip.  It was very clear that he was in bad shape, though, when he pulled the car over and asked me to drive the rest of the way to my parents' house that morning.  In our nine years of marriage, that had never happened before.

 

We pressed on, and headed for Stacie's house for the party.  She and Noah were, once again, willing to host the whole mess of us and all of our stuff.  The kids got to quick work playing and giggling.  Brewen and Dre were there, and I think Joshua quite enjoyed having a few boys there to play with.  When Ridge and Reed arrived shortly after us, the boys almost equaled the girls! 

 

Jason had to make an early exit from the party when he requested a ride back to Mom and Dad's shortly after we got to Stacie's.  He spent the rest of the day and all of that night resting at their house, trying to feel better.  I felt awful to leave him at the house, but there wasn't much I could do to help.  Libby was mostly absent from the festivities, as well, because Brooke was also sick.  We certainly missed them being there.

 

We enjoyed great food, the kids had a fun gift exchange, and there were lots of laughs.  The only tears came as we gathered to sing our Christmas medley, and all of us addressed the fact that we were really missing Pap. I wonder how many years it will be until we can make it through that song without breaking down.  I had a horrible time with Silent Night at our church's Christmas Eve service as well...just missing him and the incredible joy he had for Christmas.  I think we're all feeling the absence of some of that joy, even as we mark our 2nd Christmas without him here on Earth with us.

 

As always, my heart was blessed to be able to spend a day with our family.  Nothing makes me miss living in the same town as everyone more than laughing together, telling old stories, seeing the kids have a blast together, and then having it all come to an end.  No doubt, being a Richard is among the things I am most grateful for. I only hope that times like these will help our children to feel a tangible connection to that family identity as well.

 

 The kids were a bit anxious to get to the gift opening.  Funny...I remember it being exactly the same way when I was little.

 

 Mara got an adorable Melissa and Doug pediatric nurse set to help take care of her babies.  She loves it!  Emily...I thought you'd get a kick out of this!

 

 Lauren's exchange gift was the game Barbeque Party.  She had a great time playing it with Freda and Aunt Rhonda!

 

 I absolutely loved seeing these kiddos together.  Mara and Reed, born a short 8 weeks apart from each other, were fast friends.  Both of them are spunky, spirited and full of it.  But adorable.

 

 

My sweet Lauren and her Nana.  Love this one!