Nicolie Rolie turns 6!

My sweet Nicole turned 6 on July 26. I love and hate birthdays for my children as I'm sure you can guess why. But we had a fantastic day together and I put on a fairly awesome little party for her. She didn't ask for much actually which is kind of out of character for her. She just wanted to dance and play with her friends, put on make up, paint toes and have cake. We also met up with my Mom and Lydia for some fun at Parksville Beach which was a bonus too. I asked her at the end of the day if she had fun and she sighed, smiled and said YES!!!!

Birthday Pie, yes I am that good of a Mom

All ready in a new outfit for her birthday, including sparkly blue flip flops!

checking out the sandcastles

Having a little treat

picking up shells at the beach

Me and my birthday girl

oooooo make up at the party

All the girls with their sparkle make up

Dance!!!

Her friend Claire

Having Pizza

the boys thinking all these girls are CRAZY!!!

opening some gifts

Birthday cupcakes

Late night pizza after everyone is gone, her and Lindy kept the party going!

Daddy and his big 6 year old

I can't believe you are 6 Nicole!!!

Nicole at 6 years old:
-always wanting me to do her hair and make up (I do not do it as much as she would like)
-singing little songs
-fantastic hoola hooper
-loves to swim and does a great mermaid dive/swim
-always needing hugs/kisses/cuddles (I can't keep up with the demand)
-very social, wanting a play date every other day but then also really enjoys quiet time
-loves to Dance and make up dances for us. (She actually did a few shows thru-out the school year with her friends for her teacher Mrs. Campbell, she could tell me afterward and love them)
-very artistic, loves to draw and her attention to detail is quite good
-is an amazing helper when she chooses to be, with the proper motivation or just randomly on her own, she could clean my entire house if she really wanted
-quite dramatic and emotional at times (look out for the teenage years)
-wanting to always be older because Lindy gets to do things she can't do because she is too little
-favorite food is PANCAKES (ha ha something we have way too much of)
-loves going to Tyskerud Grandma's, Nana's and Great Grandma's house
-really looking forward to going into grade 1 because she gets a new back pack and can wear her new boots
-she still flips her hair and smacks her tongue when she is telling me stories just like she did when she was 3, so cute!

Nicole Lynn Hobbs I love you more then anything in the world! I know our life together is going to have it's challenges but I also know we are going to get great friends as we grow together. My world is better and more interesting because she is in it and I thank God everyday for each of my children to love me and teach me to be a better person.
Happy Birthday Nicole, stop growing up!!!!

Brown Eyes turns 3!!!!

My beautiful Renae turned 3 on June 18, where have the last 3 years gone?? I know I've said it before but I really don't enjoy how fast time is going, I just want to keep my kids small forever. BUT...... that being said, I really need Renae to grow up a little. This age is fun and hard! Renae has a wonderfully, busy spirit, she is always on the go unless she is sleeping (I am still encouraging naps when I can get them in). She has changed so much in the last year. When I was looking at pictures from last summer, she still seemed very small to me but now looking at her she has definitely grown up some. She has the most wonderful smile and laugh that makes me laugh even when she is being cheeky bad, I don't know how many times I've chased her to the sound of that deliciously cheeky giggle.
We've had a rough few months together as we've been trying to improve her speech. I took her for speech therapy assessment and not surprising, I came out knowing that she is behind in her speech and we had some work to do together. I'm pleased to say that 3 months later, her vocabulary has increased tremendously (said maybe 20 words before but now that has doubled) and she is improved so much. We have a lot more work to do but our relationship has gotten better because we can communicate better. For example, we've been watching the "Baby Signing Time" videos and I'm not always 100% sure what is actually being retained but today she asked for "cereal" by saying it vocally and doing the sign (she even tried to do the "c" sound which sounded very cute). Also, she was quite distressed at bedtime and she was asking for something but I wasn't understanding, she was hitting her leg and crying, I was confused and getting annoyed because it was BEDTIME. Then something clicked inside of me that she was doing the sign for "dog", she remembered when I hadn't. I went and found the puppy she was asking for and she quite happily went to bed. Things are getting better for us.
BUT, in true Renae style yesterday was terrible for us. Within a 1/2 hour she did 2 of the cheekiest things she has done in a long time. She dumped 2 L of milk on her bed (I was cleaning in the kitchen, when it dawned on me that I had seen her with the milk out of the corner of my eye), I walked in just as she poured the last drop, she just looked at my and said "Uh oh Mom", yes Renae that was an uh oh! Ahhhhhhhhh, I cleaned it up right away with her sitting on the floor watching so I could keep an eye on her (luckily I had a plastic sheet on the mattress so no major harm done). That cleaned up, I went about my other job I was doing when the phone rang, it was my Dad who hardly ever calls so I stop what I'm doing to chat with him. I've talked for maybe 5 minutes when again out of the corner of my eye I see my little helper dumping an entire box of Mini-Wheat cereal in the arm rest of the Lazy Boy chair. She has obviously missed and there are little wheat crumbs all over the floor and chair. Ahhhhhhhhh, she went to her room for that clean up. I get the vacuum out and start cleaning up that mess thinking "What else can go wrong today??", I shouldn't have thought that because not 2 seconds later I clumsily dropped the vacuum on my baby toe and it felt like I broke it (it still hurts 36 hrs later). After I recover from my incredibly calm moment of getting hurt, I remember that I've put her in her room for quiet time but she has panties on because we are potty training. "What are the chances that she has to pee in the last 10 minutes, she's been doing really good" Stupid thought Leah, stupid thought! I go to check on her and she has ditched her panties and has peed on her carpet, good times!
All I have to say is that I am living the dream and my sweet Renae is keeping it real for me :)
I truly and deeply love my little girl, I wouldn't trade her for anything, she makes me laugh and cry and keeps my on my toes (well the ones that aren't broken, j/k). It was so much fun celebrating her during that week with all our family and some friends, she is loved and I so appreciate having her in my life to celebrate!

RENAE AT 3:
-tall for your age, people think she is older
-blonde with big, deep, beautiful brown eyes
-softest skin to kiss and tickle
-loves to brush your hair and do you make up (and her own when she smuggles into Mommy's)
-goes to bed between 7/7:30, sleeps great at night but up by 6:30 most mornings
-still can get her to nap if its quiet
-anytime I am cooking she drags a chair over to "help"
-loves to do the dishes anytime she spies dishes in the sink
-loves bath time and would take multiple baths a day
-she's a free spirit, she is very driven
-she loves to dance, asks for ballet music and puts on pretty dresses to dance
-when she smiles everything lights up and she gives great genuine hugs
-she adores Daddy and loves to drive in his truck and visit him at work
-she is a terrible listener at times and is very independent but is so so sweet when she wants to be
-she loves her baby brother and helps so much with him
-she doesn't want to ride in the stroller or grocery cart anymore, just hold on to the side
-she uses her hands to talk a lot with gestures, "lets go Mom" waves with her hand
-she sings along to many songs (Barbie dream house, happy birthday, call me maybe)
-she is so unique with her own little amazing personality
-she is so curious and interested in everything
-she is an electronic genius! she can figure out how to work cell phone, tablets faster then any of us (well not Daddy but she is getting there)
-she is very bossy and thinks everything is hers, she has taken possession of many toys that are not actually hers, Nicole has been pretty good about letting things go
-she loves to wrestle and play with Daddy
-she loves to snuggle with Mommy and give me kisses (she also wipes them off)

Happy 3rd Birthday to my Beautiful Renae, we love you Nae-Nae!!!!!!!

Baby Nathan - Fastest Year EVER!!!!

My first look at my boy!

First picture with Mommy and Daddy

1st Sunday at church

      This past year has been one of the fastest years of my life and I hate that its  over :(  I cannot believe my baby boy will be 1 tomorrow. (And FYI, I am totally balling my eyes out as I type this!) My world would not be complete without my little boy. He is my mini-Leah, Momma's boy that I adore more then anything (not more then my girls ha ha). I am so grateful for him, he is such a happy, full of smiles, cheeky boy and I just love him to bits! 
And although I have not blogged in a long time, I have taken a MILLION pictures of him because I never want to forget any of the moments we have experienced in his first year. Being number 4, of course I wasn't quite as diligent about the baby book, 1st year calendar, etc... but I think I took more pictures of him then of the girls in their first year because I had my awesome Canon camera.        
Nathan at 1.
You don't crawl, you bum scoot with your one little leg tucked under, so cute!
You make kissing noises when you want a kiss.
You wave good bye to everyone.
You flirt with all the girls but giving smiles and pretending to be shy as you lay your head on my shoulder.
You adore your sisters and think they are so much fun.
You love to ride the princess car, the girls push you around all the time.
You love to go under the kitchen cupboard to pull everything out (you even tasted a dishwasher tablet a month ago, did not like it but still go back to try and get at them)
You love BATHTIME!!! You love to splash and play and hate to get out when it is time.
You nap only once a day usually unless we are driving around.
You love it when Daddy comes home and want him immediately, which makes Dad pretty happy!
You love music and bop/move whenever you hear something come on.
You love to dance with Mommy and Daddy.
You mostly say Mamma, but have said Daddy, Ba, Ooaa (not sure what that means but you point to things and say that) you also say Maama when I say Gramma
You point your chubby little index finger at everything, you are so curious!
You love to go for walks, but like to have a snack along the way
You have the best cheezy grins
You love the camera and have smiles whenever there is one (or a cell phone) around
You are so good for anyone when I am not around but definitely want me as soon as you see me.               
I feel so lucky and privileged to have you in my life. I love my girls but there is a special place for my son in my heart, there is nothing like getting snuggles from a boy that thinks you are the most wonderful person ever!
I love you Nathan, thanks for coming to our family!!!!

ps. don't grow up too fast!

         

Happy Birthday my Handsome little Man!!!!!

A Teacher remembered - 'Heart' of Cumberland school stops beating

Comox Valley Record - 'Heart' of Cumberland school stops beating



I am so sad today to hear about Mr. Newman passing away. I personally have not talked with him or seen him in many years but I have so many memories of this wonderful man.
When we moved from Chemainus to Royston I was going from 6th to 7th grade and which should have been a fantastic year turned into a very troubling move and year. I had a really hard time adjusting to middle school vs elementary school. And even though I had made some friends, I just never felt comfortable with many aspects of my life then. I dropped out of public school and home schooled for the last 2 months of grade 7. I did not want to go back but my Mom and I worked with Mr. Ted Newman, a learning assistance teacher at Cumberland Junior, and he helped me on my way back to return for grade 8.
I will always be grateful to him! Grade 8 and 9 at Cumberland Junior were wonderful growing years for me. I learned so much and started to figure out who I was because a gentle hearted teacher helped me along the way. He was my homeroom teacher for 2 years. His consistency, dedication, and smiles helped get me through some very tough teenage years. I credit part of who I am today to this man.
I so wish that I could go to this celebration of life but such if my life now that it doesn't work for me to attend but I will be there in spirit. I truly hope that he knows how important he was to so many students, staff and peers.
Thank you Mr. Newman, you will be missed!

Therapy

I am a woman who needs to talk her way out of problems, situations, etc... you know what I mean. Men don't have that same desire to "talk things to death", they just say their peace and move forward while we are still wanting to sort a few things out.
I saw this picture today and wanted to post it because for me this is so true. I would love to spend hours in therapy with someone who is trained to deal with all my drama and emotional baggage but I don't have hours so I have the next best things. Best friends who I can talk to for FREE, who love me even though they know me (hee hee) and I can still accomplish things around my house while I am getting therapy.
So here's to my BFF's who listen to me and love me and give me therapy/advice when I need it (and boy, some days I need it!)

 

 

And here's to a wonderful 2013!!!!!

Sleep.....what is that?

I never want to forget the things that happen during these years. They are going by in such a blur and I often feel like I am missing things because I am so tired. Why am I so tired, really you have to ask. Firstly I am not a great sleeper, even as  an infant and child I had a tough time sleeping (my nickname was Black Eyes down to my Belly Button, nice hey). So that is not a good starter.
I have a 6 month old who doesn't want to sleep good unless he is attached his pacifier (which is me) and cuddled up close.
And I have Renae, need I say more. She is exhausting and going ALL DAY LONG!
I am NOT wishing my days away but somedays can go by alittle faster then others.
I had the most wonderful visit with a couple of friends this morning that really helped jump start my very tired day. One friend who is 6 years my junior with only 1 child was so helpful and supportive as I expressed my frustrations with no sleep and nursing babies. She said just the things I needed to hear, kind of like an answered prayer.
I noted some of the highlights from my day on Friday, mostly for my benefit so I can always remember the things I survived during these tired days and years.

Lindy and Nicole fighing, Lindy saying I hate you is just an expression, she didn't really mean it. I tried really hard not to laugh because she was so mad.

Chiropracter meltdown, crying as he was treating me then him asking if I was being hurt at home (I said No but thought Yes by my children, they won't let me sleep)

Renae helping clean up by messing everything up.

Renae getting into and wrecking some of my make up (not just something that happened today, she does this often)

Renae constantly taking off her diaper and a bare bum, no accidents so why am I complaining.

Hugs from my mom.

Steve being gone all day, not getting home till almost 10pm.

Falling down on a hill with the carseat

Almost getting in an accident (tired driving)

Calling Dana to get the I  need to 'fockerize' my baby. I need to start sleep training my sweet Nate Boy because things are not working and Momma is tired.

Fast forward past a lovely but busy weekend.
The girls did great for their Primary Presentation, they sang the songs, Nicole did great on her part (it was on honesty, quite fitting for her as she is quite the tricker), Lindy got stage fright to do her part which she was said about after but there is always next year.

I dress them up so I know how cute they are on the days when they aren't so cute. This is what they wore for the Primary Presentation. I love the matching dresses (from Costco)

Monday, Nathan hardly slept an hour straight last night. He is congested and just couldn't settle down which then makes for a tired Mommy this morning. Nicole promised to be a good girl, which she was for the most part. Renae on the other hand took it upon herself to undress after she was already dressed and hop in the bath. I figured sure it would keep her busy. Really Leah, what were you thinking. She proceeded to dump out half the bath water on the bathroom floor. Nice!

Helping change diapers :)

This picture makes me laugh, they LOVE each other!

I love my children, I love my life, I wouldn't trade anything or fast forward any of these days because I treasure them overall. I just wished some nights would allow for alittle more sleep!

August - Swimming and Hair Cuts

We went to my Grandparents in Chemainus alot this August mostly because I could go put Renae down for a nap and enjoy some quiet in a cool environment. And because there was always family up there to socialize with. I love my Gramma and Grampa so much and cannot imagine my world without them (I try not to think about it too much). The girls loved swimming, there were always cousins to play with and they improved so much in their swimming skills this summer (they were in the water ALOT).



Grampa escaping for a quiet moment from the kids

 August also seemed like a good time to chop Nicole's hair. She doesn't keep things in it and she looks like a rag-a-muffin. So we decided before she started Kindergarten that she should get a new do. She was very excited (my Mom cried because she is growing up too fast) and Auntie Daphne did the chop. She looks cute as a button now (not that she didn't before, I just don't have to deal with tangles).

Before

During (that's her pony tail)

After

Auntie Daphne checking it out with her