The Patriach

5 weeks since my last blog. There are many pictures to post and fun things to share but that is just not where my heart is right now. Yes, the hustle and bustle of the season has kept me from blogging but more recently has been the loss of my grandfather. He went to be with Jesus on Saturday and my heart is sad. My Grandma's heart is sad. My family's hearts are sad. But we know he is in heaven without pain, tears, suffering or wrinkles (as Caleb tells us!). I was young when I lost my grandparents on mom's side so this is really the first loss in my life and what a loss it is. So many came to show their respect to my grandfather and his family. It was amazing to see family, friends and even patients of his come to say goodbye. As one of my dad's cousins put it, he was The Patriach of our family...he truly was. He led our family in more ways than he probably even realizes through his time spent with family, through his support and through his actions of simply being good to everyone around him. Words still can't express the pain that our family is walking through but words also can't express the joy in knowing that he is with Jesus.
So, yes there are still Christmas cards to be sent, presents to be bought and wrapped, outfits to be coordinated and agendas to be planned but for now, I miss my Papa...

January 6, 1914 - December 11, 2010

Happy Birthday Hannah!

It's hard to believe Hannah Grace is already 2...and let me tell you...she is 2 through and through!!! (ok, didn't plan on the whole rhyming thing) She reminds me of that old song by Lloyd Price "Personality...walk with personality, talk with personality, smile with personality..." (hopefully you can hear it playing right now as you read this!)
We had a lot of fun celebrating our little girl. Her personality brings so much joy into our lives each day...

We started her day with our gift to her. She was literally jumping up and down when I took this picture...she was so excited to have her own dollhouse. Lucky for us, we got to test it out the week before at a friend's house and she was in love.

Priceless, right? She calls the family members "my guys". Can you tell she has 2 older brothers?

That night, we had all the kids make their own pizza because pizza is by far Hannah's favorite!

She was so careful about spreading that sauce on...

Auntie Lauren does it again...such a cute cake!

She LOVED being sung to.

Yup, there she is with her cake in front of her. She wouldn't even touch it!

She literally has her head in her gift bag!

And why not? The little Diva knows what she is looking for her!

She fell in love with this little vest. Such a girly, girly she is!

Happy Birthday Baby Girl! You bring so many smiles and an abundance of joy wherever you go!

Refreshed and Blessed

Ahhhhh...what a blessed and refreshing time in Ohio with my friend Mary. It was truly a special time with her and I am blessed to have the opportunity to take this trip to see her. It was as if we haven't been apart for years. We enjoyed cups of tea (lots!), times of sweet conversation, a time of prayer, shared recipes, watched movies, stamped together and stayed up way too late every night!
Hannah did amazing on the entire trip. Considering it took us 3 legs to get to Ohio, she was a fantastic passenger!!! The staff on each plane was so nice and on every leg there and back found a way for her to have her own seat...thank you Jesus! I would say she was a professional traveler now. She knew she had to take her sneakers of in security, put her tray table up when told and said thank you after every flight. After we landed each time, she would look at me and say, "one more plane" because on this trip there just always seemed to be another!

The little passenger...she was so good she even earned a pair of wings!

Though I had a stroller, Hannah insisted on pulling her own luggage. She was so funny b/c she would look around the airport and realize that everyone else had pulling suitcases too. "Look, there's another one, there's another one, and another one." But I can nobody had a little suitcase like hers...she turned some heads let me tell you!

But no, Hannah preferred to push her suitcase like a stroller...whatever works!

The kids all decided to wear their Christmas PJ's together one night. Mary and I swear, Anna and Hannah look like they could be sisters!

I could not get over how much Anna had grown and she simply couldn't get enough of Hannah. She loved having another little girl around.

Ok, here's Anna's little adorable face from the front.

Hannah and Jesse are 6 months apart and they had quite the love/hate relationship while we were there. Obviously, this was a love moment jumping on the ottoman together.

Stamping has always become a shared passion of mine and Mary's so here we are stamping the days away...I made 50 cards for my upcoming vendor fair! I would never had gotten that done in 2 days at home!

Yes, we included Joel in the fun and played games one night too...always a favorite pastime between our families.

Mary and I before I had to leave. She looks great at 25 weeks pregnant! She is having a little girl at the end of January (I know Anna will be so excited to bring that little girl home to play with!)

"Whoo...these girl weekends sure do wear me out!!!"
Hannah crashed on our last flight home....good thing we had the whole row to ourselves!

In addition to this fabulous trip last week, we also celebrated Hannah's 2nd birthday...I will post pictures when I get a chance!

My Cross

Last week Caleb and I visited my grandparents. He is 96 and she is 95 (96 next month!). They have been married for 70 years now...it's amazing! I hadn't seen them in a couple of months and this visit particularly tugged at my heart. They have both struggled with health issues more over the last year. The cutest thing about that though is that they struggled at the same time mostly...so much so that they were in a hospital together and then roomed in the rehab together. Through the years my grandmother has more been the one to struggle with her health and my grandfather has been the strong one...he's been the rock. He has taken care of her and made sure she was taking her medicine and taking her to all her doctor's appointments and such. But last week's visit let me see that the tables have been turned more than I had realized. Both grandparents have been diagnosed with congestive heart failure but my grandfather is struggling with it worse. He is on oxygen more than he is not these days. A trip to the restroom is a task and he spends most of his time in his chair. Don't get me wrong once he catches his breath he is still sharp and will talk to you and laugh with the kids but it was hard for me to see. I watched my grandmother more than once help him get to where he needed to go and she could tell it was hard on me. She cracked in her voice as she said holding onto his arm, "This is my cross". It brought tears to my eyes and caused me to whisper Jesus' name. I just can't imagine what life is like for them right now. For the most part they still live on their own but what it must be like to watch each other get old. To have that many years together and now see the other slowing down. It just touched me beyond what I can describe. Not only did I have a really nice visit with them but it left me questioning my cross...what is my cross? What cross am I bearing each day? What is my sacrifice? My grandmother didn't complain about taking care of my grandfather...she just does it because that is her cross right now. She is a strong, strong woman and the more I get to know her, the more respect I have for her and after watching her that day, I admire her even more.
I am still pondering the question but see a little bit more and more of what my cross is each day. And then I have to ask myself, do I complain about my cross? Do I resent the cross I bear? Because Jesus didn't...he didn't complain about his cross. I see Jesus in my grandmother...even more than I have in the past.
I end asking for prayer. I had already planned on posting this since my visit last week but today I learned that my grandfather is in the hospital. He is having more trouble breathing. Every time I get that news, my heart sinks because you just never know what each day will bring. So I ask for prayer for not only my grandfather but for my grandmother...I know it is difficult when my grandfather is not there with her and though his health is her cross to bear right now, I know her well enough to know, she wouldn't have it any other way...

I'm a Big Kid Now

Over the last few weeks, I can't get that pull-up commercial out of my head...you know the tune..."I'm a big kid now!". I still can't get over the fact that Caleb is 5 now. And turning 5 comes with lots of new things (for him and Mommy!). Let's see...Caleb is now aloud to chew gum, he plays soccer, started Kindergarten and also began going to Awana (along with his brother) this week. Awana is a christian program for kids which helps them grow in their spiritual walk. The biggest part of the program is memorizing scripture and through that and other projects they earn badges and awards. It is like a christian-based Boys/Girls Scouts. The boys both had a GREAT time this week and can't wait to go back.

Our little soccer player. After the first week, we weren't sure if he wanted to go back. He liked all the drills but then none of the kids really wanted to play in the "game." But after practicing in the backyard and getting his own soccer ball, he is loving it! This past Saturday was his 3rd week and he LOVED being in the game. He is one of the first to say "put me in coach!".

My little Siah man is getting so big too! He is 3 1/2 now and started preschool. He goes 3 days a week and seems to really enjoy it. He certainly comes home tired so they must be keeping him busy all day!

Oh, and my little Hannah girl...she is becoming such a girly girl. She saw her cousin's nails painted and had to have hers done too. I could not believe she let me do this! She even sat there while I did her toes too!!! I was trying to get her to put them up by her face and this is the adorable pose I got.

The finished product. The next morning she woke up in her crib and held out her hands and said "so pretty!" That's what she says now when she looks at your nails or jewelry or any other glitz you may be wearing! When we go out she wants her necklaces and bracelets on too. The other day I picked up a .25 bag of play jewelry and she was in heaven when I brought it home! She must get this from her Nonna!!!

I know this is just a little glimpse of our life right now. We have been really busy with many things. Homeschooling is going well. We are still getting into the groove and Caleb is still learning that school is school even though we are home. It's tough for him to focus when the little ones are around but it's getting better and he is already learning so much.
We had a sweet visit from some friends of ours in Illinois. They stayed for about 4 days and it was just an amazing, fun and relaxing time with them.
Yesterday was our annual church/school picnic. We probably served about 400 people (kids and adults) and the day was a success. There were 6 moonbounces, a dunk tank, facepainting, caricatures and GREAT food! It was fun day but I was certainly tired this morning!

What are we looking forward to? I have a chance to go see Beth Moore this weekend, Caleb and I will be heading to the Topsfield Fair next week for a field trip and I will be participating in the Tufts 10K walk on Columbus Day. The month of October will not only bring a celebration of Hannah's 2nd birthday but just before that happens, I have an opportunity to visit my dear, dear friend Mary (I know you miss Hawaii but I am so glad you are in Ohio now!!!!). I am so looking forward to some precious time with her. It will just Hannah and me going so daddy will have some "boy time".
WOW...I guess it's going to be a busy month I guess but I am looking forward to it!

"You think you can do these things, Nemo and you JUST CAN'T!"
-Marlin from Disney's Finding Nemo

A quote that has been ringing in my ears over the past couple of weeks. Especially when it comes to thinking that I can blog every couple of days to keep you all posted on the Libby happenings. NOT HAPPENING!!! Things are pretty busy at home. I am just about finished with re-ordering our office to prepare for our upcoming homeschooling endeavor. I am trying to make space for Caleb's things and make our office space much more efficient. Watch out...mama is cleaning out!!! In addition to that, Josiah has been giving us a lovely time with his 3 year old self so we are working on some things with his behavior. Work has kept Dave and I both busy in the last couple of weeks and we are preparing to shift gears as school starts up again soon. In the midst of all this, I am just trying to find some balance so some things have been put on the back burner for a little while including Facebook and obviously keeping up on my blog. I do apologize but home is in much need of my attention right now and that certainly comes first. Wednesday, the boys went to Summer Camp and I stayed home with Hannah so that I could accomplish some errands and get some major stuff done at home. When Dave came home he went to the computer and couldn't believe that I hadn't even turned it all ALL DAY. It's amazing what you accomplish when you take out some distractions. So in continuing on with what I said I would do here are some pics from Caleb's birthday party with his friends at the house.

Caleb wanted a CARS party and Auntie Lauren delivered of course. This cake was awesome and quite yummy too!

A friend of mine was kind enough to let us borrow this jump bounce for the party. I felt so blessed because I really wanted to do some special for Caleb's party and he really loved this!

Hannah and Isaac.

We did a really fun obstacle course at the party. Each child had to make their own license plate and then do the obstacle course. Each station was named after one from the CARS movie. This is Caleb at "Luigi's Tire Barn" stacking up the tires.

Caleb at the car wash. The kids had to run through the sprinkler and then clean off a nasty muddy truck of their choice.

This was the pit stop. They had to change their tires (eat an oreo) and gas up (drink apple juice) in order to complete the race.

"Tow Mater's Impound". The kids had to pick up the matchbox cars with a clothespin and drop them in the bucket. This was the biggest challenge.

This image simply made me smile so I had to take a picture. It was taken just in the middle of a typical day. Amidst the busyness and hub bub of our day. It was a reminder that though these handprints are on every surface in my home right now, someday they won't be and someday I'll wish they were. So no, I didn't run for a wipe to get this off my door right away. Instead, I ran for my camera because these are the moments I want to remember. The fun that my kids had playing in the dirt, building towers, coloring me a picture of a cat for the upteenth time. The other day I went for a quick run to the grocery store with the 3 kids and they were fighting over who got to sit where and there was screaming and crying (and no, not from me!). The woman next to me in the aisle turned to me and smiled and said how much she missed that stage of life and how she wished she could go back. It's hard to believe you will miss the tantrums and the crying and fighting but I have heard it enough to know that I will. So for now, I have dirt on my front door, 3 piles of laundry in my living room that need folded, a kitchen floor that needs scrubbed, dishes in the sink that need washed and sleep that doesn't happen as often as I would like but I also know that I have 3 sleeping children upstairs that God has blessed me with and I get the privilege of taking care of them each and every day. I know I have blogged about this before but I guess sometimes I just need to remind myself that what I am doing is important no matter how difficult it can be.

Consider it a good thing that you haven't heard from us recently. We are busy having a GREAT summer. We have been blessed with many memories this summer and unbelievable weather...thank you Jesus!!!! Since I posted last, we have gone camping, celebrated Caleb's 5th birthday, had a visit from Dave's family, seen fireworks on the boat, gone to another VBS in our area and have had many fun days in our backyard. So there hasn't been much down time to update the blog. I guess I will just post some pictures a couple times of week until I get caught up! So here are some pics but you won't see anymore until after the weekend because we are heading out to go camping again tomorrow!! More fun for the Libbys!!!! But first, here are pics from our last camping trip.

It was not a pretty sight to get this baby packed. Yes, after this trip, we are getting a topper for the van for these trips.

Yup, that's Caleb's little head peeking out in the back.

We camped right on the river and Hannah is making her plan of how she is going to get down the little hill to play in the river.

She made her way down there with her dress and all! I think daddy helped her out a bit!

We camped with 2 other families and this is Donald playing in the river with the kids and of course that's Dave in the background helping to build the rock wall. I'm so glad my kids have such a fun dad! This river kept these kids busy for hours!!!

Caleb and me rafting down the river. Notice the water is a bit higher than in the picture above? Yeah, that's because the first night we got about 2-3 inches of hard rain! The rest of the time, the weather was pretty cooperative.

Josiah and some stick he found in the river which I am sure he turned into some sort of weapon because that is what he does. Look at the focus on this kid's face!

Hannah and her friend Naomi sneaking some play in with the cars and trucks while the boys were busy in the river. Hannah calls her "Nomi". They are just 2 days apart.

This is Hannah madder than a hornet after we took her out of the pool. Not a happy camper!

Love this one of them sitting by the fire in the morning.

Hannah did everything she could to get onto Donald's bike. She climbed up there all on her own after putting her helmet on of course!

I think this picture is precious. Just enjoying some downtime on the campsite.

I show this picture to you because that little boat was a last minute pack and Caleb played with it for like 2 hours straight with his friend who also packed his boat last minute. Amazing how one toy can keep them so busy for such a long time yet when they are home with a million toys, they get bored...go figure!

We were camping over Caleb's actual birthday so of course we had to celebrate...camping style with Hostess cupcakes!

Ok, I was totally sure if this picture was appropriate but you can't see any toukas'! This is the boys peeing on the official "pee tree". If we didn't give them a specific tree, they would have gone all over. Especially Josiah who was quite proud to be part of the "I can pee outside" club now.

The famous stairway that led the kids to the river. My kids absolutely adore Donald. Hannah was in the car singing the other day, "Pappy, Nonna, Donald, Pappy, Nonna, Donald". She asks for him all the time and he is so good with our kids. They get along so well.