Random pictures

Thankful

I believe that the more thankful you are in life, the happier you are.

Thankfulness=Happiness.

When gratitude seeps into your heart the worry and stress start to dissipate.

I have a confession to make, this year I haven't been very thankful/grateful...everything seems to be crashing down around us right now and I have been downright cranky this Thanksgiving weekend.
I looked back at my Thanksgiving post last year and it was a GREAT reminder for me:

I read a verse the other day that I've been mulling over:

"And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone. Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else. Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

Thessalonians 5:14-18

In All circumstances...

Learning to be thankful - even when I cannot see, hear or understand what God is doing or how He is working - is authentic thanksgiving and the direct result of a living, active and personal faith in God. We often hear that we need more faith in order to be more thankful. I don't think so! We operate in faith every single day. We flip a switch believing in faith that light will appear. We turn a key believing in faith that a car will start. We even go to a doctor we hardly know who scribbles an impossible - to - read prescription which we promptly take to a pharmacist we have never seen. This unknown druggist proceeds to fill the prescription, giving us a medicine with a name we cannot even pronounce. And we take it - all in blind faith!

I believe that instead of pleading for more faith, we need to exercise the faith we already possess. As we continually step out in faith, not only will that faith grow stronger, but we will begin to trust God more, naturally developing an attitude of thanks. Faith does not believe that God can or will act. Faith believes that God is answering as we pray. And that truth, will send us to our knees in praise and thanksgiving.

So, today I am choosing to change my attitude and be thankful for a loving God and choose to realize how very blessed we are. And I am thankful.

I'm so, so, so grateful that this man is the father of my children:

I am thankful for Bryan's job at Nike and that he was able to have 5 days off with us.

I am thankful for my family:
I'm thankful for moments like this morning when I asked Gabe if he could help me out and get my pumpkin bread since I was feeding Jayce and he said "Sure Mommy I can do that for you I have strong arms" then when I said "Thank you Gabe" he looked at me with so much love and said "no problem Mommy!"

I love when Jayce looks at me and grins like this and I feel like he's in LOVE with me. Like he doesn't see a single flaw yet.
I am SO thankful that God chose me to be Gabriel's and Jayce's mother...that I get to stay home with them, and feel the trials and the JOY that come with that every day.

I am thankful for my little Bible study group and for the inspiration and encouragement I get from those 3 ladies/friends

I am thankful for my parents... parents who love me and want the best for me. They have taught me which sources and tools to use to over come challenges in this life. They are good examples of living what they teach.

My list could go on & on! I have so many wonderful things to be thankful for, especially @ this time of year. We have been blessed beyond measure. I just need to do "my part" in showing gratitude for the many blessings that I have been given.

Thanksgiving Day was a good day! We had SO much good food...
Nathan made this AMAZING homemade salsa
We had Ham and Turkey
YUMMY baked mashed potatoes
Stuffing and gravy
Kings Hawaiian sweet rolls (our favorite)
Brown sugar cooked carrots
mmmmm it's making me hungry right now. :)

Mom put together a thanksgiving scavenger hunt for the kids and we did a pine cone hunt much like an Easter egg hunt.

Us adults did an Affirming you paper. We circled all the words or phrases we believe to be true about that person. Then write and share your top 5 you think best describe them. I had my dad.

Some of my favorite moments:

• The kids all piling on Bryan
• Jayce telling Aunt Janell what for and trying to bite her
• Gabe and Jaden playing with phones under the table
• Jayce and Daddy had a nap

Happy Thanksgiving!!

Things I never want to forget #19-#23

19. Jayce rolled over from tummy to back on Oct. 12th. and from back to tummy on Dec. 3rd.

20. After praying at bed time Gabe said he was scared of the dark (which was a little weird. Never has bothered him before). Bryan told him that he can pray to Jesus and ask Him to help him not be scared of the dark. Gabe responded "BUT He's SO far awayyyyyy" Bryan said "No He's in our hearts." in which Gabe looked down at his chest concerned and said "I don't want Him in my heart I want to get Him out!" How do you explain to a 3.5 yr old that He's not actually PHYSICALLY in his heart. So Bryan just said "well He's here with us always and you can pray to him anytime".

21. During Sunday school class Julie was teaching and they all sat down on their carpet scares. Julie said to the class "Ok class we have a new helper today, can you all say Hi to Pam?" Everyone said quietly "Hi Pam!" Gabe said more loudly "HI HAMMMMMM" Gabe thinking "NO wait that's my Grandma!"

22. I absolutely LOVE that Jayce sits and stares with his mouth open. Even if there is a ton of drool pouring out. :)

23. I LOVE LOVE LOVE the smell of baby breath! I wish I could bottle it up.

Chores

Gabe LOVES to play video games. Shocking I know. He comes by it honestly, obviously...if you know us you know that Bryan is a video game lover.

Today we started chores and I showed Gabe his chore chart. This is actually new to us because Gabe is still young, but I do believe that starting children young with some housework is a great way for them to learn many life skills. Plus, they feel great when they achieve their tasks and let's face it, it helps me out. lol!

I feel that playing video games is a privilege that he needs to earn SO...
...the chores we’ve started with are:

• help make bed
• feed Calie
  
• take dishes to the kitchen (after breakfast, lunch, and dinner), and
• pick up toys (before bed time)

When he accomplishes a task, he gets a sticker in the alloted square for that day. At the end of the day, we count up the stickers. For every sticker, he gets a 5 mins of game playing time.

He was pretty excited about it this morning. We shall see if that will continue.

Action Sports Just Do It design contest

My man won a T-shirt design competition at Nike! 4 of the designs he sketched up during his 2 hour ride home on the max. AH YEAH SO proud of him!!
Prize - ALL new Nike snowboarding gear equaling:

• snowboard
• boots
  
• bindings
  
• jacket and pants

They liked them so much that they wanted a couple of them adjusted for skate and surf too and I got hooked up with gear as well. Guess Bryan will have to teach me how to snowboard. :)

Here are the designs:

I LOVE THESE BOYS!

Has it really been 4 months already???

4 month stats:

Weight: 15.1 (50%)
Height: 25.5 (75%)
Heed: 75%


He is getting so big and fun to interact with, he loves to coo and smile, he is rolling over (from tummy to back only) grabbing/batting his toys constantly and giggling when you tickle him. He is at such a fun stage right now - I love it!
The only thing is I feel like it's going TOO fast...it went way slower with Gabe...seemed like he was small forever...maybe because he was a preemie...I don't know, but it's making me want another one. lol

*EDITED*

I think that we've made it...made it past "the stage". You know the stage where all he does is scream, only mommy can sooth, both Bryan and my mom are scared out of their wits to be alone with him stage.
I feel so painfully aware, this time around, of how quickly he's passing through each magical stage. If only we could bottle them all and pull them out when we've got two raging toddlers and are in desperate need of some newborn nuzzles and noises. "Yes, today I'd prefer a little bit of the sweet smelling poopoo and spit-up, (I know I'm weird but when they're little, I like it all) yes, maybe a little spray of some of that bubble blowing discovery (you know where their tongue is out and they learn to spit at you and they're amazed at themselves), or a little peek at that determined shaky face trying to get fist to mouth to suck and drool, maybe even a bottle of the drool. I'd like a little bit of baby-neck scent, some of kissing-the-chubbiest-cheeks-you've ever kissed, and a bottle of that look. The one where he stares at me with such intensity and then grins the happiest smile you've ever seen. As if to say he's perfectly and completely happy to be my baby boy. And I feel like he's in LOVE with me. Like he doesn't see a single flaw yet. YET. The feeling's mutual."

He stopped sleeping through the night. He'll give me a 6 hour or 7 hour night every few weeks and that feels like heaven on earth. SO different from Gabe...Gabe slept through the night and never stopped. This too shall pass...I HOPE! :)

The Dentist

Remember Gabe's 1st dentist appointment? I DO!!!

Gabe's 2nd dentist appointment was today. I took Jayce to my mom and we were off. My stomach was in knots the whole way there. I even texted Bryan and asked him to pray. I was preparing myself for the worst because I didn't the 1st time. We started talking to him about it a couple days before and YEP I told him that he could have candy if he did good. lol

OH my what a difference from last time. He was EXCELLENT! He sat real still during pictures, wore the glasses and opened up nice and wide for them. PHEW!

Halloween

Oh man I love Halloween. All these people dressing up...I love all the creativity. I wish I were one of those cool moms who dress up. Maybe next year...

We have taken the kiddos to the Troutdale Outlet Mall the last 2 years and although the rest of the fam did it again this year, we opted to go home after church, have lunch, get the boys good naps and Bryan and I cleaned up the house.

This is my favorite picture:
The others...

Trick or Treating...Random and funny Gabey Halloween quotes:

• After trick or treating at a house he let out a gleeful laugh and said "I LOVE HALLLLOWEEEEN!!!"
• A boy was dressed up as Darth Vader and at the same house we were. Gabe looked up at him and said "YOU'RE Darth Vader" shook his hand and said "It's nice to meet you"
• Told a boy dressed up as Jason from Friday the 13th the he loved him

Jaden's Day

Captain Jaden Hofman
It was a special day for our whole family, and I am grateful to be a part of his life.

All the Pirate family's
Uncle Min came as Davy Jones (When Gabe saw him coming out of the house he got this worried look on his face and watched him carefully. It totally scared him :)

As usual mom went all out. I swear she needs to start her own business. She is AMAZING at party planning and decorating!

Happy 4th Birthday JadenMan!
We LOVE you!

Punkin Patch

We are getting excited for Halloween and all the festivities. You almost feel like it's over if you go into the stores, Halloween stuff is on clearance. The Christmas stuff is showing up everywhere. It's like they want us to forget about Thanksgiving. Don't we need to be grateful first before we start making lists of presents we want? :)
Last Saturday we met the Duffy's at Lee Farms for our annual trip to the pumpkin patch. What a perfect day...the sun was out and it was actually darn right warm. The pumpkin patch makes me feel like Fall is actually here and the leaves are changing...I love, love, love this time of year.


Next up:
JadenMan's 4th Birthday party (Mom's going all out! She loves throwing AWESOME parties)
I want to make some cookies with Gabe AND
Trick or Treating of course

Jayce (3 months)

Jayce got his 3 month pictures done today (thanks Mama). He did excellent. He was so cute and had some hilarious faces in some of them. This was one of moms and my favorites.

Gabe 3 months

Do they look alike?

Sometimes He Calms The Storm

Well it looks like we're in the middle of a STORM again and I was reminded of a song that I love. I only had it on cassette tape so I had to dig it out of storage and have to play it in our truck since that is the only cassette player we have left. lol

Sometimes He Calms The Storm
by Scott Krippayne

All who sail the sea of faith
Find out before too long
How quickly blue skies can grow dark
And gentle winds grow strong
Suddenly fear is like white water
Pounding on the soul
Still we sail on knowing
That our Lord is in control

Sometimes He calms the storm
With a whispered peace be still
He can settle any sea
But it doesn't mean He will
Sometimes He holds us close
And lets the wind and waves go wild
Sometimes He calms the storm
And other times He calms His child

He has a reason for each trial
That we pass through in life
And though we're shaken
We cannot be pulled apart from Christ
No matter how the driving rain beats down
On those who hold to faith
A heart of trust will always
Be a quiet peaceful place

Sometimes He calms the storm
With a whispered peace be still
He can settle any sea
But it doesn't mean He will
Sometimes He holds us close
And lets the wind and waves go wild
Sometimes He calms the storm
And other times He calms His child

I was laid off back in February 2009 and my dream of becoming a stay at home mom unexpectedly became reality. I don't think that I would have ever quit my job on my own due to what we thought we needed at the time for our finances. In fact only about 2 weeks after I was laid off, I was approached by an old co-worker working for a different Architecture firm that they were looking for an Administrative Assistant. I applied and got an interview immediately. We thought for sure I was going to have a job again, but that is not what God had in mind.
Months went by and we began to notice how well me staying home suited us. We did have unemployment helping us with our finances, but we cut way down on our spending and I started trying to find new ways, frugal ways to live by.
Over a year has gone by and we've come to the end of unemployment, but we still believe that God is calling me to stay home. We have prayed about this everyday. So, now we have problem we don't have enough income to cover our finances. This is seriously a scary time for us. We are in the midst of trying to do a modification on our mortgage and we just so far don't see what the solution is going to be. I am praying that God seriously surprises and amazes us!

Matthew 11:28 "Come unto Me and I will give you rest."

In biblical times, if a lamb wandered away from the flock, the shepherd searched for that lamb until he found it. The shepherd sometimes broke one of the lamb's legs and then carried the wounded lamb on his shoulders until the leg was healed. The lamb developed such a close relationship with the shepherd, that when its leg was healed, the lamb would never again wander away from the one who had rescued it and cared for it so tenderly.

I am terrified, but the only way I can find hope is to claim the promise of the peace and rest promised by the Savior.

He is really the only one who can sooth my anxiousness. There may not be much understanding on my part, but there is a longing to draw so close to the Savior that I will totally rely on His love and His promises. He has never failed me.

The Scripture, "Come unto me and I will give you rest," has kept me going so many times when my emotions wanted to just give in completely to despair and depression. I try to visualize myself being carried in the arms of Jesus. He is always there, urging me on, whispering in my ear to never give up, pulling me as close to Him as I am willing to come, all the time saying, "Come closer, my child; depend on Me completely, and I will see you through this, no matter what happens."

My job is to seek out and walk in the steps He has planned for me - even when those steps are filled with pain and confusion.

Uncertainty certainly gets our attention, but in all the emotional chaos of wondering what will happen also comes the sure knowledge that I am being carried in strong loving arms that will never let me go. I asked God "why" many times and while I know He understands my frailty as a servant, He keeps giving me the same answer, "Hang on, I am with you. We can do this together."

When life comes at us like a hurricane, we know we have the hope of Jesus Christ. We know why we are here on this earth - to know Him, to love Him, and to serve Him - so that we can spend eternity with Him in Heaven. I need to cling to the hope that can only be found in knowing God.

I'll Praise you in this storm
And I will lift my hands
You are who you are
No matter where I am
And every tear I've cried
You hold in your hand
You never left my side
And though my heart is torn
I will Praise You in this storm

BROTHERS

Past 2 months

So we are alive. We are surviving. Like I've gotten out of the house and taken at least a few showers. ;)
I have to admit, though, it's been a lot harder then I expected and some days I feel like I'm barely hanging on. I LOVE newborns always have always will. Gabe was an excellent baby...Jayce is not as easy, but he is a good baby. We have had nights of 7-10 hours of sleep. Woohoo!!! I can't tell you how happy I am when I:

a. wake up before him, or

b. wake up to his sweet noises and grunts. There's nothing like a full night's sleep. Sigh.

There are several reasons why it's harder this time around for me.
Jayce is really fussy especially in the evenings. He cries A LOT whereas Gabe barely cried. Gabe loved his car seat and never cried in the car. We rarely have any car rides where Jayce is NOT crying. It's very overwhelming and it makes us all anxious.
Nursing is new to me...didn't nurse with Gabe and where I am very grateful that I seem to have a good supply this time and Jayce latched immediately it's not my favorite thing to do. It has definitely gotten way better though and it is such a blessing to not to have to spend so much money on formula.
I'm somewhat concerned still with the transition for Gabe. He's super sweet to the baby...But me? Well, he says he doesn't like me. He glares at me. Talks back to me. He intentionally scratches or hits me. He seems very angry. I know that part of it is because he's 3, but this has been the part that has been the hardest for me. It makes me sad. This will get better right?

NOW a bunch of pictures:

We're home

Things I never want to forget #14-#18

14. When I was pregnant with Jayce, Gabe woke up from his nap and said he wanted to watch a movie. I said no and he climbed up in my lap and snuggled with me for a while. After about 10 min or so he said "Hey Mommy, the baby is talking" I said "oh yeah what is he saying?" to which he replied "he wants to watch a movie"

15. We were getting into the truck (Sep 10th) and Gabe said "hey Mommy look at those clouds...I want to go into the sky above the clouds and see Jesus!"

16. Gabe hasn't been able to pronounce words that begin with L . He says:

• Love = Wove
• Lily = Wilwy
• Like = Wike
• Lots = Wots
• Lion = Wion
  
• Ladybug = Wadybug
  
  

17. Jayce loves the little monkey decal on the wall next to his changing table. He talks to it and smiles SO big. It is the cutest thing ever.

18. Almost every time Jayce sneezes he follows it with an "Ah"

It's offical!

He's still in pull-ups at night --- but otherwise, 100% --- no accidents --- fully committed --- so much that he goes up to the bathroom on his own and doesn't even need my help --- potty-trained.

So for a couple of weeks back in Feb I encouraged the potty. The first of those weeks went really well. We started the morning in front of the TV on the little potty. But then Lots of accidents. Hiding. I was inconsistent and hit or miss. Going out places not staying home. Sometimes avoiding it all day and he regressed. Didn't want to do it anymore. I decided not to push it...I was getting frustrated and he wasn't ready IMO.

We decided that we wouldn't try again until after baby arrived. Bryan had three weeks off and I got this harebrained idea to start the week Bryan went back to work. NOT a good idea...what was I thinking trying to potty train my very first week alone with a newborn and a 3 yr old. But then when I was at a baby shower on Aug 7th Bryan texted me saying that they were potty training. That Gabe tore his diaper off and said that he wanted to wear undies not diapers.

I was a little irritated, because Bryan wasn't going to be home to follow through...I was going to have to do this. I was in it for the long haul. With several accidents and stubbornness on both our parts he finally just decided it was cool to NOT poop in his undies or pee on the ground and he's through with that. Done. Moved on. Big boy!

I'm just so THRILLED that somehow, all of a sudden it STUCK.

2 months

stats:

-weight 11lbs 2oz 25%

-height 23" 40%

-heed 50%

he's:
-smiling
-cooing/"talking"
-gurgling/bubbles
-spitting up like nobody's business
-doing cute lizard moves with his tongue
-taking frustrating short naps but...
-usually sleeping 8 hours at night

-eating his chocolate nummy's (hands)
-kicking when he's excited
-making the Arsenio Hall "whoo whoo" hand motion

-lots of good tummy time

-rolling from side to side.

Day at the Oregon State Fair

I still remember taking Gabe to the Clark County Fair in 2008 with the family.

After church we piled everyone into the cars and carpooled to the Oregon State Fair for the afternoon and evening. It was a warm beautiful day and we saw tons of animals, heard music, ate yummy greasy fair food, rode on rides, saw big huge dinosaurs and had a blast! I love going to Fairs!

Dino Exhibit

Ice Cream bars, Animals, night time and rides
My little Family

J.K.R.

Last morning as a family of 3 (I LOVE LOVE LOVE this picture!!!!)

I LOVE this picture too! Gabe just like his daddy. Unaware of how Bryan was sitting Gabe laid back the exact same way.

Jayce Kaleb Rogers

7 lbs, 13 oz., 20 inches

7-10-2010

1:16 p.m.

This is his story.

This pregnancy was SO different. Much different than the way I expected or was used to. From having way more cravings, going full term, having a better experience in the hospital, tons of good BP readings.....

I got to 32 weeks (when I had Gabe), then 33, 34, 35 , 36 and so on. I couldn't believe that this was actually happening. God is SO good and I truly believe that all of the prayers that were being prayed by family and friends were being answered.
At 36 weeks I went in and had a little spotting and my BP was up pretty high. We had an ultrasound to make sure that our boy was growing well. The dr. took several BP readings and we talked about July 10th for my scheduled c-section. The last thing he said was that he was almost positive that I would go earlier though. I was going in weekly at this point and kept doing just fine. I was going all the way baby!

My c-section was scheduled on July 10th at 9am and I had to be there at 7am. I got a call on Monday the 5th saying that they had pushed my surgery up and that I didn't need to be there until 10am with the surgery at noon. I was a little bummed about it at first, but it worked out better than I thought. We got to have the morning together with Gabe before dropping him off with my mom. It was great!

We had talked to Gabe about me going to the hospital to have the baby and that I would most likely be there for a few days. It was SO hard to leave Gabe that morning, but we said our goodbyes and Bryan and I headed to hospital. It was a little weird having everything scheduled. Everything was so mellow and calm...we got to the hospital and it was so quiet...barely anyone there. We got checked into the room and Bryan left to go get our bags and I changed into my gown.

The nurse came in and hooked me up to check on baby, asked me a ton of questions and put in an IV. They pumped my full of liquids and I swear I went pee about 50 times before going into surgery.

The anesthesiologist came in to talk to me about the spinal. We talked about my experience at St. V's and how I felt afterwards. They told me that I had a spinal headache which is VERY painful, but that they could have done something about it to give me some relief. They asked me why they didn't do that and I was like I don't know? I guess because they were mean. HA I just can't believe that they could have given me relief, but didn't. I felt like my head was going to explode.

After awhile the nurse came in and said that an emergency c-section had to go ahead of me so it was going to be more like 12:15-12:30 before going in.

My mom and Gabe came in to see us before going in and they got to stay in the room while I was in surgery.

I'm not sure what time it was, but we walked back to the room and they prepped me. Bryan had to stay out until they were done. Again, it was so different...with Gabe I shook violently while they tried to give me the spinal. It took him forever. I shook a little bit, but I'm thinking it was more from how cold the room was. It was freezing in there. After they had me prepped and ready Bryan and the dr's came in. I was starting to get really nervous. Bryan held my hand as they started. I ended up feeling very nauseous all of the sudden and remembered that the anesthesiologist told me to tell him when I felt nauseous. I told him and ended up throwing up twice before he could give me something to help. Bryan stayed with me most of the time until we knew that he was coming out then he stood to watch. When he was out I heard him cry and it was one of the most important moments in my life. Bryan went to see him while they stitched me up. At one point the curtain had fallen a little and I could see what they were doing in the huge lights above me. I had to close my eyes before getting sick again. My doctor and his assistant ended up talking all about my anatomy while finishing up. With my eye's closed I heard them say, "she has a lot of scar tissue", "WOW she has very nice ovaries'". It was very weird.

After they wiped down Jayce, Bryan brought him over to me. Bryan still had his surgical mask on, but I could tell that he was VERY proud and he said "Let's do that again!" I know that he was a proud with Gabe, but the experience of getting to hold Jayce immediately after he came out was AMAZING! I just wish I could have seen his huge smile!

I was going to do my recovery in my room so they wheeled me back and Bryan and Jayce walked behind me. I had forgotten that Gabe and my mom were in our room and I wasn't feeling all that well...I threw up once and told my mom to go and come back a little later. I didn't want Gabe to see me that way. This whole thing was traumatic enough as it is. I threw up about 5 more times, but overall my recovery was a 100 times better than with Gabe. I could stand the throwing up over the spinal headache anytime. The nurse did his footprints, gave him a good bath and got his weight. OH and did I mention that we hadn't named him yet. I thought for sure that when I saw him I would know, but that wasn't the case. I had a very difficult time picking from the 4 names that we had. It was actually quite frustrating...BUT a name is important right.

We decided on the last day that it was going to be Jayce (JAY - SSS) Kaleb and it fits, but a lot of people are calling him Jay - See and it's not settling well with me. I don't want him to be called that all his life, so we are contemplating changing the spelling to Jace??????

After awhile my mom and Gabe came back and we did an exchange of gifts between the boys. Gabe had picked out a cute rattle for Jayce and Gabe got a lego car. Gabe was very excited to give his little brother the gift.

Gabe did pretty good. He was shy, a little standoffish, kind of didn't really acknowledge that there was a little person, his little brother that was now going to be a part of lives. I didn't want to push it. We let him do it on his own terms, AND since we've been home he's come around and I think he's pretty smitten like mommy and daddy are. Says that he loves Baby!

My head is in this weird fog and everything in my life seems to look blurry, but we are so happy to be home with our sweet little man and have enjoyed being pampered by our family and friends. We are happy. We are family. We are so grateful that we have another handsome little son to raise and to love and to share our lives with!