I swear they have grown a ton!

I was only out of town 3 days but I swear all of my kids have grown a ton. 

Cale is a little rolling machine, he can't yet figure out how to get back over and he gets quite pissed actually but we laugh at him.  He did make it back over this morning but of course I missed it!  We couldn't get him to do it again today but it wasn't for lack of effort my Maggie and I.



He was rolling over so much that he tired himself out!


Mallory is trying hard to roll over, she is talking so much more or so it seems.  I was greeted by her smile and laughs when I got home and that is exactly what I needed.  We got some great cuddle time in this morning and it was just what I needed.

Caden is still Caden but I think he is growing up each day so much.  He is trying to be an independent little man but he is hanging all over daddy.  This is pretty common when one of us leaves for a few days.  He always clings to the other parent for a few days.  It is almost as if he is carrying a grudge for you being gone.  He got to go to the Cyclones home opener tonight with Daddy and Big Papaw, he was so excited that he fell asleep at the game and they are leaving early.

Maggie is a little ball of energy but she has been going to bed earlier lately, thank goodness!  She was great for her daddy and actually went to bed early and easy.  In the last two nights she has been asleep before anyone, I only hope this is the start of a good thing.  She has been a sweet angel today and really has been clinging to me, I don't mind it at all.

I love my kids and husband more than anything but my meetings were good and I got the chance to meet a lot of folks I have worked with lately but only by phone or desktop sharing.  I don't mind the travel but I was rusty on being smooth getting through the airport.  And it was nice to get some sleep, but of course I did not sleep all night.  I kept waking thinking I heard they kids.  I am glad to be home, catching up has been rough but I enjoyed my day with the family. 

We are excited about Halloween tomorrow, lots of pictures to come.  I never really truly enjoyed this holiday until I had children.  Now I see it differently through their eyes and have enjoyed it each year.

All 3 that I have with me at home are asleep so mommy is off to catch up on some dvr'd shows! 

It was a year ago today...

That we thought we would try for just one more baby.  Matt and I had discussed trying to have more children, we knew we had embryos, we knew we could love and support another child, we did not know it would actually work and that we would get TWO more babies.

So a year ago today we went to see the fabulous folks at IRH, the very best in the business for infertility, and we did a frozen cycle if in-vitro.  I struggled for a long time with the fact that we could not get pregnant on our own, then we went to IRH and learned that we are SO not alone in this battle.  There are so many folks who need the help of these doctors and scientist, and that it is not uncommon nor a bad thing.  In our first time around there were a lot more doctor appointments and blood test and meetings, this time, 3 appointments, a couple of blood draws and one nervous morning at the office for the transfer.

We knew there was a chance of twins again, but being a frozen cycle we really didn't know if it would work again.  Plus really how many people get two sets of twins?  We thought having one more baby would be easy, you know after two.  I just prayed that whatever was supposed to happen, happened.  If it wasn't meant to work, I was okay, after all I had two amazing little creatures at home already, we had already been blessed twice.  If it did work, yeah there was a slight chance of twins, but really we thought it would be one baby and it would be great! 

So we did the transfer and were sent home, I was told to rest and take it easy and begin to wait the longest 2 weeks of my life, again.

And I think we all know the outcome, Mallory and Cale, but we will have to wait until another date to learn the story of how we found out it was not one baby but two!  Right now as I reflect back to our journey in having children I am very grateful to Dr. Scheiber and team for all they did for us - twice!

It was a birthday celebration!

This weekend was a long one but an amazing one.  I started to write about the whole weekend in one blog but the more I thought about it each day deserves it's own post. 

Friday night started with a visit from some of our favorite people, John, Erica and Maddox were in and everyone had a great time visiting.  We are grateful that they stayed with our children so that Matt and I could enjoy a night out to celebrate Megan's birthday.  I do have the best sister for helping me so much with my children and it is one of the most amazing things to see my children interact with Maddox, they love each other so much and just light up when they get together.  I am very proud to witness this and be a part of this little gang they have developed.

We had a great time at Boogie Nights with Scott, Megan, Kerri, Brooke and all of the others that were there.  GREAT TIME!  Thank you for including us in the celebration.  We miss hanging out with you all but when you have 4 kids it is hard to get out of the house!

This mom is getting too old to do this much in one weekend but you have to celebrate birthdays, it is my rule in life, and celebrate big we do.

Happy Birthday Megan!

We are so blessed!

This weekend has been perfect!  I have a lot of people to thank for making it perfect but most of all it was about family and friends which can make anything perfect.  (Especially Memaw Donna for all she did in helping me get ready!)

On Saturday evening we baptized Mallory and Cale.  They are the best babies, and we are grateful that Father Peter celebrated our special day with us.  Both babies were amazing during church and the didn't cry even once during their baptism.  Cale even smiled at Father after his blessing with holy water and I think it caught Father Peter off guard.  We are so blessed with not only these amazing little people in our lives but also all of those family and friends who were there with us.  Nicole and Dusty are Cale's godparents while Doug and Haley are Mallory's.  However, Aunt Haley was very sick yesterday so Aunt Erica had to fill in for her, thank you Erica and Haley we will photo shop you into the celebration. 

My Amazing Little Family!  The 6 Cools

I cannot think of a closer family than ours and I am thank God every day for blessing my life with these beautiful people.  We may have the biggest extended family but I can't imagine having it any other way.  There aren't many people who are as close to Aunts, Uncles and cousins as we are and many don't understand how we can keep in touch but it is one of the best things in life. 

So as we end this weekend it was fitting to spend more time with family and enjoy this beautiful Sunday, even if the Bengals lost. 

and Happy Birthday to little Alex, your mommy has been waiting a long time for you and I couldn't be happy for the entire family. 

To the godparents of my children, thank you for being a part of their lives and to help us guide them in this crazy, crazy world which we live in!

So looking forward to this wonderful weekend!

We have such an amazing weekend ahead of us I just can't wait! 

It will be full of family, friends and blessings as we will baptism Mallory and Cale tomorrow.  I am so grateful for all of our family and friends who will be here to celebrate and guide our children.

Of course there will be lots of photos coming so stay turned for more of our amazing adventure! 

For now this mom needs to stay focused (not working right now), keep calm and just remember that if it doesn't all get done then that is OK!  It isn't about a clean house or the perfect meal it is about blessing these amazing little babies and hanging out with family.  I am sure glad though that Memaw can help us out today!

Here's to a happy Friday!

Yes he wore GREEN socks to school today!

So this morning as we were once again trying to get out the door to start our day Caden decided he was going to be EXTREMELY picky about what socks he wore.  He was wearing a Thomas and Friends shirt so I suggested his Percy socks, but he didn't want Percy socks he wanted Thomas socks, well we don't have any but I told him next time I was at the store I would gladly get him some Thomas socks.  I suggested his striped socks, they are the other half of the Percy socks and I thought that maybe that would qualify, but no he didn't want his striped socks.  Next I went in and got a basic pair of white socks, which he wears almost everyday.  But no those wouldn't work either.  Finally, I suggested that he come pick out his socks.

And yes he picked a green pair which were in his sock drawer and were a bit too small I may add.  Now was he wearing green anywhere else, NO.  Was he sure that he was wearing the green socks, YES.  Did this mom fight him, NO WAY!  So off he went in his navy pants with a red stripe, his red t-shirt and his GREEN socks.  I am pretty sure that it was a topic of conversation somewhere in his school today, that or they think I have truly lost it as a mother.  Whatever he wanted today for his socks was what he was going to get because I didn't have 15 more minutes to keep arguing over what he was going to wear and really in the end who cares.  The green socks weren't hurting a thing or any one and I laughed all day as I thought about his outfit with the green socks! 

God love him, we sure do, green socks and all!

Just a funny moment from this morning...

So this morning was not any different than any other morning of trying to get 4 kids out the door as well as mom and dad to work but it was the conversation in the car that kept me laughing today.

As we were driving we had our conversations about where teh sun is, Caden has asked this everyday since it has been dark out during our departure and everyday I tell him it is sleeping.  Maggie proceeds to tell me she sees the stars, lots and lots of stars.  I secretly love that she enjoys seeing the stars so much because I love looking at the stars and just dreaming and letting my mind wonder to wherever it may go.  I remember laying on teh picnic table at our house on Bunkum and doing this as a kid.  She is definitely my daughter if you couldn't tell by the looks.

But anyways back to my story, so we are driving discussing the stars and the sun when Caden coughed, which promoted me to ask him if he was okay, and he was then asked by his sister, "Caden you okay?" Well Caden replied to both of us, "you don't talk to me" very rudely I might add.  Well Maggie takes his words in for about a second and then she announces, "He's okay!"  Just like his response to not talk to him was normal and because he was talking he was alright. 

I know that no one else maybe laughing and maybe you needed to be there but just the way she thought about what he said and calmly told me that he was okay has had me chuckling all day.  I don't know whether to love or hate the fact that she is such a grown up in that tiny body and mind.  I love the fact that she cares enough to ask her brother, politely, if he was okay and that she knew because he responded, rude or not, that he was okay.  Their bond as brother and sister is amazing to witness and be a part of each day.  They are truly best friends and the worst of enemies at times but no matter what they watch out for each other and take care of each other.  That is a reassuring thought as I drop them off at school each day, knowing that they are not alone in this big, grown up world. 

So whether you laughed or not it was a moment I wanted to capture and will remember as my toddlers become little people.  Here's to many more great mornings on our car rides to school!

Lazy Saturday was a HUGE Success!

In the words of Maggie, "We Did It!" I wanted so badly to have a laid back Saturday, reconnect with my family, get some rest I can't believe I actually did it. 

Many people will think we are crazy because to get in our lazy Saturday we loaded up 4 kids on Friday afternoon and headed 3 hours north to visit some of our favorite people, Aunt Erica, Uncle John and our cousin Maddox.  While preparing and getting everyone in the van was a bit of a task it was well worth it.   It is probably the only way I could make myself sit down because I wasn't home so I couldn't see all of the chores that needed to be done and I was forced to spend my time with our family and to just have fun!   I was nervous as we haven't travelled with all 4 kids yet but Erica and John said 5 kids in the house no problem and we are so glad they had us. 
These little outings and trips all started when Caden and Maggie were born, my sister and I made a pact that we would not go longer than 30 days without seeing each other.  So far we have been very successful on this promise, although it was almost 45 days since we had seen them we were spoiled over the summer with so much time together it felt like years since we could connect!  I remember, and still do, have so many good times with my cousins that I think these little adventures are so amazingly important in our lives that we will do anything to make them happen.  Even if it means chaos for a bit. 

I learned and enjoyed so many things this weekend, it was simply wonderful.  I sat in the very back of the van with Caden and Maggie to watch a movie, I was told I cannot talk during the movie.  I got to see Maddox walk, he is doing so good and getting so big.  I learned that Cale and Mallory are both really finding their voice and love to "talk" with us.  I snuggled my babies so hard that we took a nice long nap.  I know that my kids absolutely adore their aunt and uncle.  I know my kids LOVE hanging out with Maddox and it is funny to watch them play with him.  They are little bosses.  Caden got to go to the Komets hockey game which he LOVED and he got to see a fight which he thinks is very cool.  Maggie got to see Beauty and the Beast for the first time but fell asleep before the end so we aren't really sure what she thought.  All of this and so much more happened in a short amount of time but it is what I needed to rejuvenate my self and my mind.  One of the accomplishments I am most proud of is capturing the kids in the fall decor for Memaw Donna.  We will get them all together this weekend in front of her beautiful display but we got these great shots right outside in the warm fall sun!

Cousin love!



Such a big boy coming to see me!



Exploring his pumpkins



That there is TROUBLE a brewing!

And we couldn't quite figure out how to get the babies to sit with the bigger kids so here they are relaxing and saying hello!


Big Boy sitting all by himself

Mallory is waving at us!



Big Sister Love



Cute little thing I can't resist!

I needed this weekend, my kids needed this weekend, and I am so glad that Matthew and I got to top it off by heading to a concert on Sunday night, just like old times - BT - before Twins.  We had a great time seeing Godsmack, I am sleepy today but glad we did it. 

Now I just have to keep my brain from freaking out with all we need to do this week and remember what life is really about - Lazy Days!

It's been a struggle...

Over the last couple of weeks I have struggled with so many things that I think it is time for a relaxing weekend of doing nothing but hanging out with my family and getting some sleep.  So that is just what I am going to do!

I am struggling to get enough sleep, I am struggling to stay awake driving home from work, I am struggling to get my laundry done, I am struggling to find my way back into a groove at work, I am struggling to eat right, I am struggling to spend enough quality time with my kids, I am struggling to find the time to blog, I am struggling to write my blogs.  It just seems that all of these struggles have built up and are blocking the thoughts and memories from pouring out onto these pages and are not allowing me to enjoy my life.   Some may question why I would even take the time to write about struggles but it is to show my children that no mommy isn't perfect, she can't always keep it together but she knows how to call a timeout and get back in the right direction and let it all go.  

So my promise to myself, is NOTHING to do this weekend.  No plans, lazy Saturday, maybe even jammies all day, getting some yummy coffee, reading some magazines, seeing some of our favorite people, seeing my nephew walk in person and most of all enjoying my family.   Because in the end that is what is important and what it is all about, my children do not care if the laundry is done, if I weigh a little more than I should, or if I miss a day of capturing our memories. 

I have been blessed with this family but I am no good if I don't stop and enjoy them and our time together when I have it!

I challenge all of you reading this to do the same, take a lazy Saturday and enjoy your family.

16 weeks ago today our precious babies entered this world!

Yep just 16 weeks ago today we added to our family by 2 - Cale and Mallory are the best babies and I am so honored to be their mom.
Technically they aren't 4 months yet as July had 5 weeks in it.  I know you moms understand, we start counting our lives in weeks the minute we find out that we are expecting, then continue counting weeks until your children turn 2, so why celebrate 16 weeks because I believe each day is a gift. 

Right now in their lives Cale and Mallory are smiling and giggling.  Mallory is ticklish under her chin and arms and will smile at anything.  Cale loves to talk to you and he gives the biggest smiles when he wakes to eat at 3:00 AM!  He is a smart cookie too because he lets Mallory do the crying at the early hour and then patiently waits for us to come get them.  I maybe exhausted as I get there in the wee hours of the morning but that little face smiling up at you can change the world.

We are holding our heads up well and can sit in our Bumbo seat for a few minutes.  They are just growing before our eyes and are truly a blessing in our lives. 

They have given me more gifts as a mother than they will ever know, one I desperately needed tonight after a long and emotionally draining day.  As I entered the house I knew I could count on them for smiles and a reminder of what life is all about, my Family and their love.  There isn't much else that really matters when you boil it down to the simple facts.  I needed those little smiles and coos tonight more than anything.  They were even better than the pumpkin cheesecake I had for dinner and as I prepare to go to sleep tonight they are my reason for getting up in the morning and facing the day. 

So Mallory Lynne and Cale Joseph, I thank you, for entering our lives, for allowing me to be your mommy, for being the best behaved babies, for your smiles, for your coos and mostly for your love which we receive in lots of giggles!


My precious sleeping babies!

And even though they are sleeping a foot apart they will be snuggled up to each other about now!  Just a few hours after going to bed.  It is super sweet and I will try my hardest to capture that next.

My favorite part of my day!

Each day as I drive home I simply cannot wait to see the faces of my babies.  Even through the 50 minutes of traffic and headaches those 4 little faces are what keep me sane. 

When I walk into daycare to get Caden and Maggie they are usually playing with the other kids or sitting down reading books.  I love to sit back and watch them for a few minutes before they see me wathcing and come running, right after that I walk into the door and get knocked down by their hugs.  That is absolutely the best feeling in the world and can make the day turn for the best in a matter of seconds. 

Each day after we are loaded up in the car I always ask, "how was school?"  I am constantly surprised by what I get for answers.  The response is usually "good" and followed by a story about what they did for the day and who they played with.  It truly amazes me how much they get out of their days while I am gone at work.  I am usually sad that I wasn't a part of it but only for a minute as they then make me laugh and I know that we are all okay and that they are ahving a great time at their school with their friends and I know they are learning a ton.

Today we also discussed the stop light, we go thru 3 from home to school and this has been a topic of conversation for the last week or so on our rides each way.  It is interesting to watch them learn this new concept.  We know that we stop on RED and can go on GREEN, we are no where to understanding YELLOW and tonight I had to explain why I turned on RED, that was difficult. 

I am excited and honored to watch the learnings of my children everyday and that is why those 20 minutes I have from when I pick them up, load them up and until we get home is the favorite part of my day!  

And to end the day here is a few sweet picture of bed time tonight. 

Cale was already sleeping so he will have to join in the bed time fun on another day. 

To my babies I love you all and I look forward to our trips home and what you will teach me!



8 years ago today I said, "I Do"

And all 8 years have been GREAT thus far.  Even more so I looking forward to all of the years to come.

Matthew and I were married on October 12, 2002 at 5:30 in the evening at St. John's church in Harrison Ohio with our service performed by Father Shine.  Our reception was at the Kopling Center in Mt. Healthy.  The day was beautiful and sunny, the weather was simply perfect.  We were surrounded by our family and friends.  I could share so many more details but it was simply an amazing day and one of the best 3 days of my life.  To all of those who were part of our day I thank you and to our parents thank you for all of your support and guidance in this journey.

Everyone said marriage is hard and they definitely were not lying but what they don't tell you is that the rewards far outweigh the hardships. I am so grateful and blessed to have Matthew in my life that I cannot picture it any other way.  Not to mention the great family that I was brought into and then given.  All of it still truly amazes me everyday.  However, I don't think we ever thought in our lifetime that we would have 4 children, much less 2 sets of twins.

When I first met Matt I never would have guessed that he would be the man I married, for goodness sakes we met at the boat.  But after 6 months of running into him at different places I agreed to a date, a Pearl Jam concert at Riverbend.  Who would of thought that just 6 short months later we would be engaged. 

The entire journey has been a ride of a lifetime and he is my grounding during so many busy days. 
Matthew, you balance me and share our life joys with me.  You keep us grounded on the important things in life, you make sure we always have fun.  You are an amazing father and a wonderful husband.  We have been so many places and done so much that I can't pick just one favorite memory, all of our trips and adventures are simply a little chapter in our story together.

8 years ago I had a slight fetish with Chipotle burritos as the restaurants were just entering the area, Matthew swore I loved that place more than him but I hope have proven him wrong.  I even had that engraved in his wedding ban, "I love you more than burritos" to be able to start a marriage with a simple promise of more than burritos has to be the secret to a great one! 

Thank you Matthew for your love and support and here is to keeping our sanity and sense of self as we raise these 4 little people in our lives.  A millions times over if you asked me again the answer without a doubt would be I DO!

At least the Princesses didn't lose!

Wow I feel like I haven't written in forever, this work thing is getting in the way of my blog but I promise to keep writing no matter what.  We sure have been busy though and are coming off one of the longest weekends ever but it was a fabulous one.  Now I need a week of sleep to recover.

Friday we watched the horrible loss of the Reds and I shopped the mom's of twins sale while the family hung out at Memaw and Papaw's house. 
Saturday started early, me off to the twins sale again and Matt laying tile in our ALMOST finished basement.  So glad Memaw Jo and Papaw Casey helped out with the kids.  Then it was off to Princesses on Ice.  Maggie hated the first few minutes as she doesn't like fireworks and that is how the show started.  After a while though she really enjoyed all of the princesses and she looked beautiful in her Cinderella dress. 
Caden even enjoyed himself as did daddy and Uncle Adam, yes we made the boys go, but the important thing was that it was a family day out.  The babies were so good and I thrilled we could share the day with Natalie, Aunt Haley and Uncle Adam. 

They really did have a good time even if they wouldn't smile for me :)

Then it was mommy and daddy's turn for a night out together.  We joined some friends and family celebrating Lance's 40th birthday with our favorite DJ Bear.  We had a ball and then a slumber party at Memaw Jo and Papaw Frank's house.

Sunday was right around the corner and full with sporting events to attend, first the Bengals and then the Reds.  And yes both of them loss but I must say being able to spend the day with Matthew was a wonderful thing.  The kids joined us at the Reds game, not the babies just the older two, and unfortunately we couldn't bring home a win.  I know people think we were crazy for taking them but who knows when they will get to see another playoff game at GABP with their favorite team.

I am more disappointed in the Bengal loss than the Red's loss because really I didn't think the Reds would make it as far as they did this year and we are already looking forward to next season at GABP. 

Maggie with her Rally towel

So I must say I am still recovering and the laundry fairy missed her shift so catch up is horrible but we had a great time and it really does feel good to know that our family is strong and so much fun!

 

It is already a better day!

How could it not be, I commuted as far as the kitchen table today!  I love those days even if they are crazy trying to work while managing 3 kids. 
Big day for us and I will write more about it later, but Caden is off to his first eye doctor appointment and Matthew turned 34 today! 

Thanks to all for the kind and encouraging words I received.  As a very dear friend said, "Just tuck away that Mommy guilt -- there's no room for it at the McCool Home." we are definitely full at our residence!

Stay turned to see how our day progresses but so far so good.  Nothing a lot of hugs, kisses and giggles can't fix!

It is just a rough Tuesday

For some reason today is hard and there have been many tears.  Work itself is good but my mommy brain is having a hard and full of guilt day.  I have been back to work now going on 3 weeks and I am realizing many things in my life but mainly that my babies are all growing up and I am not there to see them all the time.  I think this return to work is harder because I know that Cale and Mallory are my last babies.  Or maybe it is because I think Caden and Maggie are acting even older than their real age now that they babies are here.  Maybe it is because Maddox has started walking and I hate that I haven't seen it in person yet.  who knows...

Whatever it is that is causing my feeling today makes me know I miss seeing my babies all day long.  I love my job and the people I work with but no one can replace my kids.  I know my kids are well taken care of each day but still I miss my kids and their growing up.

Their smiles and laughs are a fabulous thing to run home to, but when I get there the chores are still there too.  No one has done them during the day (I should really fire that fairy who is supposed to be doing them all).  I have let as much as possible around the house go but at the point of no more clean bottles someone has to do dishes even if it is 10:30 at night.  Running errands has become a chore bigger than I can imagine, it feels like we always need something. 

Then while at lunch a friend was telling me about a horrible car accident involving a family of 3 where the father passed away immediately and the mother and 2 year old are still in the hospital with major injuries.  This just made me think, I really miss my family but I sure do cherish our times together.  I know I need to keep working, it is part of who I am and I love the accomplishment of a job well done but for a few weeks I just want to put on the brakes and make sure my kids don't grow anymore.  This morning on the way to daycare Caden told me he wasn't going to get bigger, little does he know I sure wish that was true.  I am sure we will have great times as they do grow but for the day let's freeze the world.

I know I am off, this blog has been hard to write and to get the feelings out.  I have made changes and adjustments a million times.  But I also know that tomorrow will come, we will have a great time as a family, and my kids will get bigger but will still bring a smile to my face and love to my heart!

"I have an idea!"

That is the phrase that Maggie started using today and I know that she really does not have an idea of what an idea is but it is very, very cute and something that I thought needed to be captured.

A friend told me when Caden and Maggie were just turning one to make sure to write down what they are saying because you won't remember when they are older and I have tried to accomplish that throughout my blog but I sure do wish I would have started sooner! 

I can't go back in time but I can start now, she has an idea and she has wondered off onto one of her many adventures are saying it and I can't wait until she truly understands the meaning of her words.  She even had Caden saying "I have an idea"!  Maggie Lynne I hope you have a million more ideas in your life time.

Today was another accomplishment for Caden as he put together an entire 36 piece puzzle!  It may have took him an hour and lots of encouragement but he did this all by himself.  I love that he celebrated each and everyone of those 36 pieces as he put that puzzle together.  Memaw Jo was great working with him and reminding him to look at the picture to see where he was on his puzzle.  I am truly amazed that he did the entire puzzle on his own

I am happy to say it has been a wonderful weekend of much needed family time.  Not to mention we are officially into Matthew's "Birthday Week"  he will be turning a big 34 years old this week and everyone who knows me knows that I love birthdays!  That means you have experienced one more great year on this earth and with those who you love!!

AND...I am finished with my painting of the basement, so we are one step closer to a finished basement and I am thrilled that mommy doesn't have to skip anymore evening with her babies.  Not to mention we have really enjoyed the novelty of the kegerator today.

Here's to a good week for all and to many more memories and milestones.

Just a simple Saturday!

Today has been a GREAT day!  We started the day by cleaning, not my favorite thing to do but something that had to be done.  We are extremely grateful that Memaw Donna came down to help out she is amazing and can keep us motivated to get it all done, well lots of it anyways. 

Mid day we had to head out to get Caden and Maggie's hair cut.  We decided to make it a family trip and I am glad we did.  We got to visit with our favorite hair dresser Miss Cherie and both of the kids were very good while they got their hair cut.  Plus daddy got to experience their hair cuts which he has not been able to do yet.

We headed off to our storage unit next, which we will hopefully be able to give up once this basement is complete, basically we are keeping it to store the kids old stuff that either doesn't fit or that is waiting to be worn by Mallory and Cale.  There are a few other things in there but really it is housing clothes for these 4 kids! 

Next we were off to celebrate the 13th birthday of one of our favorite cousins, Drew!  His birthday was actually last Saturday but this was for the family and we always love a visit to their house.  The older two love hanging out there and we are so excited that Aunt Brooke and Uncle Steve so graciously welcome us into their home.  Our visit was wonderful and a great way for mommy to relax because I had nothing to do but visit and hang out with family!  Also we realized there were 4 sets of twins at the house.  Our two sets as well as Uncle Steve's nieces and his great nephews.

So we had Lindsey and Mackenzie (the oldest two), Caden and Maggie (almost 3), Logan and Aiden (10 months) and Cale and Mallory (14 weeks)  I haven't seen that many twins outside of a mom's of twins function! 
Of course we can't forget about Phyllis, it is always great to see you and to thank Aunt Cheryl for feeding and holding Cale!

The end of our evening is followed by right now 3 out of 4 kids sleeping (guess who isn't - Maggie), Matt and I enjoy some cold Miller Lite from our new kegerator, and a moment to reflect on a great Saturday!

Oh and I must say I am proud of my Hoosiers they didn't win but they hung in there!  GO IU!
And to my friend Hedy, keep kicking ass sister!  You have not let that ugly cancer get you down yet and I love your attitude!  Here is to all of the happiness in the world sister!

It's Time for Baseball in October!

Ok so post season has not officially started but this is the first time in my life that we are excited about attending a Red's game in October!  Usually by this time of year we let our tickets go unused but not tonight!  We are headed out to the ball park to enjoy the evening with Memaws and Papaws and hopefully see a Red's win with few home runs please.  The fireworks really freak out Maggie so wins are good, home runs are not!

I love baseball and have since I was a little one.  I have played softball (well started with t-ball) for many years and dearly miss the sport.  My grandma and grandpa Horstman were two of the biggest Reds fans you would have ever met.  I can say my great aunts who were nuns were famous as one of their friends won $10,000 on a game once (of course it was donated to the convent) and lastly and my biggest blessing right now is that my kids LOVE the game!  Caden and Maggie can name almost the entire team, they have their favorite players and they know who everyone else's favorite player is!  Caden loves Scott Rolen, Maggie Joey Votto (and it is adorable to hear her say his name!) they both like Jay Bruce and really do watch the games when we go.

This will be Mallory and Cale's 3rd game not to bad considering they are 14 weeks old!  Here is a photo from their first trip to the ballpark.

We have had our 20 game pack for 3 years now and have enjoyed every game.  Here are a few more fun photos of us enjoying games.

Caden and Cale in our seats

One of my all time favorite photos of Mags and I

Caden took this photo from our seats of Scott Rolen of course!

Caden and Daddy at the CAG fireworks night 2009

Caden tired out from the CAG fireworks night game!

Maggie, Mommy, Caden and Daddy at the twins  first game!

Caden, Cale and Daddy at the CAG fireworks night this year

And here is to a great post season for the Redlegs!  I know of 4 great people who are cheering you on from heaven and a few very excited almost 3 year old kids cheering you from the stands!