So Fitting and So Perfect for This Little One!

As I went into the little ones closet this morning to get out their clothes, which I HATE during cool mornings and warm afternoons - what a decision on what to wear, I had grey pants for Cale and grabbed an orange shirt - coordinates right?  It was not the colors or the coordination that struck me as funny it was the saying on the shirt....

Yes you are seeing it correctly, "my parents are exhausted" and it could not be further from the truth.  We actually had this shirt for Caden but his head was quiet large and the neck on the shirt is small, so it did not fit well at all.  However, it fits Cale and is definitely more fitting to his personality!  This kid is going to exhaust us in every way and will test our patients to the limit but he is so stinking cute you cannot help but love him and forgive and forget quickly. 

He has the best giggles, the silliest of grins, always finding ways to entertain and just down right rotten!  But boy do I LOVE this kid.  I have said it before and will say it a million times more, there is a reason why he was a surprise at 6 weeks and he is the baby.  There is no one else like him and that is a good thing!  He is all boy and goes a million miles an hour for 27 hours of the day.

Cale, mommy maybe exhausted but I love you to pieces, I love you more than you will ever know.  Don't ever stop giggling or smiling. 

You give the best and biggest hugs, you always want "to get you" and you never let us leave in the morning without a kiss - that my buddy is what sends mommy out the door to work remembering what is important! 

Thank you for doing more for me than you realize you do. 

I love you my little exhausting monster!

Being a Mom

Being a mom fills my brain with so many thoughts over the almost five years (YIKES that is a scary thought) of being a parent I have had a lot of random thoughts and feelings.  I am finally just going to take a few minutes and record the thoughts that are running through my head about being a mom to two 4 year olds, who are very close to turning 5 and two 2 year olds who act like they are going on 30 some days.

I love being a mom, it is by far the biggest and best accomplishment I have ever done and I am forever grateful that I have been given the opportunity to be a mom.  My thoughts, dreams, worries and cares will change with time but right now the following is what consumes my mind for a major part of the day.

Here is what being a mom means to me (in no particular order):

• Never sitting down, or at least never sitting for too long, except for my commute to and from work
• Realizing after I have arrived at work that there is snot on my sleeve or shoulder from my little ones
• PRIDE in their accomplishments, big and small
• Fear that I am not giving them enough of a background to become good people
• Hope, that they will accomplish anything and everything they can ever dream
• LOVE, oh it is so much more love than I ever knew I could feel for these little people
• A kitchen table that has food caked in the grooves on most given days
• Dirty floors, always dirty floors, with six people in the house what else can I expect?
• Never knowing when you will get a bad shot in sippy cup roulette, you know when you find a sippy cup that the creative little buggers hid somewhere, no matter how hard you try you can never find them all and should probably just throw it away but cannot help but look inside
• Finger prints on windows, walls, doors and basically anything that stands still
• Stickers where they do not belong, including on my pants when I arrive at work
• Too much to do and NEVER enough time to do all that your heart may desire, that you kids need done for that your house could use
• Not a full nights sleep, even when they are staying with Memaw or Papaw, I worry that they are not sleeping through the night and making things rough on them.  It is only when I get away for a day or two far out of twothat I can sleep for a day straight - and basically have before!
• Art projects covering my walls, who needs fancy expensive art when you have four live in artist?
• Driving along and realizing that I just spent the last twenty minutes listening to Elmo or the Fresh Beat Band when you are by yourself - your children have not been with you for twenty minutes you can turn it off now! 
• Sweet, sweet kisses. Sloppy, full of love kisses from your babies
• "more hugs" and big strong ones too
• Random "I love you momma" moments
• Never getting to eat a hot meal again, at least I do not have to worry about burning my mouth
• Getting the "sympathy" and "annoyance" looks at the restaurant when we are brave and crazy enough to take all four kids out to eat - yes we do go out to eat
• Never knowing if you will actually get to eat in a restaurant when you head out with all four, having your food boxed up as soon as it comes has happened before as well as leaving before the food is out and the others staying behind to get our dinner
• Looking back at the photos over the years and just wondering where in the world time has gone, when did they get so big and what will the future hold for them?
• Silently apologizing to my children for their too short pants that they will wear to school some days because I didn't realize they were too short until we had them on and were on the way out the door, who cares if it is high water pants for one day?
• Praying that I am giving them enough guidance to learn and freedom to figure things out but not too much that they begin to take things for granted
• The joy of watching them learn new things, learning to jump anyone?  Their patience to learn is amazing at a young age
• Always trying to remember that it is okay that you are a working mom, they are learning so much at school and have a ton of friends
• Hoping that I am balancing all of my roles just right
• Wishing I had more time to record our moments
• Being amazed at how much of yourself or your spouse you see in your children, especially wondering if you will make it through the teen years with your oldest daughter being just like you
• Having more mixed emotions then you will ever know to deal with: hope, fear, care, concern, scared, love, pride and faith - you go through them all as a parent and never know when they will mix together

I still cannot believe my babies will be turning 5 very soon, can someone please freeze time?  How did they become these little people who know way too much but not enough?  I am having a HARD and emotional time even thinking about the fact that they are turning 5 - can we not stay 4 and 2 forever?  I know the answer, but you have to ask right? 

I know this more than anything, the love for my children constantly pulls me through the hard times and always gives me a reminder for is truly important in the world. 

Caden Joe, Maggie Lynne, Mal Mal and Cale Man Buster - I love you more than you will ever know, thank you for giving me the chance to be your momma. 

We are some very lucky parents to have you in our lives!

Papaw Screwball!

Yes that is what Mallory calls Papaw Casey, Papaw Screwball - and you have to draw out Papaw and giggle after Screwball.  That little girl cracks me up!  She started calling him that because Caden came home from Casey's one night and told us that everyone had a nickname, Caden was Goofball, Papaw was Screwball, we all had a nickname with the "ball" ending! 

Papaw Screwball it has been since that day earlier this summer. 

I am very grateful that our children have Papaw Casey in their lives.  He is an awesome Papaw and would do anything for his grandkids.  How many grandpas would request extra clothes for the oldest three to keep at his house for when they are there playing and need something?  How many grandpas are crazy enough to drive to Tennessee with his four year old grandson to go to a race (okay it got rained out and they were only in Lexington but still)?  He is the one who remained calm and took Cale out of my arms on Christmas morning when he split his head open.  He is the one who will go down a slide because his grandkids asked him to do so with them.  Those are only a few reasons of what he does but I am continuously amazed at the joy this man brings out in his grandkids - all 5 of them for now - it is amazing to watch.

Caden has learned his Papaw's phone number, which is scary because he wants to go over to his house everyday.  He loves making plans with Papaw.  Right now I know we have one happy little boy as he is spending a few days camping with Papaw.  He packed his hiking boots, his walking stick, his bicycle, a drink and plenty of clothes for this 2 day trip!  That kid is an old soul and when you see he and Casey cruising around in the big blue car it is a sight.

Grandparents are special people and the fact that all four of them light up when Papaw Casey walks into the room is wonderful.  Seeing children share their love is a blessing.  We are very forunate to have many wonderful grandparents for them in their lives.

So in honor of the big camping trip and the love the grandkids have for Papaw Casey, we (Maggie and I, Maggie who is enjoying being able to watch Princess movies) thought we should share a few Papaw and Grandkids photos.  Hang on Papaw because soon enough there is one more to add to this crazy mix of kids you have!


Papaw and the grandkids, yes Maggie is magically floating!



Patiently waiting for Maggie to join them

At least these 4 were cooperating!



Backyard fun for Natalie's birthday



Caden loves spending time with Dixie because of Casey!

 

Caden, Maggie and Papaw - they were 10 days old

 

Caden wearing Papaw's glasses



The McCool Men! Enjoying Caden's first of many races.  Look at my chunky monkey!

  Just another blessing in our lives, having a grandpa like Casey for our kids!  We are part of an amazing family and I am a lucky gal. 

Thank you Papaw Casey aka Papaw Screwball for being a part of our kids lives and for taking the time out to teach them lessons and for spending time with them. 

Have fun camping  you two, I cannot wait to hear the stories! 

Capturing the Sweet Moments of Time

I love when I catch my children in sweet moments and I stop to just watch their innocence of being a child.  Many times they get embarrassed and stop whatever they are doing but not this time...

Monday evening I ran upstairs to throw in one of the 15 weekly loads of laundry and I heard Maggie leading Mallory in a dance routine.  The fact that Maggie was leading her sister is not the new part, the part that I loved was listening to Mallory giggle as she followed whatever Maggie was asking her to do.  So I crept down a few stairs to sit and watch what was happening.  Maggie was leading her normal dance warm up and not only did she have Mallory following but she had Cale following along too.  They were dancing up a storm and just having a great time.  It really warms my heart to watch them play together and to fill our home with laughter.  I know that they will not always be so sweet and play together nicely but I am trying my hardest to capture each moment I can when they love being together.  I just wish I was closer to the video camera when this was all going on to truly capture the moment.

This time when they caught me watching they didn't stop, we continued the dance party, I mean who doesn't need a good dance party on a Monday night? 

That wasn't the only moment of the night that was sweet, I watched Caden and Cale sitting together watching Thomas the Train videos on the iPad.  First of all the fact that the four year old and the two year old can both work the iPad probably better than I can is just plain scary.  The real part of my story is watching these two brothers bond over their love of trains.  Caden and Cale have not been the closest, they are usually fighting over cars and whose is whose but not on this night - it was just brotherly love and trains, lots and lots of trains.  It was just another moment that melts your heart as a parent, knowing that they can be together and not have to say anything.  I was extremely proud of Caden as he would ask Cale what he wanted to see next and was teaching him all of the names of the trains.  He is one awesome big brother. 

Even though it is now Thursday, I have wanted to capture this night all week but unfortunately have barely had a moment to breathe.  I love these four little people more than they will ever know.  Matthew and I are two very lucky parents, we get to be their mommy and daddy.  I thank God on a daily basis for allowing us this awesome task and for these sweet, sweet moments.  Ironic - maybe it took until Thursday for me to record my Thankful Thursday moment??

Here is to many more sweet, sweet memories and for being able to capture them before they are grown and gone.

Happy 21st to Kelsey and some Labor Day fun!

Labor day weekend was rainy and just wet.  We did not let that stop the party though as we celebrated Kelsey's 21st Birthday! 

Fried chicken, yummy dishes, a live band, cold beer, family and friends - nothing better than that even if it is raining most of the time!

Kelsey and Andrew



Kids were dancing in the rain!



I love these two!




Kissing Chloe!




Enjoying the band no matter the weather!



Oh my CUTENESS!

Meeting Myles was definitely a highlight in my weekend.  I have to say I am in love with this little boy!  He is just perfect, I know I have said it before but seriously he is and I cannot wait to see him again.

I really cannot wait for my kids to meet him.  As much as I often fight technology (GPS is not my friend) and complain because I do not know how to work anything, I am grateful that they have all had the opportunity to face time to see Myles.  I did appreciate being able to see him on my own, no one to really share the attention or snuggles but these 4 kids are so excited to meet him.



Just LOVE those chubby cheeks!

 

Stretching out - he really is smaller than I thought



This was probably one of the best moments of the day, Maddox being a GREAT big brother.  He is so excited to play and help with Myles that he cannot stand it!  He wanted him to sit in his "seat" from the moment he walked in the door.

Kisses from Maddox

 

Hugs Too

Such sweetness



The only time this kid cried - he wanted to sleep!

 We love you buddy, more than you will know, we are lucky to be your family and Aunt Trini would drive another 700 miles to hold that sweet baby any day! 

Whew what a weekend!

As Mallory would say,"Oh My GOSH!" what a weekend this past one was for me!  I traveled 736 miles from Friday until Sunday evening and did not get to any states other than Indiana and Ohio!  196 ounces of Diet Coke consumed while in the car and 1 Pumpkin Spice Latte later it was a trip to remember.

Friday: started out working at home and then traveled the two hours to Indiana University to speak as part of a panel for the Kelley School of Business Alumni Association.  They were hosting "industry connections" were undergraduates can come and hear about what we do, what are the challenges and joys of our job and what it takes to be successful.

I was nervous to do this, I mean really what makes me eligible to speak to college students?  I definitely felt old heading into this I mean it has been almost 13 years since I was a student.  However, once I got there, saw the other panelists and saw the students who were eager to hear what we had to say it was great!  I got the share my passion for selling food and for working for ConAgra, which I believe is a great company.
We finished about 4:30 and I headed back.  I have to admit during my college years I made that trip on St. Rt. 46 a million times but it was a big trip down memory lane and all of the great memories from college.  Passing Teter, seeing the campus bustling on a Friday afternoon, stopping at TIS to get a new long sleeve, and seeing my favorite spot just outside of Nashville, those are a few of the bonuses plus just seeing all that has changed or not changes along the route.

I stopped by mom's and picked up Maddox, the proudest big brother, so that he could enjoy an evening with his cousins.  That little three year old is hoot and FULL of energy!  He was so excited to see Caden, Maggie, Mallory, Cale and Uncle Matt.  He kept asking how long - the whole 15 minute trip - but yet told me he doesn't know how long those minutes really take.  I know that he has one thumb that works for thumbs up and one that doesn't - he has trigger thumb and will have surgery here in a few days.  I know that Icy came out of  his belly and I know that his mommy was in the hospital with his brother Icy Myles.
We made it to the football game, go Tigers and nice win, brought them all home, let them play and then finally about 10:00 got them to bed!

Saturday: Cale started yelling at 6:30, "get me out" "I am stuck and want out" meaning he wants out of his crib.  He has not yet climbed or even tried to climb so they are staying in the cribs as long as we can however, this screaming for Matt and I caused all 5 kids to wake up - at 6:30 - come on little dude! 
Maggie, Mallory and I had a wedding shopping date with the fabulous Phyllis.  Maggie scored her flower girl dress and even though we struck out on a few of the other things we were searching for we found a few we didn't plan on so I will call it a good trip. 
Next up was getting ready for the twins sale that is coming this weekend, there is still tagging to do and organizing.  I am not sure I will sleep until Saturday but it is worth it when all of the junk is cleared out of our house.  Sneaking the kids toys out is awful hard when they see it I get lots of questions about why I am getting rid of this or that but they do not complain much when I remind them that they do not play with it and it is time for another kid to get a turn with the toy. 

We finished off the evening by sending the kids to the Reds game with their grandparents and Matt and I catching some date time over dinner. 

To my friends who had invited us to two separate gatherings, I am sorry I missed them.  I suck as a friend right now but please know I truly appreciate the invite and you thinking of me.  I would have loved to do both, celebrate baby Anniston and the wine and tagging party with twin mom's, I just cannot seem to fit it all in the hours of the day right now.

Sunday: well Sunday was topped off with a LONG drive that was well worth the effort.  I picked up Maddox from Memaw Donna and we started the trek to Ft. Wayne.  He is quite the talker and will entertain you with songs.  I heard "Row, Row, Row your Boat", "Take me out to the ballgame" and "The Star Spangled Banner".  We had to have potty breaks, he colored, he got mad because I could not get his DVD to work, we talked about Caden, Maggie, Mallory and Cale visiting the Cincinnati Zoo and why not the Ft. Wayne Zoo, we discussed what animals they would see, and my favorite, he told me all of the things he is going to do to help out with Icy Myles - did you know this 3 year old is going to change all of his diapers?

When we finally arrived to their house it was well worht it!  Maddox was so excited to see his brother, he wanted to give him a snack of a cookie, and he kept checking on him and giving him his toys which he had picked out.  Then I got my chance, to hold and snuggled and just admire my newest nephew.  I have to say this kid is quite perfect - pictures to come on the next blog.  I could not have been happier to do all of the driving to those few short hours I was able to spend with him.  My heart is full of love for him and he is just perfect! 

I spent the rest of the day driving back home thinking of the wonderful new family of 4 and ready to get home to my family of 6!  I made a quick stop off for baby Anniston to have some Colts gear - thank goodness she was not prepared for football season yet! 


Just two quick photos of the beautiful sky on my drive! 
No comments on using the phone while driving!



The weather was perfect, the sky was beautiful, I had my music and caffeine to keep me company and made one more trip to get stuff for the sale.  The downer part, is that I thought I was close to done tagging, ran out of printed and cut tags and had to spend some time printing and cutting more tags. 
The kids got dinner and bathes and away to bed they went.  Caden had to watch some of his Steelers, sorry they lost buddy, but all in all it was a busy, productive and fulfilling weekend!

Now we are off to a typical McCool week, dance, soccer, meetings, haircuts, sale tagging and getting ready for Phyllis's shower!  Caffeine is my friend, sleep will be special and I hope we all can remember what is really important to us all.

Whew what a weekend!

Happy Birthday Myles John!

And welcome to the world and our family buddy!  We could not be happier that you are finally here with us to enjoy everything that the world has to offer.

Yesterday September 6th, after a long day of waiting and a hard two hours of pushing for his momma, Myles John entered the world.  He was welcomed by his family, Erica, John and big brother Maddox (and a whole bunch of other great family members)!  He is officially named Myles John Shovlin, however, he will forever be called Icy Myles since Maddox has told us for months that his brother's name would be Icy after the Komets hockey mascot.

He weighed in at 8lbs. 7oz.; 20 3/4 inches long and at exactly 5:22PM became the cutest newborn I know.

Myles is definitely bigger than Maddox was and they tell me he has a full head of hair but unfortunately I have not yet had the pleasure of meeting my newest nephew to confirm.  I cannot wait to squeeze those cheeks and hold that little one in my arms.  It was killing me not to be there yesterday but sometimes life as an adult does not allow us to go where our hearts want to be.

I love this little guy to piece already and I cannot wait to see what kind of trouble all of the kids cause together, just another one to the mix is sure to be dangerous!

Happy Birthday Buddy!  We have been waiting for you to join us and you sure did take your time but it was worth it.  Until we meet on Sunday - remember I love you!
Love Aunt Trini

Back to Reality....

Well, vacation is over, back to the grind it is for us!
We had a great vacation, Isaac could not hold us back from doing just that even with the crazy wind.  It was a week of family and fun, relaxing and disconnecting.  10 whole days away from the office!  LOVED it!

There is so much I want to write about and had so many plans to get lots done on vacation but it did not happen.  It will, sooner or later.  The important thing is we had a great family vacation, we are home, recharged and back to the routine.  This week is packed full already and promises to push us to the end but oh well such is life when you have two working parents and four busy kids! 

It always amazes me to come back into town and see what changes have happened in a week.  What construction is going on, what was finished and just what is new.  By the way, when did it get so dark in the morning?  Gesh that was a shock this morning and one I am not sure I am ready for just yet!  My fingers do not exactly want to work the keys on the keyboard correctly and I think I forgot how to write with a pen, that is how I know I disconnected just right!

Here are the few phrases that were new this week:
Mallory "Oh My Gosh!" "I the Lorax, I speak the trees" "Maggie do it" (or Memaw or Mommy or Daddy - whoever the choice was at that moment) "I go 'wimming" (Swimming)
Cale "What you doin?" "I can't do it" "We go to the beach!" "Mallory not sharing" "Cannonball" (not exactly new but one we heard a lot on vacation)

For now, we are cleaning up emails, putting away the last few things from vacation, dreaming about downloading photos, getting ready for the twins sale, waiting for our new nephew to arrive and praying Grandma Ramey gets stronger everyday. 
It is what life is about and will keep us busy but it sure was nice to get away and reconnect with the kiddos and hubby.

Here is hoping I get a few blogs done this month, I may or may not who knows but I have a lot of stories in my head that I want to write so we will see what this month brings.