The Svoboda Family

moving on...

2010-03-30T23:47:00.008-04:00

it's a little bit bitter-sweet, but it's time to move on. i will no longer be updating here on blogger, but you can continue to follow our family as well as a bit of a blend with business over at the new blog at:

http://www.jessicasvobodaphotography.com/blog

Going to the Dentist

2010-03-19T01:20:00.002-04:00

Though Brody has been to the dentist's office for a few visits while his older sisters received their exams, this week he actually got to have his turn at sitting in the chair for his very first cleaning. And can I just say how fortunate I am to have children that truly LOVE getting their teeth cleaned?

In an effort to speed things up this time, we were scheduled to see two separate hygienists simultaneously. The girls were in one room, while Brody and I were in the other. So apparently Cassidy's hygienist asked her kindly if she would please stop sucking her thumb (not right then and there obviously while she was sitting in the chair...but you know...long term). Cassidy's reply was "okay". Meanwhile, back in our own examining room, I had no idea what was going on next door until I heard Ella blurt out, "yeah right...she'll never stop sucking her thumb." Poor Cassidy.

On to the pictures...

In the waiting room...Cassidy and Brody looking through pictures they were taking while waiting to be called in. And yes, that is Fancy Nancy sitting there in the chair. Apparently she needed her teeth cleaned too.

Happy as a clam...

The spit cup. Something about telling a kid they can actually spit...in public...in front of a real live person...you should have seen Brody's eyes bug right out.

Had to include these last two. Our dentist is the one I have been going to since I was a child. That is so neat to me. He isn't necessarily considered a "pediatric" dentist, but he is certainly a family man and I love that.

Brody loved those little black binoculars attached to Dr. Long's glasses. I think we might have to get him a pair next Christmas.

Week in review...or at least a little bit of it anyway...

2010-03-13T16:46:00.000-05:00

A few from this week...

Joey...I LOVE that I didn't end up cutting his hair. Sometimes it can get a little out of control, but man does it look cute on him...

The kids love it when it is their turn for date night with Daddy. Daddy bought Brody some new sunglasses on their most recent adventure together...

Ella...

...Finally lost her most recent loose tooth. That makes a total of four for this big girl. Oh...and I should probably add...Ella is now saving up her money (her four quarters delivered by the tooth fairy included) to adopt another brother and another sister. Preferably twins she says...

Ella is reading...wait, I think I said that many times before. But oh, for a mother, listening to your child read...not much really compares...

Her favorite series...

Cassidy is beginning to read too...more on the early emergent level...but has learned to automatically identify enough sight words that she can sit and read us a book. We signed her up for kindergarten this week. Had to wipe my tears just thinking about her going in the fall!

Littlest Pet Shops...yes, I know...a little bit random. But these things are taking over our home. The girls have a little display set up in our front living room...where they perform Littlest Pet Shop Wedding Ceremonies and everything.

Daddy may not be too happy to see this next picture, but here is just a glimpse of some of the fun us girls get to have with the boys when Daddy is away.

This little guy...up at the crack of dawn...helping himself to a slice of last night's pizza. Isn't he a hoot?!!!

my.little.joe

2010-03-04T21:22:00.002-05:00

Between all of us, he probably received about a million hugs and kisses before he went to bed tonight. He just sat there and smiled...and even gave us a few giggles...having no idea that tomorrow when he wakes up, he will be undergoing surgery to remove a tiny cyst from his ubberly cute little ear.

I am worried for our little guy. I know this procedure is considered "minor", but like with all mommies, when it comes to your own kids, nothing is ever really minor.

my.little.joe.

Happy Birthday Ella

2010-03-03T13:48:00.004-05:00

She spent her special day yesterday being sick...we all did...all of us girls anyway. What a way to spend her birthday. Praying we can make it up to her this weekend.

And in honor of a special man who shares the same special day...

Today you are you, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is youer than you.
Dr. Seuss

Love you Gabriella Renee!

A BIG thank you goes out to my sweet friend Andrea...for her time and talents that went into making Ella's Birthday hat and poncho. You can view her work at:

http://www.etsy.com/shop/123littlebirds

Photo-a-day: Day 24-27

2010-02-27T23:46:00.002-05:00

Day 24: Dinner guest

Day 25:
She hasn't let me take her picture since before valentine's day...at least not close-up anyway. She had quite the shiner there for a little while...one of her many battle wounds from rough housing with her siblings. Thank God it is healing...

She found this bead on the floor just after I snapped the last image and told me she wanted me to take a picture of it. I had to smile and just remind myself to be thankful she wasn't sticking it up her nose...as she unfortunately has been known to do in the past. But do not fear, this bead was a clean bead. That last one she had up her nose now has a new home in a specimen jar sitting on top of her dresser upstairs. Gosh, does she ever make me laugh.

Math Activities:

Breaking out the piggy banks...

Counting:

Sorting:

Adding:

Day 26:

Day 27:

This little guy has had a rough go of it the past two days. Sick with a stomach bug. It is just wiping him right out.

Game time. Thought I would set up my tripod and set the timer on my camera to actually get a picture of the kids and I playing a board game before Joseph woke up from his nap. Hunter thought it important that he not be excluded...

Photo-a-day: Day 22-23

2010-02-23T23:24:00.002-05:00

Day 22:

So I have a bit of a cold and yesterday barely made it through the day. I got the kids down for naps in the afternoon and finally got to sit down myself for a little bit. Hunter was his typical self laying at my feet and I realized I hadn't gotton in my photo for the day. I figured he was the perfect subject since I didn't even have to get up to take his picture. And lucky me, my camera bag just happened to be resting on the table next to me.

Day 23:
The girls are learning new words everyday and it is awesome to watch their love for reading grow. We created these knowledge boxes last week to store the words they "know" and help give them ownership over their literacy development.
Cassidy practicing her sight words...

We have so many memories of that piano in my Grandmother's house and now I am blessed to create new memories with it in my own home. I love to listen to the kids playing their own little melodies everytime they walk by it.

Photo-a-day: Days 18-21

2010-02-22T00:25:00.004-05:00

Day 18:

Ella at play...

...with her favorite of all things...

Day 19:

TIME TO PAINT!!!

Nanas give the best T-shirts!...

LUNCH...

Helping Daddy.

Day 20:

One of the many reasons I am behind in my sharing of these images from my photo-a-day challenge. Yes, I know it was probably silly of me to wait nearly two years after completing grad school to take my final state teaching exams. But honestly, at the time, my mind was so anxious to get back into "mommy" mode and before I knew it, time had gotton away from me.

Day 21: Playing the wii...on the new T.V.

Don't they seem like they get along so well???

...until...well...Cassidy lost and...need I say more?

Photo-a-day: Day 16-17

2010-02-18T01:17:00.002-05:00

Day 16:
The kids helped me bake a cake in honor of their father's 31st birthday. They are quite the little helpers.
Happy Birthday Patrick!

Day 17:
He tells me every day, "I wub you berry much, Mommy!"

Happy Valentine's Day and Photo-a-day: Days 13-15

2010-02-15T23:06:00.002-05:00

So Valentine's Day has come and gone and of course I am now just sharing pictures. The older three kids and I had a lot of fun putting together their valentine's for school this year...

Missed my photo-a-day challenge on Saturday. I took plenty of pictures...just of other people's families and children...not my own. I REALLY need to get better at this.

Moving on to Day 14:

Home-made Valentine's are the best Valentine's of all!...

Day 15:

This guy doesn't make it into many pictures. He always seems to be "underfoot" throughout my entire day. But when Patrick is home, he certainly seems to favor his "daddy"...

Photo-a-day: Day 10-12

2010-02-13T00:24:00.002-05:00

It's been a week. A week of falling back in love, a week of hurt and suffering. Patrick and I got reconnected...while my mom's baby sister received a devastating diagnosis. Praying for continued growth for our marriage as well as healing, strength and comfort for my aunt and everyone that loves her.

Still working on my photo-a-day challenge...praising God for the opportunity to document and ENJOY my sweet children. Though I'm taking the pictures, at the same time I am finding it more difficult to find the time to share. Need to work on that.

Day 10:
Never turn your back on a toddler and a container of pudding...

Day 11:
LOVE my little purple flying dragon...

Day 12:
I can always count on him for the goofiest of smiles...

Photo-a-day: Day 5-9

2010-02-09T23:41:00.002-05:00

Patrick and I just got back from a long weekend away...just the TWO of us. It was the first time since before our oldest was born (nearly six years ago now) that we had gone anywhere for an extended period of time...anywhere without our four children that is. As hard as it was to leave our kids, Patrick and I knew taking some time together alone was something that was and is not only necessary, but also vital to the health and growth of our marriage. As absorbed as we are in the roles God called us to be as parents, we have learned even more recently that we need to put just as much emphasis on the roles God called us to be as husband and wife. An incredibly HUGE thank you goes out to my dear parents and oh so sweet sister for taking on the responsibility of looking after our four little blessings in our absence. Without their generosity, our cherished get-a-way would not have been possible.

As far as the photo-a-day challenge goes, I am not going to lie, I don't think I even picked up my camera on Day 5 and Day 6. I know that I could have easily taken any of the following pictures and slapped Friday or Saturday's date on them and called it done. But the point of the challenge for me is to grow in my photography. And I have learned that with that process also comes setbacks. It is those bumps in the road that help encourage my growth and having missed two days, to me, will just encourage me to work with that much more enthusiasm to continue and finish this challenge more successfully. Having said all that, I will warn you that the images I am sharing more than make up for the days of missing photographs...at least as far as quantity goes anyway.

I now present to you...Our weekend Trip to BOSTON!...

Photo(s)-a-day: Day 7

Okay, so having both grown up in a small city, the Boston Transit System for us was quite puzzling at first. Trying to determine which line we needed to take and all the transfers that were involved kept us busy our first day in the city. But by the time we left we were quite the pros!

I have always had this overwhelming obnoxious fear when riding on subways (which, by the way, my sister-in-law thinks may have something to do with the excessive amount of Law-and-Order my mind has absorbed since reaching adulthood). I finally mustered up the courage to take out my camera one of the times we were waiting for the train to come in, but rest assured, other than when I took this next shot, if we were underground, my camera was tucked away for safe keeping.

We spent Sunday morning at the New England Aquarium. I had to take some pictures of the kids favorite sea creatures so I could go back and share with them. Here are just a few:

The city of Boston is full of beautiful architecture. I couldn't resist photographing it.

I am a sucker for shadow pictures. Patrick is one of those people who like to take pictures, but absolutely hates having his picture taken...so as you can imagine, he was not enthused. I wouldn't be surprised if he was sticking his tongue out at me in this one...but thankfully for me, you cannot see it.

Moving on...Quincy Market.

And some more buildings that I don't know the name of, but just thought might like their picture taken (since my husband wouldn't let me take his). haha.

One of the many fine pubs we got to eat at during our stay.

Lunch.

There he is...running away from me the moment I mention I want to try to get another picture of the two of us...and our shadows.

Made a visit to the hot tub just past this sign, in and effort to de-thaw every time we came in from our adventures in the city.

Playing with buttons in the elevator...oh wait...what I meant to say was...waiting patiently for the elevator to take us to our floor at our stay in the city. :)

Photo(s)-a-day: Day 8

The Boston Public Garden...

No...we didn't end up eating here...but I had to take a picture of the sign just so I could at least say I walked by it.

By far, the highlight of Patrick's weekend...

Somehow I managed to get Patrick to agree to another picture of the two of us...and our shadows. Yes, it is not in perfect focus, and yes my camera strap is dangling in front of my neck and looks like a turkey wattle, BUT you can take my word for it, taking a picture while locking lips with this sweet man I call my husband, is not the easiest of all tasks (though I must say, the kissing part is quite enjoyable).

Photo-a-day: Day 9

I almost forgot to take this day's photo until earlier this evening when the girls were seated at the kitchen table doing their homework. I asked who wanted to be my photo-of-the-day and Gabriella jumped right up...which of course was a big surprise to me since she, like her father, is always running away from my camera. Knowing I was quickly losing daylight, I placed her beside the nearest window and this is what she gave me.

Photo-a-day: Day 4

2010-02-05T03:10:00.004-05:00

The pet store is one of our weekly rituals. The kids could spend hours there observing all the animals. Today we watched tree frogs snack on some crickets, introduced ourselves to the new octopus in the fish aquarium, administered first aid after being bit by a hamster, and finally took a few moments to interact with some puppies (one of which little Joey was insistent on bringing home with him)...

Photo-a-day: Day 3

2010-02-03T23:56:00.002-05:00

Her father taught her to wink when she was just about a year old. I remember the smiles it would bring to everyone who looked at her. At age four, she can still wink better than the rest of us. In all her goofiness, she still brings a smile to our faces. I'm filing this one away for her teenage years! :) Love you Cas!

Photo-a-day: Day 2

2010-02-02T23:52:00.002-05:00

After devouring the hot dog his father made him at lunch today, he made his way over to my peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Meal time for this one is always serious business.

Photo-a-day: Day 1

2010-02-01T21:26:00.004-05:00

Inspired by a friend and wonderful mentor, I am embarking on my first photo challenge and have determined to take (and share) a photo a day for the next 28 days. This will be a huge undertaking for me for as many of you have noticed, my blogging at times is admittedly slightly erratic. I keep saying I want to be better about documenting my children's "everyday" and to me, this challenge is the motivation I need to do so.
And so...my journey begins with day one:
Our busy bee. In to everything, on to anything; he is constantly keeping me on my toes. But when he looks at me with those dark gorgeous eyes, my little mommy heart melts. Yes, he is my Little Joe.

Library Cards

2010-01-28T00:54:00.001-05:00

He got his very own library card this week. Signed his name on the back and everything. Okay...so maybe it was only his first name...and maybe some of the letters covered the ENTIRE back of his card. But needless to say, he is quite proud to be the official holder of a library card now. Oh...and can you guess what he brought for show-and-tell at little lamb this morning? :)

.love.

2010-01-27T00:39:00.003-05:00

We were looking through some old photo albums the other day when she asked me if I still loved her as much as when she was a baby. I told her I never had thought it'd ever be possible, but I love her even more.

My thumb suckin', braid-struttin', Hannah Montana lovin' little girl!

Growing up

2010-01-14T23:08:00.004-05:00

As unprepared for it as I was, the reality has finally hit me that my little baby is growing up.

This week regrettably marks the first week since May of 2003 that I have not been pregnant or nursing. For nearly seven years I was blessed with the privilege and honor of carrying each of my four children in my womb and then subsequently nursing them for their first year to eighteen months of their life. Understandably to me, this is somewhat of an empty feeling inside. Where I once felt my children's every move, I now feel nothing; where I once provided comfort and nourishment, I now feel dry. My responsibility and role as their mother in each of my children's lives has now changed, yet at the same time I realize it is equally important. Though I grieve for the loss of each of their baby years I look forward to sharing in their growing youth and the blessings, moments and memories that will come with them.

Pushing Snow

2010-01-10T23:31:00.001-05:00

The boys LOVE to push snow in the driveway. And oh how I love that they want to able to "help" :). Until the baby drops his paci in the snow (see that tiny little spec of blue by the base of the shovel?) and is overcome with fear of not being able to get back up once he bends down to retrieve it. :)

Student of the Week

2010-01-10T23:30:00.008-05:00

My "student of the week". Gabriella received her bear paw award at school this past week and of course we couldn't be more proud. Oh...and did I mention she memorized the names of all 27 books of the new testament for AWANA?...just a little bit of a proud mommy plug. :)

....

2010-01-10T23:30:00.007-05:00

"Mommy, take a picture of my BUTT!"

(fyi: I am not a big fan of that word in my house, but Patrick seems to rationalize it's usage since it is short for the anatomical name "buttocks")

Big Green Tractor

2010-01-10T23:24:00.002-05:00

He is saving up his money for a big green tractor. A real one. A BIG one.

Babywearing

2010-01-09T23:15:00.000-05:00

Cassidy has a new take on the whole babywearing trend.

Spoiled Milk

2010-01-08T23:21:00.001-05:00

The girls have reached this new stage of independence...getting themselves their own drinks and even preparing an occassional meal. That's all well and good until I go to get the milk out of the fridge and find one of them has managed to place it in the cupboard. Little rascals! :)

Cars

2010-01-07T23:16:00.001-05:00

These things are practically taking over our home. Brody LOVES to play with them...and I love to watch him (more on THAT later). This collection happens to include some that used to belong to his father. How neat is that?

Peek-a-boo...

2010-01-07T01:08:00.001-05:00

...I see you!

A New Year

2010-01-01T23:24:00.004-05:00

It seems I always have a long list of things I resolve to improve upon with each New Year. The funny thing is, making the resolutions never really seems to be the difficult part for me...unfortunately, keeping them is what I tend to struggle with most. A few that fall within this year's quite lengthy list include (but are certainly not limited to):

1. Drink more water.
2. Eat less chocolate. (I seem to have failed quite miserably on this one and it's only my first day!)
3. Take more pictures...and share them.

Number 3, honestly is most important to me. I want to capture more of the "everyday" in my children's lives...and document these stages of their youth before they pass me by. I want to become less focused on always trying to "perfect" an image...at least from a technical standpoint...and enjoy more of the moments taking place when an image is being photographed. I want to be able to show you more of my children's quirky smiles and their obnoxious expressions as well as all the crazy happenings that occur each day in our chaotic (what more would you expect with four little kids?)...but more importantly blessed household.

So to kick things off...here is one of little Joey...not too happy about having his picture taken. The first week in December I had this grand idea to try to take some shots of the kids for our family Christmas Card...which happened to be just one day after Joseph was inflicted with some pretty hefty burns to his right hand...(hence the lovely sock covering the bandage in the photo below)...which of course I neglected to blog about at the time because really, what mother wants to admit that her little one got injured when her back was turned? So needless to say, the Christmas portrait session was a flop...or at least that is what I thought at the time anyway. I haven't gone through a lot of the images from that day...but this one really did make me laugh...certainly not at the time that I took it...but much later, after the fact. As you can see, Joey is literally trying to reach for my camera and I swear if he could have gotten his hands on it, he probably would have ripped it off my neck and thrown it straight across the field. But thankfully he didn't. And oh...if you look real close, you just might notice the chunk of pine cone in the little guy's mouth as I tried to take his picture. And yes, I DO feed that boy...but don't ya know, pine cones make quite the snack!

Snow

2009-12-29T22:54:00.002-05:00

Poor Joe. He really does love the snow. If only all that gear didn't make it so difficult for the poor little guy to walk in.

Merry Christmas

2009-12-26T00:26:00.002-05:00

'Tis the Season

2009-12-14T02:11:00.002-05:00

In search of the perfect Christmas tree.

Happy 3rd Birthday to my Little Man!

2009-11-20T00:00:00.003-05:00

His Papa asked to take him on an "adventure" yesterday. As we were getting ready in the morning he said to me, "Mommy, I gonna miss you when Papa comes to get me...you gonna miss me too?"

My little man is three today and can I say...he is just as sweet as sweet can be. I love you Brody!

Happy (belated) Halloween

2009-11-04T00:54:00.006-05:00

One of the things I have really enjoyed about Halloween the past few years is helping the kids pick out their costumes. It's always so interesting to me...to see what each of them chooses to dress up as. Though I don't know exactly how much "choice" he had in the matter, Joseph went trick-or-treating this year as an alien/monster. He played the part quite well with his 'frankensteinish' walk and those pudgy little arms outstretched in front of him, steadying himself with every step. Brody was a flying dragon...much like our friend Elliot from Disney's Pete's Dragon. I really think he believed he could actually fly. Cassidy was a monkey (because she is of course, our silly little monkey you know) equipped with a yellow banana and curly q tail. And our little paleontologist, Ella, decided this year she wanted to be a big green dinosaur.

The festivities kicked off with a big family Halloween party at Ella's school with games, treats, face painting...and a whole lot of fun. We saw quite the range of costumes...at least from the boys. The girls though all seemed to be dressed up as princesses...ALL OF THEM. Don't get me wrong...we have done the princess thing many a times ourselves. But the one thing I think I have always loved about the whole Halloween costume selection process for my kids is that their choices in costumes have mimicked something that reflects their interests at that time. Whatever they have chosen to dress up as, has always expressed who they are...not who they aren't.

I wasn't the only one who noticed all the princesses at Ella's school that night. So did she. And I immediately saw her insecurities in choosing to be who she was. The following day, at her classroom party, Ella went to school as a princess. My heart broke for her because I knew she was conforming to what she thought her peers viewed to be acceptable for a pretty young girl. In a way I think she felt comfort in dressing up the way she thought other people expected her to, but at the end of the day I knew she had given up a part of who she was. Patrick and I talked to her a lot about how God had made her uniquely...different from all the rest. We reminded her that she chose to be a dinosaur because that is what is important to her...and not because she thought it was important to others. Her identity is not based on other's, but on the love that God created her with.

When it was time to go out on Halloween night, I was curious to see which costume Ella would decide to wear. When I saw her start to slip on those green scaly legs, my heart warmed inside of me. I know there will be times again in the future where she will be challenged and her identity may be shaken. I just pray she continues to remember that God made her beautifully HER in his own unique design.

Life.

2009-10-30T22:53:00.004-04:00

I have come to the determination that life is just passing by me way too quickly. I feel like everytime I turn around, one of them has reached a new milestone. Gosh..they are getting so big.

Happy 1st Birthday Joseph

2009-10-07T07:26:00.004-04:00

My baby is now one...and can I just say...I simply love this little guy to pieces. From that adorable little laugh to those gorgeous little dimples...I don't think he could be any sweeter.

His smile

2009-09-22T00:28:00.002-04:00

Three days out of the week, Patrick and I have the morning alone with just one child. I can't even tell you how many times we find ourselves looking over our shoulders in a fury that we've "missed" someone. Joseph seems to be taking full advantage of his time with his mommy and daddy...although the smile on that little guy's face when his older siblings come walking through that door is simply priceless.

She rides

2009-09-20T00:05:00.002-04:00

"Want to see me ride my bike without training wheels?" is probably her new favorite phrase.

Preschool

2009-09-19T00:00:00.002-04:00

Mrs. Cooper worded it best when she said, "after all the countless days of walking the halls of Little Lamb (behind his two big sisters), Brody finally gets a turn of his own to go to school."

Happy preschool days my sweet Cas and my little Brody-man.

Kindergarten Bound

2009-09-07T22:36:00.002-04:00

Tomorrow is her first day of kindergarten. Tonight as we were praying before bed, her little sister said, "...and dear God, please help Ella not to get eaten by her new teacher...amen."

Our Family

2009-09-01T23:40:00.003-04:00

It's not very easy getting a good family picture these days.

But I love how this one hides all our imperfections.

"A boys story...

2009-08-02T23:08:00.004-04:00

...is the best that is ever told."
Charles Dickens

I took some pictures of the kids in my grandparents' woods this past week and I have to say I am in love with this series. These are completely Brody; with his favorite hat, orange pocket shirt, crocs, little puppy dog and of course...surrounded by dirt. He's all boy...and he's all MY boy. LOVE him!

He...

2009-07-27T00:27:00.004-04:00

On the way to soccer the other night, he asked me, "Is my Daddy going to be at my baseball game tonight?"
(okay, so maybe he is a little confused about what sport he is playing...but give him a break...he's only 2 and a half...at least he thought it was a sport that involved a ball of some sort...right?)

The point is, Patrick's absence I think is taking its toll on all of us. Life is just not the same without Daddy.

my little lady

2009-07-23T00:33:00.002-04:00

Ella is our little talker. She always seems to have something on her mind...and always seems to want to share it. Sometimes I feel like she just wants to be heard...just wants someone to listen. I'm so thankful for the times I am able to really sit down with her and have a heart to heart...and talk girl to girl. I hope she's always willing to tell me her stories, her dreams and her wishes...and I hope I'm always there to listen...to really, really listen.

Love you sweet little lady.

Journey

2009-07-21T01:07:00.006-04:00

I have always loved "walking away" images and the sense of wonderment over where the subject is headed.

I can't help but think about the roads our children will travel...and who they'll grow to be.

My greatest prayer is that they continue to follow Jesus...His light and His teaching...His path and His will.

Sisters

2009-07-18T22:18:00.004-04:00

A sister is a forever friend. ~Author Unknown

9 months

2009-07-16T23:19:00.003-04:00

It's hard to believe our baby is 9 months old now (9 months and 9 days to be exact). Everyday we spend with him is honestly pure joy.

Just because...

2009-07-15T23:01:00.003-04:00

...my Cassidy is so cute. I got these images the other day, just sitting and talking to her. I learned pretty much from the beginning, just in photographing my own kids, asking them to smile or say "cheese" is not what produces the most natural images. Having a conversation and capturing your children as who they are...not what you ask them to be...is what creates the most priceless pictures.

I love you Cas. Thank you for being...YOU!

Soccer

2009-07-14T23:39:00.003-04:00

Soccer is underway and the kids are loving it.
A few pre-game photos...

Back on the road

2009-07-13T21:49:00.002-04:00

Patrick is back on the road again for work...this time headed to Northern Virginia. It is the furthest he has actually had to travel without his wife and kids in tow so I imagine the distance and time spent without us isn't going to be easy. Tonight the kids prayed for his safety and that these next four weeks pass quickly.

Some time spent with his boys before hitting the road...

smiles

2009-07-10T09:42:00.003-04:00

Love his goofy smiles. I could be having the worst of days, and one look at him makes everything seem brighter!

Everything I've always wanted...

2009-07-09T00:21:00.005-04:00

"I got everything I've always wanted, Living the dream
So yeah, everything I've always wanted, isn't always what it seems
I'm a lucky girl, Whose dreams came true
But underneath it all, I'm just like you"
-Hannah Montana

We were listening to these lyrics in the car the other day; music full blast; windows opened wide. Then Cassidy yelled to me, "Mommy...why does Hannah Montana have everything she's always wanted?"

Ella seemed to have an answer for her, "Because when you are a rock star Cassidy, everyone throws all this money at you when you are on stage and you can use it to buy anything you want."

As cute as they were to listen to as this conversation unfolded, I knew it was time for a heart to heart. It is so easy to get caught up in all our material wants...when really, all we will ever need is right here...

"His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness." 2 Peter 1:3

A baby and his paci

2009-07-08T00:16:00.002-04:00

Though this one is not necessarily his favorite, there's just something about those paci's that really make this boy smile...

Headed home

2009-07-02T00:58:00.003-04:00

These past four weeks I have tried my best to fill their days with lots of fun, but there's been just no getting around the fact that Daddy isn't here. They've all missed him in their own ways, at their own times...but tonight it seemed to be hitting this little guy more than his little heart could bear. We were walking hand in hand down the road when he looked up at me and asked, "Where my Dad-de?"

I can't wait to see the look on ALL their faces when their Daddy walks through that door.

In the Garden...

2009-06-30T23:10:00.005-04:00

The garden has always been Patrick's thing with the kids...not mine. Truthfully, I just don't have much of a green thumb. So in his absence, Patrick recruited my father to help keep this years "crop" from growing wildly out of control. Each week since Patrick has been gone, my dad has stopped over to do some weeding and raking with the kids. And when it has come time to water each of the plants, the kids have even helped him out with that too (and have enjoyed running through the watering hose in the process). The "fruit" of their labor is really starting to "blossom".

Ella...counting all her tomatoes...

In case you haven't noticed, I am truly a black and white girl at heart....Ella, on the other hand, is not. If she ever happens to walk by when I have some images pulled up on the computer screen, she always says to me, "Mommy, I like it better with color...can you put it back please?" So Ellababy, this one is for you...with a glimpse of gardener Papa in the distance (as a little added bonus)...

The kitchen sink...

2009-06-27T01:39:00.004-04:00

...just happens to be Joseph's favorite post-mealtime hang out.

Rocks

2009-06-25T23:16:00.005-04:00

Tonight I was laying in bed with Brody for a quick snuggle before he went to sleep. We were talking about this and that when he started running his hands across his sides and his chest and told me, "I got booboos on my -ocks". I asked him, "Booboos on your what?!" My ears heard him tell me "rocks", but my head knew he must have meant "ribs"...not that the two words sound the same other than their beginning letter...but what does Mommy know about that anyway?! Brody proceeded to show me the little booboos that lined the skin over his ribs: tiny scratches I'm sure he got from playing in who knows what. He made me laugh as he insisted that those hard things he kept knocking on were rocks inside his body. Where on earth does he come up with these things?

Taken one right after the other, these two images some up our Brody...a whole lot of sweet and a whole lot of crazy...all wrapped up into one adorable little man.

Lots of arms

2009-06-24T14:39:00.007-04:00

There are many times throughout our days together that all the kids need something from me all at the same time and I find myself at times responding with "I only have so many arms, some of you are just going to have to wait your turn!" The kids and I were reading a book the other night about what God is like. We came to a page that shared of God being able to "do lots of things all at the same time". Cassidy stopped me practically mid-sentence and said, "That's because Mommy, God must have lots and lots of arms!"

Here are a few giggly ones of our Cassidy. I actually took them a few weeks ago, but am just getting around to sharing them now. These are of just her being herself, which I feel sometimes make the best pictures...scrunched noses, quirky smiles, and of course a whole lot of giggles!

Happy Father's Day

2009-06-21T23:49:00.006-04:00

Patrick has been away for work in Long Island for two weeks now so I guess you could say we are officially at our half way point until his return. It was hard on the kids to be without their father on this special day, but I am sure it was even harder on their father to be without his kids. This morning when returning from brunch with my own Dad, Brody saw Patrick's van as we pulled in the driveway and he yelled, "Da-de home!" Only...Daddy wasn't there. It took a moment for Brody to realize that his Daddy's van has been there these entire two weeks...except for the days we've taken it out and about on our daily routine...I suppose all of us hoping a ride in it might make him feel closer. Throughout his time away, I have been trying to make a point to send Patrick picture messages of the kids, but today we received our own picture message of him...and a happy little tune to go with it. Going to bed tonight, we must have played that thing at least five dozen times, with Brody saying every time I flipped open the screen, "Dat my da-de!" Whenever those kids saw his face, they were just bursting with happy smiles.

We celebrated Father's Day with Patrick's family this afternoon in honor of all our Dad's...those that were here and those that were not. I didn't take a lot of pictures, but here are a few highlights...

The girls were playing castle and they each had a role in the royal court. This is our niece Kennedy, the "queen"...

Aunt Meme led the kids in an afternoon of games. "Princess" Cassidy...playing "hide and seek"...with a royal frog (don't worry, he was of the "stuffed" kind)!

Our nephew, Conor...quite attached to this yellow truck of Brody's. Not too long after this shot was taken, the truck and Conor had a nasty run-in with Gabriella on the swing. Thankfully little Conor is going to be okay...unfortunately, the yellow truck is not.

Quite the flattering shot of my son eating a chocolate cupcake...

After the celebration, I realized I didn't have any pictures of any of the Dad's from the day...pretty pathetic on Father's Day huh?! But here's an old one of Brody and his own Daddy...or at least part of him anyway.

Happy Father's Day Patrick. We love and miss you!

Just me and Joseph

2009-06-19T23:37:00.003-04:00

The older three had a sleepover at my parents so it's been just me and Joseph here for a few hours. He's always been good at sharing mommy with his brother and sisters, but tonight I think he enjoyed having a little extra of me with no other interruptions...and I have to say, I was so incredibly thankful for the time with him too.

Happy Birthday Sweet Little Cassidy

2009-06-17T01:20:00.008-04:00

As we were heading out the door to take these four year pictures of her, I was running through my checklist out loud of what I needed to remember to bring; my camera, the bundle of balloons, my wallet (for the ice cream I was going to be treating her to afterwards), and of course, "my girl". Then I heard Cassidy holler from the backseat of our minivan, "Mommy, I am not your girl!" I suppose I expected her to then say something like, "Mommy...I am Cassidy", but instead she said, "Mommy...I am Daddy's Girl!"

Well "Daddy", your sweet little girl is now four...can you believe it?

School Days

2009-06-12T23:17:00.006-04:00

Little Lamb is over and summer vacation is officially here, but Ella still seems to have school on her mind. She has a classroom set up in our family room, with pillows laid out on the floor as desks and fresh paint brushes to simulate writing utensils ('cause ya know...crayons and markers are only to be used at the table). Ella plays the role of the teacher and we as her students...along with a conglomerate of the kids' favorite stuffed animals. Today was costume day...and we each had a special outfit to wear. Ella led show and tell and we all brought something we got to share. Then there was story time...Ella read to us our favorite books. And a dance party was our special activity. At the end of the school day, we got to pretend we were in space...Ella shared with us the rocket she made and told us all about the earth and her friends that live in China (she's all about China these days).

She was a great little teacher.

She's five...and already seems so grown up.

Their favorite things

2009-06-11T22:18:00.004-04:00

As we are settling in for the night, I always like to ask the kids to tell me all their favorite things about their day. Today's favorites included:

Brody: "Walking in the woods with Great Nana"
Ella: "Catching bugs with my Great Nana"
Cassidy: "Eating Great Nana's jelly cookies"

If Joseph could speak, I wonder what he would tell us his would be...

Thanks for a fun-filled day by the River Grandma and Grandpa!

Out of Town

2009-06-10T00:42:00.002-04:00

We were able to get a few months in there where Patrick didn't have to travel for work and of course we are so thankful for that time together, but Patrick is now back on the road and here we are...another 30 days without him. Just me and the kids...and so the countdown begins!

a kiss goodbye...

"Jophes"

2009-06-06T14:45:00.004-04:00

...that's what his big brother calls him.
I can't help but smile everytime I hear it.

Heaven

2009-06-05T00:43:00.018-04:00

The girls were working on their last weekly assignment in their AWANA books. The lesson was from the book of Revelation and John's writings about the beautiful place Jesus is making for us in heaven. In the assignment, they were asked to draw a picture of some things they thought would be in heaven. In Gabriella's workbook, she drew a picture of a group of people all clumped together. I asked her what it was and she told me, "In heaven I think there will be lots of people." I then leaned over Cassidy's shoulder to check in on her progress. In her own book, Cassidy had drawn two different pictures of two individuals lying down on the ground with a rainbow sky above them. I of course asked her who was lying there on her paper and she told me that it was her Great Candy Nana and her Great Candy Papa. "They are in heaven Mommy," she told me.

John 3:16 "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life."

Reading Day

2009-05-30T16:06:00.002-04:00

She has always loved reading to her baby brother. Even from the very beginning when I would ask her to sit with him just a moment so I could tend to another sibling, she would come running with a favorite storybook and tell him all about what she found inside. I love to listen to her imagination...the tales she comes up with to go along with the pictures on the pages. Now he is big enough to start to enjoy her stories...and the bond the two of them are growing for each other is priceless.

Exploring

2009-05-27T01:19:00.003-04:00

One of the nice things about being home with the kids, is the opportunity we have to go exploring throughout our days together. Going on nature walks, scouting out the scenery and adventuring on new trails. Days like these, we are never in a hurry to get anywhere and don't really have any particular agenda. We hunt down the best walking sticks, investigate mysterious bugs and of course, pick a few sweet smelling flowers. It's days like these that I enjoy my kids the most. When it's just the kids and me...me and the kids...no chores, no phones, no bills...just us and our simple, cherished adventures.

Red Wagon

2009-05-22T15:04:00.006-04:00

I am sure that as my father-in-law was building this red wagon for our oldest nearly five years ago, he was picturing his granddaughter (and future grandchildren) getting some true enjoyment out of it...filling it with dirt, taking it for spins around the neighborhood...you know, the typical red wagon experiences. But because it was built by their grandfather, to me it should be one of those things that never gets dirty and it instead has become one of those treasured "show pieces" in our home. That is...until this past week. After nap one afternoon, I found Brody calling to me from the top of the stairs with the empty wagon trailing behind him (and ALL of the board books I had displayed nicely inside of it were suddenly scattered all over the floor). He insisted on bringing it outside and I finally realized it should probably be used for its actual intended purposes. That wagon has gone practically everywhere with us since...to the park for some playtime, down the street to watch the big diggers repairing the road and in the backyard for a few tea parties. And it has carried all things imaginable...from stuffed animals to Brody's red tractor, and even a few kiddos who find amusement in sending it flying down the driveway, running beside it and jumping in to spin wildly out of control.

Anyways Ray, they sure love that wagon, but now I think I am in need of a new bookshelf. :)

"hane ku for my..."

2009-05-21T02:06:00.006-04:00

The kids all like to take turns praying before our meals together. Whenever Brody is up to say the blessing, he always seems to begin with these words..."hane ku (thank you) for my tractor, hane ku (thank you) for Da-de's (Daddy's) tractor..." The first time we heard him pray like that, Patrick and I nearly fell to the floor. He's always been a tractor boy...but to hear him thanking our Lord and Savior for them (without even being prompted)...our hearts just melted.

He certainly loves his tractors.

Look at that...

2009-05-13T01:05:00.003-04:00

...bum. Don't you just want to squish it?! "Little" Joe is 7 months now. Have I already said that it is just going by way too quickly?

He had his first bottle today. All the kids (and Daddy) took their turn giving it him...enjoying those special feeding time moments that I have been so blessed with since the day he was born.

the artists

2009-05-11T17:12:00.007-04:00

"Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up." ~ Pablo Picasso

My brother Adam just finished up an artist residency at the Yaddo in Saratago Springs last month and Patrick and I took the kids one weekend to visit him there. I have always had a special bond with my brother and it has really touched my heart these past years to watch that closeness be carried down into his relationship with each of my children. But there's something about the connection between him and my oldest that just makes me smile...their imaginations; their creativity: and the means in which they express them.

"Blessed are they who see beautiful things in humble places where other people see nothing." ~ Camille Pissarro

Brothers

2009-05-11T16:42:00.003-04:00

Joseph is at the age now where he is really starting to be able to interact with his siblings. It makes me smile everytime I watch the way he responds to each of them. Especially Brody. His big brother is quite the trickster these days and Joseph thinks he is just hilarious. I cannot wait to see what those two come up with together in the years to come.

The Climb

2009-05-04T02:22:00.002-04:00

"...I may not know it, but these are the moments, that I'm gonna remember most..."
Miley Cyrus

As a mother, I feel like everyday brings new mountains. I praise God everyday for the chance to climb them.

What I've been working on...

2009-04-30T16:28:00.005-04:00

It's been a busy...but fun...couple of weeks. I thought I would take some time to share some things I've been working on. I have a lot of favorites, but here are just a few...

I am so blessed to have supportive friends and family...ones that'll even let me take their picture...and it just amazes me that they ALL have such adorable kids. A few weeks ago I had a session at Thornden Park. I was there to photograph the children...but could not resist a few of this Mommy's beautiful belly...

My nephew. Isn't he precious? He is 3 months old now and one of the most peaceful, happy and content babies I have ever met.

And because a post on the Svoboda Family Blog would not be complete without a picture of a Svoboda Family Kid, here is another one of Mr. Brody that melts my heart...

Some days...

2009-04-27T14:09:00.004-04:00

...I feel like I could just eat him up.

Personality

2009-04-21T14:02:00.005-04:00

Brody is full of personality these days...silly and mischievous, tender and sweet...all bundled up into one little man.

Maternity

2009-04-14T14:24:00.004-04:00

One of my dearest friends from my childhood is pregnant with her first baby and I had the pleasure of taking her picture before she gives birth in just a few short weeks. It was my first time doing maternity pics...except for my own...so it was nice being the one behind the camera instead of front of it. Thank you guys for giving up your morning so I could come over. And thank you Leif for putting up with me and all my craziness. Good luck these next few weeks guys as you enter the world of parenthood...there is certainly nothing quite as wonderful as meeting your child for the very first time. I simply cannot wait to meet her myself either...hey, maybe she will even let me take her picture!

Chub

2009-04-13T23:55:00.002-04:00

It has been a while since I posted anything about this little guy. He is 6 months now and we are just enjoying every second of his babyhood.

So Close

2009-04-07T23:38:00.004-04:00

Admittedly, Patrick and I had never imagined our two oldest would be just 15 months apart, but as I sit here and watch them grow up as sisters, I am so thankful for their closeness and simply cannot imagine it being any other way.

(both taken at Green Lakes State Park in mid March)

Thornden Park

2009-04-04T00:33:00.010-04:00

I have always loved taking the kids to Thornden Park. It certainly is a fun place to adventure on a beautiful spring day. More importantly though, while we are there, I get to share with the kids a piece of their history. It's neat to be able to tell them stories about where their Mommy and Daddy got married and to show them exactly where it all took place. And when I take them to the spot in which their Mommy and Daddy exchanged their first kiss as "Mr. and Mrs." that REALLY brings smiles to their faces...and of course, lots of giggles.
Here are a few of my favorite images from our most recent trip...

We stopped midway through our excursion to enjoy a picnic lunch in the ampitheatre at the park. The kids liked pretending they were watching a show on the big stage while they were eating. Then Ella decided to get up there and put on a show of her own...dancing and twirling like quite the little princess.

My BIG Announcement...

2009-03-24T21:55:00.007-04:00

...NO, all you silly people, I am not pregnant...

But I do have something to share that may be almost as exciting...

It is still somewhat of a work in progress, but after many many weeks of planning, I am happy to finally unveil to you...

www.jessicasvobodaphotography.com

(just click)

I hope and pray that as my photography grows, this new website will too...but, for now everybody, I hope you enjoy!

Waiting for spring

2009-03-06T23:53:00.004-05:00

Got outside today for some much needed time with my girls and my camera. I think all of us are itching for spring. Just one for now...

My kids

2009-03-04T22:01:00.004-05:00

For those of you wondering, I am still working on going through ALL our vacation pictures. We had a blast and can't wait to share with everyone some of our favorite memories. Upon our arrival home, Patrick got sent back out to Buffalo for work, so taking pictures all afternoon is just one thing the kids and I like to do to pass the time in his absence. For now, here are a few I took today, just to hold you all over.

My little man is certainly looking more and more like a "little man" these days. Gosh is he ever cute!My girls are turning into quite the little ladies. I was looking through old pictures of them the other night and just couldn't believe how much they have changed. They really aren't babies anymore are they?!!!

Chubba Bubba...or maybe it's Bubba Chubba...he's one big ole' chunk!

Our baby is going to be 5 months this weekend...can you believe it?

Happy Birthday Gabriella Renee

2009-03-02T06:08:00.009-05:00

It's hard to believe, our first born is turning five years old. Has it really been that long already? It feels like yesterday that Patrick and I held her for the very first time, yet in many ways it is hard to remember our life without her. This morning as we were getting ready to begin our day of celebration, Patrick said to me, "Happy Birthday Mommy." Cassidy looked at him, laughed and very kindly corrected him, "Silly Daddy, it's not Mommy's Birthday...it's Ella's!" Then Patrick tried to explain to her that the moment Ella came into this world marked the moment that we became parents. I thank God everyday for bestowing this great gift upon us...the treasure in our first child and the honor that comes with being her mother and father.

Here are just a few memories of our Gabriella I wanted to share..starting with the very first shots of her in the womb...

Happy 5th Birthday Gabriella!

Highlights from the week and a "gleeping sirl"

2009-02-22T00:36:00.003-05:00

This week my Grandma and Grandpa Chase came to visit from Black River. All eight of their great grandchildren live in the Syracuse area and I am sure it was a real treat to be able to see each of them all in one day! It certainly was a treat for us...that's for sure. Here is my Grandma Chase, with one of her newest granddaughters, Izzy. My Aunt Debbie and my cousin Liz made the trip too and as you can tell, ALL the kids just adore Lizzy...

The girls and I had dentist appointments this week and I learned that Ella has ANOTHER lose tooth! She is growing up way too fast. Here she is...trying to see if there are any other "toofers" in there ready to be pulled...
And for all you Snow White lovers out there, here is my "gleeping sirl". On the afternoon that I took this picture, the girls and I had sat down to watch a princess video when Cassidy conked right out on the couch. I have a feeling she was dreaming of all things princessy though...as we are ALL excited to be heading down to the place "where dreams come true" first thing this morning. Yes, we are going to Disney World this week and I (we) simply cannot wait!

We'll be back with LOTS of pictures next week!

Betrothed

2009-02-19T15:15:00.007-05:00

Being that this is "the Svoboda Family" blog, I don't always share the images of other families that I get to photograph...but, this little man...well, someday he very well could be family...so I've decided he deserves a post of his own.

From the moment we found out we were having a girl during my pregnancy with Ella, my girlfriend Judy and I concocted this plan that our two children would marry. Her son AJ and my dear Gabriella have been buds ever since. We know God's plan might not be exactly how we picture it, but the friendship that has blossomed between these two children is incredible all the same. I do have to admit though, earlier this week when I was snapping his picture and he was following my every direction, I couldn't help but think to myself...what a nice son-in-law AJ might make one day! :) Just below is AJ's little brother, Micah. When he was born 9 months after our Cassidy, I thought what a nice suitor he might make for our second daughter! There's only one problem...she has her heart set on marrying AJ...just like her older sister. You should have seen the argument my two little ladies got into the other night in the tub...over who was marrying whom. My oh my...is this some sort of preview of what I have to look forward to in the coming years?!!!

My children are very blessed to have friends like these...and Patrick and I are even more blessed to have fellowship with their wonderful parents. Thanks guys for letting me take your picture.

Library Days

2009-02-13T15:39:00.004-05:00

It seems we spend a lot of our winter days at the local library and yes, I always seem to have my camera in tow when we go. I guess there is just something about photographing my kids amidst all those books...

4 months

2009-02-08T10:35:00.003-05:00

Well, I didn't get to post a picture of Little Joe yesterday when he actually turned 4 months because our family has been battling another stomach bug this week (guess I neglected to mention that in my last post) and yesterday was my turn with it (oh joy). Anyways...here he is...

Joseph, I have to say, is the light in all of our lives these days. Ella was seriously heartbroken when she was sick this week and we wouldn't let her kiss him. I think she was probably more upset about not being able to pour out her love to him than she was about throwing up (and believe me, she REALLY doesn't like throwing up). Cassidy just loves to entertain Joseph; twirling around him in circles, singing to him at the very top of her lungs and telling him some of her most favorites stories. Brody just wants to always be on the floor with Joseph...down on his own level. He loves to point out all of Joseph's little body parts, especially his mouth...and giggle when his brother latches onto to his finger. Patrick is glad to be home and once again enjoying his early evening snuggles and that little cat nap Joseph always takes in his Daddy's arms to get him through until bedtime. And I...well there isn't really anything that I DON'T enjoy about our little guy these days. Even as I sit here with him and his throw up (it's his and his Daddy's turn with the stomach bug today), all I can do is smile...as he is looking up at me with his usual bubbly grin and adorable dimples...even in his sickness he surely knows how to bring light to our gloomiest days.

We love you little Joe!

Hmmm...

2009-02-06T23:01:00.003-05:00

So Patrick made it home from his 30 days in Buffalo and let me just say, it is good to be able to take a step back and just breathe again. I certainly enjoyed my time with the kids the past 4 weeks, but things just aren't the same around here without my husband and I am quite thankful he is back. As somewhat of a side note, I need to say thank you to all the friends and family that stepped in and gave me a hand throughout the time that Patrick was gone. The help, company and friendship is so greatly appreciated. We are very blessed.

I haven't had a whole lot of time for just me lately and simply couldn't wait for some down time tonight to get on the computer. I literally have folder upon folder of images sitting here waiting to be edited. Believe it or not, I have been able to find the time to still take pictures...just not much time to do much of anything with them. Just to prove to you all that my camera hasn't been too far out of my reach these past weeks, here are just a few I thought I'd share:

The path to literacy is growing leaps and bounds for Ella these days. Her writing, especially is really taking off. This week, she wrote "Mommy" and I couldn't be more proud.

Gabriella lost a little something last week...her first tooth. She is simply growing too fast.

Can you guess what she brought in to school that week for show and tell?

Here is Brody in bed one day. He was supposed to be taking a nap, but it just wasn't happening. Yes I know, he is picking his nose. Not very flattering, but the kids in our house these days, they seem to think it is quite amusing.
"Little Joe" is not so little anymore. I can't even tell you the number of pictures I have of him on his belly like this. Would you believe it if I told you he is even starting to move around?! He rocks back and forth on that big ole belly of his and is actually able to maneuver a little here and a little there. He is by no means crawling yet, but gosh is it adorable all the same.
Ella has these little monkey stuffed animals her and Cassidy like to carry around the house all day. The other day I was sitting on the couch nursing Joseph and looked over to see Ella rocking her monkey babies to sleep. She certainly has not neglected her "motherly" duties.

I love to capture interactions like the one below between my children. They are such great brothers aren't they?!

Okay...last but not least...one of our precious Cassidy; playing dress-up. She makes the cutest little lion. You should hear her roar!!!

I have so much more to share...just not as much time as I would like to share it in. Off to tackle some laundry. I am sure it is not much of a surprise to some of you to hear that I have a heaping mound of it waiting for me right now in the family room.

Housekeeping

2009-01-28T14:47:00.007-05:00

This morning, Ella decided I had gotten a little too far behind on the dishes and she took it upon herself to do a little cleaning up...

Speaking of housekeeping, I have some images I have been meaning to share. I thought I had uploaded them in a certain order, but somehow they got all mixed up. Oh well, hope you enjoy them anyway!

Brody has been dying to go out on the tractor, but this winter weather isn't making that really possible. So we finally got him a tractor he can ride on indoors...sort of.
Books, books, books. Brody loves to read his books.
Just a couple cute ones of Cassidy...

There he is again...reading his books.

Is he playing peek-a-boo...or hiding from the camera?!

Can you believe how BIG he is getting?

Did I mention he likes to read?

My HANDSOME little man...

Okay...so THIS one was supposed to be placed directly after the one of Brody playing peek-a-boo above. No time to fix it though...I'm thankful I was even able to get this into a post at all.

That's all for now.

Our new nephew

2009-01-26T23:01:00.005-05:00

It has been a whirlwind couple of weeks with Patrick gone. He was able to come home this past weekend for a couple days...just in time to welcome our new nephew into the world! And here he is...the new little guy...with his beautiful mommy...

His name is Shepard Wesley and he arrived on Saturday. My sister had called me just before 4:30 that morning, wondering if she really could be in labor. Not much more than an hour later he was here...all 8 pounds and 14 ounces of him.

The girls and I got to make a special trip up to the hospital to meet him. Ella just couldn't wait to hold him.

Both of the girls came bearing homemade gifts. Cassidy's creation was a pile of tiny letters she had stenciled onto little pieces of paper. As she handed them to her Aunt Nikki, she announced that she would be using them to teach her new cousin his ABC's.
I certainly couldn't close this post without posting a picture of the new big brother. We got to spend the day with Rosco on Saturday at one of our favorite family outings...the zoo. Rosco, his four cousins, and his choochoos had a blast.Welcome Baby Shepard! XOXOXO

Who needs a pacifier...

2009-01-15T23:28:00.006-05:00

...when one can just suck on his hands? Oh, and two at a time?...well, that is even better!

Here we go again...

2009-01-13T23:08:00.006-05:00

Patrick is out of town so it's just me and the kiddos for a bit. Brody woke up this morning asking, "Daddy...Daddy?"

I caught him gazing out the front window later in the day today, as if he were waiting for his Daddy's return. I think he misses him already.

Meeeee!!!

2009-01-12T23:07:00.007-05:00

Next time you see this little guy, ask him his name. I can guarantee he will respond with, "Meeeee!!!" I think he has coined that as his new nickname.

A few nights ago, Patrick and I were sitting in the front room watching a video with the kids when Brody came from the kitchen with a chocolate flavored Christmas cookie in his hands. As he entered the room, he lifted the cookie in the air, looked at it, and said, "Poop!" and THEN proceeded to place the cookie treat in his mouth as if saying; it's okay, a little "poop" never hurt, right?!

(FYI: click on image to see storyboard bigger)

All for the love of Candy

2009-01-11T14:16:00.002-05:00

It's no secret that I sometimes bribe the kids with something in order to be able to take their picture...and many times, that something just happens to be a piece of candy. The other day I was taking some pictures of Cassidy when Ella walked into the room and saw my stash of sugar sitting there on the floor. She immediately asked, "Oh, can I have some too?" Cassidy just had to pipe in, "Not unless you get your picture taken Ella!" So of course, Ella plopped herself down right in front of the camera too. But afterwards, instead of reaching for the candy bag, she announced, "Oh, I think I am going to pick something a little more nutritious instead" and went into the kitchen to peel herself an orange.

3 months

2009-01-07T13:48:00.007-05:00

At 3 months he is turning into quite the little ham. His laughs make me laugh...his smiles make me smile. He has his own little language and I can never get enough of it. He sleeps like an angel at night...but seems to find that our household is just too darn exciting to dare close his eyes when it's daylight. He's not one for sitting still and loves to be on the move. It doesn't really matter if it's in the swing swaying forward and back, riding along through town in the infant seat of our mini van, strapped to mommy's chest as she goes through her daily duties, or even rocked back and forth in the arms of one of his sisters. He loves to eat...and I love to be able to feed him; certainly some of my most favorite moments...where it's just him and me...me and him...and life is incredibly good.

In his crib

2009-01-05T01:25:00.007-05:00

For a while now Patrick has been asking me when Little Joseph is going to make his transition from the pack-n-play beside our bed, to the crib down the hall in the nursery. Making that actual move though has been difficult for me with each of our children...it's like I'm sending them off to school on their first day or something. I realize this is just one of many steps in "letting go", but for some reason with Joseph, it has hit me even harder than it did with the other children. Maybe it is the finality that comes with it all...that this very well could be the last newborn that lays his head beside me...

Last night was his first night down the hall...away from me. The second I laid him in there, I already began to miss him...his little squeaks and his infant snores...his smell and his warmth. Before I know it, he will be getting on that school bus, bringing home his first girlfriend and going away to college. Gosh...time just goes way too fast.

Happy New Year

2009-01-01T18:45:00.002-05:00

Just a few smiles to help you ring in the new year!

Candy Grandma

2008-12-30T01:19:00.008-05:00

I've called her that since I was a child. Growing up, she was always the Grandma that had candy in her house; little dishes of it placed on the kitchen table and beside my grandfather's chair...and little baggies of it divided up for us to take home. But I have other memories of my Grandmother too: like our drives into Croghan to pick up some bologna and cheese curd; and stopping at Wishy's for a bag full of penny candy; getting stuck in the back seat of her car when a herd of cows planted root in the middle of the road; having a package of "newy chewies" waiting for me on the counter every time I would visit and a bowl full of "clean" pasta set aside since I didn't like it with sauce. I remember leaning my head down to say goodbye and always receiving a kiss and her "blessing" before heading out the door; waving to her from our van as she blew kisses out her front window. I remember the old pictures of myself and family....the ones she would include in my Birthday card each year to remind me to be thankful of God's precious gifts; and her stories of my Dad as a kid...and his life with his six brothers...her seven sons. I remember singing to Jesus every Christmas and the Birthday Cake she always shared to celebrate His birth. I remember how she taught me about God's will when my Grandfather got sick and entered the gates of Heaven...and the phone call I received from my father nearly ten years later after she told him she had cancer too. I remember visiting her with my children and my sister; watching my oldest son embrace her; wondering if his young little heart knew she was going to see Jesus. I remember rushing to her hospital bedside so she could hold my newest addition...so he could meet her...and I could take their picture. I hold on to what I remember with an aching, but joyous heart. Candy Grandma is in Heaven now...with our God, our Lord and Savior...reunited with her beloved husband, two sons and grandson.

I love her...I miss her...but I thank Jesus...for calling her Home.

"May your kingdom come, and your will be done,

here on earth as it is in heaven."

(Matthew 6:10)

"Candy" Grandma (a.k.a. Alma Frezza)

March 4, 1932- December 29, 2008