Title~less...

It feels strange.  Being here, typing, editing photos, and putting our life into words.  The past 6 months have come...and gone, leaving memories embedded in our minds and hearts, but not on this blog.  I have been gone.  Have you noticed?  Some have, my faithful few, wondered aloud, "Why aren't you blogging?"  Life is why I haven't been blogging.  Do we all really believe that life is always beautiful?  Always something that makes you proud?  Always something that you want to remember, with each heartbreaking detail?

My family is good.  In fact we are stronger, more faithful, more proud of who we are then 6 months ago.  But it hasn't been easy.  I have said to friends that have asked that this blog has been a place where I marked memories, stored photos with their stories, and mostly smiled at the victories.  Life for the last 6 months has not been full of memories I want marked, not quite so many photos, and just recently we started smiling at the victories.  The victories have been great.  I am proud of my family.  For now I am here, typing and recording new memories.  Maybe over the next few months I will share our struggles, because these struggles mark a journey of faith and strength.  It is a journey where God and our commitments are being glorified.  It has been some of my hardest days, marked by God's voice echoing in my reactions and thoughts, carrying me through.  I have said it already, but I am proud.

Just a quick logistical recap:
Our biggest boy is 6.75 years old...if you ask him.  He currently has an attitude that is best described as "too kool for skool"!  He had a sweet, promising, exciting end to Kindergarten.  We will miss his teachers, but he is moving over to the "big" school and headed on to 1st grade.  He shined this Spring in K-ball, becoming more comfortable with catching and running FAST!  He is still swimming, making an All-star time in the 1st meat of the season.  I am so proud.

Our middle son (you know the one that talks really loud to be heard) is almost 5.  Where has the time gone?  It was surreal when my oldest past the half-decade, but my second child...wow!  He is following in his brother's footsteps, loving T-ball and Swimming.  He has an unbelievable sense of the game of baseball and a dedication that could take him somewhere!  He is a serious player, paying attention and having fun all at once.  He is swimming for the Seals this summer, as a cute little 4 year old, and holding his own.  He finishes all his raises somewhere in the middle of the pack, and doesn't like it when he falls into his brother's heat.  He knows he can't beat that crazy 6 year old time!  Mason is on his way to Pre-K next year and we can't wait to see what the big year of learning have in store.  I came back after adding the photos to add that this little man reminded Ayden and I about the "summer mowahks"...you have been warned.

And our littlest one turns two in August.  He is a crazy mess.  His feet move faster than his brain.  He just can't keep up!  He is simply adorable, dolling out kisses for anyone who says "I love you" and is talking up a crazy storm.  He is no longer the baby, the most noted milestone for this mama was the last time he nursed...about a month ago (tear).  As you will see in the pictures below~ our little man loves his paci and it makes an appearance in many photos.  He loves Wow Wow Wubbzy, repeating lines and asking for his show whenever he passes a TV.  He loved his Spring Mother's Day out class, and started swimming lessons.  Since the apple doesn't fall far from the tree, he is a little fish.

My husband is a ripe old age, kidding, kidding, but his dad sent me some photos from 12 years ago today, and well, he is 12 years older.  He is an amazing Daddy, spending quality time with his boys, the parent most asked for.  He is working hard, making his family proud.  He still loves wakeboarding with a passion and has made a home out of the new Houston cable park on most weekends.  He has also started teaching Ayden how to ride!

And me, well I am working hard at being a good wife, a great mom, and a boss people like to work for.  I have an amazing family, inspiring friends, and wonderful support around me.  I am trying each day to wake up and be a woman that God is proud of, someday reaching Heaven and standing before God hearing "well done good and faithful servant".  I am working to find a home in a volunteer position with a local charity, that both me and my family can serve in regularly.

Our latest adventure found us in San Antonio at the JW Marriot resort in the Hill Country.  It was a beautiful trip with Glenn's parents and brother and his wife.  We spent our time at the pool, me at the spa, and Glenn playing a round of golf.  The boys had a blast and Mom and Dad just went with the flow...of the lazy river...those boys can swim!

Enjoy our latest photos...

 Sometimes they are the best of friends...

Doesn't Mason have the best job...little AND big brother all in one special boy!

A view of the beautiful pool and our private shelf!

 Our beautiful Tuesday spot

 And then there is the bond between these two...so sweet.

A view of our land Tuesday spot

And when you need a break from the pool...you watch Wubbzy of course!

 A glance at the inside of our cabana

 Isn't the water beautiful???  It felt great in the 98 degree heat!

Our family of five...

Hubby had a good golf game on this beautiful course

Dinner of their dreams...pizza and noodles.  

Can I squeeze it all in before the New Year?

My blogging is getting sketchy...I am wondering if I even have any regular readers.  December came this year with time spent with loved friends and family.  We were very very busy this December, but it was a great busy.  One where I wouldn't have wanted to do anything else besides what we were doing at those very moments.  

I think I am going to try to catch up on the first half of December (ie the photos that are currently downloaded) and then make a resolution to complete my catch up by next weekend, and post at least weekly after that.  I can assure you this resolution has nothing to do with my 2ish readers, but more to do with the chronicles of life that I am giving my wonderful little people.  So by the end of 2010 I will have blogged about all but two weeks.  I would say that is pretty good.

The first weekend of December found us hosting a party for grown ups, with cocktail dress, and adult conversations...also known as HEAVEN on earth!  Here are a few snapshots of a night that was full of laughter and love.  Couldn't have better friends....

 I forgot I included photos of the house in my upload...decorated for the party with tree centerpieces and letter ornaments for each guest!

 The dining room...and wine set up...very important!

 Entryway...and a blurry picture.

 Yes, we still have a baby, and therefore our tree is in our study!

 Waiting for guests.

 Jon got a funny gift!  I am not kidding, rolling on the floor laughter!

 Precious friends...

More appropriate photo that represents our hearts!!!!


Then came the school parties, and programs.  I always sit in the audience and think about the programs from years before.  Last year, Mason was sick, so Daddy had to miss the program, and I was slightly preoccupied with a little baby.  This year, I sat.  A friend watched Reid, and Glenn and I enjoyed the show.  The boys did a great job, singing loudly and smiling ear to ear.  The school Christmas parties were full of the birth of Christ, with friends and teachers that are so valuable in our life.  **Ayden's school program and Mason's party photos to be posted next week!

 Ayden, friends, Mason and Mrs. Brandenburg (K teacher)

 Happy Birthday Jesus!

 Friends!

 My oldest...

 Gingerbread cooking at school!

 Is it wrong I am wishing for this to really represent his nature!

 School friends at his program!

Presents!


ADVENT time.  You know, if you read my blog last year, that a great friend shared her advent calendar with me and we ran with it, and LOVE it.  Each day, as we celebrate a day closer to Jesus's birthday, we pull a family activity from our advent calendar.  This year we had a blast each day, and Ayden even helped us read the paper slips!  They looked forward to the calendar every morning and each afternoon asking me to remind them what the advent was!  Advents came in all shapes and sizes...frozen yogurt, Chik Fil A for dinner, Christmas stories, forts with Christmas lights, trees and trims, hay rides, movies and games! Several pictures and posts to come of our other wonderful advent activities.  One of the days Glenn, my mom and brother met friends at the ice skating rink.  I was under the weather and missed my biggest boy becoming a pro skater...skating around the rink wall and walker free!  I swear he ages several years with each passing digit!

 Champ!

 I can't get enough!

 I just love this photo!!! Here they come!

 Uncle John and Ayden cutting it up!

 Friends!

Mason hanging in there!


Even though it would seem there was no spare time in December, we had time to hang around and ride in wagons!

 Strong man, wouldn't let anyone help him!

Silly boy!


Family photos time!  As usual our awesome photographer captured the year through her lens beautifully!  The pictures speak for themselves!  **Eye Candy By Candace**

This year has brought many blessings, giggles, memories, bumps and bruises, and love and laughter...oh and just a few tears!  We wish all of our friends and family a great 2011!

As for me and mine, we will be celebrating birthdays, swimming (on swim team), playing tball, going to Oma Camp, vacationing with Mimi and Pappy, talking (the baby that is and definitely saying Ayden), going to 1st grade and Pre-K, playing on the "big kid" playground at Trinity, getting a new baby (don't panic~ this is niece or nephew), spending the summer with Ms. Cheylbi, wakeboarding (Daddy and Ayden say Ayden will be on his own this summer) and many more exciting things to come!!!!  **This list was compiled by the Dominy's on New Years Eve 2010!

Picture-less Friday

You know, instead of Wordless Wednesday, except Picture-less and Friday do not at all start with the same letters.  Yes, I am laughing at myself, but let's just roll with it.  It is Friday night, and I am sitting here, with little to do.  Shhhh, I should hold that feeling in, because in the next few months I will have very few of these moments.

I feel the need to explain my hiatus from my blog over the last few months.  I am also feeling the need to get a little real, as this is a blog that I want to look back on and cherish the moments, all of them.  The first three reasons are kind of big deals...

1. Ayden.  He is now 6.  Wow.  6 years ago I became a mother and I have rarely looked back (I said I was going to be real).  Ayden started kindergarten in the fall.  He had a challenging go at it.  We began the first two and a half months of kindergarten with lots of unacceptable behaviors.  He was a challenge in the classroom and a natural leader, so Ayden's actions greatly effected the flow of his entire class (and sometimes entire lunch room).  He found himself isolated most of his days (consequences from behaviors), and constantly in a power struggle with us (his parents) and his teacher.  There wasn't a day that I didn't fear picking up my son and hearing the details of the present day.  I am thinking now as I write this, that it must of been equally fearful for Ayden to see me, and my disappointment.  The tipping point came when we were presented with the desire from the school to have him tested for attention disorders and possibly medicated.  Although I was presently overwhelmed and completely occupied with all things Ayden and behavior, I dove even deeper.  We prayed hard (for guidance, wisdom, and grace), drastically changed his diet, began seeing a play therapist, modified our parenting, read books (one invaluable book...Boundaries with Kids), began homeopaths and supplements, sought out advice from friends and family and kept taking it day by day.  We did not have him evaluated, or put on medication.  That is an entirely different post, and could be a real future for us some day much further down the line, but that is not what was in store for my five year old. It has been AMAZING.  Actually, I want a better word than amazing.  It isn't a miracle, because we all worked hard, especially Ayden, but it is more than amazing.  Ayden has blossomed into a wonderful little man.  He has a desire to please, whether it be parents, teachers or peers, he is always waiting for that acceptance, and our prayer is that he desires that same love from God someday.  He is behaving well and balanced in his abilities to function in his classroom, have a great time with his friends, and gain positive attention for the good things he does each day.  He is now reading books.  His handwriting is shaping up quite nicely.  He has earned a very nice fish tank on his dresser with two beautiful fish in it for his continuing good behavior.  He loves to play with legos and build new creations.  He loves his friends, and has the perfect love/hate relationship with his brothers.  He is a tremendous help to me, and has recently began helping with dishes, setting the table, and lending a hand with Reid.  He loves to be outside, and we are patiently waiting for him to want to ride his bike without the two extra wheels.  He had a wonderful fall season of tball where he really understood the game, and was a big part of the team (not just in the outfield picking weeds!).  Ayden is continuing to love swimming, and his technique is coming together seamlessly.  Ayden is a kind and caring little boy, and I can't wait to see what is in store for him in the next few years.

2. Mason.  My sweet little miracle Mason.  He is now 4 and a half years old.  Mason has been patient and content while we concentrated a lot of our efforts on his older brother.  I like to tell myself that Mason learns a lot in life by osmosis.  He is happy to please, and quick to comply.  His teacher this school year in pre-school was Ayden's teacher two years ago.  We all love her, especially Mason.  She describes him as all boy, but I see him more as a "do-er" and able to concentrate on the task at hand.  Mason likes to get things done.  He wants to be the first to get to the door, or complete the task that I ask anyone in the vicinity to do.  Mason doesn't like to be punished, and is fearful of negative attention.  This fear has lessened our reasons to do much more than communicate with him when it comes to discipline.  He is showing his muscles though in the last few weeks, and you can tell his natural rebellion is daring to sneak through.  Mason is also in love with Legos.  He likes to collect all his "toys of the moment" each night and put them on his bookcase.  Mason loves books, and recently has tolerated Ayden reading his nightly readers to him.  He repeats the words right back to Ayden each time.  Mason is a true leader for Reid.  I have seen a managerial side of Mason shine through in the last few months that is quite comical (somewhat like looking into a mirror that takes you back 25 years).  Mason is quick to spend time with Reid, but also quick to guide him in what to do.  You know the- don't go there, come here, don't do that, play with this, get out of there, kind of guiding.  It is rather amusing to see Mason hone in on anything Reid is doing and quickly manage the tasks!  Mason is an adventurous and talkative little man.  I know that he will succeed in perfect ways as he goes through the next few years!

3. Reid.  Really Reid.  Life with a 1 year old is never dull.  He is into everything, and in love with ME!  It is a tad bit consuming, but rather appropriate after raising two sons who ripped away from their Momma at the age of 1 and straight to their Daddy!  While it tires me each day, I really cannot get enough.  Reid has recently started a two-day a week mother's day out class, and he is really loving it.  He has the social skills of his oldest brother, and the sweet and pleasing skills from his other brother.  He seems to be always smiling (unless of course I am trying to shift him to one nap a day and it happens to be between 5 and 6pm).  He moves a MILE A MINUTE, and I am not kidding.  The kid is like lightening, running almost everywhere he goes.  He doesn't seem to have a care in the world.  His vocabulary is growing and consists of Momma, more, Beboo (Elmo), Daddy, Doggy, Adyen and a few others that are in my mind at the moment.  He grasps almost every concept, walking nicely to his room when you tell him it is time to go night night (with me of course) and runs to the door when it is time to go bye-bye!  He plays rough and tumble with his brothers, and screams at them when they close a door to play legos on the other side.  He eats fruit like you had never fed the child.  Frequently his meals consist of only fruit.  I find myself watching him often and wondering what God has in store for this little being.  What does he look like in one or two years.  All I know is I can't wait, but then sometimes I can and I just soak in all of his babyness!

4. Glenn!  I can't leave out my hubby, as he consumes me each day as much as the little men we are growing into big men.  This has been a growing year for Glenn and I.  We are getting real on several topics, and both of us are really working hard.  My husband is there for me, pitching in and getting down and dirty with responsibilities right along with me.  I am proud of the work that he has done for himself and our family this year, and smile deep down when I think that I get to grow old with this man!

5. God.  I am not sure what to write here that doesn't fill up the next several scrolls down the page.  We are at a new church that feels right for the right now.  We are reading, studying and taking time to listen to our God and what He is saying to us.  I am choosing to believe Him and His truths over the lies that Satan tells us.  This is a constant battle, and it takes work each day.  Some days I rock this out, and others I am left thinking, I can do better tomorrow!  We are in a community with an awesome group of people that are there for us no matter what, and I am so thankful that God has put us there (that will be number 6).  I am happy that I have a desire in my soul that only He can fill, and that there have been paths in my life this last year that have lined up with knowing Him better, and fulfilling that lifeline relationship.  I can't wait to see what He reveals to me in the next few years!!!!

6. Friends and Family.  Balance.  I desire to have balance.  I love our friends that I have become close to in the last year.  You have been privy to some of those great bonds in some of my posts in the last few months.  I love my family to the end of the world.  We fill our extra time (haha) with these relationships that sometimes seem to pump blood through our veins and refuel us in every way possible.  I want to balance this part of my life.  I want to have more time for my family and easier time to spend with my friends, and to do that I have to work a little harder on my number 6.  I want how important these people are to me to shine through in everything I do and each decision our family makes and where we spend our time.  I hope that in a few years if I feel drawn to another "Picture-less Friday post" I will tell you how this has worked out for me and my family of 5.

So, I leave you to slumber and move onto our busy weekend with a that little bit of our world and where I have been....

The Windy City

Glenn, Reid and I went to Chicago in October to visit family.  It was a fantastic trip (if you don't consider that Glenn was ill almost the entire time!).  We stayed with my Aunt and Uncle, Eileen and Ross.  We were able to visit with 2 out of 3 of my cousins and my Grandma and Grandpa.  They were very excited to meet our third little man, and he was happy to be very busy and all over the place for them!  We visited with Glenn's brother and our sister in law Megan each day.  Megan cooked a wonderful birthday dinner for me, and we did a fantastic job baking some delicious cupcakes!

The visit was a welcome break to life with three kids, as two were left in caring hands of their Oma and Mimi!  Reid was more than happy to take all the attention that I offered him.  We walked through some amazing suburbs with fun shopping, ate yummy meals, saw some of God's handiwork in the foliage, and visited with family that made you feel all warm and fuzzy inside.  The north in the fall is a beautiful experience!