Things you do for your kids......

Wow! It's amazing the things you'll do for your kids. You see these precious three little kiddos here in this picture. Well, I think I live for them.

Today, I started a new teaching job. I job I think I am going to love, but I left a school that I had been at for 8 years. It's really easy to leave a job that makes you unhappy or to leave if you don't really connect with your co-workers. Well, I loved every single person I worked with and I was truly happy and content. But, I made this change for my son and the twins who will eventually be there. Every since he started his first day of kindergarten he has begged to go to school with me. I knew the school he was at was the school he needed to be at, so I didn't bring him with me. I've eat a lot of words. I always said I wanted my kids to go to a different school than the one I was teaching at, but now I believe otherwise.

Today, marks the beginning of something really special for our family. I finally get to be at the same school as Caden. I truly know after seeing my son's face this morning that I have done what was best for our family. Caden has been counting down the days until he could ride to school with me. All he has cared about is being called a "staff student." WOW! It's the simpliest things in life, isn't it? I truly miss my family at Bristow, but know after today that Briarwood will soon be my new family. What a great group of caring individuals. Everyone was so welcoming today! Kids sometimes make you step outside your comfort zones. Caden made me step out of mine, and someday I'll thank him.

I'm real excited to see what this year will bring for Caden and I? I'll get to see a small glimpse of his kindergarten year now that I am at the same school. I hate to admit my husband is right. He really pushed for me to transfer and I fought it all the way! Thanks, honey for making me step outside my comfort zone.

I love love love it! And to think I did it all for my kids. Isn't that what it's all about anyways? Family? Oh, how I love my family.

Wish me luck as I began this new journey.

5 years old......already?

I just can't belive my oldest baby is already 5 years old?  Where does time go?  It seems like yesterday I found out I was pregnant with him.  I remember the day, time, and every detail of that very special moment.  Caden was our little miracle. After trying for two years, our dream was finally becoming a reality.  Caden has blessed my life in ways I could never imagine.  Not only did he just turn five.......he's starting Kindergarten.  WOW!  I just can't believe how fast time really does fly by.   

To my little Caden,

You're the first born and how special you are to us.  We've learned so many things for you.  You've taught mommy and daddy to love unselfishly and to love in a way we never knew we could.  You've given us so many laughs over the past 5 years....and worries too!  We've learned never to take anything for granted.  God gave us a specail gift when you entered our lives......a gift we'll forever be grateful for.  WE love you more than you could ever imagine....and we hope you'll continue to shine with that precious smile of yours.  Thanks for making our family complete.  We love you little buddy!

Below are a few pictures from his birthday and his first day of school.  Whew...that was a hard on us.  I cried and cried.  However, Caden was fine and he loves school, so that is comforting.  

Happy Birthday, Caden

Here's his cool cute...he loved it!  Bakugans are his favorite right now.
We actually got a family pic!  That doesn't happen to often.  It turned out pretty well!
Caden loved loved loved all his presents!  He had a good time!
This pic shows just how good of a time he was having!

Caden was learning his routine from one of his teachers!

Caden hanging by his locker.....his locker was one of the reasons he was sooo excited about starting school!
Caden and Mommy.....trying to hold back the tears!

WOW!  Everyone has always told me time would fly by and boy does it.  My first baby is starting kindergarten!  It sure is hard to let them go, but as long he is loving it...that is all that matters.  His smily melts my heart!

My twins are three? Where did time go?

I can't believe our twins, Carter and Ella, are already three years old.  They are blessing from above.  After experiencing years of infertility, help to have Caden, and many nights of praying for more children......we can definitely say getting pregnant with these babies was a miracle from GOD!  Not only was I shocked to be pregnant but to be pregnant with two!  WOW, double the blessings from above.  These two have brought so much joy to our lives, we are blessed beyond belief.  It's been an adventurous journey raising twins, but I couldn't imagine it any other way.  Ella, is the little girl I always dreamed of.  Her big blues eyes melt her daddy's heart and her sweet smile melts mine.  She's beautiful and everything we could have hoped for and more.  Then there's Carter, funnier than just about anyone I know.  He keeps us laughing and at a loss for words.  His big brown eyes make him a handsome little guy.  I just don't have the words to tell you how much love I have in my heart for this fellow.  Together, they are perfect, unique and the loves of our life.....along with their big brother Caden.  His post is coming!

To my twins....Carter and Ella.

Happy 3rd Birthday!  You'll never know how much happiness you two have brought to our family.  You have already taught us some many wonderful things.  We thank GOD everyday for bringing you two into our lives at the same time.  I always dreamed of twins, but never could I have imagined I would get twins as perfect as you two!  You'll always be my babies and I'll always love you both with all my heart and soul!

This is their awesome cake.....Carter couldn't keep his hands out of it.

Dora/Diego...perfect theme for boy/girl twins!
Ella at Chuck E Cheese!
Carter on his 3rd birthday
He absolutely loves Chuckie ....
Daddy's little girl....love this pic!
Carter wearing his crown....he was king for the day!
Blowing their candles out.....love love love these kiddos!
We had all kinds of twins there. This was the set of boy twins. Morgan and Grant
Then a set of girl twins...Madison and Kennedy.  Sweet kiddos!

Caden's 5th birthday party is tomorrow. I can't believe my biggest baby is already 5.  Where does time go?

My 33rd Birthday!

WOW!  Is all I can say about my 33rd birthday!  I had a really awesome day.  Woke up to a really sweet card and birthday cake left by my husband, with a note of a scheduled massage at 12:15.  No kids....just relaxation!  Then I met my sweet friend, Lindsey, for lunch at El Mazatlan!  Yummy!  Later that night, my family met up with my mom, my sister's family plus her father-in-law, my friend Lindsey, and my other sister, Chelsea for a nice dinner at The Brickyard!  Great food.  We then came back to my house for cake and I got to open tons of presents!  I love presents!   Below are some pics of my fabulous day!  I am so blessed to have such wonderful family and friends in my life.  I know how truly lucky I am!                                                                   This is the place we celebrated my 33rd birthday......yummy food!  I would recommend! 

My sweet family....I am the luckiest girl I know!

My sweet hubby and I .....he always goes above and beyond to make my day so special.  
All six grandkids!  They make a dinner interesting.  Now I know why the hostess seated us in a room all by ourselves.....no they were good!
My mom.....greatest one in the world. 
The whole crew celebrating my birthday!  They know how to make a girl feel special!
One of the greatest friends.....a girl could ask for..........Thanks Lindz for making my day great!
My two sisters....I'm pretty lucky!
My hubby had this cake made for me.....he knows how much I love Riley Bakery cakes!
I know I am loved!
Check out all these presents....wow!  I'll have new clothes for school now!

What a FABULOUS day I had!  Now on to celebrate my sweet kiddos' birthdays!  I mean can you believe all three of my kids have birthdays in July too?  You would think I would get overlooked, but all of you can tell from these pics I didn't. Also, I got a new camera from my mother in law, Donna!  Thanks Donna!  Now I can post pics more often!  

Have a blessed Monday! 

Fireworks, Family, and Fun

We had a really good 4th of July, considering our plans were cancelled.  Our family, my sister's family and my mom were planning to go see the Bowling Green Hot Rods play some baseball and watch the fireworks after the game.  However, it started raining as soon as we stepped out of the car and pretty much continued the rest of the night.  So, we ended up at Buckhead Cafe and enjoyed a dinner together.  We then came back to our house for some dessert and Mike let all the kids light the sparklers.  The next night was much more beautiful, so we continued our plans with a cookout and some fireworks.  Great food, great fireworks, great family....what more could we ask for.

I have several pics during our rainout and the following night.....enjoy!

Ella was scared of the noise ......loved the fireworks but not the noise!  

This is Carter man lighting his sparkler.....he got a little crazy with it and burned Chase's shorts.....

Caden and Chase.....best cousins........best friends.....or least Caden thinks so!
This was the following night.  We all got to enjoy Mike shooting off some fireworks.  The kids had a blast!
Mike was our firework MASTER.......he was determined everyone was going to light a firework on the 4th.....RAIN or SHINE.   
These were the cupcakes I got for all the kiddos from Riley's Bakery.  They loved them!
Chase in action......cute pic!
Mom and Ella before she got soooooo nasty eating her cupcake!
The adults actually got to enjoy a table of our own at dinner....
While the kids had their own table.
My little firecracker!.........love this kid.........
He hasn't put these flags down yet.......what a handsome little fellow!
My sweet Ella in her patriotic hairbow.....Thanks Lindsey!  You help make her cuter all the time.
Last of all, thanks to of our servicemen and women who fight for our rights each and every day.  Especially, Anthony, my brother in law.  We appreciate all you do!   

We have a busy month ahead.  Four out of five of the Whittle bunch has birthdays this month.  So, you know what I'll be doing.  Planning, planning, and more planning of birthday parties.

Have a blessed day,

Happy Da Da's Day!

Yes, I know it has been forever.  However, my really good cannon rebel digital camera got stolen so I have been borrowing my mother in laws until I can replace it.  Thanks, Donna!

Anyways, enough with that.  My title says it all.  Happy Da Da's Day.  Yes, the twins still call him da da and we think it's pretty cute.  They happen to be the luckiest three kids in the world to have a dad like him.  I really used to dread father's day because of the relationship I have with my own father.  But ever since we've had kids I don't really dread it anymore.  I never was lucky enough to have such a hands-on dad, but I am sure glad I found a husband who has made the best dad ever for our three kids.  And you know I am not just saying this, he really is a fantastic da da!  One day I think they will realize just how lucky they are to have him.  I already know how lucky I am to have him.   

We had a pretty awesome Father's Day.  It's always good when church is apart of your day.  We then came home and Mike got his Da Da's Day nap in.  Later on in the afternoon, we celebrated Da Da's Day with Mike's family.  We grilled out and then played some cards (one of  Mike's gifts was Phase 10 Twist).  Lots of fun was had by all!  Here a few pics of our afternoon cookout.

Mike.....wonderful dad and awesome husband!  We're lucky!!!!

Had to show his new t-shirt.....he's always proud to sport UK gear!
He wanted to make sure I showed the back too.  He's pretty excited about the future at UK!

Mike with his dad, James!  He's a great father/father in law/pa-paw to all of us. We're thankful for him too!  Ella just had to sneak in this picture.

Dad with his three prize possessions!  I know he's a "PROUD" dad!!!

Dad and his two boys.....he's always ready to take them four-wheeling, fishing, anything outdoors.

Daddy's Girl...what more could a dad ask for.
Thanks for checking in.  I hope you enjoyed celebrating your da da's day!  Better get in the bed...we're off to Imagination Station tomorrow.  I'll post more on that adventure later.