Homework is the worst...

Homework sucks, yep I said it. It's a stressful time around here for sure. Mia is all over the place lately so trying to get her to not climb the stairs, crawl all over the house, or eat dog food is my first step. Next is Michael, he is actually pretty good about chilling while I help Blake and on many occasions doing some "homework" of his own. Lastly, there is Blake. Blake doesn't love homework and in many instances it goes quick and he gets it, but there are days where he is stumped and fighting it. These are the days I need wine. Blake is good at chatting during homework time also and he is manipulative, his conversations actually suck me in so I need to be careful not to fall for his goofy charm (we are in trouble for sure).  The number one thing I could use more of is patience. I seriously pray for it every single night! It comes to a point sometimes where I actually find myself so frustrated I need to walk away. It's a roller coaster…one second he is stumped, or sometimes just not focused and the next he gets it…it clicks and we rejoice! All I know is that many nights after homework is done I feel mentally exhausted and it worries me since we are only at a second grade level! For me I think it's knowing what Blake is capable of and pushing him to achieve that. I see so much potential in that kid, he remembers every single thing (selective of corse) and has a passion for learning certain things.
Overall my thoughts on homework are this, it's too much and it starts too soon. I love to watch my kids run like animals and burn off that energy that they have all bottled up after a long day in the classroom. Kids need to just be kids!! I will continue to do my best at teaching the stuff that quite frankly sometimes I don't even understand and pray for that patience!! God bless the Momma and Dad's that are on homework duty tonight, cheers!!

A Star is Born

Well as usual I am late to report... Mia Grace was born on June 10th, so almost nine months ago. Whoops. I had every intention of updating but it unfortunately never happened and lets just say this three kids business is no joke.
So since she has entered our lives it has been nothing short of wonderful, I still find myself saying to Adam "we have a daughter!!" She is so sweet and adored by many, specifically the three boys of the house. They adore her more than words can say. Her spunky little personality fits in so perfectly around here.
Life at the moment is in fact a whole lot of of crazy but it's my crazy and it's more than I could have ever wanted. I know without a doubt I am going to miss this and these long, busy days.
So many things go down in a day around this zoo and I always say I am going to be better about documenting it, and this time I am really going to give it the old college try. Wish me luck. xo

Life as We Know It...

This past year has been a whirl wind and I can't imagine it will soon slow down… The boys started school in August, Blake 1st Grade and Michael 3 yr old Pre-school. They are both doing great but ready for the school year to be over as am I…done with homework, packing lunches, and obligations for a few months. It just so happens their last day lands on the day our lives will forever change….the day we welcome our baby girl. Only 3 short weeks away and we are overjoyed and feeling as though God has blessed us far beyond what we could have ever imagined. I decided to just add this quick update and if nothing else post some photos of our life as we know as it slowly change
into a world where the love, laughter, and the challenges of a sweet new baby fill our home.

Soccer Saturdays

Soccer season is almost over, this Saturday is the last game. It has been so much fun watching Blake grow this past season and he is looking forward to playing again soon. Michael has clearly taken a liking for the sport as well, insisting on wearing a "real uniform" to the games and kicking the ball around with the siblings of the players during the games. Last week Blake scored a great goal and was so proud of himself, the look on his face when he scores is priceless and forever imprinted on my heart. It was a great season Orange Crush!! Go Team!!

My Creative Child

My creative child is Blake, without a doubt. His mind is always working, he is the child that is never bored. As you can see here he turned his dump truck & hockey stick into a Kayak. I love his sense of creativity and drive to explore. He is happy and can always find ways to have fun! I admire his glass half full attitude and fearlessness. Life is always interesting with Blake :-)

I'm Back...

Well, well, well....it's been three years since I have updated this blog but the time has come! I won't even try to recap the last three years since time is of the essence these days. I will say that I feel like I blinked and here we are. Blake is just about to graduate kindergarten and Michael just graduated from Stay and Play. Blake is 6 going on 16 and Michael is 3...but he pretends quite often he is 6 like "Deek" this is what he calls Blake, it was the improvisation of Blake when Michael was learning to speak and it has just seemed to stick.
Life is good, I can't complain. We all have our health which is the greatest blessing of all. At the moment we are excited about summer break. I love having the boys at home with me, I can't even imagine what life will be like when they are both in school everyday.
So here we go again, I will do my best to document the important and everyday events as much as I can. I was depending on Facebook to keep the family and friends in the loop but I find that the social network kind of makes me batty anymore. So without further ado...let the blogging begin :-)

The Toothless Wonder

He is really growing up! I was really kind of sad when he lost this tooth, I was actually surprised at how emotional the whole situation made me. One minute he is teething and I blink and his teeth are falling out. If time continues to pass like this he is going to be graduating tomorrow! 

He lost this tooth at school, I knew it was going to happen but he wouldn't let me go near it. You know that gross dangling tooth...yep that was him. It totally has changed his look, we laugh because he looks like a little Canadian Hockey Player who got in one to many fights....our little scrapper. He still looks cute as ever and I feel as tho the other tooth is about to fall out as well....stay tuned!

Stay & Play

 Michael's First Day of Stay and Play September 2012 

Midway through the year 

Michael is a Stay & Play Graduate 

Stay and Play was a wonderful experience, Michael and I went to Stay and Play on Tuesday mornings. He made some great friends and did lots of cool projects. We had two field trips and our teachers Mrs.Tammy and Ms.T were so amazing. I watched him grow so much here at Stay and Play this past year and I can't believe it's already over, the time is passing far too fast!!

Michael Brayden Kolb

Our beautiful little boy!!!

9 months 4 weeks...hours before Michael was born

Michael Brayden Kolb has arrived, he was born January 8, 2010 at 10:36 am. He weighed 7lbs. 12oz. and is absolutely perfect! The C-section went very well and was surprisingly quick.

Recovery has been quick and easy as well, it seems that the second time around you really don't have too much time to relax with a 3yr old so I've quickly adapted and to be honest feel great! I am very thankful for that, in addition to being thankful for all the help that our families offered. Our gratitude is never ending for all that they have done, we are SO lucky to have such incredible families.

Blake has really taken to his role as "big brother" he is so in love with Michael and wants to hug and kiss him all the time. When Michael cries Blake comes running and rubs his head saying "it will be okay baby Michael." I am very relieved, I thought that there would be more jealously but surprisingly there is barely any at all.

Life with a toddler and an infant is not a walk in the park, that's for sure however; I am managing and to be honest loving it. I can't lie and say that there aren't moments that I fantasize about being on the beach in Hawaii sipping a Mai Tai when Blake is running around like Dennis the Menace and Michael has completely pooped his diaper and its up his back....but I wouldn't have it any other way. I know Adam thinks I am crazy but I am 100% certain that I want another one of these little miracles...even two more!! Children are such a blessing and they grow so fast that I am trying to soak up every moment with them despite my lack of sleep, haha.

Overall life is good and we are feeling very very blessed...

It's Almost Time

9 Months 3 days (below)

9 Months 3 days (below)

9 Months 2 weeks (below)

9 Months 2 weeks (below)

The Growing Belly....

7 Months 3 days (below)

7 Months 3 days (below)

8 Months 1 week (below)

8 Months 1 week (below)

It's Getting CLOSE!!

I can't even believe how quickly this pregnancy has gone by...with Blake keeping me so busy and all the wonderful additions to the family over the past year it's no wonder! My sister Teresa gave birth to a beautiful baby boy about 3 months ago now...Henry Gar Sillers, he is PERFECT!

The triplets are coming up on a year also! I can't believe it, and of coarse my little man is turning three in January as well. I am soaking up every minute with all of these amazing little people and looking forward to meeting our newest little guy in only a month!

Blake loving his little brother already...

6 Months Pregnant

Another BOY!!

We went for our ultrasound the end of August and found out that we are having another BOY! We are thrilled with the news....he was beautiful and we can't wait to meet our new little angel.