Appreciate individual time

Having 4 kids is wonderful and at times can be very demanding. There is 1 me and 4 of them who all need me in different ways. It's nice sometimes for each of my kids to have their own mommy time.

On Saturday, Joe and I dropped Owen and TJ off at Grandmas house. They felt like they were doing something special and Joe and I had the opportunity to take Ryley and Joey ice skating. It was such a wonderful 2 hours. I really got to see Joey's excitement on learning how to skate with all his hockey gear on. He is getting better each time he goes. He is proud of himself and he should be. I am proud of him as well.

I watched Ryley learn how to skate. She is so determined and I just love her spirit. She will try anything and will keep practicing until she gets it. She is daring and fun and can laugh at herself. I see a lot of myself in her. At one point, Ryley and I skated holding hands. It's amazing. As we skated together, I saw Joey trying his best with a huge smile on his face.

Joe and I and the kids really appreciated that individual time.

Winter hike

In the winter on a cold Saturday, most families may head to the mall or run errands. We wake up, have breakfast together, and then at some point either have a plan or just get in the car with no destination. We always end up having fun whatever we do. It's Saturday and we are together. We took a ride to a place called Greenwood Lake, NJ. It's a really cute place tucked away that I think many people do not know about. We circled the town, saw people ice skating and just took a spontaneous hike on a beautiful trail. It was cold and snowy, but it didn't seem to bother us!

Like father, like son

It was very cute and sweet to see how proud daddy was to buy his son his first hockey stick. Joey is our first try. I have the feeling that some day I may be lacing up skates for 3 boys at 4am on the freezing cold mornings of winter. We figured now that Joey is 4, the time has come to put him on skates. Joe and Joey came home from a trip to "the rink" with a whole lot of gear. (skates, stick, puck, knee pads, elbow pads, pants, a cup!, a helmet and a jersey. They both had on huge smiles and were both filled with excitement. I could not really tell who was more excited but I think daddy was! He sure was proud. I could see the look on his face.

Joey's first practice went great. He is now at his second and I wait in anticipation to hear all about it.

TJ's snowy birthday

Well we celebrated TJ's birthday over the weekend with our family and cousins. His actual birthday fell on a Wednesday with a huge snowstorm arriving the night before. Schools were cancelled and daddy stayed home from work. It was a nice way to spend the day.

Ryley, Joey, Owen and TJ volunteered to go next door and shovel our neighbors driveway. They worked hard and were so sweet. Then they helped daddy. They were such great helpers. I think TJ enjoyed his party more then his snowy birthday. He did take a break in the car though which brought on more smiles!

Peaceful snowfall

Our home after a snowfall. I just think it looks so peaceful and beautiful.

My baby turns 2 - TJ's party

The new year started off with a celebration - TJ's birthday. My baby turned 2. I can't believe it. He still feels like my baby to me. They all do in a way. I remember being in the hospital with him and holding him for the first time. I cherish that time and I cherish each day. I have watched TJ turn into this warm hearted, playful, funny, adorable little boy. He warms my heart every day and I am proud. He loves his brothers and sister and I just love watching them together.

We celebrated his birthday at home. Our family came over and as usual lots of crazy cousins having fun and getting into trouble. TJ was running with them. He is an amazing little boy.

Some day TJ, I hope you read this. I love you so much and am so proud to be your mommy. Ryley, Joey, Owen & TJ are incredible kids whom I love with all my heart.

As you can see from the pictures, TJ had a great time with his family at his party.

Sibling love

In one week:

I watched my little girl change TJ's diaper. The best part, is that TJ asked her to. Then I listened to Ryley sing as she did it.

I watched Owen feed TJ dinner and they both loved every second of it.

To top it off, I found Ryley sleeping in TJ's crib with him last night. They were cuddled so close.

And when I didn't think it could get any better, I looked over on the couch this morning to see Owen laying on Joey while Joey rubbed his head.

Yes, they may fight at times. They may have their bad days.

I love everything about them. I love their different personalities, their unique traits, and most of all their compassion, huge hearts, and how much they love each other.

It's these times where you realize how amazing it is to be a mom!