Holiday Season 2010

As I am putting away the Christmas decorations, I can't help but feel a little sad. Christmas is my favorite time of the year! My holiday season starts on Thanksgiving Day. I look forward to seeing my Dad's side of the family because it would have been months since I have seen them last. Then off to Dave's family and hopefully his sister Jen & family are there because we NEVER see them often enough. It is the one time of year where Emily has her other girl cousin Ellie there to play with, something she looks forward to every year. After that the older two and I go to my Aunt Gay's which I love because we start to plan our Black Friday day of shopping. Most people think I am nuts to get up at 2:30am to shop but I love it and look forward to it every year!

Bradley, Emily, Benjamin and Elisabeth Thanksgiving Day 2010



The weekend after Thanksgiving is when we put up the Christmas decorations. To the kids, this is one of the special times of the holiday season. I love watching them put the ornaments on the tree and hoping the tree doesn't topple over because all of the ornaments are on one side of the tree and at the bottom. This weekend was also super special because my bestest friend in the world gave birth to a beautiful baby girl Charlotte Grace!

Baby Charlotte



Kids decorating the Christmas Tree




Normally we will we have Breakfast with Santa as a whole group, but this year the kids and I along with their friend Spencer, had breakfast at Emily's school. They got to do a little shopping at Santa's secret shop, had a picture taken with Santa & some pancakes for breakfast.

Bradley, Spencer, Emily, Benjamin and Elisabeth at Breakfast with Santa




This year instead of having cookie day, we had a wedding to celebrate! My cousin Kelsey married the man of her dreams Mark on December 11, 2010. I was lucky enough to be a part of their special day by being one of her bridesmaids. She looked so beautiful that day and it truly was a wonderful time! Thank you Kelsey and Mark for letting me share that day with you. Love you guys!

Kelsey & Aunt Gay on the way to the Church




Finally the time had come.... Christmas celebration #1 with my Mom, Gary, Sisters & families. For the past few years I have hosted the celebration at our house. We have a nice sit down dinner & spend lots of time opening presents. My Mom & Gary, spoil us all rotten! My entire family is so lucky to have such a creative mom. She makes us wonderful presents, something my kids will get to cherish forever!

My kids, nieces and newphews



Cade, Connor and Bradley with their turtles that Mor Mor made them




The next day is Christmas celebration #2 spent at Aunt Kathy & Uncle Fred's for the Carrell Christmas. Another day of family, yummy food and more presents! It is always great to see that side because I don't see them as often as I would like.



The big day is almost here but first Christmas celebration #3 Christmas Eve at Aunt Gay's house. This day is one of the best. Swedish meatballs (they make the best), more family time and Santa's visit tops the list. We have been doing the same traditions since I can remember, singing along with Grandam Joy playing the paino waiting for Santa to arrive. The kids getting into their Christmas jammies so they will be ready for bed when we get home. And the best, yummiest food ever!

My beautiful family on Christmas Eve (note the girls are wearing Christmas Tutu's made by Mor Mor)




All the kids waiting for Santa's arrival



He made it, Santa is here!




The big day is here Christmas morning! Christmas morning is a huge day in the Hemmer house. I make sure I am up before any of the kids, sitting on the couch so I can snap pictures as soon as they get downstairs. The look on their faces when they see what Santa has left under the tree is priceless. We are truly blessed that we can give our kids such a wonderful day. Thank you Santa and Davey!











After opening presents here, we are on to Christmas celebration #4 at Dad's house. Dad and Terry make us the most fablous brunch on Christmas morning. And like Mom & Gary, spoil us rotten. I love them more than anything and can't thank them enough for all they do for us!

Finally the last stop of the year, Christmas celebration #5 at Dave's parents. Here we have a wonderful dinner, then more presents to open. Spoiled rotten once again!

On our drive home from the city, Dave and I talk about how it has gone by so fast. He is excitied this time of year is done and I am sad that is has passed so fast. I will miss seeing my family every weekend in December. While we all know what the true meaning of Christmas is, the birth of Jesus Christ, Christmas means family & love as well and I love my family more than anything in this world!

Wishing you all a Happy 2011!

Happy Birthday Bradley!

I can remember the day I found out I was pregnant like it was yesterday. Dave and I went to Chili's for dinner and I ate all of my food, so I said I think I might be pregnant. We went to Kmart right after dinner and home to take the test and sure enough I was PREGNANT! We were both so excitied and scared to death by the fact that we were going to be parents. I laughed and cried and took about 5 more tests the next day but by the end of day two of finding out, I hadn't been more excitied about anything in my life thus far.

On July 20, 2002 Bradley Michael Hemmer was born. He weighed 7lb 14oz & was 21in long. Just a perfect bundle of joy. Prior to having my epidoral, I said I was never going through this again but 4 babies later is living proof that you forget the pain of child birth and only focus on the outcome.

My Bradley Boo is my life, my first baby which will always make him super special in my heart. We been having our moments lately but it the days that he just gives me a kiss or hug for no reason, laughs till he can't catch his breath, plays with his little brother or tries to help his Dad that makes all the hard times we had seem like they don't even matter. He will move mountains one day and I can't wait to sit back and enjoy the ride. I love him more than anything in this world and I can't imagine my life without him.

Have a wonderful birthday Bradley. Mommy, Daddy, Emmy, Ben & Elisabeth love you so much!

My baby girl finished Kindergarten!

It has been a long time since my last post but I have to put into words how proud I am of my Emmy girl.

Today was the last day of Kindergarten, while there was no formal graduation, we made sure she knew what a big deal it was and how proud we are of her! She had an amazing report card again, all AC's. She had all AC's & one PR last semester, but the PR was in music because she couldn't carry a pitch and do concert moves????? Well this semester she can even do that and got an AC! Her teacher went on and on about what a joy she is and how sweet she is. She has the biggest heart and is sweet most of the time:)

As I look back when I was pregnant with her, I just prayed and prayed that she would be a girl. When they said we were having a girl, Dave and I both teared up. But the best part of the day was when we asked Bradley to try and say the names we liked. It wasn't until we said Emily that he responded with "Emmy". That was that, she was Emily from then on.

I am blessed with four beautiful children, all special in their own ways. I love them all more than anything in this world but they all know what makes them extra special to me and Emmy will tell you she is most special because she is "my first baby girl".

I will end by saying, Congratulation's Emily, you had a great year in Kindergarten. May all the years of schooling be as fun and easy for you. You are such an amazing little girl and we love you very much. Mommy and Daddy are so blessed to have you as our daughter and your brothers and sister are even more blessed because they have you to grow old with.

I love you Emmy!

Mommy

Crazy Life

It has been a long time since my last post but life is crazy!

Since my last post we have had some big things happen here. Benjamin turned 2 and Elisabeth turned 1. We have gone to visit Grandma Martha for Spring Break and are now in the process of starting to potty train! The spring Hockey season starts up tomorrow, with Bradley playing 2 extra games on the Mite B team along with playing on his regular team Mite A. His new coach can see that he has some skills so it should make for a great short season and an even better fall one.

Benjamin is still having therapy 1 a week for both speech and DT. We can see improvement in both and hope after his 6 month evaluation, he will show no more delay. But if he does that is ok as well, we will get him all the help he needs.

We are looking forward to nicer days as well. This family loves to be outside and can't wait for summer break!

That is all for now but here are some pitures to show you the babies on their birthdays!

I'm not ready for them to grow up!

Benjamin 1 1/2


Elisabeth 8 months



Bradley 7

Emily 5

Even though they are only 7, 5, almost 2 & 1, I feel like my babies are growing up so fast and I miss them already. I knew we were done after Elisabeth but I didn't realize how sad I would feel getting rid of all the baby stuff. For the past eight years, raising babies and being a mom is all I have known and it makes me so sad to think they won't need me as much soon. So even on the days they drive me crazy, I am going to cherish every moment with them because before I know it they will be all grown up!

To Bradley, Emily, Benjamin and Elisabeth,

Mommy and Daddy love you to the moon and back! We thank God he choose us to be your parents and we are the luckiest people in the world to have you as our children. We love you!

Super Sticky Tuesday

Sticky Note Tuesday

Turning a new leaf

Dave and I were talking last night and I said that I am going to turn a new leaf this year and learn to be more thankful.

I need to be thankful that I have a home for my family to live in, that is clean, big and filled with love, who cares if the floors are old and the bath & kitchen are outdated.

I need to be thankful that Dave has a job that pays the bills and lets the kids do fun things like hockey and cheerleading. Who cares if I can't go out and buy new clothes, stuff for the house and whatever else I want.


I need to be thankful for our health, life is precious and I am thankful we have ours.

Another thing I learned last night was that I need to give Bradley and Emily more time. They kind of get the short end of the stick because they are older and can help themselves more than the Benjamin and Elisabeth can. But they are still kids and need their mommy & daddy just as much as the babies do. I love all my children with all my heart and need to do a better job showing them that love.

I also need to learn that yelling isn't always the best way to slove the problem. This is a huge issue I have, I am a yeller. After yelling at Bradley last night and sending him to his room, I went to talk to him because I didn't want him to be upset. My little guy is more sensitive than he likes to show but his feelings are real and I need to know that even though I think it isn't a big deal to yell, it is to him. He is 7 and pushing his limits but still needs to know that we love him even when you get angry with him.

It is all easier said than done. You know deep down you are thankful for all you have but in reality you always feel the grass is greener on the other side of the fence. So this New Year, I promise to be more thankful so my kids grow up to be thankful for all they have as well.

Back To School :)

Although I am sad the holidays are over, I am jumping for joy that Bradley and Emily are back to school! It has been a long week with me not feeling well and it being so cold outside, the kids were bouncing off the walls. I have Ben and Elisabeth down for a nap and now I enjoy a few hours (fingers crossed) to myself.

Christmas 2009

What a wonderful Christmas season we had this year!

The fun started with Cookie Day hosted by Sunni. We made lots of yummy cookies, ate lots of yummy food, shared many laughs, all while the kids played.

On December 13th, we had the Carrell Family Christmas at Aunt Kathy's. It is always nice to spend time with my Aunts & Uncles from that side because we do not do it often. Luckily, Aunt Kathy and Uncle Fred are nice to host Grandma Martha's birthday every year so it is another oppurtunity to see each other and Grandma Martha & Bob of course.

On December 19th, we had my Mom, Gary, Sisters and Families over at our house to celebrate Christmas. I was very nervous having to cook for them, I cook for my family every night but they have no choice but to like it! :) The night was very relaxed, food was great and the kids have a great time. I love being part of a big family!

On Christmas Eve, we spent the evening at Aunt Gay's house. She and Uncle Paul make WONDERFUL food, but the best is being with Grandma Joy, Aunts & Uncles and all of the cousins. This night is one of the most memorable times of my childhood and I am so thankful to have such a wonderful family that keeps those memories alive so my children will have them as well. All of the kids sat in the living room listening to the story of Christmas & singing Christmas Carols as Grandma Joy played the piano, patiently awaiting the arrival of Santa. Santa came and he was awesome, the kids look forward to seeing him every year! The only thing missing on that night was our family out in AZ & Scott in Denver, but we have hope that they will come back for Christmas real soon! (Hint Hint Jen! )

Christmas morning was an early morning in the Hemmer house. Bradley was up at 5:30am taking stock of all the gifts Santa left for him before coming into the family room by me. I was up because I do not want to miss the look on their faces when they come down the stairs and see under the tree. I had to stall him for a little bit so the rest of the family could sleep, but by 6:00am we were both ready to open so we woke them up. Emily wasn't too happy about that but once Bradley told her, "Emmy Santa came and there are like a thousand presents" she got out of bed real fast. I could watch my kids open presents all day long because they get so excited and are so amazed at how Santa could bring them what they wanted.

Sadly it is now January 1st and the holidays are over. I love Christmas time so much and get sad every year when it passes. I thank God every night for my family & friends because without them Christmas wouldn't be as wonderful as it is every year!

Welcome 2010!

I have to thank my cousin Jennifer who lives in AZ for inspiring me to start writing on my blog again. It was so wonderful to read hers and hear how they spent their holidays since we are so far away and haven't shared Christmas together in almost six years.

Melissa is wonderful with keeping up with hers and I love to see the pictures of Madison and all the fun stuff they are doing.

So my New Year's resolution will be to keep this going, well for a couple of weeks at least :)