Christmas: rounds two, three, four (five i failed at being a photographer)

Christmas this year came in stages:  One, being at Momma and Daddy's with Regina and her kids (see previous blog), two being our family Christmas, Three being at Nonna and Poppa's with them, Bit, Lyssa, Val and her family, And Grandma and Grandpa.  Don't forget Christmas eve cookies, Church etc!!!!

We did Christmas cookies on Christmas Eve, it was a blast with the boys as usual... imagine kiddos with color-staining dye mixed with icing and cookies..... so... sugar, sugar, sugar and some sugar on top! 

Next comes some pics of us all dressed up!

The Mafia picture (if you don't know, all three are Don)

another  cute picture!!!

so, if you want to see more, click :   http://picasaweb.google.com/eswilhelm/Christmas09Rounds24#

Christmas at MawMaw's house was a bit sad.  As you know, my grandmother passed away Feb. 13, 2009, and this was the first Christmas without her and PawPaw didn't come out of the nursing home for Christmas either so it was kind of sad on that part.  But this is also the last one in that house.... they are selling the house after the new year.  I will miss that house but the memories will live on.  We had a good time one last time.  Next year things will be different.  We miss you MawMaw!

Three years later.....

That tiny premie baby boy has turned into an inquisitive little man full of energy and very mischievous..... Yes, my Benny-boy is three today as of 7:08 am.  I can't believe that much time has gone by since our emergency trip home, water breakage in the car, a terrified couple calling people to come help them, breathing excercises via phone done by a great friend, Leah.  Getting to the hospital and having to sign papers in between contractions and with TONS of shaking ( I had preregistered so what was the point of that, i don't knjow)  After the epidural, all was great.  I still had some time to go till 10cm was reached but at 6:45 am, they let me start pushing and our first little bundle of joy joined us just a little bit later.  At birth, he was 6lbs 5 oz and 20 inches at 4 weeks early.  Thankfully, he was healthy and didn't require NICU treatment.  His godmother was able to care for him in the regular nursery and the staff took great care of him. 

Since then, he has grown so much.  He is about 38 ish inches (try holding a 3 yr old still long enough to get a size while the 22 month old wants to be held....) and 30 lbs.  He is one smart cookie too!  I don't know where he learns everything he does, but I am glad he is smart!  Because of his birthday, he can't go to preschool till next year, but hopefully we can get him in three year old preschool next fall.  I have to start working on that this year. 

From this:

To this little man.  My has he grown!

If you want to see more pics of him, check out the facebook albums! 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BENJAMIN MICHAEL!!!!

for those who are keeping up....

Here are the pics:  http://picasaweb.google.com/eswilhelm/Christmas2009#

Christmas: round one complete

We went to Shreveport for Christmas with Nana and Grandpa and my sister and her kiddos on Saturday.... My house is now paying for it.... The boys sure enjoyed themselves and were definately spoiled.  we now have a tent with tunnel, Disney Cars stuff out the wazooo, clothes, a new train starter set from Thomas and friends, noise makers of every kind, books, blankets, puzzles, fishing equipment, PLAYDOUGH (which has currently dissappeared... hmm).  and so much more.  Joey got a set of three knives from Mom and daddy.  I got a 2 gig digital picture frame with interchangable mattes... I LOVE LOVE LOVE IT!!!!  WE also got a stained glass window from my sister.  Took a picture with santa.  Went to Bryn's second birthday party! And in general, had a blast1  Pictures to come when I get them on the computer

Rush time....

Well, its Christmas time and I feel so worn out already.  I still have tons to do before next Friday.  I still have a lot of presents that aren't here yet.  I have to wrap a lot.  I have to put together a bike and a "my first workbench".  Saturday we are headed to Shreveport for Christmas with Momma, Daddy, Regina and the girls.  Then we will stay with Regina and Sunday we have Bryn's birthday party.  Which I still have to get a present for.  I will also go see Kelly while we are there and go meet baby Colin too.  Grandma and Grandpa come in on Tuesday.  Joey is taking Wed. off.  Thursday we are making cookies (wed. i have to make like 12 loafs of Amish bread) We will go to Mass on Thursday.  Get all Christmas ready Thursday... Santa will come.  Then get some rest.  Kids get up early Friday, open presents get ready get on road go to MawMaw's house for the last Christmas there.  It will be a sad day.  Then Back to Fun-roe that night.  Sat. we are probably going to do Ben's birthday ( i don't know yet).  Then Sunday is Bryn's baptism.  Not sure how we are going to swing that one.  Probably won't go.  Taht is another 60 dollars in my car.  Already going to be out 120 bucks for the previous trips.  Then Ben's birthday is the 30th and then New years/new years eve.... oh so much.  But this is still my favorite time of year!  I love giving people things! 

Who Dat???

I sit here thinking of the Saints who are now 13-0.  I cant remember the last awesome season they have had.... I am thouroughly amazed at what they are doing!  Though it seems they are closer and closer to loosing each game.... They still manage to pull off the "W".  We taught Ben when he was younger to say "Who dat think dey gonna beat dem Saints".  Well, we are proud to say DJ can now say "who Dat".  As best he can that is.  His ears have caused him so much trouble and I am pretty sure he is infected again.  But I digress.... I havent uploaded the movie yet, but when I do, it WILL GO UP.  The boys sitting on the couch and each one saying "who dat".  DJ randomly walks around saying "who dat while holding up his arms for touchdown.

first dance

There are so many songs that work for us.... So I just went back to our first song:  Rascal Flats, God bless the Broken Road

Bless The Broken Road lyrics


Songwriters: Boyd, Bobby C; Hannah, Jeff; Hummon, Marcus;

I set out on a narrow way, many years ago

Hoping I would find true love along the broken road

But I got lost a time or two

Wiped my brow and kept pushing through

I couldn't see how every sign pointed straight to you



Every long lost dream led me to where you are

Others who broke my heart, they were like northern stars

Pointing me on my way into your loving arms

This much I know is true



That God blessed the broken road

That led me straight to you

Yes He did



I think about the years I spent, just passing through

I'd like to have the time I lost, and give it back to you

But you just smile and take my hand

You've been there, you understand

It's all part of a grander plan that is coming true



Every long lost dream led me to where you are

Others who broke my heart, they were like northern stars

Pointing me on my way into your loving arms

This much I know is true



That God blessed the broken road

That led me straight to you



But now I'm just rolling home into my lover's arms

This much I know is true



That God blessed the broken road

That led me straight to you



That God blessed the broken road

That led me straight to you

Four years down, a lifetime to go

Four years ago today, I married my best friend. Four years ago today, we said “I do” to each other. Four years ago today, I made a promise to him to stay by his side forever, no matter what. In those four years we have gone through a lot. Many ups and downs. Many smiles and tears. Many happy times and fights. Through additions and losses in our families.


Dec. 10, 2005 Joey and I married each other in front of our family and friends. Some people said we wouldn’t make it. But we have so far! Despite everything that has been thrown at us, we have succeeded so far. After being married, I couldn’t find a job. Or at least a “normal” job. I ended up doing cancer insurance for a while, but that didn’t work out like I had hoped. Then Mother’s day 2006 we found out we were going to have a baby. As worried as we were about money and all, we were excited. We couldn’t wait for our bundle of joy to come. That same week, Joey lost his job (we have our own theories about that) but we won’t go there. Let the real stress begin. Joey lost his uncle that November. We still miss Frankie. I swear I saw him in the Saint’s game that made them 11-0. Dec 30th our little guy decided to join us a month early. Enter our energetic little Ben. He is almost 3 now and is so smart! I will elaborate more on him on his birthday though! Joey started his new job with the Boys Scouts on Jan 1. And things were starting to look up. Joey liked his job and we were doing well in Winnsboro. In July we got to go on our first real vacation to Vegas and California. When we got back, we found out that we were going to have another baby. Our little DJ joined us in March 08 after several attempts to come REALLY early. All this time Joey was stressed at his job and he kept me out of the loop so as not to stress me. In May the Scouts forced Joey to resign (they threatened him but that is another story that we won’t go into). So we had no income, no home and no hope so it seemed all with four mouths to feed and clothe. We ended up moving in with Joey’s grandmother and living with her for a long time. Thanks NeeNee. (the boys named her) Joey was able to get a job at Angus thru Vessel Statistics thanks to connections with Dad. He loves his job now. He is good at it too! I am so proud of him. He has gotten pay raises and is looking forward to more up there at Angus. On Feb. 13, 2009 I lost my grandmother. She passed away a week after the last time I saw her. I miss her terribly and still pick up the phone trying to call sometimes. PawPaw is slipping away right now too. We have also become home owners this year… how cool is that. After all we have been thru, I wouldn’t have thought we could have done that but we have our very own little house.

Joey and I have had some fights as well. There have been times that it seemed like things are horrible. But we have stuck it out. And grown closer together. I love Joey with all my heart. I couldn’t have asked for a better man to share my life with. I am so thankful to God for giving me my very own BHE (best husband ever) as Jamie says. And thank you, Joey. For putting up with me, for loving me, for making me smile when I am sad. For making me laugh when I didn’t think it was possible. For giving me hope and love. And for our two handsome little boys. I love you always and forever. 143537313

Life happens

Well, I am currently sitting around being lazy today.  The boys are watching Imagination Movers and making me laugh as they dance around the living room.  Our house is looking a lot like Christmas as our tree and one of the Nativity scenes are up. Our tree is steadily becoming topheavy since the kids keep playing with the ornaments and I have to move them higher.  I will post pics as I get them on the computer.  This Christmas will be interesting as we will be running back and forth to Shreveport.  Christmas eve we will be here in Monroe, The next morning we will head to Shreveport for one last Christmas in MawMaw and PawPaw's house.  They are selling it at the beginning of next year.  So sad.  It will be a hard day without MawMaw and PawPaw.  They don't want to bring PawPaw to the house for fear of bad reactions.  Tomorrow is 4 years with my love... I will post tomorrow a little about that

Trouble in blogspot

The other blog was giving me problems so I just started a new one.... this is it.  Maybe I will keep up this time.  Let me know what you think... I didn't think anyone was reading the last one so I just never posted.