LIFE HAPPENS...

Blinked and It's Now APRIL 2020

noreply@blogger.com (Life Happens) — Sun, 05 Apr 2020 13:51:00 +0000

(family pics from Nov 2019)

No posts for 2019 so why not get at least one in for 2020?! Life has been crazy busy with four kids! Being a SAHM for almost 2 years now and while it's the hardest job in the world, it really is the most rewarding. It tests your patience on a whole new level! It brings you to your knees and strengthens your faith. I couldn't do it alone (hats off to all the single parents out there). I am eternally grateful for my husband who works so hard and is so supportive. There's no one else I'd rather be on this journey with. He is my partner in raising these four little people (that we prayed so hard for) and they adore him as much as I do!

The whole world is currently dealing with Covid-19 (Coronavirus) and it certainly is a different world that we live in. A changing world. But we find comfort in a loving Heavenly Father and His son, Jesus Christ. We can find peace during these times by turning to the Lord and trusting in His eternal plan. There is always JOY to be found!

Stay healthy and happy!

Another Year and Only One Post for 2018

noreply@blogger.com (Life Happens) — Tue, 01 Jan 2019 04:46:00 +0000

Here we are at the end of 2018 and I'm literally squeeezing in ONE post before ringing in 2019!

What a year it has been! Two of the major things that happened this year are:

- First, I quit my job in June to be a stay at home mom! It was a tough decision, but after careful prayer, we decided it was time. And it's been six months and being a SAHM is the HARDEST job ever!! It is also the most important and rewarding job. We have truly been blessed.

- Second, we welcomed our FOURTH baby into the world in September! What a blessing and joy he has been. We are exhausted, but our hearts and home are full!

Life is busy with four little ones so there is not much time for blogging or anything else. My Instagram has been my "memory keeper" nowadays (it's quick and easy and thank goodness for hashtags)! Once the blogger app was disabled a few years ago, blogging just became harder to keep up with. Maybe some day I can blog more consistently, but for now, it'll be once in a while (aka once a year?). Here's to many more blessings in 2019! Happy New Year!

(If you want to follow me on IG, you can find me as 'hnwhitcomb' (before I switch it back to private).

It's Been A Year....

noreply@blogger.com (Life Happens) — Tue, 19 Dec 2017 21:11:00 +0000

I can't believe it's been a year since I last posted. Life has been quite busy with three little ones! I will slowly post updates as time permits (darn blogger app doesn't work!).

In the meantime, let me introduce you to my sweet Eliza (10 Months old). She is a bundle of JOY!

Thanksgiving Day 2016

noreply@blogger.com (Life Happens) — Thu, 08 Dec 2016 19:28:00 +0000

Thanksgiving day was spent with Steve's family. His mom cooked up a feast and we all stuffed our bellies. The kids had fun with cousins and of course, grandma and grandpa too!

We are grateful and blessed with so many things. We try to count our blessings everyday, not just on Thanksgiving. My heart is full because I have my faith and my family.

Thanksgiving Pilgrim 2016

noreply@blogger.com (Life Happens) — Thu, 08 Dec 2016 19:23:00 +0000

Sunday pics taken Thanksgiving Sunday.

Little Miss Kate likes to lift up her dress when it's time to take pictures. We have a few pictures of her doing it. Hoping she will grow out of that phase.

Family pictures on Sundays. It's a struggle to get her to look at the camera. Oh well.

I had the pleasure of helping at Matthew's school with their thanksgiving feast. How cute is my little pilgrim??!! He just makes me so happy!

25 Weeks - Baby No 3

noreply@blogger.com (Life Happens) — Wed, 16 Nov 2016 14:49:00 +0000

25 Weeks and my belly looks like the size of a basketball!?! Ha!

With the first pregnancy, there were weekly pics and updates, the second one was less frequent and now the third pregnancy has been zero updates! So, I figured I should document something so I can look back on it and have some kind of memory.

This pregnancy has been going great. I'm managing my Gestational Diabetes (and know when I can have my sweet treat - ha!). No other major issues. I've been seeing the High Risk doctors, along with a new OB practice. I am grateful that this pregnancy has been issue free so far. I pray every day that things continue to go well.

I am tired, but it comes with the territory. I LOVE feeling every kick and roll from baby. We don't have a name picked yet. It's been really hard to come up with a name we can both agree on! I have NO idea on how to decorate the nursery. Waiting for the 'nesting' phase to kick in?! There's just so much to do and not a lot of time to do anything with two little ones.

Matthew is excited for a new baby sister. I don't think Kate fully understands how much her little world will change. I ask her where's the baby and she will point to herself and say 'me!' and sometimes she will point to my belly.

What an amazing journey it has been so far. There's not a day that goes by where I don't worry about the baby, but with every little kick she gives me, she's reassuring me that all is well. I am blessed.

Minnie and Batman - Halloween 2016

noreply@blogger.com (Life Happens) — Tue, 15 Nov 2016 17:16:00 +0000

Their Sunday best (Halloween edition).

My smiling Batman before the Trunk or Treat activity.

Look at that face and pose. Batman takes his job seriously.

Meanwhile, a Minnie Mouse who refused to put her costume on for the activity, is enjoying her first horse ride. She loved it.

And on Halloween night, I wasn't sure if she would actually put her costume on, but she did! And I was trying to get Batman to smile, to which he responded, 'Batman doesn't smile".

The kids had a great time trick or treating. Kate loves carrying her bucket around the house, which surprisingly still has candy in it, and declaring "mine!"

The Cutest and Crankiest Pumpkins

noreply@blogger.com (Life Happens) — Wed, 26 Oct 2016 15:36:00 +0000

This year we ventured out to a new pumpkin patch, Wayside Farms.

It was super windy but that didn't stop the kids from having fun.

Animals, corn mazes, slides, and hay rides!

Family selfie on the hayride.

Soaking up the sun (and wind).

Giving sissy kisses on the hayride.

There were two corn mazes, an easy one and a hard one.

With two little ones, we opted for the easy way out.

Redskins QB before the start of the maze.

(21 weeks pregnant)

We attempted to do the actual pumpkin patch last, which wasn't a good idea because the kids were so tired. So, we didn't make it into the best part of the patch. I forced them to take some pics (can't you tell how excited the are?) and then their patience with me and the pumpkins were done!

Crankiest Pumpkin in the patch!

Then she was all smiles when daddy picked her up!

After long naps that afternoon, we made caramel apples from the apples we picked last weekend. They turned out so yummy!

I love fun family weekends.

Though exhausting, we are making memories with these little people.

Apple Picking, again

noreply@blogger.com (Life Happens) — Wed, 19 Oct 2016 14:57:00 +0000

Fall Traditions....it never gets old.

The kids always enjoy apple picking and it was fun to see how much Kate got into it this year. We picked two bag fulls so we will be making caramel apples, apple dip and maybe apple pie if we have time.

Next up on the Fall traditions, pumpkin patch and Fall foliage.

19 WEEKS

noreply@blogger.com (Life Happens) — Wed, 05 Oct 2016 12:48:00 +0000

(First bump pic was taken on Saturday at 18.5 weeks)

Today marks 19 weeks! Almost half way there!

This pregnancy has been good so far. No major issues except the Gestational Diabetes, which was diagnosed way earlier in this pregnancy than the other two. I am on insulin and seeing the high risk doctor every two weeks and on weekly progesterone shots.

I haven't felt baby girl move yet, but hopefully soon I'll start feeling the flutters. I just keep praying that she keeps growing and will be healthy and strong.

This picture was taken on Sunday when we were at my in laws watching General Conference. These two little munchkins and their daddy are my world. They make me want to be a better person. It's amazing to think we will be a family of five soon. I love them to the moon and back!

Adding an Addition!

noreply@blogger.com (Life Happens) — Fri, 30 Sep 2016 18:59:00 +0000

What a pleasant surprise!

We are having another GIRL! (More bows and chunky necklaces).

After years of infertility and many IVF cycles, my body decided to 'work' on it's own.

We are excited and thrilled for this special addition to our family. I am currently 18 weeks along. We have told close family and friends, but this is our first 'public' posting.

We waited until I was at least 12 weeks along before we told the kids. Matthew was very happy when we surprised him with the news. We had been praying as a family for another baby. He wanted another baby sister. When asked why he wanted another sister instead of a baby brother, he responded, "because Kate's so cute, I want another cute sister like her." Melted my heart. He is such a sweet big brother! Kate was oblivious to the news as she's 2 yrs old and doesn't comprehend it yet. We've been pointing to mommy's belly and telling her baby is in there. Now when I ask her 'where's the baby?', she points to my belly. It'll be interesting to see how she will react when the baby comes. She's currently in the 'mine' stage. Everything is hers. She walks around and points at things and says, 'mine' over and over. Her world will surely be rocked by a new baby.

We found out the gender at our 16 week ultrasound. I wanted to find a special way to tell the kids so we bought cupcakes and put pink frosting in the middle. Matthew was excited when he bit into his cupcake and saw pink frosting. Kate just wanted to eat her cupcake.

We took pictures on Sunday with their pumpkins and of course the 'baby' pumpkin. Whenever Kate walks outside now and sees the pumpkins, she points to the baby pumpkin and says 'baby'. Then she points to her pumpkin and says 'mine'.

What a blessing it is to be able to add this addition to our family come February. We continue to pray that the baby will grow and be healthy and strong. My heart is full and I count my blessings every day.

The Start of Apple Picking Season

noreply@blogger.com (Life Happens) — Thu, 29 Sep 2016 12:37:00 +0000

The start of our apple picking season started a few weeks ago. We picked Golden Delicious Apples and they were crisp and yummy! I've been eating 2-3 apples a day. We will be back in a few weeks to pick Fuji and Granny Smith apples (to make Caramel apples).

One of the highlights of the Fall season!

Is this really my baby?? Where has the time gone??

She's such a big 2 yr old.

My kiddos are certainly the apples of my eyes!

Philadelphia Temple

noreply@blogger.com (Life Happens) — Wed, 28 Sep 2016 13:02:00 +0000

We had the opportunity to tour the Philadelphia LDS temple a few weeks ago before it was dedicated. I love being inside the temple. It's a place of peace and love and where I feel the spirit.

I was excited for the kids to see the inside of the temple. Upon seeing the baptismal font, Kate says 'pool'. Thankfully she didn't jump in. Matthew's interest quickly faded too. Oh well, they're 2 and 5, I didn't expect them to be engaging the whole time. But I'm glad we still took them and I pray that later when they are much older and return to the temple, they will have a much more spiritual experience.

Families are Forever.

We are grateful for family that lives close to the Philly temple so we can come back and visit more often. The kids had fun with cousins who showered them with love.

We took this after the tour and the kids were done and the hot weather didn't help.

I'm grateful for temples and for my family.

K I N D E R G A R T E N

noreply@blogger.com (Life Happens) — Tue, 27 Sep 2016 13:21:00 +0000

I've dreaded this day for so long!

My first born started kindergarten on August 17th. It was a bitter sweet day. I never understood why mom's got so emotional when their kids started school and then I found myself in that situation and all the emotions of that day came flooding out.

He was so excited to start kindergarten and take the bus! He goes to before and after school care at the daycare center that he's been attending for the last few years. I was more nervous for him than he was! He told his daycare teacher, 'my mom's going to cry when I get on the bus.' He was right. My mama heart couldn't take it and I did lose it a bit (well, maybe a lot). Steve worked from home that day so we could see him off together (and to console me).

Here he is getting on the bus. He looked so happy and excited for his new adventure!

He survived his first day of kindergarten and I did too. I was SO excited to pick him up and hear all about his day.

It's been a little over a month since school has started and he's been doing really well. He still enjoys it and I still miss him all day. I love hearing about his day (even when I ask how his day was and his response is 'good').

I am so proud of him and how much he has grown. I look forward to many more milestones ahead. He makes being a mama such a joy.

T W O!!

noreply@blogger.com (Life Happens) — Tue, 09 Aug 2016 20:52:00 +0000

My baby is two! How is that possible?!

She is such a ray of sunshine, mixed with a pinch of sass!

Kate loves her big brother and the feeling is mutual. She wants to play with all his toys and do whatever he's doing. She is just starting to play with her dolls and loves her dishes. She enjoys coloring (sometimes all over the coffee table). Kate loves to dance and watch Barney and Mickey Mouse.

She has a mind of her own! If she doesn't want to do something, she will NOT do it. The terrible two's have kicked in though. We recently started having to put her in time out.

She is such a blessing to our family. We love her so much and can't wait to see how much more sass she has!

School pics - Spring 2016

noreply@blogger.com (Life Happens) — Tue, 19 Jul 2016 15:30:00 +0000

The kids had school pictures taken at their daycare back in the Spring.

This is Matthew's last year at the daycare/Preschool.

He has grown so much and as much as I don't want to admit it, he is a BIG boy now. Who am I kidding? He may be a big boy, but will always be my baby!

My handsome little preschool graduate!

He is so ready for kindergarten next month!

I'm so proud of him.

Here's my hot mess Kate!

She had only been in day care for a few weeks and was still getting use to everyone. So, when she see's the photographer, she started crying and just did NOT want to have her picture taken. This was the ONLY pose they could get of her.

Puffy eyes from crying, crooked chunky necklace and messy hair.

Gotta love her!

Comforted by big brother. She looks a little better in this pic.

Can't wait to see what next year's pictures will look like for her. Hopefully she will crack a smile.

Getting Back Into the Groove

noreply@blogger.com (Life Happens) — Thu, 14 Jul 2016 12:43:00 +0000

It's been 8 months since my last post! Instagram has taken over as the new 'blog', but I finally decided I still needed to keep blogging to really capture our lives, for memory keeping sake. And I figure no one is probably reading this anymore! Ha!

Life has been busy with two kids. Matthew is 5 1/2 and will be starting kindergarten in the Fall. (I get teary eyed just thinking about it!). I told him I didn't want him to grow up and he responded with, 'mommy, we all have to grow up.' Where is my baby boy?!! He is the best Big Brother! He loves his little sister and reluctantly shares his toys with her.

Little Miss. Kate will be 2 next month!! She is such a ball of joy! She loves her big brother and prefers to do everything he does. Kate is in the same daycare as Matthew. She enjoys it and loves her teachers. If there's a bow laying around, she wants it in her hair! And her bows and chunky necklace collection has expanded, and continues to expand, much to daddy's dismay. :)

Our lives are busy and our hearts are full. Working and balancing family life is not easy, but we push forward. There's no greater joy than seeing your kids happy (most of the time) and healthy.

Cheerios

noreply@blogger.com (Life Happens) — Mon, 23 Nov 2015 19:06:00 +0000

Matthew sharing his cheerios with his little sister.

It's moments like this when all the exhaustion of mothering is worth it. I want my children to grow up always loving one another and sharing. I know they will most likely enter a stage where they will be fighting and bickering all the time, but hopefully deep down inside, they will know they are always loved by each other.

Matthew loves Kate and sometimes loves a little rough on her, but I know that he cares for her. And Kate gets so excited when he comes home from preschool. I pray that they will always have a special bond.

As we prepare for Thanksgiving this week, my heart is full of so many blessings. I love these little people and want them to know that their daddy and I would do anything for them...even when the exhaustion is at an all time high! We will always make time to fill their lives with love and joy. Always.

Last of the Punk'ins

noreply@blogger.com (Life Happens) — Sat, 21 Nov 2015 13:00:00 +0000

After the hike at Bear's Den, we stopped at the farm market on our way home to check out the BIG pumpkins!

That cute little dog belonged to the owners of the market. She just plopped right down with us.

Matthew and his cousin just hanging out with one of the BIG pumpkins.

And this little pumpkin sitting with all the little baby pumpkins. I think she was all pumpkin'd out by this point.

Until next Fall Ya'll!!

My Happy Season

noreply@blogger.com (Life Happens) — Wed, 18 Nov 2015 13:00:00 +0000

"I'm so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers."

- Anne of Green Gables

We went to Bear's Den last month to enjoy another beautiful Fall day. It was absolutely beautiful and just a perfect day.

Fall is my happy season.

It makes me grateful for God's creations. It renews my spirit and fills me with so much joy.

And I'm always thankful for my husband who loves me and is always along for the ride (he could care less about fall foliage, but he rolls with it for me).

Hiking with a 25 lb toddler strapped to you isn't easy. And I use the term 'hiking' loosely.

Selfie with Matthew and my nieces.

The view was amazing.

I love spending these fall days with my family.

Soaking it all in before old man winter comes.

Pumpkin Patching

noreply@blogger.com (Life Happens) — Tue, 17 Nov 2015 15:13:00 +0000

Is she not the cutest pumpkin in the patch??!

The pumpkin patch...it never gets old.

I love watching the kids play and pet animals.

The day was just perfect with my littles and their daddy.

Apples Ya'll

noreply@blogger.com (Life Happens) — Tue, 20 Oct 2015 14:24:00 +0000

Our annual Apple picking at Marker Miller Orchards. One of my favorite fall activities. The kids had fun and we all enjoyed partaking of the apple cider donuts!

We picked our usual Fuji and Granny Smith apples. So far, we have made caramel apples and apple dip. Oh the sweetness of Fall ya'll!

My Pocket Full of Sunshines

noreply@blogger.com (Life Happens) — Tue, 22 Sep 2015 19:09:00 +0000

Sunflowers always elicit such happy feelings!

But a WHOLE field of sunflowers?? Makes my heart want to explode from JOY!

We went to the sunflower farm a few weeks ago and it was blistering HOT, but so worth it to be there with my loves.

"I've got a pocket, got a pocketful of sunshine

I got a love and I know that it's all mine..."

Cupcake Birthday - Part 2

noreply@blogger.com (Life Happens) — Mon, 21 Sep 2015 15:23:00 +0000

More pics from Kate's cupcake birthday (for scrapbook purposes).

This was her own little cupcake.

She was NOT a fan! I think she didn't like the texture.

Kate with her 'aunties'.

My sister (on the left) and my great friends.

Family!

My mom (in the middle) and my aunties and cousins.

Kate with her babysitter, Mrs. Krista. We LOVE Mrs. Krista.

She has been such a blessing to us.

Kate's little friend Bella. How cute is she in her little crown clip?!

My awesome photographer friend. She took pics at the party and we always hire her to take our family pics.

More friends who came to celebrate our Kate!

I started taking weekly pics of Kate the first week she was home. Every week I posted them on Instagram. I'm so glad I did because it's so fun to see how much she's changed with each passing week. In the beginning, when I was SO exhausted, I just snapped the picture in whatever she was wearing. Toward the middle, I started taking the pics on Sundays, when she was dressed up for church (and wearing bows!).

We opened presents the next day, after church. Big brother also helped open presents with her. I think her favorite was the little princess rider. Look at her happy face.

Birthday Party For A Cupcake - Part 1

noreply@blogger.com (Life Happens) — Tue, 15 Sep 2015 15:48:00 +0000

Look at those thighs!

Kate's birthday theme was 'Cupcakes'...because she's my little cupcake and I just want to eat her up!

Our only family picture from the big day.

Kate's Cupcake Shop!

Steve made the cupcake stand and cake pop stand. I really wish I had more time to decorate more on the walls around the stand, but I just ran out of time and energy!

Kate had four different types of cupcakes (that were special ordered just for her party). They were all so yummy!

Mini desserts, pretzel rods, cake pops. Sugar coma!

My family helped with the food and it was all so delish!

The mantle with Kate's monthly pics. It's fun to see how much she changes every month.

Some of Steve's side of the family. Grateful for Lori and her kids, who drove 3 hours for the party and drove 3 hours back! That's love!

Me, my mom and sister with the birthday girl.

Kate with her grandma's.

It was such a great day for my little cupcake. And while everything wasn't as perfect as I wanted it to be (I didn't get to change her into her birthday outfit, the decorations weren't complete, etc), it was still a fabulous day.

I hope Kate knows that she is loved by so many and how much joy and happiness she brings to our family. We love her to the moon and back!