Sandy Point State Park - Annapolis

Saturday was perfect beach weather. We traveled to Annapolis and took the family to Sandy Point State Park. This was our first time there as a family. I had been there years ago. It was a lot of fun! The kids had a great time. They played in the sand and despite to cold, cold water they wanted to "swim". Not today kids! I watched the kids play together and thought how blessed I am. I watched Darrel play with the kids and was so grateful to have such a wonderful husband that is a wonderful father to our children. It's the simple things in life that make it all so priceless. It was a gratitude day for me.

5 Random Posts - Part 5

(This is the 1977 catalog - the year I was born)

FASHION TRENDS YOU WOULD LIKE TO SEE COME BACK

Even though I know how to make my own clothes and have made my own clothes, I do not consider myself a fashion guru. I don't even know what is "in" at the present time. This subject is not my strong point. Darrel is much better at fashion than I am. My idea of fashion is catalog shopping. I am content with purchasing one style of shirt (for example) in every color offered. The same goes for shoes, same style different colors. I think that is mostly because I go for comfort rather than cuteness and if I find it comfortable then it makes sense to have multiple colors so that I can wear it multiple times.

To illustrate my fashion trends...when I was in the sixth grade I really liked saddle shoes. I asked for Nike Saddle shoes (the kind the cheerleaders use to wear) and I got them in five different colors: Blue, Black, Brown, Green, and Red.


Would you like participate in "5 Random Posts"? The way it works in case you haven't seen it before is that I have posted about 5 topics that were given to me. If you want me to give you 5 topics, leave a note in the comments section and I'll drop you a comment with 5 random topics. Enjoy!

5 Random Posts - Part 4

FABRIC

My name is Nicole Freeman and I am a Fabric Junkie.

It's in the jeans! Just for fun, I like to go to Jo Anne's to feel the fabrics. I am a very tactile person. I dream up projects all the time that either never begin or never have an end. I LOVE to sew and as a mother of small children that grand opportunity does not come around very often. I can still dream.

Here are a few of my fabric takes:

1. If you cannot afford real wood blinds (white) go for inexpensive sheers to cover your windows throughout the entire house to create uniformity and a nice clean look inside and out. There is something about the way white sheers filter natural light into a room that can make a room feel open and cool.

2. For the Home, I love velvet, corduroy, damask, and linen. Pillows are great for high textured fabrics as they provide variety and an additional wow for the senses, visually and to the touch. Linen draperies are classic. Damasks are great upholstery fabrics and they can be used at the window too for a real rich look.

3. For blankets, I love polar fleece and flannel. They are so warm and soft, plus, the more you wash it the more at home it feels. Cable knit is great for throw blankets to drape over the living room sofa.

4. Leather is great on furniture and very kid friendly when it comes to spills and throwing up, I am speaking from experience.

5. Stretch knit is THE best to wear. Oh, and spandex! I would wear knit and spandex ALL day if I could and it didn't embarrass myself or others.

6. Even though it is not a fabric, it's a soft textile made of natural and/or synthetic fibers - Carpet. I hate it. Wall-to-wall to be specific. However, I do love a good area rug. Shag...in natural tones.

7. I Can't stand to wear wool. Too itchy.

8. Silk is impossible to work with when sewing. Not a favorite. Beautiful but a pain.

9. My dream is to have a whole room in my house dedicated to design, sewing, crafts and any of my artistic interests. Within this room I have a wall of shelves with bolts of fabric! Neatly stacked and color coordinated.

CREATION. I love to create something out of nothing.

10. I would really enjoy quilting more. I like to make blankets but I need to work on my patience. As long I did not have a deadline to meet (like quilting for a birthday present or Christmas gift), I could enjoy quilting. I think it's the mixing and matching of different fabrics in various designs to create an overall masterpiece. It's art to me.

Fabulous
Astounding
Brilliant
Radiant
Irresistible
Calming

5 Random Posts - Part 3

TWINS






Twins run in our family. Whether or not you are a candidate for twins depends on the family history of the mother. The father has NO influence. That means, it's ALL my fault that we have twins, Darrel had NOTHING to do with it :) On my side of the family, there are twins from my dad's side as well as my mom's side. Our boys are the 16th set of twins in three generations. My paternal grandmother had two sets of twins, 11 months apart.

When I was young it was always a dream to have twins. "Wouldn't it be fun, to have twins!?" Interesting enough adults and teenagers use the words, "fun" and "twins" together in the same sentence quite often. At times, it is but, It's not always "fun" it's a lot of W-O-R-K.

When we married and started our family, having twins was far from my mind. We had Daryl and because my sister and I are six years apart, I knew I wanted my first two children close in age. So, when Daryl was six-months old, I became pregnant for the second time.

I was extremely tired and HUNGRY! I always felt like something was wildly different with the second pregnancy but with a baby still to care for, there wasn't much time or thought given to the situation. Despite my repeated pleadings to my OB doctor, he assured me that all I was gaining, eating, craving and feeling was normal (for a single birth).

Finally, one of my tests returned with abnormal levels. The doctor called and with his excellent bed side manners, informed me over the phone, that I needed further testing because our baby may have Spina Bifida. I was stunned.

I quickly read everything I could about the subject and threw myself in to an emotional fit. What a tragedy! I was so upset and mostly scared. When the day came to have the further testing we were in the hospital speaking with the genetic counselor. She was very caring. As she was carefully explaining the situation to us, the tears began to fall. I couldn't hold it together. She then left the room to arrange for an ultrasound. Up until this point (16 weeks) I had never had a ultrasound with this pregnancy. She was able to work us in that afternoon.

We returned to the hospital and the Sono tech started to do her thing. She lubed me up and placed the wand on my bulging belly... "How many babies are you having?" she asked. My first thought was, I don't know, YOU tell me!" She quickly left the room and in came the doctor. We all stared at the monitor and once again for all to see... TWO HEADS! Clearly there were TWO HEADS!!! This was the best day of my life. Darrel and I laughed and cried all at the same time. What a miracle, a wonder and a relief! The boys were healthy and everything was developing on schedule as they should. All my fears were erased. I was filled with nothing more than pure joy and relief.

So, to fast forward, D-Day came at 35 weeks. it was 7 pm and I was picking up packing boxes for our anticipated move in three months. I loaded the boxes into the car, unloaded the boxes and carried them up three flights of stairs to our apartment. About 8 pm I realized I was contracting and we headed to the hospital. When I arrived at the hospital I was 6 cm dialated. Corey was head down but Nicolas was breech. This meant C-section. I was NOT prepared.

It still hearts my heart to think about it. The doctor, who I only saw twice during my entire prenatal visits, delivered our boys. She had trouble getting Nic out and made a second incision then, announced to me, while in the OR laying flat on my back, that every delivery following would have to be a C -section. I was devasted. It was already a bad experience and because I knew I wanted to have more children, the thought of going through that procedure each time, was beyond what I could imagine. In the end, Corey and Nicolas were and are healthy. I am healthy. I just have to accept the reality.

Would I do it again? Yes. Everything. Why? Have you seen my kids? I love them. As a mother, there isn't much you wouldn't do for your kids. I still wish for another set of twins. Call me crazy. It is a special and unique experience. Having one healthy child is a miracle. Having healthy multiples is pretty miraculous too.

Whenever we are out, people look at ALL our children, and they ask,
"Are they ALL yours?"
"Yes." I reply.
"Are those twins?"
"Yes." I reply
"God Bless You!" they exclaim.

Yes, God has blessed us.

5 Random Posts - Part 2

MUSIC TO JAM TO

My top five picks are:

Dora the Explorer - World Traveler
Barney - Mr. Sun
Animal Playground - Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed
Jim Gill - Making Noise in Idaho
John McCutcheon - Howjadoo

Now, lets see if I can remember the music I use to listen to before I had kids...

I have a playlist saved that I listen to and hook up the headphones so the kids can't hear. It's my sanctuary at times. I do have some kid songs on there but the majority are for me. Some of my favs are:

Alicia Keys - No One
Black-Eyed Peas - Let's Get It Started
Gwen Stefani - Sweet Escape
Natasha Bedingfield - Love Like This
Five for Fighting - 100 Years
OneRepublic - Apologize
Dixie Chicks - Landslide
Rascal Flats - Life Is A Highway
Aerosmith - Crazy
Dru Hill - Beauty Is Her Name
Jordan Sparks - No Air
KC and JoJo - All My Life
Sting - Desert Rose
Jason Mraz - I'm Yours

I love music! My neighbor and I were talking about motherhood. I struggled a great deal after Daryl was born. I had all these expectations for myself, her... for everything and it wasn't all coming together quite as I anticipated. Fourteen months later my twin boys came and I no longer had expectations. Everything went out the window. So, I laid to rest the "Old Nicole". Mourned her loss and discovered the "New Nicole". Once I did that, I was comfortable with who I was and no longer felt guilty or inadequate for not measuring up to my unrealistic standards. The one thing that has remained constant (aside from the gospel) is my love for music. It sets me free. Releases stress, makes me smile, makes me cry, gives me that good feeling inside when I need it and really uplifts my mood.

5 Random Posts - Part 1

SUNDAY EVENING

(sigh)
Sunday is the day of rest. The Lord created the earth and man in six days and then rested from is labors on the seventh day. I look forward to resting on the Sabbath. It hasn't happened in four years and I don't foresee it happening for at least another 18 years. When I say rest, I mean I get to nap when I want to. No one wakes me up prematurely and I can sleep wherever I want, not just where it may or may not be quiet.

When Darrel and I are older I look forward to going out on the porch rockers to watch the sun set in the distance. Listen to some quiet music and just breathe in the fresh air. I want family to be around on some occasions. The grandkids can be playing in the yard and all the adults can be gathered on the porch sharing stories, laughing and creating memories. I just want to relax and unwind. Nothing hurried or rushed. Peaceful and restful. The things that bring a warm smile to your face.

Currently, Sunday evening is
FHE at 5:00
Dinner at 5:30
Movie at 6:00 (while I clean the kitchen)
Bath at 7:00
Bedtime stories at 7:30
Lights out at 8:00

Mom asleep at 8:30

I never dreamed of going to sleep at 8:30! I didn't think it was possible but good luck trying to get me to stay up beyond that. Many times, I will fall asleep at 8:30 and then wake up at 10:30 or 11:00 only to go back to sleep (when I am lucky).

Dinner

We just finished dinner... (sigh). I am feeling better compared to Monday and Tuesday of this week. However, I am still tired and my voice has not returned and the horrible cough is still ever present. Darrel is working DAY FIVE of his nine day run (it was 10 days but he was cancelled on Tuesday which, was a blessing because I was so sick).

Oh yea, dinner... or food in general - I made a southwest crock pot meal. Corey took one look at it and said, "I don't like it. I want peanut butter and Jelly." Nic took one bite and then wouldn't eat anymore. He asked for a banana and ate one bite of that and declared he was finished. Then came to me requesting to eat MY food. Lately he will only eat if I feed him. Daryl ate the most out of the three but still requested a jelly sandwich. When I made two sandwiches, Nic begged for one as well. I was hesitant to give him one but did so against my better judgement. Currently, a half eaten jelly sandwich remains on the table. I am very frustrated. Cooking and preparing meals is already challenging but when you add all seven factors in (each member of our family) it gets more hopeless for me. Darrel would smile at me right now (if he were here) and say, "they are the four children WE asked for". Thanks for the reminder, Honey. I love being a mother to my children, motherhood is a different story. It's HARD. Wait, I might cry. Did I mention I am emotional right now...

Looketh on the Heart

I am rather emotional right now, but even if I wasn't pregnant, I think this still would have stirred emotions within me. If you haven't seen Susan Boyle's performance on Britains Got Talent go here. I was reading Antique Mommy's blog and she posted it along with the scripture from 1 Samuel 16:7.

When I first met Darrel, I was 24 years old and it was the summer before my senior year in college. He was 6- months off the mission and about to begin his very first, EVER semester in college. Not only that I am 2 1/2 years older and nearly 3 inches taller. Back then, all those things meant something to me. It meant, he was nice but he was not the guy for me.

I must admit that I did not choose Darrel in the beginning. He chose me. When things started to change for us, I was still hung up on the physical features. I thought he was handsome, I was not crazy about his height. It is so trivial but at the time I was very shallow. I needed to pray about the whole idea. I could not see beyond the exterior. While in the Provo temple, I randomly opened up the Old Testament to 1 Samuel 16:7

"But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart."

I was given my answer. Everyday, I thank the Lord for being so patient with me as I needed to grow up and mature a bit. I thank Darrel for being extremely patient and tolerant. If I had not chosen Darrel in the end, I would have missed out on such a wonderful life with a wonderful man. Darrel supports our family and allows me to be at home with our soon to be five children. He has completed his bachelor's degree in Nursing and is about to begin Graduate school in Nurse Anesthesia. He's a hard worker. He loves me. He loves the Lord. He loves our children. What more matters?

When in Doubt...Check the Trash

When Daryl was 12-14 months old she had a fascination with the trash can. Whatever she picked up from any surface would find it's way into the trash can at some point. We lost a lot of items, some important... some not so important before we discovered what was happening.

When Corey and Nicolas were 12-14 months we don't recall them being fascinated with putting things in the trash, just playing with the flip lid. Most of their beginning is a blur to us so maybe they did and we just don't remember.

Well, now we have Spencer. He is almost 17-months old. I have noticed things missing. Sometimes, I remember to check the trash and sometimes I don't. Today, I found:

2 Dora Sippy cups
a sock
a spoon
and a block

Too bad I lost part of my Ikea dinnerware for the kids. I'm pretty sure, Nic's yellow plate and Corey's green fork is somewhere in a landfill.

Today's lesson is, When in doubt, check the trash.

What Just Happened?

I did not sleep well last night which is no surprise. I am three weeks and three days from delivery so... I am very uncomfortable AND Darrel worked last night. Despite the fact I was in bed by 8:30 I awoke at 11:45 to cuddle my crying toddler. Then awoke again at 1:45 and pretty much stayed awake until 4:30 am. I wasn't feeling great but I didn't think I would feel as bad as I did when I awoke at 7 am for the day.

My body aches ALL over and my voice is gone! GREAT! I've been on the sofa all day and blessed be me, my children have been angels, playing and not getting into anything that makes a huge mess that I do not have the energy to clean up. Darrel has been asleep all day as he begins a 10-day stint of 12 hour shifts starting tomorrow. SWEET! What are we doing?!

Anyway, I pulled myself up to the computer to feel alive. I'll be laying back down momentarily as I have exhausted all of my energy.

Easter

Easter is like Christmas in that it is a special holiday that reminds us of an important part of our Savior Jesus Christ's life. With our small children, we want to make it a festive celebration without losing the true meaning of why we celebrate. As I ponder the events over the next two days, I want to express, to my children, the love I have for our Savior. I know the tomb was empty and that our Redeemer was resurrected, raised from the dead and lives today. We are blessed to have this victory over death. The Lord loves us so much.

Several people have asked where the name Lillian came from. Is it a family name? No, it's not a family name. The Lily is my favorite flower. It is pure and beautiful. It's symbolic of Easter and when I thought of the name Lillian and calling her Lilly, I felt a reverence as I immediately thought of the Savior and the resurrection.

"And he [Joseph of Arimathaea] brought fine linen, and took him [Jesus] down, and wrapped him in the linen, and laid him in a sepulchre which was hewn out of a rock, and rolled a stone unto the door of the sepulchre.
"And he [the angel] saith unto them [Mary Magdalene and Mary, the mother of James and Salome], Be not affrighted: Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified: he is risen; he is not here: behold the place where they laid him.
"Afterward he [Jesus] appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen.
"And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature."

Mark 15:46; 16:6,14,15



Easter ideas for next year. I thought this one was good. I want our kids to understand what Easter means and Chocolate on my Cranium posted Easter all week FHE.

The Latest and Greatest

Our camera is not working so there will not be any recent pics for while.

Darrel and I flew to Maine and found a wonderful house! One more item to cross off my list. It's a comfort to have a real sense of where we will be living for the next little while. I am excited to transform the house into "our" home. For the first time since the beginning of our marriage we have been able to purchase a living room set and dining room set! I'll also get to paint and really exercise my design skills in MY OWN HOME! I can't believe it. I like things a certain way and up until now, our orange 1970's sofa with a make-shift brown slip cover has not inspired me to design anything great in our living space.

The kids have been outside riding their bikes and scooters. It's nice to be out with them. Feel the sun and breathe in the fresh air. I LOVE being outside as much as they do and after a winter season of being indoors, I realize what being outside does for my mood and perspective.

Spencer is walking and has been for over a month. He gets around great and does his best to keep up with his three older siblings. He is starting to wrestle with them even when they are not . It's fun to watch him interact with his sister and brothers. from my perspective, he has graduated from the baby stage and moved on to toddler status. Just in time for the arrival of his little sister.

Nicolas has been repeating phrases that his father has taught him. The other morning I asked him to complete a simple task and he replied, "Okay, Main Man!"

Corey is so sweet. He loves Spencer and I have found him with his arm around him and then giving him a kiss on the cheek. It's so sweet.

Daryl... the princess. She has been sooooo excited for the arrival of her little sister. She prays about her morning, noon and night. I have been unearthing baby girl clothes and sorting them for use. Daryl has decided to go through them as well only to find outfits that she can wear. Yesterday she managed to squeeze into an 18-month dress that looked like a leotard and tutu on her. She even fit into the bloomers to match. It has been fun to watch her enthusiasm and excitement for a sister.

On this note, of sisters... I am so grateful that we are having a girl at this time. I love my sister and I think of the bond that we share that no "best friend", husband, or other can duplicate or replace. I want Daryl and Lilly to have that. Corey, Nic and Spencer will have that special brother bond and Nicolas and Corey share a special twin bond that is unique to them. Family relationships are so important and priceless.