Night at Grandma & Pop's House! Ahhhh!

I recently read a quote that went something like this, although I've customized it a bit...

If your boys are beautiful and perfect, never cry or whine, always mind their manners, are amazing geniuses and behave 'perfect', then you're the grandma!

On Monday night, my mom and dad kept Jackson, Isaac and Tyler overnight so that Kevin and I could have some time to relax and have dinner out! It was so very much looked forward to on our part! The night didn't go exactly as we had anticipated, but it still was a very enjoyable time and so nice to be able to catch up with each other over a nice dinner without counting how many more bites needed to be eaten in order to have a bedtime snack.

The boys had a wonderful time at Grandma and Pop's house! I don't even want to know how much candy they consumed, how much tv they watched or how late they stayed up. I know they were in good hands, and we have the rest of the week to whip them back into shape!

Thanks, Mom & Dad, for keeping the boys and for being the best grandparents in the world! The boys have no idea how blessed they are to have you as their Grandma & Pop!

A Fun Tradition

When Jackson was 1 year old and Isaac was just a few weeks old my BFF, Chrissy, and me started a fun tradition with our families ... each year at Christmastime we ride the Santa Train together at the Strasburg Railroad. Thanks to Jimmy being a member of the Lion's Club, we are able to go by donating canned goods for a local food bank. This was our 6th year of doing this fun tradition, which our children have come to eagerly anticipate!

Here are some pics from the train:

Wubba's 1'st ride on the Strasburg Railroad!

Our gang! And, quite a gang it is! In back (L to R): Riley and Parker, In front (L to R): JD, Jackson, Ty & Isaac.

This pose was a remake of a pose taken several years ago when the boys were so much smaller. Although I don't have the earlier pic to post, it is fun for us to see how they've grown. It reminds me to cherish each day with them while they are little because time flies by so quickly!

My lovebirds! Not so happy to be posing, that is for sure!

Me and my honey! Oh, how I love him!

Tyler and the jolly red guy! On the way to the railroad Ty asked me how old I think Santa is. I replied that I really don't know, but that I'm sure he is old. Ty said he is sure that Santa is ... 45 years old! That's really old, huh, Mom? I swallowed hard and agreed ... with a smile on my face ...

This year we decided to make a day out of the tradition and went back to Chrissy's & Jimmy's house for lunch and some Christmas fun! I made 2 cute Christmas ornaments with the kids ...

... and Chrissy decorated and baked sandtarts with them ...

Tyler and Riley decorating their sandtarts!

Jackson was so neat and precise as he decorated his cookies.

My tray of sandtarts. Believe it or not, I never remember decorating sandtarts, ever. I did have fun decorating them! Perhaps I'll add them to my baking list next year.

My BFF Chrissy and her adorable, sweet daughter, Riley. I am so thankful to have a friend like Chrissy ... someone I can share anything and everything with! She is one of God's little gifts to me and I cherish our friendship! I also love that our children are so close now, too.

I hope that you will enjoy time with friends this holiday season!

The week of crashes

Well, what a week it has been!

On Monday Kevin's Dad nearly cut off 4 of his fingers as a table saw he was working on "crashed" into his hand, or should I say his hand "crashed" into the saw. He had surgery later that day and at this point his fingers are all still there and the doctor is hopeful he'll be able to keep all 4 of them. He will most likely require another surgery on the index finger, which is the one that was injured most severly. Kevin's dad is such a hard worker. He is officially retired (for the 2nd time, mind you), but volunteers countless hours to a local thrift store which benefits some Mennonite ministries. He has such a gift to construct and do anything handy, which is what he was doing when this accident happened. I so greatly appreciate his work ethic, wisdom and love for the Lord, and I hope he heals completely and peacefully.

Then on Tuesday, as I was coming home from helping at the boys school, I had a little mishap in the bad weather. We spun out of control and "crashed" the van into a field! Thankfully, we landed in between the 2 telephone poles that were nearby. It was quite scary ... of course my first concern was for Tyler and Parker who were with me. When I looked back at Ty, his eyes got HUGE and he got this big smile on his face and exclaimed very excitedly, "Mom, we just crashed!" He kept that same excitement as he later told his big brothers and Daddy about what happened! And, when I got out to check on Parker, who didn't make a peep, he just looked up at me with his big, bluer-than-the-ocean eyes and smiled his typical beautiful, toothless grin! So, that was a huge relief to say the least! I am so thankful that the Lord was watching over us, because it could have been so much worse.

Then today, to top everything off, I was at the grocery store trying to fly through quickly to get some last minute items that I needed for dinner and baking and I "crashed" my cart smack dab into a lady's butt! Yes, dead center, smack ... right in the butt! She was a grandmotherly type lady. I felt horrible! She so graciously accepted the blame for stopping in the middle of the aisle, but it clearly was my fault ... it is so hard to see over Parker's seat, but I need to be more careful and not be in such a rush!

I'm hoping that we don't have any more "crashes" this week! I'm telling you ... there is NEVER a dull moment around here, and I mean NEVER!

What if?

Do you know what would have happened if it had been "Three Wise Women" instead of "Three Wise Men?" The women would have asked directions, arrived on time, helped deliver the baby, cleaned the stable, made a casserole, and brought practical gifts!

Amen, sister!

We are Dressed Up!

As Tyler says, "We are dressed up!" What he means is that our house is decorated for Christmas!

There is something so sweet and pure about a child's excitement around Christmas ... all of the lights, sweet treats and family gatherings! I just love this time of year! I especially love the anticipation and excitement that my children experience, and I love spending time with my family, making memories -- which to me is far better than any gift I could receive on Christmas morning!

Here's a little peak at our "dressed up home!"

Here is a wreath I made. I got the idea off of another blogger's site. It was easy to make and was just what was needed to bring some holiday cheer to the door leading out to our deck!

I love to decorate with natural things, like greens and berries!

More greens, which were clipped from our yard and Christmas tree! Cheap decorations!

And, fruits add such nice color! Again, a very inexpensive way to decorate

Our Christmas tree! When we went to pick out our tree, it was dark outside and raining. We didn't take much time ... my personal goal was to find a tree for under $30! When we got home and brought the tree inside, Jackson decided that he didn't like it. He said, "it's too skinny and it looks like an asparagus!" Once we got the lights and decorations on, he changed his mind though. For me, the more bare spots and imperfections the tree has, the better ... I think they add character to the tree! And, this year our tree has it's share of bare spots! But, I achieved my goal ... the cost of the tree ... $29.99!




I just love decorating the tree! I love to look at each ornament and reflect on where it came from or what special meaning each one holds! The white angel ornaments on our tree (above) are particularly special to me because I made them the Christmas of 1993 in memory of Kevin Matthew -- our infant son who was born and died that September. I also love each and every ornament made by my boys! They are one of my most treasured possessions!

A fireplace is meant to curl up in front of ... even if it's a gas fireplace!



I hope you have the opportunity this December to spend time with those you love -- be sure to make some treasured memories -- and thank the Lord for the special people in your life!

Countdown to Christmas

It was the Christmas of 2002. Jackson was nearly 3 months old. My sister wanted to get me something special, since I was a new, doting mom who had fallen hard for this little miracle of a baby that I had given birth to a few months earlier. Knowing that I was (and am!) very sentimental and a big fan of tradition, my sister found the perfect gift for me ... a Christmas Advent Box that I could use with Jackson and any other little Hostetter children that came along after him. In addition to the Advent Box, my sister also gave me a "Twas the Night Before Christmas" book -- the very book that our mom read to us each Christmas Eve before bed when we were little girls!

This advent box is one of the best gifts I've ever received. It makes its big debut every year on December 1st and the boys squeal with delight when they see it! We already have so many cherished -- priceless -- memories involving this special box!

Our typical routine is that when the boys are all in their jammies, they come down and take turns opening the drawer for the night. They always get a note in the drawer with a piece of candy and sometimes a small gift. Some of the highlights for this year have been a Hot Wheel, some gel clings for them to decorate their bathroom mirror, gum, and a tablet/eraser/ruler/pencil set. Typically on the night before Christmas, I put in gold (not just any gold ... but the gold wedding band that my Pa-ee gave to my Ma-ee), frankincense and myrrh and then talk to them about how the wise men brought those gifts to the baby Jesus.

I love making memories with my boys ... and each night in December doing this Advent Box with them, counting down the days until Christmas, is such a special time for me and them!

Signed, sealed, but not yet delivered ...

I know the photo is a little hard to read, so I'll translate ...

"I promise to bring my wife & kids home for Thanksgiving and Christmas each year because I love my Mommy & Daddy"

Just a little contract that we had our boys sign this Thanksgiving! What? You think they didn't understand what they were signing, huh? Well, I assure you ... we explained it quite well to them ... if they wanted to eat turkey, they needed to sign!

Gobble, Gobble!

Take a look at the cute cupcakes that Isaac took to school for his birthday, which happened to fall the day before Thanksgiving this year.

Thanks, Mom, for searching high and low to find the candy corn for me! You are a lifesaver!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Chances are if you are reading this post, then I am thankful for YOU!

May you take time this Thanksgiving day to reflect on all of the blessings in your life. For me, I am so thankful for my family and loved ones, a warm home, a comfortable bed, food to eat each day, clothes to wear, shoes, shoes, shoes! (jewelry & handbags, too!), freedom, and the list could go on and on.

Despite the state of our economy, we still have such an abundance of things to be thankful for ... so, dig deep into your heart and give thanks this Thanksgiving!

Happy Turkey Day!

Happy Birthday Sweet Isaac!

Isaac a few days old

Isaac at 6 months old

Tomorrow, November 26th is my sweet boy's birthday! Oh, what JOY he brings to my life and to our family! He has such a sweet and sensetive personality, he's so fun-loving and passionate (can you say baseball?) and his big brown eyes could warm the coldest heart!

I was induced 8 days before my due date and Isaac was born weighing in at 9 lbs. 10 oz. He was born so fast that he came out with a bruised face ... it was as purple as could be for the first few days of his life! Have you ever heard of anything so crazy? I remember those early days of snuggling him in soft blankets and rocking him for hours! Wow, it has been fun and so rewarding to see how he has grown into the precious young boy he is today!

Tonight we plan to celebrate his birthday by going out for pizza with our friends the Robinson's, then we're all going to see Madagascar 2! We are looking forward to a fun evening! P.S. Thanks to Titi for keeping Parker for the evening!

Happy Birthday Isaac! I love you!

My Sissy

Word has it that my darling sister, Stacie, has been waiting for an updated post ... insinuating that I've been "slacking off" on my blog. So, I've decided to make this post about ... HER! Stacie spent 4+ days in the hospital a week or so ago as she suffered a very severe allergic reaction to a medication she was taking. Thankfully, she is feeling better now!

Oh, where would I be without my sissy? And, how would my boys survive without their Titi?

We are so fortunate to live just 1 short mile from Sissy/Titi, so we see each other nearly every day! I look forward to her visits -- whether the visits are short or long, they always brighten my day. We are so different, yet so alike, it's almost scary sometimes. She helps to keep me sane when I feel overwhelmed in my work as a mom, she comes to my rescue when I need a babysitter or a listening ear, she is always honest with me (sometimes brutally so, ha ha!), she brings such joy to my heart as I watch her interact with and love my boys, I am proud of her as I watch her parent her 3 stepsons, she is my best friend and my only sibling!

Sissy, I love you to death and am so very thankful for you!

Reason to Celebrate!

Today I will celebrate the birthday of the "one that I love" and 4 little boys will celebrate the birthday of their Daddy!

Kevin, You are the love of my life and I thank God for you each day! Thank you for working hard each day to provide for us. Thank you for the gentleness, patience and love that you so generously give to us every day. Thank you for being a loving, kind, playful and overall wonderful Daddy. Thank you for the way you live your life, as you set an awesome example for our 4 boys to follow. I love living life with you, parenting with you, being your wife and loving you!

On this day, I wish you a very Happy Birthday and pray the year ahead will be filled with much happiness for you! I love you with all of my heart and soul, and your 4 boys adore you!

Love, N.

History has been made!

Dee having fun with the boys ... on a non-football day, of course! Go #80!

Not only has our nation elected its' first African-American President this week, but the Penn Manor Comets Football team won their first EVER 1st round of play-offs last night! And, as I mentioned in an earlier post, my darling nephew -- Demetrius Dixon, #80 -- is a part of this winning team!

It was a perfect fall evening for a football game last night and the Comets dominated the game and came away with a 42-7 victory over Dallastown! Round 2 of play-offs will take place next Friday against Cumberland Valley! Go Comets!

Did you ... ?

So, did you vote today? It's not too late ... Let your vote count! I am eagerly awaiting to hear who the next President of the United States will be ...

Boys will be boys!

Must be what they do while they wait for fires! I'm just glad they haven't tried setting any fires!

Did someone say ... food?

My little wubba got his first 2 teeth this past week. They are barely through the gums ... just so slightly through that only a Mommy could notice, but they are through! The bottom right came through first, followed by the bottom left. And, in true Hostetter / Breniser fashion I figured if he has teeth, he might as well EAT! So, we started cereal this past week, too. A big week for the little man. He continues to have fun figuring out what to do with the cereal!

Phillies Phever & Hostetter's Halloween

After 28 years (so my hubby tells me???) the Phillies are once again World Series champs! The results around here = a house full of happy Phillies fans!


Kevin and some guys from work took the train down to Philly on Friday to catch a glimpse of the Phils victory parade. The train was standing room only, there were 2 million fans packing the streets of Philadelphia for the parade, which means the view was less than desired. Hmmm... it would not have taken me long to find a nice, quiet shoe store to shop in while all of the crazy fans faught for a view of some guys wearing red jerseys. Go figure! Kev had fun though ... and, that is all that matters!






Kevin and the boys got all "geared up" in Phillies World Series gear on Saturday! They had a ball shopping for the items! We came home with shirts, hats and pennants. Kevin tells me that this could be a monumental year, as Penn State could be on their way to winning the national championship! I told him that I don't think we can afford another victory like that ... buying "gear" for 5 boys, after all that Phillies stuff! Oh well, I DO LOVE football, so I'd be a little more enthused! :>)


After recovering from all of the Phillies hype, the boys had fun getting all dressed up for Halloween! Take a look ...

One very scary, meanly-cute pirate!


One Phantastically-sweet "Shane Victorino!"



One soot-covered, brave and fearless, lovable little firefighter! And ...

One way too adorable, chubby little monkey!

Oh, how I love my boys!

Hodgepodge Update

Wow! Time has gotten away from me ... it feels like a long time since I've posted an update! We've been busy around here. Let's see, what have we been up to?

Ty had a preschool field trip to a local orchard where he went on a hayride and got to pick an apple. It was a lovely fall day and I had fun going along with him. Ty goes to preschool on Wednesdays and is liking it more each week. It is hard for him to separate from us at times, but he seems to be tolerating it a bit better. He continues to be a little firecracker ... but that is how we love him!

Parker is now 4 months old! He had his check-up yesterday and weighed in at a whopping 20 lbs. 12 oz.! And, he grew 2 inches in the past month! He is w-a-y off the charts for both weight and height! I'm telling you, the boys thighs are the chubbiest, meatiest, CUTEST things I ever did see. He continues to bring such joy to our home!




Photo: Jackson & Isaac with their best friend JD (JD is my best friend Chrissy's son)

Isaac continues to love kindergarten! He especially loves writing workshop, and it is fun for us to see his writing skills develop more and more each week. I'm looking forward to helping in his class tomorrow for the first time this year! Isaac is excitedly cheering on the Phillies in the World Series! Go Phils!

Jackson, our big 1st grader, is reading better and better each day! He is gearing up for Saturday when he'll have a birthday party here at the house with 12 of his friends (including his brothers). We are hoping to be able to proceed with the planned birthday bonfire, however, we may be forced to move to "plan B" because of the pending forecast of RAIN!

Kevin and I have been busy keeping up with the boys. Aside from that ... we try to fit in sleep as we can! That's life at this stage, I guess! Oh, and Kevin, too, is passionately cheering on the Phils! Honestly, I could care less about the Phils, but I have no choice but to cheer them on!

Tough Loss...

"Great teams work harder after a tough loss." -- Ron Brown

Next week is another game and hopefully a big win!

It's Football Friday! Go #80!

I find myself excited that it's Friday! Not because of the usual anticipation of an approaching weekend, which means extra help/reinforcement by my wonderful husband, but excitement because of tonight's Penn Manor High School Football game! Penn Manor happens to have a current record of 7-0 and my adorable, charming, talented nephew happens to play on the team! Can you tell that I'm proud of him? I won't get too side-tracked, but let me just tell you ... this boy is an all-around "great package!" If I am so fortunate to have my boys turn out like he is at age 15, I will be one very happy, very proud Mama!

Kevin and I and our boys (all 4 of them!) have had so much fun attending the games this season and cheering on Demetrius!

We look forward to an updated record of 8-0 tomorrow morning after we whoop Warwick!

Go Comets! Go #80!

Soccer Moms Rule!

Oh. My. Word.!!! Whoever thinks that 1st grade soccer isn't exciting ... well, clearly doesn't have a 1st grader who plays soccer! Jackson had a soccer game on Saturday and I was on the edge of my seat the whole time.

It's so sweet ... the players (especially Jackson) try to line up the ball JUST perfectly before shooting in the goal. Most times the other team steals the ball while they are trying to get the ball aligned! But these first graders play hard, have their hustle on and put their heart into the games. It's GREAT! I still have lots to learn about soccer, and let me tell you I'm eager to learn as Jackson (and perahps some of our other boys) play soccer in the coming years!

By the way, Saturday's game ended up in a tie ...

Go Red Vipers!!!

Food + Friends = Great Time!

Last night I was able to enjoy an evening out with my dear friends Chrissy, Laura & Kelly! We had a nice dinner and wonderful conversation, as always. I always come away from our evenings together feeling refreshed and a little more sane. I'm thankful for good friends.

Ladies, I treasure our time together! Already looking forward to our next night out!

Taste of Autumn

Fall is in the air and although part of me would like to still be in sunny, beautiful Destin, Florida enjoying the warm gulf weather, I do love fall! This time of year is just so cozy. It makes me crave pumpkin pie, apple dumplings and caramel corn!

Well, yesterday morning I started a new ladies group at the church where Tyler attends preschool. As part of the snack, there was this wonderful dip that was served with gingersnaps ... it was about one of the best sweet snacks I've ever had and it just screamed fall! I'm including the recipe in case you want to try it. I haven't made it yet, but it sounds as easy as can be!

2 blocks cream cheese, softened
1 jar of caramel topping
3 Skor bars, chopped or 1 bag of Heath Bar (found w/ the chocolate chips in the baking area)

Mix cream cheese and caramel. Top w/ crushed candy. Serve w/ gingersnaps and/or apples!

My Wubba!

Since today is the day I plan to email my newly created blog to friends and family, I thought I'd include a post on my sweet little wubba (as I like to call him) -- Parker Nicolas. I know many of you haven't seen him recently or at all. Let me just tell you ... he is such an "easy" baby, which has been so wonderful for our 4th! He is a true joy and I am cherishing every minute with him, although he's growing way too fast. He turned 3 months old on September 20th.

He's a thumb sucker -- the first of our 4 boys! It's just too cute!

His smile and sweet personality just melts our heart! I love being his mother!

Hope you are having a great day!

Ready, Set, Go!

Well, I've been thinking about starting a blog and finally decided to just go for it! I'd much rather type than write in a journal, so if nothing else, this is an attempt to document some of my daily joys, stresses, situations, ponderings, happenings, etc. And, being the mom of 4 boys, I typically have plenty to "document!"

My son Jackson just turned 7 years old! In many ways it is hard to believe ... it seems just like yesterday that he was born; however, I can barely remember life before him! Crazy! Isaac is 5, soon to be 6 years old. Tyler is 3 and sweet baby Parker is 3 1/2 months old.

My husband and I celebrated our 15th anniversary at the end of August, and I feel incredibly blessed to share my life with this wonderful man!

I've been reminded many times recently that life ... every minute of each day ... is a gift. My goal has become to live each day in such a way that I'll have no regrets when I look back ... meaning no regrets with things I've said or things I wished I would have said, no regrets with the affection I've shown to those I love, no regrets with standing up for what I believe in, even if it isn't popular and no regrets with living each day the way the Lord would have for me.

I can't wait to share more with you!