T minus 13 days and counting...

How can it be that in less than 2 weeks school starts back? And this year 2 of my boys will be in school all. day. long. That will be quite an adjustment for me, and as hard as it will be for me, it will be twice as hard for Ty to have both of his older brothers away all day. Wow, the summer has just flown by so fast.

We had a wonderful family vacation at Bethany Beach last week. Hope you enjoy a few pics from the week! I'll post more when I have more time.

Photo shoot fun and the 4th!

Thanks to some wonderful and VERY talented friends (M & H -- thanks a ton!!!!), our little family had a photo shoot as part of Kevin's Father's Day present.


I have been desiring a nice family photo for some time, but let me tell you ... taking 4 boys to get photos done in a studio is just. NO. FUN.!!! Somehow, trying to get them to pose prim & proper and smile big just leads to wrestling and acting goofy until one of them gets hurt. Use your imagination a bit and I'm sure you'll get a clear picture of the chaos I'm talking about.


Well, this photo shoot was different. We went to our friends farm and did some outdoor shots on their property ... near old barns, etc. And, they did an amazing job of capturing all of us in our natural expressions. It was so laid back and we all had fun, once we learned to relax (I'm not sure I ever really fully relaxed, but I tried -- I hate to get my photo taken, I'm just NOT photogenic! Ugh!).

Anyway, thanks Mark & Heather for sharing your talents with us! And, thanks to your kiddos for sacrificing time with you so you could bless us. We absolutely LOVE the photos!

Hope you all enjoy some of my favorite shots:

As we enter into the weekend of the 4th, let's remember to take a few minutes to give thanks for the men & women in uniform who won't get a long weekend w/ family ... their job is 24/7 and comes with so, so many sacrifices, more than I can even imagine. I personally take this country and our freedom for granted at times because it is all I know. When I purposely stop and think about what life might/would be like in another country my heart is filled with thanks and gratitude. I truly am honored to be a citizen of this great country and appreciate each and every man and woman who has served and is currently serving in the military to ensure we continue to maintain our freedom!

From our family to yours, Happy 4th! God bless America!!!

Stop! Summer is going too fast!

Well, as you know if you check my blog, I've been MIA (missing in action). This summer has been filled with all kinds of fun ... it's just flying by too fast!

June marked the last day of school for my boys and the end of a great baseball season for Jackson & Isaac. And, great news ... their "hot" coach that I mentioned in an earlier post ... well, we're on very "friendly" terms, if you know what I mean! (don't stress ... the hot coach happens to be my hubby!)

In mid June we welcomed some out of town/state family! We had a blast with the Kreider's from TN, the Hostetter's from AZ & Uncle Ed and Happy the dog from Pittsburgh! Our boys were so sad & weepy when their cousins left though, which was hard to see. They just LOVED having them close by and it was just so sweet to watch them play together and see the bonds and memories forming right before our eyes. We promised them that we'd try our very best to visit TN & AZ sometime in the near future. We just need to plant one of those money trees in the backyard and pray, pray, pray for a mighty ripe harvest!

the gang of cousins!

June 20th was Parker's 1st birthday! I'm still trying to figure out how my baby became 1 year old already??? He continues to be such a little love and a pure delight! He is now officially crawling, loves any attention his big brothers show him, loves to play with his toys, doesn't miss a meal (ooh ... he's got some mighty yummy meat on his bones!) and recently has been very amused by putting his finger up his nose -- yeah, he's all boy!

Special (allergy accommodating) cake made by Grandma B.! Thanks, Grandma! You are the BEST!

The birthday boy after indulging in some cake!

having fun on his new fire truck!

Right after Parker's birthday, we celebrated Father's Day. My boys have the most wonderful, loving, patient, fun, giving, selfless father. I am so incredibly blessed as I watch this amazing man "father/parent" our children. And, in addition to celebrating him we also celebrated both of our dads, who are also fabulous grandfathers to our children. What a blessing!

Then, last weekend my sister took me to Philadelphia to see Beyonce in concert. It was a wonderful treat, although I felt OLD! Our hubby's met up with us after the concert and then we spent a relaxing weekend in Philly just hanging out and exploring a bit. We had a fabulous time. Thanks, sissy!

In our spare time, we've been enjoying some time at the pool! Jackson and Isaac have become even more comfortable than they were last year with swimming. They both can manage quite well in the deep end and are becoming very good swimmers. Tyler has made amazing strides in his comfort level of the water. Last year one of his favorite phrases was "I'll get in the pool when I'm grown up!" Well, I suppose 4 is grown up to him because this year he seems to be quite the little water bug! I love to watch him splash around and "swim." And, Parker likes to get his feet wet, but is not yet fond of getting too wet ... there's still plenty of time left of summer though.

I guess since it is after midnight (well past!), it is officially July already. Hard to believe, but I'm hoping that July is as fun as June was! I hope you are enjoying summer and managing, amidst all of the busyness that life can hold, to take time to enjoy the simple pleasures and savor each day and each moment spent with loved ones! Here's to the rest of summer! Good night!

Just a thought...

I read this quote today and liked it:

"To the world you may one person, but to one person you are the world."

Hmmm...I might still be that "one person who is the world" to my baby, at least when his Daddy is not in the room. :>(

It's just so sad how a mother's status slowly disintegrates, huh? Can you tell all of this rain is making me gloomy? And, 2 of my babies are now officially in 1st grade and 2nd grade. I have NO idea how that can be possible ... for it seems that I just birthed their beautiful little 9 lb and 9 lb 10 oz little bodies of ultimate perfection and now they'll be in school ... both of them, all. day. long.! Boo-hoo!

No, really, I couldn't be prouder of my boys! Jackson and Isaac both had awesome school years! Ty had a great first year of preschool and Parker continues to delight and amaze us with his smiles and fun personality! Summer vacation has officially started! I am looking forward to all kinds of fun adventures with my boys! Bring. it. on.!

Want to party?

Lady friends,

Want to host a fun, low maintenance, in-home Pretty Unique show (the company I'm a consultant for)? I'm hoping to fill some gaps in my calendar for the months of June, July & August. What a perfect way to earn fun, fabulous, FREE fashion accessories while enjoying a night with the girls. For more details or to book a show, leave me a message here or email me at Knhostetter@comcast.net.

To check out Pretty Unique's website go to www.Prettyuniquefashion.com. Note: You can view our most recent catalog, but just so you know ... when I do a show I come with many, many more cash & carry items besides what is listed in the catalog.

I hope to hear from you and promise to make the process fun and easy ... I LOVE helping ladies earn new accessories!

What a day!

I awoke to breakfast in bed prepared by my boys. Breakfast was delicious and accompanied by the Sunday paper, some beautiful cards and a gift certificate for a manicure & pedicure. After breakfast, while still in bed, I enjoyed a back rub by Isaac -- my favorite little backrubber! Then, I had the pleasure of spending this incredible day outside walking around the Philadelphia Zoo with my honey and 4 of the world's most adorable kiddos!

It.was.glorious. I am blessed!

Mother's Day Weekend!

It's 1:38 a.m. and I've just finished watching a movie. Because I can't sleep my mind is busy at work and one of my thoughts happens to be about Mother's Day, since this is the weekend.

You know, there were many Mother's Days that had a very "different" feel for me than this one does. Not because I wasn't happy to celebrate my dear mom, but because the very thought of the day made me feel robbed, empty and, frankly, hopeless. I carried a baby, fell in love with this being that was growing inside me and gave birth to him ... and then watched him die in my arms. From the time I was a little girl I envisioned being a "mommy" but this experience wasn't anything like what I imagined. Nothing. I was his mother, but I longed to hold him, love him and mother him. Consequently Mother's Day became a very hard day for me in the years following the birth of my first son. A day of ... dread, to be quite honest.

As I enter into this Mother's Day, I feel so thankful for the blessings the Lord has bestowed upon my life.

1. I am thankful to be actively fulfilling the role of Mother / Mommy / Mama. What a gift it is! It is my "career of choice," if you will. It is the job I longed for my whole life and it is what brings me fulfillment and joy. True joy. It is what I believe the Lord has for me. And I thank Him for entrusting me with this calling.
2. I am thankful for the 4 little living beings that I am Mommy to. Jackson, Isaac, Tyler & Parker. And, I am thankful for Kevin Mathew ... I know I'll see him again one day.
3. I am thankful for the man whose children I am Mommy to. Kevin. The love of my life, my best friend and soul mate.
4. I am thankful for my Mom, my friend.
5. I am thankful for many other Mothers whom I love!

I hope this Mother's Day your heart is filled with joy and peace. Mine is and I am so grateful.

Happy Mother's Day!

Happy Birthday Sweet Tyler!

Jackson & Isaac "examining their baby" and anxiously ready to be big brothers.

Oh, how can you be 4 already?

How instantaneously a mother's heart can love ...


And baby makes 5! (Jackson 3, Isaac 2 & Tyler on his birthday!)

Notice the "it's a boy!" lollipop he's holding?

Dearest Tyler,

Four years ago, this very day, we welcomed you into the world, our family and our hearts! Your birth was so special to us because we didn't know if you were going to be a boy or girl! The Lord knew just what our family needed and we were thrilled to find out our precious baby was a BOY, a new baby brother for Jackson & Isaac. You were the peanut of this gang, weighing in at 8 lbs. 9 oz. Oh, how beautiful you were and are!

The second I saw you I was just just smitten over you! And, it didn't take long for your little "firecracker" personality to shine through ... that little personality of yours adds so much to our family. You can certainly hold your own next to your big brothers and could right from the start.

I just love to watch your priceless expressions and your fun-loving side -- you can be a real clown and love to make your brothers laugh. You are becoming quite the little athlete and artist, too. I love to snuggle up next to you and watch movies. It warms my heart to see the admiration that you have for your older brothers and the example you set for your baby brother. I appreciate when you want to be my "helper."

Tyler, I am so proud of you and I love you so very much! I am so thankful that God chose me to be your mommy! Happy 4th Birthday my sweet boy! I love you to the moon and back!

xoxo,

Mommy

4 Cuties!

These 4 cuties have a way of bringing a smile to my face and joy to my heart like nothing else on this earth. I marvel in the fact that they each have such unique qualities and character traits that make them the special individuals they are ... true gifts from the Lord. As their personalities continue to unfold before my eyes I try my best to "speak each of their love languages" and hope they always feel my unconditional, indescribable, insurmountable, unmeasurable love for them. For each of them. They are each so different, yet I love them all the same. The gift of a mother's heart is pretty amazing, too.

Way to go, Dad!

Forsyth Park, Savannah, GA - 2007

I'd like to give a shout out to my Dad (a.k.a. Pop)! As many of you know, my Dad has been through more than any person should ever have to endure. He shouldn't even be alive according to medical standards due to a major brain hemorrhage he suffered because of being on blood thinning medication. This incident has left him with permanent daily challenges ... although he's ALIVE (praise the Lord!), certain physical and/or mental things have become hard or impossible for him, things that many of us take for granted.

Recently Pop decided to give up smoking! I believe he's going on 3 weeks now with no cigarettes! Way to go, Dad! I'm so proud of you for this accomplishment! I value the example you've set for your 4 little grandsons who watch your every move and love their Poppy so very much!

I know that there is nothing you can't accomplish once you have your mind made up! You are a strong and loving man, Dad & Poppy! I love you!

Weekend!

Hello everyone! I've been a bit lax on blogging recently.

Life continues to be ... um ... fast-paced around here. We enjoyed a beautiful HOT weekend together as a family. It was quite relaxing ... went for ice cream on Friday night and enjoyed a visit by Grandma & Pop, watched 2 of my favorite baseball players on Saturday morning (and their hot coach!), took-in a Barnstormers game on Saturday night (or at least part of it), went to church today, followed by a nap, then some shopping, a family game of baseball, trip to the park and out for milkshakes! Ahhh ... it truly was a glorious weekend and I cherished the time with my family!

I'm already looking forward to next weekend! We'll be celebrating Ty-Ty's 4th birthday next Saturday! Wow, that is hard to believe!

Check back here later in the week or next week for some updated photos of my soon-to-be 4 year old and his brothers! (didn't have a chance to upload them yet!)

Hope you are well! Make it a great week!

Happy Easter!

My boys - Easter 2007

Easter 2006 - Wearing my fav Easter outfits!


Showing some love, Easter morning 2005

Happy Easter to all of my loved ones! May you spend the day celebrating our risen savior and the new life this season brings!

We'll be celebrating, but with sick little ones! Jackson has croup and Ty & Parker both have colds. So, our festivities will take place minus my Mom & Dad, which I'm very sad about. Because of my mom's lung disease we thought it best that she not be around the germs that are lurking in our home. Mom & Dad, we'll miss you ... it won't seem the same without you, but you'll be in our thoughts and you are always in our hearts! We love you!

Despite this little "glitch" we still have so much to be thankful for, don't we? I love this time of year when everything begins to turn green again, the flowers begin to bloom, the trees begin to bud, daylight can be enjoyed a bit longer, the weather turns warmer (... hopefully that will happen soon!) and we have the promise of eternal life because of a savior that gave his life for us! Abundant blessings for sure!

Spring means ...

Isaac getting a game ball from his all-time favorite Barnstormer, Quincy Foster!

... Baseball season starts! We have 2 very eager little Ryan-Howard-wannabe's around our house! Baseball officially starts this Saturday with the season's first practice.

Jackson & Isaac will be on the same team again this year -- the Braves! Kevin and I are excited that they can be on the same team, so we can both get to watch all of the games (versus one of us taking one to a game while the other sits at another game), but the boys announced last week that they think it is "dumb" to be on the same team. Whatever!

Anyway, I've heard the coach is really awesome, and a real "looker" too. I can't wait to see some of his techniques on the field. Hey, "eye candy" is always a plus, right?

I'll be sure to post all of the season's highlights. I'll keep you posted on that hot coach, too.

PS. The coach happens to be Jackson & Isaac's Daddy! :>)

Music to my ears!

Well, my little wubba started muttering a very important word today! A word that I've been waiting a long time to hear, and let me tell you ... it is music to my ears! The word you ask? None other than "ma ma."

Just hearing him say it over and over again made some of today's tasks seem easier to take ... like picking up lots of little purple lollipop pieces off of my newly swept floor, trying to de-stain baby food off of my love's white shirt, wiping up baby throw-up off of a snowsuit and ME, and last but not least, cleaning smeared poop off of the toilet seat! Mind you, not all of the mentioned "tasks" were a result of my wubba (as he can't eat lollipops and he doesn't use the toilet yet).

It's all in a day's work, that is for sure! But, to hear those sweet words for the first time make me realize what a gift it truly is to be the mother of my 4 boys, and it makes me treasure each and every moment with them!

What a Bunch!

Front: Tyler
Back (from left): Jack, Mitchell being held by Maggie, JD, Jackson, Riley, Parker being held by Isaac

Last weekend we were invited to the mountains with our dear friends the Swarr's and our great friend's the Robinson's joined in on the fun, too. The ratio was 6 adults to 9 children ages 7 and under ... use your imagination and you can probably get a real close idea of what the weekend was like! Ha! No, really, it was a wonderful time of getting to know one another better -- the laughs were plentiful, the food was abundant and watching the kids run wild was priceless!

We are blessed to have such wonderful friends and look forward to a reunion weekend with this crew!

Thanks, Shawn & Katrina, for hosting us!

Say What!?@

Today I had a large mole on my chin removed! Yeah! I went to a plastic surgeon to have it taken off and left with a pretty nice size incision on my chin -- about a 1" - 1 1/2" vertical cut -- with about 10-12 stitches in it. I am thankful to have the mole off of my face and am sure that I'll be even more pleased as it heals.

Anyway, Isaac told me that I "look like a pirate that had a sword cut his face!" Hmmm ... I've always tried to instill honesty in my children as one of their core character traits, yet at times, times like today, I wonder WHY ... children can be so brutally honest at times, huh? I did get a chuckle out of the comment though. I think the boys think I look cool with a big 'ol pirate battle scar on my face!

I just had to share that one with you all. I've got a baby to feed ... a baby that can't talk yet to tell me what a freak I look like, so I'll treasure the time with him.

Argh, mateys! Hope you all are having a swashbucklin' day!

Your friend,
The Pirate

Heavy Heart...

Well, I'll warn you ... if you are reading this, this is going to be a different post for me. It's late and I can't sleep and thought perhaps if I "journal" some of what is going on in my mind, maybe I'll find the peace that I'm longing for. It's worth a try, right?

It was Tuesday morning of this week. It was a bitter cold day outside and it was snowing, a wet, dreary snow (snow, to me, is dreary in general ... I much prefer warm sunshine). I was driving to Narvon for a Pretty Unique show that I was doing. I was driving along not paying much attention to anything, just glancing at the directions I had in my hand, looking for the road that I needed to turn at when I saw it. A familiar white church ... and a small tombstone -- mainly because I knew exactly where to look -- because it wasn't overly visible from the road. And, a wave of emotions hit me in a very unexpected way! I wasn't prepared for it at all, which may be why it's been on my mind the remainder of this week.

It's left me longing to remember every little detail of his face, his tiny little body that I was able to hold for way too short of a time ... wondering what he would look like today -- at 15 years of age! Wondering if he'd be tall and blond like his Daddy, with eyes bluer than the sea like 3 of his brothers, or would he carry my dark features? Perhaps he'd be into sports and be able to teach his brother Isaac all of his "tricks," or maybe he'd, too, have a passion for learning, science and math like his brother Jackson. Maybe he'd be strong-willed and a "clown" like his brother Tyler. Or, would he be very easy going and content like his brother Parker? Oh, I just wonder what traits he would have that would make him "him!" One thing I know for sure ... he would have been loved and treasured and did I mention loved!

Tonight I feel sad that I never had the chance to learn what his favorite food would be, know what bedtime story would be his favorite, see how he'd write his name, hear him read a book, tickle his back, snuggle with him when he'd feel sick, feel my heart flutter at the sight of his smile. It makes me sad that I never got to be his mother.

It's crazy how a simple drive to a Pretty Unique party sparked a whole slew of emotions ... emotions that I haven't felt so strongly in a long time. Emotions that I rarely ever talk about to anyone ... but emotions that are real, too real.

I think of all of the joy that Jackson, Isaac, Tyler and Parker bring to my life. And, I feel blessed. I truly do. I feel grateful and happy and full; yet at times, times like this week, I can't help but think of how my life would be further enriched if he -- Kevin Matthew -- were here with us, living each day with us. Hmmm ...

Ahhh ... it was therapy for me to be able to get this off my chest. Perhaps I'll be able to get some sleep now...just as soon as I go kiss each of my sleeping munchkins.

I'll try to make my next post more of what you've come to expect. I do thank you for allowing me to share my heart tonight.

Which Hostetter boy is that?

Can you guess which Hostetter boy is in each picture? See below for the answers, in case you get stumped!

Happy Friday!

Tyler, Jackson, Isaac, Tyler! I don't have any of Parker's shots on the computer ... sorry! But, for any of you who have been around Parker recently, you'll see the resemblance to him and Ty.

My, How Time Flies!

Well, I realize that it has been FOREVER since I've posted. It sort of feels like I've been on a permanent snow delay!

January has been full of 2-hour delays due to icy roads ... not because of any real good snow for sledding, unfortunately! Well, these delays have proven to wreak havoc on my life. It seems that our home becomes one big fighting match and I become referee mom! Ah, it's tiring. Tyler has gotten used to having some time away from his brothers and he doesn't seem to conform well to having them around in the mornings. And, in true boy fashion ... Jackson and Isaac play off of Tyler's frustration and try their best to aggravate their little bro to the best of their ability. So, that is just one of the "happenings" that have been occupying some of my time recently.

Along those lines, a friend emailed this to me and I thought it was cute, although I have to admit ... it makes me a little bit leery of what may lie ahead with my 4 sweet boys!

This is for those mothers of boys, sisters of boys, and boys that have grown older. And anyone else who needs a laugh. Why boys need parents... !

You also find out interesting things when you have sons, like...

1.) A king size waterbed holds enough water to fill a 2000 sq. ft. house 4 inches deep.

2.) If you spray hair spray on dust bunnies and run over them with roller blades, they can ignite. 3.) A 3-year old Boy's voice is louder than 200 adults in a crowded restaurant.

4.) If you hook a dog leash over a ceiling fan, the motor is not strong enough to rotate a 42 pound Boy wearing Batman underwear and a Superman cape. It is strong enough, however, if tied to a paint can, to spread paint on all four walls of a 20x20 ft. room.

5.) You should not throw baseballs up when the ceiling fan is on. When using a ceiling fan as a bat, you have to throw the ball up a few times before you get a hit. A ceiling fan can hit a baseball a long way.

6.) The glass in windows (even double-pane) doesn't stop a baseball hit by a ceiling fan.

7.) When you hear the toilet flush and the words 'uh oh', it's already too late.

8.) Brake fluid mixed with Clorox makes smoke, and lots of it.

9.) A six-year old Boy can start a fire with a flint rock even though a 36- year old Man says they can only do it in the movies.

10.) Certain Lego's will pass through the digestive tract of a 4-year old Boy.

11.) Play dough and microwave should not be used in the same sentence.

12.) Super glue is forever.

13.) No matter how much Jell-O you put in a swimming pool you still can't walk on water.

14.) Pool filters do not like Jell-O.

15.) VCR's do not eject 'PB & J' sandwiches even though TV commercials show they do.

16.) Garbage bags do not make good parachutes.

17.) Marbles in gas tanks make lots of noise when driving.

18.) You probably DO NOT want to know what that odor is.

19.) Always look in the oven before you turn it on; plastic toys do not like ovens.

20.) The fire department in Austin ! , TX has a 5-minute response time.

21.) The spin cycle on the washing machine does not make earthworms dizzy.

22.) It will, however, make cats dizzy.

23.) Cats throw up twice their body weight when dizzy.

24.) 80% of Men who read this will try mixing the Clorox and brake fluid.