The fact is....

Here we go again...every time I'm like I just can't blog. I don't have anything to say. I don't have time..I can't...I don't...blah blah blah Yeah, I've got excuses that can go on for hours. Hahaha...for real though I do. I am not like some super natural human that has all my thoughts in check and everything is "grand". Oh man, that kind of sounds like an excuse,too. All "reasoning" aside. I am sitting her and typing because I have stories, and they need to be told. I have 3 kids and I live a very different lifestyle then most people. We have chosen a lifestyle that causes confusion and sometimes condemnation from those closes to us. Yet, we stand with our heads held high. We want to share. We need to share. We are called to share, so without further excuses or rambling. I am about to embark on a journey with you and I hope you will come along. I hope that it causes you to reach out to us and say, "yes, I want to join your team...your lifestyle". We can't take where we are at anymore. So, what is this "lifestyle" that I talk about. Are we "crunchy" parents? Are we "free range" parents? Are we "helicopter" parents?? Holy Moly! For a country that doesn't like labels...we LABEL everything don't we? We are just parents relearning what we have been told is "normal", but in reality isn't anymore. We are researching and working along side families that have discovered what we have. That #1 thing is. Our health is ours and we are in charge of it. It is no ones responsibility to keep us healthy but ours. Oh my goodness, are you assuming we are talking about vaccinations?? No way! I bet that is where your mind went,too isn't it? Isn't it interesting how I am talking about healthy eating, supporting our immune systems naturally,exercising, and creating a clean and healthy environment for our children,but you thought something else. No worries, it happens all the time. If your mind didn't go there..thank you. What we have done is started reestablishing what used to be....we often hear " my Grandparents did it, but it doesn't work for today"..ei...They ate bacon everyday and lived to be "old". Unfortunately, you and I both know that the quality and nutritional value of food has gone down the tubes. Even our organic food is being tainted now. However, that doesn't mean that we can't take back some of that. We need to take time to implement "quality" back into our lives. A day gone by doesn't mean that it can't be again. Simple. Unplugged. (gasp she said it) We are reclaiming family time. We are committing to being in the moment. That means that are phones are silenced. We can't be reached 24/7 by the outside world. It means that we will make dinners from scratch. We won't use a microwave! (gasp, she went there...) We won't let the TV be a babysitter. We have a short time to make our little humans a blessing to this world. We won't do "screen time". (oh man! I must be killing you) We will be present in this fleeting life. We are on this not so easy journey and we sometimes fall, but our culture is missing physical interaction with other people. I want my children to be interact with people and do it with love and respect. The physical connection is so important in our lives. We have forgotten that. When we get a small glimpse of that we crave it more, but then it gets buried on social media. You can't walk into any place now a days without a phone attached to every single person. It has become a sad addiction. OK, so I blew through alot of different things. I know I was all over the board. Hear me know. I will keep the posts to one subject from now on. Hahaha...really. I just want you to get a glimpse of my scatter brained thoughts and lets walk this together. Let's unfold this crazy life and make it simpplier. Come with me friends. Are you ready for what I am going to share next?? Hmmmmm.......

Life...

Hey Everyone, The Gilmore's have been extremely busy! Between going here and there...going every where...and watching the kids grow a little older..sigh it happens so fast!! Greyson will be 1 in a couple of weeks. (insert tears!) I have some pictures I am going to share. These are from this week. I am trying to be more intentional with picture taking, my time with my kids, people, travel..etc. It is hard but it requires me to be with people instead of my computer screen. Today, my kids got to help the neighbors plant their garden. It was so very sweet to watch. Capturing these kinds of moments are so touching!

He's 4!

Well, it happened over the weekend! It happened so fast! Our oldest turned 4 years old. He has shot up in the last week, and its like a light went off in his head because now he is ready to sit and learn. He watches his older cousin write and copies it. He is working on writing his name right now. It is so fun to watch our children grow up and mature, but at the same time it happens so fast!! We had a little party for him and here are some pictures from the day. (gasp! pictures I know..hahah I didnt take them)

A late night chat...

Hahaha...I say late night but really it is only 9pm. It mine as well be late. I am very much a morning person, but I was feeling guilty I hadn't written like I actually wrote down in my day planner. Yes, I try to write it down so I do it. I like lists, but they end up every where and I can't remember where I wrote them down. Oh the joy of a momma's brain. *smile* See you are not alone...ok back to my late night writing. I am sitting here watching Bull and listening to my husband crunch....Mmmmhhhhmm.. *insert eye* roll*Anyways, shew...it maybe awhile before I can finish this the way it is going..Alright, my reflection. We had a really good day today! I mean I didn't have any feelings of "eating my young"....haha its a joke! Focus girl...focus...Amelia, only peed her self twice but then a light bulb went off and she went on the pot the rest of the day! I mean she even pooped on the pot! Thank you Jesus for not having to clean out poopy underwear! I hope tomorrow builds on that! Amelia, is getting to be such a big girl! Her talking is getting clearer and she knows her own mind! She is no longer taking crap from Titus. It is fun to watch. Oh guys, Titus will be...sniff sniff...4 on Saturday! How did that happen? He is getting super tall, and he is becoming so helpful! I love watching him focus and do things that he loves doing. He is starting to spell. (His name is old school. He knows how to spell that) I mean he wants to learn how to spell everything. I spend a good portion of my day spelling things for him, and he repeats it back. ahhhh....hes gonna be 4...excuse me while I get a tissue! Greyson, oh my goodness! He is almost 9 months old! He is pulling himself up on everything. He loves to stand and can now stand in his crib and jump. JUST LIKE TITUS! I think I have another high energy boy coming my way. Greyson, finally cut his 3rd tooth, and has another one coming in. We moved Greyson into the "big" kids room this week. So far so good...they are all adjusting to one another beautifully...sigh..my kids are getting so big so fast! Enjoy every moment people. Its going by fast. My snuggle bugs are not so snuggly anymore...yes, even Greyson is out growing my snuggles. Amelia, still loves to curl up. Thank God! I need one to keep my snuggle cup full....OK..enough of my reflection and happiness of my children's accomplishments. I think I can go to sleep now...

Update on Michael

Hey Everyone, Quick update on Michael. He had his brain surgery. The doctors got all but 20% of the cancer. They are waiting on the lab results; which should be soon to tell them what there next move will be. His surgery went well. It'll be a week ago tomorrow, and drum roll.....he is HOME!! He came home last night. He is doing really well. Continue to pray. This was a HUGE leap for the Lindseys, but now they need wisdom on what to do next. Keep the prayers coming...you can follow them on facebook at The Lindsey Family group page.

Heavy fingers, heavy heart...

Hey Guys, My coffee is gone. Doesn't seem to important right now anyways...Last week we got some pretty heavy news. I was listening to a speaker talking not really paying attention to him when my phone went off. It was kind of odd since I knew where everyone was and didn't think anything about it much. After a few minutes go by I look at it, and it was one of those text where time just stands still for a moment. It was the police officer coming to the door to tell you bad news kind of news. Ugh...the giant "C" word struck close to home again...the text read " Before it hits social media we want all of you to know......Michael has been diagnosed with brain cancer." Stunned, shocked....and Im not even the parent! My sister was on the couch and she was in shock! Charlie turned to us and asked what is wrong! We told him and again....deer in the head lights look. It was Wednseday. We are supposed to go up there Saturday....then a snow storm hit! We the Gilmores couldn't make it up there saturday, but my sister got in her car and drove up. Sunday was Naomi and Daves bridal shower or pounding shower...so we made the trip Sunday. It was hard. It was heavy. We are happy and rejoice with Dave and Naomi, but never in a million years did they think it was going to have a shadow of such heaviness. They got some beautiful gifts and the room was decorated with such simple elegance that we didn't want to leave and face reality. All the what if's, should of, could ofs, and would ofs come racing to your mind when you have to come back to reality. The voices of many telling you do this, do that....it all becomes back round noise.. sigh..... **************************************************************************************************************************** Its been a week since we all received that dreadful news. Dad is up at the Lindseys taking over the household duites so that they don't have to worry about their pets or frozen pipes. Mom and Autum will be joining them on Tuesday. Michael and his parents are on their way to Memphis to St.Judes Hospital where at 3p today they will know what is going to happen tomorrow. Tomorrow is brain surgery. Michael's siblings will be joining him so he isn't to nervous and anxious, but lets be honest...children can pick up on the anxiousness of their parents/siblings so some anxiousness will be there. I mean he is cutting open his brain, Easy to say and make it sound cool, but realistically it is serious and life threatening. Pray for them. Think of them. That is how my week is....trying to figure out what we can do to help. Thinking of the things that need to be done and doing them because they can't get past the now. AND I DON'T BLAME THEM!

Just Because...

Hey Everyone, Got my coffee in my left hand, trying to type 1 finger at a time...this could take all day. Hmmm...sprained my right wrist last week, so thats got me going cray cray! Let's be honest; I can't get anything done and when I do (aka the dishes) its time to start all over again. Sigh...I have actually been instructing my children to help me. Titus is tall enough and strong enough to help with laundry, and honestly he is loving it. No, he doesn't put the soap in but he is capable of putting the dirty clothes in. To him its a giant basketball hoop and the clothes the ball...who doesn't want to score off that! Its a win win for the both of us. His other job is to get all the dry clothes and put them in the basket. This morning I asked him to put the clothes in the basket and without asking he brought them to my bed where we fold the clothes. Another score for this Momma! What does Amelia do? She sits on the bed and "helps" me fold them. She is getting better at it but...yeah its a wad who are we kidding. Both kids put their own clothes away. We are still working on not just throwing them in and jamming the drawer closed. What else do they do? The kids make their beds, pick up their toys,and occasionally when im feeling really "saintly" I let them vacuum. BUT, lets be honest that just turns into a mess....Titus insists its a monster and then tortures the "princess", who in turn feels the need to let out a blood curdling scream because she is annoyed. hahahaha...real life guys! I don't work my kids to death...and its not every day! Only everyday til my wrist heals. wink wink. Ok so my thought: If the child can get the toys out and dump them every where; then they are capable of picking them all up! Goes for cheerios, chips, cracker,and juice! (yes, they clean that up too!) Greyson, is obviously not old enough yet. He is still perfecting his crawl, but his day is coming. Muahahahahaha.... :) Anyways, the kids just woke up Greyson so my free time is gone...so short lived today.

Merry Christmas Newsletter

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year Everyone!! We hope and pray that this season truly is the best one yet! This year I got overwhelmed with the thought of writing out each Christmas card or just sending a picture with “Merry Christmas” on it! Our year has been the biggest one yet of our marriage and an adventure we didn’t see coming! Let me just say that it was the quickest year jam packed with traveling and settling into being a family of 5! As most of you know Charlie lost his job right after Thanksgiving last year. Wasn’t really the thing that anyone wants to hear before the holidays season. We had plans to travel for the holidays, (which we did anyways) a baby on the way, and like everyone else bills to pay. The God Lord didn’t allow us to wait to long before Charlie got his wonderful job down here in Chattanooga TN! (Yes, Aunt Marie we are very close to Chattanooga) It is almost a year since we’ve moved down here, and we both will tell you it was the best move ever! The people are incredibly friendly, his job is amazing, the weather is a joke in the winter and delightful in the Summer! Chattanooga is the most family friendly city we have ever visited. There is a ton to do and it’s so clean! We are so grateful for all our family and friends who made the trip to see us. (some of them made the trip A LOT!) Grandpa & Grandma Paparella, A. Laurie, A. Lonnie, Grandma Colleen, U.Ed, A.Kellie, Lisa, A. Kim, U.Vinnie, Paul, the Beckwith family, A. Carolyn and the kids, Grandma Ann, and everyone else that I may have missed. You made our transition down here easier. As for travel this year. The kids and I spent a lot of time traveling back in forth up north helping my parents and siblings make the move down here. We didn’t really take a family vacation, but that is ok because all our traveling that we did (or I did) was together. Sometimes, Charlie would meet us to whatever destination we ended up calling home. (Yes, I made the trip to NY 8 months pregnant, and if you haven’t heard Greyson’s birth story come visit and be entertained.) We also traveled to Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and Pennsylvania to see family and close friends! How are the children you may ask?? Titus Anthony is almost 4 years old! Oh my word! He is super tall and has energy that could light a city! He is an outdoorsy kid and any chance he gets to play in the dirt, wrestle with the dog, ride his bike….he is THERE! He is pretty smart and when he gets stuck on a subject it is like someone hit repeat all day long. It was bees and how they make honey! Right now he is in to dentists. (probably because he had some teeth issues) This summer Titus learned how to swim in our inground pool. He was leery the beginning of Summer but by the end and with the help of Mona he was swimming under water! Titus is also a great big brother. He has been seen holding Greyson under the arms and walking him around, or hugging Amelia when she might be blue. For the most part he makes sure he always knows where his sister is; even if its to annoy. (yes, they have occasional differences) They are the best of friends and it is sweet to watch! Amelia Mary Rose is now 2! She is my little mini me. My calm amongst the chaos of Titus running circles around us and Greyson figuring out where he fits in. Amelia is working on spelling her name and her abc’s. Which she has just about learned. She is a champion snuggler and loves to cuddle up with baby dolls and play quietly by herself. Don’t get me wrong she is feisty! She stands her ground when Titus is being mischievous and annoying. She is also almost potty trained. When she feels like it of course. She has days when she “wants to be like a baby”, but for the most part she knows when she needs to go. Notice I didn’t say “and tells me”. Amelia loves to hold baby Greyson whenever she can, but Greyson no longer appreciates it. (he is as big as she is) She is a wonderful sister to both boys, and she has daddy wrapped around her finger. Greyson Edward is now 7 months old! He is my little sunshine. He FINALLY cut 2 teeth, and is off the charts long! He is crawling and I am trouble! 3 mobile! Ahhhh….He hops up on his knees and rocks till he does the worm! It’s very comical. Greyson loves to smile and be talked to. He really enjoys Aunt Autum, but only from a distance so he can smile at her. He is a super cuddlier under his conditions, but most of the time he won’t hold still. And of course, like all the Gilmore children he loves to EAT! I can’t keep any of their bellies full! Charlie and I celebrated our 5th anniversary this year. WOW! Wow! Wow! It has been a very fast 5 year for us. We can’t believe it! We have been in 3 different homes, 3 kids, new state, 2 jobs, a few cats, and 1 dog. We are doing well. The children occupy a lot of our time..hahaha who am I kidding ALL of our time. We are thankful to have wonderful neighbors and now my parents down here so we can have irregular regular date nights. (yes, you read that right..) In March, we will get to take our first long vacation without kids since…umm…we had them. Charlie and I are going on a cruise! I am so excited as this is my 1st cruise EVER!! Wohoo! So, what does 2018 look like for the Gilmore’s?? Well, honestly, we can’t say; except that we are investing in some land this next year, and hopefully we will get to build a house. At least that is what is on our hearts. We shall see…. We love you all very much!!

Our tree is up!

Hey Everyone, This past weekend we went and got our tree. What fun it is now that the kids are starting to get what's going on! Of course, Titus wanted to get the tallest tree in the lot (which I can't blame him..) however, our ceilings won't allow a 9ft-12ft tree.Our cute tree is 6ft and for the first time since we have been married we have an actual tree topper! SAY WHAT!! OK..ok...its not ours, but we are honored to have it this year. It is my parent's angel.It was giving to them by my Grandma Judie and her late husband Ed. It is a fiber optic angel; nothing really special except it was giving with lots of love. So we couldn't have it sit in storage and collect dust til mom and dad settle into home. It had to be shown for all to see, because when we look at it it reminds us of Ed and Grandma. Next year we will be back at our struggle whether to get a star or an angel, and who knows if we will settle on something. For now we are going to enjoy what we have. Maybe...just maybe...mom and dad will give us the angel and then we won't have to decide..hahaha or not..

Happy Thanksgiving

Good Morning Everyone! Happy Thanksgiving... I know I know it is Tuesday after Thanksgiving....but with all the hustle and bustle of the weekend I didn't sit down and blog, nor did I want to! Hahaah...right?! For Thanksgiving this year we went to our wonderful neighbors house. They make the meat and all their family brings the sides and dessert. It was lovely! After, lunch we hung out for awhile and then we headed over to my brother's house for some birthday cake. (yes, every few years Ted's bday falls on Thanksgiving. He just loves it! not...) Of course, the cake was extremely good! oh man! So good.... Then, on Friday we headed up to Kentucky to celebrate thanksgiving and friendship for the weekend.It was a wonderful reunion of 3 generations! It was alot of fun and we are so blessed to have a friendship like theirs. :) Now to move on to Christmas!! (27days and counting)

Monday Coffee Session

Good Morning Everyone, I actually scheduled a blog session today and look at that I am writing it! Greyson is napping and the other 2 kids are outside playing. I have my coffee and some thoughts so here I sit and share. Usually, when I schedule to blog, as you know, it doesn't happen, or I have know idea what to write. (besides the obvious) My best time to blog is while I am in the shower. (am I right?!) In the shower don't we all conquer the world, set new goals, reestablish the conviction we set out to keep, and become refreshed as the hot water runs over us! I know I do...so, let my coffee be my hot water, and the letters on my keyboard reestablish my convictions as I convey them to you! (wow! I sound so logical and smart!) Who am I kidding...haha I am a momma with 3 kids who brushed her hair yesterday because we went to church! I still have my mascara on because I am to lazy to take it off. (my friend Megan's words ring through my head....mascara is made from bat poop! ahhhh) Sigh, who says knowledge is power. I find it at times quite exhausting. (sips coffee) Mmmm....really coffee is what helps me guide my family in the morning. (kidding of course, but it sure helps!) For those of you who hate coffee I am so sorry. Now for my kids update since I haven't done it in a while. Greyson, is now 6 months old, rolls every where, is getting on his knees and will probably be crawling before Christmas. My boys like to move move move! Which means Amelia and I are in trouble because we like to sit and enjoy the quiet. Amelia is my quieter one. She enjoys quiet mornings playing on her bed with her babies, or snuggling with her 3 blankets. In the past month she has really started talking in sentences and oh my goodness it is so CUTE. She likes to copy just about everything Titus does! Oh my eldest son....Titus, we can't believe he is coming up on 4. Time waits for no one! He is smart as a whip and is really starting to be a helper. He has LOTS of energy and still at night has a hard time settling. (just like Charlie) I started school with him, but then he lost interest. Which is ok by me. When he focuses on something he wants to learn...aka Bees right now. I take the time to read him books and tv shows about them. He knows his ABC's and 123's, so don't be concerned. I don't feel the need to push him. There will be time for that when he gets older. Right now we are enjoying nature and how different things work. Charlie and I are doing great! We have (mostly him) been working on a new dining room table! It looks so good and hopefully by the end of this week it shall be done! It's like a quilt; far from perfect and made with lots of love! I haven't downloaded any pictures, so you'll have to wait till its done. Ahhhhh......kids are in and getting into trouble...can no longer focus..AHHHH I didn't get as far as I would have liked, but isn't that life. :) #itsallsmallstuff #ineedtotypefaster Have a great day...and my interrupted thought process will see you next week...maybe with a complete thought, and some pictures!

Really slacked....

Hey Everyone, Chalrie always asks me if I have blogged, and my answer is in my mind I have...seriously, I blog in my mind all the time. hahaha I just never make it to my computer to write it out. Sorry.. :( I am tring...key word "trying" to become more scheduled, so I should probably add this to my list. Honestly, I hate playing catch up. We have (as usual) been super busy. When are we not, right? Let's see..... 1. Baby Greyson is 4 months old! He is such a joy. Greyson lights up the room with his smile and you can tell he is going to be hilarious when he can start to talk. His eyes just sparkle when you talk to him. He can roll over, belly laugh, he watches his siblings in envy, and is a great little traveler. He has more miles under his belt then most people do. He has been to NY several times and we just finished up a trip to Missouri.

2. Sweet Amelia turned 2! She seems like she has been with us a lot longer!Amelia, so feisty and sweet all at the same time. She is getting quite tall and she is learning everything from Titus. Not sure everything TItus is teaching her is ok..haha but she is none the less. She loves to be play outside, swing, swim, play with her baby dolls, and read books. Amelia loves a good nap (she just doesn't know it) and if she doesn't get food she is the worst hangry person I know. (besides myself.)

3. TRAVEL!! The kids and I spent the whole month of August in New York helping my family get ready for their move to Chattanooga! It came at a good time! We didn't get to catch up with to many people while there since my mom got shingles, but thats ok. We got to spend time helping her out and playing with the cousins. We also made a trip to Missouri to celebrate the marriage of Charlie's nephew Michael. It was the fastest trip ever, but it was nice to see everyone there. 4. My brother and his family finally made it here! They are pretty much settled, and Ted has started his new job. It is nice to have them so close! Autum will be here sometime this week or next. She hasn't decided yet. She is on an adventure right now (traveling) and when she is ready to settle she will come home...aka here to live with us. :) In case you are asking yourselves when are my parents coming...well, the 1st sale of their house fell through, so now they have to wait for another buyer. Fingers crossed it'll be soon! I think I hit on all the big things that are going on right now. Between traveling, moving people around, working, raising kids, and well just life you can see we are busy. Oh before I forget....(I didnt forget him. lol) Titus is doing great! Big and super smart!!!! He has started doing some school. I don't push it right now since he is only 3, but when he needs focus time or wants to do work we will. :)

Love to all!

Greyson Edward Gilmore

Ladies and Gentleman, I would like to introduce baby Greyson to you! He was born on May 18th.(yes, I am aware he is almost a month old) He is a little ball of sunshine and is our smallest baby to date; due to being 3 weeks early. He was on the road to being our largest I think, and according to the nurses as well. We are delighted to have him in our family and look forward to seeing his personality develop. Oh, he weighed in at 8lbs 10 oz and is 21.5 inches long.

Visitors and Adventures...

Tennessee update

Hey Everyone, The Gilmores have been extremely busy getting settled in. We love Tennessee!! We have had lots of visitors in and out the last few months and we have even taking a quick family vacation. (pictures below) My parents, siblings, Grandpa & Grandma Paparella, and a couple of Aunts have all popped in for quick visits. We love having company and hope you will feel free to get a hold of us and stop by! (FYI, June is pretty booked, so I'd wait till July or August.) The Chattanooga area is very family friendly and we are enjoying all the fun sights it has to offer. We are central to so many fun and cool places that we have to choose what to do carefully. Another words, what and where will the children have the most fun! :D The kids LOVE LOVE LOVE the aquarium and Titus is always asking to go "see the fishes". (we have yet to explore the zoo) We love the walk along the river, and this summer they will have concerts down there. This weekend is the opening weekend for the farmers market which we can't wait for! For us getting to know the local farmers is crucial to our eating clean. Supporting the locals are what make an area thrive. :) Apparently, this is also the 100th anniversary for Moonpies so there is going to be a huge celebration for that. (who knew) Should be fun! I am going to post the pictures below of the last few months so you can see what we've been up to. Oh, before I forget...baby Gilmore #3 is doing great. Growing and moving just like he should. I am very ready to be done with my pregnancy; I think more so than the other 2. (lyme doesn't help) The midwife has informed us that the baby will be big. (no surprise there...ahhhh) Come on June!!

Happy Belated Birthday Titus!

Guys,Our oldest is 3!! Ahhhh...it happened so fast! Time waits for no one that is for sure. For Titus 3rd birthday his Aunt Carolyn, Grandma Ann, and his cousins came to visit. They actually brought one of his birthday gifts. A puppy! Yes, you read right. Titus got a puppy. Her name is Whisper and she is a lab/retriever mix. Whisper has 2 different colored eyes and is really very sweet. Titus and the dog do ALOT of running together! It's very sweet to watch. Titus, is a very sweet, kind and considerate little boy. He is always making sure that everyone is ok. He is very sensitive to emotions. Whether your happy or sad..he will come over and hug you or kiss you. He LOVES his sister and is really looking forward to being a big brother again. He is always asking me how my baby belly is doing. We are blessed beyond words with Titus. He is getting to be so very smart and loves to learn. He knows 1-10, his ABC's, and most of his shapes including pentagon and hexagon.Oh, and his colors,too.

Here are some pictures of his birthday weekend.

Sandwiched between 2 boys...

This past week we had our 2nd trimester ultrasound. It revealed that we are having another boy! (Which, I kind of knew..I'm carrying just like I did for Titus) We are excited! Either way we would have been. We just pray for a happy healthy baby! Which baby is proving to be! The ultrasound tech asked Amelia if she likes the idea of being sandwiched between 2 boys and right on cue she says, " EEEEEEEWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW". It was hysterical! Amelia is so independent I don't think she will care. Both boys will be at her beck and call. She displays alot of first born tendencies! Hey! If she ends up being my only girl; then I am extremely grateful! (remind me of this when she is being terribly stubborn!) Below are the pictures of baby #3!! He seems to be content swimming around inside. Typical Gilmore...hahaha...So my due date is June 9th. However, with keeping with tradition he has to come either June 12 or the 26th..(please, the 12th!) in keeping with tradition. Titus and Amelia where both born on Mondays and even days. We shall see...

Merry Chirstmas, Happy New Year, and a whole lotta life in 2 short months....

Well Guys, I do have to say I haven't had any internet for quite awhile. Life for the Gilmore's have been crazy busy and this week (tomorrow) will be the 1st week in months that will be "normal" for us.Let me share our crazy time line with you..... Novemeber 29th-Charlie lost his job... In the meantime, we prepared for Christmas and our 2.5 week trip west. I also had grand jury duty 2 days a week leading up to our trip. December 3 & 4th- Our last time serving at Church...(we didn't know that at the time) Dec 10- We went to our last Syracuse Orangemen basketball game at the Dome.... Dec 11- My Mom's family had a Christmas party To sum up the above weekend it was a travel weekend for us. The next week had us hustling and bustling to get everything we needed to for a very long vacation. Charlie also had a couple phone interviews with a company in Tennessee. Dec 15th we closed up the house,packed up the car and headed for our first destination. Charlie and I spent the weekend in NYC for our 4th Anniversary. It was kid free and relaxing; despite the weather doing literally everything!!! We got back on the 18th to spend a night with my parents. In the meantime, Charlie got a phone call and the company in Tennessee wanted to do a face to face interview on 20th. Soooooo, after slightly catching his breath he headed out very early Monday morning. Meantime, I stayed another night with my parents. Tuesday, I flew to Missouri by myself with the children. They were so very good!! While we flew, Charlie had an interview....and then he climbed in the car and met us in Missouri! Where we spent a wonderful week with his mom Ann. Our trip was cut short by another phone call saying he got the job in Tennessee and that they wanted him to start on Jan 9Th! Dec 27th- found our way to our friends house in Kentucky where we left the kids, so they didn't have to spend alot of time in the car. Dec 28th- Charlie and I made our way to Tennessee (4hrs from Lindseys) to look for a house. We had 1 house on our list and that was it. After, looking over the one house we had picked out and not liking it at all we called a few agents. There happened to be another house we could look at and HOPEFULLY like. On our way we saw 2 more houses for rent that were big fat NO'S! When we got to this house we are now in we loved it. Dec 29th-Charlie signed all contracts so we could get approved for the house. We left for Pennsylvania to see my Grandma real quick and break up the ride for the poor kids. Dec 29-31 We ended up getting stuck at my Grandma's house for an extra day due to weather. Which was good for us and the kids. We chilled and just spent some really good quality time with Grandma Judy. Dec 31 we found our way home. My sister came to celebrate New Years with us and we were in bed by 10:30...lol Jan 1st we puttered in the house. Did all the laundry....no we didn't unpack. made no sense to Jan 2-5th My parents came up and helped us pack, clean, and load the truck! We had a few set backs from this but had some wonderful friends come to our rescue. My poor dad got really sick and he was our truck driver, and Charlie's right hand man in lifting all things heavy! Our good friend Jerry MacNeil came to our rescue and helped Charlie while Dad's job became taking care of Miss Amelia. Jan 5th We headed to my parents house to say good bye to all who was able to come to see us. By the end, it got really hard, but we know that we are greatly loved and will be seeing everyone this Summer! Jan 6th Dad the truck driver, Charlie the driver of the cats, and Mom and I with the kids headed to Tennessee! It was a grooling 18hr day, but at 11pm we pulled into our new home! Unpacked the beds as fast as we could and headed to bed. Jan 7th Brought our wonderful friends down from Kentucky to help unload the truck, clean the house, and help us set up the house as best they could. They also blessed us with lunch and dinner for the day! It was a huge blessing to have people help us all along they way! We would have managed if we did it by ourselves, but so very grateful we didnt! Jan 8th Charlie started his first day of work. Yes, guys he went from chaos getting family packed up and moved; right to WORK! Bless his heart!! It also brought fevers, coughs, and sinus infections for Amelia, Titus, and I. It was not a good time all 3 of us being down and out. But again; God made sure we had help. My dad and mom stayed with us. Mom flew home the 11th, and my dad stayed till Tuesday the next week. Mean time, my wonderful sister came down for the following weekend. It was so nice to have everyone come down and help out right when we needed it! ************************************************************************************************************** Today, has been 1 month since we have moved to Tennessee! I can't believe it has been a month already. We are starting to get settled and find things we really like. It is hard being away from family, but we know we are right where we are supposed to be! The kids about once a week say they want to go visit Papa and Grandma......sigh! But we already have a mini vacation and will see them the end of March. Unless, they surprise us with a visit down! I have so much more to blog, but if I don't hit that publish button this won't get published and everything will seem like old news...haha

Merry Christmas..and wait...WHATTTTT!!

Merry Christmas Everyone, I hope you all are doing well. I haven't checked in for a bit. Life here got very interesting...Almost 2 weeks ago Charlie came home early from work and had something to tell me...this is what he said, " Honey, I have good news and bads new. The good news is you'll be seeing more of me; the bad news......New York Air Brake laid me off." (silence) Wait, what?? Mmmmmhum....you read right...NYAB let 12 engineers go and Charlie didn't make the cut. We have been dodging this bullet for awhile, and honestly we didn't even see this coming. Because, they have cut back so many people in his department we thought we were safe. Guess not?! So, after a good cry, and refocusing on the next steps we have decided to relocate are family altogether. Charlie has had a couple of Skype interviews so far. One is in Tennessee and the other in Kentucky. Yes, our families are here, but they have been talking about moving south to Kentucky as well. We thought we would be following them in the fall sometime, but it looks like we are the first ones going to be taking that step. There are so many steps; which all seem like baby steps right now. Since, we don't have a job offer yet we are looking to possibly rent our house...or maybe put it on the markets...or maybe wait it out and get the job 1st...ahhhhh!!! Yes, you can see we just don't know. We haven't heard back from anyone yet and the head hunters keep saying wait till the turn of the year. I know that is close, but when you need a paycheck to come in...yeah! I don't need to explain it. :) We really are doing well through this. It is stressful but our support has been incredible! So what if Christmas will be smaller. Our kids won't know. They are to little, and for us...we are just thankful everyone is healthy and happy. So that is where we are at right this moment. If you think of us send a little prayer for wisdom and guidence. :D Talk to you sooN!

Traditions...

This year as we gather a few members around our table I reflect on how disassociated we have become with our own families. It can be for any reason, but when I sit and really thing about it; it makes me really sad. Why can't people forgive and move on? Why can't we make the drive? Why can't we stop what we are doing and build a bridge between the gap we have created in our families? Part of is we are tired of being rejected. We are tired of the hurt, the games we have to play, having to say the right things as to offend anyone, and the back stabbing that can come with family functions. These things should never be! But, I do know all to well they are.There are favorites and outcasts...even those who tolerate just because they know once they give up and not show up that will be the end. I get life is busy...but it will never slow down! I get that it hurts to much to be ignored in a family function when you showed up, and you weren't even invited. I know what it feels like to watch someone you love sit in silence and be rejected. Why do we choose to hurt? Hurting other people is something we DO..it is an action...you know what so is LOVE! Loving your family where there at, accepting them where they are at,you don't have to believe,think,act, or love the same way...just love like you know how. Love doesn't hurt, isn't cruel...a hug, smile, a Merry Christmas, Happy Holiday is all that it takes. Love is easy; we choose to make it harsh. So I challenge you this holiday season. Go out of your way to love on someone. Say something kind, send a card, text, phone call,or deliver a treat it will make you happier and it could possibly be the start to rebuilding relationships. Everyone, has to start somewhere...and if they aren't going to start; then you should be the bigger person. :) As I sit at my dinner this Thursday with my in laws I am going to be thankful I have this time with them. I am going to be hospitable and kind. That is what I am called to do and that is what I will always do. Happy Thanksgiving.... and remember love isn't hard it just takes action.