The holidays really make me realize that the generations have shifted and I am now an adult and have taken my parents spot in the family order. It sounds silly but this has been a very hard transition for me to accept. When my grandparents passed away in 2005 and 2006, every holiday tradition I had known, died along with them. Oh, how I wish I could have just one more thanksgiving and Christmas with them ;0( The holiday season has been so bittersweet since losing them and my parents divorcing the same year. Gone are the carefree days of our happy rituals with all of our family in one place. Our new "normal" consists of rushing to 3 houses in less than 6 hours, fighting and hurt feelings over time slots, and LOTS of stress. Don't get me wrong, I love my family dearly and enjoy every second with them, but things are much more complicated now. It is hard knowing my kids will never know what MY childhood holidays were like or have the same family dynamic I did.
The night before thanksgiving was always a big party for our family. All 12 grandkids would excitedly fill my Maw Maw's house, help her cook, build forts, put on singing shows, and try to pile into grandma's bed to stay the night while the grown ups partied the night away. These are some of the best memories I have. Since losing them, this night has felt so empty. I usually spend it sulking and longing for the good old days. But tonight, it hit me that MY kids need their own traditions to look back on. So we decided to let them help make the thanksgiving dishes (well, mainly Ember--but Paisley taste tested, lol). Then we blasted Christmas music through the house, put up our tree, and had homemade cookies. We had so much fun together and I'm already looking forward to doing it again next year. :)
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Intro to my family...
Being new to this blogging stuff, I'm not really sure where to begin. It's hard to cram 29 years of history into a single post, so I will just give you the background on the people I will talk about most, my husband and kids.
My husband, Nicky, and I were high school sweethearts and have been together for nearly 14 years. We began dating when I was 15 and he was 17. So we have literally grown up together. He is such an amazing husband and daddy. He works 60-80 hours per week to allow me to stay home with our girls, and is very much the protector of our family. There is nothing he wouldn't do for us. I am so thankful that the Lord chose him for me to share my life with. I don't know what I'd do without him.
Our firstborn, is Ember Nickole. She is 7 years old and one of the funniest yet sweetest kids I know! I say she is our "old soul" because her maturity is so far beyond her age. She has a compassion and understanding of people that I envy. You will see exactly what I mean as I post more about this amazing girl :) Her other side is absolutely hilarious. This kid could give adult comedians a run for their money! (You will realize this in future posts as well.)
Paisley Reese (11 months) is our youngest and our "miracle baby." We were told in August 2009 that there was no chance of us conceiving without IVF due to several infertility issues. But low and behold, God had other plans!!! April 11, 2010, we found out there was going to be another Hogan in the world :) despite Insulin-dependent gestational diabetes and preeclampsia, she was born perfectly healthy on December 14, 2010! Paisley is our "free spirit." she is so incredibly happy and loves to explore the world. She honestly doesn't meet a stranger and to know her is to love her. Paisley has a silly side like her sister and freely gives smooches to anyone who is willing to accept her slobbery affection. But she has a daredevil side that is the total opposite of Ember. She isn't even walking, yet she will climb ANYthing. She has no fear. And the little turkey will look at you and give a devious laugh while she does it. She brings us all such joy and completes our family.
I must mention our other baby who never got the chance to live on earth but will live forever in our hearts. Berkley Chance was born straight to heaven in October 2007. I had just finished my first trimester when a routine ultrasound showed that his little heart had stopped beating a few days prior. It was the hardest thing I have ever been through, but I am a firm believer in God's plan and I know there was a purpose for his short life and that I will see him again when my time here is done.
I hope everyone who follows this blog likes to read, because I am a talker and am very long-winded and most posts will resemble novels ;-) I am also a smiley face addict....so be prepared for each post to have at least a few of them. There seems to never be a dull moment in our house, so hopefully you guys find some entertainment in the chaos of my life!!
My husband, Nicky, and I were high school sweethearts and have been together for nearly 14 years. We began dating when I was 15 and he was 17. So we have literally grown up together. He is such an amazing husband and daddy. He works 60-80 hours per week to allow me to stay home with our girls, and is very much the protector of our family. There is nothing he wouldn't do for us. I am so thankful that the Lord chose him for me to share my life with. I don't know what I'd do without him.
Our firstborn, is Ember Nickole. She is 7 years old and one of the funniest yet sweetest kids I know! I say she is our "old soul" because her maturity is so far beyond her age. She has a compassion and understanding of people that I envy. You will see exactly what I mean as I post more about this amazing girl :) Her other side is absolutely hilarious. This kid could give adult comedians a run for their money! (You will realize this in future posts as well.)
Paisley Reese (11 months) is our youngest and our "miracle baby." We were told in August 2009 that there was no chance of us conceiving without IVF due to several infertility issues. But low and behold, God had other plans!!! April 11, 2010, we found out there was going to be another Hogan in the world :) despite Insulin-dependent gestational diabetes and preeclampsia, she was born perfectly healthy on December 14, 2010! Paisley is our "free spirit." she is so incredibly happy and loves to explore the world. She honestly doesn't meet a stranger and to know her is to love her. Paisley has a silly side like her sister and freely gives smooches to anyone who is willing to accept her slobbery affection. But she has a daredevil side that is the total opposite of Ember. She isn't even walking, yet she will climb ANYthing. She has no fear. And the little turkey will look at you and give a devious laugh while she does it. She brings us all such joy and completes our family.
I must mention our other baby who never got the chance to live on earth but will live forever in our hearts. Berkley Chance was born straight to heaven in October 2007. I had just finished my first trimester when a routine ultrasound showed that his little heart had stopped beating a few days prior. It was the hardest thing I have ever been through, but I am a firm believer in God's plan and I know there was a purpose for his short life and that I will see him again when my time here is done.
I hope everyone who follows this blog likes to read, because I am a talker and am very long-winded and most posts will resemble novels ;-) I am also a smiley face addict....so be prepared for each post to have at least a few of them. There seems to never be a dull moment in our house, so hopefully you guys find some entertainment in the chaos of my life!!
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