Lengthy Run Down of the Last Two Years....

RUNNING IT DOWN

A little Background....

It is January and we are gearing up to start the new year and also celebrate the beginning many many lives. It is hard to believe that these three little babies are entering their last year of the single digits. These three little miracles have completely twisted and changed my life in ways that I could never have imagined. 

The girls were about 4 weeks old here (L to R) Alyssa, Addison and Avery

There was a time when the idea of getting married and having children were just that, an idea. The hardest part was finding the Perfect Guy, and learn to love him, but also learn to allow him to love me. See that is the tricky part of beginning my idea, allowing myself to be loved, because lets face it folks, we all think that we deserve it, but when it happens we push it away, make excuses to find flaws in them, or decide that they aren't doing it "right." Now add life changing stress and then in walks this Perfect Guy, and you have the makings of a disaster real life romantic comedy. This guy says and does all the right things, and makes keeping your heart hidden, close to impossible, okay impossible. My Perfect Guy came into my life, he watched and waited for his chance to be a part of my life, and I watched and listened. I didn't see it right away, and I was not looking for my life partner to walk into my life, but he did. He took charge and made sure that I had what I needed to succeed in my educational journey and he supported me through it all. He was my study buddy and a simulator for nursing school. We decided to join our lives together permanently on May 22, 2004, about two years after we started dating, but let me just say, after the first date, Perfect Guy knew this was for the long haul. He knew that child(ren) were going to be coming, but it was years in the making. We made plans, and we had a plan that we were going to grow our family, and we took the steps to make it happen, but it did not happen without the help of doctors and labs. The process was stressful and there was always the chance that it would not work. They could only do so much, but my body and God had to do the rest. I threw all my faith into God and I let Him take control of it. The embryos were transplanted with about a 75-80% chance of one of them implanting and about 5% of twins, and less than 1% of all 3 taking. Knowledge in hand, I planned for at least twins, did the math and figured we would have a baby some time in March of 2007. This plan is not what God had in mind, he thought that it would be better to give us the challenge of a lifetime. He gave me three little girls that were meant to bring me to tears, bring to me the edge of my existence, as well as allow me to see the world again, through the eyes of the innocence. The girls have torn me down, and they have helped me to rebuild myself, with a confidence and self worth that is unmatched by anything that I went through until them. I know that I am a great mom, I hear it from others, and most importantly I hear it from my girls. These little girls had so many challenges even before coming into this world, and that was just the beginning. Each one came into the world with their own strengths and fought their hardest to get today. These little girls came into this world, and added so much joy and happiness. The light that they turned on in my heart and my life will never be put out. I have little girls that will follow in my steps, they will repeat my words, they will learn from actions. I know that my job as a mom to girls is hard, it means that I have to be specially careful to teach them to be strong women, that give when God asks and bend instead of break, when the when the outside is blowing to knock you down. I also need to teach them how to love themselves and make themselves happy. 

They are about 10 weeks old here, this is around their due date of April 8, 2007. (L to R) Alyssa, Addison and Avery

Each of us have a life, and we have decisions to make daily. Is today going down in the books as good or great? This past Friday night, started out the same as any day, it was a day that would be ordinary until dinner time. The girls and I decided to play a game we will call 20 Questions (although there were far more than 20 questions). On Facebook, a friend posted questions that she asked her children. I decided that I would give it a try and called it a game. Those few questions got the girls so excited that they wanted to do more, so just like a good mommy, I decided to look at Pinterest to find some more questions. I found a few more and decided that I would share the answers with you all.

 Revealing Questions to Ask your Children

1.) What is the BEST thing that happened today?

Avery: math 

Alyssa: getting 1st place in math today

Addison: getting 2nd place in math today

2.) What is the WROST thing that happened today?

Avery: "almost died in PE after running 30 laps"

Alyssa: someone cheated on a game I was playing today

Addison: I hurt myself 2 times today

3.) What is something Funny that happened today?

Avery: sitting here answering these questions

Alyssa: you are being funny today, mommy

Addison: a boy at school kept saying number T and letter 1

4.) If you could change one thing about today, what would it be?

Avery: I would have Maci F. over to play

Alyssa: I would have stayed home and cuddled with you, momma

Addison: I would skip next week so our birthday came quicker

5.) If I could re-live one thing about today, it would be:

Avery: the running test

Alyssa: going to the library

Addison: laughing so hard that I cried and then snotted all over everything

6.) What is your Biggest Worry right now?

Avery: Tanner dying

Alyssa: not being able to hug you

Addison: not figuring out this question

7.) What do you MOST appreciate about your siblings?

Avery: that they make me laugh

Alyssa: that they are crazy

Addison: that they can make me laugh after I have been crying 

8.) Who would you like to Thank today?

Avery:  Grayson for helping me with a math problem

Alyssa: momma for loving me

Addison: mommy for the t-shirts and snacks

I am guessing but I think they are about 6 months old here (L to R) Avery, Alyssa and Addison

9.) If Jesus came to visit, what would you like to do with him?
Avery: go to heaven for a visit and come back
Alyssa: go to heaven to meet my family
Addison: have a picnic with him and his angels

10.) Who did you enjoy spending time with today?
Avery: with Ranger
Alyssa: with you mommy
Addison: Cotton kitty

11.) What frustrated you the most today?
Avery: my sister being rude
Alyssa: getting chased by my sister
Addison: getting interrupted and talked over

12.) What are you looking forward to, right now?
Avery: dessert
Alyssa: when daddy gets home
Addison: to play this game again tomorrow

13.) If you could call anyone right now, who would it be?
Avery: Maci F. to ask her to come over
Alyssa: Aunt Robbie to talk about her dog
Addison: to Mam'ma to talk about the snow

14.) If you could plan our family vacation, where would we go?
Avery: Washington D.C.
Alyssa: Africa to see the monkeys
Addison: to Universal Studios (Harry Potter)

15.) What do you like best about our family?
Avery: we cook together
Alyssa: we are nice
Addison: we play together

 For the girls' 8th birthday, we took them to Disney World. We were actually there on their birthday. It was so magical to see the Magic Kingdom Castle for the first time with my girls. There is nothing to compare it to. Those that know us, know that the odds are never in our favor, which means that the girls got sick the week before, and Alyssa was sick during the trip. On the way home, she let it all out. The girls made so many memories and they even continue to share them with their friends and classmates by using the memories in stories that they write. 

Addison, Mickey Mouse, Alyssa and Avery on their birthday last year (1-29-15), their present was going to Disney World

This year after Christmas, we took the girls to see their Mam'ma in MN, and for them to see the snow. Now I will tell you, there had not been much snow on the ground when we got there, so I put in a special request with those special angels in heaven. My request was filled the next day, the snow came down and the girls were able to experience all the "Winter Games" the reindeer play, except tubing. The ski mountain did not have the tubing open, so we decided to go and play laser tag and bowling. Oh and there was no Frosty or Olaf for us either, the snow was not sticky enough (way to cold). The girls made more memories to log in that movie they play in their minds. These girls have the biggest hearts. 

My girls the week of New Years (L to R) Addison, Avery and Alyssa

As their momma, I know that there is going to come a day when they let go of my hand, and walk away as strong young women. They will make a difference in so many lives. The touch my heart with every hug, kiss and I love you. The way that they love, is how they have learned to love, by mine and Keith's example, by our example we have set by loving them. 

I decided that this year, we would answer questions to interview questions. There is so much about these girls that surprise me, they don't allow their fears to get in their way. The continue to get up after falling, they try everything at least once and they always have a smile for you, even when the tears are streaming down their cheeks.

Alyssa 

Alyssa

 Alyssa's 9th Birthday Interview

1. Who is your favorite person in the whole wide world? Mom and Dad
2. Favorite Color? teal/brown
3. Favorite TV Show? Dance Battles Animal Planet
4. Favorite Outfit? Unicorn T-shirt and black leggings
5. Favorite Sport? Horseback Riding
6. Favorite Song? Burning House (Cam)
7. Favorite Cereal? Frosted Flakes
8. Best Friend? Alysha
9. When I Grow Up: Small Animal Vet
10. Favorite Book? Upside Down Magic, by: Sarah Mlynowski, Lauren Miracle and Emily Jenkins
11. I am good at: not quitting after falling down
12. I want to go on vacation to: The Jungle
13: My Best Memory: Being sick on my birthday last year at Disney
14. With $1000 I Would Buy: A Horse Ranch
15. The Veggie I hate: Squash and Zucchini
16. I Would Wish: for Tanner to live forever
17. Favorite Ice Cream: Mint Chocolate Chip
18. My Hero: Mommy
19. With my Best Friend I love to: Relax

20. My hope for this Year: Find a Unicorn

Avery

Avery

 Avery's 9th Birthday Interview

1. Who is your favorite person in the whole wide world? Bampa

2. Favorite Color? Green/Blue

3. Favorite TV Show? Animal Planet Fight Night

4. Favorite Outfit? T-Shirt and Cotton Pants

5. Favorite Sport? Football

6. Favorite Song? Red (Taylor Swift)

7. Favorite Cereal? Lucky Charms

8. Best Friend? Macey C.

9. When I Grow Up: An Artist

10. Favorite Book? Guardians of Ga'hoole The Capture

11. I am good at: Writing stories and drawing

12. I want to go on vacation to: Australia

13: My Best Memory: Going to Disney for my 8th birthday 

14. With $1000 I Would Buy: an ever lasting animal

15. The Veggie I hate: cooked veggies

16. I Would Wish: To give Ranger to Uncle Rick, so he is not lonely

17. Favorite Ice Cream: Mint Chocolate Chip

18. My Hero: Military Persons

19. With my Best Friend I love to: tell jokes

20. My hope for this Year: the hole in my right ear closes on its own

Addison

Addison

Addison's 9th Birthday Interview

1. Who is your favorite person in the whole wide world? Mam'ma
2. Favorite Color? Pink
3. Favorite TV Show? Kung Fu Panda
4. Favorite Outfit? Jeans and T-Shirt
5. Favorite Sport? Softball
6. Favorite Song? Timber, I'm Falling in Love (Danielle Bradberry and Blake Shelton)
7. Favorite Cereal? Honey Nut Cheerios
8. Best Friend? Alysha
9. When I Grow Up: Big Animal Vet
10. Favorite Book? Too Many to Pick
11. I am good at: Music Memory
12. I want to go on vacation to: Universal Studios
13: My Best Memory: Playing Bingo at Mam'ma's House on New Years
14. With $1000 I Would Buy: A pet Panda
15. The Veggie I hate: Tomato
16. I Would Wish: to see a real live Panda in Asia
17. Favorite Ice Cream: Wolf Tracks
18. My Hero: Captain America
19. With my Best Friend I love to: laugh
20. My hope for this Year: To see all the movies that I want to see

Hello, My Old Friend

It has been so long since I have blogged, I thought maybe I should re-introduce myself and my family!!!

This me (Jaime) and my husband, Keith. We have been married for 12 years, and been together for 14. We have been through a lot of things and have come out stronger and better than the beginning. We have a large family and we never have anything less than fun!!!

 These are my girls and the reason that this adventure in blogging started. My girls are growing so fast and keeping us all so busy, that blogging has gotten harder and harder to do. We have adventures almost everyday, be them small or large. These last few years have been a blast and I will recap them in separate posts. This is a picture from ice-skating this past Christmas season. It wasn't our first time, but it was our first experience that was enjoyed and they wanted so much to do it more often.

 This is Peanut, AKA Addison Lea. She has grown so much in the physical sense and the mental sense. She is an avid reader and loves to be close to momma. She is my earlier to bed and earlier riser. She is for the most part organized, and dislikes cleaning her closet. Addison is trying to grow out her hair, and doesn't want to cut her hair until it is long enough to donate.

 This is Daddy's Girl, AKA Avery Jean. She is my science and math guru. She doesn't take long to get the concepts and she loves (just kidding) to help her sisters with their homework. She has a very specific place to put everything, and she really really dislikes doing chores. She grumbles when it is time, but she does get it done at some point. She prefers shorter hair, but is currently growing it out for her older sister's wedding.

 This is Pretty Girl, AKA Alyssa Katherine. She is my sunshine on a cloudy day. She has a smile on her face and a hug to give. She wants nothing more than to ride horses and learn. She is an avid reader and she is always loaded with questions. This girl will give you the shirt off her back and her imagination is always active.

Oliver is our grandson. He will be three this year and growing my leaps and bounds. He is full go life and when he flashes that smile, he expects that it will get him out of trouble. He is just in love with the girls and can't wait to see and play with them. He is talking so much now and he is so smart.

This is my first baby, Tanner. He turned 13 years old and he moves pretty well, but he also slowing down pretty fast. He is still full of life and puts love in your heart.

This is Brittany and Patrick. Brittany is our daughter and Patrick is Oliver's dad and our soon to be son-in-law. These two have been through a lot and they are a true testament to making it work. They compliment each other and are great parents. Patrick is working for Keith in the field and Brittany is working in the office. They have been living in Texas now for almost two years, and settling in to their lives. Here is to a great year!!!

Cesta Wedding

So we had a great start to July. We went to a wedding, but we didn't just go to the wedding, we were a part of the wedding. Like every wedding that we attend the flower girl (or ring bearer) always have attitude and there are usually problems with picture taking...These 3 little flower girls were no different....they were full of attitude and at least one would decide that pictures were not what they wanted to be doing.....

We arrived July 4th and decided that we were going to enjoy our night with a little looking around and spending time as a family......Our first stop was in Boerne, TX....we visited a local restaurant, took in the local surroundings like a river near by, there were a lot of ducks and a swim up visitor (otter), we also checked out some local sculptors as well.....

 

Girls are ready for a night on the town

Our Swim Up friend, the otter

Daddy Duck Protecting his little ducklings

The Plate explaining the ducks

The Local Restaurant 

Enjoying our Drinks

Avery Jean

Alyssa Katherine

Addison Lea

Local Sculptors

This was by far the coolest sculpture

That same night we found a park to watch the fireworks to celebrate July 4th....Our Independence Day....Every year I hope to see the girls' faces when they see the fireworks and this year I was able to get their faces in film....We played patriotic music Loud and watched in awe as each and every firework exploded.....As an adult it is still amazing to watch, there is still awe present.....I hope my girls never loose the awe that fills their eyes when they look at the world, I want them to see the world through those innocent eyes and never see the reality that we live in.....I know it is an unrealistic expectation, but I love viewing the world through their eyes....

We are ready for the action

Priceless 

Priceless

Words can't describe

Fireworks

AWE!!!

Our Night Ends

 Preparation started the next day with swimming and the rehearsal and dinner....We got to meet our new extended adopted family.....the rehearsal was so much fun, as well as the dinner.....the girls were great listeners and took direction very well....

okay we are going to hold hands

It is all done

The Cesta men

The day of the wedding, we were jammed packed with all kinds of activities, getting our hair done and getting dressed.....we took some pictures before the wedding and that was Avery's time to not want to take pictures, then we had the wedding and that was Alyssa's turn to not want to be in the spotlight (thankfully at the end of the picture taking)....then the reception, which was absolutely a blast....we ate, took pictures, and danced like crazy.....

Pretty Hair for Pretty Girls

"I Wish...."

Girls are super happy 

One of my favorites

These are such girlie girls

This is by far my favorite of Avery

Girls hanging on the porch

Personalities truly amazing

LOVE! LOVE! LOVE!

Swing your partner round and round

LOVE!!! (even with the sour face)

My make shift Quads 

Groom and Best Man

Groom with his stand ins....

My Girls

Facial expressions when they saw the horse drawn carriage 

Reception time....my pretty girls

Rocking the Night

This is how we roll

Hold my hands....

We are so proud to have been included in the union of 2 incredible people, and families....We are blessed beyond words to have such amazing people include us in their lives....We don't choose our family members and it is said that when someone picks you (your family) to be a part of their lives and be a part of their family they pick the influences they want to surround themselves by......we would like to wish The Cesta Family all the happiness in the world....