Anyone, Anyone, Bueller?

Um, Hi.  You may not remember me since I haven't posted in forever, but I may try to resuscitate this blog...again.  You see, I'm one of those parents that didn't believe all those other more experienced parents that have told me "Don't wish it away. It goes so fast!" Don't get me wrong, I'm not going to be one of those that tell others that.  No, not me.  What I'm trying to say is that I may just be starting to believe them.  I keep finding myself saying, to myself of course, "I really need to write that funny thing he/she just said/did down."  But I don't and I know I'm going to forgot some pretty awesome moments.  So, if I actually keep up this blog, I'll have a digital memory book to look back on and so will my kids.  Besides, I think they are all hilarious and sometimes I'm right and I can give others a laugh too.  So, stay tuned.  Wait for it, wait for it...

Random Acts of Kindness

When Jim suffered his stroke in February, so many people lent us a hand or two (or six).  People from all over came to help with the kids, bring us meals, clean the house, donate their vacation time to me at work, you name it.  It was truly heart warming to receive such an outpouring of support. 
As the months have gone on and life has gone back to a sort of "new" normal, I frequently reflect on that time.  I don't just think about what could have been.  I also think about how we, as a family, can pay it forward.  I've always had a charitable spirit, but I wanted to do more.  I recently read a blog post about a women who, on her 35th birthday, did 35 random acts of kindness with her children.  That was what she wanted for her birthday.  This got me thinking.  Oh boy, I know.  Here goes Trista thinking again.  Don't be scared.
So, early in November I decided that we, as a family, would do 25 random acts of kindness in December.  It has felt so good and been such a bonding experience for us, I feel like it's Christmas every day.  Amelia especially has gotten into the spirit. 
Here is some of what we've been up to so far:

• Day One of Random Acts of Kindness in December didn't cost me a thing but a little time. I helped an elderly lady get something off the top shelf at the store. We chatted for a couple of minutes and both walked away smiling.
• Random Acts of Kindness - Day 2: Dropped a little girls book off to a neighbor with a note saying the kids hope they enjoy it. Also, donated to http://www.toylift.org/
• Acts of Kindness in December, Days 3-6: Helped an elderly lady put groceries in her trunk; let somone ahead of me in line at the store; dropped off 13 gifts for 4 children in our community through the Angel Tree at the elementary school. Bought chocolate chip cookies at Panera and gave them to a Mom and 6 yr old daughter having lunch together. Amelia sat with someone at lunch that no one was sitting beside; We are making cards to drop off at a senior home and Jim is even getting into the spirit!
• We have also left a candy treat with our tip for our waitress, given a full punch card (next coffee free) to the car behind us in line at Dunkin Donuts, and baked two batches of cookies and dropped them off to the Greene County Rescue squad and personally thanked the driver that helped to save Jim's life. 

More to come~
Thanks for enjoying this journey with us and holiday blessings to you and yours!

Trista

 

This is what happens when 10 kids decide to play nicely on a Thursday night and leave the parents to their own devices.

Grateful

I'm not sure the word grateful describes the depth of gratitude I feel right now.  Jim and I were so happy to ring in 2011 and put some of the struggles of 2010 behind us.  Little did we know...careful what you wish for...jinxed...whatever you want to call it.  We were met with challenges beyond anything we've experienced.  If you are not up to speed, you can go here:  http://www.carepages.com/carepages/TheGetWellJimFanClub
or here:  https://www.facebook.com/#!/coynefamily.  It continues to be at the forefront of my mind knowing how things could have been.  If the events didn't occur as they did, I truly could still be sitting next to Jim's hospital bed wondering what the future holds. 
It certainly has not been an easy 3 months, but wow! Just wow.  God can really do amazing work.  While 11 weeks ago I didn't know what our life would look like, I may have an even clearer vision now than I did before Jim's stroke.  He's so strong and you know what? So am I.  More than either of us gave me credit for. 
I'm looking forward to summer days with the family, turning 40, maybe some long weekends and lots of time spent in a pool. 
This is truly grand.
Blessings,
Trista

Carter Sings The Alphabet



Photo Shoot with Jamie

OK, seriously, I was excited to get our first "family of 5" photos done.  We were long overdue for any professional photos of L.  But, seriously, I had no idea how good they would be and we haven't even seen all of them yet.  I'm so excited to show you a preview here:  http://www.jamierphotography.com/2010/11/coyne-family-portraits-charlottesville.html

Jamie was wonderful, friendly, great with the kids, and so patient when Bug wanted to take charge.  It was quite an experience and I didn't know what to expect, but Jamie made it all so easy.  She is great to work with. 

I'll let you know when we get the rest.  I'm waiting...patiently...really.

Recent photos

Oh my.  The boys are getting so big and so is Bug.

LC started walking around his 1st birthday.  He was instantly stable on his feet which leads me to believe he could have walked much sooner.  He has a temper that matches his physical strength and you would swear we were holding a professional wrestling match at each diaper change.  Sometimes we go up to 5 rounds, seriously. 

CC is speaking in tongues but certainly has a strong desire to tell us stories, read, and when he gives up, he is content destroying or  throwing something.  He is obsessed with matchbox cars and anything on wheels. 

Bug is intent on reading and loves history and math.  She really seems to be enjoying the learning part of school this year more so than years past.  Previously her focus has been more on the social aspect.  I am hoping this isn't a phase.  :-0)

We had a chance to hang with a few family members in recent weeks and it's been great to catch up.  Our lives seems to be spinning right now and we ran into about 5 weeks of consistent flu bugs.  It was definitely a rough time and I'm glad it's over. 

OK, so here are some pictures.  CC refused to get into a costume this year so you won't see him dressed up for Halloween.  The others enjoyed it greatly and Bug decided that she didn't want to trick or treat this year because "If the kids in Haiti don't have candy then I don't need it either."  She was serious and yes, she amazes me every day.

Here are a few photos from the National Zoo.  Animals visiting animals.  It's a beautiful thing.

Halloween photos to come!