New Blog

Go to www.ourdoubleportion2.blogspot.com for our new blog.  It's exactly the same but at a different address.  So make a new link to that address cause that is where you will find pictures of the kids, etc. 

The Next Generation!

Aspen, Torin, Joshua, Hannah, Saray, Molly, Sabastian, Tristan, Lane, Grayson, & Haiden!

This picture deserves a post.  :) What a HUGE deal to have 11 kids, 4 and under, sit still long enough for a picture.  Thanks to lightning fast shutter speed and a handful of adults to make this picture happen, oh and don't forget the 11 kids that squeezed onto my Mom and Dad's couch.

These kids are all part of my family, can you believe that?  There are 4 families represented here: My sister Alesha's 3 kids, My brother Gabe's 2 boys, My parents 2 munchkins, and my own 4 kids (not in order of course).  Boy, oh boy, what will it be like when all my siblings have had kids?  So far only 3 of the 7 kids have had kids!  All I can say, I hope my parents buy a bigger couch! 

I adore all these little blessings. 

4 kids + A Photoshoot

Grayson - 2 years old

Hannah - 4 weeks old

Saray - 4 years old

Josh - 4 years old

The kids were adoring Hannah and laughing together as Grayson named all of Hannah's parts.

My three little silly kids.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hope you enjoyed our random photoshoot!

We're Surviving!

Jer went back to work last week on Monday, and I've been flying solo with 4 kids during the day when he's working.  Thank God he gets home close to dinner time to save the day, because at that time everyone seems to be a little maxed out, or maybe it's just me. 

Hannah will be 4 weeks old tomorrow - Seriously?!  Where did August go?  I think somewhere between sleepless nights, 3 big kids that are early risers, and a sweet baby that eats every 2 to 2.5 hours, I have just been flying by the seat of my pants, and lots of God's grace and mercy for each SECOND of the day.  Even with everything being a big, fat blur, I have enjoyed these fleeting moments.  Holding baby #4 - sweet Miss Hannah, makes me realize even more just how fleeting these days are, even if they seem long and hard, I know in my heart that the years are short and they fly by incredibly fast.

Hannah is an incredibly easy baby, well that is when this Momma steers clear of anything with lactose in it.  She does not tolerate that at all - poor thing.  She is still sleeping only 2.5 - 3 hr stretches at night, and when I have had anything with lactose, a 2.5 - 3 hours stretches of sleep turn into 2.5 - 3 hours of dealing with a fussy baby with a belly ache.  Thank God I have experience with lactose intolerant babies (Josh & Grayson) so I know what to do to fix it...avoid it...hard to do though, especially avoiding that ice cream on these last warm Summer/Autumn evenings.  Miss Hannah is content and seems to enjoy having all the kids ooohing and aahhing over her.    She is for sure a snuggle bug, at least for now.  She is a spittin' image of her Momma's baby pictures, it's wild, even I feel like I am looking at myself as a baby 30 years ago.   She is a good little eater and is filling out those smootchable cheeks of hers.

Grayson is kinda hitting a hard time with all this "family of 6" stuff, especially now that Daddy has gone back to work and Momma's attention is a little more divided, even though the love I have for my kids has only multiplied.   I think he misses our old daily routine and therefore has acted out a little more than we're used to.  We're all adjusting...  On a good note: Grayson adores his baby sister Hannah and he still is a Momma's boy.

Josh and Saray turned 4 on August 29th and 30th.  We had a super simple party outside on our front lawn/neighbor's fun driveway with their cousins and a few friends.  It was nearly 90 degrees at 6:30pm so we stuck with the popsicles, water, and rice krispy treats.  It was perfect and they seemed to enjoy it all.
How is it possible that I have two 4 year old twins now?  Wasn't it just yesterday that I was up at night with 2 little sweet babies and kissing their baby toes and chubby cheeks?
These days instead of reading "Becoming Baby Wise" I am now reading "Love and Logic magic for early childhood", so we can help them become the kids (and someday adults) that God wants them to be. I am so tired of sending empty threats and several warnings and tossing all my "control" out the window with those things, so reading this book is helping me keep some of my sanity and they are learning that I am strong in love and discipline, and in that they remain secure.  It's a constant battle, but we're on the road to better days.

I have to say, I am still shocked that I am now a Momma of FOUR KIDS, 4 years and under.  My how God has done a marvelous work in our lives so far.  I don't deserve His goodness or his grace...but man, am I thankful for His everlasting love and grace that sees beyond my selfish little heart and flaws.
God you are good, and all I have belongs to you...I am not the owner, I am just your steward...help me to be the Mother, Wife, daughter, sister, friend, person you want me to be.  I am nothing without You...

Introducing Hannah Marie Chapeau

Introducing Hannah Marie Chapeau! 

Miss Hannah Marie was born August 10th, 2012at 5:26am via c-section (it was a surprise...due to her heart rate being 180 - 200 for nearly 30 minutes we were sent to the O.R.).  She weighed 5lbs 15 oz and was 18 1/2 inches long.  She has lots of black hair and is quite content being apart of our family.  She's such a blessing to our lives already.

I hope to post her birth story soon....so keep watch.

Pictures taken by: Momma :)

Welcoming My New Neice - Aspen Rae Limbo

Alesha and Brad - Brad is in Kuwait but was able to be apart of the big day via Skype.

Welcome to the world, Aspen Rae, you are richly loved!   

It was an honor to be able to be there for this little one's birth.  Alesha did great and was able to do a VBAC, which is always incredible.   Alesha's husband, Brad, was able to Skype for hours from Kuwait with Alesha and was able to be "there" via Skype for the delivery.  What a blessing! 
 
After Aspen's birth, it hit me like a load of bricks...I'm next in line!  GULP!  I need to get things organized around here!  I better start either planning my bag or packing my bags and I better get those kiddos down in their rooms so we can work on the nursery.

Aspen Rae Limbo - 7 lbs 10 oz and 22 & 1/2 inches long.

Happy Mommy and New Baby Aspen

Happy Auntie and baby Aspen

Sweet little one

Baby Aspen Rae is welcomed by twin siblings: Brother Tristan and Sister Torin

35 Weeks Along

Yesterday we had an opportunity to spend some time watching our sweet baby via ultrasound, thanks to a friend at the hospital - gotta love connections!
She kept her hands up by her face most of the time but right at the end, after I turned onto my side, we were able to catch a glimpse of her face even though she kept one hand up by her nose.

Good news: it's still a girl!  Phew!  The last few months I've had lots of dreams that I was having a boy puppy.  Funny how our dreams play with our heart strings.  She's also head down, ready for the big day.  Soon, very soon!   Praying that I'll be able to have this little one natural again like I did with Grayson and that labor and delivery go quickly and smoothly.

Progress with Our Little Helpers

Jeremiah and I have been working diligently to get kids' new rooms finished downstairs.  It seems like it takes forever when you work an hour or two here and there, but progress IS progress nevertheless. 

Jer finished putting in all the trim in both rooms last night - hip hip hooray!!   What a big job.  Thankful that Jer is a super handy-man and also thankful for the all free matching trim from my Dad.  Next step: call the carpet guy and tell him that we're ready for him to come and do his job.  During the wait though we we'll finish filling nail holes, touch-up paint, put outlets in, put in the remain lights, put shelves in the closet, and hang the pull down blind. Oh and the twins' room still needs a shelf for the half wall and trim around that, again, one thing at a time.  

Looking forward to getting these rooms finished!  I am ready to work on the nursery, but currently that has to wait until the twins are out of their current room upstairs.  Still planning to have the 3 kids downstairs in their new rooms by the first week of August, so we still have a few weeks yet.  But, with each passing week(I'll be 34 weeks along tomorrow - Monday 7/16)  we get closer to the day our new little one will arrive, plus with each passing day my energy levels decrease, so normally I'm pretty EXHAUSTED by lunch time, especially on these extremely hot days (in the 90's and low 100's).  I really have to dig deep within to find spare energy to be able to get dinner on the table, kids in bed and put an hour or 2 into working on the basement projects.  Must. finish. well.  

 Anyway, enjoy the pictures of the progress of the twins' room and the pictures of our little helpers.  

Summer Celebration

We celebrated my 30th birthday by going to the carnival (just like almost every other year for the last 20 years).  The kids had a BLAST!  The kids rode 6 rides (even Grayson!) and I am sure they would have been more than willing and happy to ride on a few more, even if they were repeats, but we had to cut them off since tickets weren't cheap (a dollar a ticket, and each ride cost 2 or 3 tickets each kid...it adds up fast).  But this Momma was more than happy to see the kids ride in my place.  

In years past I used to favor the "Zipper", "Mean Machine" and the "Til-A-Whirl".  My siblings and I would ride 'til our hearts were content or until a rain storm would come and break up the fun.  For years my Mom and Dad would get us wrist passes for an evening and boy did we get our money's worth of rides.  I think in a year or two we may just have to get passes for the kids if we want to continue this birthday/4th of July tradition.

We decided to go crazy and attend the Belle Fourche (10 minutes from Spearfish) Parade instead of the short parade in Spearfish. Belle Fourche's parade was 90 minute long (far too long). Pretty sure everyone and their neighbor from all around came out to view it, just like they do every year.  People begin lining the streets 3 hours BEFORE the parade even started!  NUTS, but oh so fun.  I wouldn't trade this small town living for anything.  I am super content and happy to stay right here.

My heart was moved a little more this year as we celebrated America, her freedom and all those that fight for her freedom.  Brad Limbo (married to my younger sister Alesha) is being deployed overseas for 10 months; his activation (he's with national guards) ceremony is today (7/6/2012) in Sioux Falls, SD.   Brad and Alesha have a set of twins, Torin (L) and Tristan (R) and their 3rd baby is due July 26th (3 weeks away).  If you think of Brad, Alesha and kids, pray for them as this is a very difficult season for them to endure.  Brad will be unable to return for baby #3's birth, but hopefully he will be able to be apart of it via Skype.  He is being sent overseas on July 26th (Alesha's due date), so if you would, stand in agreement with us that this baby will be born earlier than the 26th so Brad doesn't have to miss out on the big day (even if it's via Skype).

You're our Hero, Brad!

Time Flies...

Time flies...when you have a billion things to do!!  Holy smokes, you should see our to-do list right about now.  Summer always brings out the big projects with us, and this Summer is no different.  With Baby #4 on its way and due in August, we are cramming our days with raising three busy, entertaining children that demand a whole lot of our attention, along with that we are trying to finish up 2 bedrooms downstairs for Grayson and the twins.

Grayson's room has been "mostly" done for awhile, but the closet, built-in dresser, and carpet are a few things that still need to be done.  Once the carpet is laid and the closet door is hung, Grayson will have a new room to sleep in.  Our plan of attack is to move Grayson and twins into their new rooms the 1st of August that way they have time to transition to their new rooms before we add family member #6 to our everyday life.

Josh and Saray's room has come alive in the last 50 days - its transformation is amazing!  We are nearly finished with the painting of the walls, then its onto the carpet being laid (by a professional, thank goodness!) and doors all need to be painted & hung (4 doors to be exact), shelves for the half wall & and ledge for the window need to be routed, painted and nailed in place.  Oh and don't forget all the trim, make window coverings, forget that, I think I'll just buy a blackout blind for now.  Light figures and pictures need to be hung.  And the best part yet, bunk beds need to be put together for the little sleepers/jumpers Josh and Saray.

After all the furniture has been moved around, we'll be able to put together/organize the nursery which is near our room, currently it's Josh and Saray's room.  (Oh, you're probably wondering where Grayson has been all this time...he's been in our walk-in closet, perfect fit for a crib and a young one.)  Let's just hope that we can get everything, or almost everything, done before this baby decides to arrive!!  It's a race - will our projects be done before the baby arrives, or will baby beat our projects?!  Yikes! Talk about just a little pressure.

Baby #4 is quite active, but not as fierce of a kicker/puncher like Grayson and Saray were.  Praying that means the temperament of this little one will be easy-going.   I hit the 30 week mark on Monday (June 18th) - hard to believe!!  I am at the point of having doctor visits every two weeks (We have 3 OB doctors, so there's a rotation visit schedule).

All I can say is that I am so thankful God knows what our family needs, and I know that this little one will be a great addition to our already great family.  I am also thankful that I am not called to do anything on my own strength...it's a good thing, cause when I think about doing it in my own strength I mildly freak out.  I think God knows I need a good and solid reason to sit several times a day to nurse after the baby arrives...right now I hardly get the chance to sit and rest my feet (#1 cause for the varicose veins I am dealing with.)

Big news: I am turning 30 on July 2nd!  The country is celebrating with me by shooting off plenty of fireworks, having a few parades and bringing in the carnival.  ;) Lucky me!  What a big birthday celebration!!  My kids are super excited for my birthday, mostly due to the fact that it means they get to ride on the carnival rides, watch a few parades, eat a few extra pieces of candy, and stay up late and watch the firework display after the evening dusk.  Oh, one must love a birthday around the holidays.  ;)

Farewell 'til next time!  Happy 4th of July!

I leave you with a few pictures of the kids...

Grayson - 2 yrs old

Grayson biking with his cousin Tristan

Grayson and Josh

Saray - 3.5 yrs old

Gray and Josh...what a picture!

Joshua - 3.5 yrs old

Grayson and his new style.

Baby bump (28 weeks) and Saray

Saray loves worms, ladybugs, grasshoppers, butterflies, and more.

Grayson's 2nd Year

How is it possible that my little baby has turned two?  When did he trade nursing for every kind of table food?  When did he stop sucking his two middle fingers on his left hand?  How does a baby change to a toddler so very fast?!  I blinked and he's running, chasing after every kind of ball, jumping, skipping, talking, counts to 15, learning to ride an orange Strider bike (Just a fun fyi: the guy that invented the Strider bike is from Rapid City SD and the headquarters is also in Rapid City).

Grayson is funny, charming, loves to hug and kiss, super out-going (says hi and bye to everyone), very athletic.  He keeps us laughing and he delights in being a ham for anyone.  He's a great addition to our family.

We kept his birthday simple; we had a birthday breakfast and wished him a happy birthday.  He was so thrilled to blow out his 2 candles and wanted to do it a few times just to make sure it was the real deal.  We had a simple "let's hang out" kind of birthday party at a park the day after his birthday.  I made some football cupcakes and Daddy made a small balloon banner.  He loved running around the park and climbing up to the highest slide at the park.  Simple is the best, and easy for this Momma.

Happy birthday, Grayson.  We love you!  

Grayson and his new ball and his birthday balloon banner.

Happy little kiddo. 

Grayson and Saray

What a fantastic trio!

Happy 2nd birthday, Grayson!

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Photo Book

Click here to view this photo book larger

FINALLY(!!) finished Joshua's 3rd year photo book!  Just in time...now its time to start Grayson's 2nd year photo book...before I know it will be time to make Josh and Saray's 4th year books.  Phew.  One project at a time...no matter how long it takes to get each one done.   Enjoy!

A Little Conversation

The other day before our 20 week ultrasound, Saray and I had a bit of a chat.  It was mostly a series of questions asked by me and answered by my 3.5 year old, Saray.

Mom: "How does a baby get into a Mommy's tummy?"

Saray: "God puts it there."  (Why of course!)

Mom: "How does God choose which baby to put in Mommy's tummy?"

Saray: He goes to the babies store and looks around to see which baby will go best with Josh, Grayson and me."

Mom:  How does a baby get its food in Mommy's tummy?"

Saray: "You (Mommy) take a bite and then the baby eats it, like a baby bird."

Mom: "How does the baby get bigger in Mommy's tummy?"

Saray: "It just grows."

Mom: "Is the baby in my tummy a sister or a brother?

Saray: "It's my baby sister, you know."  (She knew all along, and even told us so in a-matter-fact kind of way, every single time we'd ask.)

Mom: Who will teach this baby how to walk & talk?"

Saray: "Me, of course!  I can't wait to teach her how to walk at the hospital."  Oh dear...

And that about sums up that little conversation.

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I love conversations with my kids, they make me laugh and they make me think, they challenge my faith to be more child-like, simple and steadfast.  God teach me how to be more like my children ...teach me Lord to be steadfast and unmovable when I know I've heard your voice.  Teach me to how be more carefree, lighthearted and to laugh with ease.

Baby #4

We had our 20 week ultrasound yesterday; everything is progressing perfectly, and baby Chapeau is quite active.  During the ultrasound baby Chapeau was laying just for us to see baby's profile.  There was lots of hand/arm action and the baby noticeably had the hiccups during part of the ultrasound (which is incredible if you think about it!).

Watching this little one actively twisting and turning inside, made something in my heart sigh, a sigh of contentment and praise to God.  How could I ever grow tired of God's miracles?!  Help me, Lord, to always see life (all  stages) through Your eyes.  I never want to grow cold to Your gift of breath and life.

Oh you're probably wondering if we found out if we are having a girl or boy this time.   Well it was as clear as day (just like it was with our other 3 kids)... it's a GIRL!  Yep, we will now have two boys and two girls.  But then again, Saray already knew we were having a girl.  She has stated from the beginning that we are having a girl - how do kids do that?  They just know, and hang on to it with that child-like faith, it's so inspiring!  I pray my children will always have sensitive ears to hear the voice of God and the ability to stand strong on the things He has said, no matter what is said around them. 
 I wavered constantly, nearly everyday!   Lord, teach me to be more like a child at heart.

Capture A Memory

My heart is consumed with love for these rascals and a Godly reminder on how to be more selfless...it's a work in progress learning and submitting to selflessness...

We had a blast on Easter Sunday with my family here in Spearfish. 

"Can we wear Daddy's t-shirts?"  Sure why not! 

How in the world did she turn into a little girl?!?

Grayson checking out the hot tub...he loves swimming and throwing around his beach ball. 

Josh and his tractor and trucks.

5 eggs each + 90 minutes of coloring = very cracked and very colorful Easter eggs!

Painting Easter Eggs

Having a blast!!

Our Trio!