Random Thought For Women...

The common greeting I would receive from a friend before I had children was "Hey, how are you?".
Since having children when I see a friend I am amazed at how often my wieght is brought up! Really? Does anyone else relate? Have you too heard "You have lost a lot of weight since I last saw you". What is even the appropriate response to that? I almost want to chuckle out loud when someone says that and I know I haven't lost anything since the last time I saw them, maybe even gained! Perhaps this is the topic of nearly every greeting not because I had a baby almost a year ago but because I am an adult woman? I just know that I miss the more common greeting of "How are you?" compared to the topic of my waist line. Just saying......
And if I have started such a greeting the same way my sincere apologies!

Long over due post!

What is the quote? "Life happens when you are busy planning other things" Something like that! Well that is my excuse for not writing a blog entry in forever! It has been well over half a year. Snikes!

Since my last entry all three children have been growing and changing. Zach celebrated his 5th year of life October 17th. Of course being my Zach it was a huge lego celebration with many friends in attendance. Next month Zachary graduates from preschool and in the fall will begin his journey through kindergarten. He is growing up so quickly! I really need to find away to slow time down. Brianna for months and months has been anticipating her 4th birthday. May 12th she will be bringing in her birthday princess style with friends and family attending her royal princess tea party. Everyday she asks "Mommy you come to my birthday party" :-) Makes me smile every time her sweet voice says that! Bri has loved preschool and right now we plan on her being there for 2 more years. Jackson is our big baby boy now. Says Dada and Mama. Weighs a whopping 22lbs 6oz and is adored by his older siblings. His first birthday is all too rapidly approaching in June!

Zachary is not the only one graduating this spring. Denny will be graduating from COTC with honors in June. No words can express how proud I am of his achievements. Being a father, running Fink's Construction and attending college in Newark has been no easy task. But he has accomplished great grades still!

While busy raising children, maintaining the home and loving my hubby I have also been blessed by operating Beloved Images. It is very much my 4th child. I have met some great people by photographing them. Lots of repeat clients has allowed me to really get know the people I am serving. I hope that Beloved Images over time can grow into a full time income.I learn something new almost every photo shoot. Some might call me a MWAC (mother with a camera) but if that is how I've picked this trade up, then I am honored to be called that.

Well that is enough bragging and sharing for now. I will try to update this a lot sooner next time, but do not hold me to that! Enjoy a few pictures of the kiddos.

Fink Happenings

Wow! A bunch has happened in the last months and I have yet to write about it. We spent the summer bonding with our newest family member, Jackson. The name Jack has yet to catch on. I think he is forever stuck as Jackson and not both Jackson and Jack. We also were able to fit in most of our normal summer activities such as pool time (most times just in our back yard kiddie pool), a trip to Tuscora Park with some friends and even a visit to Wellsville NY to celebrate my Aunt's 50th birthday as well as introduce Jack (see it doesn't work) to the rest of my family.

At the end of August Zach returned to preschool for his last year of it and our little Bri began her first year of preschool! Both are lucky enough to be attending Hopewell Preschool. Their preschool is the best around in my biased opinion. We are so thankful for everyone that works there and with our children.

I am now excited for Fall and what it has in store for us. Fair. Zach's 5th Birthday. Trick or Treat! My new photography business (Beloved Images by Amanda Fink) growing. And so much more!!!

The wait is over

Our precious new bundle, Jackson Fink has been home with us for 2 weeks now. He decided to come a couple weeks before his due date of July 5th, that was a welcomed treat! Moments after his long birth (29 hours of labor!) I remember saying to him over and over, "we've waited 2 long years for you and you were worth all the wait". After trying for months in 2009 we had suffered a devastating miscarriage right at Christmas time, followed by a few months of healing physically and emotionally we were followed by more trying, praying, and asking for months. With many bumps in the road and the answers being no each month finally a pregnancy and baby that stuck! While we mourned the baby lost I know deep down that had we not lost our little angel baby I would not be holding our precious Jackson in my arms right now or ever. Isn't it great how God knew what he was doing! While at times waiting was too much to bare,looking back it was all worth the wait.

We love you baby Jackson! You have completed our family and are such a precious gift from above.

Thank you Lord for answering our prayers and once more having a plan for us.

Bed Rest and Blessed

From the time we got pregnant with baby Jackson I had one big objective: Not be put on bed rest. After 3 months bed rest with Bri's pregnancy and 3 weeks with Zach's the thought of bed rest was dreaded. But just a few days before we hit the 7th month marker my BP spiked landing me on bed rest. The good news is the rest is working for the most part! I still have moments were it spikes out of control and makes me ill but if I really truly stick with resting and taking it easy the blood pressure seems to stay regular. Just making myself slow down is the hard part!

Through all this Denny and myself have felt very blessed by some of our friends. From some meals for our family, to friends acting as house keepers or doing our laundry and even some taking one or both of the kids for a few hours here and there, we have been helped so much! Denny and I couldn't do it with out all of you! It has allowed Denny to not fall behind in school or work. And lets me be able to rest as much as I can with two little ones running around, not stressing about house hold chores.

Of course I will be honest and admit I have snuck out here and there. Otherwise I would go stir crazy and I can't miss all that spring has to offer! I typically pay when I do get out, my blood pressure does not like it one bit. However, I really do try to take it easy when we do get out. We were fortunate enough to be able to attend part of the Easter service at church. Getting around and going did raise my blood pressure but I'm so glad we were able to worship in God's house as a family that day.

Thank you again dear friends for everything! We are so blessed to have you in our live's.

We have a name!

Atlast we have a name for our newest edition! Jackson Robert Fink. And we only have 15 more weeks to go, give or take.

Name Game

So we still haven't decided on a name for our new little guy. To some his arrival may seem far off, he's due anytime around July 5th. However, to me his arrival is getting closer and closer and I would just like something other than "Baby Thumbsucker" to call him. Jackson or Jackston were what I really wanted but Denny is unsure about either of those. I will admit Jackson is a very popular name but I really like it. But Denny's doubt has me starting to doubt so I've looked over my list of possible boy names a few times now. I also find myself listening for name ideas when I drive in the van with the radio turned up. I've given Denny a name notice though. By the time I go for my next ultra sound to triple check the baby's gender and get a more in depth look at him there will be a name, even if it's just me saying the name is Jackson or Jackston.

So glad this is our last baby! Naming a third has been tough. I don't know what I would do if I was naming a 4th, 5th, 6th.........

Trick or Treat!

 One of the many things I enjoy as a parent is taking our kiddos trick or treating.

 For the last few years I have been making our costumes. It is a fun challenge, that is very rewarding. I lost count of how many people fussed over Zach's hand made Lego costume. It was simple to make. One box, some ribbon, hot glue, yogurt containers and spray paint. Much cheaper than the generic costumes you find on the store shelf.

 Brianna and Zachary loved visiting Roscoe Village for Trick or Treat. They even went down a couple streets near by our home. This was a first for them.

 We also attended Trunk or Treat at our church. Last year I started the tradition of our family having a costume theme. I think our "good" pirates (that's what Zach called us) were well liked. The entire family had a blast. We even decorated our van to match the theme. I know some other christians are against celebrating Halloween but for us it's a time of honest to goodness FUN! Nothing wrong with that :-)

Now that the Halloween season has drawn to a close for another year it is time to focus on my favorite holiday of them all THANKSGIVING!

Harvest Memories!

 Today we spent a crisp afternoon at the Darr pumpkin patch and corn maze!

 Autumn is my favorite season of all! For one I love to dress up in costumes, thankfully my children do too. Meet Lady Bug Brianna and The Zachster Rock Star.

 Choosing a pumpkin is always so much fun. Year after year we return here in search for the perfect pumpkin to carve! Denny and I started coming here as newlyweds, 5 years ago.

Our day ended with lunch at McDonald's, which is next to the patch and maze. I said "I love family time like this" and Zach's instant reply was "I love it too" Days like today are what memories and long time family traditions are made of. Someday when my kids are grown and have children of their own I bet they too will spend a cool, sunny, fall day at a pumpkin patch and corn maze with their children.

Ride Buddy

 Zach and Bri take on the Coshocton County Fair

Zach's and Bri's age difference did not happen unplanned. We wanted another baby after Zach and we were blessed with the news another baby was on the way only a couple months before his first birthday. They are only days short of 19 months apart. They literally are growing up together. Once shortly after having Bri I heard someone said "She has 2 under the age of 2" and put that way it sounded awful and kind of scary! However it is anything but that. Sure they fight just as all siblings do, that is unavoidable. But they are each other's ride buddy. They are on this ride we call life together, they have a buddy no matter what.

Denny and I beamed with pride as we watched Zach and Bri conquer each ride together at our county fair this week. How rewarding to watch them mature and grow. For sometime we have wanted another baby to add to our Fink Family, but as I watched my two cutie pies on the rides together I couldn't help but think how great we have it right now. Where would a third baby fit now? They would be a good 3 years or more younger than their other siblings. They wouldn't have a ride buddy :-( So now (for the moment being) I am happy to say I'm completely happy with our family of four. If God someday blesses this Fink Family with one more child I will be thrilled! However, I'm satisfied if my little ride buddies are it, their is no empty void in our live's. Besides if I spend my time wanting and waiting for another blessing from above, I will miss out on my ride with the two beautiful blessings I've already been given.

One Year Homecoming Day

Shortly after I began dating the man that I know call my husband he told me that I couldn't take a bad picture. If he only knew. When I was preteen age I stopped smiling for pictures, any pictures, including my school picture. My Grandpa on the phone told me that if I didn't smile in pictures he wouldn't be able to tell if I was happy. He wanted his eldest Grandchild happy! I have so many fond memories with my Grandpa, he and my Grandma have made sure of that. They spoiled my sister and I with lots of love.

Grandpa had a long drawn out summer of suffering last year. We all knew his time to leave this world was coming fast. Last September I went to NY and visited with him from his hospital bed side. I kissed his sweet glowing bald head one final time and held his dear withering hand for a few last moments, knowing it was my goodbye. After this visit I waited I knew with every phone call update soon one would be "the one"

On October 1st which in my family marks my Father's birthday I got the call. It was morning, maybe 8ish. I was sitting in this very spot. The moment I saw the caller id and heard my Fathers broken voice I knew. I hung up in a mixture of emotions. Joy for his battle was finally over and grief because I would have kept him forever and maybe even a little laughter because Grandpa got to pick on his son in law one last time by leaving on October 1st.
Just then through my dining room I saw to blue colored cardinals, I rarely see them here. They sat on a phone line or power cord. One flew away. I found that as a sign that he was gone. Grandpa had flown away from his pain on this earth, yes he was leaving behind those he loved, but he would expect one thing from us. A smile, so as he peaks down from heaven he can tell that we are happy.

I love you Grandpa!!!!!!! Happy Homecoming Day, I'll be smiling for you........

Girlfriends

This past Saturday night I had two friends over for a 80's Girls Night....in. We dressed in fashions from the time, posed for silly pictures, rocked to 80's music and watched movies from that time. We lasted into the Sunday morning hours! Which is something I never do since becoming a mommy. We laughed and even cried it was a great girl time. There's something so relaxing about escaping with other woman. This time it was with two other moms, who have kids close to the same age as my own and are both married. However there are times I like to escape with friends that have nothing in common such as husband or children. It's so great to spend time with them as well and hear what all is going on in their lives. Two very good friends come to mind quickly when I say that! I think they would know who they are while reading this. I enjoy sharing in their live's. I love all my girlfriends! Each so unique and special and adding to my life! I'm thankful that MOPS has helped me meet so many terrific and priceless women. A woman needs good gal pals in their life. I'm over joyed to say I have many of them and I am truly blessed by that! Earlier I said we laughed and even cried at our 80's night. I'm so happy there are numerous women placed in my life that I can have those two extremes with! I cried as I shared about our pregnancy losses, specifically the baby we lost in December. It was so theraputic to do so. With women that wouldn't judge but would listen and truly cared. There is no way to explain what friendship is worth. But I do have a verse that sits framed by my coffee pot that says well how it should be valued: Proverbs 17:17 "A friend loves at all times" So to all my many girlfriends out there know I value our friendship so much and I love ya!

Respect your elders

I was raised up with the mind set you respect your elders, even the grumpy ones. Let's face it there are some grumps. I don't know why I'm always so surprised when I encounter one. They have most likely always been that way or perhaps started out kind hearted but life hardened them over time. Often I just assume when I see a grandmother figure that they are sweet, kind and tender hearted. I am left baffled when they are rude or cruel.
What happened today that I am even writing about such a subject? Our family had a chance to visit Wellsville New York this weekend. In Wellsville resides most of my family, including my dear Grandma. We had a wonderful weekend visit and today headed home with our little munchkins. We stopped at a rest area just inside the Ohio border. My little tots and Mommy took a trip to the restroom. I of course used the large stall since there were three of us and all the other smaller stalls were being used. Bri went first while she was on the potty I noted the stall had no toilet paper so by then the other stall opened up and I grabbed enough toilet paper for us. After the kids were finished I took my turn. When I opened the door to our stall an elderly woman with a walker now stood there. I offered a meaningful sorry for her wait. Only for her to accussingly gripe to me that we had no buisness being in there! I was at a loss for words. I just hurried the kids to the sink and proceeded to wash hands. While at the sink another older woman was kind to us and fussed over my children and talked about traveling with her grandkids. All the while inside I was still shaken by the woman with the walker. I knew we had done nothing wrong. There was no sign saying that stall was handicap only. Often the larger stalls even carry changing tables for little kiddos. The only peace I found was as we got miles down the road when I realized the grumpy old lady went to the bathroom stall with no toilet paper! I felt a little better after that thought. Just a side note: If she had not been so rude I bet I would have remembered to mention there was no toilet paper in the stall!

Changes

Summer is creeping to a close. While many children in our area started school yesterday, our son Zachary starts preschool tomorrow morning. That yellow school bus will pull up outside around 7:30 and Zach's school education and path to growing up will begin. I found a shirt for him to wear tomorrow that has the perfect qoute hidden in the buttom corner. "Be yourself, don't ever let anybody change your ways. Always follow the right path. Even if doing so will not please the ones around you. Try to help others in need, what you do today will help you in the future"

Zach will not be four years old until October 17th. I hope that in the few years we have had to mold him and model him into a sweet young boy we have done enough. We have been his prime examples in life till now. Yes Zach does have lots of social interaction, including his best pal Gavin but we have been there for almost all of it. It's amazing how such a change can be so exciting yet scary at the same time! To think I'm not even the one leaving home for school tomorrow. What he must be feeling?

I hope and pray this will be a great year for Zachary. Already I see prayers being answered that I've prayed for him since he was still in the womb. He was chosen to attend a terrific school. He's been blessed with what appear to be very sweet, wonderful teachers! This should be a very bright start to Zachary's future. I'm so glad I have the opportunity to watch all the many chapters of Zachary's life unfold. I got to be a main character for the first few, it is going to be a blast to be in the next!

Welcome to our family blog!

I've had my All Brianna's Style blog since March but that revolves so much around tutus, bows, tea parties, fashion shows etc. With this blog I hope people can get to know our family more! There is Denny my best friend and husband of 5 years this coming May! He has his own construction and plumbing buisness, also known as Fink's Construction and Plumbing. Need a drain cleaned, deck built, tiling, dry wall....you name it and he can do it! He also has returned to college! He is in his second quarter at COTC. His favorite hobby is golf, which during the warmer seasons sometimes leaves me feeling like a golf widower! However, since the arrival of our two lovely children, Zachary and Brianna, he has really skimmed back on the golfing. Zachary is our eldest. He is 3 years old caught in the middle of being a toddler but almost preschooler. I've heard him say he wants to be many things when he grows up, including a fireman and pastor. I guess we'll just wait and see! Brianna will be 2 in May. She has me wrapped around her finger! All she has to do is flash me a smile and my heart melts. She is also my little hero! I love my family through and through, yesterday, today and tomorrow too :-) Then there is me! I'm a proud stay at home mom but that's not all. As I semi stated before I am the creator (owner) of All Brianna's Style. It's my hobby that somewhat gives me some extra money. Truthfully I often spend the money made on more items for tutus, bows etc. Having All Brianna's Style makes me feel less ordinary, it is my outlet and way to get some recognition outside of being a mom and wife. I feel so proud when I walk into church and see more than one girl wearing my fashions! Also it helps me raise awarness to amniotic band syndrome too. Which I love that! This will be my first of many posts!

-Amanda