Into battle. . . .

Command Sergeant Evan Rieben will be going into battle on Tuesday, March 3rd at 1:00 pm.

For reports from the front lines, please visit us here.

A self-reprimand

I stood at the counter, mechanically slopping peanut butter and then jelly onto ten little pieces of bread. My mind wandered over each task of the day yet to be completed. In the deep recesses of my brain I could faintly hear a little voice calling my name. . .over and over again. It wasn't that I was ignoring the voice, it's just that, when you hear little voices calling your name all day, every day, it becomes almost effortless to let the other thoughts inside your head become louder.

Finally the little voice pushed it's way into the forefront of my mind.

"Mommy, mommy!"

Without looking up, I uttered my impatient response.

"What!"

There was a slight pause and then I heard the little voice say, sweetly and sincerely, "Mommy. . . .mommy, I love you!"

And then she was gone.

And as I stood there at the counter, my hand frozen in mid swipe, I realized that, no thought inside my head would ever be more important than that little voice.

I'm in love. . . .

Do you remember the intensity of the feelings you felt when you first fell in love? I do. Do you remember the butterflies you would get every time that person was around? The smile that took up permanent residence on your face? The excitement you felt as you rolled out of bed each morning in anticipation of even just a few minutes with that person? How about the electricity that would surge through you at even the slightest touch of hand? The way your heart would race every time they looked at you or the peace that would flow through you just hearing their voice? What about the complete intoxication of their smell? Or the absolute joy that filled your soul at that person's success and happiness? How that person made you want to be the very best that you could be?

I feel that way about my life.


It's incredible.

Fabulous Five

1. Taking all five kids to Evan's physical therapy session this morning. There is something energizing (and validating) about getting five young children up, fed, dressed and out the door by 8 am. And there is nothing more heart warming than watching my children offer Evan their encouragement and support as he works hard to achieve his goals. He has his own fan club and they motivate him to keep going when the going gets tough.

2. I took a long nap today. It was fabulous.

3. I love spying on my kids. . . .watching them when they don't know that I am there. I love observing how their minds work and seeing the intensity, focus and creativity that goes into their play. Today I watched from a distance as Joshua played alone in the playroom while the other kids were busy creating artistic masterpieces at the kitchen table. Watching Joshua always brings a smile to my face and it takes a lot of willpower to remain in my "hiding place" when all I want to do is eat him up!

4. The kids and I made chocolate chip cookies this afternoon. As we stood in the kitchen licking the batter from the beaters, the spatulas and the bowl, I was reminded of all the times that my siblings and I stood in the many kitchens of our childhood doing the exact same thing with our mother. It made me smile to think of all of the yummy memories we were creating at that very moment!

5. My "exercise buddy" came to visit me again tonight. Several months ago, while I was in Philadelphia with Evan, Richard called and told me about a mammoth possum that he had discovered on our back porch. A few days later, as I was sweating to the oldies (well, not literally, but I am sure it looks just as silly), I noticed something move out of the corner of my eye. I turned my head and there, staring right at me through the french doors, was the mammoth possum. I can only imagine what he was thinking as we stared at each other through the glass. It made me giggle. Tonight, as I was once again getting my groove on, I looked out of the french doors to see that my buddy had returned. . .and he had brought a friend (I can imagine their conversation went something like this, "C'mon man, you've got to see this crazy lady!"). I tried to capture them on camera (yes, it really is amazing that I can keep pace with my workout while operating a camera), but my efforts were thwarted by the hundreds of tiny fingerprints on the glass (which I must admit, made me smile as well). Ah, the things that amuse me!

Memory Lane Monday

This is Johnny

Johnny (along with his brother, Frankie, who later passed away) joined our family shortly after Richard and I were married. You could say that he was our first "baby."

During my long days of bedrest, Johnny was my constant companion.

Around the 30 week mark, I hit a wall. Hit it hard. I was in constant pain and miserably uncomfortable, but I was determined to carry my precious cargo as long as I possibly could. One night, as I lay in bed, hot, itchy, uncomfortable and, once again, unable to sleep, I reached my breaking point. I could feel the sobs welling up inside of me and, not wanting to wake or worry Richard, I hefted my enormous body out of bed and waddled down the hall to the bathroom. Once the door was shut, the floodgates opened and I was unable to contain my misery any longer. Silent sobs wracked my body as I pleaded with God for mercy and strength. As I sat, sobbing and pleading, something flew under the bathroom door. It was a dead mole. . . followed by a frantic orange paw, searching for it's prey.

It was more than I could take. . . .I burst into fits of hysterical laughter. And as I sat there, laughing and sobbing, I peed my pants (not hard to do when you are 30 weeks pregnant with triplets). It was in that moment that I recognized and appreciated that God truly does have a sense of humor and knows exactly what we need when we need it. For me, it was a dead mole and a crazed cat, reminding me that, even in the most miserable of times, laughter truly can be the best medicine!

Last minute lover?

Are you a last minute lover? Scrambling to think of something you can do to show the ones you love just how much they mean to you this Valentines day? Do you loathe the consumerism surrounding this celebration of love and wish that you could do something straight from the heart without breaking the bank?

Why not give some oreo truffles to the one you love?


INGREDIENTS:
1 package oreo cookies, divided
8 oz. package cream cheese, softened
16 oz. chocolate chips, melted

DIRECTIONS
Crush 9 of the cookies to fine crumbs; reserve for later use (To crush cookies you can use a food processor or place the cookies in a sealable plastic bag and crush them with a rolling pin). Crush remaining 36 cookies to fine crumbs; place in medium bowl. Add cream cheese; mix until well blended. Roll cookie mixture into 42 balls, about 1-inch in diameter. Dip balls in chocolate (to make dipping a little easier, I usually chill the oreo balls for about 20 minutes and then use a toothpick to dip them into the chocolate); place on wax paper-covered baking sheet (you can also place them in mini baking cups that you can find at any craft store, such as Michaels). Sprinkle with reserved cookie crumbs. Refrigerate until firm, about 1 hour. Store leftover truffles, covered, in refrigerator. (Gift boxes can also be found at most craft stores).

Need an idea for a delicious Valentines day treat? Look no further. These homemade oreo cookies really hit the spot.

(Great recipe and tutorial can be found here.)

Decorations? This heart"felt" banner will make everyone who walks through your door feel warm and fuzzy.

(For a great tutorial, click here.)

Still have a few valentines you need to check off your list? How about an activity that the kids will enjoy? This sweet idea from "Family Fun" is the ticket:

YOU WILL NEED:
An assortment of bears (we used honey and chocolate teddy grahms and gummy bears)
Plastic bags
Ribbon
Cardstock
Hole punch


Count out your bears:



Put bears into bags. Write out your message (we said: "Bear hugs for "Katie" Love, Evan)
Punch a hole into your cardstock, thread your ribbon through it and tie it around the bag to close.

All done!

Sweet Freedom

It has been a cold winter in Ohio. Frigid really. And we have spent many a day staring longingly out of our windows into winter's gray abyss, wishing we could run free in the yard, take leisurely walks around the neighborhood and spend hours at the playground. But alas, it just was not meant to be. . . . until yesterday that is, when winter finally released her frigid grasp (at least temporarily).

When I opened the doors and let the troops run free, it was like releasing caged birds into the wild! It was a magnificent sight watching them run every which way and listening to the peals of laughter as they rolled on the soggy earth and dug their fingers into the dirt. Ah, sweet freedom! The warm air was rejuvenating and, I must say, the sunshine was very good for the soul.

Freedom!

Finally able to "hit the pavement!"

A triplet tree. Had I known that triplets grew on trees, I think I might've gone with that option!

A Naptime Project

Believe me when I tell you that I count my lucky stars that my children still nap (well, most of them do. . .for Maren, it is more like quiet time, but she stays in her bed and plays quietly with her dolls, occasionally drifting off to sleep, and of course, Evan is at school). I'd be lying if I told you I didn't need (and welcome) the break each day. Most days I allow myself to dabble in dreamland as well (sure there are dishes to be done, laundry to be washed and toys to be picked up, but I have every confidence that they will still be there when I wake), but every now and then I welcome the chance to tackle the many projects that sit, awaiting my attention. Yesterday was one of those days.

From the moment I laid eyes on this barn star project, I began daydreaming of all that I could do with it. You may recall that I made these magnificent stars for several members of our family for Christmas. I loved them so much that I decided I must have one of my own. I have had the stars and the supplies for months, but just could not find the energy or motivation to complete them. My vision was to create one large star featuring Richard and I (where it all began) and to make individual stars to represent each of our children. The results are in. . . . . and I LOVE it!

Memory Lane Monday- Go Fish

In the early days of our marriage, Richard and I enjoyed many shared hobbies, but none more than fishing in the Maury River together. On lazy Saturdays we would gather our fishing poles, bait and tackle and a nice, big tub of fat, slimy worms and drive down to the river. The Maury always bestowed her bounty upon us generously, at times yielding as many as 7-8, small-mouth bass to each of us. Of course, the irony in this beloved hobby is that Richard is allergic to fish. . .deathly allergic, that is. This being the case, our catch, obviously, did not accompany us home. This simple fact also required that I free the slimy, panic-stricken fish from the hooks that held them captive, a task that I quickly became quite proficient in.


It has been years since we have pulled out our fishing poles and spent lazy days waiting for the fish to bite, but this is one Rieben family tradition that will not be left to gather dust for long. Now that the troops are old enough to man a pole, I don't believe that there is a fish within a fifty mile radius that is safe!

#6

6. A night out on the town alone, enjoying Barnes and Nobles and studying Russian at TGI Friday's, while savoring a brownie obsession. Heaven!

Fabulous Five

1. Doing the hokey pokey with Evan while we waited for the school bus. Keeps us nice and warm and it always gives us the giggles!

2. Although I prefer NOT to have sick kids, I sure do love the snuggle time I am able to get in while they are down (because let's be honest, it is one of the only times they are still long enough to snuggle), especially with Joshua, who let me hold him and rock him like a little baby.

3. Knee hugs. You know, the kind where you are standing at the sink washing the dishes and a little set of arms wraps around your knees and gives you a good squeeze. I get lots of knee hugs when Aiden is around!

4. Homemade pizza. Yummy.

5. Richard's strong, comforting arms around me after a long day.

The Sick House

Seven

It occurred to me several years ago, that Heavenly Father's favorite number must be seven. As we know, the Earth was created in seven days. In Egypt, during the time of Joseph, there were seven years of plenty and seven years of famine. In the Book of Revelation, I'd be willing to guess that the number seven is the most commonly occurring number, with mention made of seven churches, seven angels, seven candlesticks, seven stars (you get the idea). Jesus even commands us to forgive seventy times seven (a parable teaching us that we must always forgive, but still. . the use of sevens!).

I have a certain affinity for the number seven as well and, this week, I have had the opportunity to experience many things in sevens.

Each morning I have woken to seven smiling faces, anxious for the adventures of a new day.

Seven servings of chocolate chip pancakes with seven cups of cold milk


Seventy wiggly toes on seven sets of feet


Seven personalities all different from each other

Seven little people having fun with one another


Seven peanut butter and jelly sandwiches


Seven sets of smiles and laughter (and some tears and frowns too)


Seven baths = seven, sweet smelling, huggable babies

Seven sets of snuggly pajamas fresh from the dryer (yummy)


One bedtime story read to seven eager children

Seven little prayers are said

Seven little kisses bestowed upon seven sleepy little heads

One happily messy playroom tells the tale of another day, where seven amazing children all played the day away!


Thank you, Stacey, for giving me a taste of seven this week! And I must agree with the Lord on this one. . .seven is quite a fantastic number!

The extra two kids belong to my friend, Stacey, whose husband had surgery several hours from home this week. Don't worry, we wouldn't have added two more children without sharing the good news!

Celebrating life's little accomplishments

We like to celebrate life's little accomplishments. When the kids learned to crawl, we celebrated. When they started to walk, we celebrated. When they learned to take their dishes to the sink, put their toys away and say their ABC's, we, of course, celebrated. So, it should probably go without saying that, when they FINALLY started pooping in the potty, we made a big deal out of it. I admit, celebrating this great accomplishment certainly achieved the desired results, but now, months after mastering this "skill," our kids still call us to the bathroom to marvel at their creations. Today was no exception. After Jacob had done his business he ran, enthusiastically, through the house calling my name, "Mommy! You've got to see this!" So naturally, I followed him back to the bathroom to survey his work and congratulate him on a job well done. As we stared into the toilet together, Jacob looked up at me, his face exuberant, and declared with pride, "I'm a great pooper!"

That you are Jacob. That you are!

Memory Lane Monday

This was our first home.

Richard actually purchased it (for $57,000) shortly after moving to Buena Vista (pronounced Byoo-na Vista rather than Bway-na Vista. . .we just refer to it as BV), Virginia where he had accepted a position at Southern Virginia University (I had just transferred there from a community college in North Carolina to complete my last two years of school). We were married in September 2002 at which point I had the privilege of joining him in this cozy little bungalow! We had so much fun making this house a home together. We painted, we renovated, repaired and beautified.

Looking into the living room from the kitchen

Looking into the kitchen from the living room

Our bedroom (I wanted this room to be "fun." We were newlyweds and definitely had romance covered! This is the "toned down" version of the bedroom. Prior to selling it, the trim and baseboards were the same color green as is on our bedspread. Knowing that the blue was probably going to be overwhelming enough for potential buyers, I decided to paint the trim and baseboards white again.).

The first winter we lived in this house, it was so cold that we slept on an air mattress in the den (the only room that did not have drafty windows (all of the windows were original to the home except for the windows in the den, which was an addition to the house). It felt like we were having a sleepover every night! Our next door neighbor had a mullet. He also had a band. We called them the "Mullet Band" and often found ourselves drifting off to sleep to their not-so-quiet tunes. Rather than feeling perturbed by the "Mullet" and his band (yes, we actually referred to him by this name. . .not when talking to him of course, we called him Jeff then, but between the two of us (and maybe some of our close friends) he was the "Mullet"), we often found ourselves laughing and even dancing, to their interesting selection of music and enjoyed our frequent, private concerts.

This is where we fell in love. This is where our family began. This is where our triplets were created. This is where many wonderful and cherished memories were made. I miss our cozy home in the Blue Ridge mountains of Virginia. I miss Southern Virginia University, where I graduated and then worked, with my husband, until October 2004 when we moved to Ohio to be closer to family prior to the birth of our triplets. I miss it, but I cherish every memory that was made there and look forward to telling my children and grandchildren about "where it all began."

Southern Virginia University (Winter 2002)