The Stanford Family: February 2012

January and February are flying by. I can't believe the year is already in full swing. I feel like Chris and I have been on super drive since this year begun. Chris had jumped into his new role at work with both feet and it is keeping him VERY busy and away most of the weeks, and home just for a few days. And during those few days he is home, it is mommy's time to go to work. So needless to say we are just passing in the wind. But we are both getting done what we have to and always putting our family first. It is official that Chris and I will be moving once again. (5th move for Henkel in our almost 13 years of marriage). I could become a professional mover at this point. Each time has been for career advancement for Chris, and I have been there to help him get to this point in his life. I feel like this has been a family effort, we have all made some sacrifices but it's all for the better of our family. This move isn't south were we were hoping to settle down, but it's 2nd best. We are moving to Connecticut. We are finally going to be close to one of our families. Neither one of us have lived in the same state as our family since we left for college, and this is long overdue. I am so excited to have my parents just down the street from us. My kids are going to get to see their grandparents on a regular basis and chris and I will soak in some help. We've been flying completely solo for the last 13 years, but it will be so nice not to ave to be alone all the time. So, we are very eager to get this move on the way. The house is up on the market, and we are all set to go. We are hoping the house will sell quickly because I have 3 little ones to clean up after all the time, which makes being house beautiful all the time quite difficult, but we will do our best.

This is how my day ends after a long day of work for me. I love crawling in bed with all my babies.

These are the babies new GA jerseys from Philip, Stacy, and Kins for their birthday. They love their "team" shirts as they call them.

Our big event for February was Julian's 8th birthday. Of course we the Stanford family has big plans, that means sickness is going to come. So this time was no different. The week of Julian's birthday, Julian came home from school Monday, and that night the dreaded stomach bug hit our house. I was waiting for it and dreading it. Julian stayed home for 2 days from school and then went back on Thursday. Thought we were in the home clear and that night the babies started getting sick. I think we have the worst timing in the world. Family was arriving on Friday. I just prayed and hoped for the best.

Mary, Tom, Kelly, David and Jess all flew in Friday and we had a great dinner together spending time with family that we don't get to see often. I love having a house full of people. The more the merrier to us.

Friday night the stomach bug hit me, and I spent all of Saturday in the bed. I forced myself to get up and get ready so I wouldn't miss Julian's 8th birthday party.

I can't believe that he's been in our lives for 8 years. I still remember the day he was born like it was yesterday. Every detail is still vivid, and I can still see his tiny face. I love the little boy that Julian has become. He is such a loving little boy that he makes me smile all the time. I love the way he tries at everything he does, his intelligence, his sense of humor, his drive, his love for others, and his spirit. Julian- you were one of the 3 best things that have ever happened to mommy and daddy. We want to see you continue to grow and strive to do your best in all that you do. We love you more than words can say.

Here are a few pictures from his party at Bounce U with some of his friends.