An Open Letter to My Kids

As we prepare to welcome our new addition, baby Sawyer, to our happy family, I have mixed emotions. I sit here peering out the window watching the three of you play and I feel more blessed than ever to be your mom. The thought that one more little precious person will call me mommy as well,  overwhelms me. Growing up, I always thought I knew how my life would play out. I'd be married to a wonderful man and have a son and a daughter. The perfect family of four, just like I had growing up. However, I have come to learn that our God is greater, our God stronger...our God is higher than any other. God had a different plan entirely. He blessed me with an amazing man that I couldn't be happier to call my husband and the daddy of my children...my four children. But, God double the love he knew I had in me. He has given me two more babes than I thought I wanted. I have THREE bouncing boys and one beautiful little girl that I get to call my best friend. The bond I have with each of you is so different from one another but equally so very special. You three-Ethan, Corbin and Taya, are my world. You bring me so much joy. More joy than I think I deserve at times. 

Ethan - I love your sense of purpose. I love that you think you're unstoppable. The determination you have inspires me. I look forward to seeing you grow into a great young man.

Corbin - You are one amazing athlete. You succeed at everything you do. You impress me on a daily basis. There really is nothing you can't do. 

Princess Taya - You are one spunky little girl. A little girl that has my whole heart. I love that one minute you are telling it like it is, sassing me and the next you're snuggled up in my arms. 

I'm nervous about the future and having another baby to raise but when I look at you three, I see hope and the promise of a happy, fulfilling life. The happiness that only the three (four) of you can give. I think about how much I love each of you and how fulfilling being your mom really is. I can't wait to share that love with your baby brother. I can't wait to make great memories with Sawyer as well.

So...here we go. Our family of five is soon becoming a whopping family of six. And, I wouldn't have it any other way.

  

-With all my love....to infinity and beyond,

Mom, Momma, Mommy

An Open Letter to Matt

Here we are...fifteen years, three weeks and a day after we said "I do", anticipating the arrival of our FOURTH child. A son. Another little being to care for and adore. Another little man that will look up to you and think you, of all people, hang the moon. 

Another apprentice to watch your every move. One more guy to teach how to throw the ball, turn a wrench, fix a flat, pitch a tent and so many more things I can't wait to see. You are and have always been an amazing daddy. First, with Ethan and Corbin and then with princess Taya. You are a hero in all their eyes. You are a hero in my eyes. The man that makes us smile when we're sad, giggle when we're sick and hope when we're down. You make us all believe we can accomplish anything. You encourage us to dream big and reach for nothing less than the stars. 

You bring so much laughter and happiness. The way you live life. You hold nothing back. You see the best in everyone you meet. You don't have an enemy in the world. At least not in my eyes. You, to me...to us, are pure joy. You are the picture of what a husband and more importantly what a daddy should be. You are teaching our sons how to treat their lady. Teaching Taya how to expect to be treated by her man. You show me on a daily basis how to be a better friend, mommy and person. 

After so many years, so many ups, so many downs, there is not a single minute on earth I would trade for what we've had and the life we've made. Our kids are well rounded, polite, kind, big hearted little people that you and I can be proud of.

The amount of love we share for Ethan, Corbin and Taya is immeasurable. The love we will share for Sawyer is unstoppable. My love for you is unconditional. 

I know we have many years still ahead filled with both happy and sad times but together, with the love, laughter and support of our precious family, we will make it. 

I truly do love you, Matt...to the moon and back.

2014-2015 Here We Go

This morning we welcomed the 2014-2015 school year with big smiles and lot of hope. Hope for the best year yet.

Ethan is on top the world being the big guy on campus (8th), Corbin jumped into life as a middle schooler head first (6th) and Taya took on 2nd grade like a pro-she didn't even turn to tell Matt and I bye. In a weird way that brings me comfort. She's right at home in her little school.

This year is bitter sweet. It's Ethan's last year in middle school and this time next year we will have a TODDLER running around!

As a mom and daughter I feel amazing today. This, because after 3 very LONG years, my daddy is back teaching and coaching in TOM BEAN! He teaches at the middle school where both attend. Unfortunately he isn't teaching either boy but he does have quite a few of the boys friends in his classes. Better yet, he is Ethan's football coach-first time ever! He will also coach Ethan in basketball and track. What a way to end Ethan's middle school career.

To top off the greatness, both Ethan and Corbin are managers for the Varsity football team! This means they both get to ride the bus to all the games and be right down on the field, front and center with Coach Upchurch (pepa) and all the other coaches and players. My dad said Ethan is the best manager they have :) Not only are they having a blast hanging with the players but the time they get to spend with my dad is total greatness. They are learning responsibility and what being a real team player means.

Taya has also taken on a new challenge. She is a cheerleader for the first time. Her first game was this past Saturday and she did awesome. She is so proud of herself and we think she hangs the moon.

I can't tell you how proud I am of all three of our kids. They are amazing little human beings with the best, biggest hearts. I can't wait to see what this year holds.

With that...we now have two kids in middle school, one in elementary and one getting ready to make his world debut. Life is good.

Corbin Moves On

Where did this school year go? It seems like only a month ago we started school and here we are now, at the end. Last Thursday was the last day. It was a particularly a big day for one of the kiddos. It was Corbin's last day ever in elementary school. Next year he'll join his older brother and learn the ropes of MIDDLE school! My baby boy is going into middle school. Holy cow!

 

When Ethan moved up to middle school, it seems like i was ready/prepared etc. Now that it's Corbin...not so much. I still think of him as my baby boy. He's always been my sensitive, little man. This will be a new experience for mama as well.

One thing I know for sure is that Corbin has made numerous friends the past four years in Tom Bean. A couple friendships that will last long after his schooling career. One in particular, Zach, that I know, would go to the end of the earth for Corbin. We should all be so lucky to have a "Zach" in our lives. Corbin has also(yes, at his young age) had his share of cute girls running after him. My favorite, Jessica. I like her so much I've mentioned to Corbin several times that he needs to marry her someday. Sadly, kids will be kids, boys will be boys...that sweet relationship ended a couple weeks ago. Funny part is, I liked her so much, Corbin was AFRAID to tell me he broke up with for fear that I'd be mad at him! Crazy kid. Apparently, the whole school, except the boys, is mad that Corbin ended this innocent romance. I guess Jessica and Corbin were the IT couple. Priceless. *Side note-Corbin's fine...already moved on to Melanie*

Corbin, as you move on, as you move forward, you have such ambition and drive, I know you will take these next three years in middle school by the horns and make it three of the best years of your life. I have loved watching you make all these memories with your buddies and I can't wait to see the ones yet to be made. Good luck, little man!

 We love you, Corbin Lee!

 

 

Ethan's A Teenager!

When I was considering what to title this post I knew right away it'd be titled "I Have A Teenager". Within a split second I realized that just wouldn't work. This is NOT about ME. Ethan turning 13 is in no way about ME. It's about HIM and the journey HE'S about to embark on as a teenager, preparing for life as an adult. "Ethan's A Teenager" is perfect. HE is perfect.

 

Ethan has always been, from the day he was born, my suborn, strong willed, independent little boy. He is now, still all those things, he's just growing and maturing into a young man.

 

I've said it so many times...he was my first. I still tell him that on a regular basis. I try to make him realize that I/we have never been a parent of a child his age, whatever the age may be. I tell him that as he is learning how to be a person/teenager/man, I am also learning how to be the mom of that person/teenager/man. He thinks we are so much harder on him than Corbin. I always tell him we just expect so much from him since he's the oldest. I know I need to let that go. I need to let him be who he is. I just need to expect him to do his best. Be the best he can be.

 

He's an amazing runner. The way he paces himself on long distances and gives it all he has amazes me every time I watch him. Running...that's his happy place. That's the place that brings him joy, fulfillment and peace.

 

He still has a lot of growing and maturing to do but I can't wait to be there by his side every step of the way. I can't wait to see what God calls him to do. He often talks about being a soldier. He's in awe of our military. Specifically the army. I can see him doing anything he puts his mind to. He is definitely one determined little guy.

 

It wasn't until we found out we were expecting baby number four, that I realized Ethan will be graduating and moving out in FIVE years. Thanks Matt, for pointing that out :-/ It really got me thinking. Thinking that I need to make the most of these next five years. I need to take it all in and make it the best it can be for him(and me in my old age).

 

Happy 13th Birthday, Ethan. Welcome to your teen years. Make em' the best. Cherish this time in your life. It'll be gone way too soon and you'll be wondering where the years have gone. I know...I ask myself that every year when you have another birthday.

 

You are my amazing young man. My first young man. I'll always cherish every memory I've had with you as a child and I can't wait to make more memories as you become a great young man. You will ALWAYS be my little boy. I will always be your crazy, overbearing mom.

 

I love you to the moon and back, Ethan. Happy, Happy Birthday, my teen!

We're Having Another...?

Exciting, exciting, exciting. We had our regularly scheduled OB visit today and decided to have a "sneak peak" sono. The heartbeat was perfect at 150 and baby was relaxed as could be. We could actually see the baby taking gulps of water :) Precious. The little legs were bent up with the feet crossed at the ankles so it was a bit tricky to see the "turtle" or the "hamburger".

After some poking and prodding on my belly(which I'm pretty sure bothered me more than the baby), we were able to get a side view.

We're having another......BOY!

Initially, we all 5 wanted another girl. Taya wanted a baby sister. Matt and I wanted another baby girl and the boys just didn't want another boy. However, I have told Matt and the kids for the past few weeks that I just knew I was carrying another boy. Mothers intuition, I guess.  When I stop and look around and picture a baby in our house and in our lives, I always see a baby boy. Not a baby girl. I guess mothers really do know best.

I think the fact that Taya will remain our baby girl, the only girl, our little princess, is pretty darn special. She can teach him everything she knows about horses. Corbin can teach him how to be an amazing athlete. Ethan can teach him how to be a great sprinter/runner. This new baby brother will have great role models.

We showed the kids the sono pictures when they got home from school. Told them our new addition was another brother. I was nervous but to my great surprise they all three were so excited. The boys will have a new "teammate". Taya will have a baby brother.

I mentioned that Taya and I were still going to be outnumbered when she popped off that no we won't. Apparently, we have 10 members of our family. Matt, Ethan, Corbin, the new baby, Oreo(Tayas rabbit),  me, Taya, our dog Maci and Corbin and Ethan's two female guinea pigs. Ten family members. According to Taya, that's the perfect family...I tend to agree. The perfect COMPLETE family.

Now....we officially get to argue about boy baby names.

Here We GROW Again

Baby #4 expected to arrive in September.

Surprised...? Ha! Surprised is the understatement of the year. Shocked to the core of my soul is more like it.

I just recently had become totally ok with not having any more children. Our family is complete and perfect just the way it is. I was at peace with that. However, our God has bigger plans. Better plans. He has known all along our family has been missing that one last piece. The piece that is now this baby.

The past three weeks have been an emotional roller coaster from you know where. Of course at first I was shocked. Then happy, excited....terrified, scared...back to shocked...happy and excited. I'm now teetering on happy/scared/excited/shocked. As time goes on, I'm sure I'll be completely happy and fully excited.  

There have been numerous times I've sat and cried. Wondered why this happened. Wondered why I "let" this happen. How will I love another baby as much as I love Ethan, Corbin and Taya. What have I done? What are we going to do? Then Matt brought me to reality. We WILL make it. We've made it three times before and we'll make this LAST time. It's our baby. A part of our family. A part of us. We'll love it, nurture it and help it become all that he/she is meant to become. This little guy/gal will have the best big brothers and the best big sister ever. Role models. And "that" warms my heart.  

My loving husband told me last night that I've been a "complete basket case". And...he's right. Complete. Basket. Case. The day I found out I have a little bambino growing inside me I quit taking my "crazy" pills, AKA Celexa cold turkey. With this comes withdrawal. So between the emotions of a pregnant woman accompanied with the withdrawal...I have in fact been a total raving lunatic. I'm sorry to my husband and kiddos for that.

I really do want to enjoy, embrace and cherish this pregnancy. It IS the LAST time I'll experience the feel of movements inside me. The last time any of my children will hear my heartbeat from the inside. The last time I will share "this" bond. That's a beautiful thing.  

So....here we are...GROWING again. And looking to a bright, beautiful future.

To Elf or Not To Elf

A lot of people ask if we have an Elf on The Shelf for our kids (mainly Taya). When I tell them no they act as if I'm crazy and ask me why. So here's the answer for those who care...and for those who don't. 

The answer is simple, really. Jesus Christ. 

Why am I going to spend 4-6 weeks trying to coheres my kids to behave or the Elf (Larry, Curly, Moe or whatever his name is) will report back to Santa with some not so great news. I get it's cute and fun (to some people) at times but are you not missing the point of CHRISTmas? 

We don't go to church every Sunday or once a month. Heck, we don't even go twice a year BUT, we do still talk about our Lord and Savior regularly. We discuss what is and is not acceptable. What Jesus expects and deserves and what we as people deserve and expect of ourselves.

If you ask any of our kids what Christmas is and why we celebrate, they'll all tell you the same thing. The birth of Baby Jesus. Yes, they (again, mainly Taya, thankfully the boys are past the believing stage) mention Santa and want him to bring presents but they get the BIG picture. Which is...we have presents to open because of the birth of Jesus. Not because the jolly fellow in the bright red suit thinks you "deserve" them. Of course Santa still swings by the ole' Ramey plantation but he only leaves ONE present for each child. We, mom and dad, buy and provide the other plethora of presents under the tree that WE are ABLE to provide because GOD and JESUS have provided us with the means to do so. NOT, the fat, bearded guy. Our kids realize and APPRECIATE this. Which we appreciate. We do bake cookies for Santa BUT we ALSO bake Jesus a birthday cake.

Since your elves Tom, Dick and Harry are cute and "fun", why not have an Angel. A Guardian Angel, if you will, that watches you and protects you that reports back to God and Jesus on a daily, weekly or even monthly basis?!? If Jesus sees, hears and knows all, then why must we have "something" report back to him, you ask? Good question. To which my answer is...THE SAME CAN BE SAID FOR SANTA. After all, that old popular song says "he sees you when your sleeping, he knows when your awake, he knows if you've been bad or good so be good for goodness sake!" Good ole' Mr. Elf is not needed for this.

In a nutshell, there ya have it. We, in the Ramey family, are keeping CHRIST in Christmas. Won't you join us?

Randomness

Last month Taya was able to be part of a mini drill camp at the local high school. The drill team for the school taught the little gals. They practiced for three hours and performed before the varsity game that Friday night.

This year for Halloween, Matt and I were well protected. We had a blue ninja (Ethan), a white ninja (Corbin) and a kitty cat/tiger/tigger.

I was starting to have baseball/softball/cross country with drawls. I LOVE watching my kids in their sports. But I'm in luck....both boys have started basketball! Corbin's playing on the youth league and is super excited because Matt's the head coach! Ethan is playing for the middle school and has played two games so far. They lost the first game 11-10 but won the second 31-0! Corbin's first game is Saturday, December 7th. Go Tomcats!!!

Most people know that my dad is a high school teacher and a coach. He LOVES his job! A couple weekends ago his varsity football team had their last regular season game so my mom, brother and the kids headed to Lake Worth to support them. To our delight, we won! 35-21. We were headed to the playoffs!

The playoff game was this past Friday night. So, the cool, fun mom I am, decided to let the kids ditch school on Friday and Thursday night after Ethan's basketball game we headed back out to Lake Worth to spend the weekend with my dad. Friday morning we woke up, grabbed breakfast at IHOP, hit Target for some gloves and Charming Charlie's (my moms new favorite store) where I bought, yet another, phone case (yes, I'm addicted. I have a problem. Do they have iPhone case anonymous?) . After that, my mom and I took the kids to the Flight Deck trampoline park. SO MUCH FUN! And what a workout! My computer won't let me upload the video on the blog but if you have never been, you should definitely check it out!

Anyway, after all that we made the 2+ hour drive to the playoff game. We stopped for dinner at Cracker Barrel and made it the game with plenty of time to spare (this was first game we actually made it to before it started).

 Dreaming of when it will be them. I am in LOVE with this pic <3 p="">

Mr. Bullfrog was pooped!

Sadly, we lost the game but it was still a great season and I am so proud of my dad for the sacrifices he makes so that he can touch so many young guys and gals lives. One more year to go. My dad's due to retire from the job he loves the summer of 2015.

Welp, that about sums up our lives. It's been busy, but it's been great. Making memories to last forever :-)

Quick Escape

Life this time of year is crazy. Fun...but crazy nonetheless. Juggling work, school, sports and preparing for the holidays is down right exhausting.

A couple weekends ago the kids and I decided to "get away" for the night. After going to two fall festivals (or fairs as Taya called them) and some shopping, I was pooped. Matt had to work that night at the marina and the resort was pretty empty. The cabin with the best view was available and open for the taking. How about a night at the lake? Umm, yes please! As Matt headed off to work, I loaded up the kids and we headed to Target to pick up some new boardgames (since the 20 we already have are "boring" now). We bought two games, stopped at Taco Bell (healthy meal, I know)and headed off for our quick escape.

By the time we got to the lake the sun was setting and I was in heaven.

The kids ran from one side of the beach, down along the shore over to the other side. They played and seemed so at peace. I was at peace. The kids all made creations in the sand.

Ethan made this <3 p="">

 And this

Corbin made this---"I Love My Family"

Ethan made another---Ethan+Corbin+Taya+Amy+Matt=Perfect Family <3 p="">

As the sun set we decided to go back to the cabin and eat our dinner (that was now cold). The boys played basketball at the court while Taya and I chatted (best chatter EVER). Matt tried building a fire but due to the damp wood it never really lit all that well. The kids were still all able to roast marshmallows and had a good time. After dessert, we went in and played the games. Matt was able to hang out for a bit in between making rounds.

We put the kids to bed and Matt and I sat outside under the stars and just talked for a long time. It was a bit romantic and a lot peaceful. It was a wonderful night.

The next morning we woke up and headed home. Back to reality and the craziness. I've always tried to make spending time as a family a HUGE priority. It's a MUST in our family. But as the kids (the boys mainly) have gotten older, they want to spend more time playing outside with their friends, which is totally fine, I'm just realizing that soon they will be teenagers (5 months for Ethan!) and not want anything to do with us so I'm trying to treasure everything we have right now. And I do.

Our quick escape was well needed and well deserved. Can't wait to go back in a couple weeks.

District Meet

As quickly as Cross Country came, it's now gone just as fast. This past week was the district meet. When Ethan gets to high school, depending on how he places, he will continue onto regionals and state. This year, being in middle school, his adventure ended at district. He still did awesome and we are still so proud. He's a trooper. From what the coaches and some other students were saying, this course was the toughest they ran this year. There were a bunch of hills, up and down and it was down right chilly!

 

That didn't stop him though! He placed 29th out of 45!!!

Warming up.

Words of encouragement...

From uncle Brian.

Almost finished!

Love this picture <3 p="">

Blessed...

Beyond...

Words.

My loves (minus two)

I'm so proud of this boy. I love him to the moon and back.

*** I heard this song the other morning and couldn't stop thinking about all three of my babes the entire time. Each of them inspire me in different ways everyday. They all have different strengths that make me want to be better. They truly do make me want to be Brave.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QUQsqBqxoR4

Fall Fun

I love, love, LOVE the fall. It's honestly my favorite time of year. The weather, all the activities and the smell in the air (I'm promise, I'm not crazy...there is a smell of the fall.) just makes me happy and my heart warm. 

There's a really neat Christmas tree farm (Wintergreen Farm)  out here, about 10 minutes from our house. Last year we went out and cut down our Christmas tree there. With a real saw and all :) During the fall they have a pumpkin fest complete with a maze, train ride and hayride. There's also a decent size play area for the kids and a little gift shop for the kids at heart. Of course, with any pumpkin fest there's gonna be a plethora of pumpkins too! Yes...we bought four. For only $25 :)

 They're growing up super fast :-/

 Look at her face-Priceless!

 I love his smile : )

 There's Corbin!

 This one's for good measure. She melts my heart.

I saw this today and had to share. So very true. It's because of him and the sacrifice he made that I get to enjoy times like this and everyday with my kids. I can't express my love for them and their daddy. They make my world go round. And bring me peace in every way.