Blessings All Mine

snow!!!

2011-12-27T14:51:00.001-05:00

it wasn't a white Christmas (in fact, it was a rather warm mid-40s on Christmas day)...but we were surprised to wake up this morning and find a yard full of snow (that just keeps falling). hooray for snow angels, sleds, and snowmen. :) elizabeth lasted the longest out in the cold...and i think she would have stayed out even longer if she wouldn't have been hungry for lunch. :)

Christmas 2011

2011-12-27T14:23:00.007-05:00

this is how pictures typically go...half smiling, half sulking...at least they are all looking in the general direction of the camera ;)

better :)

have i mentioned how much kate LOVES luke...seriuosly...

mike and me...ready to head to Christmas eve service

luke digging China Buffet...our Christmas eve dinner...a fun (and easy!) tradition

home from Christmas eve service and dinner...awaiting their Christmas eve present

he's waiting too! ;) he loves to do this with his bottle lately...goofball!

bathrobes...instead of jammies (which we have in abundance, we did robes for Christmas eve this year)

the calm and serene before the chaos of Christmas morning

kate woke us at 5:45...not so much because it was Christmas, but because that is how she rolls. she got to help cut and fry up the beignets...then we got everyone else up for the morning....and, yes, by early afternoon it was very apparent that someone had woken up way too early ;)

checking it out!

posing for mommy...see jilly munching her beignet...yep, there were lots of tears about that beignet moments after this pic...but we won't go there...just bein' real ;)

excitement over luke checking out his stocking

kate finds her spin-brush in her stocking...she shrieked, jumped, and did a dance afterward...yep, toothbrushes make us happy around here. seriously, the girls don't have a Christmas list (it is blissful, really...people asked them what they wanted and, for the most part, they looked at those people like they had three heads), however, they both REALLY wanted a spinbrush....i mean, really, really, really wanted a spinbrush

jilly and her stocking

luke opening

jilly and her duck whistle from libbers...this thing is HILARIOUS!

libbers and kate...lots of their gifts were matching...so they opened simultaneously

i got a new showerhead :)

pillow pets...if you want to see the video of them opening these let me know, i'll e-mail you the link...it is hilarious....and noisy and chaotic. this was what i was most excited to see them open...and they are definitely excited about them! jilly opened hers up and jumped right on to "ride" it...elizabeth and kate followed suit, and they have dragged them everywhere they go for the past 48 hours. :) kate calls hers hermit (no, that is not a typo...HERMIT) the frog ;)...elizabeth's is elizabeth the unicorn...and jilly just calls hers "elphant"...luke didn't name his ;)...but he got a lion

we had a brief respite (a nap for the littles) and the big girls and i decorated our birthday cake for Jesus...they came up with the idea for the design and i helped them pipe it on.

then grandmommy, poppy, and GG showed up, and round 2 commenced

elizabeth opening her ice skates...now we just need ice!

poppy helping luke

i'm not sure who was more excited about the rumbling truck...luke or poppy...probably poppy right now...luke just wanted to eat the paper ;)

kate helping GG open

poppy found gifts at the last minute and couldn't resist...here they are opening their sock monkeys and frogs :)

luke helping me open

we did play games and wii and eat and visit after all of the unwrapping...but we were too busy to pick up cameras!

waving bye bye at the end of a full, fun day!

winter performance

2011-12-27T14:11:00.004-05:00

on the night of elizabeth's winter performance some sweet friends were willing to watch jilly and luke so that we could enjoy some alone time with kate and have a less interrupted viewing of the performance. :) we took kate to dinner while elizabeth had rehearsal at the church...and, oh my, kate ate up all the attention...sweet girl so rarely gets both daddy and mommy all to herself!

then we headed to the church to watch the performance.

here is libs with her friend chelsea...

so grown up!

they sang jingle bells with the 1st graders...elizabeth got to ring the bells, and then they recited the poem they have been memorizing all semester, "The Statue of Liberty for Kids".

afterward we attempted some pics while they were dressed up...attempted is the key word! ;)

december days

2011-12-27T13:32:00.007-05:00

december is one of my favorite months...advent, lots of family time, the building of excitement as Christmas day draws near, a festively decorated house, snugly up inside while chilly weather abounds outside. in my dream world everyone is full of joy and love, and peace reigns in our house. in my dreams we calmly enjoy our advent devotional each evening during dinner (a dinner that everyone eats without complaint or tantrum), and then we enjoy some blissful family activity from our muffin tin advent calendar. people, i don't live in a dream-land. truth be told, it was messy december more than often...fighting for joy, struggling to get through dinners and devotionals, tears and tantrums more than occasionally, a mommy and daddy who often longed for one long evening off, many chances to ask for forgiveness, and many chances to extend grace. and yet, in the midst of the reality of life...especially life with 4 kiddos 6 and under....we did snatch so many moments of togetherness, so many snippets of peace and joy, and we did have plenty of loud, noisy, chaotic fun. here are some sneak peeks...in reverse order, since that is how they uploaded, and, well, i just don't have it in me to rearrange.

watching the grinch and eating homemade pizza....while mommy and daddy munched our pizza on the couch and savored a few seconds of quiet

luke is such an eater...oh my goodness...my grocery bill might quadruple if he keeps this up. he loves anything and everything...especially if it is what we are eating AND if he gets to pick it up himself! he chowed down on pizza!

daddy and libbers with her finished graham cracker house...she was sooo excited about this. she drew gingerbread house designs all month long, even making a list of all the supplies i needed to purchase for the making of the real thing. i cannot believe how quickly she is growing and maturing...to think that 6 years ago at this time she was a tiny little almost 3 month old...

kate and daddy with her finished house...kate loved this...but most of all, i think she enjoyed eating it!

decorating

jilly and daddy...cheese!

a determined decorator

spreading some frosting

little man and mama

luke, hanging out and snacking on cheerios, while the rest of us do projects :)

my precious, noisy, goofy, beautiful gifts

kate with her pre-K teachers' gifts

finished teacher gifts...sock snowmen

my very favorite december tradition is our trip downtown to see the lights on monument circle...

this year the girls were so excited about hopping on and escalator...it truly is the little things in life that bring so much joy to their little hearts

monument circle

daddy and the crew

mommy and the crew

they are all mostly looking at the camera and smiling...a Christmas miracle ;)

elevator riding! :)

we spent lots of time at our school table crafting...i think we were painting ornaments here

kate modeling their christmas shirts i made

love this one!

by the old barn

2011-12-27T13:27:00.005-05:00

belated thanksgiving...

2011-12-27T13:10:00.002-05:00

oh my...i am soooo behind in the realm of blogging...both the keeping up to date and the posting my own thoughts, etc. here is my attempt to get caught up on the past month or so....a very, very full month!

we spent thanksgiving at mike's parents...and we also do "Christmas" with them the day after Thanksgiving. it was a fun, full weekend...lots of pant-less jilly running around (and repeatedly washing her hands, as we were in the thick of *getting it* when it came to the potty).

this was a sight frequently seen...jilly, at the sink...so excited that she could turn the water on and off by herself...might i mention that i'm so thankful she hasn't mastered the faucet at our house ;)

decorating grandma and grandpa's tree...luke really liked the lights

jilly and luke hanging with aunt kim and uncle dave

luke and uncle dave having fun

aunt kim was kind enough to indulge the girls' obsession with the game SPLAT!

daddy and luke on Christmas morning...poor luke was fighting a cold and some wheezing, so he kind of looks glassy eyed in many of these pics...

uncle dennis presenting the girls with their Christmas present...he and kaitlyn gave them an atlas first and then dennis showed them peru on the atlas...as they had bought the presents in peru on their vacation

luke with a present....he was a quick learner when it came to unwrapping...although, he was much more interested in eating the paper than actually playing with the toys inside ;)

daddy helping his lubber-girl make a necklace

the past few weeks in pics :)

2011-12-09T12:14:00.010-05:00

thanks to the trouble-shooting, advice seeking realm of facebook i figured out how to compress my photo files...and voila...we have pics! :)

pre tree decorating breakfast...french toast on homemade whole wheat artisan bread...yummy!

tree decorating...and hanging the outside lights :)

once the tree was up, we made some gingerbread cookies :)

the next morning was luke's dedication at church...the six of us are at the very end of the stage...you can't quite see jilly and elizabeth in the pic

grandmommy and poppy came down to be at the dedication and then spent the day with us. we had yummy pizza and lots of wii playing fun...

elizabeth testing out her bowling skills...now that she really gets it, she is pretty stinkin' good!

working on our ornaments for "truth in the tinsel"

these are the girls "mary" ornaments...the marble is baby Jesus...and, yes, i did help with the glitter glue...i let them do josephs glitter on their own...i'll show that pic later...ha!

one of our muffin advent activities was making snowman pancakes...tasty and fun!

another muffin tin advent activity was a trip to the children's museum...always a fun treat!

luke loved the crawling "maze" area...and playing with that cute little boy in the mirror!

some fun pics after we watched frosty :)

we spent all day tuesday out and about...my students did a reader's theater and story time at barnes and noble during the TMS bookfair...the girls loved it...jilly even climbed right up onto the stage. one of my seventh grade guys rolled with it, picked her right up, and sat her on his knee for the duration of the story. :) we had a break while i helped at the church and the girls hung out in the nursery for naps and playing...then we headed back as a family for the eighth graders monologue performances. a fun but LONG day! :)

luke smiles really big...and giggles really big too...but he also has a new skill...do you see it? yep...he loves pulling up on things and standing! :)

2011-12-09T11:12:00.002-05:00

how is it already the 9th of december...seriously?! i would love to show you some of the fun things we've been doing so far this month...however, while our new camera takes wonderful photos and video, the files are so big that it takes FOREVER to upload...and i am incompetent in that realm and have no clue how to compress them, etc....so...instead...a list of what we are enjoying

-truth in the tinsel--this has been a fun way to meet the girls' crafting desires AND spend some time reflecting on Jesus in this time of advent

-we've been singing lots of "go tell it on the mountain" and "away in a manger" and "angels we have heard on high"...and others, but those are the three the girls really know the words to

-i've been doing some knitting...felted ballet style slippers, a felted stocking for sweet baby greta, and i'm working on a ruffly scarf...just here and there when i have a moment or two (ha!)

-we've eaten pancake snowmen and a couple candy canes

-we've taken a family trip to the Children's museum for jolly days...and for a fun trip down the yule slide

-luke has figured out how to pull himself up to standing...and i seriously can't take my eyes off the little dude for a second before he is into any and everything...except for what he is allowed to have, of course!

-i'm enjoying a glimmer of hope that we will soon have only one babe left in diapers as jillian is doing better and better at this potty thing each day...we've had a few successful "out and about in undies at public places" adventures

-i'm a bit advent over-ambitious this year (are you surprised...probably not!)...we are working our way through our devotional with the felt tree and ornaments (and i love that elizabeth really is getting it so, so much this year...kate too...but it is amazing to see the insight elizabeth has!). and we are working through a paper chain with the names of God...one a day as we count down. and, of course, we are enjoying our muffin tins advent and some daily fun as a family. :) jilly is really into talking about "baby Jesus"...and trying to sing along with anything we sing...and luke just enjoys dancing along. :)

and now to get some lunch together for those wild kiddos...who might have had time to disasterize the entire upstairs (the perils of allowing jilly to join them for play time--but, truthfully, elizabeth and kate make a pretty decent mess without 2 year old help as well) while i was trying to figure out this photo upload issue and write a short post....

30 Days of Thankfulness: Day Thirty

2011-11-30T21:11:00.002-05:00

today i am thankful for...

...a month of being more intentional in my thinking
...early morning time to prepare for the day
...getting lots of errands run to be ready to go with our december "advent" activities...looking forward to helping focus both myself and my kiddos on Jesus--and the fact that the kids did a great job during said errands
...finding miscellaneous snow gear in all the right sizes so the kiddos could enjoy some outside play...i'm thankful that all those infrequently worn snow pants and boots have come "on the cheap" as hand-me-downs or garage sale steals
...warm soup on a chilly day--and that my thrown together, creative concoction actually tasted good (white bean pork chili)...even better that the kids all cleaned their bowls
...making progress on my Christmas cards...people, i am really going to get them in the mail this year...hooray!
...the daily opportunity to be at home with my children...even on the rough days (and, i'm not going to lie, there have been a lot of them in the past week or so)...but, really, truly, i am thankful i am the one to be there for the little (and the big) moments
...saving 40 cents a gallon on gas for the van
...the ability to go to the bank and draw our monthly cash...it is so easy to take this for granted, but the truth is there are so many who don't have that luxury/ability

30 Days of Thankfulness: Day Twenty-Nine

2011-11-29T21:30:00.004-05:00

tomorrow is the last day of november...oh my! what a blessing it has been to record all the little daily blessings that surround me. it is something my mind is growing trained to do. hooray!

today i am thankful for...

...fluffy white snow flakes
...a piggy tailed two year old shrieking "Pee-a-boo!" most of the time we were at the chiropractor (while wearing undies AND keeping them dry...i'm thankful for that still too!)

...time by myself at Starbucks...me, my Bible, my journal, a book, and a caramel apple spice
...the husband who sent me for alone time even after my "girl's night out" plans were canceled due to the snow and slush

...the Word...that it is living and active...that it pierces like a sword...that it is TRUE and relevant...that it transforms and brings hope
...elizabeth's tenacity and excitement (about what is sometimes totally "ordinary" to my 30something self!)

...kate's determination

...luke's giggle and toothy grin and exploratory curiosity

...jilly's love of life and enthusiasm

...my husband's hard work and diligence
...God's reminder that it is about what is on the INSIDE, not what is on the outside...i am thankful to be reminded that prioritizing Him, my husband, and my children is more important than the appearance of my house, what others might think of me, and on and on...this is HUGE people!
...making some headway in planning for school...both our school at home AND my classes at TMS
...the reality that i only have to take it ONE day at a time...or rather, one moment at a time, one hour at a time, etc.
...a good workout while jamming to some good loud praise music after a rough start to the morning
...the fact that tomorrow is a NEW day...with new grace and mercy (and in just the right measure!)

30 Days of Thankfulness: Day Twenty-Eight

2011-11-28T21:31:00.002-05:00

finishing my TMS grading while at TMS...rather than sitting on my couch grading all night ;)
His grace as we move through busy Mondays
a 2 year old who couldn't get enough of the broccoli tonight...she was literally grabbing it, bite after bite, out of the serving bowl
that same 2 year old staying dry all day at TMS in the nursery! :)
learning to just "let it go" and say no...even to good things...when that is the right answer...those who know me well know that this is a big lesson and so huge for me...i hate to say "no"...i hate to miss out...and yet, sometimes, it is the right thing to do!
just being at home
little hands playing with their nativity set...talking about baby Jesus...the camel who is standing on the roof where the star goes right at this moment (Jesus has spent a lot of time up there as well!)
a bin full of Christmas stories...and snugly with my Libber girl to read some
an early to bed exhausted four year old
Luke's HUGE grin when he sees me come to pick him up at the end of a long Monday
outdoor Christmas lights...and getting to "see" them through the eyes of the excited six year old riding along with me
the soothing snore of mugho...it just sounds right ;)

30 Days of Thankfulness: Day Twenty-Seven

2011-11-27T21:18:00.002-05:00

what a whirlwind weekend. my hubby's facebook status might have said it best...

Time with my family Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Cleaning, organizing, decorating for Christmas and a little more family time Saturday. Luke's dedication at church today, grandmommy and poppy time, laundry and prepping for Monday. Whew...

so much to be thankful for in the midst of it...

a slower, more relaxed Sunday morning than usual (9:45 service instead of our usual 8:00)

standing before our church community to dedicate ourselves to raising Luke in the truths and ways of the Lord

having my parent's make the trip down to be there with us and support us...which makes for a thankfulness for my parents, in general...i am so thankful for their love and support in my life...from the little years until now. they have encouraged, supported, loved, taught, and always been with me. and they love our kiddos so, so, so much and have been there to help, be involved, and walk with us through this crazy journey of parenthood!

pastor Don...who married mike and i and has dedicated each and every one of our four children...what an incredible gift he is to our church community!

fun wii playing time with the fam

folded laundry

a pantry full of groceries, beds to sleep in, a roof over our head to keep us warm and dry...all things we too often take for granted

jilly's love of helping me

a husband who helps with not only the folding of the laundry but also takes the initiative to get it in the washer and dryer and keep the process going...and not grudgingly...what a blessing!

30 Days of Thankfulness: Day Twenty-Six

2011-11-26T21:39:00.002-05:00

a day at home as a family
our decorated Christmas tree
the clumps of 2 or 3 ornaments on the same branch, hung by eager little fingers
stockings hung...and anticipating the arrival of Luke and Jilly's tomorrow...grandmommy is bringing them...Luke's newly finished for his first Christmas and Jilly's was the "size guide"
homemade gingerbread
a husband who lovingly hung the outside lights :)
sparkly white Christmas lights
getting to watch the girls run around and giggle and play with their cousin
french toast for breakfast
a completely clean and dry day in undies for jilly...hooray! :)
the chance to just relax and veg out on the couch with mike
four giggling, splashing, sweet kiddos...all in the same bathtub...they fit--barely! :)
my willow tree nativity set
God's mercy in revealing my ugly heart...over and over and over...and forgiving me and restoring me and convicting me
leftovers ;)

30 Days of Thankfulness: Days Twenty-Four and Twenty-Five

2011-11-25T21:05:00.007-05:00

i suppose this could be called the Thanksgiving edition of my thankfuls. :) we were able to spend a few fun days with Mike's family...we traditionally do Thanksgiving and Christmas with them during Thanksgiving weekend. now we are back home...oh how thankful i am for our home...and there is nothing like being away from home to make me remember how great our home really is. :)

as most of you remember, last year at this time jillian (and mike) had just been released from the hospital after her MRSA infection scare. i am oh so thankful for her health (well, all of our health, really!).

i am thankful for so, so many things...

full bellies
cooperative kiddos (i'm still thankful for them even if they don't cooperate...but i am thankful that they were cooperative!)
getting to see the world through their eyes...especially their delight over Christmas lights, sleeping bags, presents, playing games with aunts and uncles
turkey, pie, sweet potatoes, roast leg of lamb, bacon, baklava...yep, we ate WELL
safe, mostly calm travel
fresh air and the peace of being in the middle of nowhere
being away from the internet
time to read
dry undies--over 48 hours with only one accident--and i'm not talking about ME, people! LOL
our nebulizer to help our wheezy, congested little baby boy....and the fact that despite his cold he was still as happy, easygoing, and sweet as usual
mugho--who despite his age still has the ability to open a Christmas present without help :)
a new french press...can't wait for some coffee in the morning
grandmas and grandpas
aunts and uncles
bubbles
the chance to play a game...love me some games...don't get much time for them, though!
a husband who just got the tree up and fluffed while i sit here blogging--decorating comes tomorrow with the kiddos! :)
cameras and informal photoshoots with the fam

30 Days of Thankfulness: Day Twenty-Three

2011-11-23T14:34:00.002-05:00

i may be AWOL the next couple of days...we are headed to the land of internet-less-ness :)

i'm sure i'll be thankful for time with family, turkey, the weather (that is supposed to be surprisingly warm and gorgeous for late November), and many more things :)

in the meantime...today i am thankful for...

...chick-fil-a giving me a free small peppermint chocolate chip milkshake this morning...and, i'm also thankful i was able to hit the elliptical at the Y for 45 minutes before consuming said milkshake and outweighing all the benefits of the workout...it was worth it! :)

...leaving a CLEAN house to come home to...mom, you would be sooo proud, but truthfully we will likely have lived in it and made it much less clean before you get here sunday :)

...being the BEST MOM EVER because i gave kate toast for breakfast (love that it is truly the little things)

...Romans...where i've been camped out in my morning quiet time...amazingly encouraging considering the current focus is on the unrighteousness of man (ME) and how much i deserve His wrath at the judgment day. oh how much more thankful that truth makes me for Jesus...His death, His blood, His mercy, His kindness

30 Days of Thankfulness: Day Twenty-Two

2011-11-22T21:59:00.002-05:00

today i am thankful for...

...my sweet elizabeth's prayer tonight..."Jesus, thank you for dying on the cross for me and my friends and all my family..."

...lots of slashes through items on my to-do list (and maintaining joy and involving the kiddos as we moved through them...definitely not perfectly...but so much better than some days!)

...macaroni and cheese

...rain that provides puddles to jump in :)

...great pics of our family...so blessed to have great photographers in the family now! :)...now to just get some hung on my walls! lol!

...getting the finishing touches put on a crafty Christmas present

...freshly stuffed cloth diapers (i know...i'm weird!)

...success with making better/more healthy lifestyle choices...both the working out AND the nutrition side of things. i'm thankful to be seeing results both on the scale and in my clothing.

...a husband who is willing to gently hold me accountable and lead me in better choices, partially just by doing life right alongside me

...gentle reminders from the Lord to stop and think on the right things--and to follow through with doing what is right!

...seeds of worship CDs...played loudly while cleaning

...the sweet, sweet singing of my kiddos (video on FB...i'm apparently too lazy to be adding much in the way of pics or video to these posts!)

...four babes piled on my lap (because, yes, they are all still babes after all!)

30 Days of Thankfulness: Days Twenty and Twenty-One

2011-11-21T21:13:00.002-05:00

i'm thankful for...

...the beautiful reality that God is both just AND kind

...the kindness of God that leaves room for repentance

...the library

...a sweet, singing and dancing, getting the hang of the potty girl...i know, i know, i've mentioned it before, but people...this is hugely beautiful and exciting

...crossing things off the to-do list

...page protectors and dry erase markers...and the hours of entertainment they provide little girls when filled with dot-to-dots, mazes, hidden pictures and "school" pages

...baskets of folded laundry

...dinners that everyone eats without complaint--even if it is just sweet potatoes and chicken nuggets :)

...being caught up on my TMS grading and planning

...conversations with my mama

...a husband who tucked all the kiddos in last night and just let me take a break

...my sweet elizabeth and the chance to spend some time alone with her yesterday...i love seeing her personality emerging and maturing...and she is just so much fun. :) i am thankful for her love of learning and reading and imagining and creating.

...the giggles of my girls as they play together...all three of them. today it was a running game of puppy obedience school with cleo, clifford, t-bone, and mac

...the way the girls hug and kiss and squeeze luke goodnight

...jilly's growing vocabulary...words are so much more helpful than tantrums! :)

...home

...heat on a cool, drizzly day :)

30 Days of Thankfulness: Day Eighteen and Nineteen

2011-11-19T19:43:00.002-05:00

successful potty training days

our own steam vac for the not so successful mornings of potty training ;)

leftovers...and the fact that it means a break from cooking

an hour and a half by myself at starbucks to do some work

progress

friends...so many beautiful, wonderful friends to do life with...specifically i am thankful for all the noise and giggles of extra friends filling our house yesterday afternoon...just because. it means that my kids have great friends to do life with, and it means that i had the chance to just chat with one of my sweet friends

potato soup...mmmm--i'm also thankful for the "know-how" to substitute and tweak recipes to fit the tastes of my family :)

jilly's potty dance...it is oh-so-cute! (and listening to her big sisters' share in her successes and cheer her on!)

a husband who puts together dressers :)

sweet little "just because" notes in the mail

the silly things my kiddos say...elizabeth: talking about her slippers grandmommy knit for her. "riley, my grandmommy knit these out of sheeps for me...don't worry the wool was dyed green...it wasn't a green sheep...i wish there were green sheep though...i really like sheep!"

a new camera...just in time for Thanksgiving and Christmas

winding up a music box my daddy gave me each evening when i put luke and jilly in bed

spending time relaxing and watching a movie with my hubby...and knitting away on some Christmas presents--which i think i'll go do right now!

30 Days of Thankfulness: Day Seventeen

2011-11-17T20:43:00.002-05:00

starting my morning in the Word and on my knees...a good place to start! i am so thankful for His Word that instructs...daily...hour by hour...moment by moment...breath by breath. thankful this morning for the reminder that without Him my thinking quickly becomes "futile" and my heart "darkened"...that so often my wisdom is really foolishness...so, so thankful that i do not have to remain there, but that He is purpose and hope and light and that He is true wisdom! (romans 1:21-22)

little girls sleeping past seven

a warm shower

tasty, warm and uninterrupted MOPS brunch

the ministry of MOPS...the chance to simultaneously be encouraged, challenged, and convicted as a wife, mama, mother, follower of Christ, etc. AND do that for other mamas. i am especially thankful for the unique "flavor" of CPC MOPS...fully and completely centered on Jesus and the cross, no holds barred. this morning i am thankful for the refreshing reminders from our speaker as we look toward advent and Christmas

some jilly potty success (of both varieties--if you know what i mean!--lol)

little girlies in felted grandmommy slippers

a little boy with one more tooth as of yesterday...love that seven tooth grin! :)

yarn...in so many textures and colors...and the click of the needles in my hands as i knit, so soothing and relaxing

having friends over for homemade pizza night...which means LOTS of extra giggles and squeals and excitement...and some extra adult conversation :)

warm jammie pants :)

30 Days of Thankfulness: Day Fifteen and Sixteen

2011-11-16T21:34:00.002-05:00

crafty friends...and crafty mornings to quickly knock out a few Christmas crafties! :)

friends who bring me back to the TRUTH and are willing to do life with me, regardless of how messy i might be at any given moment

hope from the Word

regrouping and making baby steps of progress around the house...baby steps are huge some days

two girls' nights out in a row...one a baby shower for a sweet friend with my MOPS table...and i just so happen to be thankful for those ladies and the conversation we were able to have as well. always good to be reminded you aren't alone and challenged/convicted to love better, live for faithfully, laugh, etc.

the smell of italian beef simmering away in the crockpot all morning

stay at home with nothing to do days

chocolate animal crackers with peanut butter frosting

catching up with an old friend

oven warm home-baked artisan bread

30 Days of Thankfulness: Day Fourteen

2011-11-14T21:58:00.002-05:00

today i am thankful for...

...a break. yep...a break. the end of our school day at Masters today marked the beginning of what i have declared as Thanksgiving break...two whole weeks. :) we're going to enjoy some time with friends...lots of playing and crafting and reading and being together...and some potty boot camp for jillian. and, oh my, am i ever ready for a bit of a break! :)

...a girl's night out with a dear, sweet friend...one of those friends who just knows you...the kind of conversation where you are both reminded and encouraged to press on...to love Jesus and do the right thing regardless of busyness, etc. :) and i love that with this particular friend we can go far too long between getting together (far, far, far too long...which is what happens when between us there are 7 kids age 6 and below!) and yet we can pick up like we just chatted yesterday. :)

...the way my elizabeth girl is so delighted with her teachers. so sweet to hear her little voice calling out hi to them...hugging them....smiling and excited as she talks to them.

...getting to peer in and watch kater-girl in her element during her preschool day...smiling, laughing, coming out of her shell.

...handprint turkeys and handprint trees covering my fridge

...sandals in mid-november! :) (actually it isn't rare that i would wear sandals in november...but today it was 70 degrees...so actually warm enough to wear sandals without freezing!).

30 Days of Thankfulness: Day Twelve

2011-11-13T19:52:00.002-05:00

i am so incredibly thankful for our church...the building, yes, but by Church i truly do mean the people...the community and body of believers. what a blessing to gather every Sunday and hear Truth...encouraging, convicting, hope giving. i am thankful for the dear and wonderful people who serve in the nursery, caring for and teaching our children (and being able to serve others in that way when it is our turn!). i am thankful for my squirmy elizabeth and kate, sitting in the sanctuary with us. specifically today i am reminded of just how thankful i am for GRACE....for the gospel and the way it transforms my life. beautiful.

i am also thankful for...

being snuggled under warm covers in my house this morning while the wind whipped around outside

the quickly changing leaves (now reddish and golden) on the trees in front of our house...they are some of the last leaves holding strong, as most around us have fallen and been raked away

Costco...silly perhaps...but really i am thankful for it!

hand me downs for miss elizabeth...and hearing all the giggling girls when v and her daddy dropped them off

luke's love of table food...dude chowed down on two servings of homemade chicken potpie tonight!

end of the season orchard apples filling our fridge...and our bellies!

shopping for some sweet tiny baby girl clothes for a shower this week

skinny cow ice cream sandwiches (just might have to have me one right now!)

30 Days of Thankfulness: Day Twelve

2011-11-12T21:38:00.002-05:00

a sweet, warm, snugly four year old crawling under the covers with us this morning

the chance to wander through jo-anns by myself for a bit

spending loads of one on one time with my jilly-girl this morning (who i might mention did manage to successfully use the potty a few times--and i'm thankful for that progress as well!)...she is so sweet and silly and smiley and smart and fun. i love so much of this two year old-ness...oh to bundle up her amazement and wonder and new words and cuddly-ness.

the wholesomeness and satisfaction of making something from scratch...today it was milling some wheat, cooking and pureeing a pie pumpkin, and making whole wheat pumpkin millet chocolate chip muffins. the process is just satisfying...and the result was pretty tasty too!

a two hour nap (FOR ME!)...praise the Lord!

jilly's adoration of luke...from the moment she wakes until they go to bed at night <3...she shares toys...she talks to him...she tries to feed him...she finds his toys and brings them to him...so precious!

little girlies licking ice cream cones and giggling and grinning...and a little dude who was really digging my teriyaki chicken fried rice...he searched and combed and managed to get every last rice and veggie morsel into his mouth...and then stared longingly at ice cream cones...and bless my sweet jilly's heart, "luke's...luke's ice cweam?"

popcorn

a playroom that still looks as good now as it did yesterday afternoon...even after three little girls played in it!

30 Days of Thankfulness: Day Eleven

2011-11-12T00:14:00.002-05:00

having my hubby home

a shimmery white dusting of snow on the ground when i woke up...and, even better, frosty, snowy rooftops!

waking up to the chattering and giggling of elizabeth and kate playing "go fish" downstairs--so kind of them to not wake mommy and daddy AND to be doing something so nicely!

family breakfast

watching my kate girl snuggle with daddy at the chiropractor...oh how she loves being with her daddy!

spending some alone time with my jilly

finishing the last of my Christmas shopping for the kiddos...i love being finished by Thanksgiving so i can spend advent focusing on Christ and on family rather than rushing here and there shopping! apparently that means i need to get on it when it comes to shopping for my hubby though--i gave away all of my ideas for him...good thing he is easy to please!

the answer no...sometimes its a beautiful thing ;)

a husband who loves me and serves me and supports me in spite of my emotional roller coaster-ness (and who is patient and wise and quick to forgive...while i am still often nursing my grudge or bitterness...ugh!)

a husband who took the big girls to the Children's museum while the little one's napped...AND that i actually used that time super-productively. i have been struggling to get ANYTHING done around the house while trying to juggle homeschool stuff, grading for the masters, MOPS stuff, and just keeping up with daily life, so it was a huge gift to have a chunk of time to myself IN my house...i tackled the toys...downstairs, the playroom, e and k's room....organizing, purging to donate, rearranging...it was beautiful...all while listening to pandora, sipping diet coke, and munching on popcorn. so i am very thankful for a clean playroom AND a soul that is a bit more at peace too! it gives me hope that i might someday conquer other areas of the house!

a mama who is there when i just need a phone conversation

tears that cleanse

15 minutes alone with "one thousand gifts" which i've been slowly rereading again--beautiful

time to shower, dry my hair, AND put on make-up...miraculous!

a late evening--after the kiddos are tucked away in bed--date...which meant we also got to break free from the chain restaurant dinner and wandering through target routine. hello downtown indy...how fun! california pizza kitchen for appetizers for dinner and then south bend chocolate factory to split a slice of raspberry eruption cake...all filled with some really great conversation, laughter, and togetherness...so, so, so refreshing...and yes, we did wander the aisles of wal-mart at 11:00 at night to pick up a couple odds and ends while childless--but, even then, i'm so thankful for the reason our dates often end at target or wal-mart...four sweet and energetic little bundles

restored friendships

hope

my husband's promise to let me sleep in tomorrow morning! :)

30 Days of Thankfulness: Day Ten

2011-11-10T21:46:00.002-05:00

today i am thankful for...

...grace and forgiveness that is new every morning

...the truth that when i feel desperate i can cry-out and know that my Savior hears (AND is already there!)

...a two year old who yells "pee pee!" and comes running...even if she has already "done the deed"...at least it is a step in the right direction!

...a MOPS steering team that prays and laughs and encourages and supports

...connecting with friends face to face and voice to voice...texting and e-mails are all well and good, but nothing beats a real life "checking in to say hi"

...a mama who knits fabulously warm felted slippers

...the sheer delight and excitement of little girls seeing the season's first fluffy flakes of snow falling from the sky

...a warm house

...a baby boy who babbles both "mama" and "dadda" quite proficiently and regularly now

..."Friday" night coming early...mike is off tomorrow, so tonight the big girls got to stay up late playing games and hanging out...but i must admit, i am thankful that all four kiddos are now snugly tucked in bed!

30 Days of Thankfulness: Day Nine

2011-11-09T21:08:00.002-05:00

today i am thankful for...

...buy 1 get 1 chipotle coupons

...the giggles and excitement and joy of my sweet children....love that they just want to love life and enjoy and laugh and be noisy (even if it is sometimes a bit maddening!)

...homeschooling, blogging mamas who do LOTS of work to create fabulous resources and share them for FREE!

...the funny and sweet card elizabeth wrote for her GG...without any prompting or assistance. :)

30 Days of Thankfulness: Day Eight

2011-11-08T20:18:00.003-05:00

i can't believe i've consistently made my way to my blog every day for over a week now, signed in, and managed to post a list of incredible blessings and "thankfuls". this has been such a gift and beautiful help to my heart.

today, i am thankful for...

...a husband who is willing to share one bite of pumpkin pie to save me from consuming the calories of an entire piece.

...an impromptu trip to an indoor play park. how fun to spend some time getting to know MOPS moms i'd never met before AND to get to spend some quality time catching up with my dear friend Holly...AND for the kiddos to run off some energy.

...a plethora of blogs and websites with great, healthy recipe ideas. today's find (and, thus, tonight's dinner) was this Oven-Baked Butternut Squash, Kale, Mushrooms and White Beans with Pasta and Nutmeg Bechamel...yum! i'm also VERY thankful for elizabeth's love of vegetables...and her utter delight at finding mushrooms, etc. in dinner. i'm thankful that she ate 2 FULL bowls--love it when i work hard and my family appreciates it!

...grocery stores and the ability to run to grab one or two ingredients...i know this is something not everyone has!

...MY CRAWLING BABY BOY! seriously, in the past 24 hours luke has officially become a crawler...granted, it is still a bit more of an army crawler, but he gets where he wants to go, and he gets there FAST! and then he looks up at you, smiles, and takes off in the other direction. silly little guy!

...so many people who have invested in me...mentored me...discipled and taught me. as i've been heading to the Y to swim many mornings a week i am reminded of my high school days working at a pool...of hours and hours spent with my dear friend jill...who invested so much and built into my life (and who is now investing in my family!). love you jill! :) and there are so, so many others on that list...my parents, of course, but they deserve their very own post...youth pastors, campus life leaders, crusade staff, and on and on!

...learning to "let go" and raise the white flag of surrender when it comes to my house, my to-do list, my agenda...i feel like i am so behind...in everything (likely because I AM!)...but i am letting it go and simply savoring the moments (and working on that to-do list in between the "moments"!)

30 Days of Thankfulness: Day Seven

2011-11-07T19:48:00.002-05:00

today i am thankful for...

...a job doing something i love with an incredible group of students...not only does it provide an extra little source of income, but it provides me with a great outlet and a chance to use my skills, experience, and love of teaching

...getting to hear all about my sweet girls' exciting days.

...elizabeth shrieking "MOMMY!" joyfully the second she saw me in the pick-up line at the end of the day <3

...going to Costco by myself for a bit after my classes were done...nice to wander with a diet Coke (and just maybe i found some Christmas gift goodies)

...being almost finished with my Christmas shopping

...the prospect of a crafty morning with a couple of friends tomorrow

...laminators (odd...but seriously, the one-time-elementary-education/daughter of an elementary teacher just likes laminating....and i can't wait to start cutting my laminated items...i know, so weird...but i love cutting laminated stuff!)

...a text reminder from a sweet friend who prays for our family every monday...what a priceless gift

...a baby boy who made honest to goodness, real, true forward motion in his crawling endeavors today...and, i must admit, while i am thankful for this, it is so bittersweet--slow down baby boy, it is going TOO fast!

...jilly's "i love you" as i tucked her in bed <3

30 Days of Thankfulness: Day Six

2011-11-05T21:31:00.005-04:00

leftovers from after i posted day 5 :)

...freshly bathed babies (because truly they are all still my babies!) who smell fresh and baby-lotion-y

...jilly's love of "jumping" into her bed...a mommy assisted "power-jump"

...the extra hour of evening last night that allowed mike and i to play round after round of "hungry, hungry hippos" with the big girls...and tickle...and giggle...and read story after story

...a husband who picks up Chinese take-out on his way home from work

...a big ol' box of books and goodies from amazon arriving on my porch...also containing my replacement dough hook and flat beater for my kitchen-aid...meaning there must be some baking in order

and today...day 6...a gorgeous and relaxing autumn Sunday

...taco soup...mmm...

...homemade pumpkin pie...and two cutie pies devouring it. :)

...spending the morning at church...where we have a wonderful community/family...so blessed to be a part of College Park Church. so thankful for friends who listen to my frustrations and struggles and turn my eyes back to Jesus. :)

...getting to briefly talk with my big sister on the phone. love you shell. :) and ran across the picture below when looking through a drawer. not sure if i have shared it before...but seriously love it...and whoa...hello jillian!

...having daddy home all day long. the girls were pretty excited to simply be with him...or pile on top of him :)

...singing with jilly at bedtime, her little face pressed right up to mine...giving me slobbery fishy kisses and singing along with all her heart (although she really just repeats "Jesus Jesus Jesus love me me me me me" and "Bible"). precious girlie.

...a family swim at the Y this after naptime

...my kiddos NOT waking me up at 5 a.m. because of the time change...they both slept till 6:30 (which would have really been 7:30 to their internal clock). and right now at 8:10 Kate is zonked and out like a light!

...the sound of clothes tumbling in the dryer...i know, strange...but i love that sound. it is oddly comforting and homey to me. :)

30 Days of Thankfulness: Day Five

2011-11-05T14:32:00.003-04:00

1. i am thankful for this little smile...for his easy-going, happy-go-lucky, smiling, giggling personality. he typically rolls and flips wherever he wants to go, but he has been up on his knees for quite awhile now...and this morning i could see his wheels turning, trying to move his knees and make forward progress. go buddy, go!

2. i am thankful for our membership at the YMCA...thankful for getting back into shape...for a break and some time for "me"...for the fabulous workers in the childwatch. and, specifically, today i am thankful that they open early even on Saturday...what a jumpstart to a cold Saturday without daddy at home. (and jilly had a milestone today...making it all the way to the top of the indoor playground (with some help from her sisters!) and found the twirly slide!)

3. i am thankful for beanbag chairs and warm fuzzy blankets and Saturday morning cartoons...because some days are like that. :)

4. and, yes, this post is from yesterday. i am thankful my sweet kate's beautiful personality and spirit. she is funny and snuggly. she is kind and loving. she is tenacious and determined. and boy does she love gluesticks and scissors.

5. i am thankful for my husband who is off working hard yet another day this week...providing for our family...for his example of diligence and hard work....and, yet, yes, i am also very thankful that today should be the last day of overtime for awhile...we are ready to have daddy home with us on Saturdays.

6. finally, because it bears mentioning, i am SO thankful that my laundry baskets are empty for the moment...meaning i actually got that pesky clean, folded laundry into drawers. mind you, there is already a new batch in the washer...but i'll take the accomplishment and celebrate for the moment. (and while i am at it, perhaps i should be thankful for that trusty washing machine!).

30 Days of Thankfulness: Day Four

2011-11-04T19:49:00.002-04:00

"Now, our God, we give you thanks, and praise your glorious name."
~1 Chronicles 29:13~

i'm thankful for so many thing...so, so, so many things...my husband tater-sacking elizabeth and kate up the stairs to bed and making up bedtime songs as he tucks them in (yep...i can hear that right now!)...gracious and wonderful friends and their kids who are sweet friends with our kids...luke's slobbering rendition of mama...the chance to stop and relax now that those chaos-inducing kiddos are in bed.

but, seriously, the truth is that it is enough to simply give thanks for Him...
...for His enduring love...
...for a great salvation...
...for His glorious name...
...for His moment by moment, new each morning mercies...
...for His Word...
...for the truth that He is enough--yes, more than enough...

...and so, above all today, i give Him thanks...

30 Days of Thankfulness: Day Three

2011-11-03T13:53:00.002-04:00

have i mentioned that i love this? that throughout the day i catch myself searching for moments...moments to simply savor and give thanks...

and there are many of those moments...so many...when i really stop to look...when i refocus my perspective and set my heart on JOY and PRAISE and BLESSING...rather than on hard and tired and ick.

today i am thankful for...

1-four fleecy pajama clad kiddos gathered 'round me while i read book after book after book last night. luke might have attempted to take a bite or two out of a few pages...but he did smile and giggle and grab.

2-the arrival of the Lowes delivery truck in front of my house...and thus...my new dishwasher. elizabeth and kate were SO excited to watch the guys unload it! :)

3-MOPS...and specifically a meeting this morning that reminded me of all of the many things i have to be thankful for
*a consistent home with a warm bed and dressers full of clothing
*the support of my family and friends
*an education
*a husband who LOVES me, SUPPORTS me, and is ALWAYS there
*MORE than i could ever need in the way of material possessions to meet my physical needs

and i am thankful that God is moving and working, intervening and changing hearts in the lives of many, many, many women who don't have those basic things...who don't have a place to call home...a friend to call for help....and on and on. praise God for the ministry of heartchange.

4-a diet coke and the chance to sit down and reflect for a few minutes during rest-time

5-the rain outside my window...and the fact that in a season of lots of over-time, it meants we will have daddy home a bit early and have him with us for a few extra hours this evening

30 Days of Thankfulness: Day Two

2011-11-02T14:00:00.002-04:00

what a blessing to see the many, many people on facebook and blogs who are jumping into this 30 day opportunity to focus on minds on all the praiseworthy and beautiful things in our lives.

today i am thankful for so, so, so many things...

1. the freedom to home-school--it most certainly isn't always easy, but what a blessing to be the one sitting next there watching them "get it"...to hear jillian shouting "TWO" when i ask what comes after one...to watch her little fingers trying to stick it on the calendar. what a joy to sit with my girlies around the table (oh my...another thankful, so thankful for the fabulous table we were given by friends who were done with it--and the great chairs my mama found and gifted to us!) and do a brief devotional before school starts and then to watch them dance around the room to the song that goes with it. i know--home-school isn't for everyone...and we have no idea what the future of homeschooling is for our family in the coming years, but regardless, i am so thankful for the freedom to make my own choice in this area!

2. watching my three precious girlies dump every single dress-up item we own on the floor and outfit each other. buzz lightyear and snow white are now happily playing upstairs while a pretty princess takes a nap.

3. a smiling, almost constantly happy baby boy...what an incredible and precious gift. he is really and truly amazing.

4. vacuum lines in the carpet...sometimes its the little things in life...even if they will only last until just after rest-time when the little whirlwinds come back downstairs.

5. gorgeous sunshine, unseasonably warm air, and autumn colored leaves lazily blowing across the yard

30 Days of Thankfulness: Day One

2011-11-01T14:24:00.002-04:00

it is november.

november 1st.

wow.

yesterday this sweet friend posted a reminder about the start of "30 days of thankfulness".

blogging has been about 50th on the list of things to-do lately. and yet, blogging is good for my heart, good for my thoughts, good for my soul. combine that with the fact that the past month (or months...perhaps even year) has just been full--full of blessings, but but equally full of hard, exhausting, overwhelming moments, days, and weeks.

yes...i know i am blessed.

yes...i know i will someday miss this year of handprints on the doors, crayon-ed portraits on my fridge, and mounds of little laundry to fold.

i know this...and, yet, i forget about it. every.single.day.

life presses. children clamor. appliances break. meals need prepped. clothes need washed and folded and put away. diapers need changed. and on and on.

i forget about the mountain of blessings right in front of my face, because i become so focused on the molehill of trials and frustrations.

and so, here i am...blogging, planning to do my very best to find my way to this blog....every day this month...to record my "gratefuls"....to center my thoughts on the many, many blessings.

join me. you don't have to blog...you can post them to facebook, record them in your personal journal, or whatever works. but couldn't we all use a bit more thankfulness.

and so...here goes.

DAY ONE:

1. i am thankful for the job the Lord provided me--teaching literature and composition at The Master's Study. i am thankful that it has been fulfilling to get back to doing something i truly enjoy...with a group of junior high kiddos who are amazing!...just one day a week (well, except that silly essay grading!)...AND that my kiddos are learning and well taken care of at the same time. i am thankful for the extra paycheck...that the Lord is using it to provide for our needs!

2. i am thankful for my washer and dryer that work...for my microwave and stove and oven.

3. i am thankful for my husband who works hard to provide for our family...for his loving care for us. i am thankful that he has a job...and that he prioritizes taking care of his family...allowing me to be at home with our children.

4. i am thankful for the community i have within my church...for the reminders of other wives and mamas around me who are seeking Jesus, who remind me daily to CHOOSE Jesus, to CHOOSE joy, to CHOOSE perseverance.

party in pictures

2011-10-13T16:11:00.008-04:00

perhaps overkill...but a whole slew of photos from libbers' birthday party. :) credit goes to my sweet friend kim!

{six}

2011-10-12T21:18:00.003-04:00

six years ago this little girl made me a mama...whoa! SIX...how can that be.

elizabeth irene,

you are amazing.

honestly, i don't even know where to start.

in the past months you have blown my mind. you are reading everything in sight...picking up words that you've never seen before, reading every sign in sight, reading books to help your sister fall asleep, reading my e-mails over my shoulder (!). and you are writing and doing incredible things in math...who knew you'd be able to do simple algebra at age six! you have blown my expectations out of the water in the home-schooling realm. and, sweet girl, i am so incredibly thankful to have you still at home with us each and every day.

it is amazing, also, to watch you grow in your understanding of the world around you...and of God...to hear you making observations and realizations about Him. oh how i pray that you will love Him all the days of your life...that you will follow Him and be His.

it has been such a delight to watch you and kate grow in your relationship...playing, imagining, pretending, creating. and you are such a helper when it comes to jilly and luke...God knew what He was doing when He made you the biggest of all the kiddos in our family. and it isn't just your relationship with your siblings...girlie, you are so blessed with amazing friends...it has been incredibly fun to watch you enter a new realm...the constant playdates without mom around phase...the phase where your social calendar is more full than mine (okay...so that isn't hard these days!). how i pray that the Lord will bless you with close relationships with girls like this group for all of your days...girls that also love Jesus and delight in simple fun.

you still love anything creative (hmm...wonder where that comes from ;) ). tonight when i picked you up from the kidzone at the Y, you had 6 creative projects...painting, tissue paper, glue, glitter...the ladies laughed and said you'd been at the craft table the entire hour or more that i was gone. you draw and create endlessly...and it has been incredible to watch your skills grow. oh how i long for the day i can teach you to knit and to sew...you are going to love it, libber girl!

elizabeth, we love you so much. we are so incredibly proud of you! happy birthday...may this next year of your life be full of joy and discovery and love.

we celebrated our six year old with a massive party at the park on her birthday last saturday. she made a list of all the people she wanted to invite, we rented a shelter at our favorite park, bought a MASSIVE amount of hotdogs and cake...and voila...we actually invited her friends AND their families (since they are all families we know, love, and wish we could spend time with!). we ended up with over 50 people there...over half of whom were kiddos (what can i say...we have lots of friends with four kiddos!). it was an absolutely fabulous evening!

here is the birthday girl...the one thing she HAD to have for her party were hats...love it!

you know me...it's not a party without crafts (even if there is a massive playground just feet away...you've gotta have crafts!). you should have seen me trying to help way too many 6 and under kiddos make the crafts...thankfully some other mamas stepped in to assist! :)

the kids expended a ton of energy on the playground

CAKE!--this is maybe half of the kiddos...

elizabeth with three of her BFFs...ellie, riley and alli

all in all, we ended the night joyfully exhausted. God has blessed us with an amazing "family"!

*there are far more pictures to come in another post...my sweet friend kim was kind enough to take tons of pictures...but i haven't yet gotten them from her...i, on the other hand, barely had time to reach for my camera!

once upon a pumpkin!

2011-10-12T20:55:00.003-04:00

{my very favorite pumpkins}

today we headed to the pumpkin patch.

we found a great little patch just north of town...a farmer's side business. they had fabulous pumpkins...we picked a big one for each kiddo (daddy is in charge of carving them with the kiddos!) and even brought home some yummy butternut and spaghetti squash AND some pie pumpkins...elizabeth has her heart set on making a pumpkin pie from scratch :)

"umm...what is this thing?"

"it's as big as me!"

"hmm...i pick THIS one!"

pumpkin outtakes after our evening walk...a walk full of crunching in fallen leaves, sitting on stumps, quacking at ducks, and otherwise savoring the fabulous autumn evening :)

i just can't quite get even of this squishable little pumpkin

hello october

2011-10-05T14:18:00.008-04:00

amazingly enough, october is here (whoa summer...where did you fly off to!). and, in true indiana form, the weather has been all over the charts...crisp and chilly Saturday for our annual apple day and a MOPS cookout...and then sunny and in the upper 70s by the end of our visit to the zoo Tuesday. i've mentioned it before...but i must say it again...i truly enjoy autumn. i think over the years, it has become my favorite of the seasons...the gorgeous colors of the leaves...the crisp, cool mornings, wearing jeans, warm afternoons--perfect for enjoying the backyard and parks!

we've had a fun and busy past few days...here are just a few highlights. :)

Saturday was our annual applesauce making day...complete with a bounce house in the front yard this year....how fun is that!? we managed to crank out 12 bushels worth of applesauce (split between a few families...we like applesauce, but we are crazy!). we cut apples, cooked apples, cranked it into sauce, chatted, laughed, had a few cut hands (fortunately none majored), watched kids bounce, at pizza, and all in all had a great day.

the kiddos minus the babies...rilla, luke, and greta

jake and mike, hard at work

the six burner stove constantly was on...cooking pots full of sliced apples!

i actually took my crew home for rest/naptime...here is libs...cleaned up, rested, and ready for our MOPS cookout that evening (after returning to help with apple clean-up...a sticky job!).

i can hardly believe this sweet girl is turning six in just a few days! eek! notice the leapster in her hands...i had been leapster resistant for a long time...but after picking a fabulously good condition used one up at a garage sale for 2 bucks (with a myriad of games included!) i'm a fan...as are the girls. i found a couple more at garage sales a week later...with more games...we don't use them all of the time, but they do produce a sort of blissful silence every now and then...AND i don't feel too bad about the video game factor since most of the game are truly educational in some respect.

elizabeth also wanted to be sure i showed you all her missing tooth (though, as you can see, its replacement it already well on its way in!)

we ended our busy Saturday at a MOPS cookout. we were greeted with screams of delight from libber's and kate's friends alli and aubree when we arrived...oh how i wish everyone always greeted me like that! :)

what cookout would be complete without smores!

and yes...luke did, in fact, exist on this fun Saturday ;)

we also made a last minute decision to forgo our normal morning of school at home and take a field trip to the zoo yesterday...a great choice since it was nearly empty and the weather was GORGEOUS!

the tiger was awake..visible...and eager to visit ;)

somebody is pretty proud of his sitting up skills

umm...wardrobe malfunction...lol (if you are missing it, look again)

some of our favorite friends even met us there at the last minute...lot of girls...

peek-a-boo, i see you animal...jilly loved saying, "aaa-mul" or commenting on the many "ee-pays" flying overhead or the occasional "choo-choo" we heard. the zoo is a pretty exciting place! animals and airplanes and choo-choos...oh my!

precious!

now on to another exciting weekend. we rented a shelter in the park for elizabeth's birthday party and just invited her friends and their whole families...something we've wanted to do all summer. the weather forecast is perfect...should be a fun filled evening!

and finally...because i can...here is my budding softball star...the first one is a miss...but seriously, don't you love her "style"...one should always "spin" while swinging...and you can't see the ball in the second one, but it really took off!

seven months...oh my!

2011-09-25T16:42:00.002-04:00

a certain little boy (ahem...the only little boy!) at our house is 7 months old today. 7 months...seriuosly...how in the world did that happen!?

since this is my blog i feel perfectly okay with plastering it with pictures of said boy...in all his smiley, roly-poly, giggly goodness. i've had more and more people tell me lately that they think he looks like me. for the record, lately i am starting to see a lot of my dad in him (from baby pics of my dad)...and comparison-wise...he is almost an even split of kate and jilly...jilly's eyes for sure and kate's mouth and nose (which makes sense...jilly is a replica of my sister and kate looks most like me in my opinion, while elizabeth is a replica of mike!)

at his six month check-up this little man was 20 lbs. and 29 3/4 inches long...way off the charts for height. i feel fairly confident he has managed to stretch even longer in the past month. he also has mastered the ability to roll all over the place...say "mama" (be still my heart!)...fallen in love with carrots, squash, and sweet potatoes (and mastered the ability to spit out anything green)...loves just about anything when kate is nearby (including being rolled over like a steamroller...while i say, "kate don't do that...be gentle"...and she says, "but mom, he is laughing...he LIKES it!"...and really, it is hard to argue with that!). he still loves his sleep...yay! he is finally learning to hold himself in a sitting position...but, honestly, he would MUCH rather be left on the floor to roll...after all, who wants to sit when you could be rolling. :) he has four teeth with at least two more top ones right there ready to poke through, and he is desperately trying to get himself up on all fours to crawl (EEK!).

and did i mention that he is happy...seriously, this little man is so stinkin' happy. it does my heart good. he giggles...he laughs...he smiles...and then he giggles more...and laughs more...and smiles...and bats his little eyelashes. i have a feeling we are going to be in trouble here in a few more months...'cause who can resist those eyes?!

luke, we love you so incredibly much we could just burst!

day to day

2011-09-21T15:43:00.006-04:00

today has been gorgeous...so we enjoyed some time outside this afternoon. i'm not going to lie...i often wonder whether hauling out the bikes and all the "stuff" is really worth the 10-15 minutes they spend actually riding them before getting bored and wanting to do something else (not to mention the moment where jillian is trying to catch up on her worm-bike (with her squeaky shoes announcing every move), elizabeth is waiting for permission to cross the street, and i'm rescuing kate who has freaked out because of the *tiny* dog at the end of the street, let go of her handlebars and tipped over, and luke is crying while laying on a blanket in the yard (HA!))...but really, it was fun to enjoy the front yard for a bit. i think we'll stick with the fenced in portion for the rest of the day.

anyway...here are some snapshots of what we are up to lately...

-elizabeth is eagerly awaiting the loss of her first tooth. it is really loose...but she will have nothing to do with the idea of mommy and daddy helping it come out more quickly.

-today elizabeth begged me to let her do more math during rest time. she watched an entire extra lesson of math-u-see and mastered it. amazing!

-luke is a rolling fiend...over and over he goes trying to get where he wants to be. he is also trying desperately to get on his knees...but he hasn't gotten there yet (and i must admit, that makes me a bit relieved...i'm not ready to keep up with him yet!)

-luke now has four teeth

-jillian is obsessed with airplanes (a-pays) and choo-choos...love that girlie!

-kate can write all of her capital letters (and some lowercase). she is desperately trying to "keep up" with elizabeth. bless her heart!

-in the dismissal room at school elizabeth and kate greeted each other with a massive hug and "i missed you so much"...then proceeded to chatter and giggle the entire drive home. what a sweet reminder that they really DO love and enjoy one another...further evidenced by the fact that they spent most of their free time yesterday playing upstairs in their room and the playroom together.

-i just started reading "loving the little years: motherhood in the trenches" by rachel jankovic...and wow, it is so good so far (and a light quick read...an essential at this point in life!)

park fun

2011-09-21T15:11:00.008-04:00

i have a love hate relationship with parks. there have been plenty of phases where, to be honest, i have hated them...trying to keep up with everyone, make sure no one falls, gets lost or otherwise injures themself, etc. however, we are currently in a "love" season with the park. the kids are at perfect stages...elizabeth and kate are able to do just about all of the "stuff" and are both fairly cautious to begin with; jillian is brave enough to follow her sisters but also not kamikaze crazy; and luke, well, he is just the sweetest, happiest little dude ever. that said, we've spent a lot of time at parks now that the weather is cooling down a bit. what fabulous family time. here are some glimpses of our friday and sunday evening park excursions.

sister fun!

jillian would slide all day long. and, yes, she especially likes tall and twisty slides. at one of our favorite parks she has worn a path between the bottom of her favorite slide and the steps back up to the slide platform. i think she went down the slide at least 50 times on friday evening...probably more than that. and, can you see how she slides her foot out to keep herself from going to fast and shooting off the end...what a smart girlie! :)

climbing

kate likes to try going down the slide in every possible way...forward, backward, laying down on her belly, laying down on her back...she is hilarious!

peek-a-boo pretty gal!

lest you think luke doesn't have any fun. his favorite thing about the park is being with mommy and daddy...and swinging...he does dig swinging a lot!

i tried for a photo shoot sunday evening. he wasn't so into it...but he still is pretty cute, isn't he? even with tears. ;)

two peas in a pod

hmm...what should i do with all of these woodchips? i know...THROW THEM!

and seriously...not sure who has more fun at the park...daddy or his girls. here they are, all jumping and bouncing each other! love it!

on sunday i really wanted everyone worn out and ready for a good night of sleep. i had taken a thing of mini cookies to share as dessert, so the girls had to accomplish tasks for each cookie...running around the gazebo, jumping jacks, somersaults, etc. gotta love my little somersaulters. and, for the record, i succeeded...early to sleep! ;)

{first day}

2011-09-21T14:11:00.002-04:00

okay...so this post is just a *little* late...but hopefully you'll forgive me....our week ended up being a ZOO last week...including another visit to the hospital for jilly (fortunately, it was brief this time!--more on that later).

last monday was our official first day of school...our first full day.

the girls, as you can see, were really excited!

elizabeth even let me do her hair...something she is become increasingly more tolerant of and excited about (sometimes, at least...other times she begs me to get it cut or let it be wild and crazy all over the place)

this might be my favorite of libs...it captures just how excited she really was. she even wrote and illustrated a 5 page story for her kindergarten teacher.

i have to admit kate cried almost all the way to school after realizing she and elizabeth really wouldn't be in the same class. but, when we arrived, she confidently and happily walked right into her classroom. i think it was a hard day for her though...she really missed elizabeth (which is so precious and sweet). she did have fun with the other little girls, but she also just wanted me. its going to be a learning curve for her to navigate on her own, without elizabeth, but her second day this week was a bit better. honestly, it was a big eye-opener for me. at home kate is outgoing and rambunctious and likes to "run the show"...however, at school and church, i am realizing she really has sort of been elizabeth's shadow AND most of her teachers would describe her as reserved (she tends also to cling to her teachers...following them, sitting in their lap whenever possible, etc.). most of the little girls she would call her friends are elizabeth's friends (i'm so thankful elizabeth and her friends include kate...BUT i also want her to start developing her own little social skills). ;) so that is something we are working on...and i am intentionally working to invite some little girls over just for KATE to play with while elizabeth heads off to playdates of her own. it really has been valuable insight into our little kater-girl...pray for me as i sort through how to best reach and encourage her. i want to push her out of her comfort zone, but slowly and kindly rather than brusquely.

as for elizabeth, well, she waltzed right into the massive room full of kiddos. they have devotational to start the day, so it is the entire school (K-12) to start with. she sat right down, smiling and excited to see all of her little friends...and, oh my, what a dear group of kindergarten kiddos it is. and after school, well, the sweet girl never stropped talking about her day...she learned about the trans-continental railroad, starting memorizing a poem "The Statue of Liberty for Kids", learned about kinetic energy, had art and music class...and so much more. she LOVES it...i mean, really, truly loves it! what a gift to see her thriving.

and jilly and luke did a fabulous job in the nursery. however, poor jilly had some terrible diarrhea. she'd been struggling at the end of the week before, was finally much better sunday and monday morning before school...so, off we went...but then monday in the nursery it started again. i ended up heading straight to the pediatrician after our LONG day at school. the pediatrician wanted blood work to see just how dehydrated she was. the results showed extremely low electrolytes and acidosis...and then tuesday morning mike had to take her to the ER, as she just wouldn't keep anything "in". fortunately, they prescribed her zofran, and that helped turn the corner. 24 hours later she was 100% better. the lab results from the ER showed nothing virus-wise, so they are thinking the dehydration from the original virus just zapped her, and she couldn't kick it. praise the Lord that she is better now. poor girlie has been through so much in the past year!

and then there is me...wow, i am LOVING the opportunity to teach in this setting. when i left teaching i had no desire to ever teach again...and i must admit, i was leary when i headed into this venture. but it is amazing. the kids are so neat...full of questions and excitement, quirky, eager, and totally middle schoolers. ;) it has been a neat outlet for me. i truly love my kiddos, and i want to be home with them, but this affords me an opportunity to use a different part of my brain...and to be around older kiddos (a good reminder that my kiddos won't be this little forever...and that is both a hopeful and terrifying thought!). and, at the same time, my kids are being cared for so well...learning, playing, socializing...even the nursery has lessons and crafts and an incredible structure. what a blessing! (and, for the record, many of the books are ones i hadn't read before ("the hound of the baskervilles", "treasure island", "farewell to manzanaar", and "the red scarf girl")--though i have read some ("the hobbit", "anne of green gables", "the hiding place", "call of the wild"), and the writing program is incredible...progym...a very classical program...amazing!

our first day of school

2011-09-08T21:17:00.005-04:00

we had our "orientation" day at the master's study...my first time back in the teaching saddle in quite some time (it went well...and, for the record, i am FINALLY feeling a bit less overwhelmed...i've at least finished all my reading and prep for our first novel and the reading of our second novel--HUGE sigh of relief!). elizabeth was thrilled to wear her uniform...and kate was just thrilled to get back in her pre-K class. we start officially next monday!

in the meantime we've had our official first day at home. it was such a strange feeling when our local schools started (in mid-august) and elizabeth didn't get on that bus...we've been praying and feeling led toward home-schooling for quite some time now, but somehow that day just made it official...our official entrance into this wild and crazy realm. eek!

a sweet, sweet friend passed this table along to us (it is huge...six spaces, all with cubbies underneath!) as her kiddos were outgrowing it. what a huge blessing! the girls LOVE it...they have spent more time coloring and writing stories and painting...so fun!

tuesday was our official first day (we've been doing bits and pieces all summer, but i needed to pick a date and go for it!). we kicked off our school year with a trip to the local bakery, where each girlie picked a sprinkle donut. yum! i'm hoping this becomes tradition!

luke didn't get a donut, but he did get to chew on his teether...and smile (as usual!).

then we headed home and got down to business.

our morning starts with calendar and "circle" time (date, days of the week, months of the year, their alphabet song, prayer, a devotional, some singing)....then we do as much as we can. jilly sits still for about 5 minutes coloring and then terrorizes us the rest of the time (ha!). kate is working through workbooks, coloring, doing puzzles (and occasionally a bit frustrated because she would like to be doing exactly what elizabeth is). luke is typically up and in his exersaucer when we start up, and then he naps the rest of the morning (praise Jesus for a fabulous napper!). elizabeth works through some handwriting, reading, phonics, math (we're doing math-u-see alpha level), and explode the code workbooks. we have lots of little breaks...jumping jacks...a snack....shuffling around the table occasionally so whoever needs mommy most can sit next to my big red desk chair. elizabeth has her ups and downs....she LOVES the idea of school time, but i think she is still getting used to the fact that she doesn't get to just do "whatever" like jillian does...and i'm still balancing where she is (i think she is frustrated with anything that is "review"--but also frustrated when something is overly challenging)....we are working on it, and mostly working on the heart attitude behind it...less drama, more communication, please. ;) (and, of course, i'm trying to stay sane in the midst of the jilly-tornado that is tumbling around the room while we work!). but i'm very happy with our decision to make a go of home-schooling...and, i must admit, i'm also more thankful than ever for our involvement in the master's study! it is nice to know once a week i get to have a bit of a break and work with the older kiddos (with the literature and composition i love) AND elizabeth and kate get to have a day with friends and getting a different educational experience. love it! i'm still working on what our routine and schedule will look like, but so far i've also been able to get to the Y for a workout first thing (at 8 when childwatch opens), get home and start school by 9:15 or 9:30, and we are completely finished by lunchtime. hooray!

{labor-less}

2011-09-08T20:59:00.012-04:00

we enjoyed a fun and relaxing Labor Day weekend. a final summer trip to the lake...a day and a half of sun and crazy heat...and another day of cool rain (and non-typical lake fun!). then we headed home a bit early on monday and enjoyed a fun picnic and park playing time.

luke loves his poppy

enjoying "poppy"-sicles ;)

decorating a playhouse! :)

homemade beignets...kate couldn't wait!

the girls had a mani/pedi "train" :)

and some glimpses of our fun at the park! :)

messy fun

2011-09-08T20:42:00.008-04:00

what better to do on a sunday while watching some of our favorite friends...how about pull out the paint and suncatchers...and, of course, a whole bunch of water for clean-up! :)

the whole crew

a careful elizabeth....

...contrasted by a not so careful (but really happy) jilly

fun clean-up time! :)

true love ;-)

2011-09-08T20:39:00.001-04:00

luke and his lady friend, anna :)

applicious :)

2011-09-08T20:31:00.003-04:00

the kiddos and i made our first orchard trip of the season a couple weeks ago...it was gorgeous morning, and they'd just started picking honeycrisp--my very favorite apples, especially freshly picked. :) the girls were fabulous picking helpers and thoroughly enjoyed running through the acres and acres of apple trees (and we even picked some raspberries--yum!). luke enjoyed taking it all in...hard to believe that by next year he will be running right along with his sisters, picking and eating as many apples as he can!

2

2011-08-24T20:59:00.006-04:00

oh my, what craziness a year can bring...both laughter and hard times...and jillian, you have been right at the center of it all. we've gone through two hospital stays, a couple ER visits, and a LOT of laughter, snuggles, spunk, and fearlessness. jillian, you are a gift...a treasure...our little adventurer. you are always right there, keeping up with your sisters....and sometimes blowing right past them. you climb, you swim, you run, you live your little two year old life to the fullest. and while you surely love and try to keep up with your big sisters, you are totally loving your baby brother...every morning i get you out of bed, and the very first thing you do is say, "uke" (luke) and run toward his room. i can't wait to see how the two of you grow in friendship in the coming years.

jillian, you are bursting out of your "shell"...although, to be honest, you've never had a shell...you've always been pretty sweet and spunky...but the words are coming, and with them, the massive dose of personality. you love to dance to music...sneak into markers and pens (and anything else you know isn't yours--hehe!)...eat grapes (i mean, really, kiddo, you could eat grapes all day...and you like any and every other fruit equally...and beans and olives...odd, but true). your little bobbling ponytail head...your gorgeous, big blue eyes...your infectious smile and giggle...your wiggling, waddling, jiggly run...you are too incredibly sweet. we love you. we cannot wait to see you grow and learn and become the woman God has created you to be.

"hey y'all! where's the cake?!" alternately titled, "yep, i'm FULL of personality!"

there it is...happy birthday to me!

she seriously started out by eating ONE sprinkle at a time...too funny

then she moved on to the fork (love the birthday girl's shirt from grandma and grandpa)

...and finally...after the sprinkle by sprinkle and fork approach, she went for the "pick it up and jam it in" method :)

YUM!

present time

weebles! (and, yes, mommy did score these as an amazing deal...and we now have a weeble empire in our living room!)

and yes...i DID wrap the houses in trash bags...what can i say, i'm resourceful ;)...or maybe better said, i completely ran out of time and didn't want to drag all four kiddos with me to the store for gift bags or wrapping paper :)

whee!

the big girls had just as much fun playing with jilly's presents

first luke watched from the saucer

...but eventually he got in on the action...oh this picture makes me smile, all four of my babies...together..."playing"...and can you see my hand and iPod on the right...we were FaceTiming with grandmommy and poppy, letting them get in on the action.

it was low-key, but oh what a sweet little birthday celebration we enjoyed tonight...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JILLY!

scenes from a saturday

2011-08-24T20:30:00.004-04:00

my little artists

pitas...all rolled out and ready to pop in the oven

puffed up and ready...these puppies are seriously tasty.

we had freshly baked pitas, grilled "gyro" steak (steak in a mediterranean marinade), feta, tomatoes, homemade tzatziki sauce, and olives...yum!

daddy manning the grill...actually waiting for the coals to heat...see the swimsuits drying on the picnic table...we also enjoyed a fun family swim, and the girls are getting so brave. elizabeth is popping all the way under the water and practicing her swimming skills more and more!

and for dessert we made beignets...here's the dough rolled out and cut up

we don't use it much, but sometimes the occasion calls for the fryer :)

here they are...in all their puffed up powdered sugary glory...seriously, these were so tasty....from scratch definitely beats box/bag mix any day...i think we'll be making a tradition of beignets....maybe even some beignet mornings where we invite friends over! :)

yum

and ending the day with a freshly bathed, snuggly luke is always fun!

{buddies}

2011-08-24T20:12:00.005-04:00

big sisters and their thomas pj wearing baby brother...kate is beyond excited about luke's jammies.

elias, caleb, elizabeth, aiden, and kate at the YMCA playland

my favorite is sweet jilly just chillin' on the other side

checkin' out the animals at the zoo...
elizabeth, kate, caleb, aiden, elias, and jilly (luke and anna are hiding)

watching the dolphin show

jilly and her buddy the worm bike...sweet girlie tries so hard to keep up with her sisters...just truckin' along on her wormie

the tater-sack from daddy

emmett and jilly playing trains :)

luke giving his friend rilla the "hey baby" suave look :)

while luke and rilla posed for pics the girls were merrily playing with rilla's sister maureen (one of jilly's bestest buddies)

the best kind of buddies...sisters. they are totally on a coloring kick lately...i don't even know how many coloring books and boxes of crayons we've gone through in the past couple weeks

umm...sweetness.

and the daddy and son buddy-ness. :)

never say never

2011-08-14T21:29:00.002-04:00

i have never actually applied for a teaching job.

crazy, considering i taught at two different schools before becoming a mama.

when i left teaching to stay at home i prayed and considered, and i chose not to renew my teaching license. i was never planning to enter the teaching realm again...at least not as a licensed teacher.

{sidenote: at the point i was also 150% sure i would NEVER be one of those people who homeschooled...NEVER!--HA! for those who don't know, school started this past wednesday in our town...elizabeth didn't go...alas, it is official, i am one of "those" people...lol!}

when we enrolled the girls at the "academy/co-op" they were involved in last year, they asked me about teaching.

i said no...pretty much immediately.

they asked again over that summer.

i prayed about it. the answer was no. i just wanted to stay a preschool mommy.

they asked AGAIN last spring. right around the time luke was born.

the answer was "smack me in the face" clear immediately even before i spent much time praying. i said no. ;)

do you get the idea?

luke is almost 6 months old now. jillian is almost 2. we are as busy and involved as ever. i've already committed to leading the discussion group leaders at our MOPS group. i'm planning our weeks and routine and schedule...thinking about my mondays with just the little two at home.

and then i get the e-mail....the, "i can't believe we are pestering you about this again...feel free to say no right away, but..." e-mail.

that same teaching position...the literature/composition one...the one i said no to last spring...it's open. the teacher they hired prepared the syllabus, did the legwork, is heartbroken, but she can't do it.

am i interested in the position?

i didn't immediately laugh. my gut didn't say no.

i showed the e-mail to my husband, who was sitting next to me.

he didn't say no.

i started to sweat a little...and then get a bit giddy and excited...and then plummet into a pile of nerves.

i said i would consider and pray about it.

i prayed.

mike prayed.

i sought wise counsel.

my gut said yes.

my husband said yes.

wise counsel said yes.

the Lord said yes.

and i said yes.

people...never say never.

**to clarify...it is just mondays...two hours of actual classroom time...just under 40 students....7th and 8th graders, a classical program, meaning we use the progymnastia writing style (COMPLETELY new to me! eek!). we are studying the "moderns"...some fabulous literature, "the hiding place", "the hobbit", "treasure island", "anne of green gables" to name a few. they provide nursery for my younger two (and libs and kate are in "school" there at that time) all day so i can also prep, plan, and grade. and people, pray for me...i am thrilled but SO nervous and overwhelmed right now. SO much to do--and we start in less than a month!

{love}

2011-08-14T21:19:00.002-04:00

sweet boy...how is it that you are already nearing 6 months!? seriously.

you are so happy...so smiley...so silly.

i am holding you close--savoring these moments...savoring the feeling of your head pressed against my cheek as you sleep during sunday morning church service, savoring the chance to pat your little diapered bottom as you close your eyes to sleep...

you make my heart melt when you gaze into your mama's eyes...that second just before you burst into your massive toothy grin.

luke, buddy, you were an amazing surprise...a blessed gift. and, buddy, i can already tell, you are going to be ALL BOY (and a heartbreaker too!)

through my lens

2011-08-14T21:11:00.002-04:00

beauty

whee! i can do it like the big girls!

where did my baby go!?

yum! the chocolate on her fingers made her a bit upset though...mommy showed the silly girl how to lick it off. :)

since i wouldn't let him eat the bread we were mixing luke decided to eat the recipe instead ;) ...my bread recipe has some serious drool marks.

{four}

2011-08-14T20:53:00.002-04:00

it is official...my kater-gator is four. wow! we shared in a sweet, quiet celebration...friday i took the "almost" birthday girl (it was the day before) out for a date...lunch at the pizza hut buffet, a haircut, and a garage sale (at her request--and, where she picked out a "spiderman" t-shirt for herself...oh how delighted that made her). we had such a sweet, sweet time....what a blessing to be able to spend a long chunk of one on one time with my girl. and, i must admit, i am LOVING her new haircut...it SO fits her personality...spunky and fun. AND, bonus for me, she no longer screams bloody murder when i try to brush it or do something with it...it is, literally, wash and go!

unfortunately siblings were sick...which meant nothing big as a family, but we did enjoy some time riding bikes, playing play-doh on the back porch, and partaking in the birthday girl's dinner request...grapes, strawberries, popcorn chicken nuggets, and macaroni and cheese ("not your homemade kind, mommy, the good stuff from the box"...i might have been crushed...if she wasn't four...lol!)...and strawberry pretzel dessert in lieu of cake. YUM! :) (note that the birthday girl is wearing pjs for dinner and cake...that is SO appropriate...i think kate would LIVE in jammies...especially her long, fuzzy tinkerbell ones...even if it was 90+ degrees out!)

kate...you are a blessing to us. you remain completely spunky and funny. you have grown so much this year...in maturity, in size, in knowledge. you love to spend time writing your name, coloring endless pictures, loving on luke, trying to get jilly to play by your rules ;), imagining with elizabeth. you never cease to amaze me. as lively and spunky as you are at home you can become completely shy in a crowd. at sunday school you LOVE to be right next to the teacher (and you always are especially pleased if the teacher is miss tillie or miss tammi)...but it has been a blast watching you come into your own and discover your very own friends. (but what a blessing that you and elizabeth can also share so many friends!).

kate, you are intense in all that you do...the way you laugh...the way you cry. you are intense in your focus...you are intense in your distraction. dear, sweet girl, i pray that God would use that intensity for His glory...that He would call your heart to Him...that you would walk closely and intensely with Him all of the days of your life. i cannot wait to see what He has in store for you!

one to remember

2011-08-14T20:09:00.002-04:00

why haven't i been blogging much? apparently life has been busy...ha! just a "real mom moment" that i have to record lest i someday forget. mike was working out of town for a couple of nights...and, of course, the morning he left our van started having issues again. in an attempt to be a helpful wife (and not stress him out while he was many miles away and unable to come to the rescue right away anyway), i decided i could manage to get the van to the shop and the four kiddos back home by myself. good idea, right!? (snicker....)

the shop is a little over a mile from our house...i figured i'd treat the kids to lunch at the pizza place nearby and then stroll on home (my plan was luke in the ergo, jilly and kate in the stroller and elizabeth walking....good plan). well, two things went wrong...#1...i realized i had to take the carseat out of the van with me (just in case i needed it in an emergency)...so he had to be a stroller rider, and i'm not proficient at getting jilly on my back in the ergo by myself yet, so that meant she had to ride...bumping kate to the status of walking. oops! #2...the pizza place had moved. add to that the fact that the entire town we live in is under construction, meaning i had to take a longer route...and the 90 degree temp, and, well, you can see where this story is going. ;)

at one point i realized we had to get across the train tracks...however, all easy paths over the tracks took us several blocks in the wrong direction...so i had to unload the stroller one kiddo at a time and CARRY the double stroller over the tracks. yep...while my four children waited on the other side of the tracks (elizabeth and kate carefully clutching jilly's hands so she didn't take off!).

it actually was really humorous.

did i mention it was 12:00 when we dropped the van off (remember, i was planning lunch immediately)....ha! so when we passed papa johns i ordered a pizza...the guy said, "its going to be 25 minutes..." and then maybe he looked more closely at my exhausted crew, and he offered to waive the delivery fee AND take 20% off and just bring it to my door as soon as he could. and to further "make amends" for the long hot walk i even popped in family video and rented "tinkerbell"...all in all, it will always make for a good story...AND we did have a fun, relaxed afternoon. (and a few more days at home without the van. :)

...might i mention that it wasn't too scarring, once daddy returned and the van was fixed the girls eagerly rode their bikes on the trip to pick the van up. (note to self...bikes and a cooler evening make for an easier trip!) :)

bittersweet

2011-08-14T20:07:00.005-04:00

we didn't think we'd get to see aunt shell this summer...busy schedules, too much distance, and crazy high gas prices...we were bummed. well, we ended up getting to see her. unfortunately it was because my grandpa died...my dad's dad...meaning we were all together...but for a funeral. and yet, what a sweet weekend of togetherness, even in the midst of saying "goodbye" to grandpa.

grandmommy, poppy, and their fish :)

aunt shell and jilly

we also got to see GG again...she and jilly are buddies

shell, mom, GG, and me

and, though, it was a couple of weeks early, we figured being together might be a fun chance to celebrate a certain little girl's fourth birthday (we also sang for jilly!--just super early!). kate requested chocolate cake...good choice birthday girl! and my sister helped with outlining a sketch of clifford...i just did the tracing and filling in with icing. :)

there was, of course, some time for swimming....elizabeth and kate are fish....seriously. they would just walk out to the end of the dock, climb down the boat steps and take off...elizabeth swam all the way out to the buoy by herself!

take 1

take 2

take 3 ;)

the night before we left for the funeral, the girls were already tucked in bed when our neighbor came to the door with this...the entire top to her granddaughter's princess cake...so, we were fun parents, for just that moment, and woke the girls up to let them eat cake. they were so surprised...and thrilled. (and daddy might have even let them eat cake for breakfast the next morning...shhh! :)

and just a couple more pics. :)

my (not quite an entire month late) fourth of july post

2011-08-02T08:31:00.005-04:00

how is it august? seriously!? i really did intend to post this a month ago...but i guess better late than never, right!?

we enjoyed our traditional fourth of july at the lake. i ran the 5.5K again this year...ran might still be used as a loose term, but i did run 2/3 or more of it, and i finished in less than 50 minutes, which felt like a great accomplishment for me. i'm already looking forward to improving on that next year, especially since joining the Y means i will have somewhere to work out year round. :) (and since i won't be pregnant or 4 months post partum!)

we, also, of course, enjoyed the traditional "boat-in" pancake breakfast. even jilly cleaned an entire plate this year...luke mostly slept through that festivity, but i'm sure next year he'll be scarfing pancakes down (eek...hard to believe he'll be such a big boy by then!).

my sweeties "posed" (err...kind of) for a group shot. actually, i consider this a good photo at this point in life...all four in the frame, mostly looking at the camera and even some smiles...ha!

luke definitely enjoyed the water once he got past the initial "cold-ish" shock. he kicked and splashed and squealed.

the girls have turned into waterbugs...seriously, they were in the water every second they possibly could be. this was a big weekend for elizabeth...she decided (typical elizabeth....her timing, her terms) she was big enough to do it herself...(i think poppy moving the pontoon so she could walk out on her own helped). she still doesn't love the idea of jumping off the dock, but she'll climb right in and take off. our dear friend miss jill visited and even taught her some new "technique" to practice...so she is diligently working on her kicking, scooping, and blowing. kate "hippo-jumped" (no clue why she calls it hippo-jumping!) her heart off...she'd jump off the end of the dock, swim to the boat steps, climb up and do it again and again and again and again. :) as for jilly, well, that sweet girlie has no fear...and, go figure, she wants to do it all as independently as possible!

the girls also helped poppy plant a tree...it'll be fun to watch it (and them) grow. maybe a photo a year to mark the progress ;)

we enjoyed lots of swinging, decking sitting, running around, bonfire making, smores eating, firework watching fun too.

and luke finally got to meet great uncle bubby. :)

what we've been up to...

2011-07-11T15:39:00.005-04:00

since i haven't blogged in over a month i'm using my iPod photo album to give you a glimpse of what we've been up to in brief...

a little bit of crafting (jilly LOVES glue!)

an ice cream date with kate...she downed the entire cone!

lots of clothes sorting...this is ALL boy stuff...we been SO blessed...some given to us, some great garage sale finds (we're talking gymboree, children's place, gap, etc. for $.25!). luke even has some 5T stuff in the closet (and TONS of 2T, 3T and 4T)...BLESSED!

yeah...this is all luke's stuff.

we've also been giving girl stuff away...its a bit bittersweet.

the girls have discovered my old barbies...hours of fun!

we've been slowly seeing "boy toys" (whatever that means since my girls have never been super girlie and love trucks, cars, balls, etc.!) enter our house...and since luke is too little the girls have been kind enough to test them out for him ;)

a few family walks

sometimes daddy has to take a turn on the scooter ;)

loving on daddy when he arrives home from work (jilly wasn't too happy to share daddy's lap with her sisters--lets just be honest...being nearly two (and working on molars!) isn't always easy or happy. ;)

some math by libbers

what makes jilly happy these days? well, anything involving other family members' shoes, hats, accesories, etc. is a good start. i even bought her some flip flops of her own...nope, she still wants to wear her sisters' everywhere. {sigh}

see...she is getting big like her sisters...what a proud moment when she climbed up on the fence to talk to gracie just like they do :)

and our most recent new thing to do is hang out at the YMCA...they just built a brand new branch near our house, and we joined. it is fabulous! i've loved being able to work out without always having to get up at the crack of dawn to run before mike leaves the house for work at 6:15. and we have a blast in the playroom...its like a super-sized chick-fil-a playland that we often have mostly to ourselves...and we can pack lunches or dinners. and then, of course, there is the fun of the pool...and the kids actually really enjoy going to childwatch. true confession, jilly often cries when i come to pick her up to go home...yep, my child likes the Y better than momma some moments! lol we also love that some of our friends go there as well...which means mama and miss holly get some mama chat time sans kiddos while the kiddos play and have a blast! it is a win win!

keep reading for more new posts...

old school

2011-07-11T15:30:00.003-04:00

these are terribly blurry...i took pictures of photos in a scrapbook with my iPod...but they are better than nothing. now that the kiddos are getting a bit older i am really starting to see how each has some of my features, etc. i think elizabeth still takes mostly after mike...but she does have a few of her aunt shell's expressions down pat...the smirk...the annoyed look....hehe...it must be an oldest child thing. :)

me around 4 or 5 months--i see lots of luke in this pic (i have it side by side w/ a pic of him in the next post)

me around 4 or 5 years...i'm totally starting to see how kate has some of "me" in her (both personality and appearance)

my sister, michelle, at various ages...i think jillian looks SO much like her!

me 8 1/2 months, my sister 3 years...i'm imagining a pic of luke and jilly in another few months...well, except that luke won't be wearing a dress. :)

keep reading for more new posts...

featuring luke

2011-07-11T15:11:00.006-04:00

would you believe that our baby boy is already four months old (well, four and a half now!)?! not only that, but just the other day i realized a tooth had popped through his lower gum...and now a second tooth is following suit--i didn't even know he was teething (if that tells you anything about his laid back, happy demeanor!). this pics and the video are a pretty accurate portrayal of him...smiling, laughing, sleeping lots and lots. i am completely smitten. :)

hey there cute little fella

hand-eating is one of his favorite pasttimes (along with blanket eating!)

kate is especially fond of luke...she is so sweet to him :)

luke at four months and me around the same age...i see a lot of me in luke. and, yes, i see lots of jilly and some kate too...which makes sense...jilly is a little replica of my older sister, and i am starting to see many of my features in kate.

he also had his first taste of rice cereal...not so much yet. ha!

and this video...i just happen to think it is precious beyond words! but i do suppose i'm a bit biased! :)

keep reading for more new posts...

EAT MOR CHIKIN

2011-07-11T15:02:00.004-04:00

yep...annual cow appreciation day. our fam showed our appreciation of cows by dressing up and joyfully chowing down on lots of free chicken and then enjoying a few trips through the bouncy obstacle course. sorry, our "herd" had already shed their ears, noses, tails, lower half spots, etc. by the time i pulled out the camera. (and, yep, mike and i dressed up too...but we didn't make any pictures!)

our pirate cow...ARGH!

"i don't wanna be a cow anymore!!"

{family}

2011-06-09T14:44:00.009-04:00

here is a peek at our end of may family photo shoot at the park...so much fun...and love how they captured personalities so perfectly. :) i just couldn't decide which ones to share...i had more i wanted to upload, but i think i reached a blogger limit. ha! anyway...enjoy...all images by McCardel Photography

lakin' it up :)

2011-06-07T14:19:00.011-04:00

we spent the past weekend at the lake...and had a BLAST!

elizabeth was a brave swimmer the first day...even jumping off the end of the pier. then she got a bit gun-shy...but she still had lots of fun in the shallows and sand the next day or so. :)

jilly enjoyed herself!

luke's first boat ride

he may not have held the pole, but he was pretty thrilled about the fishing derby

they didn't have the longest attention span...but the girls did a decent job helping cast and reel in a few fish before they moved on to other pursuits. thanks to daddy and poppy's help kate did take first place in her division for the fishing derby!

mike and i celebrated our seventh anniversary...we got a nice evening out while grandmommy and poppy (and GG too) watched the kiddos

don't you always start your morning fishin' in your jammies!

while her sisters were off doing other things, jilly stole a chance on the big wheel

fishing sisters

workin' at the carwash...

more help!

they did a great job with the wheels...and you gotta love libbers wearing water wings while she washed!

the smiley-est baby boy...he seriously has turned into a smile machine the past week or so. (except for right now...poor dude figured out how to roll onto his back during naptime...and it really makes him unhappy...ugh!)

ready for a swim! :)

just a toe dipping :)

1-2-3 JUMP! kate became a jumping, swimming, water machine! seriously...LOVED it! she spent at least 5 hours in the water saturday...and another 3 or 4 on sunday...she called it "hippo jumps"...i think we created a monster...but oh did it make my heart rejoice to see her loving the water so much!

swim, swim, swim!

while kate jumped grandmommy painted libbers toenails...

and after lots of swimming and sunshine kater crashed out in the yard. :)

and here she is sliding off the end of the pier...so, so fun!

{memorial day}

2011-06-07T13:20:00.006-04:00

a little late...but here are snapshots of our memorial day weekend.

we made a quick impromptu overnight to mike's parents...enjoyed visiting grandma and grandpa, did some exploring and running on their property, and played with uncle dennis's dog kaita who they were dog-sitting. :)

daddy and kater-girl :)

exploring

little girl...big world

mommy and kater-bug

when did kate get so big!?

the face of innocence

elizabeth joins us for a bit

daddy and his shadow...seriously, jilly is daddy's girl!

what a face!

love this shot of my girlies!

freedom

after our night and day with grandma and grandpa we had enjoyed a couple of cookouts...one with the lews at our house.

buddies...to think, next memorial day luke can join them...and there will be a baby lew! :)

here is smiley luke...after the cookout...

it was a warm enough weekend for lots of backyard swimming as well!

and just another smile...because you can never have too many! :)

{SPLASH}

2011-05-26T20:13:00.005-04:00

today was rainy...but when rest time ended for the big girls and jilly and luke were still sound asleep, we decided to go puddle jumping. elizabeth loved the opportunity to wear her curious george rain jacket from grandmommy...and kate was quite excited to test out her dora umbrella. we did lots of splishing and splashing...and giggling and laughing!

the recent rain brought storms last night...they were bad enough that we decided to get everyone out of bed and hide out in our "safe room" under the steps. elizabeth was a bit grouchy from being woken up, but kate and jilly thought it was a fabulous adventure (getting to watch an episode of backyardigans on my iPod helped!). luke just wanted us to put him back to bed ;). (and yes...almost all those diaper boxes reaching to the back of the closet are boy clothes--95% of them have been given to us from sweet generous friends...what a blessing!)

and...just for fun...jilly LOVES sunglasses (makes me remember when libbers used to call them "eyes" back when she was jilly's age...eekkk!!! how did she get to be 5 1/2!!)

and here she is...my biggest girl...doing 90% of the work to make enchiladas for dinner...opening the cans, dumping, stirring, filling tortillas....she was SO proud! and dinner was so yummy! i'm so proud of my libber-girl!

the big 3-0!

2011-05-17T18:41:00.004-04:00

"What's that you say!? Really!? Its daddy's birthday?!"

"Let's make a cake...."

"...blow out some candles..."

"...and have at it!"

Welcome to your 30s daddy! Its good to have you join me. :)

snippets!

2011-05-06T14:36:00.008-04:00

it has been way.too.long...like, seriously too long. i can't believe i last blogged april 12th...really?! luke is now 10 weeks old (WHAT!?!?). i've recovered from my nearly 4 week bout with a sore throat (we landed on the solution randomly...actually through my wise aunt via facebook...it was acid reflux...oddly enough). we enjoyed a low-key Easter, a trip to fort wayne the week after Easter, my birthday, and on and on...life just keeps moving! :) here are some snippets from the past month!

today we took our first zoo trip of the summer. we joined some of our favorite friends, and we had a blast (in spite of the fact that the zoo was an ABSOLUTE zoo!).

here is luke taking it all in...

have you ever wondered how many girls can fit in a sit and stand stroller? apparently one nearly 3 year old, a nearly 4 year old, and two 5 year olds (and one sweet 7 year old to help push!)....and then, see how our family "rolls" on the way to the van after an exciting time (mr. luke is hanging with mommy in the moby!).

we've also been just plain silly...we've spent lots of time stuck inside with rainy weather and not-so-springlike temps...but hopefully spring is here to stay! the girls have been super busy pretending and imagining...(a beautiful thing when they are having FUN, but i must admit, it also comes with more "power" struggles and squabbles as well!).

kate likes to spend time writing all kinds of words...she seriously LOVES making lists...loves it! (good thing "bab" made this family list!)

...and someone has been busy growing like a weed! he was 13 lbs. 8 1/2 oz. and 24 3/4 inches long at his 2 month appt. he loves to smile and coo and chat, and is seriously the most lowkey baby...taking in all that is constantly going on around him. he has blessed his mama by sleeping through the night for 12 hours off and on since around 7 weeks (and every single night for the past week!). he also likes to take at least two 2 1/2 hour naps and a short evening nap every day. what a great blessing!

the week after Easter i took the kids and headed up to my parents. it was a shortish visit, but lots of fun! we enjoyed some time outside whenever the rain would decide to stop intermittently. we visited with grandmommy and poppy, GG, and even got to see great grandpa and great grandma Ethel, and great grandma j.

poppy and luke and GG and luke

great grandma j and luke

great grandpa and great grandma Ethel

and here is Easter...

we enjoyed a leisurely Easter Sunday. early service, then some tasty bagels afterward...afternoon naps, and then some pizza, guacamole, texas caviar, and great fellowship with friends that evening...with a fun indoor egg hunt as well!

mike's parents came to visit the Saturday after Easter...jillian thoroughly enjoyed the Crayola color bubbles grandma brought! thank heavens for non-toxic! she isn't one to put things in her mouth too much...unless it is liquid apparently (because she did the same with the paint for the eggs...as you'll see!).

and we did color some eggs...we discovered paas "color snaps"...so much fun!

and seriously, this sums up elizabeth lately...diva!

and so, so, so much more...many, many blessings...

--finding a front-back double stroller for $10 at a garage sale
--an entire summer wardrobe for luke NEXT summer for $5 at that same sale
--a sweet friend who let us pick through her boys 18 mo-3T boy clothes...resulting in nearly an entire wardrobe for our little man as he grows
--God's grace and mercy as Mike worked LOTS of overtime the past week or so...
--a dear friend who came and mowed, fertilized and trimmed our lawn in the midst of that overtime craziness...these friends also happen to have an even more newborn than luke of their own...how generous!
--other friends who offered to watch all four of our children for free so mike and i could enjoy a much, much needed date night and have an early celebration of my birthday
--my birthday! it was honestly one of "those" days at home...but my hubby swooped in and helped redeem it...once the kiddos were all tucked in bed we enjoyed some tasty sushi...
--anticipating another surprise of some sort...my hubby was very secretive and told me, "don't look!" as he walked in the door just a few moments ago...home EARLY!!!...and stashed something in the fridge...hmmm.... :)

"trying to catch up" smile tuesday :)

2011-04-12T13:03:00.007-04:00

i'd love to pretend i had time to tell you all kinds of fun things we've been doing. i don't. truth is i want to get some pics posted, but i also really want a nap. so that is what i'm going to do...quick captions...and then get some sleep and hope to kick this sickness once and for all (i'm on day 17 of a nasty, nasty sore throat--and a cold the past few days as well)...must get well!

i think this was jilly's first taste of pudding ever...she liked it :)

my little luke man...

today we are in the midst of pajama day...which has also been a morning of many pictures...so here goes...

(he did flash me a big grin at lunchtime...but he isn't smiling regularly yet...and i definitely haven't caught it on camera...he only smiles for one face currently ;-) )

she was so proud to be "holding" him...note me holding her, holding him :) jilly is so much more "into" luke in the past couple of weeks...and into helping me with luke.

sweet big sister lovins

libs took this one...i love it!

all my "ducks" in a row...

today was his first bath where he didn't cry the whole time...he does look a bit suspicious though!

this was taken last friday...at six weeks old...where in the world have six weeks gone?! he is busting the seams on his 0-3 month outfits, fits very well lengthwise into 3-6 month, and is just so stinkin' cute i want to eat him up! and he is regularly sleeping 8-8+ hour stretches at night...now if i could just get healthy and do the same ;-)

saturday evening we enjoyed a free family night at the barn...so much fun...and lots of our favorite friends were there to share in the fun with us

elizabeth, kate, aiden, and caleb (elias is hiding in this pic and jilly wasn't on this hayride)(their "boy"friends--sounds hilarious when elizabeth says they are her boyfriends...because she totally has no clue what she is saying!)...these are some of our closest buddies...and they really act more like cousins or siblings than friends...sometimes good, sometimes no so good. :) their mom, my friend holly, is due with #4 any moment now (literally!)...can't wait to see if luke is getting a boy buddy or a "girl"friend.

elizabeth (5 1/2), aiden (almost 6), caleb (4 1/2), and elias (almost 3)--add in kate at 3 1/2, jilly at 19 mo, luke at 6 weeks, and their baby #4 due any day and they are quite the crew! :)

jilly loved the mini-horses...

...and the dirt...errr mud (thanks to the morning storms) piles were quite the hit

uncle nathan helps the kiddos (emmett, kate, brennan, and libs) feed hay to the horses

uncle nathan helped kate find her bravery

luke slept most of the time away...notice the kids' shirts...luke's has a lion, elizabeth's has a monkey, kate's has a gator, and jilly's has an elephant...sweet and crafty (amazing) jill made those for them...love it!

kate and daddy...showing off her george face painting!

and finally....here is our budding baseball superstar...ha! aunt shell, maybe she'll take after you on the t-ball field as well! :)

from a friday morning

2011-04-01T12:54:00.002-04:00

my house is a bit in disarray...but what else is new. :)

but we have had a sweet little morning...

i'm finally feeling good after almost an entire week of strep throat and a cold...seriously, my throat hurt so bad i winced every time i swallowed...from saturday night until today...ugh!

i'm so thankful i decided to have our friends over for a playdate in spite of my messy house...and messy self.

we busted out the boxes of foamie stickers and markers and crayons and paper (and glue sticks--which throughly entertained jilly). the big girls created masterpieces and chattered and giggled...and elizabeth was amazingly kind about letting kate do everything too...since she is a bit insistent that riley is "HER" friend. :) it works well since riley and kate are typically in sunday school together during first service though. once they had sufficiently explored the realms of stickers and markers (and luke woke up, meaning upstairs was fair game!), they tramped upstairs....they shrieked and giggled and shrieked and giggled and shrieked some more. in the end they turned the girls' bunkbed into a really cool fort....a fort that kate can hardly wait to nap in. sweetness.

jilly and her little buddy connor mostly ignored each other...but they wandered around, and found a common love of watching the train go by through the window for a moment. connor was thoroughly entertained by a car and the "Percy" train he found in the tox stash...and jilly, well, she just liked the glue.

i had a chance to chat with a friend for a few moments.

it was just nice.

it felt normal....i like normal...makes me feel like we are settling into the new groove.

add to that two fresh baked loaves of bread and a triple batch of stovetop granola....or the fact that luke slept from 8:30-2:30 and then again until 7....or the fact that we use aforementioned granola to make homemade yogurt parfaits (with tasty greek yogurt!)...or the fact that a sweet friend who knew i'd been cooped up in the house with sickies for the entire week dropped by with a box of hillegoss donuts...

...and, well, it adds up to lots of sweetness...lots and lots of sweetness.

i am so thankful...and so blessed.

{sneak peek}

2011-03-31T21:38:00.003-04:00

complete posts of jilly and luke photos coming soon (hopefully tomorrow!) now that i've had a crash course in getting them onto my blog (the file sizes on my cd from the photographer were far too big). these are pictures from 3/5/11...when my cousin's husband (i'm not sure what the technical relationship is...so we'll just go with cousin :)) came over to take pictures. he is an incredible photographer...so be sure to check out his other work on his blog or at McCardel Photography. if you are local and looking to get pictures taken, i highly recommend him!