And Then There Were Five...: 2012

Sunday, December 30, 2012

Here are some pictures from the boy's birthdays this year. Zachary turned 5 in October and wanted to celebrate his birthday by doing 5 nice things for other people. So... with his own money and his own idea we bought 5 matchbox cars and wrapped them with a little note that said, "please enjoy this random act of kindness". We left a couple at the park and handed out the rest to boys we saw out and about. It was so neat to see Zach's face light up at the joy of giving. Zach keeps talking about how many things I will have to do on my birthday. Yes sir, 33 acts of kindness. I think I am going to have a busy day. :)

Caleb turned 6 in November. It is hard to believe that it has been six years since we brought home our little man. It is a joy to watch him grow and learn. Caleb has been into all things from the cars movie and it was really fun to make him a cake to match his enthusiasm. Happy Birthday to my favorite Irish twins!

Ready to go do some random acts of kindness

There weren't any children at the park, so Zach left some surprises.

Zach's Monster truck cake.

Seeing the cake for the first time! Last year I made a peanut butter and jelly cake thinking he would love it... Lets just say I needed to make up for it. :)

Caleb enjoying his birthday pancake!

Making their personal pan pizza's

Caleb's McQueen cake

Loving his monkey card.

Monday, December 24, 2012

Merry Christmas!

May the new year be filled with many more blog posts!

In the mean time... aren't they adorable?

Saturday, September 22, 2012

Happy Fall

Happy 1st day of fall to you! And so begins my favorite time of year. As tradition would have it, we started the season off with pumpkin pancakes topped with whipped cream and nutmeg. Yum!

The boys are playing soccer this year and having lots of fun. I must admit to having a slight crush on the coach. :) Nate has started toddling around, which has limited my picture taking, but here are a few...

Watching the game with grandpa

Practicing

Score against Caleb? Nice try

Zach taking it down the field

He shoots... he scores!

This picture really show their personalities. Love it.

Friday, September 7, 2012

Camping on the Coast

Several weeks ago we went on our annual camping trip to the coast. It was awesome to get out of the heat and breathe some fresh air. We have been surrounded by fires for the last month and the timing of this trip couldn't have been better. The boys didn't want to leave and we all had a great time!

Fern Canyon (beautiful)

He is growing up too fast

Grandpa!

Ready for bed

Sunday, September 2, 2012

Happy Birthday Nate!

I haven't posted anything in a while, but I thought it was appropriate to break the silence with some updated pictures of Nate and some from his 1st birthday! It is hard to believe that he is already one. He is a feisty one, but oh how we love our little tyrant!

Thursday, June 14, 2012

"Oh, the comfort, the inexpressible comfort of feeling safe with a person, having neither to weigh thoughts nor measure words, but pouring them all out, just as they are, chaff and grain together, certain that a faithful hand will take and sift them, keep what is worth keeping, and with a breath of kindness blow the rest away," George Elliot

Today I am thankful for my husband and best friend,

who graciously shows me glimpses of the love of Christ.

Mother's Day (a little late)

Sweet little men and a yummy breakfast

Traditional Mothers day hike

Posing

Lions and Tigers and bears! Oh my!

Sporting my mother's day queen crown

Happy Mothers day!

Sunday, May 13, 2012

The most important gift from my mom…

Dear mom... As I have pondered over this, I am overwhelmed with how many things you have done for me and given me over the years. As I grow older, I see more clearly and appreciate more deeply your presence in my life and all that that entails. There are so many things I could pick as gifts from you… I could talk about all the sacrifices you have made since before I was born: carrying me, laboring me into the world, loving me through my ugliness and simply (or not so simply some days) keeping me alive to reach adulthood. You have been selfless on this journey.

I could talk about your infectious energy for life and all that you do. You don’t sit still, your passion for learning and growing is contagious. Your strength amazes me and inspires me to try harder and give more generously.

The way you love others, and make them feel so comfortable is a gift that is beautiful to watch. You overflow with warmth and calm in situations that make me want to run away and hide. Thank you for showing me what courage in the Lord looks like.

But above all of these things your love for the Lord is the greatest gift to me. I know that it is your relationship with God that has made you who you are. Christ shining through you in these moments I have mentioned has impacted me more than words can express. Your joy in the Lord brings brightness to your family. Your constant search for truth overflows to me and my children, and brings clarity to the dark places.

Thank you for always encouraging me to focus on the only thing that truly matters, Jesus! Thank you for teaching me truth and allowing me to be a part of what God has done and is doing in your life. I am so blessed to have a mom that looks up more than she looks out. I love you mom!

Tuesday, March 13, 2012

Singing a prayer for my children

B. C. (before children) I used to sit down in a comfy chair, drink my tea and spend a leisurely amount of time in prayer. My days of praying through the wheel of prayer have all but vanished. In this season of life I don't have large chunks of time to devote to prayer, so I find myself praying little prayers ALL the time. Praying for my children's safety as I fold their little clothes, praying for Brandon as I clean the bathroom, and thanking Jesus for strength during the rare moments I find the time to exercise. One of the things I love to do is play worship songs throughout the day and pray my way through some of them. One particular song that expresses my heart for my children is One Pure and Holy Passion. Father, give them one pure and holy passion. Give them one magnificent obsession. Give them one glorious ambition for their life, to know and follow hard after you God!