Growing Up

The other night we finished dinner and chores and all headed outside to enjoy some nice weather.  I grabbed my camera and am so thankful I did.  The lighting was perfect and I got some great candid shots of our family.

First up is Jack.  He was rocking his pjs while we all played outside.  Since he is a Winter baby this is his first time to truly get to PLAY outdoors.  He is learning to love it!

Next up is Grace.  This is classic Grace.  She is always moving, running, dancing and flipping.

Then we have Benjamin.  I had a hard time getting a shot of him.  But I loved this one of him playing with Sissy.

Then we have Kayla.  She is my hardest child to photograph but I happened to snag this photo of her.  It takes my breath away.  I cannot believe this beautiful girl is ours and that she is almost 11!

And lastly, is my husband!  His family has the tendency to ALL close their eyes every time a camera is brought out.  So we worked for about 10 minutes to get this. LOL!

Happy Friday!

It's been almost a year

I doubt anyone is even around any more to read this blog.  No big surprise! I have not blogged in almost one year.  I could list all the reasons but basically they all involve time. Life with 4 kids is fun and busy.  Plus I am now the Social Media Manager for Wilton Armetale.  PLUS a blogger over at Mudpies and Tiaras.
Anyways, I want to get back into this personal blog.  And to start I want to share some stories about Benjamin.  He is a joy.  He is so unlike any of us!  He is a comedian and cute a bug!

Here a few snippets of his life over the past few days.

We got some baby chicks so we can start getting our own organic eggs.   He named his chicks....Windmill and Donald Bennett! Donald Bennett??? No one knows where he got it. Ha!

He was singing "The Wheels on the Bus" like this....."The driver on the bus says 'gimme your money, gimme your money, gimme your money'. The driver on the bus says 'gimme your money or I will spank you.' ". Hmmm...bus driver is an blackmailer evidently!

The other night I had beans as part of our dinner.  He sat there fussing and saying "I don't like beans. These are gross."  We told him he did not have to eat them.  He said, "But I want to."  So he tries a bite and says, "These are great! I love beans! Beans, beans. beans!"

Finally, he wants to go on a date with Nana and Gampy.  Guess what his activity of choice is....pig washing. LOL! He wants to go wash pigs with them!  I have no idea how, but my parents are going to try and make it happen.

Quick Catch Up

Time flies!!! The kids keep me hopping.  Life has been very hectic lately and the month of May does not promise any relief.  Please enjoy these photos!

This girl LOVES her little brother!

Sigh.  The poor Professor.  He is one banged up little fellow.  

Sisters!

The Professor keeps trying to teach the Linebacker how to play.  So cute!

Notice all the toys???? They were delivered courtesy of the Professor. LOL!

Pure Joy

Raising the Professor is a pure joy.  He is a bundle of energy.  He loves to entertain us all.  He is witty, bold, loves making messes, is cute and just a fun kid.  Today he traded in the toddler swing for the big boy swing.  I captured this shot as he sailed through the air.  A moment of pure, untainted, unrestrained joy.  I LOVE this boy.

Be my friend

Recently we had a funeral at our church.  My dad coerced me into providing childcare during the funeral.  I really did not mind.  It is nice to get to do favors from time to time.  Anyways, there ended up being 16 kids.  Yeah. 16.  Mostly boys.  Well the Professor was a bit put out since kids kept taking things from him.  Eventually he settled down next to this boy who was "hulk smashing" everything in site.  The boy had just settled and was building a train track.  The Professor decides to help him.  The boy says, "NO! This is mine! Don't touch!"  I said, "It's ok.  He (the Professor) is just trying to be your friend and build with you." So, our son gets right up in the boys face and says (loudly), "Yeah BOY! You be my friend NOW!" 
Days later and I am still laughing!
He may need a different approach later in life...especially when he is ready to ask a girl on a date. 

Weekend with the Grandparents

Snuggling with Grandpa.

Flying with Daddy!

Looking adorable for Grandma!

Enjoying the Spring weather with some tennis!

A bottle outside with Grandma! 

Coming back in to snuggle with Mommy!

Handsome boy!

All wrapped up with breakfast for dinner.

A date no one knows

April 6, 2013.  Just another day.  But not for me.  You see, this was the due date for the baby that we lost.  Which means today we should have been celebrating a little someone's first birthday.  I think it explains why I felt so off yesterday.  The hurt of losing our baby is always near the surface.  Time does heal all wounds but the wounds are still there.  I still think about our baby.  I grieve for the child we will not meet til we get to Heaven.  But in those same moments I thank God for our Linebacker.  Without our loss we would not have him here with us today.  For most people today is just another day.  Another Saturday.  For this mama's heart, today is a day to remember and love the baby we never met and to praise God for the baby we get to hold in our arms today.