Because the Kids Aren’t Getting Any Younger

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Zachary, 10; Laurianna, 13; Kaleb, 8; McKenna, 12

So the kids are growing up. Proof positive in the picture above. In case you don’t recognize them - well, those are our four. It’s been a bit since I’ve shared a picture and looking at the family pictures on our wall in comparison - yikes.

Easter Sunday was a beautiful day and a chance to grab a few snapshots to document just how much they’ve grown and how beautiful (or handsome) they are becoming, both inside and out.

McKenna would love to have you notice that yes, she IS taller than her older sister. This is the first time in a long time that she has worn her hair down, which we love!

These two girls can be the best of friends or drive each other crazy all in the span of 15 minutes. They are growing into beautiful young ladies (that in and of itself sounds too grown up!).

And the boys - well, they aren’t so little anymore either. There’s a part of me that keeps thinking Kaleb is six. He’s eight. Sigh. It should be noted that Zachary wanted a pink shirt for Easter. He got plaid.

Rick and I aren’t getting any younger either - but you know what? I wouldn’t have it any other way. At all. This man is all sorts of amazing and I am blessed to have him and those crazy kids along for the ride.

A Christmas to Remember

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This Christmas was a little more laid back, or at least it felt that way. Completely wonderful. Relaxing. Fun.

In short – exactly what we had hoped and wanted it to be.

This Christmas we scaled back on the gifts and focused more as a family on giving more to others than we did to ourselves.

Christmas Eve we surprised my parents with a visit from one of my brothers. Can you tell that his visit was enjoyed by his nephews?

There was excitement watching others opening their gifts…

Thrilled responses to gifts that were meant to be enjoyed together…

Even a thrilled little kitty who could finally quit ripping open all of the wrapping paper underneath the tree and play with a real gift {just for him}.

Today the tree came down and we are packing up the last of the Christmas decorations. As much as I enjoy the fullness and color that all of the decorations add to the house, there is something to be said for the open and clean feeling in the house when everything has been put away.

Merry {belated} Christmas from our family to yours – and Happy New Year too!

 

The Start of the School Year

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This year marks our seventh year homeschooling. Without the school photographer on hand to take pictures of the kids, I get to have the fun job.

And by fun…well, you know how it is trying to take pictures of your own kids. Near water. And bridges. That kind of fun.

We did manage to document how the kids have grown and kick off the school year with dinner out to celebrate.

Laurianna, age 11	McKenna, age 9
Zachary, age 7	Kaleb, age 5

 

And because a picture is worth a thousand words, this one definitely sums up a few things…

Calling Shotgun!

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Until this past weekend, the radio controls were all mine. Well, for the most part. There may be mutiny based on what CD was playing, but ultimately I was still in control of the front seat area.

And then a certain someone hit 80 pounds and is now crying ‘Shotgun!’…much to her delight and the dismay of her siblings who are nowhere near the 80 pound mark.

She doesn’t look at all excited on her first trip in the front seat, does she? Other than doing the happy dance for a few minutes, she immediately took control over the radio.

When, oh when did she grow up so fast?

 

Who Can it Be Banging on My Door?

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Rick and I were sitting on the couch together at 9pm the other night, watching a news program, when someone started shaking the front door handle rather frantically. My heart immediately began pounding. The door handle continued to rattle until I thought the person would try to break the door in.

As Rick got up to see what was going on, the doorbell started ringing quickly as well.  I was meanwhile curled up on the couch and considering my options of escape and defense. Who in the world would be on our doorstep late at night and so crazy-like?

Rick started saying something {I wasn’t focusing well on what he was saying} and then he opened to find our poor 10 year old daughter standing outside on the front porch. In the pitch black.

Trying to figure out why we had locked her OUT.

It’s here that I will publicly admit that I forgot one of our children was not at home with us {something that I hope never to be repeated} . While our children have spent the night at friend’s houses and gone on trips with others, typically I remember that they are gone…and will be returning. 

This time I didn’t remember.

The girl is only ten years old. I have a long road ahead of me in remembering who is where and due home. Lord, help me if this is how I start it all off!

Just Laurianna….

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Can someone please tell me when she got so big??

When Your Children “Borrow” Your iPad

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You know your iPad has been borrowed by your children when you turn on the camera feature and realize that there are over 150 pictures taking up space…and few of them were taken by you.

Obviously the Photobooth feature is too appealing to my children ~ and don’t tell them, but they secretly make me giggle.

Do you recognize these children?

  

    

Can You FEEL the Love?

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Just had to share…

Sometimes, you just have to take what you can get. But I’m thinking these will make a GREAT collage for the kids, no?

Suffering Through Diagramming

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If you have to diagram, it always helps to have someone to commiserate with you, right?

The Birthday Weekend

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Today marks a monumental day in our household. Double digits for our oldest. The past weekend has been a flurry of activity, filled with the giggles of many girls, cake, sugar, presents and more sugar.

And giggling.

Friday night started with a ‘Girls Only’ birthday party focused around the movie Tangled and ended with a sleepover for a few of Laurianna’s friends. The biggest excitement? Many pairs of earrings for her newly pierced ears and gift certificates to save for a new doll.

Sunday we celebrated with my family {toned down the sugar some} and just enjoyed the weather and time together. More earrings, more gift certificates and some wonderful bead making kits to keep her busy for HOURS over the upcoming weeks and months!

Today Laurianna was so excited when we went to Target to see if the doll she wanted was there ~ and it was!! Not only was it finally in stock, it was on sale for one cent lower than the gift certificates she had received for her birthday ~ an added blessing!!

Happy birthday, Laurianna!! Your heart, creativity, and love for everything around you are such a blessing to our family!!

Too Much Reading?

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Laurianna is a girl that takes after her Mom in the more ways than one, but especially in her love for reading. She recently became engrossed in a series that had her reading 300+ page books in a day {if she could sneak away to do it}.

The other morning she came running out to tell me she couldn’t find her book that she was almost finished with ~ and was SURE that McKenna had taken it. I went into the girl’s room to see if I could help her find it.

I found McKenna sitting on the floor sobbing {and you’ll just have to imagine McKenna getting this all out in between her sobs}…”I just {sob} hid her book {sob, sob} because I wanted her to play with meeeeeeee.” {sob}

It was so pitifully sweet. :)