Where A Kid Can Be A Kid

Last week, we loaded up the car and headed out for a day of fun!  We haven't done very much this summer due to Luke's birth, so I thought this would be fun for the kids.  I will admit that it is a bit daunting to go anywhere these days with all eight kids by myself, but we brought along the double stroller and the moby. 

It now takes two pizzas and two booths to feed the group.

And the fun begins.  Caroline warmed up to the idea of riding this little carousel.  She wasn't too sure about riding it in the beginning.

Kate had a great time in the play place.

She also really enjoyed talking on this phone to Chuck E Cheese.

Emily and Matt liked playing one of my favorite games....the water race.

JACKPOT!

Having a really great time!

Time to count the tickets.

It was a fun couple of hours.

"This is a trustworthy saying.  And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good.   These things are excellent and profitable for everyone."

Titus 3:8

2 Months

How is it possible that you can be two months old already?

You weighed 8 pounds 10 ounces this week when we took you for the GI consult and were 20 1/2 inches long. 

You still wear your newborn clothes and size one diapers.

You are becoming more alert and have started making cooing sounds.

Our favorite face you make has been nicknamed your "fish" face.

You were kind of fussy this month, so I mentioned it to the GI doctor and he suggested we try giving you Zantac and see if that makes you more comfortable after feedings.

You are a great nurser and are taking your pacifier pretty well also.

You prefer to be swaddled and will sleep contently when wrapped well.

You are waking up 2 times each night, but go right back to sleep after you nurse.

You are taking your naps mostly in the swing during the day, but sleep in the pack and play in our bedroom at night.

Honestly, even after having 8 babies, I had forgotten how little you actually accomplish when caring for a new little one.  Just getting showered and dressed is an accomplishment!  When I am having one of those moments that I just wish I had a little more time to myself, all it takes is staring into your eyes and I am instantly thankful beyond measure that God entrusted your life to me.  I pray that God will guide me to be the mother he has envisioned for you.  That I will demonstrate my love for Him and that this love will be passed on to you.  That you will see that I have a real authentic relationship with Him and want the same.

                                things you love                              

                                  1.  being swaddled                         

                                 2.  being outside                            

 3.  the swing

  4.  the moby

  5.  nursing

       6.  being held

 things you don't

 1. diaper changes

 2. sitting alone when you are awake

"Let me hear of Your unfailing love each morning; for I am trusting You.  Show me where to walk for I give myself to You."

Psalm 143:8





Biased

I am loving the time I get to spend each day with my now 8 week old.  I think he is the cutest little guy around and I know he has eight other fans...his Dad and siblings.

I love the little lines on your forehead.

I love your big blue eyes.

I love how you curl up in my arms.

I love that you quiet right down when you are swaddled.

I love that you love to be carried in the Moby or Bjorn.

I love to hear your sister talking to you in her little mommy voice.

I love that your brother wakes up everyday and wants to see you before he does anything.

I may be biased, but I think you are the cutest baby!  You bring a joy to my life that I thank God for every day.

"Light in the messenger's eyes bring joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones.:

Proverbs 15:30



Playing in the Park

The Lord himself goes before you

and will be with you;

He will never leave you

nor forsake you.

Do not be afraid;

Do not be discouraged.

Deuteronomy 31:8



Summer Traditions

I think every child at some point wants to have a lemonade stand in their front yard.  Today was that day for my kids.  I will admit that my first thought was that this was going to be a lot of work and they probably wouldn't get very many customers considering we don't live in a neighborhood with many children or sidewalks!  But, they were so excited I said ok.

Lemonade and Strawberry/Orange/Banana Crystal Light

The team

in action

taking turns trying to cheer on customers

"To him who knocks, the door will be opened."

Matthew 7:8



Week in Pictures (July 8-14th)

Now that life is returning to "normal" and our family is getting back into the routine, we are enjoying the lazy days of summer break.  Which means sleeping in till 7:30 am; afternoons spent in the pool; and dinner hot off the grill. 

Unfortunately, we began the week with this!  Caroline tipped the playroom chair over and broke the bone in her arm.  They stabilized her arm on Monday night and sent us to an orthopedic clinic to have

them cast it.

On Tuesday, Daddy took Caroline to have her arm put in the cast.  She has done really well having a cast on her arm.  It hasn't slowed her down a bit.  The only adjustment was helping her figure out how to do some of the tasks she used two hands to complete.  The first night, she picked up her paci and tried to put it in her mouth using the arm in the cast.  The look on her face was priceless when she figured out her arm wouldn't bend enough to get the paci in her mouth.

The rest of the kids have spent the days doing much of the same.  They love to swim while Caroline is taking her afternoon nap.  Kate loves to sift through the rocks and make collections.  While Luke snoozes on the camping chairs, so Mommy can supervise.

Our dare devil, who "knock on wood" should have more than his fair share of broken bones at this point, but amazingly has none!

We celebrated our anniversary

Cards from our kids

So we don't forget how creative our Emily is.  This is the anniversary card she made for us.

We introduced Luke to his lovie in an attempt to sooth his fussiness.  This was a present from my Mom's friend Linda.  It is the perfect size for Luke to hold on to.

I wish I had taken a picture of this house that Emily made from a box before her brother Andrew got a hold of it.  She worked all week long designing this playhouse.  It really was adorable.  She had cut out four windows and painted the roof to look like shingles.  Regretfully, our child who loves to destroy everything in his path got a hold of the house when we were other wise preoccupied and tore the windows apart to make hair dryers and pick axes.  Pictured is the salvaged house that Emily repaired with a roll of tape and more imagination!

"He who seeks good finds goodwill."

Proverbs 11:27

15 Years

On this day, 15 years ago, We said our wedding vows in front of family and friends.  I can honestly say that I did not know how our marriage would be tested and blessed.  In 15 years, we have moved a total of 12 times.  Some of these moves were in the same town, but allowed us to have more space.  Several of these moves were to different states.  All of these moves were God orchestrated and have brought our family to where we are today.  15 years ago, I know neither one of us imagined our home completed with 8 spirited children.  Each of our children, hand selected for our family and here to teach and bless us in a unique way each day.  Marriage is never easy, but our marriage is strengthened and blessed on a daily basis due to our decision to put God first in our marriage. It also doesn't hurt that we have learned over the years that humor, humility,  respect, and compassion are essential ingredients to a great relationship.

I am excited for the years that are still ahead of us.  I look forward to the adventures that we will experience together and with our family.  I know that God has great things in store for us as we continue to put our faith and trust in him.

I love you today, tomorrow, Always

"Though one may be overpowered,
two can defend themselves.
A cord of three strands is not quickly broken"

Ecclesiastes 4:12

Week in Pictures

I am trying to get back on track and remember to document our day through pictures.  This week our days looked pretty much the same except for the 4th of July, when my camera battery went dead!  Every other day this week, we spent time in the pool and the rest of the time either feeding, burping, changing, or holding a baby!  Luke was kinda of fussy this week and pretty much wanted to be held when he was awake. 

Sunday, I spent time once again trying to get a system together for our shoes.  We have a mud room when you first come in our house, but lately the kids have taken to just kicking off their shoes and not putting them on the shelf.  So, when you come in the door, all you see is a sea of shoes everywhere littering the floor.

Monday the kids spent the afternoon in the pool and Luke spent his afternoon napping on the camping chair while I watched the older kids swim.

On Tuesday, I took Luke to the doctor for his official 1 month well visit.

He weighed 7 pounds 3 ounces and was 21 1/2 inches long.

The adorable froggy pj's were a gift from Aunt Laura and Aunt Cara.

Wednesday was 4th of July.  My camera battery was dead and my i-phone was dead by the time it was time to shoot off fireworks...So our picture of the day was when I took Caroline with me to Publix.  I had shopped the night before for the specifics for our 4th of July cook-out, only to leave 1 of the bags on the turn around in the Wal-Mart check-out.  So, I had to re buy many of the food items I needed for our cook-out. 

Some how we missed documenting our Thursday, but I'm sure it involved swimming, and being tugged in a million directions by the kids.

Luke-fussing

Caroline-"Dora"

Kate-"I need someone in the bathroom with me."

Andrew-"Make me strawberry milk."

Matt-"Can we go in the pool now?"  Then puddling to the ground and whining when I tell him it will be a few minutes.

Emily-(silence) you have to be blessed with at least one in each family!

Nick-"Jake just did..........to me."  You can fill in the blank with just about anything!

Jake-"Mom, can you add some more time to the x-box?"

Friday was once again a pool afternoon.  Today Caroline didn't nap during our pool time because she woke up later than usual due to being up late the night before.  I'll admit I was trying to avoid the whole pool idea today, but finally gave in.  Nick and Emily went with Daddy to work, but I still had Matt's friend from across the street swimming with us.  Caroline occupied herself by putting small rocks in the gas tank of her cozy coop, while Luke slept.  I'm not sure why, but Luke always falls asleep right away when we go outside.  Maybe it is the heat?

On Saturday, I purchased a swing off of Craigs list for Luke.  Here Andrew and Caroline are surveying the new toy!  Luke isn't crazy about the bouncer just yet, so I am hoping he will like the swing better.  I got a great deal on the swing, so even if he doesn't like it I won't feel bad about purchasing it.

"I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father."

John 14:12