Momma's chest...

After a few fussy moments this afternoon, Ian decided that he would climb up on my lap and snuggle in. I wrapped my arms around him and gently rocked him back and forth.  In just a few moments, I heard some snoring.  

Today, I'm grateful for Photo Booth on my MacBook that could capture this moment for me.

There's nothing like your Momma's chest!

Your Momma loves you, boy!

Poor Little Buddy...

On Sunday night, July 31, Ian was attacked and stung by a nest of wasps.  

We were visiting my Mom at her home, loading up in the van and saying goodbye, when all of a sudden - Ian started screaming.  I looked over at him, and he was in her yard, screaming, running, with a swarm of wasps all around him.  He immediately started holding his mouth.  We said goodbye to the girls and my Mom, and Josh and I jumped into the van with Ian on my lap in the front seat and drove a 5 minute drive to the E.R.  In just a few minutes, his mouth was totally swollen.  We didn't know if they were in his mouth, down his throat, or where!?  He was seen immediately, hooked up to observe his oxygen levels, heart rate and blood pressure at all times.  His vitals remained strong.  We counted 5 stings in all - 1 on his upper lip, 1 on his lower lip, 1 on his arm, 1 on a finger, and 1 on a hand.  He was administered steroids and benadryl and enjoyed a popsicle, grape juice and lots of special attention from the staff.

They told us:

1.  If a person has a fatal reaction to a sting, it will most likely happen within 30 minutes after the sting.

2.  If a person has a reaction to steroids and benadryl, it will most likely happen within 30 minutes after it's administered.  

So... after 1.5 hours or so, we were released.  He was fine!  They thought Ian was so cute and really loved on him.

Ian is active, eating and drinking well today!  We are so thankful he was so strong through all of it.

Praise the Lord!  :)

Pics with chicks...

 So, this is the beginning of the story - of how we ended up with 6 chicks at our house.

My friend is a photographer and she did Easter Photography "Pics with Chicks" (and a bunny!)

When her sessions were done, she brought them to live with us - until they are ready to go live outside - because we wanted them!  :)  and then they'll go to my Dad's farm.

 The kids absolutely loved this photo session, and they have loved raising 6 chicks at their home.  How lucky are they?!

 Oh, Ian - you are so stinkin' adorable!

And, Sophie... may the Lord bless you and keep you and keep all boys away from you!

3 little monkeys playing on the beach...

smiling,

escaping,

and posing.

Oh, you 3... your Mommy and Daddy sure do love you.

 And, you 2... we're really in trouble.

Finding Shells...

 Some of my favorite moments with the kids were shelling.

 There's just something about it...

 that touches my soul...

 as we look at each shell with excitement and wonder.  How did God do it ALL - even the shells?

 I love the uniqueness of each one, and I believe each one has a story.

The Girls each found one that was their absolute favorite.  And, in fact - Sophie gave her favorite a story.  Sophie thought her favorite shell looked like a fairy whistle, and Halle found a very big and shiny one.  Ian enjoyed putting handfuls of sand in his bucket.  We all thought the sand looked like sugar.

God, today I'm grateful for revealing Yourself to me in so many different ways - even through shelling.

Spring Break 2011...

For Spring Break 2011, we took a Road Trip to Fort Walton Beach, FL!

It really was wonderful - filled with lots of beach time, swimming, shelling, eating, laughs and walks on the beach.

I'll get you started with this picture (because maybe just a few of you are waiting for pictures!) and try to get to the rest really soon!

my baby boy turned 2...

this little buddy - Ian Joshua - turned 2 on January 18, 2011.

Over a month later, I'm announcing it!

I love this little man so much and - really - can't even put words on it.  He is the most precious little boy ever, really!  ;)  He loves me more than anything on this earth.  Well, he may love candy more than me - but I really don't think so.  He is still on my hip a lot of the day, but he's playing a lot more with the girls and on his own.  It's nice!

My heart goes through different feelings as my baby is flying past his second birthday.  I said to Josh, "Oh come on... just 1 more!?"  Josh said, "No."  I love that we have 3 children, and I love the freedom we're starting to feel.  But, I love the whole experience of being pregnant and delivering a baby.  It's truly miraculous and such a spiritual adventure for me.  THAT, I want again - but starting all over - I'm not so sure.  Only God will decide - just like with the other 3.

Anyway, we're thankful to have Ian in our house.  He is often the "baby" in the girls' pretend play.  He does not use a paci, but he had one in this moment of "house".

He is absolutely spoiled by Halle.  They are so close!  Seriously, the girls provide nearly 50% of his care!  They read to him when I'm unavailable, get him a drink, assist him in various ways, and I've just started training Sophie to change his diaper.

A lot of days, he's helping in the kitchen, wearing a hair bow and a flower pinned on him because of his adoring sisters.  He loves helping in the kitchen!  In fact, a lot of fits are thrown because I won't let him stir boiling water.

This family is full and good.  We are blessed and flying through life.  I'm trying to capture it as fast as I can.

Has anyone found the pause button yet?

Ian's foot massage...

the other night, I found the girls treating Ian to a foot massage.

He laid happily on the floor with a sucker in his mouth - enjoying his foot massage, a sucker and some books.

Wow... he's got it made!

Life with 2 Big Sisters = SPOILED!

More evidence coming soon...

Stay tuned.

There's a Candy Thief in our house...

 The other day, Ian was missing and quiet for a few minutes (that's always bad) - and when I finally found him, his mouth was full of candy.  

My jaw dropped open and I scratched my head in confusion thinking, "Where did he get that?"  

I asked him to show me, and he politely led me up the stairs into my bedroom.  

I found a princess stool positioned perfectly in from of our dresser, and he gracefully climbed up and showed me the Gingerbread House he had discovered (that was waiting on my dresser to be thrown away) and all the stale candy he was enjoying.

Oh, Ian...

I was impressed, let him enjoy a few more nibbles and made sure to snap some pictures.

Really, these are priceless moments that I don't ever want to forget - that's why I keep my camera close by at all times.

Snow White Ballet

 I took my beautiful little darlings to the ballet -

Snow White.

 I love a good date with my children.  It can be as simple as the pet store, the library, out to eat or to the ballet.

Whatever it is, I absolutely love carving out purposeful time and attention for each child.

The girls loved meeting Snow White! 

You are our princesses, Sophie and Halle.

God's Princesses.

And here's all three of our little angels.

Ian, you're not welcome at the ballet.  :)

Not yet.

Our Visit With "Aunt Holly"

Well, she's not really their "Aunt", but Holly was my best friend in Middle School, High School, College Roommate, Maid of Honor... and so much more than all of that.  She's a friend who would love me - no matter what - I am certain of that.

My kids LOVE when she is here!  She doesn't have any children of her own yet, so she shows up energized and ready to wrestle, read, snuggle, watch movies, and just BE with us.  We had a wonderful 5 hour visit with her last Saturday.

Thank you, Holly, for taking the time out of your weekend to be with us!

One thing we did when she was here was assemble our Christmas Adventure Box.

This will be the first year we do this as a family, and we're all very excited.  Basically, it's a devotional each day during December to keep our hearts and minds focused on the true reason of the season.  Check out the link if you're interested.

Anyway, we got the box all assembled and set the finished product up on the bookcase to the right of our fireplace.  We moved on with our day and Holly enjoyed more playtime with the kids.

The were all hanging on her, and I yelled - "Hey, let's get a picture."  We immediately viewed it to ensure it was good, and I saw a bright light shining on something on the bookcase.

Accident?  I don't believe so.  I think that Jesus was pretty proud of our Christmas Adventure Box and made that very clear by shining his light of approval right on it!

How neat and encouraging.

Click on the picture and let me know what you think.  :)

Oh, Halle isn't really my favorite...

of course I love these 3 little angels all the SAME!  

Guess Who...

did this?

I'm so proud...

of Ian - and how far he's coming!

He is nearly 21 months old.  In January he will be TWO.  Really, is that possible?  Yes, it is!  It's true.

These may be the fastest 2 years I've ever experienced.

I remember last winter - when I showed up to MOPS - crying.  It was so hard handling 2 older ones and a little one that was tearing the place apart.  I cried with my group and they all reassured me - this will pass.

At the age of 1, he started tearing up the house.  He was walking everywhere, running everywhere and not talking at all.  So, there was lots of screaming due to his frustration - and lots of crying due to my frustration.  (I don't do so well with that age)  He had very little self control at the store or in public, like any 1 year old.

Today, he's getting better, and he's making progress everyday!  Each time we venture out somewhere, I'm amazed at how much fun we have and how well everyone does.  :)  Of course, he still acts his age, but it's getting better each day - and I'm filled with hope!  He's talking more and has more self control.  He doesn't just run all over the place, out of control.  He knows when he's crossing the line, and he's becoming more aware of his surroundings.

And honestly, I have mini panic attacks because of how fast the time is going.  I got all teary tonight with Josh...  that's another topic.

Has anyone found the pause button?  Because I'm considering pushing it.

May I be HOPE to YOU!

Stay strong!  Enjoy each day.

The time goes so fast.

I can't believe my baby is approaching his 2 year birthday.  He's so much fun right now!

I'm trying to soak up each day and each moment with him - and of course the other 2, as well.

God, I'm thankful.  I'm thankful that you ALWAYS reveal Your plan to me.  You always get me through each and every struggle.  I couldn't do life with You or my dear friends who keep cheering me along!  I am blessed, truly blessed.  And life is good, very good.