guthe family

3 months

2012-01-24T22:48:00.000-05:00

our freshest tiny has just crossed the 3 month mark! i am in disbelief and already grieving how fast its going. i love having a fresh one in my arms. it never gets old. my cup is full. i am grateful and content.
but i think i could have 10 more babies and pretty much feel the same. i love this season.

our first 8 weeks :: rough. they were equally sweet and amazing. but mostly survival mode.
many people say 'oh, going from 3 to 4 is nothing' well . . . yes it's something.
there is a certain amount of chaos, noise and wildness that with 3 you're used to, so #4 just falls right in. but its another human who has needs and a baby, who's needs don't really wait for much.

there were more meltdowns and emotional crisis than this tired mommy felt equipped to deal with.
sitting and feeding a newborn with trains crashing down the stairs and toy buckets being dumped out and my phone ringing for showings wasn't exactly relaxing.
i bounced back and forth from feeling guilty i was spending hours feeding a baby to feeling overwhelmed that i couldn't meet the needs of my other tinys. i know the feeling. i have had it 2 other times, with the addition of Liam & Lucy. and the only things that begin to make it better are time and sleep, and lots of grace. somehow the grace thing isn't something i come by very easily.

so i feel as though the baby fog is lifting. sleep has returned, mostly, and our days have their normal 'rhythum' to them again. whew. i feel like i am present and accounted for. . until she starts teething or hits the next growth spurt!!

i was given a new camera lens for christmas!! so post bath today London and I decided it was time to break it in properly!!

the lip : finally captured on camera!

another post coming later this week, tied to camp tiny & my new daily prayer rhythms!!!

warm fuzzies

2012-01-24T22:17:00.000-05:00

one word :: instagram.

hello, my name is mommy, and i'm addicted.

not sure who said it, but they were right; the best camera you have is the one on you.

i have so many crazy moments throughout the day.

moments filled with giggles and sweet fresh tiny smiles, but more moments filled with drama, meltdowns, spills, bumps, reconciliation, tears, puzzles, piles of mess, dishes, ignored laundry, tiny plastic dinosaurs, trains, scrambled eggs, 2nd breakfast, dried playdough, and on.

so i pay homage to the most wonderful free iphone app that has granted me this sweet window into my world of tinys . and on those days when i feel like i just might not make it past the 430pm meltdown, i have instagram. go ahead, judge me....

i have a way to look back at sweet grace-filled full-of-life moments caught in a split second.

it reminds me that, the crazy passes, the meltdowns mend, the mess will always exist, but its ok to just soak it in!

and don't we always look back on photos with nostalgia, with warm fuzzies about how sweet it was?

so i am banking on not remembering the crazy straight-jacket moments and am excited that i have hundreds of warm fuzzy moments amidst the chaos!!!

back in november we took a saturday and had a day campout!

complete with a hammock, marshmallows, hot chocolate, cheetos & hotdogs! sounds healthy.

we've decided it has to be a new tradition. the tinys : had a blast.

daddy teaching fire building skills!!!

this fresh one was just barely 3 weeks : bundled up!

a still moment. this was minutes after one tiny got kicked in the face from wrestling in the hammock.

a quad

2011-11-09T08:44:00.000-05:00

“The prayers we weave into the matching of socks, the stirring of oatmeal, the reading of stories, they survive fire.”― Ann Voskamp

I love the truth of this quote.

A promise for steadfastness in the mundane.

Being a mom is quite possibly the most difficult thing I’ve ever done.

I don’t have patience; I continue to learn patience thru parenting four tinys.

Every tiny meltdown or crazy mess is an opportunity for me to show self-control; and I don’t always make the most of that.

Every loss of self control is a chance to apologize, confess and talk about how even my own sin.

Every tiny lie and bad attitude is a chance for me to extend discipline in love; mend with the fruit of the spirit.

Being a mom is quite possibly the BEST thing I’ve ever done; and I am grateful that God has used parenting as a tool to show me how desperately I need HIM!! It’s a beautiful mess!

I love the pause that the arrival of a newborn brings.

even within the chaos of three other tinys.

I don’t have a problem saying no to things that come across our calendar; there is extra grace in drawing our family inward. and maybe its not really the grace of others as much its the freedom we give ourselves to not do it all. . . or maybe that’s just me. ….

I don’t have sadness over being semi hermit-like.

the mess I am already comfortable with just gets messy-er and I don’t care . . I just want to sit and hold a baby, and sleep, but holding a baby.

I really love the slow pace of it just being us. I believe its really how family is intended to live . . . unharried. unfrazzled. focused on growing. I mean we’re also focused on not going crazy. the adjustment of a new baby has manifested itself different in each tiny.

we had our first family dinner out last night:: chick-fil-a

we conveniently chose the booth next to the playroom so Andy and I could actually make eye contact and share a few words . .

so :: I finally have some shots of my 4 tinys together!!

Here’s another truth from Ann Voskamp

I love this !!

“The state of my space doesn’t mirror the state of my soul and Christ Himself was born in a barn.”

gives me that extra bit of freedom to love on tinys and leave the mess!! someday . . my house will be clean again and tiny toys will be off my floor and a part of me will be sad.

one week :: London Elinor

2011-11-08T14:34:00.000-05:00

these first few weeks home are my favorite.

i can say that after four tinys. only because I know how quickly it passes :: snapping photos any free moment i have!!

I will be attempting to actually take a photo with all four tinys this afternoon!! wish me luck

a full nest

2011-11-08T14:12:00.000-05:00

my girls meeting for the first time!!

to say Lillian is smitten is an understatement! she is sad every morning she has to leave for school and can't stay home with her tiny sister!

the boy has a hard time containing himself....he LOVES to hold her....so much so that he starts to shake with this big smile on his face..like he wants to just squeeze her!!!

headed home :: already sleepy, but so excited!

timing is everything

2011-11-08T13:53:00.000-05:00

amazing how this side of baby, time flies! isn't that always the way it goes.
its so hard to be patient. but sweet reward came with this waiting!!

so as I sat on my couch saturday and posted THIS blog post, even after several days of start-stop labor, i had no idea that a handful of hours later we'd be making our way to the hospital to have a baby!!

i definitely woke on that saturday morning discouraged..which prompted some study, alone time and that blog post i mentioned earlier. felt like the Lord gave my heart such sweet comfort and continuing to be patient. That's really what this whole year has been for us . . . waiting, learning to pray thru the waiting without control in any of it.

so in addition to that study time, my sweet friend Meredith sent me an email of encouragement, and attached a video. it was of a woman, giving birth and singing during her contractions.
it was a home birth..you don't actually watch her give birth... its just a few minutes of her singing while her husband plays the guitar...

and...she is singing psalm 23. . . .her voice is amazing, still, calm.
the significance of this for me. . . still leaves me speechless.
i was struck by the worship in the moment of giving birth to new life.
the miraculous blessing that babies are.
the true worship that the moment deserves.
my anxiousness and impatience turned to excitement and peacefulness.

so i put together a worship set list to listen to while we labored and on saturday evening between slicing chicken nuggets and getting tinys to the dinner table, contractions started again.... . . .

so i started singing. yup. it was a little weird. . . but I was making the decision again to go without an epidural so breathing and calm are a huge part of making that succesful. i was amazed at the pain relief when i was singing.

we arrived at the hospital around 945pm. i was skeptical they were gonna keep us. i hadn't had a contraction in 14 minutes. labor is supposed to follow the 'longer, stronger, closer together' contraction pattern. mine clearly was not.

after a walk up to labor and delivery, paperwork and some questions, we were admitted at 1035pm, at 5cm!! The next hour was amazing. I paced our room, earbuds in place, worship music playing; singing.
Andy was on the couch in the delivery room, just two paces away from me, reading.

i could see his journal and bible open. we made eye contact every few minutes or so and exchanged a smile. it contained mutual understanding that this was a moment we'd looked forward to for months. really, for years. i thought back to dating and talking about having a family and how we always saw four little heads around our table!! we wouldn't do this again. . .there was great peace in closing the door to this season of having babies and get about the business of raising them. we were about to welcome our last tiny into the world!!! it was much anticipated and an close to a sweet season that I will never forget.

so as i walked figure eight patterns in the floor one of my favorite songs started playing :: Kari Jobe's 'Singing Over Me'
. . .the words "there is freedom in surrender" and i remember thinking about Mary in labor with Jesus.
Andy and I shared another glance. i thought of Mary hovered near the ground. in pain. in surrender of what was taking place.

there is a song, by Jill Phillips and Andrew Peterson. . . Labor of Love. if you haven't heard it....you need to. it paints this amazing picture of the arrival of Jesus.

i was grateful that my body knew what to do! thankfully it had been here before! at 1130 i was 8cm.

midwife broke my water at 9 1/2 cm! and at 1225am it was time to push!

two contractions later, at 1232am London Elinor Guthe was filling our delivery room with her sweet cry!

7lbs 12oz!

Elinor means "my light is God". I am in love with her name.

we've prayed over the arrival of each tiny...and their names.

Lillian Drew means "Purity & Strength"

Liam Jennings "unwavering protector" (fitting now with 3 sisters)

Lucy McKenna " Light, Abundant"

London isn't a family name or have significant meaning. but there is this picture that hangs on our family photo wall. its been there since Lucy was a baby. I bought the frame without paying attention to what was in it. I just needed a black frame and white mat. I had the intention of taking out the photo; until I got home and realized it was sealed from the back....so I hung it anyway. Its the only non-family photo on the wall..well besides a photo of a cross. Its a picture of the tower bridge in London. neither of us have been there; so its been a bit odd that this photo has such a prominent place on our family wall. ...well, when we found out we were pregnant at the beginning of this year, Andy's first words were, "It's a girl, and we should name her London" we had wrestled and prayed through adding to our family and it was like a little hidden secret that she's been a part of us all along!!!

morning two :: love fresh tiny snuggles!

worthy of HIS worship

2011-10-22T13:31:00.000-04:00

aren't all moments of life worthy of HIS worship?!

not just the sweet, life giving ones. but

the hard ones.
the transcendent ones.
the silent ones.
the ones in community.
the lonely ones.
the waiting ones.
the blessed ones.
the desert ones.
the equipping ones.

i have been reading this book 1000 gifts by Ann Voskamp :: i don't know where to start with the anointing of this book. in a nutshell, its that all moments are HIS, that 'all is grace', and deserves a spirit of thankfulness from us; to a God who is present, in control and deeply desires an audience with us.

that out of all of life's moments, we are to have a posture of thankfulness, Ann calls it Eucharisteo.
and ALL, means all.

that we are to approach the day, each moment with a spirit of thankfulness.
without selfish ambition.
that we are to accept what HE gives, in THAT VERY MOMENT, and offer thanks.
we are to die to self. die to expectations. um, hello....

this is such a challenge for me.
i figure i am not alone that it requires the transcendent grace of jesus to offer thanks in all moments, and die to what i expected it would look like, or be.

for us in this season ::
waiting on a house to sell.
a baby to arrive.
when the laundry is piled beside my bed, for days.
when the sink is full of dirty dishes.
tinys are screaming.
or spitting. or throwing toys. or drawing on my couch. or complaining about dinner.
or sticking out their tongue.
or my phone rings for another showing in the midst of ALL this going on.
to offer thanks for every part of it.

its not often that in my extreme God given personality i have room for GRACE for much.
or patience for that matter. I love that God has made me passionate and with ferocity for just about everything in my life. my emotions are transparent. i have always have had difficulty masking my true feelings for things. but he allows me to fall flat on my face in all my selfish ambition so that i can truly sit at the foot of the cross, fully surrendered, understanding that its Him who deserves my passion and fierce-ness. its His timing i am to be patient for. its His grace that covers me.

but like most, I have a tendency to loose perspective. react emotionally. respond from that heart i wear on my sleeve. not to mention the hormonal-train-wreck-like status of my mental state. we'll blame that part of the baby my body is harboring.

there have been so many moments over the last 9+ months that God has revealed Himself . i have read books. had quiet moments. divine appointments
and
i am so comforted that it is all orchestrated by Him.
that i can release the notion and lie that i was ever in control and rest.

in my study time, God has continued to bring me back to the story of the Israelites in the Wilderness Moses crying out to God. and God hears him and rains down manna.
For the first 6 days, they were only to gather what they needed, no more.
they weren't to hoard.
no leftovers
no planning ahead
no prepping for the following day

i am not really planner. i am a bit more spontaneous.
doesn't mean i don't love routine. sometimes routine gives peace.

but i love the free-flow of life. i love suprises. things unexpected.
i find more peace there than in the predictability of things.

however : when i comes to surrendering the EXPECTATIONS of what I WOULD like to happen or think should happen that is a different story. i become an emotional 'hoarder'.
i want things to work out they way I think is best.
so this is where the manna comes back to my season of life. . .

i truly believe the waiting. the silence. the wonder of the pause of movement in our life has NOT been by mistake. the fruit of truly understanding what it looks like to approach the throne unselfishly, with no more than a desire to offer thanks and worship.
to praise for the silent 'pregnant' pause.
to accept only what God offers in THIS moment. nothing more.
to offer praise that only HE knows the timing of our house selling.
that the fruit of our heart has far greater value than our physical dwelling or destination.

i understand His manna for me.
its to wholly trust, offer thanks and rest in each moment.
the sweet ones, and tough ones.
its been to let go of my desire to have an answer.
its been
to offer thanks for not answering.
to praise the showing after showing after showing that comes back NO, because it gives us another opportunity to trust His timing.
its now to trust His timing in the arrival of our new tiny.
if i truly turst Him, then I am peaceful.
I am capable of patience.
I am capable of grace.
I am capable of offering thanks :: with no strings attached.
and I am capable only because of Christ.

so, we wait.
we wait for baby. we wait for his timing.
and in the meantime.
i am thankful. for another moment to offer my thanks for His manna.

big(ger) stuff

2011-09-07T22:25:00.004-04:00

Liam boy started school today!!

In the spring we were registered for one school..then thinking we were moving i pulled his application...well, we're still here.

so about a month ago i took a gamble and called a new preschool to see if there were any openings.....i was so surprised and grateful there was room!!

its a little bit of a different environment, still lots of fun and learning, a little more jesus and structure that I think will be great to get him prepared for Kindergarten next year (sniff).

he's only going 3 days this year, which i am really excited about...Lillian went 3 days the year before she started K. and in hindsight i am SO glad. her transition to 5 full days away was really hard last year. I am glad we had those extra days each week. its a HUGE jump to their time away . . and has flown by. and Liam is so genuinely excited about our being around when baby sister arrives!!

we are entering a really amazing stage with Liam...4yrs old is so much fun! our tinys are a bit crazy from 2 1/2 to 3 1/2; full of drama and intensity and passion. Its not that it dissipates when we cross the 3 1/2yr threshold...they are just better equipped to mange their ferocity!

i love this boy. i love his intensity and confidence in all his 4 yr old self. he's become quite the train-lover lately. he still wants to be a garbage man...but says he will take his trains to work with him. he told me a few weeks ago that when he grew up to be a garbage man he would stop by and pick up my trash and come in for lunch...and we would have peanut butter... i said that would be perfect!!

he was so proud of his new 'pack-pack' that his yaya bought him...

i was worried about how tiny would do today without Liam around...at his teacher meet and greet she pretty much waved good-bye...but she actually was great...she keeps talking about how she is gonna be helping with our new baby!!

love this boy and all his 'little-man-ness'.

full circle!

2011-09-07T22:18:00.007-04:00

i know that every year they start school will feel like another huge milestone.

and i will cry. its that slow release of the 'faux' control i think i have...

its the baby steps of letting go and fully trusting God's got their back, and mine!

I am grateful i don't have to send her to college yet..or marry her off yet. that we are still considered 'new' at this. we really only have 6 1/2 years at this parenting gig....

our greatest challenge in parenting lately, well besides being insanely outnumbered, is having 3, while close together; in totally different emotional, physical developmental stages. while most of our 'physical' parenting years are behind us with Lillian...we have stepped full on into our 'emotional' phase of parenting her. still allowing her moments of safe reliance on us while beginning to figure out who she is on her own, asserting her independence, making decisions, trusting herself all while helping guide and shape her heart! i am convinced that we'll look back on the first handful of years as 'easy' compared to what lies ahead in helping our tiny's hearts navigate a crazy world.

she rides the bus home from school every day!! which has been so fun to watch her blond self bounce down the sidewalk towards us! so far we've had a great start to the year!!

watching our biggest girl head off for first grade allowed me a full circle life moment.

one i felt old.

like where has it gone?

i remember first grade...

how can i be married 10yrs and expecting our 4th baby...and those who've paved the way before us in this journey say...just hold tight....it only starts to go by faster.

for now, i am hitting pause. on this sweet face!!

Lucy's bday!!! 3yrs old!!

2011-09-07T22:07:00.006-04:00

these eyes are so full of life.

i will never forget the nurse saying the moment she was born how amazing her eyes were. curious and serious and sensitive.

It's been a surprise to us as to how young, 3yrs old feels.

i remember with Lillian, 3 felt so grown up. but when there are two tinys in front of her you realize how full of baby she still is.

Lucy has this still small, sweet voice that somehow over the next year will start to sound more big-girl. she still says words wrong and calls her brother 'Mi-um'. she has the loudest cry that our neighbors get to hear from the top step of our front porch.

there is no leavin this one behind. she is a typical third in that she has no fear. jumps in, all out! she wants to be in on what's happening.

she breaks the mold with the laid-back tendency of a third....i am sure most of that has to do with a brother that's only 14 1/2 months older than her....

she gets us laughing at the dinner table. from crazy eyes to the random quotables!

last night it was that God was speaking to her, saying 'I love you Lucy!' we asked what else he said ..."he wants some ice cream!"

today it was that she had bees in her stomach.

i love that she still sucks her thumb, has a shredded 'silky' that goes everywhere with us, and loves her babydoll to bits!!

there are sweet distinctive personalities between all the tinys, but they are also so similar.

they share passion and strong will which i will continue to say is a God-given strength. It is a challenge to parent thru and direct, but we know that it will add to who they are being shaped into and be one of their greatest qualities!!

Lucy's not going to school this fall . . . 7 or so weeks from now she will be my biggest helper when her baby sister arrives! All other tinys have been home with a sibling and we couldn't be more excited about her sharing this!

her birthday this year was really simple. no big party. just family. we were blessed

lillian and liam started this thing at the beginning of this summer where she sits on the back of his big wheel as he tears down the street, of course he spins out and sees if he can throw her off!!

sweet lillibug .

its such a blessing to watch my girls together. i didn't grow up with a sister...so i really never thought i would have more than one girl..weird..i know...but i just thought i would have one, then a couple of boys...well, nope.

come late october we'll have 3 girls and one lone wolf...

i have loved a front row seat to their relationship. the distance between all 3 of them will almost be exactly the same. help.me.jesus when they are all teenagers...we are already having drama-fest arguments over clothes, hair and shoes...

lucy and her new pink tricycle!!!!

cupcake face!!!

these two are already asking when baby sister can start sharing a room with them...i am quick to remind them that babies cry a lot...nevermind that she's also not here yet!!

andy's mom and dad came for the weekend to celebrate tiny's bday! and we went to jetton park while we had an afternoon house showing.....

my little explorer. with a girl first, the whole boy thing is like having another first child. there is so much that's different. not a whole lot of sitting..a lot of jumping, bouncing, running, chasing, wrestling and curiosity. learning to encourage and trust and let go while not 'hovering' or 'helicoptering' is a delicate balance...especially around water!!

disney world!!!

2011-07-11T16:04:00.014-04:00

When we found out we were headed to Florida, andy and i had this moment in the car where we exchanged a look :: "you know while we're in florida we should go to . . . " nuf said..

we realized that we would just be a couple hours from disney and with the tinys in the backseat and our oldest knowing how to read; we had to talk in code...(its a sad day when you can't spell out your conversations anymore)

so the schemeing began. . . and 'operation tiny' was born!!

we've been once before with a tiny, Lillian, in early summer 2008.

Liam was about to turn one and i was 30 weeks pregnant with Lucy...so we left the boy here and just took her. . we went with some best friends...and to this day Lillian has said it was the BEST day of her life!!! right before we left i had just started our family blog!! you can read the posts about disney that year HERE and HERE!!

so yes this meant going to Disney at peak season, 4th of July week, pregnant again...

and this time with 3 tinys!!! praise jesus for double strollers!!

so we left for the beach, still no mention of 'operation tiny'

we had two full beach days and got up at 5am on Wednesday, July 6th.

we told them we were headed to breakfast.

i knew that as we got onto interstate 4 headed into Orlando we would see signs for Disney and we couldn't get away with our oldest not figuring it out..so right outside of Daytona we hopped off for bfast and told them!!

we weren't sure how the younger two would respond...they have no idea what disney world is...

but Lillian's reaction was priceless

we had a strategy going in : where we would start...which fast pass to get first...

we knew we would only be there for one day, so we had to make the most of it.

we packed one bag with kids nalgenes, powder gatorade, luna bars, a change of clothes for tiny cause she HATES to be wet...baby wipes & camera.

we chose NOT to do character meet 'n greets. most of them were in full sun and there was no way the tinys were gonna last in the heat.

so we waved at buz lightyear, woody and jesse. we waved at rapunzel and mickey & goofy. we didn't do mid day parades and camp out for the prime spot...it was just WAY TOO HOT.

we did however do EVERY ride!!!

we laughed and played and ate ice cream, i teared up and cried again as we were watching fireworks..call it fatigue or overwhelmed or pregnancy hormones :: but watching my tinys imagination and curiosity come to life is so much fun. i fell into the predictable category of sappy....

we didn't have a simple compliant or 'i'm hot' or 'im tired'. our first meltdown of the day was at 10pm, right before the fireworks started..and at that point i was wiped out too!!

so if you're still reading. i am uber-impressed! lol

it was such a fun day....i do however look forward to NOT ever being pregnant again while visiting Disney World!!

now brace yourself for the amount of photos!!!

pure excitement that we're actually at disney!!!

liam's most favorite part of our whole day!!

riding the steam engine!!!
mommy am i really gonna ride that!!??

crazy that actually all 3 of them were tall enough to ride splash mtn!!

sweaty nap time!!

its a small world!!!

we loved the 'people mover'!!

hot, sweaty but so so happy!!!

we climbed to the top of the swiss family robinson house!!!

and then back down!!!
belly evidence : thankfully this time, i didn't get asked if i were going to give birth at Disney!

riding the jungle cruise!

even though lillian is out of focus, i love the absolute fatigue on Lucy's face!!
my sweet lillibug!!
'dat's loud mommy' :: steam engine blowing its whistle!!!

Lillian's eyes amaze me!
we did catch the tail end of the 'celebrate' parade....

Liam was the only one awake as we left the park at midnight. we stopped right on the street corner as the light parade was passing ...cinderella made eye contact with Liam and blew him a kiss. he covered his mouth with both hands and said "mommy, she just made me a prince!!" if you ask him about it now he just about blushes!!

lillian make a pirate face!! 'arggghhhh'

this definetly goes down as one of our most fun family memories!!!

ps, they are already talking about when we go back :: when tiny #4 turns 3 . . .

all things salty!!!

2011-07-09T22:57:00.009-04:00

Vacation is fuel for the soul!!

It's a break in routine, well, mostly it's just a scenery change with some of the same crazy from home. . .
We were blessed with a stay at a friends place, oceanside in florida. Just steps from sand it was beyond a gift!! With 3 tinys and clearing the 6 month mark pregnant the convenience made all the difference!

this was such a contrast to our vacation last summer, mostly just due to the stages the tinys were in.

it was refreshing!! a sweet memory for me has to be just sitting and watching the tinys play and dig and run in the sand. its the first time we've ever spent more than an hour on the beach without someone needing a snack or to go potty or have a melt down.

clearly i realize it will be another 3 years before we experience this moment quite like this again, with tiny #4 on the way ... and entering 'baby-dom' again.....

but i still treasure the sweetness of sitting with my toes in the sand, listening to the tinys laugh and play without a care in the world...well until we had an argument over shovels....

so i will spare you the 378 photos to took and pick some of my favorites.

we also surprised the tinys with a trip to Disney World...blog post to follow.

this week as we assume summer routine and camp tiny at home....i will miss vacation mode. i will miss that we watched fireworks over the ocean of the 4th, ate shrimp and crab-legs til our hearts content, dug holes in the sand, made drip castles, chased seagulls....soaked up all things salty!!

having them so close in age, we catch moments that it has its advantages....clearly i didn't photograph the ones where that back-fires.

this one has some very serious concentration when she builds a sand castle!!

liam's best Flynn Rider's 'smolder' (if you haven't seen tangled that won't make sense)

i got the 'stank-eye'

no lie, liam looked at this photo and said : "mommy is that you?"

my favorites

the week wouldn't have been as fun without our yaya..especially since she taught the tinys

little bunny foo foo in every 'accent' possible :: dinner time was never the same!!

my beach bums!!
evidence :: i really was there!!

last week when andy had a late meeting i took the kids to the playground. when he got home i asked liam to tell daddy what he did (monkey bars) liam says :: " daddy i took care of my girls tonight!!" this boy loves his sisters!!! which is great, because tiny#4 is a GIRL!!

our newest addition can't get here fast enough! and yes, her name will start with an 'L'.

he asks every day to hold her already!!! thankfully he has two amazing sisters who've paved the way!

touch a truck

2011-06-12T22:34:00.005-04:00

seriously, mommy, i neeeeeed some ice cream. now!
i couldn't resist tinys 'wild woman' mop hair-do. trying to grow it out..means it stays messy!!!

this past weekend we went to 'touch a truck'!!!

there were police cars, tow trucks, jeeps, dump trucks, a semi, firetruck...no garbage truck or wall-e's as the tinys call them(diggers, dozers, graders). it was insanely hot, so while enamoured by the trucks, the tinys were equally excited about the ice cream truck in the middle of the parking lot!

we didn't stay for long. one sit on each truck. next year, we'll bring ear plugs..cause every little boy who climbed in a truck went straight for the horn! now multiply that by 12 BIG trucks!!

camp tiny week one!

2011-06-12T21:12:00.007-04:00

"we are at camp tiny mommy!!!"
hold your breath : they are all sitting still at the table. no one is crying. or whining. or taking. or hitting. that happened after 'craft' hour!

my sweet lillibug loves some detail!

liam's creation time line! he 'scibble-scrabbled' as he called it. so much so that we had to re-write the numbers back on so he could get them in order!

a moment in deep concentration!

this is semi-normal. girls engrossed in a craft, liam playing. and yes he has an apron on. he was cooking our snack!

i LOVE this! the fish are all smiling!!!

the tinys are used to paint in our playroom. which was good. they are used to taking turns.

which keeps this mommy calm. it was actually me who ended up dropping the paintbrush on the carpet!

liam, so proud of his boat!

on your mark get set . . float!!!

week one of camp tiny was really fun!

we had a few obstacles to our first week. mostly because Lillian was finishing her last week of school. we also had a couple house showings, so a couple activities have been bumped to week 2!! Day one actually started on Tuesday afternoon! Each night when Liam would go to bed, he would say, "mommy, we didn't go to camp tiny" to which my response was "buddy you live in camp tiny, you ARE camp tiny!!"

i had a few 'mommy gut' feelings on how it would go. Lillian had the most attention span and would finish and be ready for the next thing. Liam would finish his quickly and be on to the next thing that is called-b.o.y. and Lucy would popcorn hers, she was in and out. some things would hold her attention some didn't. I learned quickly too that we absorbed the story better through reading our children's bible or read aloud bible story book or I re-told the story while we did our craft!

one of my favorite moments was actually tonight. after dinner we took all the cushions off the couch and chairs in our living room and made 'royal beds' as the girls call them. its really just a bunch of pillows and blankets piled together! we sat in front of our windows as the thunderstorm was ending and read books. as we finished the creation story; Liam, unsolicited says our memory verse from this last week! i laughed out loud! ...it stuck!!!

OUR MOST FAVORITE bible books are by Ella K. Lindvall.

they are beautifully illustrated and bring the bible story to life!!

CLICK HERE to check them out on amazon....

i am putting together a 'schedule' i know. right. me on a schedule. that's laughable.

but if one thing that daily i become more confident about, it is that the tinys thrive on routine.

its some of the thought behind camp tiny. that I needed something for us to do..its hot. i am pregnant. we can't be at the pool all day long....and i just might go that much more crazy this summer.

I also know the tinys thrive when their moments are 'creatively directed'...there are still moments of 'self-directed' play, but when those moments have purpose life is just that bit sweeter in our house. so camp tiny is just part of our day together. look for a post this week on what our 'schedule' looks like...and where the idea came from!

for about camp tiny and all downloads : go to www.camptiny.blogspot.com

the new graduate

2011-06-12T21:11:00.005-04:00

this past week Lillian graduated from Kindergarten!!!

A HUGE milestone.

we had a great year at our local public school. Lillian's teacher and teaching assistant were both believers and did an amazing job at loving on her class. It was such a great start to her school experience.

She rode the bus home on Fridays!

On the last day of school I could see mixed feelings on her face. We got to the car and she burst into tears. She was devastated that it was all over.

Over the course of the rest of our afternoon, she would say 'this is the worst day ever, mommy I am so sad about not going back to school!!" Even though she was sad I couldn't help but be grateful that God had completely answered our prayers for this to be a great year for her.

She made some sweet friends, a couple actually live in our neighborhood!! With a house still on the market, we may be still live her for her to start First Grade, or not. Regardless, she is really excited that a year from now, she will be joined at school by brother Liam!!

88 new reasons to write a song!!!

2011-05-31T00:08:00.005-04:00

88 new keys grace my living room wall!!!

this was something I have wanted for a long time!!

I played piano for 11 years, but I have basically taken the last 15 years off. so I am not sure now I am eligible to count the previous! I had a wonderful teacher who gave me a hard time for playing by ear...well in hindsight, she was so right. i can sight read a little here and there, but its lame. its not like riding a bike, after so long away it really is like learning all over again!!

It was a partial surprise, in the works; i knew about it. just didn't know it was something Andy had been stewing on for a while. It was to be a tiny#4 "push-birthday" gift for later this fall!!! This was my mother's day present this year!!!

We had mentioned to my dad that we were on the lookout for one, and if you know him he has a knack for stumbling across great finds....even pianos!

Well, its still a push gift, even though we're only 1/2 way to meeting our newest addition.

Worship has been a huge part of my life for the last 10+years. well really longer than that. I grew up in a home full of life and music; with a dad who played the guitar, banjo...led worship and a mom who gave joy and encouragement to settling in our passions, and a deep love for the arts!!!

Andy and I led worship as college students at UT, before we were engaged, then newlyweds! Its a huge part of the way God drew us together and was a sweet preview of serving together!!! In worship there is communion with the Spirit for me, like nothing else. Its the sweet spot. That thing, that place that I know I can count on the Lord meeting me. Where most everything else that seems to creep in and bother me, is immune! I am prayerful as years pass and I play again that these moments become closer together. not just slices i have to steal here and there!

for now, and the foreseeable future, I don't and won't have many quiet moments to sit down along and play, its like a moth to a flame when I hit the first key . . . tinys come running. which has been fun to begin teaching Lillian along with myself, just basic scales!!

I like looking to things on the horizon! Its not always a healthy outlook. I don't want to be in a posture of always looking to that next thing..missing the now; but for this it's hopeful in what's to come. when i walk in my living room i can't help but smile at this instrument that I have hope for. Hope for the curiosity and anticipation it brings me. hope for moments of intimate worship, that I can't help be selfish with! hope that when my fingers hit those keys I am reminded of how life-giving music can be!!!

bday recap : all things transportation!!

2011-05-30T23:30:00.007-04:00

we went into today with a 'plan' to open gifts after lunch...yeah right. that didn't hold for very long.

this is the 'try to be shy-look'

"a garbage truck, this is what i wanted!"

even better, a fire truck from the same fleet!!!

what transportation bday isn't complete without a train!!

i love how he just sat and looked at the cake!!!

this is called, can i go play with my trucks now-look

since preschool is done, I am pretty sure i will be waking to the sound of 'heavy machinery' via Liam's new arsenal of trucks!!

spring has gone!

2011-05-30T22:13:00.017-04:00

House on the market, school programs, soccer, a train ride, libraries, playgrounds....

it was a fun start to spring!! which clearly with 90+ degree weather has come and gone already!

Lillian is finishing kindergarten.

its been a fun year!!! i will be retiring my no-really-i-can-do-it-all Cape in a couple weeks as i surrender my duties as room mom to the next naive soul that walks into that classroom!! wow.

what an undertaking. i'm the first to say i have to work really really hard to be organized. its not something that just flows naturally for me. i need tools. like lots of them. and sticky notes to keep things 'fresh' on the brain!

Its something i have always felt has been a short-coming; blame it on the artist in me or the lazy. I just don't do organization well. most things never get put in the same place more than twice. i horizontally file. its really ok. i can function. there is a rhythm and routine to our life that allows me the freedom and grace to not drive myself bonkers at not mastering organization.

i am a mess. its ok. just as long as the mess gets hidden a little when potential buyer walk thru our house!!!

hard to believe she goes into 1st grade in the fall!!!

lost tooth #2 today!!!!

sweet bff the bean!! came for a quick visit! i can't handle how big they are!!!

THE TINYS!!!

with some new digs!

the foose and her puppy!! on the light rail headed uptown!!

Lucy is recently attached to 'puppy'. he actually is on loan from big sister . . a treasure from her disney trip! we don't go anywhere without puppy. i have to sneak him out of bed at night to wash him. i love this stage with her, especially around Lillian and Liam she just seems so small and still 'baby' to me. yet i know at this stage Lillian felt so grown up!!

we're in the midst of our lovely approaching 3s. a rough spot for the tinys. history serves as a great reminder having experienced two already through this stage. thankfully third time around you find a little more humor in the drama filled meltdowns..

we're a bit attached to the movie Tangled, and in the heat of the moment when she doesn't get what she wants lately, she tells me to go away, that this is her tower!! yeah, good one!

Liam was just a little excited to ride the light rail!!

he hasn't really stopped talking about the 'subway' train that took us to have ice cream!!!

outside imaginon uptown!

liam's best pirate impression!!

we did a soccer clinic with the Y. liam loved it. the coach was amazing!!

four4FOUR4FoUR!!!!

2011-05-30T11:50:00.009-04:00

happy 4th birthday LIAM boy!!!!

my first glimpse of this boy :: I never imagined how many times my heart would melt, how hard i would laugh, how much i would feel like i am fighting my self in a tiny version, how much i would wonder if we were parenting right, how many tears i would shed and how hard i would pray for your him. . . in just 4 years! only a preview of what i am sure to come as we watch God shape this little man!!

There is something about the arrival of our tiny#2. I was more calm. anticipating sniffing and snuggling and kissing this boys face off! It was gonna be different. It was a BOY! our first was a girl. I was nervous, what do you do with a boy? would I love him the same? how was I gonna juggle two tinys? :: all totally normal 2nd time mommy thoughts. but pointless worry.

there is something supernatural when it comes to the capacity to love another baby, exactly the same, but different! There is so much that Liam has added to our family! I can't imagine not having the rowdy wild boy nature a part of our every day life.

Liam, at 4

I love how intense and fierce you are!

I love that this passion is something God has gifted you!

I love that there is never a question on how you feel about something, from your passionate expression of opinion to the gentleness your show with your sisters!!

I love that in that fierce spirit you are equally as tender hearted.

i love that you want to be a garbage man when you grow up.

I love that you can rock a pony tail!

i love how excited you are that we have another tiny on the way; and that you ask everyday if we can go get our baby!!

today; i loved the expression on your face as you opened your very own garbage truck!!!

i love the tenderness in your eyes right before you fall asleep, and ask if jesus wants to get out

of your heart so he could go down the slide at the pool!!

(You ask him where Jesus lives, he points to his armpit!! really i think he's just confused on where his heart is!!)

i love most that you know how loved you are!!!

looking for approval to commence the present opening!!

rockin a new pair of specs (thanks gaffer & gigi)

it was a special day. gaffter & gigi were here to celebrate, yaya and roo were here to celebrate . . big sister lillian said today it was the best day of her life...then she said, no, the 2nd best, the first was going to Disney...but this was a very close 2nd! From waking up with balloons all over our living room, to HUGE marshmallows with a candle in it to sing brother happy birthday, to lunch at our favorite cheeseburger spot, to the pool, another marshmallow.....my mommy cup was full today watching Lillian celebrate her sweet brother and her excitement for his birthday!

change :: full of surprises!!

2011-05-30T11:14:00.006-04:00

Take into account the amount of fluctuation life has had the last several months :: you'll forgive no new blog posts!! and forgive only a photo on this one. i will catch up on each tiny in future posts!!

since Lillian's 6th birthday this past February we found out we were expecting TINY #4, not even 12 hours later Andy was offered a campus pastor role with our church which inevitably means a move. we looked at each other and took a deep breath . . while each thing is an amazing blessing we felt as though we needed to have a helmet on, anticipating being shot straight out of cannon at 100+mph. no looking back.

THE NEWEST TINY :

We've been prayerful about adding to our family for the last 2+ years. There we moments when it was no, then yes, then no way, then absolutely; how could we not. The amazing part to me was God's total control and orchestration of our conversations; we were ALWAYS on the same page. Clearly the answer ended being yes, that we were peaceful and excited about the possibility of another tiny!

We are due late October 2011!!!

THE JOB :

The job change is another answer to prayer. Being in full time ministry is a daily blessing for us; but it is also a daily challenge. To honor God in all you do, in work and life is a passionate pursuit with us sitting at the foot of the cross. There are sweet amazing moments where you feel God pouring out His favor; and moments of silence, where you cannot ignore his presence but feel alone. Long periods of waiting, and trusting, sharpening those deep parts of your soul and strengthening our faith.

THE MOVE

means we will be moving just about 40 miles south of where we live now. Our house has been on the market almost 70 days. The stress of keeping it clean with 3 tinys, a dog, a tiny on the way, school year finishing up.....I don't even know where to start with how difficult its been.

The depth of trust and faith this has beckoned from me to really believe it will all fall into place has been a more difficult challenge than I expected. It has shown me areas of sin and prompted confession of my desire for control. I have great days, then terrible ones. I wake each morning more and more grateful that HIS mercies are new each day! another opportunity to trust in crazy circumstances for HIM to show himself faithful!

I wake expectant that He is the one leading us. HE has orchestrated all this. HE knows we have a baby on the way, and a child entering 1st grade, and that i am a crazy hormonal nesting mess!! HE knows all that, HE has ALWAYS known all that and knows the outcome!!! so, in our daily tornado of chaos, I am peaceful. I am trusting. and I am constantly confessing when that bit of anxiousness creeps in!

updated posts about 3 tinys & liam boys bday coming!!!

be ready

2011-02-24T17:16:00.004-05:00

not sure what to do with this boy! except maybe eat him!!

He comes home from school wiped out on Thursdays!

at 3 1/2 he really doesn't need a nap everyday, its been so beautiful here the last couple of weeks we've been spending hours at the playground!! but about ever 2 days he gets 'nap worthy'!!

today was gymnastics day and he 'jumped on the river' and swung like a monkey

i've gathered that the river is a long trampoline built into the floor, and then they get to swing on a rope and drop into a pit full of foam!!!

something about Liam, he's strong-willed. he is like mold-breakin-wrote-the-book, fight ya til the death strong will when it comes to some things!!

and most days i can handle it....and some i can't!!

but you learn as a mother of 3 all carrying this characteristic, that one day that WILL, will be one of their greatest strengths, its just that parenting through it poses its challenges.

i just have to pick the battles to fight and encourage the will and right to choose when it doesn't pose a life-threatening, starvation or catastrophic consequence

so yes, today was perfect timing... he said he was wearing a daddy shirt and his cowboy boots to bed, i said, 'OK!!'.

these printer drawers were a gift from our gigi! they have finally made their appearance on our wall!!

these have been hanging in our playroom. they have always been liam's i've just not been in a place to trust he wont tear things off the wall until now!!!

i am waiting for inspiration to finish them!

liam boy loves his new bed!!! the bed and ceiling in his room are the same color!!!

scrumptiously six!

2011-02-24T15:24:00.007-05:00

i.can.believe.she.is.6!

she had such a fun day!

dunkin doughnuts with her class

mcdonalds happy meal for lunch

a surprise visit from gaffer & gigi

and dinner with the whole family!!!

this birthday girl went to bed wiped out!!

we did a big party last year, so this was our year to do something chill with one friend!!!

there was no hesitation . . . she screamed, SELA i want SELA to go!!

Sela and Lillian both have February birthdays!!!

she bounced back and forth between bowling, discovery place, and painting pottery!

pottery won out!!!

it was so fun to watch these girls paint!!! so excited to see the final fired cupcake jar!!!

we pick it up tomorrow!!!

my big tiny!

so at 6; we talk about wiggly teeth and argue about what to wear, she already wants to stay up late, she's not ready to have her ears pierced, she loves shoes, she always shares her opinion, she is gentle, she is moody, she is giggly, she loves to make up songs, she loves to paint, she writes her 5's backwards, she loves lipgloss, she rocks a pair of leggings and high-top converse, she wears a cape to the playground, she loves jesus, she loves telling jokes that make no sense, she's ipad savvy, she's still a little afraid of automatic flush pottys, she loves macaroni and cheese, she uses the word 'seriously' all the time, she baby talks to birds outside, she always has painted toenails, she doesn't like meat, she is an amazing big sister and my favorite 6yr old!!

love you lillibug!!! ps, stop growing so fast!

cowboy up!

2011-02-11T21:58:00.005-05:00

my brother Grant's boots from when he was little!!! the tinys LOVE them!! and love to fight over who wears them!!

clearly he was done with the photo session!!!

oh wait

i.heart.this.boy

dance with me

2011-02-11T19:08:00.008-05:00

she has been looking forward to this day for several weeks.

the 'sweetheart' daddy daughter dance invitation came home from school

and was quickly elevated to front and center status on our fridge!!

today when she bounced off the bus she said; is it time mommy?

can i get ready for my date with daddy?

they go on dates, but the last couple of weeks she has been bursting at the seams for this one!!

so what girl doesn't primp for a date!!

no, i am not encouraging her to date. seriously-side note-we are avid parenthood watchers, you can catch on NBC; and i am gonna have raw knees from prayin thru a house full of teenagers!

help me jesus...

anyway...i really felt like it was so important for her to feel as adorable outside as she is inside!!! so we pulled out all the stops....high pampering!

bubble bath, blow dry, curlers, mani pedi wrapped in a robe!!

she even picked out jewelry...in addition to the ring and bracelet she drew from the treasure box at school!!

i love this girl. i love her excitement and preparation to spend the evening with the man she loves the most! i love what his love does to her heart!!!

she kept trying to figure out who of her friends were gonna be there

i think she was really excited to show off daddy!!

i know they are having an amazing time! the hubs will have to weigh in on his side of the story!

but i will never forget the pure joy in her eyes knowing she had daddy to herself tonight!

sure fills up my cup!!

waiting for the curlers to cool

now waitin for the nails to dry

probably my favorite series of her in a while

except that she looks so grown up already!

so excited for their 'la la' to go on a date with daddy!!

a week from now my sweet lillibug will be 6 whole years old!

next thursday is her birthday! yup, i am in disbelief.

xoxoxo

a choice

2010-11-15T08:17:00.006-05:00

This past week I was in the middle of running intervals on the treadmill (blech), I know; I was listening to Gungor's He Makes Beautiful Things...I hit this moment where I wanted to quit I just decided not to do so. Then I totally felt the Lord opened my eyes to 3 different things happening around me.

I looked over on the elliptical machine and saw this guy almost dancing on the machine, I recognized him from the day before. It was clear then that he is mentally handicapped. You couldn't miss his movements, they were playful, he was having a blast on that machine! He had the biggest grin on his face and was finding joy in the moment! this made me smile.

I turned back toward the window and saw this older gentleman being led across the parking lot by a young guy. The older man had a cane and clearly needed help. He was taking baby steps, slowly making progress to his destination. I looked closely, they men were laughing. Both sharing a moment; both smiling. this made me smile.

Then I spotted a toddler standing beside a car with his mom, extremely protesting about something! The mom stooped down and gently put her hand on his face, smiled and hugged the tiny. I don't know what words were exchanged but he calmed down and wrapped his arms around her. this made me smile.

the words to Gungor's - HE MAKES BEAUTIFUL THINGS say this ::

All this pain
I wonder if I’ll even find my way
I wonder if my life could really change at all
Could all that is lost ever be found
Could a garden come up from this ground at all

All around
Hope is springing up from this old ground
Out of chaos life is being found in You

You make beautiful things

you make me new, you are making me new

For me it was a divine moment. It all happened in the span of not even 5 min.

it was life set to music. the obstacles in these people's lives weren't hindering them(in that moment) :: in spite of their circumstances they were all making a choice; not to despair.

the guy on the machine, was choosing life & joy, whether he was aware of it or not. he didn't care who was looking or what they thought. he was in the moment.

the older gentlemen chose laughter in spite of how much assistance he needed, he couldn't do it on his own, and found joy in another's company.

the mom chose patience and self control when clearly should could have lost her cool and demanded what she wanted out of the moment.

So much of mothering or life for that matter, is existing in the moment, paying attention to the choice I make no matter the circumstance. Lately for me, its being self aware enough that I constantly listen to the nudging of the spirit.

This miniature span of time was totally God given for me. Its about that milli-second moment when I make a choice :: not to quit, or choose joy, or laugh instead of feel discouraged, or offer grace, or show self control.

I am grateful.

Now just to pray for strength & wisdom to make the right choice; and grace and forgiveness when I don't!

sweet friend

2010-11-08T11:09:00.008-05:00

Friends are a huge part of our life!

They breath life into us, help us, support us, laugh with us, grieve with us, surround us!!!

Its never been more obvious than in these last few years of being home full time with tinys; friends are key to this mommy's survival. God has been so gracious in our seasons of life to provide those friendships that nudge us closer to Him.

As a parent its really fun(and scary) to watch your child make new friends.

Lillian has had a steadfast friend before she could even roll off a blanket!!

This past weekend 'the bean' came to visit!!

you see part of lillian's heart moved with Elle to Buena Vista, Colorado this past April!

we miss them so much, but are excited for where God has them!!

Lillian talks a lot about how much she misses the bean.

Lillian is very emotinally intuitive for 5 1/2...I am always surprised by how well she verbalizes what's going on in her heart...this past wednesday she was really down.

I asked her why, she said "mommy i just don't feel comfortable at school, I don't have any friends and that just makes me feel so unlovable"

after i picked myself up out off the floor and put my heart back together and tried not to cry

i wrapped my arms around her and told her she was just about the most lovable little girl i've ever known! turns out most of the feeling was exhaustion and that fact that she can't talk at school she has to work and she feels connected to friends by talking!!!

really it was that she didn't know anyone like she knew the bean.

It turned into a really cool conversation about expectations on others to meet our needs and How that's God's job and how he will bring friends into your life in some seasons and take them out for others. {of course this was in 5yr old launguage}

I reassured her that friendships like that don't come in bushels, they are really special

any chance we get to spend time with her is a treat!!

I love the unconditional Elle & Lilli have for one another.

Its a treasure to have a front row seat to their genuine friendship!!

we celebrated Elle's birthday (which was in october) while she was here!

our house was full of giggles & two happy girls!!

we love you bean!!

fairy ballerina + ferocious tiger + kitty cat

2010-11-01T09:56:00.002-04:00

it was a happy halloween!!

this was the first year we've gone trick-or-treating as a family.

we've always had one or two tinys in bed or too little to know the fun they were missing!

we went to a friends house for some chili and trick-or-treating!

lillian our kitty cat!

ferocious tiger liam

who was refering to himself only as 'tiger' by the end of the night

we pulled back in front of our house and he said

'mommy and daddy, tiger has fun, but tiger is sleepy!!'

ferocious tiger with his stripes half gone!

lucy had on a tutu and rainboots and had to have her face painted like the other two!!

'meow'

"i got candy mommy"

liam+abby

2010-11-01T09:37:00.002-04:00

this past week liam was star of the week!

he got to bring home abby the ape!!

they were buds!!

let it be said that the boy was extremely sad when abby had to go back to school!

big stuff

2010-11-01T09:23:00.002-04:00

so i would say i was emotionally ready for the start of

preschool for this tiny little man....

well, until he looked at me and said

"i not gonna cry mommy, i a big boy"

i cried the whole way home

he's now been in school for 6 weeks, which is hard to believe!

love this boy :: in all his 'goliath' hair (as he calls it)

seriously mommy :: no more pictures!

she rode the bus!!

2010-10-26T21:17:00.005-04:00

so this was a big step!

Lillian was begging to ride the bus home.

she's one of the first stops so i agreed!!

it hasn't yet made an addition to our permanent school routine::

but she had a BLAST riding!!!

we walked to the bus stop :: liam was my big helper!

tiny was longing for nap time :: can you tell?

when the tinys spotted her they started squealing!!

so i'll pull the mommy card on this one :: revoke it if you'd like

this was one too many adjustments for this mommy.

i know i may be in a bit of denial that she's growing up

but we're hitting a pause on making this our 'normal'

lillian is LOVING kindergarten. she's excelling.

making new friends!!

i have to say one of my favorite things, in this still vulnerable state of childhood, is

picking her up from school :: being her first 'pit-stop' out of that world back into ours!

its also in those first moments in the car she bursts with joy about her day :: good and bad!

so for now, we are holding that 'first moment' captive!

xoxox

2010 moxxi christmas cards

2010-10-16T13:51:00.001-04:00

2010 moxxi christmas cards

3 collections this year!!

CLASSIC

VINTAGE

MOD

they're ready for order!!!

www.moxxi.blogspot.com

big big world

2010-08-27T09:02:00.005-04:00

Today Lillian started Kindergarten!!

tucking her in bed last night she says

"I can't sleep mommy, I am just too excited; but I know if I close my eyes morning will come really really fast, how does that happen mommy?"

I love how the stream of consciousness and curiosity never end

and like me she talks in run on sentences!

bedtime is one of my most favorite time with the tinys.

Usually right before we pray they are at their most vulnerable, guards are down, and I get a peek into the richness of their spirit

its been a really cool process in my heart seeing public school really as a mission field. viewing it as a place our children will encounter the world at its best and worst; and our job is to help their hearts navigate life amidst that and be a light!! I am really excited about the nature of Lillian and the tenderness God has gifted her spirit and the quiet confidence she has!!

however...no amount of talk or preparation can ready you for the moment to loosen your grip.

well, for me anyway, i am a tightly gripped mommy!! (smile)

regardless of the bittersweetness in the moment my heart is peaceful in the foundation we've laid in her the last 5 1/2 years! and i stand in His grace and comfort that this is the first of many moments loosening the parenting grip.

a heart in her dress pocket to know where jesus+mommy+daddy are in case she gets sad!

the wonder in these beautiful eyes is so amazing!!!

exchanging a look with daddy!

"i love you daddy, i'm going to school today!!!"

we stopped at a stoplight not far from school and I looked in the rearview mirror; then swallowed really hard there were a million things swirling in my head

...i can't fall apart now..i can't fall apart now..don't cry, not yet, its gonna be ok

...how is she this big? wasn't i just sitting in the floor playing puzzles and rocking her to sleep? wasn't i just wiping her nose and making baby food and listening to her first words?

yup...it just blurred by!

we parked, walked into school and she was giggling, even let out a little squeal skipping down the kindergarten hallway! we hugged about six times and then she gave me 'the look'

the-'its ok right mommy?'-look i choked back tears and blew her a kiss, turned the corner and completely lost all emotional control!! cried all the way to the car!

so now, its 1030, i know she's eating lunch! and i know having an amazing first day..but don't think i won't be counting down these next few hours til dismissal!!!

2 tweets for tiny!

2010-08-19T13:29:00.006-04:00

bIrThdAy GiRl

photos!!

sweet big sister lillibug

liam :: don't think he ever sat still long enough for a photo

if you know me, you aren't the least bit surprised that these cupcakes have birds on them!

it was my first attempt at making buttercream icing

happy birthday to my tiny

love you foose!

freshy to fun

2010-08-18T08:49:00.007-04:00

you know when i was pregnant with Lillian everyone would say

"hold on tight, it goes by so quickly"

in that moment you 'hear' what is given as wisdom but aren't quite

prepared to heed it as intended :: at least i wasn't

because as a first time mommy i just couldn't wait

for each stage to arrive, to experience the 'firsts'

first time to hold her, first smile, first babble, first roll over, first steps, first 'ma-ma da-da'

but after 3 tinys and and life blurring by my heart is content in the moment :: soaking it up

and...you realize there are still so many firsts to come!

tiny was our most content baby!

slept thru the night at 7 weeks :: 3rd time around this was a gift!

she is so much fun, is our free spirit and has absolutely NO fear!

she's extremely tall for a 2yr old,

like Liam, she's currently in 110% percentile on the growth chart.

its fun to watch God grow her tiny heart and watch who He's made her to be!!

some of my favs of tiny

from freshy to now a fun-filled 2yr old!

tiny right after she was born

lucy 1 week

lucy 3 months

her royal chubbness

tiny 11 months

tiny 1 year

lucy 18months

tiny 2!

you are wonderfully made, tiny!!

xoxxoxo

tiny turns 2!

2010-08-18T07:57:00.010-04:00

the tinys love watching simon the cat

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w0ffwDYo00Q

its an animated cat who loves to pester his owner!!

they laugh so hard!!!

so we played 'simon cat' on lucy's birthday

and got out the washable markers and drew on animal faces

just the 5 of us celebrated tiny's actual bday . . .animal faces, ice cream sandwiches and all!

few things are better than a hand full of ice cream!!

fresh squeezed lemonade

2010-06-16T10:42:00.009-04:00

this week it has been so hot here in charlotte :: its just wrong

so with 3 tinys

5, 3 & almost 2 who have insane energy :: we have to get really creative!

we build forts, make multiple trips to the Y,

paint, pjs+popcorn & movies, play trains, read books,

dress-up & silly dance, hide&go seek...goes on and on

i've not yet been brave enough too be at our neighborhood pool with all 3, alone.

(hence the backyard baby pool)

we're in our first round of swim lessons at the Y, lillian first, liam in a week or so.

then i think with two confidently swimming we'll be prepared!

this summer isn't quite as challenging as last, however;

i'm realizing that every stage comes with new 'challenges'!!!

makin home-made lemonade outta lemons!!

we're doing our best to rise above those challenges

and make the best of it our 'lemonade moments'

and the mess they leave in their wake :: that's a whole 'nother blog post!!!

my daily motto :: if the house is messy, i was a good mommy today!

i know, not everyone can adopt it; i've never been good at tidyness; sorry mom!

we're gonna blame shift that one to my 'creative nature'

mess just seems to follow the tinys, and i've come to expect it, welcome it, live with it!

i know that someday in the not so distant future i won't be stepping on little plastic dalmations or miniature ponys or make a circuitous path to the kitchen to avoid permanent peril to my feet; things will be in their place again; and part of me will be sad!

its a stage, a sweet, messy one!

so for now :: play on

liam has this new face where he tries not to smile :: caught one

this week lillian has been at VBS at a local church up here by the lake

she's taken very seriously the theme

she is wearing my cowgirl skirt from :: 26 years ago

we've also been wee bit obsessed with Toy Story 2.

so the cowboy theme has taken to all the tinys!

love those sweet slate blue eyes!!!

tiny :: in her uniform :: diaper

'draw' mommy

lucy's favorite phrase lately :: "NO, mommy, no"

this one, is a special one, feisty to the core, a girl who knows what she wants :: already

i love it! there's no mistaking, she breaks the rule of laid-back third child!

we're recently bought arm floaties for tiny, lets just say she may have swim team in her future!

off to stir today's gallon of fresh-squeezed lemonade!

xoxoxo

Foosey & Lala

2010-06-05T08:13:00.003-04:00

Scrolling through some old photos and videos, I came across this one of Lillian.

This was just before she turned 2! Reminds me so much of her tiny sister.

Lillian :: and incase you were wondering, at the beginning of the video I asked to hold a tiny penguin she affectionately named 'Elvis"

Lucy :: keeps calling the computer screen a 't-b" , and herself pretty. even sings a little!

old soul in a tiny man

2010-05-31T13:15:00.011-04:00

A nine-inch toy dinosaur stands guard beside our front door. Were it 65 million years older, it would be roaming some ancient plain long forgotten at the bottom of a sea, its long neck reaching the tallest branches in search of luscious greenery. Lillian reminds us that the toy dinosaur is an 'herbivore' but today, the 'thunder-lizzard' spent most of the day in the tiny hand of a three year old boy.

Sitting at the computer to type this memoir, memories of the day are so sweet they nearly force the suspension of time. Thoughts turn inward in efforts to squeeze every drop of joy from each moment. Memories of:

-A curly headed boy with his two curly headed sisters singing 'Happy Birthday' to him.

-A neon green dinosaur cake Arin stayed up until midnight the night before making for him. All Liam wanted to do was sit and stare at the cake!

-Liam greeting his YaYa, Roo, Grant, and JJ at the door so excited to share his Birthday.

-A tiny boy so excited to have people he loved around him he forgot about cake and gifts.

-Opening each gift and thinking each was the greatest thing ever.

-With a smile, waiting patiently until we stopped singing so he could blow out the candles on his cake.

-Teaching my son to play t-ball.

-watching my daughter hit the ball.

-Watching a movie as a family.

-Playing in the pool together.

-etc.

My favorite moments are at the end of the day, once the chaos has subsided and the good-night songs have been sung. The quiet allows the significance of moments from the day to be colored with the richness they deserve. The brain races and the heart overflows with thoughts of bright eyes, kisses, and tiny hands clutching toy dinosaurs. Nostalgia screams of grasping tight to moments like this. Wisdom knows better. Love and life must be savored. They cannot be possessed.

Liam is a little man, distinct in ferocity and wildness from his sisters, yet similar in demonstration of tenderness. He is a leader and passionate in feeling. Look into his dark eyes, framed by his dark curls and you will see the reason for the richness of the life I lead. Yesterday, Liam turned 'free' as he tells everyone. We who witnessed the occasion, including the dinosaurs, felt we were observing something fleeting yet significant, common yet rich. He had all of us in the small, dinosaur toting palm of his.

happy birthday Gigi!!

2010-05-02T20:50:00.008-04:00

today is our gigi's birthday!!!

so gigi because we couldn't be with you to give tiny love

our evening + this post is just for you

HaPpY hAPpY bIrTHdAy from the tinys!!

tonight we packed a picnic dinner fit for a butter bean tent!

we drove to the lake with full expectations of celebrating LIFE :: and getting soaking wet!

HiP hIp hOoRAy its' GigI's bIrtHdAy!

look gigi :: i have wild woman hair!

"before"

"after"

"yook daddy, a boat"

foosey kickin the slick mullet after takin a dive!

we love you gigi

today we celebrated your life and making the most of every moment!

happy birthday!!!

xoxoxox

love the tinys

highly favored

2010-04-11T09:27:00.007-04:00

"Greetings, you who are highly favored!

The Lord is with you." luke 1:27

this week we were poured out upon!!

we were gifted several days and nights

at a friends beach house just north of wilmington

thus far :: our greatest family getaway!

it was a spontaneous trip :: and in this stage, for us,

the unexpected and unplanned result in the greatest reward!!

sweet lillibug :: my beach lover

sweet buddies :: when they aren't tackling each other

having a conversation about the shells

couldn't resist the tiny baby bum

tiny's fat sandy baby toes

attack of the penne pasta & marinara

they shared a room all week :: he kept calling her 'my lillibug'

we are so grateful for any chance to escape our normal routine

so this one being so unexpected made each moment that much sweeter

miniature man

2010-04-06T11:13:00.007-04:00

liam havin an icecream cupcake :: and yes, he's wearing a beaded necklace :: don't judge

he's all boy, unmistakably

gave him a haircut the next morning :: only way we could get him to sit still was that i told him i was going to give him Goliath hair(whatever that is)!!

this everywhere miniature man is such a blast :: he adds a bit of spunk to every outing!

sweet smiler

2010-04-04T10:06:00.005-04:00

my sweet lillibug

had fun at the easter egg hunt, but loved swingin from the tree!

tiny's quest :: for easter eggs

2010-04-03T21:12:00.011-04:00

cupcakes baked in an icecream cone :: thanks to yaya

she took this very seriously!!!

happy tummys :: happy tinys (3 of 3)

2010-03-13T13:07:00.009-05:00

today's word :: phytonutrients

do you know what they are?

definition ::Chemicals in plants (apart from vitamins, minerals, and macronutrients) that have a beneficial effect the body. There are hundreds, if not thousands of them, and they have effects such as antioxidants, boosting the immune system, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antibacterial, and cellular repair. Highly colored vegetables and fruits tend to be highest in these chemicals, but tea, chocolate, nuts, and flax seeds are all excellent sources as well.

The lycopene in tomatoes and pink grapefruit, the anthocyanins in berries, and the flavanoids in chocolate are all examples of beneficial phytonutrients.

(above info from about.com)

the cauliflower :: contains phytonutrients

not our favorite veggie, we're training our taste buds to like it more,

so for now we're gonna mix it with cheese!

whole grain double fiber bread

foosey thought it was snack time

lillibug mixing cornstarch, cauliflower puree and mozzarella cheese

roll them in the bread crumbs then accordian fold them

in aluminum foil and freeze for 20 min

(recipe from deceptively delicious :: jessica seinfield)

1 C whole wheat bread crumbs*

1 TBSP flaxseed meal

1 TBSP flaxseeds/sesame seeds(optional)

1 C shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese

1/2 C cauliflower puree

1 TBSP cornstarch

1 TBSP olive oil

1/4 tsp salt

*i use two pieces whole wheat double fiber bread and food process it to make bread crumbs

mix breadcrumbs and flaxseed meal and flaxseed/sesame seeds

make 3"x1/2" bricks with the cheese, cauliflower, cornstarch mixture

(be really gentle)

then coat the 'bricks' with the breadcrumb mixture

accordion fold in aluminium foil and stick in the freezer for 20 min

the recipe says to stick in a pan in oil for 3-4 min until its brown

(i tried to cook them in a saute pan after the 20 min in the freezer, the cheese ran, and they were piles of mush)

so i stuck them back in the freezer and will bake next time instead of cook in olive oil

happy tummys :: happy tinys (2 of 3)

2010-03-13T12:38:00.006-05:00

guess what lillibug, these muffins have vegetables in them :: "are you serious?"

oh snap :: the wreckage of mess, where's the maid?

thank you auntie sara for the apron to keep me clean!

the goodies

'caught ya' :: liam eating choc chips

THE best butter!

we were out of cute muffin cups, but here they are!

Fiber-licious Muffins

(basic recipe is from deceptively delicious :: jessica seinfield

i have modified and added several ingredients, she calls them applesauce muffins)

we double this recipe so that it makes 24 regular size muffins & 18 mini-muffins

keep some in the fridge and freeze the rest

1 1/2 cups all purpose flour (or whole wheat flour)

1 C old fashioned oats

1 tsp baking pwder

1 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp cinnamon

1 C unsweeteed applesauce

1/2 C nonfat milk

1/2 C carrot puree*

1/2 C grated zucchini**

1/2 C firmly packed light brown sugar

1/4 C canola oil

1 large egg

2 TBSP flax seed meal

1/2 Cup semi sweet or dark choc chips

*peel and dice several carrots, then steam til tender, then put in a food processor til pureed. may need to add a little water to completely puree ( i always make extra to freeze)

**completely wash one zucchini, grate and then puree

(you will probably have more than 1/2 C, bag and freeze for next time!)

mix dry ingredients together, mix wet ingredients together

fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients

batter will be lumpy

preheat oven to 400

bake 18-20 min

hope you enjoy them as much as we do!!

one, two, three cups four, five cups for the birthday girl

2010-03-13T11:39:00.007-05:00

a house full of tiny giggling girls all dressed 'fancy'

we sang i'm a little tea pot to let the 'tea fairies' out!

made a craft, ate fancy sandwiches, drank 'tea', and of course ate cupcakes.

they played hopscotch, and ya ya taught us button-button-whos-got-the-button!!

it was so fun to watch these tiny girls play and celebrate Lillian!

i am convinced that she was born in february

just so we could use peeps on the cupcake!!

our craft!! each girl made one with their own name!

lillibug insisted that she have christmas lights too!

my brambly hedge plates and cups from when i was a little girl!

my grandmother's gloves, napkins and tablecloth made this tea party extra special

"i'm a little tea pot"

foosey LOVED hopscotch!

yaya teaching us button-button-who's-got-the-button

adalyn . elle & lillian

maryn . kylie & sarah

sweet sisters sorelle and sela

happy tummys :: happy tinys (1 of 3)

2010-03-13T11:34:00.006-05:00

so start a conversation with me about exercise, fitness, or healthy eating and I'll talk your ear off. its something we have become extremely passionate about for ourselves and our tinys.

we've cut out most processed food, sugar and saturated fats.

the tough part means that, yes, without all that around i spend more time chopping, cutting, prepping, and mixing

i take seriously the responsibility of eating things in their purest form.

if i can create it from scratch i do.

i like food without junk in it, if we can't pronounce it :: we don't eat it

our pantry stays pretty empty with the exception of some canned beans, rice noodles, oatmeal, protein powder + cliff bars + lara bars.

the fridge however is bursting

i do have picky eaters, and our oldest has been having some tummy issues

so meal time can be really stressful

and not being a planner by nature, the less organized i am, the more chaos

so instead of folding and staying frustrated

this mommy is sucking it up and being more intentional

its no secret that I LOVE to be in the kitchen. love to eat healthy and get totally inspired by making something from random ingredients in my kitchen!

and even though it usually means more mess, the tinys love to help!

we do 90% of our grocery shopping at trader joes. price comparison for us its the best place that fits our budget and way we eat.

yes we still eat pizza, mac+cheese and an occasional Mcdonald's cheeseburger!

so . . . to be continued

i took some photos as we made some yummy muffins & mozzarella sticks :: that are full of goodness

five reasons i love you to the moon and back

2010-02-18T16:16:00.005-05:00

number one :: you are you

number two :: you are mine

number three :: you are HIS

number four :: you were my first reason to fall in love with mommy-hood

number five :: you are heaven sent in all your presh girly-ness, tea party havin, dancin, smilin, joyful, tender-hearted, jesus-lovein self

happy 5th birthday lillibug

love you

2010-02-12T09:57:00.007-05:00

he stayed a good 20 steps ahead of us!

our tiny (not so) tiny boy

he's hardly still long enough to catch a glimpse of his big brown eyes!

recently he's started talking about himself in third person, and matched with his raspy little voice, its hard to not smile, no matter the request!

his curiosity is mischievous

his laughter is infectious

his energy is unmatched

his heart is gentle

love, love, love this boy!

i love you like i love ice cream with sprinkles!!!

2010-02-11T15:29:00.008-05:00

the bean+the bug=best friends

melt your heart right outta your chest

taking every moment captive!!!

we played dress-up+make-up and filmed two music videos, which of course wasn't complete without a photo shoot and a tea party!

{speechless+tears}

for the utter cuteness and genuine unconditional love of this friendship between two tiny girls

love you presh ones

in lieu of

2010-01-21T10:26:00.008-05:00

secrets out :: we can't do it all

so in lieu of mailing you a new years card here's the next best thing!

sorry :; we'll make up for it next year

Lillian (turns 5 in several weeks)

liam boy (2 1/2)

Lucy (17 1/2 months)

happy new year :: love

andy+arin

lillian, liam and lucy

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him

So that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Romans 15:13

xoxooxoxo

a gift like no other

2010-01-20T12:42:00.005-05:00

one of our most fervent prayers has been that our children would meet Christ at an early age.

we've prayed proverbs 22:6

Train a child the way they should go and when he is old he will not turn from it.

We pray a multitude of things for our tinys; but this surpasses them all.

From the day she was born she has had the most tender, sensitive gentle spirit.

It went into to hiding for a brief period crossing from three to four; but quickly returned!

She has compassion and empathy that far exceeds her almost five year old self!

From the time she could just say a few words she would recite the same prayer every night.

I couldn't help but smile as her little tiny voice said 'jesus name, amen'.

We've always had conversations with Lillian about God, who He is and why we believe what we do. On January 2nd, 2010 that conversation started like most of ours :: Her asking consecutive questions without pausing to breath!!

Lillian :: "Mommy is Santa real?"

Mommy:: "Well, he was"

Lillian:: "No, mommy, is he alive"

Mommy :: "um, no, he's not alive"

Lillian:: "well then where is he?"

Mommy:: "if he had jesus in his heart he's in heaven,

Lillian:: "what if he didn't have jesus in his heart?"

Mommy::"um, well, then he's in hell"

Lillian :: "what's hell?"

Mommy:: "its everything away from God, its all the bad, yucky, unkind, nasty things of this world but way worse"

Lillian::"well, i DO NOT want to ever go there mommy, i want to have jesus in my heart so i can be with him and not in hell"

Mommy :: "well, there is a really simple way to do that, you know who God is and why he sent jesus to die for you for all your..(interruption)

Lillian :: "for our sins mommy, all the yucky things in our hearts"

Mommy:: "you just ask jesus to live in your heart and trust that he will be with you always, so he's always there when you're afraid or sad or happy. he helps you when stuff is really hard and forgives you when you disobey"

Lillian:: "mommy i want to do that, i want to have Jesus be in my heart"

Mommy::"ok(hold back the tears) lets put the tinys to bed and your daddy and i will sit and read you a story

Lillian :: "mommy, do you pinkie promise

Mommy :: "of course, but i don't need to pinkie promise; i'm your mommy!"

I know that was a lot to read, but I can't help but see the innocence in her questions.

of course after the tinys were passed out we all sat down together and read a few stories from scripture. It was absolutely the holy spirit at work in her heart, her inquisition couldn't have been scripted any other way. She was amazed at how God could leave his son there to die and not help him. We asked her who god was, and what jesus did and why and if she needed jesus.

we then knelt on the floor next to our couch and Andy asked her to repeat a prayer.

Again, as her tiny voice was reciting I couldn't hold back

any more emotion and the flood gates opened.

was one of the sweetest moments with our oldest!! something we'll never forget

The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save.
He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love,
he will rejoice over you with singing

zephaniah 3:17

christmas 2009

2010-01-20T11:48:00.005-05:00

every year it gets more fun! :: this year was no exception!

from the reading of the christmas story to the shredding of wrapping paper we had a blast of a morning!

the older they get the more we are amazed at how their tiny hearts engage the meaning of Christmas and who Christ is!

I keep saying "this was my favorite moment, someone please hit pause"

til they all become pause moments :: well minus the inaugural present swipe that set off a catastrophic melt down, then i'm beggin for the fast forward!

tiny love

2010-01-20T11:18:00.005-05:00

random photos that i might be repeating

bad when you don't remember what you've blogged cause its been so long!

its been cold enough to enjoy a fire outside

tiny was fascinated!

liam has a fascination with the dryer!!

found him 'exploring'

lillibug goes to kindergarten this fall 2010!

this is her 2nd year of preschool :: this was on her first day of school last fall 2009!

liam boy isn't going to know what to do when she goes to school every day

every day when we pick the her up the two tinys giggle and scream her name from the car in absolute delight that she's back to play!!

Lucy has nicknamed Lillian 'La La'.

they have been sharing a room since late summer, 'La La' wakes up before Lucy but never leaves her up in the room alone. she opens her blinds and gets out some books and reads until I come to get them.

as crazy as life is with three of them so close together, there is such rich fruit in their friendships. its been such a blessing be home with them and watch

them have a genuine love for each other!

sunset beach 2009

2010-01-20T11:09:00.005-05:00

:: better late than never ::

it will just show how much the tinys have changed in 6 months!

looking back i only have a few photos of the boy, he obviously loved the beach so much that he didn't even stop long enough for a photo!

milestone

2010-01-04T17:10:00.002-05:00

Ok, so i've been a bad blogger, sorry

just had a thought as i was getting my daily "facebook fix"

Next month will mark a serious milestone for our family. On February 17th 2010, Lillian will turn 5, and it will mark the longest time we've gone un-pregnant since Spring 2004!!!

(that's almost 6 years) i have a friend name Jennie Ray, she inspired me to think about the fact; that like her, i didn't have a baby in 2009, and wasn't pregnant.

2004 pregnant with Lillian

2005 Lillian was born

2006 pregnant with Liam

2007 Liam was born

2007 pregnant with Lucy

2008 Lucy was born

so no, we do NOT have an announcement or any news to share!!!

we are so grateful for our three!

in fact my cup runneth over and over and over, multiple times a day!!!

more blogging to come

some cool christmas stories & things to share!

happy new year!

31

2009-09-15T14:56:00.006-04:00

happy birthday ANDREW!
he turned 31 on the 20th of august!
we spent the day as a family :: just being us

so many reasons to celebrate him!
I have been lucky enough to celebrate 10 birthdays with him!!
oh how life has changed in 10 years...
from college kids sitting on the beach contemplating marriage to juggling our own kids absorbing life!

With the passing of each birthday I am overwhelmed at God's provision and love and the gift he is in my life; now our lives. I have watched Jesus move in his heart, I have watched him have a passion for people and ministry and be used for the kingdom. I have watched his heart melt over the arrival of three tinys. I have watched him be unconditional, selfless, and unwavering; offering gentleness and compassion when its most difficult. I wake every morning feeling like I am the luckiest! I watch him love on our tinys, give of himself, point our faces toward christ, and trust Him in our leadings :: my heart is blessed and changed eternally!
cheers to you love. cheers to another ten on this journey . i pray god gives us a lifetime to celebrate, absorb and experience all He has for us!

foosey on daddy's shoulders :: picnic at lake norman, jetton park

who can resist the lake

i love the joy on lillibug's face :: looking at her daddy

amazing when i can catch everyone in one shot :: rare

the tiniest tiny :: turns one!

2009-08-14T11:00:00.008-04:00

she's ONE!!!!
this past year has been . . . amazing!!
FULL of life and laughter
{and tears & meltdowns :: come on; there are three children under 5 in our house!!)

its been a year full of 'pause' moments

we will never forget looking those big curious eyes for the first time
wondering who this new tiny person was!!

lucy is a joy . she is still covered in squishy fabulous baby rolls
curiously observing & content to absorb the world as it comes to her!!
she brings laughter and noise and baby chaos to our house that for this season we wouldn't trade for anything!

surrounded by family and friends we laid our hands on her and andy prayed
for protection, guarding her sweet life, praise for her life & what a gift she is, for wisdom and discernment as we parent, for God to draw himself toward her and make himself known at an early age, for Him to even now prepare her heart for his purposes and call on her life!

lucy VS cupcake

big sister lillian did the honors of serving the birthday her treat

it took lillian & liam several minutes to warm up to their birthday treats . . .
lucy didn't hesitate

for the record, she ate every single bite
leg propped+icing smeared+belly full of yummy sugary goodness = happy birthday girl

to the hills

2009-08-07T13:36:00.005-04:00

a much needed getaway.

we were so blessed to have a place to stay in the mountains..

and spontaneously vanished for several days

it was refreshing . life giving and relaxing..well as relaxing as anything can be with three tinys!!

we didn't get the camera out until one of the last days...

a picnic spot near the chimney's..grilled out lunch & played in the water

i mean....

'the foose'

liam: "ooo mommy, wook, big water"

so when can we go back!!???

hopefully soon .. we've talked about starting a new family tradition....car camping!!!

don't hate...car camping will have a new level of luxury the this famliy!

tent+air mattress+tinys+fleece+hotdogs+marshmallows+guitar+apple cider+campfire=our next adventure...

stay tuned!

kids tri

2009-08-07T12:27:00.010-04:00

think back to 'old school' pep rallys...

remember; in the gym, chaos, screaming, loud, unintelligable words over some lame sound sysytem that resembled the voice of charlie brown's mother....

well this was like that times ten!! hundreds of kids and parents

crammed into the aquatic center pool area.

kids lined up with numbers on their arms and legs designating their race number and age group.

this was for real....

the horn blew and the thunderous sound of tiny arms and legs flailing in the pool made us smile

we became 'that' parent or 'that friend' screaming and

passioinately cheering on these tiny athelets

for me, who is about to do my first sprint triathlon...i was awestruck..

by the smiles, and yet dedication of these tiny people

we were there to cheer on sorelle werner..this was her first race and she did an amazing job!!

liam obviously wasn't too amused

sela werner and lillibug...they share feburary birthdays..sela just two weeks before lilli

she was wide-eyed and watching big sister race!!

sorelle, warmed up and ready to race!!!

ryan giving his pep talk. . and letting her know that he and allyson were so proud of her no matter how she did..and that she was to have FUN!

VERY PROUD dad!

i love that in the background of this picture you see allyson (mom)

and sela and lillibug cheering on sorelle as she blew by us on the bike!!!

these next few are blurry..but i couldn't help but post them...

lilli and liam and sela did a fun run after the kids tri..it was just a 100m or so..

one of my favorite things...about a race

no matter how you do there are always people there to cheer you on!!

the joy on their faces was priceless..even as tinys..they understand the joy of an accomplishment

they crossed the finish line and had us & a chick-fil-a cow standing there open armed!!..

i HEART this picture....she didn't care who had crossed the line before her...

it deserved a victory salute!!