My Summer Through my Phone

I have really enjoyed learning how to use my fancy, fancy DSLR camera. It captures precious moments in such a beautiful way. However, there are times when it is not convenient to pull out the big gun but rather, use the ever-handy camera phone. My Iphone has a good quality camera so I use it often for spur-of-the-moments. I also love my Instagram app which can add fun filters to my images.

Our summer was CRAZY to say the least. Most of my pictures are from my phone so I thought I would post those fun images.

This is our summer through my Iphone images.

June

July

August

9 Months Old

It’s a small miracle that update is even being posted. First, I am late, again, getting to Evan’s monthly shoot. But better late than never!

Second, most of my photos look like this,

Or like this,

That’s right! Baby boy is crawling, yikes! Which makes taking his picture, near impossible. He’s been on his hands and knees for a few weeks now but never fully committed to the moves. Once he figured out he could go somewhere, he’s been going ever since. And he just LOVES getting into trouble. To include pulling the alarm clock on his head, spilling big brother’s water twice in a row and discovering electrical cords.  All this to say, so long free time (what little there was). If you need me, I’ll be chasing after my son for the next year.

Evan is still our sweet chunky monkey. He’s become quite the character lately. Here are just a few of the many faces of Evan.

Now that our classical classes have started again, Evan has discovered his love of a bottle while he’s in the nursery. We just can’t fill this guy up! He’s started to pick up some foods as well. He loves crackers, cheerios, veggie booty and the baby puffs so far.

He is such a good baby and a joy to be around. Babies don’t come any easier or cuter than this guy is. I love you to the moon and back Evan!

Here We Go Again

It’s that time of year again. The one where we say goodbye to summer and hello to school! Considering we spent most of June sick and most of July helping Ian to recover, I’m not even sure we had a summer. God had other plans for us it turns out—and His are always better so we’ll trust Him still.

All in all, it was a successful day. I’m excited for a few new things the boys are doing this year (for those of you readers interested in our curriculum choices, I updated the pages “The First Grader” and “The Fourth Grader”). Jacob is enrolled in a grammar/writing program called Essentials. Truthfully, I’m super excited to be learning this material with him! And the boys are doing an online self-paced history course through Veritas press that focuses on the history timeline we have been committing to memory. I love history too.

By the way, these pictures were taken in our newly re-decorated schoolroom! More pictures of all my projects to come soon (I hope).

Honestly, I don’t even know why I ask them to smile before noon, it never works .

Happy Birthday Austin

This handsome man is now three years old and I’m having a hard time believing it. I mean, wasn’t this yesterday?

Not any more. He’s a big boy now. He has his own likes and dislikes, his own friends, his own little will. There are so many reasons for which we are grateful for this little boy. His happiness is contagious. His laugh fills a room. His sense of wonder helps us remember the big picture. His curly hair is luscious. His independent nature is a big help to this very busy mom. He loves to pray to Jesus about everything. And his toughness will one day be an excellent protection for his family. We seriously love this little boy!

Happy 3rd Birthday Austin!

One of My Favorite Things

Say What??? 8 Months Old???

The little man is now 8 months old. Sigh. I freshly remember the early days when he still fit in a bassinet and would only sleep in my arms. When he was small enough that I could hold him all day and my arms and back wouldn’t ache. When all he needed was his mama. When his best naps were the ones when  he was close to me.

Now, he is too big to fit in his infant carrier, wiggles to get out of my arms and into trouble and is perfectly happy with a rice cake in his mouth.

By the fourth child I should understand that this is the natural progression. They grow up and get bigger. It still amazes me how fast it happens.

Evan should become a chef when he grows up (or a sumo wrestler) because he loves his food! He can’t get enough and we usually have to say “that’s enough!” He still loves his paci and night-night. He laughs so hard when Austin makes faces or noises at him. His smile is the biggest whenever Nathan plays with him. He is mostly sturdy when he sits up and has gotten on all fours a few times. But I’m in no hurry for him to crawl. I am a fourth-time mother after all He has a new found love of toys. But mostly toys he shouldn’t play with. He doesn’t like the dog and makes a nasty face whenever she licks him. He still has only 2 teeth but seems to be working on some more. I keep thinking he would really love to use the old-fashioned walkers on the bottom floor of the house. Although, I also imagine his older brothers pushing him around as fast as they can so I just can’t bring myself to get him one. I wore him in the Moby wrap to church the other day and a friend said “I don’t know who’s wearing who!”.

Dear Evan, stop growing. Thank you, your mother.

Trials and Suffering

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.  For as we share abundantly in Christ's sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too. If we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; and if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which you experience when you patiently endure the same sufferings that we suffer. Our hope for you is unshaken, for we know that as you share in our sufferings, you will also share in our comfort.

1 Corinthians 1:3-7

I have been meaning to write this post for some time now but felt I could not convey my sentiments properly with words. Imperfect as it is, I will try.

It’s easy during trials and suffering to find oneself remembering all the hardship. The fearful thoughts, scary moments, and pain. During this trying time, there were so many mercies, so much of God’s kindness we must always remember what He’s done for us. This is my attempt to do so. We have been comforted with such an overwhelming love and we know that comes from a love that runs much deeper. A love that roots itself in the greatest love of all—In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. 1 John 4:10

After discovering my husband was injured in a major car accident recently, I frantically dropped off all 4 of our boys with very gracious friends who were willing to care for them at 7:30am, not knowing when I would be back. Thoughts were running through my head as I quickly raced to the hospital where they my husband was being treated. All I had known at that point was that his car was totaled and he had a head injury. As I was driving, I kept thinking, “what if this injury is life threatening?”, “how will I raise 4 boys alone?”, “what will I do without my best friend?”. I called our parents to let them know the little I had known and to keep my mind from these thoughts. And then, a moment of God’s kindness for my doubting, trust-lacking, fearful heart. A dear sweet friend, who was made aware of what happened, texted me 1 Peter 5:7, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.  Thank you Jesus for this kind reminder. And it would be my theme, peace and comfort through our struggle.

Later, in the ER, while waiting CAT scans, and chest scan results, a young hospital staff member walks into Ian’s room. She asks what we may need and proceeds to care for Ian’s wounds and needs. I was there the whole time, holding his hand, looking into his eyes, rubbing his feet, whatever I could do to comfort him. And then, a moment of laughter, God’s gentleness with us. She asks “are you guys dating?”. Ian and I look directly at each other and laugh hysterically. Do we really appear that in love? Are we really that affectionate with each other right now? “No” I kindly say. “We’ve been married for 12 years”. We still laugh about that.

At home, one morning I was feeling completely overwhelmed. Overwhelmed with my own emotions, overwhelmed caring for my husbands emotions, physical needs and wound care, overwhelmed keeping my 4 rowdy boys quiet and still for their aching father, overwhelmed by the outpour of love and calls from friends and family. Just overwhelmed. And then, a moment of peace and comfort from God as a dear friend, who was halfway around the world, picking up her adopted children from Africa, emails me to say she was praying for us. A friend who had been waiting for months and months to go and get her children. A friend who had given everything to adopt children she did not know but loved already. A friend who was in the middle of a country full of poverty, need, sickness and suffering. And she was praying for us! God’s love to give us a small glimpse of His perspective.

So many. The stories could go on and on. Friends who loved us so well. Friends who gave up their days to watch our boys so we could check up with doctors. Friends who made and delivered yummy meals so I wouldn’t have to be busy with food. Friends who loved on our children by taking them to museums, the circus, the pool and movies. Friends who brought us cookie and fruit bouquets and gift baskets of goodies to amuse the boys. Amazing. God’s love causes His people to do amazing things and we are so grateful to be witnesses of that! It’s been almost a 3 week journey and we are still praying for healing and relief but we can’t help but sit back and rest in His comfort, care and provision lavished on us through His people!

Love you friends and family!

Little Man Update

 

Seven months already? How did we get here? How did it go by so fast?

Our little Evan seems not-so-little anymore! I think he gains a roll a day. He is eating baby food full-time now and he can’t get enough. His favorite is mashed avocado and least favorite is applesauce (huh?). Just when I think he’s had enough food, he’s crying for more. I guess because he’s the youngest brother he feels he needs to make up for it with his size

By the way, have you seen these before? They are making my on-the-go life easier. I wish I had these when the other boys were babies. They are little pouches of organic, and healthy baby foods. The top of the pouch is a spout and you can purchase these little spoon toppers that screw on.

So say you’re out at a restaurant and the baby starts crying because he’s hungry. You take out the baby food pouch, screw on the spoon and feed him! No bowl, baby food jar or water to carry around. Throw away the pouch when you’re done and reuse the spoon. Too easy!

As you can see, he is sitting up now. He still has spills so I have to be beside him when we attempt sitting up. He has a new love of toys. Anything will do, keys, bottles, tupperware, etc. They help make tummy time more enjoyable as well. We’re considering doing away with his infant carrier because he is just so big, it’s no longer helpful. Sigh. Nathan believes Evan is trying to talk to us through his varied grunts and sounds. There are screams, raspberries, gurgling, and believe it or not, Ian and I have both heard him ask for “mama”!

Last week, we celebrated the Fourth of July on the beach. ~On a side note, a very happy birthday to a very special Great Grandpa!~ I was unsure how Evan would feel about the loud booms and bright flashes in the sky we call fireworks, but I was surprised at how much they entertained him. But I shouldn’t be surprised. He is a happy little baby, content in most circumstances. We love you Evan!

Our Little Triathlete

 

Being a mother of 4 boys is such a privilege. I am over-the-moon thankful that God saw fit to make us an all boy family. Sure, it has its challenges. Yes, boys are often misunderstood. But there is joy, complete joy, in letting them be all that they are.

You’ll remember that last year Jacob competed in his first triathlon. Well he’s at it again this year. This time around was a little more challenging. Well, twice as challenging to be exact. Being grouped in with the 10 year olds, he swam 100 meters, biked 2 miles and ran 1/2 mile. But he proved to be a champ, distance didn’t mean a thing.

The swim was tough. Everyone got out of the water breathing hard.

Unfortunately, his helmet straps got tangled and he lost about 3 minutes trying to figure it out. He was happy once he got going.

 

By the way, Jacob’s wearing his first real Teva’s! His parents being from the hometown of Teva’s, we thought it was fitting that he should race in his first pair. I know the cool thing is to wear those funny looking toe shoes but I just couldn’t do it. They’re funny looking. Sorry.

Oh, and we lost Nathan during the race. That wasn’t fun. Then we found him, phewww.

Jacob and I agreed that the end was the best part of the whole race. I’m about to show you the event with lots of pictures

Jacob was on the last stretch of the run, just before you get to the finish line. The racers have to cross the bike path. Which means you have to stop if there are bikes racing. So Jacob and another 10 year old named, Jacob also, had to stop and wait to run. The volunteer standing by let them know when to go and it was almost as if she said “on your marks, get set, go” because those two Jacob’s knew they were going to have to race it out! (Jacob’s wearing the blue swim shorts)

The two boys were looking at each other the whole way. They were neck and neck.

One of them would pull ahead and then the other would push himself to match. It was a dead sprint to the finish.

They were so tired and they had already endured so much but here at the end, they gave it all they got. Finish strong we say!

Who was going to get there first? Who was going to win this all out battle? The suspense was so much fun. I’ve never seen Jacob push so hard for something. He’s my superhero. And then, just at the end, a few steps from the finish line…

 

Jacob pulls ahead to finish first! (and smiling).

I couldn’t be more proud of my hard working boy. He trained hard and tried hard. And as everyone in our family except Ian says, it’s about trying your best and having fun. Ian says, it’s all about winning!

So he celebrated with his friends who also competed.

And climbed to the top of a hill with his brother and had a little Rocky moment.

Not that he knows who Rocky is.

Berry Adventure

Hello again blog world. How I’ve missed you! It’s been sometime since my last post and I wish I could say it was for a better reason other than a very nasty cold/flu bug made it’s way slowly through our entire family for the month of June. Not a great way to start the summer at all.

Blueberry picking. Blueberry picking is a great way to start the summer. The season was almost over so we decided to make the trip up north just outside of Houston for some blueberry picking. It’s my favorite fruit to pick. It takes the kids a long time to fill up their buckets and Austin is perfectly happy to walk around and test the fruit of each tree to be sure they are the best.

This year we had to become one with the tree and really get in there. (Pay no attention to the scraggly haircuts, we’re going for the Bieber look , just kidding).

It was about one million degrees that day. Okay, I’m exaggerating but it was hot enough that we were all very sweaty when our work was done. This is what Austin and Evan thought of the heat,

“not cool Mom, not cool!”

So it’s necessary after a hard hour of picking blueberries to do this,

Watermelon snow cones make everything better. Poor little Evan was so sweaty and holding him was making him even hotter. The snow cone was doing its job to cool me off, I though it would work wonders for him as well. So I gave him his first red dye saturated, sugar loaded, artificial flavored bite of watermelon snow cone. Bad mom, bad mom! And this is what he thought,

“Don’t do that again Mom. Ever.”

I love our adventures together!

Happy Half Birthday Evan!

I don’t know why these posts are so difficult for me.

Maybe it’s because my 9 year old looked at me the other day and said “Mom, I’m a big boy. Let me do it”. And just yesterday he was this little right?

Maybe it’s because my 6 year old looked at the 9 year old and said “You’re almost 20, because you’re already 9”. Is it really going to happen that fast?

Stop growing! I say.

Speaking of growth, look at this chub. It’s his half birthday today.  Six months, gone in the blink of an eye. Sigh.

Evan is a lot of fun right now. He laughs big laughs and smiles big smiles and squeals big squeals. His brother Austin can make him laugh like no one else. Probably because he’s full of crazy antics! He just found his voice and can babble up a storm. I think he’s developed 3 new rolls on each arm since my last post . The more to kiss! He’s cut two new teeth on his bottom gums. That didn’t make him very happy.

He is confirmation of our need for a bulk warehouse membership. We started baby food this month and he LOVES it. So far, he eats oat bran cereal, avocados, sweet potatoes, bananas, pears and brown rice cereal. I was trying to think of which is his favorite, but lets be real. This boy loves to eat anything. His big brother Nathan loves to help feed him, but thinks Evan is a really messy eater.

We have reached that dreaded stage where falling asleep in public no longer exists. He needs his bed for naptime. I say dreaded only because we loose some our flexibility. But I comfort myself remembering that its only a short season. I’m going to enjoy each phase of him being little because I know it will be gone all to soon.

It’s completely fitting that his favorite song is “You are my Sunshine”. You are my sunshine, my little sunshine. You make me happy, when the skies are grey. You’ll never know dear, how much I love you. Please don’t take, my sunshine away”.

It’s Our Last Day of School

We’re having a little party over here. Doing a little dance.

It’s our last day of school this year!

We’ve successfully completed kindergarten and the third grade. The boys and I were remembering all the wonderful new things we learned this year in American history, geography, math, grammar, reading and so much more. Praise God! It is by His grace alone that we’ve accomplished all that we do. Where He calls, He certainly equips.

In honor of our last day, we made a little homemade celebration. A special treat for all our hard work.

 

Be jealous. No don’t be jealous, I’m going to share the recipe with you and their super easy.

Dark Chocolate and Peanut Butter Cupcakes

Mix up your favorite recipe or box of chocolate (in my opinion, dark chocolate is the way to go) cake. After you’ve mixed and divided the batter into cupcake tins, insert one unwrapped miniature Reese’s cup into the batter.

I spread a little batter over the top of the Reese’s before I baked them so that the chocolate wouldn’t be burned in the oven.

Bake as directed. Let the cupcakes cool and whip up some peanut butter buttercream. I used a box of powdered sugar, 1 stick of butter at room temperature, 1/4 cup of creamy peanut butter, 1 teaspoon of vanilla and 1/4 cup of milk.

Spread frosting as desired and top with a miniature Reese’s. Voila.

If you think these are over the top, you’re right! So have a glass of milk ready to wash it down. But I can’t think of any better way to celebrate than with chocolate and peanut butter!