Camping and Beau Turns 2

Beau turned 2 while we spent the weekend and Easter up in Stoneman Lake Camping with the Morton's and Pappa.

A little weekend getaway with the motorhome and the kiddos was a nice treat.  At one point a couple came through with some horses and gave the kids that wanted to a ride.  It was a nice little gift.  

My little one is now 2 and I can't believe it.  He's just the most precious little guy.  Still nursing but as independent as ever.  

It was VERY chilly, bone cold at times.  I can't believe we made it through the weekend. At one point I thought we would freeze and head home.  But, the sun came out and it was much better.  We did an easter egg hunt up there for the kids.  I love these little camping trips with the family. 

It is a lot of work but the memories we make mean everything to me!

Christmas with my Kiddos

Christmas this year was great.  The kids were precious as usual. We did a limited amount of gifts this year and they were more than blessed.  Their adorable jammies from Grandma and Grandpa Martin were a hit. They always enjoy Christmas Jammies.  

We spent the day with my parents and my sister and Nik.  It was a calm day with lots of love!

We also celebrated Hanukkah this year.  This was our second year participating in the Hanukkah tradition. I LOVE Hanukkah even more than Christmas.  Christmas has been largely commercialized. It's all about the gifts no matter how much we read and talk about Jesus.  

But, Hanukkah is a chance to celebrate something that really happened with the Jewish people that showed God's grace, provision, mercy and commitment to them.  I love talking with the kids about the true light, Jesus, and how through the OT we see the holiday of Hanukkah differently.  It's such an awesome piece of history. 

Another Christmas has come and gone and Cole is now 9 turning 10 in 2015.  Time flies and they grow and a piece of me each year goes with them! Love you darling babies. 

Mommy

Valentine's Day Party

For Valentine's Day my friend Lisa and I planned a party for the kids.  We collected some ideas from Pinterest and planned a little party where the kids could make some cute valentine's to give away, some fun snacks, and have breakfast served by the daddies and oldest boys.  

I set the table for a cute little valentine's party and Lisa and I prepared our parts so we could come together on a Wednesday and have a little celebration.  On Wednesday, we got together at 4:00pm and the kids made popcorn/candy corn crunch, snack bags, little mason jars with white chocolate bark and M&M's, painted their hands to do hand prints, and exchanged cards for each other.  

At 5:30pm the daddies showed up and made us a breakfast dinner with eggs, sausage, pancakes in heart shapes, and bacon.  Cole and Dane and Justin and Zach served us all dinner complete with Red Velvet Shakes, Donuts and strawberries.  

It was a darling little get together and a cute things watching the big boys serve their families.  I am thankful for friends like Lisa, willing to take time out to do little parties like this even though it is a lot of work, clean up and preparation.  

I am also thankful for the daddies who supported this little party and came to make it fun! Daddies always add fun!

Ringing in the "Sandy" New Year

Justin and my dad took the three older boys to the Dunes for New Years while the little kids and I stayed here to enjoy some time together.  While the boys were off riding in the sand, my mom and I took the kids to Jambo Park (thanks to her purchase of a coupon).  They had a great time riding the rides and playing on the playground and eating a frosty from Wendy's on the way home.  The boys spent their time riding in their RZR 170 and mastering the bowls.

It was only their second trip our with the Razor and I'm amazed and how fast they have learned to drive and drive fast.  It makes my heart happy to have them enjoy riding out there.  I also think it was awesome of my husband and  my dad to take them out for a boys trip.  It makes for such awesome memories and something for them to look forward to.

Justin is always good about taking some pictures for me while they go do their adventures.  I'm thankful for that.  I don't want to miss out on even a second of their memories.

Saying Farewell to 2013

This year has brought a lot of joy.  Welcoming our sweet Beau Everett in April, our first homebirth, was one of the most incredible experiences of my life (all my children have blessed me, this birth was also special).  Sending Cole to school starting in August and the twins officially starting first grade has been, ultimately, a great experience for everyone.  I do miss Cole during the day but that is eased with the joy of seeing him excel and enjoy school and appreciate the opportunity to go to NCS.  Brynnie is enjoying a casual learning environment this year as she is not quite ready for Kindergarten yet in age, but is an awesome learner. Westin is a joy and a challenge as he has been 2 years old most of this year.  He is hysterical and crazy (in a good way) and keeps us on our toys but showers us with LOVE and Laughter! My sweet Beau...there are no words. He is so precious, happy, adorable, and the cherry on top of our lives! All of us adore him.

This year has brought joy with seeing several babies from the abortion clinic come to be born after their families chose life.  This has been an incredible blessing to our lives.  To see the fruit of our time out there.  To know that life exists today because the Lord sent us for that divine appointment.  It has been such an honor to experience.  I've had several friends also have their babies this year in which I was privileged enough to attend.  And, since I'm technically on maternity leave, the Lord has made a way through friends and a supportive husband for me to be there for each of them.  It has been thrilling to be their doula and their friend in this time.

Justin and I began studying the Torah this year. This has blessed our lives as well and has made a huge impact on my heart and knowledge of our Father.  Our family has also incorporated celebrating Shabbat on Friday's which has been incredible (both in the experience and also challenging to achieve sometimes).  I'm so thankful our eyes have been opened to the beauty of this meal we can share together as a family and we've been able to share it with many friends as well.  

I'm always a little sad when another year rolls by.  They seem to fly by faster and faster and I'm getting older and older and my children are growing and growing.  But, I am blessed to have a G-d that provides, loves, and tends to us with the passing of each year.  I am most thankful for His ultimate blessing in my life; his Son, my husband, my parents, my sweet, character forming children, and our health!  Praise G-d for His mercy and grace and faithfulness.

I plan to spend more time in the new year focusing on our blessings, speaking softer and with more Love in my expressions, and to listen to the Lord more and spending more time in prayer.  I want to really make the most of the moments I have with these sweet babies G-d has given me.  Time is fleeting and I want to soak it all in!

Here's some shot of the kids taken recently as we close out 2013.  I sure love them!