Roller Coasters, Mini Golf, and Arcade Games

My twins have turned 7.  Impossible but true.  I don't know how we got this far but I feel like we just brought them home a few years ago.  I barely remember those days and nights of having two babies to feed and love.  I have retained only happy memories of those times and am so thankful I took pictures.  It helps stir the memory of what life was like back then although I'm confident not as hard as I had expected and certainly more joyful and rewarding than I had anticipated!



It's like with any babies, those early days slip away so fast and then you blink and you are looking at a talking, walking, little person and the lacking sleep and hard work are SO WORTH it.  The kisses, hugs, laughter, and the joy on their faces is payment for the sacrifice put in to loving them, providing for them and giving them a home.

I'm not sure what has happened to today's mothers (besides the lies of the feminist movement and the lies of a "have it all" culture) that they think sleepless nights, rocking and holding babies, and the sacrifice and hard work of bringing them up is somehow an imposition rather than a glorious opportunity and the definition of the job "mother".  That is what we are....MOTHERS and motherhood comes with being a little tired, and aching over what the best thing is for our children, and praying over our sleeplessness so we can find a little function in the morning.

Don't get me wrong...I was often tired, I still am with small children.  I too struggle with the sacrifice and the aching.  But it IS MOTHERHOOD.  IT has BLESSINGS and JOY and it doesn't matter what job you choose you have sacrifice, aching, and challenges.  ISN'T MOTHERHOOD WORTH IT?!

It was for me.  Every minute of having two small babies, feeding and the balance of nursing them, loving them and making time for everyone to have a piece of me when they needed it...my 3 small boys were worth all the demands and now, 7 years has fluttered by and they don't NEED me nearly as much.  They don't demand my TIME nearly as much.  They are walking, talking, precious boys making all those sleepless nights worth it.

I'm so blessed to be their mom.  Happy Birthday Brody and Trace.

For their birthday we kicked off the day with donuts and then they got to spend the day with daddy and Cole at Castles N' Coasters.

It was their first time going and we did a pass so they could do unlimited rides, mini golf, and $10 of arcade games.  They spent the day there from 10-5.  They had a great time.

There were two rides that, funny enough, Brody was tall enough and Trace wasn't.  That half in difference really cramped Trace's style.

At 5:30 they were home for cake and ice cream and a few presents from grandparents.  It was a special day!

 

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!