Letter to Westin

Westin,
My crazy, sweet, funny, laughing, tickling, spirited, unique little boy!!! You turned 4 this year.  What in the world happened? How did you get so big?

You are a gift to us and our family.  A gift we sometimes wonder why it has to be so loud?! You are pure joy. Everything you do is full speed. You play full speed, talk full speed, think full speed, and get upset at full speed! There is no limit to the volume with your joy too...it's okay it makes you unique.

The exciting thing is you jumped on a pedal bike the day before your birthday and just took off! It took one try and off you went. It was very exciting.

You love books, coloring, playing games, riding bikes out front, and playing with friends. You are such a sweet boy.

You, my love, you know no strangers and you are everyone's friend.  I love that about you.  You make us laugh everyday! You also make me crazy sometimes.

When we get in the car to drive anywhere...you don't stop talking. You pretty much ask a million questions which always require an answer.  It's adorable and exhausting.

You only like specific foods...it's okay that is typical for a four year old.   I don't mind making you PB&J Sandwiches, Chicken, Fruit, basghetti, and chips...oh you LOVE Chips.  Let's just make an agreement that you'll try new things every once and a while...maybe some veggies!

You are precious with Beau...such an awesome big brother. God knew Beau needed you when we had Beau.  You love him deeply and give him wonderful hugs.  He LOVES you and it makes my heart happy.

God has something special planned for you. You're a shining soul and a real lover of people. I'm confident you'll be a great friend and a great father someday.  I wouldn't be surprised if you ended up being a male midwife because you love babies so much!

It's been an incredible 4 years with you my sweet boy and I'm so proud to be your mom.  Our lives wouldn't be the same without you...all your quirk and pizzaz!

Don't go growing up too fast.  Mommy doesn't like that!

Love you sweet boy,
Love Mom

Who Are My Children--Westin

Westin is 3 and I've been calling him a hippie and a gypsy for a while now when describing his personality.  He's fierce, wild, earthy, always barefoot, knows no strangers, fearless, climbs everything, goes everywhere, never ceases to tire of trouble, and is full of infectious joy and laughter.
He says things to be in groupings of 3 if I'm lucky, but usually 5.  For example, "mom we are going to the park right?", "we are going to the park right mom", "are we going to the park?"...so on and so forth.  If I'm really lucky he does this while we are driving and he's seated all the way in the back and I'm shouting to him over the road noise, "Yes, Westin, we are" as I'm trying to keep us from driving off the road.
He LOVES the bath.  He'd take a bath all day and then some more if I let him.  He holds his breath under the bath water longer than the average 3 year old should, always tells me what he's going to wash with the soap (i.e. his buns) and never fails to cover the floor of the bathroom in water.  I'll be surprised if we don't move out someday with mold in the master bathroom.  He's famous for being in the bath about 5 minutes and then stating, "Mom, my fingers are angry" as they begin to prune.
He HATES shoes.  I put them on, he takes them off. I put them on, he takes them off.  It doesn't matter where we are or what we are doing...the shoes are always coming off his feet.
He LOVES food.  Specifically Go-Gurt (frozen), chips, chicken nuggets and ketchup, strawberries, bologna, candy of any kind, cheese roll-ups and more candy.  For this tiny little person who never stops eating you'd be amazed how much food he consumes.  
He LOVES baby Beau and his sister Brynn and often wants to sleep with Cole at night (when Cole will let him).
He is excited about almost everything and shrieks loudly with pleasure.  An inside voice is not known to him.  When he's sad, the shrieking is equal to happiness only mad.  You can imagine what that sounds like.
He can work a smartphone better than I can sometimes...is this a good thing?
Westin and I often get to spend time together while the big kids are at activities and such and I really enjoy him.  He always has something to talk about and asks very inquisitive questions.
He takes really great naps but usually HATES to go to bed.  When he wakes up he does not wake up quietly.  He wakes up with loud sounds, "Ugh", "OOh", "Moooomy where are you?".  That's all fine unless your baby is sleeping or you happen to be sleeping and it's 6:00am.
He brings me so much JOY and so much PAIN--considering he's a tornado, spill-er, mess maker, and still doesn't really want to go on the toilet.  But, he fills my heart with his laughter, his smile brightens up my day, and when he flashes his I Love You in sign language I melt.

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Someone's 3!!

My sweet Westin officially turned 3 today.  Incredible.  There is an endless amount of things that make Westin special.  Aside from his crazy sense of humor and wild spirit, he is recklessly loving, an amazing communicator, and a desperately happy little man.  Everything is funny. Trouble is lurking everywhere.  Mischief abounds.  Laughter ensues.  And pure stubbornness and determination fester.  He is so precious to me.

We had a casual get together today for him.  Mikey Mouse cake, a few presents, a castle bounce house, some friends we love, and lots of bike riding, running, and laughing.  He'd been counting down the days to his birthday.  I was surprised at how much he was aware of his birthday.  He really was darling about it.

The bounce house was delivered VERY early this morning. It was scheduled for 2:00pm and was delivered at 10:00am.  Justin had the idea of trying to get the kids to take a nap in the bounce house and the only one who really fell asleep was Westin...for almost 2 hours.  He was too cute sleeping in the bounce house.  Justin snapped a quick pic for me, as I was out at the clinic for a bit before picking up the cake.

Oh my goodness isn't he cute?

Once 2:00 came around they were ready to rock and roll with some friends.  The Huisman's joined us for the fun, having kids all our kids ages.  It was perfect.  The neighbor girl, Adalia, came over to jump and play too.  They just played and played. I barely saw them except for blurry running back and forth.

We did Mickey Cake, candles and Thrifty Ice Cream.  It was delish.  A little bit after Auntie Nonny and Nik showed up and shortly after them Megan and Molly came to play.  We ended up grilling hot dogs and hamburgers with them for dinner on the driveway.  Justin did such a great job today meeting everyone's needs, making food, and entertaining friends and family.

It was a terrific day for a terrific boy.  He got several different types of trucks and some electric tools.  He was too cute with those gifts.  I just LOVE this boy.  So thankful he is mine!

Looking forward to another lovely year with my Westin boy and all the energy and love he brings to our lives.  Happy Birthday Westin Baby!

Westin Turning 3

I can't believe it but October is almost over which means November is fast approaching and my sweet Westin will be turning 3.  I can't even stand it.  He's such an amazing, sweet, little guy. He fills our life with joy, laughter, and crazy.  He's truly a wild one.  He has so much confidence, happiness, and a strong will (I don't know where he gets that from).

I took these pics today while we were playing outside.  He was being just his regular self.  Crazy, funny, wild...he was holding keys to daddy's buggy and I asked him to smile and say cheese.  These are the faces I got.  Him in a nutshell. I just love this kid.

His most often quote of the evening is when I ask him for a kiss.  He tells me no, then pauses and watches my face.  He says, "Cry, mom, cry."  I pretend to cry and then he says, "okay, mom, a kiss."  My little stinker.

Pictures Please, Say Cheese!

I just LOVE our family pictures and somehow our photographer, who is all of 23 years old, manages to capture some adorable moments of our crazy family.

There are several guarantees I can expect when it's family picture time: 1. someone will be stubborn and try to not smile (and I don't mean the baby). 2. someone will be tired.  3. I will break a sweat.  4. Everyone wants to sit or be held by Justin.  5.Someone (or a couple) of kids will oversleep their nap on this day and we will have to wake them.  6. I will struggle to decide what everyone will wear and inevitably leave it up to chance that it all comes together, after buying some of us new clothes to make it all work (and I'm not a great accessorize-r). 7. Bribery will ensue...you smile...YOU WIN SOMETHING! 8. Encouraging manipulation might occur: "if you smile we can send these pictures to grandma and grandpa and they will love them soooo much!" 9. Everyone will be done taking pictures before me. I will want to catch every single possible angle and everyone else will be ready to go! 10.He (the photographer) will manage to get at least a dozen perfect pictures in the chaos.

I don't know how he does it, but his lighting in impeccable, timing is great, and in a flash of a second (ha, like that little pun), he gets all their personalities.

I always tell them I'm not too worried about getting the baby smiling, it's hard to get your typical size family to smile...6 kids is darn near impossible.  But, we got lucky and in so many pictures the baby was at least looking at him and the camera and although we didn't quite catch his amazing little smile, we did get is precious little face.  Then, the photographers girl friend managed to put him to sleep mid-shoot, so we had a few snaps with him sleeping.  So precious to me.  His little feet and his little face.

I had to load in all my Favorites, because they are just awesome.  As the kids get bigger I am just amazed to see them grow.  And, although, on some days it is difficult to remember how incredible they are over the noise, tired whines, and bickering, they truly are MY GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT.

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Family Pictures 2013 - slideshow

You can also view it here.

Back to Home-school

We are officially all back to school now that Labor day has passed and summer (although the weather isn't changing) is over.  Since Cole is attending school this year I will have more time to spend with the twins and Brynn.  

The twins are in first grade this year.  Where did the time go?  We will continue to work on bible, reading, writing, and math primarily and throw in some science, history, art, and some unit studies.  I try not to spend more than 3 hours on school each day (more like 2.5 if I get my way, but that depends on how cooperative they are).  That way it isn't over whelming for them or me, I don't neglect Westin for too long and I can try and fit it in when baby sleeps. 

They are such different kids than Cole, I am having to learn how to teach them the same things but in a whole new way.  It helped that Cole was almost a year older in this grade than they are now.  But, it's a huge change.  It's good for me and keeps me on my toes.

They will be taking Piano this year and Grammy has enrolled them in Tennis lessons.  They have a filled semester already. And, if daddy gets his way, they might play Fall Baseball this year.  I'm hoping to wait until Spring, but who knows.

The nice thing about homeschooling, which I tell people all the time, is it's not about doing school at home. It's about finding what works for your kids and keeping at it.  For my twins, it's about review, repetition, hands on, and keeping it brief.  Success is huge. If they don't have success they are totally defeated.  Also, I realize, that in some things, they just don't care yet.  Which is fine and when they do finally care, it will click.

I'm not sure yet if this will be their last year at home. They might not transition until 3rd grade. We will be praying about that.  Until then, I will do my best to fulfill the calling in their life as their mother, teacher, and their daddy's wife!

Brynn, although she is only 4 might as well be in Kindergarten this year.  It will be tough to keep her slowed down and in her appropriate grade level.  She is more like Cole, eager to learn and quick to retain information.  She is a January birthday so I cannot just let her get ahead. I don't want her to graduate high school at 17.  So, I plan to spend most of the school year just keeping her busy with crafts, cutting, letters, shapes, colors, painting, letter sounds, reading books with her and making school fun.   She is also taking Piano and trying Ballet for the first time this year, thanks again to Grammy.  We are also sending her 2x a month to see the tutor, like the boys did, our long time friend Alana.  It changes things up and makes learning fun and gives her some one-on-one.

Next year she will be 5 and we will start "real" Kindergarten but by then she'll probably be ready for first grade.  Oh well.  We do what we can right!  She is a lot of fun because she enjoys learning.  I haven't had her complain or whine about anything other than wanting more work to do.  Crazy in comparison to the twins.  She wants to keep everything she makes and colors.  If I let her my house would be stacked up with papers and pictures.  We toss those things in the quiet of the dark night and never bring them up again.  She often doesn't notice.  We've all been there I know it.

Cole has been enjoying school at NCS.  He really LOVES math and is an excellent reader.  Dropping him off and picking him up provides nice structure to our day. It gives boundaries to work and play and allows for a nice nap for the littlest ones.

He is doing Mathletes after school and also taking Piano lessons.  He is so quick to learn and eager as well.  We've been praying he makes friends easily.  Each day on the way to school we pray a verse over him out loud. I write it on a 3x5 card and put it on my visor so we can read and pray it together.  He has all the opportunities to be successful in school (not that I believe that is the gauge of a man), but if he enjoys education he has the ability to do well.  It has given us, already, opportunities to work on character, problem solving, the power of words, and so much more.  Those little blips in time I am so thankful for because those are the moments that refine his heart.

We took some pictures outside to commemorate being back at school, all the kids that is.  They were so funny.  I asked them to do serious pictures and then funny faces.  They were hysterical trying to make those funny faces.  I think Brody won the funny face contest this time around!

Of course, Westin had to jump in there. He is such a ham and cannot be left out! Stinker bug.

Prayers for the Children

I've been working diligently on putting together prayers for the kids, which will be printed on canvas and hung in their rooms.  My friend and mentor talked with me about the power of praying your child's name.  In scripture G-d put a special significance on names, often re-naming people, and we see the power of their name in regards to situations, outcomes, and much more.  I knew this of course, to a degree, when choosing names for the children, but I eventually let my preference for a name override the power of the meaning.

 So, Justin and I decided to choose a biblical person in which we would pray over them their strengths and against their weaknesses.  The goal was to try and find biblical men and women who closely resembled that child in temperament, ability, characteristics, and more.  Then I compiled a list of qualities about each biblical person and typed a short description of who they were.  From that I put together a prayer for each of the kids. It actually was so encouraging and enlightening to see how G-d uses mere humans to do his powerful work. Each of the characters I've chosen has both positive and negative qualities.  Each of them G-d used for mighty purposes and they exemplify certain attributes of a Godly man or woman.

 I've typed 4 so far I still have Westin and Beau to do.  I might wait on theirs, I can't decide. I want to see more of who G-d created each of them to be and try and pair them up accordingly.  I ordered 12x12 canvases for each of the 4, using a Buy One Get One from Easy Canvas Prints  with Free Shipping.  I'm so very excited to see how they turned out and hang them in their rooms.  Most importantly I'm excited to pray these special prayers over my sweet children.  I am confident G-d hears our prayers and honors them in His way.  My goal is to raise children who love and honor Him and I pray this is just one of the paths in which to cover them with blessings and protection.

Cole--King David

Father, I pray for Cole to be like King David. A boy who defeated a Giant and a man who was called as King over your people.  Build in him a Noble Leader and a passionate, unashamed worshiper of you, which will lead to an intimacy  with you above all things.I pray he would be your Beloved, Father, that he would be a man after your heart, anointed by the spirit, found in your presence, protective, dedicated and selfless.Drive in him a repentant heart, a humble fear of you, and a desire to walk a narrow path. Refine him in your fire.Place in his heart a devotion and faithfulness to God, even when life take place in the desert or a cave. Place in him a tenderness and strength, a warrior mindset to wage war for Christ. Help him to serve people and rule as a leader who shows both compassion and wisdom.Father keep him from a wandering heart, a love of worldly belongings just as David plundered his victims and served his fleshly desires. In all instances,use his sin for your own Glory, making straight his crooked paths and drawing him nearer to you in those times.

King David was:

The biblical King David of Israel was known for his diverse skills as both a warrior and a writer of psalms. David was the eighth and youngest son of Jesse from the kingly tribe of Judah, also known as God' Chosen People. The name David means "beloved". David's life went from the desert, the palace, the cave the kingdom. He was a passionate, unashamed worshiper of God. God had David anointed to succeed Saul and "The Spirit of The Lord came upon David from that day forward."  David was skilled enough to slay a Lion and a Bear but tenderhearted and repentant enough to write Psalms. He was a keeper of Sheep; sacrificial, protective, dedicated. David grew in stature, favor and respect among the people (Israelites) and God.  David, in obedience to God, showed mercy to Saul so God's plan could be fulfilled.  He became a Noble leader of the people, fulfilling God's long-suffered plan.  David stood in God's presence at the foot of the Ark and fulfilled God's covenant and promise with Abraham.  He was utterly devoted and Faithful to God.  David was the Father of Bathsheba's son Solomon, known to be one of the wisest men in biblical history.  God used David's sin for His Glory. 

Brody--John the Baptist 

Father, I pray for Brody to emulate Joshua.  To be faithfully obedient to God, a mighty leader, and a servant leader.  Give him the strength to reveal, through his example, the path to salvation and abundant blessings. Give him the strength to be an attentive student, mindful of all you have for him to learn and do.  Give him courage to stand for your truth and to follow your desires for his life, that others may draw nearer to you because of him. Father, bless him with responsibility and a vast trust in you as he carries out those responsibilities for your Glory. Help him not to worry or have concern but to faithfully follow you, always trusting in your miraculous works and doing so with joy. Remind him daily to consult you concerning his ways.  Remind him of your faithfulness and supernatural provision.  Allow him to be a mighty example of dependence upon the Lord to those around him. Do not let him forget where his blessings come from and to always give you praise. Shower him with abundant humility and wisdom. 

Joshua was: 

Faithfully obedient to God. Joshua's name means, "the Lord is Salvation." This name selection was the first indicator that Joshua was a "type," or picture, of Jesus Christ, the Messiah. Joshua was a godly leader bearing much favor from God as the Israelites entered the land He has given them. Some Bible scholars view Joshua as an Old Testament representation, or foreshadowing, of Jesus Christ, the promised Messiah. What Moses(who represented the law) was unable to do, Joshua (Yeshua) achieved when he successfully led the people of God out of the desert to conquer their enemies and enter the Promised Land. His accomplishments point to the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross—the defeat of God's enemy, Satan, the setting free of all believers from captivity to sin, and the opening of the way into the "Promised Land" of eternity. Joshua was also an attentive student. Joshua showed tremendous courage, despite the huge responsibility assigned to him. He was a brilliant military commander. Joshua prospered because he trusted God with every aspect of his life. Before battle, Joshua always consulted God.Obedience, faith, and dependence on God made Joshua one of Israel's strongest leaders. He provided a bold example for us to follow.

Trace--Judah

Father, I pray Trace can become a man as Judah was.  That like Judah, he can be fierce as a lion; focused, determined, and a skilled warrior.  May a soft, tenderhearted, service oriented side compliment his powerful, lion-like nature.  Call him out among men, to stand for you, leading with grace and a noble spirit.  Bless him father, as you did Judah, giving him a birthright as your son and an heir in your kingdom. Preserve his life and his family as they serve you all their days. Help him to take responsibility in the good times and the bad.  Help him to see the err of his ways and to not allow his fleshly desires to consume him.  Aide him in confronting his sin, just as Judah did, and use it for your glory.  Give him self control, swift thinking, powerful leadership, and victory over the enemy. Give him the strength to take risks for Christ, sacrificing himself for others, and exhibiting Godly justice in circumstances around him.   Help him keep his earthly appetites in submission to you and to joyfully, full of Praise, live a life in service to the King, royal and noble in his character. Fill him with devotion to you. Give him a lasting legacy.

Judah Was:

Judah was a natural leader, standing out among Jacob's sons receiving the first real blessing from Jacob.  He becomes the birthright of the land and the line of Christ.  Judah was able to take responsibility when wrong, the mark of a real man. Judah is also fierce, described like a lion, having his hand on the necks of his enemy's.  The name Judah means "to Praise".  Judah was a clear thinker, swiftly taking righteous action in pressured circumstances and achieving victory over his enemies.  Judah is fierce and willing to risks for God's victory.  He is also sacrificial, offering his life over that of his brother Benjamin, a picture of what the coming Messiah would do for us at the cross. Judah is the center of the royal line that would lead to the Christ, the King.  Judah is wild and earthy yet civilized and tempered swiftly offering justice.  Although Judah, at times, found it difficult to control is fleshly appetites he exhibited character and devotion to God, giving Praise to Him.

Brynn--Hannah

Father, create in Brynn a heart and faith like that of Hannah.  Give her a powerful sense of prayer and trust in you and to do without ceasing.  Help her to find her hope in you and your provision and to put away the expectations and harshness of the world. Draw her to her knees and create in her heart a desire to know and serve only you. Bring to her a faithful husband. Bless her womb abundantly with the gift of children.  Show her the way to be a Godly mother, raising her children to also love and serve you all their days.Give her your wisdom, patience, and humility.  Make her tenderhearted, sacrificial, and an enduring example to those around her. Use her strong personality to be persistent for righteousness and bold for your love.Just as Hannah did, Lord, help her to never give up. Give her the strength to press on in the faith and praise you in everything, being loyal, showing mercy and spreading kindness to all people.

Hannah Was: 

Hannah is one of the most poignant characters in the Old Testament. Like several other women in the Bible, she was barren. Hannah believed in God's presence and power so much she prayed without for a child. She prayed so deeply Eli believed her to be possessed, but as she explained her praying, Eli spoke a blessing over her and Hannah's womb was opened. She gave birth to Samuel, which means "God Hears". She was a woman of her word, and remembered her promise to God, so she gave her son Samuel back to the Lord's service.  Because of her faithfulness and integrity God again blessed Hannah again with 5 more children. Her faithfulness and love of the Father allowed for her son Samuel to become a great man in biblical history, acting as Israels last Judge, first Prophet and counselor to King Saul and David.  Hannah was persistent, patient, loving, tenderhearted, and a sacrificial mother. She was devout in her prayers and humble towards God and others. Hannah teaches us to never give up, pray without ceasing, remember your promises to God, and to praise him for his kindness and love. Hannah also teaches us to show mercy and kindness to those who tease and put us down, trusting God for his greater plans.

Swimming Championships 2013

UPDATE: here is a cute little video of Brynn swimming breastroke for the first time. Chicken-Star-Rocket is how they teach the little ones to do that stroke.  Well, as you can see that is exactly what she is doing! 

https://docs.google.com/file/d/0BwZ-6QUd7BBdYk1LT0JGVjJUeTQ/edit?usp=sharing

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Swim season has come and is now gone. Whew...that went fast.  I LOVE to be busy and taking the kids to and from swimming and watching them swim in swim meets is SO FUN. 

They all did so great this season.  Improving in every stroke, even Brynn!  I just love watching them have team camaraderie and this year was even more fun because CC and Sam along with Molly and Megan were able to join us.  That made practices and swim meets even more exciting as they were able to cheer on their friends and their friends cheered them on.

Cole, Brody and Trace were able to qualify for a preliminary swim at Championships.  That in and of itself is exciting.  Brody qualified in both freestyle and butterfly. Trace qualified in freestyle.  Cole qualified in Backstroke and Butterfly. 

Once they all swam in the Semifinals swim meet Brody was 9th out of about 40 which earned him a spot as an alternate in butterfly. Cole also qualified in Butterfly and was an alternate in Backstroke. 

Now it is important to know, Cole would want me to tell you, his two BEST strokes are butterfly and backstroke and he was thrilled to have made finals in butterfly but slightly disappointed to be just an alternate in backstroke.   But, he did in fact place 9th against about 40 swimmers which were the top 40 out of about 80 in his age group.  Not everyone got to swim in semifinals and to make it to finals, top 8, or even as an alternate means he was swimming in the top 10 out of the whole Desert Swim League. Pretty awesome if you ask me!

He (Cole) ended up placing 8th in the final race in butterfly.  It took some explaining for him to understand how awesome that was. We are so proud of all of them for working so hard and performing so well.  Week after week swimming their best and swimming strokes that are very challenging as well. 

And for the 3rd year in a row, Bellair Barracudas won the Desert Swim League championship!

Anyhow here are some great pictures of the season! It was a family and friends affair!

One of the best things that we've be given through swimming has been meeting Stefan and his family.  He helps to coach the swim team while swimming himself with the older kids.  He's a wonderful young man who loves Jesus and has taken my kids under his wing and shared his life with them. In that, Justin and I have been blessed to meet his family and they have taken us under their wing and we have learned so much from them.  

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