Fun with Friends

Grace has on her "ear pins" in this one. She puts them on whenever things get too loud. (Like when I run the blender) It doesn't look crazy in this pic, does it?

We were so excited to host the Gorsch's & Downing's (minus the daddies) in our home. It was lots of fun and a little crazy too. When you get 7 kids under the age of 4 together you are definitely guaranteed some of both.

Kristina and her kiddos arrived on Sunday evening. We made smoothies & popcorn. We made a "big bed" on the floor for the girls and let them watch a movie. We were hoping they would fall asleep, but no such luck. They still got a sleepover bedtime, as it was after ten before we finally got everyone asleep for the night.

The next day the kids enjoyed playing outside and we had a special tea party for the girls while the little ones were napping. They really enjoyed this! Stephanie & Hannah arrived in time for lunch and then we all went to the pool. It was a little crazy at the pool, but I think the kids had fun. After dinner the Gorsch's headed for home.

The Downing's were able to stay until Wednesday morning. Tuesday we spent the day at home and then went to the public pool in the late afternoon with just the girls. It was a much busier pool with water slides and sprinklers to run through. I was really glad we didn't opt to do this pool when we had our whole crew. We also walked to the local school playground on Wednesday.

I LOVE that my kids are making friendships with my girlfriend's kids. It is such fun! While I love making special memories together I am looking forward to getting together in August without the kids as it is much harder to visit with so many kids to take care for.

Growing Up

I love being a mom of young children. I love being a stay-at-home mom. I love having a nursing infant. Okay, I'm guessing you get that I am absolutely loving this phase of life. But in my all too familiar "not a big fan of change" mentality I am REALLY struggling with how fast my kiddos are growing up. I think this is intensified by 3 factors:

1. Due to health factors we are most likely done adding to our family through pregnancy. (that might sound strange, but we are hoping to add to our family through adoption)

2. My "baby" who just turned 5 months is the size of a one year old.

(Yep, I'm the mom of "that baby" the one everyone looks at and says-"He is SO healthy!" a.k.a. chubby)

3. At this time next year I will be getting ready to send my oldest, Grace, to kindergarten.

I am especially feeling dread about the third one. Just the word kindergarten is enough to bring a tear to my eye. Well maybe not quite that bad. But, next summer kindergarten is sure to be a four-letter word at our house.

The fact is my kids are growing up. And as my mom keeps reminding me I wouldn't really want them to stay this age forever. So, instead of buying stock in Kleenex I'm trying to truly enjoy where we are at right now. I'm enjoying each trip to the zoo, play group, pool, etc. I'm enjoying each hand picked bouquet of flowers, specially colored picture, each snuggle as we read books, each tea party.

King Solomon new the truth God is making evident to me, "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot."

I am in a season of planting with my children. But, eventually their growing will slowly lead to "uprooting." I am seeing how clearly my kids growing up is going to "grow me up" too. Because with each bit of independence they gain I pray harder. With each new discipline challenge I am learning more patience. And ultimately I am seeing I'm not going to be able to hold on to my "not a big fan of change" mentality. God knows I still have a ways to go on that one. But, I'm sure I will have lots of learning opportunities as my little babies "grow like weeds!"

For now I plan on avoiding emotional meltdowns with the following strategy. If I feel a teary moment coming on I focus on things like the cost of diapers, sparse date nights, cleaning up puke, & two year old melt downs in public.... Try it. It might just work for you too.

But, even those aren't gonna work if I hear "Your Gonna Miss This" on the radio.

Grace, Faith, & Titus, I adore your dad and I LOVE being your mom! (Oh, And you can plan on me crying at your wedding... so don't say I didn't warn you.)

New Pics of Kiddos

Well, every mom with multiple children knows how incredibly difficult it is to get "the photo" of all your kiddos. Especially if they are under the age of 5! So......my mom took a slightly different approach and took individual shots of the kids this time. I love them. And surprisingly the girls even volunteered to pose for a shot of them together. I feel blessed to have such a talented photographer in the family capturing all these great photos of my kids as they grow. Thanks, Mom.

These of the girls really capture their smiles.

Thanks to Kinnick for sharing this brand new Illini onsie with us. Apparently his dad wouldn't let him wear it. I wonder why? I think its adorable!
Can you say- future football player?
Love how you can see my ring in this one.
Clearly Titus loves Jesus and is praying....okay maybe not. But, still very cute!