Who Knew 32 Could Be This Good?!

The one my heart loves turned 32 yesterday.

This picture is one reason why Will still calls me Daddy 80% of the time.


Truly, who needs Mommy when you've got a man this amazing to love you, play with you, rough-house with you, teach you about God...

Don't know why God chose him for me, but I'm so thankful! Happy birthday one day late, sweetheart!!

Third Verse, Same As the First! (And Second)

Our third set of Tyson hearing aids will arrive in the next couple weeks.

Praise God for new mercies each day... to bring us only mild loss, yet again. We are humbled and thankful.

Seth's Mold

My brother, Jeremy, was home this week from Virginia (for those of you who don't remember, he's stationed there for the Marines).

My mother-in-law was the first to tell me that she thought Seth looked like Jeremy. I didn't really see it until I took this picture. I actually think he does look like my brother the more I look at him. Not to mention that my brother is just over 6 feet tall- I have a theory that Seth is going to be tall as well. He was almost 22-inches at birth (they originally told us 20 inches which we later found to be a mistake), and his fingers and feet are very long.


Seth was awake but he curled up on Jeremy and went to sleep. Uncle Jeremy's obviously a natural.


Jeremy didn't get to hold Sophie or Will at this young age so this was a precious moment for me! Thankfulness abounds...

Survival

A question I get asked frequently of late is, "How are things going?" With emphasis on "going," as if the answer is inherent in the question. Three children ages 3 and under. It can't be going well.

Well, let me put it this way. I definitely have had my days. I have great days when I think it will be a cake walk. Then the next day, well, they're more like TODAY.

That's when I call out all reinforcements, and we go into survival mode. Here are some tips for those who may feel in need of backup from time to time.

Step 1: From the first hint that it is going to be "one of those days," put on a DVD for the older kids, sit down with a cuppa Joe, and eat something sweet. Something that you really shouldn't eat for breakfast. Be rebellious for once in your life and just do it.


Step 2: After the first life-giving jolt of caffeine runs through your blood, and while said DVD is still distracting the kids, pull out the good old WORD. Nothing speaks calm to my soul better.


Step 3: Put aside the laundry (or the dusting, the vacuuming, etc...) and say YES to some fun with the kids. It may sound tiring... in truth, it probably is... but worth the effort.

Unfolded laundry:


Happy children:


Well, this one was happy until I pulled the play-do out of his mouth:

Step 4: Stop all attempts to get the baby to sleep on his back. He's not gonna do it today, and two other children want your attention. Nestle him onto his belly between the library books and unfinished laundry (where you can keep an eye on him) and take a deep breath.

Step 4.5: Insert more prayer/scripture meditation here... as the day goes on more of this is definitely needed!

Step 5: Make something really healthy... err... just make something easy for lunch (something you know they'll eat). For them and for you.

Step 6: Let the kids entertain each other. Middle of the day water-play? What a great idea!

Hide and seek under your bed covers? Ingenious!!

Step 7: Naptime for all, or "Personal Play Time" for 3-year-olds who don't wish to nap yet again.

Step 8: Whisper a prayer of THANKS for moments of gentle answers amidst the chaos. Don't forget to THANK him for the precious ones who fill your heart... what gifts they truly are.

Beautiful Boy

*My sis-in-law, Jen, has outdone herself again. We are so thankful for these precious pictures, and for how beautifully they capture this season of our lives!*

Reason #527 Why Every Child Needs A Sibling

...hours of entertainment that poor mom just cannot provide, no matter how hard she tries...