{Family} Iiiiii, Dada

 This little man rocks our socks!!!  Silas is 11 months old today.  How is that possible???!!!

We've been enjoying seeing his little personality emerge.  He's snuggly and gives hugs easily...especially to Mama, Dada, and Elijah.  Silas loves playing ball and throwing anything that seems throwable.  He's determined and somewhat strong willed.  He definitely knows what he wants.  Si loves our cats and plays with their food.  Naughty boy...he won't leave it alone.  This little man can scream with the best of them especially when he's being messed with by big brothers or Mama takes something away from him, like cat food.  Si loves being outside, crawling as fast as he can.  He's curious and brave and doesn't bat an eye about crawling away from mama though he gets upset if he can't see me in certain situations.

Obviously, Silas is pulling up and standing.  He's starting to take mini steps along whatever he's holding onto.  And stairs...he'd climb the stairs if I'd let him.  But I'm trying to teach him how to go down the stairs first before he has more freedom.

We're starting to recognize some words and signs... cat, Mama, Dada, ball, hi, bye, all done (this is the only sign we've taught him...as an appropriate response when he's done eating rather than throwing his food!)

This particular evening, Mike was out mowing and Silas was hanging out by the door, a common hangout spot when any of the family is outside and he is not.  He kept yelling and waving, "Iiii, Dada!  Iiiii!"  Every time Mike walked in front of him, Silas got so excited.  

The cutest thing.  It made me giggle and cry at the same time.  

So thankful I was able to capture this moment.

{Family} Handsome Boys and Vintage Trucks

We were attending a cousin's wedding in Iowa and were enjoying the reception.  Suddenly, I spotted this amazing truck outside the reception barn when they raised the doors for a refreshing breeze.  Yes...a massive shed/barn.  Cowboys with their boots and hats.  Feeding troughs with canned drinks.  Galvanized buckets with flowers.  Mason Jar favors.  Oh, it was the best laid-back country wedding we've ever been to.  So fun!!!

 

But back to the truck...as soon as I spotted it, I knew I had to get the kids out there for a picture or two or fifty.  I wanted Sadie in them, too, but she froze up and started squealing about the mud that needed crossing in order to get to the truck.  She wasn't happy about muddy toes so I let her off the hook.

 

Perfect opportunity to take pictures of my boys.  The bummer...totally forgot my fancy schmancy camera and was only able to use my iPhone.  Ah well...they're so handsome, in the end, it didn't matter!

 





{Family} We're Still Here...

We're still here... and we're doing well!  I've just been pretty terrible about blogging... 

 

 One of the first warm days this spring...of course, semi-warm temperatures necessitates bathing suits, soapy water buckets, blanket lounging, and all around outdoor fun!

 That same warm spring day...a boy who wakes a lot at night and wants his mama, a mama who feels exhausted but still adores her boy.

 Pigtails, daffodill bouquets, dirty nails

 She loves this winter hat...  It was a hot, windy day and she prefers a sweaty head over hair in her face.  And she picked more flowers for mama...

I took this picture last night in between shooting hoops with Isaac and clapping for Sadie while she rode her trike around.  He's nearly 7 months old and so grown up.  He is such a joy!  But, please, someone stop time!!!

 

The next few weeks find us finishing up our school year, preparing for a (driving) trip to Iowa, and a whole bunch of organizing and sorting of stuff in our home. 

 

I'll be back soon! 

 

Pinky swear!!!

{Project365} Day 24: Sunday Afternoon Relaxing

:: A warm cup of coffee.  Decaf, please.  Lots of French Vanilla Creamer.  In a large, lovely green mug.

 

:: Soft thrifted flannel.  I'm not normally a red clothing person, but my hubby has a flannel in a fairly identical red plaid and I thought we could wear matching shirts.  Let's face it, I'm a dork.  Or I'm madly in love.  Likely both. 

 

:: A rather hefty slice of cinnamon crumb cake.  I ate it before taking this picture.  Besides, I didn't want to make you drool.

 

 

{Project365}: capturing this life - one photo (or so) every day for one year

{Project 365} Day 18: Lego Car Races

We spent all day at Strong National Museum of Play with our fabulous cousins.   We were able to see the new Lego exhibit that unexpectedly opened a day early!  Super fun for our Lego lovers!

 

I even made it into a picture with Silas.  Yay!

 

 

{Project365}: capturing this life - one photo (or so) every day for one year

{Project 365} Day 17: Canvas Art

We are so blessed to have two of our cousins (and their mama) visiting us for a few days.  We had tons of fun completing this art project together!

 

 

 

{Project365}: capturing this life - one photo (or so) every day for one year

{Project365} Day 12: Eden Grace

 

Sadie chose this baby because she looks like our new baby cousin, Eden Grace.

 

(Baby Alive was 50% off at Target - $12 - great clearance items right now!)

 

 

Our real Eden Grace - she's so stinkin' cute!!!

 

 



{Project365}: capturing this life - one photo (or so) every day for one year

Twelve Weeks

Twelve weeks?!  Sigh...they do grow up too fast...   

 

Silas is showering us with smiles, coos, and the hint of a giggle.  He loves being held anytime, but if he's tired he definitely wants to be held while you are standing....and swaying...and jiggling...and patting his bottom.  His paci is a must.  We are having fun watching him grasp things - mostly his blankets - and trying to stuff them in his mouth.  And he's growing peach fuzz that likes to stand on end...oh, I hope it sticks straight up in the air like Luke's did.  So cute!!!

 

 

 

There are always siblings vying for the chance to hold him, help him with his paci, or get out of school work in order to comfort him.  And I let them...Silas will only be little for a short time.  He certainly doesn't lack for love or attention.  In fact, I believe that each additional child in our family has received even more attention than the one that came before because there are more family members to love on the newest one. 

 

It's a hard life, obviously, as you can tell from Silas' face...grin.

 

 

Sadie says that Elijah, Luke, and Isaac are her boy buddies, but Silas is her baby.  Sweetness.



 

So blessed.

Date Night

We enjoyed a night out for Mike's work party.  It was fun to get all gussied up (I wore heels!  Gasp!) and pretend that we weren't thinking how nice it would have been to go out alone without co-workers.  Shhh...did I just say that out loud?!  He, he!

 

Sending a special shout-out to Target for stocking their racks with stretchy clothes to fit my postpartum curves.  I ran to Target the night before the party after an epic fail to find something dressy enough in my closet that fit me well and made me feel attractive.  I felt lovely though my feet were sore after hours in heels!

 

 

My mom and Miss Libby babysat for us.  One grandma for four kids.  One grandma for Silas.  They all did great!  Si took the bottle and was pretty easy to care for.  After five children, this was the earliest I'd ever left anyone for this long.  He's only nine weeks old!  Phew...so thankful it all worked out!

 

Now I just need to find another reason to wear my new heels...preferably with Mike again!   

Oh, Christmas Tree

We've spent a lovely day decorating our Christmas tree and being together...

 

 

Best Christmas EVER in my whole entire life...call me, I'll tell ya about it!





Bree and Hwin

Our family has grown by eight paws...

 

Introducing Bree (in front) and Hwin (hugging her sister from behind).  These pretty kitties are seven months old, very social and playful with each other and our family, and we are in love with them!  We named them after two of our favorite Narnian characters from The Horse and His Boy.

 

They are often found napping this way... 



Hwin - loves the laser pointer, the dominant sister when it comes to food, easy to hold and pet 

 Bree - a little more shy, but oh, so very curious, the talkative sister, loves to scratch, loves sleeping in this spot with her paws on the basket

 



 

We've had the kitties with us for under a week, but goodness, they bring a smile to my face especially when I see my boys interacting with them.  Surprisingly, Elijah has been the most confident and comfortable with our cats.  Not surprisingly, Sadie is taking a very cautious approach to them so much so that she is only just getting comfortable walking around the house without holding some one's hand.  The day we brought them home, she stayed in the same chair for hours and wanted to be carried everywhere.  I refused to let anyone carry her but suggested that some one could hold her hand.  I'm confident she'll warm up before too long.  She does like them...from a distance.

 

The only downer is that we are trying to determine if Isaac is allergic to the kitties or if he coincidentally developed a cold the same day we brought them home.  We're praying that it's simply a cold.  But if it turns out to be allergies, we're hopeful to find a way to make it work out!

 

And so, with a little December holiday humor thrown in for good measure,

"Meowy Christmas from our house to yours!"

First Date-a-Versary...17 years later

Mike and I are celebrating our First Date-a-Versary today!  Seventeen years ago we went on our first date as freshman in college in the old Big Al's snack shop at Houghton College.  That date is a whole, hilarious story in itself...oh my!  Maybe I'll share it someday...

 

I wasn't sure of the best way to celebrate with a newborn plus we're trying to pinch some pennies, too.  Brainstorm!!!

 

I asked the kids if they would help me plan an in-house dinner date for their dad and myself!  They were so excited to participate as our wait staff.  I think they officially committed when I said they could use "fancy" glasses filled with soda while they ate dinner, too.  Ha, ha!

 

We had most of the food items already at home, but needed to grab a few extras at the grocery store.  My first attempt at shopping with all five kids the other day was pretty much a fail, so I was cautious about the success of this necessary trip.  Thankfully, we made it to the store and back without a hitch!!!  Silas slept in his car seat for another two hours after arriving back home which was such a blessing as I made food preparations! 

The boys helped me set up the dining room choosing the items themselves from my limited stash of "fancy" stuff.  We found a bell in our Christmas decorations to ring when we needed help from the wait staff who ate in the kitchen.  Ha, ha!

Fancy waiters must have mustaches, of course!

 



 Our menu from The Farwell Family Restaurant:

 

First Course: garden salad with dressing, fresh bakery bread with butter

Second Course: bacon wrapped steak, mashed potatoes with au jus, green beans with butter sauce

Dessert: mini chocolate layered mousse pie

Drinks: water, milk, soda, orange juice, apple cider

 The happy guests...I swear we didn't plan to match - it's just that we're so much in love we dress similarly without even knowing it.  Grin!

 First course





 Second Course





 Dessert

 



An extra, yet expected, dinner guest...

 

I am so thankful for the way my boys stepped up and helped out to bless Mike and myself!  They did an awesome job!!!  It was a fun date despite all the things that went "wrong" during our meal - Sadie shattering her fancy glass, Isaac cutting his finger with a steak knife, filling our own plates, re-heating our meals, and having kids eat with us on our date instead of in the kitchen.  In the past I might have called them "interruptions" and been annoyed.  Today, I'd call it "Would-you-expect-anything-less-for-a-date-at-home-with-five-kids-and-Aren't-I-so-blessed-to-be-surrounded-by-such-a-terrific-crowd?"

 

Yes, indeed, I am blessed!!!

OBX 2012

Best vacation ever.

Again.

Thirteen Years

Thirteen years of learning: to love unselfishly, to stay committed, to say "sorry," to forgive, to raise and manage a growing family, to encourage, to support deepening relationships with the Lord...

Thirteen years and praying for many, many more...

By the way, isn't he so handsome?!  I LOVE this picture!!!

Eighteen Weeks

Eighteen weeks and praising God that my sciatic nerve has calmed down a bit!  Still taking it easy...unlike yesterday when I over-did it a little whole lot by raging against all the dust bunnies in, around, and under the furniture on our first floor and basement.  Ah, well...I'm not stiff today and the house still looks clean-ish. 

But that's only partly because all snacks and meals have been eaten outside in the glorious warmth or at the movie theater... 

Does popcorn and soda count as a meal?! 

Yes, some days it does...like yesterday followed by ice cream in celebration of our boys' hard work at Awana and Karate this year!

I felt kinda bad for the person cleaning the area around where we sat...popcorn everywhere...

But it wasn't on the floor at my house.  I don't think I could have bent over to pick it up anyhow...

Saturday's Laundry Challenge

In an effort to turn things around here at my house and get some of life, specifically laundry, back in control, these pictures are my challenge! I have a few load of sheets and blankets that I'm planning on taking care of today, too. I generally don't have an issue with getting the laundry gathered and washed or even folded but the putting away part is where I loose steam.

With the past few loads, I've enlisted the boys to put away their items, Sadie's clothes, and the towels/washcloths as soon as the folding is done. Plus they have carried Mike's and my clothes to our room. Oh, that feels so good!

I've really failed recently with enlisting our very capable boys' help with anything chore related. This accounts for some of the reason I've fallen so far behind...basically not requiring anything of them. There are five of us living all day, every day in our home...I wouldn't have it any other way, but it means that nothing stays clean or picked up for long. If mama isn't disciplined enough to require their help, in general, they won't volunteer. It's life skills training for all of us...discipline, cooperation, showing love by seeing needs and jumping in to help, and displaying a good attitude while helping out. It's also just a necessary part of life...a large family needs every member to do their part to help the whole function better.

Did you notice I just called us a large family which I suppose maybe we've already been as a family of six. But somehow, being a family of seven now makes me really feel like a large family. A large family...phew...one that needs to figure out how to function well in our home with this many people and laundry and messes and toys and dishes and...and...

In part, I know the answer is to keep paring down...keep going through the "stuff" and getting rid of what isn't necessary. I've said in the past that I'd rather spend my time managing my family than managing my stuff. I'd change that now to say that I'd rather spend my time loving, caring for, and spending time with my family rather than managing my stuff.

Speaking of stuff...

...these hydrangeas. I picked and dried them from our front yard this past fall. I picked and dried way. too. many. hydrangeas. These have just been sitting in this spot dropping little annoying petals all fall and winter. They are on my list to throw out. And yet, every day I walk by them and ignore them. Guess what? I'm getting rid of them today...getting rid of stuff.

AND crossing it off my to-do list...oh, that's going to feel good!!!

Resurrection Sunday

We had a wonderful Easter weekend after a very busy (and stressful) week. Of course, the reason for our celebration trumps any of the other "traditions..." I had the priviledge of helping to lead Sunday morning worship telling the story of Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection. One of my favorite songs from Sunday is "Wondrous Love." (Oh my, you should hear Sadie sing this..."for my sooooouuuulllll! for my soouuuullllllll!")

My guys all decked out in their new duds...

After snapping about 5 shots like this one, I gave up on the idea of taking a sweet family photo...kinda too bad...Mama looked super sweet in her new maternity dress showing that little baby bump!

The kids had a blast searching for eggs...the boys were too quick to get any decent pictures.

Oh, there we go with a sweet smile...after the egg hunt, after the boys had already changed into play clothes, after mama had massively windblown hair and a much larger belly from being stuffed full of holiday dinner. Ah, well...the story of my life. I intend to leave my legacy in words rather than pictures of myself. Grin.