Great Uncle Orin Visits

 Great Uncle Orin came in June for a week visit. He AMAZES me. He and his wife have never had children and he shows such patience and love to the kids. His love for his great nephews and niece is

so obvious and we appreciate it. He was a blessing. He was here during Babe's surgery which wasn't even planned but God had it planned. He followed kids around, sat and talked to Babe as he recovered, and after Gabriel and Annalina left for Grandma and Grandpa's house he remembered our trash day and took out the trash. Babe really enjoyed catching up with his uncle and got some good laughs. The kids really enjoyed hearing family history which was mixed with humour!!!

On the day of Babe's surgery we got the call that he was out of surgery as we were eating and Orin went down stairs to get ready by the time he got back up we were just about situated to leave and he was amazed at "how fast we can deploy." Pretty funny, we've had alot of practice!

 Above: Coming back from time at the park. 

Uncle Orin is an early riser and Carson would be up with him in the morning jumping on the couch and being silly. They had a great time.

 We took Orin to some old mining towns near our house.

 The kids loved being silly in Victor which Gabriel

refers to as a dump. Pretty close to correct!

 The kids had to act out getting dumped out. The kids went with Uncle Orin to see a old mine and Babe and I stayed back at the van not being up to it! The kids had a great time!

 Jedidiah at 11 Mile Canyon

 We took Uncle Orin to 11 Mile Canyon. One of our favorite places.

Again I was so impressed with him as he so calmly rode in our 15 passenger van with ME

driving!!!!! He didn't wince or show any distress at the narrow curvy roads!!!

 My smallest Cutie!!!

Contemplating happy thoughts!!

 Jedidiah loves to sit in the drivers seat!!

 The kids LOVE LOVE exploring here!

 Far away picture of the kids exploring at 11 Mile Canyon.

None of us adults were in condition to follow them so

 the rule was they had to stay within distance of my voice!

They did a great job.

Close up of the kids exploring!

They had a blast.

Finally Summer Time

 My Dad thinks this may be a Ponderosa Pine. 

These are my FAVORITE colors in nature.

If you saw my living room you'd see these colors!

 The play tree. The kids have put up a swing and tetherball and wood plank.

They like to go play underneath the tree.

 Jedidiah with Annalina under the tree.

 Jedidiah is now 14 months!

 Hanging with the big kids.

 Jedidiah LOVES being outside!!!

 Ross worked a LONG time on this cabinet. We are trying

to get it sanded then painted so we can use it when the girls arrive.

 Carson loves playing with trucks outside in the beautiful weather!!

 Ross loves to play wiffle ball now.

The boys all having fun with dirt.

Just Tid Bits for my Memories

Just tid bits of memories for me to put down:

Ross and Carson: Can't remember if I already put this down but just in case I haven't . . . Ross and Carson were playing indians. I heard Carson say "I'm scared" then Ross "Indians are never scared . . . then get out of the tribe." Carson again "I'm a scared indian". HILARIOUS!!!

Carson: I had just finished reading a book to Carson and he said "Mommy, I like you." I think so far Carson is the kid that enjoys books read to him the most at this age.

Carson: I mentioned in his birthday blog entry he is maturing here is a for instance. It other day we was being naughty and crying about nothing big. Something we really work on with him. Anyway, all on his own he came to me and said "I'm sorry Mommy." I talked to him about praying and saying I'm sorry to Jesus and he asked me to pray with him and sit on his bed.

Carson: Can't remember the whole story here but I wrote down something cute Carson said. I believe they were putting things in water and seeing what happens. We have an aircraft carrier not made for water play but they put that in. Carson said "The aircraft carrier floated and I was perplex and I thought, WOW!

Carson: I short time ago I worked with Carson on writing his name. After he wrote it for the first time I encouraged him to go and show Gabriel and Annalina. As he was walking down the stairs I heard him holding the paper in both hands in front of him and saying "I did a GREAT job!"

Carson: Carson was playing army/soldier whatever with Ross and I heard him say in a firm army voice "Sir, I love you" to Ross. Pretty cute.

Carson: Carson was in a bad way one night and hurt his mouth. He was overly tired. He asked me to lay down with him awhile when he went down for bed that night. As we are laying there he says "it's (his mouth) is going to hurt in the morning, and at night, and spring and forever." Gabriel walked in as he was saying this and made some comment as to the drastic comment. Then things settled and he was quiet and just before laying down I had eaten some boiled eggs . . . all of a sudden I hear Carson say "Your breath smells violent." I thought that was pretty funny. It probably did smell a bit funky! He was trying to say Ross's favorite word for gross "vile."

Gabriel: He changed the order in which he did devotions and leisure reading because he read about needing to focus on God's words over men's words.

Gabriel: The older kids ask me questions about if you could do this or that what would you do. Like maybe where would you go in the world, etc. It is often hard for me to answer because my focus in life has really changed and I don't dream the same way I did when I was young. I have a different focus and that is my children.

One day one of my dreams came to me and I told Gabriel I remembered that I had really wanted to go to the Netherlands during the spring and see the tulips. I believe it was days later and he came to me and said that when Daddy and I are old he is going to send send us tickets in the mail to go see the tulips. What a sweet kiddo. Love him. I want him to come too because I know he would love it as much as me if not more.

Gabriel: We were somewhere where there was a fence and I had been there before and didn't think there was away around the wood fence. I was contemplating how to get under it as last time I was there I wasn't the size I am now. I was very aware of some one sitting in a car faced toward us in the parking lot and made a remark about people laughing. Gabriel said "I don't care if people laugh I just want you to be safe." That is my Gabers. Another way around was found by Ross. My protectors.

Gabriel: Gabriel and I went on a Mommy/Son date a few Saturdays back. The same evening Daddy took Annalina to a fancy steak dinner at The Famous in downtown Colorado Springs. Anyway, Gabriel and I went to a dive in Woodland Park for breakfast. When we got inside the restaraunt we went to a booth and does Gabriel sit across from me? NO, he sits right next to me on the same side. We had a great time and he was telling me he wished we could do that more. We'll have to try! I love my kids and I am thankful with all my flaws they love me. It warms my heart in a BIG way.

Jedidiah Turns 1 Tomorrow!!!! Here's Some Pictures of His Life!!

 Well, my computer is bringing up pictures today! Now I can post some pictures of Jedidiah who turns 1 tomorrow!! Time flies!! I remember a year ago today the doctor asked if I wanted to come in the next day to have him and being so excited and going out and celebrating at our favorite ice cream place!

Jedidiah loves to growl and prowl around. He also LOVES bathes. He has recently started babbling A LOT! He's pretty cuddly and a good kiddo!

We LOVE having him around.

The picture above was taken awhile ago. Carson would take off Jedidiah's socks to allow him to climb the slide.

After viewing the pictures you may figure out why he doesn't walk yet! :-)

He gets A LOT of ATTENTION and HELP!!!!

 Hmm, has Mom forgotten about the use of bibs?

 Cute and Tired!

 Hanging with Brother Ross during a home schooling production.

Love from Carson at a wrestling tournament.

Annalina being the great big sis she is.

These 2 are very close to each other and adore each other.

Fun to watch them.

That look from Jedidiah says it all. If Jedidiah hears

Gabriel coming he gets all excited!!

For a long time this is how Gabriel carried him around.

Now that Jedidiah is getting bigger he usually carries

him more normally.

He is loving the ride with Sissy.

The porch is a new fun place to be for him.

I think they are both enjoying it!!

This was a Saturday morning and Babe was trying to make eggs.

Jedidiah did not want to be away from Daddy.

He's a Daddy's Boy.

Jedidiah's favorite part of the day . . .

Daddy coming home.

I had put him down for a nap one day and he heard Daddy's silly way 

of saying "Heeellloo" when he came in the door and that was it for 

the nap he had to be with Daddy.

All the boys have to have a picture with one of Daddy's work hats on!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JEDIDIAH!
WE LOVE YOU AND ARE SO GLAD WE HAVE YOU AT OUR HOUSE!
YOU'RE BETTER THAN ALL OUR DREAMS OF YOU!

Sweet Note

Really thankful for my church. It is a RARE find. We would know since we searched high and low for one! Anyway, haven't been able to make it to church lately due to my pregnancy but a family friend of ours sent this note to tell how the kids did singing their special in church which was so sweet of her. I had heard her practice with the kids from my bedroom they were down in the basement and thought they were singing so well. So glad for the opportunity they have to minister through music even though they are just little. Also thankful for our family friend who has almost been acting as a grandparent lately with our kiddos! They took the 3 oldest to church for weeks and this past Sunday had them for a hymn sing at their house and had the kids sing for the people that came to the hymn sing. The kids enjoy Mrs. W so much. Her husband is a wonderful person too and has helped us out MANY times around the house with projects.

I'm hopeful I'll be back in church on Sunday but won't know until the time comes. I'm hopeful though! :-) My church is an encouraging place to be. Praise the Lord I can say that.

Update: I was out Saturday A LOT and able to go to church on Sunday! A BIG step! The people at church were coming up and hugging me and so excited. We are the ONLY young people in the church. These women have already raised their families, etc. They are sweet and loving. Next week we celebrate pastors birthday of 80 yrs.!

 Did I say I have an amazing church? We told the kids we are blessed with our church that our pastor seeks truth but also there is Christ like love in the church. So many times there is one without the other. Not many churches like this left. Blessed to be in one.

Mrs. W is teaching the kids about the tabernacle and they all love it. Carson asked me as church was getting started if Mrs. W was going to teach about the tabernacle. Ross filled me in in our Bible class the other day for school what a picture was of something in the tabernacle. I didn't know the name! He learned it with Mrs. W.

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Dear Abigail,

I just wanted to tell you how well the kids did with their song this morning . . .  The people LOVED it
and were clapping along with them.   We are starting on some more songs to be
sung as they are needed.

Take care of yourself!

Love,
Esther

We prayed for you again today in church.

Small Hearts with Big Thoughts

New Year's Eve night I had one of my sons come to me with things that have been heavy on his mind. What a kid. He knows TRUTH and truth is important to him. After working through some of his concerns he said to me "I thought generations were supposed to teach the next generation and then that generation gets better? America is getting worse." This was not a simple statement but a heartfelt ache. Wow, where did that come from? I was a bit surprised it was a little off topic. I reassured him of what I know he already knew . . . I wanted to just state that Christ had not let down the generations the generations are letting down Christ. Being a parent is such serious business. Our kids must be equipped with the armour of God. I pray for my kids to grow up to love the Lord their God with all their heart, soul, and minds. May Christ empower Babe and I as we seek to raise children that love and serve their Lord.

As I was talking to the one son another came in and said he needed to talk to me. I said I would when I was finished with the conversation I was in. That son later came in and cried. He missed family that had just left, he was sad about a family member (not even close to us) that is going to go home to be with the Lord this year but what he was REALLY REALLY sad about was his Great Grandmother who does not know Christ as her Saviour and he prayers for her and he wept and wept. He feels time is running out (and it is, she is in her 90's) and the thought of losing her forever was more than his heart could bear. He said still emotional "There are so many things I could do when I grow up but I can only do one! I think I want to bring people to Christ." I don't know what Christ has in his plans for him but bringing the lost to Christ is always on the list, huh?! He went on to tell me how he loves people and even people he may see in the grocery story he may pray for.

After talking to my children and hearing their hearts mine felt solemn. Their hearts are so tender. Please Lord let the heart stay tender. Life has a way of jading. What is in store for my children's generation? God holds the future and it is my and my hubby's job to nurture them so it is easy to choose a relationship with their Saviour and that that relationship permeates their lives.

No, it is not all the time I have conversations like that! It was a unique night. Often, their is laughing and playing and noise but I guess their little minds and hearts were in overdrive.

Funny Boys and other Brag stories

Today Carson said to me "I have a phobia of spiders."-- What a kiddo.

Carson was calling me "Nightmare" the other day not out of meaness just he is silly. It was funny and I got a kick out of it. Being the mother of boys is never dull.


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Also today, I was in a room and I heard Carson say to Ross "Sir (when they are in imaginary worlds they speak military) anyway, "Sir, you are going to die if you do that." Ross replied "I am a dare devil." At this point I figured I better go and see what was going on . . . good thing I did. Ross was going to put himself down the stairs in a tall very narrow box. He has done this before in a taller box and shot down like a bullet but there was a BIG difference this time only his body up to his neck was in the box with his head sticking out!!! It would have been really bad to go down with the head thumping down behind and his hands stuck in the box since it was narrow.  And we only have one more chiropractic appt. from another thing Ross did and had to be "fixed". We don't need another round. Didn't think I'd ever say this but thankful Carson was cautious and had foresight to realize it was indeed a bad idea! WOW, that sounds weird . . . Carson CAUTIOUS and FORESIGHT not two words I would have put with him.

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Lots of Thankfulness for my Kiddos

I've known for awhile now that Annalina is not typical there's something different about her (I probably figured that out when she was in kindergarten) and if you spend much time around her you see it. 

I've had it spoken to me before about how unique Annalina is but recently I've gotten more comments confirming my thoughts. One lady down in town said "She is so different from other children! She is a joy!" (I knew this lady doesn't care for kids but I bring them near her anyway!:-) She needs to see that Jesus makes people different . . . not perfect but different. I brought the boys one time and she never said anything to me about them (I saw the disgust she had on her face as they came) but later she talked to Gabriel about how well behaved they were.) Then again recently someone told me "Annalina is unique and I mean that in the best sort of way. She is a joy to have around." Nobody is perfect but I know I am blessed with an unusual and sweet little girl that looks at her life as a blessing and loves who God made her.

Honestly, I believe ALL my kids are different. There are days I feel like pulling out my hair with frustration but they are sweet and loving and different. What is the difference? . . . I know it. . . it's Jesus and they love Him and take Him seriously.

I took all the kids into a Pottery Barn store in an upscale mall this past weekend while we waited for Daddy to meet us. One lady said "you guys are so well behaved! . . . You should be on a commercial about how to behave in a Pottery Barn store!" I was in there before with the kids and a lady started talking to us and commented to me what a sharp family we have and she asked where they went to school. One of them answered they were home schooled and she said "I knew it!" I was able share about Jesus with her little girl.

Just recently, I took them to the doctor's office with me. I took Carson and Jedidiah in with me. Carson wanted to be with me and watch me get my stitches out from one of my biopsies. He thought is was a little freaky but watched! Anyway, the other kids I left in the lobby. We were walking out the door when a lady stopped me and asked "Are these your children?" Well, "Yes". She said "Those are the best children in the world!" I agree with that assessment but I have to say it was a bit weird to have a stranger make a statement that emphatic! She was a sharp looking middle aged lady that obviously was watching them.

I took the kids shopping at Goodwill and Carson told me he wanted to show me something. He took me to a small Christmas basket and told me he wanted to get it for Annalina for Christmas. Annalina thought that was so sweet and I did too. Later in the day we were at Annalina's favorite store Claire's. Ross was asking her questions and following her around trying to figure out what she liked and what to get her for Christmas. He was determined and focused on his job and it was incredibly cute and sweet.

All God's gifts are not deserved but I really look at my husband and children and marvel at what I have been given. I goof up SO much yet have been given so much. God's grace is so evident in my life. My life is so full of wonderful! I am learning that which is NOT wonderful is for my teaching and I have plenty of that too, believe me. This fall I have had to face fears I've had since a child. I've always been extremely afraid of medical things and I've gone through a lot of that and have more to go. He is working on me and teaching me to rest in Him. Thankful He is so patient in His teaching of me.

Box From Grandma and Grandpa Arrives And With That Fun!!

 Grandma and Grandpa sent the froggie glasses and I found the coat at

 Goodwill recently for less than 99 cents!

 Grandpa J found these matching shirts and hats for the girls in California

and they really enjoyed them. Both girls have a pizzazzy personality and the shirts

match that! My nieces were here on Friday along with my brother and sister-in-law so we opened the box while they were here since something was sent for all the kids.

 Ross got a old time Navy uniform.

Lt. Lysne reporting for duty!

An intense sword fight taking place brother against brother!