No, really it has been wonderful!

Listening to girls play paperdolls, I overhear:

“Oh, what a glorious day!” Please insert a British accent with a touch of southern twang.

***

A son doing a picture study and writing a description. He duly noted what he felt was inappropriate dress in his writing. Good work, young man.

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I walk into the living room and find that two loads of clothes have been put away by my sweet Mary. I recommend everyone have a Mary.

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And Bekah turned 13 on Tuesday the 31st. (More to come on that!) A friend blessed her with a huge chocolate bar yesterday. (Now that is one sweet friend!) Bekah brought the last piece to me. Just because I’m her mom. I didn’t even know she had the chocolate bar so I had not begged or anything. Giggle.  And she is all mine. A girl who shares chocolate is a life long resident in my home. The end.

We are just hitting lunch time. I can’t wait to see how amazing the rest of my day is!!

She makes you work for that smile but it is worth it.

Despite getting off track with Bootcamp, training the younger crowd is always in progress. My big kiddos are great about letting the young crowd help out. Sarah and Sam both love to help unload the dryer. I was doing some work on the computer and heard Mary calling me to come see Sam.

Sam carried the basket of towels down the whole way, across the living room and managed to get the basket on the couch all by himself. He had to stop a couple of times to get a better hold on the basket and only lost one washcloth along the way. We cheered him on!

As you go about your day with little ones, never underestimate their ability and desire to help! What you do with them today prepares them for years down the road. Sam is only 2 and a little guy. That doesn’t stop him from helping with laundry, throwing out trash and putting toys away. He knows where the silverware and kitchen towels go and where the snacks are kept. He is happy to reward himself for a job well done.

Mary could have taken the basket of towels and moved a lot faster. But look at that face! He is so proud of doing a job. It can be hard at times to let little ones help. We can do it faster and better. If we wait until they are older to teach and train them to work, they will no longer have that desire.  So the four year old is a little messy when she prepares her own pb&j and yes, she spills the water when fixing the drinks at lunch; no worries. She knows where the towels are and can clean up the spill.

(This is Sam showing us how strong he is.) Tomorrow, I will attempt to get us back on track with Bootcamp and let my “In Training Crew” be a valuable part of the process.

Bonus pic of Miss Martha. She is working hard at being precious.

Caleb was given this fabulous hat by his grandparents. Looks handsome, doesn’t he?

I’m not sure where the Traveler was heading….but he politely tipped his hat on his way.

Sam snags the hat every now and then….wants to be like his big brother.

Adorable, yes?

Little Miss Martha (who I lovingly call Goose) is a sweetheart. She is a content little one. She loves to be held up so she can look at all that is going on around her.

She is a fabulous sleeper and I am so thankful. And I will confess that she is usually held for her morning nap. Will that spoil her? I don’t think so.

Aw, baby drool. And a bit of spit up. Already such a lady! Dimples!

Happy One Month!!!!

Hello, Goose.

Thankfully, I do have time to enjoy the moments. The good and the bad.

Bad hair day?

I’ll take the bad moments because they teach me to appreciate the good. We learn from the bad; they can provide teachable moments.

Cherished

I love all the moments I catch through out the day.  Hannah, 6, reading to the little ones to keep them quiet. Caleb letting Sam sleep in his bed when Sam is having a hard time sleeping. Sam’s completely happiness every time he sees Martha.

Adorable

Mary getting Sam ready for bed. Bekah making tea. Lydia’s singing. Giggles….hugs…..laughter….

Silly

And I’ll take the arguing over who should walk the dog, the whining when our nap was cut short, the tears over a cut and the wet clothes when someone doesn’t quite make it to the potty.

Beautiful

Maybe tomorrow I’ll write that life changing blog post. Or not. I will try to make the most of my moments.

Sisters

Hannah, 6, always willing to hold Martha

I’m behind on posting and taking pictures.

Big Sis

Caleb, 10, a pro with the baby.

Lovely in Lavendar

But it was worth the wait, right?

Little Mis Martha

And Martha at one week…..I’ll be watching her out grow the blanket…

More to come…..

Newly Born

After 42 weeks and 3 days, Martha Ann decided to join us and we are so thankful! She was born Monday, December 12th at 6:41am. She was 8lb 12oz and 21 inches long. We were blessed to have her at home and everyone is already devoted to Martha.

2 days old

Thank you, Lord for blessing our home and family with Martha.

Not a Box is a simple book with pencil drawings of a rabbit and a box. Well, a rabbit and his Not a Box. These little books really capture the essence of a child’s imagination that can turn a box into a mountain, a pirate ship or a burning building. In just a reading or two, the children will be shouting, “It’s not a box!” as you read.

What child can resist an empty box?

And sadly, some of us must admit we are just too big to get in the Not a Box.

Little boy in denim overalls...be still my heart....

We began our Saturday with a lovely to do list and everyone was working diligently on their assigned tasks. The littles ones helped when they were able and made messes the rest of the time. I had just sat down to take a “chocolate break” when Sam joined me.

Hello, Mr. Cuteness

He very politely and gently tapped me on my arm while calling my name in his sweet little voice, “Mommy, mommy.” I look down to see he had found a wooden spoon. He showed it to me and then pointed to another one lying close by. Hmmm, whatever could he be trying to tell me?

Sam gave a little grunt as he backed away. Ahhhhhh, I knew what that meant. I asked him, “Do you want to fight? ” He quickly threw on a smile and prepared for battle….

My name is Mr. Cuteness... prepare to give me my every wish...

I fought the good fight, but in the end the victory was Sam’s. While always the gentleman, he is a challenging adversary.  Consider yourself warned…if Sam ever taps you on the arm he may want a cuddle or he may want to fight.