Friday Photo Favorites

Eleanor has recently explode into a extremely playful and engaging little nymph. She adores her Daddy above all with Mary Colette as the next best. She loves all her siblings and plays, truly plays with each in their own right. But her eyes and personality gets turned up to full glow when her Daddy gets home. Watching them interact is beyond words. She is silly and cute and sweet and gives him oh so many kisses.

Ellie Roo you are just so wonderful for us.

They Grow Up So Fast-Mary Colette

They Grow Up So Fast-George

They Grow Up So Fast-Annie K

Google Photos made this up and I thought...tear, it's too true and Woohoo easy peasy post.

Romantic Anatomy

Cuddling last night Mary Colette was explaining a game they all were playing which involved Mississippians in the Amazon rainforest and poisoned arrows. The arrows would kill the part they hit so they were only sort of effective, "but if the arrow hit the brain it doesn't matter if it a poison arrow or not because the brain tells the body what to do, it's like the King and Queen, so without it, you just die. And the lungs and heart are the prince and princess." 

Four-year old Dilemma

While snuggling on the eve of Philip's birthday George told me, "I thought boys had birthdays before girls."

"Some do"

"Yeah, well that way Daddies are bigger than Mommies, so that is was the need to have birthdays before girls."

The following morning as Avery and I decorated for Philip's birthday George approached us with the most pathetic tear streaked face. Now, in full disclosure half of us have been sick, like flu sick, this week and it started with George and well he is still not feeling great so emotions have been extra tender lately. So in a truly tragic voice he states to his big brother and me, "I will have to give my dragon blanket to Isaac because I am getting bigger." 

Breaking both Avery's and my hearts, we scooped him up and loved on him, however we could not come up with an acceptable solution to his dilemma and only discovered that this growing up business is not fun for four-year olds. And once a blanket does not fully cover oneself then it must be passed along, oh had I known this day would come I would have made a king size dragon blanket allowing my Forever Baby to stay that way.

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My Shadow.

Watching little ones discover is just the best. She walked the entire stretch watching her shadow and gentle waving her hands interacting with her in new friend.

Age ain't nothing but

Hilarious!

When I was expecting Ellie, Mary Colette was asking about some friends of ours and how old the oldest girl was. When I replied 13, she gasped, "A teenager! Now she can have babies!"

Needless to say I was in total shock, but after all, that was the oldest and most accomplished age in her mind. 

At the other end of the spectrum was Paul Thomas when he was 6 and he drew a family picture complete with ages. He even put in 8 months for his baby brother, above his parents were the numbers 60 and 59...he said he knew I was older than Daddy and was really old so 60 seems appropriate. 

Family Expansion By the Numbers

Oh I like numbers and patterns. So it should come as no surprise that this new little one has me a bit confused...we were even 3 girls, 3 boys. And we had a little pattern or sandwich of sorts with the birth order. 

So Little TB will just have to have a new set of numbers...

In April we will hold 7 babies, 

that have been born with 6 different home addresses,

in 5 different towns,

in 3 different states.

to 2 parents,

and 1 amazing family. 

She doesn't say

"I love you."

She tells me, "I missed you."

Even in the morning after cuddling all night, and it melts my heart as it is the more accurate description of her feelings.

Technical Difficulties

Well, it's been a while and a day since a post went up...here's my list of excuses.

1. Slow computer...so so slow.

2. Trying really hard to focus on school...doing much better, but there is always so much to do and never enough time or energy or enthusiasm for the really tough stuff.

3. Building a closet in our bedroom which is take forever and has knocked out internet for a bit. No it's not finished, or close just looks like a place we really should not be sleeping, but are.

4. Being pregnant...it does not get easier, in fact as I head into the second trimester I am fully expecting to miss out on the second trimester boost again and just resign to halfies-1st trimester nausea and exhaustion and 3rd trimester hugeness and waddling.

Truth be know this pregnancy has been so incredibly hard emotionally. And sadly the hardest part has been, "How are we going to tell everyone?" The comments made through the years sting all the more with every plus sign. This time around I allowed them to overtake my head and blocked out all the joy in this new life. No I am not blaming the naysayers, they can hold their own opinions, I am weaker this time around and have prayed constantly for acceptance and peace with this new life God has entrusted to us and will continue to pray. 

Also on the rather difficult side is the trauma of Eleanor's birth. Trying to navigate the waters of true and complete care is very challenging. Do go to a doctor and risk the same situation as Ellie or do I go to a midwife and risk not passing my glucose test and being passed along to a doctor that doesn't care. 

Lastly, I know there is far too many woman reading this (well other people's post like this) saying to themselves, "What I wouldn't give." I am truly sorry for what you are going through and I try so very hard not to complain about God's blessing in our marriage. Just this time around it's too much and as I deal with emotions that are foreign I try my best to offer them for your sake, for your pain and longing. I do not know your deep and sincere want for a full womb, however please know you fill so very much of my daily offerings and guilt. (I always feel so incredibly guilty for not being thrilled, knowing how much you all would give to be in my shoes.) 

Okay well that's that tie-breaker is due in the Spring.

Maybe I'll post before than?

Friday Photo Favorites

Everybody's Favorite.

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Totality or Bust.

The Biggest Heart

Yesterday this girl flew through her work and didn't get discouraged when the poem had to be unraveled and stitched back together in her head. She gritted her teeth and sunk into it then proceeded with all her difficult work first and then her fun work. As she put away her books she looked around and said, "Just one more thing...the most important." She gave me a huge hug and said, "Thank you Mommy for teaching me!"

Eggs

At least five times a week she asks me for eggs.

To which I ask how she wants them.

Her reply, "Like tis."

It's a very serious order, which should be interpreted as fried but not flipped...yokes running. 

She onced liked them flipped and would order them hands out, palms down then dramatically flip her hands, however I once broke a yoke and therefore she won't chance it and has nixed the flipping.

How many? "One, two...

one, two."

Understood as two eggs please.

And just for cuteness here are my three little foxes (though you can't see their cute ears and tails) ready to gobble up some eggs.

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Waiting for the train.

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Tree Climbing

Coverage

In the midst of self directed potty training many mishaps can occur, especially in a house full of life. Mary Colette was helping Gia prepare dinner when a situation arose. Mary Colette was very concerned and couldn't get ahold of the self directed child to help as the child is very willful and well hilarious.  After fretting Gia informed Mary Colette to ignore the child for a bit until the child comes willing.

In a fretful voice Mary Colette responded, "I just really think she needs some bottom coverage!"

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The Baa Baa Baa Blaxton Babes.

Friday Photo Favorites

Our Michigan Family.

Truly one of the biggest blessings to moving is being closer to family...well most family, this family.

We are blest to truly build relationships with our nieces and nephew and watch as Uncle Stephen marches deeper into his vocation. And my goodness look at that tall handsome man on the left...He's mine!

Friday Photo Favorites

Warning: Proud Momma Post

This is what he has read since March, not including the ten books we found in his room and the ones that were Gia's and his history books, easily another twenty in the stack! 

How there was so much struggle on my part. All I could see were other little ones with the books and feet kicked up in the air whisked away to faraway lands. How he has flourished in this adventure. He amazes me daily. 

If you are wondering The Magic Tree House was the turning point..he ate those books up and has gone on to much harder books now. We have a growing list of what to read next and have to tell him to turn off the lights when he is finish reading because I can't stay up that late. (Perks of homeschooling! I don't care if you stay up late reading most nights.) 

Seriously look at the grin, its accomplishment and confidence. When he would read to me he was so nervous and lacked confidence that he didn't even want his baby sister in the room, Now he reads to all of his siblings. (I do not take any credit for this...Paul Thomas worked very hard to be here and I think that smile says it, well done Paul Thomas!)

Friday Photo Favorites

Surveyor  

Friday Photo Favorites

HEBI HILL!

(Tears of Joys, folks, those are Tears of JOY!)

Quick tidbit: there are 18 grandchild in 14 years the last half are 3 1/2 years apart!!! The last six since Fr. Matthew's ordination. 

Bonus points for anyone who can name all these blessings and triple for those that can in age order. (Without your list Poppy.)

Family Size

Today at lunch the conversation turned to number of boys and girls, which turned into family sizes. Well, everyone wanted to know what families had more boys vs. girls so I said let's think about some of the big families we know of and count. So we counted a family with 7, 8 and 10 children and to my surprise no one was impressed by the word big going with these numbers.

What is a big family?

Avery- I think maybe 10 or 12 kids.

So what is our family?

Avery- I'd say just medium.

And what would be a small family?

Avery-Definitely 4.

PT then explained it this way, "One, two, or three kids is a small family. Four is in between small and medium. Medium is five, six, seven and eight. I think a big family is ten or more. And thirteen is huge."

This all broken down without prejudices or envy, just matter of fact because children often get what we adults forget-God is in control. 

Here's our medium family!

It's all in your perspective.

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He still plays, he still imagines, he can still see all the fantastical worlds around him. 

How long will he be able to? 

I hold my breath. 

Don't we all want to answer "Forever"? Don't we all want to see savages, red coats, sturdy cowboys, and adventures tramping through our mundane mountains of laundry and dirty bathrooms?

He is growing and his imagination is kindled more and more these days in solitude with good books. How long will he be reckless in his play, not caring what bystanders think, young or old?

Everyday I see you slip into more of the man God intends for you to be and as thrilling as it is, it hurts too. You aren't quite torn between the two worlds yet, flowing peacefully through each, how long till you stay in ours?

Can you remember when you left the waters of childhood? I was sitting at my Nana's kitchen table talking with her and her sister. My dearest playmate was in the basement the appropriate dwelling for imagination and sister fun. It was summer, I was peeling from a sunburn and it was later than normal. I felt old and wise and privileged and I consciously left behind my games that kept me company for so many years.

How can you be ONE?!

Oh my sweet Eleanor Rose, your first year was too much of too much. We missed too much as we were on survival mode for most of your first year. Let us make time to stop and appreciate the blessing you are in this new year to come.

Friday Photo Favorites

Missouri Bottom and Daddy Look-a-like.

Friday Photo Favorites

Anastasia Kim, you are beauty upon beauty. You are such a tender little Momma. Taking care of everyone around you. You are determined and compassionate. You waited so patiently for your turn to serve ice-cream even when others pushed you, you waited just to serve. You are heart stopping in your beauty physical, yes, but in your heart and eagerness to nurture. 

You are so cherished my love.

Friday Photo Favorites

Winston Churchill

Eleanor makes this face so much, especially when she has something very important to say. We just love it and now she knows we get a kick out of it and will really ham it up.

These were captured in its pure state.

Eleanor makes some of the most expressive and hilarious faces and her favorite sounds are any of the "o" phonograms as George has taught her to say them well.

Life's an Adventure

or at least walks are, according to George.

Everybody go get their shoes on, we are going on a walk.

Noooo! I don't want to go on a walk. Can we go on an adventure?-George

No we are going on walk, it's not an adventure.-Mary Colette

Wellllll, you can go on a walk, I am going on an adventure.

Mommy, is that okay to go on an adventure?-George

Mommy, my four favorite states are; Michigan, China, Africa and New York! Have we ever been to China?

No

Can we go to China?

Whenever we are driving too long for George he insists that we are going to or have been to China. Usually sounding like this, "Yup, I knew it, we are going to China!'

Friday Photo Favorites

These are completely random in the picking this week...just a few that stuck out when scan through the last couple of weeks.

Babies!

I love how Eleanor is a squishy little ball and Emilia is a stiff plank in their play. How quickly babies grow. Seeing Ellie's little pudge just makes me want to kiss all over her.

Getting in some sweet Decon time before we head home.

She is in that painfully awkward smile stage, however this no smile picture is just stunning. Her eyes when serious or contemplative are so very rich and deep and seem to absorb so very much. 

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Part of the Gang!

Wonder where I'll go today?

Thanks PT! I always trust my biggest brother.

These two I can always be sure of a good time with!

And these two are just like me...I think. 

Eleanor is so much like George in the sense that she really understands her siblings. She understands and has already developed appropriate relationships with each. She trust with her life Paul Thomas and he does not disappoint. Sometimes he seems more responsible and tending to her than her parents. She knows Avery is her biggest fan and she looks to him for encouragement and a laugh, she also knows that she won't rest if he's around so she has become firm with him if she is tired and it's pretty funny to watch her snap at him. Mary Colette is the wild card...oh Ellie adores her big sister and she her, it's just that big imagination of Mary Colette's that Eleanor has a hard time keeping up with for long periods. I am amazed though with how long the two of them play and how Ellie truly seems to be playing with Mary Colette in the same make believe world. George and Eleanor have a more calm and comedic relationship, they giggle together and cuddle stuffed animals together and just hang out. Annie and Ellie are partners in crime...just yesterday Eleanor pulled all the diapers off the changing table to the delight of Annie and herself. The pair of them will be a riot for sure. We can see all this unfold at the dinner table as Ellie really is beginning to enjoy the lively conversations and puts in her two cents now. She talks to all of her siblings in their own built upon ways. 

It is so interesting to watch as, our evens seem to do this and our odds seem to come out saying, rather loudly..."Hello World Here and I AM!" and are a bit powerful with their statement. Our evens, have taken a more observant route and adapted themselves to theirs environment.