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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!

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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!)

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Surveyor  

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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.