Sweet Generosity

Tonight Ruby took one of her most prized possessions - a dollar bill from her Great Grandpa - and cut it in half. She presented one half to her daddy proudly saying, "Now you can have a dollar too daddy".

Now, I know there is some sort of lesson in this story for us all, but I am so tired, and am choosing to just see it as the cutest, sweetest acts of innocence that I can remember in awhile.

Sweet Ruby.

I want this!

I could write a long text about my perfectionism and how it doesn't meld well with being a mom of young children. I'm in the process of trying again to find a good balance of the following:

a. Teaching kids to pick up after themselves, when I'm not that good at it either.

b. Taking back parts of my house for my own sanity. Allowing them to have freedom in their spaces too.

c. Simplifying but not knowing exactly how much.

d. Not nagging, nagging, nagging.

It's coming together at the right time. They are ready for more responsibility and I need the help.

But, the quote above is putting all my inner turmoil back into perspective tonight. I think I need it hanging on my front door.

Or if I'm honest with myself I need it written across my heart, so I can calm down, and remember like that country song says...

"Let them be little...for they're only that way for awhile..."

Newborn days...

What can I say... I'm in love! We all are. How blessed I am with God's perfect timing! He knew that IF I could wait on Him, that this baby would be born to three little sisters that were old enough to ADORE him and help CARE for him. They also are old enough to help care for themselves at times with certain things too.

Look and enjoy, cuz he is changing and growing at lightning speed:)

My Maisie

This September was full of milestones and celebrations in our family. The month came to a brilliant close with our Maisie's birthday. It's hard to believe it was her 6th one. I can't believe it!

We are so proud of her for so many reasons. She is attending kindergarten everyday with no problems. It seems she has gotten over the separation anxiety she displayed throughout her preschool years. Phew. She loves doing homework. Phew. She comes home with more stories about school than Daphne - her perspective on the rules and school goings ons is adorable. She is doing better (not perfect - who is?) with her issues with clothes/socks/shoes. PHEW.

Speaking of clothes/socks/shoes...proof of her progress is that she is wearing soccer attire complete with cleats and shin guards and a pony tail three times a week. But the best part about soccer is that she ENJOYS it and is really good too. It is amazingly redeeming to watch her have success at something and to look into her future and see bright talent.

Being the second child isn't always easy.

Being a mom to children with distinctively different personalities isn't either.

And when things haven't always been easy and then they begin to change...well, positive changes feel all that more glorious. GLORY must be given to the Someone who gave our family Maisie 6 years ago. She is loved by MANY around here.


Here are some pictures from her "Candy Land themed party" and a couple soccer pictures thrown in there too:













I barely could stand after making this cake, cleaning the house, and making the game for this party at 3 weeks post delivery...Did I forget to say that we had 15 here girls and I told their parents to just drop em off?!! A little crazy of me to take this on, but Mike helped A LOT and my Aunt Kathie and Mom came and stayed the duration too. Three teachers and a school secretary can handle that no problem.

Morning Surprise

You know you are sleep deprived when....


you wake up and realize that you have been sleeping on a dirty diaper (at least it was dirty side down on the sheets).