Miracle round

Yesterday as I was saying goodbye to someone at the front door Isabella came running up to me, out of breath and so very excited.  "MAMA, mama come see the miracle round!" she squealed.  I furrowed my brow and asked her, " You want me to come see a miracle?"  and she said, "yes, a miracle round"  as she ran downstairs . . .  . .

This is their merry-go-round.

Wonderful girliness

There was a time when I really was starting to think I would never have a daughter.  We had three boys first.  Now I have two girls!  Such a blessing!  These two girls are already as different as night and day.  I love the differences.  Not only are they complete opposites in personality but they really look nothing alike.  My wonderful husband has been blessed with some very strong genes, which is great - I find him very attractive ;)  Hadassah ,though, looks like my baby pictures - just with blue eyes.  Isabella is the only one with my eyes.

Hadassah is thoughtful, quiet.  Isabella is boisterous and loud. 

Isabella is a social butterfly.  I have seen her walk up to little girls at the park or church and confidently introduce herself and ask others to play.  Hadassah likes her family and anyone else is fine . . as long as they don't invade her space.

Isabella is cautious and careful physically.  Hadassah is already out to conquer the world physically.
It is an awesome thing that each of our children is unique.  I love to see what makes each of them tick.  What are their strengths and weaknesses?  How can they use them for God's glory?  What is His plan for them?

For Giggles

I was just sitting here on the couch with my little ones and Isabella told me to do something (instead of asking).  I reminded her that she doesn't tell mama what to do.  She looks puzzled and cocked her head.  "Mama, don't you remember that verse song: Parents obey your children in the Lord."    Hahahahaha
Ephesians 6:1 - Children, obey you parents in the Lord, for this is right.

Sibling Love

One of the many things I love about having a larger family is seeing how much the kids love their siblings.  They do have their moments when they fight but for the most part they play so well together.  It has been fun to see how the girls and boys incorporate their play.  I didn't grow up with any brothers so it is new to me.  I love how this picture shows how Titus is playing with his knights and Isabella is on the other side of his Castle setting up house. :)

Ever since Isabella was born she has been the princess in every game they play.  When she was just a baby the boys would set her up in the middle of their play and she would be the princess they were protecting  . . . . or kidnapping.  They will sit down and have tea parties with her ( though I am pretty sure it has something to do with the cookies).  They are all super protective of her.  She makes me a little envious :) of having her brothers.

My oldest and my youngest (at the moment at least ;)

Another fun thing to see is the love the older ones have for the babies.  I now have little ones that are almost 10 years apart.  It doesn't seem like it.  Last night Stephen and I were discussing the fact that Caleb could easily be married before Hadassah is even a teenager!!  I think that often people that say it is not fair to the younger children to have a lot of kids have never been around larger families.  Hadassah has so many people who adore her.  She is loved on all day!  She knows it too.  The minute she needs something she will often run to a sibling and just gesture.  They pick her up and go get her a drink, a snack etc.  She will often wander from sibling to sibling joining in whatever they are doing.  They smile and hug her and most of the time include her in what they are doing.

It is amazing that Hadassah is not rolley polley.  Her brothers rivalry to be the one to feed her could be dangerous!  They do ask before they give her food. 

God's blessing of siblings is incredible.  How amazing is it to be able to see your best friends everyday!

New Boots

Titus has found the new love of his life - so long winter boots, hello summer.
Click here to see his old flame

Peek-a-boo

Mountain Escape

Today we ran off to the mountains to play.  First we started out in our claimed camp site, which some cows had decided to take over. (see picture later)  It was so good to get out and away - away from the mess and away from some of the heat.  The kids climbed trees, conquered rocks, shot guns, ran away from cows, and got very very dirty. 

Kadin actually pulled this branch down for Isabella to grab onto - this was the moment he let go.

Titus and Hadassah happily dug in the dirt for a good amount of time. 

Our beautiful campsite was littered with cow patties, not to mention a few cows.  We would be merrily going about our business when a cow or a few would suddenly pop out of nowhere and scare poor Isabella terribly. 

We did go exploring and found our next camp site.  We are looking forward to going next week.

All that play makes for some tired babies.  Yes, I confess, that is chocolate. 

Flipping for her brother

Well I thought the title was fitting in view of the video , , , , ,

You can see where Hadassah gets her drive to push things physically to the limits.  Lately she has been infatuated with Titus.  I posted the picture of them a few days ago that I love.  She was just about to kiss him and is looking up at him adoringly.  She follows him around and if he leans up against the wall she will lean up against the wall next to him.  If he touches something, climbs somewhere; she follows.  She copies him and he for the most part enjoys her company. 

Stephen could not be happier with this development.  You see after having the three boys before Isabella he thought that was the perfect set-up: three bodyguards per daughter.  Then I had to throw that all off and have just one boy before I had the next girl ;)  Stephen says with Titus we might just need the one though . . . . .