Oh Tannenbaum...

Eric and I realized we have been going to the same tree farm for 11 years. Loyalty at it's finest! Found the perfect one, chopped 'er down and away we went. Got it home and went to bring it in the front door and barely squeezed it inside. The top branch touched the ceiling as we laughed at how it must've grown on the way home! There was only one ornament casualty while decorating, from all the busy little helping hands which a little hot glue fixed right up and now that it's done, we all love it! We ended the night last night by all of us laying under the tree in the dark with its lights shining bright as we read a Bible story together. But my favorite part was the moments afterwards...a few years ago we started sharing with our kids' the stories of how they joined our family while laying under the Christmas tree. All unique. All very special. It wasn't anything we planned to do, but now they always ask to do it every year. Last night, Malakai could hardly wait. We asked him to tell us all the parts he could remember and he had most of the details memorized. My heart melted. He knows who he is! Isaac can hardly contain himself for tomorrow night...his turn! I hope they never want to end this tradition!

Feasting With Family

It's probably not ideal to start up the wood fired cook stove when it's 60 degrees outside, but when it's Thanksgiving Day and the turkey needs cooked, you do what you gotta do. Open the doors and windows and run around in the sprinkler...that's what I say! Eric loves this once a year tradition when he gets to be in charge of making breakfast and dinner at the same time. Ham and cheese omelets on the top and turkey on the bottom. Now that is efficiency folks! Every year we threaten to get rid of this thing because it takes up so much space and is only used 1 day out of 365, but then we taste the turkey, feel like real pioneers, and decide..."well, it's probably worth it!" Another turkey day with fond memories...

Noah: Six Months

Mr. Smiles is now six months old. He is the third boy in our family to wear this shirt. Those dimples. That laugh. Those two little pearly whites on his bottom gums. He is such a honey. Just what we needed for our fourth kiddo. Jesus knows us, this I love...

Soon Eight

Gap just called. I have always thought that Malakai could be a children's model...for something. Every year I wonder, "Can he get any more handsome?" He is growing into a fine young man. Gentle. Kind. Compassionate. The fruits of the Spirit just ooze from him. He's a gem.

Almost Five

This year instead of waiting until their December birthdays when it's freezing and gloomy outside, I decided to do the boys' yearly portraits in the fall. So fun to have leaves and green grass present. Isaac Ray is looking more like his Daddy as time goes on. Mischief always finds him. Can't you see it all over his innocent face? This was the first time I didn't have to work so hard to get him to pose and smile. Maybe he's growing up. Maybe...

Throw Off Everything That Hinders...

It was my birthday. Hadassah chucked her rake and ran to the top of the hill. All three kids took off in a dead sprint and jumped into the huge pile of leaves accumulating in our front yard. This is what Hebrews is talking about. Throw off everything that hinders. Run the race marked out for us. I love watching simple joy erupt in the hearts of my children. I want to be like them when I grow up...