Brothers & Bubbles

I find it hard to capture all the precious moments that happen around here these days. I tell myself, "You'll remember that. No need to rush to get your camera." But let's be honest...I won't. And that's why I am a photographer. To help people remember those big or not so big moments in life. To freeze them in time. Forever. I am no different. I need to be reminded that these moments are fleeting. These 8 little feet that take up most of my waking moments will grow up and probably be parents of several little feet themselves. Wow. Mind blown. I am learning that family is a verb. An action word. Something we do. Not something we are. It is work. It is fun. It is hard. It is worth it.

These moments were captured yesterday right after lunch in the midst of lots of swirling wind and threatening thunderstorms. Life documented. They may not look like anything super special, but to me, they are precious moments I never want to forget. My sons snuggling together. My daughter blowing on her bubble pipe in her sundress, curly blond never-cut-hair flowing in her face, a newborn baby being passed around to 6 anxious arms who want to hold him...non stop!

My shutter needs to be clicking more so that time will not erase these days from my memory where simple fun was all we had and all we needed. Time together. In our yard. Just being. Mommy with her four arrows. Waiting for the return of our favorite person...Daddy!

Swim Lessons Or Bust

These two are learning how to swim this week. Yesterday was day one of four. Isaac almost opted out totally...finally getting in the water with five minutes to spare. Perseverance is key with him. The promised slushy at the end of the week is super motivating for both of them. Today, a different Isaac showed up. He was the first one in the water and led the way for the other kids. Of course. The lion heart. The leader, only if it's his idea. The one not easily swayed. Malakai is having a blast and swimming like a pro. Keep smilin', momma....keep smilin'!

A Dozen Years Together

Yesterday, a dozen years ago, I was given a new name...Mrs. Eric Martin. I am especially thankful for my loving husband. My solid rock. My best friend and biggest fan. For better or worse, I'm all in! We took a trip to Terrain for our anniversary dinner on Saturday evening. What a soothing, refreshing atmosphere! We hadn't been on a date in over three months so we were overdue. Noah and the other kiddos stayed at home with Grandpa and Grandma and we enjoyed some focused time together as husband and wife. We are grateful for the village helping us to raise our children and keep our marriage strong.

 

 

Pool's Open...

Suddenly my "big" kids are 2, 4, and 7. Praise the LORD, they entertained themselves and got along for a few hours in the kiddie pool today. I love hearing them make up stories and imagining things. Summer has officially begun when the little blue watering hole makes an appearance in the back yard. I like these three...

Four on the Floor

Today I finally was able to capture a moment with all four of my little loves together. This was no indication of a great day by any means. Malakai and Isaac both have the stomach bug and are spending time either in the bathroom or laying on the couch. I lost count of how many tantrums Miss Hadassah has thrown, not to mention how many diapers I have changed and the spit ups that landed on me. I went to the bank with three kiddos. And that was monumental. That's right folks, we won't be going on big adventures any time soon, so stop on over if you want to see us. And then there were four...

To Do List

If you've never read the Frog and Toad books, you are clearly missing out. I have some from my childhood that I still read to my kids. They get the biggest kick out of them. One of the stories involves Frog writing his to do list for the day. Simple things. And he feels a sense of accomplishment when he can complete a small task and crosses it off. This morning, I encouraged Malakai to make his own to do list. This is what he came up with completely on his own. The final one is by far my favorite one...

Noah: Newborn

He's laid back and easy to please so far. We are in love with our newest family member who is now 11 days old...