Had to get a few pictures of Lucy up before they are outdated!  She is such a sweet, easy baby.  She's getting so big!!  And losing her hair.  I think she'll be a blondie before too long.

Tea Party

Kayla has been enjoying Pioneer Girls this year.  This past week they held a mother-daughter tea party.  She talked about it for two weeks.  It was such a sweet evening.  Treats, singing, a game, and time with my special K.

Lately

I'd love to post more often than I do.  I often think of things that I should put on the blog but don't get around to it.  We have been enjoying this spring weather.  Mud seems to be the thing right now.  Even Kayla gets into it up to her elbows and loves it.  Good thing because there is plenty of it!  Jack's first soccer game of the season was yesterday.  I think the team was glad to be back together.  They have a fantastic coach and seemed to have a great time playing together- and they won!  After the game, Brian treated us to donuts from a wonderful bakery in town.  Yum!  His sister and her girls are in town so there has been lots of fun cousin time over the weekend, too. 
Whenever I catch a quiet moment, I am either reading "Uncle Tom's Cabin" or flipping through Better Homes and Garden.  We bought a house!!  Yippee!  So I'm looking for ideas because decorating is really not my thing.
And I have to say, in the midst of everything, I am developing a deeper appreciation of and admiration for my husband.  This guy is gifted in so many ways.  He handles the Word so well, is thoughful and intentional in his teaching of it. 
He leads his family well.
He loves us well.
He serves us well.  He's been doing the grocery shopping since Lucy was born and actually enjoys it!  He always brings me a new spice to add to me collection.  Flowers this week, too. 
What a guy.

So Sweet

I went in to check on Lucy this evening and my heart swelled up when I saw her.  Sucking her little thumb.  So, so sweet.  I love it.

 Not a bad way to start your morning, huh?

Lately...

"You think winter will never end, and then, when you don't expect it, when you have almost forgotten it, warmth comes and a different light."  from Wendell Berry's Hannah Coulter

I know, I know.  More W.B. quotes.  But if the shoe fits...  The warm weather was just in time for my sanity.  I've been feeling a little cooped up and cranky.  It's amazing to me how much difference some nice warm, sunny weather can make.  The kids and I made it outside today and it did us all good.  People are smiling, happily awaiting spring.  It's right around the corner!

 

  

Have I mentioned how cute she is?

The birthday party- complete with a camo-cake...

and indoor swimming.

Happy Birthday Jack!

 

I passed this little guy in the hallway the other day. "Bear."  I had to take a picture because as soon as I saw him, I thought to myself that there was a time when Bear would never have been left on the floor.  And if he was, it wouldn't be for long.  Jack took him everywhere.  He wore it out, rubbing his arm between his fingers while he sucked his thumb.  I remember one night I had put feet pajamas on Jack before bed.  As I got ready to turn out his light, he said he needed his "socks" off.  What he couldn't tell me was why.  Turned out, every night he put Bear between his toes.  That's why Bear was always at the end of the crib in the morning!

Well, Bear does not do life with Jack so much anymore.  Jack is eight today.   And yes, I'm getting a little teary again as I think about this neat guy who is growing up too fast and doesn't need his Bear. He's growing and learning all the time and has the best laugh and a great smile.  He brings us lots of joy and we are so very thankful for him.

 

  

  

First Birthday

 
 

  

Happy 8th Birthday Jack!