this-n-that

One of the things we L.O.V.E. as a family are spontaneous camping trips. And if you live in the beautiful Pacific Northwest, you know that summer has been a bit late in coming. Anyways, all of this to say that we finally got our first miniature camping trip of the year in. My hubby got an unexpected day off on Friday; and so Thursday night, he suggested that we head over the mountains. (What a fabulous hubby/dad!:) He hooked up the trailer and we packed til the wee hours and left first thing Friday morning. Even though the campground that we were supposed to go to was closed and we ended up driving for an extra two hours, we had such a wonderful time! It's amazing how getting away for a couple of days and being removed from work and distractions at home truly rejuvenates a person. It also makes me realize how amazingly fast our kids are growing up and how important it is to take time and just enjoy them. We are beyond blessed to have these two little ones and can't believe they're 6 and 2 already!
And back to our little lady's birthday... We had a barbecue with one side of our family (for all of the July birthdays), on the other side, my mom lets everyone pick what they want for their 'birthday dinner.' And dessert, actually. Are we spoiled or what?!

(My mom is a blessing and someone I look up to so very much. She is always giving, thoughtful, and truly selfless. I aspire to be half the lady she is someday!)

Anyway, back to the birthday dinner: It's a dearly beloved tradition and one that we think about all year long when looking forward to our own birthdays. Our little girl's pick was lasagna, salad, green beans, and chocolate cake with chocolate frosting. She absolutely loved it and so did the rest of us! (Nana was very much relieved she didn't pick mac 'n cheese again!:)

She got her ears pierced and was so excited!

Little blue flowers were the pick. Such cuteness!:)

And then there's Mr. Mischievous at her birthday dinner. This little guy makes me laugh on a daily basis! He so often has this 'I have something up my sleeve' look.












He loved his sister's new chaps and insisted on wearing them...

As always... I'm just so thankful for family. We are truly blessed beyond measure!

happy birthday, little lady!

Where has the time gone? I cannot believe that our little girl is turning ((( 6 ))) this week! I know most every parent would say this, but I truly can't remember or imagine what life was like before she came into the world.

She loves her little brother, Boosky (her pony), Flopsy (the bunny), riding her bike, Carly (the doll she's had since her 3rd birthday), and she currently can't wait to start school. (Is this our daughter?!:) She is sweet and soft-hearted, yet strong. I sometimes still can't believe that we have the priviledge of being parents to such a special little girl. It is our prayer that she grows to love the Lord more and more each day... and we thank Him for her!

They melt my heart...

I just adore these two and am so blessed and thankful to be their momma!

(...and Miss Madelyn's auntie!:)

oh, what a beautiful morning...

It was a gorgeous morning! The sun was bringht, and the kids were itching to get outside and run off some excess energy. So my sister and I decided to pack them up and head on out to the park. A lovely time was had by all... on days like these I cannot imagine living anywhere else! ~~~

We also have a new addition to our little funny farm in town... Meet "Flopsy". My hubby has been working long and hard on the bunny hutch; it's finally done and the bunny is here! The little lady is oh so proud of her little pet, which she bought with her very own Christmas money. She makes sure that Flopsy has plenty of food and water several times a day, holds her so she doesn't get lonely, and carefully protects her from Ziggy (the miniature daschund who would love nothing more than a taste of that rabbit.) She's even excited about cleaning the cage! Who knows how long that will last, but we'll definitely enjoy it for now! :)

So Thankful...

"He tends His flock like a shepherd:

He gathers the lambs in His arms

and carries them close to His heart;

He gently leads those that have young."

Isaiah 40:11

I love my family beyond what words can express... yet I'm so thankful that God loves our families even more than we do. He directs their every step and holds them always. Praise Him for that!

the latest from the little farmer...

This little guy is cracking me up lately. He L.I.V.E.S to be outside... preferably with his dad. When he gets up from his afternoon nap, he hurries out of bed and grunts for his coat, shoes, and hat. And he wears them until Eric gets home, in hopes escaping the house. And no, Eric doesn't normally get home at 3:00. The Little Farmer will wear these around the house for 2 to 3 HOURS waiting for him if I'm not able to take him out.

His dad really likes his hat in this picture... the Tinkerbell blanket belonging to his sister, not so much!

Ride 'em Cowboy!

He loves his sister...

And while he hardly utters a word, he manages to say "too-tee"... cookie. He scrambles for a chair and promptly pushes it right up to the counter anytime he hears the mixer start.

He's lovable and sweet. Spunky. Mischievous. Determined. He's soft-hearted and compassionate. We love all of him and are thankful to God each day for the gift he is to us!

gifts

Sometimes when I look at this girl, I think to myself, "Is this really the girl who was placed in my arms for the very first time... 5-AND-A-HALF years ago already?" She stared right at me with the biggest, most beautiful, dark eyes... I am so humbled and thankful that God has given me the priviledge of being her mom. Every first-time mom is a true rookie... and my firstborn has had to put up with a serious learning curve! From not knowing what babies do, how to teach them as young children... all the mistakes I've made---oooooh! I don't want to even go there!

Yet God has given so much grace! Grace for me to be her mom, and grace for her to love and forgive me inspite of my mistakes. I'm thankful beyond words for both her and for her little brother. And for Eric... (there's a whole other blog post on HIS patience with me, though!:) In a world where there is much heartache, God is good. Our children, our spouses, our dear families, loved ones, the sunshine, each new day - they are gifts from Him; they're not ultimately ours, but HIS. And He commands us to think about whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable, excellent, or praiseworthy. And I know I've mentioned it before, but that list of things we're to think about follows the verse that tells us: "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God, and the peace of God which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus."

I guess with the recent heartache in our community...little Cash and Melanie who are now in Heaven, and Jensen who continues to suffer... it's once again my tendency to be anxious. But I know that is not the answer. All of these children are so precious to Him. And their presence in our lives is truly a gift from Him.