Eli is Seven!

Eli's birthday got celebrated several times. We had a party when we were in Georgia for Easter, cupcakes as a family on his actual birthday and then cake and presents again this past Sunday with Kris' family. He's still saying it's his birthday. And why not? He's pretty awesome and totally worth celebrating over and over again.

I got a gift on his birthday too. I got to have him all to myself. My neighbor watched Susanna while Judah and Luke were in school. After his check up we went to Walmart to pick out his gift.

Then Susanna joined us for lunch at Chili's. Which is why the picture is blurry.

It's so rare that I get one on one time with Eli. The child is just fun. He's funny, he's polite, he's easy. In the chaos that abounds in our household, sometimes those qualities get lost a bit. It's amazing how much more settled he has been since that day. Almost like he knows himself again. I love it.

Eli, you sweet, fuzzy-headed, second baby bear of mine, you light up my life! I enjoy you! I'm so proud of who you are, you're very own self. There isn't a thing about you I would change. Not one thing. I can't wait to see what fun things this next year brings for you. I know that you will be brave and take the challenge. You have what it takes! Thank you for loving me and wanting to spend your day with me. I treasure that time, and I treasure you!

Susanna at 7 Months

"The only thing that separates us from the animals is our ability to accessorize." 

I think of this quote from Steele Magnolias every time I just can't help myself and put a bow on Susanna even though she's only wearing her diaper. It just makes me happy.

Her first time in a swing at the park.

Judah adores her as much as her big brothers do. And even when she sneaks up on him and grabs a handful of his hair when he's laying on the floor, he never is rough with her. It blows me away.

 Luke is my "babysitter" often.

Hallelujah! We can put her in a highchair and feed her puffs now. Mealtime is so much easier!

Look at that concentration. This was her first time. We were all rooting for her.

 It always cracks me up when they get stuck to their face.

She and Luke enjoy some good snuggle time.

She's mobile!

And she recognizes a good opportunity when she sees one. She crawled up to Judah while he was sleeping and pulled the kindle out of his hands.

This girl is pure sunshine. She wakes up with a smile and, as long as you give her a bed when she's ready, she smiles all day long. We are loving her to pieces!

Silly, Sleepy Eli

He was trying to play it off once he realized I was videoing it, but he couldn't quite wake up all the way. So silly, this kid.

A Few Videos

In calmer, sweeter moments, this is what our house looks like...

And in the not so calm and sweet moments, we leave our house and let them burn off some steam. They're far more confident that I would like them to be.

Judah on His Bike!

We've known for a while that Judah was ready to take the training wheels off his bike. Because of his tendency to want to do everything "all out, as fast as he can", we've hesitated. Alas, the day has come, and he is so proud.

Cuteness Catch Up

I really do love having a blog, and my purpose for it is not just so friends and family can see what we're up to, though that is definitely a benefit. I want my kids to know that I am enjoying them. I want them to know that this time of raising them, while challenging, is exactly what I want to be doing with my days. I want to capture the moments so I can go back and remember just how much I loved being their mom and giving them my life.

That said, I need more hands, more hours in the day (and the night, for sure), more of me to do all the things I need and want to do. Especially blogging. It's important, but not imperative, and therefore, it's often pushed to the side. Which is why I've not updated. So, I'm going to give you a mobile photo overload (because pictures with a real camera takes more coordination that I have time for).

Book character day at school (Peter from Chronicles of Narnia)

When my kids want to help, I try to never say no (no matter how badly I want to). They're capable of so much more than even I realize.

 Can't tell you how rare this is that he would sit and pose.

Not as rare as this one sitting and posing. Eli, remember this when you're going through pictures and wondering why there are practically NONE of you.

Not sure about the fascination these boys have with wearing their sister's things, but we all get a kick out of it.

And putting her in their things.

 I think we're just fascinated with her in general.

These two seem to have a special bond.

This girl is loving her big girl food!

And she is this happy 95% of the time.

 And for those times when she's not... :) 

You First!

In Exodus 33 Moses tells God,"Please don't send me with these people if You're not coming too!"

I'm so there! God, I cannot do this thing. I cannot leave this chair, this quiet moment with You, to lead these children through this day if You're not coming too. I don't want to stay in this place of little sleep and even less time of silence and stillness, moments alone, but never do I see my need for You more than when I'm here. When my life is in the rhythm I like, I rock along and look up sometimes to say, "Oh yeah, I need You." But in times like these, I cling to my chair, my moments with You, willing them to last just a bit longer.

You must come too! Your Presence first! You lead me! I cannot put one foot in front of the other unless you go first!