A few of my favorite things

The way that Abby "helps" me cook by putting her hand on my arm when I am stirring, pouring, etc.


The way Michael snuggles when I am feeding him- holding onto my hand and wrapping his leg around my arm.


The way Michael's face lights up and the squeals of joy whenever he sees his brother or sisters.


The way that Abby calls Emma and Timothy "My Guys". 


The way that Emma and Timothy are so patient and thoughtful to include Abby when they play.


Abby's unique and rather entertaining perspective.  (Grandpa: "Abby, aren't you supposed to be taking a nap?"  Abby: "Yes."  Grandpa: "Why are you out here playing?"  Abby: "Well, I was in bed and I was so sad and I was crying.  Now I am up here playing and now I'm so happy!"  Cue cheesy smile.)  or (Grandma: "Abby, would you like your ham hot or cold?"  Abby: "I would like mine just right, please.")


The way that none of the kids think they are too grown up for hugs and snuggles.


The way that Randy can rough house and play with the kids in ways that I can't, and the sheer joy on their faces when playing with Daddy.


The way that Randy makes the kids a priority, no matter how long his day has been or how hard he has been working.


The way that Randy still looks at me in ways that still make my heart flutter, no matter how long my day has been.


Seeing Abby and Michael working so hard to be like Emma and Timothy, even though I know it means they are growing up, too quickly for my liking.


Emma's sweet, sensitive heart and the love that she shows to others and to animals.


Timothy's determination and ingenuity in finding new ways to build and create.


Seeing the kids light up with pride and excitement when they learn and master new things.


The crazy imagination that the kids show, in the way they play, the way they create and design and build things, the names and stories they create.
 
Fulfilling my lifelong calling to be a wife and mother, and the intense joy and contentment that it brings to my heart.


Waking up to these beautiful faces every day. :)

Blessed?  I think so! :)

I'm blessed

Wow!  I didn't post anything during the month of February!  I knew it had been a while, but I guess it was longer than I thought.  It certainly isn't that we didn't do anything, or that I didn't have anything to be thankful for.  I guess we were just busy.  And when we weren't busy, I was just enjoying not being busy. :)  Anyway, let's see if I can catch up just a little bit.

One thing I am thankful for is the day that we were invited to a Valentine-making party.  One of the moms in our homeschool group decided to host this party with her daughter, and invite a bunch of the girls in our group.  (Even though the party was primarily for the girls, the other kids were also invited.  Timothy had a lot of fun playing outside and looking at the chickens, and I really enjoyed sitting and visiting with friends!)  Emma definitely had a wonderful time, making glittery Valentine's, playing dress-up and just being girly with friends. :) 

The last week in February, we took a little mini vacation to Arrowwood resort.  We arrived on Monday and spent the day at the water park.  Tuesday morning we just took our time getting going and just relaxing after a rather long night.  (SO thankful that we had a room with a separate little bedroom area with bunk beds.  Emma and Timothy took the bunks and Abby was on the floor next to them, so we just had Michael with us.)  After holding Michael almost all night, we decided to bring him in to the dr.  He had just finished his second round of antibiotics the previous week for his first ear infection.  When we brought him in, he was put on a different antibiotic, as the ear infection was still there.  (We actually brought him in again the following week and he was put on another different antibiotic- the strongest one they could give him.  It seems this was an antibiotic-resistant ear infection, and we are SO thankful that it finally cleared up!)  After the dr. visit, we spent the rest of the afternoon and evening swimming in the pool.  It was actually a very relaxing day, and we are almost the only ones in the pool, which made it nice.    I am definitely thankful to have the flexibility in our schedule to do fun things whenever they work the best for our family!


Last weekend we visited my parents and celebrated birthdays for Randy, my sister and my brother-in-law.  My sister and brother-in-law also brought their camera and equipment to take more pictures of our family and the kids!  I am VERY excited to get copies of those! :)  


I am also definitely thankful for the beautiful weather we have had lately!  The kids have been thoroughly enjoying playing outside, riding bikes, flying homemade plastic bag kites and generally being kids. :)  I am so thankful that we have the space for them to run free and just enjoy playing and exploring!  Seeing Randy working on machinery and picking up seed reminds me that spring planting is just around the corner, and I am so thankful for God's blessings on our farm and Randy's work, and for a husband who works so hard for our family!  :)


I am really, truly thankful for God's love, grace and joy that supersedes sleepless nights, piles of dishes and laundry and any other minor inconveniences.  :)  I am really, truly blessed beyond measure!