It's Crazy...

How I never seem to be able to keep up with more than one area of my life at one time.

It's Crazy...

How time slips through my fingers.

It's Crazy...

That I still haven't learned some of the lessons I've been in the process of learning for 20 years.

It's Crazy...

To know that, no matter what I do-
The people that matter love me,
God's mercy is new every morning,
And all things work together for good in the big picture.

And not much matters when you have this in your life!

A House Full of Princesses!

I love my daughters!

Each of them so beautiful!

And so amazing.

Super Chunk

My appologies to the Grandparents for whom this blog was originally created... I know these have not come as often as desired. As a result there will be an excessive number of photos of my son following. My appologies to anyone who is not quite as obsessively in love with him as I am. ;)

In chronological order from 3 mo to 4 1/2mo.

 

And a mini photo shoot

@4 1/2 mo

Rrrrroll!

Three months ago today...

 THIS

l

l

V

handsome little boy arrived in my arms.

And in the three short months since,

he has grown

and grown

and grown!

Into absolutely the cutest, roundest little boy, I've ever kissed and snuggled!

He is a delight. So sweet spirited and patient.

He is sleeping through the night, which I am LOVING!

And he has just discovered his laugh! So. Darn. Cute!

Little Van has charmed us all.

The whole family (and a good number of our friends) are absolutely smitten with this quiet, happy "little" chunk of boy! I am so grateful that he is mine!

And this smile...

Powell Gardens

Figure it's about time for a new post. I don't have anything profound to say at the moment, or at least, not enough time to let the thoughts ruminate into something deep, but pictures of my kids are always a good substitute, right?! Haha!

Mark & I aren't as cute-

but I know you all still love us!

ohhh, baby boys...

The princess after a dip in the fountains

My rocker-

thankfully this is water, not sweat.

This time.

My entertainer

= JOY

Just loove this one.

There were 4 grandparents in tow on this trip as well, but for the sake of space, I will save the 127 pictures for a Facebook album! :D

SLEDDING!!

 

23 degrees doesn't feel so cold after its been -14!

Why is it that it seems you spend twice as much time climbing back up as going down?

Ch- ch- cheeeesezzzzz......

Even Zaria went down the hill a few times!

The obligatory wipeout

She's not a baby girl anymore!

~

Zaria is 1!

I can't believe how fast this year has gone! I know we always say that, but it is SO true! It was a very short time ago that I was holding a tiny baby girl in my arms who was completely dependent on me. Now I have this toddler (gasp!) who can walk anywhere she wants to, climbs up stairs, talks on the phone, feeds and kisses her baby dolls, and is actually playing with her older sisters and brother! All in the space of one year! It's a bit of a shock to a parent's system I think, but it is an amazing process, and I never tire of watching it happen! She has such a fun and sweet personality, and she gives amazing hugs! I love this little girl and can't picture a day without having known what her smile can do to lift my spirits or imagine what our family would be like with out her! I am so excited to watch as she grows into a little girl with her own unique traits this next year and in the years to come.
We had a little party to celebrate HER on her day! I don't know if she realised it was all about her or not, but she had fun!

Loving her birthday cake!

oh yeah!

Sugar high in 4,3,2...

7 months old and still counting

Zaria is 7 months old! She is now closer to 1 than to 0! And this past month has been a very full one! She got her ears pierced and looks so pretty! She is the proud owner of two teeth with the third not far off! She has discovered FOOD! She's my girl, that's for sure! She wants it and wont give it up once she lays claim to whatever is in her (or your) hand. She is drinking out of a cup and sippy cups. The way she plays with her toys and all of us is so diferent now! She seems so big, and aware, and you can tell she is learning constantly! She is trying to scoot even though she would prefer to NEVER be on her tummy. She is taking steps when holding on to our hands! I never cease to be amazed at how fast the first years goes, or how much they change!

She continues to be so content (when her teeth aren't bothering her. They were really a bugger!) and is so sweet and happy. Her will power is starting to show as well. Don't even TRY to take away that box that she's chewed to a slobbery mass of "eww"- she will tell you off! haha

The Family

Cahira

Somehow, some way, known only to God and the mystery of time, my beautiful first born became a lovely 7 year old! How did this happen? I am amazed at the lovely young lady I see her becoming. She is truly kind and loving to everyone, and such a good friend. She is smart, fun and crazy, graceful, conciderate and creative. And I adore her. And now she is 7! I am in awe.


Cahira wanted to have an Island theme for her birthday, so on the day, we took the family to one of our favorite special occasion spots on the plaza, Kona Grill. We had delicious Pacfica food and sushi. So proud of my kids being willing to try unfamiliar food, using chopsticks, and eating sushi!

Then we sat by one of the many fountains while Cahira opened her gifts from the Grandparents, and family.

That weekend we had all her friends over for a "Luau". Nothing like swimsuits and island print shirts in February!

complete with hula contest!

which Esther won decidedly!

What we're doing

Our house is full (literally) with life and activity. Although Zaria is a born performer has taken the spotlight for awhile since her arrival, I thought I'd fill you in on all the other people who occupy space on our grand stage.

Eranae has grown up so much in the last few months. She is finding her own way of doing things and her personality has blossomed, even though she still loves to follow the lead of her big sister and brother. She has discovered a love of all things ART! All of the kids have art in their veins and genetic talent, but there is something special in it for Eranae and it is closer to the level of passion for her. She is just now learning to create realistic pictures but mostly enjoys abstract still. (haha) She is also getting very good with her letters and numbers and writing her name. She cannot wait for PreSchool to start this fall!

Trévan just had a birthday and is 5 now! That is a little hard to swallow! Where did that little chubby boy go? I am grateful that this tough, warrior, miniature man, still has a tender heart and a desire to protect those who need him, especially his sisters. Whenever there is a struggle of good over evil, this boy will come running! He has taken one Kung Fu lesson so far and loved it! His newest passion is playing Lego Star Wars on a borrowed PlayStation2. He eats, drinks, and breaths it. He would have no problem skipping every meal just to play.

Cahira is doing so well in school and we are really proud of how hard she's working. She has a special class for advanced students every Wednesday that she is really enjoying. But the best part of school for her is her relationships with her classmates and teacher, who all love her back. She is the most open, loving and accepting little girl I've ever met, and she is friends with the kids who don't have any other friends. The thing she is currently enjoying most is to read. She has a gift and reads with fluency and expression. She can sit and read for hours. I wonder where she gets that....

And the newest edition to the family doesn't quite fit in the category of one of our kids... lol! It has been great to have John living here. He has been adjusting to life in Kansas City and is starting to look for a job and developing relationships. Looking forward to seeing what the next year has in store for him.