The awesomeness that is Grace

Creativity is her thing. Quietly, she creates. Every single day, there is a creation of some type. A new invention. A new way to view the ordinary. We honestly put Scotch tape in her Christmas stocking. Her mind amazes me.



Sometimes I remember to take pictures. Not usually. But I don't ever want to forget these days The hours and hours spent creating. The costumes, the gadgets. Hundreds of them.



And all of them make her smile. And make us smile. And make up the awesomeness that is Grace.

Birthday girl

Happy Birthday to my beautiful Grace!

Yesterday Gracie turned 7 years old.  We did our traditional birthday breakfast, complete with purple pancakes in the shape of a "G".  There were balloons and presents and candles and lots of singing.  And this was all before 8am, of course.  

Ken was off work for the morning, so we got to spend the morning all together, just playing games and enjoying the day.  Since G got to choose what she wanted for lunch, she chose the fine culinary experience of Taco Bell.

Tomorrow night we are having a slumber party with a few of her friends and I'm sure there will be endless giggling and silliness, so I'll just wait and post all the birthday pictures then.  But for now, here are a few of my favorite memories of Gracie this year....

Roller blading all over the neighborhood.  Learning to ride her bike down the steps.  Her excitement for watching birds and making countless bird feeders for the back yard.  Playing puppies and kitties and "puppymentary" with her sisters.  Being her little brother's best friend.  Getting her 2 front teeth knocked out with a snow shovel (okay, that's not a favorite, but it's definitely a memory).  All of the animals and various creations she has made from things in the recycling bin.  Her beautiful artwork...drawings and paintings and pastels.  Her imaginative stories and deep thoughts.  Wearing skirts nearly everyday and looking like our beautiful little flower child.  Her contagious laugh and willingness to beat her own path.  Sledding and snow angels and playing in the rain in her polka-dotted rain boots.  All the sea shells she has given me and rocks she's collected.... never failing to take a walk without bringing me flowers she's picked.  And my newest favorite memory... the beautiful ring she made me for Mother's Day from a key ring and a purple painted seashell, all wrapped up in a matchbox.

I love you, our little California girl.   Happy Birthday!

tummy troubles

It's about 4 am, and I'm sitting on the couch watching cartoons.

Well, I'm not watching them, but I'm snuggling and blogging as a sweet little girl beside me watches them. She woke up in tears tonight with a terrible tummy ache. We tried everything and found that the best cure tonight was cartoons.

This tummy trouble was likely gas and who knows what else, but I think some of it was heart ache as well.

It's been a rough week for the kids. Their very best friends moved away yesterday and there have been lots of tears. We move so much that normally we are the ones to leave and not the ones to get left behind. But not this time. This time we had to say goodbye to friends we've come to love, knowing that we will likely never see them again, this side of Heaven. That's tough at any age, especially when your 6. Or 8. Or 5.

There are so many blessings that we have been given through our "Navy life", but this isn't one of them. I'm not loving having to watch my kids say goodbye to friends over and over.

I grew up in a very, very small town. I never really moved, and I graduated with the same people I started Kindergarten with. Alot of those people are still there. It's strange that my kids, at least so far, don't have a place that they are "from". When they are 19 and in college and someone asks them where they are from, there will be a long answer instead of a short one.

I know that God loves them and is using this all for their good as well, so I don't normally lose alot of sleep over this. But tonight, I am losing sleep. Because I'm watching Garfield with a little girl who woke up tonight and remembered that her friends moved away.

Right now she's smiling and eating cereal and we're talking about the giant cupcake that's chasing Odie down the street. Sometimes a little TLC is all you need to get over the hard parts in life, I guess.

It's been a rough week, but I think they're going to be okay.

snowflakes

It's been snowing this week.  Again.  I've decided that, although we don't get nearly as much snow as some of our fellow northerners, we get plenty up here.  We've enjoyed a winter so far with enough snowfall for playing and not enough to make you crazy.  There is a fine line there.

But no  matter how many times it snows, it never, ever gets old to the kids.  They run out into is as fast as they can get their little boots on.  Every time, you would think it was the first time they'd ever seen snow.

And every time, they immediately stick out their tongues and try to catch a snowflake or two.   And they usually do.

There's just something about the feeling of a fresh, crisp snowflake on your tongue, I guess.

But, try as you may, if you still can't catch one....


You can always just lick one off the door.

Really.  I'm sure it's clean.

Gracie-isms

Yes, that was the handprint of sweet Grace on my last post.  I so love finding little notes and drawings from her.  She loves making gifts and surprises and it melts my heart.  

She also is a thinker.  She says the funniest things sometimes.  Here's a couple of Gracie-isms from this week.

**As she was eating grits for dinner,  "Mom how do you think people that use chopsticks eat their grits?"    

How many regular chopstick users do you think have ever eaten grits?

**As she was working on her schoolwork, she had to write a word that rhymes with "sing".  (I'm thinking....king?  ring?) Nope.  "I know!  Bling!!!  Like, this necklace is a nice piece of bling!!"  

I my defense, I think she learned that one from "Snow Buddies".

**  And one more. 

G:  "Mom, can I have a big, BIG sheet of paper?"

Me:  " How big?"    

G:  "As big as your stomach!" 

No comment.

And speaking of fun little girls.... we're about to have a house full of them.  We're having a sleepover tonight with 7 giggly girls.  All night long.  Bless us every one.

little things...

photo rewind

Over the holidays, I got a bit behind in my posting... as you can see from the pictures.

Obviously these pictures can't be too recent because, as you can see, the grass was green.  And who knows, maybe it is still green.  But seeing as how it has been buried under snow for a few weeks now, it's hard to tell.

However, a few weeks back we did have a slight warm up and most of the snow melted.  For a few glorious days we had warmer temps and green grass.  And puddles.  Lots and lots of puddles.

For a 3 year old boy, this is just too much to resist.  So we just pulled on the snowboots and off he went.

There was lots and lots of splashing.  And jumping.  And playing.

And smiling.  So much smiling.  There's just something about watching a boy and a puddle.

Of course while we were out enjoying the melty-ness of it all, the other kids came out and enjoyed some playtime too.  They played at the park and ran around sans snow pants. This is Gracie taking a rare chance to practice on her new rollerblades.

And of course little man joined us too.  He's been inside all winter with these frigid temps, so he was like a bird out of a cage.  He loved the little break from winter, as we all did.   It's the little things that keep you going, right?

Here's hoping for another thaw.  Soon.

highlights

I so love to blog and so miss when I can't do it, but it's been a busy few weeks here at our house.  As much as I would love to go into way more detail than anyone actually cares to read, I'll hit the highlights because I'm very, very sleepy and am heading to bed soon.  

So, here they are.

In no particular order.  

With some pictures.

Again, in no particular order.

School is going well.  I am learning lots.  We made wigwams and tepees and learned what a Calumet is.  The girls then made leaf outfits for their pet-shops so they could live in said tepees and wigwams. We studied pilgrims and stars and we're growing kidney bean plants and an herb garden. The kids started art class with other homeschoolers on base.  Way cool.

We've done more playing at parks and walking on beaches.  We've visited a fall fest and rode horses (pictures later) and checked out the libraries.  Ken and boys found a starfish, the girls found crabs.  Fall arrived and it's chilly outside.  The wind blows here like crazy.  We saw a skunk in our backyard.  It sprayed our neighbor and his dog.  We also still have lots of raccoons, but after reading this story we decided to leave them alone.

We found a church we like.  It's Evangelical Free and more contemporary than we're used to, but the teaching is good and there is lots of good fellowship.  I have been questioned by a few I have met there as to whether or not I am "the lady with 5 kids."  Yes, I am.  And I still wish the church (read, protestants) was more open to life.

Hannah and Grace are spending lots of time riding their bikes.  Our fearless little Gracie, who just took off the training wheels is even riding down steps now.  Claire burns rubber, or plastic as the case may be, on her big wheel.

Jake and Nate are really beginning to bond as brothers.  Nate just loves watching his big brother do everything.  They "play" blocks together and Jake loves to make him laugh.  They take a bath together now and there is lots and lots of splashing.  We're getting the firsts tastes of having "boys".  I think it's going to be fun.



Nathan is all over the place.  He army crawls like a pro and easily gets from lying down to sitting.  He's even beginning to pull up on things.  Definitely a mover and a shaker.  He's as sweet as ever and has spunk.

Ken is working hard as a student.  Tests and papers are now part of the norm.  This is a somewhat busy trimester for him, but things should ease up in a few weeks.  Either way, he's a student and that's pretty great.  We're still liking base housing.  Made lots of friends.  Joined a homeschool group here on base and lots of mommies and kids to hang out with.

I'm still taking lots of pictures.  Of everything.  And I love it.

The older 4 kids are all in one room now.  It's like a slumber party every night.  They are really liking the arrangement and doing really well.  Nathan is now out of our room and we finally have our own room again.  Stand by for another baby.  

Just kidding.  

I think.

A week of firsts

It seems that milestones come all at one time in our family and this week was one of those times. Grace officially became a big girl this week by taking off the training wheels. After just a little practice, a couple of skinned knees and one scraped chin, she is now an official bike rider. She is doing great and is very proud of herself. The best part is that she can now keep up with her big sister and the older kids at the park.

Nathan got his first tooth this week.  Of course, he's been eating like a mad man for a month or so now, but now he can really do some damage.  He had his 6 month check up today and is doing well.  He's nearing 22 lbs, still a pretty hefty boy for his age.  I would have gotten a picture of the afore mentioned tooth but he wasn't in the mood.  As fun as it is that he's now getting pearly whites, I'm thinking this may speed our weaning process a bit.  Let's just say, the boy's got chompers now and he's not afraid to use them.

The other big deal this week is that Jake finally went from half potty trained to fully potty trained.  He's had it only half mastered for a while, but the "poop" issue has been holding him back.  He figured it out this week and is now very excited about the whole process.  I know, all this is a bit graphic to discuss publicly, but it really is a huge milestone in our house.  But don't worry, I didn't take a picture of that one.   You're welcome.  :)

cuddly

Gracie came up behind me last night and gave me a big hug.

"Mommy you are so cuddly.  You're all soft, just like you're stuffed with stuffing."

I'll choose to take that as the compliment it was intended to be.

deep thinker

As I have said before, my little Grace is my deep thinker.  She comes up with the most mind boggling questions sometimes.

A few days ago, while watching cartoons, she turned and said, "Mom, how come God is God and we're not?"  To which I astutely answered, "What?"

"You know, why is there only one God and we can't be God?"

Don't we all wrestle with that questions from time to time?  We just never phrase it quite like that.

Other times, I think she just enjoys trying to stump me.

Like today, "Mom, I bet you don't know how many people are in the entire world."   So I, needing to prove my mental prowess, said, "About 7 billion."

"Nope, I meant in Heaven too."

No, I don't know how many people have ever lived on earth, much less their spiritual condition or their eternal  dwelling.  I guess she got me.

The Kindy 500

In the spirit of the Indy 500 which is (as you might imagine) wildly popular up here, the girls' school annually holds the "Kindy 500".  And it is adorable.  It is a big wheel race for the Kindergarten classes and the whole school turns out to cheer them on.  Hannah participated last year and this year it was Gracie's turn.  She was on the gray team, and when it was her turn  in the relay she put the pedal to the medal (or the feet to the pedals, as the case may be).  We were all there to cheer her on, and she very much enjoyed her moment to shine.

Heading out for the big race.  They even took a "parade lap" and a "victory lap".

Sweet Grace...leading the pack!

It must be somebody's birthday

There are streamers hanging in the doorway.  The table is decorated with flowers and gifts and pretty plates.  It must be somebody's birthday.

There are piping hot stacks of  pink pancakes on the stove.  Yes, it must be somebody's birthday.

There is even a "G" pancake cooking on the griddle.  I think I know whose birthday it must be.

Happy Birthday, sweet Grace!  We love you so much and are so thankful for every day of the last 6 years with you!  I'm so excited for you... that it now takes 2 hands to show how old you are!  It doesn't get much cooler than that.   I love you sweetie!  Happy Birthday!

3 peas in a pod

This is what I found when I went in to check on the girls tonight before I went to bed.  This is a twin bed, mind you.  I guess you can never be too close.    :)

Update:  Hannah told me this morning that the new sleeping arrangement was due to the thunderstorm last night.  Apparently there's safety in numbers.

like jello

Now midweek, we are recovering from a fun-filled week with family.  Ken's folks, as well as his sister and her family were here for a visit and a good time was had by all.  With 3 families (17 people!) under one roof for 2 nights, you would think we probably maxed our capacity.  I have learned, however, that family is a bit like Jello.  There's always room for more. 

The highlight of the weekend was that Nathan got to meet all of his cousins for the first time.  Then, while everyone was here we had an early double birthday party for Grace, who is about to 6, and for Bumpa, who is about to be double 6.  Food, family, fun and cake.  Who could ask for anything more?

Happy May Day

Grace: " Mom, when babies are born, I know how you tell the difference between a girl baby and a boy baby."

Mommy:  (thinking I know what she's going say), "How's that?"

Grace:  "Girls have pink hats and boys have blue hats."

Life is so much simpler when your 5, isn't it?

Kids say the funniest things

Here's a few snippets of real conversations I had with a few of my kids this week:

Claire:  Mommy, will you give me my cup of ice water?

Me:  Where is  your cup?

Claire (being completely sweet and sincere):  Oh, I haven't ordered it yet.  Will you get me a cup of ice water, please?

Well, it works at McDonalds, right?

Yesterday, in a conversation with Grace (my child of many deep thoughts):

Grace:  Mommy, I think that there is food in Heaven.

Me:  Really?

Grace:  Yes, I think they eat bread and grape juice.

Well, makes since to me.

And in yet another conversation with my sweet and sassy 7 year old, I was reminded of how much little ones learn from their friends.  Shudder at the thought.

Hannah (speaking of a neighbor girl who she considers her BFF):  Mom, she's my sister from another mister!

WHAT?!?!?  I suppose I will soon have to explain the intricacies of that statement.  Soon, but not today.  :)

Short hair for all my friends!!!!

....again!  Once again, I have gone through the house with scissors and given every one a short, low maintenance  haircut....then they even styled it themselves, see?   It started because Gracey gave herself a cut a few days back and it was in desperate need of "evening up".  Of course, once Gracey got a haircut, everyone else needed one as well.  Jake, though not pictured here, got his usual military cut as well.  I love the girls with long hair, but I must say the time spent not dealing with squirming and brushing is great.

For a quick baby update....we are at due date minus 2 days!  I'm hoping to see our little one anytime now, hopfully by Wednesday or Thursday or I have a feeling we may be inducing.  Please keep praying for a healthy baby and safe delivery, as well as for the other little ones who will be getting lots of extra love and snuggles from Nana and Pa while we're in the hospital.  

We'll keep you "posted".  :)

This pose isn't something you can teach...either your a diva, or your not.  :)

Christmas sing

The older girls were a part of the children's choir at church this year and this was their big Christmas performance.  They did great and Hannah even had her first speaking part.  They performed 2 nights and on the 2nd night I noticed during the singing that Gracey wasn't closing her mouth all the way.  The whole time, she had a bit of an Elvis snarl on her face.  Afterwards, I realized that "backstage" they had put blush and lip gloss on all the girls (see photo)...Gracey was afraid that she'd mess up her make up if she touched her lips together!  Singing to Jesus is great while keeping her make up straight!  :)