my big girl

Before......

After....

our big 9 year old

Today Hannah turned 9.  It just seems so much older than 8 to me, somehow.  We had a fun family day together.  Of course it started with our traditional birthday breakfast, followed by presents.

We all hung out together for the morning.  Dad took the older kids rollerblading, one of Hannah's favorite things.  For lunch, Hannah and I had a mom-daughter date to a Japanese Steakhouse.  It was the first time she'd seen a hibachi grill.   She loved the food and it was fun a fun experience.

After that we came home and picked up the other girls and hit the movies for an afternoon showing of "The Return of Nanny McPhee".  All of the girls were giddy with excitement since we average about one movie per year, if that.

We came home and grilled out hotdogs for dinner, had birthday cake and sang Happy Birthday to my sweet oldest girl.  It was such a fun day for everyone... but it was markedly different than her other birthdays.  For one, there were no toys.  This year, she wanted books and a journal and other "grown-up" gifts.  There was no theme to the party... just her favorite colors....pink and orange.

She wanted to help make the cake and spend quality time together.  She wanted to make the day great for the little ones and not make it only about her.  

She really is growing up right before our eyes and it not so much a little girl anymore, but rather a big girl, well on her way to becoming a young lady.  She's tall and she's able and in two weeks she gets braces.  She's my helper and she's responsible and still so much fun... just in a more grown up way.

And tonight, when I put her to bed, she wasn't sitting in the middle of the floor playing with her new toys like I can so clearly remember her doing on every birthday past.   Tonight she was lying in her bed, after tidying her room, writing in her journal about her 9th birthday.  As it should be.  Because she is 9 now, after all.

I love you, Hannah and am so thankful that God gave us you.  What a joy it is to see you growing up right before our eyes.  Happy Birthday, baby!

irony

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.

Happy Birthday, Hannah!

Happy Birthday, sweet Hannah!  It's hard to believe you're 8 years old already.  That just sounds so old!  It's been fun to watch how much you've grown and changed this year.  You are certainly my much needed helper everyday now.  Thanks for changing diapers and feeding the baby.  For helping with clean up and dinner time.  You are getting to be such a big girl.  You're sisters and brothers are really looking up to you and I appreciate you making every effort to be a good example for them.  You have a sweet heart and such a fun spirit.  I hope you have lots of fun this year!  I love you!

Piano recital

Hannah had her first piano recital today and did a wonderful job.  We were so proud of her as she stood up and introduced herself confidently (or at least loudly) and then played 2 pieces and did an excellent job.

Before the recital, waiting nervously for her turn.

Afterwards:  Sweet relief!

Good job, Han!

I dare you...

Really, I dare you....

because you really can't do it....

especially if you happen to be a grandparent....

I dare you to look at this picture....

without smiling.

Go ahead....

I dare you.

And now, speaking of smiling, remember track and field day at school?  The day when you get to play outside all day?  The day when the air is full of excitement, intermingled with the smell of sweaty kids?  Well, that day was this week at Hannah's school and a great time was had by all. Ken got to stop by for a while and cheer her on and take a few pictures.  (You know if we were there, pictures were taken.)  Hannah came in the first in one of the track races and 1st in the hula-hoop contest, but the true highlight of the day was the water balloon toss.  Good times.

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.

"Barnyard moo-sical"

Hannah was in her first school musical this week.  She's the white chicken on the far right.  She was a cute chicken and after all the kuddos she got on the bus on the way home, she declared, "Mom, I'm famous!"

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!  :)

Happy Birthday, Hannah!

This past weekend we celebrated Hannah's 7th birthday... What can I say? Of course it is so cliche to say how fast she seems to be growing up and honestly, that's not entirely true. Some days it seems like it's taking forever. :) But most days, I'm amazed at how she is maturing right before our eyes. I have to admit, there was a time when I thought Ken and I might not survive 7 days with her, much less 7 years....those of you that knew Hannah as a baby know what I'm talking about. But somehow, through God's grace alone, He is growing her into a beautiful, funny, smart little girl that is becoming a joy to us in ways we couldn't have imagined. We pray that God will continue to make her into His image, that she will grow to be a godly woman after His heart and that we will get to enjoy her for 70 years to come!

Ken's parent's were in town for the weekend celebration and we all enjoyed some good family time together.

We had a house full of 7 year olds, cake, presents, a pinata and even borrowed a neighbor's water slide for the occasion. I think fun was had by all.

School days...school days....

Well the girls started back to school on Tuesday and had a blast. Gracey started Kindergarten this year and told me that she loves school more than rocky road ice cream. That is high praise coming from Grace. Hannah is liking 1st grade as well, although going to school every day is taking a bit of getting used to. She likes her teacher and has made several new friends but thinks it would be a good idea to take a day off every once in a while. Here are a few of the typical first day of school photos that we all remember so well. :)

This was the girls getting off the bus the first day...Grace was especially proud of herself!

Me too...

Today was the girls' last day of summer vacation. School starts tomorrow, and they are excited to say the least. We've had a fun day of family time and getting everything ready...new backpacks, lunchboxes, school clothes, etc. Tonight, as we were winding down and getting everyone ready for bed, it was pretty much the typical scene. Hannah was in the bathroom, Gracey was looking for PJs, Claire was gathering her toys for bed and Jake was running down the hall trying to avoid being diapered after his bath. In the midst of the craziness, Hannah yells to me to come to the bathroom. I quick poke my head in and she just gives me a big smile and says, "Mom, I'm glad you had all these kids."

Is our house crazy? Absolutely. Loud? Without a doubt. Do I struggle daily with how exactly the Lord will carry us through raising so many so close together? Definitely. But God is God and I am not. He promised me that children are a blessing and I know Him to be faithful. I am slowly and sometimes painfully learning that blessings aren't always in the form of easy and happy but more often in the struggles and trials that make us more like Christ. Without a doubt I know that we are blessed beyond measure and God has given us much more happiness than hard for only reasons His grace can explain.

It's so good of God to give us little doses of affirmation and encouragement when we least expect it. I just smiled at Hannah tonight and said, "Me too." And I meant it. :)

Our first blog...

Well, we are officially entering the world of blogging. After ready everyone else's blogs with much envy, I decided to take a giant leap into the 21st century and create our own. I have to admit that I have no idea what I'm doing, so I'm making no promises. And if I'm as disciplined with blogging as I am with scrapbooking...well, you get the picture.

For all of you whose blogs I've been enjoying but those of you I haven't seen in years, I'll give a brief update of what we've been up too lately. We are now living in Carmel, IN. Ken was transfered here with the Navy last year and so far we have loved it here. The weather is beautiful, the people are friendly and it's close to Ken's family, which is great. Ken gets to be home most every night and so the family time with this job has been great. Speaking of the family....here's the run down.

Hannah is now 6 and has just finished Kindergarten. She's still the "first child" in every way. She is smart, strong-willed and has an amazingly innate need for justice.

Grace is 5 and will start school in the fall. She is a typical "middle" child who loves to be different, is very giving and loving and is Hannah's #1 sidekick.

Claire, now 3, is a sweet, independent little girl who can usually be found playing with her animals and carrying around baskets of toys and other items she's collected.

Jacob, 2, the lone boy...so far. He is a very happy, very spunky little boy who is very chatty and has a love for all trucks, balls and Jay-Jay Jet Plane.

Last fall we had been expecting our 5th little one, but lost the baby at about 3 months. We named him Jordan and are looking forward to seeing him in Heaven one day.

Our newest news is that we are expecting again in February. We just saw the heartbeat today on ultrasound for the first time. Of course, we are thrilled and more thankful than ever for this blessing.

It's quite likely that I won't be blogging often, but I'm hoping to stay in touch and would love to hear from all our old friends in blogging world.