Homemade

I wish I could've made more gift this year. Well, I did make pounds and pounds of peanut butter fudge and english toffee for DOCs and PAs who refer patients to us. But I just enjoy the handcrafted gifts for people who are close. We did brave Petroglyph (it's a place you can pick out and paint pottery, then they fire it for you) one morning. It was pretty fun, and the kids made a masterpiece with their handprints for Eric. If only he didn't happen upon these pictures on the camerea before Christmas morning. Oh well, I saw what he's giving me on accident, though he doesn't know it yet. So, I guess we're even.

The First Noel

The kids got to sing at church this morning...and of course I just have to post the video (mainly for family that lives out of town). Emory's class gave us a CD of The First Noel that we've been listening to at home and in the car constantly. We went to a little practice this week and she did great. We were unsure of how she'd do when she actually had to stand up in front of everyone on Sunday morning, but she went for it and sang out her little heart, holding Sam's hand the whole time. Afterwards she helped Sam down the risers and held his hand all the way out the church doors. Too cute, and a proud mom moment. The second service singing ended in Sam dropping that globe that I'm not sure even why he was holding (see photo), picking it up, dropping it again, crying and coming down the risers to me. It wasn't nearly as smooth, but still cute. Everyone told Emory what a great job she did singing, and now she won't stop singing one Christmas song after another. I just love it!
Rats, I can't get the video to post. It's on my facebook account (Grandmother, maybe my mom can show you when she comes to visit).

Cherished Time

Naptime is cherished time around the Ingram household, as I'm sure it is in many other homes where there are young enough children to still take naps. I guard my afternoons with everything in me, because I need a bit of peace and quiet too. Emory quit napping at least a year ago, but we still have rest time where she is 'supposed' to play quietly by herself...doesn't always happen. And when she is with me she seriously does not stop talking...ever. Silence does not exist while she's awake.
But, one cold day recently Emory was playing dress up. She put on a fancy princess dress & my big coat and sat down on the couch to look at the Christmas tree. I saw her just sitting there staring at the tree. 5 minutes later I found her like this. She was so sound asleep she was snoring. I happily enjoyed the silence while baking in the kitchen. Aaahhhh.

OLIVER

There is a great Children's Music Theater in San Jose that Jenny (my sister-in-law) has taken her daughter Ella to. We thought it be a special Christmasy thing to take our girls, and get their grandmas together (plus Auntie Annie) and all see a play this month. So there were 8 of us, including my mom, Theresa, and Jenny's mom. Emory was beyond excited to have a girls' day, curl her hair (a first for her), and dress fancy to be with her cousin and grandmas. OLIVER was the show this month and it was fanstastic. Precious kids and teenagers singing, getting into character, and making a pretty professional show. I could not be farther from a performer (being on stage in any fashion is actually one of my biggest fears), but I have an appreciation for those who have the gift, and some of these kids really have it. They were made to sing, dance and act. They were great. And I love that Emory is old enough to start getting into some of these things. I'm already planning when we can go see another.

Just for Fun

As much as I think that these precious siblings do nothing but bicker, pester, and annoy each other, they really do have many moments of sweet playing.

The day after we got back home from our Nashville trip E & S found a couple of spare pull-ups while we were unpacking. And of course, what do they quickly become - HATS. They played on our bed forever pretending who knows what. They even wore them in the car all the way to the gym and wanted to wear them in the Kid's Club there. We put the hiatus on that one - and thus the fun ended. I love how Sam's hair was sticking out one of the leg holes on top of his head. And I love even more that, at times, E & S truely are buddies.

Unbelief

Okay, so I've heard from a few friends who have older kids that their kids are trying to figure out if this Santa and Reindeer stuff is a hoax. In our house we haven't made a big deal of Santa. Last year I think I told Emory a couple of times that we pretend about Santa, and we worship and sing songs to Jesus. And I can't remember ever believing in him as a kid. I just always knew it was mom and dad, but there were still presents left unwrapped for us from Santa Claus. And I was never let down.

Well, in the last couple of days I've been asking Emory what she wants Santa Claus to bring her for Christmas. She doesn't really know, and will happy with anything Santa brings her - but she is already saying, "Mommy, I know that it's you and Daddy that give me presents on Christmas." The song 'Here Comes Santa Claus' was playing this morning and Emory says, "You give me presents Mommy." I said "What do you mean, Santa brings presents". She says, "No Mommy, you and Daddy do. I know it's not Santa."

Now, really, I don't care whether or not believes in Santa, because as fun as all the make-believe is, we want our kids to somehow see Jesus at Christmas. I'm just a little surprised at her unbelief, I mean she's only 4. And I really wouldn't care if she didn't believe as long as she wasn't spoiling it for other kids who do.

Today we were with her friend Grace. Grace was talking about a Princess dress that Santa was going to bring her. Emory leans over and quietly starts to tell Grace, "Grace, you know that it's really your Mommy and Daddy that bring you presents, not Santa". As I saw the very confused look on Grace's face I had to cut Emory off and say something like, "Oh, of course Santa brings all kids presents. And we are going to see Santa this year..." And so, I think I will play Santa up a bit more in our house, just so that other kids can believe for a little while longer.

Thanksgiving Week

Eric took a much needed week of work so we could head to Tennessee for Thanksgiving. After a grueling 14 hour travel day with sick kids, we made it. Our first stop was Chattanooga, a small artsy college town beautifully built on the Tennessee River. Our dear friends from Atlanta met up with us there for a few days. Briley & Brannen have to be two of the most darling girls I've ever seen. Emory could not get enough of them. And other than the kids sharing all their swine flu germs (I'm not positive they had it, but wouldn't be surprised), and Eric having a massive sinus infection it was an enjoyable trip. There were highlights for sure(eating greesy Cheeseburgers, finding a great coffee shop, the aquarium), but traveling with sick ones was not one of them.

On Tuesday made our way to Nashville, well Franklin to be exact, to be with Eric's brother Jason and his family. Their house is up on a hill, and gorgeous. And Jason and Culley are amazing hosts. Blythe, Nola, and Emory played together almost the whole time. Wherever Blythe was, you'd find Emory. Sam mostly did his own thing, or hung with me. It's so funny to see their personality differences come out. On Thanksgiving we had enough food for 20 adults and there were only 4 adults and 4 kids (and really how much does a 2 year old eat). Eric wowed us with his cooking skills - a hot artichoke dip as appetizer and mushroom/sausage stuffing - Yum. Mostly I loved that we could be together this year. Fun memories were made!





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Attire

All summer long Emory had some adorable white sundresses hanging in her closet. A couple that she wouldn't wear for whatever reason. Really, no matter of negotiating would convince her to put them on. Until the WARM summer and early fall sunshine turned frigid last week. Seriously, it was COLD, and she's dawned these dresses nearly everyday. Including today. And sees no need for a sweater. She's pretty cute in these dresses for sure, but seriously out of place while everyone else is wrapped in scarves and cozy sweaters. Except Sam who Eric dressed in shorts and T-shirt the other day when I took the first picture.

THEN, yesterday for the first time in maybe a year or more Emory wore JEANS! This is huge. Every now and then I'd mention jeans, but I'd give up because the drama just wasn't worth it. Well, she wore them again today and even buttoned and zipped them by herself. She says we have to pack jeans for every day that we are in Nashville next week. Her Sunday school teacher told Eric she looked like a teenager wearing jeans and chewing gum :)...uh oh.

Wah Wah Wah

The last couple of weeks I've been having daily ups and downs. Call it pregnancy hormones. But this isn't new for me really. High highs and low lows. I can be kind of an extreme one. One minute I'm attempting to resemble super mom (does she even exist?) being sweet as can be and the next second Monster Mom - where in the world does she come from =). It is really is awful to see what comes out, more often than I'd like to admit.

But today we had a great mellow morning. I was up before the kids reading, journaling, drinking my very dark and large cup of coffee (1/2 caf for the babe), kids got up, happily watched cartoons and I continued reading. I got ready for the day BY MYSELF while Eric kept the kids downstairs - there is something so luxerious about this. Then we were off, with a stop for a peppermint mocha, for the Monterey Bay Aquarium. A patient lent us their guest passes, so there was no pressure to stay for hours to get our "money's worth". It was beautiful in Monterey today, chilly and gorgeous. The aquarium was relaxing and interesting.



On the way home we stopped at Phil's Fish Market in Moss Landing. It's this great local spot, with enough seafood choices to make this already indecisive girl take forever to pick just the right thing. I was starving by the time we got our food, the kids were getting antsy, but still it was enjoyable. Both kiddos were asleep in the car by the time we got home, and we had a bit of quiet in our house this afternoon. I even got an uninterrupted conversation on the phone with a dear friend. It was a lovely day...until about 3:15pm

Eric announces he is heading for the clinic. My mood turns sour. My Saturday is ruined...or at least I think so. Now I'm left at home once again by myself with a (lately) very whiney 2 1/2 year old, and (lately) an especially strong and mean 4 year old. For at least two hours. On a SATURDAY afternoon?!!? I suddenly turn victim. How can this be?! This is not Saturday. I'm at home EVERY afternoon with the kids. Poor me...wah wah wah.

Why am I posting such negativity? Because it's reality. Because I need to vent it all here instead of to my darling husband the second he walks in the door. Meanwhile the kids are entertaining themselves scraps of fabric and popsicle sticks while I type this. So really, what am I complaining about?

Halloween

I just had to post a few photos from Halloween. We had a fun night of pizza and trick or treating. Em's school had a little party with a pinata that Friday. The kids were pretty cute dressed up. Eric and I are going to try for costumes next year.

A friend

Do you ever hang out with friends and think, you are so great, why are you friends with me? I do. Not in a pity me kind of way, but in a I'm so thankful to have such neat people in my life kind of way. Through the years. Through different seasons. Jenny is just such a friend. We were in the same kindergarten class oh 25 years ago. Grew up 1 mile apart from each other and became good friends in junior high. I wish I had a scanner so I could post pictures of past experiences with her. They are just hilarious - Harbor High Homecoming, Inside Out church missions to Mexico, white water rafting trips, and just plain old growing up together. Instead I give you two pictures from her recent wedding!! - and one from about 7+ years ago. Early September she married an amazing man who adores her. They are both so fun. They live in Colorado, both have hearts for the world, for missions. They are a great pair.


Jenny's one of those people who can tell a story and make you laugh, be so fun and crazy, but then ask just the right question at just the right time and somehow you find yourself in a puddle of tears telling her what is going on inside your head and heart. She loves people like crazy. She can be friends with almost anyone in a short amount of time. She has always had a genuine love for God and for His word. She can speak it straight to you, but listen too. When she says she'll pray for me, I know she will, and specifically. There's so much I can say about her. I love her. I miss her. I'm thankful for her!

Where we live

A few weeks ago after a crazy rain Capitola beach was all washed up with thousands of sticks (Sam must have thought he was in heaven). People had built little forts, teepees, holes and even this super cool (and strong) swing. There was a line of other kids waiting for a turn. It sure was fun! I love where we live.

One Year Later

Today marks one year since we opened the doors to Premier Physical Therapy. One year ago today Eric and I were putting a few finishing touches on the clinic to make it somewhat presentable should a patient be sent our way. One year ago Eric says he was twiddling his thumbs thinking what have I done, am I crazy (really, his words). One year ago in a shaky economy we didn't know if we'd be able to pay our bills, would we go into major debt? Would this work? One year ago we embarked on one of the greatest adventures of our marraige yet (if you know us, you know we've actually had quite a few great adventures - but that's another post).

And so, today, October 22, 2009, one year later we celebrate all that has happened within our little clinic doors. One year later we celebrate that we've treated a couple hundred patients and are seeing people get better (well I haven't, but I have assited). One year later Eric is definitely not twiddling his thumbs, he's busy. One year later we have 3 other employees and are open full time, in full swing. One year later we praise God for ALL HE has done. All He has provided. ALL the ways He has shown up in this process are amazing!

Eric and I together have experienced anxiety, stress, excitement, gratefulness, joy, frustration, tension, and yes, a few fights (ok more than a few - hehe). I have experienced relief, tears, panic attacks, did I mention stress. But as with many good but hard seasons, I wouldn't trade it. We had to go through what we did this year. I'm glad Eric had the faith and courage to take a huge risk and embark on this venture. I've been blown away by how gifted he is to be in the position he is -as physical therapist and business owner. And there are so many people who have been a blessing and answer to prayer along the way.

One year later we look back with SO much gratitude. And we look ahead to ALL that God will continue to do. So, here's to PREMIER PHYSICAL THERAPY and a GREAT first year!

Stages

There are so many things that I love about the stages Emory and Sam are in right now. So, I thought I'd share some. It's also good for me to remember the positive because I easily focus on the frustrating (like Sam didn't stop whining from the time he got out of bed this morning until naptime). But back to the good.

-Emory can buckle her own 5-part harness carseat belt in the car - on most days.
-Sam can get out of the car all by himself.
-Emory likes being helpful, for example...
she can stand at the sink and wash dishes (plastic only) for an hour, and she likes to help me fold laundry for the clinic.
-Sam will entertain himself with his trains and animals for what seems like hours.
-When asked what Daddy's name is Sam says, "Mr. Eric".
-Everyday Emory comes home with new things she's talked about and learned at school.
-Emory and Sam can get in a good groove and be so sweet when they play together (they fight a ton too, but there are still those sweet moments).
-Sam cooperates MOST of the time (except when it comes to eating and trying to use the potty - not interested AT ALL).
-Emory loves playing with other kids and is in heaven when she has someone to play with all the time (like last weekend when we were in AZ, Domenica was her little buddy).
-Em will tell me she loves me unprompted.
-The kids run up to Daddy whenever he comes home from work.
-Emory can get dressed, brush her teeth, and put her clothes away without any help, oh ya and get her own cup of water.
-Sam comes up to me and asks with his head tilted to the side, "Mommy, you have a baby in your tummy?"
-Emory got so excited at our recent dr. app't where we listened to the baby's heartbeat.
-Sam still takes 2 hour, or longer, naps.
-The kids are happy and entertained at the zoo, the park, or on a walk around the block - it doesn't take much.
-Emory likes to eat now (oh how it used to be a battle).
-Both kids sleep through the night regularly!
-They think silly silly things are hilarious.
-Sam's wittle boice is too cute.
-Emory will notice something I'm wearing and say "Mommy, I like your shoes. Are they new?"


That's my short list for now. There are moments that happen everyday where the kids say or do something that I really want to remember to write down, but never do...I guess this is a start for that.

On Expecting #3

Seriously, I am barely able to get anything done these days because of this precious life due the beginning of April. I have been sick sick sick since week #2. No joke. During week #2 I woke up in the middle of the night feeling sick just knowing a third baby was on it's way. I'm now almost 14 weeks and have had a handful of days, glorious engergetic days, where I didn't feel ill and exhausted. I know this is normal, and I'll start feeling better soon, but really, it's hard to keep going. It's hard to keep the house picked up and clean, make meals, tote kids around, work, keep up with friends, make phone calls. You know, all the necessary life things. I've been doing it all, but I'm tired of feeling so icky that all I want to do is lie on the sofa.

On a brighter note, on the few days that I've felt good (today is one of them) I just love being pregant. I'm so content and happy. I can't wait, and of course get overwhelmed at the thought of caring for a baby and the two busy munchkins I already have. I pray, pray, pray God gives me grace...and an easy baby :). And hopefully this is the end of feeling crummy everyday. Oh dear. So that's my story for today.

Costco Goodness

There is so much to love about Costco. Samples of foods I hardly ever buy - but the samples are good enough to often get the kids a full meal in. You can return anything (almost) anytime and get your money back. We can covet all the things we want. We can find huge amounts and great deals on items we need (even car insurance). We always run into at least one person we know so it can be a good social outing. And while I don't enjoy it as much as my husband, who actually asked family members for Costco gift cards for his birthday, I admit it's pretty great.

I stop by on occasion during the week with the kids for items for home or office. But the best is when Eric joins in on the fun. Not only do we feed the kids dinner from the food court while they ride in the shopping cart, Eric enters Costco he suddenly sees endless items that we must have. We end up coming home with more than a few things we didn't go in for. I think he must believe that if it's at Costco it's a good deal.

Books that we may never read. Huge bags of snack food that will surely go stale before we can finish them. Discounted Movie tickets because we may randomly get a babysitter for long enough to go out by ourselves. An external hard drive for the computer was a few months ago, which we have yet to upload all our 'very important computer files' onto. Today it was windshield wipers - because rainy season is coming, and items for dinner: a large bar-b-que chicken salad, a tray of sushi, AND a huge take and bake meat lovers pizza. Eric was hungry. You'd think we were having a football party. He justified the food items by saying he'd take leftovers to work all week for lunch. Leftover California Rolls don't sound so good to me, but if he'll eat 'em and I don't have to make him a sandwich that's fine by me.

We end up having good family time. At Costco. It kind of makes me laugh.

Preschool

If you've talked with me in the last couple of months you know that all of us have been looking forward to Emory's first day of preschool. I've actually been looking forward to it since Christmas. Emory has so much energy, needs constant activity, loves social settings, projects, & structure. I think much of the behavioral issues we've been dealing with are due to her not having enough going on for her little brain and body. So, the first day of preschool went off without a hitch. No tears from her, no tears from me. We are ready! Upon dropping Em off Sam said, "ok Mommy, let's go. Let's go Mommy." I've been asked if Sam feels left out. The answer is no. He doesn't want to be left at school. He does miss his 'Sissy' and asks about her several times a day, but not enough to actually be there too.

When we picked her up on her first day, Emory was all smiles and I actually got a little teary-eyed. I just felt so proud of her. I could tell she loves her new school, and that this was going to be just the thing we all need for this year. She had listend well, was a bit quiet and shy, reported things they'd learned and also what other girls were wearing. Her sweet teacher called me her first day to fill me in on how Emory did and some things she's going to focus on with her. Yesterday after day 4 'Teacher Marji' reported that Emory is starting to interact more with the other kids. I just love that she cares enough to tell me what's going on.

I feel so blessed, so thankful. It's going to be a great year.

Our Birthday

So, Eric and I have the same birthday, but seeing as this year was my big 3-0, he decided to make a big deal for me this year (I blew it for his 30th, but 40 is only 5years away for him...I can make up for it, right?).

I knew he was having a party. He needed help getting addresses together. I knew that the kids were going to his parent's house for the party so we could party like grown-ups. What I didn't know was that Emory and Sam were going to be with their grandparents for the whole weekend. Theresa showed up Friday afternoon, Eric told me to pack my bag (the kids' too) and get ready to go. So after quickly throwing stuff in a bunch of bags we were off for a surprise night in Carmel, and the kids went over the river and through the woods to grandmother's.

Carmel was wonderful. Far enough away that we were out of town, but still so close. We ate yummy food, drank coffee, slept, and I even got to do a bit of shopping. I found a fun yellow dress to wear to our party.

We were back in town by noon the next day, when 5 of my dearest friends picked me up for lunch, dessert and a makeover! I love these girls! They are so easy, fun and we have history. They spoiled me.

The party that evening was a blast. A great mix of friends from different 'worlds' came. Eric took care of EVERYTHING! He got food from El Palomar, which we continued to eat every day for the next week there was so much leftover, recruited people to help him put up decor, go shopping with him. The last of the party goers left after midnight. It was great.

Sunday morning our kiddos were happily playing at Chip and Theresa's so we had a leisurely morning before heading over to pick them up and have birthday lunch with them. Delicious birthday dinner with my parents followed that evening.

So our birthday weekend was fun and full. I felt very loved by my amazing husband, by good friends, by people in my life, by our families. Some people have asked me how I feel about turning 30. I haven't really reflected on it a whole lot, but I actually think 30's are going to be good. I'm so thankful for where God has me. So blessed. Have WAY more than I could ever need (and I'm not just talking 'stuff'). We are in a good space. I'm hopeful that 30 is going to be one of my best years yet.

New Do

Monday morning while brushing Emory's nappy, knotted long hair I was done. Fall and preschool are coming. It's time to chop the locks for a new do. I think she looks so cute and Emory loves it too. She's been talking about getting her hair cut for months now. I trim it regularly, but we were talking a major chop. I cut Sam's hair here and there too, but don't do a very good job, so he had a turn in the barber's chair as well. All his pretty sunbleached highlights were cut off, but oh well. It's a nice clean look for a new season.

Happenings

Due to a busy few weeks, and some other stuff going on (more about that in a coming post), I've been out of the blogging world for awhile.


I wish I had a scanner so I could post some photos of my cousins and me growing up. My grandparents and cousins on my mom's side (Newt, Lesley, & Ross) lived on a big farm in Louisiana when I was growing up. It was a HUGE deal every summer when we'd board the American Airlines aircraft and take flight for their home. We'd stay 2-3 weeks and just play the whole time. One of those weeks we'd all go to Lake Ouachita in Arkansas for some lake fun and water skiing. We're talking knee boards, bumper tubes, double skis. So many fun memories. Why do I write this? Because two weeks ago these cousins, who are now spread out from the farm, all came to Santa Cruz for a family vacation with my aunt and her husband, and their significant others. It brought back the memories. I loved being with them here and there. Eric went surfing with the guys. I visited a tad in between keeping the kids entertained. It was fun to all be together as 'grown ups'. Chris, my brother was missed - he's surfing it up in Bali. Hopefully we can all make it back to Lake Ouachita one of these summers.

On other 'news', Eric's family has officially moved to Los Gatos. Chip is now the senior pastor of Venture Church in Los Gatos, and Annie is here too working as the Communications Director (I think), helping to link the radio ministry, Living on the Edge, with the church. Exciting stuff. They'll be back and forth to Atlanta regularly, but fun to have them back on the west coast (and to have more grandparents here to love on Em and Sam - can you blame us).

More Favorites

Yesterday we partook in another of my summer faves in Santa Cruz: blackberries. They grow randomly throughout our neighborhood so the kids and I turn it into a 'treasure hunt' and find as many ripe ones as we can. There don't seem to be as many this year - one of the biggest bushes was chopped down this spring, but it's still fun, and they are delicious!

I attempted to capture their berry stained faces...not as great as I'd hoped.



A few dahia's are blooming again this summer. I just LOVE dahlias. There is something about them that makes me happy. And I'm amazed at how big they get.

Family Fun!

One of the best things about summer in Santa Cruz is 75 cent night at the Boardwalk! All rides, hot dogs, drinks and cotton candy are just 75 cents each. We can go have an evening of family fun for less than 20 bucks including parking. The rides are great fun, but I believe Emory's favorite part is the bright pink cotton candy. Of course we make sure she eats all of her nitrite filled hot dog before gobbling up the spun sugar. I remember my dad getting cotton candy when I was a kid (and pink popcorn - which I always thought was disgusting)...good memories.

The picture of Sam and Eric was taken BEFORE the dragon roller coaster started. His face wasn't quite as happy at the end. No tears. He was pretty stunned, frozen actually. He now talks about riding the dragons as though he loved every second (all 27 seconds of the ride). It'll be fun when the kids are bigger and we can take them on the Giant Dipper! Although they will be probably be teenie bopper pre-teens by then...I'll take the dragon for now.

Family Trip

For two consecutive summers while living in Atlanta the whole Ingram family made a trip down to Destin, FL. Destin in on the Gulf, with warm gorgeous water, and fine white sand beaches. We stayed in houses a couple of blocks to the water. And depite the 95degree weather, that feels like 104 because of the humidity, we ventured back there for another Ingram family trip. This year the trip wasn't without it's challenges, like flying with a two year old who just wants to climb and jump all the time, or traveling with a four year old who has a hard time adjusting to things that are different, or uncomfortable. But overall it was GREAT. Great to be with my kiddos and husband for the week. Great to have a break from work, keeping the house up, all daily routine. I joke that with the kids in tow it's not a vacation it's a family trip, but this really did feel like vacation. The kids LOVE, and I mean LOVE playing with their four cousins ALL day everyday (not that they didn't fight too - there was definitely some/a lot of that).

We'd go to the beach in the morning - by 10am we'd be all set up, stay for a couple of hours, head back to the houses for lunch/naptimes, then go to the pool for the afternoon, and head back for dinner together at the houses. One of the worst parts was walking back to the house from the beach wet, covered in sand, and being a sticky sandy mess with kids having meltdowns because they were so hot by the time we got back to the house. Another tough part was bedtime - our kids were the last to sleep EVERY night, no matter how hard we tried to get them to bed early. Like I said the trip wasn't without it's challenges.

But getting away was worth the time, money and energy spent! By the way, the clinic is doing well. Our two employees ran the clinic the week we were gone. We came back to everyting running smoothly! Eric didn't even call in one time! I was impressed.




The kids loved the pool mostly. Emory had a difficult time with the sand at the beach...it was pretty sticky stuff. At the pool we heard little complaining. Emory is now nearly able to swim by herself - even without the water wings! Go Emmy.

(above)Nola, Blythe, Emory, Ella, Ryder, Sam. Blythe, 6 is the oldest cousin and was the ringleader, but always included the littlest ones too. She was very sweet.

This shot above was taken halfway through our day of flying. We had to leave the house at 4am that day...can you tell Emory's hair still wasn't brushed. It was a mess. But the kids were having so much fun playing it didn't matter. It's awesome when they are together because they can have a great time at the beach, the pool, in the airplane, in the airport bathroom, in the car...really wherever!

This photo captures what's going on in our house these days. The looks on their faces say it all.

Birthday Girl

My little girl is officially 4 years old. I don't know who was more exicted about her birthday, me or her. I just loved planning stuff and making things special for her this year - because she was enthused about everything.


Many thought I was crazy, but we had her cousin Ella and good friend Grace spend the night a few days before her birthday. Whenever I asked her what kind of party she wanted she'd say "sleepover". Both of these little ones had slept over before separately, so I thought it'd be ok. And they had non-stop, well almost, girly fun. Fort building, bike riding, nail painting, movie watching, treat eating FUN. At one point though, in hour 2 of the girls' being here, I thought I might have to send them home because Emory was a wreck. But after sleeping and eating she was in better spirits. (Isn't it amazing how you don't have to teach little ones how to do things they aren't supposed to - in our little one's case, being just plain mean). .

Her actual birthday was yesterday, June 18th. My mom picked her up and they went out for several hours together. So cute. It made Emory's day special, and mine so easy (thank you Mom! Having only Sam in the house is a different house, but that's another post). One thing Mom and Em did was go to the Dollar Store. My mom gave her a $5 bill in a card and told her she could pick out 5 things. She came home happy about all the treasures she picked out! We finished the day with swim lessons, pizza, and ice cream at Marianne's.



I think about June 18 four years ago with such fond memories. I really loved the whole day Em was born. I saw so many things happen that day that had to be God's hand. And when she finally came at 1am our world was forever changed. She came out moving and has barely stopped since. She was a mostly content baby, liked routine, naptime, but hated eating...still not her favorite activity. At 4 she's energetic, silly, perceptive, observant, inquisitive, spirited, and fun. She loves painting nails, playing in the mud, swimming, coloring, being at the beach, and playing with her dolls. She loves to be with people, though takes awhile to warm up to new people. She is decisive, and focused with her decisions. She can take good care of her little brother and be very generous. I enjoy seeing her become more her own little person -with her own little personality God gave her coming out more and more.

I'm looking forward to year 4 for Emory. I think it's going to be a great one! Emory agrees.