It's great to be back!

So....wow, it's been awhile.  I literally have not posted since spring of last year.  That's an entire year. 

I miss writing here, but life has been happening. Mostly good things, but yes, some struggles, loss, heartache and challenges as life tends to bring to all of us.

Quite honestly, amidst the busyness of life, I committed the "mortal sin" of blogging.  I stopped writing. Any blogging book or training will tell you that that is the one thing you must not do.  Well, I did it.  I will bare my soul a bit with you for a moment. As I just mentioned, I love writing and having a blog.  But.... I allowed frustration, comparision and lack of technical knowledge to keep me from doing one of the things that I love.

We all know how quickly technology develops and changes.  It's so hard to keep in the know.  There were/are so many changes and updates that I want to see happen on here that honestly, I just don't know how to do. Nor am I at a place that I can hire someone to do them (hint hint...anyone want to help a girl out?! LOL) . I got overwhelmed.  So, yes, I just walked away for awhile.  Yet, I missed it the entire time. 
 
It's so refreshing to be back here.  I never knew how much I enjoyed pouring my soul into words on a page and sharing it with friends.  Thank you for reading!  I have been completely humbled by some very sweet messages from friends saying how they enjoy my blog and asking "where I've been".  Humbling for sure!  Especially on the days when I don't even like reading it.
  
During that time, I drafted SO many blog posts in my head that I want to share.  Family updates, recipes, life events, homeschool, healthy living, etc.  So, hopefully, you will see those soon.  

I wasn't planning on starting back up with such a heavy subject, but it just so happens that today is a day that we remember our little baby that we lost in the fall of 2013. Our fifth little sweetheart would be turning 1 today. 

So, say a little prayer for our hearts as we think about the one who could have been a sweet little addition to our family. 

 

Prepping for our new addition : (

On the expected due date, after we lost baby, we wanted to dedicate some time to memoralize what the day could have been.  We decided to get some balloons. Since we weren't sure of the gender, we got different colors.  

The girls released the balloons into the air.  Then, the craziest thing happened.  Within seconds, all of the balloons were missing. Not in the sky. Not in the surrounding trees. Gone.  The only thing we could see was ONE lone PINK balloon floating high up in the sky. Given our track record of having girls, I have my deductions of what that could mean (insert sobbing).  

Lord, hold our precious baby!

 

 

 

Why I love having a large(r) family

Today, I'm continuing the series on Why I love having a large(r) family. Yes, having multiple children comes with it's challenges. Yes, I am told on a daily basis that "I have my hands full", but my heart is even more so. There are so many reasons why I love having a large(r) family, but one of them is:

Because there is just that much more love and cuddles!

Leading (our children) by example

I recently read an article about raising successful children and at one point, the writer mentioned that she was not a fan of the phrase, "do as I say, not as I do" and I couldn't agree more.  I'm not a fan.

When it comes to raising children, isn't it hypocritical to teach them one thing and live another?  To expect a certain standard in their lives and live out something different in our own?

Have you ever observed instances like this?

We occasionally take our girls to the mall where there is a small play area.  They have recently renovated the area to make it really nice. Signs are posted with a few simple rules to help keep order and to keep it safe and sanitary.  One of the rules is "no shoes" for children or caregivers while in the area.

Mall security passes by often to ensure that the area is safe and people are observing the rules.  Several times, I have seen security give gentle reminders to those not observing the rules.  I cannot tell you how many times I have witnessed parents either completely disregard what he says, curse him when he walks away or comply with an awful attitude - IN FRONT OF THEIR CHILDREN!

I realize that keeping your shoes on in a play area is not a capital offense.  The point I am making, however, is the example that is being set.  I cannot help but wonder what the parents would think if their children responded the same way to authority (teachers, family, supervisors, coaches).  What do they teach their children regarding respect, having a good attitude, and humility?

It makes me look at my own self and my very actions that teach my children.  They rock and sing to their babies the same way I rock them.  They put on jewelry and smooth lip gloss on their lips like I do.  They imitate so many of the things I do.  Can I see some of my attitudes, shortfalls and negative habits in them?  Absolutely!  Where did they learn to yell at our dog on occassion? ahem....mommy and daddy.

I am constantly humbled by this when we are doing or Bible studies or focusing on lessons about character traits.  Am I just giving them an empty pattern of words or am I blazing the trail for them to follow?

What is the example we are setting?  Do our actions contradict our teachings?  Are our children confused because mommy and daddy can act one way, but expect something more from them?

Will you join me in being reminded daily that little eyes are watching - always. Little ears are listening and their actions are imitating-always.  How does that change the way we do things?

Why I love having a large(r) family

Today, I'm continuing the series on Why I love having a large(r) family.  There are so many reasons why I love having a large(r) family, but one of them is:

Because there is NEVER a dull moment!

Happy 5th birthday to our first born!

Exactly five years ago today, on the Saturday before Easter, God blessed us with our first baby girl. Oh how that moment changed our lives forever and what a joy she is! She lights up a room when she enters it. She takes special care of her little sisters (I can't tell you how many times her little sisters have run directly to her for comfort when they get hurt or in trouble.). She rode her bike without training wheels on the first try and she speaks Spanish with an accent that makes me envious : )

What makes our hearts most happy is that she also passionately and unashamedly expresses her love for her Savior.

Needless to say, we love this little girl and we are so proud of the person she is becoming.

Happy five years little Lai Lai!

P.S. (Thanks for letting me brag on her for her big day).

Celebrating Easter and Holy Week Preschool style

Discovering what's inside these Resurrection Eggs, which each contain a piece of the Easter story. They are a great way to tell the story and help little ones understand. The girls (and their mom and dad) love these. They were a gift from a friend/co-worker and came just in time. Thanks Dawn!

On Palm Sunday, Daddy read about Jesus's trip to Jerusalem.

Making palm leaves.

Waving their palm leaves was a big hit. I wish I had taken pictures of the girls and their daddy (the actor) reenacting the journey to Jerusalem and the waving of palm leaves. It was so sweet and engrained a picture in their minds forever.

Egg coloring/hunting and cookie making soon to come!

How do you celebrate this special occasion with your family?

Where's Doodle? {fifth edition}

This is our third daughter… a sweet and very compliant one, who has inherited the nickname "Doodle". She takes daily naps and goes to bed like clockwork. She enjoys most everything from riding in the car to playing with her sisters and even entertains herself for long periods of time. She is such a joy to our family!

Let’s not be mistaken, however. She is full of energy and adventure. As to keep up with her older sisters, she began walking at eight months. We were so proud and she….oh so delighted.

Since then, she has been known to climb the stairs – on the inside and outside of the staircase….GASP! She has also scaled tables, chairs, drawers, the fireplace hearth, desks – you name it. We have found her in the most inconspicuous places. Each Wednesday, I will share a glimpse of them with you in the "Where's Doodle?" segment.

This girl is on the move, which means so are we.

What's your busy toddler doing these days?

Where's Doodle? {fourth edition}

This is our third daughter… a sweet and very compliant one, who has inherited the nickname "Doodle". She takes daily naps and goes to bed like clockwork. She enjoys most everything from riding in the car to playing with her sisters and even entertains herself for long periods of time. She is such a joy to our family!

Let’s not be mistaken, however. She is full of energy and adventure. As to keep up with her older sisters, she began walking at eight months. We were so proud and she….oh so delighted.

Since then, she has been known to climb the stairs – on the inside and outside of the staircase….GASP! She has also scaled tables, chairs, drawers, the fireplace hearth, desks – you name it. We have found her in the most inconspicuous places. Each Wednesday, I will share a glimpse of them with you in the "Where's Doodle?" segment.

This girl is on the move, which means so are we.

What's your busy toddler doing these days?

Baby girl

You really are sugar "n" spice. Our littlest princess... you are three months today. Just like with your sisters, it seems like yesterday. The time goes so quickly. I just want to bottle it up. I want to catch it and hold it and savor every moment.

I cannot seem to hold you or kiss your little face enough. When I see you smile and when I hear you "talking", my heart melts in a puddle on the floor.

I look into your small bright eyes and wonder who you will be. What will you be like?

I pray. I pray for you and who you will become. I pray for us. I pray that we will guide you and love you like we should. That we will point you to Him and you will run to Him with open arms.

We are so excited that you have joined us on this journey of life.

Happy three months little one.

Where's Doodle? {Third edition}

This is our third daughter… a sweet and very compliant one, who has inherited the nickname "Doodle". She takes daily naps and goes to bed like clockwork. She enjoys most everything from riding in the car to playing with her sisters and even entertains herself for long periods of time. She is such a joy to our family!

Let’s not be mistaken, however. She is full of energy and adventure. As to keep up with her older sisters, she began walking at eight months. We were so proud and she….oh so delighted.

Since then, she has been known to climb the stairs – on the inside and outside of the staircase….GASP! She has also scaled tables, chairs, drawers, the fireplace hearth, desks – you name it. We have found her in the most inconspicuous places. Each Wednesday, I will share a glimpse of them with you in the "Where's Doodle?" segment.

This girl is on the move, which means so are we.

What's your busy toddler doing these days?

Indian Summer

We've definitely reached winter here in the Midwest. Last week, however, offered an amazing surprise. Temperatures rose significantly for a couple of days. The sun brightened spirits.

On one of those beautiful sunlit days, we grabbed some jackets and hats and headed for the lake one last time until spring.

The girls loved having the sand between their fingers. The sun beamed on our faces. It was perfect. Beautiful nature. Making memories.