Late Night Tea Party

Andy took the boys to the park to play some baseball while I stayed home with the girls, which is a very common occurrence these days. (Our yard is too small for baseball, but we are so thankful we have so many fantastic parks so close to our house to enjoy).

While they were gone Annabelle and I decided it was a great night for a nice quiet tea party. So we played with Rosie a bit, did some other stuff and then put Rosie to bed. We got all set up and of course just as we are sitting down to enjoy our tea the boys come trampling home. We had a decision to make... warmly welcome them to join us or request that they let it be a girls only tea party that night.

When we noticed the smiles on their faces and saw how ecstatic they were that a tea party was about to start and they hadn't missed out, our decision was made. We told them they were more than welcome to join us, they just had to not be smelly and dirty :) So as cute as they possibly could be, they quietly went upstairs. They then came down hands and faces washed and completely dressed up in collared shirts and dress shorts! It was adorable. They were beaming - speaking so prime and proper to top it off. We got the extra tea and snacks all set up and laughed the evening away. We even found time to get through another chapter of Little Town on the Prairie.

I've retired to my room for the night to start a friend's second book that was just released yesterday, and I even just ordered myself my Mother's Day gift, a new sewing machine! It's quite simply an ideal way to end a wonderful evening.

The dishes didn't get done, a-gain, but I'm certain they will be patiently waiting for me in the morning. For now, I'm cherishing a rare, quiet and restful evening alone (Andy is out running with a friend) and thanking God for the gift of motherhood that not all who desire get to enjoy.

Is it possible I get to call them all mine?!

Snuggle with Siblings

Joseph woke up pretty grumpy this morning. After giving him a chance to go back to bed and start his day over he was still struggling to have a happy heart about anything. I was determined to not let his grouchy mood put a damper on the rest of our cheerful attitudes. So, I made him tell me 5 things that make him happy before he went on with his day. A huge smile lit up his face... he said "Posey," One of the many nicknames we have for Rosemary. Then I asked him what else... he couldn't think of anything.. Haha. So, I told him to think of 5 things about Posey that he loves... oh the list quickly gained momentum after that.

I love so much that even in the worst of moods, our precious Posey puts a smile on anyone of our faces.

The story above is not new to Joseph one bit. He has been requesting for weeks that I add "snuggle with Annabelle" as a chore for his chore board. I thought it humorous that he would want to add yet another "chore" to his list, but he insisted. Why would I ever argue with this sort of request?! So, I made it a bit broader since everyone else jumped on board with the idea to "snuggle with siblings". Not surprisingly it's all of their favorite chore of the day.

Judo Joe

Andy and Joseph are taking Judo together and his gi just arrived. How handsome does he look?!

Joseph Turns 6!

We all had such a fun day celebrating Joseph turning 6. We are so blessed by this kid and amazed at what God is doing in his life. He chose to go to the Children's Museum in Lynchburg. And of course wanted a baseball cake.

7,5,3,1

First Half of December Photos

I could watch a sleeping baby all day.

Samuel has been saving up for a long time for his first knife and he finally had enough money. Can't believe a child of mine is old enough to have his own knife.

Younger brother anxiously awaits his turn to have a knife.

Sam's first competition! He did so well. Placed 9th for rings. It was a huge venue and so intimidating. He wasn't nervous at all. In fact here is a conversation we had the day after.

Me: I'm really proud of you Sam for competing yesterday in that huge arena.
Samuel: Really? Why?
Me: Because it was so huge and there were so many people. I don't like doing things in front of a bunch of people.
Samuel: Really? I love it. It makes me feel like everyone in the world loves me.

He never stopped smiling.

Many days before Christmas Joseph had already made, wrapped and had Annabelle's present under the tree. Melts my heart to see them loving on each other on their own initiative.

Joseph dressed Annabelle up in her fanciest dress, put on some music and told her he was going to take her dancing. Oh my is he going to be a fantastic husband someday!

Sam had a holiday show at his gym.

Her last night being zero.

November - First Half

Daddy teaching Annabelle how to club throw. She's bound to be a pro. Notice the "bucket o' clubs"

We found this while playing in the backyard - a snakes skin. Which is now housed in the boys' bedroom.

Joe loves cursive!

I love watching them work together during free time.

But, I especially love walking in the room and "catching" them reading their bibles.

Sam off for his first ever intra-squad competition.

I think he just looks so handsome in his uniform.

Andy is hilarious. He bought a bunch of new clothes for his new job and wrote himself a gift card. I opened it after it was delivered and just chuckled. I love his quirky sense of humor. 

Lucy came to visit and we had such a wonderful week with her.

End of October Through Beginning of November Photos

Rosemary is getting really into family worship. She's a pro at playing Fred the Egg!

She never snuggles when she's awake. But, Andy caught her in the act. I cherish this photo!

That FACE!!!

The kids set up the tent for Rosie with all of her favorite toys inside and then had her climb through the tunnel to get to her prizes. She had a blast! They love her so much.

This just about sums Joseph up to a T! He is ALWAYS writing notes, making us cards, gifts, you name it. He decided to put a sticky note up on our fridge to each person in our family. I got such a kick out of Rosie's. All the hair on it and the spell. Then he made one for himself.

My precious little Ebba Sue.

I was out one night and came home after the kids were in bed. Joseph had run out of tape so he clipped a clothespine to the picture and then hung a string between that and another clip to the door. He's a genius in my eyes. Then he wrote "Joseph did." So I knew he did it. Haha!

We don't celebrate Halloween but while the kids were outside playing that night a neighbor offered them a piece of gum. Samuel has been asking us recently about if we thought he was old enough for gum or not, and we said sure. Then he gets some from a neighbor. I think they were more excited about this gum than just about anything else in their lives. Oh to find this much joy in the little things in life. Not sure how Annabelle got away with having a piece too, but she did. Lucky girl.

 We played scrabble with scrabble cheese its. A HUGE hit.

I cannot get over this picture! It looks like she is really thinking hard about her next move. Look at the rolls on her arms!!! I just want to EAT HER!

I made a bag for a friend for a shower gift.

Sporting a new sweater from my Mama.

Joseph decided to take his quiet time downstairs with me one day and I ended up falling asleep on the couch. He must have gotten tired too. The little couch had some things on it so he went into the school room, read some books and then took a nap. Haha! I have no idea why he just didn't go into his bed to sleep.

Me and my precious girls! I love this photo so much.