Vain Babies

Some asked me the other day to describe my kids.  How does a mom begin to describe her children? Where do you even start?
Well, my kiddos are vain.  They love to be the center of attention and are always wanting to be in a picture.  Most of the time I give in, either to conquer some personal insecurities or simply because they are so cute.  They say a picture is worth a thousand words, so I'll let them do the talking.

 

 

 

 

 

I love my children.  Without reservation, shame or limits.  Each one is special and valued and treasured. They are individually and collectively my great effort.  I am richer because of them I strive to be better for them.  In short, my kids are wonderful.

 

Unfrozen

 

 

The sun has arrived here in Calgary.  The winter, while enjoyable, was long and at times cold.  I will admit that living somewhere where there is a distinct difference in the seasons makes one appreciate them even more.  Our family is happy to welcome back the sun and warmth and all things green.  Manly that means we are spending lots and lots of time outside. 

 

The older four boys participated in a soccer program this spring. (For our Arizona family and friends, I still find it funny that "spring soccer" means May and June...we actually were rained out for a good number of our practices)

 

The boys had a blast and Elena was thrilled to be clapping for her brothers while she played on the grass.

William is one determined little guy.  If you got in his path, Watch Out!

Ethan was a little more timid but was awesome playing goalie.

Jeffrey loves to run, and is just like his dad, a thinking athlete

Seth enjoyed the competition and was the most talkative kid on the field.

 

We planted a little urban garden in May and also prepped out apple tree for the growing season.  The kids are enjoying watering them every day, looking for tomatoes, cabbage, peppers, squash, cucumbers and onions.  The herbs are boring( they say). 

 

 

They have also been fascinated by the process of a tree blossoming, then losing the flowers, only to find babies apples the next week.  It has been a true joy to watch them discover nature in this way.

 

As much as we love apple, do miss these blossoms.  They were gorgeous!



 







As the warm weather arrived, I have made it a goal to talk the kids to the park once a day.  Now I know this seems like a small thing.  With my health challenges this year, this was for me a big deal.  So far, I have made it! And along the way, have learned a few things:

 

This little girl LIKES  the swing

It's a classroom? A play group? Nope just our kids:-)

Despite the age differences, the kids play well together.  I am very grateful

My boys want to be strong.  He was climbing up this over and over to "make string muscles".

This guy is going to be tall...He's already at my chin...How in the world can be BABY be this big already?!

Even little girls get to have fun at the park- says the big brother

No mom, we're not too big.  The stuff is just too small.

This guy is SO ready for kindergarten in the fall.

And this one THINKS he is going too.  He's going to be sad come September



And I am not the only mama taking her kiddos to the park these days.

 



The sun is out and we are enjoying it.  NO questions asked.

 

 

 





 

What's up?

This is me.  A living zombie.  My health has really been struggling the last six months. This is me, in all my shinning glory- a glam shot. Honestly, this is a rare photo.  I hardly get to sleep.  I usually just drop dead of sheer exhaustion.

 

Actually it has  been quite a struggle, one of the hardest times for us, but we are trying not to let that hold our family back.  So what have we been up to?  Well, lots.   Seth has been working very diligently on his cub scout requirements.  Scouts is different here ( it is a foreign country, after all) so we actually as a family have been working together on many of the activities.  So far, I think playing with the pocket knives has been the favorite.

In April we had the Pinewood Derby.  Bryant and I are very proud of Seth.  He designed the car and did all the work himself.  Bryant only helped to cut out the rough shape.  He even came in second!

Here he is winning the first heat of the night

We also have been learning about consequences.  Some of our more artistically inclined children have been expressing themselves through the arts.  Sometimes as a parent it is hard not to just laugh...

Since I have been promoted to Queen of the Zombies there have been a few more naps...

And we have realized that Bryant is thoroughly outnumbered...

 

School has been fun.  We have been studying our body a lot this year...lots of first hand experience with some things... and this was how we finished that unit.  Who doesn't like makeup? Seth and Jeffrey are skeletons and Ethan is a disease.  And of course, that science lesson wouldn't be complete without a ninja and Iron Man.  That's only logical, right?

 

I am sure things will continue to be difficult.  Life is difficult.  Life can be painful and cold and frustrating.  It is supposed to be those things. There must be opposition in all things.  Even in the midst of our struggles, I know we are richly blessed.  I am surrounded everyday by these six angels... and one super sized guardian angel.  I am thrilled to help them grow and reach and uncover their potential.  I know that the Lord loves us and is mindful of us.  Many times when we are on our knees pleading and begging for a miracle and then we lift our eyes skyward, He lowers our eyes and tells us to see the miracles that already surround us.