Shhh. It's a surprise!

No.  I am not having a baby.

But this is a holiday weekend and our kids are out of school both Monday and Tuesday.  Heaven help us.

So, we have planned a quick get away to a surprise location.

We have taken the family to the beach.

To the mountains.

To the farm.

And tomorrow, we are heading to the city!


Stay tuned.  (And say a prayer.)

Don't Do It!

I'm warning you.  Don't do it.  

Unless you are sufficiently medicated, or have a heart of ice, do not do it.

While preparing some Christmas gifts the past few months, I had the need to go back through my wonderfully organized and clearly categorized (ahem.) files of photos.  

Can you say HEARTBREAK?

How did this happen so fast?  

I know other people warned me to, "Enjoy them because they grow up so fast!"  But I thought they were just trying to be nice or to stop me from jumping off the cliff.  

I didn't realize they were serious.

The baby face fades.

The chubby cherub cheeks thin out.

The squishy legs lengthen.

The messes they got themselves into could easily be washed off in the bathtub.

And, sometimes, the light-filled eyes that promised to love me forever are replaced with a hard stare and a strong need to question my every word.

But here they go trying to grow up.

Seeking new adventures.

Sigh.

So, don't do it.

Don't let yourself realize the truth that time is passing us by.  Quickly.  These little precious and precocious people are growing up.

Once you realize it, you may just have to spend a few extra minutes at bedtime, sharing some motherly or fatherly wisdom and listening to their innocent and open hearts.

Or you may have to actually sit down and eat lunch with them, as opposed to throwing it on the table and using these few minutes to change out the laundry or to potty in peace.

Or you may have to increase your prayer time.  These kids are growing up in a pretty harsh world.  They will see and hear things in their young years that we did not experience.  They will need to be strong and brave and secure in our love for them.  And in God's love for them.  

They must know that He is sufficient for their every need, and only in Him will they be truly satisfied.

So, don't do it. 

Or you just may have to start the whole process over again and have another.

Hello, big fat baby cheeks and thighs.  I sure did miss you.

Just remember.  I warned you.

It's a Christmas Miracle

I'm back.  No apologies.  No excuses.

Just wanted to introduce you to another beautiful little blessing given to us.

Olivia Brooks was born on October 21.





She charged into this world, produced a birth story that won't easily be forgotten, and wrapped the entire clan around her finger in a matter of minutes.









This girl is pure sunshine.  I am in love with her.

And the kids are so in love with her as well.  Especially the boys.  Go figure.

Remember this guy.



He tormented the twins for a solid year.  Literally.  I would have to lock the babies inside their bedroom for their own protection if (God forbid) I had to tinkle.

But now he is a gentle and kind big brother.  He loves sweet Olivia to the moon and back.  And he will often come over while I am nursing her, put his arm around me, and slowly exhale, "Mom, I'm so glad you were pregnant."  Me too, buddy.

Another Season

It's been almost a full year since I last posted on this blog.  That doesn't mean there have been no posts drafted or great intentions.  But life has gotten the best of me.  Not in a bad way, just in an honest way.

I'm not sure what has kept me from posting regularly.  Priorities? Insecurities? Laziness? A search for clear vision or purpose? Probably a little bit of all of those. And add in 14 weeks of extreme morning all day sickness, and I think we've found the answer.

But it definitely hasn't been due to a lack of content.
This crew provides a massive amount of material to entertain the masses.

I have loved documenting the crazy that is our family's life story.  Full of love, disappointment, blessings, sorrow, adventure, abundance, lessons, and so much laughter.






Every time I relay one of our "learning moments" with the kids, someone always says, "I hope you're writing this stuff down!"



We think we'll never forget the time our son tried to steal the bread during communion.  Or Caleb's much talked about vacation high point of having unlimited "Hick" to drink. (Not to be confused with the
familiar Hi-C.)

But, with this family, I'm afraid there are just too many highlights for my aging memory to hold on to.




So I am purposing to find more time in front of this decrepit computer to capture our family's adventures and reflect on the beauty that is motherhood.

And I think this little surprise blessing may be hankering for a few shout outs too.  We are excited to meet her in October, and the kids are busy choosing her name.  (Heaven help us all.)