A glimps of what's to come?

We have recently seen that our little girl is a bit mission minded. We have always known she had a heart for giving. She happily gives of her time, abilities, toys, etc to her family. She has even been reduced to tears because her tithe was forgotten at home. And she often chooses to give most, if not all, of any gifted money to the church. It is a beautiful thing to see such a heart for giving in a young person. All this we knew about her.
  But recently she surprised us with a desire to give in a different way. It began with some pretend play on her part. She walked into the room with a backpack on her shoulders and announced to Jim and me that she was going away to stay with some other people for three weeks. I told her three weeks is an awful long time to go away. To which she responded with "it's ok, I'm bringing food." So I asked her if the people she was going to see were not willing to feed her. She informed me that they didn't have any food, she was bringing the food for them. After a bit more discussion she also told us that she was going to help them build houses too.
   Now, Jim and I have not really talked much about missions with the kids. Neither of us have ever felt led to join the mission field away from home, we feel our mission is to pour into our children. (Let me just make clear: we know many people who feel that calling, and we believe it to be a great thing.) We have spoken a bit to our children about poverty and the conditions some people have to live in. About how spoiled we are with the amenities we are blessed to have. About how we should strive to be less wasteful and always be grateful for what we have. About giving to the needy. But never really about going to those poverty stricken places or third world countries to help people directly. So it came as a bit of a surprise. But a nice surprise.
  With my dear sweet daughter's natural desire to give and help, it is a very plausible possibility in her future for her to go into the mission field. Its something that, until this past weekend, we had never really considered for any of our children. Which is not altogether surprising considering our sweet girl, our oldest, is not yet 5. But her pretend play has opened up the discussion between Jim and myself, and with her as well. Hearing about how people really do travel and help like that was quite exciting for her. And she definitely has an interest in it being in her future.
   It's a long time off, but we truly could see her in that role. And we would be very proud and supportive, though maybe a bit terrified, if that is indeed a path she, or her brothers, chooses to follow.
  Tiny girl, great big heart, and the faith and hope to move mountains.

Brewing, budding, building; What a beautiful day.

If you have small children, than you know that some days are very productive, fun, and end with Mom feeling like maybe she earned a gold star sticker that day. And other days are so chaotic that you feel like about the only thing you accomplished was getting everyone dressed in real clothes. (And some days you are just grateful you got everyone fed and ended the day with as many as began it.)

Well, today we had one of those fun, productive days. Before breakfast we had a fun science experiment that began with the question "what is that?" about one of Daddy's K-cups. And thus began an explanation of coffee grounds and chemistry. Listening to the grounds in the k-cup, looking at plain grounds, feeling the filter, discussing the changes that occur, etc. We used a one cup filter and some clear glasses, and we made a cup of coffee. Simple, yet fascinating.

Ta-da! Water goes in, coffee comes out!

And next, watch Mommy make the coffee disappear! ;)

While fixing breakfast I got a pretty surprise, not only are my Mother's Day hyacinth flowers (thank you to my awesome mother-in-law for the beautiful gift!) really starting to bloom, but an extra flower popped up overnight! Yay!

Then, after breakfast, the kids were talking about helicopters and wanting to fly helicopters. So I got to thinking about all the cardboard boxes we had piling up from our most recent order of diapers. (Another added bonus to ordering online!) We did a quick little 15 minute project that produced this funny little helicopter/submarine for fun and adventure! 

Complete with a propeller that can spin.

And just like that they were off on adventures of make believe. Not bad, not bad at all.  

We let the kids decorate it themselves.

After nap, we decided to go for a walk because the weather was so wonderful! And I found my Mother's Day gift for next year. ;)

 I have been informed that this beautiful tree is actually the state tree of Tennessee. And I would be thrilled to add one to our yard next Spring.

Tulip Poplar

After our walk, not wanting to remain indoors on such a beautiful evening, we opted for a simple dinner outside in "The Fort", as the kids call it. 

 A truly lovely day. 

Running shoes for two

My big girl and I went to get our first pairs of real running shoes! 

 Starting many months ago, she has had a real interest in running with me when I picked it up after having Samson. And since I knew I would be starting all over again, I decided to let her give it a shot. She is very excited about running a 5K! Last Sunday we took our first steps in that direction. We had our first run/walk together. She did so great on those little legs! Even after she tripped and scuffed her knee. We made it .79 miles, despite the cool weather. I'm so proud of my little girl! The cutest little running buddy. I'm looking forward to training with my little bug.

After our first run.

Blake's Monster Bash

My oldest son turned three! He chose a "monster party" theme. And I have to admit, it was a blast to prep for! So much fun stuff to do and make!

Monster sweaters for the bigger kids!

For the birthday boy!

Isn't he precious!

For big sister

For little brother

Baby brother got some monster gear too. 

And the fun and food:

Fun games are essential!

Monster cake

With eyeball candles

Get the fruit before the watermelon monster does!

And some allergen friendly cupcakes.

Some homemade gifts for the birthday boy. It gives me so much joy to be able to make things for my children. I'm still learning. But it feels so special for me to be able to give them something made specially for them by my own hands. 

Our tradition of the "3rd birthday" blanket continues. 

And a book bag for my big boy.

He got great gifts from family and friends. Some great costumes and tools for imaginative play, wonderful new books, and his very own tee-ball bat!

The sweetest little pilot!

A weed eater! So awesome! I didn't even know they made those.

A set of hats that provide lots of fun for all!

Party time!!

Snacks with friends

The eyes have it! Hahaha!

Here comes the cake!

Happy birthday Bubba boy!

All the kiddos had a great time. Which is what its all about!

Samson James

We are so thrilled to welcome Samson James into the world! 

Born at 4:38am, December 11th

A sturdy 9lbs 1oz and 20.75 inches long.

Healthy and perfectly made.

 We were so worried that Nana Tilda would have to leave before he was born. But he came two days before she left. We are all so grateful that she got to meet her newest grandson! And so thankful she was here to be with Samson's older siblings so we could focus on our little guy while we were in the hospital.

Nana Tilda with Samson

All together!

Blake was so sweet meeting his new baby brother.

Proud Daddy

One day old! Little sweetie!

 Nearly three days in the hospital can feel like an eternity! Its always such a relief to be back home.

Welcome home little man!

Just in time to finish our Christmas canvas! 

Bringing home baby number four, to a house full of little ones, right before Christmas, could have been terribly overwhelming if not for our awesome moms! They both stayed for 10 days, overlapping by a day, which wound up happening while we were in the hospital. They helped with anything and everything we needed help with. They made the whole experience extra special for the whole family! Nana Tilda and Nana Karen, we couldn't have done it without you! 

Nana Karen getting in some cuddle time with Samson.

Sweet Samson

Welcome to the world precious little one.

Kangaroo Party!

 December 8th, my baby girl turned 4!

The birthday girl!

Per her request, we had a "Kangaroo Party." I wasn't really sure what that meant, but I think we pulled it off ok. :) I made kangaroo ears for her and Bubs. I made a very girly kangaroo cake. And tried to come up with kangaroo type games. She was happy. That's all that matters.

Kangaroo cake

Hop-scotch. Hehe.

At the end of the day, what really makes a party fun is having your friends there! 

"Happy birthday to you..."

If her wish was for a piece of cake, it was quickly granted. :)

Happy birthday to our 4 year old! 

Our main present to our big four year old was her tuition and uniform for dance class! She had been waiting to join for months! Very exciting! She started in January, and is loving it!!