Merry Christmas!!!

These are pictures from our "Redmond Crazy Mom Photo Shoot". When I subject my children to my artistic whims and strong desire to show off the great gifts my children are. They are good sports and enjoy most of it (on their terms). I would love to sit here and give you a profound Christmas thought or poem or hymn...my lack of time to do this, I hope is evidence of the fantastic love my father in Heaven has bestowed on me. Merry Christmas Y'all!!! And a Blessed New Year!!!

Thankful for "The Joy of Cooking" super easy Apple Pie recipe!!!

Happy Thanksgiving, that has now past...However;

Thanksgiving is my absolute favorite Holiday. I always thought it was very un-spiritual to love Thanksgiving most, over say, Christmas or Easter (passover/resurrection...could get preachy about that one). But the truth is I love Thanksgiving, I love it as a special day, and I love giving thanks. I think it lightens my burdens to give thanks, it brings me into His courts and gates, it releases me when I am being held captive by a whole host of bad attitudes. Thanks is a beautiful discipline. That is my hallmark card on "thanks" for you this year, with out the rhyme.

And on a "I'm-not-so-thrilled-with-American-culture" note: I think Thanksgiving may remain the most un-commercialized Holiday of all; THAT my dear people is something to be VERY thankful for; and maybe from me a standing ovation!!

Daddy getting sweet baby on camera. She is a very perfect addition to our household. She is shaping up to be (at this point anyway) more relaxed and laid back than her siblings were at the same age. I have actually been able to lay her in bed not quite asleep and have her drift off on her own.

I am yet again hopelessly in love with my baby. She is my little doll, she smiles at me and I am completely distracted from all things, for a moment. Of course I have a son who quickly reminds me that baby isn't the only child who I ought to adore; with a tackle hug that just about takes my head off.


ok gotta run...I'll pot something more substantial later.

Sisters! My baby has laughed her first laugh. I am glad she is a hardy girl, she will need to be. Enjoy!

This is the picture Samuel found of the girl with his eyes.
WoW! Look at those bangs! Very fancy.

Daddy said she looked like a boy...not now!

I think these next two are old (relatively).

Back to "I'm no boy" .

We had fun with Eden, and Papa and Mercy also.

Theatrics

#3 hasn't gotten her groove on yet.

So, cute story, I was going through old pictures sorting them into give and throw away piles. Samuel sees a picture of me at 14 (he doesn't know it is me) and says "Hey, Mom, I have this girls eyes". Yes, you do.

Both of my children love watching these video clips, really any video clips that star, them.

In school we are doing spelling tests (spelling B's because they "feel" less structured), reading (everything, but not always with a smile), learning how to use maps and a compass, studying Africa (fantastic!), and Astronomy (kinda freaky i.e.watch "Hyperspace" with Sam Neel...yikes!), and having some success learning to study our bible at bible school. Now, I look at this and it all looks nice as I type it, but truth be told, it is like a three ring circus around here. I have not yet mastered the juggeling act. So you can imagine (and try if you don't get motion sickness, it might be fun)me and spelling, and wild man, and scream queen, in a warm (praise God)small house, while it pours outside. Yes, lovely image.

But, I love it. This is my speed. The thrill of the chase...literaly sometimes, the taste of sweet sucsess (Banana bread, pumpkin pie...). This reminds me, I hate to admit this but for your pleasure I will. I had a mom moment, one of the moments that go down in the books (thanks).
Samuel said to his Dad during a dinner discussion, "I know what Moms favorite thing is, eating"

WHAT???
Thats all folks...

MommaK, Pumpkins, Make-up, and Missing Teeth

This childs idea of "make-up" is very theatrical. I don't mind of course (thank you Jesus!). She asked me to do her make up and in a moment of graciousness I conceded. Had to run out of the bathroom to check on the baby and when I came back (I was only going to do a normal job) she had drawn lines under her eyes. "Oh, I decided being a cat would be fun". So, we turned it into a teaching moment and discussed "Cats".

This is a usual position for these two. It isn't long though before they end up kicking each other or scratching and pulling hair; in fun of course.

Tooth #3 gone, 1 loose...glad to be chewing gum from the teeth brushing (slightly forgetful) tooth fairy.

We look forward to a pumpkin patch trip every year. The children make pies with there father.



Visit with Momma K

We enjoyed Moms visit. As far as sight seeing it was a little disappointing probably. #3 isn't as interested in exploring the world as her older siblings.

Long drive and Ferry ride. Tried to get on the ferry at 6pm and didn't actually make in through the line until 9:30. Apparently, every one returns from over yonder at the same time on Sunday night.

His sister took this picture with her camera.

Playing at a park on the water. I was stuck in the car nursing. Most of my time with mom (out of the house) was spent nursing or some other baby thing people do.

Ahhh!


Recent Pictures of Baby

She CAN be quite for one second...

My Girls

Sophie is growing so fast. I love these little people. Remember the song that goes "Oh, you can't get to Heaven in a limousine...". I think about all the things I spend (money,time, focus) on. Many of those things I can't take to Heaven and many times those things will not be "storing up treasures" for me in Heaven. So, I find yet another great reason to be in love with my little people. I WILL take them to Heaven and they are absolutely helping me to store up my treasures.

I love this last image. School starts this month (October) officially. I am only concerned about trips to the library. Some how I can't convince Sophie to Shhhhsh. Such a rule breaker! So, she made an unfavorable impression her first trip (screaming!!!!). I took two steps inside the door and she let it out. I ran, got my item on hold and gave the other two the get over here NOW look, that I learned from my mom no doubt, and out we ran. I need the library! I sure hope little missy sissy gets her act together or I may pull a few hairs out of my head. My fall back plan is to always get the librarians to do my work for me by placing every item I want on hold. This way at least I can move fast and think very little.
We look forward to my mother's visit in a week!!! Family is fabulous!!
Oh and just as a side note; I love my husband. He makes the best...well most of the things he applys himself to are quality. He made a lovely pathway staircase up the steep embankment to our garden today. It was free, as the property had literally, tons of broken concrete, and pavers from a previous wall. I need to buy a few flowers now. He probably didn't consider that in the end it would cost him.

#3 and #3

So, this is a documentary view of my pretty girl.

Samuel acting like a clown, more like a clowny mime.

Samuel's Birthday

I am amazing...I can say it, and I mean it. On three hours of sleep I did the unthinkable, made a Boston cream pie (joy of cooking style) from scratch. I think it was such an amazing feet that I really ought to give all the credit to the Holy Spirit for keeping me focused enough to follow the recipe.

Samuel was pleased.

But more pleased over his bike and his boat.

Nick and Lillian worked on making this great boat for Samuel. Nick just took a block of wood on a whim and played with the block and a few tools and we had a boat, by-golly.


Samuel was very excited about his BIG BOY bike. It is all he asked for, and cheeseburgers and a chocolate cake (but like a doughnut).