A Lifetime of Love

I need to write Th's birthday post/picture, as well as share some pictures from our trip last week. However, a stomach bug has hit our family and in the past 24 hours, 5 of 7 family members have caught it. It's not fun living in this house right now! :(

Happy birthday, buddy! Stats: Height: 49 3/4 inches Weight: 56.6 pounds Favorite color: Red Life's ambition: to be a missionary and drive an R/V :) This past year has been marked by your baptism, along with changes to your education. You have excelled academically but more importantly, you continue to grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ. Your love for the Lord spurs you to love others, and for that I am so grateful. You are a fabulous big brother, the kind I always wished I had when I was little. You are kind, caring, and take time to help and teach your younger siblings. You care about their spiritual walk with the Lord and are always sharing the gospel with them- a mini-missionary! The Lord truly blessed us when He gave you to us! We love you so much and are so thankful for your servant's heart!

Teagan is 2 years old! Wow! She has come a long way over the course of her life. Although still receiving speech therapy and meeting weekly with her Early Interventionist Crystal, she has overcome some obstacles that most children her age never face. And, she has done it with a smile on her face EVERY day! Teagan, you are the happiest kid I know. The only time you are unhappy is, as Th so eloquently phrased it, when you "...hear the word "NO!" You cry every time, and although it is usually for your protection or safety, you still don't like it. But, with a quick hug and a wipe of a few tears, you smile your beautiful smile and get on with life. I love that about you. Teagan, you have an infectious smile that draws people to you. Strangers in the store and friends at church are always commenting on your beautiful smile and sweet personality. Your teachers at preschool have nicknamed you "Sweet Tea" because of your warm smile and joyful personality. I have a ...

I cannot believe I am the mother of a 6-month old. When did Taylor Ann get so big? Wait, I remember. I remember every night because she still wakes up to feed. At least twice, lately three times. But, it's okay. She is so sweet and loving that I enjoy it. She coos and kisses and rubs my face as I hold her. This stage will not last long enough so I am making a conscious effort to enjoy it, even though it's difficult for me to get out of bed when the alarm rings at 6am. Developmentally, Taylor Ann is rolling back and forth between her belly and back, and she is working on sitting up independently. She is grasping toys and anything else she can get a hold of (today it was T.G.'s hair- ouch!). She is just starting out on baby food so no real "favorites" yet. Taylor Ann is chunky and has many rolls of baby fat that cause me to squeeze her several times a day, especially on her thunder thighs! She is getting some hair finally but still sports the Sinead O'Connor loo...

T.G. and Teagan started back to preschool last week. I have been so busy that I am just now getting a chance to post their "first day" pictures. Here they are: The bonds of sisterhood! :)

Okay, I gotta tell you, I really like homeschooling. We just completed our first "full" week of school, and at times it was challenging, but we did it! It is obviously a learning process for both Th and myself as we figure out the best way to do school while my girls, particularly Teagan, are home with us, but we're getting there. Thankfully he enjoys school and overall Th has an easy-going personality so he doesn't mind when I switch things up a bit. But, Friday's routine seemed to work the best with having the girls home with us so that is what I will do on the days they don't attend preschool. Plus, on the mornings they do attend preschool, I think Th and I will be able to move through the material quicker since we won't have the distractions of an almost 4- and 2-year-old. Hopefully we can get ahead on those days and, if needed, relax a bit on the others. Our first field trip is scheduled for October 1st. We are going to a local historical farm and ho...

This was on my friend Renee's blog, and I totally had to steal it because it's so true! LOL!! Happy school year!!! :)