Rohn River and 9 Months

  Hello! It’s been a busy few weeks. So much growing has gone on!
Little man River has reached 9months with the help of lots of love and food. Little man loves to feed himself, so finger foods are a must! Blueberries are a constant favorite.

To help him along with his chomping, our baby boy has decided that he needed his top two teeth. He now has a total of 4 teeth with what looks like another on the way!
  
Now that he has mastered sitting up he gets to take a bath all by himself. He LOVES splashing around with his toys in the tub!

After the joys of learning to sit up, Rohn River decided he needed to start learning to pull himself up on things and stand. It’s opened up the world to him!

He looks like a wee porcupine 😂

   
 Besides being a champion stand-upper. Rohn River is super proud that he has learned to clap. His favorite is being praised while we all clap and call out his name.

   
 
The most amazing is how big this boy has become, now fitting in sizes 12-18 months! Such a strong wee boy! 

  
We also are surprised and pleased that he has learned how to crawl! His world is open and without corners now. He goes everywhere and follows his mommy wherever she goes.  

We love our little man River and can’t believe it’s his last month in the single digits(month wise)! What a boy, what a sweetie, what a loved loved boy!

  
  

  

He’s not so into laying down pictures anymore!

Pressure and Release

I feel like I’m getting attacked every which way. It’s as if the fan just keeps throwing out that famous proverbial sh*t.My mother has had some serious health scares since my father moved on to the next world. It’ll be five years this coming Independence Day and I have to lay it true that the weight of what he covered in our families lives has not been easy to take up. It’s like a black hole got shot amongst us and it’s slowly seeping and sucking to take things, or add things of burden and hardship.

This past week my mother was trying to get back on her feet in the ICU wing of the hospital. Her oxygen levels where extremely low and my sister said that our mother was blue when she came to get her. Getting her oxygen level up is our immediate need. Then on top off the doctor believed she has congenital heart failure. She doesn’t even stay home a day when the at home visiting nurse believes my mother’s having a heart attack and takes her back to ICU. She didn’t have one, but my mother said it felt like her chest was caving in. She never felt anything like it.  We celebrated her birthday at the hospital. 

 
The pressure and immediate fear of loss is so heavy. Even in my sister’s household. Her husband is seeking emergency surgery this next week. What is going to happen? The stress the family is under is overwhelming. 

My brother is at his wits end in a means to provide and get his family in order while battling for the rights he has with his first child from a previous marriage.

I see my husband and partner less and less, I know he feels like he needs to step up and try to cover all that my father once did. And now there is added pressure when we consider my sister and brother-in-law’s health and medical bill situation. My husband has the heart to want to cover us all, but he is one man who has his own household needing his attention and focus.

And I can’t even be the supportive sister/aunt/daughter that I know I’d want to be and need to be for the people I love in my life. All my time, all my breath is taken up by my children. I feel I have nothing left of me to give! I can’t be that listener, can’t give that care taking because that is all I do. By the end of the day it’s all been taken from me already. What more do I have? 

I can’t focus on loving on my mom or comforting my sister and family because now all my attention and need is pointed to my son. Our Samwise.

Sometime in the fall he started getting these bumps on his skin. I took him to the doctor when they refused to clear up and she[the doctor] cermised that it was a bacteria infection he picked up from the girls’ school interactions. He would grow out of it.

 After a month or two he seemed to clear up. Then after the new year the bumps reappeared and I did what I could, I’d clean him and moisturize his body. Then he got some more and he wouldn’t stop scratching. I did all the research the Internet could allow me. Every morning I would discover new bumps emerging. I took him back, I knew in my gut it wasn’t what the doctor first thought it was. We did blood tests and she recommended me to a specialist.

We went there and I cried as my son clung to me as he underwent a biopsy. My little boy isn’t even two and already has had stitches.

The bumps have exploded all over his boy. No matter the amount of soothing baths I give him throughout the day, the moisturizers I lather him in, the medicine I apply…he is in constant discomfort.

Some of the tests have come back and the specialist has concluded he has psoriasis. Psoriasis. My little boy…

There is apparently no cure. I’m told he’ll have to be treated for the rest of his life. I don’t want to accept that.  

Everything is harder. Everyday is a constant battle to keep him under control. My every moment watching to keep him from irritating his skin more. And I fail everyday. Everyday there are new bloody patches. Everyday he has a several melt downs when I need to clean or apply his creams. Then I melt down at how helpless I feel.

Then there is how people react to him if we go out of the house. It’s nearly summer in Texas and I have to dress my son in long sleeves and pants to keep him from scratching and others from looking. 

People stare. If kids are in the same area they grab their children to keep away from him. I even had a mother who was pushing a stroller, her arms full, go out of her way to open another door to side step my son who stood by the door I had held open for her.

 Strangers, Latino’s in particular, used to come up just to touch my son’s novelty white gold hair. Today a women reached out her hand to ruffle those locks like so many people have done before, but recoiled her hand once she looked at him. I felt my blood boil before a wave of sadness struck me in the gut. 

I try to bear all the questions with grace, but i get so exhausted. I’m so sad for my boy. He was supposed to get to do swimming lessons this spring, but it’s out of the question. He was supposed to have a birthday party at the local splash pad, but he won’t be now. He would be shunned and I couldn’t stand to witness that. I feel so helpless and over my head.
Everyday is beyond what I think I could handle. Everyday my son cries and he is in such need of my attention and love that I feel like I’m failing the needs of my other wonderful children. I don’t have patience for them. I blow them off, I don’t listen to the things they want to talk about, about their day. I’m not even breast feeding regularly. I give my baby a bottle and walk away to tend to my other son’s needs. Even now, I’ve spent too much time on this, I know. I’ve looked down and witness yet another bloody sore on my little boy’s skin. With each cut that means his immune system will go into over drive, which means more bumps will show themselves in the morning. Even in front of my eyes, if he gets too stress in a moment I can see the sores become red hot and inflamed.  

Samwise and kitty Midas

 
I talk to God. I feel so distant from His voice. I tell myself that when God is silent that means He is building me and my seeking of His presence.

I thank Him for my son. I thank Him that our boy isn’t terminally ill. That he is smart and beautiful and loved. And then I thank Him for healing my boy of this terrible affiliation. I speak things as though they were. I praise God for His healing touch for allowing my son to out grow this pain. I won’t accept this life-time psoriasis for my son.

Because if I’m not hopeful, if I’m not idealistic- I wouldn’t be me. I wouldn’t have anything to hold on to in my desperation.

Psoriasis is his immune system attacking himself. The symptoms are similar to eczema, but like eczema blown up on steroids. My husband gave me hope, and hope in my talks with God. He, my husband, had bad eczema as a child but grew out of it. I’m holding so tightly to that. And to God’s promise over my life. I’m to have double portions of blessings and I claim that for my children and my children’s children.

Please keep me, the family, in your prayers. We need every encouragement out there.

Birthday Celebrations and Questionare

Birthday’s can be fun! Birthday’s can be fun especially when you make the month your official birthday.
We started my birthday month out by hightailing it to the coast for some good time, beach time.

Naturally, hearing my mother tell me since the birth of my son, River, that I look too pale over and over, I figured some sunshine would do me proper. That is, until I trade that paleness for a deep red blush, and by that I mean I got sun burned. And I’m not even going to get to keep the color as now I’m just a blob of pale and then peeling skin. Nice visual, huh?

  
The beach was wonderful, relaxing and we were driving back home too soon. But back in time for my actual birth date and a little date my SIL set up for me. 

The eve of, we had a family bbq with my brother over and he gave me a rocking City and Colour tee that I’m wearing even now, along with beautiful flowers from himself and my mother who also gave me a gift card to go shopping. 

Flowers from my mother, brother and daughters…bet you cant guess which one is from the girls 😉

That next morning my children graced me with kisses and love notes with drawings. My daughter, Sparrow had sweet notes and scented gifts she had been saving for me, and daughter, Apple, gave me a beautiful candle to go with it all. 

 
 

carefully wrapped gifts

 
  
The man of the house treated us all by taking us to the new cafe in town called “Twisted Sisters” where we each picked pastries or baked goods of some sort and I got a lovely coffee.

   

very happily waiting for his blueberry scone

   
I was thrilled to open up gifts that had come by mail. My bestie sent me some fabulous hand cream and a journal made by hand in Paris. One box contained my new purse/baby bag that I later came to find was from the parent in laws. Later I got the joy of opening a parcel from my thoughtful in-laws from Arkansas. Each package gave me joy to open. Thank you! 

beautifully wrapped from my Jessica Morgan

  

my new purse/baby bag- thanks Marion!

  

beautiful and fun goodies- Thank you, Lori!

 My husband bought me some lovely dangly bird earrings to go with his pet name for me. He also surprised me with a gorgeous statement piece.

I have no idea where or when or if(!) I can pull it off. Definitely feeling motivated to get sexy just to show off the piece. Which means less pieces of pie for me. Much less…maybe, if I can find the self control I know I have stored somewhere along with some other fruit. 

 

While waiting for my birthday hair session to start I took my time on FB reading all the sweet birthday messages. These are the two that touched me the most.  

   
 
 My local main squeeze, Callie aka SIL, came by and gave me new hair to rock out to before we headed to our date. While she applied her vision she discreetly feed me glass after glass of champagne. Which continued even into our date; painting with champagne.  

 No, we didn’t paint with champagne, we drank champagne while we painted. I was somewhere between talking to much and getting into my zone. Which means half the time I was suppose to be paying attention to the instructor but quite honestly forgot anyone else existed outside the lines and colors I was creating. Then, I would snap out of it turn around and try to pretend like I was as present as anyone else in the room.  

 The times when I wasn’t being a total space cadet I was over in my corner with Callie and maybe we were a little louder, let’s say boisterous then many of the other ladies. But we also laughed and seemed to have had a better time as well, but maybe that was because of our company including the champagne.  
After our Mona Lisa’s were complete, I didn’t want to go back home to the babies just yet (please God, no, not yet!) and Callie was gracious enough to take me quite literally to places I’ve never been but have always been longing/curious to go to.

  
Starting with Otto’s we hung out on some couches and talked and laughed with some more champagne until the stars were starting to appear. Then we moved the party to a bigger ‘legend’ of local stops; Hill Top. 

Quite literally in the middle of nowhere, and possibly the poshest, most expensive place I have ever stepped foot into. We had stuffed shrimp, dessert and I had some margarita. I was treated to all of it thanks to my date, Callie. We even got sung to. That girl knows how to splurge and spoil. I felt so fancy!
It was pretty late when we left our table, I think we even closed the place down. We were both feeling pretty good, one of us a little less seasoned in the art of drinking. I won’t say who so maybe I can pretend that I’m the seasoned one.  

when your taking selfies but you have to stop and laugh out loud because the wind is giving you the Trump ‘do

 
Anyway, one of us was giggling way too much and the only thing that a good hostess/date can do to remedy the giggles is to stay out longer! Was she right or what!?
But, we shamelessly got pulled over on the way back into town. Maybe I should have been as freaked out as my driver, but I had had a margarita at our last stop and it seems nothing really bothers you at that point. Thank God(and my husband’s vast network of people he knows) that we got out of it, as a ticket would have made the night turn into, “Boooooooo!” fest. 
Next we stopped off at a local spot I HAVE been to before and there we drank some more, laughed some more, talked some more and made merry. I was also surprised by running into a classmate of mine back in computer class. Dana, it was fun to see you! 

making 29, cause we fine!

 Maybe too merry as I still don’t know what my limits are(I skipped the whole party/college stage of my life). Yeah, I was shameful and Callie literally had to pour me into my own shower. 

It makes me feel classier when I tell myself that I can count on one hand the number of times I’ve been like that. And then I’m like, dude, I’m so boring! I need MORE times like that!…. Until the morning sets in.

I had a blast and a half and feel a closer keen ship with the SIL.
 

On to this year’s birthday Questionare !

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 1)What are you saying goodbye to?
28, sweet sweet 28

2)Did you travel anywhere?
Yes, we went to the river and the coast twice. We also went to New Mexico for the first time as a family(I’ve been a few times) and got to play in the snow there together. 

 

the difference betweebn two family holidays

 

Snowball Fight and Flight

 

3)Did any one special pass on, give birth or marry?
Yes! Cue the same answer from last year; I gave birth to a son. It’s our second boy but fourth child. He is a pleasure and brings me such peace and comfort. Our little man, River.
  
 

the most precious gift 28 gave me

 
4)Did you read much?
Other than mommy reading/ picture books I was able to complete only one book my 28th year. Howls Moving Castle. I enjoyed it indeed, otherwise I wouldn’t have finished it within a year. Ha!
  
5)What music will forever represent that year?
I got a little into Lana Del Ray’s new album but it didn’t quite reach my soul as her other ones have. I also got the new Gwen Stefani album and it’s been playing too long, I know, because the girls are singing it all the time now.    

6)Did you watch many shows?
The Walking Dead- mommy and daddy time! Yeah! 
  
7)How about the movies?
I think this might be the first year we didn’t get to go to the movies. Not even once. My poor husband didn’t even get to see the new Star Wars movie while it was in theaters. We’ve seen it, but it’s not the same and I feel sad that we couldn’t make it work with how much he likes that whole Star Track thing. 😉

  
8)Did you make any friends?
No. No friends for me. Hobbits like to keep to themselves. Especially if they can barely keep their sh*t together on their own. I’m not into witnesses of my failings. 

9)What did you meditate on?
Gentleness, kindness, self love

10)What did you spend most of your time doing?
Scrambling. My time is spent scrambling. I’m a hot mess! I’ve got dreads forming in my hair, my meals consist of whatever my kids don’t eat. The bathroom is my favorite (quite and locks) room in the house and I’ve been wearing the same shirt for a week despite the fact that it’s been spit up on more than once. 

 
11)Who inspired you?
My husband inspires me. I even feel jealous of him at times. Is that even a thing? Being jealous of your husband? That’s freaking weird.
I am inspired by his drive. I’ve always wanted drive, have always needed it. But have never had it… I know, I know; one shouldn’t say never or always. Anyway, I’ve got a talented husband and if I had a pinky of the magic he possesses I’d be almost as awesome. 

 
12)What’s some favorite moments?
Picking up Amy, Peter’s cousin from the airport. Having his brother and family be there for his 30th birthday. 
Ultimately, holding my wee lad in my arms after his birth.  

  

13) Hardest moment? 
It’s been hard in general. I’d say, not having an easy labor. Even now I think back and don’t know if I can recall a time I’ve felt so drained, weary, and just ready to give up. 

14) Favorite item? 
Oh my gosh, the ring my Scotsman gave me for our 11th anniversary(turquoise). I lost it for a week and was heartbroken the whole time. So happy my Sparrow girl found it for me.
 

The ring that i cant be without!

 
15)Best song to belt out to while driving.
I haven’t done much driving or drive singing. Didn’t I mention how I was a hermit now? Hermit, Hobbit, same damn thing. 

16) What is your motto?
“Go the f*ck to sleep!”

17)Who is your best friend?
I guess the Holy Spirit. Even there I feel the distance.  I don’t feel I have a best friend these days.

18) What’s the next book you want to read?
Still flippin’ waiting on Winds of Winter or whatever Martin’s new novel is called.(this is the same answer from last year and how funny as I just checked last night to see if there have been anymore chapters released.)

19) How do you feel about your body?
It’s depressing. I don’t know what to do. I’m too tired to try, but too afraid to let it alone.

20) What are you chasing at the moment?
Freedom, Sanity. Maybe just to have an adult in the same room as me. But, I don’t want to try to small talk with anyone it’s simply too exhausting for me.

22) What do you want to buy?
I want to buy a home surrounded by trees sitting on lush land. Away from society. 

23)What did you want that you did get?
Well, I kind of got it but I didn’t. I’ve always longed to be surround by my husband’s parents and family at least once while I was pregnant. It’s just a little fancy I’ve had as long as I’ve been married into the family. I had asked God to bring it together for me and though it didn’t happen the way I requested, I was delighted and feel like God honored me when cousin Amy and the Scott McFarlane’s came down for Peter’s birthday. I gave birth a little over a week after their visit. My full dream didn’t and isn’t going to come true, but God gave me a wee sample and I felt in those moments I glowed. 

 
24) What has improved?
Our financial situation. Officially credit card debt free. And we did it all on our own. No family/parents involved. I admire my husband for that.

25) Write a phrase that sums up this year?
…Miles and miles to go before I sleep. 

26) What are you really excited about?
I’m actually a little excited about maybe losing this baby weight and then some.

27) What three words describe your family.

Favor. Funny. Beautiful 
….and too damn big for this house.

28) What fruit of the spirit do you think needs focus?
Always love. I constantly need to grow in love. For this particular time though, I need to give self-control a shout out and special attention. I think, perhaps, only being surrounded by children that maybe, just maybe I’m turning into one. I mean… Maybe I never reached true adulthood. Maybe I never matured as it happens for others. I know I’m different. I know I’m childish and naive, but then I know I haven’t had some of the childish and naive experiences my peers have had the time to live out and develop from. I’m my own label, my own category. I can’t relate to my peers. I can’t relate to self discipline and drive. This makes me want to harness up some self control and be powerful. Resilient, strong. Then again maybe self control is holding in the truth of how you really feel, I kind of have that down. It’s rough, on one side I keep my cards close but on the other it drives me crazy having to pretend. It’s so much work.
Okay can I change my answer? Is sleep one of the fruits of the spirit? If it is, I choose that one. 

Ultimately, this year has been good to me and I hope to be the person who see’s all that we have and all that we are blessed with, rather than to see what is missing. I’ve been reminding myself all year; my cup runneth over. 

 

River is 7 Months Worth of Preciousness

  
I’m having a terribly trying morning. I feel inadequate and overwhelmed but last night I told myself I had to get these up and done, so here I am.

Earlier this month my wee man, River, turned 7 months adorable. As usual, I know on his “date birthday” I take a picture of him. Usually I take the picture in the evening. This particular time I had asked my husband to be home to help me. This really just requires him to stand behind me and to get the baby to look in our direction. I’ve had our older children do this for me to, but in general it leads to very confused looking pictures, and me yelling at my children to do as I’ve asked. I get very very ‘diva controlling’ when it comes to pictures.

Unfortunately, on this 7 month date it looked like another day daddy would be working until after dark. I was feeling the anxiety set in when it became clear he wouldn’t be there to help, and I definitely needed to get the picture that day. Because I get controlling like that. 

In desperation I dressed and set up the baby, grabbed my camera, found the 7 month sticker and I was ready! 

I decided to leave the kids out of it and tried to make it work solo. And, as far as I thought, it went great! I knew I wouldn’t have time to load them right away and edit them as I had to pack for my family. We were leaving on holiday that next morning.

After dark when everyone’s things were together and my husband finally got home, I took the opportunity to upload my images and was in such dismay and upset to find that nearly all of the images were over exposed. I was stupid and didn’t check to see if perhaps the dials got changed by a certain toddler, or even to check the images I had taken on the screen. No, the over used, baby brain wash momma screw up.

I can be pretty stupid about wanted pictures to come out just right. I think I’m such a perfectionist with this as I might think that it’s the only thing that makes me interesting, or cool, or something other than a caretaker/homemaker. I cling to it a little too much, but find, in my reality today, there isn’t much room for me. For photography. Anyway, these are the pictures that I was able to salvage. Too bad there were some gosh dang cutestever ones in that over exposed batch.

  
  

Little River is so cute and is always such a darling to be around. He is even more precious at 7 months! I adore him and find that he is the pleasent part of my day. He’s just so dang easy to be around that I feel happy, comforted and peaceful with him naturally. He can sit up all on his own now. He still falls sometimes so he usually has a fortress of pillows in the shape of a horseshoe and various toys to inspect in front of him. He’s been eating baby food like crazy that his weight is now shooting up faster. We found out that he is nearly at the “average” percentile in his weight, which I’m pleased about. Even more pleasing is the fact that even though he could gain more he is above average in his height. It made me feel good that both the nurse and Doctor commented on his height without me saying anything. :)Little man River is a boy all his own and reminds my of my father more and more. Everyone in the family dotes on him and takes turns giving him kisses and cuddles. We are very blessed.

   
   

Happy Half Year!

  

  
Rohn River is delighted to be half years young! 

As predicted, Rohn River has grown by two teeth! Occasionally he’ll test them out while nursing but leaves the real chewing practice on his toys. His drive to eat what we eat has grown and we’ve experimented with banana and he loves it!

Like he promised, Rohn has conquered the art of grabbing one’s toes and is on to his next quest; chewing on said toes. 

We’ve practiced sitting up and we’re not quite sturdy enough to go at on our own yet, but we’ll get there!

 

Can sit up only long enough to take a picture.

 

Is absolutely captivated by cars that pass by

  

the tree is his favorite, it makes lovely clicking nosies

His play seat jungle jim is now his most favorite thing, besides mommy. We’ve learned how to splash in the bath and now he can hardly think to do anything else during bath time.  

Blowing raspberries is a must! I quite literally wake up EVERY SiNGLE MORNING to him blowing raspberries. Some people have alarm clocks, we have Rohn River.

So utterly delighted that he belongs in our home.

  

  

Rohn River Gives 5 Months the Thumbs up!

  
Our little man is happy and talking more than ever. His favorite is when I talk to him by way of Chewbacca coos, he absolutely loves it.His appetite has jumped quite a bit and we’re excited about the possibility of wee rolls. Testing his chops by biting me while nursing, hasn’t been so cute. We think he might decide to teeth without my consent. 😉

He’s quite interested in what everyone else is eating and even got to suckle on a chicken bone after staring longing and determinedly reaching for it! 

His motor skills are keen and his interest in the outside world is breathtaking to watch. Grabbing his feet is his next feat! He tries and tries and this month we’re betting he’ll grab hold. We love our sweet, laughing boy and can’t help gathering round to see what he’ll do and how he’ll make us smile. Blessed beyond with our little man River.

I leave you with these adorable gummy smiled photos of our prize and joy! Red for the month of love and dressed up in fire engines in honor of his grandfather’s birthday month. (Now retired, he worked over 30 some-odd-years for the Scottish fire brigade.)

   
 

Little Man River is 4 Months Young

  
Little man River turned 4months this week! Still loving, peaceful, and calm, River loves to be held and loves loves loves trying to reach for your face to pull you down for a kiss. He is now at that faze where you can’t always cuddle him like a newborn and wants to be held upright so that he might see all that is going on. His play mat is a must and the cowbell is his particular favorite to reach for. He adores being sung to by his big sister Apple, being read to by big sister Sparrow and is calmest when big brother is stomping about where he can see and hear all that Samwise gets into. Our string bean has graduated to 6month clothing with the length capacity to fit into some of the 9month clothing too. He loves being kissed to sleep and his hands being held. We are so very happy that he is ours! 

  

2016 the New Year +Last Year’s Questionnaire

It’s the new year! 2016. I intend for it to be a brilliant one. You see, 4 is my lucky number, and 4×4 is 16, which is MY number((I was born April(4) 16th.)) Biblically, 16 means love. Love is my word, and I hope to fill this year with love. First, love for myself. When I am so full of love I intend to let the love pour out of me in waves. It will be difficult at times to share what love I have, and at times my cup will feel quite shallow. Ever the more, I hope to feel and be filled with the love of the Father, Son, and Spirit so that their love might pour from me like everlasting rivers.
This questionnaire has been sitting in my notes since my last birthday in April of 2015. I can image that I forgot to publish it…well, because I forget a lot of stuff these days. The children stole my brain I swear! 😉
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Taken April 2015, Hair getting done was a gift from husband and SIL.

 
 

 On to the questionnaire!

I did this last year, but this year it is better put together.

 1)What are you saying goodbye to?

My 27th year, and some small form of organization. 

2)Did you travel anywhere?

We went on two special trips. One was a surprise affair to Arkansas to see some of Pete’s family who moved there the year before. We got to meet our nephew Cailean for the first time and it was his 2nd birthday to boot!

We also traveled to Utopia and the river for my husbands last birthday in his twenties.

3)Did any one special pass on, give birth or marry?

Yes! Myself. I gave birth to our son. 

4)Did you read much?

Ha! If you count children’s picture books, then yes, I read a ton. Otherwise, Wild was the only book I can think that I read…

5)What music will forever represent that year?

I got back into some of my childhood albums.
Julie Miller and Rich Mullins stick out the most of comforting and relating the most.

6)Did you watch many shows?

My husband and I picked up a show called The 100, we finished a season or two but need to catch back up.

7)How about the movies?

Cinderella.
 I connected yet again with this story line. Having had a ‘word of knowledge’ from a pastor years ago that my life was parallel to the story, I’ve come to think of it as my story.

I found myself weeping at the end of the movie when the main character turned around and simply said, “I forgive you.” What a moment of conformation and love and relief I felt.  

8)Did you make any friends?

No one who sticks out. Been quite the homebody.

9)What did you meditate on?

Kindness 

10)What did you spend most of your time doing?

Adoring my son. Seriously, such a well loved child.

11)Who inspired you?

John the beloved. He is the disciple I relate to the most and I find I understand and connect and grow higher from reading what He has to say. 

12)What’s some favorite moments?

Surprising my in-laws with our trip. It was also comforting to have my husband with his kin. 

That first week with our son. How we stared and smiled and loved and a family unit was one of the most comforting things I’ve ever experienced.

13) Hardest moment? 

Driving to Arkansas with an infant and the school run with that same child. He’s not a fan of the car seat. It drives me crazy.

14) Favorite item? 

My phone, with it I capture and record a thousand memories and moments.

15)Best song to belt out to while driving?

At this time, I’m happy if there is silence in the car.

16) What is your motto?

Have courage and be kind

17)Who is your best friend?

My husband, my rock. Peter.

18) What’s the next book you want to read?

Still flippin’ waiting on Winds of Winter or whatever Martin’s new novel is called.

19) How do you feel about your body?

Like I don’t think it can stretch anymore. 

20) What are you chasing at the moment?

Unity and Understanding 

22) What do you want to buy?

Some land. I’m ready for a home closer to the wilderness.

23)What did you want that you did get?

My husband replaced my phone/memory life line after it had a big accident with my son and water.

24) What has improved?

The natural flow between my husband and I. We know each other and what we each bring to the table.

25) Write a phrase that sums up this year?

Love conquers all-

26) What are you really excited about?

Have to copy and paste last year’s response. Ha!Meeting our new baby!! I can’t wait.

27) What three words describe your family.
Connection. Laughter. Growth 

Little Interviews

  
Found these in my notes from last year. I was frustrated with my children this morning, but after reading this, my heart feels tender again. It’s a good reminder of how quickly they grow and how much you mean to them as a mother and leader in your home.

WITHOUT ANY prompting, ask your child these questions and write down EXACTLY what they say. It is a great way to find out what they really think. 

Apple age 5

1. What is something mommy always says to you? 
To clean up

2. What makes mommy happy? Surprises 

3. What makes mommy sad? When it’s not cleaned up

4. How does your mommy make you laugh?  By tickling 

5. What was your mommy like as a child?  Cause she’s sweet

6. How old is your mommy? 27-8!

7. How tall is your mommy? (blank stare)

8. What is her favorite thing to do? Go to bed

9. What does your mommy do when you’re not around? Pick up Audrey

10. If your mommy becomes famous, what will it be for? A rock star

11. What is your mommy really good at? Writing

12. What is your mommy not very good at?  I don’t know

13. What does your mommy do for a job? Photo shoots

14.What is your mommy’s favorite food? Honey

15.What makes you proud of your mommy? Because she’s a good mommy

16. If your mommy were a character, who would she be? A Queen

17. What do you and your mommy do together? Snuggle

18. How are you and your mommy the same? We use to have the same hair.

19. How are you and your mommy different? You are big and I am small

20. How do you know your mommy loves you? Because she’s mine

21. What does your mommy like most about your dad? Because he spends time with you.

22. Where is your mommy’s favorite place to go? 

To wal-mart

23. How old was your mommy when you were born? (I got a shrug)

Sparrow age 8

1. What is something mommy always says to you? Be quiet

2. What makes mommy happy? A foot rub 

3. What makes mommy sad? When we don’t listen

4. How does your mommy make you laugh? Tickle me and make me happy

5. What was your mommy like as a child? She was adventurous and always liked to play outside and ride her horse.

6. How old is your mommy? She is twenty….eight.

7. How tall is your mommy? I say about,…1 1\2 meters.

8. What is her favorite thing to do? Spend time with her children

9. What does your mommy do when you’re not around? Sleep!

10. If your mommy becomes famous, what will it be for? Taking pictures as a photographer.

11. What is your mommy really good at? Helping us with things that are difficult for us.

12. What is your mommy not very good at? Fixing electronics.

13. What does your mommy do for a job? She works as a photographer

14.What is your mommy’s favorite food? I’m gonna have to say…salad or soup.

15.What makes you proud of your mommy? When she does something she hasn’t done before and she accomplish, or whatever I don’t know…

16. If your mommy were a character, who would she be? She would be a horse rider that is lost and trying to find her way.

17. What do you and your mommy do together? We do arts and crafts and we watch movies. And we also cook.

18. How are you and your mommy the same? We sometimes think a lot together. We both really like to draw, and play and have fun.

19. How are you and your mommy different? I talk more.

20. How do you know your mommy loves you? She always helps me when I need her.

21. What does your mom like most about your dad? That he’s from Scotland and he can help her with computers so she doesn’t have to ask someone to come in.

22. Where is your mom’s favorite place to go? To a farm.
23. How old was your mom when you were born? Let me think, so eight years from now is..28…wait wait wait…you were twenty or you just had your birthday, yep I’m gonna say twenty.

On the 12th Day of Christmas

  
Last night I put together a quick batch of dough for sugar cookies. ((I also made a batch of my own creation. The dough still in bowl in icebox-so we shall see if they are any good.))I threw the sugar cookie dough into a ziplock baggy into the freezer. I later came to regret that.

As soon as we woke up the kids were hyper as all get out. They noticed that each stocking had more inside it and they squilled and squilled.

We got the kitchen tidied up and then we prepared to roll out some dough and cut some shapes. However the damn dough took so darn long to unthaw that I knew I would run out of time for River to stay asleep so I put the bag in some hot water. 
After some time I came back and wouldn’t you know it, there was a hole in the bag. So now we had wet dough. I did what I could and we began. I should have made more but I felt so over it that I didn’t try harder to make it extra special for the kids.

   
 We cut our shapes and cooked them. The. For the first time ever(I’ve never done this) we made a frosting for our Christmas cookies. My friend(shout out to Charity!) who is a mother of three giant boys, gave me a quick recipe she uses, and I modified it to what I had.

I melted one stick of butter, stirred in nearly one pound of powered sugar and about a 4th cup of milk. Stir stir stir. The look was nice and creamy.

I then divided the batch into 4 separate bowls and added food coloring to them.

   
    

Little brother Samwise helped by eating

 We used spoons and mostly our (washed) hands to apply the frosting in an artistic way. 😉

No matter what, kids have a blast making sugar cookies, but this ampt it up like 5 volumes!

We also sprinkled color sugar sprinkles on top. They look almost to beautiful to eat….almost. Santa is going to be super stoked. 😉

   
    
 
 

all our sweet yummys-iphone picture

 
This concludes our Christmas cheer activities. I want to note that though I didn’t have a blog dedicated to it, every year we go and find toys and belongings to donate. This also helps us de-clutter. This year we donated over 200 pounds.

I also want to share that Jesus is so good to me. In honor of his birth our family gives each child 3 gifts each. Just as baby Jesus did. Though on top of it he was blessed by his Heavenly Father abundantly. So we try to stuff our stockings until they overflow. Like our cup of blessings from the Father.

Merry, happy Christmas. I can’t wait until the morning!!!!! xoxoxo