Spring Tradition #3

Here it is, our last Spring tradition that I'm going to blog about ~ the Awana Grand Prix.  I think the picture speaks for itself!!!!!

The boys with their cousins

And, Lydia ready for her first Grand Prix as a spectator

(I just wanted to get a picture on here of her wearing a skirt for the first time!  Have I mentioned how much fun I'm having with a girl?)

Spring Tradition #2

Our annual Christmas tree burning started four years ago.  We "save" our Christmas tree and then pick a weekend in Spring to take it to a near-by state campground to burn.  We then roast hot dogs and marshmallows over our tree.  Little did we know four years ago that this would start a fun annual tradition for us, but it did! 

The Boys - Anxiously awaiting the fire ...

Lydia pretty much slept through her first tree burning ...

Our spring traditions hold a special place in our hearts as they are traditions that we experienced and memories that we made while Owen was full of life. Granted, he was in utero, but he was with us as we made stepping stones two years ago ... as we burned our tree two years ago ... and more ... coming soon ...

Spring Tradition #1

While Spring is not my favorite season, I do enjoy watching the wonder of new life in God's creation.  I also enjoy the Spring traditions we have established as a family.  One of which is making stepping stones.  Every April, since Jack has been 6 months old, we have made stepping stones.  Each child makes their own stone, and I just love the collection we are getting along our walkway!

Stay tuned ... more Spring traditions coming your way!

Four Months

“I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in truth.”

3 John 1:4

Back to Work

I have been back to work for about a month now, and we continue to adjust to new schedules.  My maternity leave went so, so fast.  Where DID those 12 weeks go?  But then I look at the boys and wonder where the years have gone. It seems like just yesterday I was returning to work after leave with Jack ... with Samuel ... with Owen ... all very different returns.

Jason was still working when Jack and Samuel were born so our routine was different then. My dad, Jason's mom and Rita watched Jack for nearly the first year. Then, Jack started going to Tina's house. We were so, so blessed to have such wonderful individuals to care for and love our little ones!!! Samuel started at Tina's house right away after my leave. Of course, I knew the boys were well loved, but it is still with a heavy heart that I left them to return to work.  With Owen, my leave was, of course, very different in so many respects. Going back to work after having Owen, while hard, was part of the healing process.

Jason has now been at home with the kids for nearly three years.  I am so grateful for that.  (Tip - if you are a real-life friend - please don't ask if Jason is still at home "babysitting" the children ... um, no, he is not at home "babysitting" the children ... and, yes, someone really did ask that).  It was still hard leaving Lydia to return to work, even though I knew she was with her daddy. 

I struggle with balancing a career outside of the home, being a wife to Jason and a mommy to the kids, being a friend and doing the domestic things at home that I love.  I struggle with accepting that I cannot get everything done I'd like to ... I have to give up some of my controlling tendencies ... and, gulp, I have to find peace in that ... kind of hard considering my Martha tendencies!.  And, it tears at my heartstrings that there are some things I am missing as the kids grow.  Of course, we question if this is God's plan for us. For now though, despite the things we struggle with, this feels right and we are thankful that we can have a parent at home (and, Jason is an amazing husband and father).

Plus, an income does seem to be a necessity these days.  And, it helps fund some of the new "addictions" that I've developed since having a girl such as purchasing ...

Sweet Flower Headbands ...

Adorable, little shoes ...

And, all things monogrammed - like these little bloomers.

By the way, don't you just love baby feet?

He has risen ...

And, he rose ... for Jack ... for Samuel ... for Lydia ...
and for you and me. 

Rejoice in knowing that we are saved because he gave his life for us.

"He is not here; he has risen, just as he said." Matthew 28:6

It is finished ...

Jesus died ...

for Jack ...

for Samuel ...

for Lydia ...

and for you and me. 

"Jesus said, "It is finished." With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit."  John 19:30

Impact

Isn't this a beatiful family?  Want to know something even more beautiful about them?  They are leaving tomorrow for Indonesia, as missionaries, to share the gospel with others.  They have already impacted many lives here ... it is so awesome to imagine the impact they are going to have in Indonesia.

Ryan, Melissa and Talia, we are going to miss you!  We love you.

Three Months

"The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing."  Zephaniah 3:17

Skiing and Shopping

Remember this post?  The boys love many of the same activities their daddy loves.  This weekend Jason took the boys downhill skiing.  Jason has been taking Jack for the past few years, and this year it was time to take Samuel along as well.  The boys had a blast, and I'm happy to report no injuries!

Jack and Jason on the lift when Jack was 6

(I love this picture and still have it up at work)

The Boys this Weekend

And, what did us girls do while the boys were away?  Why, we went shopping!  Aside from my internet shopping, namely Etsy, I have not done any "real" shopping since having Lydia.  We decided today was the day so we packed up the stroller, picked up Grandma and headed North to a "real" mall to shop clearance for next year.  While we did not find many clearance items, we found some sale items (and some splurges).  Wow, shopping for girls is so fun (but dangerous!). 

While Lydia is too young to remember this outing, it did bring back memories of my childhood.  You could often find my Mom and I shopping at "real" malls on a given Saturday.  Lydia was SO good!  Mom and I are looking forward to future outings with Miss Liddybug!

Grandma and Lydia

Ready to go!