I just can't...

This is what it looks like when you are enduring the first trimester of pregnancy with your fourth child:

Still just keeping it real.

Number Four...

We are so incredibly thankful to be able to say that baby number four is on his/her way.  We thought after Ezra that we were done, but God has blessed us with one last baby and we are thrilled.  I pray that God will protect this precious life and that this baby will grow and thrive and become a wonderful addition to our family this August.

P.S.  Pregnancy nausea is the worst.  Just keeping it real.

Slow January Days...

Winter Wonderland...

This has been the most beautiful winter, pretty much ever!  We have had snow for weeks and God even blessed us with a white Christmas.  I am SO thankful for the beauty and the coziness of this magnificent snow!

Happy Birthday, Silas!

Yesterday, this boy turned SIX!  Hard to believe, I know.  He has added so much joy and life to our family, and we are incredibly thankful for the six wonderful years God has allowed us to share with him.  Happy Birthday, my boy!

A Very Merry Christmas...

"Mom! Watch!"

I hear this at least 50 times a day.  Right now his favorite trick is jumping off the stairs while throwing a ball.  Tomorrow it will be something different.  But what doesn't change is his desire to have an audience.  And I'm the lucky Mama who gets to be entertained all. day. long.

The Cheer-Up Station...

Owen, Oliver, Jack, Silas, and Henry created a "Cheer-Up Station" at the end of our driveway yesterday.  Their idea was to create something that people could drive by and be encouraged by if they were having a bad day.  Below is a picture Allison took of their creation:


There are days when I have boys yelling at each other, fighting over who gets to sit closest to the fire, wrestling, running through the house with muddy shoes, etc.  On those days, I often feel like I might literally lose my mind, and I realize that parenting takes more patience than I ever imagined (and more patience than I have, to be honest).  And then there are days when they are thoughtful, kind, empathetic boys.  Young men who do their best to reach out to others, to encourage others, to help those who are struggling.  And on those days, I feel like the most blessed mother in the world!  These are the moments I will hold on to.  They give me hope that some day these young, crazy, energetic, loud boys will, in fact, grow up to be men who honor God and show His love to those around them.

Oh-So Thankful...

When Mama thinks it's a good idea to take a family picture:


















We had an absolutely wonderful Thanksgiving, and I hope you all did too!

Duck...

Jason took Owen and Silas hunting in the field below their house the other day.  They were successful, and Jason was kind enough to let the boys keep the duck they (he) shot.  Silas was absolutely thrilled to get to dig into the thing with his pocket knife.  And he was also very lucky that Gramma happened to be here to help him get the breast meat out.  Honestly, she wins major props for this one!  I don't think I could have stuck my hands in a duck's guts.  Thanks Gramma!  You definitely know the way to Silas' heart.

Pure Joy...

I just couldn't resist...