on another year gone by {turning thirty-six}

It's not the most flattering picture...the camera stares at us at arm's length, but we are laughing and I've got the lines to prove it.

At twenty-six, I would have likely hit the delete button.

At hours shy of turning thirty-six, 

I smile gladly,

as a wife to a man who loves me with all my imperfections,

I smile adoringly,

as a mother to four beautiful children,

I smile thankfully,

for family and friends

and that I have the opportunity to live this life that God has given me.

Hello, thirty-six.
It's nice to meet you,
lines and all.

dreamland

I wonder what it's like in dreamland for him?

Snuggled up with his favorite stuffed animals, cozied up in his favorite sleep position.

Ever so sweet, I could gaze at him forever.

He melts my heart.

I love him so.

God, give me strength

Dear God,

Please give me strength, 

to take things in stride,

when he has charged lunch to his meal card for a negative balance,

when he says the crows ate his lunch,

when he's tied his shoe laces to the chair.

Please give me strength, 

to be calm,

when he leaves the toilet seat up,

when he's written on his hands,

when he's used all the duct tape to make a sword.

Please give me strength to teach him about my faith,

even when he sighs for having to go to faith formation, 

he will grow to know you and understand.

Please give me strength,

to maintain my sanity and composure,

it can be quite the challenge,

especially during homework time.

Please give me strength,

to be the parent I want to be,

to be the parent that he needs in me.

Please give me strength to not sweat the small stuff and know the right words when it's the big stuff.

Please give me strength to be a pillar for my little boy.

And, if I've lost my way,

please give me strength to remember that each day is new, I can do better than the last.

It's hard sometimes, this thing we call parenting, but then, you know that.

I know that.

This boy of mine, he is uniquely created, a precious, loving soul.

Give me strength,

to teach,

to learn,

to forgive,

to grow.

And though I pray for strength,

I need not ask for it to love,

I have a lifetime's worth and more.

Dear Kieran,

If strength were measured by love, then mine for you is off the charts.

Know this always, even when strength is what I'm seeking from God.

Love,

Mommy

my baby forever {liam's first haircut}

Walking in with anticipation...what is this place? What am I doing here?

A play table with toys? Sure, I'll do that! What is happening to Anna and Tatum?

They get to sit in these really cool chairs that look like cars, how fun!

Wait a minute...

not sure if I like this, lady...

what is going on here?

Get this cape off of me and what on earth

are you doing to my hair?

Vroom! Vroom!

Transforming quickly...

all too quickly...

in an instant.

You made the the change from little baby,

to little boy. 

Just so you know?

You'll be my baby forever.

hit the road croup {15 months}

Sweet boy, thank goodness you missed the stomach flu that everyone else had! It wasn't completely in the cards for you not to get something, so you (like your brother and sisters all had when they were babies) got a nasty bout of croup.

This face...

just about sums it all up.

Hit the road croup, and don't you come back no more, no more, no more, no more! Hit the road croup, and don't you come back no more!

Anna saw this picture and asked why you weren't smiling since you always do. It's a rare occasion that you aren't, you really are a happy little soul.

Today, you turned 15 months old. You are a full fledged walker and are trying your hand at the next speed, "the walk run". I cautiously follow you trying to prevent any major rough and tumble to the pavement.

Your verbal vocabulary is still small, saying "mama" and "da", but you understand so much! You shake your head no, blow us kisses, give us hugs and pats on the back. When we ask you to turn around as you approach the stairs, you lower yourself and ever so carefully reverse yourself knee, hand, knee, hand to the bottom. You initiate peek-a-boo, and giggle up a storm. I've taught you how to sign a few things and you can tell me when you are hungry, thirsty, want more, are all done, or tired.

You love baths and brushing your teeth and you cannot stand it when others are eating and you are not. You could have already eaten lunch, but if someone else has something to eat, you want it! Thank goodness, you are still a phenomenal eater. Can you keep it that way? I'm 1 out of 4!

No evidence of you thinning out yet like the others. You are just a big boy and I love that about you! We just bought you your first pair of shoes and you are only a 1/2 size smaller in shoe than Tatum. You are 15 months, she is 3. That is just plain funny. Your brother at your exact age wore a 4W. You wear a 6W. Did I say that you are a big boy?

I've yet to give you a haircut, though you really are in need. The first cut is always the most emotional. The day when you look less like a baby.

I have fully weaned you, so if I seem a bit emotional, it's because I am.

Baby steps for Mommy. I'm not ready for you to be so grown up!

We enjoy you so much, sweet Liam, all fifteen months of you.

Thanks for being you.

Love,

Mommy

just a few favorites {christmas 2013}

Dear Family,

I have not taken a lot of pictures this Christmas vacation. Most of us have been sick with the flu. I'm hoping that everyone will make a full recovery shortly, as the break has been spent homebound and I at least want to ring in the New Year in better style!

Just  a few favorites is all I've got, but they each have a special place in my heart...

like Tatum seeing her Elsa doll from Santa,

 she walks around with her constantly and sings "Let it Go"  

right on key, so sweet!

Like Anna....

so thrilled that Santa followed through in granting her one request of a giant bean bag.

 Like Cousin Johnny (and God father to Liam)...

giving Liam his Christmas present. These two love each other!

 Like Uncle Joe and Kevin's amazing decorations...

this is only a small fraction!

Like our semi-annual family Christmas photo... 

the crazy one, of course.

 We were missing my mom, sister, niece, cousin and her husband, 

but they were there in spirit!

Shortly thereafter, more of us took the Christmas flu hit (hopefully not Auntie Mary and Catherine while in Paris!).

Just a few favorites from this Christmas,

but I am ever so thankful, ever so blessed, that these favorites were spent with a family that loves each other and who I call mine.

Merry Christmas! {love, erik, kristin, kieran, anna, tatum & liam}

For a child has been born for us,
    a son given to us;
authority rests upon his shoulders;
    and he is named
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.