PB&J

The weather is becoming springlike here in Florida. It is a joy and something to be delighted in before it gets unbearably hot! So today we decided to eat lunch on the back porch. It was the first time Emma had eaten Peanut Butter and Jelly! She loved it!!!

Olivia and Elijah enjoyed their lunch under a fort...

Emma in her high chair...

Elijah deep in thought...

My girls...
There is no greater joy than my children. I love having them around me all day. I love eating lunch with them and hearing all the sweet things they have to say...

Sweet Ethan and I had our sandwiches on the swing...He's such a heartbeat!

It happened again...

Today when I was driving to the gym, with all four children in the van with me, I had that feeling again. The split second panic that someone was missing, or left behind, or something. I have not had that feeling since December 2009 when Elijah was 15 months old. I was desiring to have another baby at that point. My husband, and I, and three children (at that point) were entering Trinitas on a cold December evening to watch our neice and nephew perform at a school function. It surprised me just as much then as it did today.

That feeling was a little more unexpected today, because I feel unready for another baby at this point in my life. I want the Lord to be in charge though, not me.

We have a plan, but Lord have your way :)

Teach me to understand my children...

~to patiently listen and answer all questions as best I can.

~to treat them with respect and dignity that I expect from them.

~to discipline them at the right times and for the right reasons.

~to always temper this discipline with love.

~to remember, at all times, that they are children.

~to give them the room and support they need to grow.

~to answer "yes" to all reasonable requests.

~to say "no" -even if it hurts- when it's in their best interest.

~to be a fitting model that they can both love and respect.

morning run

Recently my husband and I got a family membership at the YMCA. It has been a wonderful thing. The kids love to play with the other children in the kidzone, and Mrs. Wendy. I have been working out for four weeks now and already feel stronger. I am working out three days a week. Matt and I always work out together.:)Today when we were ready to do our cardio exercise, all the machines were full. So I said why don't we go for a jog outside downtown. It was so wonderful. Not only did I surprise myself on how far I could run, but I got to share it with my best friend who was encouraging me and making me laugh all the while. It was the first of many runs for us, and for that I am grateful!

Emma Turns one!

On February 16 baby Emma turned one. She has been such an amazing baby! Easy, fun, cuddly, great eater, loves to play with her brothers and sister. She captures my heart with her sweet smile and her little blonde curls.

Mom made her dress especially for her birthday. She is making one like it for Olivia. :)

I remember the day she was born like it was yesterday. She was born with a boxer nose as I call it...all smooshed in. She was hammy @ 8.4 oz. and had a beautiful dark head of hair. She was born at 11:36 am just like her daddy was.

Emma Raine is my fourth baby. The first time I nursed her after she was born I got tears in my eyes and looked up at my husband as I sat in the hospital bed. It is so beautiful to have and raise children.

Happy Birthday my Darling!

I love you!

~Mommy

sew day

Today I spent the day sewing with my mom. She helped me get Ethan's world quilt put together so I could start hand quilting it. I cut out Emma's little spring outfit that she will wear when the weather turns springy. It was a marvelous day. Alison came over with her kids and the cousins spent the whole day playing out in the yard. It was a beautiful cool day! We made a mem....

It has been a while since I have written anything. I have been so busy with life. Which is a good thing. Tomorrow is valentine's day and Wednesday Emma turns 1! This past year has flown by. I am in awe at the life I lead sometimes. Day in and day out I get up and do all my daily jobs, so often feeling overwhelmed by everything that I have to do. But the point, is that I am living a beautiful life. I have a wonderful family. I serve a wonderful and amazing God. I get to spend everyday with my sweet gifts from Heaven, raising them in the fear and admonition of the Lord. I do not want to take one moment forgranted. I do not want to wish the time to go by faster. I do not want to feel stressed by all the things I have to do and miss out on the special moments that pass by so quickly.