Photo Shoot

I got this idea a few weeks ago to dress up the kids and take them downtown for a "photo shoot". There is a quaint little alley lined with old bricks, benches, and a fountain. It really was spur of the moment, and we went around our lunch time. In my home, hungry people don't make for happy people. What was I thinking? Poor planning but needless to say we arrived at our destination and all was well. Until I checked my camera....very low battery! How silly of me to leave the house and not think to check the battery. So is my story these days. It made for quick picture taking. My subjects obliged the best they could, but were soon eager to get home to lunch.

We had fun. It was somewhat comical to get everyone to look towards me and smile. I love the expressions and postures of all three. Lots of running and crawling in all directions.
There are more, but I cannot show girly's face. We didn't send Christmas cards out this year for that very reason. She has been with us over a year and is very much apart of our family. Sending out a card without her on it just didn't seem right to us.

Nothing in particular

Joe's previous picture post pretty much sums up our fall. Beach days, a week long adventure at my parents including a camping trip (think two adults, two boys, and two dogs in a tent for two nights! Little girlie got in the camper with my folks), a much needed visit with sweet friends in VA, an Ocracoke adventure for brothers and cousins, and our church retreat. Thankful for these sweet memories made. I need to be more mindful of taking pictures of just the everyday stuff too. Here is a description of a recent scene that pretty much occurs daily here: a dancing toddler amidst the toy shrapnel on the floor, baby girl getting into some lamp cords, and little Joe asking to play the wii. Or he is concerned for when I will start supper because mama is dancing with toddler above!

We do a lot of good eatin' around here. If I am not schooling, wiping a bottom, "loving" a bottom, or sleeping then I am in the kitchen! Right now I am on two kicks. Pioneer Woman and kale greens. First, PW has some recipes that have become favorites. Frito chili pie & spaghetti and meatballs top the list. I tweek the recipes to my liking and skip the fritos with the chili. (The pork roast I have in the oven as I type is from PW as well. Looking forward to sharing carnitas tomorrow with the saints.) These are also great because of the amount made is perfect for having leftovers. I usually make sure my Tuesday night meal has enough for supper on Wednesday night since we can seem a little hurried for church. Now the kale greens. I absolutely love them. I could eat them for breakfast, lunch, and supper. I have even made them as a snack for myself in the afternoon. I have gotten Joe and little Joe to like them. Still working on the others. All I do is throw some butter or coconut oil in my non stick pan. When melted, add the kale and a little coarse salt. Saute until beginning to wilt and turning a darker green. I don't let the kale get mushy. Paired with grilled chicken, fish, a fried egg, jambalaya, or beans of choice and you are set for an awesome meal. Or just eat them alone. Don't forget all the good nutrition included. I am considering blending some for a kale green smoothie. Joe says gross. What do you think?

A pictorial summary of this fall from Joe's perspective

Thankful to my Maker and Redeemer for the grace and provision for these memories with my family.

I can't vaccinate your dog, but can offer suggestions on putting down a cat.

Little Joe recently told a neighbor "My mom used to be a veterinarian but now she works with kids". First of all, I have never been a veterinarian. Secondly, spell check confirms I can barely write the word! But I understand the confusion.  He recently asked what my major in college was. Answer: zoology, the study of animals. I guess he figured that was good enough to be a doctor, or maybe he questioned why else would we have two dogs!  He is right on the second part of his statement. I do work with kids, my kids. This is the hardest and most rewarding job I have ever had. No clocking in and out, unless you count hitting the pillow at night and rising in the morning.  I am in constant need of grace from the Lord due to my sinfulness, and thankful for the strength He is giving this aging body to keep up with these kiddos!

                             Little Joe doing sprints one morning.
                      A barefooted Toddler Joe needed to join his brother.

                             This boy is so cute! He is beginning to pose for the camera.

              This is not an isolated incident but a daily occurrence all through the house.
              I need to post "watch your step" signs for guests. We do clean up before bed time.

    I promise he is 9 and not 15! For some reason he looks much older here.

    Maybe the lighting or angle of the camera or the fact that there is a large football coming out of his     

    chest? Maybe this mama is just trying to convince herself that he is not growing up

    fast.

Charge: Christians of a Reformed Theological Conviction are bent towards esteeming high culture. My Plead: Guilty

Here is the evidence.
Exhibit A: off season and mid week rates for one night family get away at vintage circa 1950 motel. (we did up grade to the kitchenette so we could cook our meals).

Exhibit B: 1994 gas guzzler SUV parked at motel

Exhibit C: Dietary high life

Exhibit D: playing with motel lab (the sign that we are in coastal NC)

Exhibit E: 2 yr outside in public square in diapers

Guilty. This is the high culture we like.

Nine Months Old

Our foster daughter is 9 months old today. She has been with us since she was three weeks old.  She is a blessing to our family in so many ways. She brightens our mornings with her laughter and smiles.  Her big toothy grin has become her trademark look. You will often hear toddler Joe calling for her to "watch" what he is doing, and she gladly obliges. Little Joe often gravitates near her while he reads or just to watch her play. She is a snuggle bug after a bottle especially near bedtime, and I love it. She is interested in Joe's hair and face. It is a hoot to watch her go after him.  She started "commando" crawling a couple weeks ago and is everywhere. She sits up pretty well, but still topples over. Lots of babbling, and she will wave if you greet her.  

I love this recent picture of my girl at the beach. To say that she enjoys the ocean is an understatement. She can't get enough of the waves! She loves for me to dip her down right when the wave is about to crash. Lots of kicking and squeals of excitement. I think both boys are surprised at how fearless she is. She may be our all star "water bug".

We don't know what the future holds, but we have this sweet child now! We cherish each day as a gift with all our children not knowing what the Lord's good plans are for them.

Smile

These pictures are sweet and comical to me. I found them as I was trying to organize some pictures. Apparently, Joe had a photo shoot with the boys for Mother's day before church. Attention spans getting low. Some hamming it up for the camera.  Little Joe has had a hair cut since then, although he did protest.

This picture shows what most days are like. Shepherding a willful, determined child while the other needs encouragement on focus and attention. I am reminded more than ever of my great need for the Savior. I sadly admit I am prone to impatience and frustration all too often instead of a gracious loving response.  It is sin. I am more concerned about my expectations being met than displaying the gospel.  Praise God for His Spirit and His word bringing conviction and truth to my heart.  God has wonderfully and mercifully given me the children that I need! It is an honor to be their mother.

Two already?

My baby Joe is two already. (I think he needs to upgrade to toddler Joe.) He had practice preparing for his day since his older brother has a birthday just before him. Toddler Joe would run around days before July 17 saying, "happy birthday party" over and over.  We had a sweet celebration as a family with "burgies" (hamburgers are his favorite) and blueberry cake for my July boy! He hasn't quite mastered blowing out the candles, but this is only his second opportunity.  What he is into as a two year old in no particular order: avocados, oatmeal, eggs, trash trucks, little Joe, his daddy, playing outside, talking about the beach, rising early, dancing, and any outlet involving water. Toddler Joe is very independent and would prefer to do most things himself if given the opportunity. We are so thankful for our son and the blessing he is to our family. God has been so kind in the gift of this sweet child.

Look how big they are getting

                                     

Waiting for cake

This is where I accidentally blew out the candles and had

to relight them.

Silliness

Sweet brothers

Toddler Joe can talk it up about the beach. Once we are there though, he is a little skeptical of the sand and ocean.  Here he is telling me he's two.

Daddy is always close

So squishy and delicious!

Happy Birthday!