Morning Routine

Our morning routine...get the kids up, fill up milk cups, and watch Tigger and Pooh or Mickey Mouse while getting dressed.

The Gentleness of a Father

Yesterday morning (Friday), Aaron, the kids, and I went to Denver. We finished up shopping and Aaron flew out this morning for Chicago to see his sister before he drives to Des Moines for meetings. After we had gotten the kids bathed Friday evening and were getting ready for bed, Trinity got sick all over herself. Over the course of the night she got sick 2 more times. Through this, God showed me a side of Aaron that I rarely get to see...his "my child is sick/hurting" side. This isn't because he doesn't show it, it's because we've been blessed enough that our children haven't been sick or hurt very often. We took turns cleaning and tending to Trinity. I watched as Aaron held Trinity's hair back, cleaned up without flinching or gagging, soothed her with gentle words, gave her another bath, continued giving her hugs and kisses, jumped out of bed when either her or Eli coughed, and just loved her as only a father can. When I said, "I do", this wasn't a scene from our lives that played in my head- I was picturing all bliss and perfectness...not kids throwing up on themselves and you! Yet, now, the scene I watched Friday evening is one that will play over again and again in my heart because it was so touching, so full of love. Once again, I thank and praise God for blessing my life with such an amazing, gentle, strong, and loving husband.

Happy 3rd Birthday, Trinity!

After church this past Sunday, everyone came over for lunch and cupcakes to celebrate Trinity's 3rd birthday! It's amazing how quickly time flies! Here are a few highlights of the afternoon!

Happy Birthday, Trinity- we love you so much!

Aunt Shelly and Addison- all smiles!

Oh, my princess bike- it's what I've been asking for for the past 6 months! yeah!

All decked out in my princess helmet ready to hit the road on my bike! My cousin Brennan said he was going to turn it into a motorcycle- boys- sheesh!

A gift from Uncle Shayne Bob and Aunt Christina and the kids- princess clothes! Now, not only do I act like one, I can dress like one, too!

Mommy's favorite picture...me with my butterfly birthday cupcake...looking like such a big girl!

So much to be thankful for!

Happy Thanksgiving! Hope all of yours were full of blessings! Sorry for the picture overload- so much to share, I could only narrow it down so much! The kids and I headed to my parents for Thanksgiving while Aaron stayed home to help his uncle and cousin pick corn. We missed him terribly, but had a wonderful time at Mom and Dad's with all of the family! My sister-in-law, Amber, and I decided it was one of the best Thanksgivings...after dinner most of us headed outside for a game of hide and go seek tag- the weather was perfect for it! And, of course we played games of pitch (Karen and Jeremey took the pie there!) and Cranium! Lots of love, talking, laughing...family! I am reminded over and over of God's love for my family and myself...He continues to shower blessings upon us...and I am humbled and grateful. Praise the Lord!

A blessed Thanksgiving!

Papa bought several moutaches for the kids to play with- it was really funny- once the 'staches went on, a whole new personality came out in the kids!

Zachery- so excited to have a boy cousin to play with! He liked pushing Eli and just wanted Eli to talk to him!
Miss Audrey and Trinity- they don't always play well together- both have a little bit of bossiness in them! Here, though, they were playing so sweet! Not exactly sure what kind of a card game a 3 and 4 year old play...

Aunt Amber was helping Trinity take pictures...we got lots of pictures of a ceiling fan and a few of the floor- this was the best one- Aunt Amber and Trinity!

Two heads are better than one...Emalie and Trinity doing what small town/country girls do- playing in the dirt!

A blessed Thanksgiving!

Eli helping Papa while he worked.

Uncle Jeremey giving Eli love after he got hurt.

Emalie adores Eli...any chance she had, she was giving him hugs and kisses. For a little bit whenever Emalie came in the room we were in, Eli would run over and sit on my lap! One day he'll enjoy playing games with his cousin!

Emalie has love for everyone- especially her mommy!

A budding artist

I know I should have done this much sooner, but I finally let Trinity go at it with paints...she was hilarious- concentrating so hard- painting slowly with her tongue barely sticking out...our little artist!