A final thought

It's the last day of the year....already...again. I don't have many profound words or sage advice. On this last day, looking back on the year, I simply want to say I'm grateful for the trials and triumphs, for the busy and breaks, for the laughter and tears and most of all for my beautiful family who are the most important people in my world. Happy New Year!

First & last photos of 2014

Will's birthday

Well that's it. Will is 7 years old now. Seven!! I cannot believe it. Watching Will and all my children grow up is bittersweet-- I'm so grateful they're healthy and growing-- but time moves by so fast and in the blink of an eye my tiny little newborn turned into a 7 year old. Each birthday it's hard to believe Will is another year older and each year I'm like, "I can't believe you're already..." but as hard as 5 and 6 were, 7 is so grown up. It's the age of reasoning. He's still a little kid, but not a little, little kid. Just crazy!!

last night as a six year old

first day as a seven year old

All that aside, let's talk about your big day.  We can't always have your birthday party on your day, but I certainly don't want to skip it, so we get you a store bought cupcake or small cake for your actual day and then I make a cake for your party. Since you're 7 now, we're most likely done with big parties. We did, however, let you have another sleepover with just a few friends to help make your day special. Surprisingly you didn't want a big breakfast; I offered to make cinnamon rolls or pancakes, but you wanted waffles, so that's what we had. Your guests came over that evening and you guys had a great time playing games, eating pizza & cake and sleeping on the big bed!

 excited he blew out his candles on the first try!

Happy 7th birthday, Will!! I love you so much!

Christmas celebrations

The week of Christmas, particularly from the 20th-27th was very busy for us! Lots of events to attend and presents to open. Good times were had. :) Photo frenzy below. Notice the many Christmas dresses of Maggie...she loved every one.

trying to open the dollies, then kissing them (below)

Tired little boy laid down then the bigger boys joined him

Happy 7th birthday Will!

Will,
I really am SO very grateful you're in my life and proud to call you my son. You're a model student at school and while you can be difficult at home sometimes with your listening allergy and attitude, most often you're a great big brother. I love your boundless energy and your imagination, your laugh and your strength, your loving heart and compassion. My heartfelt little man. My oldest. You will always and forever be my first born- the person who made me a mom and through that brought me closer to God.

I've always believed in God. Always believed he existed, that Jesus died on the cross for our sins and was a somewhat regular church attender (not that I believe church saves you, 'cause it doesn't) but when you started growing in my womb, I wanted to be the best mom possible and I felt that included raising you in faith. So I encouraged your dad to attend church more and join a Sunday school class. I also joined bible studies, started reading the bible more and this started my and your dad's journey to knowing and understanding God more and really building our faith.

Sure, my pregnancy started with just attending church more regularly, but that opened the door to so much more. This may seem like a small thing, but it's not at all. I believe it's the biggest and most important thing. And you helped me become the believer I am today, that's huge! So you're not only the person that made me a mom, but the person who God really used to guide my path to Him in a much deeper and more profound way than ever before. You are so special to me, Will, and I love you more than words can say and more than you will probably ever understand. Happy 7th birthday, son!!

Love,
Mom

Christmas Day

Merry Christmas! The kids gave us a present by sleeping in...Allie was the first one awake at 8:00 then I heard Will around 8:15 and Jake about 8:30. Shortly after Jake woke up he got upset about something, probably Will trying to keep him in the room so I brought Jake down for a banana then he was fine. I hung with the boys for a little bit then decided it was time to wake up Maggie when she started coming out of her room.
As usual, we read the birth of Jesus from Luke and took a picture on the stairs before heading down to open gifts. This was the first year Maggie sat on the steps by herself! I think she was physically capable of doing so last year but she was scared, so one of us sat with her. Not this time, she did great!

We started out slow with the presents, then let 'em loose. Will and Maggie were happy to tear through there gifts but Jake liked to enjoy his, taking time to play with each one before we reminded him to open another.

 the usual pancake breakfast then on to stockings!

After opening everything, we spent the rest of the day playing, watching new movies and relaxing. Some years I find Christmas day boring because there's not much to do after opening the presents. That and all the excitement leading up to it leaves me wanting more. But this year I very much enjoyed spending time with our little family and resting. I, of course, stayed in pj's all day... Merry Christmas 2014!