Crazy boys...

...dont ask me why

the third child--growing more and more. Sorry, the picture is a bit dark. Recognize the shirt, Courtney??







Here are some recent pictures of the kiddies--we went to the mall one day to play. What a great day that was!
And I wanted to show off Vara's new hair style. She liked her "ponies", Reid too--hence the hugging.

My Favorite Girl

Little Var. She is a treasure to me and Ive really been enjoying her new traits this past week or two. Her vocab is growing so fast and is her spunk. I thought this picture was a great view of her joy and excitement for any little thing. Sometimes, during the day, she'll run up to my legs and just giggle and then run off.
I love the way she begins to sing as soon as she wakes up. Reid did that when he was young(sometimes still),but she has a different sweetness to it. I love laying there listening to her version of "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" over and over again.
Its not surprise she is all girl, too. She loves her clothes, really just her PJ's, and she'll bring me different things to wear throughout the day. Mark comes home and she's in some more pajama's and I have to tell him they are clean and its what she wanted to wear that day. I love my silly girl! Thanks to God for the treasure I have in her.

Easter Party at Grandma's

Saturday, my Grandma and Mom hosted my family's easter party. It was crazy and fun with all the cousins, just how we like it.
Here are the kids during the egg hunt. Vara LOVED it. She had a wrinkled brow the whole time(a look she makes when concentrating) and gasped at almost every egg she found. Reid, on the other hand, threw those eggs in his basket with speed. He would shake them hoping to here contents.
We had a great dinner and the kids finished the night with easter baskets. Thank you Grandma and Kiki for all the treats!




Vara and grandma snuggling after all the events.




Sunday was nice, with church and a meal at Mark's parents. Im sorry there's no photos. Im not on top of things so great these days. They were so generous to the kids and always a favorite of theirs. We began a tradition of going through "Resurrection Eggs"..Im glad for something else to shadow over all the eggs and bunnies. Thank you both!

Ted's Farm

About twice a month, we go get our eggs at "Ted's Farm". He lives by the church and has beautiful, huge eggs for really cheap. We have become friends with him and enjoy our visits. He usually lets the kids play with a goat or two and feed Scott(the pony) a treat. This was the first horse Reid rode on--sorry to say I dont have a picture of that.
Here are the kids messing around this winter. We love to find the little rooster and see how close we can get. Its always a plus if he crows at us. :)

Gardening

This morning the kids and I went out to pot some plants. They got so messy and it was great. Grandma gave me this great pot for an herb garden. We planted basil, thyme, oregano, and parsley. Thanks grandma-I love it!!
Hope all is well with everyone!

I love my Mark!--Happy Seventh!

Today is our anniversary! Yay!! Im so thankful to have married Mark seven years ago--Im really excited for this year with him. We were talking about our hopes for our marriage this year and I am eager to see what God has waiting for us. I love you Mark for a million things! You are a great husband and friend to me. Thank you for loving us so well! Praise God for giving us a leader with spunk :) --More than misquotes love light!!


We stayed at a B&B to celebrate--here's the room. It was really nice and you could see the water from our balcony.





Here's some pictures of our breakfast.(for you Katy)
It was tasty and more gourmet than I expected. We started with a grapefruit citrus gelatin. The main course was crab and mango with avocado and a mango souffle. Yum!

After we checked out, we did a little yard sailing at the north end. The day was beautiful and sunny. Later we had lunch at Taste Unlimited-one of my favorites. It was great to have a simple day with him.

We're Back! (and bigger than ever!)

Its great to get to put pics up again, sorry the promises went on too long.
Reid took a picture of my belly yesterday, and then he wanted a belly shot too--can you tell he's pushing it out?? And of course, little Var with her legs on.

YIKES!!!..whew!!

Its after two pm and Im so thankful they day is looking up...
My morning was filled with tons of stuff I hate dealing with. God is faithful to remind me of Him as my comfort, not an easy life.
But, rest assurred, I wasn't singing His praises a couple hours ago.

Little Vara caught a throw-up bug that Reid had earlier this week..so you know how that goes. Everything from the floor to the couch to clothes gets washed a lot! Also, I had an apt with the midwife this morning. I HAD to go because I missed it last week and Im due for my second Glucola testing.
I took the kids with me, hoping the car would remain vomit-free (it did!). Reid was a rascal during the visit, pushing Vara, climbing on things....so that filled my heart with complaints. I did pass my test, though (woo-hoo!,) but we had to talk about my weight. Ive gained 30lbs already!! I have ten weeks left to go and was encouraged to watch my carb/sweet intake. Baby is measuring great and its heart is healthy despite my hugeness.

So, after the apt, I called to see if Marks parents still wanted the kids for the night. (Did I mention we were celebrating our 7th this weekend?? Mark and I reserved a room at a B&B at the oceanfront.) I didnt want to drop Var off sick like that...understandibly they said "no". So, of course, that didnt go well with me either. "I NEED this get-away from my hard life!"

I quickly realized my hope was in the "get-away", not my loving Father. So, after praying and sobing pitifully, God gave me peace about it and I took a nap.
I woke to a vomit free girl (yay!) and a message from Mark saying tonight was still on, that his parents changed their minds about keeping the kids. Yay!!

Now, off to packing things up and finishing a few dishes. I am thankful for this window into my heart and hope that I can hold secure to Christ despite my circumstances. Thanks for listening-