Stories From Our Quiver: June 2011

Thursday, June 30, 2011

Birthday Eve

Contessa Caroline, I have a secret to tell you.

But you cant tell your sister Tori.

Its about when you were born.

There was something magic with your older siblings at that time.

Something about all of their ages that just made them have baby fever.

They had an obsession over you that I just could not explain.

Now they were thrilled when Torrance was born...but they were older...and busier and more into school than they were when you were born.

And girl, you had them exactly where you wanted them.

They thought you were the greatest toy they'd ever had.

It was precious and fun!

We all just loved to hold you.

You might have been our snuggliest newborn!

Mommy and daddy also spent hours and hours just snuggling you.

My favorite spot for the summer of 2008!

Happy Birthday Uncle Jordan!

Today is my 'little' brother's birthday.

He's 27.

I remember the day he was born.

Lucky #7 in our family.

I was SO mad.

SO mad.

I stomped out of the room.

and bawled.

I'd wanted a sister so badly.

But instead I just dressed him up until he was old enough to protest.

And now he is 27.

And he looks really cute with a baby.

So if you know any single girls...

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

youngest & oldest

This little babe is just so sweet.

She's got a bit of an attachment to her momma lately.

And when I look at this picture I realize...I might have a bit of an attachment to her!

Then there is Lauren.

She's so the first born.

So mature, responsible, strong, such a leader.

She's amazing.

She has been teaching me things this week again.

She warms my heart and she just makes me want to be a better mom.

A better person even.

Love her.

Proverbs 15:13

A happy heart makes the face cheerful,

but heartache crushes the spirit.

These girls are happy hearts...and cheerful faces.

And I'm the blessed mom that they pass it along to!

Monday, June 27, 2011

Quote

Today Jordan and I were conversing about some recent milestones the kids were making and some ways we are letting Lauren stretch her wings.

He was expressing his dislike for all these things...

And then he said, 'I just want them all to stay 5...(lengthy pause)...or to be old enough to move out...one of those two.'

So 5 or 18 kids...you pick. nothing in between!

Almost 3

Its time to turn our attention to our 2 year old...we only a few more days with a 2 year old in our house...I'm sad...I believe 3 year olds are more difficult than 2 year olds.

She's gonna give me trouble.

Here she was upset because no one was watching 'her' turn at the obstacle course at Avery's party.

She turned it on when everyone agreed to watch her.

Go Tess!

Wheeeeee!

She's fun...and a struggle!

Sunday, June 26, 2011

Avery's 'friend party'!

I'm not sure if a little girl could have been more excited to have her friends over for a party!

Yes, she invited two boys!

I'm also not sure if the guests could have been any cuter?!

Avery loves time with her friends.

She wanted multi-colored cupcakes.

And she wanted to bob for apples.

Look at the water drop from Lauren's apple...and Lauren's eyes.

Kind of love my camera!

Brooklyn dove right in!

She might have been the only one who did it 'right'.

And here...Avery might be trying to drown Alex.

She was a little too dainty to stick her face in!

Jordan even took a turn!

All wet!

Avery also wanted Jordan to set up one of his famous obstacle courses for her friends.

Brooklyn won by a landslide...beating out all the boys!

Blowing out the candles on her 7th birthday!

Saturday, June 25, 2011

She's Home!

The kids and I picked Lauren up this morning from the church parking lot.

I'll admit that my stomach was flipping as we were pulling up.

When we saw her climb out of the van Avery squealed.

She tore out of the van before I could yell, 'Avery, watch for cars!'

They made eye contact and started RUNNING towards each other.

Honestly, I wanted to cut Avery off and beat her to Lauren for the first hug...but seeing how happy they were to see each other was so fun. They were both crying.

So of course, was I.

A week was too long to not have one conversation with my girl!

To celebrate her return we went immediately to the mall to pierce her ears.

She was so very happy.

When she sat in the chair however she almost changed her mind.

She was tearing up and I said, 'Lauren dont do it then...we'll do it some other time.'

But she powered through the fear and did it!

And I forgot the camera in the car!

So glad you are back Bo-bo....so. glad!

(On another note...I cant imagine what a boy's bag would smell like after a week at camp...because Lauren's was disgusting...a boy's would likely be much worse!)