Celebrating Livvy!

This week my niece Olivia turns 18.

18. seriously!

You know all the bad things that people say about teenagers?

Well no one would say even one of them about Livvy.

She is sweet, generous, giving, mature, kind and fun...beyond her years.

She loves Jesus.

She is everything I pray that my own girls grow to become.

She is the best example for them to watch.

And oh how they love her...and want to be just like her! yeah!

We gathered at my brother's house this weekend to celebrate her with a Luau themed party.

I remember her being the sweetest and prettiest baby ever.

With tons and tons of dark hair that stood STRAIGHT up.

As she grew she learned tricks.

The 'arnold' was everyone's favorite.

Basically she flexed her muscles as tight as she could - like Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Her whole body would shake.

I bet she started this at about 6 months old.

And every once in awhile we can get her to do it again!

We love you Olivia!

And we cant to see what you will do next!

Reading

Jordan and I are (or at least were in less busy seasons of our lives) huge readers.

I cant just sit...Im always reading what is around me. The cereal box, the signs and boring pamphlets in the dr.'s office, yes, the vomit bag on the air plane.

If there are words in front of me Im reading them.

I remember on a couple of occasions growing up my mom even encouraging me to put DOWN my book and go find something social to do.

And I know full well Jordan spent some Friday nights reading in his basement.

Some of our nerdier moments.

I always prayed that my kids would also be huge readers.

Truly, one of my favorite things about parenting is watching my kids learn to read.

I find it miraculous.

That moment when it CLICKS and they get it...really is just the best moment.

Lauren has loved books since birth.

It can be hard to pull her nose out of her latest book.

Over the past 6 months Avery has also been bitten by this bug.

This might be one of my most favorite pictures of her.

Sully is really starting to catch on.

We've been working on sight words and earlier this week after school we were practicing and he started yelling, 'Im getting it mommy! Im reading.'

See, awesome.

And yep, I was in tears.

Love to watch their amazing brains work.

Its such a testament to the awesome way God made us and the detail be gave to how we work.

Tess loves to be read to. And after school she typically is read to by both her older sisters and me. Its about her favorite time of day. But today she came out to the 'homework table' and sat quietly...waited for a pause in the lessons and said, 'Ok. Eveeebodeee, Wisten to me!'

And then proceeded to 'read' us this book.

We were all just cracking up. She made up the story based on the pictures and the parts she remembered from having it read to her.

Precious.

And it appears the littlest one doesn't want to be left behind either.

How deep the Father's love for us.

There are times when the depth, height and strength of God's love for me is more than I can take. Yesterday in church we had a wonderful message about how we boast...about how often even when we are being humble...we brag.

As the message wrapped up I was sitting there thinking...well that left me feeling like scum! (You know its been a good message then, right?!?)

Then we stood to sing the last song. And I was in tears realizing that even when I see myself as scum...He sees me as a great 'treasure'. And His love for me is something I will never understand.

How deep the Father's Love for us,

How vast beyond all measure

That He should give His only Son

To make a wretch His treasure.

How great the pain of searing loss,

The Father turns His face away

As wounds which mar the chosen One,

Bring many sons to glory

Behold the Man upon that cross,

My sin upon His shoulders

Ashamed I hear my mocking voice,

Call out among the scoffers

It was my sin that left Him there

Until it was accomplished

His dying breath has brought me life

I know that it is finished.

I will not boast in anything

No gifts, no power, no wisdom

But I will boast in Jesus Christ

His death and resurrection

Why should I gain from His reward?

I cannot give an answer

But this I know with all my heart

His wounds have paid my ransom

Weekend Recap

Whew!

We made it through another weekend.

Saturday morning started with soccer for both girls.

It was kind of crazy with me coaching & Jordan ref-ing. Thank goodness our mom's came to help with the littlest 3.

Sullivan isnt real happy that he isnt old enough for soccer. He did a soccer pose for a picture anyway.

These two did great.

I didn't realize the VAST difference between U10 and U8 soccer.

A completely different game.

Lauren did great at her first game. Most of the other girls have played 2 or 3 years previous so she has some catch up to do. But she worked hard and took her time at goalie which she said she really liked.

Avery's team is really going to struggle with only 1 sub. But man, they are stinking ADORABLE at this age. And tons of fun to watch.

This little one kept the grandma's on their toes during the games.

I just couldn't love her more.

After the games we scrambled to get ready and head to Des Moines for the rest of the day.

We were there to celebrate two little boys...

This one is turning ONE!

And he was mostly interested in his cake.

And this little blondie turned TWO!

And he was really into his presents this year.

And lucky him...he had lots of help!

Their party was at an indoor playplace.

Which = lotso fun for the kids.

Torrance had a total ball here. She has no fear and wanted to be everywhere the big kids were.

I really wanted a good picture of these two but Sully was in too big of a rush to focus!

As usual.

This was supposed to be race between the three slides.

But someone started early.

Cant imagine which one that would have been!

Then they turned on the bubbles!

So. Much. Fun!

After church today we needed some major recuperation and rest.

Well the recuperation may have been for my house which was a serious disaster...and the rest was for our tired bodies before starting another full week!

Quote of the Day

'Oops. Mommy, I have gas..." said in a whisper by Contessa Caroline.

Cyclone Party

We attended a Cyclone party tonight.

Way fun.

We have awesome friends.

And look Cassie...see how happy all my kids are?!?!?!

And me too...see how happy I am?

Super happy!

Happy Weekend!

Little Helper!

My days with my two littlest girls are so sweet.

It is quiet, low key and fun.

I'm trying very hard to stay home more and run around less.

I realized recently that I am getting to know and understand Tess more than I was able to with the older three kids. For a couple of obvious reasons.

1. I am home. God seems to keep affirming to us over and over that this is exactly where He wants me right now.

2. I feel like knowing we are done having kids...my heart is calming down. I feel less like I am running a race and more like I need to enjoy where I am at. I cant really explain that but it feels GOOD.

And this little girl...I give a bum rap.

yes, she is difficult. But my oh my she is sweet.

And FUNNY!

And FUN!

We baked today during Tori's morning nap.

And we laughed and laughed.

And it just felt therapeutic.

I guess she had never cracked an egg before.

Because when I let her do it...she just smooshed it between both hands.

Previously in my parenting I probably would have let that ruin the experience. But this time I busted out laughing and didn't even realize till later that this was a change for me.

Have I finally grown up enough to let messes go?

Whatever the answer is. I am so happy with these changes I'm feeling in my heart and mind.

And seriously, look at this kid.

I honestly feel sorry for people who dont get to spend their days with her!

not cool tess!

Just spent 30 minutes at the hardware store.

It took 30 seconds to find the lite bulb I needed.

And 29 minutes and 30 seconds, 2 hardware workermen and me to find my zebra print wallet that Contessa 'HID' from me.

'Mommy! I hid you wallet.....' In a sing-song voice is not a good thing to hear at Farm Fleet.

Neither is, 'I dont amember where I hidded it!'

Honestly!

Cubbies!!!

Awana started tonight and all the kids were very excited.

But none as much as Contessa.

Tonight was her first night in Awana EVER!

She was finally old enough.

She's been anticipating joining Cubbies for a few weeks now.

And she talked of nothing else all day today.

As child #4 she has spent a fair amount of time watching her older siblings get to run off and do fun things while she stays back with mom & dad.

But tonight she didnt have to stay back.

Tonight was her night!

I am determined that these milestones will be just as exciting for

Tess and Tori as they were for the three older kids.

We made a very big deal out of her...just as we should.

And seriously, Contessa in that vest and that excited look on her face...forget about it!

WEDNESDAY

'Listen, or your tongue will make you deaf.'

Native American Proverb

Thank you Cassie.

Just a Tuesday night

Tonight was a whirwind!

These two had a date night tonight.

They got to enjoy the UNI vs. ISU volleyball game.

And yes, our allegiance flips and flops between UNI and ISU.

Football - all ISU. Volleyball - we'll go UNI!

Before they could head out we needed to attend Open House night at the school.

We started in Lauren's room where she had fun showing her siblings the class pet, Rocky.

She loves school. Just loves it.

She had fun showing us her research project complete with a powerpoint.

Is she in 9th grade?

Sullivan showed us his room next.

He could not stand still or stop talking while we were there.

He's also borderline in love with his teacher!

Avery got to show Papa around her room.

When Open House was over Lauren and Jordan sprinted out of the school.

And I sprinted in the other direction with the 4 youngest.

My mom had to take the littlest three so that Avery and I could get to her soccer scrimmage and practice. Avery is the one in the purple shirt and black shorts.

We have one sub this year. Yes, ONE SUB!

Our biggest problems will be lack of stamina and that we are smaller in physical size than many of the other girls. But I was really proud of them and we 'won' the scrimmage!

Then this picture I just love.

It was Coach Mandy's way to do some conditioning.

Everyone put on a 'tail', ur I mean, bag...and run.

The person with the most 'tails' at the end wins.

But watch out!

If Coach Mandy or Coach Becky catch your tail that will earn you 10 push ups!

And now Im more than ready for bed!

my oath

I, do so solemnly swear, to NEVER purchase another vacuum that does have the words, DYSON, on the body, again.

EVER. EVER. AGAIN.

EVER.

DONT. EVEN. ASK.

My little vein

I have a prominent blood vessel in my forehead that stands out a lot. I can always see it in pictures and I dislike it of course.

But one of my favorite sayings to the kids is, 'You are going to make the little vein in my head pop!'

When they are being particularly noisy, argumentative or just plain annoying I pull out that saying.

One of those times was supper time last night. There were just constant requests and whining. I told them if they didn't quiet down my vein was going to pop.

A bit later Tori was really letting us know that she was done sitting her in high chair. Tess walks over to her and says, 'Tori you are going to make mommy pop her head!'

Priceless.

Embarrassing.

Love three year olds.

GO STATE!!!

I just gotta say...

THAT WAS FUN!

Sorry Hawk Fans!

Sullivan-isms

From time to time I have to get down some of Sullivan's funny quotes.

1. Recently he told us he had decided he was going to UNI for college. He stops suddenly in this conversation and says, 'Im going to have to tell Mia about this though cause that is not where we had planed to go.'

I say, 'The two of you are already picking out colleges together?'

He responds, 'uh, yeah' and makes this noise like 'duh!'

2. This weekend while up at work with Jordan Sully was having a cup of water. He pauses between sips and says, 'This is sure a good cup of Joe'

3. We went to visit Jordan's grandparents one afternoon this weekend and Sullivan took along some toys in a box. I was carrying them out to the van and apparently I was not being as careful with them as he would have liked. He nervously says, 'Mommy! Please be careful! Those mean the WORLD to me!'

Really, the things that come out of his mouth are just hysterical to me.

And since he rarely stops talking during any awake moments of his day...I get to laugh a lot!

Love.

Family Update

Someone told me this weekend that I hadn't done an update on

all the members of the family in a long time...

So...you asked for it.

Torrance Reagan.

She is hysterical right now.

She recently learned SO BIG.

She can also clap. She is constantly babbling.

Always giggling.

Always getting into things...like my cupboards.

She enjoys eating toilet paper.

She has 5 going on 6 teeth.

She is weaning off the bottle.

This is how she crawls most of the time now.

She can stand without support...but doesn't really know it.

She loves being outside.

Loves the Cozy Coup.

She is a riot.

She loves me...my first mommy's girl.

She adores Lauren and lights up for Jordan.

Contessa Caroline.

Oh this child.

She tests me. She yells at me.

She storms off. Stomps, screams, throws tantrums.

But she is a snuggler. She is loving her alone time with me while the big kids are at school and Tori naps. She is obsessed with Rapunzel and dancing.

She dazzles people with her eyes.

She wants to go to preschool and play soccer.

She makes me cross between hysterical laughter and tongue biting frustrations several times per day.

I love her and I want her to stay 3.

Sullivan Joseph.

He is loving school but struggles getting up in the mornings.

He is rather obsessed with girls!

He had a playdate today with his good buddy.

They are very much alike and I think very good for each other.

And seriously cute and cheesy!

He loves to color and draw.

He loves to run outside and be LOUD!

He is sooooo loud!

He eats me out of house and home every day after school.

I cant imagine how people with multiple boys possibly feed them!

He is amazing and someday I am really going to miss his noise and that toothless grin.

I just know it!

Avery Elizabeth

She is full of bounce.

She is sugar and spice if there ever was one...

She loves school - mostly the social aspects.

But she does great with her school work and takes it serious.

She was so happy that soccer started.

I dont know that she understands a bit of it...but she loves to be around her friends.

She is learning a lot about friendship already this year in school.

Its giving us opportunities for some great conversations...I hope some of it is sinking in.

She is full of stories at the end of the day. And constant movement and action.

I love this girl.

She is me in a little package...poor thing.

She is blessed with wonderful friends.

I pray for all my kids friends present and future because I know the huge impact they will have on each others lives.

And these two...just adorable.

Lauren Elaine

She is my teen.

Well, technically she is my tween but she has always seemed older than she is.

She loves homework...so her father's daughter!

She does her homework IMMEDIATELY after school every day.

She is loving soccer and is so happy to be able to play this year!

She loves her friends and really seems to be friends with just about everyone.

She has a special group in her class...one big happy group.

How lucky is she for that? I hope it lasts.

In 2 months she is going to be a decade old.

A decade.

She talks to me non-stop after school while she does her homework.

Its a new thing for her...talking my ear off.

I love being home to listen.

She wants to be big...but stay little. Its a tough spot to be in.

She wants to spend time with us...but run and play Barbie's with Avery.

Its fun to watch.

She is without a doubt...THE World's Best Big Sister.

She truly enjoys her siblings.

She is selfless and giving with them.

She is fun and protective.

Everyone in this family is blessed by my Lauren.

Jordan Daniel.

I could say a lot about him.

He works too much but I love him for it.

He plays hard with us when he's home.

He is excitedly planning our vacation for next summer - a BIG kayaking adventure.

But you know what the best way to describe him is just to say that of all of

these people in this update...He is by far, my favorite.

And that is saying a heck of a lot.

Me!

I got in a bit of a funk towards the end of the summer.

I think I can finally admit that I was ready for school to start.

Not to have the kids gone exactly...but to have routine and to know what each day would look like. Going into fall I can say that I am feeling more like myself.

I love this weather.

I love homework and school supplies.

I love supper time conversations and early bedtimes.

My real estate business is going wonderfully. Im busier than I thought I would be. And I'm liking it even more than I thought I would!

I am blessed out of this world and the older I get the more I am realizing this.