Annie is Eight!!!!!!!!

Eight years ago today this sweet girl made me a Mama and my heart has never been the same. Annie is smart and sensitive and caring and loving and a deep-thinker. I am blessed to have a front row seat as she learns and grows. This year she has really become a reader. She reads all the time and I love to see her pert little nose buried in a book! Annie is Miss Independent but also a rule-follower (and a rule-enforcer to her siblings). She enjoys math and music. She is still a "little" girl--she loves dolls and imaginative games and doesn't object to the occasional smocked dress in her closet. I pray that this year all the head-knowledge she has of the Bible becomes real in her heart, that her relationships with her siblings continue to deepen, and that she remains confident in herself. Happy eighth birthday, my precious and precocious Annie-girl!

Thomas: One Month

One month has already come and gone. It passed in the blink of an eye but it also seems that Thomas has always been in our family. We are soaking in these fleeting newborn days, knowing that this time will be over before we know it. I treasure each moment, even the fussy ones (which are thankfully few and far between). Thomas is so loved by all his siblings. They are always asking to hold him and talking to him and bringing him things. Thomas is settling in to a routine well. He naps in his crib during the day and does wonderfully most of the time. At night he sleeps in our room and he is not always ready to go back to sleep after eating. ;) He is outgrowing his newborn clothes. He weighed 9 lbs, 6 1/2 oz (was down to 8 lbs, 8 oz after his NICU stay when nursing was limited) and was 22 inches long at his one month check-up. His doctor says he's perfect and growing just as expected. She says he was adjusting for genetics and that now he is gaining on track. Overall, we've had a great month together. We've enjoyed introducing Thomas to so many people who love him, and we're treasuring having a little baby in our family again. Happy one month birthday, Thomas!

YOUTH Skin Care

Now that I'm a few years into my 30s I decided it was time to invest in some quality skin care products. I started using Shaklee's YOUTH products about five months ago and I am sold! My skin has never looked healthier. Some days I skip makeup all together. And when I do wear it, I only use Aveda's tinted moisturizer with a little powder, blush, and mascara. I use the advanced anti-aging regimen, but you can mix and match products for whatever your skin needs. Just wanted to share what's working for me! (and ignore the sticker price--you can get member or consultant prices that are easier on your wallet)

'Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far

At different times in my life different lines in this hymn have resonated with me. Lately it has been this one: "Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far, and grace will lead me home." When I look back at the life I've lived so far, and anticipate the joys and griefs ahead, this is the truth that has seen me through. I know it will see me through what is yet to come. The grace of God has brought me through, and I can trust that His grace will continue to be sufficient for what is ahead. Thanks be to God for the gift of His grace, always sufficient to meet our needs.

Amazing Grace, by John Newton

Amazing grace! How sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found;
Was blind, but now I see.

'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
And grace my fears relieved;
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed.

Through many dangers, toils and snares,
I have already come;
'Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far,
And grace will lead me home.

The Lord has promised good to me,
His word my hope secures;
He will my shield and portion be,
As long as life endures.

Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
And mortal life shall cease,
I shall possess, within the veil,
A life of joy and peace.

The world shall soon dissolve like snow,
The sun refuse to shine;
But God, who called me here below,
Shall be forever mine.

When we've been there ten thousand years,
Bright shining as the sun,
We've no less days to sing God's praise
Than when we'd first begun.

Series Books for Children

Annie and Jacob are entering the world of series books. Didn't you love a good series when you were an eager new reader? I want them to read good books but I also just want them to read, so I allow a good bit of leeway in letting them choose their own books (although I only let Jacob choose so many Lego and Superhero books). I make sure I am reading aloud quality literature and then if they want to read every Cam Jansen book that's just fine. Here are some of their current favorites:

Nate the Great by Marjorie Sharmot
Mercy Watson by Kate DeCamillo (Jacob loves these)
Cam Jansen by David Adler
Magic Tree House by Mary Osborne Pope
the original American Girl books, many by Valerie Tripp (Annie's favorites)

I recently pre-read some children's novels I had heard a lot about.
The Penderwicks by Jeanne Birdsall. I fell in love with these books and read them all for the pure enjoyment of great stories filled with lovable characters. My kids aren't quite ready for these yet but you can bet we will be reading them aloud in a couple more years!

The Green Ember by S.D. Smith. Action-packed; I was tired by the end of this one. Jacob may enjoy these when he is a little older; characters are well-drawn and the story is engaging.

On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness by Andrew Peterson. An epic fantasy series I think we will all enjoy in a few years. A little scarier than the Narnia books.

Redwall by Brian Jacques. Another action-packed story Jacob may enjoy soon. I don't think Annie would be as interested but she might surprise me. This is the first book in a long series.

Nora is Four!

My baby girl has gotten so big! We all enjoyed celebrating her big day. She started off her morning with gifts and cinnamon rolls, was entertained by extended family, had petit fours and ice cream with lunch, and went out for a Mexican dinner. The fried ice cream is a traditional birthday treat for our kiddos. Nora loved being celebrated throughout the day--it lived up to all her hopes and dreams!

At four, Nora loves "play school," dolls of all kinds, ballet class, and being the center of attention. She likes to tell stories and entertain her siblings. She is a cuddler but fights for her own way. No need to worry about her getting lost in the crowd. Nora has personality in spades! Happy birthday, princess!