Muddy Buddy

Pre-run group shot

Mud pit complete!

Post race with Pb helping us flex our muscles.

Lots of fun crawling.

Almost done!

Pre-run for Missy

Pb is not so sure about Daddy's muddy and wet appearance.

My scuffed up legs

Exhausted from the run and getting up at 4 am

Kids tired....mission complete!

We had a blast!

Apple orchard

We went to an apple orchard.

All kids enjoyed the picking!

And tasting.

Miss A was in high demand.

Always a pose.

Climbing trees to pick the apples was Pb's job.

And boy did he like it!

Sometimes daddy helped.

Tasty apples! Fresh off the tree.

7 Things I've Learned in September

1. I don't have any time. All time is God's time.

 We had to call out roadside assistance a few days ago when 

metal stuck into our van tire.

 It threw a wrench in our day.

This is just one instance that helps me remember

that none of this is my time. God owns all time.

The next leap for me is to follow God's leading with how to use my time.

And sometimes it's not so difficult to figure out, like the tire issue.

2. My daughter shows her emotions and feels them much stronger than I ever have.

Now the goal is to help her recognize her emotions and behave in a Godly manner with them.

 3. I learned how to make real tsukemono. 

A classic fermented vegetable medley I use to eat in Japan.

4. This is more a realization or affirmation that the rumor is true.

Labor and delivery bonds people together.

Being present as every child was born (adopted or biological...duh I was there for those) I noticed how you get an attachment and understanding with those who are present at such an experience.

5. My son has acquired my habit of picking at any scab, callus or any other such nuisance.

6. Smitten has my favorite fresh chocolate ice cream yet.

7. I learned how to get free lunch on Saturdays. 

Go to Costco with a lot of cute kids.

Between 11am-2pm.



*Shared at: Chatting at the Sky

Blessings in my life

1.  A camelbak that works so I can drink water easily on my long runs.

2.  Brothers.

I hope they develop the kind of friendship that I see with my brothers and Daddy and his brothers.

3.  Baby thrills like playing with both sides of a glass wall.

4. Seeing in the van's rearview mirror my kids facial expressions as they listen to this classical music.

5. Little Man who likes to pick things!

Here he is picking my callus.

6. Homemade haircuts

7. This sweet daughter whose passionate where I am not, thinks outside the box, relishes life in her imagination and is blessing me as a mother!

8. This handsome man.

He saw laundry that needed to be folded 

and grabbed all the kids

and folded laundry while I cooked dinner alone. 

He is an incredible example of an selfless, diligent servant.



Submitted to: Thankful Thursday's at Kay's Little Korner

Sunday Photoshoot

I think this may become a habit when we have more than 5 minutes extra time before heading out to church. The kids like it, I like it and the extended family doesn't complain either.

 This munch, or spud as Aunt D calls her,

was fine with the headband that Daddy lovingly added.

Doesn't it seem that the youngest child in each family gets the most pictures?

 I just love this hairdo and headband combo!

 Animated sisters!

 It almost seems like they were trying to imitate each other.

 Then of course, Missy smiles beautifully and Scoob looks distant.

 Pb wanted his time with Scoob.

 Cheesy McCheeses

 Looking after littlest sister

 Trying to get her to smile and waving the bracelet in front of the camera.

 I am so glad these guys are brothers!

 They enrich my life so much!

 Wearing last year's Easter clothes and still looking just as handsome!

 Thank you Lord for boys!

 Trying to capture this little Scoob's hairstyle

but she is a little lady on a mission!