1 Month

I can't believe Wyatt is already a month old. My sweet baby is growing so fast. 

I put away the newborn clothes when we got home from the hospital,  I was fine with the fact that he was in size 3 month clothes. However, it is hard to believe that he is already moving into size 6 month clothes. 

 There have been times that I have gone to put something on him only to find his hand won't fit through the sleeve, or, if I snap the onesie it pulls down off of his shoulders. We weighed him the other day (with Sean holding him on the scale) and he was over 13 pounds.
I absolutely love to sit and snuggle with him. He is such a sweet nurser. He just stares up at me, and nurses till that side is empty, then pulls off and waits for the other side. He hardly ever cries. Unless he has a dirty diaper or big burp. He loves to be swaddled and doesn't mind being held. Wyatt is consistently going between 4 and 6 hours between feeds at night. He does like to start his day early. I can relate to what my Mother In Law said the other day, "I love mornings, I just wish they didn't start so early." I am not ready to get out of bed until sometime after 8, well maybe closer to 9. Truth be told, it is more like 10 but Wyatt is ready to go at 6. I can coax another hour out of him if I am sitting in my chair holding him close, so that is what we are doing for now.

 There is Always a line of children waiting to hold him. Aaron likes him when he is awake, Ian wants him right after he nurses, Erik likes to be in charge of the diaper changes, Ruby loves to get him to sleep, Taylor likes to hold him while she is reading or doing school, and Liberty will take when ever and wherever she has the opportunity.
Erik is ever the diaper hoarder. He doesn't want the diaper to be wasted. He figured out how many diapers a day Wyatt uses and how much each diaper costs. He also figured out how much we have spent on diapers in the last 16 1/2 years, with the average child being in diapers for 2 years. I blocked out the number, you would have to ask him. He knows.

Wyatt loves to coo and talk.  He has the sweetest voice. His smile lights up the room. Aaron loves to smell him and rub his fuzzy head. I love to kiss those cheeks. Ian tries hard to get a smile. We have been so blessed with meals and gifts. I have some recipes that I am anxiously waiting to get a hold of. We were given a gift a few days ago that included 2 boxes of Kraft Macaroni and Cheese. The children were ecstatic! They couldn't believe that they were going to get to eat store bought mac and cheese!
We attended a reunion class for a Childbirth Education Series that I taught last fall and Wyatt was the same size or bigger than some those babies.
He also has many nicknames already. Taylor calls him Little Chap. Sean refers to him as Baby Jep (the spoiled 4th son on Duck Dynasty). I have also heard Wy, Babykins, The Baby, and Little Dub.

Seventeen Years

 Last weekend Sean and I went away for 4 whole days to celebrate 17 years of marriage. Much thanks to my momm for watching the children so we could get away.

View from our room

 We never really 'dated' in fact, he asked me to marry him on our first date. We spent time together getting to know each other. Mostly at work and Bible Study. When we were engaged we lived 300 miles apart so this kept things pretty simple as far as how we expressed our love and commitment.

I was actually able to zip up Sean's coat.
However, he had to strap on my snowshoes for me. 

 This simplicity hasn't changed much over the past 17 years. I would say that in most things I am pretty low maintenance, while others I imagine that high maintenance would be a more accurate description. I knew that I really wanted to go away for our anniversary so I planned a little get away to Lake Chelan. I knew that we couldn't do anything too strenuous or thrilling, being 7 months pregnant and all.

Another photo to add to our collection of foot photos. 

 I planned for us to go Snowmobiling and Snowshoeing. However, when we got to Lake Chelan there was very little snow around. When I called to reserve the snowmobiles the man said that he hadn't rented them out at all this year.
We persevered and found enough snow to go snowshoeing. We did a 5K trail, and took it slower than I cared to admit. It was great to get out and be together in the fresh air and sunshine. It was fun to talk about the baby (names), plans for our future, where we have come from and where we want to go.

Gotta love that smile. 

 I especially loved not having to plan meals, or feed anyone else. We took advantage of the complimentary breakfast and hot soup, sandwiches and bread for dinner. The lady that served dinner was gracious and gave us the fresh hot cookies and ice cold milk. Although milk was not out for everyone, she had pity on me.
There was a Keurig in the room and about 18 pillows on the bed ~ Heaven for this pregnant mama.

Pregnancy cravings

 Sean was very accommodating with my choice of snacks.
We explored the local book stores, thrift stores, and restaurants for lunch. We slept in, watched a movie, a beautiful sunset over the lake, tried out the hot tub, and had time to rest, reconnect and feel amazingly refreshed.

Smooching

  On our snowshoeing adventure we came across 8 deer in a ravine just below us. They stopped and stared at us for the longest time.

Better Together 

The last 17 years have been a crazy ride. Some really difficult and more wonderful. Growing in our walk with God and each other. We are learning to be focused less on ourselves and more on each other.  I could not have asked for a better man to do life with. Looking forward to what's to come.

Fair Announcement

All my children were together on Friday. We have all been here all week, but with the busyness of everything we were hardly ever in the same place at the same time. 

 My momm and my mother in law were helping with food, laundry, driving, cleaning, and watching the littles. So when we were at the fair, we weren't necessarily all together. Add to that, Sean went on a Tuna Fishing Charter so he wasn't even there for 2 1/2 days.

 I had a great idea to get all my children with their Grandmas.  Just to keep it straight I gave them all birth order numbers. My momm said, "Wait, You and Sean need to get in here with your children."

 I said, "OK, but wait! I need to add another number if I'm in the picture."
Maybe not the best way to announce the arrival of baby #8, but I did not know who to tell when. Because when you tell the children it goes viral.

 2 minutes after we told the children and grandmas some fellow 4H moms came out and congratulated us! I asked how they knew so quickly and they said that their son was watching and texted them!

 When someone asked Ian if he knew why I was holding #8 He said, "Yes, It's because Mama is younger than me!"

 Taylor's excitement was so fun! I think everyone else was in shock! Aaron was grinning ear to ear and told EVERY.SINGLE.PERSON he knew. It went something like this:
Aaron skipping up to Jake, "My mom is having a baby!" Turn and leave to go tell the next person.

 We are thrilled, I fell so blessed to have the privilege of being pregnant again.

God is so good.

Pretty Pedi's and Birthday Traditions

Beginning at my foot, clockwise: Me, Syndi, Jess, Momm, Grammy Mary, Gail, April and Tammy

Now, let's just see how well you know me. Which foot is mine?
My friend Tammy is exactly 10 years and 1 day younger than I am. Can I say that is exactly? I mean if it was 10 years, or 4 years, or even 1 month, but is 10 years and 1 day exact?
Two years ago, we went out for pedicures and Thai food, Two of my favorite things! Since we have done it twice we decided that we had started a tradition and traditions must be followed! This year Jess, Tammy and I all brought our moms, maybe that is a new tradition. But if it's new, is it still a tradition?  Or is it then a new tradition?
We got our pedicures first, then went to Busara, one of my favorite Thai restaurants and closed the place down. In fact, we stayed way past closing. I am really surprised that they did not kick us out. I guess they didn't want to mess with the ladies who had the gun case on the table. I love the dichotomy of my interests and how well my friends listen and pay attention to what is important. I got a flour sack tea towel (I mentioned recently how much I loved them) and a new case for my gun! I also got dinner and some fabulous soap and bath teas. It's really difficult to hoard my soap when I share a shower with 4 other people, not at the same time though.  I suppose that is another lesson God is teaching me in being selfless. However, If I could, I would hide the soap. Since I can't, I will learn to share with a happy heart.
I am shameless. I took not only my leftovers, but Tammy and my momm's as well. Right on par with Jess, who wanted to taste April's Thai Iced Tea, then kept it and had her order another one. It made perfect sense to me, and it was a good thing because the waitress forgot to make April's with Coconut Milk instead of half and half. I really wanted to hide 'my' leftovers and have them for lunch the next day. Instead, I did the right thing by giving Sean the small box of Pad Thai and keeping the Orange Beef all for myself. No, just kidding, I didn't, but I wanted to. I gave Sean all the leftovers, again learning that by serving others with a happy heart I will learn to be happier.
As C.S. Lewis said, "Friendship is unnecessary, like philosophy, like art... It has no survival value; rather it is one of those things that give value to survival."
My life is more valuable because of the friends I share it with.

Momm's Birthday Celebration

About 7 years ago we started a tradition of honoring my momm with a Celebration of her, at her Birthday. It is such a precious tradition, a highlight of my year. 

my beautiful mother, at a beautiful table

 I love the women that she chose as being influential and important in her life. I have been greatly blessed by these women.
Kelly, is the hostess for these events. Kelly can take simple everyday items and make the decorations spectacular! Every year I look forward to seeing how she will decorate. This year she joked that she did not know what she looked like all week because her bedroom mirror was part of the table decorations. Of course, she looked as fantastic as ever! Kelly is the kind of friend who can graciously tell you the most difficult things and you will thank her for it. She is very humble and will gladly sacrifice sleep to stay up half the night talking.

The table was like a feast for your eyes!

 Brianna, is a wealth of knowledge anything health related and is someone I strive to be like in providing for my family from the work of my hands.
Lisa is the most gentle prayer warrior. She diligently seeks to win her children's hearts and intentionally trains them in Biblical Principals.
Celinda, is always good for a story! She knows how to have fun. She has also walked with my mom through some of the most difficult seasons. She can knit, shoot a gun, and whip up a feast for half of Texas.
Rachel is an amazing example of beautiful things that are made under pressure. She is always waiting with a hug and a smile. She has had some tremendous difficulties but still puts her trust in God and because of that hope, she knows she doesn't need to worry. She is beautiful.
Terri is one of my momm's friends that I don't know very well. When we all stop talking long enough to listen she is a hoot! She recently told me a story about putting a cow in her VW Bug! Terri is a dancer and takes very good care of her health. She does not like chocolate or coffee. I usually bring dessert and it almost always has chocolate or coffee in it. This year, I decided to make something that Terri would like, so I made a 4 Layer Coconut Cake. Sadly, Terri does not like coconut either! I discovered that she loves peanut butter so next year will be something Peanut Butter!

Coconut Cake

 Of course, my momm. How do you narrow down something wonderful to say about your momm in one or two sentences? She is amazingly generous and encouraging. She supports me and my family and has super fun activities to do with the children. She loves to play! I don't really know how to play, I have to ask my children what I am supposed to do. I like to build Lego, play a game, or set up Playmobil with them, but not play. My momm knows how to play! I will often find her in the middle of a tea party, playing babies with the girls, fixing up the play house or even playing Lego by herself!

The inside scoop

 I looked all over for a Coconut Cake recipe that looked delicious. I couldn't find one that I liked, so I adapted several different ones. Here it is if you want to try it, you really should, it was good!
Cake
3/4 pound butter
2 cups sugar
5 extra large eggs
1 1/2 tsp vanilla
1 1/2 tsp coconut extract
3 cups flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp sea salt
1 cup coconut milk
4 oz shredded coconut
 Frosting:
1 lb cream cheese
1/2 pound butter
3/4 tsp vanilla
3/4 tsp almond extract
1 pound powdered sugar
toasted shredded coconut

It's the details that make the difference. 

Directions: preheat oven to 350, grease and flour  4 8 in pans.  Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy, add eggs one at a time, add vanilla and coconut extracts, mix well.
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, soda and baking powder, and salt. add dry mixture alternately with the coconut milk. mix until just combined. Fold in the toasted coconut.
Pour batter evenly in the bans and bake until the cakes are browned and a tester comes out clean. Cool completely on a rack. Frost the cake beginning with the bottom layer and finishing with the top and sides then gently press (Or throw hard, like I did) the toasted coconut on the to and sides.

I pray that you are are as blessed as I am to enjoy delicious food, and friendships that build up, encourage, and strengthen one another. I know this is a precious gift and for that, I am so very thankful.

Mother's Day

Mother's Day is always one of those days I don't really look forward to. It is full of unmet expectations. I try so hard to not have the expectations. It's not that I don't know they love me, or that I need some silly card to tell me. It's just that when everyone else seems to be having these high class meals, fancy gifts, and store bought cards. They are loved and cherished, I can't help it I compare.

Ian's Mother's Day card that we made at Cub Scouts

I try not to, but I do. I even start to think that I want those things. Sean scared me by saying that we should all go out for a nice Brunch in honor of Mother's Day. I was scared because I would not actually want to pay for that. It would literally eat up our entire weeks grocery budget. I heard Ruby asking Sean to take her to the store to buy some flowers for me and I whispered to him to go help her cut me some lilacs off of our tree. I love the smell of lilacs and even more like that they don't cost anything!

On Saturday evening I started to make our traditional Overnight Skiier's Toast for Sunday morning breakfast, boiling eggs for egg salad sandwiches and got out the stuff to marinate my favorite dinner, Broccoli Beef. Sean told me not to, that Sunday was Mother's Day, and I shouldn't have to cook. These were my thoughts exactly, however, I was taking care of it on Saturday so that I would have Sunday off.
On Sunday Sean came down with an awful headache and had some things he need to take care of 45 minutes away. I wanted to have a pity party, unmet expectations. Instead, I tried to focus on how many things I have to be thankful for. How blessed I am to be a mother and get to stay home and raise these children hopefully, to God's glory. I did have a brief episode of sulkiness, but managed to 'Take every thought captive".

Beautiful Flowers Mikaela had delivered to me! 

You see I have learned not to expect. When I do, it comes back to the fact that I want things my way, I want to be recognized. I want people to tell me how great I am, How good of a cook I am, What a wonderful homeschooling mom I am, That I am a good wife, you name it, just focus on me.
Yes, I know, that is not the way it was ever meant to be, or should be. It's just nice to think it might happen sometime. Yet, really I am glad to be able to see more clearly that every aspect of my life should point to my savior.
It really comes back to the sin of pride. My husband is a wonderful man, he is a great provider, patient parent, and diligent worker. However, he is not a man of words. I find it hilarious that there is a stack of Mother's Day cards in his nightstand that he must have purchased at least 4 years ago, and I have yet to receive one of them!

Liberty's Card she made with Ian's help

 At scouts, I came up with a cool pop up card project for the boys to make for their mothers. I painstakingly cut out all the pieces and helped the boys make and address their cards. Then, mailed the cards. Ian was so excited for me to get his card. When it came in the mail he told me I had to wait until Mother's Day to open it! I opened it with much fanfare and told him how much I loved it! He wrote sweet nothings to me. It was really very sweet. I gave him a great big hug and kiss and said to him, that his was the only card I got. At first, he seemed genuinely pleased. Then I noticed the wheels turning and he gathered his little sisters got paper, pens, and scissors. They disappeared into the living room and came back later with these cards.
This, this is what motherhood is all about.  For my youngest son to take the initiative and lead his sisters in this token of love appreciation because he knew how much joy it would bring his mama touched me deeply.

Ruby's card

On Monday, Mikaela had a beautiful bouquet of Daisies and Roses delivered, They came in the prettiest pink vase.  I know how busy she is, and how hard she works for her money. Her sacrificial gift let me know that I matter to her.
Although Mother's Day did not go the way I would have planned, I'm glad it didn't. And I'm glad that I am glad.

The Polar Bear Swim

Sean enjoys going to the Birch Bay Polar Bear Swim. He has done it every year for as long as I can remember. With the exception of the morning Liberty was born. He really thought about going but decided to stay with his wife and new baby!

Cousins! Liberty, Sarah, Ruby

I'd like you to notice how the girls are dressed. Snowsuits, boots, hats (at least they all started off with hats). I was very thankful for the beautiful CRISP sunshine. There has been years where it was freezing rain and wind. This year was below freezing but still a beautiful Northwest January day.

Kimberly and her dad, my brother, Chris

I have seriously been trying all year to psyche myself up to surprise Sean and join him in the Polar Bear Plunge. I really could not come up with a good reason to subject myself to being very cold and wet.
When Kimberly told me she was going to do it, I really honestly did not think that she actually would. I am very happy to say that she proved me wrong. Not only did she do it, but she did it with a huge smile and an amazing attitude!

Liberty didn't want to go in the water! Yes, we know all those people on the pipe,
Aaron, Ian, Aiden B, Erik, Cael B, and Ellie B

As an added bonus, her dad, my brother, Chris came up to watch her and then came back to the house for Liberty's Birthday Party. We got the whole day with him, a very rare treat indeed.

The Three Who Went

Erik has participated several times, and observed others.  I am never quite sure what factor he uses to determine when he is going to go. This year he joined his Papa and Kimberly and started off the New Year with a Splash!

don't be fooled by the blue sky, it was freezing

I always enjoy going to see so many of our old neighbors and friends. It works out really well because after the Plunge we don't hang out for long, everyone is anxious to get home and take a nice hot shower, so my visiting is kept to a minimum and Sean is happy.

Erik went all the way under, but was quick to get out! 

Kimberly didn't run to get out, maybe it wasn't that bad? 

As always, Sean understates his achievements. 

Terri R, she should be proud! 

Birch Bay, New Years Day

Another great start to the New Year, Happy 2013

I love his smile! I love supporting him and encouraging him to do things that make him smile.

Christmas 2012

For the past few years we have been going up to Mt. Baker on Christmas Day to go sledding. I enjoy being fully present with the children and once again, taking the focus of the stuff. We have finally learned that Under Armor, Fleece and Good Gloves make all the difference for a happy day.

Aaron, Ian, Erik, Ruby, Taylor, Liberty

This year 3 other families joined us and we had a fabulous time. I love how God provides the seemingly insignificant things. One of the mama's is pregnant and had to go really bad. Since the Ski lifts are closed, so were the restrooms. I happened to see someone with a key and ran up to him explaining my friends plight. Thankfully he was generous and the problem was averted.
My favorite quote of the day was from Liberty(3) to Karter (6), "How about if you pull me up, I sled down, you pull me up, I sled down, you pull me up?" To which Karter replied, "Uh, I don't think so." Can't blame a girl for trying.
I enjoyed watching the delight on their faces, and I don't want to forget:
 how Liberty, with complete abandon, would throw herself into the snow and lie there with a great big cheesy grin on her face.
Or, when I tried to give Kaiden a big shove down the hill and instead pushed him right off the sled face first into the snow, and he said, "It's OK Mrs. Carolynn, I still love you."
And, Ruby and Ian and Bree under the tree playing house. They will play house anywhere, anytime!
Taylor, Aaron and Erik advanced to the bigger hills: Longer, Faster, Better! Sean and I joined them for a run, or two, or.... Well, we were able to keep up with them.

Aaron got his wish for a White Christmas

The beauty of where we live truly speaks of God's Holiness, and Creativity. Another lesson I have been learning the past year has been to leave while everyone is still having fun. This worked so well this year because by the time we got everyone loaded in the van it started snowing really hard.

Papa clearing the windows, me, inside the nice warm van pouring Hot Cocoa for everyone

My absolute favorite part of Christmas this year was having 2 of the other families come over for a potluck dinner. We all made Crockpots of soup and brought fresh bread and fellowshipped together. I was blessed by how much joy everyone had. We talked, prayed, laughed, and ate.
There were so many similarities between the adults and the children.
My heart was truly full and we all agreed that this was the best way to spend Christmas. I think we have a new tradition started. If it is new, can it be called tradition? Well anyway, it is something we intend to continue.

Christmas Eve

We try to be very purposeful in our parenting. This year we decided make Christmas an experience for the children. We wanted to do things instead of have things. We didn't purchase ANY gifts this year. Don't get me wrong, we never go overboard, and have not once, purchased an item that was the latest fad. I don't buy things unless it it something that they need, or have a use for.  We decided not to buy into any of the consumerism.

2nd and 4th daughters

Honestly, I heard the song "nuttin for Christmas" by Sugarland, and thought, "That is my children!" They spent most of the month bickering, arguing, and in general just being little heathens. This isn't normal for our children, but it sure made it a lot easier for me.

Ruby was so happy she got a slinky! 

 I do like to bring our children delight, several times, I was tempted to break down and get them things but held strong to our decision.
The Children draw names for each other and try to keep it a surprise until Christmas. Every year Erik Always figures it out. That boy is a detective!
I was completely floored at how thrilled they were with their simple gifts from each other. It was a perfect reminder for me to keep it simple and especially focused on The Reason for the Christmas Season.

Ian does this in so many photos! He is either leaning in, or leaning out! 

 The utter contentment with each gift was refreshing. Everyone except Liberty used their own money to purchase the gifts. Some were much more generous than others.

I love the surprise and joy on his face! 

I think it really helps to get what you want when you only have a couple of items on your list. Ian got a new Star Wars Lego set from Ruby.
Ruby only wanted a Slinky and was literally jumping for joy when she opened her Slinky from Erik. I Strongly prodded Erik into getting her a Lego set as well. Erik tends to be quite stingy with his money and really wants to receive nice gifts, but doesn't really want to spend money to give gifts. It was a good thing that when he got the Slinky it was on sale for buy one get one free, because he broke her Slinky the next day.

Erik could not believe he actually got exactly what he wanted! 

 Erik told me that he was really glad he got Ruby such a nice gift, since he couldn't think of a better gift to receive (except a quad, motorcycle, or goat). He got 2 hermit crabs, and a complete habitat! Taylor selflessly gives gifts knowing which things will bring the receiver delight.
I couldn't tell Liberty who she had, because she would have not only told who she had, but what she had gotten. She wrapped Taylor's Barnes and Nobel gift card after I put it in a box so she wouldn't know what it was.

Liberty's pony tail was in constant motion, Repeatedly Thanking Aaron for  her tea set! 

I knew exactly what he wanted to get Aaron and found the perfect Bionicle when we were out shopping. Unfortunately, he spends money faster than he makes is, so he was about $6 short on his $12 purchase. I preferred for Aaron to get something that he really wanted, and not just some junk that Ian could afford (like the $2 rusted pocket knife he wanted to buy at Goodwill) I paid the difference and Aaron was excited and surprised that he got the one he needed!
Aaron didn't put much though into Liberty's gift and when I showed him a miniature china set at Goodwill for $5 he liked the price tag better than the gift. Liberty however, gasped and slowly said, "WOW!" she must have stopped playing with her tea set a dozen times to give Aaron a hug and tell him, "Thank you for my Tea Set." Aaron learned the value of both presenting a gift that looked beautiful, but also giving someone something that they would like!

Merry CHRISTmas from Small Wonders

Wishing you all a Very Merry CHRISTmas.

Angel Ruby

Thank you all for your interest in our family and especially for your love and encouragement.
We have friends coming over today to share in Christmas baking, then off to Church for a candlelight service.
Tomorrow, we will be headed up to Mount Baker Ski Area with 4 other families to enjoy the sledding, then back to our house for feasting and friendship. Keeping it simple and purposed.
May your Christmas be filled with love and joy and peace.