Levi James. What a difference a year makes!

One year ago, today...I had forgotten how little they were.

Or, how in love I would be...all over again.

One year ago, today...we had no idea just how much our hearts could love another child.

One year ago today...we had 3 "three" and under, and 2 in diapers.

One year ago, today...Dolan became father to another son.

One year ago, today...I had no idea how hard it would be to keep up with it all!!

One year ago, today...Savannah and Noah gained another playmate!

One year ago, today...Levi James joined our nest.

And look at him today.

What a difference a year makes!


We couldn't be happier.


Happy Birthday, Levi James.


Another precious gift.


1 Chronicles 29:13
Now, our God, we give you thanks, and praise your glorious name.

A Week Away!

I neglected my blog for an entire week while our little family spent a week away at the fabulous Myrtle Beach! We started counting down the days back in July! I cannot express how wonderful it was to pack our car to the very max, drive for 3 hours late into the night while our sweet wee one's slept, and arrive in a place where responsibilities consisted of making sure the children were fed, clothed, and that we relax! We are so thankful for this time...truly a retreat.  We enjoyed the time spent with "mimi" and "peepaw" and are grateful to them for opening their home to our crazy crew!

Enough chit-chat... Here's a look into our week away.

 Can you tell how much baby LJ loved the sand? 

 A little view from the balcony (one of their favorite places to play)...And yours truly (mother hen) was not far off!!

 Can you believe how fast this one is growing?

 Noah loves Myrtle Beach...isn't he a cutie?

On our very last day, we took S and N to a painting class. Most everyone had gone home on Sunday, so we had the room to ourselves.  Savannah chose to paint an ice-cream cone magnet and Noah...a turtle magnet.  

The ladies who helped us then dried the magnets and applied a glaze to them making them glittery and shiny! They were lovely!!

What a wonderful trip.  And we came home with only 1 load of laundry (thanks to the washer/dryer in the condo!) It was so good to have Dolan with us for this amount of time! Missed him so much on his day back. 


Thankful for memories made with our precious family on our week away. 


As for today, our responsibilities are greater and we aren't nearly as relaxed...but the memories really are just as precious!


blessings,
~k.

Pray for your Children

Growing up, I remember hearing mama praying. Everywhere.  In the car, in the kitchen, in my bedroom, even the bathroom.  Often, it was for others (including my sister and me)....but on occasion, it was during moments where things just weren't working out right.  You know, like the car wouldn't start.  Or, the rent was due. Or she stumped her toe!  More often than I can possibly remember, I heard prayers lifted up.


I was surrounded by praying people.  Such a blessing, I know. Fast forward 20+ years to yesterday.  My sweet Savannah and Noah left to spend the night with Mimi.  I left with Levi and was headed out to run some errands.  After reaching a stop sign at the end of our road, thinking about Savannah and Noah, I turned off the radio and offered up this prayer:  "Lord, please put angels around my children today.  Please keep them in the very palm of your hand.  Protect them, Lord."  A simple prayer, but from my heart.


Later yesterday evening, I called mom.  She told me of all the fun things they had been doing.  How they had visited my grandparents, and swam in the dog pool! =)  Then, hesitantly, she told me how after leaving our house and getting onto HWY 795, how a fast-moving car swerved into her lane almost hitting her car and how she almost hit the guard rail.


I will NEVER stop praying for my children!

Our Little Garden....and a Simple 4th!

Our July 4th was spent right where we love to be...home.  We were all outside from morning to evening and made lots of small memories.

Like this one...

 Savannah pulls the first squash from our little garden!

And yes, we cooked it for dinner.  One squash, four people! =) But, Savannah insisted! (And she really doesn't care for squash)


I'm so disappointed in myself for not taking photos of the garden from its beginning.  Dolan built 2 beautiful garden beds and placed them right next to our "playroom" where the sun touches them mid-morning and we can look out and observe its progress. Our sweet neighbors gave us their "volunteer" tomato plants to grow.  We're unsure of the kind...thinking maybe cherry tomatoes? (Any guesses?)  Regardless, we'll eat them up.  I'm even planning to can some!

 And these zucchini beauties are almost ready! They'll be so good stir-fried with squash and onions...or cooked into homemade spaghetti sauce.

We're all thrilled over our watermelon plants (from Mr. Don and Mrs. Marie)! They are doing great.  (So well we had to let them run out of the beds and onto the ground).  

Love it!  The kids get so excited to go "check the garden" to see the progress. They are great little helpers!

For our first garden, it has been such a joy to watch. 

Our little garden friend given to us many years ago from Dolan's parents.  He fits in perfectly on this little ledge. 

I hope to do better and post more photos from the garden.  


This is the beginnings of some birthday decorations (custom designed by Savannah and Noah!) Their birthday party is approaching this weekend! =)  

 The sidewalk chalk is always fun!

Then later, as Daddy grilled, we had a little treat.  For the kids, caramel milk with whipped cream and caramel drizzle.  Yes, they loved it incase you're wondering! =) 

 For Dolan and me, an iced caramel mocha! Ice on the bottom, about 1 cup strong coffee (I did use decaf though), pour the rest of the way with milk, add lots of squirts of caramel (or chocolate), top with whipped cream, and more squirts of chocolate! Found the recipe on-line.  It was ........REALLY GOOD!

 Dolan grilled some yummy bar-b-que chicken, potatoes, and yes, our little squash! Let's eat!

 Homemade wheat bread (frozen store-bought dough...it was excellent).

 SOMEONE likes a lot of butter! 

We hope your 4th was filled with the simple pleasures that memories are made of!


Blessings,
~k.